Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Operational supply risk mitigation of SME and its impact on operational performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how buyer–supplier social capital may help mitigate operational supply risk (OSR) of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It empirically examines a framework that posits the direct and mediated impacts of three dimensions of buyer–supplier social capital – structural, relational and cognitive – and supplier integration on the OSR of SMEs and consequently their operational performance. Design/methodology/approach This study uses data collected via a questionnaire from 485 manufacturing SMEs in Bangladesh for analysis using structural equation modeling. Findings The analysis reveals that all the three dimensions of buyer–supplier social capital can effectively reduce the OSR of SMEs, either directly or indirectly through supplier integration. The mediating role of supplier integration in the relationship between social capital and OSR is confirmed and the negative impact of OSR on operational performances of SMEs is verified. Research limitations/implications Generalization of the findings needs to be prudent since the study gathered information only from manufacturing SMEs in Bangladesh on the buyer side of the buyer–supplier dyad. Practical implications Findings of this study can provide references for SME practitioners to formulate their OSR mitigation strategies for enhancing operational performance. Originality/value This study adds to the currently scarce literature on OSR of SMEs by combining antecedents and consequences of OSR in a single framework. It also extends the use of buyer–supplier social capital to risk mitigation research.
Cross-Group Friendships and Intergroup Attitudes

This work identifies how cross-group friendships are conceptualized and measured in intergroup research, investigates which operationalizations yield the strongest effects on intergroup attitudes, explores potential moderators, and discusses the theoretical importance of the findings. Prior meta-analyses have provided initial evidence that cross-group friendships are especially powerful forms of intergroup contact. Although studies of cross-group friendship have grown considerably in recent years, varied assessments leave us without a clear understanding of how different operationalizations affect relationships between friendship and attitudes. With a greatly expanded database of relevant studies, the authors compared friendship–attitude associations across a wide range of specific conceptualizations. Time spent and self-disclosure with outgroup friends yielded significantly greater associations with attitudes than other friendship measures, suggesting that attitudes are most likely to improve when cross-group friendships involve behavioral engagement. Processes underlying cross-group friendships are discussed, as are implications for future research and application.
Nuclear localizations of phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinases α and β are dynamic and independently regulated during starvation-induced stress.

The chicken B-cell line DT40 has two isoforms of phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase (PI5P4K), α and β, which are likely to exist as a mixture of obligate homo- and hetero-dimers. Previous work has led us to speculate that an important role of the β isoform may be to target the more active PI5P4Kα isoform to the nucleus. In the present study we expand upon that work by genomically tagging the PI5P4Ks with fluorochromes in the presence or absence of stable or acute depletions of PI5P4Kβ. Consistent with our original hypothesis we find that PI5P4Kα is predominantly (possible entirely) cytoplasmic when PI5P4Kβ is stably deleted from cells. In contrast, when PI5P4Kβ is inducibly removed within 1 h PI5P4Kα retains its wild-type distribution of approximately 50:50 between cytoplasm and nucleus even through a number of cell divisions. This leads us to speculate that PI5P4Kα is chromatin-associated. We also find that when cells are in the exponential phase of growth PI5P4Kβ is primarily cytoplasmic but translocates to the nucleus upon growth into the stationary phase or upon serum starvation. Once again this is not accompanied by a change in PI5P4Kα localization and we show, using an in vitro model, that this is possible because the dimerization between the two isoforms is dynamic. Given this shift in PI5P4Kβ upon nutrient deprivation we explore the phenotype of PI5P4K B-null cells exposed to this stress and find that they can sustain a greater degree of nutrient deprivation than their wild-type counterparts possibly as a result of up-regulation of autophagy.
[Self-reported prevalence of allergic rhinitis in eleven cities in China].

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to investigate the self-reported prevalence and other epidemiological characteristics of allergic rhinitis from 11 cities throughout the mainland of China. METHODS Telephone interviews were conducted in the two main municipalities (Beijing, Shanghai) and eight capital cities (Changsha, Changchun, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Shenyang, Wuhan, Urumqi and Xi'an) of main provinces throughout the mainland of China after sampling target phone numbers by the approach of random digital dialing (RDD) via computer. RESULTS In total, the survey had sampled 684 blocks of telephone numbers in 11 cities, and dialed 119 319 telephone numbers. Of the 38 203 respondents, 4253 subjects reported allergic rhinitis, while the other 33 950 were screened negative in the telephone interviews. The self-reported prevalence of allergic rhinitis was lowest in Xi'an (8.0%), and highest in Urumqi (21.4%), with Nanjing having intermediate value (11.5%). The gender-adjusted prevalence ranged from 8.5% in Xi'an to 21.3% in Urumqi, while the age-adjusted prevalence of self-reported allergic rhinitis ranged from 8.7% in Beijing to 24.1% in Urumqi. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates that the self-reported prevalence of allergic rhinitis in 11 cities throughout the mainland of China has wide variations, and the strategy of prevention for allergic rhinitis should be conducted according to the epidemic features of it.
Continuously Polarization Agile Antenna by Using Liquid Crystal-Based Tunable Variable Delay Lines

In this paper, a polarization agile planar antenna is presented by using tunable liquid crystal (LC) material. The antenna includes a 2 × 2 dual-fed microstrip patch array and two separate feeding networks for each feeding of the dual-fed antenna. The polarization state of the antenna can be controlled continuously between dual linear and dual circular polarizations depending on a differential phase shift between the antenna feedings. The feeding networks are implemented in inverted microstrip line topology with the liquid crystal material as a tunable dielectric. A desired differential phase shift is obtained between the feeding networks by tuning the LC material. Thus, no additional tunable components are required according to proposed antenna topology. Additionally, owing to the continuous tuning of the LC material, any polarization state between the circular and linear ones are achievable. The antenna prototype is designed at 13.75 GHz. The measured return losses are greater than 10 dB in a frequency range of 13.5 to 15 GHz for different polarization states. Far-field pattern measurements are performed, which confirm the continuous tuning of the antenna polarization. Specifically, the measured antenna patterns are presented for ±45° linear and right-handed circular polarizations. The prototype can be fabricated in a larger size with more radiating elements and can be efficiently scaled for higher operating frequencies at the Ka-or W-band since the LC material features even lower dielectric losses at higher frequencies.
[Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation of Methamphetamine Addiction - Barriers and Potential for Improvement from the Experts' Perspective].

OBJECTIVE The study explores central barriers impeding the access to inpatient rehabilitation of methamphetamine addicts and investigates how these barriers can be tackled. METHODS The experiences and perspectives of experts from different healthcare sectors were explored within 39 semi-structured individual interviews. Subsequently, the results gathered in the course of the individual interviews were discussed within 2 inter-professional focus groups. All interviews and focus group discussions were analyzed according to the interpretive analysis method of Meuser & Nagel. RESULTS Structural issues in particular impair the access to inpatient rehabilitation of methamphetamine dependents. This includes impeded access to rehabilitation via general practitioners, rare implementation of seamless transitions, capacity problems as well as non-transparent procedures in terms of treatment facility allocations. CONCLUSION Various barriers impair access to inpatient rehabilitation of methamphetamine dependents. It is important to increase awareness of methamphetamine addicts and their specific needs particularly among general practitioners. Furthermore, it is important to ensure seamless transitions from detoxification treatment to inpatient rehabilitation and to reduce waiting periods as well as to provide well-differentiated and appropriate rehabilitation options.
Application of PPP Mode for Higher Education in China

With the development of PPP (Public-Private Partnership) mode in China, the government and the private sectors have achieved mutual benefit in many projects. Under the background of educational reform, the combination of higher education and PPP mode in China presents huge potential. In order to explore the application of PPP mode in higher education, we use case analysis, literature analysis and summary induction to analyze the PPP mode of higher education at home and abroad. As a result, we get the necessity and feasibility of higher education in contemporary China. We also construct a basic operation mode of PPP in higher education, which provides new ideas and theoretical basis for the reform of higher education in China.
A Retrospective Analysis of Thalidomide Therapy in Non-HIV-Related Kaposi’s Sarcoma

Background: Thalidomide has antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory properties and has recently been used in the management of human malignancies. Several studies have suggested its interest for treating AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and toxicity of thalidomide, an antiangiogenic agent, for the treatment of non-HIV-related Kaposi’s sarcoma. Methods: Eleven patients were included in this retrospective study conducted in the Department of Dermatology of Saint Louis, Paris, between 2000 and 2003. Among them, 2 were immunosuppressed (1 renal transplant recipient and 1 patient with microscopic polyangiitis treated by oral steroids) with stable immunosuppressive regimens during the past 6 months. The median daily thalidomide dosage was 100 mg and the median duration of drug treatment was 16 weeks. Results: Three patients achieved a partial response and 4 had a stable disease. Although no grade 3 or 4 was observed, 3 (27%) out of 11 patients prematurely discontinued thalidomide because of grade 1 sensory neuropathy (paresthesia) and vertigo. Conclusions: Our results show a true although modest interest of thalidomide in non-HIV-related Kaposi’s sarcoma and prompt us to evaluate less toxic thalidomide analogues for this indication.
Enantioseparation of new triadimenol antifungal active compounds by electrokinetic chromatography and molecular modeling study of chiral recognition mechanisms

Chiral separation of 12 new triadimenol antifungal active compounds by electrokinetic chromatography and chiral recognition mechanisms by computer‐aided molecular modeling techniques were studied. Seven neutral cyclodextrins were used as chiral selectors. Heptakis‐(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin (TM‐β‐CD) exhibited a very high enantioselectivity power to 12 active compounds compared to the other tested CDs. The influences of the concentration of TM‐β‐CD, buffer pH, buffer concentration, applied voltage, and temperature were investigated, respectively. Under the optimum separation conditions, all the 12 active compounds were baseline separated and the resolutions of most compounds were beyond 2.50. The study of the analyte structure–enantioseparation relationships showed that substitutions in the side chains played important roles on enantiomeric separation. By means of computer‐aided molecular modeling software Discovery Studio 2.5/Sybyl 7.0/Gold 3.0. 1, inclusion process between TM‐β‐CD and these enantiomers was investigated and their binding energies were calculated. The results suggested that the enantioseparation result related to the difference in binding energy. And the good separation obtained in the presence of the TM‐β‐CD chiral selector was due to the big binding energy difference of two enantiomers with the chiral selector.
Bortezomib inhibits proteasomal degradation of IκBα and induces mitochondrial dependent apoptosis in activated B-cell diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Abstract Activated B-cell type lymphoma (ABC), a subgroup of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), has a worse survival after upfront chemotherapy and is characterized by constitutive activation of the anti-apoptotic nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) pathway. The implication of NFκB inhibition in ABC has not yet been fully explored as a potential therapeutic target. Therefore, a panel of ABC cell lines was used to examine the effect of bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor which blocks degradation of IκBα and consequently inhibits NFκB activity. Our data showed that bortezomib caused a dose-dependent growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in all cell lines studied. We next determined the status of the NFκB pathway following bortezomib treatment and found that there was accumulation of IκBα without affecting its phosphorylation status at an early time point. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that bortezomib treatment inhibited constitutive nuclear NFκB in ABC cell lines. Furthermore, treatment of ABC cell lines with bortezomib for 48 h also down-regulated the expression of NFκB-regulated gene products, such as IκBα, Bcl-2, Bcl-Xl, XIAP and survivin, leading to apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Altogether, these results suggest that NFκB may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention in DLBCL using proteasomal inhibitors such as bortezomib.
The effects of anticancer drugs TSA and GSK on spermatogenesis in male mice.

OBJECTIVE The effect of anticancer drugs Trichostation A (TSA) and GSK2126458 (GSK) on genetic recombination of sperm meiosis in mice was investigated, and their clinical feasibility of fertility preservation in cancer patients was also assessed. METHODS Eighteen Kunming mice were randomly given TSA or GSK at the concentrations of 0, 0.1 and 0.2 umol/L for three months. Immunofluorescence was used to evaluate the genetic recombination of homologous chromosomes and fidelity of chromosome synapsis. Sperm density, motility and viability were also examined to investigate the spermatogenic function. RESULTS The average number of MLH1 foci in each spermatocyte was greatly higher in TSA (0.1) group than that in control (P<0.05), but no difference with the TSA (0.2) group (P>0.05). The frequency of SC with no MLH1 foci was lower while the frequency of SC with one MLH1 foci was higher in spermatocyte of mice with different doses of TSA compared with controls (P<0.05). The weight of left testis in TSA (0.1) group was significant decreased compared with that in control (P<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in average number of MLH1, frequency of SC with 0-3 MLH1 foci, spermatocyte percentage of XY chromosomes containing MLH1 foci and percentages of cells containing gaps and splits among groups with or without the treatment of GSK. Furthermore, there were no statistical differences in body weight, testicular weight, sperm density, sperm motility and sperm viability among the three groups. CONCLUSION TSA increased genetic recombination frequency of spermatocyte meiosis. GSK had no significant effect on genetic recombination frequency of spermatocyte meiosis and spermatogenic function.
Expression of connective tissue growth factor in experimental rat and human liver fibrosis

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) stimulatesin vitrofibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. The aim of this study was to assess the role of CTGF in liver fibrogenesis. CTGF expression was investigated both at the protein and mRNA level in biopsies of chronic liver diseases, in experimental models of liver fibrosis, and in hepatic stellate cells in culture. CTGF immunostaining was observed in most human liver biopsies with significant fibrosis. An increase of CTGF immunostaining was associated with a higher score of fibrosis both in the group of chronic hepatitis C (χ2 = 9.3;P< .01) and in the non–hepatitis C group (χ2 = 7.2;P< .02). In situ hybridization showed CTGF mRNA expression in spindle cells in both the fibrous septa and sinusoidal lining. In experimental models of liver fibrosis, CTGF accumulated in parallel with the development of septal fibrosis and cirrhosis. Quantification of CTGF mRNA by a real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay showed a significant increase of CTGF mRNA in both CCl4‐induced and bile duct–ligated rat models of liver fibrosis. Expression of CTGF protein and mRNA was definitively assigned to hepatic stellate cells, because CTGF was detected by Western blot both in lysate and supernatant of a hepatic stellate cell line derived from rats. These cells also displayed CTGF protein and mRNA as shown by immunohistochemistry andin situhybridization. In conclusion, this study shows that CTGF is strongly expressed during liver fibrogenesis, and hepatic stellate cells seem to be the major cellular sources of CTGF in the liver.
Nine-year microflora study of an isolator-maintained immunodeficient child

A male child, maintained in a controlled environment, was monitored each month for bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi recovered from the mouth, nasal passages, feces, and nine body surface sites. Three natural microbial categories became apparent. Incident microorganisms were recovered from within the isolator but did not establish permanent residence. Of the 53 incident types isolated, 20 were filamentous fungi and 4 were yeasts. Some genera, such as Fusobacterium, Lactobacillus, Neisseria, and Rothia, which were commonly found in the reference group, did not become permanent inhabitants. Transient microorganisms were repeatedly recovered but could not be demonstrated within the isolated environment at the end of the study. The loss of only a few of the 19 transient species could be associated with antimicrobial therapy. Permanent microorganisms consisted of Pencillium citrinum and 17 bacterial types, of which alpha-hemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus edpidermidis subgroups II and V, Micrococcus groups 1 and 2, Clostridium bifermentans, and Propionibacterium acnes were recovered throughout the entire 9 years of the study. The number of CFUs recovered from each sample type was generally not unlike that from the reference group of healthy male adults. Also, the number of different aerobic species recovered from the feces was within the normal range of that of the reference group. In contrast, the number of different species recovered from all other samples was less than that commonly found in the reference group.
Cirrus High-definition Optical Coherence Tomography Versus Spectral Optical Coherence Tomography/Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy in the Diagnosis of Glaucoma

Abstract Purpose: This study was performed to compare the positive predictive value of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements obtained using Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography (Cirrus HD-OCT; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) and spectral OCT/scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) (OPKO/OTI, Miami, FL) in the diagnosis of glaucoma. Methods: A total of 50 eyes of 50 healthy subjects and 60 eyes of 60 subjects with glaucoma were included. All participants underwent RNFL thickness measurement using Cirrus HD-OCT and spectral OCT/SLO on the same day. Average, quadrant, clock-hour RNFL thicknesses, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and sensitivities at fixed specificities (80% and 95%) were calculated for comparison. Results: RNFL thickness as measured by spectral OCT/SLO was greater than that measured using Cirrus HD-OCT (p < 0.001). For both the Cirrus HD-OCT and spectral OCT/SLO, the parameter with the largest AUC was average RNFL thickness (0.954 and 0.944, respectively). The AUCs of RNFL thickness for the discrimination of glaucoma did not differ significantly between the devices (p > 0.05), with the exception of RNFL thickness in the nasal area (nasal quadrant, clock-hour sectors 3 and 4); in these areas, spectral OCL/SLO yielded greater AUCs than Cirrus HD-OCT (p < 0.05). Sensitivities varied similarly to AUCs. Conclusions: RNFL thicknesses measures using Cirrus HD-OCT and spectral OCT/SLO were not interchangeable. The utility of RNFL thickness measurements in the diagnosis of glaucoma was similar for both the devices.
Comparative transcriptional analysis of three human ligaments with distinct biomechanical properties

One major aim of regenerative medicine targeting the musculoskeletal system is to provide complementary and/or alternative therapeutic approaches to current surgical therapies, often involving the removal and prosthetic substitution of damaged tissues such as ligaments. For these approaches to be successful, detailed information regarding the cellular and molecular composition of different musculoskeletal tissues is required. Ligaments have often been considered homogeneous tissues with common biomechanical properties. However, advances in tissue engineering research have highlighted the functional relevance of the organisational and compositional differences between ligament types, especially in those with higher risks of injury. The aim of this study was to provide information concerning the relative expression levels of a subset of key genes (including extracellular matrix components, transcription factors and growth factors) that confer functional identity to ligaments. We compared the transcriptomes of three representative human ligaments subjected to different biomechanical demands: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL); the ligamentum teres of the hip (LT); and the iliofemoral ligament (IL). We revealed significant differences in the expression of type I collagen, elastin, fibromodulin, biglycan, transforming growth factor β1, transforming growth interacting factor 1, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha and transforming growth factor β‐induced gene between the IL and the other two ligaments. Thus, considerable molecular heterogeneity can exist between anatomically distinct ligaments with differing biomechanical demands. However, the LT and ACL were found to show remarkable molecular homology, suggesting common functional properties. This finding provides experimental support for the proposed role of the LT as a hip joint stabiliser in humans.