Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Recombinant ELMOD (Cell Engulfment and Motility Domain) Proteins as GTPase-activating Proteins (GAPs) for ARF Family GTPases*

Background: ELMOD proteins are atypical GAPs for the ARF family with links to deafness. Results: ELMOD proteins have distinct specific activities for ARF proteins and bind the non-opioid sigma-1 receptor. Conclusion: Different specific activities of ELMOD1–3 are predicted to underlie different cellular functions. Significance: Specificities and regulation of ELMODs contribute to understanding their roles in cell signaling and the inner ear. The ARF family of regulatory GTPases, within the RAS superfamily, is composed of ∼30 members in mammals, including up to six ARF and at least 18 ARF-like (ARL) proteins. They exhibit significant structural and biochemical conservation and regulate a variety of essential cellular processes, including membrane traffic, cell division, and energy metabolism; each with links to human diseases. We previously identified members of the ELMOD family as GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) for ARL2 that displayed crossover activity for ARFs as well. To further characterize the GAP activities of the three human ELMODs as GAPs we developed new preparations of each after overexpression in human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells. This allowed much higher specific activities and enhanced stability and solubility of the purified proteins. The specificities of ELMOD1–3 as GAPs for six different members of the ARF family were determined and found to display wide variations, which we believe will reveal differences in cellular functions of family members. The non-opioid sigma-1 receptor (S1R) was identified as a novel effector of GAP activity of ELMOD1–3 proteins as its direct binding to either ELMOD1 or ELMOD2 resulted in loss of GAP activity. These findings are critical to understand the roles of ELMOD proteins in cell signaling in general and in the inner ear specifically, and open the door to exploration of the regulation of their GAP activities via agonists or antagonists of the S1R.
Incidence of Postoperative Delirium in a Specialized Hospital for Orthopedic Surgery

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The SEBAS was supported by the Demography and Epidemiology Unit of the Behavioral and Social Research Program of the National Institute on Aging. This study was based on data from the SEBAS provided by the Population and Health Research Center, Bureau of Health Promotion in Taiwan. The interpretation and reporting of these data are the sole responsibility of the authors. Conflict of Interest: The editor in chief has reviewed the conflict of interest checklist provided by the authors and has determined that the authors have no financial or any other kind of personal conflicts with this letter. Author Contributions: Conception and design: T-Y Lan. Acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation of data: T-Y Lan and W-C Chang. Manuscript drafting: T-Y Lan and T-H Lan. Manuscript revision for important intellectual content: B-S Hurng. Sponsor’s Role: The sponsor plays no role in the design, methods, subject recruitment, data collections, analysis, or preparation of the letter.
Challenges of multi-level governance and partnership: drawing lessons from European Union cohesion policy

The 1988 reform of the structural funds (SF) set the foundations for European Union (EU) cohesion policy (CP), arguably one of the most innovative and large-scale, if controversial and often criticised, policies addressing uneven economic development and territorial disparities. The reform reflected the shift towards new regionalism (Amin and Thrift, 1995; Cooke and Morgan, 1998; Storper, 1995, 1997), an approach considering the regional scale as key for economic development underpinned by robust regional networks and site-specific ‘relational assets’ such as trust and social capital (Beugelsdijk and Schaik, 2005; Putnam et al., 1993). These ideas triggered a paradigmatic shift in the developed countries from an ‘old’ regional policy paradigm based on a centralised approach and the use of subsidies to compensate for the location disadvantages of lagging regions towards a ‘new’ paradigm. According to the latter, regional policy should strive to tap into the underutilised potential of regions through an integrated investment strategy to develop human capital and infrastructure, implemented in cooperation across the different levels of government (OECD, 2009). CP has served as a test bench and springboard for regional policy instruments focused on regions as the main units for intervention and including the sub-national and non-state actors in the policy process through vertical and horizontal partnerships. The region was considered as an adequate scale both for strategic planning and exploiting intangible assets such as trust, proximity and flows of knowledge between the regional actors (Bachtler and Taylor, 2003: 15), while the participation of the regional authorities and stakeholders was supposed to ‘improve the prospects for effective development policies by including those actors close to the problems and priorities of targeted regions and groups’ (Bache, 2008: 46). The partnership principle, requiring close cooperation across the European, national and subnational levels of government and inclusion of a variety of stakeholders, has been the cornerstone of CP and its distinctive system of multi-level governance (MLG). The term was coined by Gary Marks to describe the way in which CP operated through a ‘system of continuous negotiation among nested governments at several territorial tiers’ in which Challenges of multi-level governance and partnership: drawing lessons from European Union cohesion policy
Health Outsourcing/Backsourcing

Abstract Since outsourcing throughout the 1980s and 1990s, many healthcare organizations are reconsidering their outsourcing decision and backsourcing. This research explores the reasons and outcomes of the outsourcing/backsourcing decision using a case study approach of two cases in Australia and Italy. Findings indicate that the outsourcing decision was cost-driven alongside a desire to increase workforce flexibility. However, backsourcing occurred due to cost increases, a lack of control and lack of workforce flexibility. On the positive side, contracting was shown to provide the host organization with the opportunity of learning from the contractor in updating skills and practices, and management techniques.
The relationship between R&D and physical investment of firms in science-based industries

This study is motivated by the one-way-inducement hypothesis that R&D induces (Granger-causes) physical investment, but physical investment does not induce R&D, raised by Lach and Schankerman (1989) and Lach and Rob (1996). It is demonstrated that their results do not hold, after extending the sample that matches their criteria by including more time periods and/or more firms. Namely, it is found that the Granger causality between R&D and physical investment occurs both ways. It is also shown that their contemporary relationship, derived by dynamic simultaneous expressions, is positive in both ways, from current R&D to current physical investment and from current physical investment to current R&D. Moreover, previous R&D affects current physical investment, and previous physical investment also affects current R&D.
Total ionizing dose effects on flash-based field programmable gate array

The total ionizing dose effect on a commercial Flash-based field programmable gate array is investigated by gamma ray radiation. The floating-gate threshold and logic propagation delay are measured with respect to the total dose. A physical model is also developed to express the threshold in terms of total dose for both unbiased- and biased-radiation conditions. Experimental data of the threshold fit this model for extracting the modeling parameters. The modeling predictions match further experimental data very well for low to moderate total dose. Using modeling and SPICE simulation together, the prediction of the propagation delay is compared to the experimental data. The biased condition has a good fit while the unbiased prediction over-degrades the propagation delay with respect to the experimental data.
Severe bloodstream infections: A population-based assessment*

ObjectiveAlthough bloodstream infection commonly results in critical illness, population-based studies of the epidemiology of severe bloodstream infection are lacking. We sought to define the incidence and microbiology of severe bloodstream infection (bloodstream infection associated with intensive care unit admission within 48 hrs) and assess risk factors for acquisition and death. DesignPopulation-based surveillance cohort. SettingMultidisciplinary and cardiovascular surgical intensive care units. PatientsAll adults with severe bloodstream infection in the Calgary Health Region (population ≈1 million) during 2000–2002. InterventionsNone. Measurements and Main ResultsThree hundred forty patients had 342 episodes of severe bloodstream infection (15.7 per 100,000 population/year). Several demographic and chronic conditions were significant risk factors for acquiring severe bloodstream infection (relative risk, 95% confidence interval) including age ≥65 yrs (7.0, 5.6–8.7), male gender (1.3, 1.1–1.6), urban residence (2.4, 1.2–5.6), hemodialysis (208.7, 142.9–296.3), diabetes mellitus (5.9, 4.4–7.8), alcoholism (5.6, 3.8–8.0), cancer (7.5, 5.3–10.3), and lung disease (3.8, 2.6–5.4). The most common etiologies were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pneumoniae (3.0, 3.0, and 1.9 per 100,000/year, respectively). The case-fatality rate was 142 of 340 (42%) for an annual mortality rate of 6.5 per 100,000. Increased Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (odds ratio, 1.1 per point; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.2) and presence of a comorbidity (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–4.3) were significant independent predictors of death. ConclusionsBloodstream infections are commonly severe enough to require management in an intensive care unit and are associated with a high mortality rate. Identification of risk factors for severe bloodstream infection may allow targeting of preventive efforts to individuals at greatest potential benefit.
Axial skeletal and hox expression domain alterations induced by retinoic acid, valproic acid, and bromoxynil during murine development

Retinoic acid (RA) alters the developmental fate of the axial skeletal anlagen. “Anteriorizations” or “posteriorizations,” the assumption of characteristics of embryonic areas normally anterior or posterior to the affected tissues, are correlated with altered embryonal expression domains of Hox genes after in utero RA treatment. These “homeotic” changes have been hypothesized to result from alterations of a “Hox cod” which imparts positional identity in the axial skeleton. To investigate whether such developmental alterations were specific to RA, or were a more general response to xenobiotic exposure, CD‐1 pregnant mice were exposed to RA, valproic acid (VA), or bromoxynil (Br) during organogenesis. Additionally, the expression domains of two Hox genes, Hoxa7 and Hoxa10, were examined in gestation day (GD) 12.5 embryos obtained from control, RA, VA, or Br, treated gravid dams exposed on GD 6, 7, or 8. The anterior expression boundary of Hoxa7 is at the level of the C7/T1 vertebrae and that of Hoxa10 is at L6/S1. Compound‐induced changes in the incidence of skeletal variants were observed. These included supernumerary cervical ribs (CSNR) lateral to C7, 8 vertebrosternal ribs, supernumerary lumbar ribs (LSNR) lateral to L1, extra presacral vertebrae, and the induction of vertebral and/or rib malformations. RA and VA administration on GD 6 caused posteriorization in the cervico‐thoracic region (CSNR) while GD 8 exposure to any of the three compounds resulted in anteriorizations in the thoraco‐lumbar area (LSNR and an increase in the number of presacral vertebrae). These effects occurred across regions of the axial skeleton. Analysis of gene expression demonstrated changes in the anterior boundaries of Hoxa7 expression domains in embryos treated on GD 6 and 8 with RA. VA and Br did not induce any statistically significant alterations in Hoxa7 and none of the compounds caused alterations in Hoxa10 expression domains. The studies indicate that RA GD 6 treatment‐induced Hoxa7 shifts were rostral (posteriorization) while the RA‐induced GD 8 anterior expression boundary shift was caudal (anteriorization), correlating with the axial skeletal changes noted. These data suggest that xenobiotic compounds such as VA and Br may induce similar axial skeletal changes by affecting different components of the developmental processes involved in the patterning of the axial skeleton. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 17:346–356, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.10098
Can Strategic Human Resource Management Enable Gross National Happiness?

Purpose – This is a theoretical paper, which aims to consider the role of strategic human resource management (SHRM) in the development of “gross national happiness” (GNH) in Bhutan. Design/Methodology/Approach – The paper initially examines the question of what is strategic capacity building and its importance for developing nations. It then considers the story of Bhutan where the idea of GNH forms the development philosophy and approach to attaining the long-term visions and goals for the country. Different models and structures for SHRM in Bhutan are discussed in order to determine whether it can be applied to a nation effectively and, if so, whether it will enable the attainment of GNH and the performance desired by the government.Findings – A link between SHRM and the achievement of Bhutan’s 2020 vision is identified as, if Bhutan is to achieve its national capacity, it must identify the capabilities that it needs and then the strategies to support such developments. All four of Ulrich’s HRM types will be required and this will need careful management, as there is a tendency to move towards one or other within an organization. Bhutan is going through a period of extensive change and the values will be changing. What is recognized here is that not only must the SHRM develop appropriate people management strategies, it must also acknowledge its crucial role in the recognition and maintenance of appropriate value sets. Research Limitations/Implications – The proposed framework is currently limited to a theoretical application for Bhutan because, it is argued, that an appropriate model of SHRM will support the desired attainments, but that to do so the specific values of Bhutan will need to be identified and integrated into policy development.Practical Implications – The role of SHRM in supporting or driving change is considered and a potential framework for SHRM in Bhutan is proposed. There is potential to apply these ideas more widely. Originality/Value – This paper identifies a role for SHRM in the attainment of GNH for Bhutan, which is important in helping Bhutan to achieve its national capability.
Use of disinfectants to reduce microbial contamination of hubs of vascular catheters

The vascular catheter hub is a potential portal of entry for microorganisms that cause catheter-related sepsis. Thus, a reduction in catheter hub contamination might reduce the incidence of catheter-related sepsis. To develop a regimen suitable for reducing microbial contamination of the catheter hub, we experimentally contaminated catheter hubs and assessed the efficacies of disinfectant solutions. Catheter hubs were incubated overnight with suspensions of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Candida parapsilosis. After removal of unattached microorganisms, the catheter hubs were swabbed by rotating cotton swabs dipped in 1% chlorhexidine, 1% chlorhexidine in 70% ethanol, 70% ethanol, 97% ethanol, or normal saline. Posttreatment swabs of the catheter hub were obtained and cultured quantitatively. The cleaning regimens containing ethanol were the most effective. Seventy percent ethanol was more effective than chlorhexidine and is likely to be the safest treatment. We conclude that cleaning of the catheter hub with disinfectant can dramatically reduce microbial contamination.
Heparanase-1 expression is associated with the metastatic potential of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND Metastasis of malignant breast cells is in part mediated through degradation of the extra-cellular matrix by proteolysis, enabling malignant cells to migrate through the surrounding stroma. Heparanase-1 (HPR1) is an endoglycosidase that specifically degrades the heparan sulfate (HS) moiety of proteoglycans, a component of the extracellular matrix and basement membrane. METHODS Fifty-one primary breast tumors, 13 lymph node metastases, 4 ductal carcinoma in situ, 7 benign, and 5 normal specimens were examined for HPR1 expression using immunohistochemical staining. The functional role of HPR1 expression was determined by examining HS deposition using immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Sixteen of 30 breast carcinomas (53%) with sentinel node metastasis expressed HPR1. In contrast, only 5 of 21 nonmetastatic primary breast carcinomas (23%) were HPR1 positive. Eighteen of 30 breast carcinomas between 1 and 5 cm expressed HPR1, compared with 3 of 21 HPR1-positive specimens in tumors < or =1 cm. Statistical analysis revealed that HPR1 expression was associated with breast tumor metastases (P =.04) and primary tumors between 1 and 5 cm (P =.002). Ninety percent of HPR1-positive tumors lacked HS deposition, suggesting an inverse correlation between HPR1 expression and HS deposition. CONCLUSIONS HPR1 expression correlates with the lack of HS deposition and with the metastatic potential of breast cancers. The frequency of HPR1 is significantly higher in breast tumors between 1 and 5 cm than in tumors < or =1 cm.
MoGFT-I: A Multi-objective Optimization approach for the Cart and Pole control problem

In this article a set of well-known computational intelligence techniques such as Decision Trees, Fuzzy Logic, and Multi-objective Optimization Genetic Algorithm are combined to generate a novel hybrid method which is called MoGFT-I: Multi-objective Genetic Fuzzy Rule Based System supported by a Decision Tree with Improved Interpretability. The output of the proposed supervised learning method is a set of Mamdani-type fuzzy systems which are optimized and distributed along a Pareto curve by considering two conflicting attributes: accuracy and interpretability. The MoGFT-I method is then applied to the Cart and Pole control problem such that a set of feedback controller are designed to control this unstable nonlinear dynamical system.
Measurement of cervical range of motion (CROM) by electronic CROM goniometer: a test of reliability and validity.

PURPOSE To investigate the reliability and validity of the Electronic Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) Goniometer in measurement of cervical spine mobility in adults with and without neck pain. METHODS A cross-sectional reliability study was conducted on 54 subjects (26 neck pain and 26 non-neck pain) aged from 20-70 years old. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Chinese version of Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire were used to assess neck pain severity and disability respectively. The CROM was measured in sitting position except left to right rotation was measured in supine lying. All the cervical active movements were measured by using the Electronic CROM Goniometer from ARCON TM Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) systems. RESULTS The intra-tester and inter-tester reliability were high in both normal and chronic neck pain groups with ICC coefficients ranged from 0.75-*0.92. There was significant difference in the total CROM between the normal (374.7°) and chronic neck pain group (292.6°). CONCLUSION The ACRON cervical goniometer was found to be reliable for measuring cervical mobility in 3 planes for both normal and patient subjects. Construct validity of the goniometer was supported as the test's result documented significant difference in CROM between the control and the neck pain groups.
How Fast are Semiconductor Prices Falling?

The Producer Price Index (PPI) for the United States suggests that semiconductor prices have barely been falling in recent years, a dramatic contrast to the rapid declines reported from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s. This slowdown in the rate of decline is puzzling in light of evidence that the performance of microprocessor units (MPUs) has continued to improve at a rapid pace. Over the course of the 2000s, the MPU prices posted by Intel, the dominant producer of MPUs, became much stickier over the chips' life cycle. As a result of this change, we argue that the matched-model methodology used in the PPI for MPUs likely started to be biased after the early 2000s and that hedonic indexes can provide a more accurate measure of price change since then. MPU prices fell rapidly through 2004 on every price measure we present, with the PPI declining at an even quicker pace than the hedonic indexes. However, from 2004 to 2009, our preferred hedonic index fell faster than the PPI, and from 2009 to 2013 the gap widened further, with our preferred index falling at an average annual rate of 42 percent, while the PPI declined at only a 6 percent rate. Given that MPUs currently represent about half of U.S. shipments of semiconductors, this difference has important implications for gauging the rate of innovation in the semiconductor sector.
Corporate governance and the quality of accounting earnings: a Canadian perspective

Purpose – The paper seeks to examine the association between corporate governance mechanisms and the quality of accounting earnings. Design/methodology/approach – Quality of earnings is measured in two ways: the accounting-based measure of earnings management and the market-based measure of earnings informativeness. Using firm-level corporate governance data for a sample of Canadian firms in the years 2001-2004, regression analysis explores the relation between corporate governance (including board composition, management shareholding, shareholders' rights and the extent of disclosure of governance practices), and the quality of earnings. Findings – Empirical tests demonstrate that overall governance quality is negatively related to the level of abnormal accruals and positively influences the return-earnings association. In addition, the magnitude of abnormal accruals is negatively associated with the level of independence of board composition, the extent of alignment of management compensation with interests of shareholders and the strength of shareholder rights. The results from the returns and earnings analysis are consistent with these findings. Research limitations/implications – The tests in this study are association tests. Future research may use qualitative research approaches to examine the link between quality of financial reporting and governance effectiveness. Originality/value – This study provides evidence that supports Canadian regulators' initiatives that stronger corporate governance mechanisms provide greater monitoring of the financial accounting process and may be important factors in improving the integrity of financial reporting.
The Dynamics of Regional and National Contentious Politics in Russia: Evidence from a New Dataset

The paper analyzes the regional dimension of Russia’s protests and its links to recent nationwide contentious politics based on an analysis of an author-constructed protest dataset for the period 2007-2012. The data indicate high levels of civic activism and a growing trend of the politicization of the Russian citizenry. Nevertheless, the analysis also points to the spatially and temporally uneven nature of protests. Drawing on scholarship on political opportunity structures, I argue that these variations mirror political-institutional closures and openings at local, regional and federal levels of authority.