Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Production of Lytic Enzymes by Trichoderma Isolates during in vitro Antagonism with Aspergillus Niger, The Causal Agent of Collar ROT of Peanut

Twelve isolates of Trichoderma (six of T. harzianum, five of T. viride, one of T. virens), which reduced variably the incidence of collar rot disease caused in peanut by Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem, were evaluated for their potential to produce lytic enzymes during in vitro antagonism. T. viride 60 inhibited highest (86.2%) growth of test fungus followed by T. harzianum 2J (80.4%) at 6 days after inoculation (DAI) on PDA media. The specific activities of chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase and protease were 11, 3.46 and 9 folds higher in T6 antagonist (T. viride 60 and A. niger interactions) followed by 8.72, 2.85 and 9 folds in T8antagonist (T. harzianum 2J and A. niger interactions), respectively, compared to the activity produced by control petri plate T13 (A. niger alone) at 6 DAI. Activity of these lytic enzymes induced in antagonists’ plates comprises the growth of Trichoderma isolates. However, cellulase and poly galacturonase were found least amount in these antagonists treatment. A significant positive correlation (p=0.01) between percentage growth inhibition of test fungus and lytic enzymes – (chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase and protease) in the culture medium of antagonist treatment established a relationship to inhibit growth of fungal pathogen by increasing the levels of these enzymes. Among the Trichoderma isolates, T. viride 60 was found best strain to be used in biological control of plant pathogen A. niger.
Pension Funds Carbon Footprint and Investment Trade-Offs

With the adoption of the Paris Agreement in December 2015, better understanding of portfolio carbon dioxide (CO2) exposures has become increasingly important for investors,regulators and society at large. In this paper we measure the portfolio carbon footprints (CFPs) of pension funds’ stock investments. We utilize security-by-security holdings of Dutch pension funds over the period 2009-2015 and combine this with firm-level CO2 information to analyze the drivers of CFP at the portfolio level. The results show that pension funds face intricate trade-offs when aiming to reduce portfolio related CO2 emissions: expected dividend yields are positively related to the carbon footprint while portfolios’ systematic risk (market beta) is negatively related to the carbon footprint. The dividend trade-off with carbon exposures only applies to well-funded pension funds and is driven to some extent by investments in energy and utility companies. For the period 2013-2015 pension funds which publicly disclose their carbon footprint tend to have relatively lower exposure to firm with high carbon emissions.
Oral Administration of Freshly Expressed Juice of Echinacea Purpurea Herbs Fail to Stimulate the Nonspecific Immune Response in Healthy Young Men: Results of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study

Echinacea extracts are widely used in European countries and in the United States as “immune-stimulating” agents. Even though the evidence to stimulate certain components of the nonspecific immune system (phagocytosis, macrophages, and production of cytokines) stems from in vitro experiments or studies after parenteral application, the commercially available Echinacea preparations used as drugs or supplements are for oral use. The aim of the study was to determine whether phagocytic activity and production of cytokines is stimulated by oral application of a commercially available Echinacea preparation. Forty healthy male volunteers (ages 20–40 years) participated in the study. They received either a freshly expressed juice of Echinacea purpurea herbs or placebo juice using a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design with two treatment periods of 14 days and a wash-out period of 4 weeks in between. Endpoints for immune stimulation: phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes measured by flowcytometry, production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-&agr; and Interleukin (IL)-1&bgr; by LPS-stimulated blood monocytes. Echinacea purpurea herbs did neither enhance phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes nor that of monocytes when compared with placebo. Echinacea purpurea herbs did not influence the production TNF-&agr; and IL-1&bgr; by LPS-stimulated monocytes. Unexpectedly, Echinacea purpurea herbs decreased serum ferritin concentration (p = 0.0005). All other laboratory and safety data remained unchanged. The “immune stimulation” by Echinacea purpurea observed in vitro and after parenteral administration are not confirmed in healthy humans after oral intake. Other immunomodulatory effects may explain the benefits of Echinacea preparations in reducing duration and severity of upper-respiratory tract infections found in randomized, double-blind clinical trials.
Parent-Subsidiary Investment Layers and Audit Fees

This study investigates whether the number of investment layers within a parent-subsidiary consolidated group is associated with a firm’s audit fees. Using a unique sample of publicly traded Taiwan companies, which are required to disclose information on all of their affiliates, we measure the number of vertical layers in the parent-subsidiary relationship, from the parent company to the lowest-tiered subsidiary. Our results show a positive association between audit fees and the number of investment layers. In addition, we find that the positive association between audit fees and the number of layers becomes stronger for firms which have more investees located in tax haven countries. Our results also show that the positive association between audit fees and the number of investment layers is more pronounced as companies’ engagement in related-party transactions increases. Overall, the results support the argument that auditors attach higher audit risks to firms with more investment layers and therefore charge higher audit fees.
Contributions of School Music Educators to the Research Literature as Published in the Journal of Research in Music Education, 1953–1993

According to Roger P. Phelps, Lawrence A. Ferrara, and Thomas W. Goolsby, research is ". the identification and isolation of a problem into a workable plan; the implementation of that plan to collect the collect the data needed; and the synthesis, interpretation, and presentation of the collected information into some format which readily can be made available to others. " I Leaders in music education have encouraged school music teachers to become familiar with research literature and use its techniques as aids to solving pedagogical problems. Richard J. Colwell has suggested that ". teachers must learn to apply analytical and interpretive skills to research results so that they can make sound decisions about what the research results might mean for their own teaching and for their teaching situations. " 2 Echoing this statement, Scott C. Schuler wrote that "Research is an essential tool in problemsolving strategies of master teachers. "! Nevertheless, it is also true that music educators". have ignored or rejected research-based information as a means of improving instruction, its delivery, and its evaluation. This viewpoint . must be challenged if the music education profession is to
Occupational HIV Infection in a Research Laboratory With Unknown Mode of Transmission: A Case Report

A laboratory worker was infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 in a biosafety level 2 containment facility, without any apparent breach. Through full-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, we could identify the source of infection in a replication-competent clone that unknowingly contaminated a safe experiment. Mode of transmission remains unclear. Caution is warranted when handling HIV-derived constructs.
Gasoline consumption and economic growth: Evidence from Cameroon

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the gasoline sector and examines the causal relationship between gasoline consumption and economic growth in Cameroon based on annual data during the period 1975–2014. The unit root tests, the autoregressive vector (VAR) model, and the Wald test to test causality were used as econometric methodologies. The results show that the series are all I(1) and that there is no long-term relationship. The results also show that there is a bidirectional causality relationship between gasoline consumption and economic growth in Cameroon. This means that an increase in gasoline consumption affects economic growth with feedback effect. In view of the result of causality, reducing gasoline consumption without appropriate and established energy policies is not a feasible situation to maintain Cameroon’s economic growth.
A web-based intensive care clinical decision support system: From design to evaluation

The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a web-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) containing clinical guidelines and protocols that will support intensive care unit (ICU) providers in making decisions more effectively and quickly. First, a survey was carried out with 38 physicians in order to determine their preferences, needs and concerns regarding decision support tools. After the survey, guidelines were prepared by a group of specialists in ICU, and a medical informatician converted the guidelines into algorithm forms. Ten CDSS were developed using the algorithms, and placed onto the Intensive Care Decision Support Website (ICDSW). In order to evaluation of the website, 15 physicians were asked to answer 10 questions in 10 different scenarios first using a paper-based approach, then with ICDSW. When the answers were analyzed, it was found that the answers given by using ICDSW were significantly better than the paper-based approach (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in terms of the time needed to answer the questions (p = 0.138). The usability score of the website was 85.6 ± 8.89. The study demonstrated the successful implementation of an ICDSW within intensive care units.
Pharmacological Profile of the Novel Inotropic Agent (E,Z)-3-((2-Aminoethoxy)imino)androstane-6,17-dione Hydrochloride (PST2744)

The novel Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor (E,Z)-3-((2-aminoethoxy)imino)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochloride (PST2744) was characterized for its inotropic and toxic properties. Inhibition potency on dog kidney Na+/K+-ATPase was comparable (0.43 μM) to that of digoxin (0.45 μM). PST2744 concentration-dependently increased force of contraction in guinea pig atria and twitch amplitude in isolated guinea pig myocytes; in the latter, aftercontractions developed significantly less than with digoxin. Intravenous infusion of 0.2 mg/kg/min PST2744 in anesthetized guinea pigs exerted an immediate and long-lasting inotropic effect (ED80 of 1.89 ± 0.37 mg/kg) without causing lethal arrhythmias up to a cumulative dose of 18 mg/kg. Conversely, an equieffective infusion of digoxin (0.016 mg/kg/min; ED80 of 0.32 mg/kg) caused lethal arrhythmias at a cumulative dose of 0.81 mg/kg. At a higher rate (0.4 mg/kg/min), PST2744 induced lethal arrhythmias, with a lethal dose/ED80 ratio significantly greater than digoxin (20.2 ± 6.3 versus 3.23 ± 0.55, p < 0.05). Decay of the inotropic effect (t 1/2, min) was significantly faster for PST2744 (6.0 ± 0.39) than for digoxin (18.3 ± 4.5, p < 0.05). In anesthetized dogs, PST2744 dose-dependently increased maximum velocity of pressure rise (+dP/dtmax) in the range 32 to 500 μg/kg i.v. and was safer than digoxin. In conscious dogs with a healed myocardial infarction, PST2744 significantly increased resting values of +dP/dtmax, left ventricular pressure, and SPB, and increased +dP/dtmax throughout treadmill exercise while reverting the increase in left ventricular end diastolic pressure seen in control animals. Digoxin significantly decreased basal heart rate, while not affecting the hemodynamic response to exercise. Thus, PST2744 represents a new class of Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitors endowed with inotropic activity comparable with that of digitalis but having greater safety.
Steroid Profiling by LC-MS/MS in Nonsecreting and Subclinical Cortisol-Secreting Adrenocortical Adenomas.

CONTEXT Long-term follow-up studies revealed that patients with subclinical hypercortisolism (SH) due to adrenocortical adenomas have an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. No studies have yet investigated the steroid profile and its implications in patients with SH. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to analyze the steroid profile by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in sera from patients with unilateral adrenocortical adenomas. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study. SETTING The study was conducted at an outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS Patients with adrenocortical adenomas (nonsecreting, n = 66; SH, n = 28) and 188 age- and sex-matched controls drawn from the general population participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cortisol, 21-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, T, progesterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, and corticosterone in the basal condition and after a 1-24 ACTH test, and clinical data were measured. RESULTS Patients with SH showed lower basal and 1-24 ACTH-stimulated levels of dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione than those with nonsecreting adenomas and controls. T was also lower in SH females. Receiver-operating characteristic curves showed that androgens had good accuracy in predicting SH (sensitivity and specificity were 71% and 76% for dehydroepiandrosterone and 69% and 61% for androstenedione, respectively). Increased cortisol and reduced dehydroepiandrosterone levels were independently associated with increased waist circumference. Cortisol was also independently associated with increased number of cardiovascular risk factors in SH patients. After 1-24 ACTH stimulation, the SH patients also showed increased production of 21-deoxycortisol and 11-deoxycorticosterone. CONCLUSIONS Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry steroid profile performed for the first time in sera from patients with adrenocortical adenomas showed impaired secretion of several steroids in SH patients. This fingerprint can help in better characterizing the functional status of these tumors.
Modularizing specialized hospital services: constraining characteristics, enabling activities and outcomes

Purpose Modularity promises to relieve problems of complexity in service systems. However, limited evidence exists of its application in specialized hospital services. The purpose of this paper is to identify enablers, constraints, and outcomes of modularization in specialized hospital services. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative comparative study of a hematology unit with modular service architecture and an oncology unit with integral service architecture in a university hospital is performed to analyze the service architectures, enablers and constraints of modularization, and outcomes. Findings A framework and five propositions combining the characteristics of specialized hospital services, enabling activities, and outcomes of modularization were developed. Modular service architecture was developed through limiting the number of treatment components, reorganizing production of standardized components into a separate service unit, and standardizing communication and scheduling in interfaces. Modularization increased service efficiency but diluted ownership of services, decreased customization, and diminished informal communication. This is explained by the specific characteristics of the services: fragmented service delivery, professional autonomy, hierarchy, information asymmetry, and requirement to treat all. Research limitations/implications Modularization can increase efficiency in specialized hospital services. However, specific characteristics of specialized care may challenge its application and limit its outcomes. Practical implications The study identifies enabling activities and constraints that hospital managers should take into account when developing modular service systems. Originality/value This is the first empirical study exploring the enablers, constraints, and outcomes of modularization in specialized hospital services. The study complements literature on service modularity with reference to specialized hospital services.
Improving the Rate of Infectivity of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts in Cell Culture Using Centrifugation

Centrifugation was evaluated as a method to improve infectivity assays of Cryptosporidium parvum in cell culture using the focus detection method, an immunofluorescence-based method for detecting infectious C. parvum oocysts in vitro. Human ileocecal adenocarcinoma (HCT-8) cells were grown for 48 hr on 13-mm cover slips in 24-well microtiter plates and infected with bleach-treated C. parvum oocysts. Plates were centrifuged at 228 g for 10 min and incubated at 37 C for 5, 12, 18, 24, and 48 hr. Foci of infection were stained by immunofluorescence and enumerated using epifluorescent microscopy. Results were compared to noncentrifuged controls. Foci in centrifuged samples could be enumerated after 18 hr. According to most probable number (MPN) analysis, the number of infectious oocysts estimated at 48 hr (13,326 infectious oocysts) was reached by 18 hr in centrifuged samples. After 48 hr, there was no significant difference (P < 0.05) between centrifuged and noncentrifuged samples enumerated by number of foci or the MPN of infectious oocysts. Centrifugation may expedite detection during C. parvum infectivity assays. Furthermore, multiwell plate formats are more cost effective than traditional chamber slides.
Breast cancer early detection among Chinese women in the Philadelphia area.

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among Chinese American women. Previous studies identified disparities in breast cancer screening between Asian and Caucasian women. This study describes breast cancer awareness, attitudes, and knowledge, as well as barriers and facilitators of early detection among Chinese women in Philadelphia. METHODS A cross-sectional, translated survey was conducted among a convenience sample of 111 Chinese women from the greater Philadelphia area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to describe participant experiences and attitudes, and Pearson correlation coefficients, chi-square tests, and multiple regressions were used to identify significant predictors of breast cancer screenings. RESULTS Of respondents, 53.2% had ever performed breast self-examination (BSE). Among women aged >or=40, 53.6% had ever had clinical breast examination (CBE), and 71.1% had ever had mammogram. Knowledge (p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (p = 0.001) predicted BSE ever performance. Having a doctor as information source of CBE (p = 0.001) and belief in family history as a risk factor of breast cancer (p = 0.002) were significant predictors of having ever had a CBE. Having a doctor as information source of mammogram (p = 0.002) was the only significant predictor of having ever had mammogram screening. CONCLUSIONS This study laid a foundation for developing culturally sensitive breast cancer education and screening programs for Chinese women in the Philadelphia area. Recommendations include a call for physician education to improve breast cancer screening rates in this population.
The Impact of Inflation Expectations on Polish Consumers’ Spending and Saving

This article explores the relation between consumers’ inflation expectations and their spending and saving behavior, proxied by their buying and saving attitudes. The analysis, using a large micro dataset, suggests that inflation expectations negatively affect saving attitudes, especially in the group of consumers characterized by a very good financial situation. Moreover, the role of inflation expectations has increased since the global financial crisis. The results for buying attitudes are somewhat puzzling—especially if one tries to interpret them together with the results for saving attitude—as they also suggest a negative, although very weak, link to inflation expectations.
THz frequency spectrum of protein–solvent interaction energy using a recurrence plot‐based Wiener–Khinchin method

The dynamics of a protein and the water surrounding it are coupled via nonbonded energy interactions. This coupling can exhibit a complex, nonlinear, and nonstationary nature. The THz frequency spectrum for this interaction energy characterizes both the vibration spectrum of the water hydrogen bond network, and the frequency range of large amplitude modes of proteins. We use a Recurrence Plot based Wiener–Khinchin method RPWK to calculate this spectrum, and the results are compared to those determined using the classical auto‐covariance‐based Wiener–Khinchin method WK. The frequency spectra for the total nonbonded interaction energy extracted from molecular dynamics simulations between the β‐Lactamase Inhibitory Protein BLIP, and water molecules within a 10 Å distance from the protein surface, are calculated at 150, 200, 250, and 310 K, respectively. Similar calculations are also performed for the nonbonded interaction energy between the residues 49ASP, 53TYR, and 142PHE in BLIP, with water molecules within 10 Å from each residue respectively at 150, 200, 250, and 310 K. A comparison of the results shows that RPWK performs better than WK, and is able to detect some frequency data points that WK fails to detect. This points to the importance of using methods capable of taking the complex nature of the protein–solvent energy landscape into consideration, and not to rely on standard linear methods. In general, RPWK can be a valuable addition to the analysis tools for protein molecular dynamics simulations. Proteins 2016; 84:1549–1557. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin and macrophage protein 1‐alpha (MIP‐1a) in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of markers of bone remodelling, and osteoclast activation/function in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). We have measured serum levels of soluble RANKL (sRANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), macrophage inflammatory protein‐1alpha (MIP‐1α), markers of bone resorption [N‐telopeptide of collagen type‐I (NTX), and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase isoform‐5b (TRACP‐5b)] and bone formation [bone‐alkaline phosphatase (bALP)] in 40 MGUS patients. These parameters were compared with those of 42 newly diagnosed myeloma patients, and 45 healthy, gender‐ and age‐matched controls. MGUS patients had elevated levels of NTX, sRANKL, and sRANKL/OPG ratio compared with controls (P < 0·0001). Furthermore, TRACP‐5b, MIP‐1α and NTX were decreased in patients with MGUS compared with myeloma patients (P < 0·001), while OPG and bALP were increased (P < 0·001). Serum levels of MIP‐1α, as well as TRACP‐5b, and sRANKL/OPG ratio were reduced, while bALP was increased in MGUS patients, even when compared with myeloma patients who had stage I/II disease. These results demonstrate that increased osteoclastogenesis leading to increased bone resorption is present in MGUS but seems to be compensated for by normal bone formation, which is absent in MM. Furthermore MIP‐1α, bALP, and sRANKL/OPG may be useful tools for distinguishing between cases of MGUS and early myeloma.