Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative sensitivities of Sabin and Mahoney poliovirus type 1 prototype strains and two recent isolates to low concentrations of glutaraldehyde

Significant intratypic differences in the glutaraldehyde (GTA) sensitivity of echovirus isolates have been shown. While exploring ways to optimize the study of GTA sensitivity of enteroviruses, we also observed intratypic differences in poliovirus type 1 isolates collected in France. A suspension procedure was used for assessing the virucidal effect of GTA at low concentrations (< or = 0.10%) against purified viruses. Two recent isolates of poliovirus type 1 tested were first fully characterized by the PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) test. The RFLP pattern of clinical isolate 5617 was similar to that of poliovirus type 1 LS-c, 2ab (Sabin strain), confirming the vaccine origin of strain 5617. The RFLP pattern of strain 5915 recovered from sewage was different from that of the Mahoney strain, suggesting a genetic variation in this wild isolate. We then analyzed under the same controlled conditions the GTA sensitivities of both isolates and their respective prototype strains. The wild Mahoney and 5915 strains exhibited significantly lower sensitivities to GTA than did the vaccine Sabin and 5617 strains. The inactivation rates of clinical isolates 5617 and 5915 were very similar to those of their corresponding reference Sabin and Mahoney strains. Both the conformational structure of the capsid of each strain and the amino acid constitution of structural polypeptides could be involved in the variations observed. The relevance of our comparative sensitivity studies to standardization of virucidal tests is discussed.
Fine Structure of the Eggshell of the Blow Fly, Lucilia cuprina

Abstract The fine structure of the eggshell of blow fly, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), was examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Eggs, 1.09±0.07 mm in length and 0.25±0.05 mm in width, bore a relatively wide plastron that extending along almost the entire length. The polygonal pattern of chorionic sculpture was indistinct. The ultrathin section indicated a multi-layered eggshell having an exochorion, outer endochorion, pillars, an inner endochorion, innermost chorionic layer, and a wax layer. This study provides new information about the fine morphology of blow flies eggs. A key to differentiate the eggs of forensically important flies in Thailand is given.
On Heaven’s Lathe: State, Rule of Law, and Economic Development

Abstract We propose a theoretical framework for understanding the evolution of the rule of law state, which is conceived as the equilibrium of a societal game in which actors accept the legitimacy of publicly enunciated legal rules. A meta-norm of respect for the sovereign legal power of the state is not self-forming on the basis of private conduct, but requires the coevolution of impersonal market exchange with effective state capacity to constitute and regulate markets. A functioning legal system must acquire the means not just to control private power but to constrain other organs of government. The emergence of such a ‘self-limiting state’ is an historical process which, while complementary to a market order, is also contingent and path-dependent, and is not preordained. Illustrating our argument with empirical evidence drawn from the contemporary experience of middle-income countries, with a focus on China, we argue that alternatives to the rule of law state, including interpersonal trust, closed networks and authoritarian political control, can only achieve limited scale and scope effects, and are prone to high deadweight costs arising from corruption and the capture of the public sphere by private interests. We also discuss the potential of transplants of legal rules and institutions to catalyse the transition to impersonal trade based on the rule of law, and present evidence, from time-series econometric analysis, that the diffusion of shareholder protection laws has the potential to support financial development in emerging markets. Evolution towards the rule of law state is, we conclude, one possible developmental path for middle-income countries.
Tackling Obesity by Urban Planning? Recent Research and a European Case Study

Recent literature dealing with the relationship between being overweight or obese and the urban built environment is presented in this paper. Theories from this literature based mainly on research from the USA have then been compared with evidence from the field, based on a medium-sized town in Germany, a country often described as less suburban. Conclusions reached in North America appeared to be irrelevant to the European case, suggesting that US solutions cannot simply be transferred directly. It is suggested that one has to understand both morphological and human aspects of cities to gain a deeper understanding of overweight or obesity
Prevention of leucocyte elastase-induced emphysema in mice by heparin fragments.

Heparin and its derivatives inhibit human leucocyte proteinases i.e. elastase and cathepsin G, but do not inhibit porcine pancreatic elastase and Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase. In vitro experiments, reported here, also indicate that elastin, one of the physiological substrates of human leucocyte elastase (HLE), could decrease by 30-fold the inhibitory potential of an hexadecasaccharide heparin fragment (dp 16) isolated from CY 222. Nevertheless, the inhibitory capacity of the heparin fragment still remains elevated with IC50 = 2.7 x 10(-7) M and still inhibits HLE in its free and adsorbed state to elastin. These overall data prompted us to evaluate the influence of CY 222 in HLE-induced emphysema. Emphysema was induced in mice eight weeks old, following a single instillation of 200 micrograms of HLE. CY 222 treated animals received 2.5 mg.kg-1 subcutaneously once daily, 6 days per week during 4 weeks prior to HLE instillation, and for eight weeks following HLE instillation. The heparin fragment treatment of the mice halved the mortality rate observed early following HLE instillation. After 8 weeks, surviving animals were examined for lung histological and morphometrical changes: mean linear intercept (MLI) and internal alveolar area (ISA). The CY 222 heparin fragments exerted a protective effect against HLE-induced emphysema by decreasing by 70% the MLI; these heparin fragments exerted no effect on emphysema induced by pancreatic elastase in hamsters or mice. Heparin derivatives represent a new class of physiological HLE low molecular weight inhibitors capable of preventing HLE-induced emphysema.
Stroke caused by cerebral air embolism during endoscopy.

Intracranial air may occur spontaneously. It can develop as a result of trauma, or it may be introduced iatrogenically. In most reported cases of cerebral air embolism, the air was found in the cerebrospinal fluid-containing compartments, the epidural space, or in the intracranial venous system. Arterial pneumocephalus is uncommon. A case of stroke caused by cerebral arterial air embolism during upper endoscopy is described. The most likely explanation for the embolism is the development of a bronchovenous connection after alveolar rupture. Case report. An 80-year-old man who had undergone a total laryngectomy for a recurrent spinocellular carcinoma underwent upper endoscopy 8 days later because of redbrown sputum and melena. A conventional video-endoscope was used and the procedure was performed without administration of sedative medication. Oxygen saturation and blood pressure remained normal during the procedure. At endoscopy, some fresh blood noted in the pharynx was attributed to the recent surgery. No abnormalities were present in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Toward the end of an otherwise uneventful procedure, the patient developed bronchospasm, became cyanotic, and lost consciousness. He remained unresponsive and developed a flaccid left hemiparesis. There was no evidence of subcutaneous emphysema. Chest radiograph disclosed sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis on the right side with decreased expansion of the lung and pleural calcification. CT of the brain demonstrated several areas of markedly decreased attenuation compatible with air within the sulci of the right frontal lobe (Fig. 1A). Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a recent infarct on the diffusion-weighted images (Fig. 1B and C). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was not available and no other treatment was initiated. Fever developed during the morning before the endoscopy. Blood cultures were positive for Enterobacter and Streptococcus 2 days after the procedure and treatment was initiated with antibiotics. Evidence of pneumonia was noted on chest radiograph. Cardiac US was normal. Because of a swelling in the neck, US was performed; needle aspiration under US guidance obtained only air. This finding was thought to be related to the development of a fistula after laryngectomy. The patient underwent no additional procedures. He was discharged 1 month after the cerebrovascular insult with a residual left hemiparesis. Discussion. Pneumocephalus, a general term for air within the cranium, may be associated with skull fracture, an intrathecal procedure, cerebral angiography, infection,
The Decision to Go Public from an Emerging Market: The Ghanaian Case

This paper examines the decision to go public on the Ghana Stock Exchange using data on both private and public firms. Analysis of the determinants of going public decision reveals that firms size, cost of debt, leverage and investment opportunities are the likely determinants of initial public offerings (IPO) in Ghana. In terms of post IPO performance, we find that the sample firms recorded a decrease in the level of investment opportunities, leverage as well as a reduction in cost of debt. This suggests that firms in Ghana go public to reduce their level of debt and not to fund investment opportunities. Key words: IPO, stock market, the going public decision, Ghana.
N-Linked glycosylation is essential for the functional expression of the recombinant P2X2 receptor.

P2X receptors are integral membrane proteins that belong to the growing family of transmitter-gated ion channels. The extracellular domain of these receptors contains several consensus sequences for N-linked glycosylation that may contribute to the functional expression of the channel. We have previously reported the extracellular orientation of asparagine residues 182, 239, and 298 of the P2X2 receptor subunit by showing that the protein is glycosylated at each site [Torres, G. E. , et al. (1998) FEBS Lett. 425, 19-23 (1)]. In this study, we focused on the consequences of removing N-linked glycosylation from the P2X2 receptor by using two different approaches, tunicamycin treatment or site-directed mutagenesis. HEK-293 cells stably transfected with the P2X2 receptor subunit showed little or no response to ATP after tunicamycin treatment. In addition, loss of function was observed with the elimination of all three N-linked glycosylation sites from P2X2. Cell surface labeling with biotin or indirect immunofluorescence revealed that the expression of the nonglycosylated receptors produced by either tunicamycin or site-directed mutagenesis is greatly reduced at the cell surface, indicating that the nonglycosylated P2X2 receptors are retained inside the cell. These data provide the first direct evidence for a critical role of N-linked glycosylation in the cell surface expression of a P2X receptor subunit.
Effect of flaxseed gum on reduction of blood glucose and cholesterol in type 2 diabetic patients

The effects of ingestion of flaxseed gum on blood glucose and cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, in type 2 diabetes were evaluated. Flaxseed gum was incorporated in wheat flour chapattis. Sixty patients of type 2 diabetes were fed a daily diet for 3 months, along with six wheat flour chapattis containing flaxseed gum (5 g), as per the recommendations of the American Diabetic Association. The control group (60 individuals) consumed an identical diet but the chapattis were without gum. The blood biochemistry profiles monitored before starting the study and at monthly intervals showed fasting blood sugar in the experimental group decreased from 154±8 mg/dl to 136±7 mg/dl (P=0.03) while the total cholesterol reduced from 182±11 mg/dl to 163±9 mg/dl (P=0.03). Results showed a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol from 110±8 mg/dl to 92±9 mg/dl (P=0.02). The study demonstrated the efficacy of flax gum in the blood biochemistry profiles of type 2 diabetes.
The partisan theory and macroeconomic policy under unscheduled regime transfers: a case study of an LDC

Investigates the possible occurrences of patterns in macroeconomic policy targeting and instruments use in some less developed countries where unscheduled regime transfers may occur. The patterns are held to correspond to those stipulated by Hibbs in his Partisan Theory for advanced democracies after due allowance is made for the nature of government and modes of regime transfer. Undertakes an investigation of Sudan, a country which has witnessed dramatic political changes that assumed the forms of eight alternating regimes in the shape of civilian democracies and military dictatorships since its independence in 1956. Traces, in particular, the evidence on quasi-political business cycles in output growth and inflation; and on quasi-political budget cycles in deficits and instruments of finance. Studies patterns on the form of use of policy instruments through reliance on monetary policy surprises. Obtains empirical results which generally point to the possible presence of eco-political patterns similar in principle to those operable in the case of developed countries but with some distinct differences in nature and rhythm.
Increased OX40 and soluble OX40 ligands in children with Henoch‐Schonlein purpura: association with renal involvement

To cite this article: Qin W, Hongya W, Yongjing C, Fang X, Yue M, Xuekun Z, Xiaozhong L, Xueguang Z. Increased OX40 and soluble OX40 ligands in children with Henoch‐Schonlein purpura: association with renal involvement. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011: 22: 54–59.
Management Innovation at the Brazilian Superior Tribunal of Justice

We describe administrative reform involving management innovation undertaken at the Superior Tribunal of Justice, Brazil’s highest appellate court for infra-constitutional cases. The innovation is the introduction of a new management model based on strategic planning and a process management approach to work processes. Introduction of the new model has been supported by the use of information technology and project management techniques. Qualitative methods were used for data collection and analysis. Findings reveal that the innovation is contributing to the development of a systemic overview of key processes, reducing the fragmenting effects of the division of work activities within the Tribunal. At least three new organizational routines or capabilities have been developed as a result of the innovation studied: Electronic Court Management, Project Management, and Process Management. The paper contributes to knowledge about court management, a field that has received little research attention in the public administration literature.
Variation in circulating and excreted estradiol associated with testicular activity in male marmosets

Concentrations of estradiol (E2) are high in the urine of male marmosets, and links between E2 and paternal behavior have been proposed in black tufted‐ear marmosets, Callithrix kuhlii. However, it is not clear whether urinary E2 in male marmosets: 1) represents production of E2 associated with testicular activity, 2) is associated with adrenal steroid production, or 3) merely reflects peripheral conversion of T to E2 prior to excretion. We tested the hypothesis that urinary E2 in male marmosets represents estrogen production‐associated activity in the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐gonad (HPG) axis. We treated adult male marmosets with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH), and used saline‐treated males as controls. We collected blood and urine samples from males before and after treatment, and assayed them for testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and cortisol (CORT). Treatment with GnRH increased circulating T and E2, and prevented decreases in levels of urinary T and E2. Moreover, changes in plasma and urinary E2 after treatment were positively correlated with post‐treatment changes in T. Thus, our data are consistent with both plasma and urinary E2 in male marmosets increasing as a result of testicular stimulation. However, treatment with GnRH did not affect plasma or urinary CORT concentrations of males, suggesting that the E2 excreted by males is not of adrenal origin. We also compared urinary T, E2, and CORT levels between intact and castrated male common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Urinary concentrations of T and E2, but not CORT, were significantly lower in castrated than in intact males, further suggesting that E2 in male marmosets varies with testicular activity. Am. J. Primatol. 56:27–42, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strategic change leadership

Against a backdrop of increasing globalisation, deregulation, and the rapid pace of technological innovation, the primary task of management today is the leadership of organisational change. Seeks to examine the role of leadership in managing the challenge of deliberate large‐scale change and whether it is possible to pinpoint factors that are critical to leading change effectively. Also investigates the view that effective change leadership involves instrumental and charismatic roles, integrating operational know‐how with strong interpersonal skills. Uses a qualitative, case study approach, involving three multinational companies operating in Australia. Cross‐case analysis indicates that effective change leaders recognise the importance of blending the charismatic and instrumental dimensions of change leadership. The ability to conciliate and balance the two roles depends primarily on whether a leader possesses certain qualities and attributes required for effective change leadership. Strong interpersonal skills permeate these key change leadership qualities and attributes and provide the nexus between the charismatic and instrumental roles.
Turkish politics and the military

Turkey's geographical position, between the Middle East and Europe and at the centre of the current upheavals in the USSR and the Balkans, has led to a reawakening of interest in its international standing. Meanwhile its domestic politics are of increasing interest and Turkey seems to have become a model for Liberal Democracy in Central Asia. David Hale focuses on the role of the military in contemporary politics. He author argues that the military has behaved quite differently from its counterparts in other third world states: it has acted in some degree as a guardian of the state, committed to economic and social modernisation. The book places contemporary politics in perspective by looking at the evolution of the armed forces in Turkey from the end of the eighteenth century. The author traces the role of the military through the establishment of the Republic, the military coups of 1960 and 1980, the gradual return to civilian government of the sixties and seventies, and the military disengagement from politics of 1983 onwards. Hale is interested in the army as an actor in the political drama rather than in the professional functions of soldiers, and his historical exposition reveals much about the modern scene.
Relationship between Household Expenditures on Strategic Foods and Prevalence of Undernutrition among Children 0 to 23 Months of Age in Indonesia

Background The global economic crisis in 2007/08 resulted in higher food prices, which increased household food expenditures while worsening the quantity and quality of food consumed, potentially leading to child undernutrition. Objective To characterize the relationship of the mean proportions of household expenditures on strategic foods with the prevalence of undernutrition (high stunting, wasting, and underweight) among children under 2 years of age in Indonesia. Methods The study used data from 437 districts from two nationally representative surveys conducted in 2007, the National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas) and the Basic Health Research (Riskesdas). Results A higher mean proportion of household expenditure on soybeans was significantly associated with lower odds (3rd vs. 1st tertile) of prevalence of high wasting (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.94; p = .031) and high underweight (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.28; p < .0001). A lower mean proportion of household expenditure on sugar and cooking oil was significantly associated with lower odds of prevalence of high wasting (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.37 to 4.23; p = .002) and high underweight (2nd vs. 1st tertile) (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.05 to 5.41; p = .039). Conclusions Among all strategic foods, a higher proportion of household expenditure on soybeans and a lower proportion of household expenditure on sugar and cooking oil are associated with lower odds of high wasting and underweight prevalence among children 0 to 23 months of age. The results indicate the need for promotion of consumption of fermented soybeans and education aiming at decreasing expenditure on sugar and cooking oil to increase consumption of more nutritious foods.
Two factors affecting internal audit independence and objectivity: Evidence from Singapore

This study examines two factors that may influence the independence and objectivity of internal audit. The first, affecting the organizational independence of the internal audit function, is its relationship with the audit committee. The second is the use of the function as a management training ground. It is argued that this practice might affect individual objectivity because internal auditors may be reluctant to withstand pressure from an auditee who could be their future supervisor. A survey of chief internal auditors in Singapore was undertaken to establish current practice in these areas and to identify relationships between these variables. A strong relationship between the audit committee and the internal audit function was found, with the level of interaction being greater when the audit committee was comprised solely of independent directors. The use of the internal audit function as a management training ground was also found to be quite widespread in Singapore.
KEMUDAHAN PENGGUNAAN SISTEM SEBAGAI PEMODERASI PENGARUH EFEKTIVITAS SISTEM INFORMASI AKUNTANSI PADA KINERJA

The goal of this study to demonstrate the effectiveness of accounting information system’s impact on the employee performance with the ease of use of the system as a moderating variable in PT. BPR Sri Artha Lestari Denpasar. Sample size of 82 employees who were taken by purposive sampling technique. This research used multiple linear regression and Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) as analysis technique to test hypotheses. The study found that the effectiveness of Accounting Information Systems ( AIS ) and the ease of use of the system had significant positive reaction on employee performance. But the ease of use of the system had a value that was not significant at the relationship between the effectiveness of AIS with the performance of employees, so the ease of use of the system instead of moderating variables.