Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Admission macrophage migration inhibitory factor predicts long-term prognosis in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Aims We previously showed in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) that admission levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) predict infarct size. We studied whether admission MIF alone or in combination with other biomarkers is useful for risk assessment of acute and chronic clinical outcomes in STEMI patients. Methods and results A total of 658 STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were consecutively recruited. MIF level was determined at admission and echocardiography performed on day-3 and then 12 months post-MI. Patients were followed for a median period of 64 months. Major endpoints included ST-segment resolution, all-cause mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). High MIF level was associated with larger enzymatic infarct size, incomplete resolution of ST-segment elevation post-PCI, impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and poorer improvement of LVEF (all P < 0.001). After adjustment for classical risk factors standard biomarkers and day-3 LVEF, admission MIF remained independently prognostic for all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43-3.22], and MACE (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.12-1.71, both P < 0.05). MIF was a significant additive predictor of all-cause mortality with a net reclassification improvement of 0.34 (P = 0.02). Furthermore, patients in high tertile of both admission MIF and day-3 Nt-proBNP had the highest mortality risk relative to other tertile groups (HR 11.28, 95% CI 4.82-26.94; P < 0.001). Conclusion STEMI patients with high admission MIF level experienced a poorer recovery of cardiac function and worse long-term adverse outcomes. Combination of Nt-proBNP with MIF further improves prognostic capability.
Chemoresistance to Depsipeptide FK228 [(E)-(1S,4S,10S,21R)-7-[(Z)-Ethylidene]-4,21-diisopropyl-2-oxa-12,13-dithia-5,8,20,23-tetraazabicyclo[8,7,6]-tricos-16-ene-3,6,9,22-pentanone] Is Mediated by Reversible MDR1 Induction in Human Cancer Cell Lines

Histone acetylation status, an epigenetic determinant of gene transcription, is controlled by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). The potent HDAC inhibitor FK228 [(E)-(1S,4S,10S,21R)-7-[(Z)-ethylidene]-4,21-diisopropyl-2-oxa-12,13-dithia-5,8,20,23-tetraazabicyclo[8,7,6]-tricos-16-ene-3,6,9,22-pentanone] is a substrate for multidrug resistance protein (MDR1) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), both of which mediate FK228 resistance. To determine the mechanisms underlying acquired FK228 resistance, we developed four FK228-resistant cell lines from HCT-15, IGROV1, MCF7, and K562 cells by stepwise increases in FK228 exposure. Parent and resistant cells were characterized using a 70-oligomer cDNA microarray, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, and cytotoxicity assays. At both mRNA and protein levels, MDR1, but not MRP1 or other potential resistance genes, was strongly up-regulated in all resistant cell lines. HAT or HDAC activities were unaffected in resistant cells, consistent with a lack of cross-resistance to HDAC inhibitors that are not MDR1 substrates. FK228 was found to reversibly induce MDR1 expression by HDAC inhibition and subsequent histone hyperacetylation at the MDR1 promoter, as shown by real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. This study reveals a significant role of histone acetylation in MDR1 transcription, which seems to mediate FK228 resistance.
The life cycle of manufacturing cells

When a functional layout is converted to a cellular layout, the cell design is generally based on a static picture of production volume and part mix, but manufacturing environments face ongoing changes in these parameters. It is expected that, eventually, changes in production volume and part mix will cause a deterioration in cell performance to the point that a cell’s machine layout must be redesigned, marking the end of the cell’s life cycle. Tests the existence of cell life cycles and performance deterioration attributed to changes in production volume and part mix through an exploratory field study which was undertaken at 15 firms using cellular manufacturing. Finds that cell life cycles did exist, but usually either in anticipation of declining cell performance ‐ rather than in reaction to it ‐ or in anticipation of potential improvements in cell performance due to changes in the marketplace.
Fundamentals Versus Contagion Proxies to Explain Financial Assets Price Changes

There is a general consensus that expected returns are notoriously difficult to predict for many reasons, including modeling and econometric problems. The bubble and contagion literature proposes fundamentals and contagion proxies as explanatory of financial asset's price changes. This paper uses mean and semiparametric methods to analyze the explanatory value of some of these variables. The goal of this study is to determine which variables have higher explanatory value as well as their differential impact throughout the distribution of returns. The findings suggest that none of the twelve different models used to proxy fundamentals have any explanatory value for price changes. The three models used to proxy contagion variables are found significant regardless of the methodology used: OLS, panel data or quantile regression. Also, in the three models, the effect of the independent variable is found to increase with the quantile.
Development of a Community Organic Vegetable Garden in Baltimore, Maryland: A Student Service-Learning Approach to Community Engagement

Urban community gardens are growing in many U.S. cities. More than 100 universities have established campus–community gardens; however. limited published data exist on the development of a university student-led, community-engaged garden in an urban setting. This article describes the principles and practices used in developing the Morgan State University Nutritional Sciences Program’s Community Organic Vegetable Garden. This urban community garden was initiated to promote healthy eating, service learning, community engagement, and student involvement. As a result, garden participation increased 4-fold, various crops were grown, and agriculture knowledge increased. In addition to the enhancement of landscaping and social interactions, a survey was developed. The garden positively influenced fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and environmental awareness. This was a successful campus–community project that strengthened service learning and community engagement for improved health, nutrition, and the environment.
How Gendering the Varieties of Capitalism Requires a Wider Lens

Mandel and Shalev’s (2009) response to the efforts made by Estévez-Abe (2005) and Soskice (2005) to ‘gender the varieties of capitalism’ (VoC) has provided a valuable critique focused on two major topics, the explanations of variations in participation rates of women and the explanations of variations in gender segregation. Both of these elements of the critique can be further widened and deepened to underline the need to move beyond the rather narrow lens of the varieties of capitalism perspective. In the first stage of their critique, Mandel and Shalev argue that the division between coordinated market economies (CMEs) and liberal market economies (LMEs) does not and indeed cannot, within the constraints of the current VoC framework, explain variations in female participation. The main divisions are found among CME countries not between CME and LME country groups. As these differences in access to employment constitute the most important dimension of difference in economic opportunities for women in a cross-country perspective, this gap in the varieties of capitalism (VoC) framework must be considered a major flaw. The partial
Decreased Expression of PAI-2 mRNA and Protein in Pregnancies Complicated with Intrauterine Fetal Growth Retardation

Summary An increase in plasma plasminogen activator inhibitors (PAIs), fundamentally PAI type 2 (PAI-2), has been described in normal pregnancy probably because the placenta is the main source of the high plasma levels of this protein. Although we have previously described plasmatic alterations of these inhibitors in pregnancies complicated with intrauterine fetal growth retardation (IUGR), no reports have been published about placental PAI-2 mRNA expression. In the present study, the placental PAI-2 expression determined in pregnancies complicated with IUGR and in severe preeclamptic patients was compared with that of normal pregnancies in order to identify the placental cell types expressing PAI-2 and to determine whether the production of PAI-2 is altered in placentas from IUGR. In situ hybridization analyses show that the syncytiotrophoblasts are the cells with the greatest PAI-2 expression in placenta. We report that the significant decrease in plasma and placental PAI-2 levels in IUGR groups is fundamentally due to a diminished expression of PAI-2 mRNA in placenta.
From Craft Production to Mass Customisation. Innovation Requirements for the UK Housebuilding Industry

Improving the efficiency of housebuilding is essential if the challenge of meeting future UK housing needs is to be met. The degree to which speculative housebuilders are prepared to adopt construction product and process innovations is central to this task. Historically, housebuilders have been notoriously slow to innovate. However, current housing market and regulatory trends suggest firms will have to reassess their strategies to ensure future success. The paper explores the extent to which new methods for improving the housing 'product' and reducing construction costs may be taken up by housebuilders. We then consider what can be done to overcome the barriers which have so far inhibited a more innovative housebuilding industry.
Biochemical characterization of prostate‐specific membrane antigen from canine prostate carcinoma cells

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) remains an important target for diagnostic and therapeutic application for human prostate cancer. Model cell lines have been recently developed to study canine prostate cancer but their PSMA expression and enzymatic activity have not been elucidated. The present study was focused on determining PSMA expression in these model canine cell lines and the use of fluorescent small‐molecule enzyme inhibitors to detect canine PSMA expression by flow cytometry.
Long‐distance seed and pollen dispersal inferred from spatial genetic structure in the very low–density rainforest tree, Baillonella toxisperma Pierre, in Central Africa

We analysed the spatial distribution of genetic diversity to infer gene flow for Baillonella toxisperma Pierre (Moabi), a threatened entomophilous pollinated and animal‐dispersed Central African tree, with typically low density (5–7 adults trees/km2). Fifteen nuclear and three universal chloroplast microsatellites markers were used to type 247 individuals localized in three contiguous areas with differing past logging intensity. These three areas were within a natural forest block of approximately 2886 km2 in Gabon. Expected heterozygosity and chloroplast diversity were Henuc = 0.570 and Hcp = 0.761, respectively. FIS was only significant in one area (FIS = 0.076, P < 0.01) and could be attributed to selfing. For nuclear loci, Bayesian clustering did not detect discrete gene pools within and between the three areas and global differentiation (FSTnuc = 0.007, P > 0.05) was not significant, suggesting that they are one population. At the level of the whole forest, both nuclear and chloroplast markers revealed a weak correlation between genetic relatedness and spatial distance between individuals: Spnuc = 0.003 and Spcp = 0.015, respectively. The extent of gene flow (σ) was partitioned into global gene flow (σg) from 6.6 to 9.9 km, seed dispersal (σs) from 4.0 to 6.3 km and pollen dispersal (σp) from 9.8 to 10.8 km. These uncommonly high dispersal distances indicate that low‐density canopy trees in African rainforests could be connected by extensive gene flow, although, given the current threats facing many seed disperser species in Central Africa, this may no longer be the case.
An Intertemporal Model of International Capital Market Segmentation

Abstract This paper develops an intertemporal model of international capital market segmentation. Within the model, under various forms of segmentation/integration, the equilibrium asset prices and allocations, the risk-free interest rate, and the intertemporal consumption behavior and welfares of two countries are derived and compared. It is shown that the equilibrium interest rate is increased on integration, and that integrating markets may be significantly welfare decreasing for one of the countries. Conditions that may lead to a decrease in welfare are investigated. The conclusions as to the effects of segmentation on asset prices in the mean-variance model of the existing finance segmentation literature are also shown to break down in an intertemporal model.
Do Fundamentally-Adjusted Valuation Multiples Improve Valuation Accuracy? The Case of the Polish Stock Market

A series of popular stock investment strategies are based on buying stocks with low valuation multiples. These strategies assume that low multiples signal undervaluation. However, the low multiples can be justified by fundamentals. In such cases even stocks with very low multiples can be overvalued. In this paper regression analysis is used to identify the impact of fundamentals on multiples. The multiples are the dependent variable and the accounting ratios are the explanatory variables. Such a regression enables the estimation of the fundamentally-adjusted multiple. The regression residuals measure the scope of undervaluation / overvaluation. Using this approach, the most undervalued (overvalued) stocks are those with the most negative (positive) residuals (and not the stocks with the lowest actual multiples). We compared the profitability of strategies based on low actual multiples with the profitability of strategies based on actual and fundamentally-adjusted multiples. Data from the Polish stock market from 1998-2010 are examined. The research found that allowing for the impact of accounting fundamentals on multiples can increase the accuracy of valuation in the case of P/S multiple but not in the case of P/E and P/BV multiples.
Bridging the information gap: A survey of politics and international relations PhD students in Australia

This article analyses the results of the first exclusive survey of politics and international relations PhD students in Australia. The survey was completed by 186 students from 22 universities. Students were asked 54 questions covering five areas: candidate choices, degree structure, research interests, workload pressures and the role of the Australian Political Studies Association (APSA). Our findings indicate that students base their choice of institution on pre-existing personal relationships rather than university reputation or research expertise; want more coursework and methodological training; believe scholarship-application outcomes are not based on merit; feel they cannot meet the field's workload expectations; and are unaware of APSA. This article raises important questions about the opportunities and support that individual academics, departments and university administrations provide to potential and existing students. 本文分析了澳大利亚首次政治学与国际关系学博士生专门调查的结果。 调查涉及22所大学的186位学生。 这些学生回答了涵盖五个领域的54个问题，包括博士候选人选择、学位结构、研究兴趣、课业负担以及澳大利亚政治学会的作用。 我们的研究发现：学生对院校的选择基于既有的个人关系而非学校的研究声誉；他们希望更多的课业、更多的方法训练；他们认为奖学金申请的结果根据的不是能力表现；他们认为自己达不到所学领域的课业期待；他们不了解澳大利亚政治学会。 本文就个体院系管理方提供给在读和潜在学生的机会和支持提出了一些重要的问题。
To live an ordinary life: resource needs and additional costs for people with a physical impairment

Disabled people face increased risks of living in poverty largely due to lower incomes and extra resource requirements compared to non-disabled people. This study incorporated the social model of disability with an economic approach to costing to estimate the additional costs required by people with a physical impairment to achieve an adequate standard of living in New Zealand. Budgets estimating the additional equipment, modifications, transport, support and time required to achieve an adequate standard of living were developed and validated through focus groups with community members. The findings suggest that reducing barriers involves substantial costs ranging from NZ$645–$2,348 per week.
International competitiveness and organizational change drivers anticipated by Estonian managers in the context of European integration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the way Estonian enterprises adapt strategically to European union membership. The research question is: what are the main patterns of internationally competitive business development and related organizational change and learning drivers for managers in a transitional country in the European integration process? Design/methodology/approach – This explorative research combines a questionnaire survey and follow‐up interviews of managers from 87 enterprises in food processing, transportation and logistics, wood and furniture, information technology, mechanical engineering, textiles and professional services. The timing of the survey and follow‐up interviews brings longitudinal features to the research design.Findings – The paper offers insights into managerial visions of future competitive advantage and links to changes induced by European integration. Respondents most often pointed out flexibility and competent staff as the key element of their competitivene.
Biofilms in the Food Industry: Health Aspects and Control Methods

Diverse microorganisms are able to grow on food matrixes and along food industry infrastructures. This growth may give rise to biofilms. This review summarizes, on the one hand, the current knowledge regarding the main bacterial species responsible for initial colonization, maturation and dispersal of food industry biofilms, as well as their associated health issues in dairy products, ready-to-eat foods and other food matrixes. These human pathogens include Bacillus cereus (which secretes toxins that can cause diarrhea and vomiting symptoms), Escherichia coli (which may include enterotoxigenic and even enterohemorrhagic strains), Listeria monocytogenes (a ubiquitous species in soil and water that can lead to abortion in pregnant women and other serious complications in children and the elderly), Salmonella enterica (which, when contaminating a food pipeline biofilm, may induce massive outbreaks and even death in children and elderly), and Staphylococcus aureus (known for its numerous enteric toxins). On the other hand, this review describes the currently available biofilm prevention and disruption methods in food factories, including steel surface modifications (such as nanoparticles with different metal oxides, nanocomposites, antimicrobial polymers, hydrogels or liposomes), cell-signaling inhibition strategies (such as lactic and citric acids), chemical treatments (such as ozone, quaternary ammonium compounds, NaOCl and other sanitizers), enzymatic disruption strategies (such as cellulases, proteases, glycosidases and DNAses), non-thermal plasma treatments, the use of bacteriophages (such as P100), bacteriocins (such us nisin), biosurfactants (such as lichenysin or surfactin) and plant essential oils (such as citral- or carvacrol-containing oils).
Seeking Asylum Alone: Treatment of Separated and Trafficked Children in Need of Refugee Protection

Forced migration of refugees or trafficked persons has emerged as one of the critical human rights issues of our time. One aspect of this issue has generated increasing international political and legal concern but has not received adequate scholarly attention: how effective are the legal mechanisms that seek to protect child asylum seekers who are separated from their families because of persecution or trafficking? This question underpins a new, international research project being launched at Harvard University in conjunction with the University of Sydney in Australia and collaborators in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The project is funded by a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Preliminary research supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees has already been started in Germany, Austria, Sweden and Norway. The project will explore how the asylum adjudication system within the three countries studied maps its international legal obligations under the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees onto its domestic decisions. It will analyze the meaning and application of the “best interests of the child” principle as it applies to both the process and the outcome of the asylum determination system. It will examine how the populations of trafficked and separated child asylum applicants compare between different countries, in terms of nationality of origin, age and gender distribution, and nature of claims. The results of the research will be contributed to a database of decisions on child asylum cases (with precedents and sample pleadings). Roll out meetings with policy makers, NGOs and advocates are envisaged as part of the dissemination of the findings in future.
A purification process for heparin and precursor polysaccharides using the pH responsive behavior of chitosan

The contamination crisis of 2008 has brought to light several risks associated with use of animal tissue derived heparin. Because the total chemical synthesis of heparin is not feasible, a bioengineered approach has been proposed, relying on recombinant enzymes derived from the heparin/HS biosynthetic pathway and Escherichia coli K5 capsular polysaccharide. Intensive process engineering efforts are required to achieve a cost‐competitive process for bioengineered heparin compared to commercially available porcine heparins. Towards this goal, we have used 96‐well plate based screening for development of a chitosan‐based purification process for heparin and precursor polysaccharides. The unique pH responsive behavior of chitosan enables simplified capture of target heparin or related polysaccharides, under low pH and complex solution conditions, followed by elution under mildly basic conditions. The use of mild, basic recovery conditions are compatible with the chemical N‐deacetylation/N‐sulfonation step used in the bioengineered heparin process. Selective precipitation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) leads to significant removal of process related impurities such as proteins, DNA and endotoxins. Use of highly sensitive liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analytical techniques reveal a minimum impact of chitosan‐based purification on heparin product composition. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 31:1348–1359, 2015