Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Empirical measurement and analysis of productivity and technological change : applications in high-technology and service industries

Definitions and Basic Concepts of Productivity and Technological Change. Measurement of Technological Change and its Productivity Effects. Quantity-Based Measurement of Technological Change in Economic Models. Measurement of Capital and Other Inputs. Patterns of Technological Change in the U.S. Computer Industry. Scale Economies, Learning Curves and Downstream Productivity Growth: A Study of Technology in the U.S. Microelectronics and Computer Industries. Measurement of Quality Change in Semiconductors: Evidence from U.S. Telecommunications Equipment Industries. Measurement in Service Industries: Data Requirements for Analysis of Technological Change and Productivity. Measurement of Productivity for Price CAP Regulation of Telecommunications Services. Productivity, Costs and Worker Behavior: A Cross-Section Econometric Model for the U.S. Postal Service. Role of Worker Attitudes in Service Industry Production: Case Study of the U.S. Postal Service. Measuring Product-Specific Markup, Marginal Cost, and Return to Capital in the Multiproduct Regulated Enterprise. Author Index. Subject Index.
Temporal Trends of Antimicrobial Resistance and Clonality of Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates in Finland, 2002 to 2006

ABSTRACT The antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus, is a growing global problem. In our study, 3,571 invasive pneumococcal isolates, recovered from blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients in Finland between the years 2002 and 2006, showed an increase in erythromycin nonsusceptibility from 16% to 28% (P < 0.0001) over the 5-year study period, as well as a doubling of penicillin nonsusceptibility from 8% to 16% (P < 0.0001). Erythromycin nonsusceptibility increased especially in isolates derived from 0- to 2-year-old children and was 46% for this age group in 2006. Although multiresistance, defined as nonsusceptibility to penicillin, erythromycin, and tetracycline, was fairly rare (5.1% in 2006), 38% of the erythromycin-nonsusceptible isolates were also penicillin nonsusceptible, while 74% of the penicillin-nonsusceptible isolates were nonsusceptible to erythromycin. In contrast to the situation in continental Europe, but mirroring that in North America, the most frequent macrolide resistance determinant carried by 56% of the tested macrolide-resistant pneumococci was the mef gene. Serotypes 14, 9V, 19A, 6B, and 19F were most frequently nonsusceptible to erythromycin or penicillin. The penicillin-resistant invasive isolates (n = 88) were genotyped by multilocus sequence typing, which revealed the presence of 25 sequence types, 9 of which were novel. The majority of the isolates were related to one of several globally disseminated penicillin- or multiresistant clones, most importantly the rlrA adhesion pilus carrying clones Spain9V ST156 and Taiwan19F ST236. The penicillin-resistant pneumococcal population in Finland is therefore a combination of internationally recognized genotypes as well as novel ones.
A dermatosis associated with bacterial overgrowth in jejunal diverticula

A patient is described with an unusual skin eruption associated with bacterial overgrowth in jejunal diverticula and malabsorption. The initial skin changes were frankly vasculitic with ‘target’ lesions, whilst older lesions showed a psoriasiform scale and a tendency to central clearing. The illness was associated with raised levels of IgM and IgG containing circulating immune complexes and deposition of IgM and IgG in the dermis. It was suppressed by oral antibiotic therapy. There are similarities between the findings in this patient and those described in the intestinal bypass syndrome.
The Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale

Emotional self-efficacy (ESE) is an important aspect of emotional functioning, with current measures for children and adolescents focused on the measurement of self-beliefs in relation to the management of emotions. In the present study, we report the psychometric properties of the first adaptation of the Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale for youth (Youth-ESES) that measures additional aspects of ESE, such as perceiving and understanding emotions and helping others modulate their emotions. Participants were 192 young adolescents aged 11 to 13 years from a U.K. state school. They completed the Youth-ESES and measures of ability emotional intelligence (EI) and cognitive ability. Results support the same four-factor structure that has been previously documented using the adult version of the ESES, with the four subscales being largely independent from cognitive ability and only moderately related to ability EI. However, the four subscales were less differentiated in the present study compared with adult data previously published, suggesting that there is a strong general factor underlying young adolescents’ ESE scores. Overall, the results suggest that the adapted Youth-ESES can be reliably used with youth, and that confidence in how a young person feels about his or her emotional functioning remains distinct from emotional skill.
Arbitrage Tests of Israel’s Currency Options Markets

This paper focuses on the Israeli currency options market, which includes currency options traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and (non-tradable) Bank of Israel currency options. The three aims of this study are: (a) To examine the null hypothesis that the Israeli currency options market is efficient, an issue that has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Ex-post tests of arbitrage and dominance conditions do not permit rejection of the null hypothesis, except for very-nearmaturity, deep-in-the-money (ITM) options. (b) To test the validity of the Black and Scholes (B-S) model as a native option-pricing model for the case of an exchange-rate target zone. We find that although we cannot reject the weakly efficient market hypothesis (except for very-near-maturity deep-ITM options), we can reject the strongly efficient market and/or the B-S model validity hypotheses. The banking sector could have utilized arbitrage opportunities, notably for out-ofthe-money, at-the-money, and far-from-maturity options, especially when employing inter-temporal weighted-average implied standard deviation. (c) To address the issue of the liquidity premium evaluation; this (rather surprisingly) is found to be negative for some options. This study extends previous studies of options by examining the efficiency of currency option markets and the validity of the Black and Scholes model under a target zone exchange rate regime. It also compares the performance of currency option trading on the exchange and over-the-counter for the same period. The Maurice Falk Institute for Economic Research in Israel Jerusalem: January 1999 • Discussion Paper No. 99.01 ARBITRAGE TESTS OF ISRAEL’S CURRENCY OPTIONS MARKETS
The AMPK-PPARGC1A pathway is required for antimicrobial host defense through activation of autophagy

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a crucial energy sensor and plays a key role in integration of cellular functions to maintain homeostasis. Despite this, it is largely unknown whether targeting the AMPK pathway can be used as a therapeutic strategy for infectious diseases. Herein, we show that AMPK activation robustly induces antibacterial autophagy, which contributes to antimicrobial defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). AMPK activation led to inhibition of Mtb-induced phosphorylation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) in macrophages. In addition, AMPK activation increased the genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial ATP production, and biogenesis in Mtb-infected macrophages. Notably, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, coactivator 1α (PPARGC1A) was required for AMPK-mediated antimicrobial activity, as well as enhancement of mitochondrial function and biogenesis, in macrophages. Further, the AMPK-PPARGC1A pathway was involved in the upregulation of multiple autophagy-related genes via CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), β (CEBPB). PPARGC1A knockdown inhibited the AMPK-mediated induction of autophagy and impaired the fusion of phagosomes with MAP1LC3B (LC3B) autophagosomes in Mtb-infected macrophages. The link between autophagy, mitochondrial function, and antimicrobial activity was further demonstrated by studying LysMCre-mediated knockout of atg7, demonstrating mitochondrial ultrastructural defects and dysfunction, as well as blockade of antimicrobial activity against mycobacteria. Collectively, our results identify the AMPK-PPARGC1A axis as contributing to autophagy activation leading to an antimicrobial response, as a novel host defense mechanism.
Effect o f Metabolic Inhibitors on CTC Fluorescence from Dissociated Acini

Subcellular distribution of the divalent cation-sensitive probe chlorotetracycline (CTC) was observed by fluorescence microscopy in isolated pancreatic acinar cells, dissociated hepatocytes, rod photoreceptors, and erythrocytes. In each cell type, areas containing membranes fluoresced intensely while areas containing no membranes (nuclei and zymogen granules) were not fluorescent. Cell compartments packed with rough endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi vesicles (acinar cells) or plasma membrane-derived membranes (rod outer segments) exhibited a uniform fluorescence. In contrast, cell compartments having large numbers of mitochondria (hepatocytes and the rod inner segment) exhibited a punctate fluorescence. Punctate fluorescence was prominent in the perinuclear and perigranular areas of isolated acinar cells during CTC efflux, suggesting that under these conditions mitochondrial fluorescence may account for a large portion of acinar cell fluorescence. Fluorometry of dissociated pancreatic acini, preloaded with CTC, showed that application of the mitochondrial inhibitors antimycin A, NaCN, rotenone, or CICCP, or of the divalent cation ionophore A23187 (all agents known to release mitochondrial calcium) rapidly decreased the fluorescence of acini. In the case of mitochondrial inhibitors, this response could be elicited before but not following the loss of CTC fluorescence induced by bethanechol stimulation. Removal of extracellular Ca z+ and Mg 2+ or addition of E D T A also decreased fluorescence but did not prevent secretagogues or mitochondrial inhibitors from eliciting a further response. These data suggest that bethanechol acts to decrease CTC fluorescence at the same intracellular site as do mitochondrial inhibitors. This could be due to release of calcium from either mitochondria or another organelle that requires ATP to sequester calcium. 3 8 6 THE JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY 9 VOLUME 76, 1978 " pages 3 8 6 3 9 9 on Jne 6, 2017 D ow nladed fom Published February 1, 1978
Comparative analysis of algal biodiversity in the rivers of Israel

Comparative analysis of algal communities in the rivers of Israel was completed to highlight the influence of environmental variables on biodiversity. The study revealed that 671 species of algae and cyanobacteria belonging to nine taxonomic divisions were present during 2002–2009 in the Yarqon, Alexander, Hadera, Qishon, Oren, Lower and Upper Jordan, and Zin rivers. The species richness of each river was evaluated by taxonomic structural comparison, geobotanical, hierarchical cluster analysis, and the degree of relatedness for different levels of taxonomic resolution. The analysis revealed close similarity of the Upper Jordan and Oren rivers. The average taxonomic distinctness index showed that the Yarqon, Oren, Upper Jordan, and Qishon communities were partly degraded due to permanent environmental disturbances. The variation in taxonomic distinctness index showed that the Alexander, Yarqon and Hadera communities were formed not only due to anthropogenic factors but also through long-term climatic impact. The most abundant indicator species inhabit low streaming and standing alkaline waters of medium salinity and low to medium organic pollution. The statistical approaches allowed discrimination between climatic and anthropogenic factors that impact upon the riverine biodiversity in semi-arid environments. Analysis shows the influence of anthropogenic factors was strongly modulated by climatic impacts causing a marked decease of species richness from north to south.
Multilevel Analysis of Environmental Salmonella Prevalences and Management Practices on 49 Broiler Breeder Farms in Four South‐Eastern States, USA

A two‐part serial survey of 49 broiler breeder farms was conducted in four south‐eastern states: Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina. Broiler breeder farms from three to five broiler company complexes in each state were visited on two separate occasions to document management practices and perform environmental sampling for Salmonella prevalence estimation. Salmonella was detected in 88% of the broiler breeder houses that were sampled and was identified on all 49 farms enrolled. Many management characteristics were consistent across the different states and companies. Multilevel analysis was used to evaluate management characteristics as risk factors for Salmonella prevalence and to estimate the proportion of variance residing at the different hierarchical sampling levels. Management characteristics associated with increased Salmonella prevalence included treatment of the flock for any disease, having dusty conditions in the house, having dry conditions under the slats and walking through the house more than one time per day to pick‐up dead birds. After adjusting for state as a fixed effect, the percentages of variance in Salmonella prevalence occurring at the complex, farm, visit, house and individual sample levels were 5.2%, 6.8%, 11.8%, 2.8% and 73.4%, respectively. The intraclass correlations for samples collected from the same house; for samples from different houses during the same visit; for samples from different visits to the same farm; and for samples from different farms in the same complex were as follows: 0.27, 0.24, 0.12 and 0.05, respectively.
Monoclonal antibodies to staphylococcal enterotoxins B and C: cross-reactivity and localization of epitopes on tryptic fragments

Murine monoclonal antibodies reactive with staphylococcal enterotoxins B (SEB) and C1 (SEC1) were isolated by hybridoma techniques. Of the nine antibodies, three reacted only with SEB, two reacted with SEB and SEC1, three reacted with all subtypes of SEC, and one reacted only with SEC2 and SEC3. All of the antibodies reacted with protein blotted onto nitrocellulose from electrophoresis gels which corresponded to the enterotoxin band. Fragments of SEB and SEC1 were generated by limited digestion of the toxin with trypsin. With the immunoblot technique, four of the five antibodies reactive with SEB reacted with the tryptic fragment of molecular weight 17,000, and the five antibodies reactive with SEC1 reacted with the tryptic fragment of molecular weight 14,000.
Inhibition of a Demand Pacemaker and Interference with Monitoring Equipment by Radio-frequency Transmissions

During the initial testing of Radio Leicester a swept-frequency technique for testing radio antennae was shown to affect demand pacemakers by inhibition of the pacing impulse and to interfere with physiological monitoring equipment. Adequate filtering of demand pacemakers is necessary to eliminate this interference. There is no evidence that such testing has any effect on the function of fixed-rate pacemakers. There is also a potential danger to implanted demand pacemakers by the use of similar polyscope generators used for servicing radio and television apparatus in industry.
Science, evolution, and creationism

In 1984, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) published Science and Creationism: A View from the National Academy of Sciences. A second edition was published in 1999. A third edition, sufficiently modified to deserve a new title, Science, Evolution, and Creationism, published on January 4, 2008 (1).
The effect of inbreeding on defence against multiple enemies in Datura stramonium

The ability of plants to respond to natural enemies might depend on the availability of genetic variation for the optimal phenotypic expression of defence. Selfing can affect the distribution of genetic variability of plant fitness, resistance and tolerance to herbivores and pathogens. The hypothesis of inbreeding depression influencing plant defence predicts that inbreeding would reduce resistance and tolerance to damage by natural enemies relative to outcrossing. In a field experiment entailing experimentally produced inbred and outcrossed progenies, we assessed the effects of one generation of selfing on Datura stramonium resistance and tolerance to three types of natural enemies, herbivores, weevils and a virus. We also examined the effect of damage on relative growth rate (RGR), flower, fruit, and seed production in inbred and outcrossed plants. Inbreeding significantly reduced plant defence to natural enemies with an increase of 4% in herbivore damage and 8% in viral infection. These results indicate inbreeding depression in total resistance. Herbivory increased 10% inbreeding depression in seed number, but viral damage caused inbred and outcrossed plants to have similar seed production. Inbreeding and outcrossing effects on fitness components were highly variable among families, implying that different types or numbers of recessive deleterious alleles segregate following inbreeding in D. stramonium. Although inbreeding did not equally alter all the interactions, our findings indicate that inbreeding reduced plant defence to herbivores and pathogens in D. stramonium.
Poly(ADP‐Ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors: Exploiting a synthetic lethal strategy in the clinic

Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) is an attractive antitumor target because of its vital role in DNA repair. The homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair pathway is critical for the repair of DNA double‐strand breaks and HR deficiency leads to a dependency on error‐prone DNA repair mechanisms, with consequent genomic instability and oncogenesis. Tumor‐specific HR defects may be exploited through a synthetic lethal approach for the application of anticancer therapeutics, including PARP inhibitors. This theory proposes that targeting genetically defective tumor cells with a specific molecular therapy that inhibits its synthetic lethal gene partner should result in selective tumor cell killing. The demonstration of single‐agent antitumor activity and the wide therapeutic index of PARP inhibitors in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers with advanced cancers provide strong evidence for the clinical application of this approach. Emerging data also indicate that PARP inhibitors may be effective in sporadic cancers bearing HR defects, supporting a substantially wider role for PARP inhibitors. Drugs targeting this enzyme are now in pivotal clinical trials in patients with sporadic cancers. In this article, the evidence supporting this antitumor synthetic lethal strategy with PARP inhibitors is reviewed, evolving resistance mechanisms and potential molecular predictive biomarker assays are discussed, and the future development of these agents is envisioned. CA Cancer J Clin 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Fatty Acids and Associated Cardiovascular Risk

Introduction: A fatty acid (FA) is a carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain, which is either saturated or unsaturated. Recently, the role of FA and particularly omega-3 and -6 has emerged as cardiovascular risk factor in the literature. The aim of our study was to establish reference values for these FA and to compare them with data obtained in a population of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Materials and methods: Hundred thirty five healthy subjects (59.38 ± 27.12 yo, 75 men) were selected as reference population. We also evaluated FA in thirty three patients (55 ± 9 yo, 23 men) admitted in the Emergency Department of our Institution for AMI. The fasting whole blood was drawn in vacutainer containing EDTA. Before analysis, samples were washed and transmethylated. We performed the quantification of different FA by gas chromatography associated with flame ionization detector (GCFID). Results: We obtained results in control healthy patients to be used as reference values. In the AMI group, levels of omega-6 were significantly higher (p 0.05) for C18:2n6 and C18:3n6 than the reference population and omega-3 values were significantly lower (p 0.01) compared to reference value for C22:6n3. The omega-3 index was lower and the ratio omega-6/omega-3 was higher in AMI group compared to reference values. Conclusions: We have established reference value for FA and have compared these values with the results obtained in AMI population. FA determination is a new tool we are able to use and to process in our laboratory which can help the clinician to screen patients with the highest cardiovascular risks because of the implication of FA in the etiopathogeny of atherosclerosis.
Differences in oral health among Italian adolescents related to the type of secondary school attended.

PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible interaction between the type of secondary school attended, oral clinical data and self-perceived oral health (SPOH) behaviour among Italian adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 913 adolescents living in Milan (Italy), attending two different types of secondary schools, grammar and technical secondary schools, were examined regarding dental caries and gingival conditions. Oral health behaviour data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire. The presence of caries was recorded using the decayed missed filled tooth (DMFT) index, gingival conditions with community periodontal index (CPI) following World Health Organization recommendations. Stepwise logistic regression was applied to determine whether the type of school attended was associated with the clinical outcome variables and subjects' SPOH and with oral health or lifestyle behaviour. RESULTS The prevalence of caries was 59.8% (95% CI = 41.3 to 76.8); a third of participants showed a CPI = 0, whereas 34.9% had bleeding at probing and 37.9% had calculus. Caries distribution was significantly related to the type of school attended in each score of the DMFT categorisation (P < 0.01). Experience of tooth discomfort was claimed by 23.6% of subjects from grammar schools and 35.3% from technical schools (P < 0.01). In males, CPI > or = 1 was associated with the type of school, OR = 1.6 (95% CI = 1.1 to 2.5), the highest DMFT score and experience of self-perceived tooth discomfort, OR = 1.6 (95% CI = 1.2 to 2.0) and OR = 1.2 (95% CI = 1.4 to 2.6), respectively. In females, only CPI > or = 1 and highest DMFT score were associated with the type of school, OR = 2.1 (95% CI = 1.3 to 3.3) and OR = 1.6 (95% CI = 1.2 to 2.0), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The type of school is a sensitive indicator of oral health status among adolescents.