Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The contribution of proteomics to the unveiling of the survival strategies used by Pseudomonas putida in changing and hostile environments

Pseudomonas putida is a ubiquitous, metabolically very versatile, Gram‐negative bacterium adapted to habitats as diverse as soil, water and the rhizosphere. Most strains are nonpathogenic, many are used as experimental models, and many others have biotechnological applications in the areas of agriculture, bioremediation, biocatalysis, and the production of bioplastics. This review summarizes the contribution of proteomic technologies to our understanding of how P. putida responds to different carbon sources, how it adapts to living at suboptimal temperatures or attached to surfaces, and how it responds to the presence of toxic compounds such as aromatic molecules and heavy metals. The examples described illustrate the value of proteomics in furthering our knowledge of the physiology and behavior of bacteria, knowledge that is important for understanding how they behave in their natural habitats and for optimizing their behavior in biotechnological applications.
Predicting Material Weaknesses In Internal Control Systems After The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Using Multiple Criteria Linear Programming And Other Data Mining Approaches

Our study proposes a multiple criteria linear programming (MCLP) and other data mining method s to predict material weaknesses in a firm’s internal control system after the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) using 2003-2004 U.S. data. The results of the MCLP and other data mining approaches in our prediction study show that the MCLP method performs better overall than the other data mining approaches using financial and other data from the Form 10-K report. Consistent with prior research, firms that disclosed material weaknesses in their SOX Section 302 disclosures were more complex (based on the existence of foreign currency translations), more often used Big 4 auditors, and had lower operating cash flows-to-total assets ratios than the non-material weakness control firms. Because of mixed results on several profitability measures and marginal predictive ability for the MCLP and other methods used, more research is needed to identify firm characteristics that help investors, auditors, and others predict material weaknesses.
Localisation of SDF-1 and its receptor CXCR4 in retina and choroid of aged human eyes and in eyes with age related macular degeneration

Aim: To examine the immunolocalisation of stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and its receptor CXCR4 in aged control human donor eyes and eyes with age related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Postmortem eyes from eight aged control donors (mean age 79.8 years) and from 12 donors with AMD (mean age 83.9 years) were cryopreserved and sectioned through the macular region. SDF-1 and CXCR4 were localised using streptavidin alkaline phosphatase immunohistochemistry and then sections were bleached. Three independent masked observers scored the immunohistochemical reaction product. Results: In aged control retinas, SDF-1 immunoreactivity was most intense in inner photoreceptor matrix (IPM). CXCR4 showed a similar pattern of immunostaining, but was more prominent in inner segments of photoreceptors. In aged control and AMD choroid, SDF-1 and CXCR4 localisations were most prominent in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and choroidal stroma. However, the intensity for SDF-1 was significantly reduced in RPE (p<0.0001) and choroidal stroma (p<0.05) in late AMD eyes. SDF-1 and CXCR4 immunoreactivities were weak or nearly absent in disciform scars with choroidal neovascularisation (CNV). Circulating cells, presumably leucocytes, were most intensely positive for CXCR4. Conclusions: These results show that changes in distribution and relative levels of SDF-1/CXCR4 were not evident in early AMD. This suggests that SDF-1/CXCR4 may not contribute to the formation of CNV in AMD, in that CXCR4+ cells were not incorporated into neovascularisation. However, the examples of CNV studied were within disciform scars, so the authors cannot comment on the role of SDF-1/CXCR4 in the early stages of CNV formation.
Text dependent speaker verification using a small development set

Voice biometrics for user authentication is a task in which the object is to perform convenient, robust and secure authentication of speakers. Recently we have investigated the use of state-of-the-art text-independent and text-dependent speaker verification technology for user authentication and obtained satisfactory results within a framework of a proof of technology. However, the use we have made of a quite large development set limits the practical potential of our system. In this work we investigate the ability to build an accurate user authentication system with the limitation of having a small development set.
Port-Site Metastasis after Laparoscopic Surgery with Rapid Second Recurrence in Early Stage Endometrial Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction: Port site metastases have been reported with laparoscopic surgery. The mechanism of action is unknown. Theories include tumor tracking, spillage, pneumoperitoneum, and immune factors. Methods: We report on a case of aggressive port site metastases and intra-abdominal recurrence after an uncomplicated laparoscopic hysterectomy for a grade 2, minimally invasive endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterus. The world literature on port site metastases in gynecological cancer is reviewed. Results: Port site metastases have two distinct presentations. In the first pattern, the metastases are isolated to the laparoscopic port sites. In the second pattern, port site metastases are associated with widespread intra-abdominal recurrence. Conclusion: Port site metastases are rare but occur with laparoscopic surgery. Meticulous attention to surgical technique including the use of specimen bags to isolate tissue and prevent spillage should be performed. Data registries should be instituted to track the incidence and outcomes of port site metastases.
Periampullary adenomas and adenocarcinomas in familial adenomatous polyposis: cumulative risks and APC gene mutations.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) have a high prevalence of duodenal adenomas, and the region of the ampulla of Vater is the predilection site for duodenal adenocarcinomas. This study assessed the risk of stage IV periampullary adenomas according to the Spigelman classification and periampullary adenocarcinomas in Swedish FAP patients screened by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The genotype of patients with stage IV periampullary adenomas and periampullary adenocarcinomas was also investigated. METHODS A retrospective study of 180 patients screened by EGD in 1982-1999 was undertaken. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to evaluate cumulative risk. Mutation analysis was carried out in patients with periampullary adenocarcinomas diagnosed outside the screening program, in addition to patients in the screening group with stage IV periampullary adenomas and adenocarcinomas. RESULTS Periampullary adenoma stage IV was diagnosed in 14 patients (7.8%), with a cumulative risk of 20% at age 60 years. Periampullary adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in 5 patients (2.8%), with a cumulative risk of 10% at age 60. Three of the adenocarcinomas occurred in patients with stage IV periampullary adenomas compared with 2 in patients with less severe periampullary adenomatosis at screening (odds ratio, 31; 95% confidence interval, 4.6-215). Fifteen (88%) of the APC gene mutations were detected; 12 of these were located downstream from codon 1051 in exon 15. CONCLUSIONS The life time risk of severe periampullary lesions in FAP patients is high, and an association between stage IV periampullary adenomas and a malignant course of the periampullary adenomatosis is strongly suggestive. Mutations downstream from codon 1051 seem to be associated with severe periampullary lesions.
The external cruising costs of parking

Existing work emphasizes the importance of traffic congestion externalities, but typically ignores cruising-for-parking externalities. We estimate the marginal external cruising costs of parking—that is, the time costs that an additional parked car imposes on drivers by inducing them to cruise for parking—which is one of the main components of cruising-for-parking externalities. The level of cruising is identified by examining to what extent the car inflow rate into a parking location falls with parking occupancy level. For a commercial street in Istanbul, we demonstrate that a marginal car parking for an hour induces 3.6 other cars to cruise for parking. This translates into an external cruising cost that is in the same order of magnitude with the external traffic congestion cost created by the trip.
Indium-111-pentetreotide prolongs survival in gastroenteropancreatic malignancies.

Somatostatin and its analogues bind to somatostatin receptors (sst) 1 through 5 that are overexpressed in neuroendocrine neoplasms such as gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) malignancies. After ligand-receptor binding, a fraction of the ligand-receptor complexes internalize. This internalization process is an effective means of delivering cytotoxic radiolabeled somatostatin analogues, especially those emitting short-range decay particles such as Auger electrons, to the neoplastic cell nucleus. Indium-111-pentetreotide, an sst 2 preferring somatostatin analogue with gamma and Auger electron decay characteristics, is commonly used for the scintigraphic evaluation and management of neuroendocrine cancer patients. This clinical trial was performed to determine the effectiveness and tolerability of therapeutic doses of (111)In-pentetreotide in patients with GEP tumors. GEP tumor patients who had failed all forms of conventional therapy, with worsening of tumor-related signs and symptoms and/or radiographically documented progressive disease, an expected survival less than 6 months, and sst positivity as determined by the uptake on a 6.0 mCi (111)In-pentetreotide scan (OctreoScan; Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc, St. Louis, MO), were treated with at least 2 monthly 180-mCi intravenous injections of (111)In-pentetreotide. Baseline clinical assessments, serum chemistries, and plasma pancreastatin levels were measured and repeated before each (111)In-pentetreotide treatment. From February 1997 to February 1998, 27 GEP (24 carcinoid neoplasms with carcinoid syndrome and 3 pancreatic islet cells) patients were accrued, with 26 patients evaluable for clinical and radiographic responses, 21 patients evaluable for biochemical assessments, and 27 patients evaluable for survival analysis and safety. Toxicity was evaluated by using standard National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Toxicity Criteria guidelines. Clinical benefit occurred in 16 (62%) patients. Pancreastatin levels decreased by 50% or more in 81% of the patients. Objective partial radiographic responses occurred in 2 (8%) patients, and significant tumor necrosis (defined by 20 Hounsfield units or greater decrease from baseline) developed in 7 (27%) patients. The following transient Grades 3/4 NCI Common Toxicity Criteria side effects were observed, respectively: leukocyte: 1/1; platelets: 0/2; hemoglobin: 3/0; bilirubin: 1/3; creatinine: 1/0; neurologic: 1/0. Myeloproliferative disease and/or myelodysplastic syndrome have not been observed in the 6 patients followed-up for 48+ months. The median survival was 18 months (range, 3-54+ mo). Two doses (180 mCi) of (111)In-pentetreotide are safe, well-tolerated, and improve symptoms in 62% of patients, decrease hormonal markers in 81% of patients, decrease Hounsfield units on computed tomography (CT) scans in 27% of patients, with 8% partial radiographic responses and increased expected survival in GEP cancer patients with somatostatin receptor-expressing tumors. The maximal tolerated dose of (111)In-pentetreotide and the optimal dosing schedules remain under investigation.
What Drives China's Growing Role in Africa?

What role does China play in Africa's development? What drives China's increasing economic involvement in the continent? This paper attempts to provide a quantified assessment of China's multifaceted influence as market, donor, financer and investor, and contractor and builder. Though in the past official development aid predominated, the paper argues that government policies, markets for each other's exports, Africa's demand for infrastructure, and differences in China's approach to financing have together moved commercial activities - trade and investment - to the center of China-Africa economic relations. While China's public sector, state financial institutions in particular, has been instrumental in the process, the influence of its private sector is increasing. Implications for the future of China-Africa economic relations are briefly noted.
Cropping Systems in Eastern Europe: Past, Present, and Future

SUMMARY The evolution of cropping systems in Eastern Europe has been a long and gradual process. The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the cropping systems in Eastern Europe before World War II, the present cropping systems, and speculate on the future systems. Before World War II, the crop-long term fallow, the grass-crop, and the field rotation were the prominent cropping systems. Crop rotations were adopted in the 16th–17th century and various modifications of the ‘Norfolk’ and the ‘crop-grass’ rotation systems were used. Cash cropping, industrial cropping, and monoculture were extensively used after World War II. Major political, social, and economic changes took place in Eastern Europe after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Nationalized land was returned to rightful owners. The new owners, however, lacked the skills and financial resources for intensive crop production and this has resulted in drastic reductions in crop yields. Integrated crop production seems to be .
It's time to Stop the Pressure: importance of pressure ulcer prevention in community care.

With research showing that between 80% and 95% of cases of pressure ulcers are avoidable (NHS England, 2015), the frequency of the development of pressure ulcers in the UK still remains high. The presence of pressure ulcers is one of the simplest indicators of the quality of nursing care provided to patients, and it is widely accepted that they can be avoided through a number of simple care practices. While health care assistants (HCAs) and nurses are in an ideal position to prevent problems, spot symptoms, and provide expert treatment, it is the duty of all health professionals across the wider team to work together to improve care for vulnerable patients. The NHS has led the way in terms of educating health professionals and encouraging employees to understand the importance of good prevention, management, and treatment. Campaigns such as ‘Stop the Pressure’ (held in November) (nhs. stopthepressure.co.uk) are a good way to increase awareness of the problem and get nursing and caring teams on board with the campaign’s educational messages and practical resources. Pressure ulcers are much easier to prevent than to treat, but that does not mean the process is easy or uncomplicated. Moreover, wounds may still develop with consistent, appropriate, preventive care. Pressure ulcers are estimated to occur in 4%–10% of patients admitted to hospitals in the UK, resulting in costs of £1.4–2.1 billion each year to the NHS (Dealey et al, 2012). New pressure ulcers are estimated to affect up to 30% of patients in the community, and 20% of patients in nursing and residential homes (NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, 2010).
Is the Technology Acceptance Model Valid for BIMB Mobile Banking

The technological advances in wireless technology have introduced the most promising banking service mobile banking though it is still marginally adopted. In its simplest form, mobile banking enables bank customers to receive information on their account balances via SMS. Adopting technology acceptance model (TAM), this study examines the factors that determine intention to use mobile banking among Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad's (BIMB) customers. This study extends TAM to include perceived credibility, perceived self-efficacy and normative pressure. The results support the extended TAM in predicting the bank customer's behavioural intention to use mobile banking. Moreover, the study validates the robustness of TAM to study mobile banking. The results of this study will also extend current knowledge on technology acceptance, and mobile banking in particular.
The development of competitive advantages of Lithuanian biotechnology companies via sustainable innovation strategies

The aim of the present article is to investigate the role of sustainable innovation strategies on competitive advantages of Lithuanian biotechnology companies. The entire Lithuanian biotechnology market is targeted via the conduction of semi-structured qualitative interviews, consecutively carried out in 2011 and 2012. The methodological solution to introduce the time perspective in the research elucidates the importance of the sustainability in innovation processes as there could be the progress and the continuity in the implementation of innovation strategies observed among sample companies. There is the increasing number of discussions about innovations and the performance of organizations. The success of an innovative activity depends on the complex of human and financial resources, organizational, managerial, technical and other factors. Though competitive advantages cover a vast spectrum of aspects, they all are inter-related and dependent on a great number of factors and measures. The innovation strategy could help to reach target results and to provide a synergy effect. Main reasons for the creation and deployment of innovations should also be the increasing competition, rapidly evolving technology and changing consumers’ expectations. Such factors as the human capital emerges as the key driver of high-tech industries because people involved in innovative activities are characterized by their competencies, motivation and willingness to act in different circumstances. It should not be forgotten the importance of the continuity of innovation processes and long-term strategic directions. The research question: are sustainable innovation strategies necessary for competitive advantages of Lithuanian biotechnology companies? firstly, there is the concept and classification of innovations presented; it is continued by the revelation of main features of innovation management and success factors of the commercialization of innovations. These chapters are followed by the identification of companies’ competitive advantages and the analysis of sustainable strategic human resource management. finally, there are main characteristics of the biotechnology sector underlined and the research (2011 and 2012) results on a sustainable development of competitive advantages via the innovation strategy presented.
Urinary Trypsin Inhibitor, an Alternative Therapeutic Option for Inflammatory Disorders

Urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI), a serine protease inhibitor, has been widely (and sometimes experiencely) used as a supportive drug for patients with inflammatory disorders such as pancreatitis, shock, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Also, previous in vitro studies have demonstrated that serine protease inhibitors may have anti-inflammatory properties at sites of inflammation. However, the therapeutic effects of UTI in vivo remain unclarified, since commercial UTI have been developed to act against human, with the activity and selectivity toward the relevant animal UTI being less characterized. In this review, we introduce the roles of UTI mainly in experimental endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide: LPS)-related inflammatory disorders using UTI-deficient (-/-) and corresponding wild-type (WT) mice. Our experiments employing genetic approach suggest that endogenous UTI can serve protection against the systemic inflammatory response and subsequent organ injury induced by LPS, at least partly, through the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression, which provide important in vivo evidence and understanding about a protective role of UTI in inflammatory conditions. Using genetically targeted mice selectively lacking UTI, UTI has been evidenced to provide an attractive “rescue” therapeutic option for endotoxin-related inflammatory disorders such as DIC, acute lung injury, and acute liver injury.
Therapeutic potential of IL-27 in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease characterized by a diverse array of autoantibody production, complement activation and immune complex deposition, causing tissue and organ damage. Effective medical treatment for SLE is lacking because the etiology and pathogenesis of SLE are incompletely understood. It has been confirmed that cytokine-mediated immunity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases including SLE. Recently, IL-27 was identified, which belongs to the IL-12 cytokine family. IL-27 exerts profound anti-inflammatory effects in several experimental autoimmune models. In particular, suppressive effects on TH17 cells, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE. Moreover, administration of IL-27 or augmentation of IL-27 signaling suppresses some autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune diabetes and murine lupus, suggesting that IL-27 may be therapeutically relevant in SLE. In this article, we discuss the biological features of IL-27 and summarize recent advances on the role of IL-27 in the pathogenesis and treatment of SLE. Even though IL-27 has shown therapeutic potential in SLE, further research, particularly in humans, is needed in order to establish the precise role of IL-27 in SLE.
The Imperfect Match of Public Accountability of State-Owned Enterprises and Private-Sector-Type Financial Reporting: The Case of Italy

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are legally private entities used in many jurisdictions to satisfy public needs, mostly through extensive consumption of public funds. While the nature of purposes pursued and of resources employed affects their accountability in a public sense, their financial reporting requirements are set on the basis of their legal form and this may end up generating a misalignment between accountability and reporting. Such a misalignment significantly impairs the effectiveness of financial reporting and limits the relevant public authorities’ ability to control. The case of Italian SOEs is a fine example. These were created as incorporated entities fully or partially owned by local governments willing to dislocate the production of public services, especially utilities. Such companies have benefitted, thanks to the chosen legal form, from a private style financial reporting model that has significantly eased the controls normally existing on public administrations, and which has favoured massive misuse of public funds and largely illegal management conducts. This paper advocates for significant amendments to the financial reporting model they inherit from the legal form, in order to realign their private-style accounting obligations with their public-style accountability.