Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Drosophila orthologue of the INT6 onco-protein regulates mitotic microtubule growth and kinetochore structure

INT6/eIF3e is a highly conserved component of the translation initiation complex that interacts with both the 26S proteasome and the COP9 signalosome, two complexes implicated in ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. The INT6 gene was originally identified as the insertion site of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), and later shown to be involved in human tumorigenesis. Here we show that depletion of the Drosophila orthologue of INT6 (Int6) results in short mitotic spindles and deformed centromeres and kinetochores with low intra-kinetochore distance. Poleward flux of microtubule subunits during metaphase is reduced, although fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) demonstrates that microtubules remain dynamic both near the kinetochores and at spindle poles. Mitotic progression is delayed during metaphase due to the activity of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). Interestingly, a deubiquitinated form of the kinesin Klp67A (a putative orthologue of human Kif18A) accumulates near the kinetochores in Int6-depleted cells. Consistent with this finding, Klp67A overexpression mimics the Int6 RNAi phenotype. Furthermore, simultaneous depletion of Int6 and Klp67A results in a phenotype identical to RNAi of just Klp67A, which indicates that Klp67A deficiency is epistatic over Int6 deficiency. We propose that Int6-mediated ubiquitination is required to control the activity of Klp67A. In the absence of this control, excess of Klp67A at the kinetochore suppresses microtubule plus-end polymerization, which in turn results in reduced microtubule flux, spindle shortening, and centromere/kinetochore deformation.
Comparison of the SpO2/FIO2 ratio and the PaO2/FIO2 ratio in patients with acute lung injury or ARDS.

BACKGROUND The diagnostic criteria for acute lung injury (ALI) and ARDS utilize the Pao(2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio(2)) [P/F] ratio measured by arterial blood gas analysis to assess the degree of hypoxemia. We hypothesized that the pulse oximetric saturation (Spo(2))/Fio(2) (S/F) ratio can be substituted for the P/F ratio in assessing the oxygenation criterion of ALI. METHODS Corresponding measurements of Spo(2) (values </= 97%) and Pao(2) from patients enrolled in the ARDS Network trial of a lower tidal volume ventilator strategy (n = 672) were compared to determine the relationship between S/F and P/F. S/F threshold values correlating with P/F ratios of 200 (ARDS) and 300 (ALI) were determined. Similar measurements from patients enrolled in the ARDS Network trial of lower vs higher positive end-expiratory pressure (n = 402) were utilized for validation. RESULTS In the derivation data set (2,613 measurements), the relationship between S/F and P/F was described by the following equation: S/F = 64 + 0.84 x (P/F) [p < 0.0001; r = 0.89). An S/F ratio of 235 corresponded with a P/F ratio of 200, while an S/F ratio of 315 corresponded with a P/F ratio of 300. The validation database (2,031 measurements) produced a similar linear relationship. The S/F ratio threshold values of 235 and 315 resulted in 85% sensitivity with 85% specificity and 91% sensitivity with 56% specificity, respectively, for P/F ratios of 200 and 300. CONCLUSION S/F ratios correlate with P/F ratios. S/F ratios of 235 and 315 correlate with P/F ratios of 200 and 300, respectively, for diagnosing and following up patients with ALI and ARDS.
Are inflammatory cells increased in painful human tendinopathy? A systematic review

Background The role of inflammation in tendinopathy has historically been a subject of significant controversy. Our primary aim was to determine whether inflammatory cell numbers were increased in painful human tendinopathy versus healthy control tendons. Our secondary aim was to assess whether the inflammatory cells had been linked with symptoms or disease stage. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature using the PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines of the Medline database using specific search criteria. Only studies measuring inflammatory cells using specific markers in tissue from human patients with the clinical diagnosis of tendinopathy were included. Inclusion was agreed on by 2 independent researchers on review of abstracts or full-text using specific predetermined criteria. The search yielded 5 articles in total. Results There were increased numbers of macrophages (4 studies) and mast cells (3 studies) in tendinopathic versus healthy control tissues. One study demonstrated increased numbers of T cells in tendinopathic tissue versus healthy control tendons. There were reduced numbers of T cells (1 study), macrophages (2 studies) and mast cells (2 studies) in torn tendon versus intact tendinopathic tissue. Conclusions The existing evidence supports the hypothesis that increased numbers of inflammatory cells are present in pathological tendons. The lack of high-quality quantitative studies in this area demonstrates a clear need for future research to better understand the role of inflammation in tendinopathy.
Investment-Financial Intermediation Nexus in Ivory Coast: Evidence from an Ardlbounds Testing Approach

The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of bank intermediation on investment in Ivory Coast, over the period from 1983 to 2015. Methodologically, this study applied the ARDL method to explore the nature of the relationship between our explanatory variables and investment in Ivory Coast. The study indicates some major results. In both the short and long term, bank credit granted to the private sector and bank deposits have a positive influence on investment in Côte d'Ivoire. However, the financial depth is not conducive to investment. It is possible that the lack of control in the management of banking risks means that financial products do not benefit investment.
Clinical audit of gastrointestinal conditions occurring among adults with Down syndrome attending a specialist clinic

Abstract Background Adults with Down syndrome (DS) are predisposed to syndromic and environmental gastrointestinal conditions. Method In a hospital‐based clinic for adults with DS, a chart audit was conducted to assess the range and frequency of gastrointestinal conditions. Results From January 2003 to March 2005, 57 patients attended the clinic, average age 37 years (SD = 13, range 17–63), 34(60%) male, and 12(21%) with a history of institutionalisation. Of these, 56 were found to have at least one gastrointestinal concern. Of the genotypic conditions, the prevalence was as follows: 6(12%) of 51 tested had likely celiac disease, 1(2%) had achalasia, 1(2%) inflammatory bowel disease, 1(2%) cholelithiasis, 2(4%) unexplained abnormal liver function tests, 1(2%) extrinsic oesophageal compression, and 5(9%) gastro‐oesophageal reflux. Of the environmental conditions, 29(67%) of 43 tested had H. pylori infection; 13(25%) of 53 tested had hepatitis B infection (including 2 HbsAg positive, 0 HbeAg positive), 22(42%) non‐immune and 4(7%) not tested; 17(36%) of 47 tested were immune to hepatitis A, 30(64%) non‐immune and 10(18%) not tested. Of the conditions of uncertain link with Down syndrome, 11(19%) of the 57 patients had unexplained constipation; 11(19%) had unexplained chronic diarrhoea; 1(2%) had haemochromatosis; and 39(68%) presented with overnutrition. Conclusion On specific enquiry, a majority of adults with DS have a gastrointestinal condition. As many of the conditions require hospital services, specially designed protocols in this setting should be developed.
Cells derived from sporadic and aids‐related Kaposi's sarcoma reveal identical cytochemical and molecular properties in vitro

We have established 40 cell cultures from biopsies of 5 patients with sporadic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and compared them with cell cultures derived from KS biopsies of AIDS patients. Immunocytochemical staining of sporadic KS cells revealed the same endothelial cell markers as those expressed on AIDS‐KS cells, indicating that both types of KS might be of endothelial cell origin. In contrast to clinical features, in vitro growth properties showed no differences. KS cells of both types reveal a low degree of malignancy but can be distinguished from fibroblasts by a higher passage number in low serum concentrations and a more pronounced dependence on platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF). The DNA of 12 cell lines of both types of KS was negative for genomic equivalents of hepatitis B virus (HBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and, in the case of AIDS‐KS, for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). No rearrangements or amplifications of several oncogenes, often involved in human tumors, were detected. The expression of these oncogenes by sporadic and AIDS‐KS cells, as analyzed by Northern blotting, was comparable to that of normal dermal fibroblasts from the same patients. Our results indicate that the 2 types of Kaposi's sarcoma possess identical cytochemical and molecular properties. They are probably weakly malignant neoplasms of endothelial cell origin, and paracrine growth stimulation appears to be important for their maintenance and progression.
Allergenicity of Soybean: New Developments in Identification of Allergenic Proteins, Cross-Reactivities and Hypoallergenization Technologies

Soybean is considered one of the “big eight” foods that are believed to be responsible for 90% of all allergenic reactions. Soy allergy is of particular importance, because soybeans are widely used in processed foods and, therefore, represent a particularly insidious source of hidden allergens. Although significant advances have been made in the identification and characterization of soybean allergens, scientists are not completely certain about which proteins in soy cause allergic reactions. At least 16 allergens have been identified. Most of them, as with other plant food allergens, have a metabolic, storage, or protective function. These allergens belong to protein families which have conserved structural features in relation with their biological activity, which explains the wide immunochemical cross-recognition observed among members of the legume family. Detailed analysis of the structure-allergenicity relationships has been hampered by the complexity and heterogeneity of soybean proteins. A variety of technological approaches have been attempted to decrease soybean allergenicity. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current body of knowledge on the identification and characterization of soybean allergens, as well as an update on current hypoallergenization techniques.
Recent Literature on Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events in Older Adults

Medication errors and adverse drug events are common in older adults, but locating literature addressing these issues is often challenging. The objective of this article is to summarize recent studies addressing medication errors and adverse drug events in a single location to improve accessibility for individuals working with older adults. A comprehensive literature search for studies published in 2014 was conducted, and 51 potential articles were identified. After critical review, 17 studies were selected for inclusion based on innovation; rigorous observational or experimental study designs; and use of reliable, valid measures. Four articles characterizing potentially inappropriate prescribing and interventions to optimize medication regimens were annotated and critiqued in detail. The authors hope that health policy‐makers and clinicians find this information helpful in improving the quality of care for older adults.
Psychological resilience, organizational resilience and life satisfaction in tourism firms: insights from the Canterbury earthquakes

ABSTRACT From a socio-ecological systems perspective, resilience is dynamic, multi-dimensional and multi-scale. This study provides evidence of the relationship between different types of resilience (psychological, employee and organizational resilience) affecting the recovery of tourism organizations after the Canterbury earthquakes in 2010/2011. A survey of tourism business owners and employees (managers) was undertaken five years after the February 2011 earthquakes. Results show significant and positive relationships between psychological and employee resilience. Further, employee resilience contributes to both life satisfaction of tourism business operators and organizational resilience. Life satisfaction of business owners and managers contributes to organizational resilience. Implications for the well-being of tourism business owners and managers, and ways of strengthening both psychological and organizational resilience are suggested.
Assessment of adrenocortical activity and behavior of the collared anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) in response to food-based environmental enrichment.

One of the current standard approaches to the study of animal welfare is measuring hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity, frequently in association with behavioral assessment. We studied the effects of food-based environmental enrichment on adrenocortical activity and behavior in zoo-housed collared anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla; n = 5). We successfully validated measurements of fecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) using an 11-oxoetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay by stimulating (ACTH injection) and suppressing (dexamethasone administration) adrenocortical activity. Three months later, we subjected animals to an ABA-type experiment (three 6-week periods): pre-enrichment (routine diet: A), enrichment (modified diet: B), and post-enrichment (routine diet: A) periods. We assessed adrenocortical activity by collecting individual feces three times a week (total number of samples: 228), and evaluated behavior by performing 3 days of behavioral observations per period (with a total of 3,600 behavioral data points for the individuals studied). Statistical analysis revealed changes in FCM concentrations (µg/g) over the periods (3.04 ± 0.68, 2.98 ± 0.66, and 4.04 ± 0.90, respectively). Additionally, it showed that the number of FCM peaks was highly reduced during enrichment; meanwhile active natural behaviors were significantly increased. We consider that these changes in response to food-based environmental enrichment improved the welfare of individual zoo-housed collared anteaters. This research might contribute to in situ and ex situ studies on the physiology and behavior of this endemic South American species.
Coronavirus isolates SK and SD from multiple sclerosis patients are serologically related to murine coronaviruses A59 and JHM and human coronavirus OC43, but not to human coronavirus 229E

Two coronaviruses (SK and SD), isolated from fresh autopsy brain tissue from two multiple sclerosis patients, were compared with known human and murine coronaviruses. In plaque neutralization assays, antisera prepared against multiple sclerosis isolates SK and SD demonstrated significant cross-reactivity to each other and to murine coronavirus A59, weak cross-reactivity to murine coronavirus JHM, but no cross-reactivity to the human coronavirus 229E. Antiserum to SK or SD failed to inhibit hemagglutination of chicken erythrocytes by the human coronavirus OC43. However, OC43 antiserum neutralized both SD and SK. Specific coronavirus polypeptides were identified and compared by immunoprecipitation and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Infected and mock-infected 17Cl-1 cells were pretreated with actinomycin D and labeled with [35S]methionine. Polypeptides in Nonidet P-40 cytoplasmic extracts were immunoprecipitated with homologous and heterologous antisera. Identical polypeptides were precipitated from A59-, SD-, or SK-infected cell extracts by SD, SK, OC43, or A59 antisera. The polypeptides of human virus 229E were antigenically distinct, with the exception of weak recognition of a polypeptide of 50,000 molecular weight. We conclude that the two multiple sclerosis virus isolates SK and SD are closely related serologically to the murine coronavirus A59 and the human coronavirus OC43.
Chromosomal Mapping of Repetitive DNAs in Gobionellus oceanicus and G. stomatus (Gobiidae; Perciformes): A Shared XX/XY System and an Unusual Distribution of 5S rDNA Sites on the Y Chromosome

With nearly 2,000 species, Gobiidae is the most specious family of the vertebrates. This high level of speciation is accompanied by conspicuous karyotypic modifications, where the role of repetitive sequences remains largely unknown. This study analyzed the karyotype of 2 species of the genus Gobionellus and mapped 18S and 5S ribosomal RNA genes and (CA)15 microsatellite sequences onto their chromosomes. G. oceanicus (2n = 56; ♂ 12 metacentrics (m) + 4 submetacentrics (sm) + 1 subtelocentric (st) + 39 acrocentrics (a); ♀ 12m + 4sm + 2st + 38a) and G. stomatus (2n = 56; ♂ 20m + 14sm + 1st + 21a; ♀ 20m + 14sm + 2st + 20a) possess the highest diploid chromosome number among the Gobiidae and have different karyotypes. Both species share an XX/XY sex chromosome system with a large subtelocentric X and a small acrocentric Y chromosome which is rich in (CA)15 sequences and bears 5S rRNA sites. Although coding and noncoding repetitive DNA sequences may be involved in the genesis or differentiation of the sex chromosomes, the exclusive presence of 5S rDNA sites on the Y, but not on the X chromosome of both species, represents a novelty in fishes. In summary, the karyotypic differences, as well as new data on the sex chromosome systems in these 2 Gobiidae species, confirm the high chromosomal dynamism observed in this family.
α‐MSH causes a small rise in cAMP but has no effect on basal or ultraviolet‐stimulated melanogenesis in human melanocytes

The effects of α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) were studied on levels of cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cAMP), melanin content and response to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in cultured human melanocytes (HuMC). ForeskinHuMC were cultured in a hormone‐supplemented system not dependent on the presence of phorbol esters. Following addition of α‐MSH (10‐6m) there was a rise in cAMP levels maximal between 5 and 15 min to 9.4±3.2 pm/ 105 cells, while control levels were 3.6±0.7pm/105 cells. After 7 days’culture in the presence of ±‐MSH (10‐8‐10‐6m) the melanin content increased by only 35%, whereas Forskolin (10‐5m) induced a 9.5‐fold rise in cAMP after 5 min and a 10.9‐fold rise in melanin content after 7 days. When HuMC were irradiated daily for 6 days with UVR (Helarium fluorescent lamps emitting 20% UVB, 80% UVA) melanin content rose 2.7‐fold (SE0.3). This was unchanged or slightly reduced in the presence of α‐MSH (10‐8‐10‐6m). Parallel observations on Cloudman S91 melanoma cells showed that α‐MSH caused only an 80% increase in melanin content after 4 days. The rise in melanin content induced by three daily UV‐irradiations (2.4‐fold, SE0.5) was unchanged by α‐MSH (10‐8‐10‐6m). Although α‐MSH induces a small rise in cAMP in HuMC this does not result in melanogenesis, and the response to UVR is not affected by α‐MSH in either HuMC or S91 cells.
Effect of Selected Process Parameters on Durability and Defects in Surface-Mount Assemblies for Portable Electronics

This paper presents a systematic approach to study the effect of manufacturing variables on the creation of defects and the effect of those defects on the durability of lead-free (Pb-free) solder joints. An experiment was designed to systematically vary the printing and reflow process variables in order to fabricate error-seeded test assemblies. The error-seeded samples were then inspected visually and with X-ray, to identify different types of defects, especially voids, and then test for electrical performance. The specimens were subjected to an accelerated thermal cycling test to characterize the durability of these error-seeded specimens and to study the effect of each manufacturing variable on the durability of the solder joints. The response variables for the design of experiments are thermal cycling durability of the solder joints and void area percentage in ball grid array (BGA) solder joints. Pretest microstructural analysis showed that specimens produced under inadequate reflow profiles suffered from insufficient wetting and insufficient intermetallic formation. Statistical analysis of the response variables shows that waiting time, heating ramp, peak temperature, and cooling rate have nonlinear effects on thermal cycling durability. Two variables in particular [peak temperature and waiting time (the time waited after the solder paste barrel was opened and before print)] appear to have optimum values within the ranges investigated. Statistical analysis of void percentage area for all design of experiment (DOE) runs show that higher stencil thickness results in higher void percentage and that void percentage increases as time above melt and peak temperature increases.
Fatty acid composition, physicochemical properties, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of apple seed oil obtained from apple pomace.

BACKGROUND Apple pomace is generated in huge quantities in juice-processing industries the world over and continuous efforts are being made for its inclusive utilization. In this study, apple seeds separated from industrial pomace were used for extraction of oil. The fatty acid composition, physicochemical and antioxidant as well as in vitro anticancer properties of extracted oil were studied to assess its suitability in food and therapeutic applications. RESULTS The fatty acid composition of seed oil revealed the dominance of oleic (46.50%) and linoleic acid (43.81%). It had high iodine (121.8 g I 100 g⁻¹) and saponification value (184.91 mg KOH g⁻¹ oil). The acid value, refractive index and relative density were 4.28 mg KOH g⁻¹, 1.47 and 0.97 mg mL⁻¹, respectively. The antioxidant potential (IC₅₀) of apple seed oil was 40.06 µg mL⁻¹. Cytotoxicity of apple seed oil against CHOK1, SiHa and A549 cancer cell lines ranged between 0.5 ± 0.06% and 88.6 ± 0.3%. CONCLUSION The physicochemical properties of apple seed oil were comparable with edible food oil, indicating its better stability and broad application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Apple seed oil could be a good source of natural antioxidants. Also, the in vitro cytotoxic activity against specific cell lines exhibited its potential as an anticancer agent.
Foreign Investors, External Monitoring, and Stock Price Crash Risk

We investigate whether foreign investors help to reduce local firms’ future stock price crash risk through their external monitoring. We find that the entrance of foreign investors is associated with a significant reduction in local firms’ future crash risk. Further investigation reveals that foreign investors help to improve local firms’ financial reporting quality from the perspectives of accrual quality, conservatism, and annual report tone management. The evidence is consistent with our conjecture that foreign investors play an important external monitoring role, which reduces managerial bad-news hoarding and thereby lowers local firms’ future crash risk. We also find that the crash risk–reducing role of foreign investors is more pronounced when foreign investors are more familiar with the institutional background of the host country, when they have stronger incentives to monitor local firms, and when local firms have higher governance efficacy. A variety of robustness checks reveals that our results are unlikely to be driven by potential endogeneity.