Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian Companies' Working Efficiency Before and after the Economic Crisis

The goal of this article is to analyse the working efficiency, or labour productivity, of the Baltic States before and after the economic crisis and to compare them on the European Union (EU) level. A number of proposals to increase labour productivity for both workers and entrepreneurs have been listed in the summary. For an introduction, let us look at the background of these countries. The Baltic States were a half-century of Soviet-bloc countries. This will help to understand better the economic backwardness of the Western European countries. (The Occupation 2012; Tanning 2013) Before and after (2011 - 2012) the economic depression, the Baltic States were successful. The Baltic countries had the highest growth rates in GDP in Europe between 2000 and 2007. Hence, these countries were called the Baltic Tigers. The United Nations lists Baltic States as a country with a "Very High" Human Development Index. (Human) Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have been members of the European Union and the NATO since 2004. These countries are a member of the Council of Europe, NATO, IMF and WTO. The working efficiency in Baltic countries, considering the situations before the crisis, during the crisis and after the crisis, will be viewed. The techniques and labour market survey definitions used by the authors have been specified in Methodological Notes (EU-LFS) (Methodological Notes); productivity per worker or per hour (Code: tsdec310); economic growth rate of GDP (Code: tec00115); GDP per capita (Code: tsdec100) and GDP per person employed (Code: tec00114) has been defined by Eurostat.
Rubella-specific IgG subclass avidity ELISA and its role in the differentiation between primary rubella and rubella reinfection

SUMMARY An antiglobulin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for rubella-specific IgG1 and IgG3 was adapted to measure antibody avidity by incorporating a mild protein denaturant, diethylamine (DEA), into the serum diluent. Sera were tested at varying dilutions, both with and without DEA, if they contained sufficient specific IgG1 or IgG3. The optical density (OD) was measured and curves were plotted. The highest OD (V) was noted and halved (V/2). The distance between the OD curves at V/2 was measured as the DEA shift value. Sera were examined from people whose sera contained rubella-specific antibodies as a consequence of infection or vaccination in the distant past (24 sera), recent primary rubella (66 sera), symptomatic reinfection (11 sera) or asymptomatic reinfection (64 sera). For specific IgG1 the DEA shift value was <O·6 for cases of rubella in the distant past, compared with >0·8 for the first month after primary infection. The maximum DEA shift value for the sera from cases of reinfection was 0·65. No serum from cases of rubella in the distant past contained sufficient specific IgG3 to estimate avidity. The sera collected within 1 month of onset of primary rubella gave DEA shift values >O·7 compared with sera from reinfections, which gave DEA shift values <O·6, except for two sera from a case of symptomatic reinfection. Thus the assessment of specific IgG subclass avidity is of value in differentiating serologically primary rubella from reinfection.
The Diversity of Shell Matrix Proteins: Genome-Wide Investigation of the Pearl Oyster, Pinctada fucata

In molluscs, shell matrix proteins are associated with biomineralization, a biologically controlled process that involves nucleation and growth of calcium carbonate crystals. Identification and characterization of shell matrix proteins are important for better understanding of the adaptive radiation of a large variety of molluscs. We searched the draft genome sequence of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata and annotated 30 different kinds of shell matrix proteins. Of these, we could identified Perlucin, ependymin-related protein and SPARC as common genes shared by bivalves and gastropods; however, most gastropod shell matrix proteins were not found in the P. fucata genome. Glycinerich proteins were conserved in the genus Pinctada. Another important finding with regard to these annotated genes was that numerous shell matrix proteins are encoded by more than one gene; e.g., three ACCBP-like proteins, three CaLPs, five chitin synthase-like proteins, two N16 proteins (pearlins), 10 N19 proteins, two nacreins, four Pifs, nine shematrins, two prismalin-14 proteins, and 21 tyrosinases. This diversity of shell matrix proteins may be implicated in the morphological diversity of mollusc shells. The annotated genes reported here can be searched in P. fucata gene models version 1.1 and genome assembly version 1.0 (http://marinegenomics.oist.jp/pinctada_fucata). These genes should provide a useful resource for studies of the genetic basis of biomineralization and evaluation of the role of shell matrix proteins as an evolutionary toolkit among the molluscs.
SV40 large T antigen‐transformed human primary normal and cancerous mammary epithelial cells are phenotypically similar but can be distinguished in 3D culture with selection medium

Human normal mammary epithelial cells (NMECs) have 2 major in vitro growth restrictions, senescence and crisis. Cellular immortalization is considered a hallmark of malignancy. However, cancerous mammary epithelial cells (CMECs) that are thought to have passed growth barriers in vivo usually cannot be established long‐term in vitro. Here we show that CMECs deprived of their natural environment and grown in conventional complete medium behave similar to NMECs, e.g., they stop producing telomerase and become senescent. Like NMECs, CMECs are rescued by SV40 large T (LT) from senescence but not from crisis. The telomere length of both LT‐transformed NMEC (N‐LT) and CMEC (C‐LT) cells first shortens but later partially recovers after telomerase activation. Both cell types upregulate ErbB2 expression, acquire genetic changes, remain long‐term dependent on LT and ErbB2 and are nontumorigenic. Despite these similarities, N‐LT and C‐LT cells cultured in selection medium show different growth characteristics in 3D culture and in vivo tumorigenesis. Thus, CMECs are under a comparable in vitro selective pressure in conventional monolayer culture as NMECs despite their in vivo malignancy. This data demonstrate that most primary breast cancer cells are still unable to overcome the in vitro growth restrictions and suggest that the relationship of in vitro immortalization and in vivo carcinogenesis should be re‐evaluated. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clot lysis time in platelet-rich plasma: Method assessment, comparison with assays in platelet-free and platelet-poor plasmas, and response to tranexamic acid

Fibrinolysis dysfunctions cause bleeding or predisposition to thrombosis. Platelets contain several factors of the fibrinolytic system, which could up or down regulate this process. However, the temporal relationship and relative contributions of plasma and platelet components in clot lysis are mostly unknown. We developed a clot lysis time (CLT) assay in platelet-rich plasma (PRP-CLT, with and without stimulation) and compared it to a similar one in platelet-free plasma (PFP) and to another previously reported test in platelet-poor plasma (PPP). We also studied the differential effects of a single dose of tranexamic acid (TXA) on these tests in healthy subjects. PFP- and PPP-CLT were significantly shorter than PRP-CLT, and the three assays were highly correlated (p < 0.0001). PFP- and PPP-, but more significantly PRP-CLT, were positively correlated with age and plasma PAI-1, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides (p < 0.001). All these CLT assays had no significant correlations with platelet aggregation/secretion, platelet counts, and pro-coagulant tests to explore factor X activation by platelets, PRP clotting time, and thrombin generation in PRP. Among all the studied variables, PFP-CLT was independently associated with plasma PAI-1, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides and, additionally, stimulated PRP-CLT was also independently associated with plasma fibrinogen. A single 1 g dose of TXA strikingly prolonged all three CLTs, but in contrast to the results without the drug, the lysis times were substantially shorter in non-stimulated or stimulated PRP than in PFP and PPP. This standardized PRP-CLT may become a useful tool to study the role of platelets in clot resistance and lysis. Our results suggest that initially, the platelets enmeshed in the clot slow down the fibrinolysis process. However, the increased clot resistance to lysis induced by TXA is overcome earlier in platelet-rich clots than in PFP or PPP clots. This is likely explained by the display of platelet pro-fibrinolytic effects. Focused research is needed to disclose the mechanisms for the relationship between CLT and plasma cholesterol and its potential pathophysiologic and clinical relevance.
Expansion and Evolution of a Virulent, Extensively Drug-Resistant (Polymyxin B-Resistant), QnrS1-, CTX-M-2-, and KPC-2-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST11 International High-Risk Clone

ABSTRACT In this study, we report the early expansion, evolution, and characterization of a multiresistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clone that was isolated with increasing frequency from inpatients in a tertiary-care university hospital in Brazil. Seven carbapenem- and quinolone-resistant and polymyxin B-susceptible or -resistant K. pneumoniae isolates isolated between December 2012 and February 2013 were investigated. Beta-lactamase- and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR)-encoding genes and the genetic environment were investigated using PCR, sequencing, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Clonal relatedness was established using XbaI–pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and phylogenetic group characterization. Plasmid analyses included PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT) and hybridization of the S1-PFGE product, plasmid MLST, and conjugation experiments. Virulence potential was assessed by PCR by searching for 10 virulence factor-encoding genes (ureA, fimH, kfuBC, uge, wabG, magA, mrkD, allS, rmpA, and cf29a) and by phenotypic tests to analyze the hypermucoviscous phenotype. The genetic context of a multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant K. pneumoniae ST11-KpI clone harboring IncFIIk-Tn4401a-bla KPC-2, qnrS1, and bla CTX-M-2 was found. Moreover, three isolates displayed high resistance to polymyxin B (MICs = 32, 32, and 128 mg/liter) as well as mucous and hypermucoviscous phenotypes. These bacteria also harbored ureA, fimH, uge, wabG, and mrkD, which code for virulence factors associated with binding, biofilm formation, and the ability to colonize and escape from phagocytosis. Our study describes the association of important coresistance and virulence factors in the K. pneumoniae ST11 international high-risk clone, which makes this pathogen successful at infections and points to the quick expansion and evolution of this multiresistant and virulent clone, leading to a pandrug-resistant phenotype and persistent bacteria in a Brazilian hospital.
Differentially Expressed Proteins in Derivatives of Candida albicans Displaying a Stable Histatin 3-Resistant Phenotype

ABSTRACT Histatin-resistant derivatives of Candida albicans strain 132A, generated by successive exposure to increasing concentrations of histatin 3, were previously reported to be similar to the parent strain in their histatin binding, internalization, oxygen consumption, ATP efflux, and histatin degradation. Proteomic analysis of further histatin-resistant secondary derivatives of this series revealed that 59 proteins were differentially expressed compared to the parental strain. Of these 59 proteins, 3 were absent in histatin-resistant secondary derivatives and 11 were absent in the parent strain. Of the proteins absent in the histatin-resistant derivatives, the most notable was elongation factor 2, a target for the natural antifungal sordarin. Of the proteins absent in the parent strain but present in histatin-resistant derivatives, those identified included isocitrate lyase (Icl1p), fructose biphosphate aldolase (Fba1p), pyruvate decarboxylase (Pdc2p), and ketol-acid reductoisomerase (Ilv5p). The present secondary derivatives showed significantly decreased rates of oxygen consumption and histatin 3-mediated ATP release compared to the parent strain and also showed stability of the histatin-resistant phenotype. A significant (twofold) decrease in transcript levels of the potassium transporter encoded by TRK1, a critical mediator of histatin killing, was found in only one of the secondary histatin-resistant derivatives compared to the parent strain. The sequential exposure of C. albicans to histatin 3 described here resulted in the induction or selection of a phenotype with impaired metabolic function. The results support an important role for metabolic pathways in the histatin resistance mechanism and suggest that there may be several intracellular targets for histatin 3 in C. albicans.
Carcinoma of the Male Breast: A Review of 41 Cases

We reviewed the cases of 41 consecutive men treated for breast carcinoma from 1950 through 1987 at Vanderbilt University Affiliated Hospitals to examine controversies in and methods of therapy for this disease. Twenty-two patients (52%) had stage I or II lesions potentially curable by operative therapy. The overall 5-year survival rates were 100% for stage I, 65% for stage II, 56% for stage III, and 0% for stage IV. Radical mastectomy offered no advantage over modified radical mastectomy in terms of survival or rate of recurrence. Diagnosis at an early clinical stage and no finding of disease in axillary lymph nodes were important factors in survival in this series of patients. All tumors evaluated for hormone receptors were positive. Although experience was limited, encouraging results were obtained with the use of tamoxifen citrate in adjuvant as well as palliative roles. With the exception of a predominance of centrally located lesions and a uniquely high frequency of positive hormone receptor status, carcinoma of the male breast appears biologically similar to the disease in women, and treatment should be guided by similar principles
Attributions of behavior in the pediatric mild closed head injury (CHI) population

Abstract Forty-one children between the ages of 6 and 11 years with a history of a mild closed head injury and 23 age-, gender-, and IQ-matched typically developing control children participated. All of the children in the CHI sample were referred for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at 3 months post-injury and children in the CHI sample were further divided into MRI-Negative (n = 31) and MRI-Positive (n = 10) conditions according to the MRI results. Parents and teachers completed behavioral checklists at three points, including just prior to the MRI and 6 months post-injury. Prior to the MRI (Time 2), in both samples of children with a CHI, parents reported an increase in externalizing symptoms after the CHI. At 6 months post-injury (Time 3: post-MRI), parents of children in the MRI-Positive group did not report any significant changes in their child's externalizing behaviors when compared with pre-MRI, yet parents of children in the MRI-Negative group reported a further increase in externalizing behaviors. Parent attributions also changed as a function of group membership; whereas no changes were noted in the other two groups, parents of children in the MRI-Negative sample ascribed more controllability at Time 3 when compared with Time 2.
Rhodopsin Activation Switches in a Native Membrane Environment †

The elucidation of structure–function relationships of membrane proteins still poses a considerable challenge due to the sometimes profound influence of the lipid bilayer on the functional properties of the protein. The visual pigment rhodopsin is a prototype of the family of G protein‐coupled transmembrane receptors and a considerable part of our knowledge on its activation mechanisms has been derived from studies on detergent‐solubilized proteins. This includes in particular the events associated with the conformational transitions of the receptor from the still inactive Meta I to the Meta II photoproduct states, which are involved in signaling. These events involve disruption of an internal salt bridge of the retinal protonated Schiff base, movement of helices and proton uptake from the solvent by the conserved cytoplasmic E(D)RY network around Glu134. As the equilibria associated with these events are considerably altered by the detergent environment, we set out to investigate these equilibria in the native membrane environment and to develop a coherent thermodynamic model of these activating steps using UV–visible and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy as complementary techniques. Particular emphasis is put on the role of protonation of Glu134 from the solvent, which is a thermodynamic prerequisite for full receptor activation in membranes, but not in detergent. In view of the conservation of this carboxylate group in family A G protein‐coupled receptors, it may also play a similar role in the activation of other family members.
Improving Microvascular Outcomes in Patients with Diabetes through Management of Hypertension

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and current opinion holds that hyperglycemia directly damages smaller blood vessels, resulting in microvascular complications of nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. In a patient with diabetes, hypertension compounds and greatly increases the risk of microvascular complications, and thus the risk of end-stage kidney disease, vision loss, and nontraumatic limb amputations. Hypertension and hyperglycemia directly damage the microvasculature, leading to small vessel dysfunction that manifests as the clinical disease states of diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. Early recognition and treatment of both hyperglycemia and hypertension may prevent vision loss and chronic kidney disease, the devastating outcomes of these microvascular complications. One of the pathogenic mechanisms for microvascular dysfunction is upregulation of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, the most physiologically common receptor for the vasoconstrictor properties of angiotensin II. In patients with diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy, tight control of blood pressure (BP) (< 130/80 mm Hg) delays the progression of retinopathy and nephropathy in addition to reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Aggressive treatment with 2 or more antihypertensive agents, selected from different drug classes, is often needed to reach the optimal BP target level. A PubMed search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated hypertension control and microvascular outcomes in patients with diabetes. Several clinical trials have yielded promising data with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors (the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers). Attainment of BP control with RAAS inhibitors reduces the risk for CVD, nephropathy, and retinopathy. In addition, RAAS inhibitors have demonstrated renoprotective effectiveness independent of the BP reduction achieved. This review will examine the results of clinical trials in the context of BP control, diabetes, and the microvascular complications of retinopathy and nephropathy.
The effect of political factors on sovereign default

ABSTRACT This aricle examines the effect of political factors on sovereign default. Using a theoretical model, we find that political instability increases the likelihood of default. To test this theoretical implication, we use a panel logit model to estimate the effect of long- and short-run political factors, along with other macroeconomic variables, on the probability of default. Data from 68 developed and developing countries between 1970 and 2010 is used to conduct the study. Our findings suggest that a country is more likely to default when (i) it has a relatively younger political regime in place; (ii) it faces a higher chance of political turnover; and (iii) it has a less democratic political system. Economic factors are also vital; a country with stronger growth and less external debt is less likely to experience sovereign default. Robustness tests using alternative measures of political risk, trade balance and EMBI sovereign bond spreads also support the baseline findings.
Immigration and homicide in urban America: what's the connection?

Purpose – Despite the commonly held stereotype that immigration and crime go hand in hand, there are but a few studies that examine the relationship between immigration and crime across macro-social units, including neighborhoods, cities, and metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Even fewer focus on homicide, particularly homicide disaggregated by motive and circumstance. The current study addresses this shortcoming by examining the relationship between immigration and homicide across large cities in the United States. Methodology – We extend prior work by disaggregating homicide into different “types” based upon motive and circumstance to determine whether immigration is linked not only to overall homicide rates but also to specific types of lethal violence that some suggest may be higher in places where immigrants are more prevalent. Findings – Cities with greater immigrant concentration have lower homicide rates. There is a significant and fairly strong positive relationship between immigration and gang-related homicides. Value – This analysis with disaggregated homicide adds to the findings that immigration is not associated with increased crime. Its finding of a correlation between immigration and gang-related homicides points to the next question that needs to be addressed with appropriate data.
Searching for the vomeronasal organ of adult humans: Preliminary findings on location, structure, and size

The adult human vomeronasal organ (VNO) has been the focus of numerous recent investigations, yet its developmental continuity from the human fetal VNO is poorly understood. The present study compared new data on the adult human “VNO” with previous findings on the fetal human VNO. Nasal septa were removed from twelve adult human cadavers and each specimen was histologically sectioned. Coronal sections were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin and periodic acid‐Schiff‐hematoxylin. The sections were examined by light microscopy for the presence of VNOs and the anterior paraseptal cartilages (PC). VNOs were quantified using a computer reconstruction technique to obtain VNO length, volume, and vomeronasal epithelium (VNE) volume. Histologically, VNOs and PCs were identified in eleven specimens. VNOs had ciliated, pseudostratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells. Variations (e.g., multiple communications to the nasal cavity) were observed in several specimens. Quantification was possible for 16 right or left VNOs. Right or left VNOs ranged from 3.5 to 11.8 mm in length, from 1.8 to 33.8 x 10‐4cc in volume, and from 2.7 to 18.1 x 10‐4cc in VNE volume. Results indicated that the adult human VNO was similar in VNE morphology, lumen shape, and spatial relationships when compared to human fetal VNOs. By comparison with previous fetal VNO measures, mean VNO length, volume, and VNE volume were larger in adult humans. These results support previous suggestions that postnatal VNO growth occurs. Findings on location and spatial relationships of the adult VNO were similar to those seen in human fetuses, but critical questions remain regarding the ontogeny of the vomeronasal nerves and VNE. Microsc. Res. Tech. 41:483–491, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.