Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunologic Response to Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) Conjugate Vaccine and Risk Factors for Carriage among Hib Carriers and Noncarriers in Southwestern Alaska

ABSTRACT Continued Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) carriage in rural Alaska contributes to the ongoing risk of invasive disease. Community-wide Hib carriage surveys were conducted in three villages in southwestern Alaska. Sixteen carriers and 32 age- and village-matched controls were enrolled and were vaccinated with Hib oligosaccharide-CRM197 conjugate vaccine. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, antibody avidity, and serum bactericidal activity (SBA) were measured prior to Hib vaccination and 2 and 12 months after vaccination. We identified no demographic or behavioral factors associated with Hib colonization. Prior to vaccination, Hib carriers had a higher IgG geometric mean concentration than controls did (8.2 versus 1.6 μg/ml; P < 0.001) and a higher SBA geometric mean titer (7,132 versus 1,235; P = 0.006). Both groups responded to vaccination with increased IgG and SBA. These data illustrate the role of Hib colonization as an immunizing event and show that Hib carriers in communities with ongoing transmission have no evidence of reduced immune responsiveness that may have put them at risk for colonization.
Expression of ephrin‐A2 in the superior colliculus and EphA5 in the retina following optic nerve section in adult rat

The vertebrate retina projects topographically to visual brain centres. In the developing visual system, gradients of ephrins and Eph receptors play a role in defining topography. At maturity, ephrins but not Ephs are downregulated. Here we show that optic nerve section in adult rat differentially regulates the expression of ephrin‐A2 in the superior colliculus (SC) and of EphA5 in the retina. Expression was quantified immunohistochemically; ephrin‐A2 levels were also estimated by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In the normal SC, ephrin‐A2 was expressed at low levels. At 1 month, levels of protein and of mRNA were upregulated across the contralateral SC giving rise to an increasing rostro‐caudal gradient. At 6 months, levels had fallen but a gradient remained. In the retina of normal animals, EphA5 was expressed as an increasing naso‐temporal gradient. By 1 month, expression was decreased in far temporal retina, resulting in a uniform expression across the naso‐temporal axis. We suggest that denervation‐induced plastic changes within the SC modify expression of these molecules.
Cellular Mechanism for Potentiation of Ca2+-mediated Cl– Secretion by the Flavonoid Baicalein in Intestinal Epithelia*

Flavonoids belong to a large group of plant polyphenols that are consumed daily in large amounts. Our previous findings have shown that baicalein, a major flavonoid derived from the medicinal herb Scutellariae radix, induces Cl– secretion across rat colonic mucosa. The current study examines the effect of baicalein on Cl– secretion in human colonic epithelial (T84) cells and its interaction with Ca2+- and cAMP-dependent secretagogues. We have employed a technique that allows concurrent monitoring of short-circuit current (ISC) and [Ca2+]i in polarized epithelium. Basolateral application of baicalein induced a concentration-dependent increase in ISC. The increase in ISC was because of Cl– secretion and was not accompanied by any discernible increase in [Ca2+]i. Baicalein acted synergistically with Ca2+- but not cAMP-dependent secretagogues. In the presence of baicalein, the carbachol and histamine induced increases in ISC that were markedly potentiated while increases in [Ca2+]i were not significantly enhanced. Baicalein treatment uncoupled Cl– secretion from inhibitory effects normally generated by muscarinic activation. Baicalein treatment also resulted in increased cAMP content and activated PKA activity. Nystatin permeabilization studies revealed that baicalein stimulated an apical Cl– current but did not activate any basolateral K+ current. These data suggest that baicalein potentiates Ca2+-mediated Cl– secretion through a signaling pathway involving cAMP and protein kinase A, most likely through the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in the apical membrane.
Giving Voice to the Vulnerable: The Development of a CAHPS Nursing Home Survey Measuring Family Members’ Experiences

Background:To complement a nursing home resident survey, the team developed a survey asking family members about their experiences with nursing homes. Although a family member does not receive care directly from a nursing home, their experiences at the nursing home and with staff can contribute to understanding nursing home quality. Objectives:To describe how the nursing home family member instrument was developed, refined, tested, and finalized. Research Design:The team developed a draft survey using information from a literature review, 12 focus groups with family members involved in choosing a nursing home for someone, review of nursing home surveys, and expert/stakeholder input. The survey went through 2 rounds of cognitive interviews (n=54) and revisions and was fielded in 15 nursing homes. Data from the pilot survey (n=885) were subjected to psychometric analyses to evaluate the measurement properties of items as well as the reliability and validity of the resulting composites. On the basis of these analyses and input from experts, the survey was finalized. Results:Focus groups and experts provided input into discerning important indicators of quality, although in some cases family members were not the best sources of information. Cognitive testing refined the survey and eliminated some of the proxy items. The field test analysis and input from experts eliminated 10 items. The final survey included 21 items organized into 4 composites. Conclusions:This survey measures family members’ experiences of nursing home care, and the results contribute to the understanding of quality of care in nursing homes.
Fiscal Policy, as the “Employer of Last Resort”: Impact of Direct fiscal transfer (MGNREGA) on Labour Force Participation Rates in India

We examine the impact of conditional fiscal transfers on public employment across gender in India taking the case of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The MGNREGS, as an “employer of last resort” fiscal policy, is a direct employment transfer, which guarantees to provide 100 days of paid work opportunities at a predetermined wage for public works in India through a self-selection criterion. Using unit record data of the latest 68th round of NSS Employment-Unemployment survey, we examined gender differential impacts of MGNREGS on labour force participation rates across States in India. The unit of analysis in our paper is not ‘household’, but is one step ahead to capture the intra-household level of participating behaviour in the economic activity. The results, based on the survey enumerating 2,80,763 individuals in rural areas, revealed that there is a striking heterogeneity in the gender impacts of job guarantee programme across States of India. The probit estimates showed that MGNREGS job card holder’s labour force participation rates were higher than the non-card holders and the result was more pronounced for women. The analysis of the time-use patterns and the unpaid care economy statistics of job guarantee card holders obtained from the unit records also shows that augmenting public investment in care economy infrastructure is significant for the job guarantee programme to function at its full potential in India.
Effects of Corruption on Educational System: A Focus on Private Secondary Schools in Nsukka Zone | University of Nigeria, Nsukka Open Education Resources (OER)

This paper examines the level of corruption in educational system focusing on the private secondary schools in Nigeria. The paper argues that corruption is a general disease within the private school proprietors, policymakers, examination councils, teachers, supervisors and invigilators, and above all, leads to the abuse of teaching as a profession like other professional bodies in Nigeria. In all human societies, particularly the modern ones, education therefore remains one of the most powerful instruments for both the development of man and transformation of the human society. However, the efficacy and efficiency of education as an instrument of transformation depends entirely on how all the stakeholders, students as individual’s, parents, teachers, proprietors of private schools, policymakers, examination council, ministry of education and the government manage, execute and implement policy on education meant for the upliftment of educational sector. In this study, the factors, types, costs, causes of corruption and challenges facing private secondary schools were examined. Solutions and strategies to tackle the challenges were also examined.
Multilevel structural equation models for the interrelationships between multiple dimensions of childhood socioeconomic circumstances, partnership stability and midlife health

Recent studies have contributed to understanding of the mechanisms behind the association between childhood circumstances and later life. It has been hypothesized that experiences in childhood operate through influencing trajectories of life events and functional changes in health-related behaviours that can mediate the effects of childhood socioeconomic circumstances (SECs) on later health. Using data from the 1958 British birth cohort, we propose a multilevel structural equation modelling (SEM) approach to investigate the mediating effects of partnership stability, an example of life events in adulthood. Childhood circumstances are abstract concepts with multiple dimensions, each measured by a number of indicators over four childhood waves (at ages 0, 7, 11 and 16). Latent class models are fitted to each set of these indicators and the derived categorical latent variables characterise the patterns of change in four dimensions of childhood SECs. To relate these latent variables to a distal outcome, we first extend the 3-step maximum likelihood (ML) method to handle multiple, associated categorical latent variables and investigate sensitivity of the proposed estimation approach to departures from model assumptions. We then extend the 3-step ML approach to estimate models with multiple outcomes of mixed types and at different levels in a hierarchical data structure. The final multilevel SEM is comprised of latent class models and a joint regression model that relates these categorical latent variables to partnership transitions in adulthood and midlife health, while allowing for informative dropout. Most likely class memberships are treated as imperfect measurements of the latent classes. Life events (e.g. partnership transitions), distal outcomes (e.g. midlife health) and dropout indicators are viewed as items of one or more individual-level latent variables. To account for endogeneity and indirect associations, the effects of childhood SECs on partnership transitions for ages 16-50 and distal health at age 50 are jointly modelled by allowing for a residual association across equations due to shared but differential influences of time-invariant unobservables on each response. Finally, sensitivity analyses are performed to investigate the extent to which the specifications of the dropout model influence the estimated effects of childhood SECs on midlife health.
The effects of asymmetric length trajectories on the initial mechanical efficiency of mouse soleus muscles

SUMMARY Asymmetric cycles with more than half of the cycle spent shortening enhance the mechanical power output of muscle during flight and vocalisation. However, strategies that enhance muscle mechanical power output often compromise efficiency. In order to establish whether a trade-off necessarily exists between power and efficiency, we investigated the effects of asymmetric muscle length trajectories on the maximal mechanical cycle-average power output and initial mechanical efficiency (Ei). Work and heat were measured in vitro in a mouse soleus muscle undergoing contraction cycles with 25% (Saw25%), 50% (Saw50%) and 75% (Saw75%) of the cycles spent shortening. Cycle-average power output tended to increase with the proportion of the cycle spent shortening at a given frequency. Maximum cycle-average power output was 102.9±7.6 W kg–1 for Saw75% cycles at 5 Hz. Ei was very similar for Saw50% and Saw75% cycles at all frequencies (approximately 0.27 at 5 Hz). Saw25% cycles had Ei values similar to those of Saw50% and Saw75% cycles at 1 Hz (approximately 0.20), but were much less efficient at 5 Hz (0.08±0.03). The lower initial mechanical efficiency of Saw25% cycles at higher frequencies suggests that initial mechanical efficiency is reduced if the time available for force generation and relaxation during shortening is insufficient. The similar initial mechanical efficiency of Saw50% and Saw75% cycles at all frequencies shows that increasing the proportion of the contraction cycle spent shortening is a strategy that allows an animal to increase muscle mechanical power output without compromising initial mechanical efficiency.
Proposal of a multi-core model for polymer nanocomposite dielectrics

A multi-core model, i.e. a simplified term of a multi-layered core model, is proposed as a working hypothesis to understand various properties and phenomena that polymer nanocomposites exhibit as dielectrics and electrical insulation. It gives fine structures to what are called "interaction zones". An interfacial layer of several tens nm is multi-layered, which consists of a bonded layer, a bound layer, and a loose layer. In addition, the Gouy-Chapman diffuse layer with the Debye shielding length of several tens to 100 nm is superimposed in the interfacial layer to cause a far-field effect. Nano-particles may interact electrically with the nearest neighbors each other due to this effect, resulting in possible collaborative effect. Such a multi-core model with the far-field effect is discussed, for example, to explain partial discharge (PD) resistance of polyamide layered silicate nanocomposites, and is verified to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Polymorphism of the heat-shock protein gene Hsp70-2, but not polymorphisms of the IL-10 and CD14 genes, is associated with the outcome of Crohn's disease

Objective. In Crohn's disease (CD) a Th-1 dominant immune reaction is induced, which could be associated with genetic predisposition. Several previous studies have investigated the roles of CD14, heat-shock protein (Hsp)70 and IL-10 gene polymorphisms in the development of the disease. The results are contradictory and inter-racial differences are implicated. Therefore, this phenomenon was evaluated in well-documented Caucasian patients with CD in order to verify the clinical importance of these polymorphisms. Material and methods. The genomic DNA of 133 patients with CD and that of 75 healthy controls were examined. CD was divided into subgroups according to the Vienna classification. An arbitrary classification system based on disease severity was also applied, which was determined according to the therapeutic intervention. The CD14 (−159 C→T) promoter gene polymorphism was investigated by melting-point analysis. The IL-10 (−1082 G→A) and Hsp70-2 (1267 A→G) gene polymorphisms were detected by RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism). Results. None of the allele frequencies of the examined polymorphisms differed significantly between the patient and control populations. Neither the CD14 nor the IL-10 polymorphisms exhibited any correlation with the development or with the progression of the disease. With regard to Hsp70-2 gene polymorphism, those patients who carry at least one A allele have a significantly lower probability of the need for surgical intervention. Conclusions. Allele A of the Hsp70-2 gene may be associated with a less severe form of CD, suggesting the clinical value of the genotype assessment. The genetic determination of the defense mechanisms in CD appears to be associated with the polymorphism of the Hsp70-2 gene rather than that of the CD14 or IL-10 genes.
Donor deferral due to anemia: A tertiary care center-based study

Background: The minimum hemoglobin cutoff for blood donation in India is 12.5 gm% for both male and female donors and the minimum donation interval is 3 months. Donation of one unit of blood results in decrease in hemoglobin by 1 gm% and loss of 200–250 mg of iron. Donor deferral due to anemia is one of the major reasons of temporary rejection of blood donors. In the absence of further workup or advise, it results in loss of valuable donor base. Aim and Objective: To provide baseline information regarding the prevalence and spectrum of anemia in prospective blood donors to help plan a future strategy for donor management. Materials and Methods: Hemoglobin testing of donors was performed using Hemocue and Copper sulfate specific gravity method. Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid sample of all the donors who failed either or both the screening tests was tested on automated analyzer for evaluation of hemoglobin and red blood cell indices. Results: Of all the donors, 15.5% were deferred due to anemia. Prevalence of anemia in prospective blood donors was 1.8%. It was significantly higher in female donors compared with male donors (34.2% vs 1.2%). The most common type of anemia was normocytic normochromic.
Enzymatic "combustion": the microbial degradation of lignin.

INTRODUCTION . 465 LIGNIN AS A SUBSTRATE . 466 MICROBIOLOGY OF LIGNIN BIODEGRADATI ON . 468 Anaerobic Conditions . 469 Aerobic Conditions . 469 LIGNIN DEGRADATION BY WHITEROT FUNGI . 471 Physiology . 472 Biochemistry . 475 Genetics . 486 Molecular Biology . 489 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS . 491 ENZYMATIC “COMBUSTION” . 493
CIN85 Regulates the Ligand-Dependent Endocytosis of the IgE Receptor: A New Molecular Mechanism to Dampen Mast Cell Function1

Ligation of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI), constitutively expressed on mast cells and basophils, promotes cell activation and immediate release of allergic mediators. Furthermore, FcεRI up-regulation on APC from atopic donors is involved in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases. In consideration of the clinical relevance of the IgE receptor, the down-modulation of FcεRI expression in mast cells may represent a potential target for handling atopic diseases. In an effort to identify new molecular mechanisms involved in attenuating FcεRI expression and signaling, we focused our attention on CIN85, a scaffold molecule that regulates, in concert with the ubiquitin ligase Cbl, the clathrin-mediated endocytosis of several receptor tyrosine kinases. In the present study, we show that endogenous CIN85 is recruited in Cbl-containing complexes after engagement of the FcεRI on a mast cell line and drives ligand-induced receptor internalization. By confocal microscopic analysis, we provide evidence that CIN85 directs a more rapid receptor sorting in early endosomes and delivery to a lysosomal compartment. Furthermore, biochemical studies indicate that CIN85 plays a role in reducing the expression of receptor complex. Finally, we demonstrate that CIN85-overexpressing mast cells are dramatically impaired in their ability to degranulate following Ag stimulation, suggesting that the accelerated internalization of activated receptors by perturbing the propagation of FcεRI signaling may contribute to dampen the functional response. This role of CIN85 could be extended to include other multimeric immune receptors, such as the T and B cell receptors, providing a more general molecular mechanism for attenuating immune responses.
Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. A clinicopathologic study of ten patients with long‐term follow‐up

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma that has been reported to have a relatively good prognosis. The authors report ten patients with EMC on whom there was a minimum follow‐up of 10 years. The patients' ages ranged from 31 to 72 years (mean, 57 years); there were six men and four women (seven white, three black). The tumor locations included the knee area and thigh (three patients each), the shoulder (two patients), and the leg and foot (one patient each). The tumors ranged from 3.5 to 18 cm in greatest dimension (median, 11.5 cm). All cases had typical histologic features. Lung metastases developed in all patients but one, and three patients had extrathoracic metastases (one in regional lymph nodes; one in subcutis; and one widespread). Four of the patients who had metastases also had local recurrence, as did the only patient without known metastases. Seven patients died of tumor at 4, 5,8, 10, 15, 16, and 17 years, respectively, and the three remaining patients were alive with metastatic disease at latest follow‐up of 13,14, and 16 years. The authors' results are distinctly different from those previously reported in series with shorter follow‐up times.
Market Betas on the JSE: Factor selection, estimation and empirical evaluation

This paper examines the nature and significance of market betas on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The identity of market betas is determined by means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) performed on the returns of the FTSE/JSE Africa Index Series. A scree test shows two factors necessary for inclusion in the appropriate Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) model. Based on the promax rotated factor loadings, it is argued that the Financials (J580) and Basic Materials (J510) indices ought be used as the appropriate observable index proxies for the first and second factors respectively. Regarding the estimation of beta, this paper makes the case for the use of Reduced Major Axis (RMA) regression over the traditional Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) approach. A number of characteristics are assessed when arriving at this conclusion. Importantly, it is shown that the traditional OLS regression method chronically underestimates the magnitude of the beta parameter whereas RMA regression does not. In addition, it is shown that, while OLS beta values are more stable in absolute terms than RMA beta values, the RMA values are more stable when adjusted for their magnitude. This paper does not make use of a thin trading filter to narrow the sample of stocks for empirical evaluation. Instead, an examination is made of the significance of beta values at the point at which they are estimated. This is accomplished by means of a rolling window of regressions. It is shown that, while most stocks do exhibit betas which are consistently significant over their listing period, many stocks do not. Some stock returns result in almost no significant beta values while some others exhibit beta values which are significant for only a portion of their listing period. It is shown that a median beta p-value value of 5% is an appropriate ‘significance filter’ for limiting the sample of stocks to only those significant for the majority of their listing period. Using only these stocks, an empirical evaluation of beta is conducted using portfolios sorted on both OLS and RMA beta values. It is found that neither beta measure explains the cross-section of returns in the case of resource stocks. However, in the case of non-resource stocks the results show a clear divergence between the methods. In the case of OLS sorted portfolios, the results show a negative relationship between beta and returns. This surprising and counterintuitive result has also been arrived at by other researchers and is the opposite of what the APT would predict. However, in the case of RMA sorted portfolios, this pattern reverses itself, showing a positive relationship between beta and returns. For some holding periods, this is shown to be significant, providing evidence in support of the APT. As a result it is demonstrated that OLS regression not only underestimates the magnitude of beta, but that it distorts the results of empirical tests. On this basis it is argued that RMA regression ought replace OLS regression as the preferred method of beta estimation for the JSE.