Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lymphocytes of the toad Xenopus laevis have the gene set for promoting tadpole development

Nuclear transplantation experiments show that differentiated cells, such as lymphocytes, from the adult frog can express the genes necessary for tadpole development. The transplanted cells were proven to be lymphocytes by immunological methods. The origin of the tadpoles that developed after lymphocyte nuclei injections was ascertained by a karyotypic marker.
Quantifying Attention to Foreign Elections with Text Analysis of U.S. Congress and the Presidency

We use web-scraping and text-analysis techniques to identify cases in which the U.S. government discussed democratization in other states, as well as considered or imposed foreign policy measures to affect liberalism abroad. We focus our search around periods surrounding foreign elections. Elections are important for democratization, and attract intense international scrutiny. We comb through more than 1.2 million documents contained in the Congressional Record and all congressional legislation, as well as the American Presidency Project. We utilize Natural Language Processing (NLP) approaches to extract all instances related to our search. The documents we retrieve represent the first measure of attention by U.S. Congress and the President to democratization and electoral practices abroad. Our approach improves considerably the precision, coverage and granularity of existing data. Democratization has been a prominent U.S. foreign policy goal yet researchers have been hampered by lack of appropriate tools to study the topic. Our data can be used as is, or further processed, to relate U.S. policy commitments to policy outcomes. We provide some examples. We utilize a set of best practices that, together with the data and code we supply, can be used by scholars in a wide variety of settings, to collect information on any policy response by a bureaucratic entity.
Decompressive surgery in space-occupying hemispheric infarction: results of an open, prospective trial.

OBJECTIVE Space-occupying hemispheric infarctions, requiring neurocritical care treatment, demonstrate high mortality and morbidity rates. This study was performed to determine the beneficial effects of decompressive craniotomy on mortality and morbidity rates. DESIGN Open, nonrandomized, control trial. Outcome was rated at discharge from the hospital (Glasgow Outcome Scale) and at follow-up (Barthel Index, Oxford Handicap Scale). SETTING Patient recruitment from the Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg (primary care center) over 65 months. PATIENTS Thirty-two patients were prospectively selected for surgical treatment; 21 patients were treated conservatively. INTERVENTIONS Extended craniotomy and dura patch enlargement were performed in all surgically treated patients. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS At discharge, the outcome of six (18.8%) of 32 surgically treated patients was good compared with 0 (0%) of 21 conservatively treated patients. Fifteen (46.9%) of 32 surgically treated patients were moderately to severely disabled compared with five (23.8%) of 21 conservatively treated patients, and 11 (34.4%) of 32 surgically treated patients died compared with 16 (76.2%) of 21 conservatively treated patients. At follow-up in surgically treated patients, the Barthel Index (mean 62.6) showed an excellent level of daily activity in one patient, minimal assistance (Barthel Index of > or = 60) in 15 patients, and dependency in five patients. The Oxford Handicap Scale indicated no handicap in one patient, moderate handicaps in 15 patients, and moderately severe handicaps in five patients. In the control group, all five surviving patients needed assistance and all but one patient demonstrated a moderately severe handicap. CONCLUSIONS Hemicraniotomy may improve survival in massive hemispheric stroke victims, decreasing mortality rates to < 35%. The disability rate remains high (24%), although some patients seem to benefit significantly.
Adopting generalized audit software: an Indonesian perspective

Purpose - This paper aims to identify key factors driving auditors’ adoption of Generalized Audit Software (GAS) in a large developing country, Indonesia, through the lens of the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework. Design/methodology/approach - Results of this study are based on semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted in Indonesia with audit firms of varying sizes. Findings - Key study findings included the identification of highly influential adoption factors, especially environmental factors, such as availability of information technology-skilled auditors in the local market, client needs and expectations and client size. This study has also identified factors, not identified in previous research, as being influential including the importance of GAS availability in a range of languages and the necessity of a supportive professional and regulatory environment. Originality/value - This study makes several contributions to the literature including that it identifies new influential factors in the TOE framework. This framework has not been widely applied in auditing research and looks beyond the individual perspective to that of the organization as a whole. Moreover, the present study takes a developing country perspective and examines a range of audit firms. In contrast, most studies to date in the area have taken a Western focus and have concentrated on large audit firms. Additionally, this study provides an in-depth analysis through the use of semi-structured interviews, whereas prior studies have relied on surveys.
Comparison of the Effects of Pioglitazone and Metformin on Insulin Resistance and Hormonal Markers in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Early Diabetes

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, but the effects of pioglitazone and metformin on IGT are not well described. We tested the hypothesis that each drug would exhibit antiatherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects in subjects with IGT and early diabetes. The study design was a prospective, randomized, open label, cross-over study. Blood tests, including a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), were performed at baseline and after each treatment. Pioglitazone 15 mg/day or metformin 500–750 mg/day was given for 3 months. Biochemical markers to assess insulin resistance as well as lipid, inflammatory, neurohumoral, and hemostatic factors were included. Twenty-five subjects (17 male, 8 female; age [mean±SD]: 61±9 years; 84% hypertensive) completed the protocol. Of 25 subjects, 14 were diagnosed as IGT and 11 as diabetes with 75-g OGTT. Pioglitazone significantly reduced fasting glucose (p<0.05), and homeotasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p<0.05) and metformin (p<0.01) reduced cholesterol. Both drugs significantly reduced aldosterone (both p<0.05) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) (both p<0.05). Plasma adiponectin was increased only by pioglitazone (p<0.001). Neither drug affected BP levels. In conclusion, pioglitazone was superior to metformin for the improvement of insulin resistance and adiponectin, and both drugs were equally effective in reducing vWF and aldosterone in subjects with IGT and early diabetes. Early intervention with pioglitazone or metformin therapy may reduce the incidence of future cardiovascular disease in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance or early diabetes.
On the stoichiometry of Deinococcus radiodurans Dps‐1 binding to duplex DNA

DNA protection during starvation (Dps) proteins, dodecameric assemblies of four‐helix bundle subunits, contribute to protection against reactive oxygen species. Deinococcus radiodurans, which is characterized by resistance to DNA damaging agents, encodes two Dps homologs, of which Dps‐1 binds DNA with high affinity. DNA binding requires N‐terminal extensions preceding the four‐helix bundle core. Composed of six Dps‐1 dimers, each capable of DNA binding by N‐terminal extensions interacting in consecutive DNA major grooves, dodecameric Dps‐1 would be predicted to feature six DNA binding sites. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, we show that dodecameric Dps‐1 binds 22‐bp DNA with a stoichiometry of 1:6, consistent with the existence of six DNA binding sites. The stoichiometry of Dps‐1 binding to 26‐bp DNA is 1:4, suggesting that two Dps‐1 dodecamers can simultaneously occupy opposite faces of this DNA. Mutagenesis of an arginine (Arg132) on the surface of Dps‐1 leads to a reduction in DNA binding. Altogether, our data suggest that duplex DNA lies along the dimer interface, interacting with Arg132 and the N‐terminal α‐helices, and they extend the hexagonal packing model for Dps–DNA assemblies by specifying the basis for occupancy of available DNA binding sites. Proteins 2011; © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with Adenocarcinoma of the Distal Esophagus and Cardia

Background: Recent studies have suggested that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) increases the risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus and cardia. In order to further define this risk, we studied the relationship of GERD in patients with or without gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas. Methods: The records of all patients with adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus and cardia treated between 1991 and 1999 were reviewed for the following data: gender, age of diagnosis, presence of GERD, presence of GERD for >4 years, and GERD treatment. A control group of patients without gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma were matched for age and gender. Data obtained from the control group included presence of GERD and treatment for GERD. Results: 60 patients with adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus and cardia were identified. 40% of cancer patients had GERD at the time of diagnosis, (odds ratio 39, p < 0.0001). 27% of cancer patients had GERD for >4 years (odds ratio 21, p < 0.0001). 50% of cancer patients with GERD were being treated with either H2-blockers or proton pump inhibitors at the time of cancer diagnosis, with an average duration of treatment of 17 months, compared to none of the patients without GERD (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Patients with gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma had a higher prevalence of GERD-like symptoms compared to age- and gender-matched controls. This supports an association between GERD and gastroesophageal junction cancers. In addition, cancer patients with GERD may be treated for prolonged periods of time with acid-suppression medication prior to the diagnosis of cancer, masking the symptoms of cancer. Patients with long-standing GERD or older patients with new onset GERD may need endoscopy or imaging studies to evaluate for cancer of the distal esophagus or cardia.
A Procedure for Coding Self-Regard from Narrative Self-Descriptions

Researchers typically obtain numerical measures of self-regard from the self-reports of cooperative participants by administering assessment scales. Selected narrative self-descriptions would become numerical data sources were suitable content analyses devised. This paper documents two descriptive studies (N = 46, N = 62) that illustrate a basis for suitable designs. That basis is a simple coding procedure in which raters use a 9-point scale to code measures of specific variables from autobiographical narratives. In each study, 5 raters apply content analyses based on the procedure to code their subjective assessments of self-liking, self-competence, and self-regard described in 108 brief narratives (60-150 words). Analysis shows substantial inter-rater agreement and content validity for the measures of self-regard. This suggests researchers could apply the coding procedure to other data.
Baseline Psychological Treatment Reduces the Effect of Coaching in a Randomised Trial of a Depression Self-Care Intervention

Objective: To explore the effects of baseline psychological and antidepressant medication treatment in a trial of lay telephone coaching in a low-intensity, supported depression self-care intervention. Method: A single blind, individually randomised, pragmatic trial was conducted among primary care adults with chronic physical conditions and comorbid depressive symptoms. Eligible subjects were randomised to receive a depression self-care toolkit with (intervention group) or without (control group) telephone coaching provided by trained lay coaches. For this brief communication, a secondary analysis of the trial data focused on the effects of baseline psychological and antidepressant treatments on mental health outcomes (Patient Health Questionnaire 9 [PHQ-9], SF-12 Mental Component Summary [MCS], Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 [GAD-7]) and satisfaction with the intervention. Results: In total, 223 patients were randomised, and 165 (74.0%) completed both 3- and 6-month follow-ups. There were 2 significant interactions of baseline treatment and study group for 6-month mental health outcomes. A significant benefit of coaching on 6-month PHQ-9 was seen only among participants who were not receiving baseline psychological treatment. A smaller interaction was found for baseline antidepressant medications and 6-month mental health. There was a significant main effect for baseline psychological treatment and lower 6-month satisfaction. Conclusions: Depressed patients receiving baseline psychological treatment may not benefit from lay coaching offered as part of a low-intensity depression self-care intervention.
Determinants, Causal Connections and Outcomes of Corporate Technology Licensing: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda

Exchanges in markets for technology (MfT) have grown rapidly in recent years. MfT involve transactions for the use, diffusion and creation of technology. In this article we conduct a systematic review of the emerging market for technology literature and examine one of its most important aspects, corporate technology licensing. Using thematic analysis, we systematically review 78 papers published in 29 journals over 30 years covering the academic disciplines of technology/knowledge management, strategic management, entrepreneurship, innovation management and industrial economics. Based on this analysis, we present an organizing framework for the most prominent determinants, causal connections and outcomes of technology licensing research to date, and identify a research agenda highlighting important avenues for future research in this domain
Reducing Wage Inequality

This article concurs with Weiss’s critique of the myth of the powerless state, which underestimates the possibilities that remain open to nation states to take action. Even today in an environment characterized by globalized markets, nation states have at their disposal instruments that can effectively ensure high job quality. The Swedish and French examples show that the state, by means of various combinations of participative and protective labor standards, can ensure that there is a low share of low-wage workers and a high rate of coverage by collective agreements. Given sufficient political pressure, new standards, such as the minimum wage in Germany, can be put in place.
Diversity and Phylogenetic Affiliations of Morphologically Conspicuous Large Filamentous Bacteria Occurring in the Pelagic Zones of a Broad Spectrum of Freshwater Habitats

ABSTRACT Filamentous bacteria with a conspicuous morphology were found in the majority of the bacterioplankton samples from a variety of freshwater habitats that were studied. These heterotrophic filaments typically account for <1 to 11% of the total number of bacteria. The biovolume of this morphotype can exceed 40% of the biovolume for all bacteria. Surprisingly, we found hardly any data on these morphologically conspicuous filaments in the literature. Mixed cultures containing these filamentous bacteria were established by cultivation and isolation experiments with samples from different freshwater lakes. Nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained from several mixed cultures and environmental samples from habitats in Europe, Africa, China, Australia, and New Zealand. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences showed that three groups form a single monophyletic cluster, the SOL cluster, in the family Saprospiraceae. We developed a set of six nested probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization. Of the six probes, one probe was specific for Haliscomenobacter hydrossis, three probes were specific for the three subclusters (each probe was specific for one subcluster), one probe was specific for the entire SOL cluster, and another probe targeted almost the entire Saprospiraceae family. Specific hybridization of environmental samples and enrichments showed that the members of the three subclusters exhibited the same filamentous morphology. So far, using the subcluster-specific probes, we have not been able to detect any bacteria with a differing morphology. We conclude that the SOL cluster bacteria are an integral part of bacterioplankton in many freshwater habitats. They potentially account for a large fraction of the total bacterial biomass but have been underrepresented in molecular diversity studies so far.
Evidence that tamoxifen preserves bone density in late postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

Tamoxifen, which is used for treating breast cancer, exhibits estrogenic and antiestrogenic characteristics, depending on the tissue. In the human breast it acts as an antiestrogen, whereas estrogenic effects have been reported on endometrium and bone. The purpose of this study was to determine whether tamoxifen (TAM) prevents bone loss in elderly, postmenopausal women. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (SBD) was measured in elderly women (at least 10 years after menopause) 5 years after stage I or II breast cancer (n = 111). The results showed that SBD in untreated patients (n = 74) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than SBD in patients (n = 37) treated with TAM over 5 years. In a subgroup of patients (n = 24) with positive estrogen receptor status, changes in SBD 12 months after discontinuation of 5-year TAM therapy were measured and compared with the changes of extended TAM treatment over a sixth year. Twelve months after withdrawal of 5-year TAM medication (n = 11) bone density decreased significantly (- 4.8+/-2.5%; p > 0.05), whereas in the group of women (n = 13) receiving extended TAM medication (20 mg) for an additional 12 months, SBD ( + 1.9+/-3.5 %) was maintained during the observation period, and was significantly higher when compared with the group of untreated patients (p <0.05). We conclude that tamoxifen has a preventive effect on trabecular bone loss at the lumbar spine, when compared to age-matched data and to untreated women with breast cancer in the late menopause. Our data give evidence of benefits to bone density provided by prolonged administration in patients after breast cancer and at risk of osteoporosis.
Biochemical and structural analyses of a bacterial endo-β-1,2-glucanase reveal a new glycoside hydrolase family

β-1,2-Glucan is an extracellular cyclic or linear polysaccharide from Gram-negative bacteria, with important roles in infection and symbiosis. Despite β-1,2-glucan's importance in bacterial persistence and pathogenesis, only a few reports exist on enzymes acting on both cyclic and linear β-1,2-glucan. To this end, we purified an endo-β-1,2-glucanase to homogeneity from cell extracts of the environmental species Chitinophaga arvensicola, and an endo-β-1,2-glucanase candidate gene (Cpin_6279) was cloned from the related species Chitinophaga pinensis. The Cpin_6279 protein specifically hydrolyzed linear β-1,2-glucan with polymerization degrees of ≥5 and a cyclic counterpart, indicating that Cpin_6279 is an endo-β-1,2-glucananase. Stereochemical analysis demonstrated that the Cpin_6279-catalyzed reaction proceeds via an inverting mechanism. Cpin_6279 exhibited no significant sequence similarity with known glycoside hydrolases (GHs), and thus the enzyme defines a novel GH family, GH144. The crystal structures of the ligand-free and complex forms of Cpin_6279 with glucose (Glc) and sophorotriose (Glc-β-1,2-Glc-β-1,2-Glc) determined up to 1.7 Å revealed that it has a large cavity appropriate for polysaccharide degradation and adopts an (α/α)6-fold slightly similar to that of GH family 15 and 8 enzymes. Mutational analysis indicated that some of the highly conserved acidic residues in the active site are important for catalysis, and the Cpin_6279 active-site architecture provided insights into the substrate recognition by the enzyme. The biochemical characterization and crystal structure of this novel GH may enable discovery of other β-1,2-glucanases and represent a critical advance toward elucidating structure-function relationships of GH enzymes.
Electoral Competition and Legislative Minority Parties: Schlesinger’s Parties in a Legislative Setting

According to Joseph A. Schlesinger, modem American political parties are driven by the desire to win office, and policy objectives are secondary. The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of minority legislative parties in the context of Schlesinger’s market- based definition of political parties. The objective of this paper is to determine if institutional competition has similar consequences for legislative parties as individual competition has for individual candidates. Analysis of the senate minority parties in Maryland, North Carolina, Delaware, Virginia and Ohio reveals that institutional interparty competition and the probability of gaining majority status have a dramatic effect on the nature, influence, organization and cohesion of minority parties. Noncompetitive minorities tend to give little emphasis to the external and campaign responsibilities of the party organization, are not penalized for their minority status, are poorly organized and tend not to vote along party lines. On the other hand, competitive minorities give great attention to the elections, are highly organized and vote in a cohesive manner. Ironically, increased corporate party organization and activity are accompanied by decreased individual influence and success for members of the minority party.
Detection of exudates in retinal images using a pure splitting technique

Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of blindness. Earliest signs of diabetic retinopathy are damage to blood vessels in the eye and then the formation of lesions in the retina. This paper presents an automated method for the detection of bright lesions (exudates) in retinal images. In this work, an adaptive thresholding based on a novel algorithm for pure splitting of the image is proposed. A coarse segmentation based on the calculation of a local variation for all image pixels is used to outline the boundaries of all candidates which have clear borders. A morphological operation is used to refine the adaptive thresholding results based on the coarse segmentation results. Using a clinician reference standard (ground truth), images with exudates were detected with 91.2% sensitivity, 99.3% specificity, and 99.5% accuracy. Due to its results the proposed method can achieve superior performance compared to existing techniques and is robust to image quality variability.