Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synergies or Overpayment in European Corporate M&A

The purpose of this research is to test whether the price paid for corporate takeovers in Europe is related to the synergies expected or whether bidders are overpaying for acquisitions. We analyzed the relationship between the premium paid in 147 mergers and acquisitions, and the bidders’ abnormal returns around the date of the transaction from 1995 to 2004. A quadratic relationship between the premiums and returns was found. When the amount paid in a transaction does not exceed the value of the target organization by more than 39.69–40.03%, the premium becomes a sign of the future synergy and will have a positive effect on the bidders’ returns. However, when the premium exceeds these values, the relationship between premiums and returns become negative and therefore the market considers bidders are overpaying. This paper show the importance of the correct valuation of the targets and of the premiums paid to ensure value creation in M&A.
An immunohistochemical study of the organization of catecholaminergic cells and terminal fields in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus

The distribution of catecholaminergic fibers and cell bodies in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus was investigated with immunohistochemical methods in the adult albino rat. Sections through the nuclei were stained with antisera to the catecholamine synthesizing enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine‐ß‐hydroxylase (DBH), and phenylethanolamine‐N‐methyltransferase (PNMT). The results suggest that adrenergic (PNMT‐stained) fibers innervate the entire parvocellular division of the paraventricular nucleus, although the highest density of fibers was found in the medial part of the division. Only widely scattered adrenergic fibers are found in the magnocellular division of the nucleus and in the supraoptic nucleus. Noradrenergic fibers appear to innervate the periventricular zone of the paraventricular nucleus and those parts of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei that contain predominantly vasopressinergic neurons in both the normal and in the homozygous Brattleboro rat. Significant numbers—somewhat more than 500—of dopaminergic (TH‐stained) neurons are found in the paraventricular nucleus; the cells are distributed throughout the nucleus but are concentrated in the medial and periventricular parts of the parvocellular division. Double‐labeling experiments with the retrogradely transported tracer true blue indicate that between 4% and 8% of the dopaminergic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus project to the region of the dorsal vagal complex and/or to thoracic levels of the spinal cord. It is concluded that adrenergic inputs to the paraventricular nucleus may influence cells that project to the median eminence and to preganglionic autonomic cell groups in the medulla and spinal cord. Noradrenergic inputs to the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei may influence primarily vasopressinergic cells that project to the posterior lobe of the pituitary, as well as cells in the periventricular part of the paraventricular nucleus that project to the median eminence.
Rare Haplotypes in mtDNA: Applications in the Analysis of Biosocial Aspects of Past Human Populations

We report on the use of rare mutations to tackle biosocial questions such as kinship and differential burial practices from past human populations. To do this, we have inferred nucleotide position 73 of HVS-II in individuals classified as belonging to haplogroup H from 76 human dental samples from the necropolis of Aldaieta (Basque Country, Spain, 6th–7th century) by means of PCR and restriction enzyme tests. The same analysis has been performed for 146 extant individuals from the northern Iberian peninsula. A combination of haplotype H and 73G in HVS-II, rare in extant populations (0.5–3%), has been found at a frequency of 20% in the ancient population of Aldaieta. These data can be explained in terms of the existence of different burial practices associated with a variety of factors, mainly social status and kinship. This hypothesis is also supported by archeological data. These results indicate that caution should be taken when making phylogenetic inferences from extinct populations, because an uncharacterized kinship can significantly bias allele frequencies.
Measles antibody in vaccinated human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected children.

OBJECTIVES The goals of this study were to evaluate the proportion of previously vaccinated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1-infected children with detectable postvaccination measles antibody; to assess risk factors for vaccine failure; and to evaluate the response to reimmunization. METHODS A total of 81 perinatally HIV-infected children receiving medical care in the Bronx, New York who had previously received measles vaccine were enrolled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV class, lymphocyte subsets, and measles antibody were determined upon enrollment. Additional data abstracted from medical records included dates and number of prior measles vaccinations and CDC HIV class at the time of vaccination. Measles antibody was determined by microneutralization enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The median age at time of study was 42 months (range, 9 to 168 months). Overall, 58 (72%) subjects had detectable measles antibody (microneutralization ELISA titer > 1:5). Children studied within 1 year of vaccination were more likely to have detectable measles antibody than children evaluated more than 1 year after vaccination (83% vs 52%, P < .01). The proportion of children with detectable measles antibody was higher among children with no or moderate immunosuppression compared to those with severe immunosuppression when immune status was based on CD4%. Children vaccinated at 6 to 11 months of age appeared to have a higher proportion of detectable measles antibody than those who received a first measles vaccination after age 1. Only 1 (14%) of 7 previously vaccinated children who were seronegative or had very low titers experienced a four-fold rise in measles antibody when reimmunized. CONCLUSION These results support current recommendations to vaccinate HIV-infected children against measles. The proportion of children with detectable measles antibody among vaccinated HIV-infected children is considerably lower than in vaccinated healthy children. HIV-infected children may respond better to measles vaccine when it is administered before the first birthday. From our limited data it appears that reimmunization of previously vaccinated HIV-infected children with moderate to severe immunosuppression does not result in an antibody recall response.
Performance of the BD GeneOhm MRSA Achromopeptidase Assay for Real-Time PCR Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Nasal Specimens

ABSTRACT We evaluated the BD GeneOhm MRSA achromopeptidase (ACP) assay, which incorporates a new specimen preparation approach. A total of 1,216 leftover nasal samples were tested; using culture as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity were 92% and 94.6%, respectively. The new lysis method provides good sensitivity and simplifies specimen preparation.
Improved Effector Activity and Memory CD8 T Cell Development by IL-2 Expression during Experimental Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection 1

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory infection in young children and the elderly. Studies of mice suggest that RSV suppresses the effector activity of CD8 T cells and the development of pulmonary CD8 T cell memory, in which the impaired effector activity could be recovered by in vitro IL-2 treatment. To investigate the effect of in vivo IL-2 expression on RSV immunity, mice were infected with RSV followed by administration of replication-defective adenovirus expressing IL-2. The effector activity of RSV M2-specific CD8 T cells and the development of CD8 T cell memory in the lung was significantly increased by IL-2 expression. Furthermore, the Ab responses against RSV were augmented by IL-2. Interestingly, weight loss and illness caused by RSV challenge were substantially reduced by IL-2 priming, suggesting that the pathogenesis of RSV-related disease could be prevented by IL-2-mediated enhancement of beneficial immune responses. Thus, our results show that IL-2 has potential to be used as a vaccine adjuvant against RSV infection.
Reorientation of prostanoid production accompanies “activation” of adult microglial cells in culture

Using morphological, immunocytochemical, and functional parameters we have previously shown that highly purified adult rat microglial cells undergo a process of “activation” when cultured in a serum‐containing medium in the absence of added proinflammatory substances or other factors (Slepko and Levi: Glia 16:241–246, 1996). Here we studied the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐evoked production of two prostanoids, thromboxane A2 (measured as thromboxane B2) (TXB2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), as a function of microglial “activation. ” LPS induced a greater time‐ and dose‐dependent release of TXB2, compared to PGE2, in the less “activated” cells. Further “activation” led to amplified synthesis of PGE2 and not of TXB2, so that the TXB2/PGE2 ratio changed from 2.2 to 0.25 between the 2nd and 4th day in culture. Western blot experiments showed that the LPS‐evoked expression of the inducible form of cyclooxygenase (COX) was markedly higher in cells exhibiting a more “activated” phenotype. The expression of the constitutive isoform of COX was low in all conditions, was slightly greater in more “activated” cells, and was not affected by LPS. Neither progression in microglial “activation” nor LPS treatment enhanced thromboxane synthase activity. We hypothesize that reorientation of prostanoid synthesis toward a major production of PGE2 in the more “activated” cells can be largely attributed to an increased inducibility of cellular COX expression, combined with the inability of thromboxane synthase to cope with the increased availability of the COX product prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), the common precursor of TXA2 and PGE2. In view of the different, and at times opposite, functional activity of TXB2 and PGE2, the described change in prostanoid production pattern may contribute to the role of “activated” microglia in inflammation and host defense. J. Neurosci. Res. 49:292–300, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A double-blind randomized comparison of nortriptyline and paroxetine in the treatment of late-life depression: 6-week outcome.

BACKGROUND Some studies have suggested that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be less efficacious than tricyclic antidepressants in the treatment of severe depression in older patients. The objective of this study was to compare the 6-week outcome of treatment with nortriptyline and paroxetine in older patients with a major depressive episode. METHOD A double-blind randomized comparison of nortriptyline and paroxetine was conducted in 80 elderly (mean +/- SD age = 75.0 +/- 7.4 years) psychiatric inpatients and outpatients who presented with a major depressive episode. Dropout and response rates were compared in patients who began or completed treatment. Rates of response of inpatients and patients with melancholic depression were also compared. RESULTS Over 6 weeks, there were no significant differences in dropout rates due to side effects (nortriptyline, 14% vs. paroxetine, 19%) or for any reason (27% vs. 33%). Similarly, there were no significant differences between the rates of favorable response to nortriptyline or paroxetine (intent-to-treat analysis, 57% vs. 44%; completer analysis, 78% vs. 66%). Analyses restricted to inpatients or to patients with melancholic depression yielded similar results. CONCLUSION Nortriptyline and paroxetine appear to have similar efficacy and tolerability in the acute (6-week) treatment of older depressed patients, including hospitalized patients and those with melancholic features.
Soluble HLA‐A,‐B,‐C and ‐G molecules induce apoptosis in T and NK CD8+ cells and inhibit cytotoxic T cell activity through CD8 ligation

There is convincing evidence that soluble HLA‐A,‐B,‐C (sHLA‐A,‐B,‐C) and soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G) antigens can induce apoptosis in CD8+ activated T cells although there is scanty and conflicting information about the mechanism(s) by which sHLA‐A,‐B,‐C antigens and sHLA‐G antigens induce apoptosis. In this study we have compared the apoptosis‐inducing ability of sHLA‐A,‐B,‐C antigens with that of sHLA‐G1 antigens in CD8+ T lymphocytes and CD8+ NK cells. Furthermore we have compared the inhibitory effect of sHLA‐A,‐B,‐C antigens and of sHLA‐G1 antigens on theactivity of EBV‐specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). sHLA molecules were purified from serum and from the supernatant of HLA class I‐negative cells transfected with one gene encoding either classical or non‐classical HLA class I antigens. Both classical and non‐classical sHLA class I molecules trigger apoptosis in CD8+ T lymphocytes and in CD8+ NK cells, which lack the T cell receptor, and their apoptotic potency is comparable. The binding of sHLA‐A,‐B,‐C and sHLA‐G1 molecules to CD8 leads to Fas ligand (FasL) up‐regulation, soluble FasL (sFasL) secretion and CD8+ cell apoptosis by Fas/sFasL interaction. Moreover, classical and non‐classical sHLA class I molecules inhibit the cytotoxic activity of EBV‐specific CD8+ CTL. As the amount ofsHLA‐G molecules detectable in normal serum is significantly lower than that of sHLA‐A,‐B,‐C molecules, the immunomodulatory effects of sHLA class I molecules purified from serum are likely to be mainly attributable to classical HLA class I antigens. As far as the potential in vivo relevance of these findings is concerned, we suggest that classical sHLA class I molecules may play a major immunoregulatory role in clinical situations characterized by activation of the immune system and elevated sHLA‐A,‐B,‐C serum levels. In contrast, non‐classical HLA class I molecules may exert immunomodulatory effects in particular conditions characterized by elevated sHLA‐G levels such as pregnancy and some neoplastic diseases.
Thermoregulatory and aerobic changes after endurance training in a hypobaric hypoxic and warm environment.

Plasma volume (PV) expansion by endurance training and/or heat acclimatization is known to increase aerobic and thermoregulatory capacities in humans. Also, higher erythrocyte volume (EV) fractions in blood are known to improve these capacities. We tested the hypothesis that training in a hypobaric hypoxic and warm environment would increase peak aerobic power (VO(2)(peak)) and forearm skin vascular conductance (FVC) response to increased esophageal temperature (T(es)) more than training in either environment alone, by increasing both PV and EV. Twenty men were divided into four training regimens (n = 5 each): low-altitude cool (610-m altitude, 20 degrees C ambient temperature, 50% relative humidity), high-altitude cool (2,000 m, 20 degrees C), low-altitude warm (610 m, 30 degrees C), and high-altitude warm (HW; 2,000 m, 30 degrees C). They exercised on a cycle ergometer at 60% VO(2)(peak) for 1 h/day for 10 days in a climate chamber. After training, PV increased in all trials, but EV increased in only high-altitude trials (both P < 0.05). VO(2)(peak) increased in all trials (P < 0.05) but without any significant differences among trials. FVC response to increased T(es) was measured during exercise at 60% of the pretraining VO(2)(peak) at 610 m and 30 degrees C. After the training, T(es) threshold for increasing FVC decreased in warm trials (P < 0.05) but not in cool trials and was significantly lower in HW than in cool trials (P < 0.05). The slope of FVC increase/T(es) increase increased in all trials (P < 0.05) except for high-altitude cool (P > 0.4) and was significantly higher in HW than in cool trials (P < 0.05). Thus, against our hypothesis, the VO(2)(peak) for HW did not increase more than in other trials. Moreover, slope of FVC increase/T(es) increase in HW increased most, despite the similar increase in blood volume, suggesting that factors other than blood volume were involved in the highest FVC response in HW.
Value for money in public sector construction procurement

Australian State Governments make significant investments in infrastructure related construction projects every year. The introduction of Best Value in Local Government contexts changed the focus of procurement from lowest cost to value based. Value for money is frequently the mantra of those spending public money, however, little is known about what it means in the context of construction procurement by public sector clients. This paper explores value for money from the client side through the perceptions of those procuring public sector infrastructure projects. This paper presents a complex perspective of value for money and argues that the perspective of those procuring within the public sector is crucial, because they are the proxies for public interest and shape how procurement is undertaken operationally.
Neurofilaments are flexible polymers that often fold and unfold, but they move in a fully extended configuration

Time‐lapse imaging of neurofilaments in axons of cultured nerve cells has demonstrated that these cytoskeletal polymers move along microtubule tracks in both anterograde and retrograde directions, powered by microtubule motors. The filaments exhibit short bouts of rapid intermittent movement interrupted by prolonged pauses, and the average velocity is slow because they spend most of their time pausing. Here, we show that axonal neurofilaments are also very flexible and frequently exhibit complex and dynamic folding and unfolding behaviors while they are pausing. Remarkably, however, when the filaments move in a sustained manner, we find that they always adopt an unfolded, that is, fully extended configuration, and this applies to movement in both anterograde and retrograde directions. Given the flexibility of neurofilament polymers and the apparent ease with which they can fold back on themselves, the fact that they move in a fully extended configuration suggests that moving neurofilaments may be pulled from their leading end. Thus, we speculate that motors may bind to the leading ends of neurofilaments polymers during both anterograde and retrograde motion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Low molecular weight heparin treatment and impact of inherited thrombophilia type in pregnancies with previous adverse outcome

Abstract Objective: To assess the impact of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) treatment in 50 pregnancies of women with inherited thrombophilia and adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) in previous untreated pregnancies. The impact of “Conventional” (FVL, PT, AT, PC, PS) and “Novel” (MTHFR, PAI-1, ACE) thrombophilias on APO was investigated. Methods: The primary outcomes (PO) were: early and late pregnancy loss (EPL, LPL), preterm birth (PTB) or term birth (TB) compared to the last untreated pregnancies of the same women. Secondary outcomes (SO) were APO in LMWH treated and last untreated pregnancies ended with birth. PO and SO were compared in relation to the thrombophilia type. Results: LMWH decreased EPL and LPL rate and improved TB rate compared with last untreated pregnancies (p < 0.001). There were less PTB (p = 0.019) and no cases of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) (p = 0.0019) in LWMH-treated pregnancies. The division to Conventional and Novel thrombophilias showed: (a) difference between pregnancy losses and birth rate (p = 0.0069) and (b) no difference in the prevalence of APO in untreated pregnancies ended with birth. Conclusions: LMWH treatment improves pregnancy outcome in women with inherited thrombophilia and APO in previous pregnancies. Novel thrombophilias have the equal impact on the pregnancy outcome compared to the Conventional thrombophilias.
High-speed ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography findings in hydroxychloroquine retinopathy.

OBJECTIVES To compare structural changes in the retina seen on high-speed ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography (hsUHR-OCT) with multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and automated visual fields in patients receiving hydroxychloroquine. METHODS Fifteen patients receiving hydroxychloroquine were evaluated clinically with hsUHR-OCT, mfERG, and automated visual fields. Six age-matched subjects were imaged with hsUHR-OCT and served as controls. RESULTS Distinctive discontinuity of the perifoveal photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment junction and thinning of the outer nuclear layer were seen with hsUHR-OCT in patients with mild retinal toxic effects. Progression to complete loss of the inner segment/outer segment junction and hyperscattering at the outer segment level were seen in more advanced cases. The mfERG abnormalities correlated with the hsUHR-OCT findings. Asymptomatic patients had normal hsUHR-OCT and mfERG results. CONCLUSION Distinctive abnormalities in the perifoveal photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment junction were seen on hsUHR-OCT in patients receiving hydroxychloroquine who also were symptomatic and had abnormalities on automated visual fields and mfERG.
Pressure algometry is a useful tool to quantify pain in the medial part of the knee: An intra- and inter-reliability study in healthy subjects

Purpose: Pain quantification is essential for diagnostic and pain monitoring purposes in disorders around the knee. Pressure algometry is a method described to determine pressure pain threshold (PPT) by applying controlled pressure to a given body point. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of this method when it was applied to the medial part of the proximal tibia metaphysis and to evaluate the PPT levels between genders. Methods: Fifty healthy (mean age; 46.9) volunteers were recruited, 25 men and 25 women. Pressure algometry was applied to a 1 cm2-probe area on the medial part of the knee by 2 raters. Intraand interclass correlation (ICC) was obtained and differences between genders were evaluated. Bland-Altman plots were performed to evaluate the variability of the measures. Results: The mean values of PPT obtained by rater 1 and 2 were 497.5 Kpa and 489 Kpa respectively. The intrarater reliability values (95% IC) for rater 1 and 2 were 0.97 (0.95–0.98) and 0.84 (0.73–0.90) respectively. With regard to interrater reliability, the ICC (95% IC) for the first measurement was 0.92 (0.87–0.95) and 0.86 (0.78–0.92) for the second one. Women showed significant lower values of PPT than men. The Bland-Altmand plots showed excellent agreement. Conclusions: Pressure algometry has excellent reliability when it is applied to the medial part of the proximal metaphysis of the tibia. Women have lower values of PTT than men. The high reliability of the PA in an individual volunteer makes it a more valuable tool for longitudinal assessment of a given patient than for comparison between them. Level of evidence: Level III. Prospective study. © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.