Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antigen-Specific B Cell Memory

The mechanisms that regulate B cell memory and the rapid recall response to antigen remain poorly defined. This study focuses on the rapid expression of B cell memory upon antigen recall in vivo, and the replenishment of quiescent B cell memory that follows. Based on expression of CD138 and B220, we reveal a unique and major subtype of antigen-specific memory B cells (B220−CD138−) that are distinct from antibody-secreting B cells (B220+/−CD138+) and B220+CD138− memory B cells. These nonsecreting somatically mutated B220− memory responders rapidly dominate the splenic response and comprise >95% of antigen-specific memory B cells that migrate to the bone marrow. By day 42 after recall, the predominant quiescent memory B cell population in the spleen (75–85%) and the bone marrow (>95%) expresses the B220− phenotype. Upon adoptive transfer, B220− memory B cells proliferate to a lesser degree but produce greater amounts of antibody than their B220+ counterparts. The pattern of cellular differentiation after transfer indicates that B220− memory B cells act as stable self-replenishing intermediates that arise from B220+ memory B cells and produce antibody-secreting cells on rechallenge with antigen. Cell surface phenotype and Ig isotype expression divide the B220− compartment into two main subsets with distinct patterns of integrin and coreceptor expression. Thus, we identify new cellular components of B cell memory and propose a model for long-term protective immunity that is regulated by a complex balance of committed memory B cells with subspecialized immune function.
Inhibitory effect of gabapentin on N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Background: Gabapentin (GBP) is a prescription drug used for the treatment of neuropathic and post‐operative pain. However, the mechanism by which it exerts its analgesic action is not well understood. Because intrathecal administration of GBP has been shown to exert antinociceptive effects in animal studies, we hypothesized that the spinal cord may be a plausible action site.
Cortical GABAB and GABAA receptors in Alzheimer's disease

GABAB and GABAA binding sites were evaluated by quantitative autoradiography of 3H-GABA binding in superior frontal gyrus of persons who died with dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT) and of age-matched normal controls. Scatchard analysis and competition studies disclosed 48 to 68% and 25% decrements in receptor density (Bmax) for GABAB and GABAA receptors, respectively, in layers II, III, and V of DAT frontal cortex as compared with controls. No significant difference in affinity (KD) for either GABAA or GABAB receptors was found. Our data may reflect multisystem pathologic involvement in DAT neocortex.
The application of reduced-form models for managing consumer credit risk

This thesis considers the modelling and prediction of consumer credit risk events. We model consumer credit risk events (like a missed payment, a repayment or a default) by means of a discrete, real time, staggered entry counting process. Mertons (1974) structural approach is the foundation of numerous credit-risk models, as well as the Basel capital accords. The underlying assumptions of this approach are that both liability and asset levels are observable to some extent and that default, which occurs if liability levels are larger than asset levels, can occur only once. These assumptions are inappropriate for consumer credit risk, where asset and liability levels are not observable and multiple defaults may occur. We nd that the so-called reduced-form models initially developed by Artzner and Delbaen (1995) and Jarrow and Turnbull (1995), which impose no structure on the default event, are better suited to model and predict consumer credit risk. All reduced-formmodels can be represented as counting processes. Counting processes are continuous in nature, so we discretize these processes before applying them to the regularly spaced, discrete monthly data. We show that the use of survival analysis techniques such as Coxs (1972) proportional hazard model, which is a special case in counting processes, are not well suited to model credit risk. This is because survival analysis is mostly concerned with the prediction of the time until a single event occurs. Accordingly, in survival analysis the time domain used is event time. Hence, all observations need to be aligned to some starting time. We prefer to work in calendar timeand are concerned with the timing (in calendar time) of multiple events. We identify and implement a dynamic, discrete statistical model based on calendar time that accounts for staggered entries, multiple entries into and exits from the portfolio, as well as multiple default events on an account level. This approach, from Arjas and Haara (1987), makes use of both idiosyncratic and systematic covariates, which facilitates stress-testing. This approach has, to our knowledge, never been applied to credit risk before and we apply it to a mortgage loan portfolio of a major bank in South Africa. We con rm the theoretical asymptotic properties of the estimated parameters in this model empirically via simulation. The current delinquency level contributes greatly to default events, so we develop a
Aldosterone synthase gene polymorphism, stroke volume and age-related changes in aortic pulse wave velocity in subjects with hypertension

Purpose In rats, chronic aldosterone administration with high diet intake increases aortic stiffness independent of mechanical stress. In hypertensive humans, enhanced plasma aldosterone and arterial stiffness are positively associated. Whether the aldosterone synthase gene polymorphism (ASGP) CYP11B2 influences the age-related changes in blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in hypertensive subjects has never been investigated. Methods In 425 untreated hypertensive men and women, ASGP was evaluated together with aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV). In 191 of these subjects, cardiac haemodynamics were measured using echo-Doppler techniques. Results In the overall population, independently of sex, the TC and CC genotypes of ASPG had significantly higher heart rate (HR) (P < 0.05) and lower stroke index (P < 0.01) than the TT genotype, but did not affect BP. In men, the adjusted slopes of the curves relating age to PWV and HR were significantly steeper (P = 0.04; P = 0.002) for the TC and CC than for the TT genotype. Such gene-related differences were not observed for the age–systolic BP relationship. Conclusion In hypertensive subjects, the TC and CC genotypes of ASGP involve, by comparison with the TT genotype, significantly higher HR and reduced stroke index. In men with the C allele, the reduced stroke index (cardiac effect) compensates for the steep increase of PWV with age (arterial effect), thus modulating the cardiovascular phenotype and explaining the lack of increased incidence of systolic hypertension. The results are consistent with a local role of endogenous aldosterone on both heart and vessels.
Headache Disorders in Developing Countries: Research Over The Past Decade

The majority of people with primary headache disorders live in the developing world. The contribution of low and middle income (LAMI) countries to headache research has not been previously characterized. A search was performed for clinical research publications between the years 1997 and 2006, using the search terms ‘headache’ OR ‘headache disorders’ AND ‘primary’ OR ‘migraine’ AND ‘each of the LAMI countries’ in 67 databases. Articles in English or with abstracts in English translation were included. These publications were scrutinized for study characteristics. Two hundred and twenty-seven publications from 32 LAMI countries were found. Half (50.2±) of these were from three middle-income countries (Brazil, Turkey and Iran), whereas 24 (10.6±) came from low-income countries. Most of the research focused on migraine. Only 29.5± of the articles involved treatment of headache. The understanding of headache disorders in LAMI countries is derived from a limited number of publications from relatively few countries. Identifying gaps in headache research in the developing world is strategic for targeting research policy.
Evaluation of the model-based state-of-charge estimation methods for lithium-ion batteries

To achieve accurate battery SoC, the Gaussian is applied to construct battery model. It is able to simulate the time-variable, nonlinear characteristics of battery. To adaptively adjust the Gaussian battery model parameter set and order, a novel online four-step model parameter identification and order selection method is proposed. To further evaluate the Gaussian battery model estimation accuracy, another two kinds of representative battery models including the combined model and Thevenin model are built as comparisons. Results based on three kinds of Kalman filters show that the maximum SoC estimation error of each case is within 2% and the Gaussian model has the best accuracy for voltage prediction as well as SoC estimation.
Integrated crop-livestock systems − a key to sustainable intensification in Africa

Mixed crop-livestock systems provide livelihoods for a billion people and produce half the world’s cereal and around a third of its beef and milk. Market orientation and strong and growing demand for food provide powerful incentives for sustainable intensification of both crop and livestock enterprises in smallholders’ mixed systems in Africa. Better exploitation of the mutually reinforcing nature of crop and livestock systems can contribute to a positive, inclusive growth trajectory that is both ecologically and economically sustainable. In mixed systems, livestock intensification is often neglected relative to crops, yet livestock can make a positive contribution to raising productivity of the entire farming system. Similarly, intensification of crop production can pay dividends for livestock and enhance natural resource management, especially through increased biomass availability. Intensification and improved efficiency of livestock production mean less greenhouse gases per unit of milk and more milk per unit of water. This paper argues that the opportunities and challenges justify greater investment in research for development to identify exactly where and how ‘win-win’ outcomes can be achieved and what incentives, policies, technologies and other features of the enabling environment are needed to enable sustainable, integrated and productive mixed crop-livestock systems.
Cloud Computing and Some Scenarios for its Application in Universities

Cloud computing is a new technology and a new trend. In recent years most of organisations start to choose their cloud models. The educational institutions, especially universities, cannot ignore the huge amount of benefits that cloud computing may bring them. In this paper, we are explaining in details the concept of cloud computing, its models and usage areas, its working principle, its advantages and disadvantages. We specifically focus on its importance for universities by giving examples for its implementation in e-Learning.
THE CURRENT TRENDS IN OUTSOURCING AS A PRACTICE: CAUSES, CASE STUDIES AND LOGIC WITH EMPHASIS ON GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR

The widespread use and promotion of outsourcing in the government and business sectors has been the subject of much debate over recent years. The proponents of outsourcing claim that it saves money and creates greater efficiencies through streamlining business processes. The critics say that outsourcing costs jobs for American citizens and causes the loss of employee benefits for those allowed to stay in their jobs while employed under the new contractor. The paper seeks to describe the current reasons for undertaking the step to outsource government work through a discussion of policies, published surveys and reported results. While the origins of outsourcing have their roots in the United States back in the revolutionary war, the government defined and promoted the idea of outsourcing in the federal public sector in 1955 with the A-76 memorandum that stated that the government would utilize the private sector businesses to perform commercial activities.
Modulatory Effect of Fish Oil on the Myocardial Antioxidant Defense System in Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction

The effect of fish oil treatment on the activities of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase, and glutathione, as well as the level of the lipid peroxidation marker thiobarbituric reactive substance was studied in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction (MI). To confirm the induction of MI by isoproterenol, we studied the activities of cardiac marker enzymes like creatinine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase and the level of troponin. The biochemical lesions due to the activation of lipid peroxidation and decrease in antioxidant status are significantly implicated in experimental isoproterenol-induced MI. The results indicate that the protective effect of fish oil is achieved by decreasing the peroxide concentration and normalizing antioxidant defense enzymes.
Sensory Reinnervation in Reconstruction of the Foot

Intact sensation constitutes an important protective mechanism for the plantar surface of the foot. For optimal functional results, sensory reinnervation in reconstruction of the heel of the plantar foot would appear to be helpful. Various techniques are presented in which both intact local tissue and distant tissue are used. The design of neurosensory fasciocutaneous flaps and musculocutaneous flaps from the foot, sensory-innervated full thickness skin grafts, and microsurgically transferred skin flaps, muscle flaps, and musculocutaneous flaps are presented. Free tissue transfer techniques can be used in combination with various sensory reinnervation techniques.
Measuring Managerial Competencies in Management Program

Global applicants to graduate management schools are increasingly as diverse as the program offerings . Last year, women made up a progressive record worldwide of those taking the standardized entrance test for management programs. This momentum has also been gaining by leaps and bounds even in Islamic country like Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Management colleges have therefore been challenged with the task of developing students with managerial competency for the competitive advantage. This research aims to measure characteristics that are representatives of core dimensions of the five basic managerial competencies (a) Communication Competency (b) Planning and Administration Competency (c) Teamwork Competency (d) Multicultural Competency and (e) Self-Management Competency in university female students of Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Students benefit by having their managerial competencies defined and develop self awareness by self assessment inventory. This research will be a value addition in Saudi scenario as it will help universities integrate managerial competencies into the program by developmental exercises which will enhance professional development of students and satisfy community needs of advancement. Self-Management Competency scores were found to be highest among the student while they were above average in Communication, Planning and Administration, Teamwork, and Multicultural Competency. Keywords: Managerial competency, Planning and administration, Communication, Teamwork, Multicultural
Biosafety Level-4 Laboratories in Europe: Opportunities for Public Health, Diagnostics, and Research

Summary of Findings and NextSteps The experience with the existing BSL-4laboratorynetworks[2]hasbeenvaluableinfacilitating information and resource shar-ing, scientific exchange and training, andorganizing external quality control assays;the result of the 2-day conference held in2010 [7] was a consensus on some key issuesthat have represented a new starting pointfor the future of the fight against HIDs: N Sustainability. Limitations in fund-ing together with the risk of prolifer-ation of new facilities in Europe andNorth America pose the question oftheir long-term sustainability. Resourc-es need to be identified for themaintenance of their diagnostic capa-bility, training, and research. In par-ticular, funding should be provided tocontinue the implementation of inter-laboratory collaboration, including co-ordinated quality control assays,training,andprofessionaldevelopment. N Biosafety and Biosecurity. A bet-ter interaction between biosafety pro-fessionals and researchers should beencouraged, as well as the adoption ofpolicies and practices that are evi-dence-based. A consensus should befound to allow the exchange of valu-able samples or reagents betweendesignated high containment facilities,and formal agreements addressingsecurity issues should be establishedbetween European countries to allowthe exchange of researchers, and togrant access to BSL-4 laboratories toscientists from countries where thereare no such facilities.
Dormancy in Embryos: Insight from Hydrated Encysted Embryos of an Aquatic Invertebrate*

Numerous aquatic invertebrates remain dormant for decades in a hydrated state as encysted embryos. In search for functional pathways associated with this form of dormancy, we used label-free quantitative proteomics to compare the proteomes of hydrated encysted dormant embryos (resting eggs; RE) with nondormant embryos (amictic eggs; AM) of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis. A total of 2631 proteins were identified in rotifer eggs. About 62% proteins showed higher abundance in AM relative to RE (Fold Change>3; p = 0.05). Proteins belonging to numerous putative functional pathways showed dramatic changes during dormancy. Most striking were changes in the mitochondria indicating an impeded metabolism. A comparison between the abundance of proteins and their corresponding transcript levels, revealed higher concordance for RE than for AM. Surprisingly, numerous highly abundant dormancy related proteins show corresponding high mRNA levels in metabolically inactive RE. As these mRNAs and proteins degrade at the time of exit from dormancy they may serve as a source of nucleotides and amino acids during the exit from dormancy. Because proteome analyses point to a similarity in functional pathways of hydrated RE and desiccated life forms, REs were dried. Similar hatching and reproductive rates were found for wet and dried REs, suggesting analogous pathways for long-term survival in wet or dry forms. Analysis by KEGG pathways revealed a few general strategies for dormancy, proposing an explanation for the low transcriptional similarity among dormancies across species, despite the resemblance in physiological phenotypes.
TH E W O RL D BA NK OP E R A T I O N S E V A L U A T I O N DE P A R T MEN T

The Operations Evaluation Department (OED) is an independent unit within the World Bank; it reports directly to the Bank's Board of Executive Directors. OED assesses what works, and what does not; how a borrower plans to run and maintain a project; and the lasting contribution of the Bank to a country's overall development. The goals of evaluation are to learn from experience, to provide an objective basis for assessing the results of the Bank's work, and to provide accountability in the achievement of its objectives. It also improves Bank work by identifying and disseminating the lessons learned from experience and by framing recommendations drawn from evaluation findings. Summary The Kenya Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Project's three major objectives were to: (i) strengthen institutional capacity at the national and district levels to design, implement, monitor and evaluate STI/HIV interventions; (ii) promote preventive measures to reduce the risks of STI/HIV transmission; and (iii) enhance both health sector and community provision of physical and psychological care and develop strategies to mitigate the social and economic consequences of AIDS. The project was financed through IDA Credit No. C2686 for US$40 million, with a government contribution of $4 million, and donor cofinancing of $25.5 million. It was approved in March 1995, and closed June 30, 2001, with US$0.9 million of the remaining credit cancelled. The original project design was relevant, but gave insufficient attention to implementation arrangements. Implementation progress was slow in the initial years, but the Bank and government subsequently gave increased attention to resolving implementation bottlenecks at the national and district level. Following the midterm review (1997), the Bank gave increased attention to building political support for a comprehensive HIV/AIDS control program. Project monitoring and evaluation was weak, making it difficult to assess the impact—and in some cases the output—of project activities. Outcome is rated moderately satisfactory. The project made substantial contributions to strengthening national political commitment to addressing STIs/HIV, and to strengthening capacity for STI/HIV treatment and prevention, particularly in the original 15 pilot districts. But the project made only modest contributions to the capacity of the National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP), and negligible contributions to strengthening the capacity of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Under objective (ii), drugs and training financed by the project appear to have improved treatment of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (which may have a role in facilitating HIV transmission). The project also provided over $6 million for …
PENGARUH KUALITAS LAYANAN, KOMPETENSI TENAGA PENJUALAN, PERSEPSI HARGA, DAN VARIASI PRODUK TERHADAP LOYALITAS PELANGGAN MELALUI KEPUASAN PELANGGAN SEBAGAI VARIABEL MEDIASI (Studi Empiris Pada PT. Libera Farma Semarang)

This study aims to examine and analyze whether there is the influence service quality, sales force competence, perceptions of price, and variety of products to the customer satisfaction. The influence service quality and sales force competence to the customer loyality. The influence customer satisfaction which can mediate customer loyalty. Planning of this research used explanatory research to know the relationship between variable. The respondents of this research are 100 pharmacies in the Semarang City used probability sampling technique which is used simple random sampling. From the result analysis to the research model which have been examined, it is indicated that service quality, sales force competence, perception of price, and variety products are influenced positive and significant to the customer satisfaction. The result of mediation is also indicated that customer satisfaction does mediate the service quality, sales force competence, perception of price and product variety. Keywords : Service Quality, Sales Force Competence, Perception of Price, Customer Satisfaction, and Customer Loyalty
Group Lending Model under Sequential Moves

We build a simple dynamic model to investigate the sequential group lending's ability to resolve the ex-ante moral hazard and under-monitoring problems among group members in comparison with simultaneous group lending. We found that the interest rates proposed by the lender are critical to the analytical results. If the interest rate is under certain parameter conditions, both the leader member and the follower member in sequential lending choose higher working effort levels even with the presence of lower peer monitoring in the second period. In this case, the arrangement of sequential lending is beneficial for mitigating the ex-ante moral hazard and under-monitoring problems. If the interest rate is higher than a level with certain parameter configurations, the leader member chooses higher working and monitoring effort levels, whereas the follower member chooses lower working and monitoring effort levels. We also found that the repayment rate in the sequential lending model is higher than that in the simultaneous lending model.