Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antityphoid agglutinins in African school aged children with malaria.

BACKGROUND Salmonella antibodies are known to cross-react with other antigens including those from Escherichia coli. Malaria antigens may also have similar characteristics. OBJECTIVES To establish antibody levels in malaria patients and controls and to decipher (if any), relationship(s) between significant agglutinin responses to the various antigens as outcome factor and malaria parasitaemia as exposure factor. STUDY SETTING University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Egor Local Government Area of Edo state, Nigeria, between July and August, 1999. STUDY DESIGN Prospective and a case control study. PATIENTS AND METHODS Agglutinins against H and O antigens of Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A, B and C were determined using the Widal test in 189 school aged children(5-16 years) with malaria (males, 54.0%; females, 46.0%) and 175 apparently healthy children,(52.0% males, and 48.0 %) of comparable age and gender distributions. Agglutination reaction at >1.80 were significantly more in malaria patients (52/189 or 27.5%) than in controls (28/175 or 16.0%) (x2 = 7.07; p<0.05). Agglutination reaction to various antigens were significantly higher in controls with malaria parasitaemia (10/36 or 27.8%) than those without parasitaemia (18/139 or 12.9%) (x2 = 4.57; p<0.02) (OR=2.59). Significant titres were also more in subjects and controls with malaria parasitaemia (62/235 or 26.38%) than in those without (18/139 or 12.94%) (x2=9.32; p< 0.05) (OR=2.41). At dilution of > or =1.80 children aged 9 -14 years (as compared to those < or =8 years of age) and more males (subjects and controls) had demonstrable agglutinins. At most serum dilutions, antibodies to H antigens were more commonly found in subjects and controls than agglutinins against O antigen of Salmonella typhi. Fifty percent of subjects and controls had demonstrable agglutination at approximate dilutions of 1:60 and 1:40 respectively. The number of subjects and controls that showed demonstrable agglutinins against Salmonella paratyphi antigens were less than 10.0% CONCLUSION Enhanced agglutinin to DO and DH may be a phenomenon associated with childhood malaria.
Forecasting Risk with Markov-Switching GARCH Models: A Large-Scale Performance Study

We perform a large-scale empirical study in order to compare the forecasting performances of single-regime and Markov-switching GARCH (MSGARCH) models from a risk management perspective. We find that MSGARCH models yield more accurate Value-at-Risk, expected shortfall, and left-tail distribution forecasts than their single-regime counterparts for daily, weekly, and ten-day equity log-returns. Also, our results indicate that accounting for parameter uncertainty improves the left-tail predictions, independently of the inclusion of the Markov-switching mechanism.
Effect of Esmolol Given During Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Fractional Area of Contraction from Transesophageal Echocardiography

The infusion of esmolol during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has no negative myocardial effects after CPB, despite increased esmolol levels during CPB due to hypothermia.The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, prospective study was to measure the effects of esmolol infused during CPB on cardiac function as measured by calculated indices of cardiac work and by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Patients scheduled for CPB were randomized to receive intravenous esmolol (300 micro gram centered dot kg-1 centered dot min-1 during CPB after bolus of 2 mg/kg prior to CPB) or placebo. Infusion was stopped at 10 min after release of aortic cross-clamp. Hemodynamics and TEE were recorded during the procedure. Fractional area of contraction (FAC), an approximation of left ventricular ejection fraction, was calculated from end-diastolic and end-systolic areas. Esmolol was administered to 15 patients and placebo to 14. Heart rates in the esmolol group were lower during infusion and prior to CPB (P < 0.05). Stroke volume index and left ventricular stroke work index were higher in the esmolol group at 15 min post-CPB (P < 0.05). FAC was higher in the esmolol group at 15 and 30 min post-CPB (P < 0.05), but no difference was observed between groups at 1 h post-CPB. Esmolol infused during CPB in this series of patients was associated with better left ventricular function during the first 0.5 h post-CPB. (Anesth Analg 1995;81:219-24)
MULTIPLICITIES AND REES VALUATIONS DANIEL KATZ AND

Let (R, m) be a local ring of Krull dimension d and I ⊆ R be an ideal with analytic spread d. We show that the j-multiplicity of I is determined by the Rees valuations of I centered on m. We also discuss a multiplicity that is the limsup of a sequence of lengths that grow at an O(nd) rate.
Communication modality sampling for a toddler with Angelman syndrome.

PURPOSE Vocal, gestural, and graphic communication modes were implemented concurrently with a toddler with Angelman syndrome to identify the most efficiently learned communication mode to emphasize in an initial augmentative communication system. METHOD Symbols representing preferred objects were introduced in vocal, gestural, and graphic communication modes using an alternating treatment single-subject experimental design. Conventionally accepted prompting strategies were used to teach symbols in each communication mode. Because the learner did not vocally imitate, vocal mode intervention focused on increasing vocal frequency as an initial step. RESULTS When graphic and gestural mode performances were compared, the learner most accurately produced requests in graphic mode (percentage of nonoverlapping data = 96). Given the lack of success in prompting vocal productions, a comparison between vocal and the other two communication modes was not made. CONCLUSION A growing body of evidence suggests that concurrent modality sampling is a promising low-inference, data-driven procedure that can be used to inform selection of a communication mode(s) for initial emphasis with young children. Concurrent modality sampling can guide clinical decisions regarding the allocation of treatment resources to promote success in building an initial communicative repertoire.
Functional Characterization of Human Proton-Coupled Folate Transporter/Heme Carrier Protein 1 Heterologously Expressed in Mammalian Cells as a Folate Transporter

The functional characteristics of human proton coupled folate transporter (hPCFT)/heme carrier protein (HCP) 1 were investigated. hPCFT/HCP1 expressed transiently in human embryonic kidney 293 cells mediated the transport of folate at an acidic extracellular pH of 5.5 in a manner independent of Na+ and insensitive to membrane potential, but its transport activity was absent at near-neutral pH. Folate transport mediated by hPCFT/hHCP1 at pH 5.5 was saturable with a Km of 1.67 μM and extensively inhibited by reduced folates, such as folinate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, and methotrexate (MTX). Sulfobro-mophthalein and 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid were also found to be potent inhibitors of hPCFT/hHCP1, but hemin was found to exhibit only minimal inhibitory effect. When expressed stably as a protein fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP-hPCFT/HCP1) in MDCKII cells, GFP-hPCFT/HCP1 was mainly localized at the apical membrane, and the cellular accumulation of MTX was higher from the apical side than from the basal side. These functional features of hPCFT/HCP1 are consistent with those of the well characterized carrier-mediated folate transport system in the small intestine, suggesting that hPCFT/HCP1 is responsible for the intestinal absorption of folate and also MTX. We also found that sulfasalazine is a potent inhibitor of hPCFT/HCP1, which would interfere with the intestinal absorption of MTX when coadministered in therapy for rheumatoid arthritis as well as folate.
Emergency department visits by pediatric patients sustained as a passenger on a motorcycle

ABSTRACT Objective: Currently only 5 out of the 50 states in the United States have laws restricting the age of passengers permitted to ride on a motorcycle. This study sought to characterize the visits by patients under the age of 16 to U.S. emergency departments (EDs) for injuries sustained as a passenger on a motorcycle. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data were obtained from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) for the years 2006 to 2011. Pediatric patients who were passengers on a motorcycle that was involved in a crash were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) External Cause of Injury codes. We also examined gender, age, disposition, regional differences, common injuries, and charges. Results: Between 2006 and 2011 there were an estimated 9,689 visits to U.S. EDs by patients under the age of 16 who were passengers on a motorcycle involved in a crash. The overall average patient age was 9.4 years, and they were predominately male (54.5%). The majority (85%) of these patients were treated and released. The average charges for discharged patients were $2,116.50 and amounted to roughly $17,500,000 during the 6 years. The average cost for admission was $51,446 per patient and totaled over $54 million. The most common primary injuries included superficial contusions; sprains and strains; upper limb fractures; open wounds of head, neck, and trunk; and intracranial injuries. Conclusion: Although there were only about 9,700 visits to U.S. EDs for motorcycle crashes involving passengers less than 16 years old for 2006 to 2011, the total cost of visits that resulted in either ED discharge or hospital admission amounted to over $71 million.
The IVVY Motif and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-associated Factor (TRAF) Sites in the Cytoplasmic Domain of the Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor κB (RANK) Cooperate to Induce Osteoclastogenesis*

Background: The IVVY motif and TRAF-binding sites in the RANK cytoplasmic domain initiate distinct modes of action to promote osteoclastogenesis. Results: The ability of the IVVY motif to mediate osteoclast lineage commitment for osteoclastogenesis requires TRAF-binding sites. Conclusion: The RANK IVVY motif cooperates with TRAF-binding sites to induce osteoclastogenesis. Significance: This reveals a novel mechanism of RANK signaling in osteoclastogenesis. Receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) activation by RANK ligand (RANKL) mediates osteoclastogenesis by recruiting TNF receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) via three cytoplasmic motifs (motif 1, PFQEP369–373; motif 2, PVQEET559–564; and motif 3, PVQEQG604–609) to activate the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. RANK also has a TRAF-independent motif (IVVY535–538), which is dispensable for the activation of TRAF-induced signaling pathways but essential for osteoclast lineage commitment by inducing the expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells c1 (NFATc1) to regulate osteoclast gene expression. Notably, TNF/IL-1-mediated osteoclastogenesis requires RANK ligand assistance, and the IVVY motif is also critical for TNF/IL-1-mediated osteoclastogenesis by rendering osteoclast genes responsive to these two cytokines. Here we show that the two types of RANK cytoplasmic motifs have to be on the same RANK molecule to mediate osteoclastogenesis, suggesting a functional cooperation between them. Subsequent osteoclastogenesis assays with TNF or IL-1 revealed that, although all three TRAF motifs play roles in TNF/IL-1-mediated osteoclastogenesis, motifs 2 and 3 are more potent than motif 1. Accordingly, inactivation of motifs 2 and 3 blocksTNF/IL-1-mediated osteoclastogenesis. Mechanistically, double mutation of motifs 2 and 3, similar to inactivation of the IVVY motif, abrogates the expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells c1 and osteoclast genes in assays reflecting RANK-initiated and TNF/IL-1-mediated osteoclastogenesis. In contrast, double inactivation of motifs 2 and 3 did not affect the ability of RANK to activate the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Collectively, these results indicate that the RANK IVVY motif cooperates with the TRAF-binding motifs to promote osteoclastogenesis, which provides novel insights into the molecular mechanism of RANK signaling in osteoclastogenesis.
'Leopard skin' as a rapid diagnostic index for estimating the endemicity of African onchocerciasis.

A study was made in five rural districts of Kwara State, Nigeria to assess the possible use of 'leopard skin' (Ls) as a rapid diagnostic technique for estimating the endemicity of African onchocerciasis. The findings revealed that there is a positive association between the percentage of subjects with skin microfilariae (mf) and the percentage with Ls. The prevalence of Ls less than 1% suggests communities with sporadic infection, 1-6% suggests hypoendemic communities and greater than 6% suggests meso- or hyperendemic communities, using mf rates of less than 10%, 10-39%, 40-69% and 70% or greater as the standard to classify sporadic, hypoendemic, mesoendemic and hyperendemic levels of the infection, respectively. The unique merits of Ls as a potential onchocercal index are presented.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Alters the Polarity of Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Cell Monolayers*

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and E-cadherin are important for epithelial morphogenetic events. We examined the effects of HGF on E-cadherin localization and interaction with β-catenin in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell monolayers grown on filters. Surface biotinylation experiments showed that HGF increases apically accessible E-cadherin. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy of HGF-treated cells showed localization of E-cadherin at membrane domains contacting the apical compartment and an increase in accessibility of apically applied antibodies to lateral E-cadherin below the tight junction. Coimmunoprecipitation of β-catenin/E-cadherin complexes showed that the amount of E-cadherin associated with β-catenin increased during the first 24 h of HGF treatment with a return to baseline values after 48 and 72 h. Metabolic labeling showed that HGF increased the synthetic rate of β-catenin and the amount of newly synthesized E-cadherin associated with immunoprecipitated β-catenin, with the peak effect occurring after 12 h of treatment and returning to baseline after 24 h. HGF treatment inhibited transcytosis of immunoglobulin A by the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor. We conclude that HGF treatment of polarized MDCK cells grown on filters decreases cell polarity and alters E-cadherin/β-catenin interaction and synthesis.
How do tobacco retail displays affect cessation attempts? Findings from a qualitative study

Background Tobacco retail displays promote smoking experimentation among youth; however, little is known about their effect on smokers making a quit attempt. Calls to ban tobacco retail displays would be strengthened if this measure would deter initiation and support cessation. Methods Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 individuals, from two New Zealand provincial cities, who had attempted to quit smoking in the last 6 months. Results Tobacco products had high visibility, and elicited emotional and physical reactions that created on-going temptation, complicated cessation attempts and stimulated impulse purchases. Participants strongly supported banning tobacco retail displays primarily because they thought this would reduce youth initiation, promote greater consistency with smoke-free promotions and assist those attempting to quit. Conclusions The effects of tobacco retail displays on smokers making a cessation attempt are explored. The findings are consistent with experimental and survey research, and expand a growing evidence base that supports government-mandated bans on tobacco retail displays.
An Exploratory Study of the Factors Associated With Literacy Teachers' Integration of Technology: A Study of Lebanese Schools

Abstract The purpose of this study is to explore Lebanese teachers' perceptions of the factors determining their integration of technology into literacy classrooms. A quantitative survey examining literacy teachers' individual characteristics and their perceptions of contextual factors was conducted at Lebanese schools. The survey collected data on the levels of reported technology integration, technology availability and support, provision of formal training, and teachers' perceptions of their pedagogical, self-efficacy, and value beliefs. Qualitative data collected using interviews provided in-depth data and added a personal perspective to the quantitative results. The analysis of the data included descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, which together led to identifying several factors determining technology integration in the Lebanese literacy classroom. Results indicated relatively low levels of integration and consistent perceptions about the barriers hindering such integration. Recommendations are suggested to advance school leaders' and teacher trainers' understanding of the factors that need to be considered to better support teachers in creating technology-enhanced classrooms.
Stock Market Overvaluation, Moon Shots, and Corporate Innovation (Presentation Slides)

These are the presentation slides for the working paper. We test how market overvaluation affects corporate innovation. Estimated stock overvaluation is very strongly associated with R&D, innovative output, and measures of innovative novelty, originality, and scope. R&D is much more sensitive than capital investment to overvaluation. Misvaluation affects R&D more via a non-equity channel than via equity issuance. We document how the sensitivity of R&D and innovative outcomes to misvaluation depends on growth, overvaluation, and turnover. The frequency of exceptionally high innovative inputs/outputs increases with overvaluation. This evidence suggests that market overvaluation may generate social value by increasing innovative output and by encouraging firms to engage in ‘moon shots. ’ The paper is available at https://ssrn.com/abstract=2878418.
Activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling reporter in developing mouse olfactory nerve layer marks a specialized subgroup of olfactory ensheathing cells

Wnt reporter TOPgal mice carry a β‐galactosidase (βgal) gene under the control of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling responsive elements. We found that the intensely immunolabeled βgal+ cells were co‐immunolabeled with Nestin and formed a tangentially oriented single‐cell layer in the “connecting or docking zone” where the olfactory sensory axons attached to the brain surface during mid‐gestation. During early postnatal development, βgal+ cells were located in the inner olfactory nerve layer (ONLi) and co‐labeled with olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) markers S100β and NPY but not with lineage‐specific markers for neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia, demonstrating that the TOPgal marked a subpopulation of OECs. By confocal microscopy, we found that TOPgal activated processes extended along the developing glomerulus and formed multiple tunnel‐like structures that ensheathe and bridge olfactory sensory axonal bundles from ONLi to the glomerulus, which may play a key role in glomerulus formation and convergent sorting of the peripheral olfactory axons. Developmental Dynamics 237:3157–3168, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Organization of Immature Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

ABSTRACT Immature retrovirus particles contain radially arranged Gag polyproteins in which the N termini lie at the membrane and the C termini extend toward the particle's center. We related image features to the polyprotein domain structure by combining mutagenesis with cryoelectron microscopy and image analysis. The matrix (MA) domain appears as a thin layer tightly associated with the inner face of the viral membrane, separated from the capsid (CA) layer by a low-density region corresponding to its C terminus. Deletion of the entire p6 domain has no effect on the width or spacing of the density layers, suggesting that p6 is not ordered in immature human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). In vitro assembly of a recombinant Gag polyprotein containing only capsid (CA) and nucleocapsid (NC) domains results in the formation of nonenveloped spherical particles which display two layers with density matching that of the CA-NC portion of immature HIV-1 Gag particles. Authentic, immature HIV-1 displays additional surface features and an increased density between the lipid bilayers which reflect the presence of gp41. The other internal features match those of virus-like particles.
Agglomeration Economies and the Location of Foreign Direct Investment: A Meta‐Analysis

This paper undertakes a meta-analysis of the effect of agglomeration economies on foreign direct investment (FDI) location. It finds strong differences in these economies arising from both measurement and study-specific characteristics. Economies generated from domestic rather than foreign activity have the strongest effects on FDI, with the latter only significant if related to the home country of the investor. Support is also found for studies that identify different sources of agglomeration economies, although this is largely underexplored in the empirical literature. The average agglomeration economies estimate is not influenced by publication bias and indicates genuine effects for agglomeration economies on FDI location choice.
Evolving ensemble of fuzzy models

This paper presents an online learning-based neuro-fuzzy system called evolving Fuzzy Ensemble (eFE). The hierarchical computational structure of eFE is progressively adapted to autonomously support fuzzy data associations in accordance with neurophysiological studies. Activity-dependent synapse with global decay learning rule is incorporated to simulate the retention and active forgetting mechanisms that are involved in memory persistence. Such features incorporated in eFE model make it suitable to address the nonstationary characteristics of real-world problems. This work demonstrates the use of simple mechanisms to accomplish complex form of associative learning, an idea that has been suggested by psychologists for many years but has only recently been verified at the cellular level. The proposed eFE model is evaluated and compared with other modelling techniques in two benchmark time series experiments. The experimental results demonstrate the capabilities, and illustrate the viability of the proposed modelling technique.
Asset Pricing in Macroeconomic Models

Analysis of financial prices in macroeconomic models rests on two building blocks: the consumption-based asset pricing model and the structure of payoffs. This chapter studies how different modelling choices affect yield curves (real and nominal), risk premia on equity (levered or not), and options. The emphasis is on surveying existing models and to bring out the basic mechanisms and intuition. All results are based on simple stylized facts and analytical pricing expressions.