Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Herpetic Optic Neuritis Associated with Herpetic Keratitis

Purpose To report a case of herpetic optic neuritis associated with herpetic keratitis. Methods A 65 year old woman presented with oedema in the nasal sector of his right papilla. Blood biochemistry, a haemogram, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were all normal. The patient was diagnosed as having a non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. One week later slit lamp examination showed diffuse stromal corneal oedema and a dendritic lesion in the nasal zone of the corneal epithelium. Results Serology for varicela-zoster virus was positive. Treatment was started with valacyclovir given orally and topical acyclovir ointment. A week later, the optic disc swelling and corneal lesions had resolved. Conclusions The precise mechanism through which the papilla and cornea were successively affected in our patient is unclear but the sensitive innervation of both these structures is provided by the nasal branch of the nasociliary nerve and the spread of herpes via this nerve could affect both sites.
Nonviral gene transfer to surface skin of mid‐gestational murine embryos by intraamniotic injection and subsequent electroporation

The surface epithelium of mid‐gestational murine embryos is thought to be an attractive target for gene therapy in vivo, due to its visibility and accessibility from the external surface of the maternal uterus. Almost all studies of in utero gene transfer have adopted viral vectors for infection of fetal epithelium, and depended on intraamniotic introduction and simple incubation of vectors, leading to only infection of the surface layer (periderm) of fetal skin. Here we report a simple and convenient method of gene transfer of plasmid DNA into the deeper portion of surface skin of murine mid‐gestational fetus. One to two microlitres of a solution containing a lacZ expression plasmid (0.5–1 μg) and trypan blue (0.05%) were placed onto the surface of a fetus (E 14.5) near the eye by a micropipette attached to a mouthpiece. This fetus was immediately electroporated by placing it between tweezer‐type electrodes attached to a square‐pulse generator. At 1 and 4 days after gene transfer, fetuses were subjected to histochemical staining for lacZ activity in the presence of X‐Gal, a substrate for lacZ. Focal reactions were observed in the skin epidermal layers including periderm and basal layer 1 day after DNA introduction. However, lacZ‐positive cells were limited to a skin surface layer, the stratum corneum, in the samples obtained 4 days after gene transfer. Similar observation was also made in the transgenic fetuses (carrying a lacZ gene placed immediately downstream of the loxP‐flanked sequence) injected with Cre expression vector. These findings suggest rapid movement of fetal epidermal cells toward the surface during late developmental stages. This local gene transfer approach appears to be effective as a method for skin‐targeted gene transfer, enabling study of the role of genes of interest and tracing of cell lineage during fetal skin development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69: 268–277, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recombination in the threespine stickleback genome—patterns and consequences

Heterogeneity in recombination rate may strongly influence genome evolution and entail methodological challenges to genomic investigation. Nevertheless, a solid understanding of these issues awaits detailed information across a broad range of taxa. Based on 282 F2 individuals and 1872 single nucleotide polymorphisms, we characterize recombination in the threespine stickleback fish genome. We find an average genome‐wide recombination rate of 3.11 cm/Mb. Crossover frequencies are dramatically elevated in the chromosome peripheries as compared to the centres, and are consistent with one obligate crossover per chromosome (but not chromosome arm). Along the sex chromosome, we show that recombination is restricted to a small pseudoautosomal domain of c. 2 Mb, spanning only 10% of that chromosome. Comparing female to male RAD sequence coverage allows us to identify two discrete levels of degeneration on the Y chromosome, one of these ‘evolutionary strata’ coinciding with a previously inferred inverted region. Using polymorphism data from two young (<10 000 years old) ecologically diverged lake‐stream population pairs, we demonstrate that recombination rate correlates with both the magnitude of allele frequency shifts between populations and levels of genetic diversity within populations. These associations reflect genome‐wide heterogeneity in the influence of selection on linked sites. We further find a strong relationship between recombination rate and GC content, possibly driven by GC‐biased gene conversion. Overall, we highlight that heterogeneity in recombination rate has profound consequences on genome evolution and deserves wider recognition in marker‐based genomic analyses.
ATP sensitivity of preBötzinger complex neurones in neonatal rat in vitro: mechanism underlying a P2 receptor‐mediated increase in inspiratory frequency

P2 receptor (R) signalling plays an important role in the central ventilatory response to hypoxia. The frequency increase that results from activation of P2Y1Rs in the preBötzinger complex (preBötC; putative site of inspiratory rhythm generation) may contribute, but neither the cellular nor ionic mechanism(s) underlying these effects are known. We applied whole‐cell recording to rhythmically‐active medullary slices from neonatal rat to define, in preBötC neurones, the candidate cellular and ionic mechanisms through which ATP influences rhythm, and tested the hypothesis that putative rhythmogenic preBötC neurones are uniquely sensitive to ATP. ATP (1 mm) evoked inward currents in all non‐respiratory neurones and the majority of respiratory neurons, which included inspiratory, expiratory and putative rhythmogenic inspiratory neurones identified by sensitivity to substance P (1 μm) and DAMGO (50 μm) or by voltage‐dependent pacemaker‐like activity. ATP current densities were similar in all classes of preBötC respiratory neurone. Reversal potentials and input resistance changes for ATP currents in respiratory neurones suggested they resulted from either inhibition of a K+ channel or activation of a mixed cationic conductance. The P2YR agonist 2MeSADP (1 mm) evoked only the latter type of current in inspiratory and pacemaker‐like neurones. In summary, putative rhythmogenic preBötC neurones were sensitive to ATP. However, this sensitivity was not unique; ATP evoked similar currents in all types of preBötC respiratory neurone. The P2Y1R‐mediated frequency increase is therefore more likely to reflect activation of a mixed cationic conductance in multiple types of preBötC neurone than excitation of one, highly sensitive group.
Weather based playlist generation in mobile devices using hash map

The nature as always been a source of music be it the thunders, the rustling of trees or the birds chirping. The creative output of composers, writers, and artists is often influenced by their surroundings. Of course, an important part of what we see and hear is not only the people with whom we interact but also our geophysical surroundings. Of all the geophysical phenomena to influence us, the weather is arguably the most significant because we are exposed to it directly and daily. The main aim of this paper is to implement this correlation between weather and music. Most of the listeners listen to music using applications; this paper aims at creating an application on android platform. This music application uses a weather API to determine the weather forecast at the instant when a user wants to listen to music. The music application maps the weather to the genre of the music present on the phone's memory (internal and external). The path of these songs is stored in tables in the SQLite Database. These tables are named according to the genres found in the metadata of the music files. The metadata is inclusive of the details of the file such as genre, album art etc. which can be extracted using the Metadata Retriever class in Java programming language. The application not only functions as a weather based music player also as a normal music application. Once the user launches the application on their screens, they will be asked for their preferences. If the user chooses a weather based music option only then therefore mentioned functioning will be applied or else the normal functioning of a music player will be applied. The results of the study suggest that there is indeed a strong correlation between music and weather.
Rejection After Cardiac Transplantation: A Time‐Related Risk Factor Analysis

BackgroundThe determinants of early and repeated episodes of acute rejection after cardiac transplantation remain elusive. Methods and ResultsTo gain insight into this phenomenon, a multivariate analysis for repeated events was applied to 229 patients receiving 249 transplanted hearts between 1981 and July 1, 1991 (595 rejection episodes). The mean frequency of rejection per patient after initial cardiac transplantation was 1.2 at 3 months, 1.8 at 1 year, and 2.8 at 5 years. The pattern of rejection was characterized by an early period of higher risk (greatest during the first month) followed by a low constant risk that continued throughout the period of follow-up (maximum, 9.5 years). By multivariate analysis, risk factors were identified for the likelihood of subsequent rejection after a previous rejection episode (or time of transplantation). Triple-drug immunosuppression plus induction therapy yielded a higher risk of early subsequent rejection compared with other baseline immunotherapy protocols, but it also provided the greatest freedom (95%) from rejection-related death during the first year. Risk factors in the constant phase of hazard included younger age at transplant, female donor and/or recipient, longer donor ischemic time, greater HLA donor-recipient mismatch, and an increased number of previous rejection episodes. ConclusionsImmunologic and other patient-specific characteristics as well as rejection history predict the likelihood of future rejection events. The value of any antirejection protocol must be evaluated both in terms of rejection episodes and rejection-related deaths. Future analyses may identify specific high- and low-risk patient subsets for rejection, which may provide a more rational basis for altering the amount of chronic immunosuppressive therapy.
Building global competencies through experiential coursework in international travel and tourism

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine strengths and limitations of current experiential approaches for enhancing international business education, and propose a new, particularly cost‐effective approach grounded in the travel and tourism industry and specific context of international cruises.Design/methodology/approach – This study combines an analysis of current literature with an examination of actual case experience.Findings – A particularly successful short‐term experiential learning approach was used at a private university in southern California that is focused on the specific international business context of the international cruise industry within travel and tourism. The authors believe that this approach has significant merit to be included as a viable option for helping students develop important international business competencies required to compete in an increasingly global marketplace. With its specific focus on the international cruise industry and experiential travel agency op.
Neoductular progenitor cells regenerate hepatocytes in severely damaged liver: a comparative ultrastructural study

In severely injured liver, stem cells give rise to progeny that tend to replace lost hepatocytes. Neoductular reaction appears as an inherent stage of liver reconstruction following severe damage caused by different pathological mechanisms. Few ultrastructural types of progenitor cells have been described, and some molecular phenotypes of progenitor stages have been characterized, but the details of the differentiation process are largely unknown. We prepared for light and electron microscopy examination human liver from biopsies of patients with chronic active hepatitis, and rat liver with allyl alcohol‐induced periportal necrosis. We found that progenitor neoductular cells acquire the hepatocytic polarity pattern during a multi‐step process apparently involving cell migration and dissolution of neoductular basement membrane. An intermediate stage with “mixed” ductular and hepatocytic polarity was described.
Choice of Design and Outcomes in Trials among Children with Moderate Acute Malnutrition

There is a need for trials on the effects of food aid products for children with moderate acute malnutrition, to identify how best to restore body tissues and function. The choice of control intervention is a major challenge, with both ethical and scientific implications. While randomized trials are needed, special designs, such as cluster-randomized, stepped-wedged or factorial designs may offer advantages. Anthropometry is widely used as the primary outcome in such trials, but anthropometric traits do not refer directly to specific organs, tissues, or functions. Thus, it is difficult to understand what components of health might be impacted by public health programs, or the underlying mechanisms whereby improved nutritional status might benefit short- and long-term health. Measurement of body composition, specific growth markers and functional outcomes may provide greater insight into the nature and implications of growth failure and recovery. There are now several methodologies suitable for application in infants and young children, e.g., measuring body composition with deuterium dilution, physical activity with accelerometers and linear growth with knemometers. To evaluate the generalizability of the findings from nutrition trials, it is important to collect data on baseline nutritional status.
Effect of Firm Size and Profitability on Corporate Social Disclosures: The Nigerian Oil and Gas sector in Focus

The objective of this paper is to examine the effect of firm size and profitability on the extent of corporate social disclosures by Oil and Gas firms in Nigeria. A sample of twenty quoted companies selected using the simple random sampling technique was utilized for the study. Secondary data retrieved from content analysis of the audited financial reports of the selected companies for 2011 financial year was employed in the study. The ordinary least squares regression technique was used for data analysis. The findings among other shows that an insignificant negative correlation exists between CSR disclosure and firm size. Profitability is significantly positively related to CSR disclosure of the companies. We recommend that there is urgent need for regulatory agencies to develop a CSR disclosure framework that focuses considerably on utilizing firm profitability and providing incentives and penalties as the case may be for firms’ corporate social responsiveness level.
The supply chain balancing act ‐ stock and service at a profit

Addresses the perennial issues of effective supply‐chain management ‐ balancing stock inventories, service delivery mechanisms and retaining requisite profit margins while ensuring customer loyalty ‐ against the background of increasing business competition in the 1990s. Considers the potential contributions of partnerships, inventory management, sales‐based ordering and promotion planning to the logistical quest for equilibrium at a profit.
Using a Variety-Seeking Model to Identify Substitute and Complementary Relationships among Competing Products

Current techniques using brand-switching data to infer competitive relationships among products are based on the assumption that those brands most frequently switched between are the closest substitutes. For product classes in which variety seeking is an important determinant of consumer behavior, this assumption is probably violated. A technique is proposed which accounts for the fact that consumers may switch between brands not because the brands are substitutes, but because the brands complement one another to meet the consumers’ desire for variety. The approach utilizes constrained nonlinear optimization to determine model coefficients that describe substitution and complementarity among brands. The proposed technique is illustrated with individual consumption histories for a frequently purchased packaged good and is shown to extend the range of insights provided by current brand-switching techniques.
The Impact of Indian Overseas Listings on the Volatility of the Underlying Shares

Between May 1992 and June 2001, 72 Indian companies tapped the international capital markets with their equity offerings in form of Depositary Receipt (DR) programs. Initially, most of these programs were in the form of Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) and were traded on London and Luxembourg stock exchanges. Since 1999, many Indian companies have been listing their American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on the US stock exchanges. Home market responses to issuance of DRs are of interest to the policy makers, investors, market intermediaries, CFOs, and finance scholars. Policy makers in emerging markets are increasingly concerned about the consequences for the domestic equity market when companies list stocks abroad. The present paper assesses the impact of listing of ADRs/GDRs on the volatility of the firm's underlying domestic shares by using a sample of 68 Indian DR programs that listed on the foreign markets between 1st January, 1996 and 30th June, 2001. Most of the firms in our sample recorded a decline in volatilities of their underlying domestic shares in the period following the listings of their DR programs on the foreign exchanges. Our results are similar to the results of Newton et al (1998), Rodrigues et al (1999) and Costa et al (2000), who studied samples Latin American firms, which issued or listed their ADR programs on the US markets. Overall, we have concluded that the volatilities of the underlying domestic shares of the foreign listed Indian firms have reduced aftermath to listings of their DR programs on the foreign stock exchanges.
Demand Offsets: Water Neutral Development in California

California's water struggles in 2015 highlight the erratic nature of water availability in the state. Supply concerns are expected to worsen in the future as a result of population growth, increased ecological demand, and uncertainty caused by climate change and other factors. In recognition of the pressing need for careful water planning and innovation, some local governments have adopted a requirement that new development be “water neutral. ” Water neutral policies require new projects to offset their water demand through conservation or new supplies. Water providers praise water neutral policies for increasing water efficiency and sustainability. Water neutral programs facilitate economic development, jobs, and housing, and have the potential to benefit disadvantaged communities. If properly designed, the programs may result in more reliable long-term conservation, and help achieve statewide conservation targets. Water neutral programs also provide incentives for developers to maximize efficiency, encourage investment in technology improvements, and inspire creative thinking about water management. At the same time, economic, practical and political factors can affect the value of water neutral programs. Good design and enforcement are critical to ensuring that water neutral programs achieve real water savings. Although not a good fit for every jurisdiction, regional and local water neutral programs have the potential to play a larger role in California’s urban water efficiency portfolio.This article describes the structure of water neutral programs through a survey of existing policies in California and elsewhere, explores the legal framework for adoption of such programs, and identifies key design and policy issues.
The cruise events organizational and managerial process: the role of Accounting Information Systems and Management Control

The paper aims to investigate the role played by the Accounting Information Systems (AIS) and management control in the cruise events management process. The authors analyse the events planned on the cruise ships stopped at the quay (cruise events on ship berthing) and the events organized on the terminal infrastructures (cruise events on terminal). In the last years, the events planned on the terminals are significantly increasing, but their management is still designed separately from the passenger flows. These events might be a strategic tool to support the promotional activities of the cruising and the AIS and management control could play a key role in the cooperation between terminal concessionaires and cruise companies in the cruise events management process. This is an exploratory study conducted through a qualitative approach analysing two terminal concessionaires in the Italian context. It provides a set of key performance indicators to support the management, to control and coordinate the cruise event processes described and to gather data on the efficiency and effectiveness of the "new events" promoted by the concessionaires.
Long-term Clinical Outcome of Open Meniscal Allograft Transplantation

Background Meniscal allograft transplantation is an accepted treatment for the symptomatic postmeniscectomized knee in younger patients; however, long-term data are scarce on clinical outcome. Hypothesis Cryopreserved meniscal allograft transplantations can, in the long term, be a good alternative for the symptomatic postmeniscectomized knee in younger patients. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Sixty-three meniscal allografts (40 lateral and 23 medial) were transplanted with an open procedure in 57 patients. Clinical outcome and failure rate were evaluated at 13.8 ± 2.8 years. Mean age at time of transplantation was 39.4 ± 6.9 years. Results Eight medial and 10 lateral allografts failed (overall failure rate, 29%). Overall Lysholm scores significantly improved from 36 ± 18 preoperatively to 61 ± 20 at long-term follow-up. Scores were not significantly different in the following subgroups: medial allografts, female patients, and left treated knees. All subgroups had poor scores at mean follow-up of 13.8 years, except the male patients group, which had a fair score. Short-term Lysholm scores were 79 ± 19 at 3.1 ± 1.5 years. All subgroups demonstrated a significant difference between short- and long-term Lysholm scores. There were no significant differences in Lysholm scores between posttransplanted survivors and posttransplanted nonsurvivors who received a total knee arthroplasty. For 2 other measures—the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and the International Knee Documentation Committee scoring system—significant decline was present between men and women only. Conclusion Long-term follow-up results show that meniscal allograft transplantation is a beneficial procedure. Good improvements in clinical function and pain relief have been shown at short-term follow-up in this population. Despite the deterioration in function scores over time, there is still improvement in level of function at long-term follow-up but not at a high level. As such, meniscal allograft transplantation is a good salvage option for the treatment of degenerative arthritis of the symptomatic post-meniscectomized knee. Meniscal allograft transplantation can be used to postpone total knee arthroplasty in younger patients.