Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The odd-even effect in mitotically unstable B chromosomes in grasshoppers

The odd-even effect, by which B chromosomes are more detrimental in odd numbers, has been reported in plants and animals. In grasshoppers, there are only a few reports of this effect and all were referred to as traits related to the formation of aberrant meiotic products (AMPs). Here we review the existing information about B chromosome effects on AMPs, chiasma frequency and the number of active nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) per cell. Polysomy for A chromosomes and B chromosomes are two kinds of chromosome polymorphism frequently found in grasshoppers. In some aspects, e.g. meiotic behaviour and mitotic instability leading to individual mosaicism (in the case of mitotically unstable Bs), polysomic As show similar characteristics to B chromosomes. In fact, polysomy is regarded as one of the main mechanisms for B chromosome origin. Here we review some features of meiotic behaviour in known cases of polysomy and mitotically unstable Bs in grasshoppers, in looking for possible causes for the odd-even effect. In all these traits, the odd-even effect was apparent, although its appearance was not universal in any case, with variation among species or populations within the same species. The equational division and lagging of the extra chromosomes, when univalents, could favour the appearance of abnormal meiotic products, and the formation of bivalents, when there are two or more extra chromosomes, inhibits this process. Therefore, the odd-even effect might be a consequence of the concomitant operation of both aspects of extra chromosome meiotic behaviour. The possibility that the odd-even effect might result from an increase in cell stress generated by odd numbers is suggested.
Expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNFα) and its receptors in benign and malignant breast tissue

As well as having anti‐tumour activity in animal models, TNFα has been implicated in the promotion of tumour invasion and metastasis. Expression and localization of TNFα mRNA and protein has been investigated in a series of benign and malignant breast tissues. TNFα mRNA was expressed in a minority of cells (≤0.5%) in 4/11 cases of benign breast tissue and in a higher proportion of invasive carcinomas (43/49 cases). Expression of TNFα mRNA was focal and confined to the tumour stroma. The presence of TNFα protein was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and again was predominantly stromal. Expression of mRNA and protein localized to infiltrating macrophages defined by the antibody EBM/11 in adjacent sections and using 2‐colour immunofluoresence. Although the average number of macrophages per high‐power field did not vary among invasive carcinomas of different histological type or grade, the number of cells expressing TNFα increased with increasing tumour grade. Immunodetectabfe p75 TNF receptor and to a lesser extent p55 receptor was present on cells of the mononuclear infiltrate and on the endothelium of invasive carcinomas, but not on the tumour cells themselves.
Asymmetric Dynamics between Informed Trading Activity and Credit Default Swaps

This article investigates the relationship between informed trading activity and CDS spreads; contrary to prior research, the results show that level of information-based trading of stocks should be a key determinant of CDS spreads. Using the panel quantile regression model, this article finds that the effects of informed trading activity on CDS spreads are asymmetrical across firms with different levels of credit conditions. Further, these asymmetric dynamics behave in opposite directions across different economic conditions. In particular, when economic conditions are good, a negative (positive) relation between informed trading activity and CDS spreads is documented for firms with bad (good) credit conditions. When economic conditions are unfavorable, catastrophic news dominates investment decisions, and a reverse asymmetrical dynamic between the two variables is then observed.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in callers to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America

We surveyed callers to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and subthreshold PTSD (SPTSD). Most subjects heard about ADAA through media referrals and were satisfied with the service given by the association. The most frequent requests were for written information, learning how to cope with anxiety, and access to a local support group. Among callers, rates of PTSD (n=80) and SPTSD (n=111) were 8.0% and 11.1%, respectively. PTSD or SPTSD subjects were more likely to be younger, female, and with lower income than their no–Axis I psychiatric disorder controls (NAC) who had been exposed to trauma. In addition, they presented with more history of trauma, especially violent trauma, psychiatric comorbidity, recent psychotropic use, and side effects. More medical comorbidity, increased health service use, and reduced work productivity were also found among the PTSD and SPTSD subjects. SPTSD subjects were comparable to PTSD subjects on most of the measures with a few exceptions (more likely to be married, to have less psychiatric comorbidity, less medication use for mood and social fear, and fewer sedation and sexual side effects, and to have less health service use and work impairment). In conclusion, callers to ADAA with PTSD were particularly impaired and used the health care system extensively. Although the SPTSD subjects were not as impaired as those with PTSD, they were disadvantaged in many ways. Depresion and Anxiety 19:96‐104, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Smoking and Its Determinants among Iranian Dental Students

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate smoking habits of Iranian dental students in relation to their background characteristics and oral self-care (OSC). Subjects and Methods: A survey in the form of a questionnaire was conducted of 327 senior dental students in seven randomly selected state dental schools in Iran. In addition to smoking habits and background characteristics, the students were asked about OSC. A recommended level of OSC was defined as a combination of brushing at least twice a day, frequent use of fluoridated toothpaste, and eating sugary snacks less than daily. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 263 students (113 males and 150 females) completely answered the questions and were included in the analyses. Results: Of the 263 students, 59 (23%, 37 males and 22 females) reported current smoking (cigarette, pipe, or water pipe). Current smoking was associated with male gender (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.4–5.6), level of father’s education (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1–1.8), and OSC (OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.3–14.9). Conclusion: Smoking among Iranian dental students is similar to their socioeconomic group, and is associated with the characteristics of their background, such as gender and father’s level of education, as well as the quality of OSC. The results indicate a need to include smoking cessation education and public health activities in the dental curriculum to provide future health care professionals and role models for patients with adequate training in up-to-date patient management to control smoking.
GROWTH AND STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN TRANSITION COUNTRIES: THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?

The objective of this study is to test empirically the relationship between structural changes (changes in gross value added and employment) and economic growth. We used a panel Granger-causality analysis based on annual data for eight transition countries, covering the period 1995–2011. The main finding is that the causality relations analysed are heterogeneous processes and are identified more often when we measure structural changes by value added than by changes in employment. Among the countries analysed, we separate a subgroup of economies with very strong bilateral causality (small countries such as Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia), a subgroup in which no causal relationships are observed (e.g., Hungary in the case of employment), and a group with a one-directional relationship (e.g., Poland, where GDP changes cause employment changes, but not vice versa). The research results point to the necessity of taking into account different relationships, whether one- or two-directional, between growth and structural changes in government economic policy. The paper presents a verifiable methodology, which was originally used to identify the analysed relationship in transition countries.
The nexus between R&D, innovation and profitability of indigenous oil firms: A structural equilibrium model approach

This study examined the nexus between research and development (R&D), innovation and profitability of indigenous oil firms in Nigeria. The factors were categorised into four constructs and the causal relationship among the constructs were established. Structural equation model technique was adopted to test the hypotheses formulated. The results revealed that R&D has a positive and significant impact on technological and non-technological innovations and firms' profitability. Each of the technological and non-technological innovation also has positive and significant impact on profitability. The indirect effects of R&D on profitability through technological and non-technological innovations are also positive though it was higher for technological innovation than non-technological innovation. These results imply that investment in R&D, technological and non-technological innovations should be combined to optimise the indigenous oil firms' profitability as against many firms that chose either of them leaving the other two.
Aggregation of cloned embryos in empty zona pellucida improves derivation efficiency of pig ES-like cells

Summary The development of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from large animal species has become an important model for therapeutic cloning using ESCs derived by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). However, poor embryo quality and blastocyst formation have been major limitations for derivation of cloned ESCs (ntESCs). In this study, we have tried to overcome these problems by treating these cells with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) and aggregating porcine embryos. First, cloned embryos were treated with Scriptaid to confirm the effect of HDACi on cloned embryo quality. The Scriptaid-treated blastocysts showed significantly higher total cell numbers (29.50 ± 2.10) than non-treated blastocysts (22.29 ± 1.50, P < 0.05). Next, cloned embryo quality and blastocyst formation were analyzed in aggregates. Three zona-free, reconstructed, four-cell-stage SCNT embryos were injected into the empty zona of hatched parthenogenetic (PA) blastocysts. Blastocyst formation and total cell number of cloned blastocysts increased significantly for all aggregates (76.4% and 83.18 ± 8.33) compared with non-aggregates (25.5% and 27.11 ± 1.67, P < 0.05). Finally, aggregated blastocysts were cultured on a feeder layer to examine the efficiency of porcine ES-like cell derivation. Aggregated blastocysts showed a higher primary colony formation rate than non-aggregated cloned blastocysts (17.6 ± 12.3% vs. 2.2 ± 1.35%, respectively, P < 0.05). In addition, derived ES-like cells showed typical characters of ESCs. In conclusion, the aggregation of porcine SCNT embryos at the four-cell stage could be a useful technique for improving the development rate and quality of porcine-cloned blastocysts and the derivation efficiency of porcine ntESCs.
Interaction between platelets and lupus anticoagulant

10 consecutive patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for lupus anticoagulant. 4 had concomitant systemic lupus erythematosus, 1 Waldenstrom's disease and 5 had no apparent underlying disease. Only the case with Waldenstrom's disease presented a bleeding tendency, with bleeding time > 20 min; the others had a history of thrombotic complications. A defect of platelet aggregation induced by ADP, apinephrine, collagen and arachidonic acid was documented in the Waldenstrom's disease case whose lupus anticoagulant was an IgM. In the others, lupus anticoagulant, identified as IgG immunoglobulins, produced no aggregation abnormalities. However, beta‐thromboglobulin levels in platelets, plasma and urine were consistent with a pattern of platelet activation in all cases. IgG immunoglobulins separated from sera of 6 patients showed lupus anticoagulant activity, with no effects on platelet aggregation of normal platelet‐rich plasma, but they induced secretion of beta‐thromboglobulin from normal platelets.
Teachers’ Perception of Authentic Assessment Techniques Practice in Social Studies Lessons in Senior High Schools in Ghana

The study sought to find out teachers’ perception of authentic assessment techniques practice in Social Studies lessons in Senior High Schools (SHSs) in Ghana. The study used a descriptive case study design. A sample of twenty (20) teachers and ten (10) senior high schools were selected for the study. Semi structured interview was the main instruments used for data collection. The results indicated that authentic assessment, as a classroom assessment strategy, does have a place in SHSs in the Central Region of Ghana. The teachers in this study perceived that the form of authentic assessment used in their classrooms was limited by policies, time, resources and assessment methods employed by their schools. These policies affect their use of this assessment method because the subject is a core in the SHS. Regular in-service training and capacity building workshops on classroom assessment should be organized for these SHS teachers to improve their use of assessment as a tool to enhance teaching and learning.
Mongolia in the 2016–17 Electoral Cycle: The Blessings of Patronage

This paper examines the full cycle of political power transitions and the dynamics of party competition during the 2016 parliamentary and 2017 presidential elections in Mongolia. It argues that the existence of multiple interlinked patronage networks and factionalism explains the persistence of the electoral democracy in Mongolia. The article focuses on the internal politics of the Democratic Party.
Detection of two different kanamycin resistance genes in naturally occurring isolates of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli

A total of 225 isolates of Campylobacter jejuni and 54 isolates of Campylobacter coli were screened for resistance to kanamycin. Among these, five resistant isolates of C. jejuni and six resistant isolates of C. coli, all with different plasmid patterns, were identified. Each contained at least one plasmid greater than or equal to 41 kilobases in size. The MIC of kanamycin for all 11 strains was determined to be greater than or equal to 256 micrograms/ml by an agar dilution method. In addition, all of the strains exhibited resistance to tetracycline (greater than or equal to 16 micrograms/ml). Eight of the 11 strains transferred the kanamycin resistance phenotype to other Campylobacter strains by conjugation. DNA from 9 of the 11 strains hybridized to a DNA probe specific for the 3'-O-aminoglycoside phosphotransferase type III gene. The remaining two strains also failed to show homology with DNA probes specific for the genes encoding 3'-O-aminoglycoside phosphotransferase types I, II, and III. The novel kanamycin resistance gene was cloned into the vector pBR322 and was expressed in Escherichia coli. Phosphocellulose paper binding assays on sonicates of the E. coli strain carrying the cloned kanamycin determinant demonstrated significant activity against kanamycin, neomycin, and amikacin but not against butirosin, gentamicin, tobramycin, or lividomycin, suggesting that the enzyme is the product of a 3'-O-aminoglycoside phosphotransferase type of aminoglycoside resistance gene.
New Pyrimido-Indole Compound CD-160130 Preferentially Inhibits the KV11.1B Isoform and Produces Antileukemic Effects without Cardiotoxicity

KV11.1 (hERG1) channels are often overexpressed in human cancers. In leukemias, KV11.1 regulates pro-survival signals that promote resistance to chemotherapy, raising the possibility that inhibitors of KV11.1 could be therapeutically beneficial. However, because of the role of KV11.1 in cardiac repolarization, blocking these channels may cause cardiac arrhythmias. We show that CD-160130, a novel pyrimido-indole compound, blocks KV11.1 channels with a higher efficacy for the KV11.1 isoform B, in which the IC50 (1.8 μM) was approximately 10-fold lower than observed in KV11.1 isoform A. At this concentration, CD-160130 also had minor effects on Kir2.1, KV 1.3, Kv1.5, and KCa3.1. In vitro, CD-160130 induced leukemia cell apoptosis, and could overcome bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-induced chemoresistance. This effect was caused by interference with the survival signaling pathways triggered by MSCs. In vivo, CD-160130 produced an antileukemic activity, stronger than that caused by cytarabine. Consistent with its atypical target specificity, CD-160130 did not bind to the main binding site of the arrhythmogenic KV11.1 blockers (the Phe656 pore residue). Importantly, in guinea pigs CD-160130 produced neither alteration of the cardiac action potential shape in dissociated cardiomyocytes nor any lengthening of the QT interval in vivo. Moreover, CD-160130 had no myelotoxicity on human bone marrow–derived cells. Therefore, CD-160130 is a promising first-in-class compound to attempt oncologic therapy without cardiotoxicity, based on targeting KV11.1. Because leukemia and cardiac cells tend to express different ratios of the A and B KV11.1 isoforms, the pharmacological properties of CD-160130 may depend, at least in part, on isoform specificity.
Leukoencephalopathy with Calcifications and Cysts: A Purely Neurological Disorder Distinct from Coats Plus

Abstract Objective With the identification of mutations in the conserved telomere maintenance component 1 (CTC1) gene as the cause of Coats plus (CP) disease, it has become evident that leukoencephalopathy with calcifications and cysts (LCC) is a distinct genetic entity. Patients and Methods A total of 15 patients with LCC were identified from our database of patients with intracranial calcification. The clinical and radiological features are described. Results The median age (range) at presentation was 10 months (range, 2 days–54 years). Of the 15 patients, 9 presented with epileptic seizures, 5 with motor abnormalities, and 1 with developmental delay. Motor abnormalities developed in 14 patients and cognitive problems in 13 patients. Dense calcification occurred in the basal ganglia, thalami, dentate nucleus, brain stem, deep gyri, deep white matter, and in a pericystic distribution. Diffuse leukoencephalopathy was present in all patients, and it was usually symmetrical involving periventricular, deep, and sometimes subcortical, regions. Cysts developed in the basal ganglia, thalamus, deep white matter, cerebellum, or brain stem. In unaffected areas, normal myelination was present. No patient demonstrated cerebral atrophy. Conclusion LCC shares the neuroradiological features of CP. However, LCC is a purely neurological disorder distinguished genetically by the absence of mutations in CTC1. The molecular cause(s) of LCC has (have) not yet been determined.
Detection of irregular, transient fMRI activity in normal controls using 2dTCA: Comparison to event‐related analysis using known timing

When events occur spontaneously during the acquisition of a series of images, traditional modeling methods for detecting functional MRI activation detection cannot be employed. The two‐dimensional temporal clustering algorithm, 2dTCA, has been shown to accurately detect random, transient activations in computer simulations without the use of known event timings. In this study we applied the 2dTCA technique to detect the timings and spatial locations of sparse, irregular, transient activations of the visual, auditory, and motor cortices in 12 normal controls. Experiments with one and two independent types of stimuli were employed. Event‐related activation using known timing was compared with event‐related activation using 2dTCA‐detected timing in individuals and across groups. The 2dTCA algorithm detected the activation from all presented stimuli in every subject. When compared with block‐design results using a measure of correlation between activation maps, no significant difference was found between the 2dTCA activation maps and the event‐related maps using known timing across all subjects. Therefore, 2dTCA has the potential to be an accurate and more practical method for detection of spontaneous, transient events using fMRI. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolation of Modulators of the Liver-Specific Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptides (OATPs) 1B1 and 1B3 from Rollinia emarginata Schlecht (Annonaceae)

Organic anion-transporting polypeptides 1B1 and 1B3 (OATP1B1 and OATP1B3) are liver-specific transporters that mediate the uptake of a broad range of drugs into hepatocytes, including statins, antibiotics, and many anticancer drugs. Compounds that alter transport by one or both of these OATPs could potentially be used to target drugs to hepatocytes or improve the bioavailability of drugs that are cleared by the liver. In this study, we applied a bioassay-guided isolation approach to identify such compounds from the organic extract of Rollinia emarginata Schlecht (Annonaceae). Fractions of the plant extract were screened for effects on OATP1B1- and OATP1B3-mediated transport of the model substrates estradiol-17β-glucuronide and estrone-3-sulfate. We isolated three compounds, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and 8-trans-p-coumaroyloxy-α-terpineol, which inhibited estradiol-17β-glucuronide uptake by OATP1B1 but not OATP1B3. In addition, a rare compound, quercetin 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl(1→2) α-l-rhamnopyranoside, was identified that had distinct effects on each OATP. OATP1B1 was strongly inhibited, as was OATP1B3-mediated transport of estradiol-17β-glucuronide. However, OATP1B3-mediated uptake of estrone-3-sulfate was stimulated 4- to 5-fold. Kinetic analysis of this stimulation revealed that the apparent affinity for estrone-3-sulfate was increased (decreased Km), whereas the maximal rate of transport (Vmax) was significantly reduced. These results demonstrate a mechanism through which the hepatic uptake of drug OATP substrates could be stimulated.
The Influence Of The Manager On Firm Innovation In Emerging Economies

The focus of this paper is on the relatively under-researched area of the influence of management on innovation activities for firms in emerging economies. Many emerging economies adopt a strategy of outward-oriented development with the aim to enhance innovation performance through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and international trade. However, attention should be paid to firm mechanisms, including intangibles, that may enable a firm to benefit from the more tangible performance-enhancing effects. It is through such a lens that we examine firm innovation in emerging economies, focusing on how variations in management experience, management practices and management incentives impact innovation performance. We employ a production function approach to identify the effect of the management environment on innovation diversity for firms in emerging economies. Our diversity of innovation measure takes account of five types of innovation activity, and is indicative of the degree of ‘innovativeness’ that the firm possesses. A Tobit estimation technique is employed. Innovation decisions typically involve managers as filtering mechanisms to consider a range of external and internal factors that enhance the likelihood of innovation outcomes. Our results indicate that management experience, management practices and management incentives are all important in determining innovation activities in firms from emerging economies. Our analysis reveals the importance of the management environment in explaining innovation differences at the level of the firm in emerging economies. Therefore, strategies to empower and support managers in emerging economies should be considered alongside outward-orientated development strategies.