Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antigenic relationships among proteins of bovine coronavirus, human respiratory coronavirus OC43, and mouse hepatitis coronavirus A59

Antisera prepared against each of three single and one pair of major structural proteins of the bovine coronavirus (Mebus strain) were used in immunoblotting studies to measure cross-reactivity with the structural proteins of the human coronavirus OC43 and the mouse hepatitis coronavirus A59. We conclude that the bovine coronavirus is comprised of four major structural proteins, gp190 (normally present as 120- and 100-kilodalton subunits), gp140, pp52, and gp26. The human coronavirus OC43 has an antigenically homologous counterpart of similar molecular mass to each of these proteins. The mouse hepatitis coronavirus A59 has an antigenically homologous counterpart to only three of these proteins: gp190, pp52 and gp26. There is no counterpart in the mouse virus to the 140-kilodalton glycoprotein, the apparent hemagglutinin of the bovine coronavirus.
Retinoid regulation of the zebrafish cyp26a1 promoter

Cyp26A1 is a major enzyme that controls retinoic acid (RA) homeostasis by metabolizing RA into bio‐inactive metabolites. Previous research revealed that the mouse Cyp26A1 promoter has two canonical RA response elements (RAREs) that underlie the regulation of the gene by RA. Analyzing the 2,533‐base pairs (2.5 k) genomic sequence upstream of zebrafish cyp26a1 start codon, we report that the two RAREs are conserved in zebrafish cyp26a1 promoter. Mutagenesis demonstrated that the two RAREs work synergistically in RA inducibility of cyp26a1. Fusing the 2.5 k (kilobase pairs) fragment to the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) reporter gene, we have generated two transgenic lines of zebrafish [Tg(cyp26a1:eYFP)]. The transgenic zebrafish display expression patterns similar to that of cyp26a1 gene in vivo. Consistent with the in vitro results, the reporter activity is RA inducible in embryos. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the 2.5 k fragment underlies the regulation of the zebrafish cyp26a1 gene by RA. Developmental Dynamics 237:3798–3808, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perceptions of Technical Committee Members Regarding the Adoption of Skill Standards in Vocational Education Programs

As the international marketplace demands quality, timeliness, and customization in producing goods and services, increasing importance is being placed on the skills of individual workers. Vocational educators are being asked to reform their programs to provide occupational preparation that reaches higher standards for entry-level skilled workers. The needs for reform have emerged in part from a call for greater accountability in vocational education and concern about the condition of the American economy as it aligns with productivity and globalization (Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce, 1990;Office of Work-Based Learning, 1992; andWarnat, 1992).
Selection of broad‐spectrum cephalosporin‐resistant Escherichia coli in the feces of healthy dogs after administration of first‐generation cephalosporins

Although antimicrobial products are essential for treating diseases caused by bacteria, antimicrobial treatment selects for antimicrobial‐resistant (AMR) bacteria. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of administration of first‐generation cephalosporins on development of resistant Escherichia coli in dog feces. The proportions of cephalexin (LEX)‐resistant E. coli in fecal samples of three healthy dogs treated i.v. with cefazolin before castration and then orally with LEX for 3 days post‐operation (PO) were examined using DHL agar with or without LEX (50 µg/mL). LEX‐resistant E. coli were found within 3 days PO, accounted for 100% of all identified E. coli 3–5 days PO in all dogs, and were predominantly found until 12 days PO. LEX‐resistant E. coli isolates on DHL agar containing LEX were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) genotyping, β‐lactamase typing and plasmid profiling. All isolates tested exhibited cefotaxime (CTX) resistance (CTX minimal inhibitory concentration ≥4 µg/mL). Seven PFGE profiles were classified into five groups and three β‐lactamase combinations (blaCMY‐4‐blaTEM‐1, blaTEM‐1‐blaCTX‐M‐15 and blaTEM‐1‐blaCTX‐M‐15‐blaCMY‐4). All isolates exhibited identical PFGE profiles in all dogs on four days PO and subsequently showed divergent PFGE profiles. Our results indicate there are two selection periods for AMR bacteria resulting from the use of antimicrobials. Thus, continuing hygiene practices are necessary to prevent AMR bacteria transfer via dog feces after antimicrobial administration.
Exchange Traded Funds Market Reactions to Option Introduction

We utilize option introduction on Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to examine market efficiency using event-study methodology and time series regressions to test security returns, bid-ask spreads, trading volume, and return volatility. We find evidence via positive abnormal returns, lower bid-ask spreads, and higher trading volume that option introduction improves market efficiency. ETFs unique shorting characteristic seems related to the results as are different ETF types.
Two CYP4 genes of the Chinese white pine beetle, Dendroctonus armandi (Curculionidae: Scolytinae), and their transcript levels under different development stages and treatments

Bark beetles oxidize the defensive monoterpenes of their host trees both to detoxify them and to convert them into components of their pheromone system. This oxidation is catalysed by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and occurs in different stages of the insect. We identified two new CYP4 genes in the Chinese white pine beetle (Dendroctonus armandi), and carried out bioinformatic analysis one the full‐length nucleic acid sequences and deduced amino acid sequences. Differential expression of the CYP4 genes was observed between sexes, and within these significant differences amongst development stages, fed on phloem of Pinus armandi and exposed to stimuli((±)‐ α‐pinene, (R)‐(+)‐ α‐pinene, (S)‐(−)‐α‐pinene, (S)‐(−)‐β‐pinene and (+)‐3‐carene) at 8 and 24 h, and their interactions were found upon exposure to host monoterpenes. Increased expression of CYP4 genes suggested that they play a role in the detoxification of monoterpenes released by the host trees. The differential transcript accumulation patterns of these bark beetle CYP4 genes provides insight into the ecological interactions of D. armandi with its host pine.
Making Sense of scientific claims in advertising. A study of scientifically aware consumers

Evidence that science is becoming increasingly embedded in culture comes from the proliferation of discourses of ethical consumption, sustainability, and environmental awareness. Al Gore's recent award, along with UN's Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the Nobel peace prize - provided a recent high profile linking of consumption and science. It is not clear to what extent the public at large engages in evaluating the scientific merits of the arguments about the link between human consumption and global environmental catastrophes. But on a local scale, we are routinely required to evaluate, scientific and pseudoscientific claims in advertising. Since advertising is used to sell products, the discourse of scientifically framed claims is being used to persuade consumers of the benefits of these products. In the case of functional foods and cosmetics, such statements are deployed to promote the health benefits and effectiveness of their products. This exploratory study examines the views of British consumers about the scientific and pseudoscientific claims made in advertisements for foods, with particular reference to functional foods, and cosmetics. The participants in the study all worked in scientific environments, though they were not all scientists. The study found that scientific arguments that were congruent with existing health knowledge tended to be accepted while pseudoscientific knowledge was regarded skeptically and concerns were raised over the accuracy and believability of the pseudoscientific claims. It appears that scientific awareness may play a part in consumers' ability to critically examine scientifically and pseudoscientifically based advertising claims.
Outpatient falls prevention program outcome: an increase, a plateau, and a decrease in incident reports.

OBJECTIVE We implemented an outpatient falls guideline in 2008 in the department of radiology. Here, we describe our multiyear experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective study conducted between April 2006 and September 2013 to investigate outpatient falls. The span of the study was divided into eight periods. The incident reporting system was searched for the falls and the fall-related variables. RESULTS A total of 327 falls occurred during 5,080,512 radiology examinations (rate, 0.64/10,000 total examinations). The highest rate was in period 6 (0.83/10,000 examinations). The average for periods 1 and 2 is 0.39/10,000 examinations (37 falls/945,427 examinations), and the average for periods 3-6 is 0.77/10,000 examinations (204 falls/2,656,805 examinations). The average rate for periods 7 and 8 is 0.58/10,000 examinations (86 falls/1,478,280 examinations). There was a statistically significant increase in the total number of falls reported between period 2 and period 3 (p = 0.02). There was a statistically significant decrease in outpatient falls between period 6 and period 7 (p = 0.01). The number of falls among patients 60 years old or older was 177 falls/2,180,093 examinations (rate, 0.81/10,000 examinations), and that among patients younger than 60 years was 150 falls/2,900,419 examinations (rate, 0.52/10,000 examinations), with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.007). Although the rate of falls was higher among female patients, there was no statistically significant difference between the sexes (p = 0.18). CONCLUSION The outcome of the outpatient falls guideline was characterized by an increase, a plateau, and a decrease in incident reports. The initial increase may be due to the Hawthorne effect. The plateau may represent the value closest to the true incidence. The decrease may represent the effect of the program.
AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM ON THE PROPENSITY OF SURVIVAL AND FAILURE OF NON-LIFE INSURANCE FIRMS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Insurance insolvency is a global phenomenon and a national issue. It is an interesting part of the field of study because insurance sector plays an important role not only in the business’ risk management but also in fuelling the economic development of the country. This study examined the factors affecting survival and failure of non-life insurance firms in the Philippines and classified the survivability of the firms into strong, moderate, weak and insolvent. Selected insolvency indicators applicable to the nature of insurance business are validated through commonly used determinants of research done in foreign countries like firm-specific variables which includes firm size, profitability, premium growth, claims ratio, expense ratio, combined ratio, leverage, growth of equity, type of ownership, investment performance and operating expense to premium growth, the degree of diversification measured by Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), natural catastrophe exposure in terms of losses paid due to typhoon and losses paid due to flood, and regulatory framework expressed by paid-up capital compliance. The study used a 10-year panel data (cross-sectional and time series) of 79 non-life insurance firms in the Philippines from year 2002 to 2011 Annual Statements (AS) reported at Insurance Commission (IC). A Levene-Welch-Games-Howell one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using multiple comparisons measures significant determinants that describe strong, moderate, weak and insolvent firms and stochastic frontier regression (SFR) technique determines the survival and failure probability of non-life insurance companies. This study used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 and Frontier 4.1 program to aid in the analysis of data. The result shows that the firm size, premium growth, leverage, losses paid due to typhoon, losses paid due to flood, type of ownership, degree of diversification and paid-up capital compliance are significant factors that affect the survivability of non-life insurance firms in the Philippines. Moreover, the result of this study aids in the decision making process of the stakeholders involved in the non-life insurance industry.
Use of normobaric and hyperbaric oxygen in acute focal cerebral ischemia – a preclinical and clinical review

Michalski D, Härtig W, Schneider D, Hobohm C. Use of normobaric and hyperbaric oxygen in acute focal cerebral ischemia – a preclinical and clinical review. Acta Neurol Scand: 2011: 123: 85–97. © 2010 The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 Blackwell Munksgaard.
Fibrinolysis or hypercoagulation during radical prostatectomy? An evaluation of thrombelastographic parameters and standard laboratory tests

Background and objectives Radical prostatectomy is at high risk for intraoperative and postoperative bleeding due to surgical trauma, release of urokinase and tissue type plasminogen activator. We conducted this prospective, observational multi‐centre study to assess the degree of systemic fibrinolysis or hypercoagulation in the perioperative period. We studied serial changes in standard laboratory values and in thrombelastographic (TEG®; Haemoscope Corporation, Skokie, IL, USA) parameters including lysis at 30 and 60 min (LY‐30, LY‐60), alpha‐angle (&agr;) and maximum amplitude. Methods In all, 49 patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy in five Italian University Hospitals were included. Blood samples were taken before surgery (T1), at the removal of the prostate (T2), 4 h after surgery (T3) and then 1 day after surgery (T4). Native blood samples were analysed using a thrombelastograph Haemoscope 5000 (Haemoscope Corporation). Results We did not see any relevant activation of fibrinolysis during any stage. Intraoperatively, we showed even more activated blood coagulation with consumption of fibrinogen and a reduced TEG® percentage clot lysis. Only at the first postoperative sample point we saw a trend towards a more fibrinolytic state indicated by increasing partial thromboplastin time, LY‐30 and LY‐60 values, and a peak of the fibrin degradation product D‐dimers. This is consistent with a normal reaction to the hypercoagulable state before and is unlikely to be due to an intraoperative tissue type plasminogen activator release. We found no evidence of an uncontrolled activation of fibrinolysis on the day after surgery. On the contrary, &agr;‐values which indicate the rate of clot formation and which increase during hypercoagulation showed the tendency to rise slightly compared with the preoperative value. Conclusion Neither standard coagulation parameters nor TEG® values showed any significant activation of fibrinolysis or of hypercoagulation in the preoperative period. Nevertheless, hypercoagulation seems to have a substantial clinical impact as it has been shown that cardiovascular complications and pulmonary embolism were the most common causes of death after retropubic prostatectomy.
Review of On-Chip Inductor Structures With Magnetic Films

A comparison of on-chip inductors with magnetic materials from previous studies is presented and examined. Results from on-chip inductors with magnetic material integrated into a 90 nm CMOS processes are presented. The inductors use copper metallization and amorphous Co-Zr-Ta magnetic material. Inductance densities of up to 1700 nH/mm2 were obtained thanks to inductance increases of up to 31 times, significantly greater than previously published on-chip inductors. With such improvements, the effects of eddy currents, skin effect, and proximity effect become clearly visible at higher frequencies. Co-Zr-Ta was chosen for its good combination of high permeability, good stability at high temperature (> 250degC), high saturation magnetization, low magnetostriction, high resistivity, minimal hysteretic loss, and compatibility with silicon technology. The Co-Zr-Ta alloy can operate at frequencies up to 9.8 GHz, but trade-offs exist between frequency, inductance, and quality factor. Our inductors with thick copper and thicker magnetic films have dc resistances as low as 0.04 Omega, and quality factors of up to 8 at frequencies as low as 40 MHz.
Vitamin A deficiency modifies lipid metabolism in rat liver

Liver fatty acid metabolism of male rats fed on a vitamin A-deficient diet for 3 months from 21 d of age was evaluated. Vitamin A restriction produced subclinical plasma and negligible liver retinol concentrations, compared with the control group receiving the same diet with 4000 IU vitamin A (8 mg retinol as retinyl palmitate)/kg diet. Vitamin A deficiency induced a hypolipidaemic effect by decreasing serum triacylglycerol, cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels. The decrease of liver total phospholipid was associated with low phosphatidylcholine synthesis observed by lower [14C]choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine, compared with control. Also, liver fatty acid synthesis decreased, as was indicated by activity and mRNA expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and incorporation of [14C]acetate into saponified lipids. A decrease of the PPARα mRNA expression was observed. Liver mitochondria of vitamin A-deficient rats showed a lower total phospholipid concentration coinciding with a decrease of the cardiolipin proportion, without changes in the other phospholipid fractions determined. The mitochondria fatty acid oxidation increased by 30 % of the control value and it was attributed to a high activity and mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-I). An increase in serum β-hydroxybutyrate levels was observed in vitamin A-deficient rats. Vitamin A deficiency alters the mitochondria lipid composition and also enhances fatty acid oxidation by modifiying the production of malonyl-CoA, the endogenous inhibitor of CPT-I, due to decreased activity of liver ACC. The incorporation of vitamin A into the diet of vitamin A-deficient rats reverted all the changes observed.
Effects of the Asian Financial Crisis on the Relationship between Capital Structure and Employee Payments: Evidence of a Natural Experiment

This study investigates the effects of the Asian financial crisis on the relationship between capital structure and employee wages, using the crisis as a natural experiment in a leading emerging market. The unemployment rate increases during the Asian financial crisis owing to massive layoffs and the bankruptcy of many firms. This unemployment rate shock is an exogenous shock in the individual firms’ perspectives. We show that the increased unemployment rate during the Asian financial crisis weakens the negative relationship between debt ratios and employee wages. During high unemployment periods, it becomes difficult for employees to find alternative new jobs. Consequently, employees require highly levered firms to pay high wages in order to compensate for their human capital risk. This research confirms the time-varying relationship between firms’ leverage and employee wages according to the unemployment rate without the endogeneity problem.
Decrease in glucose metabolism in frontal cortex associated with deterioration of microstructure of corpus callosum measured by diffusion tensor imaging in healthy elderly

The neural functions of signaling are carried out by the interconnection of neurons via neuronal fibers. Diffusion tensor imaging has recently become an established technique that enables the in vivo visualization of white matter (WM) fibers. Studies of normal aging have suggested the disruption of WM fiber microstructures with anterior–posterior gradient. Because neuronal activity is tightly coupled with glucose metabolism, neuronal death or a decrease in synaptic activity with aging may cause a decrease in glucose metabolism in the brain. We examined whether the disruption of callosal fiber microstructures in the healthy elderly is accompanied by changes in regional glucose metabolism (rMGlu) in the brain. Fifteen healthy volunteers in their seventies participated. Fractional anisotropies (FAs) of the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum (CC) were measured for each subject, and their correlations with rMGlu were analyzed using SPM2 software. We found a statistically significant positive correlation of rMGlu in the bilateral frontal cortices with the FA of the genu of the CC, whereas there was no correlation of the FA of the splenium of the CC and rMGlu. By voxel‐based morphometry, we found no decrease in gray matter concentration associated with FA. The results indicate that neuronal activity in the frontal cortices may decrease with the disruption of the microstructures of the CC without corresponding gray matter atrophy. Hum Brain Mapp, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Results of Laparoscopic Repair of Primary and Recurrent Incisional Hernias at a Single UK Institution

In this study incisional hernia repairs at a single UK institution between 1994 and 2008 were analyzed with respect to short-term and long-term results. Prospectively collected data were analyzed retrospectively to ascertain outcomes, complications, and recurrences. Two hundred and twenty-seven operations were performed with 35% of the operations being for recurrent hernias. A self-centering suture technique was used. Median operating time was 55 minutes. There were 8 conversions and median hospital stay was 1 night. There were 52 complications (23%) including 3 postoperative bleeds, 3 mesh infections, and 4 small bowel obstructions. Median postoperative follow-up was 53 months. There were 25 recurrences (11%) being detected, a median of 17 months after initial operation. In this large series, laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is safe and is associated with a short hospital stay. Recurrences after repair remain a concern prompting the development of strategies to try and minimize the likelihood of this occurring.