Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Morphological Sectors on Antifungal Susceptibility Testing and Virulence Studies

ABSTRACT Morphological heterogeneity of Aspergillus terreus cultures was observed during continued cultivation of amphotericin B (AMB)-resistant isolates on drug-free medium. Outgrowth leads to the emergence of multiple sectors that might result from increased growth rates at drug-free conditions. We evaluated the differences in AMB susceptibility and virulence between sector subcultures (ATSec), AMB-resistant (ATR) strains, and AMB-susceptible (ATS) strains. By comparing A. terreus AMB-resistant (ATR) strains and A. terreus sector (ATSec) cultures we observed a highly significant reduction of AMB MICs in ATSec (ATR MIC, 2 to 32 μg/ml; ATSec MIC, 0.12 to 5 μg/ml). Furthermore, Galleria mellonella survival studies revealed an enhanced virulence of ATSec, which was comparable with that of AMB-sensitive Aspergillus terreus strains (median survival rates for ATS isolates, 72 h; for ATSec isolate ATSecG1, 84 h; for ATR isolates, 144 h). Our findings clearly demonstrate that spontaneous culture degeneration occurs in A. terreus and, most importantly, crucially impacts drug efficacy and virulence.
Serum free thyroxine levels are positively associated with arterial stiffness in the SardiNIA study

Thyroid dysfunction may accelerate atherosclerosis. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an early index of arterial stiffness and an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and might therefore be linked to changes in thyroid activity. We investigated the relationship between thyroid function and carotid‐femoral PWV, as an index of arterial stiffness.
Foundations of anti-immigrant sentiment: The variable nature of perceived group threat across changing European societies, 2002-2006

In this article we examine how Europeans perceive the consequences of immigration. We draw upon group threat, conflict and boundary-making theories to differentiate between probable reasons of anti-immigrant sentiment. We hypothesize that perceived threats vary over time and across countries since their nature may shift according to changing economic and other conditions. Using data from three rounds and 24 countries of the European Social Survey, perceived threat is explained by socio-economic characteristics, political orientation and structural conditions. We then focus on more specific threats in economic and cultural terms and how they vary in their effects on negative attitudes toward immigration. Our findings support variable economic and cultural foundations of anti-immigrant sentiment exerting different influence associated with changing economic conditions. Implications of these findings for future policy and research are discussed in the light of the current economic crisis.
Regulation, taxation and violence: the state, quasi-state governance and cross-border dynamics in the Great Lakes Region

The conflicts that have plagued the Great Lakes Region during the last 20 years are domestic and regional at the same time, with considerable inputs and outputs across national borders. As elsewhere in Africa and the world, borders unite as much as they divide. State weakness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and border porosity enable non-state armed groups, neighbouring governments' armies and private entrepreneurs of instability to freely operate on Congolese soil. As most analyses tend to focus on the macro-level structures and patterns of economic control, they do not take into account the dynamic processes of renegotiation of the existing local political, social and economic space. This article attempts to bring together hitherto scattered micro-level field data and analyses produced by other scholars and UN experts, which it organises in five themes: regulatory activities, including taxation; the straddling of public and private spheres; the struggles for control; the transnational nature of activities and, closely linked, profound regional integration; and non-state groups acting as proxies for states. In addition to addressing the greed versus grievance debate, the cases presented here challenge a recent strand in research that sees criminal activities and forms of ‘hybrid governance’ as potential processes towards state formation.
Getting teachers back to the classroom. A systematic review on what works to improve teacher attendance in developing countries

This article reports on a systematic review of research on the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing teacher attendance in developing countries. After a comprehensive search process, nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Pooled effects sizes of included studies were estimated (with the exception of three studies that had unavailable information to calculate their effect sizes). Results show that direct interventions coupling monitoring systems with incentives and indirect interventions involving the community and parents in students’ education had statistically significant effects on teacher attendance, suggesting that close monitoring and attractive incentives are mechanisms of high potential to reduce teacher absenteeism.
Perceived Strategic Value and e-Commerce Adoption among SMEs in Slovakia

This article examines the link between the determinants of a Perceived Strategic Value construct and an Adoption construct for e-commerce in Slovakian small and medium-sized enterprises. Results indicate that three factors—Organizational Support, Managerial Productivity, and Decision Aids—comprise the Perceived Strategic Value construct. For the Adoption construct, four factors—External Pressure, Ease of Use, Readiness and Compatibility, and Perceived Usefulness—were revealed. Canonical correlation analysis showed a positive link between these constructs. Theoretical, practical, and policy implications are presented. This study enhances the understanding of the Perceived Strategic Value and of the adoption of e-commerce for Slovakian small and medium-sized enterprises.
Neurotoxicity of subarachnoid preservative-free S(+)-ketamine in dogs.

BACKGROUND Subarachnoid S(+)-ketamine is a matter of much debate as the results regarding its toxicity are contradictory. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to investigate possible histopathological alterations after subarachnoid administration of different doses of preservative-free S(+)-ketamine to dogs. STUDY DESIGN A randomized, blind, prospective experimental study. SETTING Center for Research on Pain at the Federal University of Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS Sixteen adult mongrel dogs of both sexes, each weighing 11 to 20 kg were divided into 3 groups: Group I (n=6), 0.7 mg/kg-1 S(+)-ketamine; Group II (n=6), 0.5 mg/kg-1 S(+)-ketamine, and a control group, Group III, (n=4), 0.9% NaCl. All substances were administered in one mL volume doses. The animals were kept in captivity for 2 weeks; after this period, they were put down and lumbar and sacral portions of the spinal cords were removed for histological examination using conventional light microscopy. RESULTS There were histological alterations in the spinal cords of the test subjects in the control group. Comparison showed significant histological abnormalities in Groups I and II when compared to the control group, including gliosis, axonal edema, central chromatolysis, lymphocyte infiltration and fibrous thickening of the dura mater. LIMITATIONS Test subjects received only a single dose each. The observation period was not very long, less than a month. CONCLUSIONS Subarachnoid administration of S(+)-ketamine without preservative caused histological lesions on the spinal cord and meninges in the dogs studied. S(+)-ketamine should not be given to clinical patients in this way until further evaluation of the significance of this toxicity has been conducted.
From farm to firm : rural-urban transition in developing countries

Around the world, countries are becoming urbanized at an astonishing pace. As countries develop economically, their economies shift from mainly rural and agrarian to increasingly urban and nonagricultural. This rural-urban transformation presents both opportunities and challenges for development. When managed effectively, the transformation spurs growth and reduces poverty. When managed poorly, however, the process can result in stark welfare disparities, the marginalization of entire regions, and poorly functioning cities that fail to realize the potential gains from agglomeration economies. This book investigates the rural-urban transformation underway in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, emphasizing the influence of country conditions as well as the potential of good policies to minimize disparities and ensure that everyone shares in the benefits of urbanization. The first part of this book investigates urbanization and rural-urban welfare inequalities on three geographic scales global, national, and local featuring countries and cities in Sub-Saharan Africa on the national and local levels. The second part of the book sheds light on the texture of transformation in five countries in South Asia, each at a different stage in the process: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Entrepreneurs and Democracy: A Political Theory of Corporate Governance

List of figures and tables Introduction Part I. Establishing the Ideological Foundations: The Contribution of Liberal Political Philosophy: 1. The invisible crown: political foundations of the legitimate entrepreneur 2. Society fragmented and the role of democracy Part II. Understanding How Corporate Governance Evolves: The Contribution of History: 3. Familial governance (c. 1800-1920): economic enfranchisement and the founder as entrepreneur 4. Managerial governance (c. 1920-1970): separation of powers and management as the entrepreneur 5. Post managerial governance (from c. 1970): ownership of the large corporation reaches unprecedented mass and fragments into multiple poles 6. Interpreting public governance: representation and debate signify a new step towards democratization Part III. Corporate Governance and Performance: 7. The pure economic model of corporate governance: an analysis 8. Critique of the pure economic model of corporate governance 9. Economic performance, corporate governance, and the fragmentation of ownership Epilogue.
The Effects of DonorNet 2007 on Kidney Distribution Equity and Efficiency

In 2007, UNOS released DonorNet 2007® (DN07) in hope of improving allocation equity and efficiency. We hypothesized that hard‐to‐place organs might be less efficiently handled through this regimented process. We analyzed associations between DN07 and center‐level equity, number of refusals per organ and cold ischemia time (CIT). A total of 8244 kidney transplants between 1/2006 and 12/2006 (pre‐DN07) were compared with 6029 transplants between 5/2007 and 2/2008 (post‐DN07). Distribution equity was assessed by the Gini coefficient, changes in the number of refusals and CIT by negative binomial regression and discard rates by logistic regression. We estimated quantile‐specific differences in CIT by bootstrapping. We found no significant change in center‐level distribution equity after DN07. Number of refusals per organ increased by 20% (adjusted rate ratio 1.121.201.28, p < 0.001) at the patient level and 11% (ARR 1.071.111.16, p < 0.001) at the center level. Regression models of CIT showed no global change in CIT associated with DN07, but those kidneys with the longest CIT pre‐DN07 had statistically significantly longer CIT post‐DN07. The discard rate also increased significantly (ARR 1.061.111.17, p < 0.001). DN07 has not improved equity or efficiency in allocation of deceased donor kidneys, and may be harming the allocation of hard‐to‐place kidneys.
Influences of Leadership Program Participation on Students' Capacities for Socially Responsible Leadership

This study examined differential effects of various types of individual leadership experiences (e.g., retreats, academic minors) on college students’ capacities for socially responsible leadership using data from 8,961 seniors representing 99 colleges and universities. Participation in individual leadership experiences explained a significant, albeit minimal, portion of the variance in students’ outcome achievement suggesting that the type of leadership program matters much less than the degree to which high impact pedagogical strategies are embedded within it.
Optimization of link-level performance and complexity for the floating-point and fixed-point design of IEEE 82.16e OFDMA/TDD mobile modem

In this paper, we optimize the link-level performance and the complexity of floating-point and fixed-point designs for IEEE 802.16e OFDMA/TDD mobile modem. For the traffic channel, we propose efficient methodologies for optimized fixed-point design from floating-point model. Furthermore, we propose efficient algorithms for time and frequency synchronization. Tradeoffs between performance and complexity are balanced through exhaustive computer simulations
Diastolic function and type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes is a risk factor for the development of symptomatic heart failure, particularly in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (1,2). Heart failure that occurs as the result of impaired myocardial relaxation and compliance has been termed diastolic heart failure (3). Diastolic heart failure develops despite normal left ventricular systolic contractile function and leads to significant morbidity, medical costs, and mortality. Typically, patients with type 2 diabetes who are symptomatic from diastolic heart failure have superimposed hypertension, coronary artery disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, or renal insufficiency (4). Alterations in diastolic function are also frequently observed in asymptomatic individuals with type 1 diabetes (5,6), although their contribution to the development of clinical heart failure later in life remains uncertain. In this issue of Diabetes Care , Suys et al. (7) provide new evidence that children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes have altered cardiac structure and function compared with age-matched individuals without diabetes. Subjects included in the study had no cardiac signs or symptoms or diabetes complications and were not taking medications known to modify cardiac structure or function (presumably including ACE inhibitors). The most striking findings were in the girls with type 1 diabetes, who had greater left ventricular size and reduced diastolic function compared with control subjects. The fact that they were otherwise healthy young individuals without hypertension makes these observations all the more noteworthy. The findings in boys with type 1 diabetes were somewhat less dramatic and consistent. A number of conventional echocardiographic parameters were evaluated. Left ventricular wall thickness was 10% greater, and there was a trend toward increased left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index (corrected for BMI) in the girls (but not boys) with type 1 diabetes. The study did not address the …
Risk and seasonal effects: international evidence

Various explanations have been advanced for the January effect in the existing literature, but no consensus has been arrived at to distinguish one particular explanation from any others. In this paper, a time-series GARCH-M model with conditional variance as a proxy for market systematic risk is applied to investigate the seasonal effects in four countries with different tax system and tax year end: the USA, the UK, China and Australia. Empirical evidence showed a January effect in the USA, a January and an April effect in the UK, a July effect in Australia and no significant seasonal effect in China. This pattern consistently links to tax year end and the tax system in the sample countries; however, no clear evidence has been found to support the proposition that market risk is higher or priced highly only in calendar months with a seasonal effect. However, to reflect the seasonal effect, an interactive dummy variable is added into the time-series GARCH-M model, and the seasonal effects are explained away. The results of the sampled countries support the proposition that market volatility increases when it is close to the date of financial statement performance due to the uncertainty of the financial information.
The Public Earnings Premium in a Mineral Rich Economy: New Piece in the Puzzle

This paper addresses the determination of sector earnings and the public earnings premium in Saudi Arabia. It uses a primary cross section of individuals collected in 2013, and employs the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition methodology to show whether the observed sectoral earnings' differential is explained by differences in workers' characteristics or by a favorable public wage structure. While controlling for selection, the paper shows that public workers are better endowed rather than overpaid by a wealthy state. This finding suggests that, contrary to the general belief, the determination of public earnings does not contradict active labor market policies designed to encourage private sector employment of locals.
Adolescent athletic participation and nonmedical Adderall use: an exploratory analysis of a performance-enhancing drug.

OBJECTIVE A primary motive for adolescents and young adults to nonmedically use prescription stimulants is to help them study. Adolescents and young adults are using prescription stimulants, such as Adderall (amphetamine aspartate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, dextroamphetamine sulfate), as performance enhancers in certain social domains, including academics and sports. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the nonmedical use of Adderall (a commonly prescribed stimulant used nonmedically) among adolescents who participate in competitive sports. METHOD The Monitoring the Future survey for 2010 and 2011, a representative sample of 8th- and 10th-grade students, surveyed involvement in competitive sports and nonmedical Adderall use among 21,137 adolescents. Past-year nonmedical use of Adderall served as the main outcome measure. Logistic regression analyses were run to examine whether sports participation in general and involvement in different types of competitive sports participation were associated with past-year nonmedical use of Adderall among males and females. RESULTS The odds of past-year nonmedical use of Adderall among males were higher for male respondents who participated in lacrosse (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.52, 95% CI [1.20, 5.29]) and wrestling (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI [1.01, 2.98]). However, no particular sport among females was found to be associated with past-year nonmedical use of Adderall. CONCLUSIONS Certain extracurricular activities, such as high-contact sports, may influence male participants to misuse prescription stimulants as performance enhancers either on or off the playing field.
Management Learning Not Management Control: The True Role of Performance Measurement?

The true role of performance measurement is to provide a means of management learning, rather than simply a means of management control. It is widely believed performance measures are essential if managers are to track progress and establish whether their organization is moving in the desired direction. In essence this is the basic philosophy that underpins ideas of management control. However, the power of measurement extends far beyond simply tracking progress to three other areas. First the act of deciding what to measure helps clarify the organization's strategy. Second, clear measures, underpinned by an explicit theory of how the business works, assist in the process of communicating strategy and achieving organizational alignment. Third, measurement data can be used to generate performance insights. These, in turn, can be used to challenge the tacit or explicit assumptions that are held about how the business operates. This article makes explicit the hidden potential of performance measurement by highlighting how measurement systems can contribute to the organization's systems for management learning as well as management control. It also illustrates how more value can be extracted from the data that exist in organizations than has traditionally been recognized.
Selection of Galactose-Fermenting Streptococcus thermophilus in Lactose-Limited Chemostat Cultures

Stock cultures of Streptococcus thermophilus are essentially galactose negative (Gal−). Although both galactose 1-phosphate uridyl transferase and uridine-5-diphospho-glucose 4-epimerase are present, suggesting that the genes for the Leloir pathway exist, cells cannot induce high levels of galactokinase. Therefore, galactose is largely excreted when cultures are grown on lactose, and most strains cannot be readily adapted to grow on free galactose. Gal− cultures were grown in a chemostat under lactose limitation in which high concentrations of residual galactose were present. Under this selection pressure, Gal+ organisms eventually took over the culture with all four strains examined. Gal+ cells had induced galactokinase, and three of the four strains grew on free galactose with doubling times of 40 to 50 min. When Gal+ organisms were grown on lactose in batch culture, the galactose moiety was only partially utilized while lactose was still present. As lactose was exhausted, and catabolite repression was lifted, the Leloir pathway enzymes (especially galactokinase) were induced and the residual galactose fermented. Neither phospho-β-galactosidase activity nor the enzymes of the d-tagatose 6-phosphate pathway were detected in S. thermophilus. In contrast to Streptococcus cremoris and Streptococcus lactis, fermentation was homolactic with galactose in batch cultures and with lactose limitation in the chemostat. When mixed Gal+-Gal− cultures were repeatedly transferred in milk, the Gal− cells became the dominant cell type. The Gal− phenotype of stock cultures probably reflects their prolonged maintenance in milk.
A longitudinal study of family functioning after TBI and relatives' emotional status

The objectives of the study were to examine family functioning and relatives' emotional state after traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to test a model of the relationship between neurobehavioural status, family functioning and relatives' emotional status at two and five years post-injury. The relatives of 98 adult individuals who had sustained severe TBI were followed up 2 and 5 years post-injury and completed the Family Assessment Device, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and rated the neurobehavioural status (cognitive, behavioural, emotional, social) of their injured relative, using the Structured Outcomes Questionnaire. A structural equation model, based on existing research, was developed and tested on 66 of the participants. The level of family functioning and the rates of clinically relevant levels of anxiety and depression did not change over time (p > .05). The starting path model was revised. The final model had an excellent fit, χ2(16) = 15.20, p = . 51; CFI = 1.00, RMSEA < . 001, p for test of close fit = . 66. In this model, poor family functioning and symptoms of anxiety and depression in the relatives were predicted by behavioural and mood changes in the injured individual. The relationship between family functioning and relatives' mood was reciprocal. The findings suggest the need for timely investigation and institution of interventions. Support is needed both for individual family members in dealing with their emotional distress as well as for the family as a whole, with the aim of maximising quality of life for those with TBI and their relatives.