Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of ArlRS in autolysis in methicillin-sensitive ( MSSA ) and 1 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains ( MRSA ) 2 3

Ambrose L. Cheung, Department of Microbiology & Immunology 9 Vail 210, Dartmouth Medical School 10 Hanover, NH 03755 11 Phone: (603) 650-1310 12 Fax : (603) 650-1318 13 Email: Ambrose.Cheung@Dartmouth.edu 14 15
Geometric Study of Various Chimney Graft Configurations in an In Vitro Juxtarenal Aneurysm Model

Purpose To determine gutter size and stent-graft geometry in an in vitro juxtarenal aneurysm model using various chimney graft (CG) configurations. Methods Two silicone juxtarenal aortic aneurysm models were constructed combining different diameters of the aorta and renal artery. In a single-branched CG configuration, 2 sizes (23 and 28.5 mm) of Excluder stent-grafts were tested individually with 2 sizes of 2 types of CGs: Advanta balloon-expandable (BE) stent-grafts (6×59 and 12×61 mm) and Viabahn self-expanding (SE) stent-grafts (6×50 and 13×50 mm). All combinations were tested with a short (10-mm) and long (20-mm) sealing zone between the CG and main graft (total 16 configurations). Immediately after deployment, the CG configuration was scanned using a 64-slice computed tomography scanner. Gutter sizes were measured at different levels of the sealing zone. Results At the top of the sealing zone, the gutters were significantly larger in the BE CGs compared to SE CGs in combination with the 23-mm main graft (p=0.021). At the bottom of the sealing zone, there were no statistically significant differences (p=0.77). No significant differences were seen using the 28.5-mm main graft. Median gutter size was larger in the 6-mm CGs. The length of the sealing zone had no influence on gutter size. Significant compression of the main graft was found using 12 or 13-mm CGs compared to 6-mm CGs (p=0.001). Conclusion In this in vitro study, the CG configurations with BE stent-grafts show larger gutters than configurations with SE stent-grafts in small main grafts. Main graft compression is increased using wider CG stent-grafts.
Convergence in West German Regional Unemployment Rates

Abstract Differences in regional unemployment rates are often used to describe regional economic inequality. This paper asks whether changes in regional unemployment differences in West Germany are persistent over time. Understanding the persistency of regional unemployment differences helps us to assess how effective regional policy can be. While univariate tests suggest that changes in regional unemployment differences are persistent in West Germany, more powerful panel tests lend some support to the hypothesis that regional unemployment rates converge. However, these tests reveal a moderate speed of convergence at best. Because there is a structural break following the second oil crisis, we also use tests that allow for such a break. This provides evidence for both convergence and quick adjustment to an equilibrium distribution of regional unemployment rates that is, however, subject to a structural break.
Actinic cheilitis: aesthetic and functional comparative evaluation of vermilionectomy using the classic and W-plasty techniques.

BACKGROUND Chronic actinic cheilitis is actinic keratosis located on the vermilion border. Treatment is essential because of the potential for malignant transformation. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the aesthetic and functional results of vermilionectomy using the classic and W-plasty techniques in actinic cheilitis. In the classic technique, the scar is linear and in the W-plasty one, it is a broken line. METHODS 32 patients with clinical and histopathological diagnosis of actinic cheilitis were treated. Out of the 32 patients, 15 underwent the W-plasty technique and 17 underwent the classic one. We evaluated parameters such as scar retraction and functional changes. RESULTS A statistically significant association between the technique used and scar retraction was found, which was positive when using the classic technique (p = 0.01 with Yates' correction). The odds ratio was calculated at 11.25, i.e., there was a greater chance of retraction in patients undergoing the classic technique. Both techniques revealed no functional changes. We evaluated postoperative complications such as the presence of crusts, dry lips, paresthesia, and suture dehiscence. There was no statistically significant association between complications and the technique used (p = 0.69). CONCLUSION We concluded that vermilionectomy using the W-plasty technique shows better cosmetic results and similar complication rates.
A Q-Theory Model of Corporate Liquidity and Capital Structure: Development, Fitting and Applications

We develop and estimate a Q-Theory style dynamic model of the firm's liquidity reserve and capital structure. The model features financial constraints, finite maturity debt, and growth limited by convex costs. We apply the model to obtain the following: 1. We suggest a resolution of the puzzle, whereby some firms seem to have inefficiently low leverage: the empirical leverage is close to optimal according to the model, if the debt maturity is taken to be a constraint imposed by lenders. 2. We show and justify that profitability, and not earnings cash flow or liquidity, is the main determinant of investment. 3. We investigate proxies for the firm being financially constrained: we find some support for the Cash Flow Sensitivity of Cash, but more for the liquidity level.
Influenza vaccination for healthcare workers in the UK: appraisal of systematic reviews and policy options

Background The UK Department of Health recommends annual influenza vaccination for healthcare workers, but uptake remains low. For staff, there is uncertainty about the rationale for vaccination and evidence underpinning the recommendation. Objectives To clarify the rationale, and evidence base, for influenza vaccination of healthcare workers from the occupational health, employer and patient safety perspectives. Design Systematic appraisal of published systematic reviews. Results The quality of the 11 included reviews was variable; some included exactly the same trials but made conflicting recommendations. 3 reviews assessed vaccine effects in healthcare workers and found 1 trial reporting a vaccine efficacy (VE) of 88%. 6 reviews assessed vaccine effects in healthy adults, and VE was consistent with a median of 62% (95% CI 56 to 67). 2 reviews assessed effects on working days lost in healthcare workers (3 trials), and 3 reported effects in healthy adults (4 trials). The meta-analyses presented by the most recent reviews do not reach standard levels of statistical significance, but may be misleading as individual trials suggest benefit with wide variation in size of effect. The 2013 Cochrane review reported absolute effects close to 0 for laboratory-confirmed influenza, and hospitalisation for patients, but excluded data on clinically suspected influenza and all-cause mortality, which had shown potentially important effects in previous editions. A more recent systematic review reports these effects as a 42% reduction in clinically suspected influenza (95% CI 27 to 54) and a 29% reduction in all-cause mortality (95% CI 15 to 41). Conclusions The evidence for employer and patient safety benefits of influenza vaccination is not straightforward and has been interpreted differently by different systematic review authors. Future uptake of influenza vaccination among healthcare workers may benefit from a fully transparent guideline process by a panel representing all relevant stakeholders, which clearly communicates the underlying rationale, evidence base and judgements made.
USING THE CAMEL FRAMEWORK IN ASSESSING BANK PERFORMANCE IN MALAYSIA

The banking sector in Malaysia suffered a bitter experience during the Asian financial crisis. Because of the crisis, many researchers across the globe attempted to better measure bank performance. This study highlights the evaluation of bank performance, including both domestic and foreign banks in Malaysia, using the Capital adequacy, Asset quality, Management competency, Earning quality, and Liquidity (CAMEL) framework for the period 2008 to 2012. Using regression analysis, the results of the study showed that capital adequacy, asset quality, earning quality and liquidity have a significant impact on performance of Malaysian banks. The outcome of this study is important to policymakers in assessing bank performance that could determine the direction of the future banking system in Malaysia.
Recombinant protein rVP1 upregulates BECN1-independent autophagy, MAPK1/3 phosphorylation and MMP9 activity via WIPI1/WIPI2 to promote macrophage migration

The monocyte/macrophage is critical for regulating immune and antitumor responses. Recombinant capsid protein VP1 (rVP1) of foot-and-mouth disease virus induces apoptosis and inhibits migration/metastasis of cancer cells. Here, we explored the effects of rVP1 on macrophages. Our results showed that rVP1 increased LC3-related autophagosome formation via WIPI1 and WIPI2 in a BECN1-independent manner. rVP1 treatment increased macrophage migration that was attenuated by knockdown of ATG5, ATG7, WIPI1 or WIPI2 and was abolished when both WIPI1 and WIPI2 were depleted. Treatment of macrophages with rVP1 increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) activity and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/3 (MAPK1/3), two major mediators of cell migration. Knockdown of WIPI1, WIPI2, ATG5 and ATG7 but not BECN1 attenuated the rVP1-mediated increase in MAPK1/3 phosphorylation and MMP9 activity. These results indicated that rVP1 upregulated autophagy, MAPK1/3 phosphorylation and MMP9 activity to promote macrophage migration, which was dependent on WIPI1, WIPI2, ATG5 and ATG7 but not BECN1.
Melanoma in the gastrointestinal tract

OBJECTIVE:This article focuses on the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of malignant melanoma metastases to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The subject of primary malignant melanoma arising from the GI tract is also discussed. Malignant melanoma is the most common tumor metastatic to the GI tract, and can present with fairly nonspecific symptoms.METHODS:Up to 60% of patients with melanoma are found to have metastases at autopsy. Frequent GI sites of invasion include the small bowel (50%), colon (31.3%), and anorectum (25%), seen in our institution over the past 9 yr. Malignant melanoma is a frequent source of metastases to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.RESULTS:Herein we report the case of a melanoma masquerading as a rectal polyp. We have also discovered 16 cases of melanoma metastases to the GI tract, at our institution, over the past 9 yr. The most frequent sites included small bowel (50%), colon (31.3%), and anorectum (25%). CONCLUSION:Despite innocuous gastrointestinal symptoms, metastatic melanoma should be a diagnostic consideration in any patient with a history of melanoma.
Gender Differences in Acceptability and Usability of Computer Based Learning Package in Electrical and Electronics Technology in Nigeria

Gender differences are one aspect of the overall cultural differences that exist between human beings. National/ethnic and gender differences constitute the socio-cultural factors that influence perceptions and behaviors. Gender differences found across a wide variety of disciplines apply equally well to emerging computer-based technologies. One of the new technological systems is the computer described as a device for the most effective communication and individual education. The success of technology-based instruction usage for learning is primarily due to its potential to integrate various types of media but gender inequality in learners’ perception of, attitude towards, and intention to use technology, belief, view, motives and motivation, and behavioural intention has created disparity in their acceptance and use of this new technologies. Therefore, this study investigates gender differences in acceptability and usability of a computer learning package for teaching thermionic emission in electrical and electronics technology. This study adopts a Causal comparative research design with the design and development of the learning package. 80 students in 200 Level and ND1 (First Year Students of National Diploma) of the department of Electrical and Electronics engineering and Technology in a University and Polytechnic in Ogun State formed the respondents for the study. 40 students are randomly selected from each school with the total number of 18 females and 62 males. The developed package and 43 questionnaire items were used as data collection tools. The designed and developed package was presented to each student for interaction and later the structured questionnaire (Cronbach alpha = 0.89) was administered to the respondents for data collection. Two research questions were raised and two hypotheses were tested in the study. Data collected were analysed using T-test at 0.05 level of significance. The research findings revealed a non significant gender difference in both acceptability and usability of the FOSS-based package (df = 78; t = 1.620; P > 0.05 and df = 78; t = 0.668; P > 0.05 respectively). Based on the findings, it is concluded that there most likely will not be gender differences in the achievement of males and females using this computer based package. Consequently reducing the gender gap in science and technology.
An ultra-low voltage digitally controlled low-dropout regulator with digital background calibration

In this paper, we describe a novel ultra-low voltage digitally controlled low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator offering digitally controllable dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) for near/sub-threshold applications. We eliminate the reference voltage in conventional LDOs and adopt the reference clock that enables the proposed LDO to be controlled digitally. The analog components are replaced by digital counterparts which are able to operate at near/sub-threshold regime. Additionally, a digital background calibration scheme is proposed to minimize the regulated voltage errors due to process, voltage, and temperature (PVL) variations. The proposed LDO has been designed in a 90-nm regular Vt CMOS process and the active area is 0.038-mm2. The LDO can regulate the output voltage from 260-mV to 440-mV, while the input supply voltage is from 380-mV to 500-mV. It delivers 3-mA load current at a 500-mV input and the quiescent current is 30.8-μA. The current and power efficiencies reach 99.0% and 87.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the regulated output voltage of the proposed LDO is tunable digitally in run-time with various step sizes.
Incidence and prevalence of small-fiber neuropathy: A survey in the Netherlands

adults is a risk factor for DLB and not for Alzheimer disease. It is striking that these symptoms were not mentioned in the article by Boot et al. since our results need confirmation. Regardless, we think that the greater likelihood of having a history of depression or anxiety in patients with diagnosis of DLB would support our findings because the diagnosis of ADHD is often confused or overlaps with depression and anxiety. Comorbidity between these entities and the possibility of bias is well known. In this study, the possibility of such bias is heightened because the data for depression or anxiety were generated solely from medical history and ADHD is usually underreported.
Do SEC Detections Deter Insider Trading? Evidence from Earnings Announcements

The paper explores the consequences of SEC detection of illegal insider trading on subsequent insider trading activities. We hypothesize that individuals with private information update their subjective probabilities of getting caught and are less likely to exploit material, non-public information about pending earnings announcements. The hypothesis is tested using data on earnings announcements of a unique hand-collected sample of 398 insider trading episodes publicly detected by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Based on a difference-in-differences analysis where we compare firms with a detection event, their industry peers and firms in remote industries, we document a statistically and economically significant deterrence effect: In the vicinity of the detection target post detection the run-ups prior to earnings announcements are significantly reduced by 0.7%.
Links between childhood experiences and avoidant personality disorder symptomatology

Research indicates that some types of adverse childhood experience may be involved in the development of avoidant personality disorder (AVPD). The current study examined relationships between retrospectively reported childhood maltreatment, parental bonding, and teasing on levels of adult AVPD symptomatology. The current study incorporated a cross-section research design. Four hundred and eleven, non-clinical participants (99 males and 312 females), ranging in age from 18 to 65 years (M= 29.75 years, SD= 11.44 years), completed a survey measuring current depression, anxiety and AVPD symptoms, and retrospective reports of childhood maltreatment, parental bonding and teasing. Consistent with hypotheses, AVPD symptomatology correlated positively with depression and anxiety symptoms, childhood maltreatment, parental overprotection and childhood teasing; while a negative association was found with AVPD and parental care. In regression, after controlling for the influence of depression and anxiety, sexual abuse and social behaviour teasing significantly and uniquely predicted AVPD symptomatology. Contrary to expectations, parental bonding was not a unique predictor of AVPD symptomatology in regression modelling. This study contributes to the understanding of factors potentially influencing the development of AVPD.
Aspirin protects low density lipoprotein from oxidative modification.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of aspirin on the potential for oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL). DESIGN: Before and after trial. SETTING: University department of medicine within a district general hospital campus. PATIENTS: Ten healthy normolipidaemic volunteers drawn from laboratory and medical staff. INTERVENTIONS: Aspirin (enteric coated) 300 mg daily for two weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In vitro oxidation of LDL following ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation with measurements made of malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, and electrophoretic mobility. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in malondialdehyde production from LDL modified by aspirin in vivo following exposure to UVC irradiation for 90 minutes, culminating in a 30% decrease by 240 minutes (mean (SD) 64.2 (9.12) v 89.6 (11.6) nmol/mg LDL protein, P = 0.029). These observations were borne out using LDL modified by aspirin in vitro. The UVC induced increase in relative electrophoretic mobility of LDL was also significantly reduced following aspirin treatment (mean (SD) 2.17 (0.16) v 2.66 (0.24), P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Aspirin, both in vivo and in vitro, protects LDL against subsequent oxidative modification, providing an additional mechanism whereby aspirin may protect against atherosclerosis.
An exploratory study of organisational transformation in manufacturing SMEs

In a competitive environment organisations are driven to continuously change and adapt to emerging conditions in order to sustain competitive advantage. The reported decline of the manufacturing sector in the UK is believed to be the result, in part, of the failure of manufacturing organisations to adapt by transforming their businesses, particularly small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The field of change management is long established and contains a plethora of theories, frameworks, models, and discussions on organisational change and transformation, yet it seems that there is a disconnect between this body of knowledge and its implementation by practitioners. Since the majority of the work in this area is based on empirical analyses of large organisations, it could be argued that the assumption that it can be 'scaled down' to fit the SME context is invalid, as SMEs are well recognised as having distinctive characteristics that warrant specific investigation. Thus, the thesis is focused on providing insights into the transformation behaviour of manufacturing SMEs in order to further understanding of why these organisations struggle to transform. Using the content, process, context framework as its foundation, the transformations of four manufacturing SMEs in Scotland are analysed and discussed using an exploratory case study methodology. The findings suggest that the content of transformation in manufacturing SMEs reflects existing theory, however in addition content elements of ownership or leadership, new management team, and extension of product/service portfolio were in evidence. The process through which manufacturing SMEs transform aligns with the theory of punctuated equilibrium; however the punctuations themselves are not transformational. Leadership, appropriate knowledge and skills, access to resources, and external collaboration are contextual enablers to transformation, whereas culture is a barrier if not aligned to the new behaviours required. The discussions also led to a number of emerging propositions concerning the pace of transformation, patterns of constituent changes, and differences between family and non-family owned/managed organisations, which are presented as areas for future empirical investigation.
Highly enantioselective Henry reactions of aromatic aldehydes catalyzed by an amino alcohol-copper(II) complex.

Amino alcohol-Cu(II) catalyst: Highly enantioselective Henry reactions between aromatic aldehydes and nitromethane have been developed. The reactions were catalyzed by an easily available and operationally simple amino alcohol-copper(II) catalyst. In total, 38 substrates were tested and the R-configured products were obtained in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities.
Effects of Dimecron on Developing Chick Embryo: Malformations and other Histopathological Changes

The effect of dimecron, an organophosphorus insecticide, on developmental alterations and histopathological damage was determined in the developing chick embryo. The insecticide was administered at two different doses (25 μg and 35 μg) into the egg yolk through a pore into the equatorial region at day 0 of incubation. Significant abnormalities in relation to organogenesis and overall retardation in growth were noted in the insecticide‐treated embryos. Histopathological study of the treated whole embryo showed abnormal features in the formation of different vital organs. The liver and kidney were severely affected by the pesticide at both doses. Based upon these findings it may be concluded that dimecron does play a role in producing embryotoxicity at different stages of embryogenesis.