Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional analysis of the yeast plasmid partition locus STB

Derivatives of the yeast 2μ plasmid with the cis‐acting locus STB (also called REP3) are stably maintained if two plasmid‐encoded proteins are present in trans. There are conflicting reports of both the extent of STB and its possible involvement in plasmid partition or copy number control. We have resolved the controversy by constructing 2µ derivatives with a conditional STB function, and showing that when STB is inactivated plasmids become concentrated in a small fraction of the population although the total number of plasmids remains unaltered. Moreover we show that STB consists of two functionally distinct domains which we call STB‐proximal and STB‐distal relative to the origin of replication. Although STB‐proximal is sufficient for proper partitioning, this function is severely disrupted by active transcription from neighbouring sequences. STB‐distal is important to protect STB‐proximal and ORI from such transcription, and can be effeciently replaced by a 94‐bp terminator fragment in an orientation‐dependent manner. We find that STB‐distal contains an additional element which depresses transcription from upstream promoters. We also describe the phenomenon of replicaton inhibition which we believe can exlain the anomalous instability of some yeast plasmids.
Levers and barriers to patient-centred care with school-age children living with long-term illness in multi-cultural settings: Type 1 diabetes as a case study

In response to the Children's National Service Framework and NHS modernisation agenda on the involvement of stakeholders, and to an important problem for children, families and clinicians in the local health economy, this study aims to understand and identify levers and barriers to patient-centred care in multi-cultural settings for children living with long-term illness. I carried out qualitative work with 17 children aged between 4 and 11 years-old being treated for type 1 diabetes in two clinics in East London. I synthesised findings from this with findings from 13 other studies of the experiences of school-age children living with type 1 diabetes or - in order to explore the generalisability of diabetes studies - children living with asthma. Findings suggest that, across illnesses and ethnicities, although school-age children share their health care, usually with mothers, their care is affected by their own experiences and understandings of the illness and regimen, the relative disruption these experiences cause across physical, social and emotional spheres, and the extent that these are exacerbated by their low social status - compounded especially in multi-cultural settings, by structures at meso- and macro-levels. Disruption to precious 'free' time and social identity are a particular concern for children. Key characteristics of patient-centred care are, therefore, engagement with school-age children's day-to-day experiences and understandings of their illness and care, and recognition of the extent to which decision-making is shared between children and adults in domestic settings. Barriers to the achievement of these include current medical and generational hierarchies, in particular their impact in the clinical encounter, and views of children which emphasise their developing competencies as adults-in-the-making as opposed to people in their own right. Unless these are tackled, technologies to ensure children have greater opportunity to set the agenda in clinical environments could become merely instruments for coercion and manipulation. To avoid this we need to disseminate new ways of thinking about children and childhood and better understandings of children's experiences of their health and health care. Particularly important are models of childhood from the social studies of children; and the 'evidence-based' paradigm where the key role of 'users' in the development of good services is recognised. Findings have implications for our understandings of not only generational inequality on children's experiences of long-term illness and care; but also of how adult views of children as 'becomings' make it difficult for adults to relinquish control over children's lives. Findings also include reflections on new approaches to the synthesis of qualitative data, and raise issues around the distinction of 'process' from 'findings' data, and undertaking qualitative synthesis as a sole researcher.
Development and validation of Mobile Learning Acceptance Measure

ABSTRACT The growth of Smartphone usage, increased acceptance of electronic learning (E-learning), the availability of high reliability mobile networks and need for flexibility in learning have resulted in the growth of mobile learning (M-learning). This has led to a tremendous interest in the acceptance behaviors related to M-learning users among the information systems researchers. Despite a large amount of significant research in the field of M-learning, the measurement of user acceptance of M-learning has not received attention. This research study intends to develop and validate a survey that measures users’ acceptance of M-learning. A total sample of 806 university and higher college students from different institutes in Oman participated in this study. This research study was conducted in two stages. The first stage using a sample size of 388 students initiated a generic questionnaire, and examined factorial validity and reliability. The second stage that was conducted using different sample of 418 students employed confirmatory factor analysis to establish factorial validity and measurement invariance. A correlated six-factor model (Flexibility, Suitability, Enjoyment, Efficiency, Economic and Social) was fit using maximum likelihood estimation. The internal consistency and item reliability of Mobile Learning Acceptance Measure was found to be at acceptable level for both samples.
Acute Nicotine Alteration of Sensory Memory Impairment in Smokers With Schizophrenia

Context: Patients with schizophrenia have a high rate of cigarette smoking and also exhibit profound deficits in sensory processing, which may in part be ameliorated by the acute actions of smoke-inhaled nicotine. The mismatch negativity (MMN), a preattentive event-related potential index of auditory sensory memory, is diminished in schizophrenia. The MMN is increased in healthy controls with acute nicotine. Objective: To utilize the MMN to compare auditory sensory memory in minimally tobacco-deprived (3 hours) patients and matched tobacco-deprived smoking controls and to assess the effects of acute nicotine on MMN-indexed sensory memory processing in the patients. Design: Event-related potentials were recorded in 2 auditory oddball paradigms, one involving tone frequency changes (frequency MMN) and one involving tone duration changes (duration MMN). Controls were assessed once under nontreatment conditions, and patients were assessed twice under randomized double-blind treatment conditions involving placebo and nicotine (8 mg) gum. Setting: Outpatient mental health center. Patients: Twelve smokers with schizophrenia and twelve control smokers. Results: Compared with the controls, the patients showed reduced frequency-MMN (P < 0.001) and duration-MMN (P < 0.04) amplitudes. In addition to prolonging peak latency in duration MMN (P < 0.01), nicotine, relative to placebo, increased the amplitude of the patients' duration MMN (P < 0.01), but not their frequency MMN, to a level comparable with that seen in the controls. Conclusions: These preliminary findings demonstrate for the first time that acute nicotine can normalize temporal aspects of sensory memory processing in patients with schizophrenia, an effect that may be mediated by activation of &agr;7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, the function of which is diminished in schizophrenia. These ameliorating actions of nicotine may have implications for understanding the close relationship between tobacco smoking and schizophrenia and for developing nicotinic pharmacotherapies to alleviate sensory memory impairments in schizophrenia.
Whistle blowing intentions – evidence from Malaysian PLC

Purpose Most organizations are fully aware of the misconduct that occurs within their company but take a soft-handed approach attending to the problems. Consequently, misconduct that at the beginning is just a mere incompliance may become a corporate scandal involving a substantial amount of money. This paper aims to examine the factors that influence whistleblowing intentions of employees that work in one big corporation, ABC Berhad, which experienced a corporate scandal. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire is used in which the respondents from the various departments of the selected study case, ABC Berhad, were required to indicate the seriousness of the wrong-doing cases and their intention to whistleblow based on the given vignette. A total of 70 survey questionnaires were distributed. Out of these, 63 questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 90 per cent. Findings The result of the study shows that gender did not have any significant influence to the likelihood to whistle blow. However, the job position of the respondents has a significant result as it can influence the likelihood to whistle blow. The study also found that the more serious the wrongdoing, the higher the likelihood to blow the whistle. Research limitations/implications The results provide further confirmation of the determinants that influence employees to report wrongdoings in the organizations. This study, however, may be subject to self-reported data biasness due to the sensitivity of the topic. In addition, respondents may not give responses or answers based on the actual situation but be tempted to response based on socially desirable which is to please their peers and others. Practical implications This study shows ABC Berhad whether its employees are ethical in carrying their duties and indicates their levels in ethical reporting. In addition, the study helps the company generally and ABC Berhad particularly to understand the working culture in the company so that they can identify the areas of the governance that need improvement such as protection to the employee that blew the whistle. Originality/value This study is original as it focuses on the employees in a big organization such as government-linked companies (GLCs) that have experienced corporate scandals although they have a whistleblowing mechanism in place.
Endogenous opiates modulate the pulsatile secretion of biologically active luteinizing hormone in man.

We studied the secretion of physiological pools of immunoreactive and biologically active luteinizing hormone in response to endogenous pulses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH) in eugonadal men. Concentrations of immunoactive and bioactive luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined in blood drawn at 20-min intervals for 8 h in eight normal men under two conditions: (a) after placebo, in order to evaluate spontaneous LH pulsations in the basal state, and (b) after administration of the opiate-receptor antagonist, naltrexone, which is believed to amplify the pulsatile release of endogenous GNRH. Spontaneous and naltrexone-stimulated secretion of LH occurred in pulses of high biological activity, as measured in the RICT (rat interstitial cell testosterone bioassay), i.e., bioactive:immunoactive LH ratios within both spontaneous and naltrexone-stimulated LH pulses were higher than corresponding interpulse ratios (P less than 0.001). Quantitative characterization of the pulsatile release of bioactive LH revealed the following specific effects of opiate-receptor blockade: increased 8-h mean and integrated serum concentrations of bioactive LH (P less than 0.002), enhanced pulse frequency of bioactive LH release (P less than 0.001), and augmented peak amplitude of bio-LH pulses (P less than 0.01). Moreover, this increase in episodic secretion of bioactive LH was associated with increased 8-h mean and integrated serum testosterone concentrations in these men (P less than 0.05). We conclude the following: (a) LH is normally released in spontaneous pulses of high biological activity in men; (b) when the endogenous GNRH signal is amplified by opiate-receptor blockade, the pituitary gland releases more frequent bioactive LH pulses, which are of high amplitude and contain a high bioactive:immunoactive LH ratio. This increase in pulsatile release of bioactive LH quantitated in the RICT assay in vitro is reflected by acutely increased serum testosterone concentrations in vivo. We infer that modulation of the episodic GNRH signal by endogenous opiates provides another significant mechanism by which the hypothalamus can alter the biological activity of circulating gonadotropic hormone in man. Moreover, observed alterations in the pulsatile pattern of bioactive LH release were associated in turn with significant changes in testosterone concentrations. Thus, we hypothesize that alterations in the properties of the bioactive LH pulse signal can provide an important mechanism for regulating target-cell function within the gonad in states of health or disease.
Effects of different routes of administration on the immunogenicity of the Tat protein and a Tat-derived peptide

The use of the Tat protein of HIV in vaccines against AIDS showed promising results in primate and human studies. To characterize the impact of the administration route on the induction of humoral responses at systemic and mucosal levels, we compared intradermal, intramuscular and mucosal immunizations with Tat and a Tat-derived peptide. Mice were immunized with the Tat protein by different routes and the titer and isotype of anti-Tat antibodies were assessed in serum and mucosal lavages. Intramuscular and intradermal administrations showed comparable immunogenicity, while the mucosal administration was unable to induce IgM in serum and IgG at mucosal sites but showed superior immunogenicity in terms of IgA induction. Anti-Tat antibodies were also obtained upon vaccination with the immunodominant Tat 1–20 peptide which was, however, less immunogenic than the whole Tat protein.
Association between gene expression biomarkers of immunosuppression and blood transfusion in severely injured polytrauma patients.

OBJECTIVE To explore the hypothesis that blood transfusion contributes to an immunosuppressed phenotype in severely injured patients. BACKGROUND Despite trauma patients using disproportionately large quantities of blood and blood products, the immunomodulatory effects of blood transfusion in this group are inadequately described. METHODS A total of 112 ventilated polytrauma patients were recruited. Messenger RNA (mRNA) was extracted from PAXGene tubes collected within 2 hours of the trauma, at 24 hours, and at 72 hours. T-helper cell subtype specific cytokines and transcription factors were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Median injury severity score was 29. Blood transfusion was administered to 27 (24%) patients before the 2-hour sampling point. Transfusion was associated with a greater immediate rise in IL-10 (P = 0.003) and IL-27 (P = 0.04) mRNA levels. Blood products were transfused in 72 (64%) patients within the first 24 hours. There was an association between transfusion at 24 hours and higher IL-10 (P < 0.0001), lower Foxp3 (P = 0.01), GATA3 (P = 0.006), and RORγt (P = 0.05) mRNA levels at 24 hours. There were greater reductions in T-bet (P = 0.03) mRNA levels and lesser increases in TNFα (P = 0.015) and IFNγ (P = 0.035) at 24 hours in those transfused. Multiple regression models confirmed that the transfusion of blood products was independently associated with altered patterns of gene expression. Blood stream infections occur in 15 (20.8%) of those transfused in the first 24 hours, compared with 1 patient (2.5%) not transfused (OR = 10.3 [1.3-81], P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS The primarily immunosuppressive inflammatory response to polytrauma may be exacerbated by the transfusion of blood products. Furthermore, transfusion was associated with an increased susceptibility to nosocomial infections.
Human T-cell lymphotropic virus testing of blood donors in Norway: a cost-effect model.

BACKGROUND Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I and II (HTLV-I and II) are human retroviruses that can be transmitted by transfusion of whole blood. An HTLV-I infection is associated with adult T-cell leukaemia (ATL) and with tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP). Antibody tests from 5.5 million European blood donors have shown that the HTLV prevalence is low, ranging from 0 to 0.02%. This paper examines costs and effects associated with the intervention of testing all new blood donors for HTLV. METHODS A mathematical model was used to calculate the number of cases prevented by the intervention. For a given prevalence of HTLV in the blood donor population, the model calculates the number of recipients infected by transfusion, and the number of partners and offspring that will in turn be infected. The model then calculates the number of subjects with disease due to HTLV-I infection and the number of deaths from disease. From these numbers the measures of cost and effect are calculated. RESULTS Testing all new blood donors for HTLV is calculated to cost US$ 9.2 million per life saved, or US$ 420,000 per quality adjusted life year gained by the intervention, when the HTLV prevalence among donors is 1 per 100,000. When the prevalence among donors is 10 per 100,000 the intervention will cost US$ 0.9 million per life saved, or US$ 41,000 per quality adjusted life year gained. The same analysis shows that testing blood donors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) saves money when the HIV prevalence among donors is above 0.7 per 100,000. CONCLUSION For Norway, studies suggest a willingness to pay to save a statistical life of approximately US$ 1.2 million. The costs fall under this value when the number of infected persons is > or = 8 per 100,000 donors. The results are uncertain because of the uncertainty in HTLV infection and disease parameters.
The role of perceived behavioral control and trust as mediator of experience on online purchasing intentions relationship a study on youths in denpasar city (Indonesia)

This research aims was to identify the effect of experience on purchasing intention via online mediated by perceived behavioral control and trust. This research uses survey method to collect data on youths in Denpasar City who have ever done purchasing via online. A total of 150 respondents are selected using convenience sampling at three state universities in Denpasar City. Data are analyzed by using variance-based SEM with Partial Least Square analysis (PLS). Previous purchasing experiences directly not significantly effect on purchasing intention via online. Perceived behavioral control and trust as complete mediation on experience and purchasing intention via online. This study uses survey method in which the cross-sectional data collection with questionnaires is used, while youths’ environments are always changing, so that the model can be used to test the future research. Recommendation to the online shop to modify the marketing mix and convince the consumers that transactions process via online is secured, so that they become more trusting to use online shop. The study develops the Theory of Planned Behavioral by using perceived behavioral control and trust as mediator on experience and purchasing intention via online. Keywords–– Experience, Perceived Behavioral Control, Purchasing Intention, Trust.
Endothelin B receptor contribution to peripheral microvascular function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Non‐Technical Summary Although the core feature in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance, this syndrome is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. This constellation of factors leads to greater risks for infertility, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In this study we examine two important receptors involved in endothelial function, ET‐A and ET‐B, using the skin microcirculation to examine small blood vessel responses. We demonstrate that the ET‐B receptor is likely to play an important role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS.
The Black-White Malleability Gap in Implicit Racial Evaluations: A Nationally Representative Study

ABSTRACT This study replicates and extends the experimental design originated by Dasgupta and Greenwald (2001), who found a decrease in implicit pro-White biases after exposure to pictures of admired Black individuals. A nationally representative sample was analyzed comparing implicit pro-White biases among Black and White participants. Hypothesis 1 (H1) predicted a replication of previous research among White participants, and H2, derived from the balanced identity theory, predicted an increased pro-Black bias among Blacks after exposure to admired Black individuals. Results provided partial support for H1 and a lack of support for H2. This is the first study to use a nationally representative sample to examine implicit pro-White biases. System justification theory was used to explain the malleability gap in Black and White pro-racial biases.
Structural social capital and knowledge acquisition: implications of cluster membership

Abstract This paper analyzes the implications of belonging to a cluster through the relationship between structural social capital and knowledge acquisition. The findings suggest structural social capital only indirectly affects knowledge acquisition through the relational and cognitive dimensions of firms’ membership of a cluster. However, the structural dimension also has a direct impact on knowledge for external firms outside a cluster. This paper contributes to the cluster literature with a better contextualization and understanding of the relationship between structural social capital and knowledge acquisition. In addition, the paper also consolidates the inter-organizational approach to social capital theory by helping to understand how and in what context social capital dimensions are interrelated. The study analyzes how firms can acquire valuable knowledge from their networks, filling the gap in the literature on how this process occurs inside and outside clusters. This works also proposes recommendations for companies and institutions, and new complementary lines of research.
An engineered bifunctional recombinant molecule that regulates humoral and cellular effector functions of the immune system

Background. Humoral and cellular defense mechanisms mediate the rejection of transplanted cells, tissues, and organs after allogeneic or xenogeneic transplantation. Inhibition of complement and T-cell costimulation are strategies aimed at increasing transplant survival. Methods. Engineered novel fusion proteins that contain the functional domains of human CD152 (hCTLA4) or porcine CD152 (pCD152) and human CD59 (hCD152-hCD59, pCD152-hCD59) were developed to form bifunctional chimeric proteins that retain the effector functions of both moieties. Porcine aortic endothelial cells and murine Balb/3T3 cells were transduced or transfected to express the novel fusion proteins. Results. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of hCD152-hCD59 transduced primary porcine aortic endothelial cells or hCD152-hCD59 and pCD152-hCD59 transfected Balb/3T3 cells determined that the molecules were expressed on the cell surface, and that they retained conformational epitopes. We demonstrate that hCD152-hCD59 and pCD152-hCD59 chimeric proteins inhibit complement-mediated cell lysis. In addition, hCD152-hCD59 or pCD152-hCD59 expression resulted in a significant reduction in T-cell activation as the result of CD152 engagement of porcine CD86 or murine CD80 in cis when Jurkat cells were cocultured with the hCD152-hCD59 or pCD152-hCD59 expressing cells. Antibody-blocking experiments or phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C removal of the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-linked molecules resulted in increased serum-mediated cytolysis and eliminated the costimulatory blockade. Conclusions. These data illustrate that a single molecule can confer resistance to humoral and cellular immune attack.