Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural heterozygosity in Candida albicans

We subjected 16 Candida albicans clinical isolates to ultraviolet radiation and tested the survivors for auxotrophy. Six isolates displayed strongly biased auxotroph spectra: three yielded methionine auxotrophs, two yielded both isoleucine-valine and adenine auxotrophs, and one yielded lysine auxotrophs. We present evidence that auxotrophs arise by segregation from naturally occurring heterozygous states. The remaining isolates yielded few or no auxotrophs in an arbitrary sample (greater than 2,500) of survivors of irradiation. Our experiments indicate that C. albicans is diploid, although aneuploidy (2n + i) cannot be rigorously excluded. We discuss the possible utility of heterozygosity as a marker in epidemiological studies, and we discuss a rationale for the frequent occurrence of heterozygosity.
Corporate Governance Mechanisms and Company Performance: Evidence from Malaysian Companies

The aim of the paper is to examine the effect of corporate governance mechanisms on Malaysian firms’ performance. The sample size is 424 companies on Bursa Malaysia. The findings reveal that in terms of board governance mechanisms, familycontrolled companies are shown to have smaller board size and practise duality leadership in running their businesses. In contrast, for non-family controlled companies, director’s qualification helps to enhance firm performance. Based on the findings, regulators and investors need to be aware that the corporate governance practised by family-controlled companies differs to that of non-family controlled companies.
Hepatitis B virus transcripts and surface antigen in human peripheral blood lymphocytes

The presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome, transcripts, and antigens (HBsAg, HBcAg, HBeAg) was examined in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from 12 patients with HBsAg‐positive (B) chronic active hepatitis (CAH) and 8 normal donors by Southern and Northern blot techniques and enzyme‐linked immunoassays (ELISA). HBV DNA was detected in 5 patients with B‐CAH as extrachromosomal, full‐length monomers of 3.2 kb. In 3 of these patients Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of the 3.6–3.8 kb RNA species, which were accompanied in one case by the HBsAg‐specific 2.4 kb transcript. An ELISA performed on cell lysate obtained from this patient showed low but detectable amounts of HBsAg as compared to control PBL incubated with up to 50 μg/ml of the viral antigen.
Collaborative care in schools: enhancing integration and impact in youth mental health

Abstract Collaborative care (CC) is an innovative approach to integrated mental health service delivery that focuses on reducing access barriers, improving service quality and lowering health care expenditures. A large body of evidence supports the effectiveness of CC models with adults and, increasingly, for youth. Although existing studies examining these models for youth have focused exclusively on primary care, the education sector is also an appropriate analogue for the accessibility that primary care offers to adults. CC aligns closely with the practical realities of the education sector and may represent a strategy to achieve some of the objectives of increasingly popular multi-tiered systems of supports frameworks. Unfortunately, no resources exist to guide the application of CC models in schools. Based on the existing evidence for CC models, the current paper (1) provides a rationale for the adaptation of CC models to improve mental health service accessibility and effectiveness in the education sector; (2) presents a preliminary CC model for use in schools; and (3) describes avenues for research surrounding school-based CC, including the currently funded Accessible, Collaborative Care for Effective School-based Services project.
Comparative analysis of detecting cervical lymph node metastasis with fine needle aspiration cytology

Objectives: We correlated the results of cervical lymph node (LN) status by T-tumor size, N-nodal metastasis, M-distant metastasis (TNM) staging, and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in oral cancer patients to assess the discrepancy index (DI) between nodal metastasis (N) and FNAC results of cervicofacial LNs. Materials and Methods: A total of 63 patients (29 females and 34 males) aged from 30 to 85 years were included in our study. Cervical LN status through TNM staging and FNAC results were matched and DI was calculated. Results: DI in case of nodal status was 64.10% and 43.47% for TNMN1 and N2, respectively, indicating that tendency for observation of positive result on FNAC increased from N1 to N2. Conclusion: Hence, we suggest that relying solely on clinical examination and routine diagnostic tests like FNAC may not be appropriate and additional diagnostic imaging modalities should be considered.
Down-Regulation of Phosphatidylinositol 3′-Kinase/AKT/Molecular Target of Rapamycin Metabolic Pathway by Primary Letrozole-Based Therapy in Human Breast Cancer

Purpose: The phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/molecular target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is involved in the development of tumor resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer cell lines and represents an attractive target for pharmacologic intervention. However, the effects of endocrine therapy with aromatase inhibitors on in vivo expression of this signaling cascade, and its relation to tumor response and patient outcome, is unknown. Experimental Design: PI3K, phospho-AKT (pAKT) and phospho-mTOR were assessed by immunohistochemistry on tumor specimens collected at baseline and after 6 months of treatment in 113 elderly breast cancer patients consecutively enrolled in a randomized phase II trial of primary letrozole therapy and letrozole associated with metronomic cyclophosphamide. Results: Basal expression of the pathway was not significantly correlated with response or patient outcome. Both letrozole alone and letrozole with cyclophosphamide resulted in a significant reduction of PI3K expression (P = 0.02 and P < 0.005, respectively) and phospho-mTOR expression (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0001, respectively). pAKT showed no change in the letrozole arm, whereas it was significantly decreased in the letrozole plus cyclophosphamide arm (P < 0.005). pAKT expression reduction was associated with a greater response rate (P = 0.05) and greater reduction in Ki67 expression (P = 0.05). Phospho-mTOR expression reduction was associated with a significantly longer disease-free survival in a multivariate analysis (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Letrozole inhibits key molecules in the PI3K pathway that are important targets of new drugs being developed to overcome resistance. Changes in these molecules may have prognostic significance. These results should be taken into account when planning prospective trials testing up-front aromatase inhibitor with drugs targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Revisiting the Competition-Stability Nexus in the Euro Area in the Light of the Global Financial Crisis

The euro area, the countries that have adopted the euro, is converging some more towards a banking union. Starting from November 2014, the European Central Bank has become the single supervisor of euro zone banks calling for a more integrated supervision. Despite the on-going process, there are few studies that focus on the relationship between bank fragility and competition specifically for this economic block. Furthermore, it is not yet clear the extent of the relationship during a period of market turmoil and whether competition policies should account for the costs associated to systemic instability. We assess the relationship between market power and financial stability for the Eurozone banks over the period 2005-2012. We find that market power increases bank stability and it implies a net pecuniary cost after discounting for the cost of government intervention. We show that bank’s business model is significantly positively related to individual bank stability and that high market power is associated with lower stability during the recent market turmoil (2008-2012). Moreover, we advocate that capital injections and asset relief measures are effective and increase individual bank soundness.
Improved Performance Through Empowerment of Small Industry

This research is intended to study how does the implementation of education and training, government assistance, business partnership, and government regulation effect business ability and business success? The sample of this research 174 small business units in east java province and selected by using stratified cluster sampling technique. Applying structural equation modeling analysis, the research findings are as follow. First, education and training with indicator charisma an instructor, instructor team cooperation, accuracy of method teach, motivation follow,according to its items have an effect on positive tobusiness ability but have not an effect to success of small business with indicator production efficiency and production extension. Second, government assistancewith indicator, technical assistance, guidance, management, financial and tuitionhaving an effect on positive toability and success of small. Third, business partnershipwith indicator, trade cooperation, network, contract sub, technological cooperation and vendorhave an effect on positive tobusiness ability with indicator attitude, emotional intelligence, skill and knowledge but have not an effect to success of small business. Fourth, regulation of governmentwith indicator, quota, tariff, licensing and market information have an effect on positive tobusiness ability with indicator attitude, emotional intelligence, skill and knowledge but have not an effect to success of small business with indicator production efficiency and production extension. Fifth, business ability have an effect to success of small business.From the finding 1 to 5, the researcher conclude that, to increase small business successis needed five variables observed (education and training, assistance, partnership, and regulation and business ability) and to increase business abilityis needed of the four variables observed (education and training, assistance, partnership, and regulation).
The bacterial condensin MukB compacts DNA by sequestering supercoils and stabilizing topologically isolated loops

MukB is a structural maintenance of chromosome-like protein required for DNA condensation. The complete condensin is a large tripartite complex of MukB, the kleisin, MukF, and an accessory protein, MukE. As found previously, MukB DNA condensation is a stepwise process. We have defined these steps topologically. They proceed first via the formation of negative supercoils that are sequestered by the protein followed by hinge–hinge interactions between MukB dimers that stabilize topologically isolated loops in the DNA. MukB itself is sufficient to mediate both of these topological alterations; neither ATP nor MukEF is required. We show that the MukB hinge region binds DNA and that this region of the protein is involved in sequestration of supercoils. Cells carrying mutations in the MukB hinge that reduce DNA condensation in vitro exhibit nucleoid decondensation in vivo.
The influence of the vaulting table on the handspring front somersault

The traditional “horse” was replaced by a new vaulting “table” in artistic gymnastics competitions in 2001.The aim of this study was to determine whether the table led to a change in vaulting technique. This was achieved by comparing three-dimensional video-based analyses (50 Hz) of selected biomechanical discrete and continuous variables across four elite male gymnasts performing a series of handspring front somersault vaults on the traditional horse and the new table. Individual joint and inter-segment coupling (continuous relative phase) were used to quantify techniques used on the two apparatuses. Differences were attributed in part to the design and construction of the new table. No differences were observed for the approach and take-off from the board. Significant differences in hip flexion at board take-off and strike angle on the table were observed. One of the effects of the latter was an increase in vertical take-off velocity compared with the horse. Individual strategies were observed in hip and shoulder coordination patterns that were obscured when group data were considered. Close monitoring of the evolution of skill on this new apparatus is paramount for gymnastics coaching, and further studies of current elite competitive vaulting techniques are required.
CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS, INTERVENTIONS, AND THERAPEUTIC TRIALS Monosomy 13 Is Associated With the Transition of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Signiﬁcance to Multiple Myeloma

Chromosomal abnormalities are present in most (if not all) patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and primary plasma cell leukemia (PCL). Furthermore, recent data have shown that numerical chromosomal changes are present in most individuals with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Epidemiological studies have shown that up to one third of MM may emerge from pre-existing MGUS. To clarify further possible stepwise chromosomal aberrations on a pathway between MGUS and MM, we have analyzed 158 patients with either MM or primary PCL and 19 individuals with MGUS using fluorescence in situ hybridiza- tion (FISH). Our FISH analyses were designed to detect illegitimate IGHrearrangements at 14q32 or monosomy 13. Whereas translocations involving the 14q32 region were observed with a similar incidence (60%) in both conditions, a significant difference was found in the incidence of monosomy 13 in MGUS versus MM or primary PCL. It was present in 40% of MM/PCL patients, but in only 4 of 19 MGUS individuals. Moreover, whereas monosomy 13 was found in the majority of plasma cells in MM, it was observed only in cell subpopulations in MGUS. It is noteworthy that, in a group of 20 patients with MM and a previous MGUS history, incidence of monosomy 13 was 70% versus 31% in MM patients without a known history of MGUS (P 5 .002). Thus, this study highlights monosomy 13 as correlated with the transformation of MGUS to overt MM and may define 2 groups of MM with possible different natural history and outcome, ie, post-MGUS MM with a very high incidence of monosomy 13 and de novo MM in which other genetic events might be 77 patients analyzed). Statistical analyses. For statistical analyses, we used nonparametric tests, mainly the x 2 method.
Wilson Disease in Children: Serum Aminotransferases and Urinary Copper on Triethylene Tetramine Dihydrochloride (Trientine) Treatment

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of and adherence to trientine and/or zinc therapy in children with Wilson disease (WD). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of all children with WD in the pediatric liver/liver transplant program at our institution between 1998 and 2006. Results: A total of 22 children with WD were evaluated and treated. Seven with fulminant disease required liver transplantation and 15 were treated with trientine and/or zinc. Ten of those 15 had follow-up for 12 to 60 months and 6 of the latter 10 were followed for 12 to 18 months. All 10 patients were started on a trientine treatment regimen. Mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels decreased from 183 ± 103 IU at presentation (n = 10) to 80 ± 46 IU at 12 months (n = 10) and 66 ± 40 IU at 18 months (n = 7). Mean 24-hour urinary copper levels increased from 156 μg at presentation to 494 μg at 1 to 2 months, then decreased to 71 μg after 21 to 24 months of treatment. Three of 10 patients had normalized ALT levels and 1 patient with cirrhosis continued with normal ALT levels since presentation. Four of 10 patients were documented to be nonadherent, as manifested by increased ALT levels (99 ± 31 IU); 1 patient had previously normalized ALT levels. In 3 of 10 patients, ALT level decreased but remained at an abnormal level (93 ± 53 IU). Conclusions: Trientine and/or zinc therapy is effective for children with WD. Nonadherence is a common cause of increased aminotransferase levels in patients with WD.
Resource Allocation for Cooperative LTE-Advanced Uplink

In this paper, we develop joint power allocation, sub-carrier pairing and relay selection strategies to maximize the capacity of single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems. The problem is investigated in the framework of a dual-hop amplify-and-forward network where power allocation is performed only in the relay node. In this work, we prove the optimality of ordered sub-carrier pairing (OSP) and reverse OSP (ROSP) for receivers with frequency domain equalizers based on minimum mean square error (MMSE) and zero forcing (ZF), respectively. We obtain significant improvement by the proposed joint resource allocation strategies.
Effects of Past Noninjection Drug Abuse Upon Executive Function and Working Memory in HIV Infection

Interactive effects of past noninjection drug abuse/dependence and HIV disease status upon measures of executive function were assessed in a group of 294 homosexual men. Participants were stratified according to HIV status and substance use diagnoses, thereby yielding a 4 (seronegative, asymptomatic seropositive, symptomatic seropositive, and AIDS defining illness) × 2 (never abused drugs, previous substance use disorder) design. Significant main effects of HIV status were found on theWisconsin Card Sorting Test, Ruff Figural Fluency Test, Trail Making Test B, and total number of impaired performances. Analyses revealed that men with AIDS defining illness performed worse than the other three groups. Drug use history had no significant effect upon neurobehavioral function, and effect sizes for drug abuse history were small. The data suggest that prior drug use yields little if any residual cognitive impairment in HIV infection.
Influence of Physicochemical Properties on Pharmacokinetics of Non-viral Vectors for Gene Delivery

The influence of physicochemical properties on the in vivo pharmacokinetics of gene delivery vectors after systemic administration is reviewed based on our studies. We have been studying the development of DNA delivery systems, such as plasmid DNA complexed with cationic polymers (polyplexes) and cationic liposomes (lipoplexes). Even if target-recognizable ligand is incorporated into the system, the overall physicochemical properties, notably size and charge, are predominant factors influencing in vivo disposition characteristics of the vector. Based on this consideration, liver cell-specific carrier systems via receptor-mediated endocytosis were successfully developed by optimizing physicochemical characteristics. In conclusion, rational design of gene delivery vectors requires an understanding of their pharmacokinetics in relation to the physicochemical properties. Optimization of the physicochemical properties is important for successful in vivo gene delivery by non-viral vectors.
The study of mutation in 23S rRNA resistance gene of Helicobacter pylori to clarithromycin in patients with gastrointestinal disorders in Isfahan — Iran

Background: Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial resistance is an important factor responsible for treatment failure. The purpose of this study was evaluating the prevalence of point mutations in clarithromycin-resistant clinical isolates of H. pylori in Isfahan city of Iran. Materials and Methods: Thirty isolates of H. pylori from 130 biopsy specimens were isolated by culture and confirmed by biochemical and PCR tests. The MIC of clarithromycin antibiotic for 30 clinical isolates of H. pylori was determined by E-test method. The point mutations in the 288 bp of 23S rRNA gene of H. Pylori were investigated in four clarithromycin-resistant clinical isolates by PCR followed by sequencing. Results: Among 30 isolates of H. pylori, 4 cases were resistant to clarithromycin. One point mutation was found at position T2243C in the 23S rRNA gene in all resistance isolates. Conclusions: In our study, H. pylori resistance to clarithromycin associated with point mutation at position 2243 (T2243C).
Hypocarbia in the ventilated preterm infant and its effect on intraventricular haemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Objective: To examine the relationship between PaCO2 levels in ventilated very preterm infants and (i) the incidence of severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL); and (ii) bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
Induction of beta-lactamase by various beta-lactam antibiotics in Enterobacter cloacae

The induction of beta-lactamase in Enterobacter cloacae GN5797 was studied by using 23 beta-lactam antiobiotics, including newly introduced drugs, as inducers. the beta-lactam antibiotics can be classified into three groups on the basis of their inducer activity. Among the tested cephalosporins, cephamycin derivatives such as cefoxitin, cefmetazole, and YM09330 had high inducer activity even at low drug concentrations. On the other hand, cefoperazone, cefsulodin, piperacillin, and apalcillin showed low inducer activity when compared with the other cephalosporins.
Anaerobic Methane Oxidation: Occurrence and Ecology

Anoxic sediments and digested sewage sludge anaerobically oxidized methane to carbon dioxide while producing methane. This strictly anaerobic process showed a temperature optimum between 25 and 37°C, indicating an active microbial participation in this reaction. Methane oxidation in these anaerobic habitats was inhibited by oxygen. The rate of the oxidation followed the rate of methane production. The observed anoxic methane oxidation in Lake Mendota and digested sewage sludge was more sensitive to 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid than the simultaneous methane formation. Sulfate diminished methane formation as well as methane oxidation. However, in the presence of iron and sulfate the ratio of methane oxidized to methane formed increased markedly. Manganese dioxide and higher partial pressures of methane also stimulated the oxidation. The rate of methane oxidation in untreated samples was approximately 2% of the CH4 production rate in Lake Mendota sediments and 8% of that in digested sludge. This percentage could be increased up to 90% in sludge in the presence of 10 mM ferrous sulfate and at a partial pressure of methane of 20 atm (2,027 kPa).
Changes in consultation-liaison psychiatry in the first five years of opearation of a newly-opened hospital.

BACKGROUND Many studies have addressed changes in psychiatric consultation variables, but data from newly-opened hospitals is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate changes in consultation-liaison services in the first five years of operation of a newly-opened hospital and compare this with similar data from established hospitals. METHODS Psychiatric consultations in the first five years of operation of a new hospital were reviewed and psychiatric variables, including reason for referral, psychiatric diagnosis, physical condition leading to hospitalization, and recommended management, were collected. RESULTS There were 1,610 psychiatric consultations in these five years, and the overall consultation rate was 1.30% of all admissions. The rate was relatively low in the first year, especially from the surgery department, but increased and then stabilized. The reasons for most referrals did not change significantly over the 5 years. Depression was the most frequent reason for referral and the major diagnosis during the study period. Although the diagnosis of depression increased significantly over the years, depression as a reason for referral did not increase consistently. A drug prescription was the most frequent recommendation, and medications shifted to more atypical antipsychotics and newer antidepressants over the study period. CONCLUSIONS Most variables were stable, but there were still some interesting findings. The consultation rate was lower during the first year of the study period than later. Underdetection and underrecognition of depression persisted over the 5 years. Further comprehensive postgraduate education for physicians and arrangment of timely consultations are needed. These results could offer information on psychiatric consultations to other hospitals that are going to open in the future.