Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of metallothionein, p53 protein and Ki-67 antigen expression in laryngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND This study aimed at the evaluation of the expression of metallothionein (MT) in laryngeal carcinoma and its correlation with the expression of Ki-67 antigen and p53 protein and selected clinical and pathological variables in view of their potential prognostic significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-five laryngeal cancer patients were retrospectively analysed. Expression of MT, Ki-67 and p53 in tumour tissue samples were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In laryngeal cancer a significantly augmented expression of MT, Ki-67 and p53 was noted, as compared to the control group (p < 0.001) and a significantly increased expression of MT in low malignancy tumours (G1) as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The expression of Ki-67 antigen was positively correlated with the expression of p53 protein (r = 0.477; p < 0.05) and expression of either marker was positively correlated with malignancy grade (r = 0.47, p < 0.05; r = 0.31, p < 0.05; for Ki-67 and p53, respectively). Shortened survival was noted in patients with high expression of Ki-67 antigen and p53 protein. CONCLUSION The intensity of MT expression was not related to prognosis in laryngeal cancer. Nevertheless, it may provide a significant index indicating the malignant transformation of benign lesions of laryngeal epithelium.
Fluorescent proteins as markers in the plant secretory pathway

The use of fluorescent proteins and live cell imaging has greatly increased our knowledge of cell biology in recent years. Not only can these technologies be used to study protein trafficking under different conditions, but they have also been of use in elucidating the relationships between different organelles in a noninvasive manner. The use of multiple different fluorochromes allows the observation of interactions between organelles and between proteins, making this one of the fastest‐developing and exciting fields at this time. In this review, we discuss the multitude of fluorescent markers that have been generated to study the plant secretory pathway. Although these markers have been used to solve many mysteries in this field, some areas that require further discussion remain. Microsc. Res. Tech. 69:152–159, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Negotiating transitions in musical development: the role of psychological characteristics of developing excellence

The challenges of developing potential to achieve high-level performance in music are considerable. Furthermore, research is increasingly emphasizing the multidimensional and dynamic construction of talent, along with an awareness of the central role of psycho-behavioural factors in the realization of potential. Moreover, in order to achieve success, developing musicians must negotiate key transitions between stages of development. In order to investigate these various challenges, world-class musicians were purposefully sampled and interviewed about their development in music. Subsequently, key transitions within their career, as well as the skills and characteristics needed to negotiate these transitions, were identified. Results suggest that the ability to negotiate transitions between stages of development is mediated by the development and employment of a range of psychological characteristics of developing excellence (PCDEs). These PCDEs appear similar to those employed in other performance domains and support increasing empirical evidence of the development of psycho-behavioural characteristics as a core feature of talent development processes.
Long-Term Barriers to Economic Development

What obstacles prevent the most productive technologies from spreading to less developed economies from the world’s technological frontier? In this paper, we seek to shed light on this question by quantifying the geographic and human barriers to the transmission of technologies. We argue that the intergenerational transmission of human traits, particularly culturally transmitted traits, has led to divergence between populations over the course of history. In turn, this divergence has introduced barriers to the diffusion of technologies across societies. We provide measures of historical and genealogical distances between populations, and document how such distances, relative to the world’s technological frontier, act as barriers to the diffusion of development and of specific innovations. We provide an interpretation of these results in the context of an emerging literature seeking to understand variation in economic development as the result of factors rooted deep in history. JEL codes: O11, O33, O40, O57.
The Islamic work ethic as a mediator of the relationship between locus of control, role conflict and role ambiguity – A study in an Islamic country setting

The article examines the potential mediating role of the Islamic work ethic between locus of control, role conflict and role ambiguity. The study uses a sample of 397 employees in a variety of manufacturing and service organizations in an Islamic country, the United Arab Emirates. The results of correlational analysis and regression models suggest that the Islamic work ethic is related to locus of control. Furthermore, the results of a series of regression models indicate that the Islamic work ethic mediates the relationship between locus of control and role ambiguity. On the other hand, the results point out that the Islamic work ethic does not mediate the relationship between locus of control and role conflict. Results further point out that there is a significant correlation between the Islamic work ethic and role ambiguity. Limitations, lines of future research, implications and contributions are discussed.
A Single Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotides Targeting Multiple Oncoproteins Produces Strong Anticancer Effects

Cancer in general is a multifactorial process. Targeting a single factor may not be optimal in therapy, because single agents are limited by incomplete efficacy and dose-limiting adverse effects. Combination pharmacotherapy or “drug cocktail” therapy has value against many diseases, including cancers. We report an innovative decoy oligodeoxynucleotide (dODN) technology that we term complex decoy oligodeoxynucleotide (cdODNs) in which multiple cis elements are engineered into single dODNs attacking multiple target transcription factors, mimicking the drug cocktail approach. We designed dODNs targeting NF-κB, E2F, and Stat3 separately and a cdODN targeting NF-κB, E2F, and Stat3 concomitantly. We evaluated effects of this cdODN on expression of cancer-related genes, viability of human cancer cell lines, and in vivo tumor growth in nude mice. The cdODN targeting all NF-κB, E2F, and Stat3 together demonstrated enhancement of efficacy of more than 2-fold and increases in potency of 2 orders of magnitude compared with each of the dODNs or the combination of all three dODNs. The cdODN also showed earlier onset and longer-lasting action. Most strikingly, the cdODN acquired the ability to attack multiple molecules critical to cancer progression via multiple mechanisms, leading to elimination of regression. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that the cdODNs knocked down expression of the genes regulated by the target transcription factors. The cdODN strategy offers resourceful combinations of varying cis elements for concomitantly targeting multiple molecules in cancer biological processes and opens the door to “one-drug, multiple-target” therapy for a broad range of human cancers.
Navigating transitions to adulthood through secondary education: aspirations and the value of education for Tanzanian girls

A rapidly increasing proportion of youth in developing countries pursue their transition to adulthood through post-compulsory education. Studies on the role of formal education in youth transitions tend to focus on the structural constraints to successful transitions and less attention is given to the voices and reflections of young people, particularly in-school youth. Qualitative data gathered among 100 female students enrolled in the second year of lower secondary school depict the educational aspirations and future orientation of Tanzanian girls. The focus of the analysis is on how girls see the value of secondary education in their transition to adulthood. Students' future-oriented assessment of their education and the value they attach to it illustrate why girls pursue schooling beyond primary level despite the meagre opportunities for higher education and formal employment. The findings demonstrate that girls want to study to develop themselves, to advance in life and to help others. Besides the instrumental value of education, students emphasise the intrinsic value of being educated. Supporting the aspirations of youth by providing feasible skills and strategies is a challenge to education systems. Student perspectives provide valuable insights into the discussion on the role of secondary education in youth transitions.
The Effects of Melodramatic Animation in Crime-Related News

An experiment with 187 college students as participants was conducted to investigate the effects of the use of melodramatic animation in crime-related news. The results of path analyses suggested that the viewers’ experience of presence was related to the intensity of negative perceptions of the suspect portrayed in crime news and their confidence in assessing the suspect as guilty. However, a diverse result was found for the influence of the use of melodramatic animation in the news on presence, with regard to different news categories. The practical and ethical issues regarding the use of this news format are discussed.
P‐35: Individual Differences in the Use of Binocular and Monocular Depth Cues in 3D‐Graphic Environments

We found that 30 % of non‐stereoanomalous observers, aged 19 to 25 years old, did not use disparity in making depth judgments in 3D‐graphic environments. However, several questionnaires indicate that the use of disparity can be learned unconsciously, suggesting that poor stereopsis can be improved by appropriate training procedures.
Mycolic Acid-Containing Bacteria Induce Natural-Product Biosynthesis in Streptomyces Species

ABSTRACT Natural products produced by microorganisms are important starting compounds for drug discovery. Secondary metabolites, including antibiotics, have been isolated from different Streptomyces species. The production of these metabolites depends on the culture conditions. Therefore, the development of a new culture method can facilitate the discovery of new natural products. Here, we show that mycolic acid-containing bacteria can influence the biosynthesis of cryptic natural products in Streptomyces species. The production of red pigment by Streptomyces lividans TK23 was induced by coculture with Tsukamurella pulmonis TP-B0596, which is a mycolic acid-containing bacterium. Only living cells induced this pigment production, which was not mediated by any substances. T. pulmonis could induce natural-product synthesis in other Streptomyces strains too: it altered natural-product biosynthesis in 88.4% of the Streptomyces strains isolated from soil. The other mycolic acid-containing bacteria, Rhodococcus erythropolis and Corynebacterium glutamicum, altered biosynthesis in 87.5 and 90.2% of the Streptomyces strains, respectively. The coculture broth of T. pulmonis and Streptomyces endus S-522 contained a novel antibiotic, which we named alchivemycin A. We concluded that the mycolic acid localized in the outer cell layer of the inducer bacterium influences secondary metabolism in Streptomyces, and this activity is a result of the direct interaction between the mycolic acid-containing bacteria and Streptomyces. We used these results to develop a new coculture method, called the combined-culture method, which facilitates the screening of natural products.
Instructional Advice and Information Providing and Receiving Behavior in Elementary Schools

Few studies identify those factors that might account for the development of social capital. Understanding those factors associated with the existence of a social tie among actors in schools is important because absent social ties, individuals do not have access to social resources. We investigate social tie formation in schools focusing on advice and information providing and receiving in the two core elementary school subjects. Using a multilevel p2 model, we examine the role of both formal organizational structure and individual characteristics in shaping advice and information providing and receiving about instruction. Our findings suggest that while the individual characteristics of race and gender are significantly associated with the formation of a tie, aspects of the formal school organization—grade-level assignment, having a formally designated leadership position, and teaching a single grade—are also significant and have larger estimated effects than individual characteristics. Formal organizational factors trump individual characteristics in the formation of a social tie, a necessary if insufficient condition for social capital development.
An Investigation of Academic Self-Concept and its Relationship to Academic Achievement in African American College Students

This study examined the academic self-concept construct in a sample of 206 African American students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and predominantly White colleges and universities (PWCUs). Institutional, gender, and class status (i.e., year in college) differences in academic self-concept were investigated as well as factors that predict academic self-concept. Participants completed the Academic Self-Concept Scale. Findings indicated that the best predictor of academic self-concept for students attending PWCUs was grade point average, whereas the best predictor of academic self-concept for students attending HBCUs was quality of student-faculty interactions. Additional analyses indicated that grade point average is significantly more important for the academic self-concept of African American students attending PWCUs than African American students attending HBCUs. Implications for psychologists are discussed.
Effect of CXCL-1/KC Production in High Risk Vascularized Corneal Allografts on T Cell Recruitment and Graft Rejection

Background. The survival rate of corneal allografts in high-risk vascularized corneal bed recipients is poor, similar to vascularized solid organ allografts. Although the early induction of selective chemokines in solid organs is required for the optimal recruitment of T cells into rejecting allografts, little is known about the role of these chemokines in high risk corneal allografts. Methods. Orthotopic corneal allotransplants were performed in low-risk (nonvascularized) and high-risk (vascularized) C57BL/6 (H-2b) recipients using Balb/c (H-2d) donors. Intragraft production of CXC chemokines was measured by Luminex and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on corneal transplant extracts at different times after surgery. Rabbit anti-KC serum was used to test its role in high risk corneal allograft survival. Results. Early upregulation of CXCL1/KC occurs 3 days after transplantation in high risk allograft only. Moreover, the T-cell chemoattractants, CXCL9/Mig and CXCL10/IP10, are produced late (day 10) after surgery and their production correlates with the recruitment of CD4 T cells into the graft. Furthermore, in vivo neutralization of CXCL1/KC with anti-KC sera results in increased graft survival and decreased recruitment of T cells into high-risk allografts. Conclusion. We propose that a high risk vascularized cornea behaves like a vascularized solid organ transplant. The early production of CXCL1/KC is crucial to the induction of T-cell chemoattractants necessary for the recruitment of allospecific CD4 T cells into the graft. In vivo neutralization of CXCL1/KC represents a potential novel therapy that could be used to increase the survival rate of high-risk vascularized corneal allografts.
Gaining Influence but Losing Power? COSATU Members and the Democratic Transformation of South Africa1

This paper draws on the results of a third leg of a longitudinal survey of COSATU members run in 2004 by the Sociology of Work Unit (SWOP) and the Democracy and Governance unit of the Human Science Research Council in South Africa and compares these with results of the first two legs of the survey (1994 and 1998). The study shows a remarkable continuity of the militant union traditions within the union federation. Furthermore, COSATU members support the involvement of labour in institutions of the new democracy, including parliament and municipal councils because they believe that these provide them with opportunities to extract benefits and make new gains. For similar reasons support for the tripartite alliance led by the ruling African National Congress remains strong 10 years after the inauguration of democracy. However, an examination of the social characteristics of the membership of COSATU shows that the federation represents an ever-diminishing section of the working class and that it is making no headway in organizing workers in the growing precarious forms of work – contract, outsourced, casual and part-time workers. Furthermore, the federation's membership is increasingly becoming more skilled, more educated and older. In light of the above, the paper asks, does the survey data suggest that COSATU has been gaining political influence but losing organizational power during the democratic transition? Are we about to witness the marginalization of labour or is a process of union revitalization likely in South Africa? The paper concludes by arguing that both processes have occurred and that it is too early to suggest that the South African labour movement has been completely marginalized during the transition to democracy.
The Relationship Between Subjective Falls-Risk Assessment Tools and Functional, Health-Related, and Body Composition Characteristics

We sought to explore the relationship between two subjective falls-risk assessment tools (Falls Efficacy Scale–International [FES-I] and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence [ABC] Scale) and functional, health-related, and body composition characteristics. A total of 245 community-dwelling people aged 60 to 88 years underwent assessments for subjective falls risk (using the FES-I and ABC Scale), health-related (cognitive; Short-Form Health Survey [SF-12]), functional (physical activity and physical function), and body composition characteristics (measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry). The FES-I and ABC Scale are strongly correlated with each other for females and males (r = −.70, p < .001; r = −.65, p < .001), respectively. There are substantial differences between males and females when they self-assess their risk of falling as well as what characteristics contribute to explaining these self-assessments. Females are potentially more self-aware of their functional, body composition and health-related characteristics to better estimate their own risk of falling. FES-I correlates better with functional, body composition, and health-related characteristics, and thus may be more appropriate for use than the ABC in community-dwelling older adults.
Using the National Longitudinal Study of 1988 to evaluate theoretical models of self-concept: The Self-Description Questionnaire.

Self-concept scales (Math, English, Parent Relations, Same-Sex Peer Relations, and Opposite-Sex Peer Relations) from the Australian Self-Description Questionnaire II (SDQII) were included in the National Educational Longitudinal Survey of 1988 (NELS:88). Mean differences that were based on responses by 17,544 (NELS:88) U.S. and 1,147 (SDQII normative archive) AustraIian students were small, and gender differences (girls higher for English and Same-Sex Relations but lower for Math) were similar for both countries. Structural equation models relating mathematics and English achievement scores, school grades, self-concepts, and school-average abilities replicated and extended previous results that were based on the internal/external frame of reference model and the big-fish-little-pond effect
Health Journalism: Health Reporting Status and Challenges

Background: Media play crucial role in disseminating health information. Due to the importance of accurate health news reports, and the national need to professionalism in health journalism, this study aimed to investigate the characteristics of health journalists, and health reporting status and the challenges involved. Materials and Methods: Using consensus sampling, this descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on all health news reporters in Isfahan (34 journalists) in 2015–2016. Data collection was done via a researcher-made questionnaire. Content validity of the questionnaire was determined by qualitative method and based on the opinions of six experts. The test–retest reliability coefficient was 98.0. Data analysis was done by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 16 and descriptive statistics and content analysis were used for analyzing the responses to two open questions. Results: Among 34 journalists, 56% were women and 44% men; the majority of journalists (65%) had no specialized training on health reporting, 35% of journalists were not able to understand the health issues, and the knowledge of medical terminology in 59% of them was moderate to low. The most important required skill for reporters was the ability to interpret medical research reports (88%), 97% were eager to participate in specialized health education. Conclusions: Our study showed that health journalists lacked knowledge and specialized training for dissemination of health news. This has brought about serious challenges. Thus, development and implementation of training courses in close collaboration with educational department of the Ministry of Health and news programs professionals at Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting is highly recommended.
Investigation of Self-Preservation Theory in Two Dimensional Turbulent Mixing Layers

The behavior of a two dimensional, steady turbulent mixing layer was investigated. Besides the usual velocity components, all the contributing components of the Reynolds Stresses are also calculated and presented. The results indicated that in the two dimensional steady turbulent mixing layers the theory of self-preservation is not valid for all the flow domain, and that the flow is turbulent regime is divided into two areas. Through calculation of Reynolds Stress components at the point of initiation of the flow, it was shown that the turbulent flow in the area containing the point of singularity of the flow is not, as previously believed, self-preserved.
Measuring customer satisfaction in summer courses

Purpose – The recent changes that have occurred in the Spanish university teaching environment, such as growing competition, have caused these courses to become an important differentiating element of what is offered by each university. Therefore, the authors propose to delve deeper into the relationship existing between satisfaction and the intent to recommend the courses taken by the attendees.Design/methodology/implications – The research developed in the paper endeavours to be a first approximation of the factors that determine the satisfaction of the people who attend the summer courses offered by a Spanish public university. Furthermore, this article analyses whether or not the satisfaction levels of the students translate into one of the positive behaviours that are set forth in specialised literature: recommendation. The information is based on the analysis of a self‐administered survey given to the students of the 2003 summer session after completing the course.Findings – The results obtained sho.