Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Between Precarity and Paternalism: Farm Workers and Trade Unions in South Africa's Western Cape Province

The labour market in rural areas of South Africa’s Western Cape province has undergone considerable changes over the last thirty years. New labour and tenure legislation protecting farm workers combined with trade liberalisation, the abolition of subsidies and in-migration from other areas of South Africa has significantly reshaped labour on commercial farms. There is an increasing divide between permanent farm workers and a growing pool of precariously employed workers who labour seasonally on farms and are frequently employed through labour brokers. These divisions came to a head in 2012 when workers, many of whom work seasonally on farms, launched a strike that was to last for six months. Trade unions have struggled to organise an increasingly fragmented rural labour market and at the same time negotiate the forms of paternalism that continue to exert a strong influence over rural labour relations. Based on interviews with trade union organisers, this article examines how they have responded to the twin challenges of labour broking and paternalism. The farm strikes highlight the need for a form of social movement unionism that goes beyond wage demands and tackles the multiple factors that influence poverty in rural areas.
The retrograde approach to coronary artery chronic total occlusions

The retrograde approach has revolutionized the treatment of chronic total occlusions. Several retrograde techniques have recently been described. In this article, we present a practical review with step‐by‐step instructions on the indications for retrograde interventions, equipment and retrograde channel selection, and techniques for retrograde crossing and treatment of chronic total occlusions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
[Polarized light microscopy for evaluation of oocytes as a prognostic factor in the evolution of a cycle in assisted reproduction].

BACKGROUND Identification of the best embryos to transfer is a key element for success in assisted reproduction. In the last decade, several morphological criteria of oocytes and embryos were evaluated with regard to their potential for predicting embryo viability. The introduction of polarization light microscopy systems has allowed the visualization of the meiotic spindle and the different layers of the zona pellucida in human oocytes on the basis of birefringence in a non-destructive way. Conflicting results have been reported regarding the predictive value in ICSI cycles. OBJECTIVE To assess the predictive ability of meiotic spindle and zona pellucida of human oocytes to implant by polarized microscopy in ICSI cycles. MATERIAL AND METHODS Prospective and observational clinical study. 903 oocytes from 94 ICSI cycles were analyzed with polarized microscopy. Meiotic spindle visualization and zona pellucida birefringence values by polarized microscopy were correlated with ICSI cycles results. RESULTS Meiotic spindle visualization and birefringence values of zona pellucida decreased in a direct basis with increasing age. In patients aged over the 35 years, the percentage of a visible spindle and mean zona pellucida birefringence was lower than in younger patients. Fertilization rate were higher in oocytes with visible meiotic spindle (81.3% vs. 64%; p < 0.0001), as well as embryo quality (47.4% vs. 39%; p=0.01). Fertilization rate was higher in oocytes with positive values of birefringence (77.5 % vs. 68.5% p=0.005) with similar embryo quality. Conception cycles showed oocytes with higher mean value of zona birefringence and visible spindle vs. no-conception cycles (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Polarized light microscopy improves oocyte selection, which significantly impacts in the development of embryos with greater implantation potential. The use of polarized light microscopy with sperm selection methods, blastocyst culture and deferred embryo transfers will contribute to transfer fewer embryos without diminishing rates of live birth and single embryo transfer will be more feasible.
Effect of Midazolam on Memory During Fiberoptic Gastroscopy Under Conscious Sedation

ObjectiveAs the fiberoptic gastroscopy using midazolam is being in widespread use, the exact nature of midazolam on memory should be clarified. We intended to examine whether midazolam causes selective anterograde amnesia and what impact it has on other aspects of memory and general cognitive function. MethodsWe recruited healthy subjects undergoing fiberoptic gastroscopy under conscious sedation. At baseline, history taking for retrograde amnesia and the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment were performed. A man’s name and address were given immediately after intravenous midazolam administration. After gastroscopy, the subjects were asked to recall those items. By the time they had fully recovered consciousness, the same test was repeated along with the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and a test for retrograde amnesia. ResultsA total of 30 subjects were enrolled in this study. Subjects with high-dose midazolam showed lower scores in the immediate and delayed recall of “a man’s name and address” compared with those with low-dose midazolam. The midazolam dose was inversely correlated with the delayed recall scores of “a man’s name and address. ” On full recovery of consciousness, the subjects did not exhibit any of anterograde or retrograde amnesia. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that midazolam causes transient selective anterograde amnesia in a dose-dependent manner.
Differential Distribution of Low‐Density Lipoprotein‐Receptor‐Related Protein (LRP) and Megalin in Polarized Epithelial Cells is Determined by Their Cytoplasmic Domains

Megalin and the low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor‐related protein (LRP) are two large members of the LDL receptor family that bind and endocytose multiple ligands. The molecular and cellular determinants that dictate the sorting behavior of these receptors in polarized epithelial cells are largely unknown. Megalin is found apically distributed, whereas the limited information on LRP indicates its polarity. We show here that in Madin‐Darby canine kidney cells, both endogenous LRP and a minireceptor containing the fourth ligand‐binding, transmembrane and LRP cytosolic domains were basolaterally sorted. In contrast, minireceptors that either lacked the cytoplasmic domain or had the tyrosine in the NPTY motif mutated to alanine showed a preferential apical distribution. In LLC‐PK1 cells, endogenous megalin was found exclusively in the apical membrane. Studies were also done using chimeric proteins harboring the cytosolic tail of megalin, one with the fourth ligand‐binding domain of LRP and the other two containing the green fluorescent protein as the ectodomain and transmembrane domains of either megalin or LRP. Findings from these experiments showed that the cytosolic domain of megalin is sufficient for apical sorting, and that the megalin transmembrane domain promotes association with lipid rafts. In conclusion, we show that LRP and megalin both contain sorting information in their cytosolic domains that directs opposite polarity, basolateral for LRP and apical for megalin. Additionally, we show that the NPTY motif in LRP is important for basolateral sorting and the megalin transmembrane domain directs association with lipid rafts.
Correlation Between Carbapenem Consumption and Antimicrobial Resistance Rates of Acinetobacter baumannii in a University‐Affiliated Hospital in China

To investigate the correlation between carbapenem consumption and rates of antimicrobial resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii, carbapenem consumption was expressed as defined daily dose based on the World Health Organization (WHO) anatomical therapeutic chemical classification index. Clinical isolates from 2001‐2009 were collected and analyzed using WHONET 5.4 software. Results show that the consumption of imipenem/cilastatin, meropenem, and total carbapenem is significantly correlated with imipenem resistance in A baumannii (r = 0.818, P = .007; r = 0.817, P = .007; r = 0.827, P = .006). Furthermore, total carbapenem consumption is significantly correlated with meropenem resistance in A baumannii (r = 0.900, P = .037). In addition, consumption of imipenem/cilastatin, meropenem, and total carbapenem is associated with A baumannii resistance to piperacillin‐tazobactam, ceftazidime, cefepime, amikacin, and levofloxacin. These drugs are mainly β‐lactams, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. The imipenem and meropenem resistance rates are significantly correlated with resistance rates to numerous antimicrobial drugs (eg, β‐lactams, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones) in A baumannii. Therefore, increased consumption of carbapenem may contribute to the development of resistance in A baumannii to imipenem, meropenem, and other antimicrobial drugs. Cross‐resistance possibly occurs among imipenem/cilastatin and meropenem, as well as with β‐lactams, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones.
ADAMTS1, a putative anti‐angiogenic factor, is decreased in human prostate cancer

To investigate the expression of ‘ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type I motif, 1’ (ADAMTS1) in human prostate cancer, and to study its relationship to microvessel density (MVD) and metastasis. ADAMTS1 has been described as an anti‐angiogenic and antitumour factor, but its function in prostate cancer is unknown.
An optimal order quantity with shelf-refill trips from backroom for efficient store operations

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of backroom storage in supply chain replenishment decision parameters: the order quantity based on the well-established economic order quantity (EOQ) model. Design/methodology/approach The authors develop an EOQ-type model to investigate the operational cost impact of the order quantity with backroom storage. Because of the discrete and discontinuous nature of the problem, a modification of an existing algorithm is applied to obtain an optimal order quantity. Numerical experiments derived from a leading retailer in Thailand are used to study the cost impact of the backroom. Findings The paper shows that the backroom storage will significantly affect the decision regarding the order quantity. If its effect is ignored, the cost increase can be as high as 30 per cent. The costs and operations of additional shelf-refill trips from the backroom must be carefully analyzed and included in the decisions of replenishment operations. Research limitations/implications The model is a simplified version of the actual replenishment process. Validation from a real-world setting should be used to confirm the results. There are many additional opportunities to further integrate other issues in this problem such as shelf space decisions or joint order quantity between vendors and retailers. Practical implications The insights gained from the model will help managers, both retailers and vendors or manufacturers, make better decisions with regard to the order quantity policy in the supply chain. Originality/value Problems with backroom storage have been qualitatively described in the literature in the past decade. This paper is an early attempt to develop a quantitative model to analytically study the cost impact of backroom on order quantity decisions.
The Effective Concentration 50 (EC50) for Propofol with 70% Xenon Versus 70% Nitrous Oxide

BACKGROUND: Xenon anesthesia has many favorable properties, such as pain modulation and organ protection. However, due to its MAC of 70%, it cannot be used as a sole anesthetic. We estimated the amount of propofol required to supplement xenon to produce adequate anesthesia in 50% and 95% of patients in comparison with nitrous oxide. METHODS: We randomized 75 premedicated female patients to receive either 70% xenon or 70% nitrous oxide in oxygen supplemented by propofol target-controlled infusion anesthesia starting with 4.5 &mgr;g/mL for the first patient in each group. Dixon's up and down method was used to determine the propofol concentration for subsequent patients. After induction of anesthesia with propofol, patients breathed 70% xenon or 70% nitrous oxide in oxygen via a facemask for 15 min. They were then observed for movement in response to skin incision for 60 s after the incision and assigned as movers or nonmovers. Probit analysis was used to estimate the effective concentration 50% and 95% (EC50 and EC95) for propofol in both groups. RESULTS: The EC50 for propofol with 70% xenon was1.5&mgr;g/mL and the EC95 was 2.3 &mgr;g/mL. The EC50 and EC95 values for propofol with nitrous oxide were 2.2 and 8.2 &mgr;g/mL, respectively. This implies a reduction of propofol requirements between 32% (EC50) and 72% (EC95) by xenon compared with nitrous oxide. The suppression of auditory evoked potentials was more pronounced with xenon than with nitrous oxide. CONCLUSION: Xenon seems to be clinically more potent than nitrous oxide, but still requires minimal supplement of a hypnotic anesthetic to suppress noxious stimulation during and after skin incision.
A Comparison of Alternative Pricing Scheme for Reducing Worldwide Carbon Emissions

In this paper, we derive several alternative pricing schemes to allocate worldwide taxation burden to reduce carbon emissions. We compare traditional allocation schemes with an optimal Ramsey pricing by applying the outcome of modeling heterogeneous consumer behavior across countries. Using empirical estimations of household behavior, we compute demand elasticity values for the 106 leading countries in the world, which constitute around 90% of total world energy consumption and carbon emissions for 2014. We calculate country-specific shares of the global cost of carbon emissions reduction, comparing alternative taxation options: a uniform tax scheme, an equitable tax scheme and a Ramsey pricing scheme, applied to the household sector of all countries worldwide. Our results show the relative welfare impact of different options, revealing that the optimal pricing scheme can improve world welfare and promote a reduction in total emissions.
IMMUNEPOTENT CRP (bovine dialyzable leukocyte extract) adjuvant immunotherapy: a phase I study in non-small cell lung cancer patients.

BACKGROUND IMMUNEPOTENT CRP is a mixture of low molecular weight substances, some of which have been shown to be capable of modifying the immune response. We evaluated the response and adjuvant effect of IMMUNEPOTENT CRP on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in a phase I clinical trial. METHODS Twenty-four NSCLC patients were included in the study and divided into two groups. Group 1 received a conventional treatment of 5400 cGy external radiotherapy in 28 fractions and chemotherapy consisting of intravenous cisplatin (40 mg/m(2)) delivered weekly for 6 weeks. Group 2 received the conventional treatment plus IMMUNEPOTENT CRP (5 U) administered daily. We performed clinical evaluation by CT scan and radiography analysis, and determined the quality of life of the patients with the Karnofsky performance scale. A complete blood count (red and white blood cell tests), including flow cytometry analysis, blood work (alkaline phosphatase test) and a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test for PPD, Varidase and Candida were performed. RESULTS The administration of IMMUNEPOTENT CRP induced immunomodulatory activity (increasing the total leukocytes and T-lymphocyte subpopulations CD4(+), CD8(+), CD16(+) and CD56(+), and maintaining DHT) and increased the quality of the patients' lives, suggesting immunologic protection against chemotherapeutic side-effects in NSCLC patients. DISCUSSION Our results suggest the possibility of using IMMUNEPOTENT CRP alongside radiation and chemotherapy for maintaining the immune system and increasing the quality of life of the patients.
Contractile Effect of Anaphylatoxin C5a and of a Mimetic Peptide on the Human Umbilical Artery: Further Evidence for Leukocyte-Dependent Vasomotion

Reproducible and concentration-dependent contractile effects were recorded when the human umbilical artery was exposed to recombinant C5a (≥1 n M). The synthetic mimetic peptide Ac-YSFKPMPLaR was about 100-fold less potent in this respect, and its effect was largely prevented by treatment with the TP prostanoid receptor antagonist SQ 29548. The selective cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitor flurbiprofen, but not by the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor L-745,337, prevented the contractile effect of both C5a and Ac-YSFKPMPLaR. Cells positive for C5a receptor (CD 88) immunoreactivity were scattered in the umbilical artery structure and were apparently more abundant in the periphery. The macrophage marker CD 68 was also expressed by dispersed cells, with a distribution similar to CD 88; both markers were co-expressed in some cells represented in consecutive sections. Immunoblot for C5a receptors has been applied to tissue or cells extracts: a specific ∼42-kd major band observed in peripheral blood leukocytes was also expressed by the fresh umbilical artery, but not by cultured smooth muscle cells derived from the umbilical artery. Macrophages dispersed in the connective structure of the vessel wall may, in response to C5a receptor agonists, release prostanoids formed by cyclooxygenase-1 that indirectly contract smooth muscle cells. Leukocyte-dependent vasospasm may be relevant in situations in which complement is activated and may trigger thromboembolic complications via the secretion of thromboxane-like eicosanoids also active on circulatory platelets.
Vitamin D regulation of the renin–angiotensin system

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) plays a central role in the regulation of blood pressure, electrolyte, and volume homeostasis. Epidemiological and clinical studies have long suggested an association of inadequate sunlight exposure or low serum 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] levels with high blood pressure and/or high plasma renin activity, but the mechanism is not understood. Our recent discovery that 1,25(OH)2D3 functions as a potent negative endocrine regulator of renin gene expression provides some insights into the mechanism. The concept of vitamin D regulation of blood pressure through the RAS opens a new avenue to our understanding of the physiological functions of the vitamin D endocrine system, and provides a basis for exploring the potential use of vitamin D analogues in prevention and treatment of hypertension. J. Cell. Biochem. 88: 327–331, 2003. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methods for regionalizing input-output tables

The present paper introduces the most common methods of regionalizing national input-output tables. First we describe the different groups of methods based on our review of the international literature regarding regionalization. Then we focus on particular methods that can be applied for Hungarian counties highlighting their advantages and disadvantages and synthetize the empirical results of them again based on the literature. On the basis of these experiences we attempt to create a complex method fitted to the available Hungarian regional data. For better understanding in the end we apply our method on an illustrative example consisting of three regions with hypothetical sectors and data.
Design, Implementation, and Psychometric Analysis of a Scoring Instrument for Simulated Pediatric Resuscitation: A Report from the EXPRESS Pediatric Investigators

Introduction: Robustly tested instruments for quantifying clinical performance during pediatric resuscitation are lacking. Examining Pediatric Resuscitation Education through Simulation and Scripting Collaborative was established to conduct multicenter trials of simulation education in pediatric resuscitation, evaluating performance with multiple instruments, one of which is the Clinical Performance Tool (CPT). We hypothesize that the CPT will measure clinical performance during simulated pediatric resuscitation in a reliable and valid manner. Methods: Using a pediatric resuscitation scenario as a basis, a scoring system was designed based on Pediatric Advanced Life Support algorithms comprising 21 tasks. Each task was scored as follows: task not performed (0 points); task performed partially, incorrectly, or late (1 point); and task performed completely, correctly, and within the recommended time frame (2 points). Study teams at 14 children's hospitals went through the scenario twice (PRE and POST) with an interposed 20-minute debriefing. Both scenarios for each of eight study teams were scored by multiple raters. A generalizability study, based on the PRE scores, was conducted to investigate the sources of measurement error in the CPT total scores. Inter-rater reliability was estimated based on the variance components. Validity was assessed by repeated measures analysis of variance comparing PRE and POST scores. Results: Sixteen resuscitation scenarios were reviewed and scored by seven raters. Inter-rater reliability for the overall CPT score was 0.63. POST scores were found to be significantly improved compared with PRE scores when controlled for within-subject covariance (F1,15 = 4.64, P < 0.05). The variance component ascribable to rater was 2.4%. Conclusions: Reliable and valid measures of performance in simulated pediatric resuscitation can be obtained from the CPT. Future studies should examine the applicability of trichotomous scoring instruments to other clinical scenarios, as well as performance during actual resuscitations.
Zinc in Human Milk: Diurnal and Within‐Feed Patterns

To examine diurnal patterns of milk zinc concentrations, midfeed samples were obtained at approximately 6 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 noon, 3 p.m. , 6 p.m. , and 9 p.m. on a total of 29 days from 16 lactating women. Within-feed patterns were examined in 32 subjects with analysis of samples of fore-, mid-, and hindmilk from a total of 175 feeds. There were no significant differences between means for any of the diurnal intervals or between means for fore-, mid-, and hindmilk samples. These results indicate that milk zinc concentrations of random samples of human milk collected at any time of the day or of the feed can be accepted as representative for that day.
The Impact of Investment Treaties and ISDS Provisions on Foreign Direct Investment: A Baseline Econometric Analysis

Based on an interdisciplinary and cross-institutional research project (2014-7) assessing international investment treaty dispute management more broadly, this paper (abridged from a related project) introduces part of our joint project examining key questions around the effect of investment treaties and some of their provisions on direct investment flows. It focuses on the vexed question of whether offering treaty-based Investor-State Dispute Settlement (‘ISDS’) leads to significant increases in inbound foreign direct investment (FDI), in light of the persistent public debate about the merits of this procedural option for enforcing substantive commitments made by host states. Overall, our econometric analysis generates complex implications for policy-makers reassessing the historical impact of ISDS in order to decide whether and how to include different forms of such procedural provisions in future investment treaties. Skeptics can point to counter-intuitive results indicating that weaker-form ISDS and/or substantive provisions seem to have stronger and more robust impact, especially since the turn of this century. Proponents can point to results indicating that there has still been a positive and significant impact from stronger provisions, including from full-scale ISDS provisions in promptly ratified treaties concluded between OECD and non-OECD countries. Although our baseline model specification has generally dealt effectively with the endogeneity problem characteristic of this field, further variables impacting on FDI may be investigated (notably, double tax treaties) and data limitations remain (notably, FDI outflows from non-OECD countries and sectoral-level data). This econometric analysis can therefore be usefully complemented by the qualitative research component of our ongoing project.