Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of factor V G 1691 Aand prothrombin G 20210 A-mutations in cerebral infarction and patent foramen ovale

The clinical significance of inherited thrombophilia in the pathogenesis of cerebral infarction associated with patent foramen ovale (PFO) is estimated in a different way according to recent reports. Therefore, 92 patients suffering from ischemic stroke, among them either 46 subjects with or without PFO, were evaluated in an ageand gender-matched paired case-control study by genetically testing of factor V (FV) G1691Aand prothrombin (PT) G20210A-mutations. Patients with PFO had 19/46 (41.3%) FVand 3/46 (6.5%) PT-mutations, whereas in patients without PFO only 9/46 (19.6%) FVand 1/46 (2.2%) PT-mutations were observed. The prevalence of FV-mutations in PFO-patients was significantly higher (OR: 3.12, 95%CI: 1.11-8.95%) compared with patients not having PFO. PT-mutations were more frequently but not significantly associated with PFO. We conclude from these data that FV G1691A-mutations combined with PFO play a significant role in the pathogenesis of cerebral infarction. Since FV-mutation, on the other side, is a particular risk factor of venous thrombosis, paradoxical embolism seems to be essential for the occurrence of stroke in association with PFO.
Reducing energy consumption of data centers using optical wireless links

Data Center (DC) servers consume a huge amount of energy. However, a part of this energy (cooling and information technology devices) can be saved by shutting down racks containing idle servers. This can be achieved by rerouting workloads from partially loaded racks, and thus allowing additional racks to switch into idle mode. Workload rerouting requires additional wired links or by optical wireless communication (OWC) links, which can be deployed on top the existing network. In comparison to classic wired infrastructure, OWC deployment and maintenance is faster and simpler, and it offers dynamic configuration of the network. Moreover, OWC can be used to augment the performance of virtualization techniques, which allow load balancing. In this paper we developed a mathematical model and an optimization algorithm along with numerical simulations, which evaluate the energy consumption in DCs. Results show that for a uniform distributed load between 24–100% and a 100% deployment of OWC links, 33% of the IT and cooling energy consumed can be saved.
E(y)1/TAF9 mediates the transcriptional output of Notch signaling in Drosophila

ABSTRACT Transcriptional activation of Notch signaling targets requires the formation of a ternary complex that involves the intracellular domain of the Notch receptor (NICD), DNA-binding protein Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H), RPBJ in mammals] and coactivator Mastermind (Mam). Here, we report that E(y)1/TAF9, a component of the transcription factor TFIID complex, interacts specifically with the NICD–Su(H)–Mam complex to facilitate the transcriptional output of Notch signaling. We identified E(y)1/TAF9 in a large-scale in vivo RNA interference (RNAi) screen for genes that are involved in a Notch-dependent mitotic-to-endocycle transition in Drosophila follicle cells. Knockdown of e(y)1/TAF9 displayed Notch-mutant-like phenotypes and defects in target gene and activity reporter expression in both the follicle cells and wing imaginal discs. Epistatic analyses in these two tissues indicated that E(y)1/TAF9 functions downstream of Notch cleavage. Biochemical studies in S2 cells demonstrated that E(y)1/TAF9 physically interacts with the transcriptional effectors of Notch signaling Su(H) and NICD. Taken together, our data suggest that the association of the NICD–Su(H)–Mastermind complex with E(y)1/TAF9 in response to Notch activation recruits the transcription initiation complex to induce Notch target genes, coupling Notch signaling with the transcription machinery.
A Study on Implication of Adopting E-Business Technology by SMEs

Electronic business (e-business) is an important strategic tool that attracts many companies in turning their traditional business strategy to e-business. Nowadays, adoption of e-business is rapidly growing among business organization throughout the world. Organizations involved in e-business not only limited to large companies but also includes small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It is mainly due to the availability of the internet technology and the benefit of information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance their business. Furthermore, e-business systems are cost effective that makes the adoption of this technology much easier. However, some SMEs are still underexploited on the potential of e-business technology. The aim of this paper is to study the e-business technology adoption for SMEs and the various key factors that are needed to be adopted by SMEs into their business operations.
GABAA receptors in the retina of the cat: An immunohistochemical study of wholemounts, sections, and dissociated cells

Abstract Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter used by many neurons of the mammalian retina. To identify the synaptic targets of these cells, we undertook an immunohistochemical study with a monoclonal antibody that recognizes the GABAA receptors (62−3G1, generously donated by A. de Blas). This antibody labels the somata of at least one group of amacrine cells in the inner nuclear layer. It also labels two groups of somata in the ganglion cell layer: one small and the other much larger. The small cells are likely to be displaced amacrine cells based on their size, although some could be gamma ganglion cells. The much larger receptor-positive cells are clearly ganglion cells, based both on their size and the antibody labeling of the initial portion of their axon. In the peripheral retina, the size of these large somata suggests that many are beta ganglion cells. However, at any point across the retina the density of these cells never exceeded 50% of the density of beta cells as a whole. The antibody also labels a dense plexus of processes that extends throughout the inner plexiform layer (IPL), with a marked concentration in the inner third of the layer. This is the portion of the IPL in which the rod bipolar cells terminate. It is difficult to recognize processes of individual cells in the IPL, so retinae were dissociated. The rod bipolar cells were identified by protein kinase C immunoreactivity (Negishi et al., 1988; Karschin & Wässle, 1990). They were not labeled by the GABAA receptor antibody. This is surprising in light of tight-seal, whole cell voltage-clamp recordings that have shown that the rod bipolars express functional GABAA receptors. One possible explanation is that the antibody recognizes only a subset of the GABAA receptors.
Audit Committee Characteristics and Financial Reporting Quality: Nigerian Non-Financial Listed Firms

This study aims to investigate the effect of audit committee characteristics on the quality of financial reporting of Nigerian listed firms. We employed multivariate regression analysis with a sample size of 101 and firms-year longitudinal panels of 505 observations of non-financial listed companies on Nigerian Stock Exchange for the period 2010 to 2014. We adopt McNicholas (2002) model to examine the monitoring mechanisms on the quality of financial reporting. The results show that control variables; company age and company size are statistically significant. Audit committee share ownership, and financial expertise are positive and statistically significant, indicating that audit committee monitoring mechanisms influence the financial reporting quality of listed nonfinancial firms in Nigeria. Regulatory bodies in Nigeria should mandate all the three board representatives on AC to be non-executive directors, while making a combination of financial and industrial expertise replace financial literacy to further improve the quality of the financial reporting. © 2016 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy. org.uk
Noncompliance in hemodialysis: predictors and survival analysis.

Noncompliance with hemodialysis (HD), depending on the definition, occurs in 2% to more than 50% of patients. To better understand predictors and outcomes of noncompliance, we evaluated patient characteristics associated with noncompliance and the impact of noncompliance on survival. Using data from two USRDS special studies, we identified 6,251 patients who were on dialysis for more than 1 year for inclusion in this study. Noncompliance was defined in four ways: skipping one or more HD sessions in a month, shortening by 10 or more minutes one or more HD sessions in a month, an interdialytic weight gain (IWG) of more than 5.7% of dry weight, or a serum phosphate (PO4) of greater than 7.5 mg/dL. Sociodemographic predictors of noncompliance were identified using logistic regression. Survival analysis was done using Cox proportional hazards models with adjustments for sociodemographics, comorbid conditions, and dose of HD. Overall, 8.5% of patients skipped HD, 20% shortened HD (7% three or more times), 10% had more than a 5.7% IWG, and 22% had a PO4 greater than 7.5. There was a significant correlation among the measures of noncompliance. Blacks (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.10), patients aged 20 to 39 years (AOR = 1.62), and smokers (AOR = 1.34) were significantly more likely to skip HD than whites, patients aged 40 to 59 years, and nonsmokers, respectively (P < 0.01 for each). Similar results were seen for the other measures of noncompliance, except for PO4, in which blacks were significantly less likely to be noncompliant (NC) (AOR = 0.85, P < 0.05). Compared with compliant patients, those who skipped one or more HD sessions in a month had a 25% higher risk of death (P < 0.01). Those who had greater than a 5.7% IWG had a 35% higher risk of death (P < 0.001), whereas those with a PO4 > 7.5 had a 13% higher risk of death (P < 0.05). Overall, patients who shortened HD sessions did not have a higher risk of death, but those who shortened three or more in 1 month had a 20% higher risk of death (P < 0.05). Compliance with a medical regimen is a complex issue. Noncompliance in HD often, but not always, is associated with a higher risk of an adverse outcome. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.
Voluntary Adoption of IFRS and Its Impact on the Value Relevance of Earnings and Equity Book Value for Korean Firms

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the voluntary adoption of IFRS affects the value relevance of earnings and equity book value. In particular, we compare the valuation coefficients of earnings and equity book value between the Korean firms which adopted IFRS voluntarily prior to mandatory adoption in year 2011 ('early-adopters') and those who did not adopted IFRS ('non-adopters'). Using a sample of 27 early-adopters and 314 non-adopters matched by industry over three year period (2008-2010), we find that the valuation coefficients of both earnings and equity book value are larger for the early-adopters than the non-adopters. We also find that the value relevance of both earnings and equity book value is larger for the post-adoption period than the pre-adoption period for the early-adopters. These results hold even after controlling for other factors that may affect the changes in value relevance between the early-adopters and the non-adopters. Our results suggest that the adoption of IFRS has improved the quality of accounting information for Korean firms.
Incentives and Conflicts of Interests in Corporate Bankruptcy and Bank Insolvency: A Note

Corporate bankruptcy law and judicial procedure are structured to ensure that the proceedings are fair and impartial. Just as in all judicial proceedings, judges overseeing a corporate bankruptcy are required by the rules of judicial ethics to be disinterested—that is they cannot have a direct or indirect personal stake in the proceedings. Furthermore, under bankruptcy law, attorneys and other professionals employed by the trustee, are required to “. not hold or represent an interest adverse to the interests of the estate,” and are to be “disinterested persons. ” As always, reality can fall short of the ideal. Judges may have philosophical predispositions to favor creditors or debtors, which may lead to forum shopping on the part of management or creditors. However, the structural limits on overt conflicts of interest reveal the intent of the law and provide a basis for challenging a proceeding that is seen as falling too short of the ideal. Corporate bankruptcy procedure does, it is true, give considerable power to interested parties. During the exclusion period of a Chapter 11 proceeding, management has the exclusive right to propose a reorganization plan. In proceedings where there is a primary creditor, that creditor has rights not enjoyed by other more junior creditors. But the powers of these interested agents are powers to propose, not powers to decide, be they matters of fact (validity of claims, value of assets) or final resolution. These crucial powers are exercised by the (disinterested) court and the collective will of the creditors. Bank insolvency proceedings lack a court overseeing the process, a trustee appointed to act in the interests of the estate, and a collective decision-making process in which all parties are represented. Instead, the FDIC is decider of fact and of resolution method. Logic for this procedure is expounded in Baxter, Hansen, and Sommer (2004). They observe that the FDIC, as deposit insurer subrogated to (standing in for) the insured
[Renal oncocytoma. Review of our 22 patients].

UNLABELLED Renal oncocytoma (OR) is a benign tumor. It may represent up to 3-7% of solid kidney masses, and shows specifics cellular and evolutive characteristics. Metacronicity, multifocality and bilateralism has been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 1986 and 2005, 478 kidney tumors have been surgically treated at our institution. We report the frequency and characteristics of OR in our patients, compared with renal cell carcinomas (RCC). We try to find out the rate of multifocality, bilateralism and other tumor association, and the number of neoplasms originally diagnosed as OR before surgery. Mean and median follow up: 36.86 and 13 months (1-193). Specific survival rate 100%. RESULTS We found 24 OR in 10 men and 12 women with a mean age of 59 years (34-84). 12 in the left kidney and 12 in the right one, one patient presenting oncocytomatosis. Tumor mean size was 4.64 cm (1-12.5 cm). Tumors were discovered incidentally in 17 cases. Presentation symptoms in the rest of patients were gross hematuria. CONCLUSIONS The rate of OR found in our sample population of renal tumors undergoing surgery matches other series already published. Two synchronic OR, but not metacronous, bilateral or metastatic tumors were found. All cases presented a benign evolution.
Cueing the Customer Using Nudges and Negative Option Marketing

Nudges—subtle, covert, and often unobtrusive interventions that take advantage of individuals’ mental shortcuts and biases—frequently change the context of people’s choices and in so doing influence individual and societal behavior. They have become fashionable in recent years, and the ability of such phenomena to bring about significant change for relatively little cost has captured the imagination of governments and businesses. One simple yet potent nudge empowered by the status-quo bias that has received increased attention involves default rules which specify the condition imposed on persons when they fail to make a decision or choice. Marketers have used default options successfully for decades within the context of negative option marketing where sellers interpret consumers’ silence or inaction as permission to continue charging them for goods or services. Despite their attractiveness, nudges, defaults, and negative option marketing are controversial issues that require further examination which the authors present in this paper.
Reorganization of ascending 5-HT axon projections in animals previously exposed to the recreational drug (+/-)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy")

The recreational drug (+/)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) is a methamphetamine derivative that selectively destroys central 5-HT axons and axon terminals in animals and, possibly, humans. The fate of 5-HT neurons following MDMA injury is uncertain. In particular, while it is known that central 5-HT axons can undergo regenerative sprouting after MDMA injury, it has not been determined whether they reestablish the original innervation pattern. To address this question, the present studies examined 5-HT innervation patterns in animals lesioned with MDMA 12–18 months previously. Both rodents (rats) and nonhuman primates (squirrel monkeys) were examined, since there is indication that serotonergic recovery after MDMA injury may be species dependent. 5-HT axon projections were studied neurochemically, autoradiographically and immunocytochemically. In both rodents and nonhuman primates previously lesioned with MDMA, substantial serotonergic axonal sprouting was observed. However, in a few rats and in most squirrel monkeys, the reinnervation pattern was highly abnormal: distant targets (e.g., dorsal neocortex) remained denervated, while some proximal targets (e.g., amygdala, hypothalamus) were reinnervated or hyperinnervated. Although the specific determinants of axonal recovery after MDMA injury remain to be identified, it appears that axons which initially sustain more severe damage, are longer, or are more highly arborized have low probability of recovering. The observation that some brain regions remain denervated, while others are reinnervated or hyperinnervated suggests that, under some circumstances, MDMA injury can lead to a lasting reorganization of ascending 5-HT axon projections. Such lasting changes in brain innervation, documented here in MDMA-treated animals, may have implications for humans using MDMA recreationally.
Dynamics of Fat Mass in DUhTP Mice Selected for Running Performance – Fat Mobilization in a Walk

Objective: Reduction of body fat can be achieved by dietary programs and/or aerobic exercise training. More convenient methods to rid the body of excess fat are needed. However, it is unclear whether it is possible to more easily lose body weight at all. Methods: DUhTP mice bred through phenotype selection for high treadmill performance and unselected controls were voluntarily physically active in a running wheel over a period of 3 weeks. Phenotypical data were collected, and subcutaneous fat was analyzed for expression of mitochondria-relevant proteins. Results: Voluntary physical activity over 3 weeks exclusively in DUhTP mice severely reduced subcutaneous (-38%; p < 0.05) and epididymal (-32%; p < 0.05) fat. Following mild physical activity, subcutaneous fat derived from DUhTP mice showed increased levels of long chain acyl dehydrogenase (LCAD; +230%; p < 0.05) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1-α; p < 0.01). Mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) expression was similar in both sedentary genotypes but physical activity increased Tfam levels exclusively in DUhTP (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the mitochondrial mass is highly active in DUhTP mice and responsive even to mild physical activity. While genetic predisposition could not prevent fat accretion in DUhTP mice, voluntary activity was sufficient to reduce excess body fat almost completely.
Modular Neural Network Design For The Problem Of Alphabetic Character Recognition

This paper reports on an experimental approach to nd a modularized articial neural network solution for the UCI letters recognition problem. Our experiments have been carried out in two parts. We investigate directed task decomposition using expert knowledge and clustering approaches to nd the subtasks for the modules of the network. We next investigate processes to combine the modules eectiv ely in a single decision process. After having found suitable modules through task decomposition we have found through further experimentation that when the modules are combined with decision tree supervision, their functional error is reduced signican tly to improve their combination through the decision process that has been implemented as a small multilayered perceptron. The experiments conclude with a modularized neural network design for this classication problem that has increased learning and generalization characteristics. The test results for this network are markedly better than a single or stand alone network that has a fully connected topology.
A first record of Tylenchulus semipenetrans and males of Xiphinema index in vineyards in North-eastern Victoria

70,000 females and larvae recovered from around the roots of unthrifty 57-year-old V. vinitera var. Chasselas vines grafted onto the rootstock 1202 (V. vinitera x V. rupestris). Indexing of A.R. G.1 grapeVines in the planting at Rutherglen failed to detect grapevine fanleaf virus (4), which is transmitted by X. index (3). This is also the first record of citrus nematode in vineyards in the Rutherglen district. Soil samples were collected as for X. index, and T. semipenetrans were separated from soil by elutriation (5). Larvae of T. semipenetrans were found in vineyards at Chiltern and Wahgunyah, on sites where citrus had grown previously. At Chiltern, young A.R. G.1 rootlings were planted in nursery rows, on a site which had been planted to orange trees (Citrus sinensis (L) Osbeck var. Washington Navel on an unknown lime rootstock) for over fifty years. The citrus trees were pulled out only a few months before the vines were planted, and patches of stunted vines with chlorotic leaves corresponded to the former sites of citrus trees. Soil samples were collected five months after the vines were planted. At Wahgunyah, Traminer vines grafted on A.R. G.1. rootstocks, were planted between 1972 and 1976 in a former orchard. From 1884 to 1972 the orchard had been planted to lemon (C. limonie Osbeck var. Lisbon), orange (C. sinensis (L) Osbeck var. Valencia) and apple (Malus sylvestris (L) Mill. var. Granny Smith), obtained from a nursery in Melbourne. Meagher (personal communication) had previously found citrus nematode in soil samples collected from around the roots of a few old grapevines in different areas on the same property. NUMBER 1 VOLUME 6