Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thermal inactivation of bacteriophages active against lactic streptococci.

Abstract Thermal destruction studies on two bacteriophages active against Streptococcus lactis were carried out in milk at pH 6.2. Inactivation curves were similar at all temperatures studied; a relatively rapid initial decline in titer was followed by a slower reduction and leveling off of numbers, until complete inactivation was approached. When inactivation was nearly complete, the populations sometimes again declined rapidly. A longer time was required for complete destruction of the bacteriophage than would be anticipated from a straightline extrapolation of the initial portion of the thermal inactivation curve. Destruction times for one bacteriophage at 70, 72.8, 75, and 77.8C were 200, 70, 20, and 6min, respectively and, for the other, 170, 60, 25, and 9min, respectively. Plotting the thermal death times of the two bacteriophages yielded z values of 8.75 and 10.5.
Order independent equilibria

We study a noncooperative game of coalition formation, based on an underlying game in coalitional form. We introduce order independent equilibria (OIE). A strategy profile is an OIE if, for any specification of first movers in the sequential game, it remains an equilibrium and leads to the same payoff. Our results are: (1) Payoffs in OIE that use pure, stationary strategies must be in the core of the underlying game in coalitional form. (2) If the underlying game has the property that all its subgames have nonempty cores then, for each payoff vector, there exists an OIE with the same payoff. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C70, C71, C72, C78.
Transparency is not Enough: Making Transparency Effective in Reducing Corruption

We test the commonly stated, but rarely investigated, assertion that making political institutions more transparent is an effective method for combating corruption. This assertion is confirmed with cross-national data, but also specified and qualified in several respects. Most importantly, we find that looking only at average effects gives a misleading picture of the significance of transparency for corruption. Just making information available will not prevent corruption if such conditions for publicity and accountability as education, media circulation and free and fair elections are weak. Furthermore, we find that transparency requirements that are implemented by the agent itself are less effective compared to non-agent controlled transparency institutions, such as a free press. One important implication of these findings is that reforms focusing on increasing transparency should be accompanied by measures for strengthening citizens’ capacity to act upon the available information if we are to see positive effects on corruption.
Medium of Payment in Corporate Acquisitions: Evidence from Interstate Bank Mergers

It has been known for some time that the medium of payment used in acquisitions is an important factor to consider (see Carleton et al. 1983). It has also been noted that different methods of financing a project have different infor-lllational implications (Myers and Majluf 1984; Krasker 1986). Furthermore, a substantial volume of empirical literature on stock issues reports negative stock price reactions to new offerings of seasoned common stock (for example, Asquith and Mullins 1986; Kalay and Shimrat 1987). This paper examines the role of medium of payment in corporate acquisitions with the help of evidence from a large sample of interstate bank mergers which took place over the five-year period from 1982 through 1986 under state statutes passed in compliance with the Douglas Amendment to the Bank Holding Company Act (1956). Initiated in 1982, merger activity of this type has grown rapidly in volume ever since and has already dramatically changed the stiucture of the commercial banking industry in this country. The results of this study indicate that when the full sample of banks involved in interstate bank mergers is divided into subsamples by medium of payment the abnormal announcement period returns for the subsamples are equal to each other, as well as to the results for the full sample. The finding that bidder returns are not affected by the bidder's choice of medium of payment is in contrast with findings of the existing empirical studies that have explored this issue in the context of nonbank mergers (see Asquith, BIuner, and Mullins 1987; Travlos 1987; Eckbo and Langohr 1989; Franks, Hams, and Mayer 1988). They all report significantly higher bidder returns from cash-financed acquisitions than from stock-financed acquisitions.
Lean Production Assessed by Karasek’s Job Demand–Job Control Model

Comments on the quality of working life (QWL) under lean production have varied from devastating criticism on the one hand, to eulogistic praise on the other. These contrasting positions can be related to researchers’ opposing societal stances and resulting interpretations, which are reinforced by the methodologies used and the absence of an external framework to judge QWL. Using Karasek’s job demand–job control model, the authors investigate a Dutch plant operating under a lean production (LP) regime in an attempt to resolve the controversy. The jobs in this plant can be placed in Karasek’s quadrant of low job demands and low job control, which means that antagonists of LP are right in claiming that the work is monotonous and repetitive, while the advocates’ claim that workers have sufficient job decision latitude also holds.
Aggregate Information and the Centipede Game: a Theoretical and Experimental Study

Theoretical models often neglect the importance of ex‐post feedback for equilibrium behavior in games. We test for this importance in a set of new experiments of the centipede game with feedback about aggregate behavior in each round. To make formal predictions, we develop a simple model that applies the framework of Dekel, Fudenberg, and Levine (2004). Unlike many popular models, our model, which combines self‐confirming equilibrium with non‐selfish payoffs, predicts that aggregate feedback has equilibrium effects. Our subjects exhibit Nash behavior more often than subjects in previous experiments, and aggregate feedback causes even stronger convergence to Nash equilibrium. However, after slightly changing the payoff structure of the experimental game, the treatment effects of aggregate information often shift in the opposite direction. From the policy point of view, the experimental results show that whether aggregate information generates more trust and higher social payoffs depends on the details of the game.
Mutation of the Plastidial α-Glucan Phosphorylase Gene in Rice Affects the Synthesis and Structure of Starch in the Endosperm[W]

Plastidial phosphorylase (Pho1) accounts for ∼96% of the total phosphorylase activity in developing rice (Oryza sativa) seeds. From mutant stocks induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea treatment, we identified plants with mutations in the Pho1 gene that are deficient in Pho1. Strikingly, the size of mature seeds and the starch content in these mutants showed considerable variation, ranging from shrunken to pseudonormal. The loss of Pho1 caused smaller starch granules to accumulate and modified the amylopectin structure. Variation in the morphological and biochemical phenotype of individual seeds was common to all 15 pho1-independent homozygous mutant lines studied, indicating that this phenotype was caused solely by the genetic defect. The phenotype of the pho1 mutation was temperature dependent. While the mutant plants grown at 30°C produced mainly plump seeds at maturity, most of the seeds from plants grown at 20°C were shrunken, with a significant proportion showing severe reduction in starch accumulation. These results strongly suggest that Pho1 plays a crucial role in starch biosynthesis in rice endosperm at low temperatures and that one or more other factors can complement the function of Pho1 at high temperatures.
A Global Measure of Judicial Independence, 1948–2012

We present a new cross-national measure of de facto judicial independence, which is available for 200 countries from 1948 to 2012. To do so, we introduce a statistical measurement model for uncovering latent concepts commonly encountered in time-series, cross-sectional analyses in comparative politics and international relations. Our approach addresses unique challenges that arise in these data: temporal dependence in the observed and unobserved variables, conceptual boundedness in the latent quantity, and substantial missing data and measurement error in the observable indicators. The resulting measures match a common conceptual definition of independence with greater reliability than existing alternatives. The model is extensible to many concepts in comparative politics and international relations.
The Process of Entrepreneurial Learning: A Conceptual Framework

The present article seeks to advance the theoretical knowledge of entrepreneurial learning by reviewing and synthesizing available research into a conceptual framework that explains the process of entrepreneurial learning as an experiential process. The framework identifies three main components in the process of entrepreneurial learning: entrepreneurs’ career experience, the transformation process, and entrepreneurial knowledge in terms of effectiveness in recognizing and acting on entrepreneurial opportunities and coping with the liabilities of newness. Based on the arguments in the article, five major propositions were developed to refine our understanding of entrepreneurial learning. Finally, theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
Factors affecting desired family size in Bangladesh

Summary Factors affecting desired family size in rural Bangladesh are examined using data from contraceptive prevalence surveys conducted between 1983 and 1991. The analysis suggests that mothers having two sons and one daughter are more inclined to perceive their family as complete than those having three sons and no daughter. Logistic regression analysis indicates that important determinants of desire for more children are age of woman, current contraceptive use status, work status, and family planning worker's visit. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.
New-Onset Diabetes After Transplantation (NODAT): An Evaluation of Definitions in Clinical Trials

Background New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) occurs commonly. Prior NODAT definitions have been inconsistent. Based on the American Diabetic Association criteria, we propose a new approach to defining NODAT. Methods Analysis of 1416 at-risk transplant recipients was performed. Data from three de novo Astellas registration transplant studies (two kidney and one liver) evaluated NODAT in 634 at-risk patients receiving tacrolimus, 630 at-risk patients receiving tacrolimus extended release, and 152 at-risk patients receiving cyclosporine. NODAT was defined as a composite endpoint consisting of first occurrence of one of four parameters: (i) two fasting plasma glucose levels ≥126 mg/dL (≥7.0 mmol/L) ≥30 days apart, (ii) oral hypoglycemic agent use for ≥30 consecutive days, (iii) insulin therapy for ≥30 consecutive days, and (iv) hemoglobin A1c ≥6.5%. We evaluated each of the above parameters, as well as the composite endpoint, in an attempt to establish an appropriate clinical approach to the diagnosis of NODAT. Results The composite definition results in a 1-year NODAT incidence of 30% to 37% in kidney and 44% to 45% in liver transplant recipients treated with tacrolimus. NODAT incidence was significantly higher with tacrolimus than cyclosporine; there was no difference between the two tacrolimus formulations. Conclusions Based on these analyses, the proposed composite definition for NODAT, incorporating broader criteria, is recommended for clinical trials. Appropriate definitions of NODAT allow for a better understanding of the incidence of this complication and may result in earlier initiation of therapy with improved long-term outcomes.
Transplantation of a myelodysplastic syndrome by a long-term repopulating hematopoietic cell

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) comprise a group of premalignant hematologic disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, dysplasia, and transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although it is well established that many malignancies can be transplanted, there is little evidence to demonstrate that a premalignant disease entity, such as MDS or colonic polyps, can be transplanted and subsequently undergo malignant transformation in vivo. Using mice that express a NUP98-HOXD13 (NHD13) transgene in hematopoietic tissues, we show that a MDS can be transplanted to WT recipients. Recipients of the MDS bone marrow displayed all of the critical features of MDS, including peripheral blood cytopenias, dysplasia, and transformation to AML. Even when transplanted with a 10-fold excess of WT cells, the NHD13 cells outcompeted the WT cells over a 38-week period. Limiting-dilution experiments demonstrated that the frequency of the cell that could transmit the disease was ≈1/6,000–1/16,000 and that the MDS was also transferable to secondary recipients as a premalignant condition. Transformation to AML in primary transplant recipients was generally delayed (46–49 weeks after transplant); however, 6 of 10 secondary transplant recipients developed AML. These findings demonstrate that MDS originates in a transplantable, premalignant, long-term repopulating, MDS-initiating cell.
ANO5‐muscular dystrophy: clinical, pathological and molecular findings

Anoctamin 5 (ANO5) is a putative intracellular calcium‐activated chloride channel. Recessive mutations in ANO5 cause primary skeletal muscle disorders (limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy 2L and distal muscular dystrophy), which are phenotypically similar to dysferlinopathy, a muscular dystrophy due to dysferlin‐encoding gene (DYSF) mutations.
ACR Appropriateness Criteria Second and Third Trimester Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding occurring in the second or third trimesters of pregnancy can variably affect perinatal outcome, depending on whether it is minor (i.e. a single, mild episode) or major (heavy bleeding or multiple episodes.) Ultrasound is used to evaluate these patients. Sonographic findings may range from marginal subchorionic hematoma to placental abruption. Abnormal placentations such as placenta previa, placenta accreta and vasa previa require accurate diagnosis for clinical management. In cases of placenta accreta, magnetic resonance imaging is useful as an adjunct to ultrasound and is often appropriate for evaluation of the extent of placental invasiveness and potential involvement of adjacent structures. MRI is useful for preplanning for cases of complex delivery, which may necessitate a multi-disciplinary approach for optimal care. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every two years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.
Beyond the Classroom Walls: Edmodo in Saudi Secondary School EFL Instruction, Attitudes and Challenges

This paper investigates the prospects of integrating Edmodo into Saudi EFL female secondary school instruction. It concentrates on students’ perceptions and challenges regarding Edmodo use and its effect on their attitudes towards EFL learning. The 42 participants were divided into two groups. The experimental group received traditional teaching plus a six-week daily interaction via Edmodo. The control group received traditional teaching only. Findings of the post-treatment questionnaire show that students’ perceptions towards Edmodo were highly positive andthat although there were considerable challenges to its integration, it appeared to have excellent potential for generating more positive attitudes towards EFL learning.
Knitting the Threads of Silk through Time: Behçet's Disease—Past, Present, and Future

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic relapsing vasculitis that affects vessels of all types and sizes with a broad spectrum of phenotypic heterogeneity and complex immunopathogenesis. Efforts by the scientific community to resolve the unmet needs of BD and gaps in our knowledge have been hampered by considerable challenges that primarily relate to the rare nature of the disease in many parts of the world and its heterogeneity. Controversies remain in many aspects of the disease including the diagnostic criteria, immunopathogenesis and biomarker discovery, geographical variation, and therapeutic considerations. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our scientific understanding of BD, shed new insights into diagnostic and treatment strategies, and discuss residual gaps in our knowledge that will serve as the basis for current and future research.
Patterns of intrinsic and associational circuitry in monkey prefrontal cortex

Both local and long‐range connections are critical mediators of information processing in the cerebral cortex, but little is known about the relationships among these types of connections, especially in higher‐order cortical regions. We used quantitative reconstructions of the label arising from discrete (approximately 350 μm diameter) injections of biotinylated dextran amine and cholera toxin B to determine the spatial organization of the axon collaterals and principal axon projections furnished by pyramidal neurons in the supragranular layers of monkey prefrontal cortex (areas 9 and 46). Both terminals and cell bodies labeled by transport along axon collaterals in the gray matter formed intrinsic clusters which were arrayed as a series of discontinuous stripes of similar size and shape. The co‐registration of anterograde and retrograde transport confirmed that these convergent and divergent intrinsic connections also were reciprocal. Transport from the same injection sites along principal axons through the white matter formed associational clusters which were also arrayed as a series of discontinuous stripes. The dimensions of the anterogradely‐ and retrogradely‐labeled associational stripes were very similar to each other and to the intrinsic stripes. These findings demonstrate that divergence, convergence, and reciprocity characterize both the intrinsic and associational excitatory connections in the prefrontal cortex. These patterns of connections provide an anatomical substrate by which activation of a discrete group of neurons would lead to the recruitment of a specific neuronal network comprised of both local and distant groups of cells. Furthermore, the consistent size of the intrinsic and associational stripes (approximately 275 by 1,800 μm) suggests that they may represent basic functional units in the primate prefrontal cortex. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Body weight is a robust predictor of clinical progression in Huntington disease

Unintended weight loss is a hallmark of Huntington disease (HD), but it is unknown to what extent weight loss impacts the rate of disease progression. Therefore, using longitudinal data from the Enroll‐HD study, we assessed the association between baseline body mass index (BMI) and the rate of clinical progression in 5,821 HD mutation carriers. We found that high baseline BMI was associated with a significantly slower rate of functional, motor, and cognitive deterioration (all p < 0.001), independent of mutant HTT CAG repeat size. Our findings provide strong rationale for exploration of systemic metabolism as a therapeutic target in HD. Ann Neurol 2017;82:479–483
The In Vitro Chondrotoxicity of Single-Dose Local Anesthetics

Background: The administration of amide-type local anesthetics to cartilaginous tissues has revealed potential chondrotoxicity. Purpose: This study evaluated whether administration of single doses of 1% lidocaine, 0.25% bupivacaine, and 0.5% ropivacaine resulted in decreased chondrocyte viability or cartilage matrix degradation in vitro. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Monolayer human chondrocytes and intact cartilage samples were cultured for 1 week in media. Each drug was delivered in a custom bioreactor over its clinical duration of action. A Live/Dead Viability/Cytotoxicity Assay was used to determine the ratio of dead to live cells for monolayer chondrocyte cultures compared with controls. Damage to the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) in en bloc cartilage samples was evaluated by analysis of DNA, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and collagen content. Results: Chondrocytes treated for 3 hours with a single dose of 1% lidocaine exhibited significantly more cell death (7.9%) compared with control media (2.9%; P < .001). No significant difference in cell death was observed in chondrocytes treated for 6 hours with 0.25% bupivacaine (2.7%) versus controls (2.8%; P = .856) or cells treated for 12 hours in 0.5% ropivacaine (2.9%) versus controls (2.4%; P = .084). There was no significant difference in GAG expression (P = .627) or DNA-normalized GAG expression (P = .065) between the intact cartilage treatment groups; however, the DNA-normalized GAG expression was markedly lower in cartilage cultures treated with 1% lidocaine (3.36 ± 1.15) compared with those in control media (7.61 ± 3.83). Conclusion: The results of this in vitro study indicate that a single-dose administration of 1% lidocaine resulted in a significant decrease in chondrocyte viability when compared with control cultures. Clinical Relevance: Single-dose injections of 1% lidocaine may be significantly chondrotoxic, and further investigation regarding in vivo chondrotoxicity appears warranted.
Utility of Positron Emission Tomography‐Computed Tomography in Identification of Residual Nodal Disease after Chemoradiation for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

Objectives: Planned neck dissection after chemoradiation (CR) is often advocated in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) with advanced nodal disease who demonstrate a clinical complete response to CR because identification of residual occult nodal disease is difficult. We sought to investigate the utility of positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT) in identifying patients with occult nodal disease after CR.
The Role of Supplementary Statements with Management Earnings Forecasts

We investigate managers' decisions to supplement their firms' management earnings forecasts. We classify these supplementary disclosures as qualitative "soft talk" disclosures or verifiable forward-looking statements. We find that managers provide soft talk disclosures with similar frequency for good and bad news forecasts but are more likely to supplement good news forecasts with verifiable forward-looking statements. We examine the market response to these forecasts and find that bad news earnings forecasts are always informative but that good news forecasts are informative only when supplemented by verifiable forward-looking statements, supporting our argument that these statements bolster the credibility of good news forecasts. Copyright 2003 Institute of Professional Accounting, University of Chicago.
A wavelet-based multiresolution statistical model for texture

A multiresolution statistical model, consisting of random fields in wavelet subbands, is proposed for texture, and has produced promising results in texture synthesis experiments. The basic idea here is that a complex random field model, e.g., one that contains long-range and nonlinear spatial correlations, can be constructed from several simpler ones.