Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Quantity of Latent Viral DNA Correlates with the Relative Rates at Which Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 Cause Recurrent Genital Herpes Outbreaks

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) have evolved specific anatomic tropisms and site-dependent rates of reactivation. To determine whether reactivation rates depend on distinct abilities of HSV-1 and -2 to establish latency and to express latency-associated transcripts (LATs), virulent strains of each virus were studied in the guinea pig genital model. Following infection with equivalent titers of virus, the quantities of latent HSV-2 genomes and LATs were higher in lumbosacral ganglia, and HSV-2 infections recurred more frequently and lasted longer than HSV-1 infections. In contrast, if the inoculum of HSV-1 was 10 times that of HSV-2, the quantity of HSV-1 DNA and LATs increased correspondingly and HSV-1 infections were as likely to recur as those with HSV-2. The quantity of latent virus DNA correlates with and may be a major determinant of the site-specific patterns and rates of reactivation of HSV-1 and -2.
MicroRNA-146a Alleviates Experimental Autoimmune Anterior Uveitis in the Eyes of Lewis Rats

Purpose This study aimed to determine the effect and roles of microRNA (miRNA, miR) treatment in experimental autoimmune anterior uveitis (EAAU). Materials and Methods Uveitis was induced in Lewis rats by simultaneous injections of bovine melanin-associated antigen into the hind footpad and the intraperitoneal cavity. The animals were injected intravitreally with low-dose (0.5 μg) or high-dose (1.5 μg) miR-146a. The clinical scores, leukocyte count in the aqueous humor, and histology were assessed. Cytokine changes were evaluated by relative mRNA expression and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Evaluation of the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB was performed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Results Treatment with miR-146a significantly attenuated clinical scores and leukocyte infiltration in a dose-dependent manner, a result that was compatible with histological findings. Following miR-146a injections, downregulation of interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, and IL-12 and interferon- (IFN-) γ and upregulation of IL-10 and IL-17 were noted. The decreased NF-κB expression on immunofluorescence and Western blotting and reduced DNA-binding activity on EMSA were demonstrated following miR-146a treatment. Conclusions miR-146a effectively reduced intraocular inflammation in EAAU through the inhibition of NF-κB. miR-146a might be a new treatment choice for uveitis.
More Comprehensive Care Among Family Physicians is Associated with Lower Costs and Fewer Hospitalizations

PURPOSE Comprehensiveness is lauded as 1 of the 5 core virtues of primary care, but its relationship with outcomes is unclear. We measured associations between variations in comprehensiveness of practice among family physicians and healthcare utilization and costs for their Medicare beneficiaries. METHODS We merged data from 2011 Medicare Part A and B claims files for a complex random sample of family physicians engaged in direct patient care, including 100% of their claimed care of Medicare beneficiaries, with data reported by the same physicians during their participation in Maintenance of Certification for Family Physicians (MC-FP) between the years 2007 and 2011. We created a measure of comprehensiveness from mandatory self-reported survey items as part of MC-FP examination registration. We compared this measure to another derived from Medicare’s Berenson-Eggers Type of Service (BETOS) codes. We then examined the association between the 2 measures of comprehensiveness and hospitalizations, Part B payments, and combined Part A and B payments. RESULTS Our full family physician sample consists of 3,652 physicians providing the plurality of care to 555,165 Medicare beneficiaries. Of these, 1,133 recertified between 2007 and 2011 and cared for 185,044 beneficiaries. There was a modest correlation (0.30) between the BETOS and self-reported comprehensiveness measures. After adjusting for beneficiary and physician characteristics, increasing comprehensiveness was associated with lower total Medicare Part A and B costs and Part B costs alone, but not with hospitalizations; the association with spending was stronger for the BETOS measure than for the self-reported measure; higher BETOS scores significantly reduced the likelihood of a hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS Increasing family physician comprehensiveness of care, especially as measured by claims measures, is associated with decreasing Medicare costs and hospitalizations. Payment and practice policies that enhance primary care comprehensiveness may help “bend the cost curve. ”
Does US Quantitative Easing Affect Exchange Rate Pass‐Through in China?

In this paper, we show theoretically and empirically that the US quantitative easing (QE) policy results in lower exchange rate passâ€ through into the destination prices of Chinese exporters. In addition, the more the exchange rate in the export destination appreciates than the Chinese yuan, the stronger this effect becomes. Our model combines various marginal effects of QE policy on the destinations of Chinese exporters and variable markups of export firms due to strategic complementarities. The model predicts that the impact of US QE policy on the passâ€ through of Chinese exporters depends on its spillover on the exchange rate between China and the export destination of different firms. We provide strong support for the model predictions using Chinese firmâ€ productâ€ level data with information on export destinations. The baseline result and the heterogeneity we find in the response of exchange rate passâ€ through of Chinese exporters to US QE policy remain robust to alternative measures of samples and controls.
Protective effects of Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) against carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The effect of the ethanol extract of the rhizome of Zingiber officinale was tested against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and acetaminophen‐induced liver toxicities in rats. Increases in serum and liver marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase as well as sorbitol and glutamate dehydrogenases were produced in normal rats that were not pretreated with the extract. However, extract‐pretreated rats attenuated in a dose‐dependent manner, CCl4 and acetaminophen‐induced increases in the activities of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH and SDH in the blood serum. The protective effect of the extract on CCl4 and acetaminophen‐induced damage was confirmed by histopathological examination of the liver. These results indicate that the oil from the rhizome of Zingiber officinale could be useful in preventing chemically induced acute liver injury. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some clinical aspects of Crohn's disease in Northern Ireland: an aid to earlier diagnosis?

A retrospective epidemiological study of Crohn's disease in Northern Ireland between 1966 and 1981 has been carried out. Using strict diagnostic criteria 440 cases were identified and aspects of the clinical presentation of the disease at initial diagnosis were examined. This paper describes the clinical pattern of the major symptoms of the disease and highlights the delay in diagnosis. One-third of cases (32.7%) were not diagnosed until more than a year after the onset of symptoms and 7.5% of cases were not diagnosed for more than five years. Colicky abdominal pain, one of the classical diagnostic symptoms of Crohn's disease was not present at initial diagnosis in 28.6% of cases nor were altered bowel habits found in 24.5% of cases. Only 17.7% of cases had an abdominal mass, just over half had an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate or lowered haemoglobin level and only 39.8% had rectal bleeding.Increased awareness by general practitioners of the delay in diagnosis of Crohn's disease may lead to earlier investigation and diagnosis of the condition which in this community occurs with an incidence of 2.34 new cases per 100 000 of the population per year.
The gene expression profile of phosphoantigen‐specific human γδ T lymphocytes is a blend of αβ T‐cell and NK‐cell signatures

Global transcriptional technologies have revolutionised the study of lymphoid cell populations, but human γδ T lymphocytes specific for phosphoantigens remain far less deeply characterised by these methods despite the great therapeutic potential of these cells. Here we analyse the transcriptome of circulating TCRVγ+ γδ T cells isolated from healthy individuals, and their relation with those from other lymphoid cell subsets. We report that the gene signature of phosphoantigen‐specific TCRVγ+ γδ T cells is a hybrid of those from αβ T and NK cells, with more ‘NK‐cell’ genes than αβ T cells have and more ‘T‐cell’ genes than NK cells. The expression profile of TCRVγ+ γδ T cells stimulated with phosphoantigen recapitulates their immediate physiological functions: Th1 cytokine, chemokine and cytotoxic activities reflect their high mitotic activity at later time points and do not indicate antigen‐presenting functions. Finally, such hallmarks make the transcriptome of γδ T cells, whether resting or clonally expanding, clearly distinctive from that of NK/T or peripheral T‐cell lymphomas of the γδ subtype.
Investigating the level of Organizational Socialization among Librarians in Comparison with Other Staff in the Organization of Libraries, Museums and Documents Center of Astane Qudse Razavi

Purpose: This study investiges the level of organizational Sociability among librarians in comparison with organizational socialization of other staff in the organization of libraries, museums and documents center of Astane Qudse Razavi. Methodology: The present study was conducted through a survey method. The statistical population of this study consisted of all employees (including 625 librarians and non-librarians). Using a Cochran formula, a sample of 238 people was selected by stratified random sampling. Finally, 215 questionnaires were completed and collected. The research tool was a questionnaire of 20 questions of Taurinma's organizational socialization (1997). Data were analyzed using one-sample t-test and stepwise regression. Findings: The results showed that there are significant differences in subscales of education and future prospects of librarians in comparison with other staff. Level of organizational socialization among librarians is more than other staff in the organization of libraries, museums and documents center of Astane Qudse Razavi. value/originality: This study highlights the importance of the organizational socialization in the success of organizations and libraries. This is the first research that investigates the level of librarians organizational socialization in comparison with other staff. According to the findings, the high level of organizational socialization of librarians indicates that the sub scale of organizational socialization, education and future prospects are strong predictors for increasing organizational socialization. Finally, the level of librarians' organizational socialization appeared to be related to having homogenous society and expert staff.
From Productivity Shifts to Economic Growth: Intersectoral Linkage as an Amplifying Factor

This paper documents the presence of a positive link between the intensity of using intermediates by a country’s industries and its economic growth. We explain the finding by advancing a framework of endogenous growth in an economy with interconnected industries, whereby sectoral productivity growth is amplified by the interconnection, and the degree of amplification grows in the strength of sectoral connections. We use the framework to derive the optimal growth-enhancing structure of an economy, which is when all industries source their intermediates from a single sector (the star network) characterised by the largest concentration potential – a novel indicator which captures how fast is a sector’s productivity growth and how much it itself relies on intermediates.
Bank Bailouts, Bail-Ins, or No Regulatory Intervention? A Dynamic Model and Empirical Tests of Optimal Regulation

We model dynamic bank capital structure under three optimally-designed regulatory regimes dealing with potential default { bailout, where government provides capital; bail-in, using private-sector funds; and no regulatory intervention, allowing failure. Only under optimally designed bail-in do banks recapitalize during distress. Their pre-commitment to recapitalize reduces debt costs and increases debt capacity. No regulatory intervention is suboptimal for all agents. Optimal bailouts and bail-ins generate no asset substitution-moral hazard behavior because regulators intervene at early stages of distress with sufficient capital remaining. Empirical tests of changes in capital behavior from the pre-crisis bailout period to the post-crisis bail-in period corroborate model predictions.
Nocturnal hemoglobin desaturation is associated with reticulocytosis in adults with sickle cell disease and is independent of obstructive sleep apnea

NATIVIDAD R. MONTES, MARÍA V. MARTÍNEZ-SÁNCHEZ, VALENTIN CABAÑAS-PERIANES, CARMEN GARCÍA-GARAY, JOSÉ M. BOLARIN, ADELA BLASCO-MOGORRÓN, MANUEL MURO, MERCEDES BERENGUER, JOSÉ M. MORALEDA, ANA M. GARCÍA-ALONSO, ALFREDO MINGUELA Hematology Service, Hospital Rafael M endez, Lorca, Murcia, Spain Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano De Investigaci on Biosanitaria (IMIB) and Centro De Investigaci on Biom edica En Red De Enfermedades Hep aticas Y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Hospital Cl ınico Universitario Virgen De La Arrixaca (HCUVA), Murcia, Spain Hematology Service, IMIB, HCUVA, Murcia, Spain Hematology Service, Hospital General Universitario Santa Luc ıa, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain Conflict of interest: Nothing to report. *Correspondence to: Alfredo Minguela, Servicio de Inmunolog ıa, Hospital Cl ınico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca. Ctra. Madrid-Cartagena, s/n, 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain. E-mail: alfredo.minguela@carm.es Contract grant sponsor: This work was supported by Excellence Project of Seneca, contract grant number: GERM/06/2008, contract grant sponsor: Caja Murcia Foundations, contract grant sponsor: ISCiii, contract grant number: CA09/00099, contract grant sponsor: Association Pablo Ugarte (APU) Received for publication: 27 February 2016; Revised: 19 May 2016; Accepted: 22 May 2016 Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article. Published online: 24 May 2016 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com) DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24431
MISMATCH NEGATIVITY CORRELATES WITH DELTA AND THETA EEG POWER IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

The goal of the present study was to investigate the correlation of mismatch negativity (MMN) to other biological and clinical measures in schizophrenic patients using Quantitative electroencepharography (QEEG), computed tomography (CT), and psychopathological ratings. MMN was recorded during an auditory oddball paradigm. QEEG was recorded in the resting condition. Additionally, areas of the lateral ventricles and Sylvian fissure were measured using CT. Although the authors could not obtain a significant difference in MMN amplitudes between controls and the schizophrenic patients, MMN deflection inversely correlated with slow wave QEEG power and dilation of the lateral ventricles. Furthermore, the longer the duration of illness, the lower the MMN amplitudes and the larger the SF-BR in the patients. However there was no significant correlation between illness duration and QEEG. In this view, a correlation between MMN and the delta power in QEEG might usefully suggest a progression in pathology of first manifestation of psychosis. The patients with reduced MMN accompanied by greater slow waves even at their first manifestation might have severely progressing pathological process and poor prognosis of disease outcome.
Does studying the past help us understand the future? an examination of the expectations of Gen X knowledge workers

Abstract Three demographic realities (large baby boom cohort, increasing longevity, declining birthrates) are driving unprecedented global shifts in population age distribution and require organizations wishing to attract, retain and engage mid-career, potentially disenfranchised talent in the 35 to 45-year-old age bracket (i.e. ‘Gen X’) to rethink management practices. This situation motivated the present research – a multi-method case study of Gen X knowledge workers that theoretically develops and uses objectivist grounded theory data analysis methodology to empirically test a typology describing possible subgroups within this cohort of employees who differ in terms of their formative experiences in the labor market. Analysis of data identified four subgroups within our sample of Gen X knowledge workers which share various similarities but also differ dramatically concerning what they expect from and how they view their current employer. Findings support the idea that different formative labor market experiences can result in generational sub-cohorts who want different things from employers and perceive the world differently. These findings can be used by researchers to launch further study of other potential subgroups in Gen X and other generational cohorts, and to organizations and practitioners in developing more effective recruitment and retention strategies for Gen X knowledge workers.
A Multidisciplinary Study Of Antecedents To Voluntary Knowledge Contribution Within Online Forums

One challenge faced by online forums is the provision of a sustainable supply of contributions of knowledge (Wasco et al., 2009). Previous studies have identified online trust and perceived critical mass as antecedents of online knowledge contributions. However, the dynamic aspects of antecedents are little investigated. Moreover, how the dynamics together impact on members’ willingness to contribute knowledge is an open question to be further investigated. To examine the dynamic antecedents of online knowledge continuance, this thesis seeks to develop a holistic approach through three studies. Drawing on a decomposed theory of planned behaviour (Taylor and Todd, 1995), study one identifies dynamic antecedents of intentional online contribution behaviours. Covariance-based structural equation modelling analysis of 910 responses obtained shows that perceived critical mass and trust in online forums that mediates trust in members are the highlighted antecedents in the context of online forums. The development of trust in online forums is investigated through a time series approach in study two. Findings using webnographic and machine learning analysis show that the cognitive dimension of institutional trust is essential in initial trust building. Study three uses network analysis techniques to explore the role of critical mass members. Results indicate that only 5% of critical mass members can sustain online forums. However, critical mass members compete for their connections, inferring the importance of brand building in the beginning of online forums development. A summary of findings from the three studies suggests that the structure assurance of online forums can mediate the effects of interactions between members to a coalition of membership over time. The study provides further knowledge on the voluntary contribution within online forums by taking a dynamic approach, while previous studies in this field are predominantly cross-sectional and un-prophetic.
Recognizing Modern Slavery

ABSTRACT “Modern Slavery” comprises forms of extreme labor exploitation. With its Modern Slavery Law 2015, the UK is said to be at the forefront of international efforts to address the crime. But to be effective, members of the public and officers of government agencies need to be able to recognize situations as modern slavery. Students and police officers were given seven scenarios developed from real cases and literature. It turns out that police officers recognize most of the scenarios, in contrast to students. Identifying situations as modern slavery appears related to strong moral disapproval, resulting in preferences for harsher punishment. After all, modern slavery challenges the foundations of a liberal society.
Long-term outcomes of elective human sperm cryostorage.

BACKGROUND Sperm cryopreservation allows men with threatened fertility to preserve their progenitive potential, but there is little data on long-term outcomes of elective sperm cryostorage programmes. METHODS AND RESULTS Over 22 years, 930 men sought semen cryostorage in a single academic hospital, of which 833 (90%) had spermatozoa cryostored. Among 692 (74%) men surviving their illness, sperm samples were discarded for 193 (21% of all applicants, 28% of survivors) and cryostored spermatozoa were used for 64 men (7% of all applicants, 9% of survivors) in 85 treatment cycles commencing at a median of 36 months post-storage (range 12-180 months) with nearly 90% of usage started within 10 years of storage and none after 15 years. Pregnancy was most efficiently produced by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (median three cycles) compared with conventional IVF (median eight cycles) or artificial insemination (median more than six cycles; P < 0.05). A total of 141 (15%) of men had died and of these, 120 (85% of those dying) had their spermatozoa discarded; requests to prolong cryostorage were received from relatives of 21 men (2% of all applicants, 15% of deceased) of which three cases had spermatozoa transferred for use with no pregnancies reported. Sperm concentration was lower for all cryostorage groups compared with healthy sperm donor controls (P < 0.05). Following orchidectomy, men with testicular cancer had sperm density approximately half that of all other groups of men seeking cryostorage (P < 0.05), the lowering attributable to removal of one testis rather than in defects in spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION Elective sperm cryopreservation is an effective, if sparsely used, form of fertility insurance for men whose fertility is threatened by medical treatment and is an essential part of any comprehensive cancer care programme.
Online banking operations management: security concerns on trust in mobile banking system

II DEDICATIONS . III DECLARATION . IV ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . V JOURNAL ARTICLES . VI CONFERENCE PAPERS . VI TABLE OF CONTENTS . VII LIST OF TABLES . XII LIST OF FIGURES . XIV CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION . 1 1.
Productivity and Size of Firms: Evidence from Indian Manufacturing

This study makes an attempt to analyze the role of firm's size in productivity variation for a large sample of Indian manufacturing firms. For empirical analysis, I utilize a recent survey on the Indian manufacturing, which covers across size, industries and regions of firms. Our results suggest that large size firms have 9-11 percent productivity premia over other sized firms. Also, smaller firms are significantly inferior in terms of productivity performance in comparison to other sized firms. Furthermore, I also find some effects of trade intensity on the productivity of firms, yet, this effect is not found to be quite sizable. Overall, results show a robustness in estimated effects.