Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CD2 Facilitates Differentiation of CD4 Th Cells Without Affecting Th1/Th2 Polarization1

The role of CD2 in murine CD4 helper T cell differentiation and polarization was examined using TCR-Cyt-5CC7-I transgenic recombination activating gene-2−/− H-2a mice on CD2+/+ or CD2−/− backgrounds. In the absence of CD2, thymic development was abnormal as judged by reduction in the steady state number of total, double-positive, and CD4 single-positive (SP) thymocytes, as well as a defect in their restorative dynamics after peptide-induced negative selection in vivo. In addition, in CD2−/− animals, lymph node CD4 SP T cells manifest a 10- to 100-fold attenuated activation response to cytochrome c (CytC) agonist peptides as judged by induction of CD25 and CD69 cell surface expression or [3H]TdR incorporation; differences in the magnitude of responsiveness and requisite molar peptide concentrations were even greater for altered peptide ligands. Although the presence or absence of CD2 did not impact the final Th1 or Th2 polarization outcome, CD2 expression reduced the CytC peptide concentration threshold necessary to facilitate both Th1 and Th2 differentiation. In vivo administration of CytC peptide to CD2−/− animals yielded an impaired CD4 SP T cell effector/memory phenotype compared with similarly treated CD2+/+ mice. Analysis of TCR-Cyt-5CC7-I human CD2 double-transgenic mice similarly failed to reveal a preferential Th1 vs Th2 polarization. Collectively, these results indicate that CD2 is important for the efficient development of CD4 SP thymocytes and TCR-dependent activation of mature CD4 lymph node T cells, but does not direct a particular helper T cell subset polarity.
4′-Ethynyl Nucleoside Analogs: Potent Inhibitors of Multidrug-Resistant Human Immunodeficiency Virus Variants In Vitro

ABSTRACT A series of 4′-ethynyl (4′-E) nucleoside analogs were designed, synthesized, and identified as being active against a wide spectrum of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), including a variety of laboratory strains of HIV-1, HIV-2, and primary clinical HIV-1 isolates. Among such analogs examined, 4′-E-2′-deoxycytidine (4′-E-dC), 4′-E-2′-deoxyadenosine (4′-E-dA), 4′-E-2′-deoxyribofuranosyl-2,6-diaminopurine, and 4′-E-2′-deoxyguanosine were the most potent and blocked HIV-1 replication with 50% effective concentrations ranging from 0.0003 to 0.01 μM in vitro with favorable cellular toxicity profiles (selectivity indices ranging 458 to 2,600). These 4′-E analogs also suppressed replication of various drug-resistant HIV-1 clones, including HIV-1M41L/T215Y, HIV-1K65R, HIV-1L74V, HIV-1M41L/T69S-S-G/T215Y, and HIV-1A62V/V75I/F77L/F116Y/Q151M. Moreover, these analogs inhibited the replication of multidrug-resistant clinical HIV-1 strains carrying a variety of drug resistance-related amino acid substitutions isolated from HIV-1-infected individuals for whom 10 or 11 different anti-HIV-1 agents had failed. The 4′-E analogs also blocked the replication of a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-resistant clone, HIV-1Y181C, and showed an HIV-1 inhibition profile similar to that of zidovudine in time-of-drug-addition assays. The antiviral activity of 4′-E-thymidine and 4′-E-dC was blocked by the addition of thymidine and 2′-deoxycytidine, respectively, while that of 4′-E-dA was not affected by 2′-deoxyadenosine, similar to the antiviral activity reversion feature of 2′,3′-dideoxynucleosides, strongly suggesting that 4′-Eanalogs belong to the family of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Further development of 4′-E analogs as potential therapeutics for infection with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 is warranted.
Comparison of the Impact of Four Generations of Progestins on Hemostatic Variables

This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of progestins as part of low-estrogen (ethinyl estradiol [EE2] ≤35 μg) combined oral contraceptives (COCs) on hemostatic variables. One hundred ninety-five healthy women took oral contraceptives with following formulations: 35 EE2/norgestimate (NGM), 35 EE2/cyproterone acetate, 35 EE2/norethisterone, 30 EE2/levonorgestrel, 30 EE2/drospirenone (DRSP), 20 EE2/gestodene, and 20 EE2/DRSP, for 6 months. Hemostatic assays (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, resistance to activated protein C ratio, protein C, protein S, factor VIII [FVIII], antithrombin, plasminogen, α2-antiplasmin, inhibitor of plasminogen activator type 1 [PAI-1] and d-dimers) were performed in 3 time points: at baseline, after 3, and 6 cycles. For each formulation, results were compared according to baseline values, intergroup analysis, and the amount of estrogen or progestin component. Most of the variables were changed except FVIII. Significant difference between oral contraceptives was found in antithrombin, protein C, protein S activities, and PAI-1 values, but changes were mostly within reference range.
The therapeutic outcome of minimally invasive synovectomy assisted with arthroscopy in the rheumatoid knee

The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the therapeutic outcome of minimally invasive synovectomy assisted with arthroscopy (MISAA). From 1995 to 2003, MISAA was performed on 30 knees of 18 rheumatoid arthritis patients. The mean follow-up period was 74.4 months. Radiographic assessment according to Larsen's radiological classification, the conversion ratio to total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and postoperative change of the range of flexion were evaluated retrospectively. There were 10 knees in grade I, 14 knees in grade II, and 6 knees in grade III, preoperatively. All the knees in grade I and 8 of 14 knees in grade II maintained the same grade until the latest follow-up. The other 6 knees in grade II and all the knees in grade III deteriorated to grade IV and were converted to TKA after MISAA. The mean range of flexion significantly increased postoperatively except the knees that were converted to TKA. MISAA is effective for rheumatoid knees in grade I or II, and improves range of flexion.
Immunoglobulin with High-Titer In Vitro Cross-Neutralizing Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies Passively Protects Chimpanzees from Homologous, but Not Heterologous, Challenge

ABSTRACT The importance of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in protection against hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains controversial. We infused a chimpanzee with H06 immunoglobulin from a genotype 1a HCV-infected patient and challenged with genotype strains efficiently neutralized by H06 in vitro. Genotype 1a NAbs afforded no protection against genotype 4a or 5a. Protection against homologous 1a lasted 18 weeks, but infection emerged when NAb titers waned. However, 6a infection was prevented. The differential in vivo neutralization patterns have implications for HCV vaccine development.
Serum leptin levels correlate with hepatic steatosis in chronic hepatitis C

OBJECTIVES:Hepatic steatosis (HS) has been related to obesity and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The aim of this study was to determine the role of leptin system in HS development.METHODS:Patients (n = 131) with biopsy-proven CHC, positive HCV RNA, and raised ALT were enrolled. Body mass index, percentage of body fat by skin fold measurement, and bioelectrical impedance analysis was calculated and serum leptin concentration measured. Intrahepatic HCV RNA, HS, necroinflammatory activity, and fibrosis were determined in liver biopsy tissue.RESULTS:HS was present in 63 patients (48.1%). Steatosis was evident in 32 of 91 patients (35.2%) infected with genotype 1 and in 22 of 27 patients (81.5%) with genotype 3a (p < 0.001). In patients infected by genotype 3a, HS correlated significantly with intrahepatic HCV RNA load (r= 0.78; p < 0.001). However, in genotype 1, HS was associated with host factors such as leptin, body mass index, percentage of body fat, and visceral obesity. Multivariate analysis showed genotype (OR = 11.54, 95% CI = 1.13–117.14, p = 0.038), leptin levels (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.03–1.17, p = 0.008) and fibrosis (OR = 9.86, 95% CI = 2.11–5.86, p = 0.03) as independent variables of HS development.CONCLUSIONS:Hepatic steatosis was related to genotype, fibrosis degree, and serum leptin levels. Genotype 3 seems to have a viral specific steatogenic effect. Leptin seems to be a link between obesity and steatosis development in CHC genotype 1–infected patients.
Trust Relations in High‐Reliability Organizations

Workplace trust has been recognized by researchers and practitioners alike to be an important component of an effective safety culture. However, despite this, the concept of trust as it relates to safety has been underresearched, particularly within high‐reliability organizations. This article examines the importance of trust relations and their concomitant impact on safety culture within the specific context of high‐reliability organizations using relevant literatures. The article then explores the implications of high and low trust situations for safety through case studies conducted within the nuclear and offshore industries as exemplars of organizations operating within high‐reliability sectors.
Influence of the surface averaging procedure of the current density in assessing compliance with the ICNIRP low-frequency basic restrictions by means of numerical techniques

Although the calculation of the surface average of the low-frequency current density distribution over a cross-section of 1 cm2 is required by ICNIRP guidelines, no reference averaging algorithm is indicated, neither in the ICNIRP guidelines nor in the Directive 2004/40/EC that is based on them. The lack of a general standard algorithm that fulfils the ICNIRP guidelines' requirements is particularly critical in the prospective of the 2004/40/EC Directive endorsement, since the compliance to normative limits refers to well-defined procedures. In this paper, two case studies are considered, in which the calculation of the surface average is performed using a simplified approach widely used in the literature and an original averaging procedure. This analysis, aimed at quantifying the expected differences and to single out their sources, shows that the choice of the averaging algorithm represents an important source of uncertainty in the application of the guideline requirements.
Survey of antimicrobial susceptibility testing practices of veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the United States.

OBJECTIVE To describe antimicrobial susceptibility testing practices of veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the United States and evaluate the feasibility of collating this information for the purpose of monitoring antimicrobial resistance in bacterial isolates from animals. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PROCEDURES A questionnaire was mailed to veterinary diagnostic laboratories throughout the United States to identify those laboratories that conduct susceptibility testing. Nonrespondent laboratories were followed up through telephone contact and additional mailings. Data were gathered regarding methods of susceptibility testing, standardization of methods, data management, and types of isolates tested. RESULTS Eighty-six of 113 (76%) laboratories responded to the survey, and 64 of the 86 (74%) routinely performed susceptibility testing on bacterial isolates from animals. Thirty-four of the 36 (94%) laboratories accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians responded to the survey. Laboratories reported testing > 160,000 bacterial isolates/y. Fifty-one (88%) laboratories reported using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility; this accounted for 65% of the isolates tested. Most (87%) laboratories used the NCCLS (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards) documents for test interpretation. Seventy-five percent of the laboratories performed susceptibility testing on bacterial isolates only when they were potential pathogens. CONCLUSIONS The veterinary diagnostic laboratories represent a comprehensive source of data that is not easily accessible in the United States. Variability in testing methods and data storage would present challenges for data aggregation, summary, and interpretation.
The Impact of Immigration on the Human Capital of Natives

Implications of the quantity (number) and quality (skill) of immigration on the destination economy are analyzed, including impacts on value added, wages, quasi rents, rates of return, and the skill distribution of the native labor force. Quantity-quality trade-offs are considered for both immigrant and native workers. Medium- and long-run labor-supply responses by natives to immigrant-induced changes in wage rates are shown to have second-order effects which substantively affect the impacts of immigrants. The impact of immigration policy depends on the quality as well as quantity of immigrants, the time horizon, and the speed of factor market adjustment.
Physiologic Determinants of Left Ventricular Systolic Torsion Assessed by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Healthy Subjects

Background: The associations of left ventricular (LV) systolic torsion with clinical and echocardiographic variables in physiological conditions have not been fully investigated. We explored the independent determinants of LV systolic torsion in a population of normal subjects. Methods: In 119 healthy subjects, peak twist angle (LVtw) and torsion (LVtor) during ejection, and the QRS‐LVtw interval (time‐to‐peak LVtw) were measured by speckle tracking. LV twisting rate and rotational deformation delay were also determined. Results: Stepwise multiple regression showed that LVtw was independently associated with indexed end‐systolic volume (β=–0.200, P < 0.0001), peak early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (β=–0.186, P = 0.0001), heart rate (β= 0.178, P = 0.0003), and male gender (β=–0.174, P = 0.0004). Similar results were found for LVtor. Age was the only parameter, which has demonstrated an independent correlation with time‐to‐peak LVtw (β= 0.329, P < 0.0001). Despite significance of these associations, the proportions of variability explained by regression models were relatively low (range 11–26%), and no accurate predictive models were identifiable for LV twisting rate and rotational deformation delay. Conclusion: In normal individuals, indexed end‐systolic LV volume, LV relaxation, heart rate, gender, and age correlate independently with LV torsion mechanics. However, conventional echocardiographic and clinical variables are not able to predict LV torsion mechanics. (Echocardiography 2011;28:641‐648)
Empowering and Capacitating Women Facing Challenges in the Formation of Income Generating Projects in the Nkayi District of Zimbabwe

Studies indicate that most women living in the informal settlements are usually poor and financially excluded. As such, they rely on income generating projects for their financial upkeep. Given this backdrop, several income-generating projects exist for different purposes, and this study sought to establish challenges that women are experiencing in the formation of these income generating projects in Nkayi District, Zimbabwe. Consistent with Tashakkori and Teddlie (2003) recommendations, this study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The target population comprised of women engaged in income generating projects in Nkayi district. A stratified random sampling technique was employed in which questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 40 women participating in 5 different projects. An in-depth case study on challenges experienced by women in the formation of such income generating projects was needed, and to this end, the study purposively identified five key informants who included the District Social Services Officer, District Community Development Officer (Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development), two elders from the informal settlement and one Chief. Findings of the study revealed that some of the major challenges experienced by women in the formation of these income generating projects were patriarchal in nature, lack of financial support and role conflict in terms of chores and duties that these women carried out in these projects. The study recommended the Gender and Development approach in order to empower men with information on the importance of women participation in income generating projects. The study further recommended capacity building for women to help them understand how to apply for government loans and bank loans. Finally, the Ministry of small-medium enterprises should play a positive and practical role to ensure a country wide coverage of financial development fund reaching the most affected areas including women in Nkayi District.
Adoption and continued use of hybrid rice: Case of Haryana State, India

India’s productivity of rice production lags behind China’s. Given its status as global food supplier, it is not only national but also world’s concern. As part of an effort to improve rice productivity, India increased investments in research on breeding, which has resulted in many new varieties with higher yield suitable and available for Indian farmers. Despite the effort to encourage hybrid rice adoption, the rate of adoption of the technology remains low because of both insufficient adoption and high rate of disadoption. This calls for more research focused on socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption decision and continued use of hybrid rice. Hence, this study investigated the socioeconomic determinants of adoption and continued use decision of hybrid rice among farming households in Haryana State, India. (Less)
Determinants of health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease

Background Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is increasingly being assessed as an outcome parameter, especially in chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD), in which the goal of treatment is not only to prolong life but also to relieve symptoms and improve function. Design This study was carried out as a non-randomized prospective multicentre study. Methods Patients (N=432) with CAD were assessed at baseline, 1 and 3 months after treatment assignment [medication, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)]. HRQL was assessed using the MacNew Heart Disease Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire (MacNew) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Routine clinical data including disease severity were collected. Results The short and intermediate-term results revealed HRQL differences between PCI and CABG in the month immediately after intervention despite the almost identical reduction in angina severity over the first month in both groups. PCI was associated with a relatively rapid increase in HRQL in the first month, with little further change by 3 months. In contrast, after CABG there was an initial deterioration in HRQL, which then improved significantly. The change in depression and anxiety score uniquely accounted for most of the change in the SF-36 (6%, 64%) and MacNew scales (4%, 69%), whereas treatment accounted for less than 1% in any HRQL scale score changes. Conclusions There appears to be evidence suggesting that HRQL changes after treatments in patients with CAD may be more strongly influenced by mood disturbance than by treatment methods. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 13:398–406 © 2006 The European Society of Cardiology
THE EFFECTS OF NON‐STEROIDAL ANTI‐INFLAMMATORY DRUGS ON CHOLINERGIC AND HISTAMINE‐INDUCED CONTRACTIONS OF GUINEA‐PIG ISOLATED ILEUM

1 Eleven non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) reversibly inhibited contractions of the longitudinal muscle of the guinea‐pig isolated ileum induced by acetylcholine, histamine, electrical transmural stimulation and nicotine in this order of increasing potency. 2 After the addition of prostaglandins E1, E2 or F2α, with partially effective concentrations of NSAID (but not with higher concentrations which almost totally prevented the responses) the inhibitory effects of NSAID were reversibly lost, except for electrically induced contractions and prostaglandin F2α. 3 The effects of NSAID may be due to actions on biological membranes or on distribution of ions in addition to their inhibitory effect on prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins may reverse the inhibition by non‐selective sensitization of smooth muscle to various agonists.
Clashing over Commerce

Should the United States be open to commerce with other countries, or should it protect domestic industries from foreign competition? This question has been the source of bitter political conflict throughout American history. Such conflict was inevitable, James Madison argued in The Federalist Papers , because trade policy involves clashing economic interests. The struggle between the winners and losers from trade has always been fierce because dollars and jobs are at stake: depending on what policy is chosen, some industries, farmers, and workers will prosper, while others will suffer. Douglas A. Irwin’s Clashing over Commerce is the most authoritative and comprehensive history of US trade policy to date, offering a clear picture of the various economic and political forces that have shaped it. From the start, trade policy divided the nation—first when Thomas Jefferson declared an embargo on all foreign trade and then when South Carolina threatened to secede from the Union over excessive taxes on imports. The Civil War saw a shift toward protectionism, which then came under constant political attack. Then, controversy over the Smoot-Hawley tariff during the Great Depression led to a policy shift toward freer trade, involving trade agreements that eventually produced the World Trade Organization. Irwin makes sense of this turbulent history by showing how different economic interests tend to be grouped geographically, meaning that every proposed policy change found ready champions and opponents in Congress. As the Trump administration considers making major changes to US trade policy, Irwin’s sweeping historical perspective helps illuminate the current debate. Deeply researched and rich with insight and detail, Clashing over Commerce provides valuable and enduring insights into US trade policy past and present.
The emergence of statutory auditing in France and the recurring issues of independence and competence, 1867–1966

This article studies the evolution of the debate over the recurring issues of independence and competence of auditors during the period of the emergence of statutory auditing in France (1867–1966). The analysis is based on the archives of Pont-à-Mousson and Saint-Gobain, both major industrial companies in France in the twentieth century; articles in the business press; the positions taken by professional accountants’ organisations; and parliamentary debates. Debate over the independence and competence of statutory auditors is shown to have improved the standards of auditing. The evolution of this debate also explains why it took so long – almost a century – to create a real ‘profession’ of auditors in France.
Estimation for the three-parameter inverse Gaussian distribution under progressive Type-II censoring

Inverse Gaussian distribution has been used widely as a model in analysing lifetime data. In this regard, estimation of parameters of two-parameter (IG2) and three-parameter inverse Gaussian (IG3) distributions based on complete and censored samples has been discussed in the literature. In this paper, we develop estimation methods based on progressively Type-II censored samples from IG3 distribution. In particular, we use the EM-algorithm, as well as some other numerical methods for determining the maximum-likelihood estimates (MLEs) of the parameters. The asymptotic variances and covariances of the MLEs from the EM-algorithm are derived by using the missing information principle. We also consider some simplified alternative estimators. The inferential methods developed are then illustrated with some numerical examples. We also discuss the interval estimation of the parameters based on the large-sample theory and examine the true coverage probabilities of these confidence intervals in case of small samples by means of Monte Carlo simulations.