Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Superinfection exclusion of alphaviruses in three mosquito cell lines persistently infected with Sindbis virus

Three Aedes albopictus (mosquito) cell lines persistently infected with Sindbis virus excluded the replication of both homologous (various strains of Sindbis) and heterologous (Aura, Semliki Forest, and Ross River) alphaviruses. In contrast, an unrelated flavivirus, yellow fever virus, replicated equally well in uninfected and persistently infected cells of each line. Sindbis virus and Semliki Forest virus are among the most distantly related alphaviruses, and our results thus indicate that mosquito cells persistently infected with Sindbis virus are broadly able to exclude other alphaviruses but that exclusion is restricted to members of the alphavirus genus. Superinfection exclusion occurred to the same extent in three biologically distinct cell clones, indicating that the expression of superinfection exclusion is conserved among A. albopictus cell types. Superinfection of persistently infected C7-10 cells, which show a severe cytopathic effect during primary Sindbis virus infection, by homologous virus does not produce cytopathology, consistent with the idea that cytopathology requires significant levels of viral replication. A possible model for the molecular basis of superinfection exclusion, which suggests a central role for the alphavirus trans-acting protease that processes the nonstructural proteins, is discussed in light of these results.
Teacher Education for Democracy in Post-Soviet Ukraine

Teacher education can enable or impede democratic socialization of prospective teachers through the provision (or not) of knowledge, skills, and values necessary for democratic teaching and effective functioning in democratic society. This dissertation investigates teacher education for democracy in post-Soviet Ukraine. It examines contextual factors that enable and impede teacher education practice for democracy, teacher educators’ conceptions of democracy and citizenship, and their enactment of these concepts in practice, in four universities in western, central, and eastern Ukraine. The study employs a mixed method multiple-case study methodology: case study profiles of four democratically oriented teacher educators, each working at a different university, are contextualized through background interviews, surveys of additional teacher educators, and document analysis. It illuminates political, cultural, and pedagogical dimensions of democratic citizenship education in an ostensibly post-authoritarian context. Survey findings reveal that, despite some changes, teaching approaches remained predominantly transmissional, and most teacher educators did not emphasize the promotion of political and cultural dispositions such as active citizenship, personal responsibility, civic patriotism, or tolerance of other viewpoints, nations, ethnicities, and cultures. Preparation of teacher candidates to function in a democracy was obstructed by multiple societal, institutional, and personal factors. This study demonstrates the value of considering such factors, in order to understand the challenges of implementing education for democracy in non-Western, transforming contexts. Case studies of four exemplary teacher educators shed light on pedagogical and content dimensions of teacher
The Health Care Expenditure and National Income: The Malaysian Case

This paper explored the determinants of health care expenditure using the demand side factors focusing the case study in Malaysia from 1981 to 2010. A seven-independent variable model is formulated with national income as one of the independent variables. The analysis began with the Augmented Dickey Fuller Test, followed by the cointegration test as well as the Vector Error Correction Modeling. The Augmented Dickey Fuller test revealed that the variables were stationary at first difference. The cointegration test showed the existence of long run relationship between the variables. The main findings in this study implied that the proportion of population aged below 15 and real GDP per capita were found positively significant in explaining the changes in real health care expenditure per capita. However, the result of Vector Error Correction Model estimation showed there was no short-run relationship between all the variables. Moreover, there was uni-directional Granger causality running from real GDP per capita to real health care expenditure per capita but not vice versa. Thus, the evidence for Malaysia clearly supported “The Income View” over “The Health View”. In short-run, health care expenditure was found to be an inferior good. However, the income elasticity of real health care expenditure per capita was found to be greater than one in long-run, meaning health care expenditure was a luxury good in Malaysia.
Mind mapping as a teaching resource

Background: Modern mind mapping has been around since the mid‐1970s, having been developed in its current form by Tony Buzan. It works by taking information from several sources and displaying this information as key words in a bright, colourful manner. Mind maps have been described as an effective study technique when applied to written material.
Firms' Motivation for Training Apprentices: An Australian-German Comparison. Occasional Paper.

This paper looks at firms' motivation for training apprentices in both Australia and Germany. The study explores how these countries compare when dealing with their respective institutional arrangements for apprenticeship training. It then analyses Australian employer's commitment to training based on changes to incentive payments in Australia. Overall, the paper finds that institutional frameworks in Germany foster an investment model, a model which emphasises the benefits of employing apprentices after training, while in Australia some firms foster more of a production (that is, substitution for 'regular' workers) model of apprenticeship training, although there is a relatively strong investment motivation for trade firms in Australia.
Hedging, Cash Flows, and Firm Value: Evidence of an Indirect Effect

This paper extends and tests the predictions of Froot, Scharfstein, and Steinâ€™s (1993) model of the relation between hedging, cash flows, and firm value. Specifically, we model the impact of derivatives hedging on firm value both directly and also indirectly through its effect on cash flow volatility. We test the modelâ€™s predictions using a sample of publicly traded life insurers who report detailed information on both the extent and purpose of derivatives use. We find that both derivatives hedging and cash flow volatility are negatively related to firm value. However, consistent with our theoretical predictions, we find that hedging mitigates the negative value effect of cash flow volatility.
How to Teach les Êtres Humains: An Investigation into Teachers’ Understandings of Learner Empowerment in Ontario Secondary School Core-French Classrooms

ii Acknowledgements . iii Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.0 Research Context and Problem . 1 1.1 Purpose of the Study . 5 1.2 Research Questions . 6 1.3 Self-Positioning as Researcher . 6 1.4 Overview . 9 Chapter 2: Theoretical Framework . 10 2.0 Introduction to the Chapter . 10 2.1 Understandings of Motivation . 10 2.1.1 Learner empowerment . 12 2.2 Overview of Self-Determination Theory . 13 2.3 Conclusion . 16 Chapter 3: Literature Review . 18 3.0 Introduction to the Chapter . 18 3.1 Research on French as a Second Language in Ontario . 18 3.1.1 Implementation of aspects of the CEFR . 20 3.2 Motivation and Empowerment in Second Language Education . 21 3.2.1 Teacher practices that promote motivation and empowerment . 23 3.2.2 The role of cultural contexts.25 3.2.3 Connection with Self-Determination Theory . 26
Genetic polymorphisms of the adrenergic system and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapies in patients with heart failure.

AIMS We investigated whether the combination of beta(1)-Gly389Arg and GNB3 C825T, two genetic polymorphisms strictly related to adrenergic system modulation, could act as predictors of appropriate therapies in patients with heart failure (HF) using implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). METHODS AND RESULTS Patients with HF and ICD implantation for primary and secondary prevention were studied. All ICD therapies were registered and classified as appropriate (secondary to ventricular tachycardia) or inappropriate (others). Genetic analysis was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Seventy-three patients with mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 35 +/- 11% were evaluated. Overall, 35 ICD therapies occurred during follow-up in 31 (42.5%) patients. Twenty-four therapies (33%) were appropriate, and 11 (15%) were inappropriate. Individual analysis of each polymorphism only identified T825 carriers of GNB3 C825T as predictor of appropriate shocks. The combined presence of risk genotypes (Arg389 of the beta(1)-Gly389Arg and T825 of the GNB3 C825T) identified patients with higher risk of appropriate shocks. Patients with two at-risk genotypes had a survival rate free of appropriate shocks lower than those with none or only one of these markers (87 vs. 54%, respectively; log-rank statistic = 0.006). Using a Cox regression model, each at-risk genotype was associated with an increment of risk of appropriate ICD shocks (odds ratio = 3.9, 95% confidence interval of 1.3-12.0; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Genetic polymorphisms of the adrenergic system may help to identify HF patients who are more likely to receive appropriate ICD therapies. Further studies are necessary to determine the clinical applicability of these polymorphisms as predictors of arrhythmias.
Beyond Talk: Creating Autonomous Motivation through Self-Determination Theory

Many managers and academics have a passing familiarity with self-determination theory (SDT), which articulates the core principles that underlie the concept of sustainable motivation in organisations. But far fewer understand how to successfully implement a SDT intervention in the face of organisational pressure for short-term accountability and performance. We present the core principles of SDT, describe the principles that underlie successful SDT-based interventions, propose six steps (i.e. actions) that facilitate the creation of autonomous motivation, articulate the obstacles to successful implementation, and present two examples of successful organisational implementations.
Risk factors for resistance to ciprofloxacin in community-acquired urinary tract infections due to Escherichia coli in an elderly population

Background Antimicrobial resistance to ciprofloxacin is rising worldwide, especially in bacteria causing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Prudent use of current antibiotic drugs is therefore necessary. Objectives We analysed (modifiable) risk factors for ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli. Methods Urinary cultures of UTIs caused by E. coli were collected from participants in the Rotterdam Study, a prospective cohort study in an elderly population, and analysed for susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to investigate several possible risk factors for resistance. Results Ciprofloxacin resistance in 1080 E. coli isolates was 10.2%. Multivariate analysis showed that higher age (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00–1.05) and use of two (OR 5.89; 95% CI 3.45–10.03) and three or more (OR 3.38; 95% CI 1.92–5.97) prescriptions of fluoroquinolones were associated with ciprofloxacin resistance, while no association between fluoroquinolone use more than 1 year before culture and ciprofloxacin resistance could be demonstrated. Furthermore, a high intake of pork (OR 3.68; 95% CI 1.36–9.99) and chicken (OR 2.72; 95% CI 1.08–6.85) and concomitant prescription of calcium supplements (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.20–5.22) and proton pump inhibitors (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.18–3.51) were associated with ciprofloxacin resistance. Conclusions Ciprofloxacin resistance in community-acquired UTI was associated with a high intake of pork and chicken and with concomitant prescription of calcium supplements and proton pump inhibitors. Modification of antibiotic use in animals as well as temporarily stopping the prescription of concomitant calcium and proton pump inhibitors need further evaluation as strategies to prevent ciprofloxacin resistance.
ANALISIS FAKTOR.FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KOEFISIEN RESPON LABA PADA PERUSAHAAN MANUFAKTUR YANG TERDAFTAR DI BEJ

\h;;;"d, is an empirical one wlnse purposes are to prove is beta risk; leverage, earning growth std size has intluence on to earnings response coeficient. Sampk which are used on this sntdy are 390 data of mmufacturing corporations in Indonesig. Ihe period of study is 1995-2004. There are two models used, first model to determining earnings response coefficient and second rnodel to testing factors which in/luence eunings response coefficient. Stotistic models which ue used are multiple regressions. The results are beta has negative effect on earnings response coefiicient, leverage has negative efiect on earnings response coefficient, eorning growth has positive inJluences to the earnings response coefficient atter being controlled by other variable and size has negative effect on eunings response coeficient. Kqtwords : Earnings Response Coeficient (ERC), Return, Unexpected Earning Per Share
The use of crisis intervention with parents of children identified as in need of care and protection: experiences of social workers.

iv OPSOMMING. v 1.1 PRELIMINARY STUDY AND RATIONALE . 1 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT . 4 1.3 GOAL AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY . 5 1.4 CLARIFICATIONS OF CONCEPTS . 6 1.4. 1 Crisis Intervention . 6 1.4. 2 Parent . 6 1.4. 3 Child . 7 1.4. 4 Social Worker . 7 1.5 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY . 7 1.5. 1 Research Approach . 7 1.5. 2 Research Design . 7 1.5. 3 Research Method . 8 1.5. 3.1 Literature Study . 8 1.5. 3.2 Population and Sampling . 8 1.5. 3.3 Method of Data Collection . 9 1.5. 3.4 Pilot Study . 9 1.6 DATA PROCESSING PROCEDURE . 10 1.6. 1 Method of Data Analysis . 10 1.6. 2 Method of Data Verification . 10 1.7 ETHICAL CONSIDERATION . 11 1.8 CONTENT . 12 Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za
Stress hormone and circulating biomarker profile of apical ballooning syndrome (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy): insights into the clinical significance of B-type natriuretic peptide and troponin levels

Objective: To evaluate the stress neurohumoral and cardiac biomarker profile of patients with apical ballooning syndrome (ABS). Methods: Plasma-free metanephrines, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and troponin T, as well as 24-hour urine catecholamines, metanephrines and free cortisol were measured in 19 ABS and 10 ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Results: An antecedent stressful event was identified in 15 ABS patients. There were no differences in plasma normetanephrine (median 0.64 (IQ range 0.43–0.97) nmol/l vs 0.53 (0.32–0.77) nmol/l, p = 0.44), metanephrine (0.10 (0.10–0.22) nmol/l vs 0.16 (0.10–0.38) nmol/l, p = 0.29), or cortisol levels (16.0 (7.3–44.0) μg/dl vs 13.0 (10.5–23.5) μg/dl, p = 0.95) between ABS and STEMI patients. The 24-hour urine metanephrines, catecholamines and cortisol levels were normal in the majority of ABS patients. Troponin T levels were lower (0.62 (0.18–0.84) ng/ml vs 3.80 (2.04–6.57) ng/ml, p<0.001), but BNP levels were higher in ABS compared with STEMI (944 (650–2022) pg/ml vs 206 (140–669) pg/ml, p = 0.009). HsCRP was similarly elevated in the two groups (11.0 (5.1–110.8) mg/l and 24.3 (8.1–88.6) mg/l, p = 0.78). Conclusions: Catecholamine and cortisol levels were not elevated in our cohort of ABS, suggesting that routine measurement of these stress hormones is unlikely to be of diagnostic value in practice. In contrast to STEMI, ABS is characterised by a greater elevation in BNP and less myonecrosis.
In vivo gut transcriptome responses to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus acidophilus in neonatal gnotobiotic piglets

Probiotics facilitate mucosal repair and maintain gut homeostasis. They are often used in adjunct with rehydration or antibiotic therapy in enteric infections. Lactobacillus spp have been tested in infants for the prevention or treatment of various enteric conditions. However, to aid in rational strain selection for specific treatments, comprehensive studies are required to delineate and compare the specific molecules and pathways involved in a less complex but biologically relevant model (gnotobiotic pigs). Here we elucidated Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) and L. acidophilus (LA) specific effects on gut transcriptome responses in a neonatal gnotobiotic (Gn) pig model to simulate responses in newly colonized infants. Whole genome microarray, followed by biological pathway reconstruction, was used to investigate the host-microbe interactions in duodenum and ileum at early (day 1) and later stages (day 7) of colonization. Both LA and LGG modulated common responses related to host metabolism, gut integrity, and immunity, as well as responses unique to each strain in Gn pigs. Our data indicated that probiotic establishment and beneficial effects in the host are guided by: (1) down-regulation or upregulation of immune function-related genes in the early and later stages of colonization, respectively, and (2) alternations in metabolism of small molecules (vitamins and/or minerals) and macromolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids). Pathways related to immune modulation and carbohydrate metabolism were more affected by LGG, whereas energy and lipid metabolism-related transcriptome responses were prominently modulated by LA. These findings imply that identification of probiotic strain-specific gut responses could facilitate the rational design of probiotic-based interventions to moderate specific enteric conditions.
High‐level production and covalent immobilization of Providencia rettgeri penicillin G acylase (PAC) from recombinant Pichia pastoris for the development of a novel and stable biocatalyst of industrial applicability

A complete, integrated process for the production of an innovative formulation of penicillin G acylase from Providencia rettgeri(rPACP.rett)of industrial applicability is reported. In order to improve the yield of rPAC, the clone LN5.5, carrying four copies of pac gene integrated into the genome of Pichia pastoris, was constructed. The proteinase activity of the recombinant strain was reduced by knockout of the PEP4 gene encoding for proteinase A, resulting in an increased rPACP.rett activity of approximately 40% (3.8 U/mL vs. 2.7U/mL produced by LN5.5 in flask). A high cell density fermentation process was established with a 5‐day methanol induction phase and a final PAC activity of up to 27 U/mL. A single step rPACP.rett purification was also developed with an enzyme activity yield of approximately 95%. The novel features of the rPAC P.rett expressed in P.pastoris were fully exploited and emphasized through the covalent immobilization of rPACP.rett. The enzyme wasimmobilized on a series of structurally correlated methacrylic polymers, specifically designed and produced for optimizing rPACP.rett performances in both hydrolytic and synthetic processes. Polymers presenting aminic functionalities were the most efficient, leading to formulations with higher activity and stability (half time stability >3 years and specific activity ranging from 237 to 477 U/g dry based on benzylpenicillin hydrolysis). The efficiency of the immobilized rPACP.rett was finally evaluated by studying the kinetically controlled synthesis of β‐lactam antibiotics (cephalexin) and estimating the synthesis/hydrolysis ratio (S/H), which is a crucial parameter for the feasibility of the process. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discrimination via Symmetric Auctions

Discrimination (for instance, along the lines of race or gender) is often prohibited in auctions. This is legally enforced by preventing the seller from explicitly biasing the rules in favor of bidders from certain groups (for example, by subsidizing their bids). In this paper, we study the efficacy of this policy in the context of a single object: independent private value setting with heterogeneous bidders. We show that restricting the seller to using an anonymous, sealed bid auction format (or, simply, a symmetric auction) imposes virtually no restriction on her ability to discriminate. Our results highlight that the discrepancy between the superficial impartiality of the auction rules and the resulting fairness of the outcome can be extreme.
Exploring agricultural structure as a determinant for social and aesthetic functions of agricultural production

This study explores the in uences of agricultural systems on a social aspect of farming, namely work satisfaction. We use an individual activity choice model and hypothesize that di erent systems yield di erent levels of satisfaction with farming. Farmers of Northeast (NE) Germany and Switzerland were surveyed with a joint questionnaire, as these study regions di er widely in terms of farm size and thus in economies of scale. Regression analysis was done in two separate models including di erent proxies for farm income, namely farm size (n=1137) and perceived nancial situation of the farm (n=1158). The results show that in the large-scale industrialized agricultural system of NE Germany, farmers' work satisfaction is positively a ected by both farm income proxies. Both of these elements have a signi cantly di erent e ect on the work satisfaction of Swiss farmers. Their work satisfaction is not a ected by farm size and the positive e ect of the perceived nancial situation of the farm is signi cantly less strong for Swiss farmers than for German ones. Thus, monetary return seems to play a major role in utility of farming for NE German farmers, whereas it is less important for Swiss ones. Additionally, the Swiss agricultural system seems to o er qualities besides economic returns for its farmers as they are generally more satis ed with their work despite the lower economic return compared with NE German farmers.
Mechanisms and markers of vascular damage in ANCA-associated vasculitis

Much progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated small-vessel vasculitis and interaction between ANCA and micro-vascular endothelial cells are centre stage. The interactions of these key players culminate in respiratory burst of the neutrophil with release of radicals and proteases and subsequent endothelial cell and tissue damage. During the last decade, markers have become available to assess the extent and/or acuity of vascular damage in a clinical setting. First, circulating endothelial cells (CEC) have emerged as reliable surrogate markers of endothelial damage in vasculitis. More recently, endothelial microparticles have been used and appear to reflect damage and activation of the cells. Data on endothelial progenitor cells in vasculitis are sparse but intriguing while a genuine progenitor cell deficiency remains controversial. The severely damaged phenotype of CEC in vasculitis led to the hypothesis that such circulating apoptotic and/or necrotic debris may itself be a mediator of disease and first data from experimental studies have added proof to this assumption. Such effects may well contribute to a pro-inflammatory environment in ANCA-associated small-vessel vasculitis and in vascular disease in general. Here, we review mechanisms and markers of endothelial damage and repair in ANCA-associated vasculitis and put these findings into perspective.