Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amino Acid Substitutions in Leucine Zipper Motif in the F-Specific Domain of Human Parainfluenza Virus 3 HN Protein Play Important Roles in the Protein Function

Objectives: To explore the effects of leucine zipper motif in F-specificity domain of human parainfluenza virus 3 (hPIV3) HN protein on the membrane fusion promotion activity. Methods: Site-directed mutagenesis was performed to generate mutants in leucine zipper motif of hPIV3 HN protein. Combined mutants were obtained from individual mutants. Each mutant was co-expressed with the wild-type (wt) hPIV3 F gene in eukaryotes, using the vaccinia-T7 RNA polymerase expression system. Cell fusion functions were assayed with Giemsa staining and reporter gene method. The expression of HN protein on cell surface was analyzed with fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS). Hemadsorption assay was performed to determine the receptor-binding activity of HN mutants. Results: The conserved amino acids in the F-specificity domain of the hPIV3 HN protein were mutated and 9 single mutants were obtained. Based on the single mutants, 2 combined mutants were obtained. Compared to the wt HN protein, the membrane fusion promotion activity of each mutant HN protein was, to some extent, decreased. Among these single mutants, I125A showed the lowest fusion promotion activity, with 34.8% of fusion promotion activity compared to wt HN. In contrast, the fusion promotion activity of I128A was the highest, showing 90.9% of wt HN. In combined mutations, no cell fusion was observed, suggesting fusion promotion activity was negligible. All mutants had a limited effect on receptor-binding activity, and I125A showed the lowest activity, with 85.86% of wt HN. FACS analysis indicated that all mutants were expressed on the cell surface. Conclusions: Leucine zipper motif in the F-specificity domain had an important effect on the fusion promotion ability of hPIV3 HN protein. A mutation in the motif will diminish or abolish the fusion promotion activity of hPIV3 HN protein. A complete leucine zipper motif was prerequisite to the fusion promotion of HN protein.
Solution of a problem in concurrent programming control

Given in this paper is a solution to a problem for which, to the knowledge of the author, has been an open question since at least 1962, irrespective of the solvability. The paper consists of three parts: the problem, the solution, and the proof. Although the setting of the problem might seem somewhat academic at first, the author trusts that anyone familiar with the logical problems that arise in computer coupling will appreciate the significance of the fact that this problem indeed can be solved.
The Nature of Exchange Rate Regimes

The impermanence of fixed exchange rates has become a stylized fact in international finance. The combination of a view that pegs do not really peg with the "fear of floating" view that floats do not really float generates the conclusion that exchange rate regimes are, in practice, unimportant for the behavior of the exchange rate. This is consistent with evidence on the irrelevance of a country's choice of exchange rate regime for general macroeconomic performance. Recently, though, more studies have shown the exchange rate regime does matter in some contexts. In this paper, we attempt to reconcile the perception that fixed exchange rates are only a "mirage" with the recent research showing the effects of fixed exchange rates on trade, monetary autonomy, and growth. First we demonstrate that, while pegs frequently break, many do last and those that break tend to reform, so a fixed exchange rate today is a good predictor that one will exist in the future. Second, we study the exchange rate effect of fixed exchange rates. Fixed exchange rates exhibit greater bilateral exchange rate stability today and in the future. Pegs also display somewhat lower multilateral volatility.
Immunopathology and Infectious Diseases Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression in Murine Dendritic Cell Subpopulations Effect on CD 8 Dendritic Cell Differentiation in Vivo

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a microsomal enzyme with antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and immunoregulatory functions. We studied the expression of HO-1 by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and splenic DC subpopulations under quiescent conditions or following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The kinetics of HO-1 expression by BMDCs depended on the conditions under which they were propagated. Expression of HO-1 in mouse BMDCs in 100 U/ml GM-CSF peaked at 16 hours after LPS treatment and maintained expression for at least 48 hours. But cultures in 800 U/ml granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) showed peak expression by 16 hours that disappeared by 48 hours after LPS stimulation, similar to BMDCs cultured in both 100 U/ml GM-CSF and IL-4 (10 ng/ml). By flow cytometry, a large proportion of CD8 splenic DCs strongly expressed HO-1, and this population significantly increased following LPS administration in vivo. In HO1 / mice, the proportion of splenic CD8 DCs was significantly decreased in comparison with HO-1 / mice. In addition, a unique subpopulation of MHC II CD11b CD11c cells was prominent in HO-1 / spleens. Injection of GFP-labeled HO-1 / splenic DC precursors into HO-1 / mice resulted in the generation of GFP CD8 DCs in the spleen after 5 days, but GFP CD8 DCs failed to appear in HO-1 / spleens. Conversely, GFP HO-1 / splenic cells also generated GFP CD8 DCs in HO-1 / mice. These results show that HO-1 is involved in splenic DC differentiation, and/or the homing of CD8 splenic DC precursors appears to be dependent on HO-1 expression by the host. (Am J Pathol 2010, 176:2831–2839; DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.090845)
A Reexamination of Corporate Governance and Equity Prices with Updated and Supplemental Results

We reexamine long-term abnormal returns for portfolios sorted on governance characteristics. Firms with strong shareholder rights and firms with weak shareholder rights differ from the population of firms and from each other in how they cluster across industries. Using well-specified tests under this industry clustering, we find statistically zero long-term abnormal returns for portfolios sorted on governance. Our results have important implications for interpreting studies that link governance to firm value and stock returns, demonstrate the importance of the coarseness of industry definitions in financial research, and shed light on addressing statistical problems created by industry clustering in samples. The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Society for Financial Studies. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org. , Oxford University Press.
Coalition Building, Election Rules, and Party Politics: South African Women's Path to Parliament

This paper argues that pre-transition mobilization by South African women fostered post transition success in constitutional mandates, party politics, and office holding. Informed by examples of failed postliberation gender movements in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Angola, South African women's groups worked collectively and individually to advance gender equality. Women mobilized around their gender identity to form a powerful multiparty women's coalition, which became a vehicle through which women pushed for inclusion in the Constitutional Assembly. Using this external power-base, women's branches of major political parties compelled their parties' leaders to implement affirmative-action measures for candidate recruitment and selection. These measures, particularly the gender quota of the African National Congress, have pressured all political parties to increase the number of women on their party-lists in subsequent elections.
The behavioural sequence of the financial services industry in Taiwan: Service quality, relationship quality and behavioural loyalty

This study develops and empirically tests a model for examination of the relations among service quality scales, relationship bonding tactics, customer satisfaction, trust and commitment, and customer behavioural loyalty in a relationship marketing system. This paper aims to test the relationship between perceived service quality satisfaction and relationship intentions, or, in other words, whether or not consumers will consider building long-term relationships with service providers on the basis of a single instance of perceived service quality. Based on three groups of samples from XYZ bank, one of the most famous banks providing merchant banking services in Taiwan, the findings suggest that financial products with different product attributes need different kinds and levels of service and relationship investment. The findings also suggest that there does exist a positive relationship between service quality satisfaction and perceived relationship investment.
DEG/ENaC ion channels involved in sensory transduction are modulated by cold temperature

Several DEG/ENaC cation channel subunits are expressed in the tongue and in cutaneous sensory neurons, where they are postulated to function as receptors for salt and sour taste and for touch. Because these tissues are exposed to large temperature variations, we examined how temperature affects DEG/ENaC channel function. We found that cold temperature markedly increased the constitutively active Na+ currents generated by epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC). Half-maximal stimulation occurred at 25°C. Cold temperature did not induce current from other DEG/ENaC family members (BNC1, ASIC, and DRASIC). However, when these channels were activated by acid, cold temperature potentiated the currents by slowing the rate of desensitization. Potentiation was abolished by a “Deg” mutation that alters channel gating. Temperature changes in the physiologic range had prominent effects on current in cells heterologously expressing acid-gated DEG/ENaC channels, as well as in dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons. The finding that cold temperature modulates DEG/ENaC channel function may provide a molecular explanation for the widely recognized ability of temperature to modify taste sensation and mechanosensation.
Towards a comprehensive theoretical framework for voluntary IC disclosure

Purpose – This paper aims to construct a comprehensive theoretical framework for interpreting voluntary IC disclosure practices by organizations.Design/methodology/approach – Four most‐commonly used theories in the area, namely agency theory, stakeholder theory, signalling theory, and legitimacy theory, were integrated in terms of the interrelated concepts relating to voluntary IC disclosure.Findings – The constructed theoretical framework includes three concepts: to reduce information asymmetry; to discharge accountability to various stakeholders; and to signal organizational legitimacy and excellence (or superior quality) to society, which are seen as motivations for organizations to disclose their IC on a voluntary basis.Research limitations/implications – The framework ignores some other theoretical perspectives which are also relevant to voluntary IC disclosure; the framework is not justified by any empirical evidence.Originality/value – This research is the first attempt to construct a comprehensive.
The Influence of Materialism on Ecotourism Attitudes and Behaviors

This study examined the relationships among materialism, ecotourism attitude, ecotourism interest, ecotourism intention, and willingness to pay a premium for ecotourism utilizing a model that was developed based on the literature. Data for this study were collected from 2,352 Italian travelers and proposed hypotheses were tested using a structural equation modeling approach. Findings indicated that individuals’ materialistic value has negative relationships with their ecotourism attitude, ecotourism interest, ecotourism intention, and willingness to pay a premium for ecotourism products and services. Findings also suggested that individuals’ ecotourism attitude would positively influence ecotourism intention, ecotourism interest, and willingness to pay a premium for ecotourism products and services.
Differences Two Years after Tooth Extraction in Mandibular Bone Reduction in Patients Treated with Immediate Overdentures or with Immediate Complete Dentures

In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 74 patients who required immediate dentures were randomly treated with immediate overdentures on two lower canines or with immediate complete dentures. Mandibular bone reduction was measured by use of oblique lateral cephalometric radiographs made at baseline and the results compared with those of one year and two years after denture treatment. Analysis of the data showed that the average bone reduction in the lower canine regions in the first year was 0.9 mm in the immediate-overdenture group and 1.8 mm in the immediate complete-denture group. In the posterior parts of the mandible, the bone reductions were, respectively, 0.7 mm and 1.9 mm. The differences were statistically significant in all measured regions. During the second year, no significant differences in bone reduction were found. The sums of differences in the first two years were significant in all regions except the molar region, preserving the initial difference. Retention of roots of canines beneath a mandibular denture in immediate denture patients, even when they were in poor condition, reduced the collapse of the alveolar processes in all regions of the mandible.
The Reflective Practitioner: A Tribute to Dick Beckhard1

Following the lead of Habbershon and Williams (1999), this paper uses the resource-based view of firms to understand the strategic responses of nine family groups to the more liberalized environment in India's emerging economy. Using the concepts and empirical findings in the resource-based view (RBV) stream of literature, this manuscript offers six hypotheses related to the restructure of business portfolios, structural changes within organizations, and the induction of professional family and nonfamily members. I also identify five emerging trends in the responses and use them to test the hypotheses. Data from published sources indicates a high degree of support for the hypotheses. The manuscript also shows how the resource-based view of the firm provides an excellent theoretical framework for understanding and interpreting these responses and suggests directions for further research.
Subinhibitory concentrations of erythromycin reduce pneumococcal adherence to respiratory epithelial cells in vitro.

We have investigated the influence of subinhibitory concentrations of erythromycin on the interaction between Streptococcus pneumoniae and human respiratory epithelial cells. Confluent in vitro cell cultures were inoculated with erythromycin-resistant S. pneumoniae and incubated for 24 h. Erythromycin significantly reduced adherence of the pneumococci after 4 h and 24 h: 4.0% +/- 0.7% (mean +/- S.E.M. ) of the pneumococci adhered to the epithelial cells in medium with erythromycin, compared with 7.7% +/- 0.8% in medium without erythromycin (P: = 0.002) after 4 h, and the corresponding values after 24 h were 24.2% +/- 5.3% and 38.4% +/- 5.0%, respectively (P: = 0.038). Disruption of epithelial integrity by S. pneumoniae, measured as the decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance, was delayed in the presence of erythromycin. Neither addition of erythromycin to the culture medium nor infection of the cell cultures with pneumococci significantly affected secretion of interleukin-8 by the epithelial cells. Addition of erythromycin to a pneumococcal suspension in cell culture medium without respiratory epithelial cells almost completely prevented the release of pneumolysin. We conclude that erythromycin at subinhibitory concentrations reduces the adherence to and disruption of respiratory epithelial cells by S. pneumoniae, possibly by interfering with pneumolysin release.
European Regional Unemployment Disparities

The reduction of regional unemployment disparities is a key prerequisite for the achievement of socioeconomic cohesion in an integrated European Union. This article examines recent trends in the evolution of regional unemployment disparities across a number of European member states to determine whether and how far this reduction is occurring. There is in fact little indication of any widespread convergence of regional unemployment rates. Instead, regional unemployment disparities across Europe appear to be characterized by a high degree of persistence. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that this persistence is an equilibrium phenomenon rather than the result of prolonged disequilibrium in regional labour markets.
Factors Affecting College Attendance

Three factors that may influence a high school graduate's decision to attend college are considered: (1) his ability, (2) the cost of attending college, and (3) the socioeconomic status of his parents. The results, based on a probit analysis, indicate that factors (1) and (3) are strong influences on the probability of attending college. Among the socioeconomic variables, however, family income is the least important influence on college attendance. The low income elasticity of demand for college implies that unrestricted income transfers to the low income population would not be an effective way of increasing their rate of college attendance.
The birth-weight/battering connection.

This paper presents a random study of postpartum women aged 18 years or older to examine the correlation of low birth weight (LBW) with female physical abuse. A total of 589 women in both private and public hospital were interviewed on the demographic information to explore womans history of battering to uncover verbal abuse and threats of physical abuse and to find out whether the woman smokes or had used alcohol during pregnancy. Findings revealed that significantly more LBW infants were born to battered women (12.5%) than to nonbattered women (6.6%). At the private hospital 17.5% of battered women had LBW infants while at the public hospital the LBW rate was slightly higher among battered women. However the difference was not statistically different. Alcohol consumption was reportedly less in public patients than among the private patients. Battered women did smoke more than the nonbattered women in both hospital settings but found no significant association of smoking itself with LBW deliveries. From the study it was found out that there is a correlation between battering and LBW.
Poison Put Bonds: An Analysis of Their Economic Role

This article examines the effect of issuing debt with and without 'poison put' covenants on outstanding debt and equity claims for the period 1988 to 1989. The analysis shows that poison put covenants affect stockholders negatively and outstanding bondholders positively, while debt issued without such covenants has no effect. The study also finds a negative relationship between stock and bond returns for firms issuing poison put debt. These results are consistent with a 'mutual interest hypothesis,' which suggests that the issuance of poison put debt protects managers and, coincidentally, bondholders at the expense of stockholders. Copyright 1994 by American Finance Association.
Transient response to imatinib in a chronic eosinophilic leukemia associated with ins(9;4)(q33;q12q25) and a CDK5RAP2‐PDGFRA fusion gene

Chronic myeloproliferative disorders with rearrangements of the platelet‐derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA) gene at chromosome band 4q12 have shown excellent responses to targeted therapy with imatinib. Here we report a female patient who presented with advanced phase of a chronic eosinophilic leukemia. Cytogenetic analysis revealed an ins(9;4)(q33;q12q25) in 5 of 21 metaphases. FISH analysis with flanking BAC probes indicated that PDGFRA was disrupted. A novel mRNA in‐frame fusion between exon 13 of the CDK5 regulatory subunit associated protein 2 (CDK5RAP2) gene, a 40‐bp insert that was partially derived from an inverted sequence stretch of PDGFRA intron 9, and a truncated PDGFRA exon 12 was identified by 5′‐RACE‐PCR. CDK5RAP2 encodes a protein that is believed to be involved in centrosomal regulation. The predicted CDK5RAP2‐PDGFRA protein consists of 1,003 amino acids and retains both tyrosine kinase domains of PDGFRA and several potential dimerization domains of CDK5RAP2. Despite achieving complete cytogenetic and molecular remission on imatinib, the patient relapsed with imatinib‐resistant acute myeloid leukemia that was characterized by a normal karyotype, absence of detectable CDK5RAP2‐PDGFRA mRNA, and a newly acquired G12D NRAS mutation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Episodic memory impairment in bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder: the role of memory strategies.

BACKGROUND There is evidence that individuals with bipolar disorder exhibit neuropsychological impairments not only during mood episodes but also when they are euthymic. One of the most consistently reported cognitive problems in euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder is an impairment in verbal episodic memory. Verbal learning and memory depend on individuals' ability to organize verbal information appropriately during learning. The purpose of the present study was (i) to determine whether episodic memory impairment in euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder is mediated by impairments in organization of verbal information during learning and (ii) to compare the characteristics of memory impairment in bipolar disorder with that previously found in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). METHODS Study participants were 30 individuals with DSM-IV bipolar I disorder (BP-I), 30 individuals with DSM-IV OCD and 30 normal control participants matched for age, gender and education. Participants completed the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), a well-established measure of verbal learning and memory that enables assessment of verbal organization strategies during learning. RESULTS Compared with control subjects, both BP-I and OCD participants showed impaired performance in long-delayed free recall and verbal organization strategies during learning. BP-I participants showed greater long-delay free recall difficulties but not greater verbal organization difficulties during learning than OCD participants. For OCD participants, the long-delay recall impairment was mediated by difficulties using verbal organizational strategies during learning. In contrast, the group difference in long-delayed free recall between BP-I and control participants remained significant even when semantic clustering was introduced as a mediator. This indicated that BP-I participants' long-delayed free recall difficulties were mediated to a lesser extent by difficulties using verbal organizational strategies than for OCD participants. CONCLUSIONS Verbal episodic memory problems in individuals with bipolar I disorder and OCD are mediated to different degrees by difficulties using semantic clustering encoding strategies compared with control participants.
Insights into the management of gastric antral vascular ectasia (watermelon stomach)

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is an uncommon but important cause of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. It is often associated with systemic diseases such as autoimmune diseases, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal insufficiency and cardiovascular disease. The etiology of GAVE has not been fully explored and remains controversial. Diagnosis is mainly based on endoscopic presentation with flat or raised erythematous stripes radiating from the pylorus to the antrum and resembles a watermelon. Clinical presentation may range from iron-deficiency anemia secondary to occult blood loss, melena to hematemesis. In past decades, many therapeutic modalities including medical, endoscopic and surgical intervention have been introduced for GAVE treatment with variable efficacy. Herein, we review the efficacy and safety of these treatment options for GAVE.