Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SURVEY AND SUMMARY Nuclear speckles: molecular organization, biological function and role in disease

The nucleoplasm is not homogenous; it consists of many types of nuclear bodies, also known as nuclear domains or nuclear subcompartments. These self-organizing structures gather machinery involved in various nuclear activities. Nuclear speckles (NSs) or splicing speckles, also called interchromatin granule clusters, were discovered as sites for splicing factor storage and modiﬁcation. Further studies on transcription and mRNA maturation and export revealed a more general role for splicing speckles in RNA metabolism. Here, we discuss the functional implications of the localization of numerous proteins crucial for epigenetic regulation, chromatin organization, DNA repair and RNA modiﬁcation to nuclear speckles. We highlight recent advances suggesting that NSs facilitate integrated regulation of gene expression. In addition, we consider the inﬂu-ence of abundant regulatory and signaling proteins, i.e. protein kinases and proteins involved in protein ubiquitination, phosphoinositide signaling and nucleoskeletal organization, on pre-mRNA synthesis and maturation. While many of these regulatory proteins act within NSs, direct evidence for mRNA metabolism events occurring in NSs is still lacking. NSs contribute to numerous human diseases, including cancers and viral infections. In addition, recent data have demonstrated close relationships between these structures and the development of neurological disorders.
Metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in colonial waterbird eggs from Lake Athabasca and the Peace–Athabasca Delta, Canada

In 2009, aquatic bird eggs from a variety of species were collected from three sites in northern Alberta, Canada. Two sites were located in receiving waters of the Athabasca River, which drains the oil sands industrial region north of Fort McMurray, Alberta. The third site, located on the Peace River, was remote from the influence of the Athabasca River. Levels of mercury, arsenic, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in the eggs along with nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) as an indicator of bird trophic position. Levels of As and PAHs in eggs were low, whereas Hg was measureable in all samples. Egg Hg levels increased with δ15N values (a proxy of food web trophic position); however, some eggs exhibited Hg levels greater than expected based on trophic position. These eggs were from sites in receiving waters of the Athabasca River, namely, Mamawi Lake and Egg Island. Levels of Hg in egg pools were correlated with naphthalene levels, perhaps indicating a common source of contamination. Temporal comparison of Hg levels in California gull (Larus californicus) eggs from the Lake Athabasca colony indicated that egg Hg burdens increased 40% from 1977 to 2009. More research is required to evaluate temporal trends in levels of environmental contaminants and to identify sources. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1178–1183. © 2011 SETAC
High expression of EZH2 is associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a known repressor of gene transcription, has been reported to be associated with biological malignancy in several cancers. The potential oncogenic role of EZH2 and its clinical/prognostic significance, however, in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are unclear. In this study, the methods of immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in‐situ hybridization were used to examine protein expression and amplification of EZH2 in 98 pretreatment biopsy specimens of ESCC who received definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT). High expression of EZH2 and amplification of EZH2 was found in 54.1% and 12.0% of ESCCs, respectively. High EZH2 expression was significantly correlated with increased cell proliferation (p = 0.009), high histopathological grade (p = 0.002), regional (p = 0.025) and distant lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001) and lack of clinical complete response to CRT (p = 0.028). Univariate analysis revealed that high expression of EZH2 was associated with poor metastasis‐free survival (MFS) (p = 0.003), poor progression‐free survival (PFS) (p = 0.001) and poor disease‐specific survival (DSS) (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, high expression of EZH2, together with lack of clinical complete response, were evaluated as significant independent prognostic factors of MFS, PFS and DSS for patients with ESCC. These findings suggest that high expression of EZH2 correlates with tumor aggressiveness and adverse patient outcome in ESCC treated with definitive CRT. Evaluation of EZH2 expressions might be useful for predicting tumor response to CRT and prognosis for patients with ESCC.
An investigation of the long‐term benefits of antidepressant medication in the recovery of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

Two hundred and seventy‐five patients fulfilling the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) completed measures assessing illness history, global ratings of well being, sleep, activity and psychopathology at baseline, 6 months, 18 months and 3 year follow‐up. Forty‐nine of these patients had been prescribed antidepressant medication, namely Tricyclic drugs or Selective Serotonin Re‐uptake Inhibitors (SSRI). Data from the current study suggests that patients in the antidepressant medication group recover at a faster rate over time when compared to the untreated patient sample. In addition, the positive effects of antidepressant therapy are maintained at the 3‐year follow‐up point. It appears from these data that the SSRI in particular are responsible for improvements in the condition. Most importantly, these improvements include a reduction in the levels of fatigue recorded by patients. These findings have not been demonstrated in previous studies of the effect of antidepressant therapy for patients with this illness and this may reflect the short time periods studied in the earlier research. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Service Quality and Salesperson Characteristics on Consumer Trust and Relationship Commitment: An Empirical Study on Insurance Buyers in India

This research article explores the effect of service quality and salesperson characteristics on consumer trust and relationship commitment among life insurance buyers in India. Earlier research on service quality has revealed five key dimensions that influence levels of consumer satisfaction. This article explores how ‘service quality’ as an independent variable influences consumer’s trust and relationship commitment. Earlier studies have explored organizational shared values on consumer trust and relationship commitment but no study in Indian context reveals how salesperson characteristics affect consumer trust and commitment. In this article the author has conceptualized two models (a) linking service quality with consumer trust and relationship commitment and (b) service quality with salesperson characteristics, consumer trust and commitment to study mediating and direct effects of independent variables on the dependent variables in the context of term life insurance policies in Indian market by applying structural equation modelling. The study identifies the strength and direction of these relationships and has a significant bearing in developing future relationship marketing programmes for insurance marketing companies in India.
Changing society’s whole approach to psychosis

The British Psychological Society’s report “Understanding Psychosis and Schizophrenia: why people sometimes hear voices, believe things that others find strange, or appear out of touch with reality, and what can help” (Cooke, A. (ed.), 2014) has generated extensive media coverage and debate. It is a book-length consensus report outlining in everyday language a psychosocial approach to experiences that are commonly thought of as psychosis. Written by a group of 24 authors including many of the leading psychology researchers in the field, together with people who have themselves experienced psychosis, it aims to provide an accessible overview of the current state of knowledge in language that everyone can understand. This editorial summarises the report, the reasons we wrote it and the responses it has received.
Optimising size and depth of punch grafts in autologous transplantation of vitiligo and piebaldism: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract Background: To date, autologous punch grafting appears to be the easiest and least expensive surgical technique for stable vitiligo and piebaldism. Punch grafting is available worldwide, with no need for specialised instruments. However, no reliable data on efficacy and safety of different punch depths and punch sizes are available. Objective/methods: To compare the efficacy and safety of different punch depths and punch sizes in autologous punch grafting, a randomised controlled trial was performed in 33 patients with vitiligo or piebaldism. In each patient, four depigmented regions were allocated to: 1.5 mm deep grafts, 1.5 mm superficial grafts, 1.0 mm deep grafts, and 1.0 mm superficial grafts. Primary outcome was the total pigmented surface area. Secondary outcomes were Patients’ Global Assessment (PGA) and side effects. Results: Six months after grafting, 1.5 mm grafts showed a significantly larger pigmented surface area compared to 1.0-mm grafts (p < 0.001), though more side effects as well. No significant differences in the total pigmented surface between different punch depths were found. Deep grafts showed more erythema compared to superficial grafts. Conclusion: We recommend 1.5 mm superficial grafts in autologous punch grafting for trunk and proximal extremities in patients with stable vitiligo and piebaldism.
Economic Value of Non-Timber Forest Products Used by the Largest Hmong Community in Thailand

The Khek Noi Hmong village, the largest Hmong community in Thailand, settled in Phetchabun province, the lower part of northern Thailand. The villagers living in this area closest to Thung Salaeng Luang National Park were chosen as samples. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data on the economic valuation of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) between October 2012 and September 2014. Of all 3,034 households in 12 villages, 353 households were selected by random sampling. The NTFPs samples were 118 items, and were classified into 6 categories including socio-economic background of samples surveyed. Based on the market price method, the economic average net value of the NTFPs was 34,487.22 Thai Baht (THB) per household per year or 104,634,225.48 THB per community per year. The analysis revealed that 6 categories of NTFPs were woods, herbs and spices, wild crops and wild fruits, mushrooms, wild animals and insects, and ornamental plants. The top 3 categories of all NTFPs items, having the most utilization, were bamboo trees ( Bambusa sp.), wild pigs ( Sus scrofa ), and eucalyptus ( Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) with a net value per year equal to 31,251.60, 974.40, and 396.70 THB, respectively. Moreover, the seasonal calendar of each type of the NTFPs was created to understand a relationship between the forest dynamics and the human needs. The NTFPs in lower northern Thailand are therefore the most important coping strategies, including informal safety nets for the local people living close to the park.
International strategic alliance relationships within the foreign investment decision process

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to develop and test a theoretical model of international strategic alliance (ISA) relationship development underpinned by the foreign investment decision process.Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual model demonstrates an ISA investment decision process consisting of three ex ante formation aspects – parent firm top management's general attitude towards alliances, scope of parent's cooperation analysis for the focal alliance, and interfirm collaborative history – and two key ex post relational outcomes – parent's willingness to invest in the alliance business and satisfaction with the relationship. The theoretical propositions were tested among a sample of 94 ISAs using structural equation modelling.Findings – The results show that top management attitude towards alliances is negatively associated with scope of cooperation analysis, but only where collaborative history exists. Scope of cooperation analysis, in turn, positively influences willingness to invest.
Genetic variation of FUT3 in Ghanaians, Caucasians, and Mongolians

BACKGROUND: The FUT3 gene regulates the expression of Lewis blood group antigens. Several lines of evidence suggest association between expression of these antigens and Helicobacter pylori infection or susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) responsible for the Lewis‐negative phenotype have been reported, but systematic sequence analyses have not yet been performed.
Polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases in French vinyl chloride workers

The authors have recently demonstrated a significant gene–environment interaction between vinyl chloride exposure and polymorphisms in the DNA repair protein XRCC1 on the occurrence of mutant p53 biomarkers of vinyl chloride-induced genetic damage. The aim of this study was to examine the polymorphisms in the glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) as potential modifiers of this relationship, since these enzymes may be involved in the phase II metabolism of the reactive intermediates of vinyl chloride. A cohort of 211 French vinyl chloride workers was genotyped for common polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1. Although no independent, statistically significant effect of these polymorphisms on the occurrence of the mutant p53 biomarker was found, the null GSTM1 and null GSTT1 polymorphisms were found to interact with the XRCC1 polymorphism to increase the occurrence of the biomarker such that, for example, workers with at least one variant XRCC1 allele who were null for both GSTM1 and GSTT1 had a significant odds ratio for the biomarker (OR=8.4, 95% CI=1.3–54.0) compared with workers who were wild-type for all alleles, controlling for potential confounders including cumulative vinyl chloride exposure.
Socioeconomic factors influencing adoption of CODAPEC and cocoa high-tech technologies among small holder farmers in Central Region of Ghana.

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao Linn.) is single most important agricultural export crop and major source of foreign exchange to Ghana. This study examines the socioeconomic factors affecting adoption of CODAPEC and Cocoa High-Tech Technology packages introduced by Ghana government into cocoa production system to address the dwindling levels of productivity. The study employed a multi-stage random sampling technique to select 250 households from 25 communities in five of the eight cocoa districts in Central Region of Ghana. Tobit multivariate regression model was used to understand socioeconomic factors influencing farmers’ decision to adopt these technologies. Results generally indicate experience, training, age of household head, household size and social capital as the key variables that positively influence decision of farmers to adopt Cocoa Pest and Disease Research Article American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 3(2): 277-292, 2013 278 Control (CODAPEC) and Cocoa High-Tech Technology packages. Very old cocoa farms contribute to the non-adoption of these technology packages by the farmers.
Risk Weights in Regulatory Capital Standards: Is it Necessary to 'Get It Right'?

In recent decades, bank regulators have become increasingly reliant upon quantitative regulatory capital standards as a means of ensuring that banks hold adequate capital. The risk-based capital standards, from the 1988 Accord through the current Basel II standards, have primarily relied upon a building block approach to capital through the use of risk weights assigned to assets and off-balance sheet activities. Despite enhancements to improve the accuracy of risk-based capital standards, they continue to result in unintended consequences as the use of risk weights brings with it errors in the measurement of risk. Given the ongoing efforts by bank regulators to quantitatively assess risk, and correspondingly required capital, this study asks whether it is necessary for regulators to accurately assess risk weights in the risk-based capital standards. The simulation results suggest that, in order to minimize the unintended consequences associated with regulatory capital requirements, it is necessary for regulatory requirements to accurately mimic banks’ internal capital allocation processes.
Does Childhood Trauma Cause Personality Disorders in Adults?

Objective: To examine the relationship between trauma in childhood and personality disorders in adulthood. Method: A review of the literature was conducted. Results: The reported associations between trauma and personality pathology are illuminated by the following research findings: 1) personality is heritable; 2) only a minority of patients with severe personality disorders report childhood trauma; and 3) children are generally resilient, and traumatic experiences do not consistently lead to psychopathology. Conclusions: The role of trauma in the personality disorders is best understood in the context of gene–environment interactions.
ZOOPLANKTON METACOMMUNITY STRUCTURE: REGIONAL VS. LOCAL PROCESSES IN HIGHLY INTERCONNECTED PONDS

Local communities can be structured by both local interactions (competition, predation, environmental variables, etc.) and by regional interactions (dispersal of individuals between habitats). Using data from a three-year study on 34 neighboring ponds in an interconnected pond system, we tested whether zooplankton communities show a metacommunity structure, how much variation in zooplankton community structure is related to local environmental factors vs. spatial configuration (taking into account the dispersal pathways), and what environmental variables are the locally structuring forces. In three different years, we found evidence for a metacommunity structure. We also found that spatial and environmental components act independently of each other due to the small geographic area and the high dispersal rates in this system. Despite these homogenizing forces, local environmental variables (associated with alternative equilibria in shallow lakes) were strongly related with zooplankton community structure .
Noninferiority Tests Based on Concordance Correlation Coefficient for Assessment of the Agreement for Gene Expression Data from Microarray Experiments

Microarray is one of the breakthrough technologies in the twenty-first century. Despite of its great potential, transition and realization of microarray technology into the clinically useful commercial products have not been as rapid as the technology could promise. One of the primary reasons is lack of agreement and poor reproducibility of the intensity measurements on gene expression obtained from microarray experiments. Current practices often use the testing the hypothesis of zero Pearson correlation coefficient to assess the agreement of gene expression levels between the technical replicates from microarray experiments. However, Pearson correlation coefficient is to evaluate linear association between two variables and fail to take into account changes in accuracy and precision. Hence, it is not appropriate for evaluation of agreement of gene expression levels between technical replicates. Therefore, we propose to use the concordance correlation coefficient to assess agreement of gene expression levels between technical replicates. We also apply the Generalized Pivotal Quantities to obtain the exact confidence interval for concordance coefficient. In addition, based on the concept of noninferiority test, a one-sided (1 − α) lower confidence limit for concordance correlation coefficient is employed to test the hypothesis that the agreement of expression levels of the same genes between two technical replicates exceeds some minimal requirement of agreement. We conducted a simulation study, under various combinations of mean differences, variability, and sample size, to empirically compare the performance of different methods for assessment of agreement in terms of coverage probability, expected length, size, and power. Numerical data from published papers illustrate the application of the proposed methods.
On the role of process models in autonomous land vehicle navigation systems

This paper examines the role played by vehicle models and their impact on the performance of sensor-based navigation systems for autonomous land vehicles. In a navigation system, information from internal and external vehicle sensors is combined to estimate the motion of the vehicle. However, while the issue of sensing and effects of sensor accuracy have been widely studied, there are few results or insights into the complementary role played by the vehicle model. This paper has two main contributions: a theoretical analysis of the role of the vehicle model in navigation system performance, and an empirical study of three models of increasing complexity, used in a navigation system for a conventional road vehicle. The theoretical analysis focuses on understanding the effect of estimation errors caused by approximations to the "true" vehicle model. It shows that while substantial performance improvements can be obtained from better vehicle modeling, there is, in general, no definitive "best" model for such complex nonlinear estimation problems. The empirical study shows that an appropriate choice of a higher order model can lead to significant improvements in the performance of the navigation system. However, the highest order model suffers from problems related to the observability of some of its parameters. We show how this problem can be overcome through the imposition of weak constraints.
Racial and ethnic differences in parents' assessments of pediatric care in Medicaid managed care.

OBJECTIVE This study examines whether parents' reports and ratings of pediatric health care vary by race/ethnicity and language in Medicaid managed care. DATA SOURCES The data analyzed are from the National Consumer Assessment of Health Plans (CAHPS) Benchmarking Database 1.0 and consist of 9,540 children enrolled in Medicaid managed care plans in Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Washington state from 1997 to 1998. DATA COLLECTION The data were collected by telephone and mail, and surveys were administered in Spanish and English. The mean response rate for all plans was 42.1 percent. STUDY DESIGN Data were analyzed using multiple regression models. The dependent variables are CAHPS 1.0 ratings (personal doctor, specialist, health care, health plan) and reports of care (getting needed care, timeliness of care, provider communication, staff helpfulness, plan service). The independent variables are race/ethnicity (white, African American, American Indian, Asian, and Hispanic), Hispanic language (English or Spanish), and Asian language (English or other), controlling for gender, age, education, and health status. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Racial/ethnic minorities had worse reports of care than whites. Among Hispanics and Asians language barriers had a larger negative effect on reports of care than race/ethnicity. For example, while Asian non-English-speakers had lower scores than whites for staff helpfulness (beta = -20.10), timeliness of care (beta = -18.65), provider communication (beta = -17.19), plan service (beta = -10.95), and getting needed care (beta = -8.11), Asian English speakers did not differ significantly from whites on any of the reports of care. However, lower reports of care for racial/ethnic groups did not translate necessarily into lower ratings of care. CONCLUSIONS Health plans need to pay increased attention to racial/ethnic differences in assessments of care. This study's finding that language barriers are largely responsible for racial/ethnic disparities in care suggests that linguistically appropriate health care services are needed to address these gaps.