Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The STRATADAPT scale

Purpose – The development of marketing strategies optimally adjusted to export markets has been a vitally important topic for both managers and academics for about five decades. However, there is no agreement in the literature about which elements integrate marketing strategy and which components of domestic strategies should be adapted to export markets. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new scale – STRATADAPT.Design/methodology/approach – Results from a sample of small and medium‐sized industrial exporting firms support a four‐dimensional scale – product, promotion, price, and distribution strategies – of 30 items. The scale presents evidence of composite reliability as well as discriminant and nomological validity.Findings – Findings reveal that all four dimensions of marketing strategy adaptation are positively associated with the amount of the firm's financial resources allocated to export activity.Practical implications – The STRATADAPT scale may assist managers in developing better internat.
Dynamic continuity of nuclear and mitotic matrix proteins in the cell cycle

The eukaryotic cell nucleus is a membrane‐enclosed compartment containing the genome and associated molecules supported by a highly insoluble filamentous network known as the nucleoskeleton or nuclear matrix. The nuclear matrix is believed to play roles in maintaining nuclear architecture and organizing nuclear metabolism. Recently, advances in microscopic techniques and the availability of new molecular probes have made it possible to localize functional domains within the nuclear matrix and demonstrate dynamic interactions between both soluble and insoluble components involved in the control of multiple nuclear transactions. Like the cytoplasm and its skeleton, the nucleoplasm is highly structured and very crowded with an equally complex skeletal framework. In fact, there is growing evidence that the two skeletal systems are functionally contiguous, providing a dynamic cellular matrix connecting the cell surface with the genome. If we impose cell cycle dynamics upon this skeletal organization, it is obvious that the genome and associated nuclear matrix must undergo a major structural transition during mitosis, being disassembled and/or reorganized in late G2 and reassembled again in daughter nuclei. However, recent evidence from our laboratory and elsewhere suggests that much of the nuclear matrix is used to form the mitotic apparatus (MA). Indeed, both facultative and constitutive matrix‐associated proteins such as NuMA, CENP‐B, CENP‐F, and the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) associate within and around the MA. During mitosis, the nuclear matrix proteins may either become inert “passengers” or assume critical functions in partitioning the genome into newly formed G1 nuclei. Therefore, we support the view that the nuclear matrix exists as a dynamic architectural continuum, embracing the genome and maintaining cellular regulation throughout the cell cycle. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
T Cell Selection in the Thymus

Whereas B lymphocytes respond to free antigen, T lymphocytes generally react with antigens displayed on the surface of living cells, especially cells of the macrophage/dendritic cell (McP/DC) lineages (Zinkernagel & Doherty 1979). To be immunogenic for T cells, antigens on M0/DC have to associate with gene products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Such association probably involves physical binding of small fragments of antigen to cell-surface MHC molecules (Babbit et al. 1985, Buus et al. 1986). Antigens which associate with MHC class I molecules are generally recognized by the Lyt-2+ (CD8+) subset of T cells whereas the L3T4+ (CD4+) subset responds to antigens linked to MHC class II (la) molecules (Swain 1983, Sprent et al. 1986). The specificity of T cells is highly precise in two respects (Zinkernagel & Doherty 1979). First, T cells preferentially respond to antigen complexed to self rather than allo (foreign) MHC molecules. Second, when MHC molecules are not complexed with exogenous antigens, T cells give high responses to allo MHC molecules the phenomenon of alloreactivity but are generally unresponsive to self MHC molecules. A considerable body of evidence suggests that the repertoire of mature T cells is heavily influenced by the microenvironment encountered in the thymus during early T cell development (reviewed by Sprent & Webb 1987). In particular, most groups agree that the pattern of MHC-restricted specificity displayed by mature T cells is determined by the type of MHC molecules expressed in the thymus. In this article we review evidence that the T cell repertoire is selected through early T cell confrontation with MHC molecules expressed on at least two different cell types: 1) the endogenous epithelial component of the thymus and 2) immigrant bone-marrow-derived cells, notably M^/DC. Although the precise influence of
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Thyroid Lesions: a Personal Experience

Background: Different invasive and non-invasive investigations are used in the diagnosis and management of thyroid. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a safe test, technically easy to perform and cost effective. This study was conducted to throw a light on practicing FNAC in Baghdad, Iraq. Aim of the study: This study was conducted to throw a light on FNAC from a personal experience with thyroid disorders in Baghdad, Iraq. Methods: A total of 79 patients of clinically diagnosed thyroid swelling was included in the study. FNAC performed and then all patients subjected to surgery. Thyroidectomy specimens were evaluated by histopathological exam. Analysis of variance ANOVA (Is a collection of statistical models used to analyze the differences between group means and their associated procedures such as variation among and between groups) was used to examine the effect of age and duration on FNAC results. Chi square was used to examine the effect of histopathological diagnosis on FNAC readings. Accuracy of the FNAC was assessed using 2X2 table. Results: FNAC results was significantly affected by age of the patients (p=0.005), duration of thyroid swelling (p=0.0001) and histopathological diagnosis (p = 0.0001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 75%, 57%, 94.7% and 18.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Low negative predictive value for FNAC was reported. the accuracy of FNAC affected by the experience of the histopathologist.
The role of pre‐replicative complex (pre‐RC) components in oncogenesis

Normal DNA replication is stringently regulated to ensure a timely occurrence no more than once per cell cycle. Abrogation of the exquisite control mechanisms that maintain this process results in detrimental gains and losses of genomic DNA commonly seen in cancer and developmental defects. Replication initiation proteins, known as prereplicative complex (pre‐RC) proteins, serve as a primary level of regulation, controlling when DNA replication can begin. Unsurprisingly, several pre‐RC proteins are overex‐pressed in cancer and serve as good tumor markers. However, their direct correlation with increasing tumor grade and poor prognosis has posed a long‐standing question: Are pre‐RC proteins oncogenic? Recently, a growing body of data indicates that deregulation of individual pre‐RC proteins, either by overexpression or functional deficiency in several organismal models, results in significant and consistently perturbed cell cycle regulation, genomic instability, and, potentially, tumorigenesis. In this review, we examine this broad range of evidence suggesting that pre‐RC proteins play roles during oncogenesis that are more than simply indicative of proliferation, supporting the notion that pre‐RC proteins may potentially have significant diagnostic and therapeutic value. — Lau E. , Tsuji, T. , Guo, L. , Lu S‐H. , Jiang W. The role of pre‐replicative complex (pre‐RC) components in oncogenesis. FASEB J. 21, 3786–3794 (2007)
Correction of ADA-SCID by Stem Cell Gene Therapy Combined with Nonmyeloablative Conditioning

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy for adenosine deaminase (ADA)–deficient severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) has shown limited clinical efficacy because of the small proportion of engrafted genetically corrected HSCs. We describe an improved protocol for gene transfer into HSCs associated with nonmyeloablative conditioning. This protocol was used in two patients for whom enzyme replacement therapy was not available, which allowed the effect of gene therapy alone to be evaluated. Sustained engraftment of engineered HSCs with differentiation into multiple lineages resulted in increased lymphocyte counts, improved immune functions (including antigen-specific responses), and lower toxic metabolites. Both patients are currently at home and clinically well, with normal growth and development. These results indicate the safety and efficacy of HSC gene therapy combined with nonmyeloablative conditioning for the treatment of SCID.
THE IMPACT OF THE TERRORIST ATTACKS OF 11 SEPTEMBER 2001 ON INTERNATIONAL TRADING AND TRANSPORT ACTIVITIES

In the wake of the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., emergency measures were taken to tighten security at air and seaports as well as land border crossings. Some disruption of trade flows during the immediate aftermath of the attacks seemed almost inevitable, yet additional frictional trading costs due to tighter security have affected trade not only in North America but also world-wide and have potential to continue to do so in the medium to long term. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the short-term business environment of transport operators and trading companies has been affected by new security measures and the increased perception of the risk of terrorist attacks. Businesses faced longer delays at airports, seaports, and land-border crossings, higher expenditures on security equipment and personnel, and augmented insurance fees. There were major disruptions of trade flows in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks, but over time trade operations seemed to have returned towards normal again. Also, flexible responses of businesses and customs services to the new border situation have helped to remove some temporary bottlenecks. Yet, some modest increase in frictional costs due to increased security concerns is likely to persist, even though the exact amount is hard to predict, as general economic developments mask the effect of the terrorist attacks. Some have likened the higher frictional trading costs to additional taxes on business activity or increases in border tariffs. Yet, a comparison with business spending on mandatory pollution abatement equipment seems more appropriate, as the higher expenses for the private sector provide benefits to the general public (higher environmental quality and lower risk of terrorist attacks, respectively), but are generally not accompanied by additional tax or tariff revenues for governments. Not all commodities and countries will be affected to the same extent by the increases in frictional costs. Differences across products are due to varying ratios of transport and insurance costs to goods-value, divergences in prevailing transport modes, and differing roles in the production process. For example, just-in-time deliveries in the automotive industry were markedly affected by delays due to more elaborate customs inspections. Concerning cross-country effects, intra-NAFTA trade was naturally strongly impeded by the tightening of security at US borders, but the trade of other countries with substantial exposure to North American markets, notably imports and exports of Latin American countries, were also significantly disturbed by the longer delays at borders and other frictional cost increases.
Hyperperfusion on perfusion computed tomography following revascularization for acute stroke

Purpose: To describe the findings of hyperperfusion on perfusion computed tomography (CT) in four patients following revascularization for acute stroke. Material and Methods: In 2002–2003, among a series of 6 patients presenting with an acute stroke and treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis, we observed the presence of hyperperfusion in 3 patients on the follow-up CT perfusion. We included an additional patient who was treated with intravenous thrombolysis and who had hyperperfusion on the follow-up CT perfusion. We retrospectively analyzed their CT perfusion maps. Cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps were compared between the affected territory and the normal contralateral hemisphere. Results: In the four patients, the mean CBV and CBF were 3.6±2.0 ml/100 g and 39±25 ml/100 g/min in the affected territory compared to the normal side (mean CBV = 2.7±2.1 ml/100 g, mean CBF = 27±23 ml/100 g/min). There was no intracranial hemorrhage in the hyperperfused territories. At follow-up CT, some hyperperfused brain areas progressed to infarction, while others retained normal white to gray matter differentiation. Conclusion: CT perfusion can demonstrate hyperperfusion, which can be seen in an ischemic brain territory following recanalization.
SVC Coded Video Streaming over DCCP

The datagram congestion control protocol (DCCP) is designed to be a replacement for the user datagram protocol (UDP) that is used for media delivery, with congestion control identifier 3 (CCID3) tailored for video streaming applications. In this paper, we investigate the methods of streaming video, which is coded with the scalable video coding (SVC) extension of H.264/AVC, over the transmission control protocol (TCP) and DCCP (using CCID3), and try to come up with a solution such that the quality of the received video is maximized while both the number and the length of buffering events are minimized
Disenchantment Discontinuance in the Diffusion of Self-Service Technologies in the Services Industry:

The service industry has several unique characteristics. Since the client is also present as the service is produced, provider-client interaction is a special feature of services marketing. This provider-client interaction is being challenged due to self-service technology, especially in the banking industry. Previous research by the authors (Marr and Predergast, 1990 and 1001) suggests that not all customers accept this innovative change. Some customers, after adopting self-service technologies, have abandoned them and reverted back to obtaining services from a human staff member in a bank. Rogers (1962) has called this behavior “disenchantment discontinuance” in diffusion, which is where consumers reject an innovation (after they have adopted it) due to dissatisfaction with its performance, and revert back to their previous behavior. To date, no research has set out with the specific objective of examining the presence of disenchantment discontinuance. This paper examines disenchantment discontinuance b.
Fabrication and analysis of self-assembled photonic crystals structures

This paper presents the fabrication and analysis of a three-dimensional FCC photonic crystal (PhC) based on a self-assembly synthesis of monodispersive latex spheres. Experimental optical characterization, achieved by measurements of the specular reflectance under variable angles, indicated the clear presence of a Bragg diffraction pattern. Results are further explored by theoretical calculations based on the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method to determine the full PhC band structure.
OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANALYSIS OF OUTER RETINAL TUBULATIONS: Sequential Evolution and Pathophysiological Insights

Purpose: To describe the sequential evolution of outer retinal tubulations (ORTs) in patients diagnosed with choroidal neovascularization and/or retinal pigment epithelium atrophy. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of spectral domain optical coherence tomography of a consecutive cohort of patients with various retinal conditions. Results: We reviewed the clinical findings of 238 eyes of 119 consecutive patients (54 men and 65 women) with a mean age of 76.2 ± 14.2 years (range: 57–90) and a mean follow-up of 3 ± 1.6 years (range 1–7). Over the follow-up period, ORTs were diagnosed in 67 of 238 eyes (28.1%), 9 of which were imaged with sequential, eye-tracked spectral domain optical coherence tomography dating from the beginning of ORT formation. The presence of geographic atrophy and subretinal hyperreflective material at baseline were found to be risk factors for ORT development (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Outer retinal tubulations were divided into forming versus formed morphologies. The latter was comprised open and closed ORTs of which the open subtype was the most common. The formation of ORTs was significantly associated with microcystic macular lesions in the inner nuclear layer and the downward displacement of the outer plexiform layer, referred to as the outer plexiform layer subsidence sign (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Outer retinal tubulation is a frequent optical coherence tomography finding in eyes with choroidal neovascularization and geographic atrophy. Open ORTs with progressive scrolled edges and shortened diameter were significantly associated with microcystic macular lesions in the inner nuclear layer and the outer plexiform layer subsidence sign.
A 27.5-dBm linear reconfigurable CMOS power amplifier for 3GPP LTE applications

In this paper, a reconfigurable power amplifier (PA) fully integrated in 65-nm CMOS technology, combining Envelope Tracking (ET) and Power Transistor Switching (PTS) techniques, and robust to battery depletion is presented. The main objective of the proposed architecture is to significantly improve the average efficiency in comparison with a stand-alone power amplifier at power back-off. A distributed active transformer (DAT) is also implemented to recombine power generated by the parallelized power cells which can be turned on/off in response to the desired output power. Simulations were conducted in the 3GPP LTE band at 2.535GHz to validate the proposed implementation. Results show that the proposed topology provides higher power added efficiency (PAE) and reduced current consumption at power back-off compared to a stand-alone PA. The most significant improvement is obtained at 9 dB back-off from 27.5dBm where PAE is improved by 8%.
Aflibercept versus placebo in combination with docetaxel/prednisone for first-line treatment of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): Results from the multinational phase III trial (VENICE).

13 Background: Docetaxel/prednisone is standard first-line chemotherapy for mCRPC. Aflibercept (known as ziv-aflibercept in the US) is a recombinant human fusion protein that binds VEGF-A, VEGF-B and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), thereby inhibiting angiogenesis. METHODS VENICE was a double-blind, randomized phase III study with overall survival (OS) as primary endpoint. Men with mCRPC, ECOG PS 0-2, adequate organ function and no prior cytotoxic therapy were treated with docetaxel (75 mg/m² iv q3w) and oral prednisone (5mg bid) and randomized double blind 1:1 to receive aflibercept (A) 6 mg/kg or placebo (Pbo), IV every 3 weeks. Pts were stratified by ECOG PS (0-1 vs 2). For final OS analysis, 873 deaths were required to detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.8 with 90% power (overall 2-sided α = 0.05). RESULTS From Aug 2007 to Feb 2010, 1224 patients (median age 68 yr, PS 0-1 96%) were randomized. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between arms. Median number of cycles was 8 (A) and 9 (Pbo). Median relative dose intensity was >0.93 for A, Pbo and docetaxel. At final cut-off, median follow-up was 35.4 mos and 873 pts had died. Results for primary and key secondary endpoints with confidence intervals are in the table. Higher incidence of all grade hypertension, stomatitis, appetite disorders, diarrhea, dehydration, epistaxis, dysphonia, cough, headache and infections was observed in the aflibercept arm. CONCLUSIONS Aflibercept in combination with docetaxel/prednisone given as first line chemotherapy for mCRPC did not lead to a statistically significant improvement in OS and added toxicity. (NCT00519285 sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) Clinical trial information: NCT00519285. [Table: see text].
Evolving Therapeutic Strategies to Exploit Chromosome Instability in Cancer

Cancer is a devastating disease that claims over 8 million lives each year. Understanding the molecular etiology of the disease is critical to identify and develop new therapeutic strategies and targets. Chromosome instability (CIN) is an abnormal phenotype, characterized by progressive numerical and/or structural chromosomal changes, which is observed in virtually all cancer types. CIN generates intratumoral heterogeneity, drives cancer development, and promotes metastatic progression, and thus, it is associated with highly aggressive, drug-resistant tumors and poor patient prognosis. As CIN is observed in both primary and metastatic lesions, innovative strategies that exploit CIN may offer therapeutic benefits and better outcomes for cancer patients. Unfortunately, exploiting CIN remains a significant challenge, as the aberrant mechanisms driving CIN and their causative roles in cancer have yet to be fully elucidated. The development and utilization of CIN-exploiting therapies is further complicated by the associated risks for off-target effects and secondary cancers. Accordingly, this review will assess the strengths and limitations of current CIN-exploiting therapies, and discuss emerging strategies designed to overcome these challenges to improve outcomes and survival for patients diagnosed with cancer.
Specificity of reversible ADP-ribosylation and regulation of cellular processes

Abstract Proper and timely regulation of cellular processes is fundamental to the overall health and viability of organisms across all kingdoms of life. Thus, organisms have evolved multiple highly dynamic and complex biochemical signaling cascades in order to adapt and survive diverse challenges. One such method of conferring rapid adaptation is the addition or removal of reversible modifications of different chemical groups onto macromolecules which in turn induce the appropriate downstream outcome. ADP-ribosylation, the addition of ADP-ribose (ADPr) groups, represents one of these highly conserved signaling chemicals. Herein we outline the writers, erasers and readers of ADP-ribosylation and dip into the multitude of cellular processes they have been implicated in. We also review what we currently know on how specificity of activity is ensured for this important modification.
Phase-Specific Circadian Clock Regulatory Elements in Arabidopsis1

We have defined a minimal Arabidopsis CATALASE 3(CAT3) promoter sufficient to drive evening-specific circadian transcription of a LUCIFERASE reporter gene. Deletion analysis and site-directed mutagenesis reveal a circadian response element, the evening element (EE: AAAATATCT), that is necessary for evening-specific transcription. The EE differs only by a single base pair from the CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1-binding site (CBS: AAAAAATCT), which is important for morning-specific transcription. We tested the hypothesis that the EE and the CBS specify circadian phase by site-directed mutagenesis to convert theCAT3 EE into a CBS. Changing the CAT3 EE to a CBS changes the phase of peak transcription from the evening to the morning in continuous dark and in light-dark cycles, consistent with the specification of phase by the single base pair that distinguishes these elements. However, rhythmicity of the CBS-containing CAT3 promoter is dramatically compromised in continuous light. Thus, we conclude that additional information normally provided in the context of a morning-specific promoter is necessary for full circadian activity of the CBS.