Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and molecular variation in the green and black poison-dart frog Dendrobates auratus (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from Costa Rica

The green and black poison-dart frog Dendrobates auratus exhibits high intraspecific variation in hue color and pattern throughout its range, making it a very popular species in the pet trade. We analyzed the corre- spondence between color variation and molecular variation of D. auratus from Costa Rica using RAPD analysis. Twenty-six random primers were analyzed for variation in 99 individuals from seven populations. Color pattern was scored from digital images of the dorsal and ventral views. In general, frogs from the Caribbean coast had significantly more light coloration than black color but cannot be grouped by population based only on hue pat- tern. Only 3 RAPD primers were found to be polymorphic, representing a total of 16 loci. Most of the molecular variation encountered here occurs within populations, thus making unclear the degree of population structure and differentiation. Further examination of COI mtDNA sequences from our samples also supports these results. Partial Mantel correlations suggested that the pattern of molecular variation is not congruent with the variation in color pattern in this species, an outcome that is discussed in terms of phenotypic evolution. Rev. Biol. Trop.
The Interplay Between Physical Activity and Anxiety Sensitivity in Fearful Responding to Carbon Dioxide Challenge

Objective: Physical activity may confer protective effects in the development of anxiety and its disorders. These effects may be particularly strong among individuals who have elevated levels of anxiety sensitivity (AS; i.e., the fear of somatic arousal), an established cognitive-based risk factor for anxiety and its disorders. The present study performed a laboratory test of the interplay between physical activity and AS. Methods: The participants were adults free of Axis I psychopathology (n = 145) who completed measures of physical activity and AS before undergoing a recurrent 20% carbon dioxide-enriched air (CO2) challenge. Results: Consistent with the hypothesis, physical activity was significantly related to CO2 challenge reactivity among persons with elevated levels of AS, at high levels of physical activity (p <.001) but not at low levels of physical activity (p =.90). Also consistent with hypothesis, irrespective of the level of physical activity, physical activity did not relate significantly to CO2 challenge reactivity among persons with normative levels of AS (p =.28). Conclusions: These findings provide novel empirical insight into the role that physical activity may play in terms of resiliency for the development of anxiety disorders. Specifically, the protective effects of physical activity may only be evident at higher doses and among persons who are at increased risk of developing anxiety disorders because they have elevated AS.OR = odds ratio; AS = anxiety sensitivity; CO2 = carbon dioxide; SCID-NP = Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition-Non-patient Edition; EHS = Exercise Health Survey; ASI = Anxiety Sensitivity Index; SUDS = Subjective Units of Distress Scale; MLM = multilevel mixed-effects regression analysis; PA = physical activity
Occupational differences in work engagement: A longitudinal study among eight occupational groups in Norway.

The aim of the present study was to explore occupational differences in the experience of engagement both with regard to differences in the level of work engagement as well as in the predicting value of different antecedent variables. Multigroup latent mean analysis was performed on eight different occupational groups in Norway (lawyers, physicians, nurses, teachers, church ministers, bus drivers, and people working in advertising and information technology; N = 3,475). Tests for factorial invariance supported the use of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory scale across occupational groups and that the latent means were comparable across the groups. Results indicated significant occupational differences in the experience of vigor and dedication. The lawyers reported the most vigor and the church ministers the most dedication. Least vigor was reported among the teachers and the advertising group reported to be least dedicated. Cross-lagged multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis suggested there are different processes behind the development of engagement across occupations. Visualization of how some occupations cluster or differ from each other is important as it might engender theory building and further hypotheses testing.
Improving clinical outcomes in treating heroin dependence: randomized, controlled trial of oral or implant naltrexone.

CONTEXT Oral naltrexone hydrochloride effectively antagonizes heroin, but its utility is limited by patient noncompliance. Sustained-release preparations may overcome this limitation. OBJECTIVE To compare the safety and efficacy of a single-treatment sustained-release naltrexone implant with daily oral naltrexone treatment. DESIGN Seventy heroin-dependent volunteers entered a randomized, double-blind, double-placebo controlled trial with a 6-month follow-up period. PATIENTS Eligibility criteria were DSM-IV opioid (heroin) dependence; age 18 years or older; willingness to be randomized; residing in the Perth, Western Australia, metropolitan area; and completion of preclinical screening and written consent. A total of 129 eligible participants were identified, and 70 (54%) provided informed consent and were randomized as per the study design. INTERVENTION Participants received oral naltrexone, 50 mg/d, for 6 months (plus placebo implants) or a single dose of 2.3 g of naltrexone implant (plus placebo tablets). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES (1) Maintaining therapeutic naltrexone levels above 2 ng/mL; (2) return to regular heroin use (>or=4 d/wk); (3) other heroin use and abstinence; (4) use of illicit nonopioid drugs; (5) number of opiate overdoses requiring hospitalization; (6) treatment-related unexpected and expected adverse events; and (7) blood naltrexone levels (ie, pharmacokinetic profile) for recipients of active naltrexone implants. RESULTS More participants in the oral vs the implant group had blood naltrexone levels below 2 ng/mL in months 1 (P < .001) and 2 (P = .01); in addition, more oral group participants had returned to regular heroin use by 6 months (P = .003) and at an earlier stage (median [SE], 115 [12.0] days vs 158 [9.4] days). There were 10 trial-related, unexpected adverse events. One serious adverse event, a wound hematoma, was associated with surgical implantation. Naltrexone blood levels in implant recipients were maintained above 1 and 2 ng/mL for 101 (95% confidence interval, 83-119) and 56 (39-73) days, respectively, among men and 124 (88-175) and 43 (16-79) days among women. CONCLUSIONS The naltrexone implant effectively reduced relapse to regular heroin use compared with oral naltrexone and was not associated with major adverse events. Clinical Trial Registration anzctr.org. au Identifier: ACTRN12606000308594.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN GCC BANKS

Purpose - The current study examines the relationship between corporate governance and risk management in GCC banks. It aims to contribute to the literature by providing empirical evidence from the GCC’s banking industry of the association between risk management a nd corporate governance characteristics such as role duality, board size and percentage of nonexecutives. Design/Methodology - Using sample of 900 observations from banks in the Gulf countries, non-parametric regression, Quantile and panel data analysis have been used to test the hypotheses and the proposed model. The study uses data from financial institutions in the Gulf countries over the period from 2003 till 2012. Findings - Findings suggest that role duality and board size are negatively associated with the risk management. On other hand the percentage of non-executive members on the board was found to be insignificant. Moreover, findings indicate a positive significant relationship between governmental ownership and risk management. Research Implications - The results suggest that Islamic banks have a positive significant association with risk management measured by capital adequacy ratio. The results suggest future research to explore the relationship between risk management and other types of ownership structure such as institutional ownership. Future research can focus on risk management framework and practices in Islamic banks as such banks have its own risk.
Computer simulation of the Ca/sup ++/ regulation mechanisms in spherical-type cells

We simulate the behaviour of the Na/sup +/-Ca/sup ++/ exchanger as a permanent regulator of calcium homeostasis. As a consequence of a membrane potential or a concentration change, we numerically evaluate the participation of this exchanger in returning to equilibrium cellular conditions. In our model, the Na/sup +/-Ca/sup ++/ exchanger is supposed to work joined to other important regulation mechanisms such as the calcium pump, the calcium channels, the calcium buffers and the passive diffusion of calcium, as described in past work. For evaluating the latter parameter, we are using a previously reported homogenous multi-layer model of a spherical cell. The graphical and numerical results were obtained using a PC-based environment over the Matlab platform, and these were compared to the results obtained with a C-language simulation. The results showed the Na/sup +/-Ca/sup ++/ exchanger is always participating in the transport of calcium ions, and it only modifies its direction and/or its speed as a consequence of a stimuli. Our model also simulates the reversible behaviour of the exchanger for free sodium of calcium variations, including the influence of the membrane potential and the affinity values. Because of the high time constant of the Na/sup +/-Ca/sup ++/ exchanger, the simulation must be robust enough to evaluate all the changes occurring during a long time. With our current simulation programs, it is only possible to do it for the first few seconds. Nevertheless, we are now working on the improvement (precision, speed, resources) of the work described, using an SGI workstation and a parallel processing environment.
Hepatitis B surface antigen clearance in inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carriers treated with peginterferon alfa-2a.

AIM To examine the association between interferon (IFN) therapy and loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in inactive HBsAg carriers. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study in inactive HBsAg carriers, who were treatment-naive, with a serum HBsAg level < 100 IU/mL and an undetectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level (< 100 IU/mL). All the 20 treated patients received subcutaneous PEG-IFN alfa-2a 180 μg/wk for 72 wk and were then followed for 24 wk. There were 40 untreated controls matched with 96 wk of observation. Serum HBsAg, HBV DNA, and alanine aminotransferases were monitored every 3 mo in the treatment group and every 3-6 mo in the control group. RESULTS Thirteen (65.0%) of 20 treated patients achieved HBsAg loss, 12 of whom achieved HBsAg seroconversion. Mean HBsAg level in treated patients decreased to 6.69 ± 13.04 IU/mL after 24 wk of treatment from a baseline level of 26.22 ± 33.00 IU/mL. Serum HBV DNA level remained undetectable (< 100 IU/mL) in all treated patients during the study. HBsAg level of the control group decreased from 25.72 ± 25.58 IU/mL at baseline to 17.11 ± 21.62 IU/mL at week 96 (P = 0.108). In the control group, no patient experienced HBsAg loss/seroconversion, and two (5.0%) developed HBV reactivation. CONCLUSION IFN treatment results in HBsAg loss and seroconversion in a considerable proportion of inactive HBsAg carriers with low HBsAg concentrations.
Choice between Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries and Joint Venture of Taiwanese Firms in China – A Transaction Cost Perspective

The aim of this study is to empirically investigate the effectiveness of Transaction Cost Theory in explaining the entry mode choices between wholly-owned subsidiaries (WOS) and joint venture (JV) of Taiwanese Electronic Components firms in China market from 2003 to 2005 . Through their real business viewpoint of investing in China , this study hopes to examine the explanation of transaction cost theory on Taiwanese Electronic Components firms’ China market entry mode choice and identify which factors have important impacts on their choices of entry mode and Hopefully to provide helpful strategic suggestions for the international FDI firms who want to invest in the near future .
Forecasting diffusion of innovative technology at pre-launch: A survey-based method

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to propose a systematic method for the diffusion of forecasting technology in the pre‐launch stage.Design/methodology/approach – The authors designed survey question items that are familiar to interviewees as well as algebraically transformable into the parameters of a logistic diffusion model. In addition, they developed a procedure that reduces inconsistency in interviewee responses, removes outliers, and verifies conformability, in order to reduce the error and yield robust estimation results.Findings – The results show that the authors' method performed better in the empirical cases of digital media broadcasting and internet protocol television in terms of sum of squared error compared with an existing survey‐based method, a regression method, and the guessing‐by‐analogy method. Specifically, the authors' method can reduce the error by using the conformability and outlier tests, while the consistency factor contributes to determining the final estimate with perso.
Protamine Overdose and Its Impact on Coagulation, Bleeding, and Transfusions After Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Background: We assessed the effects of protamine overdosing on thrombelastometry, bleeding, and transfusions in patients after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods: In group 1 (n = 15), representing the clinical standard, the protamine dose was based on the initial heparin dose, and group 2 (n = 15) received protamine based on the heparin concentration measured after CPB. Primary end points were thromboelastometric parameters. Secondary end points were perioperative blood loss and utilization of blood products. Results: During CPB, heparin concentrations decreased by 40%, resulting in overdosing of protamine in group 1. Thromboelastometry revealed longer clotting time (CT) in group 1 (P values < .05). Four patients in group 1 but none in group 2 had excessive prolonged CT values (>360 seconds) and concomitant microvascular bleeding, requiring substantial replacement of coagulation factors. Conclusions: Heparin dose-based protamine management leads to protamine overdosing with inhibition of the coagulation process. Protamine management guided by heparin concentration avoids these complications.
Synchronization of oscillatory neuronal responses in cat striate cortex: Temporal properties

Abstract Previously, we have demonstrated that a subpopulation of visual cortical neurons exhibit oscillatory responses to their preferred stimuli at a frequency near 50 Hz (Gray & Singer, 1989). These responses can selectively synchronize over large distances of cortex in a stimulus-specific manner (Gray et al., 1989; Engel et al., 1990a). Here we report the results of a new analysis which reveals the fine temporal structure inherent in these interactions. We utilized pairs of recordings of the local field potential (LFP) activity from area 17 in the anesthetized cat which met two criteria. The LFP was correlated with the underlying unit activity at each site and the recording sites were at least 5 mm apart in cortex. A moving-window technique was applied to compute cross correlograms on 100-ms epochs of data repeated at intervals of 30 ms for a period of 3 s during each direction of stimulus movement. A statistical test was devised to determine the significance of detected correlations. In this way we were able to determine the magnitude, phase difference, frequency, and duration of correlated oscillations as a function of time. The results demonstrate that (1) the duration of synchrony is variable and lasts from 100–900 ms; (2) the phase differences between and the frequencies of synchronized responses are also variable within and between events and range from +3 to —3 ms and 40–60 Hz, respectively; and (3) multiple correlation events often occur within a single stimulus period. These results demonstrate a high degree of dynamic variability and a rapid onset and offset of synchrony among interacting populations of neurons which is consistent with the requirements of a mechanism for feature integration.
Occupational therapy effects on visual-motor skills in preschool children.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the assumption that preschool children who receive occupational therapy will demonstrate significant improvement in their visual-motor skills as measured on the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI) and the two supplemental Visual Perception and Motor Coordination tests. METHOD Preschool children with developmental delays (n = 12) received occupational therapy a minimum of one individual 30-minute session, and one group 30-minute session per week for 1 school year. Their performance was compared to that of two control groups; preschool students without disabilities who received occupational therapy (n = 16) for one 30-minute group session per week and students without disabilities (n = 15) who received no occupational therapy. The VMI and two supplemental tests were administered three times to each student, at the beginning, middle, and end of school year. RESULTS Planned comparison tests showed that students with developmental delays demonstrated statistically significant improvement in visual-motor skills and developed skills at a rate faster than expected when compared to typically developing peers on the VMI. The effect size for preschool students without disabilities who received occupational therapy exceeded the effect size for the VMI and Visual Perception supplemental test for the preschool students without disabilities who received no therapy, although, the difference in the post-test performance of these two groups was not statistically significant. DISCUSSION The results of this study demonstrate that intervention, including occupational therapy, can effectively improve visual-motor skills in preschool-aged children.
The Effectiveness of a Computer Reminder System for Laboratory Monitoring of Metabolic Syndrome in Schizophrenic Outpatients Using Second-generation Antipsychotics

Abstract Introduction: A computer reminder system (CRS) may help psychiatrists follow guidelines and monitor patients at risk of metabolic syndrome. This study explores the effectiveness of a CRS for outpatients with schizophrenia. Methods: The study data were collected from July 2004 to July 2008. A CRS was implemented in July 2006. The intervention group was patients taking either clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, or quetiapine with a CRS. The control group was patients taking either sulpiride or zotepine without a CRS. We defined a qualified patient visit (QPV) as a visit in which metabolic monitoring adhered to established guidelines when the patient visit was within 6 months of performing the recommended laboratory examinations. We compared the percentage difference in QPVs between the 2 study groups. Results: The percentage of QPVs in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (OR=3.51, 95% CI=1.83~6.73, P=0.0002) after adjusting potential confounding factors. The intervention group was divided into a high metabolic risk (clozapine and olanzapine) subgroup and an intermediate metabolic risk (risperidone and quetiapine) subgroup and compared with the control group. The percentage of QPVs in the high risk subgroup was significantly higher than the intermediate risk subgroup (OR=4.27, 95% CI=2.71~6.75, p<0.0001) and control group (OR=6.99, 95% CI=3.48~14.07, p<0.0001). Discussion: The percentage of QPVs in the intervention group was higher than the control group and the different metabolic risk of SGAs also influenced the performance of laboratory examinations. Further studies are needed to confirm the results of our studies.
A mutational analysis of the interaction between FliG and FliM, two components of the flagellar motor of Escherichia coli

The motor that drives the flagellar filament of Escherichia coli contains three "switch" proteins (FliG, FliM, and FliN) that together determine the direction of rotation. Each is required, in addition, for flagellar assembly and for torque generation. These proteins interact in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae two-hybrid system: FliG interacts with FliM, FliM interacts with itself, and FliM interacts with FliN. The interaction between FliG and FliM has been subjected to mutational analysis. FliG (fused to the GAL4 DNA-binding domain) and FliM (fused to a GAL4 transcription activation domain) together activate transcription of a GAL4-dependent lacZ reporter gene. DNA encoding FliG was mutagenized by error-prone amplification with Taq polymerase, mutant fliG genes were cloned (as DNA-binding domain-fliG gene fusions) in S. cerevisiae by gap repair of plasmid DNA, and mutants exhibiting an interaction defect were isolated in a two-hybrid screen. The mutations were each mapped to the first, second, or last third of the fliG gene by multifragment cloning in vivo and then identified by DNA sequencing. In this way, we identified 18 interaction-defective and 15 silent (non-interaction-defective) fliG mutations. Several residues within the middle third of FliG are strongly involved in the FliG-FliM interaction, while residues near the N or C terminus are less important. This clustering, when compared with results of previous studies, suggests that the FliG-FliM interaction plays a central role in switching.
Decreased activity of erythromycin against Streptococcus pyogenes in Taiwan

A total of 78 clinical isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes were collected from January 1992 through December 1993 from patients in southern Taiwan. The in vitro activities of 10 antimicrobial agents were determined by the agar dilution method. Penicillin, cephalothin, cefotaxime, vancomycin, and ofloxacin were shown to be active against S. pyogenes isolates, with MICs at which 90% of isolates are inhibited (MIC90s) being < or = 0.03, < or = 0.13, < or = 0.13, < or = 0.13, and < or = 0.25 microgram/ml, respectively. Erythromycin and azithromycin both had poor activities (MIC50s, 16 and >128 micrograms/ml, respectively; MIC90s, >128 and >128 micrograms/ml, respectively). The activities of tetracycline, clindamycin, and chloramphenicol against a significant number of these isolates were also limited. As the MICs of clindamycin and chloramphenicol for the isolates increased, the MICs of the two macrolides also increased. Clindamycin, chloramphenicol, and the two macrolides were less potent against isolates recovered form throat swab samples than against those from blood or other sources. Isolates of the T12 and T1 serotypes accounted for 53.8% of all isolates. The majority (87.5%) of the isolates recovered from throat swab samples were of the T12 serotype, whereas 19.2% of the isolates recovered from blood were of the T12 serotype. In contrast, 66.7% of the isolates of the T1 serotype were derived from blood but none were derived from throat swab samples. Of the 33 T12 serotype isolates, erythromycin MICs for 78.8% of the isolates were >128 micrograms/ml. Because of the poor activities of erythromycin and azithromycin against S. pyogenes isolates from patients in southern Taiwan, these drugs should no longer be considered the drugs of choice for the management of group A streptococcal infections among patients who live in this area.