Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biosorption of Ni(ii) and Pb(ii) by Phanerochaete chrysosporium from a binary metal system – kinetics

The biosorption kinetics of Ni(II) and Pb(II) by the resting cells of a lignolytic white-rot fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium , from a binary metal system were investigated. Kinetic studies revealed that biosorption takes place in two stages: a rapid sur face adsorption, within the first 30 min, and a slow intracellular diffusion till the end of the 3 h contact time. In the first min utes of contact solution pH decreased sharply, parallel to the fast metal uptake, probably because of the protons released by the biosorbent. As sorption equilibrium was reached, solution pH also reached an equilibrium level. Metal biosorption capacities increased as the initial metal concentrations (C i ) increased, independent of initial pH (pH i ) and generally the metal with higher C i had a higher uptake capacity. The results also show that some portion of the metal ions sorbed by P. chrysosporium was readily released to solution with a decrease in pH. At equilibrium, the maximum total metal uptake of P. chrysosporium was 109.5 mg/g and was reached at pH i 5. Under these circumstances Ni(II) and Pb(II) uptake capacities were 55.9 mg Ni/g and 53.6 mg Pb/g, respectively.
LKB1 Protein Expression in Human Breast Cancer

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is caused by germline mutations in the LKB1/STK11 gene. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is associated with an increased risk of developing intestinal and extraintestinal cancers, including pancreatic, lung, and breast carcinomas. LKB1 gene inactivation has recently been demonstrated in a subset of sporadic pancreatic and lung carcinomas. The role of the LKB1 gene in sporadic breast carcinomas remains unclear, though recent studies suggest inactivation only within papillary carcinomas. Using a commercially available polyclonal antibody that has been shown to mirror LKB1 genetic status in gastrointestinal and pulmonary carcinomas, the authors performed IHC on a large series of breast cancers using tissue microarrays (TMAs). All abnormal TMA results were confirmed using whole sections; specifically, whole sections from the donor blocks of lesions demonstrating diminished or absent LKB1 protein expression on TMA were evaluated to compare labeling of the lesion with that of the surrounding normal breast. In all cases, normal breast epithelium demonstrated strong cytoplasmic labeling (providing an internal positive control), whereas the stroma was nonreactive. Luminal cells typically labeled more strongly than myoepithelial cells. Among 70 invasive ductal carcinomas, 3 (4.3%) showed complete loss of LKB1 labeling, whereas 6 others (8.6%) showed diminished labeling. Of the eight intraductal carcinoma lesions adjacent to these invasive carcinomas, one (12.5%) showed complete loss of LKB1 labeling and one other (12.5%) showed diminished labeling; these results were identical to those of the adjacent invasive carcinomas. One of 10 (10%) hematogenous metastases of mammary carcinoma showed loss of LKB1 labeling. Nine of the 10 invasive carcinomas and both of the ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cases showing loss of or diminished LKB1 expression were of high grade. In contrast, all 13 pure nonpapillary DCIS lesions, all 5 invasive lobular carcinomas and 3 accompanying lobular carcinoma in situ lesions, all 7 papillary DCIS lesions, and all 3 papillomas evaluated showed intact LKB1 labeling. Therefore, although frequent methylation of the LKB1 gene has been reported in papillary carcinomas of the breast, the authors did not find loss of protein expression in these lesions. Instead, it was found that loss of LKB1 protein expression occurs in a subset of high-grade in situ and invasive mammary carcinomas. The authors found LKB1 gene methylation in several of these invasive carcinomas. Given recent Western blot results indicating that diminished LKB1 expression in breast carcinomas correlates with shorter relapse-free survival, LKB1 IHC merits evaluation as a potential prognostic marker for breast carcinoma.
Benchmarking across Borders: Electoral Accountability and the Necessity of Comparison

When the economy in a single country contracts, voters often punish the government. When many economies contract, voters turn against their governments much less frequently. This suggests that the international context matters for the domestic vote, yet most research on electoral accountability assumes that voters treat their national economies as autarkic. We decompose two key economic aggregates—growth in real gross domestic product and unemployment—into their international and domestic components and demonstrate that voters hold incumbents more electorally accountable for the domestic than for the international component of growth. Voters in a wide variety of democracies benchmark national economic growth against that abroad, punishing (rewarding) incumbents for national outcomes that underperform (outperform) an international comparison. Tests suggest that this effect arises not from highly informed voters making direct comparisons but from “pre-benchmarking” by the media when reporting on the economy. The effect of benchmarked growth exceeds that of aggregate national growth by up to a factor of two and outstrips the international component of growth by an even larger margin, implying that previous research may have underestimated the strength of the economy on the vote.
Does XBRL disclosure management solution influence earnings release efficiency and earnings management?

Purpose This study aims to investigate whether eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) disclosure management solution improves public companies’ earnings release efficiency and mitigates earnings management. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a unique survey data set from the Financial Executives Research Foundation 2013 to identify companies’ XBRL implementation strategies. Earnings release efficiency is measured by earnings announcement time lag. Multiple indicators of both accruals- and real activities-based earnings management are adopted to examine the research hypotheses. Findings The authors find that the disclosure management solution (DMS) XBRL implementation is positively associated with earnings release efficiency for companies with good news. The authors also find that DMS implementation strategy is negatively related to accruals-based earnings management, but positively related to real activities-based earnings management measured by abnormal cash flows. Research limitations/implications The results of this study can inform regulators, investors and corporate management on how XBRL adoption is associated with corporate financial reporting. Originality/value The study contributes to the XBRL literature by providing empirical evidence on how the strategies adopted by companies to implement XBRL may affect the results of XBRL mandatory adoption.
Effects on vesicular transport pathways at the late endosome in cells with limited very long-chain fatty acids[S]

Very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), fatty acids with chain-length greater than 20 carbons, possess a wide range of biological functions. However, their roles at the molecular level remain largely unknown. In the present study, we screened for multicopy suppressors that rescued temperature-sensitive growth of VLCFA-limited yeast cells, and we identified the VPS21 gene, encoding a Rab GTPase, as such a suppressor. When the vps21Δ mutation was introduced into a deletion mutant of the SUR4 gene, which encodes a VLCFA elongase, a synthetic growth defect was observed. Endosome-mediated vesicular trafficking pathways, including endocytosis and the carboxypeptidase Y (CPY) pathway, were severely impaired in sur4Δ vps21Δ double mutants, while the AP-3 pathway that bypasses the endosome was unaffected. In addition, the sur4Δ mutant also exhibited a synthetic growth defect when combined with the deletion of VPS3, which encodes a subunit of the class C core vacuole/endosome tethering (CORVET) complex that tethers transport vesicles to the late endosome/multivesicular body (MVB). These results suggest that, of all the intracellular trafficking pathways, requirement of VLCFAs is especially high in the endosomal pathways.
Multicenter study on invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections in children in Argentina.

INTRODUCTION Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections (ISpIs) cause a high morbidity and mortality, even at present; however, at a regional level there are few publications on this subject in the field of pediatrics. OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence, predisposing factors and clinical characteristics of children hospitalized for ISpI, and analyze risk factors associated with bacteremia and lethality. Material and methods. Retrospective, descriptive study on ISpIs in children <18 years old hospitalized in the Pediatric Ward of 20 healthcare facilities across Argentina between 2010 and 2012. Assessed outcome measures: age, gender, early and late clinical sources of infection, prior chronic condition, predisposing factors, treatment and evolution. RESULTS To describe the prevalence, predisposing factors and clinical characteristics of children hospitalized for ISpI, and analyze risk factors associated with bacteremia and lethality. Material and methods. Retrospective, descriptive study on ISpIs in children <18 years old hospitalized in the Pediatric Ward of 20 healthcare facilities across Argentina between 2010 and 2012. Assessed outcome measures: age, gender, early and late clinical sources of infection, prior chronic condition, predisposing factors, treatment and evolution. CONCLUSIONS Most ISpIs were observed in patients without a prior chronic condition. The most common manifestation was, frequently with bacteremia, in the skin and soft tissue. A statistically significant association was observed between bacteremia and ≥2 early sources of infection and no surgery. Fatality rate, in association with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis, was similar to that observed in other publications.
Melioidosis Doxycycline for Maintenance Therapy of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole and Compared with Doxycycline , and Chloramphenicol Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole , Open-Label Randomized Trial of Oral

10.1128/AAC.49. 10.4020-4025.2005. 2005, 49(10):4020. DOI: Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. P. J. Day and Sharon J. Peacock Wuthiekanun, Paul N. Newton, Nicholas J. White, Nicholas Direk Limmathurotsakul, Allen C. Cheng, Vanaporn Maharjan, Adul Rajchanuvong, Duangkaew Busarawong, Simpson, Jennifer M. Short, Kasia Stepniewska, Bina Wipada Chaowagul, Wirongrong Chierakul, Andrew J. Melioidosis Doxycycline for Maintenance Therapy of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole and Compared with Doxycycline, and Chloramphenicol Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Open-Label Randomized Trial of Oral
Mitochondrial Small Conductance SK2 Channels Prevent Glutamate-induced Oxytosis and Mitochondrial Dysfunction*

Background: SK2 channels modulate NMDA-dependent neuronal excitability and provide neuroprotection against excitotoxicity. Results: We identify mitoSK2/KCa2.2 channels in neuronal mitochondria and demonstrate their protective function in cells lacking NMDAR. Conclusion: SK2 channels prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and completely restore cell viability independently of NMDAR modulation. Significance: Understanding how mitochondrial SK2 channels operate is crucial to develop novel therapeutic strategies for diseases caused by mitochondrial demise. Small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK2/KCa2.2) channels are known to be located in the neuronal plasma membrane where they provide feedback control of NMDA receptor activity. Here, we provide evidence that SK2 channels are also located in the inner mitochondrial membrane of neuronal mitochondria. Patch clamp recordings in isolated mitoplasts suggest insertion into the inner mitochondrial membrane with the C and N termini facing the intermembrane space. Activation of SK channels increased mitochondrial K+ currents, whereas channel inhibition attenuated these currents. In a model of glutamate toxicity, activation of SK2 channels attenuated the loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, blocked mitochondrial fission, prevented the release of proapoptotic mitochondrial proteins, and reduced cell death. Neuroprotection was blocked by specific SK2 inhibitory peptides and siRNA targeting SK2 channels. Activation of mitochondrial SK2 channels may therefore represent promising targets for neuroprotective strategies in conditions of mitochondrial dysfunction.
Corporate governance and performance of Turkish banks in the pre- and post-crisis periods

This paper aims to analyze the relationship between corporate governance and bank performance. Return on asset (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and net interest margin (NIM) is considered as the measures of bank performance. Corporate governance is determined through the measures of internal governance mechanism which is measured by CEO duality and external governance mechanisms which are proxied by discipline exerted by shareholders, creditors and educated personnel and bank ownership. The analysis covers the period 1990-2000 and 2002-2011 which are the pre and post periods of the severe 2001 banking crisis. The results show that different governance characteristics are important in the pre and post crisis periods.
Influence of Interactional Justice Strategy on Recovery Satisfaction among Customers of Mobile Money Services in Kenya

Despite the subject of service recovery attracting great interest among service marketing scholars and practitioners, there is a scarcity of empirical studies focusing on justice perceptions and satisfaction in the East Africa region. This research empirically tested the role of interactional justice as a recovery strategy following service failure and its consequence on recovery satisfaction among consumers of mobile money services in Kenya. A descriptive survey approach was used. The population of the study encompassed mobile money transfer service subscribers in Kenya. Primary data were collected through a computer assisted telephone interview (CATI). A final nationally distributed sample of 622 respondents was realized. Reliability and validity tests were conducted using data from a pilot study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, correlation, and regression analysis. The results revealed that interactional justice has a positive and statistically significant relationship with recovery satisfaction. This implies that the adoption of interactional justice strategy to address service failure positively impacts customer evaluation of service recovery. The results further indicated that when a company applies interactional justice strategy to assuage the negative effects associated with service failure customers are willing to forgive and continue patronizing the business. The study recommends that managers should design effective interactional strategies and train employees on how to properly implement them to ensure recovery satisfaction. Further, policy makers are advised to incorporate interactional justice elements in developing operators’ guidelines for service failure redress systems. Keywords: Interactional justice; recovery satisfaction; recovery strategy; service failure; service recovery; mobile money.
An experimental investigation of the impact of NSS and proximity on negotiation outcomes

Negotiations are often not as rational as desired due to the cognitive difficulty of finding optimal agreements. With higher information-processing capacity and capability, negotiation support systems (NSS) are viewed as a viable solution to overcome this difficulty and help negotiators achieve integrative agreements. In addition, advances in network communication technology have enabled distributed meetings to be carried out easily. This in turn leads to the notion of conducting distributed negotiations by combining NSS and distributed communication technology. This study examined the impact of NSS in face-to-face and distributed settings. The results suggested that NSS led to higher and fairer outcomes for both face-to-face and distributed dyads. Another interesting finding from this study is that there were gains with respect to initial expectations of outcomes when NSS support was provided. As corporations expand globally, NSS will play a significant role in coordinating distributed negotiations, saving time and cost.
A Multistage Position/Force Control for Constrained Robotic Systems With Friction: Joint-Space Decomposition, Linearization, and Multiobjective Observer/Controller Synthesis Using LMI Formalism

A historical review of constrained robot modeling and control strategies is first introduced. Next, a design of a motion/force controller for a constrained servo-robot, which is based on a commonly known modeling structure, is proposed. The contact between the end-effector and the environment is subject to frictional features. Accordingly, the control plant is based on the LuGre friction closed-loop observer. Therefore, new nonlinear position and force input transforms, which are slightly different from classical computed torques, are proposed, combined with a new change of variable. The main purpose of this paper is to establish the stability condition by using the passivity of interconnected linear and nonlinear subplants. From then on, because of this formulation, the authors succeed in designing a full-order dynamic position feedback and an integral force controller that ensure exponential stabilization within an Hinfin multiobjective optimization. These conditions are expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The performances are experimentally validated on a two-degrees-of-freedom robot manipulator acting on a horizontal worktable with friction. The LuGre model estimator exhibits a richer behavior in terms of friction compensation and positioning tracking when experimentally compared to the Karnopp friction compensation. The latter form exhibits poor modeling properties at zero crossings of the velocity
Is transdermal menopausal hormone therapy a safer option than oral therapy?

See related research article by Racine and colleagues on page [555][1] and at [www.cmaj. ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.121490][2] Large trials and observational studies have provided much-needed evidence on the benefits and harms of menopausal hormone therapy. Most of this evidence comes from studies
An in-depth look at distal Sierra Nevada palaeochannel fill: drill cores through the Table Mountain Latite near Knights Ferry

The ∼10.4 Ma Table Mountain Latite (TML) consists of high-K trachyandesite lavas that likely erupted from the Little Walker Center near Sonora Pass and flowed 80 miles (130 km) through the palaeo-Stanislaus river channel to Knights Ferry in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Complete sections through the proximal facies of the flow stratigraphy are common in the high-Sierra and along range-front faults, but in much of its distal facies in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the internal features of the unit are poorly exposed. Condor Earth Technologies offered us the opportunity to study three complete vertical sections through the distal facies of the TML through access to three drill cores. These cores, spaced 1500′ (457 m) apart and oriented oblique to inferred flow direction by 30°, are referred to here as cores A, B, and C, in a down-palaeoflow direction. Previous outcrop studies of the distal TML over the past century have concluded that the distal TML consists of a single flow. This is true of core B, which is .
Cigarette smoke modulates PGE2 and host defence against Moraxella catarrhalis infection in human airway epithelial cells

Background and objective: Airway bacterial infections pose a significant challenge to the management of COPD, a disease mainly caused by cigarette smoking. However, the mechanisms of impaired airway mucosal innate immunity against bacteria in COPD remain unclear. We examined the effect of cigarette smoke on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and downstream epithelial host defence mechanisms including the antimicrobial substance human β‐defensin‐2 (hBD‐2).
Plasmids and serogroups in Campylobacter jejuni

For epidemiological purposes identification of Campylobacter strains is usually based on surface antigen characteristics. Two different systems, one for heat‐stable (HS) and one for heat‐labile (HL) antigen have dominated. In earlier studies we found a great variability in the two antigen systems. The aim of the present investigation was to analyse the frequency of plasmids in Campylobacter strains in the light of their possible use as an epidemiological tool as well as the relation between the presence of plasmids and surface antigens (HS and HL). Two hundred and forty‐two strains from the same number of patients with diarrhea were analysed. In 70 (28.9%) palsmid(s) were found, in general one or two. Most of the plasmids were found in the molecular weight interval between 21‐40 Md. There was no relation between the presence or size of plasmids and serogroup. We conclude that plasmid determination can be used as a complement to serotyping in epidemiological studies.
Robustness of Order-Up-to Policies in Lost-Sales Inventory Systems

We study an inventory system under periodic review when excess demand is lost. It is known Huh et al. 2009 that the best base-stock policy is asymptotically optimal as the lost-sales penalty cost parameter grows. We now show that this result is robust in the following sense: Consider the base-stock level which is optimal in a backordering system with a per-unit-per-period backordering cost in which the backorder cost parameter is a function of the lost-sales parameter in the original system. Then there is a large family of functions mapping the lost-sales cost parameter to the backorder cost parameter such that the resulting base-stock policy is asymptotically optimal. We also demonstrate the robustness phenomenon through a second result. We consider the base-stock level which is optimal in a backordering system in which a unit of backorder is charged a penalty cost only once such a system has been studied by Rosling. We show that this base-stock policy is also asymptotically optimal. Furthermore, we show that a modification suggested by Archibald of this base-stock level also results in an asymptotically optimal policy. Finally, we numerically test the performance of this heuristic policy for a wide spectrum of values for the lost-sales penalty cost parameter and illustrate the superior performance of Archibald's method.
Understanding Virtual Team Development: An Interpretive Study

In this paper, we develop an understanding of how virtual teams develop over time by inductively studying communication transactions of 12 United States-Canadian student virtual teams involved in ISD. Our analysis is based upon two influential streams of social science research: (1) interaction analysis, which aided in the examination of the micro-processes of communication among members of a virtual team, and (2) structuration theory, which provided a meta-framework to help link the microlevel communication patterns with the more macro-structures representing the environmental context as well as the characteristics of teams over time. Based on our interpretation of the communication patterns in the virtual teams, we propose a theoretical model to describe how virtual teams develop over the life of a project, and also attempt to clarify how the concepts of communication, virtual team development, and collaboration are related.