Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Characterization of Naturally Occurring Variants of Human Hepatitis B Virus Containing the Core Internal Deletion Mutation

ABSTRACT Naturally occurring variants of human hepatitis B virus (HBV) containing the core internal deletion (CID) mutation have been found frequently in HBV carriers worldwide. Despite numerous sequence analysis reports of CID variants in patients, in the past decade, CID variants have not been characterized functionally, and thus their biological significance to HBV infection remains unclear. We report here two different CID variants identified from two patients that are replication defective, most likely due to the absence of detectable core protein. In addition, we were unable to detect the presence of the precore protein and e antigen from CID variants. However, the production of polymerase appeared to be normal. The replication defect of the CID variants can be rescued in trans by complementation with wild-type core protein. The rescued CID variant particles, which utilize the wild-type core protein, presumably are enveloped properly since they can be secreted into the medium and band at a position similar to that of mature wild-type Dane particles, as determined by gradient centrifugation analysis. Our results also provide an explanation for the association of CID variants with helper or wild-type HBV in nature. The significance of CID variants in HBV infection and pathogenesis is discussed.
A Review of Experimental and Archival Conflicts-of-Interest Research in Auditing

I review empirical (archival and experimental) accounting research that has addressed the issue of conflicts of interest, focusing on the audit setting that has received so much recent attention. I start with a brief discussion of the audit function and auditors' incentives, viewing auditors as weighing incentives that favor acceding to client demands against incentives that favor resisting client demands, and as also influenced by psychological and social aspects of audit settings. Then I discuss various different research approaches to investigating conflicts of interest in this setting. The review is not intended to be exhaustive. Rather, I highlight key strengths and weaknesses of each approach and illustrate each approach with a representative study. I also discuss the main insights provided by each approach. I finish by relating the insights provided by different approaches and suggesting some directions for future research.
Real Options and Incentives in a PPP Railway Project

This master thesis proposes a financial model for the current PPP railway project between Tours and Bordeaux. This work studies the investment opportunity granted to a private concessionaire for this project, considering a semi-stochastic demand. The model uses a standard continuous time real options methodology but also encompasses some concepts from the incentive theory (agency, conflict of interests, effort). Thus, we price the optimal incentives that induce the concessionaire in providing a good quality of service. Finally, some numerical simulations of the project are performed from either real or realistic data, in order to test the model.
Strategic marketing : an applied perspective

Part One: Introduction and Market Definition1. The Strategic Marketing Planning Process2. Mission, Value Strategies, and Market DefinitionPart Two: Situation Analysis3. Internal Analysis4. Customer Analysis5. Industry Analysis6. Competitor Analysis7. Analysis of Distribution and Suppliers8. From Analysis to StrategyPart Three: Corporate Decisions and Marketing Decisions9. Corporate Objectives and Corporate Strategies10. Marketing Objectives and Marketing StrategiesPart Four: Implementation11. Objectives and Strategies for Marketing Instruments12. Organization and Implementation of Marketing
PREVALENCE OF NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODIES TO BOVID HERPESVIRUS 2 IN AFRICAN WILDLIFE

A total of 3,470 sera, collected between 1963 and 1980 from 45 different species of wildlife in nine African countries, was examined for virus neutralizing (VN) antibodies to bovid herpesvirus 2. Antibodies were demonstrated in 20 species including 15 Bovidae, two Suidae, hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) and a green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops); 11 of these species had not been previously recorded as sero-positive. Although the significance of neutralizing antibodies in the absence of virus isolation remains in doubt, results suggest that infection is widespread in wildlife. The highest VN titres were recorded in waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus and K. defassa), reedbuck (Redunca arundinum) and buffalo (Syncerus caffer). Infection appears to be continuous in free-living populations of buffalo and antibodies are present in the majority of animals by the age of 2 yr.
On the irrelevance of the leverage effect

Financial leverage increases the expected return on equity. We show that this leverage effect is not only irrelevant for shareholders' present wealth but also for the return on their investments. This result is straightforward if we do not only look at the return on equity but at the return on shareholders' total wealth. Any relevance leverage may have is definitely due to market imperfections. These may simply cause differences in market access for firms and individuals or lead to agency problems between investors and management.
Energy Values of Feed Ingredients for White Pekin Ducks

A modified true metabolizable energy bioassay was used to determine the nitrogen-corrected apparent (AMEn) and true (TMEn) metabolizable energy of various feed ingredients for ducks. In each of two experiments, which lasted 102 h with a 54-h excreta collection period following a 48-h period of fee d withdrawal, six male White Pekin ducks were assigned to each of three test feed ingredients and dextrose. Dextrose-fed ducks were used for estimation of endogenous losses of energy and nitrogen. The test ingredients consisted of corn, bakery byproduct and wheat red dog in experiment 1 and corn, corn gluten meal and soybean meal in experiment 2. The AMEn and TMEn values of corn were similar in the first and second experiments at 3.322 and 3.358 and 3.289 and 3.528 kcal/g, respectively. The AMEn and TMEn values of corn were higher (P < 0.05) than those of wheat red dog (2.519 and 2.662 kcal/g), but lower (P < 0.05) than those of bakery byproduct (3.75 and 3.896 kcal/g). Corn gluten meal had the highest (P < 0.05) AMEn and TMEn values (3.695 and 3.934 kcal/g) among three feed ingredients. The AMEn and TMEn value of soybean meal (2.562 and 2.799 kcal/g) were lower (P < 0.05) than those of corn. The study provide new information on AMEn and TMEn values for bakery byproduct, corn, corn gluten meal, soybean meal and wheat red dog; and demonstrated that the energy values, for White Pekin ducks, of bakery byproduct and corn gluten meal are greater than those of corn or soybean meal.
THE ROLE OF THE ACCOUNTANTS IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE MODERN TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND DIGITAL ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS

Since the mid-90s, economic entities in our country have been increasingly using technology in the accounting information system. Accounting information system is a set of resources, people and equipment, designed to transform financial or non financial data into information, which is communicated to a wide range of users. The accounting information system that accomplishes this transformation can be manual or computerized. Information technology is seen as increasingly favorable for obtaining qualitative and timely information. Accountants today are expected to recognize the changes that accompany the evolution of technology and use them to prepare accurate financial reports in a short time. The use of computerized accounting systems makes it easier to collect and process information, thus creating the opportunity for accountants to provide information needed for management of the company whenever necessary. In this paper we give a general picture on the computerized accounting systems, the advantages and problems faced during during their use by economic entities.
Medical directors of long-term care facilities: preventing another physician shortage?

OBJECTIVE The long-term care (LTC) sector in Canada is expanding, but little attention has been given to medical human resources in this area. Our objective was to seek LTC medical directors' opinions about medical services in LTC and about strategies for recruitment and retention. DESIGN Mailed survey. SETTING Long-term care facilities and nursing homes. PARTICIPANTS Seven hundred five medical directors of LTC facilities across Canada were identified from the Canadian Healthcare Association database. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Responses to open- and closed-ended questions and to Likert-type scales. RESULTS The response rate was 55%. The average age of medical directors was 54 years. Most had started work in LTC because of a vacant position, as opposed to self-perceived skills or training. Most (75.3%) reported satisfaction with their role as medical directors, but 82.7% believed that there was a significant shortage of physicians working in LTC, and 42% had seriously considered leaving their positions. Major sources of satisfaction identified were clinical, especially working with older patients and improving care. Important sources of dissatisfaction were remuneration for LTC work, on-call coverage, and excessive paperwork. Directors suggested increases to fee schedules as the main recruitment and retention strategy, and many believed that increasing exposure to LTC during residency would increase recruitment. Development of larger on-call groups for coverage and alternative methods of remuneration were not cited as important factors. Most did not believe that working in a teaching nursing home would increase their satisfaction. Directors did not think the use of nurse practitioners would alleviate concerns about shortages of physicians. CONCLUSION Medical directors of LTC facilities are aging, and many are considering leaving their work in LTC. Without an increase in the number of physicians willing to work in LTC institutions, the current shortage of LTC physicians could increase in the near future. Medical directors' responses to questions could help guide strategies to recruit and retain physicians. Future areas of research should include the perspectives of physicians who are not medical directors and of family medicine residents.
Proof Theory of the Cut Rule

The cut rule is a very basic component of any sequent-style presentation of a logic. This essay starts by describing the categorical proof theory of the cut rule in a calculus which allows sequents to have many formulas on the left but only one on the right of the turnstile. We shall assume a minimum of structural rules and connectives: in fact, we shall start with none. We will then show how logical features can be added to this proof theoretic substrate in a modular fashion. The categorical semantics of the proof theory of this modest starting point, assuming just the cut rule, lies in multicategories. We shall refer to the resulting logic as multi-logic to emphasize this connection.
The value–based management and share price relationship for companies listed on the banking sector of the JSE Ltd.

i Acknowledgements iii List of Tables vii List of Figures viii Table of Abbreviations ix CHAPTER 1 1 1.1 BACKGROUND 1 1.2 RESEARCH STATEMENT 5 1.3 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 5 1.3. 1 Main goal 5 1.3. 2 Sub-objectives 5 1.4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 5 1.4. 1 Literature study 5 1.4. 2 Empirical study 6 1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY 6 1.6 LIMITATION OF THE DISSERTATION 6 1.7 LAYOUT OF THE STUDY 7 CHAPTER 2 8 2.1 INTRODUCTION 8 2.2 VALUE-BASED MANAGEMENT 9 2.2.1 Origins and development of value-based management 9 2.2.2 Value-based management principles 13 2.2.3 Advantages of value-based management 15 2.2. 4 Disadvantages of value-based management 17 2.2. 5 Shareholder value 19 2.2. 6 Value drivers of value-based management 28 2.3 VALUE-BASED METRICS 30 2.3. 1 Shareholder value analysis (SVA) 31 2.3. 1.1 Advantages of SVA 33 2.3. 1.2 Disadvantages of SVA 34
RGS6, but Not RGS4, Is the Dominant Regulator of G Protein Signaling (RGS) Modulator of the Parasympathetic Regulation of Mouse Heart Rate*

Background: RGS4 and RGS6 are regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins, and both have been proposed to modulate parasympathetic regulation of heart rate (HR). Results: RGS6 ablation enhances parasympathetic influence on the heart; RGS4 ablation does not. Conclusion: RGS6 is the primary RGS modulator of parasympathetic influence on the heart. Significance: Understanding the parasympathetic regulation of HR will improve treatment of arrhythmias. Parasympathetic activity decreases heart rate (HR) by inhibiting pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node (SAN). Dysregulation of parasympathetic influence has been linked to sinus node dysfunction and arrhythmia. RGS (regulator of G protein signaling) proteins are negative modulators of the parasympathetic regulation of HR and the prototypical M2 muscarinic receptor (M2R)-dependent signaling pathway in the SAN that involves the muscarinic-gated atrial K+ channel IKACh. Both RGS4 and RGS6-Gβ5 have been implicated in these processes. Here, we used Rgs4−/−, Rgs6−/−, and Rgs4−/−:Rgs6−/− mice to compare the relative influence of RGS4 and RGS6 on parasympathetic regulation of HR and M2R-IKACh-dependent signaling in the SAN. In retrogradely perfused hearts, ablation of RGS6, but not RGS4, correlated with decreased resting HR, increased heart rate variability, and enhanced sensitivity to the negative chronotropic effects of the muscarinic agonist carbachol. Similarly, loss of RGS6, but not RGS4, correlated with enhanced sensitivity of the M2R-IKACh signaling pathway in SAN cells to carbachol and a significant slowing of M2R-IKACh deactivation rate. Surprisingly, concurrent genetic ablation of RGS4 partially rescued some deficits observed in Rgs6−/− mice. These findings, together with those from an acute pharmacologic approach in SAN cells from Rgs6−/− and Gβ5−/− mice, suggest that the partial rescue of phenotypes in Rgs4−/−:Rgs6−/− mice is attributable to another R7 RGS protein whose influence on M2R-IKACh signaling is masked by RGS4. Thus, RGS6-Gβ5, but not RGS4, is the primary RGS modulator of parasympathetic HR regulation and SAN M2R-IKACh signaling in mice.
A40926, a new glycopeptide antibiotic with anti-Neisseria activity

In the course of a search for glycopeptide antibiotics having novel biological properties, we isolated A40926. Produced by an actinomycete of the genus Actinomadura, A40926 is a complex of four main factors which contain a fatty acid as part of a glycolipid attached to the peptide backbone. Its activity was, in most respects, similar to that of other glycopeptides, such as vancomycin and teicoplanin. However, in addition to inhibiting gram-positive bacteria, A40926 was very active against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A40926 was rapidly bactericidal for N. gonorrhoeae clinical isolates at concentrations equal to or slightly higher than the MIC. In mice, levels in serum were higher and more prolonged than those of an equivalent subcutaneous dose of teicoplanin. These properties suggest that A40926 may have potential in the therapy of gonorrhea.
Comportement viscoplastique avec rupture des argiles raides. Applications aux ouvrages souterrains

Les argiles raides sont generalement rencontrees a grande profondeur (plus de 300 metres). Ces materiaux se caracterisent par leur teneur en eau relativement faible. De nombreux projets industriels justifient l'interet recent porte a ces materiaux. La these traite en particulier d'argiles raides susceptibles de repondre a des sollicitations par des deformations elastiques, plastiques et viscoplastiques. C'est la prise en compte simultanee d'une rupture engendrant des deformations plastiques et des deformations differees de types viscoplastiques qui font l'originalite de cette these. Cette nouvelle approche constitue une amelioration indispensable dans la description du comportement mecanique d'argiles raides. Ce travail est presente en trois parties : la premiere partie est consacree a l'etude experimentale et a la modelisation du comportement mecanique des argiles raides. Dans cette partie, nous decrivons les materiaux consideres, et les essais realises. Nous discutons les resultats et elaborons un modele viscoplastique avec rupture. La deuxieme partie, « Application du modele VPR au calcul d'un tunnel de section circulaire », est consacree a l'elaboration d'une solution originale semi analytique et d'un algorithme implante dans GEOMEC91. La troisieme partie, « Application du modele VPR au calcul 2d axisymetrique des tunnels soutenus et etude parametrique », montre tres clairement l'influence du modele VPR sur la convergence du tunnel au moment de la pose du soutenement, et par consequent sur les sollicitations de ce dernier. Les resultats des calculs montrent une forte influence de la cohesion a court terme sur la convergence du tunnel.
Acquired hypoprothrombinemia inducing bleeding in a girl with transient antiphospholipid antibody: case report.

BACKGROUND Congenital or acquired prothrombin deficiency is a rare condition. CASE REPORT A 2-year-7-month old Thai girl presented with ecchymosis, bleeding at both thighs and right ear lobe after a self-limited viral infection. RESULTS The investigations revealed prolonged APTT and PT, prothrombin level 6% and positive anticardiolipin antibody 26.2 IU/mL. The 1:1 mixture of her plasma and normal plasma could not normalize her APTT and PT. The inhibitor to prothrombin determined by Bethesda method was 0.62 BU. She was responsive to 20 ml/kg of FFP transfusion, followed by 10 ml/kg at an interval of 12 h for three days and daily 500 units of prothrombin complex concentrate administration for three days. At two-week follow-up, she had no bleeding symptom, coagulation tests were normal, prothrombin level was normalized at 94%, no inhibitor to prothrombin was detected, and anticardiolipin antibody became negative. The additional DNA analysis of her prothrombin gene revealed nine different polymorphisms for which seven had been found in patients with congenital prothrombin deficiency and two were novel (4096T-->C, 4097T-->C). These single nucleotide polymorphisms are not the disease-causing mutations. In addition, neither known mutations inducing congenital prothrombin deficiency were identified. CONCLUSION The acquired hypoprothrombinemia was concluded as the cause of bleeding in this reported patient. It might be caused by the transient low titer of antiphospholipid antibody, which was responsive to replacement therapy of FFP and prothrombin complex concentrate.
The diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in children and adults.

I. Introduction II. GHD in Children A. Clinical aspects B. Radiology C. GH provocative tests D. Physiological assessment of GH secretion E. IGFs F. IGFBPs G. Newer strategies for assessment of GH status H. Practical approach to the diagnosis of GHD III. GHD in Adults A. Clinical aspects B. GH provocative tests C. Physiological assessment of GH secretion D. IGF-I and IGFBP-3 E. Obesity F. Elderly G. Childhood onset H. Newer strategies for assessment of GH status I. Practical approach to the diagnosis of GHD
EVOLUTION — FACT OR THEORY ?

We have observed that life on Earth, at the present and in the past, is related by descent through a common ancestry. Closely related species resemble each other because they are related through a relatively recent common ancestor; and more distantly related organisms resemble each other in general proportion to their historical distance from a common ancestor. Thus this piece of the concept of biological evolution is an observed fact.
Bank Herding and Incentive Systems as Catalysts for the Financial Crisis

Why do good bankers sometimes respond with the same disastrous strategies? Rooted in regulatory economics and behavioral finance, the paper offers a taxonomy of effects that narrows the scope of the banks’ decision making into a funnel-shape and thus, prepares the ground for a financial crisis. The basic message of the paper is that inconsistent decision rules, rigid bank regulations, stakeholder-focused incentive structures within banks and uncritical adoption of innovations may force banks into decisions that are micro-functional, but macro-dysfunctional. Behavioral aspects play a key role in the suggested remedies on the regulatory side (macroprudential regulation, supervision of incentives) and on the banking side (proper reward systems and structured decision making) to re-establish prudent banking.
Mutations in the Mediator subunit MED23 link intellectual disability to immediate early gene regulation

1. Ropers HH. Genetics of intellectual disability. Curr Opin Genetics Dev 2008: 18: 241–250. 2. Spaeth JM, Kim NH, Boyer TG. Mediator and human disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2011: 22: 776–787. 3. Stevens JL, Cantin GT, Wang G, et al. Transcription control by E1A and MAP kinase pathway via Sur2 mediator subunit. Science 2002: 296: 755–758. 4. Alberini CM. Transcription factors in long-term memory and synaptic plasticity. Physiol Rev 2009: 89: 121–145.
A method for evaluating task-oriented spoken dialog translation systems based on communication efficiency

We propose a method for measuring communication efﬁciency from the viewpoint of conveying essential information in task-oriented spoken dialog translation. We present the results of one dialog experiment using speech-to-speech translation systems and a similar experiment using the Wizard of Oz method, which was carried out using hidden interpreters instead of a speech-to-speech translation system. We also present the relative performance score of the speech-to-speech translation sys-tem, which was obtained by comparing the machine’s performance with that of humans, i.e., hidden interpreters. Finally, we discuss the relationship between users’ linguistic behavior and system performance. We found that users of the system tended to make shorter utterances without decreasing the number of essential items needed to achieve a task and to improve transmission efﬁciency by using strategy to control dialogs.
Psychological Distress and Psychiatric Morbidity in Women Prisoners

The population of a women's prison (n=92) was screened for psychological distress and psychiatric morbidity with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, a Recent Stressful Life Events questionnaire and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R. High levels of symptoms of psychological distress were recorded. Distress was correlated with recent stressful life events and was more severe in women awaiting trial. Fifty-three per cent of the prisoners were diagnosed as current cases of a psychiatric disorder and the most frequent diagnoses were adjustment disorder with depressed mood and personality disorders. Lifetime prevalence of psychoactive substance use disorders was 54 per cent. Aboriginal women were over-represented in this prison population. A follow-up survey after 4 months showed no fall in the prevalence of psychological distress and psychiatric morbidity.