Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Galactose Residues on the Lipooligosaccharide of Moraxella catarrhalis 26404 Form the Epitope Recognized by the Bactericidal Antiserum from Conjugate Vaccination

ABSTRACT Lipooligosaccharide (LOS) from Moraxella catarrhalis has the potential to elicit bactericidal antibodies against the pathogen. We generated LOS-based conjugate vaccines that elicited bactericidal antibodies in animal models. However, epitopes on the LOS recognized by the functional anti-LOS antibodies remain unidentified. In this study, a mutant strain, D4, which lost the recognition by a bactericidal anti-LOS rabbit serum in Western blotting was generated from a serotype C strain 26404 by random transposon mutagenesis. Sequence analysis revealed there was an insertion of a kanamycin resistance gene in the lgt2 gene of D4, which encodes β(1-4)-galactosyltransferase. An isogenic lgt2 mutant, 26404lgt2, was constructed. Structural analysis indicated that the mutant strain produced a truncated LOS lacking terminal galactoses from 4- and 6-linked oligosaccharide chains of strain 26404. Further studies showed that the antiserum lost the recognition of both mutant cells and LOSs in Western blotting, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), or a flow cytometry assay. The antiserum also lost the ability to kill the mutant strain in a bactericidal assay, whereas it showed a bactericidal titer of 1:80 to strain 26404. In an inhibition ELISA, d-(+)-galactose or 26404lgt2 LOS showed no inhibition. However, the 26404 LOS and a serotype A O35E LOS with terminal galactoses on its 6-linked oligosaccharide chain showed >90% inhibition, while a serotype B 26397 LOS showed >60% inhibition. These studies suggest that the terminal α-Gal-(1→4)-β-Gal on the 6-linked oligosaccharide chain of 26404 LOS plays a critical role in forming the epitope recognized by the bactericidal antiserum induced by immunization with our conjugate vaccine.
Fast at-the-money calibration of the LIBOR market model through Lagrange multipliers

We claim to have developed the optimal methodology for non-parametric calibration of market model to the prices of at-the-money (ATM) caps/floors and swaptions, and to the historic correlations of the LIBOR rates. We take the approach of divide-andconquer: first fit the model to historic correlations, then to the implied Black volatilities of the input options. Regularization is adopted and the calibration is cast into minimizationmaximization problems by the method of Lagrange multiplier. By utilizing the quadratic functional form of both objective function and constraints, we solve the inner maximization problems with a single matrix eigenvalue decomposition, which renders the efficiency of our method. The outer minimization problems, meanwhile, are nicely subdued by gradient-based descending methods due to the convexity of the objective functions. The well-posedness of the Lagrange multiplier problems and the convergence of the descending methods are rigorously justified. Numerical results show that we have achieved very quality calibration. We have also developed a technique to calculate the hedging ratios of a derivative security with respect to the benchmark derivative instruments, using the auxiliary results of the calibration.
Significant reduction in stereotactic and functional neurosurgical hardware infection after local neomycin/polymyxin application.

OBJECT Hardware infection is a common occurrence after the implantation of neurostimulation and intrathecal drug delivery devices. The authors investigated whether the application of a neomycin/polymyxin solution directly into the surgical wound decreases the incidence of perioperative infection. METHODS Data from all stereotactic and functional hardware procedures performed at the Oregon Health & Science University over a 5-year period were reviewed. All patients received systemic antibiotic prophylaxis. For the last 18 months of the 5-year period, wounds were additionally injected with a solution consisting of 40 mg neomycin and 200,000 U polymyxin B sulfate diluted in 10 ml normal saline. The primary outcome measure was infection of the hardware requiring explantation. RESULTS Six hundred fourteen patients underwent hardware implantation. Among 455 patients receiving only intravenous antibiotics, the infection rate was 5.7%. Only 2 (1.2%) of 159 patients receiving both intravenous and local antibiotics had an infection. The wounds in both of these patients were compromised postoperatively: 1 patient had entered a swimming pool, and the other had undergone a general surgery procedure that exposed the hardware. If these patients are excluded from analysis, the effective infection rate using a combined intravenous and local antibiotic prophylaxis is 0%. There were no complications due to toxicity. CONCLUSIONS The combination of local neomycin/polymyxin with systemic antibiotic therapy can lead to a significantly lower rate of postoperative infection than when systemic antibiotics are used alone.
A note on optimal expected utility of dividend payments with proportional reinsurance

Abstract In this paper, we consider the problem of maximizing the expected discounted utility of dividend payments for an insurance company that controls risk exposure by purchasing proportional reinsurance. We assume the preference of the insurer is of CRRA form. By solving the corresponding Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, we identify the value function and the corresponding optimal strategy. We also analyze the asymptotic behavior of the value function for large initial reserves. Finally, we provide some numerical examples to illustrate the results and analyze the sensitivity of the parameters.
The Retrieval Hypothesis as an Explanation of Induced Retrograde Amnesia

The present experiment tested the hypothesis that retrograde induced amnesia is due to retrieval failure and anterograde induced amnesia to encoding failure by providing recall cues which were expected to eliminate retrograde amnesia but worsen or have no effect on anterograde amnesia. The 80 subjects received auditory presentation of 10 lists, each composed of 15 four-letter words presented at a rate of 2s/item at 75 dB in a free-recall task, followed by a 72 s recall period. The amnesia-producing event was an outstanding item in serial position 8 presented at 115 dB (about the intensity of a loud shout) on half the lists. During the first half of the recall period subjects free-recalled, but during the last half they were given a list of the first (single cue) or the first two (double cue) letters of each word, to be used as aids to recall. To demonstrate induced amnesia, lists containing a loud item were compared to those not containing one. First half free recall performance indicated that large retrograde and anterograde effects were present for both cue conditions. Second half cued recall performance indicated that in the double cue condition retrograde amnesia disappeared and anterograde amnesia became larger. Cueing had much smaller effects in the single cue condition.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-response comparison of intramuscular olanzapine and haloperidol in the treatment of acute agitation in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND An intramuscular (IM) formulation of olanzapine has been developed because there are no rapid-acting IM atypical antipsychotic drugs currently available in the United States for treating acute agitation in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS Recently hospitalized acutely agitated patients with schizophrenia (N = 270) were randomized to receive 1 to 3 IM injections of olanzapine (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 mg), haloperidol (7.5 mg), or placebo within 24 hours. A dose-response relationship for IM olanzapine in the reduction of agitation was assessed by measuring the reduction in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale Excited Component (PANSS-EC) scores 2 hours after the first injection. Safety was assessed by recording adverse events and with extrapyramidal symptom scales and electrocardiograms at 24 hours after the first injection. RESULTS Olanzapine exhibited a dose-response relationship for reduction in agitation (F(1,179)= 14.4; P<. 001). Mean PANSS-EC reductions 2 hours after the first injection of olanzapine (2.5 mg = -5.5; 5.0 mg = -8.1; 7.5 mg = -8.7; 10.0 mg = -9.4) were superior to those with placebo (-2.9; P =.01 vs olanzapine at 2.5 mg; P<.001 for each other olanzapine dose) but not with haloperidol (-7.5). A dose of 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 mg of olanzapine caused a greater reduction in agitation than placebo 30 minutes after the first injection. There were no differences between treatment groups for hypotension, the most frequently reported adverse event, or for clinically relevant changes in the QTc interval. There was a greater incidence of treatment-emergent parkinsonism during treatment with IM haloperidol (16.7%) than with 2.5 (P =.03), 5.0 (P =.03), or 7.5 mg (P =.01) of IM olanzapine (0%) or with placebo (0%) (P =.01). CONCLUSIONS Intramuscular olanzapine at a dose of 2.5 to 10.0 mg per injection exhibits a dose-response relationship in the rapid treatment of acute agitation in patients with schizophrenia and demonstrates a favorable safety profile.
Investigating effects of automated feedback on EFL students' reflective learning skills

This paper explores and discusses the effects of automated feedback on English as Foreign Language (EFL) students' reflective learning skills demonstrated in their reflective journals. Primary data was collected from reflective journals and essays prepared by 138 Chinese undergraduate students in an English language course over a period of 3 months. Participants were divided into the experimental (N = 82) and control (N = 56) groups. Both groups received the same class instruction from the same teacher, but only those in the experimental group was given access to the automated feedback on their reflective journals. The study reveals that the experimental group achieved a significant improvement in their reflective learning skills across different journals while the control group did not. It is also found that participants who demonstrated a higher level of analytical skills in their reflective journals tended to achieve a higher essay grade. The findings suggest that automated feedback can be a valuable tool in developing students' reflective learning skills, and show a positive link between reflective learning skills and essay writing skills.
On the Role of Cultural Distance in the Decision to Cross‐List

This paper examines the role of culture in the choice of the destination market for cross-listing firms. We argue that firms cross-list in markets that have greater cultural similarities since 1) investors are more willing to invest in firms with which they are culturally more familiar and 2) managers may seek to avoid potential conflicts with culturally disparate investors and managers. Employing Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, we find that firms from developed markets show a greater propensity to cross-list in a country with similar values as their home country. These results are robust to a range of alternative cultural measures, including modified Hofstede scores, societal practices scores from the Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE) project, and World Values Survey scores. In addition, we find that not all aspects of culture matter and that it is mainly the difference in uncertainty avoidance that affects cross-listing decisions.
Revised Definition of Substrate Binding Sites of Papain-Like Cysteine Proteases

A review of kinetic and structural data has enabled us to reconsider the definition of substrate binding sites in papain-like cysteine proteases. Only three substrate binding sites, S2, S1 and S1', involve main as well as side chain contacts between substrate and enzyme residues. Interactions between the enzymes and the substrate P3 and P2' residues are based on side chains (an exception is cathepsin B which is a carboxydipeptidase), so their interaction surface spreads over a relatively wide area. The location and definition of substrate binding sites beyond S3 and S2' is even more questionable.
Healthy Ageing: Raising Awareness of Inequalities, Determinants, and What Could Be Done to Improve Health Equity.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Social and scientific discourses on healthy ageing and on health equity are increasingly available, yet from a global perspective limited conceptual and analytical work connecting both has been published. This review was done to inform the WHO World Report on Ageing and Health and to inform and encourage further work addressing both healthy aging and equity. DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted an extensive literature review on the overlap between both topics, privileging publications from 2005 onward, from low-, middle-, and high-income countries. We also reviewed evidence generated around the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health, applicable to ageing and health across the life course. RESULTS Based on data from 194 countries, we highlight differences in older adults' health and consider three issues: First, multilevel factors that contribute to differences in healthy ageing, across contexts; second, policies or potential entry points for action that could serve to reduce unfair differences (health inequities); and third, new research areas to address the cause of persistent inequities and gaps in evidence on what can be done to increase healthy ageing and health equity. IMPLICATIONS Each of these areas warrant in depth analysis and synthesis, whereas this article presents an overview for further consideration and action.
Relationship between Malaria and ABO Blood Group Types Running Title : ABO Group and Malaria

Introduction: There is a paucity of studies on the relationship between ABO blood group and its influence on malarial infection. This study was undertaken to study the relationship of severity of malaria with blood groups and to evaluate if ABO blood groups show differential susceptibility to falciparummalaria. Methods: In 200 malaria positive patients, blood group analysis was done. Patients with at least one of the following complications was considered complicated malaria cases, ie: cerebral malaria, severe anemia, circulatory collapse, jaundice, hematuria, bleeding manifestations, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death. Results: Vivax malaria (75.5%) and blood group O (43%) were the commonest amongst the cases. No significant relationship was present between blood groups and type of infection, parasite load vs blood groups, and complicated cases vs parasite load. Uncomplicated (62%) cases were more than complicated (31%) cases. Blood group O dominated among complicated (37.9%) and uncomplicated (45.65%) cases. No signifiant correlation was present between blood groups and distribution of complicated cases, and between complicated falciparum cases and blood groups. Seven cases of mixed malaria had blood group A and O. Among A blood group, 57.1% of the mixed malaria cases had complications, whereas in O blood group only 14.3% had complications. There was a statistically significant relation between complicated mixed malaria cases and blood groups, with blood group A being more prone to complications. (X=15.131; P=0.019). Conclusions: Blood group O was the dominant blood type in both complicated and uncomplicated malaria cases. Blood group A cases were more prone to severe mixed malaria infections while, blood group O had a favorable clinical outcome.
The negative impact of trips on gender rights in access to health and food in India: A study of the dynamics of knowledge economy and neo-medieval governance

Southern developing nations are increasingly emulating the knowledge economy followed by the developed nations of the North. This paradigm is characterized by the signature feature of the regime of TRIPS or individualized legal patents, particularly biopatents developed through biotechnology in pharmaceutical and agriculture. It is also characterized by corporate social responsibility as a market mode of governance of development and increasing state retrenchment from delivery of public welfare. This form of economy is embedded in multilayered governance of neo-medieval governance where states and corporations tussle for the right to define growth and equity. This thesis argues that such a mode of economy and governance has failed to deliver equity for the marginalized poor women in India. This is explicated through four critical factors. First, there is increasing biopiracy of tribal women’s traditional knowledge and denuding of uncodified knowledge of tribal women due to land deprivation which in turn severely affects their health. Second, a thriving pharmaceutical sector has failed to deliver health equity for poor women, particularly by being engaged in creation of medicines that do not have relevance for the main disease profile of the poor – communicable diseases. Third, there is rise of non-communicable diseases of the poor. Patents act as legal barriers to access to medicine and severely impact the health of the poor. Fourth, the rise of Bt iii seeds in cash crop agriculture has meant that traditionally saved and used food crop seeds are being marginalized and there is a growing agrarian crisis for women who do not have control over land, seeds and seed technology. Fifth, poverty is on the rise which is a sure sign that equity has not trickled down. If the international society of states provides for customized patents for women’s traditional knowledge, women’s knowledge, health and food security would be better secured.
Physiologic effects of electroacupuncture combined with intramuscular administration of xylazine to provide analgesia in goats.

OBJECTIVE To investigate physiologic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with xylazine administration in goats. ANIMALS 48 healthy crossbred goats. PROCEDURES Goats were randomly allotted to 8 groups of 3 (nonpregnant and nonlactating) female goats and 3 male goats each. The 8 treatment groups were as follows: 1 EA group, 3 xylazine (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg, IM) groups, 3 EA plus xylazine (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg, IM) groups, and 1 control group. Electroacupuncture was performed for 90 minutes. Xylazine was administered 20 minutes after EA was performed. Pain threshold, heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiration rate, and rectal temperature were observed at 0, 5, 25, 45, 65, and 85 minutes after xylazine administration. RESULTS Xylazine administered at 0.4 mg/kg increased the pain threshold and reduced MAP. Xylazine administered at 0.1, 0.2, or 0.4 mg/kg reduced heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature. Electroacupuncture increased the pain threshold but had no effect on heart rate, MAP, respiratory rate, or rectal temperature. Pain threshold in goats that underwent EA plus xylazine administration was higher than in goats that received EA or xylazine alone. Electroacupuncture combined with xylazine at 0.1 mg/kg did not affect heart rate, MAP, respiratory rate, or rectal temperature. Pain threshold in goats that underwent EA plus xylazine administration at 0.1 mg/kg was higher than in goats given xylazine at 0.4 mg/kg alone. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Electroacupuncture combined with xylazine, even at 0.1 mg/kg, provided analgesia without significantly affecting cardiorespiratory parameters or rectal temperature in goats.
Detection of the 70-Kilodalton Histoplasma capsulatum Antigen in Serum of Histoplasmosis Patients: Correlation between Antigenemia and Therapy during Follow-Up

ABSTRACT Histoplasmosis is an important systemic fungal infection, particularly among immunocompromised individuals, who may develop a progressive disseminated form which is often fatal if it is untreated. In such patients, the detection of antibody responses for both diagnosis and follow-up may be of limited use, whereas the detection ofHistoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum antigens may provide a more practical approach. We have recently described an inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection in patients’ sera of a 69- to 70-kDa H. capsulatum var.capsulatum-specific antigen which appears to be useful in diagnosis. To investigate its potential for the follow-up of histoplasmosis patients during treatment, antigen titers in the sera of 16 patients presenting with different clinical forms of histoplasmosis were monitored at regular intervals for up to 80 weeks. Sera from four of five patients with the acute form of the disease showed rapid falls in antigenemia, becoming antigen negative by week 14 (range, weeks 10 to 16). Sera from four patients with disseminated histoplasmosis showed falls in antigen levels; three of them became antigen negative by week 32; the fourth patient became negative by week 48. In contrast, antigen titers in four of six AIDS patients with the disseminated form of the disease remained positive throughout follow-up. Sera from only one patient who presented with the chronic form of the disease were analyzed, and this individual’s serum became antigen negative by week 9. The inhibition ELISA is shown to be of particular use in the monitoring of non-AIDS patients with the acute and disseminated forms of the disease and may complement existing means of follow-up.
Prewinter Management Affects Megachile rotundata (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) Prepupal Physiology and Adult Emergence and Survival

ABSTRACT The alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata F. (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), is widely used as a pollinator for production of alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. , seed, and populations of these bees can be maintained by alfalfa seed growers or can be purchased from mostly Canadian bee providers. M. rotundata raised in Canada have higher survival rates during the incubation that occurs after winter storage than do bees produced in the northwestern United States, but no reason has been found for this difference. We investigated whether storing immature M. rotundata for various time periods at a warm temperature (16°C) before winter or allowing them to remain unmanaged at ambient temperatures affects physiological aspects of prepupae during the winter as well as the survival and longevity of adult bees after spring or summer incubation. Our results show that the timing of the onset of winter storage and incubation does affect prepupal weights, prepupal lipid and water contents, adult emergence, and adult female longevity. Winter storage of prepupae in November or December with a late June incubation resulted in heavier adults that emerged more readily than bees incubated in late May. However, adult females incubated in May thrived longer than June-incubated bees if fed a honey-water diet. Thus, some prewinter management regimes for M. rotundata commercial stocks may be more effective than others for achieving optimal adult emergence synchrony, as well as adult survival and longevity for pollination of a summer crop.
Research on the Collapse of Complex System Based on Brittle Reason

The research on complex system has been done in this paper, in which brittleness as one of the basic characteristics is presented and argued. Meanwhile, according to the characteristics of brittleness and theory of set pairing, concepts of brittle link entropy and basic element are defined. Moreover, non cooperative game theory is imported to meet the need of the further research on the brittleness of complex system. Under the environment of non cooperative game dynamics, the brittle simulation model has been established. The results of simulation show that the collapse of complex is due to the entropy increase of subsystems in a brittle element. When the subsystems cannot obtain the negative entropy from the environment, the entropy will reach the critical point of collapse.