Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simian Virus 40 Deoxyribonucleic Acid Replication

Infectious deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from green monkey kidney (CV-1) cultures at various times after the cultures were infected with simian virus 40 (SV40) at input multiplicities of 0.01 and 0.1 plaque-forming unit (PFU) per cell. A pronounced decrease in infectious DNA was observed from 3 to 16 hr after virus infection, suggesting that structurally altered intracellular forms may have been generated early in infection. Evidence is also presented that SV40 DNA synthesis requires concurrent protein synthesis. DNA replication was studied in the presence and absence of cycloheximide in: (i) SV40-infected and uninfected cultures of CV-1 cells; (ii) cultures synchronized with 1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) for 24 to 30 hr prior to the addition of cycloheximide; and (iii) in heterokaryons of SV40-transformed hamster and susceptible monkey kidney cells. DNA synthesis was determined by pulse-labeling the cultures with 3H-thymidine at various times from 24 to 46 hr after infection. In addition, the total infectious SV40 DNA was measured. Addition of cycloheximide, even after early proteins had been induced, grossly inhibited both SV40 and cellular DNA syntheses. The activities of thymidine kinase, DNA polymerase, deoxycytidylate deaminase, and thymidylate kinase were measured; these enzyme activities remained high for at least 9 hr in the presence of cycloheximide. SV40 DNA prelabeled with 3H-thymidine before the addition of cycloheximide was also relatively stable during the time required for cycloheximide to inhibit further DNA replication.
Financialization and its Implications on the Determination of Exchange Rates of Emerging Market Economies

This thesis investigates the impacts of financialization on exchange rates of emerging marketeconomies (EMEs). With financialization, finance follows a patrimonial and increasinglyspeculative logic at the international level, reflecting innovations of products and practicessuch as FX derivatives and carry trading by money managers. Through their portfolioallocation decisions, these portfolio investors bridge markets and currencies across the globe, their decisions being key to exchange rate determination. Simultaneously, some EMEs have been facing high exchange rate volatility, especially in moments of turbulence in international financial markets. The thesis seeks to answer whether these dynamics are associated with financialization and why they are stronger in some EMEs. Specifically, it raises the hypothesis that the use of an EME's assets and currency in those innovative strategies increases emerging currencies' fragility to money managers' decisions, thus to conditions of financial markets worldwide. To test this hypothesis an indicator of financialized integration is suggested and compared to countries' exchange-rate features. Results demonstrate a strong association of financialization with higher exchange rate volatility, more frequent extreme depreciations, closer association with international financial conditions, and high correlation with other emerging currencies. Apart from scrutinizing emerging currencies' special dynamics and their reasons, the thesis suggests a Minskyan open-economy framework that details the underlying mechanisms and forms of modeling keyelements to explain exchange rate dynamics in the SFC framework.
Immunisation of baboons against Schistosoma mansoni using irradiated S. mansoni cercariae and schistosomula and non-irradiated S. rodhaini cercariae

Abstract In an attempt to develop a non-pathogenic procedure for immunising baboons against S. mansoni, groups of five baboons were exposed to three doses of 5000 6 Kr-irradiated S. mansoni cercariae or to similar numbers of normal S. rodhaini cercariae and challenged at week 15 with 500 normal S. mansoni cercariae. Faecal egg counts, worm and tissue egg counts, and histopathological examination, showed that neither of the immunising schedules had produced significant protection. In the second experiment baboons were injected by the intramuscular route with 31000 schistosomula of S. mansoni in three doses and the irradiation dose was reduced to near the minimum required for worm sterilisation (2·1–2·4 Kr). Challenge with 3500 normal cercariae of S. mansoni 21 weeks after the first immunising dose again showed no significant protection, although reductions of 20–30% were found, in egg and worm counts resulting from the challenge. These results indicate that it may be difficult to develop an effective live vaccine for S. mansoni unless the antigenicity of the immunising larvae can be greatly increased.
How Can New Ventures Command a Price Premium with Innovations in Emerging Markets?

Successful financing is critical for new ventures' survival and future sustainable growth. With the unique institutional characteristics, it is especially difficult for new ventures in emerging economies to transform innovation capital into favorable investor responses (such as willingness&#8208;to&#8208;pay, WTP) during the process of initial public offerings (IPOs). Based on the patent records from a unique sample of Chinese firms, we demonstrate that new ventures can successfully leverage innovation for higher WTP in IPOs contingent on the existence of venture capital ownership and reputable underwriter endorsements. These financial intermediates can send inside&#8208;out and outside&#8208;in signals to market investors to reduce information asymmetry. Our study contributes to research on the valuation of innovations in IPOs. We also provide practical implications to managers and investors of new ventures. We provide implication to managers and investors of new ventures on how to increase the benefits from innovations, which fosters national economic growth and social welfare.
A Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Drug–Drug Interaction Study of Tofogliflozin (a New SGLT2 Inhibitor) and Selected Anti-Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Drugs

Abstract Objective: Tofogliflozin is an oral hypoglycemic agent with a novel mechanism of action that reduces blood glucose levels by promoting glucose excretion in urine, achieved by selectively inhibiting sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2). We evaluated the effects of several selected anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) drugs-glimepiride, metformin, sitagliptin, pioglitazone, miglitol, nateglinide, and voglibose-on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tofogliflozin, and the effects of tofogliflozin on the pharmacokinetics of these anti-T2DM drugs in healthy male volunteers. Methods: A single dose of either tofogliflozin alone, one of the anti-T2DM drugs alone, or co-administration of tofogliflozin and the anti-T2DM drug was administered to 108 healthy men. Cmax, AUCinf, and cumulative urine glucose excretion after co-administration of tofogliflozin and each of the anti-T2DM drugs was evaluated relative to the values of those parameters after administration of each drug alone. Results: None of the anti-T2DM drugs had any effect on tofogliflozin exposure. Tofogliflozin had no or little effect on the exposure of any anti-T2DM drug. No anti-T2DM drug had any major effect on the cumulative urine glucose excretion induced by tofogliflozin. There were no safety concerns evident after administration of any drug alone or in co-administration. Conclusions: Neither the pharmacokinetics nor the pharmacodynamics of tofogliflozin was affected by any of the anti-T2DM drugs evaluated in this study, nor was the pharmacokinetics of any of the anti-T2DM drugs affected by tofogliflozin in healthy male volunteers.
Objective measurement of distance visual acuity determined by computerized optokinetic nystagmus test.

PURPOSE To investigate the efficacy of a computerized optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) test in evaluating the objective distance visual acuity and to determine the correlation between subjective and objective visual acuities. METHODS This prospective, noninterventional study included 83 eyes of 83 volunteers. Objective visual acuity was defined as the smallest size stripe that evoked the OKN response (induction method) or as the smallest dot size that suppressed the OKN response (suppression method). Distance visual acuity was measured by computerized OKN and infrared oculography at distance. The reproducibility of the test was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The correlation between measured objective and subjective visual acuity was then evaluated with linear regression analysis. Subjects were grouped according to their objective visual acuity, and the mean subjective visual acuities were compared with those of the objective visual acuity groups. RESULTS There was a significant correlation between distance objective and subjective visual acuity (correlation coefficient R(2), induction method:suppression method = 0.566:0.832, P < 0.05). The mean subjective visual acuity was significantly different in the objective visual acuity groups (Welch's ANOVA, P = 0.000 for induction and suppression methods). The objective visual acuity test showed good reproducibility (ICC; induction method:suppression method = 0.945:0.988, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The computerized OKN test could serve as an objective and reliable tool for assessing distance visual acuity.
Lung Ultrasound Predicts Interstitial Syndrome and Hemodynamic Profile in Parturients with Severe Preeclampsia

Background:The role of lung ultrasound has never been evaluated in parturients with severe preeclampsia. The authors’ first aim was to assess the ability of lung ultrasound to detect pulmonary edema in severe preeclampsia. The second aim was to highlight the relation between B-lines and increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressures. Methods:This prospective cohort study was conducted in a level-3 maternity during a 12-month period. Twenty parturients with severe preeclampsia were consecutively enrolled. Both lung and cardiac ultrasound examinations were performed before (n = 20) and after delivery (n = 20). Each parturient with severe preeclampsia was compared with a control healthy parturient. Pulmonary edema was determined using two scores: the B-pattern and the Echo Comet Score. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressures were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography. Results:Lung ultrasound detected interstitial edema in five parturients (25%) with severe preeclampsia. A B-pattern was associated to increased mitral valve early diastolic peak E (116 vs. 90 cm/s; P = 0.05) and to increased E/E’ ratio (9.9 vs. 6.6; P < 0.001). An Echo Comet Score of greater than 25 predicted an increase in filling pressures (E/E’ ratio >9.5) with a sensitivity and specificity of 1.00 (95% CI, 0.69 to 1.00) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.66 to 0.92), respectively. Conclusions:In parturients with severe preeclampsia, lung ultrasound detects both pulmonary edema and increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressures. The finding of a B-pattern should restrict the use of fluid. However, these preliminary results are associations from a single sample. They need to be replicated in a larger, definitive study.
Italian graduates’ employability in times of economic crisis : overview, problems and possible solutions

Relying on various sources of data, the article aims to prove an overview on Italian graduates’ employment and labour market participation in times of economic crisis. It provides a short des­cription of Italy’s higher education, economy and labour market, and an analysis of graduate em­ployment, especially focusing on fresh graduates. Three possible views on the Italian case are also suggested, and some recent policy initiatives fostering graduate employability both at the national and the local levels are illustrated. In order to offer a better understanding of the topic, the Italian situation is occasionally compared to the situation of Germany, the leading economy in Europe.
Confidence intervals for confirmatory adaptive two‐stage designs with treatment selection

The construction of adequate confidence intervals for adaptive two‐stage designs remains an area of ongoing research. We propose a conditional likelihood‐based approach to construct a Wald confidence interval and two confidence intervals based on inverting the likelihood ratio test, one of them using first‐order inference methods and the second one using higher order inference methods. The coverage probabilities of these confidence intervals, and also the average bias and mean square error of the corresponding point estimates, compare favorably with other available techniques. A small simulation study is used to evaluate the performance of the new methods. We investigate other extensions of practical interest for normal endpoints and illustrate them using real data, including the selection of more than one treatment for the second stage, selection rules based on both efficacy and safety endpoints, and the inclusion of a control/placebo arm. The new method also allows adjustment for covariates, and has been extended to deal with binomial data and other distributions from the exponential family. Although conceptually simple, the new methods have a much wider scope than the methods currently available.
The Role of T Cells in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Engraftment

Much attention has focused on the immune recovery of donor T cells following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Termed immune reconstitution, a better understanding of the dynamics of the functional recovery of immune cells following HSCT has important implications both for fighting infections and, in the allogeneic setting, for providing antitumor activity while controlling graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD). The immune cells involved in immune reconstitution include antigen-presenting cells, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and, in particular, T lymphocytes, the immune cell that will be the subject of this review. In addition, T cells can play an important role in the process of engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells. The evidence for a T cell tropic effect on hematopoietic engraftment is both direct and indirect, and comes from the clinic as well as the research lab. Animal models have provided useful clues, but the molecular mechanisms that govern the interaction between donor stem cells, donor T cells, the host immune system, and the stem cell niche remain obscure. This review will describe the current published clinical and basic evidence related to T cells and stem cell engraftment, and will identify future directions for translational research in this area.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Effects of Infliximab on Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease

OBJECTIVES:Although the clinical efficacy of infliximab as measured by closure of fistulas in Crohn's disease has been demonstrated, its influence on the inflammatory changes in the fistula tracks is less clear. The aim of the present study was to assess the behavior of perianal fistulas before and after infliximab treatment.METHODS:Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical evaluation were performed in a total of 18 patients before and after treatment with infliximab. An MRI-based score of perianal Crohn's disease severity was developed using both criteria of local extension of fistulas (complexity, supralavetoric extension, relation to the sphincters and of active inflammation (T2 hyperintensity, presence of cavities/abscesses, and rectal wall involvement). RESULTS:The MRI score was reliable in assessing the fistula tracks, with a good interobserver concordance (p < 0.001). Fistula tracks with signs of active inflammation were found in all 18 patients at baseline and collections in seven. After short-term infliximab treatment, active tracks persisted in eight of 11 patients who had clinically responded to infliximab. After long-term (46 wk) infliximab therapy, MRI signs of active track inflammation had resolved in three of six patients.CONCLUSIONS:We have developed an MRI-based score of perianal Crohn's disease severity to assess the anatomical evolution of Crohn's fistulas. Our study demonstrates that despite closure of draining external orifices after infliximab therapy, fistula tracks persist with varying degrees of residual inflammation, which may cause recurrent fistulas and pelvic abscesses. Whether complete fistula fibrosis occurs over time with repeated infliximab infusions needs further study.
Perceptions of Smartphone User‐Centered Mobile Health Tracking Apps Across Various Chronic Illness Populations: An Integrative Review

PURPOSE This integrative review presents a synthesis of the current qualitative research addressing the motivating factors, usability, and experiences of mobile health tracking applications (apps) across various chronic disease populations. DESIGN Integrative review of the literature. METHODS Databases used to conduct this integrative review included: PubMed Plus, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Google Scholar, Science Direct, and EBSCO megafile. The following search terms were used in all five databases: smartphone apps, apps, mHealth, eHealth, mobile health apps, health tracking apps, user-centered apps, wireless technology, engagement, qualitative, and usability. FINDINGS The initial literature review yielded 689 results. Once inclusion and exclusion criteria were employed, 11 studies met the criteria set forth for this review. The reviewed studies provided insight into users' perceptions, experiences, and motivations to incorporate smartphone mobile health apps into their daily lives when living with chronic illnesses. CONCLUSIONS This review indicates the growing interest in user-centered mobile health tracking apps, but with little understanding of motivating factors that foster sustained app use. Mobile health tracking apps targeted to users with chronic conditions need to have a high level of usability in order to motivate users to sustain engagement with their mobile health tracking app. CLINICAL RELEVANCE User-centered mobile health tracking app technology is being used with increasing frequency to potentially provide individualized support to chronic illness populations.
Left atrial appendage emptying velocity does not predict postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation is a common complication of cardio-pulmonary bypass and improved pre-operative risk assessment could help guide prophylactic therapy. This study examined whether reduced left atrial appendage flow velocities measured by transoesophageal echocardiography pre-operatively in patients in sinus rhythm predicted development of postoperative atrial fibrillation. METHODS AND RESULTS All patients who underwent transoesophageal echocardiography for clinical indications with measurements of left atrial appendage velocities within twelve months prior to cardio-pulmonary bypass were retrospectively identified. Postoperative records were reviewed and the patients divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of clinically significant atrial fibrillation during hospitalization following cardio-pulmonary bypass. Thirty-six patients (mean age 61.1 +/- 14.8 years, 18M/18F) were included in the study. The overall incidence of atrial fibrillation in the cohort was 17/36 patients (47%). Mean left atrial appendage emptying velocity was 50.8 +/- 23.3 cm/s2 (range 26-119) in the patients with sinus rhythm only and 41.5 +/- 16.7 cm/s2 (range 16-76), in the patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation (P=ns). CONCLUSIONS In our patient population there was no significant difference in left atrial appendage emptying velocity measured by transoesophageal echocardiography in patients with and without postoperative atrial fibrillation. Pre-operative measurement of left atrial appendage emptying velocity cannot be relied upon to risk stratify patients prior to cardio-pulmonary bypass.
Using tickets in employment standards inspections: Deterrence as effective enforcement in Ontario, Canada?

It is widely agreed that there is a crisis in labour/employment standards enforcement. A key issue is the role of deterrence measures that penalise violations. Employment standards enforcement in Ontario, like in most jurisdictions, is based mainly on a compliance framework promoting voluntary resolution of complaints and, if that fails, ordering restitution. Deterrence measures that penalise violations are rarely invoked. However, the Ontario government has recently increased the role of proactive inspections and tickets, a low-level deterrence measure which imposes fines of CAD295 plus victim surcharges. In examining the effectiveness of the use of tickets in inspections, we begin by looking at this development in the broader context of employment standards enforcement and its historical trajectory. Then, using administrative data from the Ministry of Labour, we examine when and why tickets are issued in the course of workplace inspections. After demonstrating that even when ticketable violations are detected, tickets are issued only rarely, we explore factors associated with an increased likelihood of an inspector issuing a ticket. Finally, we consider how the overall deterrent effect of workplace inspections is influenced by the use or non-use of deterrence tools. JEL Codes: J88
Detection of irregular patterns of myocardial contraction in patients with hypertensive heart disease: a two-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking study

Objective To evaluate the effect of myocardial hypertrophy in patients with arterial hypertension on regional myocardial function and left ventricular twist. Methods Eighty patients with normal coronary angiograms and ejection fraction higher than 55% were divided according to left ventricular mass indexed to body height (LVMH) into a group with and without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The absolute values and time-to-peak values of overall strain (S), systolic (SRS) and early diastolic strain rate (SRE) were measured in longitudinal, circumferential and radial directions using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Left ventricular twist and twist rate curves were calculated from rotation curves obtained from apical and basal parasternal short-axis planes. Results In the patient group with LVH, SRS and SRE, quantified in longitudinal and circumferential direction, were lower compared with the group without LVH. In addition, systolic twist rate and diastolic untwist rate were significantly lower in this patient group, too. No differences between patients groups were found for peak overall S measured in any direction or left ventricular twist. LVMH correlated significantly with longitudinal SRS (r = 0.48, P < 0.001), longitudinal SRE (r = −0.48, P < 0.001), systolic twist rate (r = 0.37, P = 0.006) and diastolic untwist rate (r = −0.27, P = 0.046). Conclusion In conclusion, LVH in patients with arterial hypertension predominantly affected longitudinal and circumferential deformation rate. Moreover, LVH resulted in a significant reduction of systolic twist rate and diastolic untwist rate, whereas overall left ventricular twist angle was not influenced by LVMH.