Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Familial congenital hypothyroidism due to thyroid dysgenesis: A case report of largest family

Introduction: Congenial hypothyroidism due to thyroid dysgenesis is usually regarded as sporadic. However, a small but significant proportion of familial cases have been identified (2%). Herein, we describe a case report of unusually large family of 10 siblings, out of which five were affected with congenital hypothyroidism, which is supposed to be the world’s largest series of familial congenital hypothyroidism due to thyroid dysgenesis. Case Report: We describe a family of 10 siblings out of which five presented to endocrine department with complaints of lethargy, constipation, hoarseness of voice, edema, short stature and mental retardation. The eldest affected sibling was 25-year-old while the youngest affected child was 10-year-old. All the affected siblings had feeding difficulties, delayed fine motor, gross motor and social developmental milestones along with subnormal intelligence. On evaluation they were found to be grossly hypothyroid. Complete absence of thyroid tissue was found on ultrasonography and 99mTc pertechnetate scan. Conclusion: Familial congenital hypothyroidism due to thyroid dysgenesis is a rare finding; timely evaluation and proper genetic counseling can prevent disastrous consequences. (This page in not part of the published article.) International Journal of Case Reports and Images, Vol. 8 No. 8, August 2017. ISSN – [0976-3198] Int J Case Rep Images 2017;8(8):549–554. www.ijcasereportsandimages. com Gupta et al. 549 CASE REPORT PEER REVIEWED | OPEN ACCESS Familial congenital hypothyroidism due to thyroid dysgenesis: A case report of largest family Abhinav Kumar Gupta, Syed Mohd. Razi, Deepak Chand Gupta, Saqib Ahmad Khan, Pankaj Jain, Keshav Kumar Gupta
A mycobacterial virulence gene cluster extending RD1 is required for cytolysis, bacterial spreading and ESAT‐6 secretion

Initiation and maintenance of infection by mycobacteria in susceptible hosts are not well understood. A screen of Mycobacterium marinum transposon mutant library led to isolation of eight mutants that failed to cause haemolysis, all of which had transposon insertions in genes homologous to a region between Rv3866 and Rv3881c in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which encompasses RD1 (Rv3871–Rv3879c), a known virulence gene cluster. The M. marinum mutants showed decreased virulence in vivo and failed to secrete ESAT‐6, like M. tuberculosis RD1 mutants. M. marinum mutants in genes homologous to Rv3866‐Rv3868 also failed to accumulate intracellular ESAT‐6, suggesting a possible role for those genes in synthesis or stability of the protein. These transposon mutants and an ESAT‐6/CFP‐10 deletion mutant all showed reduced cytolysis and cytotoxicity to macrophages and significantly decreased intracellular growth at late stages of the infection only when the cells were infected at low multiplicity of infection, suggesting a defect in spreading. Direct evidence for cell‐to‐cell spread by wild‐type M. marinum was obtained by microscopic detection in macrophage and epithelial monolayers, but the mutants all were defective in this assay. Expression of M. tuberculosis homologues complemented the corresponding M. marinum mutants, emphasizing the functional similarities between M. tuberculosis and M. marinum genes in this region that we designate extRD1 (extended RD1). We suggest that diminished membranolytic activity and defective spreading is a mechanism for the attenuation of the extRD1 mutants. These results extend recent findings on the genomic boundaries and functions of M. tuberculosis RD1 and establish a molecular cellular basis for the role that extRD1 plays in mycobacterial virulence. Disruption of the M. marinum homologue of Rv3881c, not previously implicated in virulence, led to a much more attenuated phenotype in macrophages and in vivo, suggesting that this gene plays additional roles in M. marinum survival in the host.
Specialist Performance and New Listing Allocations on the NYSE: An Empirical Analysis

This study analyzes the criteria used to allocate stocks to specialist firms on the NYSE. Non-performance variables play a predominant role in the allocation process, with large specialist firms receiving the majority of new listings. Controlling for size, more-profitable and less-profitable listings tend to be equitably distributed across specialist firms and specialists are more likely to receive allocations if they have not received a recent allocation or have recently had stocks delisted. Preference is also given to specialist firms that already trade other stocks in the same industry or stocks of the same type (funds and non-U.S. securities). Changes to the Allocation Policy in 1997 appear to have resulted in a subset of specialist firms being repeatedly awarded allocations, while others are repeatedly denied allocations.
Notes—On a Selection Problem

John Rhys [Rhys, J. 1970. Shared fixed cost and network flows. Management Sci. 17(3, November). ], and then J. D. Murchland [Murchland, J. D. 1968. Rhys's combinatorial station selection problem. Report LBS-TNT-68, London Graduate School of Business Studies, Transport Network Theory Unit, June 10. ], have discussed a model aimed at making an optimal selection in a particular situation having several applications. This note shows how this problem can be solved by identifying minimum cuts with optimal selection.
Coupling of Fluid Field and Electrostatic Field for Electrical Capacitance Tomography

The performance of an electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) sensor is usually evaluated by static experiment with solid material(s) for some typical distributions encountered in two-phase flows. Considering the soft-field effect of an ECT sensor, the existing evaluation method is not appropriate for evaluating the performance of ECT for the real complex two-phase flows. In this paper, a new simulation model is proposed by coupling two physical fields: fluid field and electrostatic field, based on a mixture model and an electrostatic model. The mixture model is based on the diffusive flux model, which is suitable for liquid-solid mixtures with high concentration of solid particles. An ECT sensor with 12 electrodes is modeled based on an electrostatic model with a periodic excitation signal. The two models are coupled by an additional electric force in the momentum conservation equation in the mixture model. The time-varying permittivity distributions and capacitance data are obtained from the computational simulation based on the coupling model to investigate the performance of the ECT sensor and image reconstruction. Linear backprojection and Landweber iteration with different parameters are used to reconstruct images. Experiment was carried out using a rotation device with a 12-electrode ECT sensor to validate the simulation results. Both simulation and experimental results verify that the proposed coupling model is valid for evaluating the performance of ECT sensors and image reconstruction algorithms.
Globalization and Labor Protection in Oil-Poor Arab Countries

The ‘compensation hypothesis’ holds that voter pressures have prevented democratic governments from repealing popular forms of social protection during globalization. Can a similar dynamic shield workers in globalizing authoritarian countries from increasing economic insecurity? This article examines four authoritarian countries undergoing structural adjustment: Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and Jordan. In each, the government sector has provided the bulk of formal-sector employment, while populist labor laws ensured that these jobs remained secure through retirement. I examine the consequences of privatization for public sector workers, and review corresponding efforts to achieve labor market flexibility through revisions to labor codes. The findings indicate that authoritarian rulers have been constrained from implementing market reforms as extensively and rapidly as multilateral lenders have sought. Nevertheless, there is reason for normative concern, as stable privatesector employment opportunities have proved inadequate, and the implementation of alternative systems of social protection lags behind the dismantling of the old models.
Role of the State in Contract Farming in Thailand: Experience and Lessons

The nation-states have been attempting large number of policy measures to institutionalize contract farming as a solution to the problems of agricultural development. This paper examines the role of the Thai state in the promotion of contract farming for agricultural development. After a review of the literature on the role of contract farming, it analyses the role of the Thai state in contract farming and finds that although the state intervened intensively in contract situations, and contracting is widespread across crops and regions, contracting has not led to desirable consequences and remains a predominantly farmer—company relationship with the intermediation of middlemen. The paper concludes with lessons for contract farming policy with focus on the nature and quality of the role of the state.
DC-Side Harmonic Currents Calculation and DC-Loop Resonance Analysis for an LCC–MMC Hybrid HVDC Transmission System

For an LCC-MMC hybrid HVDC transmission system with reverse current blocking diodes, this paper presents a method for dc-side harmonic current calculation and dc-loop impedance calculation. First, in the calculation of dc-side harmonic currents, the line-commutated converter at the rectifier side is replaced by the three-pulse harmonic voltage sources; the modular multilevel converter is represented by an equivalent passive circuit based on the linearization theory; an improved calculating method for the coupled line model is introduced into calculating the admittance matrix of the dc transmission lines to improve the computational efficiency; and then this paper describes the complete procedures of the proposed method. Second, based on the dc-side equivalent models mentioned before and the nodal voltage analysis method, this paper presents an analytical method for the calculation of dc-loop impedance according to the definition of dc-loop impedance Finally, the PSCAD/EMTDC simulation verifications have been carried out based on a 1500 MW/ + 500 kV MMC-HVDC system, a 3000-MW/ ±500-kV LCC-MMC hybrid HVDC system, and its dc network. The simulation results and the analytical results coincide with each other, and the effectiveness of the proposed methods is proved.
Tourism Transport and Visitor Spending: A Study in the North York Moors National Park, UK

Understanding the determinants of day visitor spending is key to marketing planning at many visitor attractions and destinations. In a recent study of a small-scale rural destination in the United Kingdom, the findings suggested that group visitation coupled with duration of stay were key determinants of spending. This article explores the robustness of these findings in a different context, the relationship between mode of travel and spending. This study suggests that there is a difference in the pattern of visitor spending between carborne and public transport visitors, with car-based visitors spending higher amounts. The level of expenditure varies according to group size and duration of day visit, an important consideration for planners seeking to encourage a modal switch of visitors in national parks.
THE EFFECTS OF SELF-MYOFASCIAL RELEASE USING A FOAM ROLL OR ROLLER MASSAGER ON JOINT RANGE OF MOTION, MUSCLE RECOVERY, AND PERFORMANCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

BACKGROUND Self-myofascial release (SMR) is a popular intervention used to enhance a client's myofascial mobility. Common tools include the foam roll and roller massager. Often these tools are used as part of a comprehensive program and are often recommended to the client to purchase and use at home. Currently, there are no systematic reviews that have appraised the effects of these tools on joint range of motion, muscle recovery, and performance. PURPOSE The purpose of this review was to critically appraise the current evidence and answer the following questions: (1) Does self-myofascial release with a foam roll or roller-massager improve joint range of motion (ROM) without effecting muscle performance? (2) After an intense bout of exercise, does self-myofascial release with a foam roller or roller-massager enhance post exercise muscle recovery and reduce delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS)? (3) Does self-myofascial release with a foam roll or roller-massager prior to activity affect muscle performance? METHODS A search strategy was conducted, prior to April 2015, which included electronic databases and known journals. Included studies met the following criteria: 1) Peer reviewed, english language publications 2) Investigations that measured the effects of SMR using a foam roll or roller massager on joint ROM, acute muscle soreness, DOMS, and muscle performance 3) Investigations that compared an intervention program using a foam roll or roller massager to a control group 4) Investigations that compared two intervention programs using a foam roll or roller massager. The quality of manuscripts was assessed using the PEDro scale. RESULTS A total of 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. SMR with a foam roll or roller massager appears to have short-term effects on increasing joint ROM without negatively affecting muscle performance and may help attenuate decrements in muscle performance and DOMS after intense exercise. Short bouts of SMR prior to exercise do not appear to effect muscle performance. CONCLUSION The current literature measuring the effects of SMR is still emerging. The results of this analysis suggests that foam rolling and roller massage may be effective interventions for enhancing joint ROM and pre and post exercise muscle performance. However, due to the heterogeneity of methods among studies, there currently is no consensus on the optimal SMR program. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2c.
57 th Annual Meeting of the European Association for Animal Production Antalya ( Turkey

The chicken genome contains 15% of repetitive DNA sequences organized as short tandem repeats and several families of longer interspersed elements. This research deals with the development of a forensic genomics assay for the chicken DNA fingerprinting based on the analysis of microand minisatellite polymorphisms. The identification of breed-specific markers was based on the S-SAP and M-AFLP systems derived from the AFLP technology. Genomic DNA fingerprints were generated in 84 individuals belonging to six local breeds and one commercial line. A number of variation statistics were computed: the effective number of alleles per locus (ne=1.570), total and single-breed genetic diversity (HT=0.365 and HS=0.208, respectively) and the fixation index (GST=0.433). The mean genetic similarity coefficients within and between local breeds were 0.769 and 0.581, respectively. Markers useful for the genetic traceability of breeds revealed significant sequence similarities with either genic or intergenic regions of known chromosome position. Sequence tagged site primers were designed for the most discriminant markers in order to develop multiplex non-radioactive genomic PCR assays. The identification of single local breeds according to multilocus genomic haplotypes is currently under evaluation. In conclusion, the setting up of a molecular reference system seems to be feasible for the precise identification in a genetic traceability system of the chicken breeds considered.
Understanding and Avoiding the Oil Curse in Sudan

This paper examines the impact of the oil boom, as a blessing or curse, on Sudan’s economy, analyzes the key features of the country’s growth experience before and after the oil boom and articulates Sudan’s underlying political and economic issues. The results show that, the contribution of oil to real growth has been strong; however, the effects on technological innovations are insignificant. Dutch Disease and fiscal linkages are the main mechanisms that transmitted the negative effects of the boom. Specifically, the resultant misalignments of the RER; have caused an overall loss of competitiveness measured by the negative contribution to TFP growth; also oil dependence has led to greater export concentration undermining long-run economic diversification. Moreover, the regime of politics and economy engendered by the elites’ distributive politics tends to magnify the impact of shocks and has worsened the procyclicality of fiscal policy and contributed to excessive currency appreciation. In the end the combined effects of these factors led to the crowding out of private investments, diluting the economic and social impact of largely oil-driven growth and further weakening state institutions. The policy implications of these findings are indicated.
Adaptation of Chloroplast-Ultrastructure and of Chlorophyll- Protein Levels to High-Light and Low-Light Growth Conditions

Abstract Adaptation In saturating light radish seedlings grown in high-light growth conditions (90 W · m-2) possess a much higher photosynthetic capacity on a chlorophyll and leaf area basis than the low-light grown plants (10 W · m-2). The higher CO2-fixation rate of HL-plants is due to the presence of HL-chloroplasts which possess a different ultrastructure and also different levels of the individual chlorophyll-carotenoid-proteins than the LL-chloroplasts of LL-seedlings. 1. Ultrastructure: The high-light adapted chloroplasts are characterized by fewer photo synthetic membranes per chloroplast section, by low grana stacks (only few thylakoids per granum), a lower stacking degree of thylakoids, a higher proportion of non-appressed membranes (stroma thylakoids + end grana membranes) and a high starch content. The LL-chloroplasts possess no starch, their grana stacks are higher (up to 17 thylakoids per granum) and also significantly broader than that of HL-chloroplasts. 2. Chlorophyll-proteins: The photosynthetic apparatus of HL-chloroplasts contains a larger proportion of chlorophyll a-proteins of photosystem I (CPIa + CPI) and of photosystem II (CPa, the presumable reaction center of PS II) than the LL-chloroplasts which possess a higher proportion of light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-proteins (LHCP1, LHCP2, LHCP3, LHCPy). The higher levels of LHCPs in LL-plants are associated with a higher ground fluorescence fo and maximum fluorescence fp of the in vivo chlorophyll. 3. Chlorophyll and carotenoid ratios: The chloroplasts of HL-plants possess a higher proportion of chlorophyll a and β-carotene (higher values for the ratios chlorophyll a /b and lower values for a/c and x/c) which reflect the increased level of the chlorophyll a/β-carotene-proteins CPIa, CPI and CPa. The higher level of light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-xanthophyll-proteins (LHCPs) in LL-plants is also indicated by an increased content of xanthophylls and chlorophyll b as seen from lower a/b and higher x/c and a/c ratios. 4. The results indicate that plants possess the capacity for an ontogenetic adaptation of their photosynthetic apparatus to the incident light intensity. The HL-chloroplasts of HL-plants which contain less antenna chlorophyll, are adapted for a more efficient photosynthetic quantum conversion at light saturation than the LL-chloroplasts with high grana stacks. The correlation between higher levels of light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-proteins (LHCPs) and a higher stacking degree of thylakoids, and the involvement of LHCPs in stacking is discussed.
The information content of M0 in the United Kingdom

This paper examines the empirical characteristics of target–goal relationships between M0 on the one hand, and output, prices, interest rates and the current account balance on the other hand, in terms of a good intermediate target and informational variable. The results of a five-variate vector error correction model are indicative of feedback relationships between M0 and output, prices and output, and prices and M0, which is consistent with the Keynesian ‘monetary accommodation’ hypothesis. The finding of a reverse causality from output, prices and interest rates to M0 suggests that M0 may not serve well as a good intermediate target and informational variable of British monetary policy. The evidence therefore suggests the reduced effectiveness of monetary targeting strategy as a stabilization tool.
Agency Problems in Large Family Business Groups

Greater managerial ownership in family firms need not mitigate agency problems, especially when each family controls a group of publicly traded and private firms, as is the case in most countries. Such structures give rise to their own set of agency problems, as managers act for the controlling family, but not for shareholders in general. For example, to avoid what we call “creative self–destruction,” a family might quash innovation in one firm to protect its obsolete investment in another. At present, we do not know whether these agency problems are more or less serious impediments to general prosperity than those afflicting widely held firms.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PATENT LICENSING AND COMPETITIVE BEHAVIOR

The analysis in this paper uncovers a heretofore unrecognized connection between the degree of competitive behavior in the product market and the preferred patent licensing mechanism. Using conjectural variations as a shorthand for several different supergame outcomes of a duopoly industry, we show that both the degree of competitive behavior and the extent of the asymmetries in the behavior of the firms in the market have a non-trivial effect on the patent licensing mechanism preferred by an external patentee. The relationship between the degree of competition in product markets and the preferred patent licensing mechanism, to the best of our knowledge, has not been addressed in the literature previously and represents a useful source of new empirical implications.
Information technology: Increasing productivity in services

For nearly two decades, despite massive investments in information technology (IT), the overall service sector showed minuscule gains in measured productivity.1 Were managers previously simply wrongheaded? Were results just delayed? 2 Or are the data so flawed that any simple conclusions are misleading? Our studies suggest the latter. They also provide a practical reference from which top managers and information officers in service companies can learn to both answer unwarranted attacks and improve future performance. As with any other new technology, there have been some serious mistakes, much duplication of effort, and undoubted inefficiencies as executives learned to manage the new information technology (IT). However, there is strong evidence that the U.S. service sector received high performance payoffs even during the period when it was most criticized. U.S. service companies' performance has compared very favorably with European and Japanese competitors.3 There have been demonstrably large performan.
Dutch workers and time pressure: household and workplace characteristics

Balancing work with family life has become one of the most important issues for families nowadays. In this article I study the varying degrees of success of governance structures in households and firms in dealing with competing time claims. Using Dutch data from firms, employees and their spouses and performing regression analyses with robust estimation to test the hypotheses, the results show that more modern organizations characterized by heavy deadlines and a large amount of autonomy for individual employees give more feelings of time pressure. With respect to the organization of the household, especially the presence of young children, time spent on domestic and paid work and existing household rules explain feelings of time pressure. Gender also appears to be important. Men are influenced more by workplace characteristics, and women more by household characteristics.