Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of the sex-determining region in flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus).

Elucidation of the sex-determination mechanism in flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) is required to exploit its economic potential by production of genetically determined monosex populations and application of hormonal treatment to parents rather than to the marketed progeny. Our objective was to construct a first-generation linkage map of the M. cephalus in order to identify the sex-determining region and sex-determination system. Deep-sequencing data of a single male was assembled and aligned to the genome of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A total 245 M. cephalus microsatellite markers were designed, spanning the syntenic tilapia genome assembly at intervals of 10 Mb. In the mapping family of full-sib progeny, 156 segregating markers were used to construct a first-generation linkage map of 24 linkage groups (LGs), corresponding to the number of chromosomes. The linkage map spanned approximately 1200 cM with an average inter-marker distance of 10.6 cM. Markers segregating on LG9 in two independent mapping families showed nearly complete concordance with gender (R2 = 0.95). The sex determining locus was fine mapped within an interval of 8.6 cM on LG9. The sex of offspring was determined only by the alleles transmitted from the father, thus indicating an XY sex-determination system.
Hopelessness, Temperament, and Health Perception in Heroin Addicts

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate temperament, hopelessness (a measure of suicide risk), and health perception in heroin addicts. The study involved the administration of the TEMPS-A Rome, the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), the MINI Neuropsychiatric Interview, and the Multidimensional Health Questionnaire. Participants were 100 heroin addicts who were matched by age and sex with 100 randomly selected non-users. Heroin addicts obtained higher scores on TEMPS-A Dys/Cyc/Anx temperament and on the irritable temperament. In the heroin addicts, anxiety, depression, preoccupation with health, health illness self-blame, health monitoring, and negative thinking about health were positively associated with hopelessness, dysthymic/anxious/cyclothymic temperament, and irritable temperament. Motivation to avoid unhealthiness, health assertiveness, health expectation optimism, and health satisfaction were negatively associated with hopelessness, dysthymic/anxious/cyclothymic temperament, and irritable temperament. More knowledge on health attitudes in heroin addicts may help in delivering a treatment plan for this selective population.
Deep Autoencoder Based Speech Features for Improved Dysarthric Speech Recognition

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder, resulting in mumbled, slurred or slow speech that is generally difficult to understand by both humans and machines. Traditional Automatic Speech Recognizers (ASR) perform poorly on dysarthric speech recognition tasks. In this paper, we propose the use of deep autoencoders to enhance the Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) based features in order to improve dysarthric speech recognition. Speech from healthy control speakers is used to train an autoencoder which is in turn used to obtain improved feature representation for dysarthric speech. Additionally, we analyze the use of severity based tempo adaptation followed by autoencoder based speech feature enhancement. All evaluations were carried out on Universal Access dysarthric speech corpus. An overall absolute improvement of 16% was achieved using tempo adaptation followed by autoencoder based speech front end representation for DNN-HMM based dysarthric speech recognition.
Electron Microscopy Studies of Potassium Sodium Niobate Ceramics

Using electron microscopy, K0.5Na0. 5NbO3 (KNN) ceramics sintered at 1030°C for 8 h and 1100°C for 2 and 24 h was studied. The scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectrometry revealed that the materials consisted of a matrix phase in which the (Na+K)/Nb ratio corresponded closely to the nominal composition and a small amount of Nb-rich secondary phase. A bimodal microstructure of cube-shaped grains was revealed in the fracture and thermally-etched surfaces of the KNN. In the ceramics sintered at 1100°C, the larger grains (up to 30 μm across), contained angular trapped pores. The transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the crystal planes of the grains bordering the intragranular pore faces were of the {100} family with respect to the simple perovskite cell. Ferroelectric domains were observed in the grains of this material.
Presence and metabolism of the anabolic steroid boldenone in various animal species: a review

The review summarizes current knowledge on the possible illegal use of the anabolic steroid boldenone. The presence of boldenone and metabolites in different animal species and the possibility of the occurrence of endogenous boldenone and metabolites is assessed, as are the methods of analysis used for detection. Different laboratories in the European Union have examined the occurrence of boldenone and its metabolites. The results were discussed at different meetings of a European Commission DG-SANCO Working Party and summarized in an expert report. The situation of the different laboratories at this time is also covered herein. The overall conclusion of the Working Party was that there was a necessity for further research to distinguish between naturally occurring and illegally used boldenone forms. The confirmation of the presence of boldenone metabolites (free and conjugated forms) in certain matrices of animals is proposed as a marker for the illegal treatment with boldenone.
The intellectual capital performance of the Japanese banking sector

The performance of economic entities has been a research matter even in the ancient world. The human “genius” has been recognized as a vehicle for certain valuable capabilities and as the critical enabler of transforming processes. But it has not been considered as an intellectual capitalizator or intellectual asset. This has happened recently in the promising field of intellectual capital and its related philosophy of knowledge management, although the related research status quo is still in its infancy. Applies the VAICTM method in order to analyze the data of Japanese banks for the financial period 1 April 2000‐31 March 2001. Analyzes the intellectual or human (HC) and physical capital (CA) of the Japanese banking sector and discusses their impact on the banks’ value‐based performance. Focuses on the actual status of HC and CA capital and its predictive, discriminative and integrative impact on the “intellectual” added value‐based performance situation. Confirms the existence of significant performance.
Meeting or Missing Earnings Benchmarks: The Role of CEO Integrity

This paper examines the role of CEO integrity in determining whether a company’s earnings benchmarks will be met, beaten or missed. Prior literature has provided evidence that managers have incentives for meeting or beating earnings benchmarks and are rewarded by the market for doing so (Lopez and Rees 2002; Skinner and Sloan 2002). Managers also have incentives to miss their earnings targets for the benefit of a lower strike price on subsequent option grants (McAnally et al. 2008). A CEO’s involvement in backdating is taken here as a measure of his/her integrity. This paper shows that CEO integrity significantly influences benchmark meeting/beating behavior. In other words, backdating CEOs are more likely to meet or narrowly beat all three earnings benchmarks examined in the paper: positive earnings, last year’s earnings and analysts’ forecasts. At the same time, they are also less likely to just miss a zero earnings benchmark. The results presented in this paper further validate the use of benchmark meeting/beating as a measure of earnings manipulation.
Severe congenital hyperinsulinism caused by a mutation in the Kir6.2 subunit of the adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel impairing trafficking and function.

CONTEXT The ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel, assembled from the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir6.2 and the sulfonylurea receptor 1, regulates insulin secretion in beta-cells. A loss of function of K(ATP) channels causes depolarization of beta-cells and congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), a disease presenting with severe hypoglycemia in the newborn period. OBJECTIVE Our objective was identification of a novel mutation in Kir6.2 in a patient with CHI and molecular and cell-biological analysis of the impact of this mutation. DESIGN AND SETTING We combined immunohistochemistry, advanced life fluorescence imaging, and electrophysiology in HEK293T cells transiently transfected with mutant Kir6.2. PATIENT AND INTERVENTION The patient presented with macrosomia at birth and severe hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. Despite medical treatment, the newborn continued to suffer from severe hypoglycemic episodes, and at 4 months of age subtotal pancreatectomy was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE We assessed patch-clamp recordings and confocal microscopy in HEK293T cells. RESULTS We have identified a homozygous missense mutation, H259R, in the Kir6.2 subunit of a patient with severe CHI. Coexpression of Kir6.2(H259R) with sulfonylurea receptor 1 in HEK293T cells completely abolished K(ATP) currents in electrophysiological recordings. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed that mutant Kir6.2 was partly retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) causing decreased surface expression as observed with total internal reflection fluorescence. Mutation of an ER-retention signal partially rescued the trafficking defect without restoring whole-cell currents. CONCLUSION The H259R mutation of the Kir6.2 subunit results in a channel that is partially retained in the ER and nonfunctional upon arrival at the plasma membrane.
Two types of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: immunofluorescent, cytochemical and ultrastructural studies of the antral and pancreatic gastrin cells in different clinical states

In this survey the antral, pancreatic and, where present, the neoplastic gastrin cells, were studied in eight cases of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The antral G cells alone were studied in one case of Z-E syndrome, seven cases of simple duodenal ulcer, and five cases of pernicious anaemia. The Z-E cases were divided into two numerically equal groups. The first group had `short' histories, high serum gastrin levels, and profound antral G cell hyperplasia. The second group had `long' histories, relatively lower serum gastrin levels, normal antral G cells, and either pancreatic D cell hyperplasia or gastrinoma. Antral G cell hyperplasia, with maximal gastrin storage and normal serum gastrin levels, was found in the duodenal ulcer cases. Antral G cell hyperplasia with minimal storage and high serum gastrin levels was observed in the cases of pernicious anaemia. On the basis of our findings we propose that there exist at least two distinct types (or perhaps stages) of the Z-E syndrome. Suggestions for their pathogenesis are offered.
Loss of Nkx3.1 expression in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate model

The transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model has been extensively characterized at the histological and molecular levels, and has been shown to mimic significant features of human prostate cancer. However, the status of Nkx3.1 expression in the TRAMP model has not been elucidated.
Exploring classroom teachers' spelling practices and beliefs

Abstract Using three perspectives on spelling instruction (i.e., memorization, generalizations, and developmental) as a framework, teachers in grades 2 to 5 were interviewed to investigate the practices and beliefs about spelling instruction which exist in a school system which has de‐emphasized formal spelling instruction. An analysis of the respones to open‐ended questions suggests that the classroom teachers in this sample (n=42) persist in the use of weekly lists and testing. About half create their own lists and half rely on a published speller to some extent While there is a range of activities associated with spelling, many traditional activities are still employed such as writing words multiple times and using words in sentences. Many of the teachers questioned such practices as invented spelling and do not appear to take a developmental view of spelling. The interviewed teachers were largely dissatisfied with the spelling ability of their students and current spelling instruction, but appeared to lack the knowledge and resources needed to teach spelling more effectively.
Structural changes in industrial R&D in Europe and the US: towards a new model?

We analyse the structural changes that have characterised the organisation of industrial R&D over the last 25 years. Taking Mowery's work (Industrial and Corporate Change, 2009, 18(1), 1–50) on the US as a starting point, we reconsider the different aspects of structural change he examined, discuss their impact and the overall logic underlying them. We then examine Europe to discover to what extent these structural changes have occurred in recent years. While a certain structural evolution is perceptible, it is not on the same scale as that analysed for the US. Finally, we consider the extent to which the new structures are more or less ‘efficient’ than previous ones. We conclude with the implications for R&D and innovation policy implications. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Essays in International Macroeconomics and Trade

Motivated by recent monetary expansion in the United States in the aftermath of the 2007-8 financial crisis, we use a New Keynesian three-country Center-Periphery model to define a game between policymakers in emerging economies linked to some large industrial economy via the exchange rate. We derive welfare-based payoffs to study the policy implications of monetary expansion in the US. We highlight cases in which policy coordination between emerging economies may improve their welfare. We identify cases in which countries may prefer to manipulate the exchange rate and resist currency appreciation. We then propose a framework based on results from a Global Vector Autoregressive Model. This approach allows us to treat the emerging economies according to the observed data. We use US, Chinese and Brazilian data on consumption, output and money supply between 1994 and 2014. We perform counterfactual analysis allowing to determine the welfare outcomes of joint monetary expansions: in the US and China, in the US and Brazil, and in all three countries. Our results are relevant for the ongoing discussion on the benefits of policy coordination and the spillover effects of monetary policy of a large industrial country on emerging economies and suggest that this framework can be used as a tool to coordinate countries on welfare-superior outcomes relative to Nash equilibrium. In the third essay we consider an N-country two-good Cobb-Douglas model with country specific preferences and arbitrary endowments. This allows us to look at the interactions between asymmetric countries. We provide a general existence result which we then apply to our specific endowment economy, and provide conditions on the prim- itives of the model that ensure the existence of a pure strategy Nash equilibrium. We show that Nash equilibria with prohibitive tariffs cannot arise.
Managing Employment Change: The New Realities of Work

Deregulation and decentralization have placed organizations in the driving seat of employment change. Drawing on seven case studies of large organizations, this book examines how organizations as the architects of the employment system are restructuring their employment practices. Rich data on the experience of work collected from all seven organizations provide clear evidence of a general transformation of the wage-effort relationship based on cost cutting and increased work intensity. This increased work intensity is shown to be a consequence - intended and unintended - of changes to a variety of employment policies and practices, including changes to staffing policies (for example the trend towards 'lean staffing', and the use of new contracts), changes to the skills-mix and training provision associated with policies of 'delayering' and multi-skilling, and changes in working time arrangements towards more flexible and extended working hours. Such trends in employment practices have been interpreted as a return to the market as the institutionalized employment system, characteristic of bureaucratic organizations and strong trade unions, visibly crumbles. The analysis presented here rejects the notion of simple market determination and instead develops an integrated and interdisciplinary framework for understanding the processes shaping employment change. Managers are seeking solutions to increasing market or performance pressures through changes to employment policies. However, these responses to budget cuts and market pressures are shown to be mediated by the institutional, political, and social environment inside and outside the organization. Moreover managers are found in practice not to be able to control their environment or implement their desired policies with the expected outcomes. Despite the increased scope for managerial initiative and the greater opportunities for shifting the risk and responsibility of adapting to new conditions on to labour, the attempts of managers to develop a strategic approach to employment change are proving to be largely unsuccessful. The book ends by calling for a renewal and rebuilding of labour market institutions to kick-start the process of reversing this fragmentation of the employment system.
Pressures for sustainability practices in an oil and gas company: Evidence from Sudan

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the pressures to adhere to sustainability practices in an oil company in Sudan and its response to these pressures. Design/methodology/approach - – A qualitative case study research was conducted through interviews with the case company’s managers and various external stakeholders. The interviews were complemented by several informal conversations, observations and documentary materials. Findings - – There were external and internal pressures exerted on the company to adopt sustainability practices. However, the coercive pressures did not necessarily bring about a real change in the organisation. The forces of change were mainly the foreign partner’s audit pressure and the non-governmental organisation (NGO) allegations, which were given serious attention, due to the importance of reputation as an asset to the company. Practical implications - – Clear regulatory frameworks, more direct engagement with NGOs and meeting the expectations of the local communities were considered as crucial factors to ensure there is a pathway for sustainability in the oil and gas industry of developing countries. Originality/value - – Most previous studies on the motivation for corporate sustainability practices focussed on external pressures. This study examined the specific types of stakeholders’ group, among the internal and external stakeholders, that has most influence on the organisation’s sustainability practices, in the context of a developing country with weak regulatory governance.
Targeting host nucleotide biosynthesis with resveratrol inhibits emtricitabine-resistant HIV-1

Objective:The M184V mutation in the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase gene is frequent (>50%) in patients, both in resource-rich and resource-limited countries, conferring high-level resistance (>100-fold) to the cytosine analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors lamivudine and emtricitabine. The reverse transcriptase enzyme of M184V HIV-1 mutants has reduced processivity, resulting in reduced viral replication, particularly at low deoxynucleotide (dNTP) levels. We hypothesized that lowering intracellular dNTPs with resveratrol, a dietary supplement, could interfere with replication of M184V HIV-1 mutants. Design and methods:Evaluation of the activity of resveratrol on infection of primary peripheral blood lymphocytes by wild-type and M184V mutant HIV-1. We assayed both molecular clones and primary isolates of HIV-1, containing M184V alone and in combination with other reverse transcriptase mutations. Viral infection was quantified by p24 ELISA and by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Cell viability was measured by colorimetric 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Results:In virus-infectivity assays, resveratrol did not inhibit replication of wild-type NL4-3 (resveratrol EC50 > 10 &mgr;mol/l), but it inhibited NL4-3 184V mutant (resveratrol EC50 = 5.8 &mgr;mol/l). These results were confirmed by real-time PCR analysis of early and late products of reverse transcription. Resveratrol inhibited molecular clones and primary isolates carrying M184V, alone or in combination with other reverse transcriptase mutations (resveratrol EC50 values ranging from 2.5 to 7.7 &mgr;mol/l). Conclusions:Resveratrol inhibits HIV-1 strains carrying the M184V mutation in reverse transcriptase. We propose resveratrol as a potential adjuvant in HIV-1 therapy, particularly in resource-limited settings, to help control emtricitabine-resistant M184V HIV-1mutants.
Resolution of Corticosteroid-Induced Diabetes in Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis with Omalizumab Therapy: A Novel Approach

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) occurs in up to 15% of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) (1). Clinically, the disease manifests by symptoms consistent with bronchial asthma along with wheezing, pulmonary infiltrates, and bronchiectasis. Variable immunologic responses to Aspergillus fumigatus antigens are observed including peripheral blood eosinophilia, prick skin test reactivity, increased levels of total serum immunoglobulin (IgE), the presence of precipitating antibodies and increased specific serum IgE and IgG antibodies to A fumigatus (2,3). Treatment of ABPA targets the inflammatory and immunological activity with corticosteroids in concert with an overall reduction of airway fungal load with antifungal agents (4). Long-term treatment is often required because of repeated exacerbations when corticosteroid treatment is tapered. Owing to chronic systemic corticosteroid use, serious adverse events frequently include insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and chronic diabetes (5). Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis frequently results in severe worsening of the respiratory condition in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, particularly cystic fibrosis. Treatment can result in steroid dependency and serious adverse events (6). Several case reports of improvement of respiratory symptoms and lung function after treatment with anti-IgE antibody (omalizumab) in cystic fibrosis patients with ABPA have been described (7,8). While previous benefits of omalizumab have been noted in ABPA, this report focuses on the subgroup of CF patients with steroid-induced hyperglycemia. As systemic corticosteroids are a mainstay of therapy in ABPA, this subgroup requires intensive glucose monitoring while on steroids. We report a case of corticosteroid-induced diabetes in a patient with CF and ABPA subsequently treated with omalizumab.