Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isogenic Strain of Escherichia coliO157:H7 That Has Lost both Shiga Toxin 1 and 2 Genes

ABSTRACT An Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain isolated from a patient with hemorrhagic colitis was found to exhibit two slightly different colony morphology types on differential medium. Each morphological type, designated TT12A and TT12B, was isolated, and serological testing using various assays confirmed that both strains carried the O157 and the H7 antigens. Biochemical testing showed that the strains had identical profiles on AP120E analysis and, like typical O157:H7 strains, did not ferment sorbitol or exhibit β-glucuronidase activity. Analysis with a multiplex PCR assay showed that TT12B did not carry the gene for either Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1) or Stx2, whereas these genes were present in TT12A and the toxins were produced. Apart from that, both strains carried the +93 gusA mutation, the cluster I ehxA gene for enterohemolysin, and theeae gene for γ-intimin, which are all characteristics of the O157:H7 serotype. Phenotypic assays confirmed that both strains exhibited enterohemolysin activity and the attachment and effacing lesion on HeLa cells. Multilocus enzyme electrophoresis analysis showed that the strains are closely related genetically and belong in the same clonal group. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing ofXbaI-digested genomic DNA revealed that the two strains differed by two bands but shared 90% similarity and clustered in the same clade. All other non-Stx-producing O157:H7 strains examined clustered in a major clade that was distinct from that of Stx-producing O157:H7 strains. The findings that TT12B was identical to TT12A, except for Stx production, and its PFGE profile is also more closely related to that of Stx-producing O157:H7 strains suggest that TT12B was derived from TT12A by the loss of both stx genes.
The Health Consequences of Adverse Labor Market Events: Evidence from Panel Data

type="main" xml:id="irel12099-abs-0001"> This study investigates the associations between self-assessed adverse labor market events (experiencing problems with coworkers, employment changes, financial strain) and health. Longitudinal data are obtained from the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions. Our findings suggest problems with coworkers, employment changes, and financial strain are associated, respectively, with a 3.1 percent (3.3 percent), 0.9 percent (0.2 percent), and 4.5 percent (5.1 percent) reduction in mental health among men (women). Associations are smaller in magnitude and less significant for physical health.
Pollinator-Mediated Selection on Floral Display and Flowering Time in the Perennial Herb Arabidopsis lyrata

The evolution of floral display and flowering time in animal-pollinated plants is commonly attributed to pollinator-mediated selection. Yet, the causes of selection on flowering phenology and traits contributing to floral display have rarely been tested experimentally in natural populations. We quantified phenotypic selection on morphological and phenological characters in the perennial, outcrossing herb Arabidopsis lyrata in two years using female reproductive success as a proxy of fitness. To determine whether selection on floral display and flowering phenology can be attributed to interactions with pollinators, selection was quantified both for open-pollinated controls and for plants receiving supplemental hand-pollination. We documented directional selection for many flowers, large petals, late start of flowering, and early end of flowering. Seed output was pollen-limited in both years and supplemental hand-pollination reduced the magnitude of selection on number of flowers, and reversed the direction of selection on end of flowering. The results demonstrate that interactions with pollinators may affect the strength of selection on floral display and the direction of selection on phenology of flowering in natural plant populations. They thus support the contention that pollinators can drive the evolution of both floral display and flowering time.
Association of polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor gene and its serum levels with diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross‐sectional study

Background Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major mediator of angiogenesis, and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study was designed to identify the possible role of VEGF gene polymorphisms in the development of DR in type 2 diabetic patients in Chinese and clarify the relationship between VEGF serum levels and the risk of DR. Methods This cross‐sectional study included 1 040 Chinese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. There were 372 patients diagnosed with DR in the case group and 668 patients without DR in the control group. DNA from each patient was analyzed for VEGF polymorphisms of ‐2578A/C (rs699947), ‐1154G/A (rs1570360), ‐460C/T (rs833061), +405C/G (rs2010963), and +936C/T (rs3025039) using MassARRAY compact analyzer. The VEGF serum levels were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results No evidence of association was observed between ‐2578 A/C (rs699947), +405C/G (rs2010963), +936C/T (rs3025039), and DR risk under stringent Bonferroni's correction. However, VEGF serum levels were significantly higher in DR patients than those of control group. The genetic variation of VEGF polymorphisms influenced VEGF serum levels; subjects carrying the VEGF ‐2578 C/C (rs699947) genotype had greater VEGF serum levels than those carrying the C/A genotype and VEGF serum levels were significantly higher in CC genotype of the +405C/G (rs2010963) compared with those of the other genotypes. Conclusions The data did not suggest significant association between the VEGF polymorphisms and DR risk under stringent Bonferroni's correction. However, our study indicated that DR patients have higher VEGF levels than diabetic patients without retinopathy, and ‐2578A/C (rs699947) and +405C/G (rs2010963) may be important factors in determining serum VEGF levels.
Short-Sellers: Informed but Restricted

According to theory, the level of short-selling can predict short-run future returns through two channels. One channel relates to the demand-side of the stock lending market: short-sellers are informed. The other channel relates to the supply-side: short-sellers are restricted. Measuring the importance of each channel is empirically challenging when, in general, supply and demand in the stock lending market are not directly observable. This paper takes advantage of a unique data-set that contains actual shifts in lending supply of stocks on the Brazilian market and proposes an identification strategy for the effects of both supply and demand on stock prices. We find that both channels are important.
Diagnostic Accuracy of PCR Alone and Compared to Urinary Antigen Testing for Detection of Legionella spp.: a Systematic Review

ABSTRACT The diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease (LD) is based on the isolation of Legionella spp. , a 4-fold rise in antibodies, a positive urinary antigen (UA), or direct immunofluorescence tests. PCR is not accepted as a diagnostic tool for LD. This systematic review assesses the diagnostic accuracy of PCR in various clinical samples with a direct comparison versus UA. We included prospective or retrospective cohort and case-control studies. Studies were included if they used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consensus definition criteria of LD or a similar one, assessed only patients with clinical pneumonia, and reported data for all true-positive, false-positive, true-negative, and false-negative results. Two reviewers abstracted data independently. Risk of bias was assessed using Quadas-2. Summary sensitivity and specificity values were estimated using a bivariate model and reported with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Thirty-eight studies were included. A total of 653 patients had confirmed LD, and 3,593 patients had pneumonia due to other pathogens. The methodological quality of the studies as assessed by the Quadas-2 tool was poor to fair. The summary sensitivity and specificity values for diagnosis of LD in respiratory samples were 97.4% (95% CI, 91.1% to 99.2%) and 98.6% (95% CI, 97.4% to 99.3%), respectively. These results were mainly unchanged by any covariates tested and subgroup analysis. The diagnostic performance of PCR in respiratory samples was much better than that of UA. Compared to UA, PCR in respiratory samples (especially in sputum samples or swabs) revealed a significant advantage in sensitivity and an additional diagnosis of 18% to 30% of LD cases. The diagnostic performance of PCR in respiratory samples was excellent and preferable to that of the UA. Results were independent on the covariate tested. PCR in respiratory samples should be regarded as a valid tool for the diagnosis of LD.
ROA, ROE, NPM PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP DIVIDEN PAYOUT RATIO PADA PERUSAHAAN PERBANKAN DAN FINANCIAL INSTITUSI YANG TERDAFTAR DI BEI PERIODE 2010-2012

Kebijakan deviden merupakan hal yang penting karena bukan hanya menyangkut kepentingan perusahaan, namun juga menyangkut kepentingan pemegang saham. Dividen yang dibagikan kepada pemegang saham tergantung pada kebijakan perusahaan. Penelitian ini untuk menguji faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi dividend payout ratio pada perusahaan financial sektor yang listed di BEI periode 2010-2012 dengan menggunakan variabel Return on Asset (ROA), Return on Equity(ROE) dan Net Profit Margin (NPM), sebagai variabel independen. Teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah Judgment Sampling dan jumlah sampel yang digunakan sebanyak sepuluh perusahaan. Variabel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini, yaitu dividend payout ratio sebagai variabel dependen dan ROA, ROE, dan NPM sebagai variabel independen. Data diperoleh dari publikasi Indonesian Capital Market Directory (ICMD 2010, 2011, dan 2012). Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah regresi linear berganda dan uji hipotesis menggunakan t statistik untuk menguji koefisien regresi parsial serta F-statistik untuk menguji pengaruh secara bersama, sehingga perusahaan dapat melihat nilai profitabilitas yang akan mempengaruhi kebijakan dividen perusahaan. Kata kunci : profitabilitas, dividend payout ratio
From cents to half-cents and its liquidity impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact on stock liquidity following the reduction of minimum tick size from $0.01 to $0.005 for a selection of dual-listed and property stocks on the New Zealand Exchange (NZX) during 2011. Design/methodology/approach – Various liquidity measures were examined six months either side of the change in minimum tick size for the eligible stocks and these were compared to a sample of stocks matched on similar liquidity characteristics. Liquidity measures examined in the paper include quoted and effective spread, volume, depth and binding-constraint probability. Findings – After controlling for firms matched on similar pre-period liquidity characteristics both spread and depth decline significantly. Evidence that small firms experience significant declines in trading activity was also found, and while firms with higher binding-constraints probability have greater declines in spread, their decline in depth is greater still. Research limitations/implications –.
Mitochondrial Abnormality Facilitates Cyst Formation in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

ABSTRACT Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) constitutes the most inherited kidney disease. Mutations in the PKD1 and PKD2 genes, encoding the polycystin 1 and polycystin 2 Ca2+ ion channels, respectively, result in tubular epithelial cell-derived renal cysts. Recent clinical studies demonstrate oxidative stress to be present early in ADPKD. Mitochondria comprise the primary reactive oxygen species source and also their main effector target; however, the pathophysiological role of mitochondria in ADPKD remains uncharacterized. To clarify this function, we examined the mitochondria of cyst-lining cells in ADPKD model mice (Ksp-Cre PKD1flox/flox) and rats (Han:SPRD Cy/+), demonstrating obvious tubular cell morphological abnormalities. Notably, the mitochondrial DNA copy number and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) expression were decreased in ADPKD model animal kidneys, with PGC-1α expression inversely correlated with oxidative stress levels. Consistent with these findings, human ADPKD cyst-derived cells with heterozygous and homozygous PKD1 mutation exhibited morphological and functional abnormalities, including increased mitochondrial superoxide. Furthermore, PGC-1α expression was suppressed by decreased intracellular Ca2+ levels via calcineurin, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nitric oxide synthase deactivation. Moreover, the mitochondrion-specific antioxidant MitoQuinone (MitoQ) reduced intracellular superoxide and inhibited cyst epithelial cell proliferation through extracellular signal-related kinase/MAPK inactivation. Collectively, these results indicate that mitochondrial abnormalities facilitate cyst formation in ADPKD.
Employment relations in German multinational companies in the UK and the future of the German model: empirical evidence on country-of-origin effects and industry internationalisation

Interest has grown in the significance of the country-of-origin impact on the Employment Relations (ER) approaches in the international subsidiaries of Multinational Companies (MNCs). In this article, a comparative cross-sectional analysis of German subsidiaries with indigenous UK firms will be provided. The central issues concern the extent to which German MNCs in deregulated Anglo-American industrial relations settings draw on the German ER model, adjust to the host-country context or adopt current 'best practice' prescriptions frequently associated with leading US MNCs. Here, the key questions are: How and to what extent do different industry-specific forces interrelate with country-of-origin effects and pressures to adopt 'best practice' approaches to shape subsidiary ER outcomes?
Tear ferning test in healthy dogs

PURPOSE To evaluate and compare three tear sampling methods using two grading scales for administering the tear ferning test (TFT) to healthy dogs. METHODS In total, 90 dogs (180 eyes) were subjected to tear sampling using millimetered strips, reused after the Schirmer tear test (STT) (Schirmer group, SG). Then, the dogs were subdivided into three groups according to sampling approach: micropipette (MPG), microcapillary (MCG), and Schirmer sample 2 (S2G). The collected tears were dried on a clean microscope glass slide at room temperature and humidity. The ferning patterns were observed under a polarized light microscope and classified according to the Rolando and Masmali grading scales. RESULTS Although all three methods were feasible, the STT was easier to perform in clinical settings. Type I and Grade 1 were the most commonly observed (64.17% and 61.7%, respectively) regardless of collection method. There was no significant difference between the STT median values and the TFT classifications. CONCLUSIONS The TFT is appropriate for dogs and can be performed using the three suggested sampling methods, with a higher frequency of Type I and Grade 1. Thus, it is possible to use both grading scales in the classification of tear ferning in dogs.
Sustainable Wine Tourism: The Host Community Perspective

The meaning and elements of sustainable wine tourism from the community perspective are explored. A case study method involving multi-stakeholder input was employed to identify issues specific to the Town of Oliver, British Columbia, which is the self-proclaimed ‘Wine Capital of Canada’. The case illustrates challenges facing a town that is aggressively pursuing wine tourism development, but it must deal with serious implications for agriculture, the natural environment, and the community. Recommendations made for Oliver, both strategies and implementation methods, provide a useful starting point for other communities engaged in wine tourism development. More general implications are drawn on the application of the life cycle concept to wine tourism, and specific research recommendations are made.
Evaluating the Genetic Diversity of Three Endangered Lemur Species(Genus: Propithecus) from Northern Madagascar

1Bill and Berniece Grewcock Center for Conservation and Research, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68107, USA 2State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502, USA 3University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada 4Conservation Fusion, 504 Ridgewood Dr, Bellevue, NE 68005, USA 5Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership, VO 12 Bis A, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar 6Department of Animal Biology, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar 7Giraffe Conservation Foundation, P.O Box 86099, Eros, Windhoek, Namibia
The effects of training frequencies on the retention of cardiovascular fitness.

The effects of different weekly exercise exposures on retention of cardiovascular fitness was studied in 21 subjects who were first conditioned by 5 weeks of bicycle ergometer exercise with work rates set to accelerate the heart rate to 80% of its maximum. They were then divided into four groups which exercised one, two, three or four times per week at the same work rate (i.e., heart rate 80% maximum) for five more weeks. Subjects were tested before conditioning (test I), after conditioning (test II), and after exercising at different weekly exposures (test III), for maximum JOURNAL/masis/beta/00005756-197300510-00007/ENTITY_OV0312/v/2016-08-16T100014Z/r/image-pngO2, maximum JOURNAL/masis/beta/00005756-197300510-00007/ENTITY_OV0312/v/2016-08-16T100014Z/r/image-pngE, maximum HR, 5-minute recovery HR, O2 pulse, JOURNAL/masis/beta/00005756-197300510-00007/ENTITY_OV0312/v/2016-08-16T100014Z/r/image-pngEO2, MVV80, FVC, FEV1.0, FEV1.0%FVC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, postexercise blood pressure, and weight. Correlated t tests of differences between tests I and II showed improvement in maximum JOURNAL/masis/beta/00005756-197300510-00007/ENTITY_OV0312/v/2016-08-16T100014Z/r/image-pngO2, maximum JOURNAL/masis/beta/00005756-197300510-00007/ENTITY_OV0312/v/2016-08-16T100014Z/r/image-pngE, 5-minute recovery HR, O2 pulse, FEV1.0%FVC and a higher hematocrit. Significant F-ratios (covariance analysis) were found among groups on test III for maximum JOURNAL/masis/beta/00005756-197300510-00007/ENTITY_OV0312/v/2016-08-16T100014Z/r/image-pngO2, recovery HR and O2 pulse. Employing these three measures in a discriminatory analysis indicated that cardiovascular fitness was retained by exercising three times per week. Pulmonary function improvements were apparently easier to retain than those of cardiovascular function.
Hematopoietic cell phosphatase associates with the interleukin-3 (IL-3) receptor beta chain and down-regulates IL-3-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and mitogenesis

Hematopoietic cell phosphatase (HCP) is a tyrosine phosphatase with two Src homology 2 (SH2) domains that is predominantly expressed in hematopoietic cells, including cells whose growth is regulated by interleukin-3 (IL-3). The potential effects of HCP on IL-3-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation and growth regulation were examined to assess the role of HCP in hematopoiesis. Our studies demonstrate that, following ligand binding, HCP specifically associates with the beta chain of the IL-3 receptor through the amino-terminal SH2 domain of HCP, both in vivo and in vitro, and can dephosphorylate the receptor chain in vitro. The effects of increasing or decreasing HCP levels in IL-3-dependent cells were assessed with dexamethasone-inducible constructs containing an HCP cDNA in sense and antisense orientations. Increased HCP levels were found to reduce the levels of IL-3-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor and to dramatically suppress cell growth. Conversely, decreasing the levels of HCP increased IL-3-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor and marginally increased growth rate. These results support a role for HCP in the regulation of hematopoietic cell growth and begin to provide a mechanistic explanation for the dramatic effects that the genetic loss of HCP, which occurs in motheaten (me) and viable motheaten (mev) mice, has on hematopoiesis.
Occupational silica exposure and risk of various diseases: an analysis using death certificates from 27 states of the United States

Background: Although crystalline silica exposure is associated with silicosis, lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there is less support for an association with autoimmune disease, and renal disease. Methods: Using data from the US National Occupational Mortality Surveillance (NOMS) system, a matched case-control design was employed to examine each of several diseases (including silicosis, lung cancer, stomach cancer, oesophageal cancer, COPD, pulmonary tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and various types of renal disease). Cases were subjects whose death certificate mentioned the disease of interest. A separate control group for each of the diseases of interest was selected from among subjects whose death certificate did not mention the disease of interest or any of several diseases reported to be associated with crystalline silica exposure. Subjects were assigned into a qualitative crystalline silica exposure category based on the industry/occupation pairing found on their death certificate. We also investigated whether silicotics had a higher risk of disease compared to those without silicosis. Results: Those postulated to have had detectable crystalline silica exposure had a significantly increased risk for silicosis, COPD, pulmonary tuberculosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, a significant trend of increasing risk with increasing silica exposure was observed for these same conditions and for lung cancer. Those postulated to have had the greatest crystalline silica exposure had a significantly increased risk for silicosis, lung cancer, COPD, and pulmonary tuberculosis only. Finally, those with silicosis had a significantly increased risk for COPD, pulmonary tuberculosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusions: This study corroborates the association between crystalline silica exposure and silicosis, lung cancer, COPD, and pulmonary tuberculosis. In addition, support is provided for an association between crystalline silica exposure and rheumatoid arthritis.
Targeting Household Air Pollution for Curbing the Cardiovascular Disease Burden: A Health Priority in Sub‐Saharan Africa

Household air pollution (HAP) is a major public health problem, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa where most of the populations still rely on solid fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting. This narrative review highlights the direct and indirect evidence of the important role of HAP in cardiovascular disease, especially in sub‐Saharan African countries where highest rates of major cardiovascular disease and death are observed, and thus provides ample reason for promotion of preventive interventions to reduce HAP exposures in the region. There is an urgent need for efficient strategies to educate populations on the health issues associated with this health hazard, to provide affordable clean cooking energy for poor people and to promote improved household ventilation. High‐quality data on household energy practices and patterns of HAP and related health issues are still needed for efficient policy making in this region.