Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Importance of neutralizing antibody positivity in Tur-kish multiple sclerosis patients

The frequency and the consequences of binding and neutralizing antibodies (BAbs and NAbs) against Interferon beta (IFNbeta) in Turkish multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have not been determined yet, which could differ in such a country which is between Europa and Asia. The aim of the study is to assess the frequency of these antibodies, and to evaluate the impact of NAbs, from the clinical and radiologic aspects in Turkish patients with MS. One hundred and two MS patients were included. BAbs were screened using capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA), and NAbs were detected via Myxovirus protein A (MxA) messenger RNA (mRNA) induction assay (real-time polymerase chain reaction-PCR) at the beginning and one year later. Relapse rate and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) were used to assess the clinical impact. Gadolinium enhanced lesions and T2 lesion volume were used as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters. Persistent NAb positivity defines to be positive both at first and then one year later. NAbs were detected in 12.2% (6/49) of IFNbeta-1b treated patients, and in 7.5% (3/40) of IFNbeta-1a SC treated patients, but none of the IFNbeta-1a IM treated patients had detectable NAbs. It was found that the mean relapse rate difference was significantly higher in persistent NAb negative patients (p = 0.024). Persistent NAb positivity had no effect on T2 lesion volume and contrast enhancing lesions. 60% of the persistent NAb positive patients had at least one relapse during one-year of follow-up. On the other hand, 32% of persistent NAb negative patients were detected to have at least one relapse. Data from this study suggest that patients may become unresponsive to IFNbeta therapy even when the frequency of NAbs does not prove to be as high as those in the literature. Nevertheless, one should keep in mind that disease activity is not always equal to NAb positivity.
Usage and Uptake of Virtual Learning Environments in Ireland: Findings from a Multi Institutional Study

In early 2008 five Irish tertiary institutions conducted an online survey of their students’ usage of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) in their respective institutions. In 2009, the survey was run again with an expanded set of institutions and supplemented by a staff survey and detailed institutional case histories. The survey instruments used a common set of questions, and on condition of anonymity, the institutions pooled their results to allow us to compare and contrast the results. While many institutions routinely conduct in-house surveys or studies from time to time, this study is relatively unique in that it draws on data from multiple institutions, across multiple years, and diverse VLE platforms. The institutions who participated represented a diversity of organizational histories and VLE systems. The study identifies some of the key drivers and barriers to uptake and usage of an institutional VLE and identified that it is organizational factors, such as system maturity, rather than technical ones around system choice, that are the most significant factors in the uptake, usage and utility of the VLE systems. The paper also notes issues around the conduct of the survey, confidentiality and data sharing, and lessons from the experience.
Influence of Cultural Values on Indian Consumers’ Local Store Loyalty

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of cultural values on Indian consumers’ local store loyalty behavior. The influence of collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term orientation was studied on store patronage behavior. Demographic factors like age, income, marital status, and cultural values like collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term orientation influence consumers’ store loyalty behavior. The findings of the study can be used by government policy makers, retail companies, and retail practitioners in promoting local stores. The local stores can use cultural values in building long-term relationships with consumers.
Multinationals and Industrial Property: The Control of the World's Technology, Gilles Y. Bertin and Sally Wyatt. 1988. Humanities Press International, Atlantic Highlands, NJ. 202 pages. ISBN: 0-391-03582-7. $35.00

Drawing considerable strength from a major empirical study of one hundred leading mutinational companies, this book addresses crucial questions about the role of the multinationals not only in generating and disseminating but also in licensing and controlling scientific and technological innovations in the marketplace. The authors analyze the role of the patent system as an essential component of technological change in the world capitalist economy and they examine the trade-offs between static and dynamic efficiency, between inventors and imitators, and between developed and developing countries. Much of the previous work on this important and controversial
Vaginal microbiology of women with acute recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis

Alterations in the autochthonous vaginal microflora can predispose women to recurring attacks of Candida vaginitis. Quantitative aerobic and anaerobic cultures were obtained from 24 premenopausal women with acute recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and from 21 healthy asymptomatic premenopausal women. Lactobacillus species constituted the predominant flora in both groups, with a mean log10 CFU/ml of 8.7, a total isolation rate of 96%, and a mean of 1.6 Lactobacillus species isolated per patient compared with a mean log10 CFU/ml of 8.9, a total isolation rate of 90%, and a mean of 1.2 Lactobacillus species isolated per patient in the vaginitis and control groups, respectively. The results of this small study failed to provide evidence of an altered or abnormal vaginal bacterial flora in women with non-antibiotic-induced recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis suffering from acute Candida vaginitis.
Stakeholder Perception of Corporate Social Responsibility

As corporate social responsibility receives increased attention by company stakeholders, researchers are also increasingly exploring corporate social responsibility, its causes and implications. However little is known about the perception of corporate social responsibility. This study explores the link between stakeholder perception of corporate social responsibility and its relationship with underlying factors. The findings suggest that age of the corporation, community involvement, and cultural diversity have a significant influence on corporate social responsibility perception by stakeholders. Another importance is issue is the existence of a published corporate social responsibility or sustainability report. No significant results were found for the sustainable use of natural resources and Dow Jones Sustainability Index inclusion. The study concludes with recommendations for corporations on how they can enhance perception of corporate social responsibility by stakeholders.
Comparison of methods to evaluate changes in relative body mass index in pediatric weight control

Our objective was to compare three BMI‐based adiposity measures to assess change in pediatric weight control: LMS z‐BMI, BMI sympercent, and percent overBMI. Comparison 1 presents changes of +1.0, −1.0, and −2.0 BMI units for 36 hypothetical children (7‐, 11‐, and 15‐year‐old children with BMI values from 19–39 kg/m2). Comparison 2 presents effect sizes over 12 months and the relationship between baseline and change for 140 8–12‐year‐old children with BMI values ranging from 21 to 37 kg/m2. Comparison 1 showed smaller changes in z‐BMI than BMI sympercent or percent overBMI for equal changes in BMI when initial BMI values are greater. Comparison 2 showed similar effect sizes for the three measures, since there is a reduction in both standard deviation and magnitude of LMS z‐BMI values as the BMI values increase. The three measures perform differently when considering the relationship of initial value to change. Initial percent overBMI shows a negative relationship with change, as heavier children show larger changes, LMS z‐BMI shows a positive relationship, as children with lower baseline values show larger changes, and BMI sympercent changes were inconsistently related to baseline BMI sympercent values. Although all three measures result in similar effect sizes when evaluating treatment over time, we conclude that LMS z‐BMI is less appropriate for comparing individuals and percent overBMI is the only measure that shows heavier children have greater change. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:487–494, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transplantation in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia--the French experience.

Published data on transplantation in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) are still limited. We present a retrospective multicentric study of 27 WM patients who underwent 19 autologous (median age, 54 years) and 10 allogeneic (median age, 46 years) transplantations. Median time between diagnosis and transplantation was 36 months; 66% of patients had received three or more treatment lines and 72 % had chemosensitive disease. High-dose therapy (HDT) and autologous transplantation induced a 95% response rate (RR), including 10 major responses. With a median follow-up of 18 months, 12 patients are alive at 10 to 81 months and eight are free of disease progression at 10 to 34 months. The toxic mortality rate (TRM) was 6%. Allogeneic transplantation was preceded by HDT in nine patients and by a nonmyeloablative regimen in one patient. The RR was 80%, including seven major responses. With a median follow-up of 20.5 months, six patients are alive and free of progression at 3 to 76 months. Four patients died, all from toxicity, resulting in a TRM of 40%. HDT followed by autologous transplantation is feasible in WM, even in heavily pretreated patients, with some prolonged responses but a high relapse rate. Conversely, allogeneic transplantation is more toxic, but likely induces a graft-versus-WM effect and may, for some patients, result in long-term disease control.
'Town centre management in the UK: A review, synthesis and research agenda'

Despite rapid growth in the number of town centre management schemes in the UK there have been few attempts to consider this topic from an academic perspective. This article develops a typology of town centre management schemes, based upon a comprehensive review of existing literature. The criteria of organizational structure and resource origin are identified as primary influences in the initiation and development of such schemes. The article concludes by outlining a research agenda which considers both local governance and spatial and temporal themes in the initiation and development of town centre management. The analysis of such factors is vital to a fuller understanding of this area.
Motivators and Inhibitors of e-Commerce Technology Adoption: Online Stock Trading by Small Brokerage Firms in New Zealand

Abstract As electronic commerce becomes increasingly important in the global economy, it has the potential to change the dynamics of the global market and the way in which firms conduct their business. It is therefore important to understand the factors that motivate or hinder e- commerce adoption, and hence the development of the electronic market. This study investigates four full-service stock brokerage firms at various stages of adoption of online stock trading technology. The findings suggest that business strategy, perceived net benefits, strong management commitment, and external pressure are key factors motivating adoption. Conversely, poor alignment with business strategy, perceived low (or negative) net benefit (particularly low or nil return on EC investments), and low management commitment are likely to inhibit adoption. Contrary to expectations, technological and financial readiness were not found to be motivators of adoption.
High frequency of CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursors specific for herpes simplex viruses in persons with genital herpes

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) have rarely been detected in humans, presumably because of virus-induced mechanisms that downregulate major histocompatibility complex class I expression. We have developed a method that has allowed us to consistently demonstrate HSV-specific CD8+ precursor CTL (pCTL) from HSV type 1- and 2-seropositive persons. Major histocompatibility complex-restricted HSV-specific CD8+ pCTL were found in 10 consecutively tested HSV type 1- and 2-seropositive subjects at frequencies ranging from 1 in 21,000 to 1 in 300 (median, 1 in 6,000) versus a pCTL frequency of 1 in 100,000 in HSV-seronegative donors. These results suggest that CD8+ CTL are important effector cells in resolving HSV lesions.
The Connection between IAS/IFRS and Social Responsibility

The aim of the paper is to evaluate the degree of social responsibility arising from the statement of comprehensive income prepared according to IAS/IFRS, to demonstrate whether the values obtained from prospects and from the calculation of the indicators are sufficient to analyze the Company's performance from the perspective of social responsibility and sustainable value or not. In order to achieve the objective of harmonization, the European Union adopted the IAS/IFRS developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The research is divided into two sections and the approach used is mainly theoretical and qualitative. In the first part, the financial statements to be prepared according to IAS 1 and IAS 7 and, in particular, the so called statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the period are analyzed by underling the function of the same and by presenting some financial performance indicators. Then, the research highlights how these values obtained are not useful to communicate the company's strategy in terms of social responsibility and sustainable value. In the second part the analyses exposes the concept of social balance. According to the social responsibility view the IAS/IFRS financial statements should be accompanied by the social balance. It becomes crucial to complete the set of financial statements stated from IAS 1 with a social balance as well as the same IAS 1 contemplates. For this reason it is possible to say that the connection between IAS/IFRS and social responsibility is weak.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the lacrimal sac and concomitant pansinusitis

Abstract Paranasal sinus disease has an established propensity to breach anatomical barriers and present with orbital clinical features. Lacrimal sac lymphomas on the other hand are rare, usually present in males in the sixth decade and 50 per cent of cases have systemic rymphoma/leukaemia. Atypical presentations of lymphomas at this and other sites are reported in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The clinical features, investigations and treatment of a young human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sero-negative woman with a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma localized to the lacrimal sac and presenting with a concomitant ipsilateral pan-sinusitis is described. The importance of submitting surgical material for pathological investigation is stressed.
Business relatedness and performance : a study of managerial perceptions

Understanding of business relatedness and performance effects is the foundation of any diversification decision, but we have limited knowledge of how managers consider relatedness. This study identified relatedness classes and performance effects using perceptual survey data from top industrial executives. Four classes with significant variable differences were found: high, technology, customer, and low relatedness. Technology relatedness had a strong positive performance effect and high relatedness had a negative effect. The findings confirm that perceptions are multidimensional, but may include five key factors rather than the previously identified attribute categories of product–markets, resources, and value chains. Contributions to diversification literature are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organizational Structure as a Decentralization Device: Evidence from Corporate Pyramids

This paper examines the pyramidal organizational structure of newly listed local-government-controlled firms in China. These controlling owners are constrained by the Chinese laws prohibiting free transfer of state ownership. Pyramiding allows them to credibly decentralize decision rights to firm management without selling off their ownership. Our empirical results support this conjecture. State controlling owners build more extensive corporate pyramids when they are less burdened with fiscal or unemployment problems, when they have more long-term goals, and when their firms' decisions are more subject to market and legal disciplines. The more extensive pyramids are also associated with higher Tobin's Q, better labor and investment efficiency and greater total factor productivity. This relation between pyramidal structure and firm operating efficiency however is found to be endogenous to the local government incentives and the regional institutional environment faced by the firms.
The Role of High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation in Very Preterm Infants

The role of high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) for the treatment of respiratory disease in preterm infants remains uncertain. Animal work demonstrates reduced lung injury with HFOV compared to conventional ventilation (CV), and previous human trials suggest that in preterm infants HFOV reduces the incidence of chronic lung disease (CLD). However, the trials themselves have several limitations. In an attempt to conclusively establish the role of HFOV for the prevention of CLD in very preterm infants we conducted a large, UK based, multicentre trial. Preliminary results of this study suggest there are no significant differences between the two modes of ventilation regarding mortality and incidence of CLD.
Sustaining career through maternity leave

The focus of this paper is the expectations and plans relating to their return to work and subsequent career management of health professionals following a current period of maternity leave. A questionnaire was sent to staff in designated health professional occupations employed by the Department of Health Western Australia and one private sector healthcare provider. Employees selected were on the payroll as on maternity leave on a specified date. Data obtained pointed to the interaction of systemic discrimination, embedded ‘technologies’ of work organisation and attitudes and practices reflective of broader societal attitudes to women, as factors restricting the potential opportunities for the longer-term career development of these women. The authors propose that the service delivery model in the health sector should be organised around formal recognition of a range of work-hours options rather than maintaining full-time as the norm for working hours. The objective in doing this would be to undermine current patterns of systemic discrimination which operate through restricted access to training and development for part-timers and the reservation of senior positions for employees working only one standard (full-time) set of hours.
Postcancer experiences of childhood cancer survivors: how is posttraumatic stress related to posttraumatic growth?

Understanding posttraumatic growth (PTG) and the factors associated with PTG among cancer survivors is important to improve their quality of life. This study examined PTG among 225 Korean adolescents and young adults between 15 years and 39 years of age who survived childhood cancer (58.5% males and 41.5% females). We explored the relationships between PTG and several sociodemographic and medical variables, and whether the relationships between PTG and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were linear or curvilinear. The Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS) and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were used to assess PTSD symptoms and PTG, respectively. In addition to the effects of sociodemographic and medical variables, there were linear effects of PDS on PTGI (R(2) change = . 03, p = . 008). No evidence of a curvilinear relationship between PDS and PTGI was found. Higher PDS scores were associated with lower PTGI scores (β = -.18). Older age (β = .41) and shorter time since diagnosis (β = -.42) were associated with greater PTGI. Understanding the factors that were associated with PTG among Korean adolescent and young adult survivors of cancer adds to the knowledge on PTG and may help develop services to promote PTG in this group.
LPS induces phosphorylation of actin‐regulatory proteins leading to actin reassembly and macrophage motility

Upon bacterial infection lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces migration of monocytes/macrophages to the invaded region and production of pro‐inflammatory mediators. We examined mechanisms of LPS‐stimulated motility and found that LPS at 100 ng/ml induced rapid elongation and ruffling of macrophage‐like J774 cells. A wound‐healing assay revealed that LPS also activated directed cell movement that was followed by TNF‐α production. The CD14 and TLR4 receptors of LPS translocated to the leading lamella of polarized cells, where they transiently colocalized triggering local accumulation of actin filaments and phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate. Fractionation of Triton X‐100 cell lysates revealed that LPS induced polymerization of cytoskeletal actin filaments by 50%, which coincided with the peak of cell motility. This microfilament population appeared at the expense of short filaments composing the plasma membrane skeleton of unstimulated cells and actin monomers consisting prior to the LPS stimulation about 60% of cellular actin. Simultaneously with actin polymerization, LPS stimulated phosphorylation of two actin‐regulatory proteins, paxillin on tyrosine 118 by 80% and N‐WASP on serine 484/485 by 20%, and these events preceded activation of NF‐κB. LPS‐induced protein phosphorylation and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton were inhibited by PP2, a drug affecting activity of tyrosine kinases of the Src family. The data indicate that paxillin and N‐WASP are involved in the reorganization of actin cytoskeleton driving motility of LPS‐stimulated cells. Disturbances of actin organization induced by cytochalasin D did not inhibit TNF‐α production suggesting that LPS‐induced cell motility is not required for TNF‐α release. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 80–92, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What Drives the Returns of Business Angels’ Investments? An Empirical Analysis of the Italian Informal Venture Capital Market

The aim of this study is to analyze the returns of business angels’ investments and their determinants. In this research the author wants to investigate the relationship existing between the performance of business angels investments and a series of explanatory variables widely used in the literature dealing with formal venture capital investments. Thanks to the data provided by surveyed business angels about their exits, it has been possible to build a dataset containing the details of about 90 disinvestments made in Italy during the 2007-2010 time period. This study shows that the most important features business angels look for when financing new firms is the management team, followed by the potential growth of the market. Furthermore, the exit strategy and the industry financed have a significant impact on the IRR of angels’ investments.