Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipid Profile in Tuberculosis Patients with and without Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Background Understanding whether the preceding low lipid profile leads to active tuberculosis (TB) or active TB leads to low lipid profile is crucial. Methods Lipid profile concentrations were determined from 159 study participants composed of 93 active TB patients [44 HIV coinfected (HIV+TB+) and 49 HIV negative (HIV−TB+)], 41 tuberculin skin test (TST) positive cases [17 HIV coinfected (HIV+TST+) and 24 HIV negative (HIV−TST+)], and 25 healthy controls (HIV−TST−). Cobas Integra 400 Plus was used to determine lipid profiles concentration level. Results The concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in HIV−TB+ patients were significantly lower compared to HIV−TST+ and to HIV−TST− individuals. Similarly, the concentrations of the TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C in HIV+TB+ were significantly lower compared to HIV−TB+ patients. After the 6 months of anti-TB treatment (ATT), the concentration levels of TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C in HIV−TB+ patients were higher compared to the baseline concentration levels, while they were not significantly different compared to that of HIV−TST+ concentration. Conclusion The low concentration of lipid profiles in TB patients may be a consequence of the disease and significantly increased in TB patients after treatment.
Functional estrogen receptor beta in colon cancer cells.

Evidence exists for expression of estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) in human colonic mucosa. Here we investigated the expression of the classical ER (ERalpha) and of four isoforms of the human ERbeta in HCT116, HCT8, DLD-1, and LoVo colon adenocarcinoma cell lines. In addition, [(3)H]17beta-estradiol (17betaE(2)) binding to intact colon cancer cells was evaluated. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses showed lack of expression of the classical ERalpha in the four colon cancer cell lines. Conversely, wild-type ERbeta isoform 1 was highly expressed in HCT8, HCT116, DLD-1, and LoVo cells and isoforms ERbeta2-5 were present in HCT8 and HCT116 cells. Scatchard and Hill analysis of [(3)H]17betaE(2) binding to the four different colon cancer cells revealed the presence of two classes of binding sites, one with high affinity (K(d) values of 1-2 nM) and the other with lower affinity (K(d) values of 10-20 nM). Forty-eight hour-pretreatment of cells with 1 and 10 nM 17betaE(2) did not induce an increase of progesterone-specific binding to HCT8 cells, while a significant induction was observed after treatment with 10 nM 17betaE(2) in HCT116 and DLD-1 cells and with both concentrations in LoVo cells. In addition, 1 pM-0.1 nM 17betaE(2) significantly induced cell proliferation of HCT8 cells, while reducing growth of HCT116 and DLD1 cells at 10 nM-1 microM concentrations and of LoVo cells at all tested concentrations (1 pM-1 microM). These in vitro findings pose the basis for in vivo functions of ERbeta and ERbeta-interacting molecules in human colon cancer tissue.
The Enabling State: The Role of Markets and Contracts

Contracts and markets have been crucial to the process of reinventing the public service in Britain which began a decade ago and is still in full flow. In this process the concept of contract is important as much as the basis of a new rhetoric and as a metaphor as it is as a formal legal mechanism. Relationships between different actors at all levels of government and outside it are being reconceptualised; and the metaphor of contract provides an ideal form which can be readily adapted to a whole range of situations and relationships.
Between Government and Governance – Local Solutions for Reconciling Representative Government and Network Governance

Abstract This article discusses the possibilities of reconciling representative government and network governance in local government, and the implications of this reconciliation for the roles and requirements of politicians and administrators. The experiences discussed are derived from three case study municipalities in Finland. The results indicate that municipalities find it difficult to work both effectively and democratically in new governance networks. They have worked out some good practices for maintaining coordination and democratic legitimacy, but the best practices are demanding and time-consuming, and are not necessarily well suited to the current institutionalised role of local councillors.
Where has All the Physical Education Gone? Results of a Generalist Primary Schools Teachers- Survey on Teaching Physical Education

Concerns about low levels of children's physical activity and motor skill development, prompted the Ministry of Education to trial a physical activity pilot project (PAPP) in 16 New Zealand primary schools. The project comprised professional development and training in physical education for lead teachers and introduced four physical activity coordinators to liaise with and increase physical activity opportunities in the pilot schools. A survey of generalist teachers (128 baseline, 155 post-intervention) from these schools looked at timetabled physical activity sessions and issues related to teaching physical education. The authors calculated means and standard deviations of data relating to timetabled PE sessions and used a one-way analysis of variance to determine significant differences. Results indicated time devoted to physical activity related subjects significantly increased over the course of the intervention. Teacher's reported improved confidence and competence, which resulted in an improvement in quality physical education delivered more often.
Urban land markets in Sub-Saharan Africa : a quantitative study of Accra Ghana

The existing body of knowledge attributes to informal land transactions in sub-Saharan African cities observed problems in city neighbourhoods. However, the dearth of empirically insightful studies of how this eventuates continues to leave a vacuum in terms of practical solutions. But it is commonly held that bureaucratic intervention offers a way out. Substantial resources, often backed by donor agencies, are therefore being spent in revamping bureaux and governmental bodies in a bid to solving the problems. This thesis sets as its central aim to identify and establish the costs to agents of the real causes of the problems. It also aims to assess the economic impact of formal policy measures on agents and recommends feasible approaches to market regulations. To address the objectives insights from property rights, transactions costs and public choice economics are brought to bear. Based on a survey of market participants of sampled informal neighbourhoods in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, it employs regression and discriminant analyses to analyse the data generated. In the process helpful insights are gained. It has been possible to put some figures to the extent of costs that lead agents to operate in ways that eventually translate into the problems commonly witnessed. The study finds that actual costs to market participants of government activities are too high to be of any benefit. These costs mainly derive from rent-seeking behaviour which extensive bureaucratic intervention of transactions in urban residential lands bring about. On the basis of the results of the regression analysis, arguments implying inefficiency of informal land markets, specifically relating to the arbitrary nature of prices, are refuted. The futility of the use of compulsory purchase powers to create residential neighbourhoods also emerges from the results of the discriminant analysis. Similarly, efficiency' enhancing bureaucratic interventions in the informal market lead to the diversion of real resources into wasteful rent-seeking expenditures. The sum of these wasteful diversions of resources explains a great deal of the haphazard developments that have come to characterise many neighbourhoods of cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Market led regulation emerges as the needed focus of future land policy and management strategy. But to work the study calls for the removal of unwarranted market interventions extant at the present moment and the reorganisation of bureaux to be responsible in ways that would induce them to operate efficiently.
Downward Wage Rigidities and Other Firms´ Responses to an Economic Slowdown: Evidence from a Survey of Colombian Firms

This paper uses a wage setting survey of 1,305 Colombian firms to explore the nature and sources of wage rigidities. This is the first study of a non-European emerging economy that uses evidence from a survey of firms to analyse this topic. The survey was carried out during the first half of 2009, when the Colombian economy was showing signs of a slowdown in economic activity and increasing unemployment. The sample is fully representative of the population under study. The results provide evidence of nominal and real downward wage rigidities in the country. The most important factor in not reducing base wages during an economic slowdown is to avoid the loss of more experienced and productive workers, which is related to the efficiency wage theory in its adverse selection version. In addition, ordered logit regressions were used to determine what factors are related to wage rigidities. The findings indicate that, in general, permanent contracts, workforce composition, labour intensity and the presence of collective agreements play an important role in explaining wage rigidities in the country.
Quality Circle Survival: An Exploratory Analysis

This paper examines the extent and causes of the abandonment of individual workgroup meetings (or circles) within ongoing quality circle programs. Data are drawn from a cross-sectional survey of quality circles in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. The data suggest that circles that are started during a program's first year tend to decay over time, but their survival increases with high levels of participatory management, job insecurity, low worker skill levels, and unions. Analysis of the union effect suggests that circle survival increases where unions are actively involved in and benefit from quality circle programs.
The Genome of Salmonella enterica Serovar Gallinarum: Distinct Insertions/Deletions and Rare Rearrangements

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum is a fowl-adapted pathogen, causing typhoid fever in chickens. It has the same antigenic formula (1,9,12:—:—) as S. enterica serovar Pullorum, which is also adapted to fowl but causes pullorum disease (diarrhea). The close relatedness but distinct pathogeneses make this pair of fowl pathogens good models for studies of bacterial genomic evolution and the way these organisms acquired pathogenicity. To locate and characterize the genomic differences between serovar Gallinarum and other salmonellae, we constructed a physical map of serovar Gallinarum strain SARB21 by using I-CeuI, XbaI, and AvrII with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis techniques. In the 4,740-kb genome, we located two insertions and six deletions relative to the genome of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2, which we used as a reference Salmonella genome. Four of the genomic regions with reduced lengths corresponded to the four prophages in the genome of serovar Typhimurium LT2, and the others contained several smaller deletions relative to serovar Typhimurium LT2, including regions containing srfJ, std, and stj and gene clusters encoding a type I restriction system in serovar Typhimurium LT2. The map also revealed some rare rearrangements, including two inversions and several translocations. Further characterization of these insertions, deletions, and rearrangements will provide new insights into the molecular basis for the specific host-pathogen interactions and mechanisms of genomic evolution to create a new pathogen.
Qualitative constraints for human-aware robot navigation using Velocity Costmaps

In this work, we propose the combination of a state-of-the-art sampling-based local planner with so-called Velocity Costmaps to achieve human-aware robot navigation. Instead of introducing humans as “special obstacles” into the representation of the environment, we restrict the sample space of a “Dynamic Window Approach” local planner to only allow trajectories based on a qualitative description of the future unfolding of the encounter. To achieve this, we use a Bayesian temporal model based on a Qualitative Trajectory Calculus to represent the mutual navigation intent of human and robot, and translate these descriptors into sample space constraints for trajectory generation. We show how to learn these models from demonstration and evaluate our approach against standard Gaussian cost models in simulation and in real-world using a non-holonomic mobile robot. Our experiments show that our approach exceeds the performance and safety of the Gaussian models in pass-by and path crossing situations.
Everyone's miracle? revisiting poverty and inequality in East Asia

This study examines poverty and inequality in East Asia and the Pacific. Chapter 1 briefly reviews recent economic growth in East Asia as background to the analysis of poverty and inequality trends. Chapter 2 presents the available evidence on aggregate poverty trends and the profile of the poor within countries. Chapter 3 presents the evidence on inequality and briefly discusses why this may be of concern. Chapter 4 presents a case study of Thailand, analyzing its poverty profile and inequality dynamics in detail. Chapter 5 summarizes the set of policies that enabled many countries to reduce poverty and asks whether the new developments warrant any policy changes or new initiatives. Chapter 6 presents four findings: a) The remarkable and sustained rates of economic growth throughout most of the region have generated considerable benefits of the poor. b) Different rates of growth and poverty reduction has brought about a change in poverty map. It signals the need to focus attention on the specific needs of lagging economies, many of which are in transition. c) Poverty remains unevenly distributed within most East Asian economies. d) There is some doubt on the perception of East Asia as an atypically egalitarian region.
Building Ladders out of Chains: China's Hybrid-led Technological Development in Disaggregated Value Chains

Abstract In China, entrepreneurs hailing from ethnic Chinese transnational technology networks have linked up with global capital to create hybrid firms that combine relatively efficient foreign financing with a strategic commitment to intensive utilisation of domestic resources to create their core corporate competencies. This article refers to these firms as global hybrid firms and to development driven by these firms as hybrid-led development. Hybrids, given their generally small scale and scope, work best in sectors exhibiting disaggregated value chains, fast clockspeeds and high technology-intensity. Patent data demonstrates that hybrids outperform other firms generally and especially in sectors exhibiting these three characteristics.
Nucleotides and Two Functional States of hsp90*

Previous studies have demonstrated the ATP-dependent formation of a complex containing the heat shock protein hsp90, the unique hsp90 binding protein p23, and one of three high molecular weight immunophilins. In the present study, hsp90 and p23 are shown to form a complex that requires elevated temperature and ATP/Mg2+. Complex formation is strongly promoted by molybdate and by the nonionic detergent Nonidet P-40. ADP and the benzoquinone ansamycin, geldanamycin, are potent inhibitors of complex formation. The ATP-dependent process alters the state of hsp90, not p23, and influences the ability of hsp90 to bind to phenyl-Sepharose. Conversion of hsp90 to the ATP-bound state lowers its affinity for phenyl-Sepharose. These results show that hsp90 can exist in at least two functional states, one able to bind p23 and the other with a high affinity for hydrophobic resins. A model is presented where these states are dictated by the binding of either ATP or ADP.
Competence in confirming correct placement of nasogastric feeding tubes amongst FY1 doctors

Abstract Foundation year one (FY1) doctors are required to confirm correct placement of nasogastric (NG) feeding tubes on chest radiography on a regular basis. Many FY1s do not receive formal training during medical school or during the FY1 year. Multiple incidents of harm to patients, including death, resulting from incorrect placement of an NG feeding tube have been reported to the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) since 2005. Our audit assessed the confidence and knowledge of FY1 doctors in correctly confirming NG placement using a qualitative questionnaire. The results showed that both confidence and knowledge on the topic were remarkably poor. Our intervention consisted of a teaching session to the FY1 cohort, which included information on NPSA guidelines for identifying correct NG placement. A post-teaching questionnaire was attained from the same group of FY1s. Confidence and knowledge of the criteria had significantly improved. We concluded that there is clearly a need for teaching on this subject at an undergraduate and post-graduate level. The interactive peer-led style of our teaching session was shown to be highly effective. The addition of handouts and posters in the clinical workplace acted as helpful reminders for junior doctors to use at the point of need. Our project has highlighted a gap in training which poses a serious potential risk to patient safety. We have created a simple solution which, if adopted on a local and national scale, will facilitate a reduction in avoidable harm to patients.
Coping strategies, depressive symptoms and quality of life in hypertensive patients: Mediational and prospective relations

This study examined whether depressive symptoms mediated the association between coping strategies and quality of life (QoL) in a sample of hypertensive patients, and the prospective contribution of depressive symptoms and coping strategies in the prediction of their QoL. One hundred and fifty patients (50% males and 50% females) with a diagnosis of essential hypertension were recruited from a general hospital. Symptoms of depression, coping and QoL measures (global score and dimensions) were collected at baseline. Sixty-three participants completed the QoL questionnaire again one year later (T2). The results indicated that the relations between emotion coping and QoL (global score, satisfaction and social support) were totally mediated by depressive symptoms. The association between emotion coping and well-being was, however, partially mediated by depressive symptoms. Furthermore, only baseline instrumental coping strategies predicted higher levels of QoL (global score, well-being and social support) at T2. Neither emotion coping nor depressive symptoms were significantly associated with prospective QoL. These findings suggest that depressive symptoms may be a mechanism linking the manner in which patients cope with their hypertension and their QoL. They also emphasise the adaptive role played by instrumental coping responses in the management of hypertension in the long term.
Seeing What's Next: Using the Theories of Innovation to Predict Industry Change

Section I: How to Use Theory to Analyze 1) Signals of Change Where are the Opportunities? 2) Competitive Battles: How to Size Up Competitors 3) Firm Choices: Identifying What Choices Matter 4) Non-Market Factors Influence Innovation Section II: Theory-Based Analysis 5) Disruptive Diplomas - The Future of Education 6) Disruption Spreads Its Wings - The Future of Aviation 7) Whither Moore's Law? - The Future of Semiconductors 8) Healing the 800-Pound Gorilla - The Future of Health Care 9) Innovation Overseas - Using Theory to Assess Corporate and Country Strategies 10) Breaking the Wire - The Future of Telecommunications Conclusion: What's Next Appendix Glossary Index About the Authors
Household Demand for Food Away from Home (FAFH) in Nigeria: The Role of Education

The aim of this study is to investigate the demand characteristics of household consumption of food-away-from-home (FAFH) with a focus on the role of education of household head in Nigeria. Using 2003/2004 Nigeria Living Standard Survey (NLSS) data, we employ the Cragg’s Double-Hurdle (DH) model, which estimate jointly, households’ decisions to consume FAFH and how much to spend on FAFH or the demand for FAFH. The empirical results show that education of household head decreases the demand and probability of consuming FAFH, while household income and households with younger age cohorts increase the demand and probability of consuming FAFH in the study. The findings also reveal that education reduces the demand for FAFH for the wealthier households twice as much as it does for the poorer households.
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) orchestrates the defense program of innate immune cells

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) can be viewed as cellular master complex scoring cellular vitality and stress. Whether mTOR controls also innate immune‐defenses is currently unknown. Here we demonstrate that TLR activate mTOR via phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt. mTOR physically associates with the MyD88 scaffold protein to allow activation of interferon regulatory factor‐5 and interferon regulatory factor‐7, known as master transcription factors for pro‐inflammatory cytokine‐ and type I IFN‐genes. Unexpectedly, inactivation of mTOR did not prevent but increased lethality of endotoxin‐mediated shock, which correlated with increased levels of IL‐1β. Mechanistically, mTOR suppresses caspase‐1 activation, thus inhibits release of bioactive IL‐1β. We have identified mTOR as indispensable component of PRR signal pathways, which orchestrates the defense program of innate immune cells.
A Review of Disparate Approaches to Strategy Implementation in Hospitality Firms

In the field of strategy, most research has focused on earlier stages of the strategic management process, namely, analysis and formulation. Research to date has failed to recognize that it is at the implementation stage where the process most often breaks down. A number of disparate approaches to strategic management have emerged in the field, and each of them has different and often contrasting implications for how strategies should be developed and executed. The authors compare and contrast the implications of these approaches regarding how companies can best implement their strategies successfully. The authors review previous strategy implementation research in the strategic management and hospitality management fields from the perspective of five different schools of thought. The article ends by summarizing the key findings of the review and also gives further information about the next stages of a research project into strategy implementation in a sample of international hotel groups.
Dividend Omissions and Intraindustry Information Transfers

We examine potential information transfers from companies that announce dividend omissions to their industry rivals. Specifically, we examine the abnormal stock returns and abnormal earnings forecast revisions of rivals after a company makes a dividend-omission announcement. Our results show negative and significant abnormal stock returns and negative and significant abnormal forecast revisions for rival companies in response to the announcement, and a significant and positive relation between the two. We conclude that a dividend-omission announcement transmits unfavorable information across the announcing company's industry that affects cash flow expectations and ultimately stock prices. 2003 The Southern Finance Association and the Southwestern Finance Association.