Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural Variation in the Microcystin Synthetase Operon mcyABC and Impact on Microcystin Production in Microcystis Strains

ABSTRACT Toxic Microcystis strains often produce several isoforms of the cyclic hepatotoxin microcystin, and more than 65 isoforms are known. This has been attributed to relaxed substrate specificity of the adenylation domain. Our results show that in addition to this, variability is also caused by genetic variation in the microcystin synthetase genes. Genetic characterization of a region of the adenylation domain in module mcyB1 resulted in identification of two groups of genetic variants in closely related Microcystis strains. Sequence analyses suggested that the genetic variation is due to recombination events between mcyB1 and the corresponding domains in mcyC. Each variant could be correlated to a particular microcystin isoform profile, as identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Among the Microcystis species studied, we found 11 strains containing different variants of the mcyABC gene cluster and 7 strains lacking the genes. Furthermore, there is no concordance between the phylogenies generated with mcyB1, 16S ribosomal DNA, and DNA fingerprinting. Collectively, these results suggest that recombination between imperfect repeats, gene loss, and horizontal gene transfer can explain the distribution and variation within the mcyABC operon.
'Smart' Contracts and External Financing

Hash-linked timestamping is the key feature behind blockchain. It enhances trust as it enables contracting parties to have common and reliable records of transactions and of their timing. I develop a model of raising external financing where, due to this new technology, some traditional contracting frictions are not present. However, there are informational frictions whereby borrowers learn from data frequently, which affects their effort incentives. I identify conditions under which contracts benefit from being "smart", i.e., self-adjusting based on timestamps. I further show that increasing the frequency of learning makes traditional assets, e.g., debt and equity, costlier and more restrictive.
Permanent contracts and job satisfaction in academia: evidence from European countries

ABSTRACT Temporary contracts are increasingly used in academia. This is a major concern for non-tenured researchers, since weak job security may hamper job satisfaction. This paper presents an empirical analysis of the role of academic tenure for job satisfaction of researchers in European countries. The work uses data from the MORE2 survey, a large-scale representative survey of researchers in all European countries. The results show that, ceteris paribus, academics with a permanent contract are on average more satisfied with their job than those that are employed on a temporary basis. We also show that academic tenure is a relatively more important factor of job satisfaction for researchers at an intermediate stage of the career. Finally, we point out some important differences in the working of the model among European countries.
Designing a epileptics patients services management model for Iranian health system

Aim: Epilepsy is increasingly developed worldwide, considered as one of the most important healthcare problems in the second half of 12th century. Methodology: This study is a quantitative-qualitative/cross sectional-practical method research. The conceptual model was derived from comparative studies of the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and the relevant experts' perspectives. The study population consisted of all professionals related to the healthcare management of epilepsy in all geographical regions of Iran. The obtained data were analyzed using software SPSS 16 and AMOS. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were also performed, and the final model was obtained and its fitness was confirmed. Results: Nine factors were entirely identified for the final model of healthcare management of epileptic patients: Organizational structure of the leading policy, makers, methods of governmental interventions in financing resources, types of services necessary to provide patients, instances of epilepsy, monitoring, and controlling epilepsy healthcare services among which methods of governmental interventions in financing resources and monitoring and controlling epilepsy healthcare services had the minimum and maximum factor load value, respectively. Conclusion: As it can be observed from the study data, training and raising the public awareness toward epilepsy in the country is an essential tool to prevent these types of diseases, as identifying the initial main risks aiming at prohibition of epidemic diseases and also proper healthcare services in case of development are the most important initiations to be taken.
An update on the diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis and nasal polyposis

IntroductionTerminologySinusitis (more properly known as rhinosinusitis due tothe regular involvement of the nasal cavity) is a conditionwith a high and clearly increasing prevalence. According1to ﬁgures from IMS Health,acute sinusitis was diagnosed6.3 million times and chronic sinusitis 2.6 million times ina country like Germany over the course of one year (July2000–June 2001),resulting in 8.5 million and 3.4 millionprescriptions,respectively. The number of diagnoses of‘‘nasal polyposis’’ was approximately 221 000 (accordingto IMS Health 2001). Even though no reliable epidemi-ological studies of the incidence of sinusitis exist,theseﬁgures do indicate that sinusitis represents a considerablesocioeconomic problem. Alongside allergic and viralconditions of the upper airways,sinusitis thereforeconstitutes one of the most common respiratory tractconditions in humans.Similar data are reported from the USA: in 1997,sinusitis was prevalent in approximately 15% of thepopulation. In the last decade,the frequency of diagnosisin the USA rose by around 18%. The economicsigniﬁcance of sinusitis is huge: for 1992,the total cost,including costs resulting from loss of work,was estima-ted at over 6 billion dollars for the USA. In the periodfrom 1985 to 1992,the number of antibiotic prescrip-tions for sinusitis rose from 7.2 million to 13 million(1,2). Sinusitis is an inﬂammatory process involving themucous membranes of one or more sinuses. Generallyspeaking,the mucous lining of the nose is also involved.Even in the presence of a viral cold,a CT scan will revealthe involvement of the paranasal sinuses in 87% of cases,which is why we speak of rhinosinusitis (3). Bacterialrhinosinusitis (acute sinusitis) is generally preceded by avirus-induced inﬂammation of the sinuses; approximately5–10% of childhood upper airway infections develop intoacute sinusitis (4). The swelling and ‘‘immunologicalweakness’’ of the mucous membrane and the blockageof the ostia by the viral infection are today believed tocause bacterial infection of the intrinsically sterile para-nasal sinuses by local microorganisms. This gives rise toacute sinusitis,with severe inﬂammatory inﬁltration ofC.Bachert
How ESG Investing Has Impacted the Asset Pricing in the Equity Market

ESG investing has gained considerable traction over the past few years and, alongside smart beta, factor investing and alternative risk premia, is one of the current hot topics for the asset management industry. Nevertheless, even though large institutions such as insurance companies, pension funds and sovereign wealth funds have invested significantly in ESG strategies over recent years and we are observing a substantial and increasing interest from other investors such as wealth management or retail investors, the question of performance remains a controversial issue and a puzzle for the financial community. Indeed, academic findings have been mixed and have revealed a U-shape pricing of stocks in the equity market, meaning that both best-in-class and worst-in-class ESG stocks have been rewarded by the equity market in the past. In this research, we analyze the relationship between ESG and performance in the recent years (2010 – 2017) since ESG was more an anecdotal and explanatory investment idea before the Global Financial Crisis. For that, we consider different regions (North America, Europe, Japan, World) and different investment styles (passive management, active management and factor investing). We show that ESG investing has been rewarded since 2014, but not before. Across the three ESG pillars, the Environment factor in North America and the Governance factor in the Eurozone performed the strongest. Overall, the study reveals that ESG does not impact all stocks, but tends to impact best-in-class and worst-in-class assets. Contrary to common beliefs, we also observe that ESG had little impact on volatility and drawdown management during the 2010-2017 period. In the case of passive management, implementing an ESG strategy helps to improve the information ratio if the investor accepts to take a tracking error risk. Finally, we show that ESG investing is related to factor investing. In particular, we conclude that ESG investing remains an alpha strategy in North America, whereas it has become a beta strategy in the Eurozone.
SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF P-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID AND ITS ESTERS IN WASH- OFF / LEAVE- ON COSMETIC PRODUCTS BY HIGH- PERFORMANCE THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY

Parabens, alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, including methyl paraben (MP), ethyl paraben (EP), propyl paraben (PP) and butyl paraben (BP), have been widely used as antimicrobial agents. Recently, parabens in cosmetic products have received keen attention, because the elevated amounts of parabens in topical products have been shown to induce allergic contact dermatitis to cancer. The potential harm of parabens to consumers increases especially when consume in large quantities. This demonstrates that any of the parabens from the long-term, low-dose levels to which humans are exposed can be absorbed and retained in human body tissues without hydrolysis by tissue esterases to the common metabolite phydroxybenzoic acid. So the objective of our study is to estimate simultaneously the p-hydroxybenzoic acid and its esters in commercial wash-off (Shampoo)/leave-on (Lipsticks) cosmetic products by highperformance thin layer chromatographic method. Eleven brand of shampoos analysed for the estimation. All the products are contains the parabens above the limit. In none of the labels of the products the name and quantity of the preservatives were indicated except Garnier Fructis brand in which use of methyl paraben was indicated on the label. In cosmetics methyl and propyl parabens are used as a preservative at a concentration of 0.4% and PHB at 0.8% w/w respectively. Regulatory authorities should regulate the limits
Genotyping of Chlamydia trachomatis in Urine Specimens Will Facilitate Large Epidemiological Studies

ABSTRACT The serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis-positive urine specimens (n = 81; as detected by PCR and ligase chain reaction) were successfully analyzed in 94% of cases byomp1 PCR-based RFLP analysis. The use of urine specimens and this simple and sensitive typing method will greatly facilitate epidemiological studies of C. trachomatis serovar distribution in asymptomatic C. trachomatis infections in both females and males.
Self-service technology (web interface): Bagozzi's self-regulation processes framework to measure Indian customer loyalty

This study employs Bagozzi's self-regulation processes framework to examine the inter-relationships of key antecedents and its impact on the attitudinal and behavioural loyalty of an Indian e-customer, using self-service technology (web interface) for online shopping. This study employed questionnaire survey to collect data from 403 respondents who regularly indulged in e-shopping. Our research employs partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis to test the model. The result suggest the appraisal process variables (overall SQ and value) for the Indian e-customer was found to have larger direct influence on the coping behaviour (loyalty) as compared to the indirect influence on customer loyalty through the emotional response path. The result also show that overall service quality is the most significant factor positively affecting customer loyalty. This finding illustrates the importance of overall service quality and value as key antecedents that shape the formation of customer loyalty. Limitations and directions for future research are provided.
Neurochemical, morphologic, and laminar characterization of cortical projection neurons in the cingulate motor areas of the macaque monkey

The primate cingulate gyrus contains multiple cortical areas that can be distinguished by several neurochemical features, including the distribution of neurofilament protein‐enriched pyramidal neurons. In addition, connectivity and functional properties indicate that there are multiple motor areas in the cortex lining the cingulate sulcus. These motor areas were targeted for analysis of potential interactions among regional specialization, connectivity, and cellular characteristics such as neurochemical profile and morphology. Specifically, intracortical injections of retrogradely transported dyes and intracellular injection were combined with immunocytochemistry to investigate neurons projecting from the cingulate motor areas to the putative forelimb region of the primary motor cortex, area M1. Two separate groups of neurons projecting to area M1 emanated from the cingulate sulcus, one anterior and one posterior, both of which furnished commissural and ipsilateral connections with area M1. The primary difference between the two populations was laminar origin, with the anterior projection originating largely in deep layers, and the posterior projection taking origin equally in superficial and deep layers. With regard to cellular morphology, the anterior projection exhibited more morphologic diversity than the posterior projection. Commissural projections from both anterior and posterior fields originated largely in layer VI. Neurofilament protein distribution was a reliable tool for localizing the two projections and for discriminating between them. Comparable proportions of the two sets of projection neurons contained neurofilament protein, although the density and distribution of the total population of neurofilament protein‐enriched neurons was very different in the two subareas of origin. Within a projection, the participating neurons exhibited a high degree of morphologic heterogeneity, and no correlation was observed between somatodendritic morphology and neurofilament protein content. Thus, although the neurons that provide the anterior and posterior cingulate motor projections to area M1 differ morphologically and in laminar origin, their neurochemical profiles are similar with respect to neurofilament protein. This suggests that neurochemical phenotype may be a more important unifying feature for corticocortical projections than morphology. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Disaster communication management: A study of Nigerian media and disaster managers in flood risk reduction

With increasing frequency and intensity of destruction being caused by flood globally, the need for stakeholders to collaborate is highly urgent. Media men and disaster managers, as key stakeholders in disaster management, have vital roles to play in reducing flood risks. However, as important as this role, there are few empirical studies on disaster communication before flood incidents and relationship of media men and disaster managers. This study, therefore, examines participation and collaborations of media and disaster managers in flood risk reduction. Its other objectives are to identify factors that affect the relationship and ascertain their communication expectations. Framing Theory and Relationship Management Theory were used to achieve the study‟s objectives. Mixed methods, which employed content analysis and in-depth interview was used for data collection. It takes the most devastating flood that occurred in 2012 as its case study. Content analysis of 485 flood related materials published from January 1-December 31, 2012 in two mainstream, English language newspapers (Punch and Trust) was done. Also, indepth interviews were conducted with 16 disaster managers and media men to expose the relationship between media and disaster managers. The interviews data were thematically analysed through NVivo10 while the content analysis was descriptively evaluated. This study finds that there was a low reportage of flood risk before occurrence. Only 90 out of 485 flood related materials were published at the pre-disaster stage. The findings show that media is not actively involved in disaster communication before flood occurrences while disaster managers also need to work efficiently to engender relationship that will guarantee effective communication and collaboration. Theoretically, the study extends the current knowledge on the topic and secondly it provides a better understanding of the concept of disaster communication.
Innate resistance of mice to Salmonella typhi infection

The basis for the natural resistance of mice to Salmonella typhi was examined. In contrast to Salmonella typhimurium, the virulence of S. typhi for mice was independent of the mouse strain and was not affected by inactivation of murine macrophages with silica. However, mice were more susceptible to S. typhi when given iron alone or iron and an iron chelator. The results suggest that the failure of S. typhi to undergo net growth in murine tissues reflects an inability of the bacterium to multiply rather than rapid killing by resident macrophages.
Older adults expend more listening effort than young adults recognizing audiovisual speech in noise

Abstract Objective: Using a dual task paradigm, two experiments were conducted to: (1) quantify the listening effort that young and older adults expend to recognize speech in noise when presented under audio-only (Experiment 1) and audiovisual conditions (Experiment 2) and, (2) determine the influence visual cues have on listening effort. Listening effort refers to the attentional and cognitive resources required to understand speech. Design: All participants performed a closed-set word recognition task and tactile pattern recognition task separately and concurrently. Accuracy and reaction time data were collected. The criterion for single task word recognition performance was set to 80% correct across experiments and across age groups. Study sample: For each experiment, 25 young and 25 older adults with normal hearing and normal (or corrected normal) vision participated. Results: Under equated performance conditions, older adults expended more listening effort than young adults with both audio-only and audiovisually presented speech. Furthermore, the processing demands of audiovisual speech recognition were greater than audio-only speech recognition for all participants. Conclusions: These results suggest that while visual cues can improve audiovisual speech recognition, they can also place an extra demand on processing resources with performance consequences for the word and tactile tasks under dual task conditions. Sumario Objetivo: Utilizando un paradigma de doble tarea, se realizaron dos experimentos: 1) cuantificar el esfuerzo que hace los adultos jóvenes y mayores para reconocer el lenguaje en ruido ciando se presenta solo en audio (experimento 1) y en condición audio-visual (experimento 2) y 2) determinar la influencia de las claves visuales en el esfuerzo por comprender. El esfuerzo comprensivo se refiere a los recursos cognitivos y de atención requeridos para comprender el lenguaje. Diseño: Todos los participantes realizaron una tarea de reconocimiento de palabras en contexto cerrado y una tarea de reconocimiento táctil separada y concomitantemente. Se colectaron los datos sobre la precisión y el tiempo de reacción. El criterio para el desempeñ en la prueba de tarea única de reconocimiento de palabras se fijó en 80% de aciertos a través de experimentos y a través de grupos etáreos. Muestra: Para cada experimento, participaron 25 adultos jóvenes y 25 adultos viejos con audición normal y visión normal (o normal corregida). Resultados: En condiciones equitativas de desempeño, los adultos mayores efectuaron mayor esfuerzo que los adultos jóvenes en ambas condiciones de presentación del discurso: sólo audio y audiovisual. Incluso la demanda audiovisual de procesamiento del discurso fue mayor que la auditiva en todos los participantes. Conclusiones: Estos resultados sugieren que mientras las claves visuales pueden mejorar el reconocimiento audiovisual del lenguaje, también demandan un esfuerzo extra en el procesamiento de recursos, con las consecuencias en el desempeño de las tareas táctiles y de palabras en la condición dual.
Prevention of fumonisin‐induced maternal and developmental toxicity in rats by certain plant extracts

In earlier work we have reported that garlic and cabbage extracts can protect laboratory animals from the toxic effects of different mycotoxins. Previous research demonstrated that fumonisin (FB) induced developmental effects in mice, rats and hamsters. The objectives of the present study were to utilize the pregnant rat as an in vivo model to compare the potential of garlic and cabbage seed extracts to prevent the developmental toxicity of FB and the effects of these extracts on sphingolipid metabolism in dam and foetus livers. Six treatment groups included a control group, a group fed on an FB‐containing diet (150 mg kg−1 feed) and groups treated orally with garlic or cabbage extracts (5 mg kg−1 body wt.) with or without FB during gestation days 6–15. Evaluations of toxicity were performed on day 20. These include: maternal (mortality, body weight, feed intake and litter weight), developmental (embryonic resorption, foetal body weight, foetal soft‐tissue anomalies and foetal skeletal examinations) and maternal and foetal sphingolipid metabolism. Fumonisin alone resulted in signiﬁcant decreases in feed intake, body weight gain, litter weight, number of live foetuses and foetal body weight, whereas it increased signiﬁcantly the number of resorbed foetuses and the number of skeletal malformations (30.4% for skull and 26.08% for sternebrae) and also increased the sphinganine/sphingosine (Sa/So) ratio in dam but not fetus livers. Garlic alone or plus FB was comparable to the control regarding all the tested parameters. On the other hand, cabbage seed extract alone or plus FB resulted in 10% maternal mortality and a decrease in maternal body weight and litter weight. It resulted in 4.65% skull malformations in foetuses but it was comparable to the control with regard to the other tested parameters. It could be concluded that both garlic and cabbage seed extracts have protective effects in pregnant rats. Moreover, garlic extract was found to have a greater protective effect than cabbage seed extract. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.