Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rheological Properties of DNA Molecules in Solution: Molecular Weight and Entanglement Influences

Molecular weight, stiffness, temperature, and polymer and ionic concentrations are known to widely influence the viscosity of polymer solutions. Additionally, polymer molecular weight—which is related to its dimensions in solution—is one of its most important characteristics. In this communication, low molecular weight DNA from salmon sperm was purified and then studied in solutions in a wide concentration range (between 0.5 and 1600 mg/mL). The intrinsic viscosity of this low molecular weight DNA sample was firstly determined and the evidence of the overlap concentration was detected around the concentration of 125 mg/mL. The chain characteristics of these short molecules were studied in terms of the influence of their molecular weight on the solution viscosities and on the overlap parameter CDNA[η]. Furthermore, to complete previously reported experimental data, solutions of a large molecular weight DNA from calf-thymus were studied in a high concentration range (up to 40 mg/mL). The rheological behavior is discussed in terms of the generalized master curve obtained from the variation of the specific viscosity at zero shear rate (ηsp,0) as a function of CDNA[η].
Meta-analysis in sport and exercise research: Review, recent developments, and recommendations

Abstract The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of the principles and practice of conducting quantitative psychometric meta-analytic reviews in the sport and exercise sciences and highlight some of the recent developments and recommendations from researchers regarding the conduct and validity of meta-analytic methods. After outlining the historical context, the general principles involved in a quantitative cumulation of research findings across empirical studies is reviewed. Subsequently, recent controversies and issues surrounding the use of meta-analysis are reviewed with examples provided from the sport and exercise psychology literature. Specifically, the basis for and selection of meta-analytic models (use of fixed vs. random effects models), the treatment of data from theories that explicitly demand testing the effects of multiple independent variables on a dependent variable (use of multiple regression), and how to treat studies that contain multiple tests of a given effect (use of averaging and structural equation modeling methods) are covered. Recommendations are provided for researchers conducting meta-analytic studies based on these issues.
Confirmation of Occurrence of Hydroxamate Siderophores in Soil by a Novel Escherichia coli Bioassay

The occurrence of ferrichrome-type hydroxamate siderophores in soil was confirmed. In the presence of the iron-scavenging chelator ethylenediamine[di(o-hydroxyphenylacetic)acid], soil extract stimulated the growth of an Escherichia coli strain possessing the ferrichrome transport protein (TonA) but did not stimulate growth of a strain lacking this protein (TonA−). The siderophore concentration in a 1:1 (soil-water) extract was estimated to be approximately 78 nM. Specificity of the assay was supported by the absence of significant differential strain responses to ferric citrate, ferric 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate, enterochelin, ferrioxamine B, coprogen, and triacetylfusigen.
Mechanisms underlying creative performance: Employee perceptions of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards for creativity

In this study, we clarified some of the ambiguities in the rewards–creativity relationship by focusing on creative performance in organizations that is contingent on intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. Participants were 241 employee–peer pairs working in various industries. The results indicated that, regardless of the degree of importance of the reward as perceived by the employee, intrinsic rewards exerted a significant direct positive effect on creativity. In contrast, extrinsic rewards exerted only a significant indirect effect on employee creativity via commitment to creativity. Moreover, the effect of extrinsic rewards on creative performance was moderated by the degree of importance of that reward as perceived by the employee. The reward promoted creativity only when the employee regarded that reward as important. Our findings demonstrate distinct underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards in shaping individual employee creativity.
HCP-4/CENP-C Promotes the Prophase Timing of Centromere Resolution by Enabling the Centromere Association of HCP-6 in Caenorhabditis elegans

ABSTRACT Prior to microtubule capture, sister centromeres resolve from one another, coming to rest on opposite surfaces of the condensing chromosome. Subsequent assembly of sister kinetochores at each sister centromere generates a geometry favorable for equal levels of segregation of chromatids. The holocentric chromosomes of Caenorhabditis elegans are uniquely suited for the study of centromere resolution and subsequent kinetochore assembly. In C. elegans, only two proteins have been identified as being necessary for centromere resolution, the kinase AIR-2 (prophase only) and the centromere protein HCP-4/CENP-C. Here we found that the loss of proteins involved in chromosome cohesion bypassed the requirement for HCP-4/CENP-C but not for AIR-2. Interestingly, the loss of cohesin proteins also restored the localization of HCP-6 to the kinetochore. The loss of the condensin II protein HCP-6 or MIX-1/SMC2 impaired centromere resolution. Furthermore, the loss of HCP-6 or MIX-1/SMC2 resulted in no centromere resolution when either nocodazole or RNA interference (RNAi) of the kinetochore protein KNL-1 perturbed spindle-kinetochore interactions. This result suggests that normal prophase centromere resolution is mediated by condensin II proteins, which are actively recruited to sister centromeres to mediate the process of resolution.
Analysis of a comprehensive diabetic retinopathy screening model for rural and urban diabetics in developing countries

Aim: To present an analysis of a screening model for diabetic retinopathy and compare the results of screening between rural and urban populations. Methods: Between June 2003 and September 2004, 51 diabetic retinopathy screening camps (rural, 25; urban, 26) were conducted in three southern districts of India. The target population, aged 30 years and above, underwent comprehensive eye evaluation and those with referable diabetic retinopathy (proliferative diabetic retinopathy, severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, severe diabetic macular oedema, or a combination of these) were referred to the base hospital for further treatment. Results: Among 7716 diabetic subjects, the age and sex adjusted prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 18% in the rural areas and 17% in the urban areas. The prevalence of referable retinopathy was 6.8% in rural areas and 4.6% in urban areas (p<0.001). Around 63% of individuals in rural areas and 75% in urban areas had never previously had their eyes examined for diabetic retinopathy. Multivariate analysis revealed the following risk factors for diabetic retinopathy: age more than 50 years, known diabetes, prolonged duration of diabetes, and eyes with moderate or severe visual impairment (p<0.0001). Conclusions: The study describes a comprehensive diabetic retinopathy screening model which can identify sight threatening retinopathy and provide necessary treatment for rural and urban populations.
Habitat Selection by American Martens in Coastal California

Abstract We investigated habitat selection using single- and mixed-scale modeling at 2 spatial scales, stand and home range, by the only known population of American martens (Martes americana) remaining in the historical range of the Humboldt subspecies (M. a. humboldtensis) in California, USA. During 2000 and 2001, we sampled a 12 × 14 grid with 2-km spacing, using 2 sooted track plates at each grid point. We detected martens at 26 of the 159 grid points. We used resource selection probability functions and an information-theoretic method to model habitat at detection locations. At the stand scale, martens selected conifer-dominated stands with dense, spatially extensive shrub cover (𝑥̄ = 74% cover, SE = 4) in the oldest developmental stage. At the home-range scale, martens selected the largest available patches (𝑥̄ = 181 ha, SE = 14) of old-growth, old-growth and late-mature, or serpentine habitat. Mixed-scale models revealed that habitat characteristics from both scales best explained marten occurrence compared to one scale alone. Dense, spatially extensive shrub cover is a key habitat element for martens in coastal forests. Dense shrubs provide refuge from predators, cover for prey, and may also deter larger-bodied competitors. Managers can increase the likelihood of marten population persistence and encourage expansion in coastal forests by maintaining and restoring late-mature and old-growth, conifer-dominated forests with dense shrub cover in large, contiguous patches.
Distribution of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in US adults aged ≥50 years with community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND Streptococcus pneumoniae causes a substantial proportion of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) in the United States. Limited data are available regarding the pneumococcal serotypes causing CAP and HCAP. METHODS Adults aged ≥ 50 years presenting to participating US hospitals with radiographically confirmed pneumonia between February 2010 and September 2011 were screened for inclusion. S. pneumoniae was identified using microbiological cultures, BinaxNOW® S. pneumoniae assay, or urine antigen detection (UAD) assay capable of detecting 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)-associated serotypes. RESULTS Among 710 subjects enrolled, the median age was 65.4 years; 54.2% of subjects were male, 22.4% of radiographically confirmed pneumonia cases were considered HCAP, and 96.6% of subjects were hospitalized. S. pneumoniae was detected in 98 subjects (13.8%) by any test, and PCV13-associated serotype(s) were identified by UAD in 78 (11.0%). Serotype 19A was most prevalent, followed by 7F/A, 3, and 5. Serotypes associated with 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) accounted for 25% of UAD-positive isolates. CONCLUSIONS Pneumococcal serotypes causing noninvasive pneumonia in adults may differ significantly from those causing invasive disease, with PCV7-associated serotypes overrepresented. Serotype 5, rarely seen in contemporary surveillance of invasive disease in the United States, substantially contributed to the observed cases of S. pneumoniae-positive CAP or HCAP.
One-Year Surveillance of ESKAPE Pathogens in an Intensive Care Unit of Monterrey, Mexico

Background: Bacterial species from the ESKAPE group (i.e. Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species) are frequently resistant to antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to monitor the incidence of ESKAPE pathogens at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital in Monterrey, Mexico. Methods: All clinically relevant organisms isolated from June 2011 to June 2012 were included. Identification and susceptibility testing was performed using panels from Sensititre. Resistance to oxacillin, for S. aureus, and the production of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), for K. pneumonia, were determined as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. Also, the presence of vanA and vanB genes was determined in E. faecium vancomycin (VAN)-resistant isolates. Results: The majority of pathogens (64.5%) isolated in the ICU unit were from the ESKAPE group. The organisms most frequently isolated were A. baumannii (15.8%) and P. aeruginosa (14.3%). A high resistance to carbapenems was detected for A. baumannii (75.3%) while 62% of S. aureus isolates were confirmed to be methicillin resistant. Of the K. pneumoniae isolates, 36.9% were ESBL producers. We detected three E. faecium VAN-resistant isolates, all of which contained the vanA gene. Conclusion: The presence of the ESKAPE group of pathogens is a major problem in the ICU setting. The results of this study support the implementation of special antimicrobial strategies to specifically target these microorganisms.
Constructing Organizations: The Example of Public Sector Reform

Organizations are socially constructed phenomena. A crucial task for organizational research is to analyze how and why people construct organizations rather than other social forms. In this paper, it is argued that recent public-sector reforms can be interpreted as attempts at constructing organizations. Public-sector entities that could formerly be described as agents or arenas have been transformed into `more complete' organizations by installing or reinforcing local identity, hierarchy and rationality. This interpretation helps to explain important aspects of the reform process.
Participatory Rural Appraisal as Qualitative Research: Distinguishing Methodological Issues from Participatory Claims

Anthropologists and many others are making increasing use of participatory research methods in a variety of applied contexts. While aware of the potential advantages of such methods, this paper outlines a number of methodological issues that need to be carefully considered. Such issues, when taken together with the problem of combining participatory with qualitative and quantitative research, argue strongly not only for caution in using the methods but also for the need to undertake basic research on participatory methods themselves. This paper looks at the development of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) in development research, and critically examines three methods--interviewing, visualization, and ranking/scoring--in terms of their relation to established qualitative research. It then turns to the problems that arise from using PRA techniques. Finally, the validity and reliability of PRA are discussed in relation to arguments about sequencing/triangulating research techniques, an argument which is sh.
No somatic genetic change in the paxillin gene in nonsmall‐cell lung cancer

The paxillin gene (PXN) encodes a focal adhesion associated protein that could be involved in the progression of lung cancer through its interactions with the actin cytoskeleton and key signal transduction oncogenes. PXN mutations and PXN amplifications were recently identified in nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and amplifications were associated with MET increased copy number. The description of tumors with two to three mutations in the PXN gene and the overrepresentation of GC to AT transitions were unexpected and needed confirmation. The aim of this study was to validate the incidence of PXN somatic alterations in NSCLC and to correlate them to other common genetic alterations. PXN mutations and copy number changes at PXN, EGFR, and MET loci were analyzed on DNAs from frozen tumor samples (n = 159) that had been previously screened for mutations at EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, ERBB2, STK11, PIK3CA, and TP53. We found PXN polymorphisms including nonsynonymous ones but no PXN amplification and only 1/159 (<1%) somatic tumor mutation F416L. In conclusion, we do not deny the possible involvement of PXN in cancer but our findings do not support a major role for PXN somatic changes in lung carcinogenesis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sample preparation effects on stable C and N isotope values: a comparison of methods in Arctic marine food web studies

We compared effects of different sample preparation techniques on the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values of fish muscle, whole crustaceans and particulate organic matter (POM). Comparisons were also made to untreated (i.e. dried and homogenised) samples. Relatively carbon- ate-rich samples treated with weak acid (0.1 N HCl), either by quickly wetting or acid dampening, were on average 1.3‰ more enriched in 13 C than duplicates soaked in 2 N HCl for 5 min, indicating incomplete carbonate removal with the weaker acid. In comparison, no differences in δ 15 N values were found between acid treatments, and a following water rinse had no effect on the δ 13 C or δ 15 N values. Chloroform-methanol (2:1 by volume) extraction overnight removed less lipids than Soxhlet extraction with 7% methanol in dichloromethane for 2 h, resulting in ~1.2‰ difference in δ 13 C values between treatments of lipid-rich duplicates. Different lipid-extraction methods did not lead to consis- tent differences in δ 15 N values, however. Depending on the lipid and carbonate content, untreated samples were depleted in 13 C by 0.8 to 4.4‰ and in 15 N by 0.6 to 1.4‰ compared to treated dupli- cates. We conclude that δ 13 C and δ 15 N values of samples with low lipid and carbonate content are highly comparable among studies regardless of pre-treatment methods, whereas the δ 13 C values of relatively lipid- and/or carbonate-rich samples must be carefully considered based on the pre- treatment applied to samples. In comparison, δ 15 N values are relatively robust to differences in car- bonate and lipid-removal methods, and δ 15 N values of untreated vs. carbonate- and lipid-treated samples are comparable within ±1.0‰.
The Effects of Major Depression on Alcoholism

Some patients come into treatment with clear cases of both major depression (MDD) and alcoholism. Although assumptions are often made about the relationships of these two conditions, little empirical information exists on the effects of changes in MDD on the course of alcoholism in patients presenting at psychiatric facilities. The authors used survival analysis with time-dependent covariates to investigate the effects of remissions and relapses of MDD on the 5-year course of alcoholism in 127 dual diagnosis patients. Changes in the status of MDD bad strong, significant effects on the course of alcoholism. Improvement in MDD status increased the chances of remission in alcoholism and reduced the chances of alcoholism relapse. The status of MDD appears to have an effect on the course of alcoholism in patients with severe affective disorders.
Hedge Fund Due Diligence: A Source of Alpha in a Hedge Fund Portfolio Strategy

Due diligence is an important source of alpha in a well designed hedge fund portfolio strategy. It is generally understood that the high returns possible in investing in hedge funds are somewhat offset by the relative lack of transparency on operational issues. The performance of a diversified hedge fund portfolio can be enhanced by excluding those funds likely to do poorly – or fail – due to operational risk concerns. However, effective due diligence is an expensive concern. This implies that there is a strong competitive advantage to those funds of funds sufficiently large to absorb this fixed and necessary cost. The consequent economies of scale that we document in funds of funds are quite substantial and support the proposition that due diligence is a source of alpha in hedge fund investment.
Supplementary Fit, Complementary Fit, and Work-Related Outcomes: The Role of Self-Construal

The current research investigated whether employees' self-construals moderated the effects of supplementary fit and complementary fit on their work-related outcomes (i.e. affective commitment and citizenship behavior). An organisational sample of 317 Chinese employees provided evidence that the relations between supplementary fit and these two work-related outcomes were stronger among employees with a higher interdependent self-construal. Conversely, the relations between complementary fit and work-related outcomes were stronger among employees with a higher independent self-construal. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
The purpose of mess in action research: building rigour though a messy turn

Mess and rigour might appear to be strange bedfellows. This paper argues that the purpose of mess is to facilitate a turn towards new constructions of knowing that lead to transformation in practice (an action turn). Engaging in action research – research that can disturb both individual and communally held notions of knowledge for practice – will be messy. Investigations into the ‘messy area’, the interface between the known and the nearly known, between knowledge in use and tacit knowledge as yet to be useful, reveal the ‘messy area’ as a vital element for seeing, disrupting, analysing, learning, knowing and changing. It is the place where long‐held views shaped by professional knowledge, practical judgement, experience and intuition are seen through other lenses. It is here that reframing takes place and new knowing, which has both theoretical and practical significance, arises: a ‘messy turn’ takes place.
Chemical reduction kinetics of nitrate in aqueous solution by Mg/Cu bimetallic particles

Synthesized magnesium/copper (Mg/Cu) bimetallic particles have shown good potential for use in the reduction of nitrate from aqueous solutions. This study was conducted to investigate the main factors affecting the kinetics of nitrate reduction by Mg/Cu particles (<100 µm) in uncontrolled reaction conditions. The Mg/Cu bimetallic particles removed the majority of the various nitrate concentrations tested (50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 mg L−1) within a short period. The time required for the removal of 90.6% of the NO3 − from a 100 mg L−1 solution was about 20 min using 2 g L−1 bimetallic Mg/Cu at an initial solution pH of 6. The activation energy (Ea) for nitrate reduction by Mg/Cu over the temperature range of 5 to 60 °C was 14.21 kJ mol−1. The experimental results of the kinetic analysis from batch studies indicated that a higher initial nitrate concentration yielded a greater reaction‐rate constant and the denitrification rate increased with increase Mg/Cu dosage.
Changes in Levels of Juvenile Hormone and Molting Hormone in Larvae and Adult Females of Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) after Imidacloprid Applications to Rice

Abstract Insect hormones regulate growth and development and fecundity of insects. The current study investigated changes in juvenile hormone (JH) and molting hormone (MH) levels in fourth instars and adult females of Chilo suppressalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) after imidacloprid application to rice, Oryza sativa L. The results showed that JH level in fourth instars that developed feeding on Fengyouxiangzhan rice plants sprayed with 15, 30, and 60 ppm imidacloprid was significantly higher than that of larvae that developed on control plants, increasing by 5.04, 6.39, and 4.89 times, respectively. The relationships between JH level and imidacloprid concentrations showed a significant negative correlation. In contrast, molting hormone (MH) level in larvae fed on control plants was significantly higher than that on treated plants. JH:MH values in fourth instars developed from larvae feeding on rice plants treated with 15, 30, 60, 80, and 100 ppm imidacloprid increased by 49.17, 39.43, 13.48, 15.80, and 0.2 times, respectively, compared with control. JH and JH:MH ratio in larvae fed on Wujing 15 plants treated with imidacloprid were significantly lower than those fed on Fengyouxiangzhan under the same treatments. JH level in adult females that developed from larvae feeding on rice plants sprayed with imidacloprid significantly decreased with increase in imidacloprid concentration, but it increased compared with control. JH level in adult females was associated with times of imidacloprid application. JH level in adult females developed from larvae feeding on rice plants after double spray with 30 ppm imidacloprid was significantly higher than control, increasing by 61.6 and 116.5%, respectively, compared with a single spray and the control. Moreover, hormone levels in the larvae were related to the application method of imidacloprid. JH level in fourth instars after root application and topical application of imidacloprid was significantly lower than in control. Thus, the dynamics of JH and MH in insects after insecticide applications are an extremely interesting problem, because hormones are related to insect growth and development.