Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Liquidity Events and the Geographic Distribution of Entrepreneurial Activity

In this paper, we examine the ecological consequences of initial public offerings (IPOs) and acquisitions, specifically how the spatial distribution of these events influences the location-specific founding rates of new companies. We explore whether relatively small spatial units (metropolitan statistical areas) in close geographic proximity to firms that recently have been acquired or experienced an IPO exhibit high new venture creation rates and whether the magnitudes of these effects depend on regional differences in statutes governing the freedom of employees to move between employers. Count models of biotechnology firm foundings establish three findings: (1) IPOs of organizations located contiguous to or within an MSA accelerate the founding rate within that MSA, (2) acquisitions of biotech firms situated near to or within an MSA accelerate the founding rate within the MSA, but only when the acquirer enters from outside of the biotech industry, and (3) the enforceability of post-employment non-compete covenants, which is determined at the state level, strongly moderates these effects.
Systematic text condensation: A strategy for qualitative analysis

Aims: To present background, principles, and procedures for a strategy for qualitative analysis called systematic text condensation and discuss this approach compared with related strategies. Methods: Giorgi’s psychological phenomenological analysis is the point of departure and inspiration for systematic text condensation. The basic elements of Giorgi’s method and the elaboration of these in systematic text condensation are presented, followed by a detailed description of procedures for analysis according to systematic text condensation. Finally, similarities and differences compared with other frequently applied methods for qualitative analysis are identified, as the foundation of a discussion of strengths and limitations of systematic text condensation. Results: Systematic text condensation is a descriptive and explorative method for thematic cross-case analysis of different types of qualitative data, such as interview studies, observational studies, and analysis of written texts. The method represents a pragmatic approach, although inspired by phenomenological ideas, and various theoretical frameworks can be applied. The procedure consists of the following steps: 1) total impression – from chaos to themes; 2) identifying and sorting meaning units – from themes to codes; 3) condensation – from code to meaning; 4) synthesizing – from condensation to descriptions and concepts. Similarities and differences comparing systematic text condensation with other frequently applied qualitative methods regarding thematic analysis, theoretical methodological framework, analysis procedures, and taxonomy are discussed. Conclusions: Systematic text condensation is a strategy for analysis developed from traditions shared by most of the methods for analysis of qualitative data. The method offers the novice researcher a process of intersubjectivity, reflexivity, and feasibility, while maintaining a responsible level of methodological rigour.
A New Approach to Assembly Level Programming

In assembly level programming we need to know the mnemonic of each assembly instruction. But it is not so easy to remember mnemonics of all instructions, while the instruction set of Pentium processor includes 280 instructions. In this paper we introduce a new programming approach to assembly level programming in which most important assembly instructions (about 100 instructions) can be substituted for simple equivalents. These equivalent instructions are based on simple familiar operators and make a large simplification in assembly programming. This new language has a free format structure and hence is called Free Format Assembly Language. Evaluating the performance of this language using a developed VC++ program has shown that it is a good substitute for current assembly language.
The psychological and social impact of camp for children with chronic illnesses: a systematic review update.

Advances in medicine have reduced mortality among children with complex medical conditions, resulting in a growing number of young patients living with chronic illnesses. Despite an improved prognosis, these children experience significant psychosocial morbidity, such as depression and anxiety. Therapeutic summer recreation camps have been proposed as an intervention to enhance quality of life among these children. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the psychosocial impact of camp for children with chronic illnesses. A systematic review of central databases was undertaken using key words, and a rating tool – the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies – was employed to rate methodological quality. 21 studies were included in this systematic review. Although overall methodological quality was weak, camp participation appeared to offer short-term psychosocial benefits on some parameters in children with a variety of chronic illnesses. There was some consistency in improved social outcomes, such as social interaction and acceptance. Based on the available evidence, it is premature to make robust claims regarding the psychosocial impact of camp as a therapeutic intervention. Theoretically informed camp programs, long-term follow-up, and incorporating camp-based messaging into routine hospital care,may enhance the utility of camp as a potential psychosocial intervention in paediatrics.
Requirement of Tissue-Selective TBP-Associated Factor TAFII105 in Ovarian Development

Transcription factor TFIID, composed of TBP and TAFIIsubunits, is a central component of the RNA polymerase II machinery. Here, we report that the tissue-selective TAFII105 subunit of TFIID is essential for proper development and function of the mouse ovary. Female mice lacking TAFII105 are viable but infertile because of a defect in folliculogenesis correlating with restricted expression of TAFII105 in the granulosa cells of the ovarian follicle. Gene expression profiling has uncovered a defective inhibin-activin signaling pathway in TAFII105-deficient ovaries. Together, these studies suggest that TAFII105 mediates the transcription of a subset of genes required for proper folliculogenesis in the ovary and establishes TAFII105 as a cell type–specific component of the mammalian transcriptional machinery.
Building Social Networks for Maternal and Newborn Health in Poor Urban Settlements: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bangladesh

Background The beneficial influence of social networks on health and wellbeing is well-established. In poor urban settlements in Bangladesh, BRAC’s Manoshi programme trains community health workers (CHWs) to support women through pregnancy, delivery and postpartum periods. This paper test the hypothesis that the introduction of CHWs as weak ties into the social networks of Manoshi members mediates improvements in maternal and neonatal health (MNH) best practices by providing support, facilitating ideational change, connecting mother to resources, and strengthening or countering the influence of strong ties. Methods 1000 women who had given birth in the last three months were identified and interviewed as part of ongoing monitoring of 5 poor urban settlements in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A social networks questionnaire was administered which elicited women’s perceived networks around pregnancy, delivery and post-partum periods. Mediation analysis was performed to test the hypothesis that penetration of Manoshi CHWs into women’s perceived networks has a beneficial effect on MNH best practises. Results The presence and influence of Manoshi CHWs in women’s networks significantly mediated the effect of Manoshi membership on MNH best practices. Respondents who were Manoshi members and who listed Manoshi CHWs as part of their support networks were significantly more likely to deliver with a trained birth attendant (OR 3.61; 95%CI 2.36–5.51), to use postnatal care (OR 3.09; 95%CI 1.83–5.22), and to give colostrum to their newborn (OR 7.51; 95%CI 3.51–16.05). Conclusion Manoshi has succeeded in penetrating the perceived pregnancy, delivery and post-partum networks of poor urban women through the introduction of trained CHWs. Study findings demonstrate the benefits of moving beyond urban health care delivery models that concentrate on the provision of clinical services by medical providers, to an approach that nurtures the power of social networks as a means to support the poorest and most marginalized in changing behaviour and effectively accessing appropriate maternal services.
Interrogating the Role of Academic Developers in the Promotion of Scholarly Teaching and the Scholarship of Learning and Teaching

Abstract In this paper the researchers sought to examine the role of academic developers in universities in the promotion of scholarly teaching (ST) and scholarship of learning and teaching (SOLT). The concepts scholarly teaching and scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education are explained and their differences outlined. The researchers further discuss the significance of SOLT in the enhancement of teaching and learning in higher education. In the paper the researchers also examine the role academic developers should play in ensuring the nurturing and development of SOLT among academics by suggesting practical activities academic developers should engage in ensuring the promotion of SOLT. Possible hindrances and challenges in academic developers’ role in promoting SOLT are also evaluated and solutions suggested.
An intramolecular folding sensor for imaging estrogen receptor–ligand interactions

Strategies for high-throughput analysis of interactions between various hormones and drugs with the estrogen receptor (ER) are crucial for accelerating the understanding of ER biology and pharmacology. Through careful analyses of the crystal structures of the human ER (hER) ligand-binding domain (hER–LBD) in complex with different ligands, we hypothesized that the hER–LBD intramolecular folding pattern could be used to distinguish ER agonists from selective ER modulators and pure antiestrogens. We therefore constructed and validated intramolecular folding sensors encoding various hER–LBD fusion proteins that could lead to split Renilla/firefly luciferase reporter complementation in the presence of the appropriate ligands. A mutant hER–LBD with low affinity for circulating estradiol was also identified for imaging in living subjects. Cells stably expressing the intramolecular folding sensors expressing wild-type and mutant hER–LBD were used for imaging ligand-induced intramolecular folding in living mice. This is the first hER–LBD intramolecular folding sensor suited for high-throughput quantitative analysis of interactions between hER with hormones and drugs using cell lysates, intact cells, and molecular imaging of small living subjects. The strategies developed can also be extended to study and image other important protein intramolecular folding systems.
A protocol designed for intra-spacecraft impulse radio ultra-wideband communications

Impulse Radio Ultra-Wideband (IR-UWB) is a promising technology for intra-spacecraft data communications because of its low complexity, low power, and high bandwidth. A data network based on IR-UWB technology for intra-spacecraft high speed communications was proposed here. A new network protocol referring to the American military data bus standard MIL-STD-1553B protocol was designed to meet the requirements of IR-UWB communications. Time division command/response mechanism was adopted to avoid signal collision in the network protocol. The physical layer, data link layer, network layer and application layer of the new protocol were described in detail. A demonstration of the high speed data network based on IR-UWB was tested and verified by FPGA. It is proved that design of the network protocol is feasible, reliable and flexible.
Lethality of adenosine for cultured mammalian cells by interference with pyrimidine biosynthesis.

Adenosine at low concentration is toxic to mammalian cells in culture. This may escape notice because some sera (such as calf or human) commonly used in culture media, contain adenosine deaminase. In the absence of serum deaminase, adenosine produced inhibition of growth of a number of established cell lines at concentrations as low as 5 x 10 -6 M, and killed at 2 x 10 -5 M. This effect required the presence of cellular adenosine kinase, since a mutant line deficient in this enzyme was 70-fold less sensitive to adenosine. The toxic substance is therefore derived from adenosine by phosphorylation, and is probably one of the adenosine nucleotides. The toxic effect of adenosine in concentrations up to 2 x 10 -4 M was completely prevented by the addition of uridine or of pyrimidines potentially convertible to uridine, suggesting that the adenosine was interfering with endogenous synthesis of uridylate. In the presence of adenosine, the conversion of labelled aspartate to uridine nucleotides was reduced by 80-85%, and labelled orotate accumulated in both the cells and in the culture medium. The lethality of adenosine results from inhibition by one of its nucleotide products of the synthesis of uridylate at the stage of phosphoribosylation of orotate.
Paraneoplastic pemphigus

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a life‐threatening autoimmune blistering skin disease. Clinically, it is characterized by severe mucosal erosions and various cutaneous lesions associated with lymphoproliferative neoplasmas. Suprabasal acantholysis and clefts with scattered necrotic keratinocytes are the unique histopathological features. PNP patient sera recognize multiple antigens, which have been identified as the plakin protein family that includes desmoplakin, bullous pemphigoid antigen I (BPAG1), envoplakin and periplakin, and desmogleins 1 and 3. Castleman's tumor, non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, thymoma, follicular dendritic cell sarcoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia are the commonly associated neoplasmas in PNP. We have also demonstrated that the autoantibodies reacting to epidermal proteins are directly produced by the cells in the associated tumors. Bronchiolitis obliterans is frequently found in PNP and may cause respiratory failure and death. In our experience, the early detection and removal of the tumor and i.v. administration of immunoglobulin are critical for the treatment of PNP.
Expression of EBNA-1 mRNA Is Regulated by Cell Cycle during Epstein-Barr Virus Type I Latency

ABSTRACT Expression of EBNA-1 protein is required for the establishment and maintenance of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome during latent infection. During type I latency, the BamHI Q promoter (Qp) gives rise to EBNA-1 expression. The dominant regulatory mechanism for Qp appears to be mediated through the Q locus, located immediately downstream of the transcription start site. Binding of EBNA-1 to the Q locus represses Qp constitutive activity, and repression has been reported to be overcome by an E2F family member that binds to the Q locus and displaces EBNA-1 (N. S. Sung, J. Wilson, M. Davenport, N. D. Sista, and J. S. Pagano, Mol. Cell. Biol. 14:7144–7152, 1994). These data suggest that the final outcome of Qp activity is reciprocally controlled by EBNA-1 and E2F. Since E2F activity is cell cycle regulated, Qp activity and EBNA-1 expression are predicted to be regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Proliferation of the type I latently infected cell line, Akata, was synchronized with the use of the G2/M blocking agent nocodazole. From 65 to 75% of cells could be made to peak in S phase without evidence of viral reactivation. Following release from G2/M block, EBNA-1 mRNA levels declined as the synchronized cells entered the G1 phase of the cell cycle. As cells proceeded into S phase, EBNA-1 mRNA levels increased parallel to the peak in cell numbers in S phase. However, EBNA-1 protein levels showed no detectable change during the cell cycle, most likely due to the protein’s long half-life as estimated by inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide. Finally, in Qp luciferase reporter assays, the activity of Qp was shown to be regulated by cell cycle and to be dependent on the E2F sites within the Q locus. These findings demonstrate that transcriptional activity of Qp is cell cycle regulated and indicated that E2F serves as the stimulus for this regulation.
2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine produces a high rate of complete hematologic remission in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia.

PURPOSE The purine analog 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CDA) was well tolerated and showed promising anti-leukemic activity in a phase I trial conducted at St Jude Children's Research Hospital. To substantiate and extend this result, we performed a phase II trial in a representative group of children and young adults with relapsed acute leukemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-four patients (median age, 11 years) with acute myeloid or lymphoid leukemia in first or later relapse (acute myeloid leukemia [AML], 17; acute lymphoid leukemia [ALL], seven) were given continuous infusion 2-CDA for 5 days at 8.9 mg/m2/d. Patients with residual blast cells 10 days after treatment received a second course of 2-CDA that was identical to the first. Detailed pharmacokinetic studies were performed on plasma collected from five patients. RESULTS Eight (47%) of the 17 patients with AML had complete hematologic remissions (four after the initial course of 2-CDA), and two (12%) had partial remissions, for a total response rate of 59%. Only one child with ALL achieved remission. Seven of the responding patients underwent allogeneic or autologous bone marrow transplantation, with six remaining free of leukemia for a median of 7 months (range, 1 to 11 months). The major form of drug-induced toxicity was hematologic, with severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia (National Cancer Institute [NCI] grade 3 or 4) developing in 34 of the 36 courses of 2-CDA. In responding patients, the median times to recovery of neutrophil counts greater than 0.5 x 10(9)/L and platelet counts greater than 50 x 10(9)/L were 18 and 21 days, respectively. There were no deaths due to toxicity. The mean steady-state plasma concentration of 2-CDA was 34.6 nmol/L (range, 20 to 54 nmol/L). CONCLUSION 2-CDA given by prolonged continuous infusion has clinically significant activity against AML and merits further testing in multidrug regimens for this disease.
A generic simulator for aperture synthesis radiometers

ESA's SMOS mission has demonstrated that Synthetic Aperture Interferometric Radiometers can be a useful tool for Earth observation. Today, the NASA's GeoStar instrument (USA), ESA's GAS instrument (Europe), or CSSAR's GIMS instrument (China) are just three examples of planned geostationary millimeter-wave sounders using synthetic aperture interferometric radiometry for continuous atmospheric monitoring with a much improved spatial resolution. The study of the performance in terms of angular resolution and radiometric performance, and the optimization of this new type of instruments is a complex task that requires dedicated ad-hoc simulators. The SAIPRS (Synthetic Aperture Interferometric Radiometer Performance Simulator) is an ESA project aiming at the development of a generic simulator in terms of receiver architecture and array configuration, including moving antennas (and eventually changing polarization reference frames). This work summarizes the key aspects of the architecture of this simulator.
Modulation of ouabain binding and potassium pump fluxes by cellular sodium and potassium in human and sheep erythrocytes.

1. Erythrocytes were treated with nystatin to alter internal Na (Nai) and K (Ki) composition. Although the rates of K pumping and [3H]ouabain binding were altered dramatically, the relationship between glycoside binding and K pump inhibition was unaffected. 2. Human cells with high Nai and low Ki exhibited an increased rate of ouabain binding as compared to high Ki, low Nai cells; this paralleled the stimulated K pump activity of high Nai cells. 3. At constant Ki, increasing internal Na stimulated K pump and ouabain binding rates concomitantly. 4. At low Nai, increasing Ki inhibited both K pumping and ouabain binding. However, at high Nai, increasing Ki from 4 to 44 mM stimulated the rate of glycoside binding, parallel to its effect of increasing the rate of active K influx. 5. Anti‐L, an isoantibody to low K (LK) sheep red cells, increased the rate of ouabain binding via its stimulation of K pump turnover. Since the latter effect is the result of affinity changes at the internal cation activation site(s) of the pump (Lauf, Rasmusen, Hoffman, Dunham, Cook, Parmelee & Tosteson, 1970), the antibody's effect on ouabain binding reflected the positive correlation between the rates of K pump turnover and glycoside binding. 6. These data provide the first evidence in intact cells for the occurrence of a Nai‐induced conformational change in the Na/K pump during its normal operational cycle.
γ-Aminobutyric Acid–mediated Neurotransmission in the Pontine Reticular Formation Modulates Hypnosis, Immobility, and Breathing during Isoflurane Anesthesia

Background:Many general anesthetics are thought to produce a loss of wakefulness, in part, by enhancing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission. However, GABAergic neurotransmission in the pontine reticular formation promotes wakefulness. This study tested the hypotheses that (1) relative to wakefulness, isoflurane decreases GABA levels in the pontine reticular formation; and (2) pontine reticular formation administration of drugs that increase or decrease GABA levels increases or decreases, respectively, isoflurane induction time. Methods:To test hypothesis 1, cats (n = 5) received a craniotomy and permanent electrodes for recording the electroencephalogram and electromyogram. Dialysis samples were collected from the pontine reticular formation during isoflurane anesthesia and wakefulness. GABA levels were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. For hypothesis 2, rats (n = 10) were implanted with a guide cannula aimed for the pontine reticular formation. Each rat received microinjections of Ringer's (vehicle control), the GABA uptake inhibitor nipecotic acid, and the GABA synthesis inhibitor 3-mercaptopropionic acid. Rats were then anesthetized with isoflurane, and induction time was quantified as loss of righting reflex. Breathing rate was also measured. Results:Relative to wakefulness, GABA levels were significantly decreased by isoflurane. Increased power in the electroencephalogram and decreased activity in the electromyogram caused by isoflurane covaried with pontine reticular formation GABA levels. Nipecotic acid and 3-mercaptopropionic acid significantly increased and decreased, respectively, isoflurane induction time. Nipecotic acid also increased breathing rate. Conclusion:Decreasing pontine reticular formation GABA levels comprises one mechanism by which isoflurane causes loss of consciousness, altered cortical excitability, muscular hypotonia, and decreased respiratory rate.
Poisons, Ruffles and Rockets: Bacterial Pathogens and the Host Cell Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells is affected by a number of bacterial and viral pathogens. In this review we consider three recurring themes of cytoskeletal involvement in bacterial pathogenesis: 1) the effect of bacterial toxins on actin‐regulating small GTP‐binding proteins; 2) the invasion of non‐phagocytic cells by the bacterial induction of ruffles at the plasma membrane; 3) the formation of actin tails and pedestals by intracellular and extracellular bacteria, respectively. Considerable progress has been made recently in the characterization of these processes. It is becoming clear that bacterial pathogens have developed a variety of sophisticated mechanisms for utilizing the complex cytoskeletal system of host cells. These bacterially‐induced processes are now providing unique insights into the regulation of fundamental eukaryotic mechanisms.