Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and Nuclear Factor Kappa-B (NFKB) in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

BACKGROUND Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common hematologic malignancy in early childhood. In children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the activity of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK-3β) has been associated with changes in the transcriptional activity and expression of nuclear factor kappa beta (NFKB) in the mononuclear cells of bone marrow. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to determine the possible role of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3β) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NFKB) as prognostic variables in pediatric patients with ALL. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a descriptive, transversal, and observational study. Bone marrow and blood samples were obtained from 30 children with newly-diagnosed ALL, who were seen at the Hematology-Oncology Service, Hospital para el Niño (HPN), Toluca, Mexico, from 2014‒2015. Anthropometric variables, clinical lab results, immunophenotype and cytogenetic abnormalities were registered. GSK-3β was evaluated through immunohistochemistry, and NFKB messenger RNA (mRNA) with real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The cases of ALL were classified into two groups of risk: high and habitual. RESULTS Thirty patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 7.1 years (range 2‒13 years). Twenty-one were male and 9 female. Employing the morphological classification, 26 patients had type L1 ALL and the remaining 4 patients had type L2 ALL. Abnormal genes were found in 7 (23.33%) patients, ETV-RUNX1 in 3, followed by TCF3-PBX1 (two), STL1-TAL1 (one), and BCR-ABL1 (one). NFKB relative expression levels, in comparison to the GSK-3β immunohistochemistry results of the bone marrow samples, showed significant differences between positive and negative cases (p = 0.001) and between weak-positive and negative cases (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that GSK-3β may be a prognostic biomarker in childhood ALL.
Borrelia miyamotoi and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in Ixodes ricinus Ticks, Romania

To the Editor: Ixodes spp. ticks are vectors for human and animal pathogens. Ix. ricinus ticks are widely distributed, frequently reported to feed on humans, and the main vector for a large variety of tickborne pathogens (1). The effect of ticks and tickborne diseases on public health, animal health and welfare, and animal production appears to be an increasing global problem, which will lead to considerable economic costs (2).
Preconception and pregnancy: opportunities to intervene to improve women’s diets and lifestyles

Recently, large-scale trials of behavioural interventions have failed to show improvements in pregnancy outcomes. They have, however, shown that lifestyle support improves maternal diet and physical activity during pregnancy, and can reduce weight gain. This suggests that pregnancy, and possibly the whole periconceptional period, represents a ‘teachable moment’ for changes in diet and lifestyle, an idea that was made much of in the recent report of the Chief Medical Officer for England. The greatest challenge with all trials of diet and lifestyle interventions is to engage people and to sustain this engagement. With this in mind, we propose a design of intervention that aims simultaneously to engage women through motivational conversations and to offer access to a digital platform that provides structured support for diet and lifestyle change. This intervention design therefore makes best use of learning from the trials described above and from recent advances in digital intervention design.
A first step towards engineer-oriented adaption of the Repertory Grid Technique

Different approaches and methods exist to determine product perceptions from the perspective of the customer. These are more or less suitable to provide specific product requirements for product development. Specifically in the area of quality perception, it is difficult to determine target-oriented and product-improvement requirements. One possible approach is the Repertory Grid Technique, which originates from psychology and was developed in 1955 by George A. Kelly. Today, it is applied in market research and provides important suggestions for determining the perception and positioning of products. Equally, initial studies have shown the applicability of the Repertory Grid Technique in the area of quality management. The results are sometimes difficult to interpret, and only provide limited constructive information to support product development. In this paper, various Repertory Grid studies are presented and compared with regard to the quality of their results. Through feedback loops, the technique is gradually modified and improved based on the quality of their results.
Mutations of PQBP1 in Renpenning syndrome promote ubiquitin‐mediated degradation of FMRP and cause synaptic dysfunction

Abstract Renpenning syndrome is a group of X‐linked intellectual disability syndromes caused by mutations in human polyglutamine‐binding protein 1 (PQBP1) gene. Little is known about the molecular pathogenesis of the various mutations that cause the notable variability in patients. In this study, we examine the cellular and synaptic functions of the most common mutations found in the patients: c. 461_462delAG, c. 459_462delAGAG and c. 463_464dupAG in an AG hexamer in PQBP1 exon 4. We discovered that PQBP1 c. 459_462delAGAG and c. 463_464dupAG mutations encode a new C‐terminal epitope that preferentially binds non‐phosphorylated fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and promotes its ubiquitin‐mediated degradation. Impairment of FMRP function up‐regulates its targets such as MAP1B, and disrupts FMRP‐dependent synaptic scaling in primary cultured neurons. In Drosophila neuromuscular junction model, PQBP1 c. 463_464dupAG transgenic flies showed remarkable defects of synaptic over‐growth, which can be rescued by exogenously expressing dFMRP. Our data strongly support a gain‐of‐function pathogenic mechanism of PQBP1 c. 459_462delAGAG and c. 463_464dupAG mutations, and suggest that therapeutic strategies to restore FMRP function may be beneficial for those patients.
Asthma symptoms in women employed in domestic cleaning: a community based study

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown an association between cleaning work and asthma, but the risk factors are uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of asthma in women employed in domestic cleaning. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 4521 women aged 30 to 65 years. Information on respiratory symptoms and cleaning work history was obtained using a postal questionnaire with telephone follow up. Asthma was defined as reported symptoms in the last year or current use of drugs to treat asthma. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for asthma in different cleaning groups were estimated using adjusted unconditional logistic regression models. Results: 593 women (13%) were currently employed in domestic cleaning work. Asthma was more prevalent in this group than in women who had never worked in cleaning (OR 1.46 (95% CI, 1.10 to 1.92)). Former domestic cleaning work was reported by 1170 women (26%), and was strongly associated with asthma (OR 2.09 (1.70 to 2.57)). Current and former non-domestic cleaning work was not significantly associated with asthma. Consistent results were obtained for other respiratory symptoms. Twenty five per cent of the asthma cases in the study population were attributable to domestic cleaning work. Conclusions: Employment in domestic cleaning may induce or aggravate asthma. This study suggests that domestic cleaning work has an important public health impact, probably involving not only professional cleaners but also people undertaking cleaning tasks at home.
The Politics of European Referendum Outcomes and Turnout: Two Models

This survey briefly examines the EU accession process for the countries included in this collection and considers the distinctive features of this set of referendums, particularly the comparatively high levels of Yes vote and low levels of turnout. It argues that, although they represent a distinctive sub-type of European referendum, they can be used as a basis to draw at least tentative comparative and theoretical conclusions. Consequently, it then posits causal models that both provide an analytical framework for this collection and, more broadly, attempt to explain the results and turnout in these and, potentially, other (European) referendums.
The value of genetic information to livestock buyers: a combined revealed, stated preference approach

DNA profile information has begun appearing in purebred bull auction catalogs; however, the value of this information is as of yet unknown. This study uses data from actual bull sales at a test station and combines it with stated-preference survey data to determine the value of the DNA profile information. Consistent with previous research, we find that expected progeny differences (EPDs), test performance, and ultrasound information significantly influence bull-buyers’ willingness-to-pay. The newer DNA profile information, however, was unrelated to buyers’ preferences. Methodologically, we find statistically significant differences (but highly correlated willingness-to-pay values) across the stated and revealed preference data sources.
Importance of genetic diversity in eelgrass Zostera marina for its resilience to global warming

Effects of global warming on marine ecosystems are far less understood than they are in terrestrial environments. Macrophyte-based coastal ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to global warming, because they often lack species redun- dancy. We tested whether summer heat waves have negative effects on an ecologically important eco- system engineer, the eelgrass Zostera marina L. , and whether high genotypic diversity may provide re- silience in the face of climatic extremes. In a meso- cosm experiment, we manipulated genotypic diver- sity of eelgrass patches fully crossed with water temperature (control vs. temperature stress) over 5 mo. We found a strong negative effect of warming and a positive effect of genotypic diversity on shoot densities of eelgrass. These results suggest that eel- grass meadows and associated ecosystem services will be negatively affected by predicted increases in summer temperature extremes. Genotypic diver- sity may provide critical response diversity for main- taining seagrass ecosystem functioning, and for adaptation to environmental change.
Ardipithecus ramidus and the Paleobiology of Early Hominids

Hominid fossils predating the emergence of Australopithecus have been sparse and fragmentary. The evolution of our lineage after the last common ancestor we shared with chimpanzees has therefore remained unclear. Ardipithecus ramidus, recovered in ecologically and temporally resolved contexts in Ethiopia’s Afar Rift, now illuminates earlier hominid paleobiology and aspects of extant African ape evolution. More than 110 specimens recovered from 4.4-million-year-old sediments include a partial skeleton with much of the skull, hands, feet, limbs, and pelvis. This hominid combined arboreal palmigrade clambering and careful climbing with a form of terrestrial bipedality more primitive than that of Australopithecus. Ar. ramidus had a reduced canine/premolar complex and a little-derived cranial morphology and consumed a predominantly C3 plant–based diet (plants using the C3 photosynthetic pathway). Its ecological habitat appears to have been largely woodland-focused. Ar. ramidus lacks any characters typical of suspension, vertical climbing, or knuckle-walking. Ar. ramidus indicates that despite the genetic similarities of living humans and chimpanzees, the ancestor we last shared probably differed substantially from any extant African ape. Hominids and extant African apes have each become highly specialized through very different evolutionary pathways. This evidence also illuminates the origins of orthogrady, bipedality, ecology, diet, and social behavior in earliest Hominidae and helps to define the basal hominid adaptation, thereby accentuating the derived nature of Australopithecus.
Stewarding Engagement, Harnessing Knowledge: Keeping the Future in Reserves

This paper aims to explore the implications of key drivers of change upon the future of military personnel management in the CF and the Reserves. There are of course, many other factors existing today as well as those that will emerge in the future that will shape culture, society, systems and organizations in unpredictable ways. As well, there will be many unpredictable challenges posed by the Future Security Environment. However, the future of the workplace and personnel management in the CF will be significantly influenced by at least four major interacting factors – one demographic and three technological trends:
The Future of Skill Formation in Singapore

This article examines the issues, challenges and prospects for 'high' skill formation in a context of economic globalisation, technological change and the fall-out from the Asian financial crisis. This crisis led many Western commentators to predict a global convergence based on a shareholder model of market capitalism. Such a convergence is also predicated on the view that global economic integration would mark the death knell of the 'developmental' state. Given that Singapore relies heavily on attracting inward investment from multinational corporations, accounting for approximately two-thirds of employment, we would expect to find a significant reduction in the role of the state in skill formation and economic development. This article shows that this has not happened but that Singapore confronts a number of key 'pressure points' that it will not be easy for this city-state to resolve.
[The obstructive sleep apnea in bariatric surgery].

INTRODUCTION Obesity is a well known risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Medical therapy is not effective for morbid obesity. Bariatric surgery is therefore a reasonable option for weight reduction for patients with clinically severe obesity. PATIENTS AND METHODS 283 obese patients were operated on from 1999 until 2005 in our Institution and they were examined with a history, physical examination and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Obese patients with a ESS score > or = than 10 were evaluated with a Polysomnography (PSG). RESULT 61 patients (21.5%) resulted with a ESS > or = than 10. An obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome was identified in 52 patients (85.2%). These patients were treated by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for 3 months before the surgical treatment. After 1 year follow-up (100% of patients) we observed a reduction in OSAS patients: ESS < 10 in 77.5% and PSG negative in 80.3%. CONCLUSION This study considered the value of ESS to select obese patients with a high risk of OSA. We did not observe any association between grade of obesity and risk of OSA. Bariatric surgery reduced the prevalence of OSA already after 1 year of follow-up and the preoperative treatment of OSA (3 months CPAP) reduced the post-operative morbidity.
Hos2p/Set3p Deacetylase Complex Signals Secretory Stress through the Mpk1p Cell Integrity Pathway

ABSTRACT Perturbations in secretory function activate stress response pathways critical for yeast survival. Here we report the identification of the Hos2p/Set3p deacetylase complex (SET3C) as an essential component of the secretory stress response. Strains lacking core components of the Hos2p/Set3p complex exhibit hypersensitivity to secretory stress. Although not required for the unfolded protein response (UPR) and ribosomal gene repression, the Hos2p complex is required for proper activation of the Mpk1p/Slt2p cell integrity kinase cascade. Disruption of the Hos2p complex results in abrogated Mpk1p phosphorylation, whereas constitutive activation of the Mpk1p pathway rescues the hos2Δ mutant growth defect in response to secretory stress. Furthermore, Hos2p activity is required for the Mpk1p-mediated activation of stress-responsive transcription factor Rlm1p, but not for the stress-induced degradation of the C-type cyclin Ssn8p. Our results identify the Hos2p complex as a critical component of the secretory stress response and support the existence a coordinated stress response consisting of the UPR, ribosomal gene repression, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in response to defects in secretory function.
THE STOCHASTIC COMPONENT OF REALIZED VOLATILITY

Volatility–volume regressions provide a convenient framework to study sources of volatility predictability. We apply this approach to the daily realized volatility of common stocks. We find that unexpected volume plays a more significant role in explaining realized volatility than expected volume, and accounts for about one-third of the non-persistent component in the volatility process. Contrary to the findings of Lamoureux and Lastrapes (1990), the ARCH effect is robust even in the presence of volume. However, this component explains only about half of the variations in realized volatility. Thus, large portion of realized volatility is clearly stochastic. This presents a significant challenge to the goal of achieving precise realized volatility forecasts.
The survival of international differences under IFRS: towards a research agenda

Abstract The compulsory use of IFRS for the consolidated statements of listed companies in the EU and elsewhere, and the convergence of IFRS with US GAAP, might imply the end of ‘international accounting’ as an important field of study. However, there are motives and opportunities for international differences of practice to exist within IFRS usage. Some of the original motives for international accounting differences may still be effective in an IFRS context, though in different ways. The opportunities for different IFRS practices are divided into eight types. Hypotheses relating to each of these are proposed, and some ways of testing them are suggested. Some implications of the existence of different national versions of IFRS are noted.
SUCCESS-LCO: instant and cost-effective upgrade of existing passive optical networks by spectral shaping line codes

Novel line codes combined with WDM techniques allow simple and cost-effective overlay of higher bitrate services in existing fiber optical access networks. The solution leaves the existing services and field-deployed fibers untouched. The design of the spectral shaping line codes is presented, along with the analyses for different code rates and processing window sizes. The computation can be simplified by employing vector quantization for the trigonometric functions. DC balance is achieved by forwarding the DC residual to the following window. The spectral shape can be manipulated in various ways to optimize the system performance. Experiments have been conducted to demonstrate and compare several different optimized line codes. For a specific tolerable interference level, the optimal line code can easily be determined which maximizes the data throughput. The service overlay by the line coding technique provides a very flexible and economic way to upgrade existing passive optical networks.
Chief Executive Officer departures and market uncertainty

This study investigates the effect on stock return volatility of a significant event in the life of a firm, a change in its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Citing weaknesses in the prior literature, we bring a new approach to re-examine the issue. Firstly, we use a relatively unbiased classification system using both company announcements and media reports. Secondly, we use short-term stock return volatility as a more accurate estimator to isolate the effect of a single disclosure. We find strong evidence that the level of stock return volatility increases following announcements of CEO departures, and that the increase is significantly higher following announcements of forced departures compared to voluntary departures. The results are consistent with signalling effect theory in that forced dismissals convey previously unknown information to the market. Signed cumulative abnormal returns are also more negative for a forced CEO departure.
Work, Income, and Material Hardship after Welfare Reform.

Forthcoming in Journal of Consumer Affairs 34 (no 1): 2000 A key goal of welfare reform is for recipients to establish stable, long-term work patterns under the assumption that regular involvement in work will eventually improve their well-being. Past research provides little information about the determinants of employment over time for women who were welfare recipients, either pre- or post-PRWORA, and little information about how work affects their economic well-being and experiences of material hardship. After a review of the relevant literature, we address the following questions in this paper: To what extent does a sample of women who received cash assistance in early 1997 establish work attachment over time? How is the proportion of time worked over the 1997-1998 period associated with income and poverty at the end of this period? How is the amount of time spent working associated with experiences of material hardship and subjective well-being?
The Emerging External Labor Market and the Impact on Enterprise's Human Resource Development in China.

China has undergone substantial restructuring at both the macroeconomic and the enterprise level, and its admission into the World Trade Organization in 2001 provided further impetus to the reform process. Global competition and a reconsideration of national human resource policies have underpinned much of this reform and have led to an emerging external labor market. Little research, however, has been undertaken on this labor market and its impact on human resource development. This study examines human resource development choices to recruit externally or train internally. This “buy or make” decision is explored in businesses in Beijing and Shanghai, cities that represent the more developed regions of China and provide an indication of future trends. The article concludes with a discussion of the policy implications of the research and suggestions for future research.
Trends in head and neck cancer incidence in relation to smoking prevalence

The trends in head and neck cancer incidence and smoking prevalence are reviewed, discussing where such trends parallel but also how and why they may not. In the U.S., public health efforts at tobacco control and education have successfully reduced the prevalence of cigarette smoking, resulting in a lower incidence of head and neck cancer. Vigilance at preventing tobacco use and encouraging cessation should continue, and expanded efforts should target particular ethnic and socioeconomic groups. However, an unfortunate stagnation has been observed in oropharyngeal cancer incidence and likely reflects a rising attribution of this disease to oncogenic human papillomavirus, in particular type 16 (HPV‐16). For the foreseeable future, this trend in oropharyngeal cancer incidence may continue, but with time the effects of vaccination of the adolescent and young adult female population should result in a lower viral prevalence and hopefully a reduced incidence of oropharyngeal cancer. To hasten the reduction of HPV‐16 prevalence in the population, widespread vaccination of adolescent and young adult males should also be considered. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
TIME-INTENSITY RELATIONS IN BINAURAL UNMASKING.

Variations in the threshold of a 500‐cps tone masked by random noise are studied as a function of simultaneous shifts in the interaural amplitude ratio and interaural time delay of the tone. The experimental results are found to coincide with the results of computations based on the equalization and cancellation model and are used to define a time‐intensity trade for binaural unmasking.