Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-Species Immunity in Malaria Vaccine Development: Two, Three, or Even Four for the Price of One?

For millennia, malaria has been one of the most deadly human infectious diseases in the world, and it is still the cause of about 2 million deaths per year, mainly among young children and pregnant women. Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium, four species of which are infectious for humans: Plasmodium falciparum (the most deadly species, responsible for 80% of infections worldwide and 90% of malaria-related deaths), Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale (56). The “gold standard” for full and sterile immunity against malaria—immunization with Plasmodium whole-organism, radiation-attenuated sporozoites (RAS)—was described for mice, monkeys, and humans over three decades ago (12, 14, 45a). The original RAS immunization strategy, however, usually required either the bites of many irradiated mosquitoes on multiple occasions or intravenous inoculation of sporozoites, both of which were considered impractical for mass vaccination campaigns (36, 45a). The advent of recombinant DNA technology in the 1970s led many researchers to believe that the development of vaccines for the majority of known diseases, including malaria, was imminent (45). Although significant achievements in vaccinology have indeed been made using this technology (e.g., the pertussis vaccine [47]), the quest for a malaria vaccine remains unfulfilled. Several potential candidate vaccines have progressed to clinical trials r ecently ( http://www.who. int/vaccine_rese arch
Housing Migrant Workers in Rapidly Urbanizing Regions: A Study of the Chinese Model in Shenzhen

China has experienced a huge wave of rural to urban migration over the last 25 years; however, Chinese cities do not have the large-scale slum settlements found in other developing countries. Has China found a new way to solve the housing problems of migrants and the urban poor? This paper addresses this question and reports the findings of a recent research project carried out in Shenzhen City. In general, Chinese migrants are poor in comparison with official urban residents. The majority of them live in shared rooms or small apartments in the so-called urban villages. Housing poverty, especially overcrowding, is a serious problem. This paper also highlights the positive contributions made by urban villages and private landlords in housing the large number of migrants in cities.
The Impact Of Governance Mechanisms On Escalation Of Commitment

There are conflicting opinions on whether the existing US legal and economic environment for pharmaceutical research is conducive for the repurposing of patent-protected drugs. This article therefore addresses the following innovation policy questions: Does US patent law and regulatory policy assign sufficient value to new use patents in the pharmaceutical industry? If present law and regulatory policy does assign sufficient value, what evidence is there that the pharmaceutical industry is actively involved in technology strategies to repurpose existing pharmaceuticals? Based on an evaluation of the extant legal literature, US pharmaceutical firms are generally successful at legally enforcing their new use patents against infringement. Furthermore, the truncating of the time and resources dedicated to the drug discovery, development, and regulatory review process provide sufficient economic "value" on both the front end of the pharmaceutical regulatory approval process, and the back end of the drug patent term for encouraging pharmaceutical industry repurposing.
Democratisation and environmental non-governmental organisations in Indonesia

Abstract The spread of democratic ideas from the late 1980s, along with the development of the democratisation movement, contributed to the quantitative growth of environmental non-governmental organisations (ENGOs) in Indonesia. In addition, the democratisation of formal institutions after the late 1990s facilitated ENGO activities. Importantly, democratisation has also contributed to the qualitative development of ENGOs. Democratic ideas “re-framed” environmental issues, politicising ENGO activities, even before the end of the Suharto regime. Since the late 1990s, democratic ideas have further shifted ENGO strategies to conform more with democratic values and institutions, while stimulating efforts to enhance accountability and representation within ENGOs. It is argued that these developments may enhance the quality of democracy.
Corneal Neurotization: A Novel Solution to Neurotrophic Keratopathy

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of direct corneal neurotization using contralateral supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves in patients with unilateral facial palsy and corneal anesthesia. A novel surgical procedure in which these donor nerve branches are inserted at the contralateral anesthetic corneal limbus for sensory neurotization is described. Methods: The charts of six patients were reviewed thoroughly to evaluate changes in corneal sensibility following surgery for direct corneal neurotization. Visual acuity, blink reflex, donor deficit, synesthesia, long-term corneal health, and several psychosocial measures and overall patient satisfaction with the procedure are reported. Results: Six patients with an average denervation time of 7.00 ± 8.56 years before surgery were followed for an average period of 16.3 ± 2.42 years. All six eyes showed improvement of corneal sensibility, visual acuity, and corneal health and remained free of ulcers or other signs of advancing neurotropic keratopathy. Average corneal sensibility improved from 2.00 ± 4.47 mm before surgery to 278.00 ± 226.00 mm following corneal neurotization (p < 0.016). Conclusions: Direct neurotization of the cornea using the contralateral supraorbital and supratrochlear branches of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve appears to be an effective method of restoring the corneal sensibility in patients with unilateral facial palsy and anesthetic cornea. This technique preserves ocular anatomy and cosmesis and restores function by improving corneal health and visual acuity.
Customers' experiences of co‐creation during service innovation

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to present the outcome of a co‐creation service innovation project, both to understand the possible outcome when using a process model and to achieve a better understanding of how customers experience participation in co‐creation in an open service innovation project. The article also discusses the outcome of co‐creation in terms of new knowledge concerning customers' needs, both expressed and latent needs compared to the knowledge gained through a regular guest survey.Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on 29 in‐depth interviews that were conducted subsequent to participation as visitors in a service innovation project which involved testing a model for user involved service innovation. In the process model users were asked to be attentive and produce real time documentations. The co‐creation in this case thus occurred when obtaining input for service innovation ideation.Findings – Participants (visitors to a Swedish zoo), had mixed opinions about the.
Interleukin-6 Is a Better Predictor of Mortality as Compared to C-Reactive Protein, Homocysteine, Pentosidine and Advanced Oxidation Protein Products in Hemodialysis Patients

Inflammatory markers predict mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients, whereas a possible association between oxidative stress (OS) markers and survival is less clear. We assessed the impact on all-cause mortality of baseline inflammatory [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] and OS markers (advanced oxidation protein products, pentosidine, homocysteine) in 112 HD patients. We found no significant correlations between inflammatory and OS markers. During the 5.5 years of follow-up, 51 patients died. In a Kaplan-Meier analysis, the survival rate was reduced in patients with IL-6 higher than the median (IL-6 >4.2 pg/ml) (log- rank = 6.47; p = 0.01), in diabetics (log-rank = 12.26; p = 0.0005) and in older patients (log-rank = 11.22; p = 0.0008). Moreover, in Cox analysis only IL-6 and age were independently associated with mortality. We conclude that in this group of prevalent Brazilian HD patients, IL-6 was a better predictor of survival than other inflammatory and OS markers.
The Effect of Real Exchange Rate Changes on Labour Productivity Growth

We examine the effect of changes in international competitiveness on labour productivity growth through three channels: (i) export, (ii) import, and (iii) import competition. Using micro data from the Irish manufacturing over the period 1995-2002, we account for firms' heterogeneity in their exposure to international competitive pressure. Our econometric estimates indicate that a real exchange rate appreciation had a negative effect on labour productivity growth once a firm's export exposure was greater than 14 per cent. When a firm's import exposure exceeded 33 per cent, a real exchange rate appreciation had a positive effect on labour productivity. An increase in import competition due to a real exchange rate appreciation had no effect on a firm's labour productivity growth.
Trade union political funds: a retrospective analysis

This article examines the results of the political fund review ballots required under the 1984 Trade Union Act. It contradicts the pessimistic predications with the 100 per cent success and examines the reasons for this. Balloting methods are analysed and workplace ballots are found to be more democratic than postal ballots, without influencing the outcome
On the Growth of Knowledge in Public Administration.

The issue of proper research and theory development in public administration has been raised again by Howard E. McCurdy and Robert E. Cleary in their article, "Why Can't We Resolve the Research Issue in Public Administration? " They express concern for the lack of adequate research being done at the dissertation level and cite research findings suggesting that very few of the recent dissertations "meet the criteria that conventionally define careful, systematic study in the social sciences. " These criteria include purpose, validity, testability, causality, topical importance, and cutting edge significance. By not meeting these criteria, they feel that current dissertation research is not advancing knowledge in our field. ' Following their prescriptions for theory building could lead to the conclusion that case studies, histories, descriptions of administrative experiences, reports of action research projects, political theories, philosophical analyses, and social critiques will not contribute significantly to the growth of knowledge in public administration. This type of research normally does not satisfy the criteria of validity, testability, and causality. Nevertheless, this type of research has contributed significantly to our knowledge of public administration. Although Cleary and McCurdy may recognize the historical importance of descriptions and critiques for generating ideas about public administration, they claim: "A field that promotes descriptions and critiques still needs research. [and] Someone has to publicly expose the descriptions and critiques to the standards of scientific verification before they become 'usable knowledge. ' " They allow that "case studies can contribute to the verification of concepts or critiques, provided that they are consciously used to do so, especially in combination with other cases or studies," but they remind us about the validity problems of case studies in general. 2 Cleary and McCurdy advocate a mainstream social science approach: the belief that "the social sciences differ in degree and not in kind from the more well established natural sciences, and that the best way to achieve scientific success is to emulate the logic and methodology of the natural sciences. "3 This is evidenced by their adherence to the criteria of validity, testability, and causality; their call for testing of ideas generated by descriptions and critiques; and by their appeal to Kerlinger's Foundations of Behavioral Research to identify the criteria for quality research in the behavioral sciences.4 But serious questions have been raised about
Effects of a Nurse-Led Phone Follow-up Education Program Based on the Self-efficacy Among Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

Background: The integration of self-efficacy (SE) theory within a nurse-led telephone follow-up education program (NP-FEP) has not been extensively evaluated for patients with cardiovascular disease. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of an NP-FEP in improving SE (primary outcome) and achieving goals related to cardiovascular risk (secondary outcome) for patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods: In June and July 2013, a total of 403 patients with cardiovascular disease in Shanghai were randomized into the intervention and control groups. Personalized end goals were established for improving cardiovascular risk for each patient. The control group received conventional follow-up education, whereas the intervention group was contacted by telephone 11 times over a 6-month period with staged goals developed based on SE theory. Self-efficacy scores and goals for reducing cardiovascular risk were assessed at baseline, at the end of the 6-month intervention, and 12 months after enrollment. Results: The SE scores in both groups increased at 6 months and decreased slightly at 12 months. The baseline SE scores were similar between the groups (P > .05), but the average SE scores were increased more for the intervention group than for the control group at 6 (P < .05) and 12 (P < .05) months. In addition, the final goal achievement rates for the intervention group were significantly higher than for the control group (P < .05). The difference between the 2 groups was reflected by differences in cardiac disease risk factors defined by the World Health Organization. Conclusion: The NP-FEP improved SE and facilitated achievement of goals related to risk factors in patients with cardiovascular disease for at least 1 year.
Frequent In activation of CDKN2A and Rare Mutation of TP53 in PCNSL

Twenty primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) from immunocompetent patients (nineteen B‐cell lymphomas and one T‐cell lymphoma) were investigated for genetic alterations and/or expression of the genes BCL2, CCND1, CDK4, CDKN1A, CDKN2A, MDM2, MYC, RB1, REL, and TP53. The gene found to be altered most frequently was CDKN2A. Eight tumors (40%) showed homozygous and two tumors (10%) hemizygous CDKN2A deletions. Furthermore, methylation analysis of six PCNSL without homozygous CDKN2A loss revealed methylation of the CpG island within exon 1 of CDKN2A in three instances. Reverse transcription PCR analysis of CDKN2A mRNA expression was performed for 11 tumors and showed either no or weak signals. Similarly, immunocytochemistry for the CDKN2A gene product (p16) remained either completely negative or showed expression restricted to single tumor cells. None of the PCNSL showed amplification of CDK4. Similarly, investigation of CCND1 revealed no amplification, rearrangement or overexpression. The retinoblastoma protein was strongly expressed in all tumors. Only one PCNSL showed a mutation of the TP53 gene, i.e., a missense mutation at codon 248 (CGG to TGG: Arg to Trp). No evidence of BCL2 gene rearrangement was found in 11 tumors investigated. The bcl‐2 protein, however, was strongly expressed in most tumors. None of the 20 PCNSL demonstrated gene amplification of MDM2, MYC or REL. In summary, inactivation of CDKN2A by either homozygous deletion or DNA methylation represents an important molecular mechanism in PCNSL. Mutation of the TP53 gene and alterations of the other genes investigated appear to be of minor significance in these tumors.
Why food aid

"Food aid", writes Vernon Ruttan, "has been the most popular and the most controversial of United States assistance programs. The feeding of hungry people appeals to the most fundamental humanitarian instincts of the American people. It represents a rational expression of generosity by a nation blessed - or burdened - with surplus food production capacity. While appearing to do good for others, we are also doing good for ourselves - or at least for the producers and handlers of surplus agricultural commodities". In "Why Food Aid? " Ruttan brings together important essays and commentary on food aid policy - focusing on the need, the problems, the options, and the future. Beginning with the now-classic debate between Wilard W. Cochrane and Nobel Laureate Theodore W. Schultz, the book includes work by such as figures as ethicist Peter Singer, political commentator Emma Rothschild, and scholar Hans W. Singer. Also included is the congressional testimony of Raymond Hopkins on reforming food aid in the 1990s. In his introductory and concluding chapters, editor Vrenon Ruttan traces the politics of food aid policy from the passage of the first food aid legislation in 1954 through the Agricultural Development and Trade Act of 1990. Ruttan documents the forces that influenced congressional action and offers a perspective for the 1990s on food aid to developing countries as well as to the former centrally planned economies.
DETECTION OF BRUCELLA MELITENSIS AND CHLAMYDOPHILA ABORTUS ANTIBODIES IN ABORTING SHEEP IN THE KARS PROVINCE OF TURKEY

A total of 167 blood samples from aborting sheep were collected from nine different villages and the serum samples were tested for the presence of Brucella melitensis antibodies by a serum agglutination test and Chlamydophila abortus antibodies by ELISA. Seventy-one (40.11%) and nine (5.38%) serum samples were found to be positive for B. melitensis and C. abortus, respectively. These results may indicate that both pathogens are the major infectious agents responsible for abortions in sheep in the Kars province.
Employment and Technological Innovation: Evidence from U.K. Manufacturing Firms

This article uses British firm-level panel data on actual innovative activity drawn from different statistical sources to identify the effect of technical change on jobs. Previous work tends to find positive associations of proxies for technical change and employment but such studies suffer from various statistical drawbacks. In this study, even when one controls for fixed effects, dynamics, and endogeneity, innovations have a positive and significant effect on employment, which persists over several years. There seems to be little direct role for spillover effects from industry innovations or any role for industry wages or union power. Copyright 1997 by University of Chicago Press.
Typing of Aeromonas isolates from children with diarrhoea & water samples by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction & whole cell protein fingerprinting.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Aeromonas spp. are water-borne organisms, often associated with childhood diarrhoea. The present study was conducted to examine the epidemiological relationship among the Aeromonas spp. isolated from water and children with acute diarrhoea in Chennai. METHODS Thirty six Aeromonas isolates inclusive of 16 from children with diarrhoea, 15 from domestic water samples and 5 reference strains were studied by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR). Twenty eight Aeromonas isolates, 15 from children with diarrhoea, 10 from domestic water samples and three reference strains were analysed by SDS-PAGE for their whole cell protein profiles. RESULTS The 36 Aeromonas isolates examined by RAPD-PCR generated RAPD fingerprints with majority of the bands ranging from about 250 to 2800 bp. The RAPD fingerprints did not correspond with the phenospecies and varied greatly among the strains within the phenospecies. Cluster analysis revealed two major groups at 75 per cent hierarchical level, comprising 18 Aeromonas isolates, mainly recovered from domestic water samples, while the clinical isolates were scattered in different hierarchical levels in the dendrogram. The whole cell protein fingerprints examined by SDS-PAGE did not correspond with the phenospecies. Only four isolates of A. caviae were found to produce similar protein fingerprints allowing them to form a cluster at about 90 per cent hierarchical level, while the rest of the isolates were scattered at various hierarchical levels in the dendrogram. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS In the present study, RAPD fingerprinting was found to be useful in distinguishing Aeromonas isolates recovered from clinical and domestic water supplies. However, RAPD-PCR could not distinguish the phenospecies of the genus Aeromonas. Whole cell protein fingerprinting and cluster analysis could neither differentiate isolates from clinical and domestic water sources nor the phenospecies of the genus Aeromonas.
Who counts? : the quiet revolution of participation and numbers

IDS WORKING PAPER 296 MAY 2008 www.ids. ac.uk The paper, written by Robert Chambers, a Research Associate in the Participation, Power and Social Change Team at IDS, details how the methods can entail counting, calculating, measuring, estimating, ranking, valuing, scoring, and scaling. They often involve comparisons which are given numerical values. Examples of methods are: participatory mapping and modelling; proportional piling; card writing, marking, sorting and positioning; matrix ranking and scoring; pairwise ranking; linkage diagramming; and pocket voting. Many have elements that are visual and tangible, for example seeds or other counters, and are crosschecked and validated through small group processes.
The Credit Spread and U.S. Business Cycles

In this paper, we construct a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model in order to investigate the impact of credit spread shocks on the U.S. business cycle. We find that the shocks to the investment specific technology and the preference weights on consumption and leisure are the main sources of output fluctuation. Shocks to the credit spread and productivity are the main source of the fluctuation in the investment to output ratio. Credit spread shocks also had a significant impact on the output during the recent financial crisis.
Current State of Strain in the Central Cascadia Margin Derived from Changes in Distance between GPS Stations

Using continuously operating Global Positioning Stations in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, over 100 station-station baseline length changes were determined along seven West-East transects, two North-South transects and in three localized areas to determine both the average annual strains over the past several years, and the variation in strain over the central Cascadia convergent margin. The North-South transects (composed of multiple baselines) show shortening. Along West-East transects some baselines show shortening and others extension. The direction of the principle strains calculated for two areas 100 km from the deformation front are close to per-pendicular to the deformation front. The North-South strains are 10? 8 a? 1, which is an order-of-magnitude less than the West-East strains (10? 7 a? 1). Along several West-East transects, the magnitude of the strain increases away from the deformation front. All West-East transects showed a change in strain 250 km inland from deformation front.