Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Relationship between Justice and Team Goal Commitment in Virtual Project Teams: An Empirical Investigation

Virtual project teams are spontaneous group configurations that endeavor to overcome spatial and temporal restrictions in bringing together distant experts to create just-in-time knowledge sharing coalitions. Due to their time-constrained nature and the anonymity among members, we believe that team goal commitment might be a more pertinent factor driving task performance. We hypothesize that members' perceived distributive, interactional, and procedural justice are viable antecedents leading to the inducement of team goal commitment among virtual project team members. A longitudinal field experiment was carried out to test these hypotheses. The results suggest that: (1) distributive justice is a consistently strong predictor of team goal commitment over time; (2) the effect of interactional justice on team goal commitment manifests over time, and; (3) procedural justice has no effect on team goal commitment over time. Implications for both theory and practice are discussed.
Stronger influence of maternal than paternal obesity on infant and early childhood body mass index: the Fels Longitudinal Study

Excessive early childhood adiposity is a prevalent and increasing concern in many parts of the world. Parental obesity is one of the several factors previously associated with infant and early childhood weight, length and adiposity. Parental obesity represents a surrogate marker of the complex interplay among genetic, epigenetic and shared environmental factors, and is potentially modifiable. The relative contributions of maternal and paternal body mass index (BMI) to infant and early childhood growth, as well as the timing of such effects, have not been firmly established.
Observing the Viscous Relaxation Process of Silica Optical Fiber at ~1000 °C Using Regenerated Fiber Bragg Grating

A regenerated fiber Bragg grating (RFBG) in silica fiber was used to observe the viscous relaxation process of the host silica fiber at high temperatures of around 1000 °C. Two factors, preannealing time and loaded tension, which affect viscous relaxation, were observed. When an RFBG is stretched after a longer preannealing, the measured viscosity of the optical fiber was observed to reach equilibrium faster, which means that preannealing accelerates viscous relaxation. A similar acceleration phenomenon was also observed when a larger load was applied to stretch the optical fiber, although the acceleration effect of loaded tension was not as strong as in the preannealing case. The results play an active role in establishing effective optical-fiber devices for application in high-temperature environments.
In search of the Holy Grail: comparison of antibody screening methods

Abstract Currently, the goal of testing for RBC antibodies is to use a method that will detect, if possible, all antibodies that are considered clinically significant and yet not detect antibodies of little clinical importance in transfusion or pregnancy. The focus of test method development has been on the more controllable variables of the first and second stages of agglutination. Tube test methods have been developed over the years to achieve shorter turnaround times for quicker test results and improved sensitivity, with the occasional negative impact on relevant results. The focus on improving efficiency through automation, and personnel resourcing challenges of the transfusion service, have led laboratories to select methods tailored to meet their needs. This review compares the newer methods used in the gel test and solid phase test with commonly used tube methods. Both of the newer methods were developed with future adaptation to automation in mind. Further literature reviews about antibodies detected in only one or two methods and their general lack of clinical relevance as well as the occasional rare examples that produce significant clinical effects on transfused patients are also discussed. Immunohematology2006;22:196–202.
Enrichment of cancer stem‐like cells by the induction of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition using lentiviral vector carrying E‐cadherin shRNA in HT29 cell line

A better understanding of cancer stem cells (CSCs) may facilitate the prevention and treatment of cancers. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process activated during invasion and metastasis of tumors. EMT induction in normal and tumor cells makes them more resistant to chemotherapy. E‐cadherin is a membrane protein and plays a role in tumor invasion, metastasis, and prognosis. Downregulation of E‐cadherin is a hallmark of EMT. Here, we created a model of cancer stem‐like cells enrichment via EMT induction using E‐cadherin downregulation in HT29 cell line using a lentiviral vector carrying shRNA. We aimed to evaluate cancer and anti‐CSC chemotherapeutics screening. The markers of EMT and CSCs were assessed and compared with control cells using flow cytometry, real‐time PCR, immunocytochemistry, western blot, migration assay, invasion assay, and colony formation assay. The transduced cells showed a mesenchymal morphology. High levels of EMT‐related proteins were also expressed. These results confirmed that the transduced cells underwent EMT. In addition, we observed an increased population of E‐cadherin‐downregulated HT29 cell line among the cells expressing colon CSC markers (CD133+ and CD44+) after EMT induction. E‐cadherin‐downregulated cells were morphologically like mesenchymal cells, and the number of CD133+‐ and CD44+‐cells (CSC‐like cells) increased. These cells can be used as stable models to study cancer cells and screening of antitumor therapeutics.
Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α (Nuclear Receptor 2A1) Is Essential for Maintenance of Hepatic Gene Expression and Lipid Homeostasis

ABSTRACT The numerous functions of the liver are controlled primarily at the transcriptional level by the concerted actions of a limited number of hepatocyte-enriched transcription factors (hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α [HNF1α], -1β, -3α, -3β, -3γ, -4α, and -6 and members of the c/ebp family). Of these, only HNF4α (nuclear receptor 2A1) and HNF1α appear to be correlated with the differentiated phenotype of cultured hepatoma cells. HNF1α-null mice are viable, indicating that this factor is not an absolute requirement for the formation of an active hepatic parenchyma. In contrast, HNF4α-null mice die during embryogenesis. Moreover, recent in vitro experiments using tetraploid aggregation suggest that HNF4α is indispensable for hepatocyte differentiation. However, the function of HNF4α in the maintenance of hepatocyte differentiation and function is less well understood. To address the function of HNF4α in the mature hepatocyte, a conditional gene knockout was produced using the Cre-loxP system. Mice lacking hepatic HNF4α expression accumulated lipid in the liver and exhibited greatly reduced serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increased serum bile acid concentrations. The observed phenotypes may be explained by (i) a selective disruption of very-low-density lipoprotein secretion due to decreased expression of genes encoding apolipoprotein B and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, (ii) an increase in hepatic cholesterol uptake due to increased expression of the major high-density lipoprotein receptor, scavenger receptor BI, and (iii) a decrease in bile acid uptake to the liver due to down-regulation of the major basolateral bile acid transporters sodium taurocholate cotransporter protein and organic anion transporter protein 1. These data indicate that HNF4α is central to the maintenance of hepatocyte differentiation and is a major in vivo regulator of genes involved in the control of lipid homeostasis.
Implantability of endaurally insertable active vibratory middle-ear implants – an anatomical study

Abstract Background: Hearing loss is often treated with an acoustic hearing aid. However, distortion and insufficient gain may cause problems. Active non-acoustic vibratory middle-ear implants (AMEI) may contribute to solve this problem. We recently developed an AMEI which is to be implanted completely through the patient’s external auditory canal. The device uses a light-emitting diode (LED) in the external auditory canal that stimulates a photovoltaic sensor, placed in the middle ear, through the intact tympanic membrane. This results in activation of a vibratory miniaturized piezoelectric displacement transducer (MDT) (actuator) coupled to the auditory organ. Aims/objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical implantability of the novel AMEI using an exclusively endaural approach. Materials and methods: The internal components of our AMEI were implanted into 39 human temporal bones. The surgical procedure and the optimal size and anatomical fitting were systematically evaluated. Results: We can show here that implantation of all components of this novel AMEI into anatomical specimens proves to be a quick and easy procedure, performed using an endaural approach. Conclusions and significance: The anatomical data of this study establish the basis for further technical development of our AMEI and other future implantable hearing systems.
Optimal Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) Cut-Offs: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Czech Population

Background and Objectives: The key pathogenetic mechanism of glucose metabolism disorders, insulin resistance (IR), can be assessed using the Homeostasis Model Assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). However, its application in clinical practice is limited due to the absence of cut-offs. In this study, we aimed to define the cut-offs for the Czech population. Methods: After undergoing anthropometric and biochemical studies, the sample of 3539 individuals was divided into either nondiabetics, including both subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n = 1947) and prediabetics (n = 1459), or diabetics (n = 133). The optimal HOMA-IR cut-offs between subgroups were determined to maximize the sum of the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or prediabetes. The predictive accuracy was illustrated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Logistic regression was performed to assess the association between a target variable (presence/absence of T2DM) depending on the HOMA-IR score as well as on the age and sex. Results: The HOMA-IR cut-off between nondiabetics and diabetics for both sexes together was 3.63, with a sensitivity of 0.56 and a specificity of 0.86. The area under the ROC curve was 0.73 for T2DM diagnosing in both sexes. The HOMA-IR cut-off between the NGT subjects and prediabetics was 1.82, with a sensitivity of 0.60 and a specificity of 0.66. Logistic regression showed that increased HOMA-IR is a risk factor for the presence of T2DM (odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–1.28, p < 0.0001). The predictive ability of HOMA-IR in diagnosing T2DM is statistically significantly lower in females (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.44–0.98). The results are valid for middle-aged European adults. Conclusions: The results suggest the existence of HOMA-IR cut-offs signaling established IR. Introduction of the instrument into common clinical practice, together with the known cut-offs, may contribute to preventing T2DM.
Assessing the Behavioral Consequences of Multiple Sclerosis: An Application of the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe)

ObjectiveThe current study examines the utility of the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe) to document behavioral changes in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). BackgroundMS results in widespread central nervous system lesions that have a propensity for affecting frontal and parietal brain regions. As a result, behavioral symptoms may present, including disorders of executive functioning, apathy, and disinhibition. MethodTwenty-six people with MS and 15 healthy controls (HC) underwent neuropsychological testing and completed the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe), and measures of emotional functioning. ResultsBehavioral ratings for the MS group prior to illness were equivalent to those of the HC group. After illness however, a clinically and statistically significant increase was noted on two of three FrSBe scales, the apathy scale and the executive dysfunction scale. Relationships were also noted between the FrSBe family and self-report forms after illness and measures of neuropsychological performance, particularly information processing, working memory, and executive control. In contrast, physical disease progression was correlated with family ratings of behavior, but not self-ratings. ConclusionsThe FrSBe appears to be a sensitive measure of behavioral change in people with MS. Self-ratings and family ratings of behavioral changes are related to measures of neuropsychological performance. However, physical symptoms of MS are related only to the family ratings of behavior.
Genomewide Association Study Confirming the Association of NAT2 with Susceptibility to Antituberculosis Drug-Induced Liver Injury in Thai Patients

Antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury (ATDILI) is a common side effect leading to tuberculosis (TB) treatment disruption. The mechanism of the disease remains poorly understood. We conducted a genomewide association study (GWAS) to investigate all possible genetic factors of ATDILI in Thai patients. This study was carried out in Thai TB patients, including 79 ATDILI cases and 239 tolerant controls from our network hospitals in Thailand. ABSTRACT Antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury (ATDILI) is a common side effect leading to tuberculosis (TB) treatment disruption. The mechanism of the disease remains poorly understood. We conducted a genomewide association study (GWAS) to investigate all possible genetic factors of ATDILI in Thai patients. This study was carried out in Thai TB patients, including 79 ATDILI cases and 239 tolerant controls from our network hospitals in Thailand. Nearly 1 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped across the whole genome using an Illumina OmniExpress Exome BeadChip array. In the discovery stage, we identified strong association signals on chromosome 8 originating from the N-acetyltransferase (NAT2) region. The A allele of rs1495741, the top SNP in the intergenic region of NAT2 and PSD3 (14 kb from NAT2), was significantly associated with ATDILI (recessive model, odds ratio of 6.01 [95% confidence interval, 3.42 to 10.57]; P = 6.86E−11). This particular SNP was reported as a tag SNP for NAT2 inferred phenotypes. The AA, AG, and GG genotypes represented NAT2 slow acetylators, intermediate acetylators, and fast acetylators, respectively. The tag SNP genotypes demonstrated a concordance rate of 94.98% with NAT2 acetylator phenotypes. This GWAS shows that NAT2 is the most important risk factor for ATDILI in the Thai population.
Decreased expression of mannose-specific adhesins by Escherichia coli in the colonic microflora of immunoglobulin A-deficient individuals

Most Escherichia coli isolates can express type 1 fimbriae with mannose-specific adhesins. These adhesins bind to the oligosaccharide chains of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). Thus, in addition to specific antibody activity, secretory IgA possesses a broad reactivity with bacteria expressing type 1 fimbriae. The absence of secretory IgA in colonic secretions, as seen in IgA deficiency, might therefore alter the ability of type 1-fimbriated E. coli to colonize the large intestines of these individuals. In the present study, 10 E. coli isolates from each of 17 IgA-deficient and 17 age-matched control individuals were assessed for the carriage of the fim gene cluster by DNA-DNA hybridization and for the expression of type 1 fimbriae by hemagglutination of guinea pig erythrocytes. The contribution of type 1-fimbria-mediated adherence to HT-29 colonic cells was also analyzed. The proportion of fim+ E. coli isolates was lower in IgA-deficient than in control individuals (74 versus 94%, P < 0.05), as was the proportion of isolates expressing type 1 fimbriae in vitro (69% versus 85%, P < 0.05). The median mannose-sensitive adherence to HT-29 cells was lower for isolates from IgA-deficient individuals than from the controls (9 versus 26 bacteria per cell, P < 0.05). Isolates expressing type 1 fimbriae showed lower adherence to HT-29 cells when they were derived from IgA-deficient individuals than when they were derived from control individuals (15 versus 27 bacteria per cell, P < 0.05). The results suggest that the interaction of type 1 fimbriae with secretory IgA contributes to the large intestinal colonization by these bacteria.
Characterization and modelling of VanT: a novel, membrane‐bound, serine racemase from vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus gallinarum BM4174

Sequence determination of a region downstream from the vanXYC gene in Enterococcus gallinarum BM4174 revealed an open reading frame, designated vanT, that encodes a 698‐amino‐acid polypeptide with an amino‐terminal domain containing 10 predicted transmembrane segments. The protein contained a highly conserved pyridoxal phosphate attachment site in the C‐terminal domain, typical of alanine racemases. The protein was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and serine racemase activity was detected in the membrane but not in the cytoplasmic fraction after centrifugation of sonicated cells, whereas alanine racemase activity was located almost exclusively in the cytoplasm. When the protein was overexpressed as a polypeptide lacking the predicted transmembrane domain, serine racemase activity was detected in the cytoplasm. The serine racemase activity was partially (64%) inhibited by d‐cycloserine, whereas host alanine racemase activity was almost totally inhibited (97%). Serine racemase activity was also detected in membrane preparations of constitutively vancomycin‐resistant E. gallinarum BM4174 but not in BM4175, in which insertional inactivation of the vanC‐1d‐Ala:d‐Ser ligase gene probably had a polar effect on expression of the vanXYC and vanT genes. Comparative modelling of the deduced C‐terminal domain was based on the alignment of VanT with the Alr alanine racemase from Bacillus stearothermophilus. The model revealed that almost all critical amino acids in the active site of Alr were conserved in VanT, indicating that the C‐terminal domain of VanT is likely to adopt a three‐dimensional structure similar to that of Alr and that the protein could exist as a dimer. These results indicate that the source of d‐serine for peptidoglycan synthesis in vancomycin‐resistant enterococci expressing the VanC phenotype involves racemization of l‐ to d‐serine by a membrane‐bound serine racemase.
Computed tomography of the superior vena cava.

The superior vena cava (SVC) can be visualized and reliably evaluated by computed tomography (CT). Opacification of this vessel with iodinated contrast material and multiplanar reformations can provide information concerning the patency of the lumen and the relationship of the SVC with adjacent mediastinal and lung structures, both normal and abnormal. SVC obstruction leading to SVC syndrome is the most common condition affecting this vessel. It can be caused by both extrinsic compression and intraluminal thrombosis. Numerous collateral pathways have been described by conventional radiographic and anatomic studies with the azygos vein being the most important collateral vessel. From this aspect, five distinct grades of SVC obstruction can be identified. Grade 0: SVC narrowing without clinical evidence of SVC syndrome. Grade I: Moderate SVC narrowing without collaterals. Grade II: Severe SVC narrowing with the azygos vein serving as partial collateral. Grade III: SVC obstruction above the azygos arch. Grade IV: SVC obstruction at or below the level of the azygos arch. Patients with Grades I to IV have clinical evidence of SVC syndrome, and the CT grading roughly corresponds to the severity of clinical findings. CT accurately depicts both the site of SVC obstruction and important collateral pathways and clearly distinguishes between SVC thrombosis and external compression. In this regard, it provides unique information not available from other modalities such as conventional or radioisotope venography. Furthermore, in a number of patients with suspected SVC obstruction, this vessel may be patented, leading to clinical reassessment. The only disadvantage of CT as compared with radionuclide flow studies is the potential hazard from i.v. administration of iodinated contrast material. Less common abnormalities of the SVC include congenital or developmental conditions, such as persistent left SVC, aneurysms, dilation of the vessel due to heart failure, and variations (usually tortuosity) of the thoracic inlet vessels. We conclude that CT should be used as the procedure of choice for the diagnosis of SVC abnormalities, especially in patients with suspected SVC syndrome.
CD 83 Gene Polymorphisms Increase Susceptibility to Human Invasive Cervical Cancer

We previously mapped a nonrandom frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) region in cervical cancers to 1 Mb of 6p23. Here, we describe the identification of a novel cervical cancer susceptibility gene, CD83 . The gene was identified by several complementary approaches, including a family-based association study, comparison of transcript expression in normal and cancerous tissue, and genomic sequencing of candidate. CD83 encodes an inducible glycoprotein in the immunoglobulin superfamily and is a marker for mature dendritic cells. The association study that includes 377 family trios showed that five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within 8 kb of its 3¶-end showed significant allelic association that was strengthened in a subgroup of women with invasive cancers infected by high-risk human papillomavirus type 16 and 18 (rs9296925, P = 0.0193; rs853360, P = 0.0035; rs9230, P = 0.0011; rs9370729, P = 0.0012; rs750749, P = 0.0133). Investigation of CD83 uncovered three alternative transcripts in cervical tissue and cell lines, with variant 3 (lacking exons 3 and 4) being more frequent in cervical cancer than in normal cervical epithelium (P = 0.0181). Genomic sequencing on 36 paired normal and cervical tumors revealed several somatic mutations and novel SNPs in the promoter, exons, and introns of CD83 . LOH was confirmed in >90% of cervical cancer specimens. Immunofluorescence colocalized CD83 protein to the Golgi apparatus and cell membrane of cervical cancer cell lines. None of seven nearby genes was differentially expressed in cervical cancer. The importance of CD83 in epithelial versus dendritic cells needs to be determined, as does its role in promoting cervical cancer. [Cancer Res 2007;67(23):11202–8]