Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of the Essential Oils of Some Aromatic Medicinal Plants (Pulicaria inuloides-Asteraceae and Ocimum forskolei-Lamiaceae)

Purpose: To determine the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Pulicaria inuloides and Ocimum forskolei essential oils. Methods: Steam distillation of the aerial parts of P. inuloides and O. forskolei was performed using a Clevenger apparatus. Essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activities were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1,1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-carotene bleaching assays. Disc diffusion and microtiter broth microdilution assays were employed to determine antimicrobial activity. Results: The chemical compounds in P. inuloides essential oil include 2-cyclohexen-1-one, 2-methyl-5(1-methyl) (55.1 %) and benzene, methyl- (20.6 %). The major components identified in O. forskolei essential oil included bicyclo [3.1. 1] hept-2-ene,2, (22.4 %) and naphthalene 1,2,3,4,4a,5,6, (19.3 %). P. inuloides showed a higher total phenol content than O. forskolei (144 ± 5.32 vs. 54.6 ± 30 mg GAE/g extract), higher antioxidant activity (92.92 ± 0.10 % vs. 26.76 ± 0.11 % scavenging activity; IC50, 4.5 ± 0.05 vs. 73.03 ± 0.05) and β-carotene bleaching (90.77 ± 0.21 % vs. 41.03 ± 6.35 % inhibition). P. inuloides essential oil inhibited all tested microorganisms except Salmonella typhimurium and Shigella dysenteriae with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.0 μg/mL against Escherichia coli. O. forskolei essential oil inhibited only Candida albicans. Conclusion: P. inuloides essential oil possesses significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Corporate social responsibility and firm performance in South Africa

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can be viewed from two different perspectives: that of the business; and that of the individual investor (Socially Responsible Investing, SRI). In this study regression analysis as well as an event study was used to examine the link between CSR and firm performance. The results suggested that in the short-term there were no significant price effects on the SRI shares. In contrast, the returns of SRI portfolios over the sample period seemed to be superior to those of conventional firms. The regression analysis found that generally the SRI coefficients were insignificant; however using one of the models during the fifteen year sample period, SRI constituents attained a ROE that was 11.18% higher (as well as a ROA that was 1.824% lower) than conventional firms. When the period was restricted to 2004-2009 it was found that social performance was positively - and sometimes significantly - correlated with ROE.
Examination of Some Important Posttraumatic Adaptation Predictors of War Veterans Who Were Seeking Treatment at Psychiatric Clinic, University Clinical Center in Sarajevo

Background: Recent research studies aim at the examination of predictors of posttraumatic adaptation of war veterans. General aim of our research is an examination of predictors of posttraumatic adaptation of war veterans, who actively participated in combat situations. Subjects and Methods: Research was conducted on 100 male participants, war veterans who were seeking treatment at the Psychiatric Clinic at the University Clinical Center in Sarajevo. All participants have experienced the combat related traumatic events during the war. Research was based on interviewing and test administration for each participant, using the following instruments: Sociodemographic Questionnaire, List of stresful events, Brief symptom inventory; Manchester Quality of Life and Impact of Events Scale. Results: Results of study indicate a high presence of war traumatization in our sample and high subjective distress index among examinees. Our results, also indicate the moderate rate of symptoms of PTSD and the presence of general psychopathology was moderate. Average perceived quality of life was in the category of being “relatively unsatisfied”. Effects of factors, frequency of experienced traumatic events and general psychiatric treatment were statistically significant on all dependant factors. PTSD symptoms, presence of General Psychopathology and Quality of Life, in addition to the predictors of perceived personal support by others, were statistically significant on dependant factors . Quality of life and general psychopathology were not statistically significant on dependant variables regarding the presence of PTSD symptoms. Conclusion: Results of our research indicate a high level of traumatization in our sample, but relatively moderate presence of PTSD symptoms and general psychopathology. Participants reported relative dissatisfaction with different aspects of life. Statistically significant predictors in posttraumatic adaptation were: the level of traumatization and help with a general psychiatric treatment. Help of close persons regarding dependant factors, regarding PTSD symptoms, were not statistically significant, but were significant on Quality of life and presence of general psychopathology. Results of this research are relevant in understanding, as to which aspects of posttraumatic adaptation contribute to a better and more distinctive rehabilitation of war veterans, to estimate the need for clinical services and to make other policy recommendations for these populations.
Dual Roles of RNA Helicase A in CREB-Dependent Transcription

ABSTRACT RNA helicase A (RHA) is a member of an ATPase/DNA and RNA helicase family and is a homologue of Drosophila maleless protein (MLE), which regulates X-linked gene expression. RHA is also a component of holo-RNA polymerase II (Pol II) complexes and recruits Pol II to the CREB binding protein (CBP). The ATPase and/or helicase activity of RHA is required for CREB-dependent transcription. To further understand the role of RHA on gene expression, we have identified a 50-amino-acid transactivation domain that interacts with Pol II and termed it the minimal transactivation domain (MTAD). The protein sequence of this region contains six hydrophobic residues and is unique to RHA homologues and well conserved. A mutant with this region deleted from full-length RHA decreased transcriptional activity in CREB-dependent transcription. In addition, mutational analyses revealed that several tryptophan residues in MTAD are important for the interaction with Pol II and transactivation. These mutants had ATP binding and ATPase activities comparable to those of wild-type RHA. A mutant lacking ATP binding activity was still able to interact with Pol II. In CREB-dependent transcription, the transcriptional activity of each of these mutants was less than that of wild-type RHA. The activity of the double mutant lacking both functions was significantly lower than that of each mutant alone, and the double mutant had a dominant negative effect. These results suggest that RHA could independently regulate CREB-dependent transcription either through recruitment of Pol II or by ATP-dependent mechanisms.
HR practices as predictors for knowledge sharing and innovative behaviour: a focus on age

Innovation is critical in today's highly competitive business environment for enabling sustained competitive advantage. Innovative behaviour and knowledge sharing on the employee level can contribute significantly to successful innovation. This study hypothesises that certain Human Resource (HR) practices predict innovative behaviour and knowledge sharing among employees. This study focuses on the moderating effect of age; the workforce is ageing and effective knowledge sharing is necessary to retain the organisational knowledge levels when the baby boomers retire. Based on data from a large sample of employees, the findings suggest that the several HR practices contribute significantly to knowledge sharing and/or innovative behaviour. In addition, we find that age moderates the relationship between HR practices and innovative behaviour; older employees experience a higher level of innovative behaviour when offered training, self-development and career opportunities and participation in intergenerational teams, as opposed to younger employees. The study discusses the various practical implications that result from these findings.
Universities in an open innovation system: A UK perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature and impact of higher education institution (HEI) in a distributed, open innovation system using a survey of some 600 firms in the UK.Design/methodology/approach – Primary data are used from a postal questionnaire survey of 600 firms across three UK regions: Wales, the North West and the East of England.Findings – The analysis reveals significant differences in firm collaboration with HEIs across the UK and the value and impact that such collaborations have on firm development. The nature and effects of such collaboration vary significantly between the type of firm involved and their location and the analysis investigates this in relation to various aspects of innovative activity and firm performance.Originality/value – Although much of the nature and effects of such collaboration are as one would expect, some of the results are counter‐intuitive and highlight the care we should place on assessing the role of universities and other HEIs in open i.
Antiretroviral treatment and progression to AIDS in HIV seroconverters from different risk groups

Objectives:To evaluate the association between time since initiation of pre-AIDS antiretroviral therapy [mainly with zidovudine (ZDV)] and AIDS-free survival in a cohort of HIV seroconverters, and to assess possible differences in this association and in the use of antiretroviral therapy by HIV exposure group. Design:Observational study of HIV-infected individuals, both those treated with antiretroviral therapy and those untreated, enrolled in an ongoing prospective cohort (median follow-up, 5.3 years). Setting:Sixteen HIV outpatient clinics throughout Italy. Patients:A total of 1078 individuals infected with HIV through injecting drug use or homo-/heterosexual activity, and with accurately estimated dates of seroconversion. Main outcome measures and methods:Kaplan–Meier estimates of the probability of receiving antiretroviral therapy before AIDS. Crude and adjusted relative hazards of AIDS and of death from AIDS using Cox regression models. Results:The cumulative incidence of beginning pre-AIDS antiretroviral therapy within 7 years of seroconversion was 49.2%. Injecting drug users (IDU) were less likely to undergo antiretroviral treatment before AIDS than homosexual men and heterosexual contacts. The adjusted relative hazard of developing AIDS for patients treated with ZDV (relative hazard adjusted for occurrence of acute HIV disease, pre- AIDS HIV-related diseases, CD4 count, and use of prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) was 0.57 within the first year of starting zidovudine and 0.92 after 1 year of therapy. Stratifying by HIV exposure category, the adjusted relative hazards of AIDS for individuals who started ZDV less and more than 1 year before AIDS were 0.74 and 0.99 among IDU, 0.31 and 0.89 among homosexual men, and 0.69 and 0.72 among heterosexuals, respectively. Similar results were obtained when using death from AIDS as an endpoint. Conclusions:IDU began pre-AIDS antiretroviral therapy significantly later than homosexual men and heterosexuals, even after adjusting for CD4 count. Results from this non-randomized study confirm that antiretroviral treatment has only a short-term clinical benefit. There was a stronger association between antiretroviral treatment and lower risk of AIDS in homosexual men than in IDU.
Nondestructive determination of the depth of planar p-n junctions by scanning electron microscopy

A method was developed for measuring nondestructively the depth of planar p-n junctions in simple devices as well as in integrated-circuit structures with the electron-beam induced current (EBIC) by scanning parallel to the junction in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results were found to be in good agreement with those obtained by the commonly used destructive method of lapping at an angle to the junction and staining to reveal the junction.
The copy theory of movement: A view from PF

ly, we have the same pattern in both Greek and English. Both languages disallow a particular verbal form to co-occur with negation, switching to another verbal form in the negative context. Miyoshi (2002) (see also Bošković 2004a) provides a uniform account of the ban on negative imperatives in Greek and the ban on negative indicatives in English (see Miyoshi 2002 for references to alternative accounts of the ban on negative imperatives, which however cannot be extended to the ban on negative indicatives). More precisely, he extends the PF merger account of the ban on negative indicatives in English (see Chomsky 1957, Hale and Marantz 1993, Bobaljik 1995, and Lasnik 1999) to the ban on negative imperatives in Greek. Focusing for the moment on the ban on negative indicatives, consider the structures of (30a-c) given in (31) before PF merger and Do-Support apply. (31) a. [IP Johni I (ed) [vP ti laugh]] b. [IP Johni I (ed) [NegP not [VP ti laugh]]] Assuming that English I is a verbal PF affix, it must merge with a verbal element in PF under adjacency. The adjacency requirement is not met in (31b) due to the intervening negative head, which blocks PF merger. Do-Support, a last resort operation, then takes place to save the stranded affix, deriving (30c). In (31a), the merger is not blocked since no phonologically realized element intervenes between I and the verb. I then merges with the verb, deriving (30a). The crux of the analysis is that indicatives cannot co-occur with negation in English because the co-occurrence results in a violation of the Stranded Affix Filter. Miyoshi (2002) puts forward the same explanation for the ban on negative imperatives. He proposes that imperatives in languages like Greek contain a functional head, the precise identity of which is not important for our current purposes (for Miyoshi, it is an imperative C), which is a PF affix that must merge with a verb under adjacency. PF merger can proceed without any problems in (28a), where the verb and the functional head in question, which we will refer to as F, are adjacent. However, the negation in (28b) disrupts the necessary adjacency relation between F and the verb, as illustrated in (32) below. PF merger is then blocked and the construction is ruled out due to the presence of a stranded affix, just like (30b)/(31b). (32) F[+affix] den/mi diavase Greek does not have the language specific rule of Do-Support, which English employs in (30c) to save the stranded affix. Instead, Greek uses a different verbal form, namely subjunctive. We 11 See Miyoshi (2002) and Bošković (2004a) for further discussion as well as discussion of languages that do not have the ban on negative imperatives.
Functional analysis of vaccinia virus B5R protein: role of the cytoplasmic tail.

Vaccinia extracellular enveloped virus (EEV) is important for cell-to-cell and long-range virus spread both in vitro and in vivo. Six genes have been identified that encode protein constituents of the EEV outer membrane, and some of these proteins are critical for EEV formation. The B5R gene encodes an EEV-specific type I membrane protein, and deletion of this gene markedly decreases EEV formation and results in a small plaque phenotype. Data suggest that the transmembrane domain, cytoplasmic tail, or both contain the EEV localization signals that are required for targeting of the B5R protein to EEV and for EEV formation. Here, we report the construction of mutant vaccinia viruses in which the wild-type B5R gene was replaced with a mutated one that encodes a protein with the putative cytoplasmic tail deleted. The mutated protein showed normal intracellular distribution and was properly incorporated into EEV. Vaccinia viruses expressing the B5R protein lacking the cytoplasmic tail formed plaques that were similar in type and size to those formed by wild-type viruses and produced equivalent amounts of infectious EEV. These results indicate that the B5R cytoplasmic tail is not necessary for EEV formation and points to the transmembrane domain as the major determinant for targeting the B5R protein to the outer membrane of EEV and for supporting EEV formation.
Efficacy of Serological Tests in Comparison with PCR for Diagnosis of Brucellosis

2 Abstract: Brucellosis is a complicated disease in terms of epidemiology, diagnosis and control. Although many serological tests and new automated blood culture techniques have been developed to diagnose brucellosis, there are still significant problems in the diagnosis of the disease. The present work aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of the two main serological tests used for diagnosis of brucellosis; Rose Bengal test (RBT) and serum tube agglutination test (STAT) in comparison with PCR. Special emphases were given to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, cost and the time consuming of RBT and STAT in comparison with PCR for the diagnosis of this disease. Blood samples were collected from 30 persons and 4 female goats (does) that were serologically positive for brucellosis by STAT and RBT. Conventional PCR was performed for the detection of Brucella DNA. Results for human blood samples showed that specificity and sensitivity values of RBT are 33.3 and 87.5% and are less than STAT ( 1/320; 100 and 91.7%) respectively. Results of examination of the 4 goat blood samples indicated that 4, 3 and 3 does give positive results for STAT, RBT and PCR tests, respectively. In conclusion, the STAT 1/320 has a greater diagnostic accuracy than that of the RBT (93.3and 76.6% respectively).
HIV-1 virulence, fitness and replication capacity

The virulence and fitness of a given pathogen can influence the pathogenesis of disease. Recent studies have demonstrated numerous factors that contribute to the virulence and fitness of HIV-1 in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, emerging data shows that variability in these factors is likely to influence the natural history of disease and potentially be altered by antiretroviral therapy. These observations have led to further studies that have enhanced our understanding of how drug resistance mutations can alter viral fitness, which in turn may have substantial implications for those with limited treatment options. This review will define viral virulence and fitness in the context of HIV-1 infection and summarize the current data demonstrating how this may be relevant to the pathogenesis of disease and how it could potentially be exploited in the future to optimize the management of patients in the clinic.
SNP_TATA_Comparator: genomewide landmarks for preventive personalized medicine.

Year after year, conditions, quality, and duration of human lives have been improving due to the progress of science, technology, education, and medicine, which however has a downside. Owing to improvement in children's nutrition, developmental acceleration occurs that imbalances a child's system. Because of virtual worlds of the Internet, social experience of teenagers expands and clashes with puberty of adolescents. Due to the comfort of cities, urbanization emerges and causes stress to adults because of artificial light, noise, pollution, violations of personal space, and family disruption. At old age, all these factors taken together contribute to loneliness, cancer, diabetes, drug addiction, and sporadic Alzheimer's disease, which shorten the lifespan, as reviewed in the US, 1990-2010. That is why, a person may ask oneself: "What can I do now to keep my health in my old age? " To help them, we provide this comprehensive review on predictive preventive personalized medicine. This branch of molecular medicine uses single nucleotide polymorphisms to prevent diseases on the basis of the difference between the individual and reference human genomes.
Comparison of MRI, F-18 FDG, and 11C-Choline PET/CT for Their Potentials in Differentiating Brain Tumor Recurrence From Brain Tumor Necrosis Following Radiotherapy

Objective: To compare potentials of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), F-18 FDG, and 11C-Choline PET/CT in differentiating brain tumor recurrence from necrosis after radiotherapy. Methods: Fifty-five patients with suspected brain tumor recurrence or necrosis after radiotherapy underwent MRI, F-18 FDG, and 11C-choline PET/CT examinations, and all the patients were followed up for at least 11 months. Lesion diagnoses based on medical imaging were compared with pathology or follow-up outcomes. Results: The sensitivities of MRI, F-18 FDG PET/CT, and 11C-Choline PET/CT in lesion diagnosis were 87.2%, 76.9%, and 92.3%, respectively, and their specificities were 81.3%, 62.5%, and 87.5%, respectively. Conclusion: The results suggest that 11C-Choline PET/CT with higher sensitivity and specificity may be better in distinguishing recurrent brain tumor from radionecrosis compared with F-18 FDG PET/CT and MRI.
Osteotomy Healing in Children With Osteogenesis Imperfecta Receiving Bisphosphonate Treatment

A decade ago our group had reported that osteotomy healing was commonly delayed in children with moderate to severe osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) who were treated with intravenous pamidronate infusions. We subsequently maintained a bisphosphonate infusion–free interval of 4 months after osteotomy and changed the surgical approach (use of an osteotome instead of a power saw). In addition, zoledronic acid has become the standard intravenous bisphosphonate for treatment of OI at our institution. In the present study, we compared osteotomy healing before and after these changes were instituted. We evaluated bone healing post‐osteotomy on standard radiographs after 261 intramedullary rodding procedures involving osteotomies (139 femur, 112 tibia) in 110 patients (age at surgery 1.2 to 20.4 years). Delayed healing was diagnosed when the osteotomy line was visible 12 months after the event. We observed delayed bone healing after 48 of the 114 osteotomies (42%) performed with the new approach, and in 106 of the 147 osteotomies (72%) using the previous approach (p = 0.001). The odds for delayed osteotomy healing were significantly lower with the new approach even after adjustment for age, sex, height Z‐score, weight Z‐score, OI type, and bone involved (odds ratio = 0.17; 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.47). Thus, delayed osteotomy healing occurred less frequently in the past 10 years than in the decade before that. It is likely that this improved result is attributable to the implemented changes in both medical and surgical management. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Use of Market Mechanisms in Higher Education Finance and State Control: Ontario Considered.

Marketization has been so liberally applied to understanding higher education finance policy change that it has become a less potent concep- tual tool. Through its evolution as a conceptual tool, the relationship between state control and market control has become an either/or propo- sition. In Ontario, state control over higher education has been strength- ened with the use of market mechanisms, particularly as they have been utilized in resource allocation. This article outlines seven major higher education policy changes that make use of market mechanisms while enhancing state control. It is argued that marketization is a compromise between privatization, academic autonomy, and blatant state control in the face of the backlash against government intrusion in western socio- economic life.