Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Childbirth experiences of professional Chinese Canadian women.

OBJECTIVE To explore the connections between culture and expectations surrounding the childbirth experience for professional Chinese Canadian women. DESIGN Descriptive and qualitative, using ethnographic interview. SETTING Women were recruited from a community health care center in metropolitan Toronto. PARTICIPANTS Six professional Chinese Canadian women who had experienced at least one childbirth. RESULTS The respondents described adherence to many traditional values, beliefs, and practices throughout the pregnancy and childbirth experience. However, some practices were modified to address functioning in a context that could not support full expression of cultural traditions. Recent immigration to Canada was associated with less adherence to traditional Chinese rituals and beliefs. CONCLUSION Nurses cannot make assumptions about who will use traditional cultural practices or about the circumstances in which they are relevant. Nurses need to be aware of cultural expectations so they can provide culturally competent care, but they should also be aware of how to engage in discussions to clarify individual patient priorities.
Severity of respiratory syncytial virus infection is related to virus strain.

The relationship between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) strain and disease severity was assessed in 265 hospitalized infants over a 3-year period (1988-1991). A severity index of clinical and physiologic parameters was used to grade illness severity. Multivariate analysis of 134 infants infected with group A RSV strains and 131 infants infected with group B strains indicated that prematurity, underlying medical conditions, group A RSV infection, and age < or =3 months were independently associated with severe disease. Odds ratios for severe disease for these risk factors were 1.83, 2.84, 3.26, and 4.39, respectively. Among infants without underlying medical conditions, group B RSV infection rarely required ventilatory support, in contrast to group A infections (1/90 vs. 13/107; P < .006), and had significantly lower severity indices (mean +/- SD, 0.6 +/- 9 vs. 1.3 +/- 1.9; P = .05). Results confirm earlier findings that group A RSV infection results in greater disease severity than group B infection among hospitalized infants.
Symptoms, Circumstances, and Service Systems: Pathways to Psychiatric Crisis Service Use Among Uninsured Young Adults

Young adults have low rates of outpatient service utilization and higher rates of emergency service use compared to older adults. This study explored pathways to crisis service use for uninsured young adults who accessed emergency psychiatric treatment. Participants were 55 young adults (ages 18–25) who were on an inpatient short-term stabilization unit and had qualifying diagnoses for outpatient services (bipolar, major depression, or schizophrenia). Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted to understand decision-making and the events that led to service use. A team of coders used an open coding approach to develop a codebook and participated in iterative discussions of coded text to generate results presented. Themes across 3 dimensions were identified. Participants formed the intention to seek treatment through the interaction of escalating symptoms, triggering events, and motivating factors. Intention was translated to actualized service use through individual and systemic facilitators. Natural supports and service systems influenced the entire process. Findings highlight the importance of understanding motivating factors to better engage young people in treatment and including their support systems in efforts to increase awareness of problems and treatments. Systemic barriers identified suggest the need for enhanced coordination of care across systems such as drug and alcohol treatment, homeless services, and criminal justice and for ready access to outpatient services to reduce crisis psychiatric service use.
Space requirements of barrows and gilts penned together from 54 to 113 kilograms. NCR-89 Committee on Confinement Management of Swine.

Two experiments, involving six experiment stations in the North Central Region of the United States, were conducted to examine the space requirements of mixed-sex pigs (barrows and gilts) from 54 to 113 kg live weight. In both experiments, corn- or milo-soybean meal-based diets were formulated within stations to contain . 6% lysine and no growth-promoting feed additive. In Exp. 1, entire pens of pigs given . 56, . 74, or . 93 m2/pig remained on test until the week that the individual pen of pigs weighed > or = 113.6 kg. In Exp. 2, treatments were . 56, . 74, . 93, and 1.11 m2/pig and individual pigs were removed during the week that they weighed > or = 113.6 kg. There was a linear (P < .005) improvement in ADG in Exp. 1 for the . 56, . 74, and . 93 m2/pig treatments (.64, .69, and .72 kg/d). This response was accompanied by a linear (P < .05) improvement in gain:feed (.247, .258, and .261, respectively). In Exp. 2, the linear (P < .0005) response of ADG to increasing space allocation (.71, .76, .80, and .81 kg/d for the respective treatments) and the linear (P < .005) improvement in gain:feed (.265, .268, .274, and .281, respectively) suggested that pig performance reached a plateau. These results suggest that performance of pens of mixed-sex pigs grown to 113 kg live weight was maximized at the . 93 m2/pig space allocation.
Expression of insulin‐like growth factors in remyelination following ethidium bromide‐induced demyelination in the mouse spinal cord

Insulin‐like growth factors, IGF‐I and IGF‐II, play important roles in development and myelination in the CNS, but little is known about the response of IGF after demyelination. The present study investigated the expression of IGF and their cognitive receptors in the process of remyelination following ethidium bromide (EBr)‐induced demyelination in the adult mouse spinal cord. The present results, in a quantitative real‐time PCR, showed significant increases in the levels of the mRNA for both IGF‐I and IGF‐II during both the demyelination and remyelination stages. The levels of IGF‐I receptor (IGF‐IR) mRNA increased from 10 days to 4 weeks after the EBr injection. The levels of IGF‐II receptor (IGF‐IIR) mRNA decreased for 6 days and then increased 10 days after the EBr injection. In situ hybridization studies showed the cells expressing IGF‐I mRNA to be mainly macrophage‐like cells, while those expressing IGF‐II mRNA were predominantly Schwann cell‐like cells invading the demyelinating lesion. The immunoreactivity for the IGF‐IR and IGF‐IIR increased in various kinds of cells within and around the demyelinating lesions from 6 days to 4 weeks after the EBr injection. These results suggest that locally produced IGF could partly be involved in some mechanisms underlying remyelination processes following the EBr‐induced demyelination in the mouse spinal cord.
Produktdiversifizierung: Konvergenz zwischen ost- und westdeutschen Unternehmen / Product Diversification: Have East-German Enterprises Caught-Up with the West?

Summary In the aftermath of Germany’s reunification, redesigning their product range was a major challenge for East-German enterprises. At the same time, there were growing signs that Western enterprises reacted to globalization and European integration by increasingly pursuing strategies of specialization. Using representative micro data from Germany’s system of register based, official firm surveys, this paper studies how manufacturing enterprises from both parts of the country reshaped their product policies in recent years. Our analysis reveals a common trend towards greater specialization during the period from 1995 to 2001. This process of focusing on their core competencies and reducing their range of products was more pronounced in the East - most likely as a result of the increased integration of Eastern firms into international markets. We apply a nonparametric decomposition that yields estimates of the structural and regional components of the West-East gap. We find that in 2001 no significant gap remains among Eastern and Western enterprises of a similar, comparable type. However, there still exist pronounced structural differences. In particular, in 2001 East Germany is still lacking the large firms in many industries that push up the level of West German product diversification and economic performance.
Asymmetry in Inflation Rates Under Inflation Targeting

This study empirically documents that inflation is significantly more persistent when it is below the central bank target than otherwise, for inflation rates in five inflation targeting countries (Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, United States and the Euro- Area). The study uses a threshold autoregressive (TAR) model to test for asymmetry in inflation persistence; above and below some estimated threshold. It documents that the threshold estimates are reasonable in light of a central bank's announced inflation target. We postulate that the phenomenon occurs because while forming their expectations, agents pay attention to recent observations asymmetrically along the business cycle. It is demonstrated theoretically that a New Keynesian model with adaptive learning and also an adaptive gain can explain the asymmetry in persistence. Due to relatively larger forecasting errors, agents tend to put more weigh on recent events in expansions, forcing inflation persistence to deteriorate. Empirical evidence from this study supports the theoretical findings that inflationary periods are associated with larger forecasting errors.
Duration of Infection and Proportion of Pigs Persistently Infected with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus

ABSTRACT Understanding the dynamics of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) persistence in individual pigs is essential to the development of successful control programs. The objectives of this study were to investigate the proportion of inoculated pigs that become persistently infected with PRRSV and the duration of their infection. Additionally, different diagnostic techniques that detect persistent infections were compared. Twenty-eight 35-day-old pigs were inoculated with PRRSV. Serum and tonsil biopsy samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, and 28 and then approximately monthly thereafter until day 251 postinoculation (p.i.). Tonsil, lymph node, and lung samples were collected following euthanasia on day 251 p.i. Virus was isolated from serum and tonsil biopsy samples that had been collected through days 28 and 56 p.i. , respectively. Viral RNA was detected by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR in serum and tonsil biopsy samples that had been collected through day 251 p.i. , although no serum samples collected from days 84 to 196 p.i. were positive and the presence of infectious PRRSV was not detected by swine bioassay of tissue samples collected at necropsy. The results confirmed that RT-PCR is more sensitive than virus isolation in identifying PRRSV-infected pigs. Six pigs that were persistently infected through days 225 or 251 p.i. remained seropositive throughout the study, although one pig had an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay sample-to-positive ratio that was only slightly above the cutoff value of 0.40. Twenty of 28 tonsil biopsy samples collected on day 84 p.i. were positive by RT-PCR compared to only 1 positive biopsy sample out of 28 collected on day 119 p.i. The study's results indicate that most pigs clear PRRSV within 3 to 4 months, but that some may remain persistently infected for several months.
The Oxford handbook of the Indian Constitution

and Keywords This chapter explores the constitutional provisions, cases, legislation, and parliamentary debates on reservations in India. It begins with a discussion of three main beneficiary groups of reservation policy recognised by the Indian Constitution: Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and a third group called ‘Other’ Backward Classes (OBCs). In particular, it considers the legal construction of these categories and some other beneficiary groups recognised in the Constitution, such as women, Muslims, and other religious groups. It also highlights the confusion about the social location of OBCs and focuses on four constitutional nuances regarding OBCs. Finally, it examines the extension of reservations in public education, public employment, private sector, and Central and State legislatures; how reservations work in practice; and the politics that surrounds them.
Effect of Salinity and Sodicity Stresses on Physiological Response and Productivity in Helianthus Annuus

Soil salinity and sodicity (alkalinity) are serious land degradation issues worldwide that are predicted to increase in the future. The objective of the present study is to distinguish the effects of NaCl and Na2CO3 salinity in two concentrations on the growth, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, membrane integrity, total lipids, yield parameters and fatty acids (FAs) composition of seeds of sunflower cultivar Sakha 53. Plant growth, LOX activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were reduced by salts stresses. On the contrary, salinity and alkalinity stress induced stimulatory effects on membrane permeability, leakage of UV-metabolites from leaves and total lipids of sunflower shoots and roots. Crop yield (plant height, head diameter, seed index and number of seeds for each head) that is known as a hallmark of plant stress was decreased by increasing concentrations of NaCl and Na2CO3 in the growth media. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) composition of salt-stressed sunflower seeds varied with different levels of NaCl and Na_2CO_3.
Recruitment of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Immediate-Early Protein ICP0 to the Virus Particle

ABSTRACT Although the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) tegument is comprised of a large number of viral and cellular proteins, how and where in the cell these proteins are recruited into the virus structure is poorly understood. We have shown previously that the immediate-early gene product ICP0 is packaged by a mechanism dependent on the major tegument protein VP22, while others have shown a requirement for ICP27. We now extend our studies to show that ICP0 packaging correlates directly with the ability of ICP0 to complex with VP22 in infected cells. ICP27 is not, however, present in this VP22-ICP0 complex but is packaged into the virion in a VP22- and ICP0-independent manner. Biochemical fractionation of virions indicated that ICP0 associates tightly with the virus capsid, but intranuclear capsids contained no detectable ICP0. The RING finger domain of ICP0 and the N terminus of VP22 were both shown to be essential but not sufficient for ICP0 packaging and complex formation. Strikingly, however, the N-terminal region of VP22, while unable to form a complex with ICP0, inhibited its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. PML degradation by ICP0 was efficient in cells infected with this VP22 mutant virus, confirming that ICP0 retains activity. Hence, we would suggest that VP22 is an important molecular partner of ICP0 that controls at least one of its activities: its assembly into the virion. Moreover, we propose that the pathway by which VP22 recruits ICP0 to the virion may begin in the nucleus prior to ICP0 translocation to its final site of assembly in the cytoplasm.
Prediction of bleeding and prophylactic platelet transfusions in cancer patients with thrombocytopenia

Abstract Studies on markers for bleeding risk among thrombocytopenic cancer patients are lacking. This prospective observational cohort study investigated whether platelet parameters and a standardised bleeding questionnaire predicted bleeding or prophylactic platelet transfusions in patients with cancer and thrombocytopenia. Admitted adult patients with cancer and platelet count <80 × 109/L were enrolled, but excluded if they experienced surgery or trauma within 7 days or platelet transfusion within 14 days. Patients were interviewed, blood samples collected and, subsequently, spontaneous bleeding and prophylactic platelet transfusion within 30 days were registered. Of 197 patients enrolled, 56 (28%) experienced bleeding. In multivariate analyses, predictors of bleeding were infection (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.65 and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.04–6.74); treatment with platelet inhibitors, heparin or warfarin OR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.23–4.48; urea nitrogen OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.25; creatinine OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.01; and haemoglobin OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.41–0.93. Specific information regarding previous gastrointestinal bleeding OR = 3.33, 95% CI 1.19–9.34 and haematuria OR = 3.00, 95% CI 1.20–7.52 predicted bleeding whereas the standardised bleeding questionnaire did not. Prophylactic platelet transfusions were administered to 97 patients. Predictors of prophylactic platelet transfusions were: platelet count OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.97; fibrinogen OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.83–0.95; mean platelet volume OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.49–0.97; platelet aggregometry with OR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.09–5.64 for collagen-induced platelet aggregation within the lowest quartile; and albumin OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.15. In conclusion, except for immature platelet fraction (IPF), platelet parameters predicted prophylactic platelet transfusion but not bleeding. Bleeding risk factors were previous haematuria or gastrointestinal bleeding, infection, antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment, high urea nitrogen, low haemoglobin or high creatinine.
Corporate Philanthropy and Risk Management: An Investigation of Reinsurance and Charitable Giving in Insurance Firms

ABSTRACT: Drawing a framework from strategic stakeholder theory and using 1999 to 2010 panel data from the United Kingdom’s (UK) non-life insurance industry, we examine the effect of reinsurance on the decisions to donate to charities, and the amount given. We find that reinsurance substitutes for charitable giving as it optimizes the interests of multiple stakeholders. We further note that corporate giving is directly related to the size and age of insurers, proportion of female directorships and insider ownership, but generally inhibited by chief executive officer (CEO) bonus plans, dominant shareholders, and financial experts on the board. Interestingly, when reinsurance interacts with board-level variables we find that the donations decision is positively related to CEO bonus plans, and negatively linked with inside ownership and the proportion of female board members. Our research results could have important implications for stakeholders.
Changing age-specific patterns of cigarette consumption in the United States, 1992-2002: association with smoke-free homes and state-level tobacco control activity.

INTRODUCTION During the 1990s, both prevalence and average cigarette consumption declined in the United States, but age-specific changes have not been reported. METHOD All four of the nationally and state representative U.S. Current Population Surveys-Tobacco Use Supplements from 1991-2002 (n = 542,470) were analyzed for trends in cigarette consumption among smokers in three age groups: 18-29, 30-44, and 45-64 years. A strength of tobacco control index ranking state of residence was added and weighted logistic regression analyses undertaken. RESULTS Over the decade, both prevalence and average consumption declined. Moderate-heavy smoking (> or =15 cigarettes/day [CPD]) prevalence fell strongly over the period in all three age groups. For those aged > or =30 years, this reduction was accompanied by a similar drop in total smoking prevalence. For those aged 18-29 years, this reduction was associated with an increase in very light smoking (<5 CPD; 12% daily and 88% intermittent smokers) to 22.5% of current smokers with a much smaller reduction in prevalence. Smoke-free homes more than doubled in each age group and mediated the increase in very light smoking levels. Smoke-free workplaces and the strength of tobacco control in the state were also important predictors. Very light smoking was particularly prevalent among college students and graduates. DISCUSSION The marked reduction in prevalence of moderate-heavy smoking across age groups should translate into a reduced population risk of smoking-related disease in the near term. That this reduction is offset by an increase in light and intermittent smoking in young adults suggests the effectiveness of tobacco industry marketing and needs further research.
Acquisition of mutans streptococci and caries prevalence in pediatric sickle cell anemia patients receiving long-term antibiotic therapy.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to: (1) evaluate the prevalence of mutans streptococci (MS) and dental caries in sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients receiving long-term prophylactic penicillin therapy; and (2) determine changes in MS colonization and dental caries upon discontinuing the antibiotic. METHODS Sixty subjects with SCA and 60 age- and race-matched control subjects participated in this study. The SCA subjects were divided into 2 separate age groups: (1) group 1 subjects were under 6 years of age and received penicillin twice a day; and (2) group 2 subjects were 6 to 12 years old and received no daily prophylactic antibiotics, although up to age 6 they had received daily penicillin before it was discontinued. DMFS/dmfs scores for all subjects were obtained through a comprehensive dental examination including bitewing radiographs. Stimulated salivary samples to assess MS levels were obtained on all subjects. Data on medical, dental, fluoride, and dietary history were obtained on all patients through a written parental questionnaire. RESULTS No group 1 patients had positive cultures for MS. In contrast, 70% of marched controls cultured positively for MS (P<.01). The DMFS/dmfs score for group 1 was 0.21 vs 5.1 for the control group (P<.01). Differences in surfaces affected were also noted, with no group 1 patients having interproximal lesions compared to 47% of control subjects having these lesions (P<.01). Group 2 also had significantly lower levels of MS than matched controls (47% vs 97%, P<.01), although there was no statistically significant difference in caries prevalence or surfaces involved. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that long-term penicillin prophylaxis in SCA patients likely prevents the acquisition of MS, resulting in significantly lower caries rates in these patients. This benefit occurs only during active administration of the drug, however, and only delays the acquisition of MS.