Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
T-lymphocyte recognition of antigen in association with gene products of the major histocompatibility complex.

One of the most important conceptual breakthroughs in cellular im­ munology during the 1970s was the realization that the influence of gene products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on immune reactions stemmed largely from the central role they played in the activation of T lymphocytes (1 ). Experiments with both cytotoxic and inducer lymphocytes demonstrated that the T cells had to co-recognize antigen in association with one of these MHC-encoded molecules in order for activation to occur. Cytotoxic T cells required class I molecules whereas inducer T cells required class II molecules. Thus, in contrast to other cell-surface receptors specific for a single ligand (e.g. a hormone receptor) the antigen-specific receptor on T cells must form a ternary complex with two ligands. One of these ligands is a trans­ membrane glycoprotein on the surface of another cell; the other is often an unknown partial degradation product of the original antigen added to the cultures. As a consequence of this complexity, no simple ligand binding assays exist. All receptor interactions are measured with a biological assay, such as thymidine incorporation, which appears to reflect in a quantitative
The Round Number Heuristic and Entrepreneur Crowdfunding Performance

Goal amounts set by entrepreneurs in reward-based crowdfunding campaigns exhibit clear clustering at round numbers. The use of round goal amounts is associated with lower likelihood of campaign success and adverse campaign performance for the entrepreneurs. The use of round numbers in prior campaigns has predictive power over subsequent campaign success, suggesting that the round number heuristic conveys information about entrepreneur quality. A quasi-experiment based on a rule change reducing the average entrepreneur quality is associated with increased use of round numbers and weaker resulting campaign performance. The likelihood of setting a round goal amount decreases with entrepreneur experience.
Evaluation of a PCR assay on overgrown environmental samples cultured for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Culture of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the definitive antemortem test method for paratuberculosis. Microbial overgrowth is a challenge for MAP culture, as it complicates, delays, and increases the cost of the process. Additionally, herd status determination is impeded when noninterpretable (NI) results are obtained. The performance of PCR is comparable to fecal culture, thus it may be a complementary detection tool to classify NI samples. Our study aimed to determine if MAP DNA can be identified by PCR performed on NI environmental samples and to evaluate the performance of PCR before and after the culture of these samples in liquid media. A total of 154 environmental samples (62 NI, 62 negative, and 30 positive) were analyzed by PCR before being incubated in an automated system. Growth was confirmed by acid-fast bacilli stain and then the same PCR method was again applied on incubated samples, regardless of culture and stain results. Change in MAP DNA after incubation was assessed by converting the PCR quantification cycle (Cq) values into fold change using the 2−ΔCq method (ΔCq = Cq after culture − Cq before culture). A total of 1.6% (standard error [SE] = 1.6) of the NI environmental samples had detectable MAP DNA. The PCR had a significantly better performance when applied after culture than before culture (p = 0.004). After culture, a 66-fold change (SE = 17.1) in MAP DNA was observed on average. Performing a PCR on NI samples improves MAP culturing. The PCR method used in our study is a reliable and consistent method to classify NI environmental samples.
Structural analysis at 2.2 A of orthorhombic crystals presents the asymmetry of the allophycocyanin-linker complex, AP.LC7.8, from phycobilisomes of Mastigocladus laminosus.

An electrophoretically purified allophycocyanin-linker complex, AP. LC7.8, from phycobilisomes of Mastigocladus laminosus has been crystallized in the orthorhombic space group P212121. Cryocrystallographic x-ray measurements enabled the structural analysis of the complex at a resolution of 2.2 A. The asymmetric unit contains two side-to-side associated "trimeric" (alphabeta)3 allophycocyanin complexes comprising the linker polypeptide in a defined orientation inside the trimer. The linker representing a protein fold related to the prosegment of procarboxypeptidase A is in contact with only two of the three beta-subunits and directly interacts with the corresponding chromophores of these proteins. In addition to a modulation of the chromophores' spectral properties, the linker polypeptide attracts the alphabeta-subcomplexes, thereby bringing the beta-chromophores closer together. These results will enable interpretations of energy-transfer mechanisms within phycobiliproteins.
An improved instruction-level energy model for RISC microprocessors

The power and energy consumed by a chip have become primary design constraints for embedded systems and are largely affected by software. However, there is a gap between software and hardware that makes it hard to predict which code consumes the least power before running it. Therefore, it is vital to discover which factors affect a program's energy consumption. In this paper we present an instruction-level power model for a single core, in-order RISC processor architecture. We do not analyze each instruction individually, but we study the average power and running time instead. We find the power in a processor is nearly constant, no matter what instructions are run, but the IO port power is related to the behavior of the program. Furthermore, we provide a model that takes the cache miss rate into consideration.
Effect of fly control on diarrheal disease in an area of moderate morbidity.

IN AN EARLIER study in Hidaltgo Counity, Tex. , flies were shown to be vectors of Shigella infections in an area of high diarrheal disease morbidity and mortajity rates (1). The high rates and other features peculiar to that area were recognized as factors which might limit the applicability of this method of reducing such enteric infections in the more frequently encountered areas of low to moderate nmorbidity and negligible mortality. This paper presents the results of a study, very similar to the Texas study, made in such ani area of low to moderate morbidity from diarrheal disease. The area selected is in southern Georgia. Its small communities are characteristic of the rural South in size, climate, and agricultural practices favorable to fly breeding and in community sanitation that allows flies ready access to human excrement.
Iron deficiency anemia and iron losses after renal transplantation

Iron deficiency contributes to anemia after transplantation. The magnitude of iron loss from blood loss in the peri‐transplantation period has not been quantified. We prospectively estimated phlebotomy and surgical losses over the first 12‐weeks following transplantation in 39 consecutive renal transplant recipients on hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), or chronic kidney disease (CKD). At transplant, ferritin levels were <200 ng/ml in 51% of the patients, and iron saturation was ≤20% in 44%. CKD patients more commonly had ferritin levels <200 ng/ml than either HD or PD patients (100% vs. 21% vs. 67%, P < 0.0002, respectively). Blood loss was similar among HD, PD and CKD patients (833 ± 194 vs. 861 ± 324 vs. 755 ± 79 ml respectively, P = NS), and no difference between deceased and living donor transplant recipients (881 ± 291 vs. 788 ± 162 ml, P = 0.33). Based on baseline hemoglobin (Hgb) of 11.8 g/dl, we estimated that an additional 330 mg of iron was needed to normalize hemoglobin to 13 g/dl, and 605 mg to increase hemoglobin to 14 g/dl. Blood and iron losses over the first 12 weeks post‐transplant are substantial and may warrant early administration of intravenous iron.
Systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE The literature was reviewed to determine whether data support current treatment guideline recommendations regarding the use of systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. SUMMARY Exacerbations of COPD are common and can be detrimental to both patient health and health care costs. Corticosteroids are recommended by consensus guidelines for patients during exacerbations of COPD. Although guidelines make very specific recommendations, clinical data are conflicting and inconsistent. A search of the English-language medical literature was performed, and all randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials or meta-analyses that examined the use of systemic corticosteroids in COPD exacerbations were included. Trials that included nebulized corticosteroids were also included as long as they were compared to a systemic corticosteroid and a placebo. Recommendations regarding the use of systemic corticosteroids are not optimal or completely supported. Data support recommendations if patients are treated on an outpatient basis. However, hospitalized patients might also benefit from higher doses of systemic steroids initially, followed by an oral taper dose. CONCLUSION In the treatment of COPD exacerbations, systemic corticosteroids improve airflow limitations, decrease treatment failure rates, decrease the risk of relapse, and may improve symptoms and decrease the length of hospital stay. Because of the risks of adverse effects, the lowest dose and shortest duration of corticosteroid therapy that will provide therapeutic benefit should be chosen. The literature suggests that hospitalized patients should benefit from a higher initial dosage of systemic corticosteroids than the 30-40 mg of i.v. or oral prednisolone for 7-10 days recommended in current guidelines.
Patterns of FDI in Southern European Periphery: a Tale of Missing FDI?

This paper examines patterns of FDI inflows to Southern European (SE) regions, which seem to be at the margin of the FDI attraction game accounting for a very small share of total inward FDI in the EU. In order to understand why these regions attracted such a low number of foreign investors, this contribution provides the following analysis: i) an overall picture of the main characteristics of patterns of inward FDI in SE regions at geographical and sectoral level; ii) the factors that drive FDI flows into EU regions; iii) as assessment of the potential of attractiveness of SE regions, both in absolute terms and with respect to other EU regions. The main results indicate that SE regions are definitively less attractive than other EU regions, though a lot of variation does exist at both geographical and sectoral level. In order to improve their capacity to attract FDI SE regions should improve their factors of attractiveness by implementing several structural reforms
The SMC-Like Protein Complex SbcCD Enhances DNA Polymerase IV-Dependent Spontaneous Mutation in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT In Escherichia coli, RpoS, the general stress response sigma factor, regulates the activity of the specialized DNA polymerase DNA polymerase IV (Pol IV) both in stationary-phase and in exponential-phase cells. Because during exponential phase dinB, the gene encoding Pol IV, is transcribed independently of RpoS, RpoS must regulate Pol IV activity in growing cells indirectly via one or more intermediate factors. The results presented here show that one of these intermediate factors is SbcCD, an SMC-like protein and an ATP-dependent nuclease. By initiating or participating in double-strand break repair, SbcCD may provide DNA substrates for Pol IV polymerase activity.
Determinants of Profitability - An empirical investigation using Indian Cement Industry

Actually, profitability is a highly sensitive economic variable which is affected by a host of factors operating through a variety of ways. Some of them affect product prices and quantities; some affect cost of production while others make changes in capital stock, size, market share and growth of the firm. Further, corporate policy relating to various functions will affect profitability. Some of them are relevant in the short-run while others have impact in the long-run. It is difficult to build a theory of profitability, which accounts for all such factors. Because of these difficulties, it is quite natural to analyze the variation in profitability by taking the partial approach i.e., to find the effect of certain major variables, ignoring the implications of other left out independent variables at a time. The present study is a step towards this direction. The determinants of profitability in Indian cement industry during the study period are analyzed using the technique of ordinary least square. The analysis reveals that current ratio is the strongest determinant of profitability of Indian cement industry. The overall analysis of determinants of profitability reveals that current assets turnover ratio, size, inventory turnover ratio, leverage, past profitability, operating expenses to sales, growth rate of assets and vertical integration significantly explain the profitability of Indian cement industry during the study period.
Psychological and educational interventions for atopic eczema in children.

BACKGROUND Psychological and educational interventions have been used as an adjunct to conventional therapy for children with atopic eczema to enhance the effectiveness of topical therapy. There have been no relevant systematic reviews applicable to children. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of psychological and educational interventions in changing outcomes for children with atopic eczema. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register (to September 2004), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2005), MEDLINE (from 1966-2005), EMBASE (from 1980 to week 3, 2005 ), PsycINFO (from 1872 to week 1, 2005). On-line: National Research Register, Meta-register of Controlled Trials, ZETOC alerts, SIGLE (August 2005). SELECTION CRITERIA RCTs of psychological or educational interventions, or both, used to manage children with atopic eczema. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently applied eligibility criteria, assessed trial quality and extracted data. A lack of comparable data prevented data synthesis. MAIN RESULTS Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Some included studies required clearer reporting of trial procedures. Rigorous established outcome measures were not always used. Interventions described in all 5 RCTs were adjuncts to conventional therapy. Four focused on intervention directed towards the parents; data synthesis was not possible. Psychological interventions remain virtually unevaluated by studies of robust design; the only included study examined the effect of relaxation techniques (hypnotherapy and biofeedback) on severity. Three educational studies identified significant improvements in disease severity between intervention groups. A recent German trial evaluated long term outcomes and found significant improvements in both disease severity (3 months to 7 years, p=0.0002, 8 to 12 years, p=0.003, 13 to 18 years, p=0.0001) and parental quality of life (3 months to 7 years, p=0.0001, 8 to 12 years p=0.002), for children with atopic eczema. One study found video-based education more effective in improving severity than direct education and the control (discussion) (p<0.001). The single psychological study found relaxation techniques improved clinical severity as compared to the control at 20 weeks (t=2.13) but this was of borderline significance (p=0.042). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS A lack of rigorously designed trials (excluding one recent German study) provides only limited evidence of the effectiveness of educational and psychological interventions in helping to manage the condition of children with atopic eczema. Evidence from included studies and also adult studies indicates that different service delivery models (multi-professional eczema school and nurse-led clinics) require further and comparative evaluation to examine their cost-effectiveness and suitability for different health systems.
The New Telecommunications Sector Foreign Investment Regime and Rural Broadband

Canada's telecommunications sector is in the midst of significant change. New rules on foreign investment and upcoming auctions for licenses for wireless mobile services are aimed at increasing competition; however, these changes are unlikely to produce significant benefit for rural Canadians. An analysis of the new foreign investment regulations reveals that the new approach will likely weaken the government's ability to meet the goals of Canadian telecommunications policy outlined in the Telecommunications Act. Furthermore an examination of the licensed purchase and services provided from the last wireless spectrum auction in 2008 reveals new entrants' clear preference for providing service in urban areas. The paper concludes by positing that if the Government of Canada wishes to ensure that next generation 4G wireless services are available to Canada's rural and remote population, the government must stop its reliance on market forces to develop national broadband and instead create a comprehensive national plan. Key words: spectrum management, rural broadband, foreign investment, 700MHz spectrum auction, Radio System Policy 019
Small Firms' Choice of Business Strategies*

According to the standard industrial organization paradigm, firms employ numerous business strategies such as product development, marketing, research, and innovation to gain a competitive advantage over their rivals. Empirical work on firm strategies has focused largely on research and development (R&D) among large publicly-traded manufacturing firms [10]. Two recent developments have increased interest in the choice of business strategies by small firms. First, a growing body of evidence suggests that, after several decades of decline, the employment share of small firms has been increasing through the 1970s and 1980s [16]. With the greater awareness of small firms' contribution to job creation, researchers and policy-makers are increasingly focusing on the sources of small business growth [6]. Second, economic development programs across the U.S. are focusing on small businesses for promoting regional growth [17]. Success of such programs requires a better understanding of factors influencing small firms' choice of business strategies. Business strategies adopted by small firms are likely to be different from business strategies adopted by large firms due to factors such as economies of scale and differences in organizational structure. Studies have shown that small firms engage in small scale R&D work although they may not have a formal R&D department [13]. This informal R&D may include a greater reliance on the acquisition of technical knowledge and the adoption of new production technologies from external sources such as trade publications, scientific journals, and government agencies [14]. Moreover, small firm strategies may be sector-specific. For example, wholesale and retail sector firms may stress quality and attractiveness of their products for higher sales growth while financial sector firms may stress planning. While small firms adopt diverse business strategies to gain competitiveness, little empirical evidence is available on factors affecting the choice of these strategies. Evidence on the determinants of knowledge acquisition and product innovation is available [14], but determinants of many other strategies such as planning and quality have not been examined. The purpose of this paper is to present empirical evidence on the choice of business strategies
E6 and e7 gene silencing and transformed phenotype of human papillomavirus 16-positive oropharyngeal cancer cells.

BACKGROUND The E6 and E7 genes of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) encode oncoproteins that bind and degrade p53 and retinoblastoma (pRb) tumor suppressors, respectively. We examined the effects of repressing E6 and E7 oncogene expression on the transformed phenotype of HPV16-positive oropharyngeal cancer cell lines. METHODS Human oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer 147T and 090 (harboring integrated HPV16 DNA) and 040T (HPV DNA-negative) cells were infected with retroviruses that expressed a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting the HPV16 E6 and E7 genes or a scrambled-sequence control shRNA. Flow cytometry, terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated UTP end-labeling assay, and immunoblotting for annexin V were used to assess apoptosis in shRNA-infected cell lines. Biochemical analysis involved quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of p53- and pRb-target gene expression and immunoblotting for p53 and pRb protein expression. RESULTS In 147T and 090 cells, shRNA-mediated inhibition of HPV16 E6 and E7 expression reduced the E6 and E7 mRNA levels by more than 85% compared with control cells that expressed a scrambled-sequence shRNA. E6 and E7 repression resulted in restoration of p53 and pRB protein expression, increased expression of p53-target genes (p21 and FAS), decreased expression of genes whose expression is increased in the absence of functional pRb (DEK and B-MYB), and induced substantial apoptosis in 147T and 090 cells compared with the control shRNA-infected cells (from 13.4% in uninfected to 84.3% in infected 147T cells and from 3.3% in uninfected to 71.2% in infected 090 cells). CONCLUSION Repression of E6 and E7 oncogenes results in restoration of p53 and pRb suppressor pathways and induced apoptosis in HPV16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer cell lines.
[Viruses and the neuroendocrine system: model of murine obesity induced by cerebral infection by canine distemper virus].

It is currently well established that the nervous, endocrine and immune systems inter-communicate using biologically active soluble factors, synthesised and produced by these three systems themselves (e.g. immunomodulator effect of hormones, effect of substances secreted by immune cells on endocrine function.). In addition, these systems jointly express receptors for hormones, peptides, growth factors and cytokines. Immuno-neuroendocrine interactions therefore underlie physiological processes and their deregulation can result in various pathological states. By entering into complex relationships with the specialized and differentiated cells of these three systems viruses can alter inter-cellular communication and result in the appearance of pathological processes directly linked to these disturbances. In order to understand the role of viruses in the genesis of neuroimmunoendocrine pathologies, we have developed a cerebral infection model using canine distemper virus (CDV). In infected mice, this paramyxovirus, closely related to the human measles virus, induces early neurological pathologies (encephalitis) which are associated with active viral replication. Mice surviving the acute phase of infection exhibit motor deficits (paralysis and turning behaviour) or obesity during the viral persistence phase, despite the fact that the virus is no longer detectable. The obesity is characterised by hyperinsulinaemia, hyperleptinaemia and hyperplasia of the adipocytes, associated with decreased expression of the OB-Rb hypothalamic leptin receptor and modulated expression of hypothalamic monoamines and neuropeptides. These results support the viral "hit and run" theory, since the initial viral impact in the hypothalamus may be the origin of the changes in later immunoneuroendocrine communication. Thus, certain human neurodegenerative or neuroendocrine diseases may have a previous viral infection aetiology without it being possible to clearly identify the agent responsible.