Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE PREPARATION AND THE ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTIES OF SOME SUBSTITUTED BENZYL ALCOHOLS

A number of substituted benzyl alcohols have been prepared and together with some related, commercially available, compounds have been tested for antibacterial and antifungal properties. The most active inhibitory compound was 3:4:5‐trichlorobenzyl alcohol followed by 4‐chloro‐3:5‐dimethyl‐, 3:4‐dichloro‐ and 2:4‐dichlorobenzyl alcohols, but saturated aqueus solutions of the last three compounds were more rapidly bactericidal. Pharmacological tests have shown that 2:4‐dichlorobenzyl alcohol has low toxicity.
Lowered Prealbumin Levels in Patients with Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy (FAP) and Their Non‐Affected But At Risk Relatives

Amyloid fibrils in familial amyloid polyneuropathy, the familial (AF) form of systemic amyloidosis, are composed of the monomeric unit (14,000 MW) of prealbumin molecules. By radioimmunoassay, the serum level of prealbumin was measured in 25 patients from 12 different kinships with this dominantly inherited form of amyloidosis and 56 unaffected, but at risk, relatives from two of the kinships. Results were compared to prealbumin levels in normal individuals and patients with primary (AL) and secondary (AA) forms of systemic amyloidosis. Significantly lowered prealbumin levels were found in the AF patients (149.2 ug/ ml) and their at risk relatives (169.0 ug/ml) when compared to normal individuals (232.9 ug/ml), AL patients (221.9 ug/ml) and AA patients (211.7 ug/ml). No abnormality was found in levels of retinol binding protein (RBP), which is carried by prealbumin, in the serum of either the AF patients or their relatives. The depressed prealbumin levels may indicate a structural variant molecular form, an extra hepatic synthesis or an abnormality in catabolism of this protein that is present prior to the clinical or histopathologic onset of the AF disease.
Inhibitory Effect of Magnolia Officinalis and Lovastatin on Aortic Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Hyperlipidemic Rabbits

Oxidative stress and apoptosis are 2 major characteristics of the progression of atherosclerosis. Both lovastatin and Magnolia officinalis are hypocholesterolemic agents. Therefore, we investigated the effect of M. officinalis extract on the prevention of atherosclerosis in comparison with lovastatin. Twenty hyperlipidemic rabbits were served one of the following diets: a high-fat and cholesterol diet (cholesterol group, 10% corn oil and 0.5% cholesterol), a high fat and cholesterol diet supplemented with M. officinalis extract (300 mg/kg) or lovastatin (6 mg/kg). The plasma lipids, oxidative stress (measured by free radical, malondialdehyde, and oxidative DNA damage), and arterial lesions significantly decreased in the M. officinalis and lovastatin groups when compared with the cholesterol group. Moreover, the expressions of Fas ligand, caspase 8, and caspase 9 in the aortic arches were also markedly lowered after M. officinalis and lovastatin supplements. Therefore, the results indicate that the antiatherogenic effect of M. officinalis is involved with a suppression of oxidative stress and with the down-regulation of apoptosis-related gene expression in hyperlipidemic rabbits.
Quantitative assessment of citral antimicrobial potential at different temperatures

A study was carried out to assess the effect of citral on the growth of Escherichia coli K12 and Listeria innocua at different temperatures [37–8 °C]. After defining the value of the lowest concentration able to inhibit their visible growth, the antimicrobial effect of non-inhibitory doses was determined and quantified based on the lag time duration (λ) and maximum growth rate (μmax) parameters. In general terms, it was observed that the lower the temperature or the higher the citral concentration, the greater the lag time and the smaller the growth rate. Furthermore, synergy was detected between these two factors against L. innocua, since some of the results obtained in the presence of citral at low temperatures were better than the ones obtained at optimum growth temperature with the same citral concentration, or in the absence of citral under refrigeration conditions. Therefore, citral could be use as a natural preservative, even at non-inhibitory doses that enable a balance between the sensory acceptability of foods and the antimicrobial efficacy of the compound, especially if it is combined with storage at low temperatures.
A de-embedding procedure oriented to the determination of FET intrinsic I-V characteristics from high-frequency large-signal measurements

In this work a de-embedding technique oriented to the determination of FET I-V dynamic characteristics is reported. It exploits high-frequency large-signal measurements and a model based description of the reactive nonlinearities. The proposed technique allows one to gather information about the intrinsic I-V dynamics, including traps related dispersion and thermal phenomena, directly from high-frequency large-signal measurements. Moreover, the actual waveforms exciting the FET active area can be monitored and, for instance, related to the boundaries imposed by reliability issues under dynamic operation. In order to validate the proposed approach, experiments carried out on a gallium nitride HEMT are reported.
At the Margins? Discourse Analysis and Qualitative Research

Discourse analysis is a qualitative research approach that offers the potential to challenge our thinking about aspects of the reality of health and health care practice. In this article, the author explores one approach to discourse analysis and examines how it offers possibilities for different ways of viewing health and health care practices. She concludes by raising questions as to whether discourse analysis is at the margins of qualitative research, whether that matters, and where discourse analysis might take those margins.
Factors associated with increased arterial stiffness in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a marker of arterial stiffness. It was shown that PWV is related to increased cardiovascular risk in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Renal transplantation leads to decrease of arterial stiffness when compared with dialysis patients. Despite many studies, causes of increased arterial stiffness in RTR are not well defined. This study sought to investigate the association between cardiovascular risk factors, graft function, cardiovascular and immunosuppressive therapy, and carotid-femoral PWV in renal transplant recipients. MATERIAL/METHODS Carotid-femoral PWV were measured with Complior device in 207 (73 female and 134 male) RTR aged 45+/-12 years, and in 21 healthy volunteers as controls. RESULTS Pulse wave velocity was higher in RTR compared with controls: 9.2+/-2.1 m/s vs 8.3+/-1.5m/s (P<.05). In RTR group, significant correlations were found between PWV and age (r=0,55; P<.001), male sex (r=0.17; P<.02), body weight (r=0.23; P<.01), systolic (SBP) (r=0.36; P<.001), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r=0.19; P<.01), pulse pressure (pulse pressure) (r=0.34; P<.001), mean arterial pressure (MAP) (r=0.28; P<.001), number of antihypertensive medication (r=0.17; P<.02), fasting glucose (r=0.24; P<.01), presence of diabetes (r=0.24; P<.01), eGFR (r=-0.19; P<.01), therapy with cyclosporine (r=0.29; P<.001), and therapy with tacrolimus (r=-0.22; P<.01). In stepwise multiple regression analysis, age, male sex, MAP, cyclosporine, and fasting glucose concentration were independently associated with increased PWV. CONCLUSIONS Arterial stiffness is increased in RTR. Type of immunosuppressive regimen, high blood pressure, and glucose metabolism disturbances should be considered as potential targets to reduce increased arterial stiffness in RTR.
Microenvironment and Immunology Immune InhibitoryMolecules LAG-3 and PD-1 Synergistically Regulate T-cell Function to Promote Tumoral Immune Escape

Inhibitory receptors on immune cells are pivotal regulators of immune escape in cancer. Among these inhibitory receptors, CTLA-4 (targeted clinically by ipilimumab) serves as a dominant off-switch while other receptors such as PD-1 and LAG-3 seem to serve more subtle rheostat functions. However, the extent of synergy and cooperative interactions between inhibitory pathways in cancer remain largely unexplored. Here, we reveal extensive coexpression of PD-1 and LAG-3 on tumor-infiltrating CD4þ and CD8þ T cells in three distinct transplantable tumors. Dual anti–LAG-3/anti–PD-1 antibody treatment cured most mice of established tumors thatwere largely resistant to single antibody treatment. Despiteminimal immunopathologic sequelae in PD-1 and LAG-3 single knockout mice, dual knockout mice abrogated self-tolerance with resultant autoimmune infiltrates in multiple organs, leading to eventual lethality. However, Lag3 / Pdcd1 / mice showed markedly increased survival from and clearance of multiple transplantable tumors. Together, these results define a strong synergy between the PD-1 and LAG-3 inhibitory pathways in tolerance to both self and tumor antigens. In addition, they argue strongly that dual blockade of these molecules represents a promising combinatorial strategy for cancer. Cancer Res; 72(4); 917–27. 2011 AACR.
Increased Basal cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Activity Inhibits the Formation of Mesoderm-derived Structures in the Developing Mouse Embryo*

A targeted disruption of the RIα isoform of protein kinase A (PKA) was created by using homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Unlike the other regulatory and catalytic subunits of PKA, RIα is the only isoform that is essential for early embryonic development. RIα homozygous mutant embryos fail to develop a functional heart tube at E8.5 and are resorbed at approximately E10.5. Mutant embryos show significant growth retardation and developmental delay compared with wild type littermates from E7.5 to E10.5. The anterior-posterior axis of RIα mutants is well developed, with a prominent head structure but a reduced trunk. PKA activity measurements reveal an increased basal PKA activity in these embryos.Brachyury mRNA expression in the primitive streak of RIα mutants is significantly reduced, consistent with later deficits in axial, paraxial, and lateral plate mesodermal derivatives. This defect in the production and migration of mesoderm can be completely rescued by crossing RIα mutants to mice carrying a targeted disruption in the Cα catalytic subunit, demonstrating that unregulated PKA activity rather than a specific loss of RIα is responsible for the phenotype. Primary embryonic fibroblasts from RIα mutant embryos display an abnormal cytoskeleton and an altered ability to migrate in cell culture. Our results demonstrate that unregulated PKA activity negatively affects growth factor-mediated mesoderm formation during early mouse development.
Title In Vivo Multiphoton NADH Fluorescence Reveals Depth-Dependent Keratinocyte Metabolism in Human Skin Permalink

We employ a clinical multiphoton microscope to monitor in vivo and noninvasively the changes in reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) fluorescence of human epidermal cells during arterial occlusion. We correlate these results with measurements of tissue oxyand deoxyhemoglobin concentration during oxygen deprivation using spatial frequency domain imaging. During arterial occlusion, a decrease in oxyhemoglobin corresponds to an increase in NADH fluorescence in the basal epidermal cells, implying a reduction in basal cell oxidative phosphorylation. The ischemia-induced oxygen deprivation is associated with a strong increase in NADH fluorescence of keratinocytes in layers close to the stratum basale, whereas keratinocytes from epidermal layers closer to the skin surface are not affected. Spatial frequency domain imaging optical property measurements, combined with a multilayer Monte Carlo-based radiative transport model of multiphoton microscopy signal collection in skin, establish that localized tissue optical property changes during occlusion do not impact the observed NADH signal increase. This outcome supports the hypothesis that the vascular contribution to the basal layer oxygen supply is significant and these cells engage in oxidative metabolism. Keratinocytes in the more superficial stratum granulosum are either supplied by atmospheric oxygen or are functionally anaerobic. Based on combined hemodynamic and two-photon excited fluorescence data, the oxygen consumption rate in the stratum basale is estimated to be ~0.035 mmoles/10 cells/h.
Corporate Governance and The Nigerian Banking Sector’S Share Price

Different corporate governance reforms have emerged from Nigerian corporate regulatory bodies to spur Nigerian banks into adopting sound corporate governance practices in the salutary interest of the Nigerian banking sector. This study therefore investigates the extent to which the corporate governance metrics impact on the share price performance of Nigerian banks. The control variables of firm performance and growth were also employed, as these are key determinants of share price performance. Explanatory research design was employed to expound the links between the dependent and independent variables. Secondary data were gathered from the annual reports of these banks from 2007 to 2014 to test five formulated hypotheses. Among other things, the study found that the coefficients of Audit Committee Size, Growth and Firm performance (surrogated by ROA) were significantly negatively related to share price performance, while the other variables are positively related to share price performance. It was concluded that corporate governance metrics, together with the controls variables are determinants of share price performance of Nigerian listed banks. It is therefore recommended that corporate governance manuals should be circulated to bank employees to ensure enforcement of consistent compliance in every transaction. Equally, bank regulatory bodies such as CBN, SEC, NSE, should sustain reform efforts that will employ the best corporate governance practices that will enhance international competitiveness.
Motor preparation: changes in amplitude of Achilles tendon reflexes during a fixed foreperiod of one second.

Achilles tendon (T) reflexes were evoked simultaneously in both legs during a fixed foreperiod of 1 sec. Volunteers were instructed to react as quickly as possible by one of four responses (in blocks): a plantar flexion of the left or right foot and a flexion of the left or right index finger. Prior to a foot response one leg was always involved in the response, prior to a finger response neither leg. Reflexes were evoked at 13 different points in time, from 100 msec prior to the warning signal (WS) to 100 msec after the response signal (RS). Amplitudes were expressed in percentages of control (intertrial interval) reflex amplitudes. In all conditions, amplitudes in both legs reached a peak 100 msec after the WS. After this non-selective increment, reflex amplitudes preceding a finger response decreased but remained larger than the baseline. Prior to a foot movement, amplitudes in uninvolved muscles remained larger than the baseline as well, whereas amplitudes in the involved muscle were no longer different from the baseline. This differential effect was independent of the response side. It was concluded that preparation for a response is characterized by a selective lack of activation in the reflex arc of the agonist, and a non-selective activation of the uninvolved spinal motor structures.
Effectiveness of IT Service Management Capability: Value Co-Creation and Value Facilitation Mechanisms

Abstract Information technology service management (ITSM) has become the prevalent management approach to the provision of IT services worldwide. Researchers and practitioners, however, still lack an understanding regarding through which mechanisms and in which strategic contexts an ITSM capability contributes most to information systems (IS) effectiveness. Grounded in a service-dominant logic, we hypothesize that ITSM capability contributes to IS effectiveness through sustaining the alignment of the IS function with the business and contingent upon organizational IS strategic conservativeness. Data collected from 256 organizations confirms that direct effects from ITSM capability are mediated by IS-business alignment and strengthened by IS strategic conservativeness. Our findings provide evidence for a co-occurrence of value co-creation and value facilitation mechanisms in internal IT service relationships and for a greater value of ITSM capability in stable strategic contexts. Overall, our results contribute a novel understanding to the service literature of the distinct mechanisms and the facilitating contextual contingencies of value creation in IT service relationships.
The effects of trustworthiness on the impact of organisational culture on employee creativity: The Nigerian manufacturing industry

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . iv APPROVAL SHEET . v SUBMISSION OF DISSERTATION . vi DECLARATION. vii LIST OF TABLES . xiii LIST OF FIGURES . xv ABBREVIATIONS . xvii PUBLICATIONS . xviii CHAPTER ONE .
Properties of growth hormone receptors in relation to the adipose conversion of 3T3 cells

Cultured preadipose 3T3 cells undergo a process of differentiation in which they convert to adipose cells. Growth hormone promotes this conversion. Since 3T3 sublines vary in their susceptibility to adipose conversion, it was of interest to examine the properties of the growth hormone receptors in relation to that susceptibility. It was found that preadipose 3T3‐F442A cells, which are able to convert to adipose cells with high frequency, are able to bind about 104 growth hormone molecules per cell with Kd ∼︁ 10−9M. After adipose conversion, no appreciable change in hormone binding was detected. The binding of growth hormone to 3T3‐C2 cells (a line virtually insusceptible to adipose conversion) was indistinguishable from that to 3T3‐F442A cells. Internalization and degradation of the hormone were also similar in the two cell lines. Susceptibility to adipose conversion is therefore not determined by the relative ability of the cells to bind or degrade the hormone, but must instead depend on some response, as yet unidentified, that follows binding of the hormone.
Coinfection is common in measles-associated pneumonia.

BACKGROUND Measles continues to be a significant health problem in developing countries. OBJECTIVES To describe the clinical features of measles-associated pneumonia (MAP) and to identify other pathogens involved. METHODS Measles diagnosis was ascertained either by the typical symptom complex or by a sensitive enzyme immunoassay for antibody among children < 5 years of age admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. Other pathogens were identified by blood culture, virus isolation or antigen detection from nasopharyngeal aspirate and antibody determination from serum. RESULTS Of 182 MAP cases 162 (89%) had clinically typical measles. Twenty patients had a diagnostic antibody finding with an atypical clinical presentation. Thirteen percent were younger than 9 months of age. The case fatality rate was 17%, with a significantly increased odds ratio (OR) for those with cyanosis [OR 4.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7 to 13], respiratory rate > or = 60/min (OR 3, 95% CI 1.3 to 7) or fulfilling criteria for very severe pneumonia (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.3 to 12). Mixed infection was found in 53% of patients. Blood culture was positive in 10 patients, Streptococcus pneumoniae (N = 5) being the most common finding. Adenovirus (19%) and parainfluenza (25%) viruses were the most frequent other viruses. A dense infiltrate was seen significantly more often among measles patients with bacterial coinfection (87.5%) than those with other viruses (36%, P = 0.007) or no evidence of other infection (33%, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION In MAP, coinfection with other microbes is common. Cyanosis and a respiratory rate of > or = 60/min predict a greater risk of dying.
Evaluation of facilities management sustainable parameters for improving operational efficiency

Abstract Sustainability is becoming an integral part of the life-cycle development of built facilities and is emphasized during the design phase and post-occupancy phase. This article, therefore, investigates the facilities management (FM) sustainable parameters impact on cost performance of building projects. The sustainable parameters were identified through a systematic review of literature and these were separated into four categories: people, process, economy and social. This study was followed by a questionnaire survey and 31 respondents graded them in a 5-point Likert scale during the online survey. The mean and relative significance index of the sustainable parameters were determined, followed by rank analysis. The research findings show that cost-effectiveness, value of asset, environmental, practiced culture and design adaptability are widely accepted as sustainable parameters in FM practice. The study findings also show that maintainability was rated as very significant in design process for reducing long-term cost. The relationships between sustainable parameters and consideration in building design were identified using correlation tests. Finally, this research concludes that the integration of sustainable parameters and maintainability consideration into the design phase are capable to reduce 15–20% maintenance costs in building projects. This study provides an insight into the most significant design consideration and sustainable parameters for achieving operational efficiency.
Identification of the murine cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B gene and its expression by recombinant vaccinia virus

The gene encoding glycoprotein B (gB) of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) strain Smith was identified, sequenced, and expressed by recombinant vaccinia virus. The gB gene was found adjacent to the polymerase gene, as it is in the genome of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). The open reading frame consists of 2,784 nucleotides capable of encoding a protein of 928 amino acids. Comparison with gB homologs of other herpesviruses revealed a high degree of homology. The similarity between the MCMV gB and the HCMV gB is most prominent, since 45% of the amino acids are identical. In addition, all cysteine residues are at homologous positions, indicating a similar tertiary structure of the two proteins. In contrast to HCMV, the MCMV gB mRNA is a true late transcript. A recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the MCMV gB gene has been constructed (Vac-gB). Antibodies raised against the Vac-gB recombinant precipitated proteins of 130, 105, and 52 kDa from MCMV-infected cells. The identity of the MCMV gB with the major envelope glycoprotein of MCMV described by Loh et al. was shown (L. C. Loh, N. Balachandran, and L. F. Qualtiere, Virology 166:206-216, 1988). Immunization of mice with the Vac-gB recombinant gave rise to neutralizing antibodies.