Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bipolar spindle frequency and genome content are inversely regulated by the activity of two N‐type kinesins in Entamoeba histolytica

Bipolar microtubular spindles are seen infrequently in Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites while monopolar or radial microtubular assemblies are common. Additionally, heterogeneity in nuclear DNA content and multi‐nucleation is found in amoeba cells growing in axenic culture. Taken together these observations indicate that genome segregation is irregular in these cells. In order to identify proteins involved in regulating genome segregation, we have focused on studying E. histolytica homologues of kinesin motor proteins that are known to affect stability of bipolar mitotic spindles. We have demonstrated earlier that increased levels of the kinesin – Eh Klp5 – led to increased frequency of bipolar spindles accompanied with a reduction in the heterogeneity of genome content, showing that bipolar spindle frequency was inversely linked to genome content in E. histolytica. In this study, we have investigated the role of E. histolytica kinesins (Eh KlpA1, 2–4) in regulating bipolar spindle frequency and genome content. While downregulation of Eh Klp3, 4 and A1 showed no effect, downregulation of Eh Klp2 led to increased frequency of bipolar spindles and homogenization of genome content, similar to the effect of increased expression of Eh Klp5. In addition to microtubules, Eh Klp2–4 associated with F‐actin in the cytoplasm, suggesting that these kinesins are multi‐functional.
Shc contains two Grb2 binding sites needed for efficient formation of complexes with SOS in B lymphocytes

Cross-linking of the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc, which is believed to lead to the activation of Ras. Previous work has shown that tyrosine-phosphorylated Shc forms complexes with another adapter protein, Grb2, and the Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor SOS. Here, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of Shc by the hematopoietic cell-specific tyrosine kinase Syk induces binding of Grb2 to Shc, suggesting that Syk phosphorylates Shc in stimulated B cells. Surprisingly, Syk-phosphorylated Shc possesses two Grb2 binding sites rather than the one site that has been previously reported. Both of these sites are required for efficient formation of Shc-Grb2-SOS complexes in vitro and in vivo. We suggest that two Grb2 proteins anchored by a single Shc protein bind simultaneously to one SOS molecule, resulting in a complex that is more stable than a complex containing only a single Grb2 protein bound to one SOS molecule. This model is consistent with our observation that BCR stimulation greatly increases the amount of SOS associated with Grb2.
Do the Corticospinal and Corticobulbar Tracts Mediate Functions in the Human Newborn?

ABSTRACT: Unlike the numerous dispersed bulbospinal pathways that are already well myelinated at term, the more compact corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts are only beginning their myelination cycle in late gestation and do not complete it until two years of age. During this same period, these pathways also develop extensive ramification of terminal axonal segments, growth of collateral axons, and proliferation of synapses. Despite their immaturity in the fullterm human newborn, several proposed functions may be attributed to the descending pathways from the neonatal cerebral cortex: a) a contribution to the differential development of passive muscle tone and resting postures; in general they function as an antagonist to the “subcorticospinal pathways” in mediating proximal flexion and distal extension, except for the rubrospinal tract which is probably synergistic with the corticospinal tract; b) enhancement of tactile reflexes originating in the brainstem and spinal cord, including suck and swallow; c) relay of epileptic activity of cortical origin; d) inhibition of complex stereotyped motor reflexes including many phenomena formerly termed “subtle seizures”; e) a possible influence on muscle maturation, particularly in relaying cerebellar impulses that modify the histochemical differentiation of myofibres. However, the bulbospinal tracts are probably more influential on muscle development. The corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts subserve different needs in the newborn than at older ages, but are functionally important pathways even at birth.
On Redundant Observability: From Security Index to Attack Detection and Resilient State Estimation

The security of control systems under sensor attacks is investigated. Redundant observability is introduced, explaining existing security notions including the security index, attack detectability, and observability under attacks. Equivalent conditions between redundant observability and existing notions are presented. Based on a bank of partial observers utilizing Kalman decomposition and a decoder exploiting redundancy, an estimator design algorithm is proposed enhancing the resilience of control systems. This scheme substantially improves computational efficiency utilizing far less memory.
Mobile IT in health – the case of short messaging service in an HIV awareness program

ABSTRACT This study aims to augment our understanding of user intention to use mobile IT in health. Experiential dispositions and technology perceptions around a mobile service that is currently in use to access other value-seeking services are integrated to present an enriched characterization of intention to use m-health. Primary data from a pressing health context in a developing economy are collected to validate the model. The results demonstrate that previous experience from value services received on a mobile service enhances user attention, which in turn positively impacts the perceived usefulness of an incoming m-health program, which then influences user intention to adopt m-health services delivered on that mobile service. Overall, the findings provide a comprehensive understanding of user intention to accept m-health. Additionally, our results provide insights toward the choice of mobile technology and indicate aspects of message framing that may ensure practicable deployment and successful implementation of m-health programs.
Overreaction in the NFL point spread market

A tendency for individuals to overweigh recent information and underweigh prior data has been discovered by researchers in financial markets, economic forecasting, security analysis and other areas. A study of point spread patterns in the 2264 regular season National Football League (NFL) games over the 1981–;1995 seasons was conducted to investigate the overreaction bias of bettors. Results indicated that bettors tend to overweigh outstanding positive performance when measured over the previous game, over the previous two to five games or over the previous season. In general, the more outstanding the performance, the greater the overreaction. However, bettors did not overreact to unusual negative performance over the same periods. This result is congruent with the tendency for heavy favourites to cover the point spread less than half the time over the 1969–;1995 seasons. The overreaction bias in the NFL betting market provides another example of a violation of the weak form of the Efficient Markets Hypothesis.
Bayes-Stein Estimators and International Real Estate Asset Allocation

This article re-examines the issue of international diversification in real estate securities and attempts to address the problem of estimation error in the inputted parameters through the use of alternative techniques. The results see an increased stability in calculated portfolio allocations in comparison to the classical mean-variance tangency approach, and see significant improvements in out-of-sample performance. In addition, the minimum variance portfolio significantly outperforms a naive equally-weighted strategy. These results are also largely consistent when transaction costs are incorporated into the analysis.
The link between Academies in England, pupil outcomes and local patterns of socio-economic segregation between schools

This paper considers the pupil intakes to Academies in England, and their attainment, based on a re-analysis of figures from the Annual Schools Census 1989–2012, the Department for Education School Performance Tables 2004–2012 and the National Pupil Database. It looks at the national picture, and the situation for Local Education Authorities, and also examines in more detail the trajectories of the three original Academies. It confirms earlier studies in finding no convincing evidence that Academies are any more (or less) effective than the schools they replaced or are in competition with. The prevalence of Academies in any area is strongly associated with local levels of SES segregation, and this is especially true of the more recent Converter Academies. Converter Academies, on average, take far less than their fair share of disadvantaged pupils. Sponsor-led Academies, on the other hand, tend to take more than their fair share. Their profiles are so different that they must no longer be lumped together for analysis as simply ‘Academies’. Academies are not shown to be the cause of local SES segregation. Instead, they are merely more likely to appear in areas that already have inequitable school mixes. This means, of course, that Academies are not helping reduce segregation (as was one of their original purposes) or increase social justice in education, and the paper concludes that homogeneous Maintained schools should be preferred for this purpose.
Proactive Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of TNF Antagonists in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background Proactive therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to titrate tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists has emerged recently as a tool to routinely monitor drug concentration to achieve target levels in patients with quiescent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods The purpose of the present review article was to present available data exploring the concept of proactive TDM. Results While several observational studies have identified an association between proactive TDM and better IBD outcomes, 2 randomized controlled studies did not confirm this advantage. Conclusions Based on the evidence to date, proactive TDM cannot be recommended in daily practice. However, analysis is hampered by the low level of evidence for the cutoffs used and the need for point-of-care assays. Regarding economic issues and de-escalating strategies, proactive TDM may have several future indications in IBD. Exploratory studies on proactive TDM with newly available biologic agents in IBD are also awaited.
Risk-taking and relational perspective on turnover intentions

This study investigated risking-taking and network ties and their impact on an individual's intention to quit from a relational perspective. Using the social identity and social capital as the theoretical foundation, hypotheses were developed to examine how internal instrumental and external ties as well as ties with higher ranked individuals and their association with turnover intention. These hypotheses were empirically tested using data collected from 126 full-time employees in a Chinese setting. The results showed that high risk propensity was positively associated with turnover intention. Not only internal ties that binds, but external networking also matter in turnover decisions.
Randomized study of percutaneous ureteroscopic plasma column electrode decortication and laparoscopic decortication in managing simple renal cyst

Background To assess the safety and efficacy of a novel technology referred to as percutaneous ureteroscopic plasma column electrode (PCE) by comparing laparoscopic decortication in the management of simple renal cyst (SRC). Methods Between March 2016 and June 2017, 53 patients with SRCs were randomized to divided into two groups, the PCE group (24 patients), or laparoscope group (29 patients). The operative time, blood loss, days of drainage, catheter, and hospital stay and complications were compared with the two groups. All patients were followed- up to 6 months after treatment. Results No patients had intraoperative complications such as hemopneumothorax, adjacent organ injury, infection or hemorrhage shock. In the PCE group and laparoscope group: the mean operation time was 34.1±8.2 vs. 58.4±16.7 min (P<0.05). The mean blood loss was 2.0±1.16 vs. 9.7±4.09 mL (P<0.05). The mean postoperative indwelling drainage tube time was 2.5±1.5 vs. 2.9±1.09 d (P>0.05). The mean intra-urethral indwelling catheter time was 2.1±0.88 vs. 2.0±1.15 d (P>0.05). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.0±1.7 vs. 3.7±1.53 (P>0.05). One patient in electrode group was suffered from rupture of the collecting system during the operation, and was treated by indwelling D-J stent. During follow up, no cysts recurrence was found. Conclusions Percutaneous ureteroscopic PCE decortication is a safe, minimally invasive and effective therapy to treat SRCs, with equal efficacy and advantages in shortening the operation time and reducing the amount of intraoperative bleeding compared with laparoscopic decortication.
Influence of Dietary Triacylglycerol Structure and Level of n–3 Fatty Acids Administered during Development on Brain Phospholipids and Memory and Learning Ability of Rats

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of triacylglycerol (TAG) structure and level of n–3 fatty acids on fatty acid profile of brain phospholipids (PL) of dams and offspring, and the memory and learning ability of the offspring, when administered during initial development of the nervous system. Methods: Pregnant rats were fed experimental diets from the 8th day of pregnancy throughout lactation. After weaning and until 13 weeks of age, the pups were fed the same diet as their dams. The experimental diets contained either a structured oil, a linseed oil, or a fish oil. In the structured oil, α-linolenic acid (18:3n–3) was predominantly located in the sn-2 position of the triacylglycerols and the level of 18:3n–3 was 2 mol or 10 mol%. In the linseed oil diets the level of 18:3n–3 was 2 mol or 10 mol% as well. Finally, the fish oil diet contained 18:3n–3 as well as 20:5n–3 and 22:6n–3 adding up to a total of 2 mol% n–3 fatty acids. The effects of the experimental diets were compared to the effect of a chow diet. Results: The amount of 22:6n–3 in brain phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidyl serine (PS) of dams and offspring (3 and 13 weeks of age) was not affected by the six different diets. 18:2n–6, but not 18:3n–3, was detected in brain PL, suggesting a specificity of the tissues in the metabolism of n–3 and n–6 fatty acids. The level of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) increased with increasing age of the pups, indicating an enhanced myelinization. No considerable differences between groups were found when memory or learning was tested in the Morris water maze. Conclusion: The results suggest that extreme diet modifications are needed in order to observe significant effects on the memory and learning ability in rats.
Expression, prognostic significance and mutational analysis of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 in chronic myeloid leukemia

Abstract The protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 dephosphorylates BCR-ABL1, thereby serving as a potential control mechanism of BCR-ABL1 kinase activity. Pathways regulating SHP-1 expression, which could be exploited in the therapeutics of TKI-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), remain unknown. Moreover, the questions of whether there is any kind of SHP-1 deregulation in CML, contributing to disease initiation or evolution, as well as the question of prognostic significance of SHP-1, have not been definitively answered. This study shows moderately lower SHP-1 mRNA expression in chronic phase CML patients in comparison to healthy individuals and no change in SHP-1 mRNA levels after successful TKI treatment. Mutational analysis of the aminoterminal and phosphatase domains of SHP-1 in patients did not reveal genetic lesions. This study also found no correlation of SHP-1 expression at diagnosis with response to treatment, although a trend for lower SHP-1 expression was noted in the very small non-responders’ group of the 3-month therapeutic milestone.
Predictors of Outcome Following Venlafaxine Extended-Release Treatment of DSM-IV Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Pooled Analysis of Short- and Long-Term Studies

This pooled analysis evaluated potential predictive abilities of baseline demographic factors, psychiatric history, and DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for short- and long-term outcome after treatment with venlafaxine extended release (XR) or placebo in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Pooled data from 1,839 patients in five placebo-controlled studies of venlafaxine XR for GAD were analyzed by logistic regression. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to quantify pretreatment factors’ abilities to predict response (50% reduction, baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety [HAM-A] severity) and remission (total HAM-A score ≤7) following venlafaxine XR or placebo treatment. All analyzed factors showed statistically significant outcome associations after 8 or 24 weeks of treatment, or both, in placebo- or venlafaxine-XR-treated patients or both. Substance abuse history, DSM-IV diagnostic criteria of sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and restlessness had the strongest associations with outcome. Sleep disturbances predicted significant positive response in both groups, but more so in the placebo group. Restlessness consistently predicted poor response and lack of remission with either treatment; difficulty concentrating predicted short-term remission with placebo only. Substance abuse history predicted positive outcomes with placebo only. Sex, age, depression history, panic disorder history, prior benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine use, being easily fatigued, muscle tension, and irritability were modestly outcome-predictive or showed treatment condition interactions. In the largest pooled analysis to date, pretreatment factors were associated with treatment outcome in patients with GAD receiving venlafaxine XR or placebo. The strongest trends emerged for history of substance abuse or dependence and symptoms of restlessness, sleep disturbance, and difficulty concentrating.
Carbon emissions and bilateral trade

International trade adds a thick layer of complexity to climate change mitigation efforts. Questions such as “Who is responsible for the emissions from China’s export sectors? ” and “Will strengthening domestic climate policy measures lead to relocation of industry and emissions to countries with lax regulation? ” are intensely discussed, both in policy and academic circles. Robust evidence on these issues remains limited, however. Many studies have quantiﬁed the volumes of embodied carbon in international trade using complex models, but the results appear very sensitive to the model speciﬁcation, and conﬂicting results are reported across different studies. Similarly, the evidence on trade impacts from emissions reduction policies has so far relied largely on model simulations. This thesis combines two strands of work. The ﬁrst part focuses on embodied carbon quantiﬁcation. It critically reviews and compares the results and methods of existing work then goes on to conduct a ﬁrst quantiﬁcation exercise of global embodied carbon in bilateral trade at the product level. The second part measures the response of bilateral trade to industrial energy prices. It estimates the effect of energy price differences on bilateral trade ﬂows, using a panel dataset covering over 80% of global merchandise trade over 16 years. These estimations are used to infer the effect of carbon price differences on trade. The ﬁrst part reveals a complex mapping of global embodied carbon ﬂows, contrary to the simpliﬁed picture portrayed by previous studies using aggregated models. Embodied carbon is found to be particularly concentrated in certain products and in regional trade. It suggests that rather viewing it as an Annex I vs non Annex I issue, grouping countries according to patterns of production and consumption may be more relevant in discussions surrounding climate policy and trade. The second part of the thesis ﬁnds evidence that trade tends to develop more between countries with different energy prices. However, this effect is small in magnitude and focused on a few sectors. The ﬁndings suggest that measures to ’prevent’ carbon leakage may have limited impact on most sectors, and should be targeted to those most likely to face adverse trade impacts.
The incidence and transfer of knowledge in the Arab countries

In this paper we use the systematic, descriptive and statistical approaches, fill the gap in the Arab literature and present a more comprehensive analysis of the important ways of enhancing the incidence and transfer of knowledge in the Arab countries. Different from the conventional view in the literature that use the conventional classification of countries according to income level, an interesting element in our analysis is that we use a more comprehensive classification not only by income level but also by geographic location and the structure of the economy to examine the important ways of enhancing the incidence and transfer of knowledge in the Arab countries. We find that somewhat surprising the classification of Arab countries by income level provides inconclusive evidences in terms of capacity to create knowledge. Our findings support the first hypothesis that the components of knowledge show positive correlation with economic growth and hence can be used to enhance economic growth and promote human capital in the Arab countries. Our results corroborate the second and third hypotheses that the incidence and transfer of knowledge can be enhanced by institutional support in the form of subsidies and incentives to knowledge components (education, R&D and ICT). The major policy implication from our findings is that in order to benefit from integration in global knowledge economy the Arab countries should create the most appropriate political, economic, educational, technological and scientific institutions. The Arab countries should stimulate local efforts and incentives for building and transferring knowledge and should pay more attention to enhance institutions setting, especially, effective system of intellectual property rights protection to motivate the creation and transfer of knowledge. Apart from the role of Arab governments, it is essential for Arab societies to support the culture aimed at fostering and enhancing the incidence and transfer of knowledge.