Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic relationships among phrynosomatid lizards as inferred from mitochondrial ribosomal DNA sequences: substitutional bias and information content of transitions relative to transversions.

The phylogenetic relationships among 40 species, representing all genera, within the North American lizard family Phrynosomatidae were inferred from mitochondrial ribosomal RNA gene sequences. Cladistic analysis of the DNA sequence data (779 bp; 162 informative characters) supported the monophyly of the sand lizards (Callisaurus, Cophosaurus, Holbrookia, and Uma), Petrosaurus, Phrynosoma, Urosaurus, and Uta. All the species of Sceloporus, except S. variabilis and S. chrysostictus, formed a clade. Except for a sand lizard + Phrynosoma clade, the intergeneric relationships inferred from the mtDNA were largely incongruent with recent cladistic analyses based on morphology. Sceloporus group monophyly was not supported, with Petrosaurus being a member of a clade containing Sator, Sceloporus, and Urosaurus, to the exclusion of Uta. The phylogenetic placement of Uta was ambiguous. The substitutional bias in the phrynosomatid mitochondrial rDNA sequences was examined, as well as the phylogenetic information content of transitions relative to transversions. There appeared to be a lower transition bias than observed in other vertebrate sequences, with some classes of transversions occurring as frequently as G <-> A transitions. Transitions were no less informative for phylogeny reconstruction than transversions. Therefore, transitions should not be down-weighted in phylogenetic analysis, as is often done.
Study of Variation in Intraocular Pressure Spike (IOP) Following Nd- YAG Laser Capsulotomy.

INTRODUCTION Posterior Capsular Opacifications (PCO) is a frequent complication of cataract surgery following posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Nd -Yag laser capsulotomy is the treatment of choice for PCO and is known to be associated with complications like Raised Intraocular Pressure (IOP), Intraocular lens pitting, intraocular lens cracks, cystoid macular oedema, retinal detachment, corneal burns. Raised IOP is the most common complication and prescribing anti-glaucoma drugs post capsulotomy is a common practise. Our study helps us to anticipate the post procedural IOP rise in specific patients and treat only selected group of patients with anti- glaucoma medications. AIM To study and correlate the effect of energy used and number of shots with post procedural IOP spike following Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS All patients with PCO presenting to Ophthalmology Out Patient Department at Sri Siddhartha Medical College between November 2014 to November 2015 were included. All the patients with glaucoma, uveitis and high myopia were excluded from the study. Data relevant to history, ocular examination and IOP were recorded. RESULTS Significant correlation of IOP spike with the number of Nd- YAG Laser shots delivered was found by One-way ANOVA Post-Hoc Tukeys Test. The p-value was significant for shots more than 40, provided the energy was restricted to 20 mJ and below. Correlation of energy with IOP spike was not significant as found by One-way ANOVA, Post-Hoc Tukey test. Predictability of 2 hours post-procedure IOP regarding persistent IOP rise was significant. CONCLUSION It was observed that all pseudophakic patients may not require anti-glaucoma medication pre, or post Nd YAG laser capsulotomy. Only patients who required more than 40 shots during the procedure would need a close observation and if persistent rise is documented, ocular hypotensives may be advised.
What Explains Month-End Funding Pressure in Canada?

The Canadian overnight repo market persistently shows signs of latent funding pressure around month-end periods. Both the overnight repo rate and Bank of Canada liquidity provision tend to rise in these windows. This paper proposes three non-mutually exclusive hypotheses to explain this phenomenon. First, month-end funding pressure may be caused by search frictions. Market participants place a premium on liquidity around month-end periods because of the confluence of a generalized liquidity preference, heightened month-end forecast uncertainty, and resultant search frictions in the repo market. Second, this funding pressure could be attributed to spillovers from the US overnight repo market. Third, month-end funding pressure might be associated with large Canadian banks’ end-of-month repo adjustments. By combining market, central-bank and payments data, this paper provides evidence that the first hypothesis explains the latent funding pressure observed on the first day of the month. Using market and non-public regulatory data, this paper further argues that the second and third hypotheses are much less plausible.
A proposed framework of the effect of guided discovery approach on secondary students’ achievement in financial accounting

It has been proved by the prior studies that the low achievement among secondary school students in financial accounting is due to the persistent use of conventional teaching approach where students put all their focus on the teacher.The conventional teaching approach was found to be less effective in enhancing the students’ achievement.In this paper, we study the effect of guided discovery approach on the secondary students’ achievement in financial accounting. The guided discovery approach is the instructional approach in which students are given opportunity to test their own understanding by engaging in active learning. Prior studies found that the approach has a strong positive effect in enhancing students’ achievement and in promoting their positive attitude towards learning. The research model of our study is proposed and developed based on the constructivist learning theory. The effect of this guided discovery approach on the secondary students’ achievement in financial accounting will be examined using a pre-test post-test control group design. The study’s findings are expected to be relevant to stakeholders, especially government, curriculum planners, and financial accounting teachers of secondary school in terms of the benefits of adopting guided discovery approach in teaching financial accounting and how this approach could be used to improve their students’ achievement.
The N‐terminal region of tapasin is required to stabilize the MHC class I loading complex

Tapasin mediates the binding of MHC class I molecules to the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP). Deletion mutants of tapasin were used to examine the effect of tapasin on interactions within the MHC class I complex. Binding to TAP is mediated by the C‐terminal region of tapasin. Michaelis‐Menten analysis of peptide transport shows that this interaction is sufficient to increase TAP levels without significantly affecting the intrinsic translocation rate. Weak interactions exist between MHC class I molecules and TAP in the absence of tapasin, and between free heavy chains and TAP‐tapasin complexes in the absence of β2‐microglobulin. The N‐terminal 50 residues of tapasin constitute the key element which converts the sum of these weak interactions into a stable complex.
Influence of fat replacers on chemical composition, proteolysis, texture profiles, meltability and sensory properties of low-fat Kashar cheese

Changes in chemical composition, proteolysis, lipolysis, texture, melting and sensory properties of low-fat Kashar cheese made with three different fat replacers (Simplesse® D-100, Avicel Plus® CM 2159 or β-glucan) were investigated throughout ripening. The low-fat cheeses made with fat replacers were compared with full- and low-fat counterparts as controls. Reduction of fat caused increases in moisture and protein contents and decreases in moisture-in-non fat substance and yield values in low-fat cheeses. The use of fat replacers in the manufacture of low-fat Kashar cheese increased water binding capacity and improved overall quality of the cheeses. Use of fat replacer in low-fat cheese making has enhanced cheese proteolysis. All samples underwent lipolysis during ripening and low-fat cheeses with fat replacers had higher level of total free fatty acid than full- or low-fat control cheeses. Texture attributes and meltability significantly increased with addition of fat replacers. Sensory scores showed that the full-fat cheese was awarded best in all stages of ripening and low-fat variant of Kashar cheeses have inferior quality. However, fat replacers except β-glucan improved the appearance, texture and flavour attributes of low-fat cheeses. When the fat replacers are compared, the low-fat cheese with Avicel Plus® CM 2159 was highly acceptable and had sensory attributes closest to full-fat Kashar cheese.
Structure-function relationships among wild-type variants of Staphylococcus aureus beta-lactamase: importance of amino acids 128 and 216

beta-Lactamases inactivate penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics by hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring and are an important mechanism of resistance for many bacterial pathogens. Four wild-type variants of Staphylococcus aureus beta-lactamase, designated A, B, C, and D, have been identified. Although distinguishable kinetically, they differ in primary structure by only a few amino acids. Using the reported sequences of the A, C, and D enzymes along with crystallographic data about the structure of the type A enzyme to identify amino acid differences located close to the active site, we hypothesized that these differences might explain the kinetic heterogeneity of the wild-type beta-lactamases. To test this hypothesis, genes encoding the type A, C, and D beta-lactamases were modified by site-directed mutagenesis, yielding mutant enzymes with single amino acid substitutions. The substitution of asparagine for serine at residue 216 of type A beta-lactamase resulted in a kinetic profile indistinguishable from that of type C beta-lactamase, whereas the substitution of serine for asparagine at the same site in the type C enzyme produced a kinetic type A mutant. Similar bidirectional substitutions identified the threonine-to-alanine difference at residue 128 as being responsible for the kinetic differences between the type A and D enzymes. Neither residue 216 nor 128 has previously been shown to be kinetically important among serine-active-site beta-lactamases.
From strategic orientation to social media orientation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a framework of small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) strategic orientation (SO) and its impact on social media performance. Moreover, it introduces a new concept, social media orientation (SMO) (composed of sales and business development (SBD) and visibility) to add in the model. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach was used and, based on a study of 257 SMEs, analyses were performed. A smartPLS analysis was judged appropriate regarding the sample size. Findings Results show that entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and customer orientation have a positive influence on SBD which in turn has a positive influence on social media performance. Visibility is positively influenced by EO and has an indirect effect on social media performance. Social media performance is therefore directly influenced by SBD and indirectly by visibility. Research limitations/implications The authors complete previous research that called for the introduction of different SO on a same study and go further as the author highlight the role of EO on visibility (and not only on business or performance). A second contribution lies in the conceptualization of SMO (defined here with SBD and visibility) and third in the measurement of social media performance through growth and attention. Practical implications SMEs first need to develop their visibility, and then link it to SBD. Originality/value This research is one of the first to explore SMEs’ SO on social media and proposes a new concept defined as SMO. It gives SMEs future direction on how to perform on these platforms.
Open-Label Single-Arm Phase II Trial of Sorafenib Therapy with Drug-eluting Bead Transarterial Chemoembolization in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Clinical Results.

PURPOSE To determine the efficacy of combined continuous sorafenib therapy and drug-eluting bead (DEB) transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, and all patients provided written informed consent prior to enrollment. Inclusion criteria included unresectable HCC, a treatment naïve status, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of 0-1, and a Child-Pugh score of A-B7. Continuous sorafenib therapy (400 mg twice daily) was started 1 week before the first round of DEB TACE, which was performed in 6-week cycles. Up to four rounds of DEB TACE therapy were allowed on demand within 6 months. The primary end point was safety. Secondary end points were time to progression (TTP), response rate, and overall survival (OS) and were stratified by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage and the duration of sorafenib therapy. OS was assessed with Kaplan-Meier estimates, and the Mantel-Cox log-rank test was used to determine differences in survival. A two-sided P value of less than . 05 was considered to indicate a significant difference. The study was approved by the Johns Hopkins institutional review board and remained open from March 2009 to January 2012. RESULTS Fifty patients--of whom 76% were male, 92% had a Child-Pugh score of A, and 62% had BCLC stage C disease--underwent a median of three cycles of therapy. The 6-month disease control rate (defined as complete response plus partial response plus stable disease) was 94% according to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. Median TTP and OS were 13.9 and 20.4 months, respectively, and 81% of toxicities were grades 1-2. There was one death that was possibly treatment related. CONCLUSION Combined continuous sorafenib therapy and on-demand DEB TACE provided excellent local disease control and did not lead to multiplicative toxicities. Long-term administration of sorafenib therapy in combination with DEB TACE may have a survival benefit in patients with advanced HCC.
Cyclosporine Sparing with Mycophenolate Mofetil, Daclizumab and Corticosteroids in Renal Allograft Recipients: The CAESAR Study

Although the calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) cyclosporine (CsA) and tacrolimus are highly effective immunosuppressants, they are associated with serious side effects. There is great interest in immunosuppressive regimens that permit reduction or elimination of CNIs, while maintaining adequate immunosuppression and acceptable acute rejection rates. Patients (n = 536) receiving their first renal allograft were randomized to one of three immunosuppressant regimens: daclizumab, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), corticosteroids (CS) and low‐dose CsA (target trough levels of 50–100 ng/mL), weaned from month 4 and withdrawn by month 6; daclizumab, MMF, CS and low‐dose CsA; or MMF, CS and standard‐dose CsA. Mean GFR 12 months after transplantation (primary end point) was not statistically different in the CsA withdrawal and low‐dose CsA groups (both 50.9 mL/min/1.73 m2) vs. the standard‐dose CsA group (48.6 mL/min/1.73 m2). At 12 months, the incidence of biopsy‐proven acute rejection was significantly higher in the CsA withdrawal group (38%) vs. the low‐ or standard‐dose CsA groups (25.4% and 27.5%, respectively; p < 0.05). In summary, a regimen of continuous low‐dose CsA with MMF, CS and daclizumab induction is a clinically safe and effective immunosuppressive regimen in renal transplant recipients.
Treating insulin resistance: future prospects

Insulin resistance typically reflects multiple defects of insulin receptor and post-receptor signalling that impair a diverse range of metabolic and vascular actions. Many potential intervention targets and compounds with therapeutic activity have been described. Proof of principle for a non-peptide insulin mimetic has been demonstrated by specific activation of the intracellular B-subunit of the insulin receptor. Potentiation of insulin action has been achieved with agents that enhance phosphorylation and prolong the tyrosine kinase activity of the insulin receptor and its protein substrates after activation by insulin. These include inhibitors of phosphatases and serine kinases that normally prevent or terminate tyrosine kinase signalling. Additional approaches involve increasing the activity of phos-phatidylinositol 3-kinase and other downstream components of the insulin signalling pathways. Experimental interventions to remove signalling defects caused by cytokines, certain adipocyte hormones, excess fatty acids, glucotoxicity and negative feedback by distal signalling steps have also indicated therapeutic possibilities. Several hormones, metabolic enzymes, minerals, co-factors and transcription co-activators have shown insulin-sensitising potential. Since insulin resistance affects many metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, it provides an opportunity for simultaneous therapeutic attack on a broad front.
Confronting the Arms Race - Conference Commissioner Perspectives on Spending Within Intercollegiate Athletics

Ray Schneider, Ph.D., advisor The commercial enticements of national exposure and lucrative television contracts in intercollegiate athletics have led to an increase in spending amongst National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs. This phenomenon has been referred to as the arms race of expenditures wherein athletic administrators outbid one another in an effort to gain a competitive advantage (DeBarros, Dougherty, Evans, Newman, & Palmer, 2009; Knight Commission, 2010; Luebchow, 2008). Intercollegiate conference commissioners fill integral roles as administrators that seek to preserve athletics within their conferences and can offer a unique perspective on the arms race phenomenon (Big Ten, 2011; Covell & Barr, 2010; “The 10 most powerful people,” 2007). The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of conference commissioners on the arms race within NCAA Division I (FBS) intercollegiate athletics in order to gain a deeper understanding of current practices and to supplement this void in the arms race literature. Therefore, four FBS conference commissioners, 17 associate commissioners, and four assistant commissioners (n =25) were surveyed. The inquiry was informed by institutional theory, which enabled an examination of the conferences as orbits of competition (Washington & Patterson, 2011). Results indicated that a majority of commissioners believed the arms race was having a negative effect on their conference, and they had a lack of faith in any suggested policy changes. A general discontent with the current BCS model was also expressed, especially from the commissioners of non-automatic qualifying conferences. Finally, the commissioners indicated feeling a lack of power toward curtailing spending, even if they united with conferences on a national level.
A Digital Divide in Political Participation: Exploring Antecedents and Effects of Online Political Participation

Online participation is a thriving topic in communication and Internet research. One prominent area within research on online participation focuses on participation divides. Participation divides are frequently understood as social inequalities in online content creation. To create a broader understanding of participation domains, and thereby participation divides, we conduct a systematic literature review. Analyzing 192 journal articles and conference proceedings, we identify central definitions, antecedents, and outcomes of online participation. Most notably, we detect five distinct domains of online participation: political & civic, economic/business, cultural, health-related, and educational participation. Surveying all five domains, we find some noteworthy differences in the respective participation divides. This position paper interprets the participitation divides in each domain, derives propositions for future research and connects the findings to the overall topic of "Communication and the Good Life". Als: "A Matter of Context: Differentiating Participation Divides by Social Field" im Programm?
Inhibition of Coxsackievirus B3 Replication by Small Interfering RNAs Requires Perfect Sequence Match in the Central Region of the Viral Positive Strand

ABSTRACT Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is the most common causal agent of viral myocarditis, but existing drug therapies are of limited value. Application of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in knockdown of gene expression is an emerging technology in antiviral gene therapy. To investigate whether RNA interference (RNAi) can protect against CVB3 infection, we evaluated the effects of RNAi on viral replication in HeLa cells and murine cardiomyocytes by using five CVB3-specific siRNAs targeting distinct regions of the viral genome. The most effective one is siRNA-4, targeting the viral protease 2A, achieving a 92% inhibition of CVB3 replication. The specific RNAi effects could last at least 48 h, and cell viability assay revealed that 90% of siRNA-4-pretreated cells were still alive and lacked detectable viral protein expression 48 h postinfection. Moreover, administration of siRNAs after viral infection could also effectively inhibit viral replication, indicating its therapeutic potential. Further evaluation by combination found that no enhanced inhibitory effects were observed when siRNA-4 was cotransfected with each of the other four candidates. In mutational analysis of the mechanisms of siRNA action, we found that siRNA functions by targeting the positive strand of virus and requires a perfect sequence match in the central region of the target, but mismatches were more tolerated near the 3′ end than the 5′ end of the antisense strand. These findings reveal an effective target for CVB3 silencing and provide a new possibility for antiviral intervention.
Sex Difference in Effects of Typical and Atypical Antipsychotics on Glucose-Insulin Homeostasis and Lipid Metabolism in First-Episode Schizophrenia

Objective: The present study was to investigate the sex difference in effects of clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and sulpiride on glucose and lipid metabolism in first-episode schizophrenia. Method: One hundred twelve patients with schizophrenia were assigned randomly to receive clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, or sulpiride for 8 weeks. Planned assessments included body mass index, waist-hip ratio, fasting glucose, insulin, C-peptide, insulin resistance index (IRI), cholesterol and triglyceride levels. All measures were collected at baseline and at the end of the 8-week treatment. Results: After treatment, waist-hip ratio and triglyceride and IRI levels of men were increased higher than that of women in clozapine and olanzapine groups. In sulpiride group, body mass index and triglyceride, insulin, and IRI levels of women increased higher than those of men. There was no significant sex difference for all assessments in risperidone group. Insulin, C-peptide, and IRI, but not fasting glucose levels, were significantly increased in the 4 groups. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly increased in the clozapine and olanzapine groups. Patients treated with clozapine and olanzapine had higher fasting insulin, C-peptide, and IRI levels than those treated with risperidone and sulpiride. Conclusions: These results suggest that clozapine, olanzapine, and sulpiride had effects on glucose and lipid metabolism in first-episode schizophrenia with sex difference. Clozapine and olanzapine seem to have the greatest potential to induce glucose and lipid metabolism abnormalities, and risperidone has the least.