Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and Application of Multiprobe Real-Time PCR Method Targeting the hsp65 Gene for Differentiation of Mycobacterium Species from Isolates and Sputum Specimens

ABSTRACT We developed a multiprobe real-time PCR assay targeting hsp65 (HMPRT-PCR) to detect and identify mycobacterial isolates and isolates directly from sputum specimens. Primers and probes for HMPRT-PCR were designed on the basis of the hsp65 gene sequence, enabling the recognition of seven pathogenic mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. avium, M. intracellulare, M. kansasii, M. abscessus, M. massiliense, and M. fortuitum. This technique was applied to 24 reference and 133 clinical isolates and differentiated between all strains with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, this method was applied to sputum specimens from 117 consecutive smear-positive patients with smear results of from a trace to 3+. These results were then compared to those obtained using the rpoB PCR-restriction analysis method with samples from cultures of the same sputum specimens. The HMPRT-PCR method correctly identified the mycobacteria in 89 samples (76.0%, 89/117), and moreover, the sensitivity level was increased to 94.3% (50/53) for sputa with an acid-fast bacillus score equal to or greater than 2+. Our data suggest that this novel HMPRT-PCR method could be a promising approach for detecting pathogenic mycobacterial species from sputum samples and culture isolates routinely in a clinical setting.
Is There a Term Structure of Futures Volatilities? Reevaluating the Samuelson Hypothesis

The Samuelson hypothesis implies that the volatility of futures price changes increases as a contract's delivery date nears. In markets where the Samuelson hypothesis holds, accurate valuation of options and related derivatives on futures requires that a term structure of futures volatilities be estimated. We develop a framework for predicting those markets where the hypothesis should be expected to hold. In contrast to a prominent reinterpretation of the hypothesis, we show that clustering of information flows near the delivery date is not necessary. We show instead that the hypothesis will be supported in markets where spot price changes contain a predictable temporary component, and we argue that this condition is much more likely to be supported in markets for real assets than for financial assets. Finally, we provide empirical evidence consistent with our predictions.
National symbols, globalization, and the well-being of nations

I estimate the effects of national symbols and globalization on the well-being of 88 countries. I find that conventional determinants of production affect national well-being, measured as human development index (HDI). The effects on HDI of national symbols like national flag colors are unstable, while those of globalization are strong, with social globalization having the strongest effect. The results suggest that national symbols are important to national well-being, but nations gain more from global interactions with other nations than from national pride. Even as there is a need for further research to improve upon the results associated with the effects of national symbols, the policy implications of the findings clearly recommend increased investment in material conditions of nations and globalization.
Correlation of Disturbed Sleep and Cancer Stress

To illuminate the course of insomnia in the presence of an acute comorbidity, we examined the association between insomnia severity and breast cancer symptom severity over time and determined if this association varies with insomnia history and presleep arousal. Twenty-nine newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, who also exhibited insomnia, completed sleep diary and cancer symptom severity questionnaires every other week (total of 28 days) over 7 weeks, as well as baseline and postobservation measures. Participants were defined as having insomnia prior to cancer (IPC) or insomnia secondary to cancer (ISC) based on precancer sleep status. Insomnia and cancer symptom severity were strongly correlated at baseline but significantly declined over the evaluation period. Among ISC individuals, there was an association between sleep severity and cancer severity at baseline but not 7 weeks later. IPC individuals showed a consistent pattern of no significant association between sleep severity and cancer symptom severity. IPC had higher levels of cognitive presleep arousal than ISC. The current study documented the evolution of the relation between insomnia and breast cancer symptom severity over time and identified factors (premorbid insomnia and presleep hyperarousal) that may influence this association.
Designing a generic model for outsourcing process in public sector: evidence of Iran

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the outsourcing process in the public sector, determine the effective factors involved in this process and their priorities. The aim is to develop a generic conceptual model for the outsourcing process in public sectors.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on the results of literature review and conducting binominal and Friedman tests. The model consists of the following steps and components: considering the organization's basic activities, evaluation of organizations' existing potentials and analyzing organizational processes, studying general outsourcing patterns, implementing and monitoring outsourcing process in terms of some critical success factors; and evaluation of outsourcing process of the organization and identifying feedbacks.Findings – The paper determines the main components and influence factors involving in the process of outsourcing in public sectors. The generic model developed in this paper as a framework can be used to inc.
A Novel Isothiourea Derivative Selectively Inhibits the Reverse Mode of Na+/Ca2+ Exchange in Cells Expressing NCX1*

No.7943 (2-[2-[4-(4-nitrobenzyloxy)phenyl]ethyl]isothiourea methanesulfonate), a selective inhibitor of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1), has been newly synthesized. It dose-dependently inhibited Na+i-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake and Na+i-dependent [Ca2+]i increase in cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells, and NCX1-transfected fibroblasts (IC50 = 1.2-2.4 μM). Inhibition was observed without prior incubation with the agent and was completely reversed by washing cells with buffer for 1 min. Interestingly, No.7943 was much less potent in inhibiting Na+o-dependent 45Ca2+ efflux and Na+o-induced [Ca2+]i decline (IC50 = >30 μM), indicating that it selectively blocks the reverse mode of Na+/Ca2+ exchange in intact cells. In cardiac sarcolemmal preparations consisting mostly of inside-out vesicles, the agent inhibited Na+i-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake and Na+o-dependent 45Ca2+ efflux with similar, but slightly lower, potencies (IC50 = 5.4-13 μM). Inhibition was noncompetitive with respect to Ca2+ and Na+ in both cells and sarcolemmal vesicles. These results suggest that No.7943 primarily acts on external exchanger site(s) other than the transport sites in intact cells, although it is able to inhibit the exchanger from both sides of the plasma membrane. No.7943 at up to 10 μM does not affect many other ion transporters nor several cardiac action potential parameters. This agent at these concentrations also did not influence either diastolic [Ca2+]i or spontaneous beating in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, No.7943 markedly inhibited Ca2+ overloading into cardiomyocytes under the Ca2+ paradox conditions. Thus, No.7943 is not only useful as a tool with which to study the transport mechanism and physiological role of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger but also has therapeutic potential as a selective blocker of excessive Ca2+ influx mediated via the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger under pathological conditions.
Calculating the Infrared Characteristics of the Rocket Nozzle with the Narrow-Band Zone Model

Calculation of the infrared characteristics of a rocket nozzle is very important for the study of infrared initiating technology. The Narrow-Band Zone model is developed for that purpose. The spectral transmission and absorption factors are introduced, and the equations between radiative heat flux and the temperature of wall surfaces and gas are developed. The radiative heat transfer in one axisymmetric cylindrical enclosure filled with homogeneous radiative participating medium is computed with the Narrow-Band Zone model and compared with those in the reference documents. The comparison shows good agreement. The radiative heat transfer to the nozzle of one rocket engine is also calculated with the Narrow-Band Zone model, and the outgoing radiative energy flux and energy rate integrated in a mid-wave infrared band 2~6 mum, a long-wave infrared band 8-14 mum and the full wave band are analyzed. The following conclusions can be derived: the spectral radiation from the inlet and outlet of the nozzle show apparent spectral discontinuity, which appears greater in the 2.7~2.95 mum than in the neighboring wave band. The spectral outgoing radiative energy flux of nozzle wall is similar to that of gray body, which decreases with wavelength in 2~14 mum. The outgoing radiative energy flux on the nozzle wall is greater in the cylindrical and contracting section of nozzle, but smaller in the divergent section, which is determined by the temperature. The nozzle of the rocket engine radiates most energy in the mid-wave infrared band 2~6 mum, long-wave infrared band 8~14 mum and full wave band are analyzed.
Cubanas refugiadas: A Critical examination of the social contexts and formal English language learning opportunities of four newly-arrived immigrant women

s 38(2). Butler, J. (1993) Bodies that matter: On the discursive limits of sex . New York & London: Routledge. Cole, M. (1996). Cultural psychology: A once and future discipline. Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. Cummins, J. (1983). Language and literacy learning in bilingual instruction [Policy report]. Austin, TX: Southwest Educational Development Laboratory. Dörnyei, Z. (2001). Teaching and researching motivation. Harlow, Essex, UK: Pearson Education Ltd. Echevarria, J, Vogt, M, & Short, D. (2004) Making content comprehensible for English learners: The SIOP Model. Boston: Pearson. Ehrman, M. E. & Dörnyei, Z. (1998). Interpersonal dynamics in second language education: The visible and invisible classroom. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Espín, O. M. (1999). Women crossing boundaries: A psychology of immigration and transformations of sexuality. New York: Routledge. Florida Department of Education, Division of Workforce Education (2001a). Florida Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages Checklist, 2001. Available: http://www.firn. edu/doe/workforce/adult_ck. htm Nov. 2002 Florida Department of Education, Division of Workforce Education (2001b). Technical assistance paper for adult ESOL. Tallahassee, Florida: Department of Education. Available: http://www.firn. edu/doe/workforce/adult_ed. htm Nov. 2002 García, M. C. (1996). Havana USA. Berkeley: Univ. of California Press. Gass, S. M. (1997). Input, interaction, and the second language learner . Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Earlbaum Associates, Publishers. Gomez, S. V. (2000). Beyond the walls of the household: Gender and adult education participation. In Paul Bélanger & Albert Tuijnman (Eds.), New patterns of adult learning: A six-country comparative study. New York: Pergamon & Unesco Institute for Education. Ch. 9, 209-227. González, J. (1997). A pesar de todo: Nostalgias Y relfexiones sobre la mujer cubana en el exilio. Miami: Ediciones Universal. Green, J. M. & Oxford, R.L. (1995). A closer look at learning strategies, L2 proficiency, and gender. TESOL Quarterly , 29(2), 261-297. Guerra, L. (2001). Race and gender in a "classless" society. Presentation. CUBA: Past History, Present Realities, Future Possibilities. A NAFSA Country/Culture Workshop. Harvard University, March 2001. Hayes, E. & Flannery, D. D. (Eds.) (2001). Women as learners . San Francisco: JosseyBass Publishers. Isasi-Díaz, A. M. (1996). Mujerista theology . Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books Katasse, C. (1994). Women's learning strategies for ESL: An exploratory interview study. Doctoral dissertation. The Union Institute. Journal of Praxis in Multicultural Education, Vol. 1, No. 1 [2010], Art. 5
Anterior lens displacement with age.

A slight anterior displacement of the lens with age was first postulated by Raeder (1922). Using a new ophthalmophakometer, he measured the positions of the anterior and posterior lens surfaces relative to the cornea. By graphing the means of the measurements within successive age groups he constructed regression lines for the position of the two lens surfaces against age, but no tests for statistical significance were applied.
KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS AND THE SHORTAGE OF DONORS: IS A MARKET THE ANSWER?

This article examines the problem of kidney shortages for transplant in the United States. Following a study by Kaserman and Barnett, we reexamine the viability of allowing a market for cadaveric kidneys and estimate the implied equilibrium price based on our survey responses. In sharp contrast to the findings of Kaserman and Barnett, we estimate that a market equilibrium price for cadaveric kidneys may be prohibitively high. Consequently, we support other policy alternatives to increase supply, particularly presumed consent and mandated choice. Our findings also highlight the importance of obtaining data through experiments, rather than a survey, to estimate the impact of financial incentives. (JEL I18, I12, I00)
Relationship Between Cruise-Ship Tourism and Stay-Over Tourism: A Case Study of the Shift in the Cayman Islands¿ Tourism Strategy

Like all Caribbean destinations, the Cayman Islands has two sectors of tourism: stay-over tourism and cruise-ship tourism. Before the 1990s, the official Cayman Islands' tourism strategy placed more emphasis on the stay-over sector. After the significant drop in the number of stay-over visitors in the late 1990s, the official stance shifted, placing more emphasis on the cruise-ship sector with the intent of converting cruise ship visitors into stay-over visitors. This study investigates the simultaneous relationship between the two sectors. Results suggest that in terms of the number of visitors generated to each other a) both sectors of tourism are simultaneously related, b) stay-over tourism is a substitute for cruise-ship tourism, and c) cruise-ship tourism is a complement to stay-over tourism. Policy makers should therefore note that while stay-over tourism is a substitute for cruise-ship tourism, cruise-ship is actually a complement to stay-over tourism.
Chloridotris(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-κN 2)(formato-κO)copper(II)–dichloridobis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-κN 2)copper(II) (2/1)

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Cu(CHO2)Cl(C5H8N2)3]2·[CuCl2(C5H8N2)2] or 2[A]·[B], contains one A molecule and one half-molecule of B, located on a centre of inversion. The CuII environments in A and B are different. In A, the CuII atom is coordinated by three N atoms from three 3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole (L) ligands, one O atom from a formate ligand and a chloride anion in an axial position [Cu—Cl = 2.4275 (7) Å] in a distorted tetragonal–pyramidal geometry. The CuII atom in B is coordinated by two N atoms from two L ligands and two chloride anions [Cu—Cl = 2.2524 (6) Å] in a distorted square-planar geometry. In the crystal, intermolecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link molecules A into centrosymmetric dimers. Intermolecular N—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds further link these dimers with the B molecules, forming chains propagating in [101].
Paradoxes of Organizational Theory and Research: Using the Case of China to Illustrate National Contingency

Chinese organizations are used in this paper to assess the universality of the macro and micro theories of organization that have been largely developed in North America. The analysis suggests that the theories vary in their degree of applicability to the Chinese context. While some theories, such as population ecology, seem to be clearly inapplicable, others, such as the equity theory of motivation, are more suitable, though they all require significant adjustment before they can be used to study and interpret the structure and processes of Chinese enterprises, and the attitudes and behavior of those employed in them. Making the adjustment, however, is likely to lead to positive developments in organizational theory.
Do Economists Recognize an Opportunity Cost When They See One? A Dismal Performance from the Dismal Science

Abstract One expects people with graduate training in economics to have a deeper understanding of economic processes and reasoning than people without such training. However, as others have noted over the past 25 years, modern graduate education may emphasize mathematics and technique to the detriment of economic reasoning. One of the most important contributions economics has to offer as a discipline is the understanding of opportunity cost and how to apply this concept to all forms of decision making. We examine how PhD economists answer an introductory economics textbook question that requires identifying the relevant opportunity cost of an action. The results are not consistent with our expectation that graduate training leads to a deeper understanding of the concept. We explore the implications of our results for the relevance of economists in policy, research, and teaching.
Clinical pharmacokinetics of 5-aminolevulinic acid in healthy volunteers and patients at high risk for recurrent bladder cancer.

5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a precursor of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) that is being evaluated for use in photodiagnosis and phototherapy of malignant and nonmalignant disorders. Previous clinical studies using topical, oral, and intravesical administration have been conducted in attempts to determine the optimal route of administration for ALA. The purpose of these studies was to examine the systemic pharmacokinetics and elimination of ALA, the bioavailability of ALA after oral and intravesical doses, and the factors that affect ALA concentrations in the bladder during intravesical treatment. The disposition of ALA was evaluated in six healthy volunteers receiving single intravenous and oral doses (100 mg) and eight patients at high risk for recurrent bladder cancer receiving an intravesical dose (1.328 g) of ALA. The mean (+/-S.D.) plasma area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity of PpIX (0.20 +/- 0.11 microg small middle dot h/ml) after intravenous administration of ALA was not significantly different from that observed after oral administration of ALA (0.15 +/- 0.11 microg*h/ml; P = 0.49). ALA terminal half-life was approximately 45 min after intravenous or oral administration. The oral bioavailability of ALA was approximately 60%. After intravesical administration, urine production was largely responsible for decreases in ALA concentration in the bladder, with less than 1% being absorbed into the systemic circulation. In summary, oral and intravenous administration of ALA at these doses results in modest plasma levels of PpIX. Regional administration (i.e., intravesical) of ALA resulted in a significant pharmacokinetic advantage, with urinary bladder being exposed to concentrations approximately 20,000-fold higher than systemic circulation.
On The Role Of Management Commitment In Export Performance: A Meta-Analysis

Research on exporting frequently points the role of management commitment in the export performance of the firm. This article reviews the conceptual, methodological, and empirical insights gained from a systematic analysis of 65 studies conducted on this subject. Undoubtedly, this stream of research has enhanced understanding of the importance of management commitment in affecting exporting activities. However, conceptually, there is still a lack of integral theoretical framework. Methodologically, limitations are identified concerning sampling designs, fieldwork procedures, and analytical methods. Empirically, hypothesized associations between export commitment and export performance lead to conflicting findings. After a presentation of meta-analysis techniques used and articles compiled, our paper provides an original investigation of this issue by implementing three meta-analyses to examine the relationship between commitment to export and export performance. The meta-analysis, more relevant than simple literature surveys, generally leads to the conclusion that there is a significant positive relationship between export commitment and export performance. Moreover, our findings suggest directions for future research in the field.
Working Papers Working Papers Working Papers Working Papers the Differential Regional Effects of Monetary Policy: Evidence from the U.s. States Working Paper No. 97-12/r the Differential Regional Effects of Monetary Policy: Evidence from the U.s. States

We thank Sally Burke for helpful editorial comments and Mike McLaughlin for excellent research assistance. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Federal Reserve Abstract This paper uses time-series techniques to examine whether monetary policy had symmetric effects across U.S. states during the 1958:1-1992:4 period. Impulse response functions from estimated structural vector autoregression models reveal differences in policy responses, which in some cases are substantial. The paper also provides evidence on the reasons for the measured cross-state differential policy responses. The size of a state's response is significantly related to industry-mix variables, providing evidence of an interest rate channel for monetary policy, although the state-level data offer no support for recently advanced credit-channel theories.
Rsf‐1, a chromatin remodelling protein, interacts with cyclin E1 and promotes tumour development

Chromosome 11q13.5 containing RSF1 (HBXAP), a gene involved in chromatin remodelling, is amplified in several human cancers including ovarian carcinoma. Our previous studies demonstrated requirement of Rsf‐1 for cell survival in cancer cells, which contributed to tumour progression; however, its role in tumourigenesis has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we co‐immunoprecipitated proteins with Rsf‐1 followed by nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry and identified cyclin E1, besides SNF2H, as one of the major Rsf‐1 interacting proteins. Like RSF1, CCNE1 is frequently amplified in ovarian cancer, and both Rsf‐1 and cyclin E1 were found co‐up‐regulated in ovarian cancer tissues. Ectopic expression of Rsf‐1 and cyclin E1 in non‐tumourigenic TP53mut RK3E cells led to an increase in cellular proliferation and tumour formation by activating cyclin E1‐associated kinase (CDK2). Tumourigenesis was not detected if either cyclin E1 or Rsf‐1 was expressed, or they were expressed in a TP53wt background. Domain mapping showed that cyclin E1 interacted with the first 441 amino acids of Rsf‐1. Ectopic expression of this truncated domain significantly suppressed G1/S‐phase transition, cellular proliferation, and tumour formation of RK3E‐p53R175H/Rsf‐1/cyclin E1 cells. The above findings suggest that Rsf‐1 interacts and collaborates with cyclin E1 in neoplastic transformation and TP53 mutations are a prerequisite for tumour‐promoting functions of the RSF/cyclin E1 complex.