Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cloning of a gene encoding a major secreted polypeptide of Listeria monocytogenes and its potential use as a species-specific probe

A gene, designated msp, that encodes a major secreted polypeptide with a molecular mass of approximately 60 kilodaltons (kDa) was cloned from Listeria monocytogenes 10403. DNA hybridization analysis indicated that the msp gene was highly conserved among 15 independent L. monocytogenes isolates and that each of 5 isolates tested secreted a 60-kDa polypeptide that was immunologically related to the msp gene product. DNA sequences related to msp were not detected in any other Listeria species or in strains of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Streptococcus pneumoniae when standard stringent DNA hybridization conditions were used. Under nonstringent conditions, related sequences were detected in Listeria ivanovii, Listeria seeligeri, and Listeria innocua, and immunoblot analysis indicated that these strains secreted polypeptides of about 60 kDa that were immunologically related to the msp gene product. The possibility of using the msp gene as a probe for the detection of L. monocytogenes and the potential functions of the msp gene product are discussed.
Physiological Aspects of Biosynthesis of Lignin Peroxidases by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Methods based on UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were used to study the physiological aspects of lignin-peroxidase biosynthesis by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Here we introduce the use of cytochrome aa3 as an indicator of active fungal biomass and of its redox state to calculate the oxygen mass transport coefficient between the growth medium and the fungal cell interior. When lignin peroxidase biosynthesis was enhanced by the addition of Tween 80 or Tween 20 to the growth medium, a higher proportion of reduced cytochrome aa3 and a higher oxygen diffusion barrier were observed compared with control cultures. In cultures supplemented with Tween 80 or Tween 20, a higher oxygen mass transport coefficient between the growth medium and the interior of the fungal cell was also found. The beginning of the lignin peroxidase activity in these cultures was found to coincide with a temporary cessation in the dry biomass increase and a reduction in the relative active-biomass concentration. During the lignin peroxidase activity, a decrease in the intracellular pH and an increase in the growth medium pH were determined in cultures supplemented with Tween 80.
Characteristics of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Evaluated by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the angiographic findings of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) detected by indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and en face optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS The study design was a retrospective chart review of 20 eyes with a clinical diagnosis of treatment-naive PCV, seen at Nagoya City University Hospital between December 2014 and January 2016. Indocyanine green angiography was performed with Heidelberg Retina Angiography 2 and OCTA was performed by using Avanti RTVue XR. RESULTS Twenty eyes of 20 patients (18 male, 2 female) were studied. Average age was 71.9 years. Manual segmentation was required to detect the pathologic lesions of PCV in all cases. The polypoidal lesions were detected in 20 eyes (100%) by ICGA, and in 17 eyes (85%) by OCTA. The number of polypoidal lesions detected by OCTA averaged 2.6 ± 1.9, with an average of 2.0 ± 1.1 by ICGA (P < 0.05). The branching vascular network (BVN) was detected in 14 eyes (70%) by ICGA and in 14 eyes (70%) by OCTA. All of the BVNs detected by OCTA were located between the RPE and Bruch's membrane. CONCLUSIONS Despite the manual segmentation required, en face OCTA enabled us to analyze the angiographic features of PCV combined with longitudinal image (B-scan). En face OCTA may be useful for understanding the pathogenesis of PCV and managing PCV.
Safety assessment of gadopentetate dimeglumine in U.S. clinical trials.

Gadopentetate dimeglumine is an intravenous contrast medium used in magnetic resonance imaging. To determine its safety, the authors summarized data concerning adverse reactions, laboratory parameters, and other assessments for 1,068 adult patients who received gadopentetate dimeglumine in United States clinical trials. For all studies, 213 of 1,068 patients (19.9%) who received gadopentetate dimeglumine experienced one or more clinical adverse reactions. Most of these reactions were minor and short-lived. Hematologic, blood chemistry, and urinary evaluations showed no apparent drug-related effects, with the exception of a transient, asymptomatic rise in serum iron and bilirubin levels in some patients. Other safety assessments--electrocardiography, electroencephalography, neurologic examinations, and vital signs--showed no clinically significant trends in change from baseline results. It was concluded that gadopentetate dimeglumine demonstrated a high degree of safety and tolerance.
Evaluation of basic operating characteristics of ion conductive polymer actuator using ionic liquid

Nafionreg-based ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs), whose counter ions are exchanged using ionic liquids, are fabricated. EMIBF4, BMIBF4, and BMIPF6 are used as ionic liquids. During long-term (180 min.) operation in air, changes in curvature of IPMCs are about 10% of the initial one. This change is enough smaller than that of conventional IPMCs using metallic counter ion. The curvature is larger in IPMC having lower charge transfer resistance, which is evaluated measuring frequency dependent complex impedance of IPMC. Furthermore, charge transfer resistance of IPMC decreases with increase in environmental humidity.
Case and agreement in English language development

This study examines the relationship between third person singular (3Psg) subject pronoun case and agreement, focusing on the hypothesis that these two grammatical subsystems develop together. This hypothesis is broken down into two separate, empirically testable hypotheses: (a) that correct subject case pronoun production and the production of agreement are correlated, and (b) that at the sentence level, correct case is dependent on the presence of agreement. Twenty-nine children between the ages of 2;6 and 4;0 were each audiotaped for approximately two hours playing and interacting with their primary caregivers. Transcribed production data showed that 3Psg masculine subject pronoun case was correlated with agreement marking, whereas 3Psg feminine subject pronoun case was not. This result suggests the influence of a retrieval factor, termed the DOUBLE-CELL EFFECT, on the her for she pronoun case error. At the utterance level, pronoun case was independent of the presence of agreement. Overall, the study indicates that the relationship between case and agreement may be discernible as a general correlation, yet indiscernible at the level of sentence production.
The independent effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on cardiovascular risk factors in humans

Purpose of reviewThis review details the independent effects of purified eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on cardiovascular risk factors in humans. We report data from the recent literature and our own controlled clinical trials which compared the independent effects of these fatty acids in individuals at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, namely overweight hyperlipidaemic men and treated-hypertensive, type 2 diabetic men and women. We discuss the biological effects of these fatty acids and the potential mechanisms through which they may affect cardiovascular disease risk factors. Recent findingsA cardioprotective effect for ω3 fatty acids is supported by prospective studies demonstrating an inverse association between fish intake and coronary heart disease mortality. Data from secondary prevention trials support a reduction in ventricular fibrillation as a primary mechanism for the decreased incidence of myocardial infarction. Clinical trials and experimental studies have shown that ω3 fatty acids have many other potentially important antiatherogenic and antithrombotic effects. Omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve dyslipidaemia, reduce inflammation, and improve vascular and platelet function. These favourable effects have until recently been primarily attributed to the ω3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid, which is present in large amounts in fish oil. Controlled studies in humans now demonstrate that docosahexaenoic acid, although often present in lower quantities, has equally important anti-arrhythmic, anti-thrombotic and anti-atherogenic effects. SummaryAvailable evidence strongly suggests that eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid have differing haemodynamic and anti-atherogenic properties. The effects of the two fatty acids may also differ depending on the target population.
Structural and dynamic properties of water around acetylcholinesterase

Structural and dynamic properties of water molecules around acetylcholinesterase are examined from a 10‐nsec molecular dynamics simulation to help understand how the protein alters water properties. Water structure is broken down into hydration sites constructed from the water density <3.6 Å from the protein surface. These sites are characterized according to occupancy, number of water neighbors, hydrogen bonds, dipole moment, and residence time. The site description provides a convenient means to describe the extent and localization of these properties. Determining the network of paths that waters follow from site to site and measuring the rate of flow of waters from the sites to the bulk make it possible to quantitatively study the time scales and paths that water molecules follow as they move around the protein.
Optimization of Immunosuppressive Therapy for Spinal Grafting of Human Spinal Stem Cells in a Rat Model of ALS

Previous rodent studies employing monotherapy or combined immunosuppressive regimens have demonstrated a variable degree of spinal xenograft survival in several spinal neurodegenerative models including spinal ischemia, trauma, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Accordingly, the characterization of optimal immunosuppressive protocols for the specific neurodegenerative model is critical to ensure reliable assessment of potential long-term therapeutic effects associated with cell replacement. In the present study we characterized the survival of human spinal stem cells when grafted into the lumbar spinal cords of a rodent model of ALS, SOD1 (G93A) male and female rats (60–67 days old). Four different immunosuppressive protocols were studied: i) FK506 (q12h); ii) FK506 (qd) + mycophenolate (PO; q12h, up to 7 days postop); iii) FK506 (qd) + mycophenolate (IP; q12h, up to 7 days postop); and iv) FK506 (qd) + mycophenolate (IP; qd, up to 7 days postop). Three weeks after cell grafting the number of surviving human cells was then systematically assessed. The highest density of grafted cells was seen in animals treated with FK506 (qd) and mycophenolate (IP; qd; an average 915 ± 95 grafted cells per spinal cord section). The majority of hNUMA-positive cells colocalized with doublecortin (DCX) immunoreactivity. DCX-positive neurons showed extensive axodendritic sprouting toward surrounding host neurons. In addition, migrating grafted cells were identified up to 500 μm from the graft. In animals treated with FK506 (q12h), FK506 (qd) + mycophenolate (PO; q12h) or FK506 (qd) + mycophenolate (IP; q12h), 11.8 ± 3.4%, 61.2 ± 7.8%, and 99.4 ± 8.9% [expressed as percent of the FK506 (qd) and mycophenolate (IP; qd)] cell survival was seen, respectively. In contrast to animals treated with a combination of FK506 + mycophenolate, robust CD4/8 immunoreactivity was identified in the vicinity of the injection tract in animals treated with FK506 only. These data suggest that a combined, systemically delivered immunosuppression regimen including FK506 and mycophenolate can significantly improve survival of human spinal stem cells after intraspinal transplantation in SOD1 (G93A) rats.
The Laffer Effect in a Product's Market in the Case of a Specific Tax

Traditionally, the Laffer effect has been discussed in context of macroeconomic endogenous growth models or in the situation of labor market whether a tax cut on wages would persuade people to work more and also increase income tax revenues of the government. In this paper, we are firstly interested in the Laffer effect in a single producti¯s market rather than a general macroeconomic situation. Secondly, we provide a general formula mathematically in that particular commodity market for the optimal tax amount of the government in the case of a specific tax using non-linear demand and supply curves, which is the most possible extension. It turns out that the optimal tax amount depends on after-tax demand elasticity and not on before-tax elasticity as it is commonly assumed in the economics literature and also on after-tax demand price and on consumersi¯ share of burden of tax. Some important novel concepts such as the proportional increase in equilibrium price relative to initial equilibrium price . are defined and discussed. Finally, we believe that any government should consider the issues discussed in this paper before taking a fiscal step in a micro market!
A Dimensional Analysis of the Relationship between Communication Satisfaction and Turnover Intention: The Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment

By taking into consideration the significant increase in turnover rate in the recent years, we aimed to expand our understanding of the factors influencing employees’ decision to leave the organization and consequently to provide managers and Human Resource Development (HRD) practitioners with more information to better manage employees’ undesirable turnover. Thus, the relationship between the theoretically related communication satisfaction’s dimensions and turnover intention was analyzed. A sample of 181 employees working in 11 industries of all three economic sectors was selected for the analysis. Among the five tested dimensions, personal feedback, supervisory communication, and communication climate were found to be significantly related to turnover intention. Unexpectedly, organizational integration and co-workers communication were not significantly related to turnover intention. Additionally, the relationship between supervisory communication and turnover intention was found to be partially mediated by the employees’ affective commitment. Therefore, by keeping employees well-informed about their performance, facilitating the flow of upward and downward communication between employees and their supervisors, and finally by improving communication climate in the organization, managers will have better chance in preventing employees’ voluntary turnovers.
Predicting Stock Returns: Historical Mean vs. Dividend Yield

This paper considers whether the log dividend yield provides forecast power for stock returns. While this is an oft-researched topic there is no consensus answer and yet it remains crucial in our understanding of asset pricing. Using a five-year rolling window we compare forecasts from the dividend yield model to those from the historical mean model across forecast magnitude, sign and investment metrics. Results show that in each case the dividend yield model provides superior forecasts. While the difference in, for example, RMSE and the success ratio is small, results support improved market timing and a higher Sharpe ratio using the dividend yield model. In explaining these results, we note that recursive forecasts do not perform as well and thus it is the nature of time-variation within the forecast parameter that is important. We also argue that such time-variation is linked to economic performance. Overall, these results support stock returns forecasting but stresses the importance of time-variation in the forecast model to ensure forecast power.
Field evidence of selenium bioreduction in a uranium-contaminated aquifer.

Removal of selenium from groundwater was documented during injection of acetate into a uranium-contaminated aquifer near Rifle, Colorado (USA). Bioreduction of aqueous selenium to its elemental form (Se0) concentrated it within mineralized biofilms affixed to tubing used to circulate acetate-amended groundwater. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed close association between Se0 precipitates and cell surfaces, with Se0 aggregates having a diameter of 50-60 nm. Accumulation of Se0 within biofilms occurred over a three-week interval at a rate of c. 9 mg Se0 m(-2) tubing day(-1). Removal was inferred to result from the activity of a mixed microbial community within the biofilms capable of coupling acetate oxidation to the reduction of oxygen, nitrate and selenate. Phylogenetic analysis of the biofilm revealed a community dominated by strains of Dechloromonas sp. and Thauera sp. , with isolates exhibiting genetic similarity to the latter known to reduce selenate to Se0. Enrichment cultures of selenate-respiring microorganisms were readily established using Rifle site groundwater and acetate, with cultures dominated by strains closely related to D. aromatica (96-99% similarity). Predominance of Dechloromonas sp. in recovered biofilms and enrichments suggests this microorganism may play a role in the removal of selenium oxyanions present in Se-impacted groundwaters and sediments.
Potential role of IL‐8, platelet‐activating factor and TNF‐α in the sequestration of neutrophils in the lung: effects on neutrophil deformability, adhesion receptor expression, and chemotaxis

The microvasculature of the normal lung contains a pool of sequestered neutrophils, which is markedly enhanced in acute lung inflammation. Lung neutrophil sequestration is determined by the cells' deformability and adhesivity to capillary endothelium, and is a pre‐requisite for emigration into the airspaces. We assessed the effect of several pro‐inflammatory mediators associated with acute lung inflammation on these factors. Platelet‐activating factor, IL‐8 and formyl‐Met‐Leu‐Phe (fMLP) induced a marked, but transient reduction in neutrophil deformability. Also, increased surface expression of the β2‐integrin and CD11b, and shedding of L‐selectin (CD62L) was observed for these stimuli. TNF‐α in contrast caused a small decrease in cell deformability only after 30 min, and shedding of L‐selectin, but no change in CD11b levels. However, TNF‐α‐pretreatment markedly enhanced the fMLP response for cell deformability, CD11b expression and CD62L loss. Moreover, all pre‐treatments were found to induce chemokinesis, and all except fMLP, enhanced fMLP‐directed chemotaxis. We were able to demonstrate, using specific TNF‐α receptor antagonists, that the TNF‐α‐induced changes in chemotaxis were mediated through the 55‐kDa receptor. Also, inhibitors of the mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway showed that the p38 MAP kinase pathway was involved for fMLP‐directed chemotaxis of TNF‐pretreated neutrophils, although activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway was also seen. These data demonstrate the differential role of pro‐inflammatory mediators in controlling neutrophil sequestration and migration, which may orchestrate the severity of the inflammatory response in such respiratory diseases as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
FTA Influence on Trade Creation and Diversion by Regional Trading Blocs

Using Augmented Gravity Model in Panel context covering 9,832 country pairs (184 countries) over 9 years, this study examines trade creation and trade diversion effects of Regional Trading Blocs in presence of overlapping FTAs with reference to seven selected Regional Blocs, namely; ASEAN, NAFTA, EFTA, DR-CAFTA, EU, CARICOM and SAARC networked with 79 FTAs. The main research question is whether an FTA between an outsider and insider country of a Regional Trading Bloc creates trade for both parties equally or unequally. We found economically plausible and statistically significant evidences that outsider-countries trading with Regional Blocs are adversely exploited by insider-countries for their own benefits, rather than mutual, in absence of FTAs. More interestingly it was found that the countries being exploited can effectively reverse their adverse position by forming an FTA with the Regional Blocs concerned. Trading "with an FTA" is always more beneficial for both parties than trading "without an FTA," though the benefits are unequal.
Effects of Audit Report Wording Changes on the Perceived Message

The Commission on Auditors' Responsibilities (CAR) (AICPA [1978]) concluded that existing audit reports are misunderstood by many readers. CAR identified miscommunication of the character of the audit and the auditor's responsibility in conducting it as major problems, arising because all of the reports' intended messages are not explicitly stated. In consideration of CAR's conclusion, the Auditing Standards Board (ASB) (AICPA [1980]) issued, and subsequently withdrew seven months later (Journal of Accountancy [April 1981]: 3), an exposure draft proposing seven specific wording changes to the standard audit reports. The ASB's decision to withdraw the exposure draft was based on comment letters arguing that the proposed wording changes were not a costeffective improvement over the existing reports. Subsequently, the ASB (AICPA [1982]) implemented an educational program to explain the intended meaning of audit reports. An implication of this educational program is that readers' knowledge about audit reports influences the messages they receive. It is important to examine empirically whether either wording changes such as proposed by the ASB or audit report knowledge can cause material differences in the perceived messages of the audit reports. The issue is important in order to determine whether individuals, when
Hemodialysis catheter-related bacteremia in children: increasing antibiotic resistance and changing bacteriological profile.

BACKGROUND Catheter-related infections limit catheter survival. The success of antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of patients with hemodialysis catheter-related bacteremia (HD-CRB) depends on the infectious organisms. We determined whether the rate of positive blood culture results per tunneled catheter-days, the spectrum of bacterial isolates, and their antibiotic susceptibility changed over time in our pediatric dialysis unit. METHODS Data were collected retrospectively for all positive blood culture results from long-term hemodialysis patients in our pediatric unit from July 1990 to July 1995 (period A) and July 2000 to July 2005 (period B). RESULTS Rates of HD-CRB were similar between periods A and B (2.1 versus 2.2/1,000 catheter-days). In period A, 33% of isolates were coagulase-positive staphylococci, with Staphylococcus aureus accounting for 72% of these. In period B, the most common organism was Staphylococcus epidermidis (28%), whereas coagulase-positive staphylococci were identified in only 17%. There was a larger number of gram-positive bacilli in period B (20%) compared with period A (4%). A significant decrease in susceptibility to penicillins (40% to 5%; P = 0.007) and cephalosporins (58% to 21%; P = 0.04), but not aminoglycosides, was noted for gram-positive bacteria. There was no significant change in susceptibility of gram-negative bacteria to cephalosporins and aminoglycosides in either period. CONCLUSION Both types of organism and antibiotic sensitivity patterns have changed over time. Based on these data, we changed our empiric antibiotic combination for HD-CRB to vancomycin plus an aminoglycoside.