Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
2B or not 2B? Disparate discrimination of functional VWF discordance using different assay panels or methodologies may lead to success or failure in the early identification of type 2B VWD

Summary Laboratory proficiency in the identification of functional von Willebrand factor (VWF) discordance in type 2B von Willebrand disease (VWD) was assessed by external quality assurance surveys conducted by the RCPA Haematology QAP, and using six different type 2B VWD plasma samples (three historical and three previously unpublished) tested by up to 52 laboratories. For the three most recent samples, functional VWF discordance was either not identified in testing or by interpretation with misidentification as ‘normal’ or ‘type 1 VWD’, on average for 25.7% of test occasions when laboratories performed VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo as their primary VWF test panel, but somewhat fewer occasions (10.9%) for laboratories that incorporated VWF:CB as an additional functional VWF assay. VWF assay sub-methodologies also influenced the appropriate identification of samples as potentially type 2 VWD, and VWF functional discordance was more consistently identified when laboratories used (i) automated platelet agglutination for VWF:RCo compared to classical platelet aggregometry, (ii) inhouse VWF:CB assays compared to commercial kit methods, and (iii) automated LIA-based ‘VWF:Activity’ assays compared to ELISA based assays.We conclude that:(i) laboratories are generally proficient in tests for VWD but interpretative diagnostic errors do occur; (ii) correct diagnosis is more likely when test panels are more comprehensive and include the VWF:CB; (iii) sub-methodology influences the appropriate identification of VWF functional discordance. On the basis of these findings, we provide a series of recommendations to enable the appropriate laboratory identification of VWD, in particular type 2B VWD.
The Last Refuge of a Scoundrel

We study the effects of patriotism on tax compliance. In particular, we assume that individuals feel a (random draw of) warm glow from honestly paying their taxes. A higher expected warm glow reduces the government's optimal audit probability and yields higher tax compliance. Second, individuals with higher warm glow are less likely to evade taxes. This prediction is confirmed empirically by a multivariate analysis on the individual level while controlling for several other potentially confounding factors. The findings survive a variety of robustness checks, including an instrumental variables estimation to tackle the possible endogeneity of patriotism. On the aggregate level, we provide evidence for a negative correlation between average patriotic warm glow and the size of the shadow economy across several countries.
Gene expression during reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 from latency in the peripheral nervous system is different from that during lytic infection of tissue cultures

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) replicates in peripheral tissues and forms latent infections in neurons of the peripheral nervous system. It can be reactivated from latency by various stimuli to cause recurrent disease. During lytic infection in tissue culture cells, there is a well-described temporal pattern of (i) immediate-early, (ii) early, and (iii) late gene expression. However, latency is characterized by little if any expression of genes of the lytic cycle of infection. During reactivation, the pattern of gene expression is presumed to be similar to that during the lytic cycle in tissue culture, though recent work of W. P. Halford et al. (J. Virol. 70:5051-5060, 1996) and P. F. Nichol et al. (J. Virol. 70:5476-5486, 1996) suggests that it is modified in neuronal cell cultures. We have used the mouse trigeminal ganglion explant model and reverse transcription-PCR to determine the pattern of viral and cellular gene expression during reactivation. Surprisingly, the pattern of viral gene expression during lytic infection of cell cultures is not seen during reactivation. During reactivation, early viral transcripts were detected before immediate-early transcripts. The possibility that a cellular factor upregulates early genes during the initial reactivation stimulus is discussed.
Reluctance to express emotion explains relation between cognitive distortions and social competence in anxious children

Guided by social information processing and affective social competence models, the focal objective of this research was to examine the relations among anxious children's cognitive distortions, social skill competence, and reluctance to express emotion. In addition, we explored whether children's attention control played any meaningful role. Using a sample of 111 anxious children (Mage = 9.63, SD = 0.73; 75.7% girls; 56% Hispanic/Latino), we found that cognitive distortions were negatively related to social competence. In addition, tests of moderated mediation showed that the negative association between cognitive distortions and social skill competence was indirect via reluctance to express emotion, but this only was the case for anxious children with high attention control and for distortions in the academic domain. The findings of this study may set the stage for new ways to conceptualize the role of higher attention control among anxious youth. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Cognitive errors are prevalent in anxious youth Anxious children show socio-emotion deficits What does this study add? Cognitive errors are related to socio-emotion deficits in anxious youth Relations depend on attention control.
Exchange Rate Pass-through in the 1980s: The Case of U.S. Imports of Manufactures

MOVEMENTS IN the exchange rate of the dollar are now widely perceived to have less impact on U.S. import prices than they had at the beginning of this decade. If that perception is accurate, a depreciation of the dollar may be less effective in bringing about adjustment in the real external balance, but it is also less likely to fuel inflation. We address three questions in this report. What are current estimates of the timing and magnitude of the effect of changes in the exchange rate on import prices? Has this relationship changed over the past decade? What would be the implications for U.S. import prices of a further fall in the dollar? Over the years, a substantial body of empirical research has addressed the question of the transmission of nominal exchange rate changes to import prices, either directly or as part of a discussion of how exchange rate changes might affect the trade balance. ' In fact, it is almost a rite of
Local conformational dynamics in α-helices measured by fast triplet transfer

Coupling fast triplet–triplet energy transfer (TTET) between xanthone and naphthylalanine to the helix–coil equilibrium in alanine-based peptides allowed the observation of local equilibrium fluctuations in α-helices on the nanoseconds to microseconds time scale. The experiments revealed faster helix unfolding in the terminal regions compared with the central parts of the helix with time constants varying from 250 ns to 1.4 μs at 5 °C. Local helix formation occurs with a time constant of ≈400 ns, independent of the position in the helix. Comparing the experimental data with simulations using a kinetic Ising model showed that the experimentally observed dynamics can be explained by a 1-dimensional boundary diffusion with position-independent elementary time constants of ≈50 ns for the addition and of ≈65 ns for the removal of an α-helical segment. The elementary time constant for helix growth agrees well with previously measured time constants for formation of short loops in unfolded polypeptide chains, suggesting that helix elongation is mainly limited by a conformational search.
The Exonuclease Activity of Human Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease (APE1)

Human DNA apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE1) plays a key role in the DNA base excision repair process. In this study, we further characterized the exonuclease activity of APE1. The magnesium requirement and pH dependence of the exonuclease and endonuclease activities of APE1 are significantly different. APE1 showed a similar K m value for matched, 3′ mispaired, or nucleoside analog β-l-dioxolane-cytidine terminated nicked DNA as well as for DNA containing a tetrahydrofuran, an abasic site analog. The k cat for exonuclease activity on matched, 3′ mispaired, and β-l-dioxolane-cytidine nicked DNA are 2.3, 61.2, and 98.8 min−1, respectively, and 787.5 min−1 for APE1 endonuclease. Site-directed APE1 mutant proteins (E96A, E96Q, D210E, D210N, and H309N), which target amino acid residues in the endonuclease active site, also showed significant decrease in exonuclease activity. Gp4G was the only potent inhibitor to compete against the substrates of endonuclease and exonuclease activities among all tested naturally occurring ribo-, deoxyribo-nucleoside/nucleotides, NAD+, NADP+, and Ap4A. TheK i values of Gp4G for the endonuclease and exonuclease activities of APE1 are 10 ± 0.6 and 1 ± 0.2 μm, respectively. Given the relative concentrations of Gp4G, 3′ mispaired, and abasic DNA, Gp4G may play an important role in regulating APE1 activity in cells. The data presented here suggest that the APE1 exonuclease and AP endonuclease are two distinct activities. APE1 may exist in two different conformations, and each conformation has a preference for a substrate. The different conformations can be affected by MgCl2 or salt concentrations.
Environmental Regulation and Differential Production of Members of the Bdr Protein Family of Borrelia burgdorferi

ABSTRACT Borrelia burgdorferi B31MI carries 18 plasmid-carried genes that form the bdr gene family. The bdr genes of B. burgdorferi encode proteins that form three distinct subfamilies, the BdrD, BdrE, and BdrF subfamilies. bdr orthologs have been demonstrated to be carried by all Borrelia species analyzed, and their widespread distribution suggests that they play an important genus-wide functional role. The biological rationale for maintaining 18 bdr alleles has not been defined. It is our hypothesis that specific paralogs function in different environments and are differentially expressed in response to environmental conditions. As a first step in testing this hypothesis, the production patterns of the Bdr proteins in spirochetes grown under a variety of conditions were assessed through immunoblot analyses. The influence of temperature, serum deprivation, tick feeding, and the mammalian environment on Bdr production was evaluated. These analyses revealed that the synthesis of some Bdr paralogs is environmentally regulated. The production of BdrF2, BdrF1, BdrE4, and BdrE5 were upregulated in host-adapted bacteria, while the production levels of other Bdr paralogs were influenced by temperature and serum starvation. These observations suggest that different Bdr paralogs function in different biological environments and provide insight into the biological basis for maintaining multiple members of this gene family.
Whole-farm planning under uncertainty : impacts of subsidy scheme and utility function on portfolio choice in Norwegian agriculture

This paper addresses the impacts of degree of risk aversion, subsidy scheme and choice of utility function on optimal farm plans in Norwegian agriculture. Data from a farm business survey (1991-1997) are combined with subjective judgements to formulate a two-stage utility-efficient programming model. Under existing policy and market conditions, the ex ante expectation was that farmers' risk attitudes are unlikely to have a large effect on choice of enterprise mix. The results tend to confirm this view, and a farmer who is hardly risk averse at all would choose the same farm plan as a very risk averse farmer. Factors such as subsidy schemes, market conditions for the products and available labour on the farm are found to be more important determinants of the optimal plans than farmers' risk attitude or the form of the utility function.
How are the conditions for high-tech start-ups in Germany?

This study reviews the innovation system for high-tech start-ups in Germany for a broad understanding of its entire structure. The paper is based on a theoretical framework with the main factors personality, resources and environment. In the main part of this paper, the influences of research and development, investment environment, sociocultural awareness of entrepreneurship, regulatory affairs and bureaucracy on German high-tech entrepreneurs are described. Based on quantitative findings from several studies, supported by several case studies, we are able to show the strengths and weaknesses of the national innovation system in Germany. Thus, we can illustrate where improvements are necessary and propose solutions where possible. In conclusion, the results are discussed critically and areas where more research is needed are indicated.
Epidemiological models for invasion and persistence of pathogens.

Motivated by questions such as "Why do some diseases take off, while others die out? " and "How can we optimize the deployment of control methods," we introduce simple epidemiological concepts for the invasion and persistence of plant pathogens. An overarching modeling framework is then presented that can be used to analyze disease invasion and persistence at a range of scales from the microscopic to the regional. Criteria for invasion and persistence are introduced, initially for simple models of epidemics, and then for models with greater biological realism. Some ways in which epidemiological models are used to identify optimal strategies for the control of disease are discussed. Particular attention is given to the spatial structure of host populations and to the role of chance events in determining invasion and persistence of plant pathogens. Finally, three brief case studies are used to illustrate the practical applications of epidemiological theory to understand invasion and persistence of plant pathogens. These comprise long-term predictions for the persistence and control of Dutch elm disease; identification of methods to manage the spread of rhizomania on sugar beet in the U.K. by matching the scale of control with the spatial and temporal scales of the disease; and analysis of evolutionary change in virus control to identify risks of inadvertent selection for damaging virus strains.
Economics Of Wholesale Marketing Of Tomato Fruits In Ibadan Metropolis Of Oyo State, Nigeria

The paper examined the socio-economic characteristics of wholesale tomato marketers with a view to identifying the marketing channels of tomato fruits, determining marketing efficiency, margin and marketing costs associated with tomato marketing. Information was randomly collected with the aid of a well structured questionnaire from 108 respondents. Analysis of Costs and Returns was used to establish the profit level of tomato wholesale marketing. The study revealed that wholesale marketing of tomato is a profitable venture but the major constraints militating against increased profit were lack of storage facilities, price instability, and transportation problems. An average tomato marketer had annual revenue of N814,733.50, while annual transportation cost and rent charges were estimated at N105,418.57 and N4,327.73, respectively. For a more efficient marketing enhanced level of profits, road network and quality must be improved. Furthermore, government policies should be focused on assisting the wholesale buyer with necessary infrastructures and credit facilities that can help them cope with challenges of wholesale marketing.
Estimation of Ecological Compensation Standards for Fallow Heavy Metal-Polluted Farmland in China Based on Farmer Willingness to Accept

In the context of China’s trial fallow policy; the heavy metal pollution of farmland is addressed via field surveys in Hunan Province, where the fallow policy has been implemented, and in Jiangxi Province, where it has not been implemented. We measured and analyzed willingness to accept (WTA) using the contingent valuation method (CVM). The conclusions of this study are as follows: (1) Farmer awareness of heavy metal pollution and pollution sources is higher in Jiangxi Province than in Hunan Province; (2) Ignoring the impact of other factors, the WTA of farmers is 902 (yuan /mu) in Jiangxi Province and 902.26 (yuan /mu) in Hunan Province. Considering the influence of the basic characteristics of the respondents using the parameter estimation method, the WTA of farmers is 839.34 (yuan/mu) in Jiangxi Province and 934.39 (yuan/mu) in Hunan Province. There is little difference in WTA between the two provinces, but both estimates are higher than the national compensation standards; (3) The factors that affect the WTA of farmers in Jiangxi Province are gender, education level, average annual income and per capita arable land. The factors that affect the WTA of farmers in Hunan Province are age, education level, family size, average annual income, per capita arable land area and farmer occupation; (4) At present, the means and methods of compensation for the implementation of the fallow policy are recognized by most farmers. The paper concludes with some policy suggestions based on above findings.
The trade-off between choice and equity: Swedish policymakers’ arguments when introducing patient choice

How do policymakers deal with the tension between choice and equity in healthcare? An analysis and critical examination of Swedish policymakers’ arguments when introducing legislated choice of primary care provider in 2010 shows that even when deciding on a reform with a potentially great impact on distribution of health resources, implications for equity were not systematically addressed. Effects with regards to current patterns of healthcare consumption in the population as well as existing inequalities in health outcomes were not adequately addressed. Neither was the primary are choice reform, which is based on the values of consumerism and individual choice, problematized in relation to current healthcare legislation such as the Health and Medical Services Act. Given that the values of equity and social solidarity have had such a prominent place in Swedish health policy and discourse in past decades, this is a surprising finding. In conclusion, we argue that because inequalities in health constitute one of the main challenges for public health today, the impact of healthcare reforms on equity should receive more attention in policymaking.
Financial Challenges Facing Urban SMEs under Financial Sector Liberalization in Ghana

The paper examines the impact of financial sector liberalization (FSL) policies on the financial management of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME) in Ghana, using six case studies. Its findings, which confirm and extend the conclusions of previous studies, are integrated into a framework that explains the impact of FSL and the factors at work. The main financial challenge facing SMEs is access to affordable credit over a reasonable period. This is determined by the financing needs of SMEs and the action of investors. SME financing needs reflect their operational requirements, while the action of investors depends on their risk perception and the attractiveness of alternative investment (which affects their willingness to invest). Government borrowing, the general economic climate, availability of collateral, quality of SME record keeping, and SME investor relations skills affect the way in which this challenge is managed. The impact of the activities and potential of enterprise development agencies are also discussed.
Evidence for Circulation of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus Type 2c in Ruminants in Southern Italy

Recently, bovine viral diarrhoea virus type 2c (BVDV-2c) was responsible for a severe outbreak in cattle in northern Europe. Here, we present the results of an epidemiological survey for pestiviruses in ruminants in southern Italy. Pooled serum samples were obtained from 997 bovine, 800 ovine, 431 caprine and eight bubaline farms, and pestiviral RNA was detected by molecular methods in 44 farms consisting of 16 cattle and one buffalo herds and of 21 sheep and six goat flocks. Twenty-nine and 15 farms were infected by BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 strains, respectively. BVDV-1 strains were recovered mainly from cattle and were heterogeneous, belonging to the subtypes 1b, 1u, 1e, 1g and 1h. In contrast, all BVDV-2 viruses but two were detected in sheep or goats and were characterized as BVDV-2c by sequence analysis of 5'UTR. These strains displayed high genetic identity to BVDV-2c circulating in cattle in northern Europe and were more distantly related to a BVDV-2c isolate recovered from a cattle herd in southern Italy more than 10 years before. The circulation of a BVDV-2c in small ruminants suggests the need for a continuous surveillance for the emergence of pestivirus-induced clinical signs in southern Italian farms.
A new classification of peri-implant bone morphology: a radiographic study of patients with lower implant-supported mandibular overdentures.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to classify peri-implant bone defects (PIBDs) on the basis of their radiographic appearance in a cohort of patients with lower implant-supported overdentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty-three patients with lower implant-supported overdentures were recruited to participate in the study, which was approved by the ethics committee of Ignatius Teaching Hospital. Details about the patients' smoking habits were recorded. The participants had a total of 224 implants involving 3214 implant sites. The mean observation time of the subjects was 10.7 years. Panoramic radiographs of all sites were evaluated in duplicate (first evaluation [t1], second evaluation [t2]) during 2 weeks by one experienced observer. PIBDs were classified into the following types: saucer-shaped, wedge-shaped, flat, undercut, and slit-like bone defects. Intra-examiner agreement was tested using crosstabs and Cohen's kappa coefficient. The association of PIBD type with gender, time after implant placement, smoking, and treatment strategy was investigated using multivariate test of independence on the basis of spatial signs. RESULTS Intra-observer reliability was moderate (κ = 0.51). Saucer-shaped defects were the most frequent (42.8% [t1] and 44.6% [t2]), followed by wedge-shaped (26.0% [t1] and 27.4% [t2]), flat (10.7% [t2] and 17.7% [t1]), undercut (8.8% [t1] and 11.9% [t2]), and finally slit-like defects (4.7% [t1] and 5.4% [t2]). Peri-implant bone defects morphology was significantly associated with gender, smoking, and treatment strategy. CONCLUSION The morphology of PIBDs can be classified into five meaningful classes, as opposed to the two described in the literature.
Domestic and foreign direct investment in Ghanaian agriculture

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) into agriculture on domestic investment in agriculture. Design/methodology/approach - – Time series data from 1976 to 2007 was fitted to a derived model. Findings - – Foreign direct investment into agriculture crowd-in domestic investment into agriculture. Research limitations/implications - – A targeted approach that will attract foreign direct investment into agriculture is required as to complement existing efforts at boosting domestic agricultural investment. Originality/value - – Numerous papers investigated the relationship between foreign direct investment and domestic investment at the aggregate national and regional levels. However, the evidence for this relationship has been conflicting. That for agriculture is rare. For Ghana, a developing agrarian economy that has promoted foreign direct investment for some decades now, it is imperative to establish the relationship between foreign direct investments and domestic investment. Also, the estimation was based on a theoretically derived model.