Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overcoming the Creswell–Foster divide in Australian strategy: the challenge for twenty-first century policy-makers

This article examines the continuing influence of the contending twentieth century schools of Creswellian continental defence and Fosterite expeditionary defence in Australian strategy. A context for analysis is developed through an examination of the contemporary globalised security environment which is marked by bifurcation into state-centric and multi-centric threats. The demands of this new security environment have led to the evolution of twenty-first century manifestations of the Creswell–Foster divide in the form of the defender-regionalist and the reformer-globalist schools of strategy. The article analyses how differences between these two schools, especially over the value of geography, have been exacerbated by the new dynamics of globalised security. In the future, however, overcoming the contemporary Creswell–Foster divide between the defender-regionalists and the reformer-globalists in Australian strategy is unlikely to occur in the exclusive arena of defence policy. Rather, what is required is the creation of an overarching national security strategy beginning with the establishment of an Australian Commission on Twenty-First Century National Security. Such a Commission could be modelled on the US Hart–Rudman Commission of 1999–2001 and be suitably adapted to Australian conditions. An Australian commission should be charged with producing a long-term report on holistic and ‘best practice’ security policy options for upholding and protecting Australia's vital national interests in the first quarter of the twenty-first century.
A serum free approach towards the conservation of chondrogenic phenotype during in vitro cell expansion

Objective: Functionally viable chondrocytes in sufficient quantity is crucial for the success of matrix associated autologous chondrocyte implantation. This is difficult with conventional methods as chondrocytes dedifferentiate during 2D expansion with the loss of their chondrogenic phenotype. Moreover, established protocols are dependent on the use of serum which is not without its drawbacks. This study sought to address the issue by evaluating the feasibility of serum free, growth factors supplemented chondrocyte media with extracellular matrix (ECM) coatings. Design: Passage 2 human chondrocytes were cultured in serum supplemented media or serum free media with collagen I or fibronectin coatings. Cell attachment and proliferation were assessed in these conditions. The cells were redifferentiated via pellet cultures for 7 and 14 days before being subjected to histological and gene expression analysis. Results: The serum-free, growth factor cocktail supplemented with ECM coating improved long-term chondrocyte proliferation with enhanced basal Sox 9 expression. Upon induction, the redifferentiated chondrocytes expressed aggrecan and collagen II especially so for the cells plated on collagen coated surfaces. The chondrocytic phenotype was better conserved under the serum free conditions but the loss of the hyaline cartilage characteristics was not completely halted given the expression of collagen I. These essential cartilage markers were, however, reduced or absented for cells expanded with serum. Moreover, serum cultures displayed a higher tendency of undergoing hypertrophy given the stronger collagen X gene expression. Conclusion: The advocated technique promoted cell expansion with respect to conventional serum supplemented cultures while reducing the loss of the chondrogenic phenotype. This demonstrates the feasibility and potential of the novel concomitant use of serum free media and ECM coatings in the expansion of chondrocytes for cartilage regenerative applications.
Heart rate recovery after submaximal exercise in four different recovery protocols in male athletes and nonathletes

The effects of different recovery protocols on heart rate recovery (HRR) trend through fitted heart rate (HR) decay curves were assessed. Twenty one trained male athletes and 19 sedentary male students performed a submaximal cycle exercise test on four occasions followed by 5 min: 1) inactive recovery in the upright seated position, 2) active (cycling) recovery in the upright seated position, 3) supine position, and 4) supine position with elevated legs. The HRR was assessed as the difference between the peak exercise HR and the HR recorded following 60 seconds of recovery (HRR60). Additionally the time constant decay was obtained by fitting the 5 minute post-exercise HRR into a first-order exponential curve. Within-subject differences of HRR60 for all recovery protocols in both groups were significant (p < 0.001) except for the two supine positions (p > 0.05). Values of HRR60 were larger in the group of athletes for all conditions (p < 0.001). The time constant of HR decay showed within-subject differences for all recovery conditions in both groups (p < 0.01) except for the two supine positions (p > 0.05). Between group difference was found for active recovery in the seated position and the supine position with elevated legs (p < 0.05). We conclude that the supine position with or without elevated legs accelerated HRR compared with the two seated positions. Active recovery in the seated upright position was associated with slower HRR compared with inactive recovery in the same position. The HRR in athletes was accelerated in the supine position with elevated legs and with active recovery in the seated position compared with non-athletes.
Electrical Bone Graft Stimulation for Spinal Fusion: A Review

ALTHOUGH ELECTRICAL STIMULATION to aid bone fusion is well established in the treatment of long-bone fractures, its use as an aid in spinal fusion is not as well documented. This article presents the history and scientific basis of electrical stimulation to aid bone fusion and extensively reviews the clinical literature. It is intended to provide an objective review of the indications and limitations of electrical stimulation to enhance spinal fusion and to serve as a reference source for further study.
Association of Fusobacterium nucleatum with clinical and molecular features in colorectal serrated pathway

Human gut microbiota is being increasingly recognized as a player in colorectal cancers (CRCs). Evidence suggests that Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) may contribute to disease progression and is associated with CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) and microsatellite instability (MSI) in CRCs; however, to date, there are no reports about the relationship between F. nucleatum and molecular features in the early stage of colorectal tumorigenesis. Therefore, we investigated the presence of F. nucleatum in premalignant colorectal lesions. In total, 465 premalignant lesions (343 serrated lesions and 122 non‐serrated adenomas) and 511 CRCs were studied. We determined the presence of F. nucleatum and analyzed its association with molecular features including CIMP, MSI and microRNA‐31 status. F. nucleatum was detected in 24% of hyperplastic polyps, 35% of sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs), 30% of traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs) and 33% of non‐serrated adenomas. F. nucleatum was more frequently detected in CIMP‐high premalignant lesions than in CIMP‐low/zero lesions (p = 0.0023). In SSAs, F. nucleatum positivity increased gradually from sigmoid colon to cecum (p = 0.042). F. nucleatum positivity was significantly higher in CRCs (56%) than in premalignant lesions of any histological type (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, F. nucleatum was identified in premalignant colorectal lesions regardless of histopathology but was more frequently associated with CIMP‐high lesions. Moreover, F. nucleatum positivity increased according to histological grade, suggesting that it may contribute to the progression of colorectal neoplasia. Our data also indicate that F. nucleatum positivity in SSAs may support the “colorectal continuum” concept.
Haematological alterations in leprosy patients treated with dapsone.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the haemoglobin concentration (Hb); total white blood cell count (WBC), differential WBC count; platelet count and reticulocyte count in leprosy patients already treated with dapsone. DESIGN A case-control study. SETTING Specialist Hospital Ossiomo, which is a Leprosarium and Haematology laboratory, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Nigeria. SUBJECTS Seventy six leprosy patients (forty males and thirty six females) age range 13-40 years on single dose dapsone. RESULTS The haemoglobin concentration showed a marked decrease while the reticulocyte count was markedly elevated which was suggestive of haemolytic anaemia. There was also lymphocytosis in patients during pre and post dapsone therapy. CONCLUSION Leprosy patients on a dosage of 100 mg dapsone, are prone to haemolytic anaemia. Leprosy patients should routinely have their Hb, WBC, platelet count and reticulocyte count determined, while on dapsone therapy in order to ascertain the presence of haemolysis.
Constitutive E2F Expression in Tobacco Plants Exhibits Altered Cell Cycle Control and Morphological Change in a Cell Type-Specific Manner

The E2F family plays a pivotal role in cell cycle control and is conserved among plants and animals, but not in fungi. This provides for the possibility that the E2F family was integrated during the development of higher organisms, but little is known about this. We examined the effect of E2F ectopically expressed in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants on growth and development using E2Fa (AtE2F3) and DPa from Arabidopsis. E2Fa-DPa double transgenic lines exhibited altered phenotypes with curled leaves, round shaped petals, and shortened pistils. In mature but not immature leaves of the double transgenic lines, there were enlarged nuclei with increasing ploidy levels accompanied by the ectopic expression of S phase- but not M phase-specific genes. This indicates that a high expression of E2F promotes endoreduplication by accelerating S phase entry in terminally differentiated cells with limited mitotic activity. Furthermore, mature leaves of the transgenic plants contained increased numbers of small cells, especially on the palisade (adaxial) side of the outer region toward the edge, and the leaf strips exhibited hormone-independent callus formation when cultured in vitro. These observations suggest that an enhanced E2F activity modulates cell cycle in a cell type-specific manner and affects plant morphology depending on a balance between activities for committing to S phase and M phase, which likely differ between organs or tissues.
Implementation of patient safety initiatives in US hospitals

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the use of patient safety initiatives (PSIs) at the US hospitals. These PSIs include such approaches as open discussion of errors, education and training, and system redesign. In particular, the paper seeks to examine factors that influence the implementation of PSIs as well as the benefits realized from their implementation.Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on the TQM and medical safety literatures to develop a conceptual framework for improving patient safety. Extensive survey data were gathered from 252 hospitals throughout the US to test McFadden et al.'s model of the factors influencing successful implementation of PSIs.Findings – Certain barriers (lack of top management support, lack of resources, lack of incentives and lack of knowledge) significantly impeded implementation while other factors (perceived importance of PSIs) facilitated implementation. It was also found that implementation of PSIs was associated with benefits to the hospi.
HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission, post-test counselling, and antiretroviral prophylaxis in Northern Viet Nam: A prospective observational study

Background: Pregnant women fear being identified as HIV-1-infected and this has hampered prevention programmes and the calculation of transmission rates in Viet Nam. We introduced post-test counselling, antiretroviral prophylaxis, and formula feeding, and determined the vertical transmission rate in parts of Northern Viet Nam. Methods: HIV infection was identified in 234 pregnant women; 182 (77.8%) accepted follow-up of their children. Counselling was given on 3–7 occasions for altogether approximately 6 h on antiretroviral prophylaxis and formula feeding to avoid transmission, and on the importance of surveillance of the child. All children were formula-fed. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the diagnosis of HIV-1 in the children. One hundred and thirty-five of the 182 mothers allowed ≥3 blood samples to be taken from birth to ≥1 y of age, 32/182 provided a birth sample only, and 15/182 provided a sample later only. Nevirapine was given at delivery to 93/135 (69%) women, and to 128/135 (95%) children. Additionally, combination therapy was given to 15/135 (11%) who entered the study before delivery, and azidothymidine to their children for 1 week. Results: Nine of 135 (6.7%) children became infected and 2/15 of the others, giving altogether 11/150 infected (7.3%). Intrauterine transmission was identified in 7/167 (4.2%) children by a positive PCR test at birth. PCR was negative at birth but positive at 1 month in 2/135 (1.5%), pointing to delivery-associated transmission. Thus, intrauterine transmission accounted for 78% (7/9). None of the uninfected children died, but 3/11 (p =0.004) of the HIV-1-infected died (in AIDS). Conclusion: Post-test confidential counselling, formula feeding, and antiretroviral prophylaxis resulted in low rates of delivery-associated and late HIV-1 transmissions.
Tourism and the Transformation of Cuba—Revisited

Changes in Cuba's tourism industry will be slow to come, if they come at all, because the Cuban people have become acclimated to a command economy. Moreover, those who work in Cuba's hospitality industry, particularly general managers, have little incentive to change from the current arrangement to a U.S.-style model. Nevertheless, if title disputes can be resolved and if U.S. companies are willing to operate under Cuba's joint-venture structure, they could profit handsomely should the U.S. embargo be lifted.
A prospective pilot study to evaluate combined topical photodynamic therapy and surgery for extramammary paget's disease

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare intra‐epithelial neoplasm. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. The usefulness of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of EMPD has been reported. The objective of this prospective pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of combined PDT and surgery in the treatment of EMPD.
Structural Budget Deficits and Sustainability of Fiscal Positions in the European Union

According to the Pact for Stability and Growth (PSG), in the medium term the net deficit should be close to balance or in surplus. We question the use of the net deficit as the only medium-term budgetary objective and as the main indicator for the assessment of fiscal policy. Hence, for assessing the short-term fiscal stance, we propose to analyze cyclically adjusted budget balances, whereas an assessment of sustainability of fiscal positions in the medium-term should be based on structural primary gaps. The OECD, the EU and the IMF calculate structural budget balances by subtracting the balance of several cyclical revenue components and only one cyclical expenditure component from the overall net deficit, under the assumption of constant output elasticities. By means of a bootstrapping simulation we demonstrate that the assumptions of these traditional methods are too restrictive. They do not even allow to determine the sign of the cyclical balances for the EU-countries. To estimate structural budget balances, we suggest an alternative approach which is based on a statistical concept and identifies structural balances as a smooth trend. Medium term sustainability of fiscal policy is analysed within the concept of structural primary gaps. This indicator shows to what extent the current structural primary balance deviates from the primary surplus that stabilizes the debt to GDP ratio. Again, the meaning of structural is based on the same statistical concept of trend extraction. For the EU-countries structural primary gaps are calculated, referring to the net debt and gross debt concept. According to the gross debt concept and based on forecasts of the OECD Economic Outlook (December 1997), fiscal policy of all EU-countries can be considered as sustainable at least in 1999. Even if fiscal policy is already deemed sustainable in the medium-term, in some of the EU-countries structural balances will have to be further improved in order to bring fiscal positions close to balance or in surplus. Only then, compliance with the provisions of the PSG is assured.
A Genetic Interaction between the Core and NS3 Proteins of Hepatitis C Virus Is Essential for Production of Infectious Virus

ABSTRACT By analogy to other members of the Flaviviridae family, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein is presumed to oligomerize to form the viral nucleocapsid, which encloses the single-stranded RNA genome. Core protein is directed to lipid droplets (LDs) by domain 2 (D2) of the protein, and this process is critical for virus production. Domain 1 (D1) of core is also important for infectious particle morphogenesis, although its precise contribution to this process is poorly understood. In this study, we mutated amino acids 64 to 75 within D1 of core and examined the ability of these mutants to produce infectious virus. We found that residues 64 to 66 are critical for generation of infectious progeny, whereas 67 to 75 were dispensable for this process. Further investigation of the defective 64 to 66 mutant (termed JFH1T-64–66) revealed it to be incapable of producing infectious intracellular virions, suggesting a fault during HCV assembly. Furthermore, isopycnic gradient analyses revealed that JFH1T-64–66 assembled dense intracellular species of core, presumably representing nucleocapsids. Thus, amino acids 64 to 66 are seemingly not involved in core oligomerization/nucleocapsid assembly. Passaging of JFH1T-64–66 led to the emergence of a single compensatory mutation (K1302R) within the helicase domain of NS3 that completely rescued its ability to produce infectious virus. Importantly, the same NS3 mutation abrogated virus production in the context of wild-type core protein. Together, our results suggest that residues 64 to 66 of core D1 form a highly specific interaction with the NS3 helicase that is essential for the generation of infectious HCV particles at a stage downstream of nucleocapsid assembly.
Do Free Trade Agreements Create Trade for South Africa

This paper shows that South Africaâ€™s exports and imports had been determined by the normal variables found in gravity models, namely GDP, population and distance. However, differences in the composition of trade had resulted in distance from markets having a greater adverse effect on exports than imports. Cross section estimates of the impact of the free trade agreements between South Africa the EU and SADC failed to show significant effects. Panel estimates on the other hand yielded positive effects for EU exports and imports with South Africa. The SADC FTA was found to have stimulated South Africaâ€™s exports to SADC but with little effect on SADC imports into South Africa. Finally, it was found that preferential access under the US AGOA had not particularly benefited South African exporters.
MicroRNA-205 Regulates the Calcification and Osteoblastic Differentiation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Objectives: We investigated the role of miR-205 in the osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods: Osteogenic differentiation of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) was induced by 10 mM β-glycerophosphate (β-GP). Alizarin Red S staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin secretion were used to determine osteogenic differentiation of HASMCs. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the expression of miR-205 in HASMCs. Results: The expression of endogenous miR-205 was decreased in HASMCs during β-glycerophosphate-induced calcification. Overexpression of miR-205 inhibited the differentiation of HASMCs into osteoblast-like cells, as evidenced by a decrease in ALP activity, osteocalcin secretion, and Runx2 expression, whereas miR-205 depletion enhanced osteoblastic differentiation of HASMCs. Runx2 and Smad1 were identified as direct targets of miR-205 by computational analysis and experimental assays. Conclusion: The present study shows that miR-205 may negatively regulate the β-glycerophosphate-induced calcification of HASMCs, at least partially by targeting Runx2 and Smad1.
EXPERIENCES OF PRINCIPALS ESTABLISHING SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

Gary Cookson. THE EXPERIENCES OF PRINCIPALS IN ESTABLISHING SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS. (Under the direction of Dr. Samuel J. Smith) School of Education, June, 2010. As public school principals articulate policies and implement procedures for the establishment of special education programs, the same programs are not always provided in Christian schools. The question is raised as to why Christian schools do not provide these services. This phenomenological study investigated the experiences of Christian school principals who have implemented special education programs in their schools. Through the use of interviews, the principals indicated the efforts involved in implementing changes in the school and noted challenges in dealing with reluctant staff members. Principals described the academic and social rewards of providing these services, as well as the satisfaction of parents who could now send their children with special needs to a Christian school. One theme evidenced in this study was the spiritual change in the school as all students interacted and cared for each other. The most prominent themes expressed by principals were the personal rewards of establishing the new programs and the belief that they were fulfilling a God-given duty to provide a Christian education for all students.
Explaining Partisanship on Special Rules in the Postreform House

Informational, distributive and partisan theories offer competing interpretations of the role of restrictive rules in the US House. Empirical tests in this literature focus almost exclusively on the amendment restriction portion of special rules, treating open rules as friendly and restrictive rules as unfriendly to the minority party or chamber as a whole. Oddly, however, there is a significant amount of conflict - partisan conflict in particular - connected with open rules. This suggests that the structuring of amendment possibilities cannot be the only relevant feature of special rules and that an exclusive focus on amendment restrictions might cause analysts to underestimate the importance of partisanship in the rules process. We find that partisan conflict on special rules results not only from the restrictiveness of the rule, but also from specific types of waivers (especially blanket waivers and waivers protecting legislative language in appropriations bills) and other under-studied features of special rules (such as time caps and pre-print requirements).