Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison between high-field-strength MR imaging and CT for screening of hepatic metastases: a receiver operating characteristic analysis.

The diagnostic performance of high-field-strength magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (1.5 T) for detection of liver metastases was compared with that of computed tomography (CT). All patients (n = 52) underwent preoperative screening for metastases by means of MR imaging with T1-weighted, proton-density-weighted, and T2-weighted pulse sequences and CT scanning with unenhanced, incremental dynamic bolus-enhanced, and delayed contrast medium-enhanced techniques. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by means of receiver operating characteristic analysis in which 800 images (400 with and 400 without lesions) and five readers (4,000 observations) were used; images were obtained from patients (n = 39) in whom the same anatomic levels were available for all MR imaging and CT studies. Direct comparison between the best MR imaging technique (T2-weighted spin-echo imaging [repetition time, 2,000 msec; echo time, 70 msec]) and the best CT technique (incremental dynamic bolus CT) showed a strong trend of superiority of T2-weighted MR imaging over incremental dynamic bolus CT. No highly statistically significant difference (P greater than or equal to .01), however, was found between these two techniques.
Multiconfigurational-Dirac-Fock calculation of the 2s2 1S0-2s2p 3P1 spin-forbidden transition for the Be-like isoelectronic sequence.

Accurate [ital ab] [ital initio] multiconfigurational-Dirac-Fock (MCDF) calculations of the lifetimes of the spin-forbidden 2[ital s][sup 2] [sup 1][ital S][sub 0]--2[ital s]2[ital p] [sup 3][ital P][sub 1] transition and the allowed 2[ital s][sup 2] [sup 1][ital S][sub 0]--2[ital s]2[ital p] [sup 1][ital P][sub 1] transition in Be-like ions have been performed. The importance of the inclusion of the Breit interaction to obtain accurate fine-structure splittings and mixing coefficients is discussed and the noted discrepancy between the length and velocity gauges for the intercombination line in the lighter ions is addressed. Different optimization procedures are evaluated. For C III the experimental intercombination transition rate has been measured to be 121.9 s[sup [minus]1] with an accuracy of 6%. The current calculation gives 100.3[plus minus]4 s[sup [minus]1], in agreement with other recent calculations.
Profiles of “successful managers” held by male and female managers in the coal mining industry

ii Declaration . iii Acknowledgements . i 1 Definition of Problem . 1 1.1 Research Title . 1 1.2 Background.1 1.3 Introduction.2 1.4 Aim of the research.5 1.5 Motivation for the research.6 1.6 The research problem.7 1.7 Conclusion . 7 2 Literature Review . 8 2.
Boundary Layer Halogens in Coastal Antarctica

Halogens influence the oxidizing capacity of Earth's troposphere, and iodine oxides form ultrafine aerosols, which may have an impact on climate. We report year-round measurements of boundary layer iodine oxide and bromine oxide at the near-coastal site of Halley Station, Antarctica. Surprisingly, both species are present throughout the sunlit period and exhibit similar seasonal cycles and concentrations. The springtime peak of iodine oxide (20 parts per trillion) is the highest concentration recorded anywhere in the atmosphere. These levels of halogens cause substantial ozone depletion, as well as the rapid oxidation of dimethyl sulfide and mercury in the Antarctic boundary layer.
Pharmacologic characterization of BMS-191095, a mitochondrial K(ATP) opener with no peripheral vasodilator or cardiac action potential shortening activity.

Previous work described ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (K(ATP)) openers (e.g., BMS-180448), which retain the cardioprotective activity of agents such as cromakalim while being significantly less potent as vasodilators. In this study, we describe the pharmacologic profile of BMS-191095, which is devoid of peripheral vasodilating activity while retaining glyburide-reversible cardioprotective activity. In isolated rat hearts subjected to 25 min of global ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion, BMS-191095 increased the time to onset of ischemic contracture with an EC(25) of 1.5 microM, which is comparable to 4.7 microM and 3.0 microM for cromakalim and BMS-180448, respectively. Comparisons of cardioprotective and vasorelaxant potencies in vitro and in vivo showed BMS-191095 to be significantly more selective for cardioprotection with virtually no effect on peripheral smooth muscle, whereas cromakalim showed little selectivity. In addition to increasing the time to the onset of contracture, BMS-191095 improved postischemic recovery of function and reduced lactate dehydrogenase release in the isolated rat hearts. The cardioprotective effects of BMS-191095 were abolished by glyburide and sodium 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD). BMS-191095 did not shorten action potential duration in normal or hypoxic myocardium within its cardioprotective concentration range nor did it activate sarcolemmal K(ATP) current (< or =30 microM). BMS-191095 opened cardiac mitochondrial K(ATP) with a K(1/2) of 83 nM, and this was abolished by glyburide and 5-HD. These results show that the cardioprotective effects of BMS-191095 are dissociated from peripheral vasodilator and cardiac sarcolemmal K(ATP) activation. Agents like BMS-191095 may owe their cardioprotective selectivity to selective mitochondrial K(ATP) activation.
The Possible Squander of a Useful Antistaphylococcal Agent : Emerging Fusidic Acid Resistance in Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates in North Western Nigeria

Fusidic acid has a high degree of activity against Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Overall, among the 423 MRSA isolates collected from consecutive patients (8 hospitals; 6 states in North-western Nigeria), the mean rate of fusidic acid resistance was 4.9%. Fusidic acid monotherapy, especially topical preparations, has been strongly associated with the emergence of fusidic acid resistance among both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). Key resistance determinants include mutations in the fus A gene, which encodes elongation factor G, and plasmid-mediated resistance (i.e., acquisition of resistance gene fus B). Clonal outbreaks of fusidic acid–resistant S. aureus have been noted in some part of the world, such that the efficacy of fusidic acid is threatened. Fusidic acid in combination with other agents, such as rifampicin, has proven effective for difficult-to-treat MRSA infections and provides a convenient oral alternative to oxazolidinones. Ensuring that systemic fusidic acid is always used in combination and that the use of topical fusidic acid is either abolished or restricted will be crucial if we are to prevent the loss of this potentiallyuseful agent.Given current trends regarding the spread and clinical impact of hospitaland communityacquired MRSA infection, it would seem to be judicious to maintain all possible treatment options, including the potential use of fusidic acid. The information gained from the epidemiology of fusidic acid resistant isolates can help the hospitals infection control teams understand the epidemiology of these organisms in their institutions.
A small molecule drug promoting miRNA processing induces alternative splicing of MdmX transcript and rescues p53 activity in human cancer cells overexpressing MdmX protein

MdmX overexpression contributes to the development of cancer by inhibiting tumor suppressor p53. A switch in the alternative splicing of MdmX transcript, leading to the inclusion of exon 6, has been identified as the primary mechanism responsible for increased MdmX protein levels in human cancers, including melanoma. However, there are no approved drugs, which could translate these new findings into clinical applications. We analyzed the anti-melanoma activity of enoxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic inhibiting the growth of some human cancers in vitro and in vivo by promoting miRNA maturation. We found that enoxacin inhibited the growth and viability of human melanoma cell lines much stronger than a structurally related fluoroquinolone ofloxacin, which only weakly modulates miRNA processing. A microarray analysis identified a set of miRNAs significantly dysregulated in enoxacin-treated A375 melanoma cells. They had the potential to target multiple signaling pathways required for cancer cell growth, among them the RNA splicing. Recent studies showed that interfering with cellular splicing machinery can result in MdmX downregulation in cancer cells. We, therefore, hypothesized that enoxacin could, by modulating miRNAs targeting splicing machinery, activate p53 in melanoma cells overexpressing MdmX. We found that enoxacin and ciprofloxacin, a related fluoroquinolone capable of promoting microRNA processing, but not ofloxacin, strongly activated wild type p53-dependent transcription in A375 melanoma without causing significant DNA damage. On the molecular level, the drugs promoted MdmX exon 6 skipping, leading to a dose-dependent downregulation of MdmX. Not only in melanoma, but also in MCF7 breast carcinoma and A2780 ovarian carcinoma cells overexpressing MdmX. Together, our results suggest that some clinically approved fluoroquinolones could potentially be repurposed as activators of p53 tumor suppressor in cancers overexpressing MdmX oncoprotein and that p53 activation might contribute to the previously reported activity of enoxacin towards human cancer cells.
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis FAS‐II condensing enzymes: their role in mycolic acid biosynthesis, acid‐fastness, pathogenesis and in future drug development

Mycolic acids are very long‐chain fatty acids representing essential components of the mycobacterial cell wall. Considering their importance, characterization of key enzymes participating in mycolic acid biosynthesis not only allows an understanding of their role in the physiology of mycobacteria, but also might lead to the identification of new drug targets. Mycolates are synthesized by at least two discrete elongation systems, the type I and type II fatty acid synthases (FAS‐I and FAS‐II respectively). Among the FAS‐II components, the condensing enzymes that catalyse the formation of carbon‐carbon bonds have received considerable interest. Four condensases participate in initiation (mtFabH), elongation (KasA and KasB) and termination (Pks13) steps, leading to full‐length mycolates. We present the recent biochemical and structural data for these important enzymes. Special emphasis is given to their role in growth, intracellular survival, biofilm formation, as well as in the physiopathology of tuberculosis. Recent studies demonstrated that phosphorylation of these enzymes by mycobacterial kinases affects their activities. We propose here a model in which kinases that sense environmental changes can phosphorylate the condensing enzymes, thus representing a novel mechanism of regulating mycolic acid biosynthesis. Finally, we discuss the attractiveness of these enzymes as valid targets for future antituberculosis drug development.
An Empirical Analysis of Board Activity, Corporate Governance Mechanisms, and Firm Value

We studied the relationship between board activity, a firm’s existing corporate governance structures and mechanisms, and firm value. The association between board activity and corporate governance variables is complex and multi-faceted. The two testable propositions in the study were that: an association exists between board activity and an array of corporate governance mechanisms; and that board activity adds value to the firm and by inference to shareholders. Board activity, measured by the frequency of board meetings, had a negative but lagged relationship with financial performance, a negative relationship with the size of the board, a negative relationship with insider ownership, a positive relationship with both the number of block holders and the number of other directorships held by directors, and insignificant relationships to both board independence and the number of committees. This confirms that other ownership and board composition characteristics could substitute board activity. The analysis of the interaction between board meetings frequency and the value of the firm is lagged but positive, implying relatively low market valuations triggers intervention of the board through frequent meetings that apparently impacts positively on firm value. Key Words: Board, Board activity, corporate governance, Governance mechanisms, Firm value.
A Case of Hypertensive Keratouveitis with Endotheliitis Associated with Cytomegalovirus

Aim: While cytomegalovirus is well known as a pathogenic organism of retinitis, especially associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection, there are few reports of anterior uveitis associated with cytomegalovirus. Methods: The authors present a case of keratouveitis associated with cytomegalovirus. Results: A 70-year-old Japanese man was referred to the authors because of poorly controlled hypertensive keratouveitis in the left eye. The patient had a history of recurrent hypertensive anterior uveitis. At presentation, the corneal stroma was edematous, with Descemet's folds and pigmented keratic precipitates. The anterior chamber angle was depigmented compared to the fellow eye. Even though pupil dilation and posterior synechiae were absent, iris atrophy was not evident. His right eye appeared normal except for moderate cataract. Funduscopy of the left eye was hazy, with the optic disc showing a normal color but poorly defined details, and no apparent exdative retinitis. The best-corrected decimal visual acuity of the right and left eyes was 0.4 and 0.02, respectively. Intraocular pressure was 11 mmHg in the right eye and 35 mmHg in the left, despite maximum medical therapy. Systemic acyclovir and prednisolone for a month did not improve the hypertensive keratouveitis. The aqueous humor was investigated for herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus and cytomegalovirus. Cytomegalovius genome was detected by polymerase chain reaction analysis. Oral valganciclovir rapidly reduced ocular hypertension within a week. CMV DNA disappeared 3 months after the initiation of valganciclovir. Conclusion: The authors reported a case of hypertensive keratouveitis with endotheliitis associated with cytomegalovirus.
Cohabitation effect on the slowdown of the Neolithic expansion

We introduce the effect of cohabitation between generations to a previous model on the slowdown of the Neolithic transition in Europe. This effect consists on the fact that human beings do not leave their children alone when they migrate, but on the contrary they cohabit until their children reach adulthood. We also use archaeological data to estimate the variation of the Mesolithic population density with distance, and use this information to predict the slowdown of the Neolithic front speed. The new equation leads to a substantial correction, up to 37%, relative to previous results. The new model is able to provide a satisfactory explanation not only to the relative speed but also to the absolute speed of the Neolithic front obtained from archaeological data.
Use of Frequency Response Metrics to Assess the Planning and Operating Requirements for Reliable Integration of Variable Renewable Generation

An interconnected electric power system is a complex system that must be operated within a safe frequency range in order to reliably maintain the instantaneous balance between generation and load. This is accomplished by ensuring that adequate resources are available to respond to expected and unexpected imbalances and restoring frequency to its scheduled value in order to ensure uninterrupted electric service to customers. Electrical systems must be flexible enough to reliably operate under a variety of change scenarios. System planners and operators must understand how other parts of the system change in response to the initial change, and need tools to manage such changes to ensure reliable operation within the scheduled frequency range. This report presents a systematic approach to identifying metrics that are useful for operating and planning a reliable system with increased amounts of variable renewable generation which builds on existing industry practices for frequency control after unexpected loss of a large amount of generation. The report introduces a set of metrics or tools for measuring the adequacy of frequency response within an interconnection. Based on the concept of the frequency nadir, these metrics take advantage of new information gathering and processing capabilities that system operators are developing for wide-area situational awareness. Primary frequency response is the leading metric that will be used by this report to assess the adequacy of primary frequency control reserves necessary to ensure reliable operation. It measures what is needed to arrest frequency decline (i.e., to establish frequency nadir) at a frequency higher than the highest set point for under-frequency load shedding within an interconnection. These metrics can be used to guide the reliable operation of an interconnection under changing circumstances.
Preeclampsia and cerebral palsy: are they related?

Were a patient to ask her obstetrician today, 'Will my preeclampsia increase the risk that my baby will dcvelop cuebra1 palsy? ', the answer would probably be yes. Eirene Collis et d. 's classic text1 on cerebral palsy (CP), for example, lists toxemia of pregnancy first among factors which should prompt rleurological examination and follow-up of a neonate. But although preeclampsia (PE) and CP am both very familiar entities to obstetricians and pediatricians, the links between the two have not frequently been investigated, and when they have, the results have been contradictory and confusing. Both diagnoses suffer from lackof precision and standardization in practice. The diagnosis of PE is often applied clinically to any hypertensive gravida, including pregnant women with chronic essential hypertension, those with pregnancyinduccd hypertension (i.e. without protcinuria), and those with the combination of essential hypertension and PE'. Each of these conditions poses a different level of risk to the fetus, but the obstetrician seeing a patient for the tint time late in pregnancy cannot easily distinguish them. Likewise, there is no diagnostic test for CP, and, although attempts have been made in recent years to standardize this diagnosis3, it is still based entirely on subjcctivc examination finding. Differences in the skill and experience of examiners surely play a role in the frequency with which the diagnosis is made, particularly in qilder cases. Another problem is the lack of agreement as to whether CP is an impairment, that is to say purely a finding on neurological examination, or a disability, that is to say an entity causing measurable loss of clinically relevant motor functions. Older studies attempting to link PE and CP generally focused on children of all birthweights, and tended to find either no association or a weak positive association between the two entities (Table I). But interest has been stimulated recently by several studies in very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants that seem to find just the opposite, namely that PE is actually protective against CP (see Table I). At the same time, it has been demonstrated that certain brain abnormalities demonstrable by neonatal cranial ultrasound examination are strongly predictive of later CP in the VLBW infant'. This has encouraged investigators to view these ultrasonographic abnormalities as outcomes of interest themselves, interesting because they are diagnosed immediately, rather than a year or more after birth as is CE PE, in studies of these abnor\ b
An Empirical Assessment of the Mall Intercept as a Method of Data Collection.

Over the years, survey researchers have devoted signif­ icant effort toward conceptualizing and empirically investi­ gating all facets of the survey research process. Recently, the mall intercept method of data collection has emerged as one of the most popular methods among market researchers, however, little progress has been made in the way of assess­ ing the mall intercept method. Consequently, either data has been collected in these central locations without knowledge of its quality or market researchers have stayed away from this method entirely because of the possible biases associated with a nonprobability sample. Based on this scenario, this empirical investigation is an attempt to provide much needed insights into the mall intercept method of data collection. More specifically, the dissertation assesses the mall intercept by comparing it with the telephone method in the following five major areas: (1) demographic characteristics of its respondents; (2) lifestyle characteristics of its respondents; (3) shopping behavior of its respondents; (A) the nonresponse rate; and (5) response quality. The dissertation addresses these major areas in two phases. That is, the more general questions concerning demographics, lifestyles, shopping behavior and the nonre­ sponse rate will be investigated separately in the first ix phase of data collection. The more specific questions dealing with response quality will be addressed in the second phase of data collection. Based on the dissertation's findings, it can be con­ cluded that the mall intercept serves as a viable alterna­ tive for data collection to market researchers. Hot only are respondents from this convenient sample similar in demo­ graphics and lifestyles to respondents selected via a more probability-oriented method, but they also yield quality data with lower refusal rates. However, due to the explor­ atory nature of the study the findings should not be gener­ alised across all situations. Further research is needed in different shopping centers and in different cities for better generalisability.
Reappraising Human Resource Management Practices as Predictor of Employees' Performance in the Nigerian Banking Industry: Current Evidence

This study examined the association of human resource management practices on employees’ performance in the banking industry in Nigeria. The study population comprised one hundred and thirty nine employees of five selected banks in Port Harcourt. A sample size of 103 respondents was drawn using the Taro Yamen’s formula. The study adopted the questionnaire method of data collection and the data were presented with tables and simple percentages; whereas the analysis was done using the Spearman Rank Order Correlation Co-efficient with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The results showed that: (1) a positive relationship exist between recruitment/selection and employees’ performance (2) a positive relationship exist between training/development and employees’ performance (3) a positive relationship exist between compensation/reward and employees’ performance (4) a positive relationship exist between regular performance appraisal and employees’ performance. Hence it was concluded that the effective and efficient utilization of these practices will increase employees’ performance and consequently overall firms’ performance. The study recommended that organizations should provide good working conditions and a conducive work environment for skills development and training. Keywords: Human Resource Management Practice, Employees Performance, Reappraisal, Recent evidence.