Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Escherichia coli Isolates Associated with Uncomplicated and Complicated Cystitis and Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Possess Similar Phylogenies, Virulence Genes, and O-Serogroup Profiles

ABSTRACT The genetic and serological characteristics of Escherichia coli isolates from patients with uncomplicated cystitis (UC), complicated cystitis (CC), and complicated asymptomatic bacteriuria (CASB) were determined. Phylogenetic group B2 was predominant in all categories. The prevalences of 14 out of 18 virulence factor genes were similar among the three categories, while pap, iha, ompT, and PAI were more frequently seen in isolates associated with UC than CC or CASB.
The Wolf at the Door: The Impact of Hedge Fund Activism on Corporate Governance

Hedge fund activism has increased almost hyperbolically. Although some view this trend optimistically as a means for bridging the separation of ownership and control, we review the evidence and find it far more mixed. In particular, engagements by activist hedge funds appear to be producing a significant externality: severe cut-backs in long-term investment (and particularly a reduction in investment in research and development) by both the targeted firms and other firms not targeted but still deterred from making such investments. We begin by surveying the regulatory and institutional developments that have reduced the costs and increased the expected payoff from activism for activist investors. We give particular attention to new tactics (including the formation of â€œwolf packsâ€ â€”loose associations of activist funds that do not constitute a â€œgroupâ€ under the Williams Act) and new institutional structures (such as the alliance between an activist hedge fund and a strategic bidder struck in the recent Allergan takeover battle). Then, we survey the empirical evidence on how the investment horizons of firms are changing. Next, we review prior studies on the impact of activism, looking successively at (1) who are the targets of activism? ; (2) does hedge fund activism create real value? ; (3) what are the sources of gains from activism? ; and (4) do the targets of activism experience post-intervention changes in real variables? We find the evidence decidedly mixed on most questions. Finally, we examine the policy levers that could encourage or curb hedge fund activism and consider the feasibility of reforms (including with respect to the law on insider trading). In particular, we consider possible private ordering responses, including new defensive tactics. Our policy preference is to find the least restrictive alternative.
A novel eGFP-expressing immunodeficient mouse model to study tumor-host interactions

A NOD/Scid mouse expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) is described, in which human and mouse tumors marked with red fluorescent protein can be established in vivo, both at subcutaneous and orthotopic locations. Using light microscopy as well as multiphoton confocal microscopy techniques, we visualized in detail the intricate colocalization of tumor and host cells in situ. Moreover, using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS), we were able to completely separate the host cells from the tumor cells, thus providing a system for detailed cellular and molecular analysis of tumor‐host cell interactions. The fact that tumor and host cells can be reliably identified also allowed us to detect double‐positive cells, possibly arising from cell fusion events or horizontal gene transfer. Similarly, the model can be applied for the detection of circulating metastatic cells and for detailed studies on the vascular compartments within tumors, including vasculogenic mimicry. Thus, the model described should provide significant insight into how tumor cells communicate with their microenvironment. —Niclou, S. P., Danzeisen, C. , Eikesdal, H. P., Wiig, H. , Brons, N. H. C. , Poli, A. M. F. , Svendsen, A. , Torsvik, A. , Enger, P. Ø. , Terzis, J. A. , Bjerkvig, R. A novel eGFP‐expressing immunodeficient mouse model to study tumor‐host interactions. FASEB J. 22, 3120–3128 (2008)
A novel system approach which simplifies the IGBT gate driver board

It makes no doubt in most people's mind that future transportation will become more and more electrical. However the penetration rate of electrification will greatly depend not only on the performance of the system — autonomy being one of the most critical aspects — but also on cost and system reliability. In this paper, a novel system approach for driving 3 phase inverters power stages will be presented. This novel approach brings several key advantages compared to standard solutions in terms of system cost and robustness.
Capn4 mRNA level is correlated with tumour progression and clinical outcome in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Objective To investigate the mRNA and protein levels of calpain small subunit-1 (Capn4) in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), to analyse the relationship between Capn4 mRNA level and pathological stage of ccRCC, and to examine the potential of Capn4 as a prognostic factor in ccRCC. Methods mRNA and protein levels of Capn4 were measured in pairs of tumour tissues and matched adjacent nontumour tissue obtained from patients with ccRCC by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Associations of the mRNA level of Capn4 with pathological tumour stage and the overall survival of ccRCC patients were also analysed. Results Capn4 mRNA and protein level were significantly higher in ccRCC tumour tissues compared with adjacent nontumour tissues as assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Higher Capn4 mRNA levels were observed in patients with more advanced pathological stage of ccRCC and were also associated with decreased overall survival of patients with ccRCC. Conclusions The findings from this study indicate that Capn4 has the potential to be an independent prognostic indicator for ccRCC.
High Concordance of Bovine Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotypes Generated Using Two Independent Genotyping Strategies

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) represent the most common form of DNA sequence variation in mammalian livestock genomes. While the past decade has witnessed major advances in SNP genotyping technologies, genotyping errors caused, in part, by the biochemistry underlying the genotyping platform used, can occur. These errors can distort project results and conclusions and can result in incorrect decisions in animal management and breeding programs; hence, SNP genotype calls must be accurate and reliable. In this study, 263 Bos spp. samples were genotyped commercially for a total of 16 SNPs. Of the total possible 4,208 SNP genotypes, 4,179 SNP genotypes were generated, yielding a genotype call rate of 99.31% (standard deviation ± 0.93%). Between 110 and 263 samples were subsequently re-genotyped by us for all 16 markers using a custom-designed SNP genotyping platform, and of the possible 3,819 genotypes a total of 3,768 genotypes were generated (98.70% genotype call rate, SD ± 1.89%). A total of 3,744 duplicate genotypes were generated for both genotyping platforms, and comparison of the genotype calls for both methods revealed 3,741 concordant SNP genotype call rates (99.92% SNP genotype concordance rate). These data indicate that both genotyping methods used can provide livestock geneticists with reliable, reproducible SNP genotypic data for in-depth statistical analysis.
Weight status and psychosocial factors predict the emergence of dieting in preadolescent girls.

OBJECTIVE The current study tested a longitudinal model predicting the emergence of dieting in girls (n = 183) at age 9 years using data from the same girls measured at ages 5 and 7. METHOD Variables related to the girls' weight status, psychological health, body satisfaction, maternal child feeding practices, and family environment are included in a hierarchical regression model predicting the emergence of dieting in girls. Interactions of girls' weight status with other variables in the model are also included in the last step. RESULTS Results indicate that the model accounts for 45% of the variance in the outcome scores and that variables across constructs have significant contributions to the model. Results also show that girls' weight status, both independently and as an interaction term, accounts for a large proportion of variance in this model. CONCLUSION Weight status at age 5 years is a critical factor related to the emergence of dieting in young girls.
Interdomain Linkers of Homologous Response Regulators Determine Their Mechanism of Action

ABSTRACT OmpR and PhoB are response regulators that contain an N-terminal phosphorylation domain and a C-terminal DNA binding effector domain connected by a flexible interdomain linker. Phosphorylation of the N terminus results in an increase in affinity for specific DNA and the subsequent regulation of gene expression. Despite their sequence and structural similarity, OmpR and PhoB employ different mechanisms to regulate their effector domains. Phosphorylation of OmpR in the N terminus stimulates the DNA binding affinity of the C terminus, whereas phosphorylation of the PhoB N terminus relieves inhibition of the C terminus, enabling it to bind to DNA. Chimeras between OmpR and PhoB containing either interdomain linker were constructed to explore the basis of the differences in their activation mechanisms. Our results indicate that effector domain regulation by either N terminus requires its cognate interdomain linker. In addition, our findings suggest that the isolated C terminus of OmpR is not sufficient for a productive interaction with RNA polymerase.
Thin cutaneous malignant melanomas (≤1.5 mm)

Although thin cutaneous melanomas generally have a favorable prognosis, in some cases they may undergo progression. The current study was undertaken to identify variables that may predict a more aggressive clinical outcome in these patients. In addition to classic clinicopathologic features, the authors tested the prognostic impact of three new morphometric quantitative parameters: 1) tumor thickness plus regression thickness (T+R), 2) percentage of skin thickness infiltrated by tumor cells (T/S ratio), and 3) percentage of skin thickness infiltrated by tumor cells and regression ([T+R]/S ratio).
A Simplified Mixed Logit Demand Model with an Application to the Simulation of Entry

The key contribution of this paper is to show how to incorporate more information into the empirical strategy in order to avoid the need of valid instruments, which are difficult to find in many instances. I use information on price elasticity to propose a methodology that is able to determine the parameters of a simplified Mixed Logit Model. I also apply this methodology to the ready-to-eat cereal industry and simulate the competitive and welfare effects of the introduction of new products.
A phase III randomized trial of adding topical nitroglycerin to first-line chemotherapy for advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer: the Australasian lung cancer trials group NITRO trial.

BACKGROUND We sought to determine whether the substantial benefits of topical nitroglycerin with first-line, platinum-based, doublet chemotherapy in advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) seen in a phase II trial could be corroborated in a rigorous, multicenter, phase III trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients starting one of five, prespecified, platinum-based doublets as first-line chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC were randomly allocated treatment with or without nitroglycerin 25 mg patches for 2 days before, the day of, and 2 days after, each chemotherapy infusion. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary end point. RESULTS Accrual was stopped after the first interim analysis of 270 events. Chemotherapy was predominantly with carboplatin and gemcitabine (79%) or carboplatin and paclitaxel (18%). The final analysis included 345 events in 372 participants with a median follow-up of 33 months. Topical nitroglycerin had no demonstrable effect on PFS [median 5.0 versus 4.8 months, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86-1.32, P = 0.55], overall survival (median 11.0 versus 10.3 months, HR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.79-1.24, P = 0.94), or objective tumor response (31% versus 30%, relative risk = 1.03, 95% CI 0.82-1.29, P = 0.81). Headache, hypotension, syncope, diarrhea, dizziness, and anorexia were more frequent in those allocated nitroglycerin. CONCLUSION The addition of topical nitroglycerin to carboplatin-based, doublet chemotherapy in NSCLC had no demonstrable benefit and should not be used or pursued further. CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number ACTRN12608000588392.
Comment on "Counting the World's Poor," by Angus Deaton

Deatons analysis of the problems with poverty counts and suggestions for improvement, including issues needing further research, are based on two distinct stages in counting the poor. At the first or international stage, a world poverty line is set and used to derive comparable poverty lines for each country. At the second or domestic stage, the poverty lines are used to count the number of poor people in each country, and the others are added up over countries. He finds disquieting evidence about both stages of counting. The data for poverty counts in the second stage come from household surveys, whereas data on aggregate economic growth are from National Accounts Statistics (NAS). Deaton finds that in many countries there are large and growing disparities between survey data and national accounts so that there is no consistent empirical basis for conclusions about the extent to which growth reduces poverty. It is scandalous that even after nearly half a century of pursuing national and international programs for the eradication of mass poverty, the empirical foundations for assessing the success or failure of the programs and drawing lessons from them are so weak as to be deemed nonexistent. Abandoning them and focusing on national and subnational poverty analysis that goes beyond headcounts will be the sensible course to follow. The author focuses only on consumption-based poverty lines. The reason is the challenge of defining household income in a theoretically satisfactory manner and collecting data on income based on that definition through household surveys in any country (developed or developing). Deaton (1989) discusses the difficulties in meeting the challenge. Poverty counts based on income-based poverty lines are even more problematic than consumption-based ones.
Import Demand, Economic Development and Trade Liberalization in Pakistan: An Empirical Analysis

This study empirically investigates the effects of trade liberalization and economic development on income and price elasticities of import demand in Pakistan. The data used for empirical analysis covers the period of 1972 to 2009. Johanson co-integration test is used to confirm the equilibrium relationship among the variables included in the study. The short run dynamics are estimated through Vector Error Correction Mechanism. The results indicate that trade liberalization in Pakistan positively influences income elasticity of import demand. Similarly, price elasticity of import demand in Pakistan is positively related to level of economic development in the country.
Relationship between the ability to change from a supine to a sitting position at admission and mobility outcomes after stroke rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND Regarding observations, stroke patients able to change their basic body position from supine to sitting at admission usually could walk by the end of rehabilitation. However, there was not yet supported by any research evidence. OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between the patient's ability at admission to change basic body position from a supine to a sitting position and the mobility outcome after stroke rehabilitation. MATERIAL AND METHOD Data were gathered and analyzed from the case record forms (including the Barthel ADL Index assessment sheets) of 327 stroke patients in nine tertiary in-patient rehabilitation settings in Thailand between March and December 2006. RESULTS On admission, 58.7% of the patients were able to change their basic position from supine to sitting. At the end of rehabilitation, the group which was able to sit had a higher mobility sub-score (OR = 6.15; 95% CI 3.24 -11.67) and total Barthel ADL index score (OR = 9.64; 95% CI 5.74-16.18) than the group which was unable to sit. CONCLUSION The ability at admission to change from a supine to a sitting position was significantly related to a better mobility outcome after stroke rehabilitation.
Atom-Probe Tomography of Nickel-Based Superalloys with Green or Ultraviolet Lasers: A Comparative Study

Abstract Recent developments in the technology of laser-pulsed local-electrode atom-probe (LEAP) tomography include a picosecond ultraviolet (UV) laser system having a 355 nm wavelength and both external and in-vacuum optics. This approach ensures focusing of the laser beam to a smaller spot diameter than has heretofore been obtained using a green (532 nm wavelength) picosecond laser. We compare the mass spectra acquired, using either green or UV laser pulsing, from nickel-based superalloy specimens prepared either electrochemically or by lifting-out from bulk material using ion-beam milling in a dual-beam focused ion beam microscope. The utilization of picosecond UV laser pulsing yields improved mass spectra, which manifests itself in higher signal-to-noise ratios and mass-resolving power (m/Δm) in comparison to green laser pulsing. We employ LEAP tomography to investigate the formation of misoriented defects in nickel-based superalloys and demonstrate that UV laser pulsing yields better accuracy in compositional quantification than does green laser pulsing. Furthermore, we show that using a green laser the quality of mass spectra collected from specimens that were lifted-out by ion milling is usually poorer than for electrochemically-sharpened specimens. Employing UV laser pulsing yields, however, improved mass spectra in comparison to green laser pulsing even for ion-milled microtips.
Knowledge of Parkinson's Disease in a Multiethnic Urban Asian Setting.

BACKGROUND Public knowledge regarding Parkinson's disease (PD) is important to facilitate good health-seeking behavior, but the literature on this topic is scarce. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the level of public knowledge regarding PD in a large multiethnic urban Asian cohort, and (as a secondary aim) in a smaller cohort of PD patients and caregivers. METHODS A Knowledge of PD Questionnaire (KPDQ) was developed and administered to members of the Malaysian general public, and to PD patients and caregivers. The KPDQ tests recognition of PD symptoms and general knowledge regarding PD. RESULTS 1,258 members of the general public completed the KPDQ. Tremor was the most widely recognized symptom (recognized by 79.0% of respondents); however, 83.7% incorrectly believed that all PD patients experience tremor. Memory problem was the most widely recognized NMS. Overall, motor symptoms were better recognized than NMS. Common misperceptions were that there is a cure for PD (49.8%) and that PD is usually familial (41.4%). Female gender, Chinese ethnicity, tertiary education, healthcare-related work, and knowing someone with PD were independently associated with higher KPDQ scores. PD patients (n = 116) and caregivers (n = 135) demonstrated superior knowledge compared with the general public group, but one-third of them believed that PD is currently curable. CONCLUSIONS This is the only study on public knowledge regarding PD in Asia. Important gaps in knowledge were evident, which could present a barrier to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of PD. This highlights the need for targeted education campaigns and further research in this area.
Protein Transport and Signal Transduction During Fertilization in Chlamydomonas

Fertilization in Chlamydomonas begins with flagellar adhesion between mating type plus and mating type minus gametes and is consummated within minutes by zygote formation. Once fusion occurs, the newly merged gametes cease existence as distinct entities, and the diploid zygote immediately initiates transcription of zygote‐specific genes. Accomplishing fertilization within such a short time requires the rapid and signaled movement of pre‐existing membrane and cytoplasmic proteins between and within several cellular compartments. Generation within the adhering flagella of the initial signals for protein movement, as well as movement itself of at least one cytoplasmic protein from the cell body to the flagella, depend on the microtubule motor, kinesin‐II and presumably on intraflagellar transport (IFT). Adhesion and fusion of the two gametes depend on a second translocation event, the movement of an adhesion/fusion protein onto the surface of a rapidly elongating, microvillous‐like fusion organelle. Finally, the merging of the two separate gametes, each containing sex‐specific proteins, into a single cell allows the formerly separate proteins to form new interactions that regulate zygote development. Two proteins – a nuclease and a homeodomain protein – which were present only in the plus gamete, are ‘delivered’ to the cytoplasm of the zygote during gamete fusion. The nuclease is selectively imported into the minus chloroplast, where it degrades the chloroplast DNA, thereby ensuring uniparental inheritance of plus chloroplast traits. The homeodomain protein binds with an as yet unidentified protein delivered by the minus gamete, and the new complex activates transcription of zygote‐specific genes.
The Toxicology of HMG—CoA Reductase Inhibitors: Prediction of Human Risk

The discovery that 3-hydroxy-3-methyglutaryl coenzyme A reductase was a rate-determining step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol led to the discovery of inhibitors of this enzyme. To support the development of these agents (statins) as potential hypocholesterolemic drugs, a variety of preclinical studies were conducted in several animal species. Not unexpectedly due to the central role played by mevalonic acid and its products including cholesterol in development and maintenance of cellular homeostasis, administration of high dosage levels of these agents led to the expression of a broad variety of adverse effects in many different tissues. Using the tools of toxicologic pathology and classical risk assessment, these varied toxicities were evaluated by many groups relative to the conditions of use in human therapy and a perspective was developed on potential human risk. These approaches of mechanism-based risk assessment predicted that most of the adverse effects observed in animals would not be seen under conditions of human use and supported the successful introduction of one of the most important classes of human medicines.
The NCGC Pharmaceutical Collection: A Comprehensive Resource of Clinically Approved Drugs Enabling Repurposing and Chemical Genomics

Resources from the National Institutes of Health Chemical Genomics Center include a database and a physical collection of approved drugs. Small-molecule compounds approved for use as drugs may be “repurposed” for new indications and studied to determine the mechanisms of their beneficial and adverse effects. A comprehensive collection of all small-molecule drugs approved for human use would be invaluable for systematic repurposing across human diseases, particularly for rare and neglected diseases, for which the cost and time required for development of a new chemical entity are often prohibitive. Previous efforts to build such a comprehensive collection have been limited by the complexities, redundancies, and semantic inconsistencies of drug naming within and among regulatory agencies worldwide; a lack of clear conceptualization of what constitutes a drug; and a lack of access to physical samples. We report here the creation of a definitive, complete, and nonredundant list of all approved molecular entities as a freely available electronic resource and a physical collection of small molecules amenable to high-throughput screening.