Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outward FDI from Developing Country MNEs as a Channel for Technological Catch-up

One of the more recent aspects of the globalization process is the rise and the increasing outward expansion of multinational enterprises (MNEs) from developing countries. Among the more promising effects of this phenomenon is a potentially positive development impact: through outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) developing country MNEs acquire new knowledge, which contributes to the technological catch-up of their home countries. This paper reviews the recent literature on OFDI from developing countries, with a critical focus on the theory and evidence of FDI as a channel for technological catch-up. This literature suggests that the features and global business environment of current emerging country MNEs is different from those of latecomer firms in earlier decades. Modularity of production in an increasing number of sectors, combined with weak national innovation systems (NIS) in many developing countries explain why the sourcing of strategic assets ― including technology and innovation― from abroad through OFDI has become such an important channel for technological catch-up.
Health-related quality of life: a population based study from Slovenia.

OBJECTIVES Health status is represented by people's subjective assessment of their sense of well-being and ability to perform social roles and has been well accepted as a health indicator of different populations. The aim of this study was to determine health-related quality of life in Slovenian population. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional postal survey in a random stratified sample of 1,000 adult Slovenian inhabitants. The questionnaire consisted of the respondents' demographic data (sex, age, education level, employment status, living environment), self-reported chronic conditions, self-reported use of health services and EQ-5D instrument for measuring quality of life. RESULTS The response rate was 41% (53.1% men, mean age 51.5 years). Respondents reported most problems in the pain dimension of EQ-5D (59.3%), following by mobility (30.4%), anxiety/depression (30.3%), daily activities (29.8%) and self-care (9.0%). At least one moderate problem was reported by 272 (66.3%) respondents. Independent factors, associated with problems in any EQ-5D dimension were primary and vocational education, older age, high blood pressure, rheumatic diseases, back problems, anxiety/depression, a visit to the emergency department in the past year, and a house visit from a family doctor in the past year. CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that the health-related quality of life of the Slovenian inhabitants is lower than the one found in some other European countries. This finding is surprising and also worrying. Because we cannot find any perceptible reason for this observation, larger and prospective studies are needed to confirm those results and to determine the reasons for that.
Intra-amniotic corticosteroids for preterm lung maturation in sheep.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare efficacy on fetal lung maturation of intra-amniotic betamethasone or budesonide with the efficacy of maternal intramuscular betamethasone. STUDY DESIGN Pregnant ewes received intra-amniotic betamethasone (0.5 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg fetal weight), intra-amniotic budesonide (0.5 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg), maternal intramuscular betamethasone (0.5 mg/kg maternal weight), intra-amniotic saline solution, or maternal saline solution. Lambs were delivered 2 or 7 days later, at 124 days of gestation for measurement of respiratory system compliance, ventilatory efficiency index, and surfactant levels. RESULTS Lung function increased 2 days after maternal betamethasone, intra-amniotic betamethasone (2 mg/kg), and intra-amniotic budesonide (2 mg/kg) administration and 7 days after maternal betamethasone or intra-amniotic budesonide (2.0 mg/kg) administration. Lung function was not improved 7 days after intra-amniotic betamethasone (2.0 mg/kg) administration or 2 days after intra-amniotic betamethasone (0.5 mg/kg) or intra-amniotic budesonide (0.5 mg/kg) administration. Intra-amniotic corticosteroid administration increased fetal death and respiratory morbidity. CONCLUSION Intra-amniotic corticosteroid administration improved preterm lung function, but the associated morbidity and mortality rates suggest that they are not suitable for clinical use.
An exploration of help-seeking behaviour in older people with unmet needs.

BACKGROUND Despite decades of research showing high rates of unmet need in older people, there currently is little understanding of why these needs remain unmet. This study was performed as part of a larger feasibility study of a multidisciplinary needs assessment tool in primary care. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to explore patients' and carers' help-seeking behaviour and perceived barriers to meeting unmet needs. METHOD Four general practices were selected purposefully in inner city and suburban London A random sample of 1 in 20 people aged 75 years and over registered with each practice was selected for a multidisciplinary needs assessment using the 'Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly' (CANE) schedule and unmet needs identified by patients and their informal carers. For each unmet need, a further semi-structured interview was used to explore the help-seeking behaviour and perceived barriers to meeting their needs. Responses were recorded verbatim contemporaneously and a thematic analysis performed on perceived barriers following completion of all interviews. RESULTS A total of 55/84 (65.5%) of patients and 15/17 (88%) of carers completed the initial needs assessment. For 104 unmet needs identified by 31 patients and 11 carers, a further interview was completed on the barriers to meeting that need. Help had been sought for only 25/104 (24%) of unmet needs and it had been offered in only 19/104 (18%). In those not seeking help, withdrawal, resignation and low expectations were dominant themes. In those that had sought help, there were issues of perceived failure of service delivery and rationing, with themes of resignation and withdrawal again emerging in those declining help offered. CONCLUSION The majority of older people and their carers do not appear to seek help for their unmet needs for a range of complex reasons, often involving issues of withdrawal, resignation and low expectations. This complexity has implications for the commissioning of services for older people.
Hemodynamic Effects of Heat-Killed Group B β-Hemolytic Streptococcus in Newborn Lambs: Role of Leukotriene D4

Group B β-hemolytic streptococcus (GBS) infection is an important cause of neonatal pneumonia and sepsis. GBS infection is frequently associated with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. To better understand the early pulmonary hypertension phase of GBS-induced acute lung injury in a conscious animal, we characterized the pulmonary and systemic hemodynamic response of spontaneously breathing, chronically instrumented newborn lambs to injections of heat-killed type Ib GBS, 0.1–9.0 ± 109 colony forming units. Heat-killed GBS caused marked dose-dependent increases in mean pulmonary arterial pressure and calculated pulmonary vascular resistance, 190 and 370% at the maximum dose, respectively. Similarly, GBS caused dose-dependent increases in mean systemic arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance (28.5 and 108% at the maximum dose, respectively) and a decrease in cardiac output (33.5%). Arterial oxygen tension worsened at the higher doses. GBS-induced pulmonary hypertension was decreased by two structurally unrelated, putative leukotriene D4 receptor antagonists. Pretreatment with LY171883 blocked GBS-induced pulmonary hypertension by 95%, and WY48, 252 attenuated this effect by 27%. Both drugs completely blocked the hemodynamic effects of exogenous leukotriene D4. For comparison, several lambs received bolus injections of live GBS, either alone or after pretreatment with LY171883. The hemodynamic response to live GBS and attenuation of that response by LY171883 were similar to those caused by similar doses of heat-killed GBS. Thus, bolus injections of heat-killed GBS provide a reproducible model of pulmonary hypertension in conscious newborn lambs. In addition, the sulfidopeptide leukotrienes appear to be important mediators of GBS-induced pulmonary hypertension in newborn lambs.
HIV: early virus-cell interactions.

Two entry mechanisms of HIV occur in both lymphocytes and macrophages incubated with purified virus suspensions: (a) direct fusion of the viral envelope with the cell membrane and (b) receptor-mediated endocytosis via clathrin-coated pits and vesicles. Both mechanisms are shown in detail in a time-interval series of electron micrographs. The two lipid bilayers of the viral envelope and of the cellular membrane usually fuse seamlessly within 1-3 min at 37 degrees C, but occasionally membrane ruptures occur, leading to rapid cytopathic effects, i.e., vacuolization and cytolysis only a few minutes later. In the course of virus-cell fusion, gp 120 is integrated into the cell membrane; subsequent syncytia formation was observed after 1 h of incubation. The core disintegrates and releases the viral ribonucleoprotein through the opening at the fusion site into the cytoplasm.
In vitro antifungal properties of Pistacia atlantica and olive extracts on different fungal species

Background and Purpose: Pistacia atlantica, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, grows in the Zagrossian region of Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal properties of Pistacia atlantica and olive leaf extracts against different fungal species. Materials and Methods: In this study, we assessed the activities of olive leaf extracts and Pistacia atlantica leaf and fruit extracts against Candida species, including C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei. In addition, antifungal activities against three filamentous species, i.e., Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigates, were assessed, using the agar-well diffusion method. Results: The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values of fruit and leaf extracts from Pistacia atlantica ranged 6.25-12.5 mg ml-1 and 6.25-25 mg ml-1 against the tested Candida and Aspergillus species, respectively. The olive leaf extracts showed no activity against Candida species or Aspergillus flavus, while they exhibited antifungal potency against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus (MIC: 12.5-25 mg/ml). The MICs of the mixture of selected extracts ranged from 6.25 to 25 mg/ml. Conclusion: Based on the results, the ethanolic extracts of the selected plants exhibited antifungal potency against the tested fungi and could be used as natural antifungal agents.
A short-term intervention trial with selenate, selenium-enriched yeast and selenium-enriched milk: effects on oxidative defence regulation

Increased Se intakes have been associated with decreased risk of cancer and CVD. Several mechanisms have been proposed, including antioxidant effects through selenoproteins, induction of carcinogen metabolism and effects on the blood lipid profile. In a 4 × 1 week randomised, double-blind cross-over study, healthy young men supplemented their usual diet with selenate, Se-enriched yeast, Se-enriched milk or placebo (Se dose was 300 μg/d for selenate and Se-enriched yeast, and about 480 μg/d for Se-enriched milk) followed by 8-week washout periods. All Se sources increased serum Se levels after supplementation for 1 week. The effect of the organic forms did not differ significantly and both increased serum Se more than selenate. Conversely, thrombocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was increased in the periods where subjects were supplemented with selenate but not in those where they were given Se-enriched yeast or Se-enriched milk. We found no effect on plasma lipid resistance to oxidation, total cholesterol, TAG, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, GPX, glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities measured in erythrocytes, GPX and GR activities determined in plasma, or GR and GST activities in thrombocytes. Leucocyte expression of genes encoding selenoproteins (GPX1, TrR1 and SelP), and of electrophile response element-regulated genes (GCLC, Fra1 and NQO1) were likewise unaffected at all time points following intervention. We conclude that thrombocyte GPX is specifically increased by short-term selenate supplementation, but not by short-term supplementation with organic Se. Short-term Se supplementation does not seem to affect blood lipid markers or expression and activity of selected enzymes and a transcription factor involved in glutathione-mediated detoxification and antioxidation.
Innexins in C. elegans

Innexins are functionally analogous to the vertebrate connexins, and the innexin family of gap junction proteins has been identified in many invertebrates, including Drosophila and C. elegans. The genome sequencing project has identified 25 innexins in C. elegans. We are particularly interested in the roles that gap junctions may play in embryonic development and in wiring of the nervous system. To identify the particular C. elegans innexins that are involved in these processes, we are examining their expression patterns using specific antibodies and translational GFP fusions. In addition we are investigating mutant, RNAi and overexpression phenotypes for many of these genes. To date, we have generated specific antibodies to the non-conserved carboxyl termini of 5 innexins. We have constructed GFP translational fusions for 17 innexins and observed expression patterns for 13 of these genes. In total we have characterized expression patterns representing 14 innexins. Mutations have been identified in 5 of these genes, and at least 3 others have RNAi mutant phenotypes. Generalities emerging from our studies include: 1) most tissues and many individual cells express more than one innexin, 2) some innexins are expressed widely, while others are expressed in only a few cells, and 3) there is a potential for functional pairing of innexins.
Non-Markovian effects in waveguide-mediated entanglement

We study the generation and evolution of entanglement between two qubits coupled through one-dimensional waveguide modes. By using a complete quantum electrodynamical formalism we go beyond the Markovian approximation. The diagonalization of the Hamiltonian is carried out, and a set of quasi-localized eigenstates is found. We show that when the qubit–waveguide coupling is increased, the Markov approximation is no longer valid, and the generation of entanglement is worsened.
Novel mutations in the polyadenine tract of the transforming growth factor β type II receptor gene are found in a subpopulation of human pancreatic adenocarcinomas

In this study, we determined the incidence of microsatellite instability (MIN) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and determined whether MIN might target, for mutations, the simple nucleotide repeats of the transforming growth factor β type II receptor (TGFBR2) gene. Forty‐eight surgically resected pancreatic tumor tissue samples and two normal pancreas tissue samples were analyzed in this study. Microsatellite analysis was performed for six loci in 14 of the 48 tumor specimens for which we had matching normal genomic DNA. Only four of the 14 tumors (29%) were MIN‐positive as determined by the presence of microsatellite variations in more than one locus. Interestingly, eight of the 14 specimens (57%) showed microsatellite variations or loss of heterozygosity at D18S34, suggesting that this locus may be a critical region of genetic instability in pancreatic tumorigenesis. Of the 48 tumors, only two (4%) showed mutations in the polyA region, one of the MIN‐targeted sites of the TGFBR2 gene. DNA sequence analysis of these two specimens showed the presence of a two‐base deletion in one tumor specimen and the other tumor specimen showed a base substitution in the polyA tract at codon 128 of the TGFBR2 gene. The fact that these mutations occurred in the polyA tract of some pancreatic tumors suggests that a subpopulation of these tumors may be susceptible to MIN‐targeted mutations. The incidence of these mutations are low and similar to that reported for nonhereditary, sporadic colon cancers. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 22:138–144, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Limited Joint Mobility is Associated with the Presence but Does Not Predict the Development of Microvascular Complications in Type 1 Diabetes

Previous cross‐sectional studies have shown that limited joint mobility (LJM) is associated with microvascular complications in diabetic patients. This study was performed to see whether LJM predicts the development of other diabetic complications and which factors predispose to the development of LJM. A total of 206 Type 1 diabetic patients (mean age 30.0 ± 9.5 (SD) years) was studied at baseline. The follow‐up study was performed 5 years later in 167 of 206 (81.1 %) patients. At the baseline the presence of LJM was assessed by asking patients to approximate the palmar surfaces of fingers in a praying position with fingers fanned and the wrists maximally flexed. LJM was confirmed by passive extension. At the follow‐up LJM was first reassessed by the same method and then further studied by goniometer and classified by the method of Rosenbloom. The diabetic patients were assessed in terms of the following complications: background and proliferative retinopathy, peripheral symmetrical polyneuropathy, and clinical nephropathy. The prevalence of LJM was 52.9 % at baseline. The odds ratio for proliferative retinopathy was 3.3 (95 % confidence interval 1.2–9.5) and for neuropathy 2.5 (95 % confidence interval 1.2–5.3) in diabetic patients with LJM compared to patients without LJM, when the confounding effect of the duration of diabetes, age and the body mass index was excluded. LJM developed in 30 patients during the 5‐year follow‐up (7 % per year) and its development was not predicted by any of the microvascular complications at baseline. Proliferative retinopathy developed in 4 of 51 (7.8 %) patients with and 3 of 63 (4.8 %) patients without LJM at baseline (p = 0.3). Nephropathy developed in 11 of 56 (19.6 %) patients with and 11 of 66 (16.7 %) patients without LJM at baseline (p = 0.7) and peripheral symmetrical neuropathy in 14 of 45 (31.1 %) and 20 of 64 (31.3 %) patients respectively (p = 1.0). LJM did not predict diabetic microvascular complications or vice versa. Since LJM is associated with microvascular complications in cross‐sectional studies, the clinical value of the assessment of LJM is limited to an orienteering examination in the clinical evaluation of a diabetic patient.
Cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections in infants and children in Mobile, Alabama

Cerebrospinal fluid shunt systems are used to treat hydrocephalus in infants and children; unfortunately, some shunt systems become infected. We sought to define the epidemiology of shunt infections and shunt survival prior to infection at our institution. We identified 268 shunt procedures performed from January 1990 to June 1996 in 145 patients. There were 29 episodes of shunt infection for an incidence of 10.8% per procedure and 13.1% per patient. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common isolate recovered. The probability of shunt infection was highest during the first 8 weeks after a shunt procedure and subsequent infection was less likely after 28 weeks.
Effects of Hypercapnic Hypoxia on Inactivation and Elimination of Vibrio campbellii in the Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica

ABSTRACT The Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, inhabits shallow coastal waters that frequently experience periods of low dissolved oxygen (hypoxia) and elevated CO2 (hypercapnia) levels. Bacteria are extremely abundant in these environments and accumulate in large numbers in filter-feeding oysters, which can act as passive carriers of human pathogens. Although hypercapnic hypoxia (HH) can affect certain specific immune mechanisms, its direct effect on the inactivation, degradation and elimination of bacteria in oysters is unknown. This research was conducted to determine whether exposure to HH reduces the ability of C. virginica to inactivate and eliminate Vibrio campbellii following its injection into the adductor muscle. Oysters were held in fully air-saturated (normoxic; partial O2 pressure [PO2] = 20.7 kPa, CO2 < 0.06 kPa, pH 7.8 to 8.0) or HH (PO2 = 4 kPa, CO2 = 1.8 kPa, pH 6.5 to 6.8) seawater at 25°C for 4 h before being injected in the adductor muscle with 105 live Vibrio campbellii bacteria and remained under these conditions for the remainder of the experiment (up to 24 h postinjection). Real-time PCR was used to quantify the number of intact V. campbellii bacteria, while selective plating was used to quantify the number of injected bacteria remaining culturable in whole-oyster tissues, seawater, and feces/pseudofeces at 0, 1, 4, and 24 h postinjection. We found that oysters maintained under normoxic conditions were very efficient at inactivating and degrading large numbers of injected bacteria within their tissues. Moreover, a small percentage (∼10%) of injected bacteria were passed into the surrounding seawater, while less than 1% were recovered in the feces/pseudofeces. In contrast, HH increased the percentage of culturable bacteria recovered from the tissues of oysters, suggesting an overall decrease in bacteriostasis. We suggest that poor water quality may increase the risk that oysters will harbor and transmit bacterial pathogens hazardous to human and ecosystem health.
Essence of Distributed Work: The Case of the Linux Kernel

This paper provides a historical account of how the Linux operating system kernel was developed from three different perspectives. Each focuses on different critical factors in its success at the individual, group, and community levels. The technical and management decisions of Linus Torvalds the individual were critical in laying the groundwork for a collaborative software development project that has lasted almost a decade. The contributions of volunteer programmers distributed worldwide enabled the development of an operating system on the par with proprietary operating systems. The Linux electronic community was the organizing structure that coordinated the efforts of the individual programmers. The paper concludes by summarizing the factors important in the successful distributed development of the Linux kernel, and the implications for organizationally managed distributed work arrangements.
Changing the Natural History of Diabetic Neuropathy: Incidence of Ulcer/Amputation in the Contralateral Limb of Patients With a Unilateral Nerve Decompression Procedure

The natural history of diabetes neuropathy is progressive and irreversible loss of sensibility in the feet, leading to ulceration and/or amputation in 15% of patients. The prevalence of neuropathy is more than 50% in those who have been diabetic for 20 years. Decompression of the tibial and peroneal nerves in those with diabetic neuropathy improves sensation in 70% of patients. The impact of this surgery on the development of ulcers and amputations in both the operated and the contralateral, nonoperated limb was evaluated in a retrospective analysis of 50 patients with diabetes a mean of 4.5 years (range, 2–7 years) from the date of surgery. No ulcers or amputations occurred in the index limb of these patients. In contrast, there were 12 ulcers and 3 amputations in 15 different patients in contralateral limbs. This difference was significant at P < 0.001. It is concluded that decompression of lower extremity nerves in diabetic neuropathy changes the natural history of this disease, representing a paradigm shift in health care costs.