Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal distribution of the cochlear microphonics inside the cochlear duct (guinea pig).

Cochlear microphonics (CM) were recorded with glass micropipet electrodes inserted in the scala media in the four turns of the guinea pig's cochlea. From the data acquired, the longitudinal distribution of the cochlear microphonics were determined. The points of maximum sensitivity for different frequencies along the cochlear partition were 2 mm apart for a change of 1 oct. By increasing the intensity of the stimuli, there was a shift of 4 mm of the point of maximum voltage of the CM toward the base of the cochlea. The slope of the proximal side of the envelope was steeper than that of the distal side. Both proximal and distal slopes doubled their magnitude for a change from 300 to 3000 Hz. At moderate sound‐pressure levels (i.e., 70 dB), the voltages of the CM were the same for all frequencies at the point of maximum stimulation.
Kinetic Analysis of a Recombinant UDP-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine:Polypeptide N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (*)

A mammalian expression vector was designed to express a secreted soluble form of the UDP-GalNAc:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (polypeptide GalNAc transferase) with a metal binding site (HHWHHH) at the NH2 terminus. The recombinant enzyme was purified to homogeneity from COS-7 cell media by sequential chromatography on columns of NiCl2-chelating Sepharose, Affi-Gel blue, and Sephacryl S-100. Kinetic parameters of recombinant and native polypeptide GalNAc transferase were comparable for the donor UDP-GalNAc and for the peptide acceptors AcTPPP, EPO-T (PPDAATAAPLR), and HVF (PHMAQVTVGPGL). Initial velocity and product inhibition studies were carried out with purified recombinant polypeptide GalNAc transferase and the substrates UDP-GalNAc and peptide EPO-T. Initial velocity data was consistent with a sequential type mechanism in which binding of both substrates precedes product release. Product inhibition analysis using UDP showed competitive inhibition against UDP-GalNAc and a noncompetitive inhibition against peptide EPO-T. The dead end peptide analogue EPO-G (PPDAAGAAPLR) was a noncompetitive inhibitor of UDP-GalNAc and a competitive inhibitor of peptide EPO-T. Collectively, the results suggest that the most probable kinetic mechanism for the enzyme is one in which both substrates must bind in a random order prior to catalysis. Interestingly, the K for EPO-T is similar to the K for EPO-G, suggesting that peptide interaction with the polypeptide GalNAc transferase does not require a hydroxyamino acid.
Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction and the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Brain capillary endothelial cells form the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is covered with basement membranes and is also surrounded by pericytes and astrocyte end-feet in the neurovascular unit. The BBB tightly regulates the molecular exchange between the blood flow and brain parenchyma, thereby regulating the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, dysfunction of the BBB is likely involved in the pathogenesis of several neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition and neurofibrillary tangle formation in the brain are central pathological hallmarks in AD, cerebrovascular lesions and BBB alteration have also been shown to frequently coexist. Although further clinical studies should clarify whether BBB disruption is a specific feature of AD pathogenesis, increasing evidence indicates that each component of the neurovascular unit is significantly affected in the presence of AD-related pathologies in animal models and human patients. Conversely, since some portions of Aβ are eliminated along the neurovascular unit and across the BBB, disturbing the pathways may result in exacerbated Aβ accumulation in the brain. Thus, current evidence suggests that BBB dysfunction may causatively and consequently contribute to AD pathogenesis, forming a vicious cycle between brain Aβ accumulation and neurovascular unit impairments during disease progression.
A Project to Change the Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices of Health Professionals concerning Hypnosis

Abstract This study describes an educational project designed to change the beliefs, attitudes and practices of health care professionals concerning hypnosis and hypnotherapy. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether an educational offering that dispelled myths and misconceptions of hypnosis, offered a historical perspective, discussed how hypnosis works therapeutically, and elucidated the many medical uses of hypnosis, could change the attitudes, practices and beliefs of health care providers. Workshops were given to health care professionals at a variety of venues. Three questionnaires were used to collect data from study subjects before, immediately after and three months following the educational intervention. The results indicated that it is possible with a 90 to 180 minute lecture on hypnosis to create changes in beliefs, attitudes and practices. When health professionals have accurate information on hypnosis that is substantiated by scientific research, they are more likely to believe that hypnosis has a place in traditional mainstream medicine and to suggest self-regulatory strategies and hypnosis to their patients. An educational presentation on hypnosis can encourage health care professionals to learn more about this modality and to seek training in hypnosis.
Criticism of the DSM-V risk syndrome: A rebuttal

Anthony David (2011 this issue) articulates cogent concerns regarding the risk syndrome being considered for DSM-V. In this commentary I will offer a different perspective in general, address a misconception, and provide an alternative view of the key issues. First, and most important, as chair of the Psychosis Work Group for DSM-V, I can update readers on our current considerations. Otherwise, the views expressed here are my own. David’s starting point is the September 2009 issue of the Schizophrenia Bulletin, in which Heckers discusses the risk syndrome concept (Heckers, 2009), Woods et al. report on its validity (Woods et al. 2009), and I address the risk syndrome from the DSM-V vantage (Carpenter, 2009). A significant change in concept has occurred since that time, informed by deliberations at the 2010 Florence meeting of the Schizophrenia International Research Society. Frauke Schultze-Lutter there advocated for a diagnosis and treatment paradigm rather than a risk and prevention paradigm. Persons manifesting symptoms and behaviours used to define ‘‘high risk’’ for psychosis are already disordered with a functional and mental disturbance, even though many will not convert to full psychosis. This stance agrees with the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations that treatment is indicated for high risk individuals who have minimal but detectable signs or symptoms foreshadowing mental disorder even if they don’t meet DSM criteria levels (Institute of Medicine, 1994). Following this model, the DSM-V Work Group is no longer considering a ‘‘psychosis risk syndrome’’. Rather, we are
Creativity, expertise, and attention: Exploring their development and their relationships

Abstract Recent evidence from neuroscience suggests that creativity is developed early in life and that the greatest improvements in creativity can be expected during this time. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the creative development of children depending on their level of expertise and attention processes. Moreover, the significance of general and specific attention components and special training effects in the development of specific and non-specific creative thinking remain unclear. Thus, skilled (team handball) and non-skilled children (n = 120) aged 7, 10, and 13 completed two divergent thinking tasks (specific/non-specific) and two attention tasks (specific/non-specific) in a cross-sectional design. It is evident that general and sport-specific creativity have similar paths of development. Skilled players with high attention scores performed better than skilled players with low attention scores, in accordance with specific creative thinking abilities. In contrast, and in accordance with general creative thinking abilities, non-skilled players with less attentional skills outperformed non-skilled players.
Germanium Multiple-Gate Field-Effect Transistor With In Situ Boron-Doped Raised Source/Drain

We report the first demonstration of a p-channel Ω-gate Germanium (Ge) multiple-gate field-effect transistor (MuGFET) on a Germanium-on-Insulator (GeOI) substrate with in situ Boron (B)-doped Ge (Ge:B) raised source/drain (RSD). Detailed process optimization on epitaxial growth of Ge on patterned GeOI samples is discussed. Process integration of Ge:B RSD into Ge MuGFETs using a CMOS compatible process flow is documented. Electrical characteristics of Ge MuGFETs with RSD are reported.
Effects of Enucleation and Caffeine on Maturation-Promoting Factor (MPF) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Activities in Ovine Oocytes Used as Recipient Cytoplasts for Nuclear Transfer1

Abstract In general, oocytes arrested at metaphase of the second meiotic division (MII) are used as recipient cytoplasts for nuclear transfer (NT) procedures. MII oocytes contain high levels of maturation-promoting factor (MPF) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which cause nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD) and premature chromosome condensation (PCC) in the transferred nucleus and have been implicated in nuclear reprogramming. However, the occurrence of NEBD and the extent of PCC are variable between individual oocytes and species and are dependent on donor cell type and cell cycle stage. Enucleation, which removes oocyte cytoplasm, may reduce MPF and MAPK activities and reduce reprogramming; conversely, increasing kinase activities may increase reprogramming. We compared the effects of enucleation of ovine oocytes at anaphase/telophase of the first meiotic division (AI-TI) and at MII. MPF and MAPK activities were maximal at MII; blind enucleation at AI-TI was more efficient than at MII and removed a smaller volume of cytoplasm. Neither protocol significantly affected the activity of either kinase and the fate of the donor nucleus; however, enucleation per se significantly reduced the occurrence of NEBD in NT embryos. Treatment with 10 mM caffeine significantly increased the activities of both kinases and the occurrence of NEBD but did not affect the frequency of development to the blastocyst stage; however, a significant increase in total cell numbers was observed. The results show that caffeine can increase MPF and MAPK activities in ovine oocytes and that this may contribute to an increased reprogramming in NT embryos.
Detecting Financial Statements Fraud: the Evidence from Russia

Russian stakeholders of joint stock companies, which shares are not traded on a stock exchange, and limited liability companies need the effective instruments which enable them to detect the facts of financial statement fraud quickly because the financial statement remains the main source of information about the companies’ performance for them. Although Institute of Auditors is one of the most reliable tools which identify financial statement manipulations, the costs, connected with audit, are too high and, and as a result, stakeholders have to look for other instruments to distinguish fraudsters, which make an attempt to overestimate or underestimate net assets and financial results, from non-fraudsters. Mathematical model of the American researcher Messod Beneish can be considered as an example of such tools. The general purpose of this paper is to identify whether it is possible, basing on the Beneish model, to create a new one, which enables to distinguish fraudulent from non-fraudulent financial statements reporting in Russia, and determine the accuracy level of fraud status forecasts made by using this model. In our research we are going to concentrate on identification of companies, which overestimate net assets and financial results. Tо obtain the information on the financial ratios included in the model we use financial reports of Russian both non-traded joint stock companies and limited liability firms. The conclusion can also be drawn that it is possible to develop the fraud detection probit model and linear model (integrated M-score index), which enabled stakeholders to identify fraud status correctly in 83% and 60 % respectively. Developing the model we include extra parameters, connected with growth rate of other income to sales ratio and an accounting policy of the company. It was found that fraud risk increases if the company chooses accounting policy according to which administrative costs are charged to core product expenses.
Identity of the N‐terminal sequences of the three A chains of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) lectins: homology with ricin‐like plant toxins and single‐chain ribosome‐inhibiting proteins

Mistletoe lectin (ML) I increases the production of cytokines by mononuclear cells and has been proposed as a useful biological response modifier in the treatment of cancer. Two other lectins, ML II and ML III, have been identified in mistletoe. We report that the N-terminal sequences of the three A chains of ML I, ML II and ML III are identical, and have interesting homology with the N-terminal sequences of the A chain of ricin-like toxins and of single-chain ribosome-inhibiting proteins. In addition, the three mistletoe lectins inhibit the growth of the human tumor cell line Molt 4, ML III being the most potent, followed by ML II and ML I. This inhibition is suppressed by addition of rabbit anti-ML I antibodies to the cultured cells. The data obtained suggest that the three lectins have amino acid sequences which show extensive homology and exert very similar biological effects. They may be derived from the same precursor.
Effect of Public Services Quality on Satisfaction and Its Implication on Public Trust

This research aims to determine: 1) The influence of the public services quality on public satisfaction at Samsat Office Kendari City. 2) The effect of public services the quality on public trust at Samsat Office Kendari City. 3) The effect of public satisfaction on public trust at Samsat Office Kendari City. 4) The mediate effect of public satisfaction in strengthening the influence of public services quality on public trust at Samsat Office Kendari City.The design of this research is associative (causal) design. The object of this research is the people who employ Samsat Office services. The samples were taken by purposive sampling (designation intentionally) which employ 110 respondents. The analysis used is descriptive statistical analysis and analysis of Partial Leas Square (PLS). This research concluded that: 1) The public services quality significantly influence the public satisfaction on Samsat Office Kendari City. it indicated that the good quality of public services is reflected by accountability, responsiveness, orientation to service and efficiency indicators which will increase the public satisfaction which is reflected by their attitude to respect service officers, abide by the rules, is proud of the work of the officers, has the spirit and initiative, and avoid of conflict. 2) The quality of public services does not significantly affect the public trust on Samsat Office Kendari City. This means that the public service quality at Samsat Office Kendari city cannot increase public trust significantly caused by the public tust in the service officer has not been optimal. 3) Public satisfaction has significant effect on public trust on Samsat Office Kendari City. This means that the public satisfaction will increase public trust which is reflected by the increasing of public trust in the service facilities. 4) Public Satisfaction mediates the effect of public services quality on public trust on Samsat Office Kendari City. This means that public satisfaction can strengthen the influence of public services quality on public trust.
Rh-RhAG/Ankyrin-R, a New Interaction Site between the Membrane Bilayer and the Red Cell Skeleton, Is Impaired by Rhnull-associated Mutation*

Several studies suggest that the Rh complex represents a major interaction site between the membrane lipid bilayer and the red cell skeleton, but little is known about the molecular basis of this interaction. We report here that ankyrin-R is capable of interacting directly with the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of Rh and RhAG polypeptides. We first show that the primary defect of ankyrin-R in normoblastosis (nb/nb) spherocytosis mutant mice is associated with a sharp reduction of RhAG and Rh polypeptides. Secondly, our flow cytometric analysis of the Triton X-100 extractability of recombinant fusion proteins expressed in erythroleukemic cell lines suggests that the C-terminal cytoplasmic domains of Rh and RhAG are sufficient to mediate interaction with the erythroid membrane skeleton. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we demonstrate a direct interaction between the cytoplasmic tails of Rh and RhAG and the second repeat domain (D2) of ankyrin-R. This finding is supported by the demonstration that the substitution of Asp-399 in the cytoplasmic tail of RhAG, a mutation associated with the deficiency of the Rh complex in one Rhnull patient, totally impaired interaction with domain D2 of ankyrin-R. These results identify the Rh/RhAG-ankyrin complex as a new interaction site between the red cell membrane and the spectrin-based skeleton, the disruption of which might result in the stomato-spherocytosis typical of Rhnull red cells.
How China trained a new generation abroad

In 1978, Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping made a strategic decision to send 3,000 students and scholars from the People's Republic of China overseas for further education each year. His plan was to rebuild China's scientific community, catastrophically reduced during the decade-long anti-intellectual Cultural Revolution (1966-76) that had just ended. Even if 5 per cent did not return, he told critics, the policy would remain a success.
Information Retrieval Skills and Use of Library Electronic Resources by University Undergraduates in Nigeria

There is an increase in provision of electronic resources in Nigerian university libraries, yet studies have revealed that there is low use of the resources by undergraduates and this is due to lack of information retrieval skills. Hence, the study, tried to find the impact of information retrieval skills on students’ utilisation of electronic resources in university libraries in Nigeria. The study focused on ten universities in Nigeria. The descriptive research design was adopted and multistage sampling technique was used for the study. Three faculties were purposively selected from the universities while two departments each were randomly selected from the faculties. A questionnaire, (Information Retrieval Skills and Utilisation of Electronic Resources) was used. Two research questions were posed and two hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance. Informational retrieval skills, operational retrieval skills and strategic retrieval skills correlated significantly with students’ utilisation of electronic resources for research. The data showed that undergraduates lacked requisite skills for the use of e-resources. Keywords: Information Retrieval Skills, Library, Electronic resources, Undergraduates, Nigeria.
Plasmid Transfer in the Ocean – A Case Study from the Roseobacter Group

Plasmid mediated horizontal gene transfer (HGT) has been speculated to be one of the prime mechanisms for the adaptation of roseobacters (Rhodobacteraceae) to their ecological niches in the marine habitat. Their plasmids contain ecologically crucial functional modules of up to ∼40-kb in size, e.g., for aerobic anoxygenic photosynthesis, flagellar formation and the biosynthesis of the antibiotic tropodithietic acid. Furthermore, the widely present type four secretion system (T4SS) of roseobacters has been shown to mediate conjugation across genus barriers, albeit in the laboratory. Here we discovered that Confluentimicrobium naphthalenivorans NS6T, a tidal flat bacterium isolated in Korea, carries a 185-kb plasmid, which exhibits a long-range synteny with the conjugative 126-kb plasmid of Dinoroseobacter shibae DFL12T. Both replicons are stably maintained by RepABC operons of the same compatibility group (-2) and they harbor a homologous T4SS. Principal component analysis of the codon usage shows a large similarity between the two plasmids, while the chromosomes are very distinct, showing that neither of the two bacterial species represents the original host of those RepABC-2 type plasmids. The two species do not share a common habitat today and they are phylogenetically only distantly related. Our finding demonstrates the first clear-cut evidence for conjugational plasmid transfer across biogeographical and phylogenetic barriers in Rhodobacteraceae and documents the importance of conjugative HGT in the ocean.
Frequency of AIP gene mutations in young patients with acromegaly: a registry-based study.

CONTEXT Familial and sporadic GH-secreting pituitary adenomas are associated with mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) gene. Patients with an AIP mutation (AIPmut) tend to have more aggressive tumors occurring at a younger age. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to investigate the frequency of AIPmut in patients diagnosed at 30 years of age or younger. DESIGN The German Acromegaly Registry database (1795 patients in 58 centers) was screened for patients diagnosed with acromegaly at 30 years of age or younger (329 patients). Sixteen centers participated and 91 patients consented to AIPmut analysis. INTERVENTION DNA was analyzed by direct sequencing and multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification Main outcome Measures: The number of patients with AIPmut was measured. RESULTS Five patients had either a mutation (c.490C>T, c.844C>T, and c.911G>A, three males) or gross deletions of exons 1 and 2 of the AIP gene (n = 2, one female). The overall frequency of an AIPmut was 5.5%, and 2.3% or 2.4% in patients with an apparently sporadic adenoma or macroadenoma, respectively. By contrast, three of four patients (75%) with a positive family history were tested positive for an AIPmut. Except for a positive family history, there were no significant differences between patients with and without an AIPmut. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of AIPmut in this registry-based cohort of young patients with acromegaly is lower than previously reported. Patients with a positive family history should be tested for an AIPmut, whereas young patients without an apparent family history should be screened, depending on the individual cost to benefit ratio.
An Evolving Experience: An Investigation of the Impact of Sporting Event Factors on Spectator Satisfaction

ABSTRACT The sport stadium experience continues to evolve around the world, with elements such as food, music, stadium lighting, and enhanced scoreboards becoming more prevalent. The current study investigated four factors of the stadium experience within sport managers’ control – the physical facility, facility electronics, team traditions, and concessions – in relation to the uncontrollable factor of team competition, to determine their impact on spectator satisfaction. Utilizing an international sample of 255 sport fans, hierarchical regression analysis showed the facility, electronic, team traditions, and team competition factors were significant predictors of spectator satisfaction. The concessions factor, meanwhile, did not predict spectator satisfaction. Differences across sports and geographic regions were also investigated, but no differences were found. Implications of these results are discussed, and recommendations for future research are provided.