Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Effect of Sample Handling on the Performance of a Commercial Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Handling practices of specimens may affect the sensitivity or specificity of diagnostic tests. In this study, as part of the Voluntary Iowa Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Screening Project held in 2006, 2 sample-handling practices were evaluated to determine how they affect the sensitivity and specificity of the antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ACE) for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). The null hypotheses investigated were 1) that maintenance of samples at room temperature would not be associated with decreased sensitivity, and 2) that continued use of a single pair of ear notchers would not be associated with cross-contamination of virus from 1 notch to another and reduce specificity. These hypotheses were tested in 2 studies by collecting known positive and negative samples and giving groups of samples different treatments. The first study used ACE on 4 groups of skin samples, all from a known-positive animal. Each group was subjected to different lengths of time at room temperature, from 24 to 96 hours at 24–hour intervals. No difference in test results was found between specimens subjected to different lengths of time at room temperature. The second study tested the effects of giving 3 different treatments to an ear notcher in between sample collecting (water rinse, Nolvasan solution rinse, or no treatment) on ACE results. No effect on sensitivity or specificity of ACE was observed. No difference in test results was found between the 3 ear-notcher treatment groups. The sample handling practices evaluated appeared to have little impact on test sensitivity or specificity of ACE for BVDV.
Breast Reconstruction with the Extended Latissimus Dorsi Flap

&NA; Autologuous breast reconstruction started with the use of a myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap. The need for an additional silicone implant to obtain sufficient breast volume intensified the search for new flaps, resulting in the microvascular TRAM flap, which is currently considered the “gold standard” in autologuous breast reconstruction. For patients who are not suited for this procedure or reject this treatment option, a modified extended latissimus dorsi flap was designed and used in 47 patients. Additional volume is obtained by including the scapular flat fascia, based on perforators from the cranial edge of the latissimus dorsi muscle. Flap survival was 100 percent in the series, and sufficient volume could be achieved in 42 patients. Main complications were seromas at the donor site (n = 9). The results demonstrate that in selected patients the extended latissimus dorsi flap provides an excellent alternative to a TRAM flap in reconstruction of small and moderate‐sized breasts. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 97: 519, 1996.)
The SAM‐responsive SMK box is a reversible riboswitch

The SMK (SAM‐III) box is an S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM)‐responsive riboswitch found in the 5′ untranslated region of metK genes, encoding SAM synthetase, in many members of the Lactobacillales. SAM binding causes a structural rearrangement in the RNA that sequesters the Shine‐Dalgarno (SD) sequence by pairing with a complementary anti‐SD (ASD) sequence; sequestration of the SD sequence inhibits binding of the 30S ribosomal subunit and prevents translation initiation. We observed a slight increase in the half‐life of the metK transcript in vivo when Enterococcus faecalis cells were depleted for SAM, but no significant change in overall transcript abundance, consistent with the model that this riboswitch regulates at the level of translation initiation. The half‐life of the SAM–SMK box RNA complex in vitro is shorter than that of the metK transcript in vivo, raising the possibility of reversible binding of SAM. We used a fluorescence assay to directly visualize reversible switching between the SAM‐free and SAM‐bound conformations. We propose that the SMK box riboswitch can make multiple SAM‐dependent regulatory decisions during the lifetime of the transcript in vivo, acting as a reversible switch that allows the cell to respond rapidly to fluctuations in SAM pools by modulating expression of the SAM synthetase gene.
Recognition of Class I MHC by a Rat Ly49 NK Cell Receptor Is Dependent on the Identity of the P2 Anchor Amino Acid of Bound Peptide

Members of the rodent Ly49 receptor family control NK cell responsiveness and demonstrate allele specificity for MHC class I (MHC-I) ligands. For example, the rat Ly49i2 inhibitory NK cell receptor binds RT1-A1c but not other rat MHC class Ia or Ib molecules. RT1-A1c preferentially binds peptides with proline at the second, or P2, position, which defines it as an HLA-B7 supertype MHC-I molecule. Previously, our laboratory showed that mutations within the MHC-I supertype-defining B-pocket of RT1-A1c could lead to alterations in P2 anchor residues of the peptide repertoire bound by RT1-A1c and loss of recognition by Ly49i2. Although suggestive of peptide involvement, it was unclear whether the peptide P2 anchor residue or alteration of the RT1-A1c primary sequence influenced Ly49i2 recognition. Therefore, we directly investigated the role of the P2 anchor residue of RT1-A1c–bound peptides in Ly49i2 recognition. First, fluorescent multimers generated by refolding soluble recombinant RT1-A1c with individual synthetic peptides differing only at the P2 anchor residue were examined for binding to Ly49i2 NK cell transfectants. Second, cytotoxicity by Ly49i2-expressing NK cells toward RMA-S target cells expressing RT1-A1c bound with peptides that only differ at the P2 anchor residue was evaluated. Our results demonstrate that Ly49i2 recognizes RT1-A1c bound with peptides that have Pro or Val at P2, whereas little or no recognition is observed when RT1-A1c is complexed with peptide bearing Gln at P2. Thus, the identity of the P2 peptide anchor residue is an integral component of MHC-I recognition by Ly49i2.
Consumer Preferences for Sirloin Steak: The Influence of Tasting

The objective of this research was to determine consumer preferences for tenderness, quality grade, origin, use of growth technologies, and price of beef, sirloin steak, specifically. Two hundred twenty three consumers participated. Of these, 96 consumers participated in a sensory tasting panel for sirloin steak before completing a choice set survey while the remaining 127 completed the choice set survey. A structural difference was found in the results between the two groups. The eating experience was found to be critical, altering the preferences of consumers. Consumers overstated their willingness-to-pay (WTP) for credence attributes before tasting the product. After tasting products, factors that influence the eating experience (tenderness, quality grade) still dominated as the most important and influential attributes on WTP. The lack of WTP premium or discount from the no tasting group for beef quality grade may indicate a lack of knowledge about the meaning of the grade terms “choice” and “select. ” Sensory panel participants reported a significant WTP premium for Choice indicating they value that quality when they eat it. The use of no hormones and no antibiotics in production had a premium of $2.34/kg among the no tasting group, but after tasting the premium was reduced to $1.19/kg.
The accuracy of risk scores in predicting preterm birth—a systematic review

This review aims to determine the accuracy with which published risk scores predict spontaneous preterm birth in pregnant women. Studies were identified without language restrictions through nine different databases (up to June 2002), and manual searching of bibliographies of known primary and review articles. Two reviewers selected studies independently and extracted data on their characteristics, quality and accuracy. Accuracy data were used to form 2 × 2 contingency tables of the results of risk scoring with spontaneous preterm birth as the reference standard. Heterogeneity was assessed and its reasons were explored. Summary estimates of accuracy were produced within clinically appropriate subgroups. There were 19 primary accuracy articles that met the selection criteria, including a total of 67 390 women. There are 12 different risk-scoring systems, the one developed by Creasy being the most commonly evaluated. Quality features of an ideal study, such as blinding and consecutive enrolment, were frequently missing from the included studies, no study fulfilled all criteria for high quality study, and there was heterogeneity between their accuracy estimates. The reference standard most often used was birth before 37 weeks' gestation. The point estimates for the likelihood ratios (LRs) varied widely among the studies. LRs for an abnormal score (LR + ) ranged from 1.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6 – 1.4) to 38.8 (95% CI 23.5 – 63.9) while that for a normal score (LR-) ranged from 0.1 (95% CI 0.02 – 0.6) to 1.2 (95% CI 0.9 – 1.6). In otherwise asymptomatic women, risk scoring in early pregnancy has a wide range of accuracy in predicting spontaneous preterm birth before 37 weeks' gestation. The evidence is of a relatively poor quality and lacks clinically important reference standards.
Is more always good? Over-education, job satisfaction and wages on the Czech labor market*

The notion of over-education has drawn considerable research attention since the work of Freeman (1976). This study provides evidence that education match matters for labor market outcomes. Using data from the REFLEX survey, we find that over-education and over-skilling has a significant negative impact on wages and job satisfaction in the Czech labor market. Secondly, we find that the wage penalty is stronger for female respondents. In contrast, overskilled and overeducated men are more dissatisfied than women.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel oral insulin formulation

AbstractAim:To develop a stable self-emulsifying formulation for oral delivery of insulin.Methods:Caco-2 cell line and diabetic beagles were used as in vitro and in vivo models to study the absorption mechanism and the hypoglycemic efficacy of the formulation. In addition, various physicochemical parameters of the formulation such as droplet size, insulin encapsulation efficiency and stability were evaluated.Results:This formulation enabled changes in barrier properties of Caco-2 monolayers, as referred by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) of the paracellular marker ranitidine (20-fold greater than control) but not transcellular marker propranolol, suggesting that the opening of tight junctions was involved. In diabetic beagle dogs, the bioavailability of this formulation was up to 15.2% at a dose of 2.5 IU/kg in comparison with the hypoglycemic effect of native insulin (0.5 IU/kg) delivered by subcutaneous injection.Conclusion:This formulation, recently approved by the China State Food and Drug Administration to enter clinical trials, was stable, degradation-protected and absorption-enhanced, and provided a promising formulation for oral insulin delivery.
Inhibition of tissue factor pathway inhibitor by the aptamer BAX499 improves clotting of hemophilic blood and plasma

Summary. Background: Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is the major inhibitor of tissue factor‐initiated coagulation, making it an interesting and novel therapeutic target in hemophilia treatment. The aptamer BAX499 (formerly ARC19499) is designed to improve hemostasis by specifically inhibiting TFPI.
The hospitality franchise purchase decision making process

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the hospitality franchise purchase decision-making process undertaken by franchisees in Macau as an emerging tourism destination and the role of national culture on purchasing a franchise brand and selecting a potential franchisor. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 18 franchisees in Macau, who purchased international and domestic hospitality franchise brands, were conducted to understand the feelings, attitudes and motivation of franchisees toward purchasing a hospitality franchise. Findings The study reveals that national culture can play an important role in franchisees’ decision-making process. Personal networks of friends and family (guanxi) are very influential in introducing and steering aspiring entrepreneurs toward franchising as an option to realize their ambitions, although there may be some limitations to franchisees with this approach. Guanxi was also found to be particularly relevant during negotiations and franchisees’ post-purchase reviews. Practical implications International franchisors should understand the importance of guanxi at different stages of the franchisees’ decision-making process. Franchisees should realize how a reliance on guanxi might negatively affect their efforts to undertake sufficient research to thoroughly evaluate the franchisor offer before contract signature. Originality/value A comprehensive hospitality franchisee decision-making purchase framework is developed, which includes the cultural context and cultural values. Guanxi, in particular, affects the franchisee decision-making process.
China’s Below Replacement Fertility: A Further Exploration

China has experienced an unprecedented fertility decline since the early 1970s. Available data show that the total fertility rate has fallen from about 6 children per woman to approximately 1.5 children in the past four decades. This change has not only greatly altered China’s demographic map, but also incited considerable discussion on the quality of China’s recent fertility data and the impact of China’s traditional culture on people’s fertility behaviour in the past and present. This paper further examines China’s recent fertility changes with a particular attention being directed to the following questions: China’s below and far below replacement fertility since the early 1990s; the reliability of China’s recent fertility data; and some historical and cultural factors that contribute to China’s rapid fertility decline.
MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTING MAZE - ANALYSIS OF POLITICAL INCENTIVES

"The set of conditions that led to (New York City's) situation are (1) the unusually liberal borrowing power granted to the city by the state, and (2) the city's use of budgetary and accounting procedures that even experts find baffling. The second condition helped to conceal the fiscal abuses engendered by the first" (Robertson [1975, p. 144]). "The accounts kept by our American municipalities are so complicated and differ so greatly among themselves that a comparative study cannot be made off-hand. Moreover, if a mere magnitude of sums involved makes a subject important, New York's finances are entitled to careful consideration on this score. The yearly expenditures of all classes in the consolidated metropolis will be more than five times greater than those of the State of New York, nearly two-thirds as great as those of all the states in the Union combined, and more than a seventh as great as those of the federal government, while the gross debt of greater New York will exceed that of all the American states" (Durand [1898, pp. v-vi]). "The budget system, considered as a system, has passed from bad to worse. The sinking fund has never been managed in a scientific manner; temporary makeshifts have modified the system only when its hardships become unendurable. The management of special assessments likewise has been often readjusted in this unsystematic fashion,
Essays in macroeconomics

There is growing acknowledgement that changes in expectations are an important cause of the business cycle. Business cycles are characterized by positive co-movements between consumption, investment, output and hours, yet changes in expectations can not generate such positive co-movements in the most standard neo-classical business cycle models. If one is willing to entertain a richer production technology, it is possible to obtain the kind of fluctuations typical of business cycles that are caused by expectation revisions. This thesis analyzes systematically such a production technology, characterized by a nonlinear transformation curve between consumption and investment at the aggregate level, and evaluate some of its macroeconomic implications. This thesis comprises three essays. The first essay empirically investigates if the proposed change in the production technology improves the capacity of neo-classical business cycle models to account for the behavior of the aggregate labor market. It finds that the proposed change is a partial improvement over standard models. The second essay shows that while a nonlinear transformation curve helps in obtaining an economic expansion following good news about future productivity gains, it can do so only if the intertemporal elasticity of substitution in consumption is high. To obtain an expansion in the more general case, one has to allow for a sufficiently high degree of complementarity between capital and labor in production. The third essays estimates a version of the model to analyze its business cycle properties. In the model, the nonlinear transformation curve arises because some resources need to be spent to distribute goods to their final use. There, it is found that the estimated model reproduces well the dynamics of output and investment but produces too much consumption volatility. Moreover, it suggests that news about future productivity changes are a more important source of economic fluctuation than actual changes in productivity. Finally, the estimated model produces distribution costs that are quite in line with the data.
Impact of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Viability and Proliferation in Wound Healing Processes after External Radiation

Platelet-rich plasma is a current subject of studies on chronic wound healing therapy due to possible pro-angiogenic effects. Microvascular compromise represents the major component in radiogenic wound healing complications. The effects of platelet-rich plasma on irradiated cells of the cutaneous wound healing process are poorly understood so far. In this study, the interaction of endothelial cells and adipose-derived stem cells in conjunction with treatment with platelet-rich plasma is investigated in the context of radiation effects. Therefore, the expression of surface-marker CD90 and CD31 was determined. Moreover, cell proliferation and viability after external radiation was analyzed with and without treatment by platelet-rich plasma.
Comparison of oil quality extracted from selected conventional and non conventional sources of vegetable oil from Malawi

In this study, oil quality with respect to physicochemical and phytochemical characteristics extracted from nonconventional seed oil namely Moringa oleifera, Adansonia digitata, Parinari curatellifolia and Cajanus cajan and conventional seed oil namely soybean (Glycine max) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) was assessed and compared. Results showed that there were significant differences in various quality parameters such as saponification number, peroxide value, free fatty acids in oils extracted from non-conventional and conventional sources. Oil yield ranged from 4.71 to 46.05% with pigeon peas registering the lowest yield and P. curatelifolia registering the highest yield. The following range of values in quality parameters were obtained: values in saponification number ranged from 55.91 mg KOH/g (C. cajan) to 220.54 mg KOH/g (groundnut): Peroxide value ranged from 2.79 meq O2/kg (M. oleifera) to 10.47 meq O2/kg (C. cajan): Free fatty acids ranged from 1.11 mg/100 g (P. curatelifolia) to 4.80 mg/100 g (pigeon peas): Specific gravity ranged from 0.87 (P. curatelifolia) to 0.91 (groundnuts): Oxalate ranged from 75.41 mg/100 g (groundnuts) to 632.56 mg / 100 g (pigeon peas): Acid value ranged from 2.21 mg KOH/g (P. curatelifolia) to 9.53 mg KOH/g (Pigeon pea): Iodine value ranged from 35.53 g/100 g (P. curatelifolia) and alkaloids ranged from 58.28 mg/g (M. oleifera) to 123.60 mg/g (groundnuts). Irrespective of the source of the oils, it was observed that the values in most of the oil quality parameters were within the acceptable levels. The findings in this study have demonstrated that nonconventional sources of oil have the potential to adequately supplement oils used for domestic consumption as well as industrial use in Malawi and therefore reduces the volumes of imported oils hence safeguarding foreign reserves. Key words: Phytochemical, physicochemical, oil quality, Moringa oleifera, Parinari curatellifolia, Adansonia digitata.
Neuronal nitric oxide strongly suppresses sympathetic outflow in high-salt Dahl rats

Objective To investigate the effects of a selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), 7-nitroindazole, on peripheral sympathetic outflow in Dahl rats. Design and methods Dahl salt-sensitive and salt-resistant rats were fed either a regular-salt (0.4% NaCl) or a high-salt (8% NaCl) diet for 4 weeks. In chronically instrumented conscious rats, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was measured in both baroreceptor-loaded and baroreceptor-unloaded states. The baroreceptor unload was performed by decreasing arterial pressure with occlusion of the inferior vena cava. Results 7-Nitroindazole (307 μmol/kg intraperitoneally) increased resting RSNA from 24 ± 3% to 38 ± 6% with an increase in mean arterial pressure of 15 ± 3 mmHg, and increased baroreceptor-unloaded RSNA from 100% to 278 ± 16% in salt-sensitive Dahl rats receiving a high-salt diet. However, 7-nitroindazole did not increase resting RSNA, but did increase baroreceptor-unloaded RSNA from 100% to 179 ± 15%, 177 ± 15%, and 133 ± 4% in salt-sensitive Dahl rats receiving a regular-salt diet, salt-resistant Dahl rats receiving a high-salt diet, and salt-resistant Dahl rats receiving a regular-salt diet, respectively. The high-salt diet significantly increased the baroreceptor-unloaded RSNA more than the regular-salt diet did, in both salt-sensitive and salt-resistant rats. After administration of the vehicle for 7-nitroindazole (peanut oil), l-arginine (100 μmol/kg per min for 10 min) decreased both resting and baroreceptor-unloaded RSNA, whereas after pretreatment with 7-nitroindazole, the l-arginine-induced suppression was reversed, in Dahl salt-sensitive rats receiving a high-salt diet. Conclusions Neuronal nitric oxide may suppress the sympathetic discharge generated before baroreflex-mediated inhibition in all rats. This neuronal nitric oxide-mediated suppression was enhanced by the salt load in both salt-resistant and salt-sensitive Dahl rats. Finally, the neuronal nitric oxide-mediated suppression in tonic peripheral sympathetic outflow may be greatly enhanced in salt-sensitive hypertension.