Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Blood Monocyte Subsets: A New Gating Strategy Defined Using Cell Surface Markers Identified by Mass Cytometry

Objective— Human monocyte subsets are defined as classical (CD14++CD16−), intermediate (CD14++CD16+), and nonclassical (CD14+CD16+). Alterations in monocyte subset frequencies are associated with clinical outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, in which circulating intermediate monocytes independently predict cardiovascular events. However, delineating mechanisms of monocyte function is hampered by inconsistent results among studies. Approach and Results— We use cytometry by time-of-flight mass cytometry to profile human monocytes using a panel of 36 cell surface markers. Using the dimensionality reduction approach visual interactive stochastic neighbor embedding (viSNE), we define monocytes by incorporating all cell surface markers simultaneously. Using viSNE, we find that although classical monocytes are defined with high purity using CD14 and CD16, intermediate and nonclassical monocytes defined using CD14 and CD16 alone are frequently contaminated, with average intermediate and nonclassical monocyte purity of ≈86.0% and 87.2%, respectively. To improve the monocyte purity, we devised a new gating scheme that takes advantage of the shared coexpression of cell surface markers on each subset. In addition to CD14 and CD16, CCR2, CD36, HLA-DR, and CD11c are the most informative markers that discriminate among the 3 monocyte populations. Using these additional markers as filters, our revised gating scheme increases the purity of both intermediate and nonclassical monocyte subsets to 98.8% and 99.1%, respectively. We demonstrate the use of this new gating scheme using conventional flow cytometry of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from subjects with cardiovascular disease. Conclusions— Using cytometry by time-of-flight mass cytometry, we have identified a small panel of surface markers that can significantly improve monocyte subset identification and purity in flow cytometry. Such a revised gating scheme will be useful for clinical studies of monocyte function in human cardiovascular disease.
Monogamy without biparental care in a dwarf antelope

The only widely accepted explanations for the evolution of monogamy in mammals have been based on the benefits of biparental care of offspring. This is probably because, unless biparental care is important, the most competitive males would be expected to monopolize more than one female. This study investigates whether males are important for offspring survival in a monogamous dwarf antelope, Kirk’s dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii), by testing three hypotheses that have been proposed to account for monogamy in mammals. In dik-diks, males could help their mates and young by : (i) defending resources; (ii) defending against infanticide by other males; and (iii) reducing predation risk. Because territorial defence was mainly sex-specific, males did not defend resources for their mates or offspring. Males also made no attempt to kill infants they had not sired, so there is no risk of infanticide. Nor was there any evidence that males reduced predation risk: females were not alerted to an approaching predator sooner when males were present, and only mothers responded to playbacks of the call of a predator which preys on juvenile but not adult dik-diks. This is the first conclusive evidence of the absence of paternal care in any monogamous mammal.
Foreign Aid – Economic Growth Nexus: A Systematic Review of Theory & Evidence from Developing Countries

What is the relationship between foreign aid and economic growth? This is probably one of the most famous questions in the foreign aid – economic growth debate. Whether this question has been sufficiently answered remains to be known. Developing nations have been and continue to be known to receive help from developed countries. Now, the reason for which the developed countries give aid is another aspect on its own. In this study, we look at the foreign aid - economic growth nexus by systematically reviewing both theory and evidence from 33 studies carried out in over 100 developing countries around the world. Theory and evidence reveals that the foreign aid - economic growth nexus is ambiguous. However, our analysis indicates that foreign aid is positively related to economic growth in most developing countries and therefore developing countries cannot afford to turn a blind eye at the donor community. We also note with kin interest that in developing countries where there is excessively bad governance and rampant corruption, recipient governments paradoxically lament over aid ineffectiveness. What a scenario! The study, amongst other policy prescriptions, advises recipient governments to use aid for its intended purposes and stop playing the blame-game at the expense of their poor and the ailing economies.
Prices as signals of quality : experimentation and information acquisition

This paper examines the optimal pricing strategy for newly introduced experience goods in a two-period monopoly market with experimentation and private information about quality. Consumers learn about quality through price signaling and experimentation, and communicate their ndings to other buyers via word of mouth. We show the existence of a unique separating equilibrium that satis es the intuitive criterion. In this equilibrium, a high-quality seller signals high quality through a low introductory price that rises in the next period (after experimentation has occurred), while a low-quality one charges a high introductory price, which declines over time because the revealed information is likely to be bad. This result helps explain recent empirical evidence and case studies on the introductory pricing strategies of rms entering foreign product markets.
Decision-making processes for the self-management of persistent pain: A grounded theory study

Persistent pain negatively impacts upon the individual suffering this condition. Almost all care related to persistent pain is self-managed. Decision-making is a critical skill of the self-manager and without these skills it would be improbable that effective self-management would emerge. However, current theories regarding decision-making and self-management have not adequately accounted for the many difficulties faced by individuals enduring persistent pain and the consequences of these experiences for the decision-maker. This grounded theory study revealed that individuals will transform into three distinct types of decision-makers using three different styles of decision-making in response to the many and varied problems related to the experience of persistent pain. These findings will provide nurses with valuable information to better equip individuals with persistent pain through the decision-making processes necessary for successful self-management.
Cross Section of Option Returns and Volatility-of-Volatility

This paper presents a robust new finding that there is a significantly negative relation between the equity option returns and the forward-looking volatility-of-volatility (VOV). After controlling for numerous existing option and stock characteristics, the VOV effect remains significantly negative. It also survives many robustness checks. A conceptual model provided in this paper reveals the pricing mechanism behind the VOV effect, i.e., the negative relation is due to the negative market price of the VOV risk. As investors dislike the VOV risk, they are willing to pay a high premium to hold options on high VOV stocks. The high-low return spread on option portfolios sorted on VOV cannot be explained by standard risk factors, and survives the double sorting on a variety of control variables. This confirms that the VOV effect is economically and statistically significant.
Erythromycin, QTc interval prolongation, and torsade de pointes: Case reports, major risk factors and illness severity

Objectives: Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that is widely used for various infections of the upper respiratory tract, skin, and soft tissue. Similar to other macrolides (clarithromycin, azithromycin), erythromycin has been linked to QTc interval prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) arrhythmia. We sought to identify factors that link to erythromycin-induced/associated QTc interval prolongation and TdP. Methods and Results: In a critical evaluation of case reports, we found 29 cases: 22 women and 7 men (age range 18–95 years). With both oral and intravenous erythromycin administration, there was no significant relationship between dose and QTc interval duration in these cases. Notably, all patients had severe illness. Other risk factors included female sex, older age, presence of heart disease, concomitant administration of either other QTc prolonging drugs or agents that were substrates for or inhibitors of CYP3A4. Most patients had at least two risk factors. Conclusions: On the basis of case report evaluation, we believe that major risk factors for erythromycin-associated TdP are female sex, heart disease and old age, particularly against a background of severe illness. Coadministration of erythromycin with other drugs that inhibit or are metabolized by CYP3A4 or with QTc prolonging drugs should be avoided in this setting.
The Transcription Factor C/EBPβ Is Essential for Inducible Expression of the cox-2 Gene in Macrophages but Not in Fibroblasts*

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is the rate-limiting enzyme for the inducible synthesis of prostaglandins, and its up-regulated activity is thought to play a pathological role in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. Regulation of COX-2 expression is complex and appears to involve diversified mechanisms in different cell types and conditions. Here we make use of immortalized macrophages and fibroblasts that we have generated from C/EBPβ-deficient mice to directly test and compare the specific role played by this factor in inducible COX-2 expression in these two cell types. We could demonstrate that COX-2 mRNA induction and promoter activity were profoundly impaired in C/EBPβ−/− macrophages and could be rescued by expression of C/EBPβ. The obligatory role of C/EBPβ in COX-2 expression appeared to be mediated exclusively by the C/EBP element located at positions −138/−130 of the murinecox-2 promoter, and did not involve altered activity at the level of the other promoter elements described previously (the −402/−392 NF-κB site, the −59/−48 CRE/E box element, and a potential second C/EBP site located at positions −93/−85). In contrast, COX-2 induction was completely normal in C/EBPβ-deficient fibroblasts, thus highlighting the diversity of cell-specific molecular mechanisms in determining inducible COX-2 expression and prostaglandins production.
Urban dispersion and economic crisis: empirical evidence from a Mediterranean region

Economic expansions and recessions have had a relevant influence on urbanization patterns, altering building cycles and depressing local housing markets. In regions with declining employment and wealth, the 2007 economic crisis has resulted in urban containment and inherent transformations in metropolitan structures and socioeconomic functions. This study aims at verifying whether urban growth spatial direction and intensity have changed during the 2007 economic crisis in Athens, the capital of Greece, based on a diachronic analysis (1990–2016) of indicators assessing population dynamics, building characteristics and land-use change. Urban growth rate in the study area was the highest over a period of economic expansion spanning from 1990 to 2006, decreasing largely in the subsequent decade, characterized by economic recession. Conversely, dispersed development as a proportion of total urban growth was the lowest during economic expansion, rising after 2007. With economic expansion, discontinuous urban growth concentrated in peri-urban districts. During recession, the same districts experienced a trend towards settlement re-densification, with new sprawled settlements expanding in marginal areas. Taken together, the empirical results of this study suggest that economic recession has promoted a moderate change in spatial direction and intensity of Athens’ expansion, with distinct patterns of urban densification and dispersion depending on the specific local context. Our findings bring insights on the debate over post-crisis development of Mediterranean cities, suggesting that – without policy interventions – dispersed settlements will remain the dominant urbanization pattern in heterogeneous and fragmented metropolitan regions.
Hepatitis A vaccination: a prison-based solution for a community-based outbreak?

In December 2001, an increase in cases of hepatitis A was observed in South Yorkshire. Cases were predominantly young males who reported injecting drug use. A community-based vaccination programme was introduced in November 2002, but new cases continued to occur. In March 2003, a vaccination campaign was implemented in the local prison for a four-week period. One thousand two hundred and thirty-six (91%) prisoners were vaccinated. Two thirds (895/1,363) of the prisoners came from the area affected by the outbreak and 52% (465/895) reported injecting drugs. The median age of injectors was 25 years. Notifications of cases of hepatitis A from South Yorkshire ceased in August 2003. Although on this occasion the prison vaccination campaign was probably implemented too late to have had a significant impact on the local outbreak, a large number of young male injectors from the local area were successfully vaccinated. This suggests that a prison-based intervention offers a potentially effective way of immunising the IDU population and interrupting a community-based outbreak.
Effectiveness of a psychoeducational skill training DVD program to reduce stress in Chinese American dementia caregivers: Results of a preliminary study

Prior research (Gallagher-Thompson, D., Gray, H., Tang, P., Pu, C.-Y., Tse, C., Hsu, S., et al. (2007). Impact of in-home intervention versus telephone support in reducing depression and stress of Chinese caregivers: Results of a pilot study. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 15, 425–434. ) found that an in-home behavioral management program, derived conceptually from cognitive behavioral theories (CBT), was effective in reducing caregiver related stress and depressive symptoms in Chinese American dementia caregivers (CGs). Results were promising, but a more cost-effective intervention is needed to serve this growing population. Past work also found that a psychoeducational videotaped training program based on CBT was effective in reducing stress due to caregiving in Caucasian and African American dementia family CGs (Steffen, 2000, Anger management for dementia caregivers: A preliminary study using video and telephone interventions. Behavior Therapy, 31, 281–299.). To date no research has been conducted using a technological medium to deliver a similar kind of intervention to Chinese American caregivers. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a similar but culturally “tailored” program in which 70 CGs were randomly assigned to a 12-week CBT skill training program delivered on a DVD, or to a general educational DVD program on dementia. Both were available in Mandarin Chinese or English as preferred. Pre post change analyses indicated that CGs did not differ on change in level of negative depressive symptoms, but positive affect was higher, and patient behaviors were appraised as less stressful and bothersome, for CGs in the CBT skill training program. They were also more satisfied with the program overall and reported that they believed they were able to give care more effectively. Results encourage further development of theoretically based interventions, delivered using modern technology, for this ever increasing group of CGs.
Degradable Bisphosphonate‐Alkaline Phosphatase‐Complexed Hydroxyapatite Implants In Vitro

Degradable hydroxyapatite (HA) implants complexed with the resorption inhibiting agent bisphosphonate (PCP) and the mineralizing agent alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can theoretically maintain alveolar bone mass directly after extraction of teeth. The present in vitro study investigated the surface properties of PCP–ALP‐complexed HA implants in relation to the requirements of implant behavior and action. Adsorbed PCP (pH 3.49) resulted in a flattening and broadening of the phosphate peaks and the formation of carbonate peaks in the HA pattern of the implant indicating a chemical alteration of the HA surface. Adsorption of ALP onto PCP‐altered HA surfaces was 26% lower than onto HA implant blank surfaces. PCP–ALP‐complexed HA implants released the PCP and ALP steadily and continuously over observation periods of, respectively, 75 and 14 days. During these observation periods, the ceramic grains of the HA implant became smaller and intergrain boundaries became broader. These morphologic characteristics suggested preconditioning of the HA implant surface for future bonding and degradation in vivo. Individual grains were no longer bonded to other grains and detached from the implant which had become rounded in shape. From in vitro mice experiments we found that PCP concentrations between 10−4 and 10−3 M resulted in45Ca‐release from the bone HA. Our calculations showed, however, that only a total concentration of 1.4 × 10−4 M PCP was gradually released over the whole observation period. In another experiment, it appeared that a PCP concentration in solution <10−3 M did not reduce ALP activity. It is concluded that release of PCP by the PCP–ALP‐complexed implants is maintained at levels in the range to impair osteoclast bone resorption but not high enough to block osteoblast activity. The amount of ALP released can lead to induction of bone formation onto implant surfaces. pH‐induced alterations in the microstructure and chemistry of the HA surface allow for controlled degradation of the HA implants in vitro. A PCP–ALP‐complexed HA implant acting as temporary scaffolding for alveolar bone growth enhancement, mineralization, and maintenance seems to be a reasonable concept for preservation of the edentulous alveolus.
When Do Women Make a Better Table? Examining the Influence of Women Directors on Family Firm’s Corporate Social Performance

Our paper seeks to further understand the influence of gender board diversity on firms’ corporate social performance (CPS) in the context of publicly held family firms. Grounded on corporate governance and family firm literature, we argue that the influence of women directors on CSP will be contingent on their relative power and legitimacy within the board, and that such dynamics are particularly important in family firm boardrooms. Our empirical results show that increases in CSP associated with the presence of women in the boards of family firms are due mainly to the presence of outsider nonfamily and insider family women directors. Implications for the theory of family firms are discussed.
Detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 antibody by using commercially available whole-cell viral lysate, synthetic peptide, and recombinant protein enzyme immunoassay systems

A total of 575 serum specimens received for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) antibody determination were tested prospectively by enzyme immunoassay with a whole-cell viral lysate (VL) (Genetic Systems Corp.), a synthetic peptide (SP) (United Biomedical, Inc.), and a recombinant protein (RCP) (Syva Co.). Concordance of all three antigens was noted for 559 of 575 (97.2%) specimens tested. Of the specimens tested, 90 (15.7%) were positive and 469 (84.3%) were negative. Retrospective testing by SP and RCP of 86 specimens indeterminate for HIV-1 antibody by VL, Western blot (immunoblot), and immunofluorescence was also performed. The results of both phases of this study indicate that the specificity of the three antigens is RCP greater than SP greater than VL. As noted from the prospective phase, the sensitivities of the antigens appear to be equivalent, indicating that the RCP and SP systems could be used in place of, or to confirm, a VL enzyme immunoassay screening test.
Effort to Create Hope for ‘Lost Generation’: Perspectives of Turkish EFL Teachers

Millions of refugees have recently migrated to Turkey with the start of the crisis in their countries. As educationis one of the most crucial factors shaping the future of these refugees, studies are needed in thisrespect to reflect their current needs and problems in the host countries. From this point of view, this paperaimed to explore the views of Turkish EFL teachers working with refugee students in public schools invarious parts of Turkey. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews conducted with 10 EFLteachers. The relationships of refugee students with host country students, the problems they encounteredwhile learning English, their basic needs in English classes, and potential suggestions of EFL teachers forrefugee students’ English language learning were among the issues addressed in the interviews. Fourcategories and their sub-categories were found out as a result of the analysis. The findings indicated severalproblems both refugee students and their English teachers faced in English classes in public schools.The findings also included the teachers’ suggestions with regard to materials used in the classes, suitablecounselling for refugee students, employment of Syrian English teachers, and many other topics. Finally,implications drawn from the findings with the aim of easing the language learning process of refugee studentsin public schools and some suggestions for further research were provided. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.sal. 0.31. 19078
A low serum iron level is a predictor of poor outcome in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Iron administration has been implicated as a cause of poor clinical outcome in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. However, the role of low iron levels in the clinical outcome of MHD patients is not clear. METHODS We examined the predicting value of baseline serum iron level on prospective mortality and hospitalization in a cohort of all 1,283 MHD patients from 10 DaVita dialysis facilities in Los Angeles County, CA. RESULTS Patients aged 57.8 +/- 15.2 years included 49% men, 45% Hispanics, 25% African Americans, and 53% patients with diabetes. During the first 3 months of the cohort, 97% of patients were administered erythropoietin (EPO) and 60% were administered intravenous iron (gluconate and/or dextran) at least once. During a 12-month follow-up, mortality was significantly greater (23%) in the lowest serum iron quartile (<45.3 microg/dL [<8.1 micromol/L]) compared with other quartiles (10% to 12%). Multivariate Poisson and Cox models adjusted for demographic features, dialysis dose and vintage, serum albumin and ferritin and blood hemoglobin concentrations, and administered EPO and iron doses showed that both serum iron level and iron saturation ratio had significant, but inverse, associations with prospective mortality and hospitalization. There was a statistically significant trend toward greater rates of mortality and hospitalization with lower serum iron levels. This reverse association remained significant in a subcohort of 322 MHD patients after additional adjustments for comorbid conditions and serum C-reactive protein level to reflect inflammation. CONCLUSION Low baseline serum iron indicators are associated with increased mortality and hospitalization in MHD patients independent of hemoglobin level, EPO and iron doses, indicators of nutrition and inflammation, and comorbid conditions. Clinical trials to examine the role of iron administration in improving morbidity and mortality by increasing serum iron levels in MHD patients are required.