Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cloning and Comparison of fliC Genes and Identification of Glycosylation in the Flagellin ofPseudomonas aeruginosa a-Type Strains

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa a-type strains produce flagellin proteins which vary in molecular weight between strains. To compare the properties of a-type flagellins, the flagellin genes of severalPseudomonas aeruginosa a-type strains, as determined by interaction with specific anti-a monoclonal antibody, were cloned and sequenced. PCR amplification of the a-type flagellin gene fragments from five strains each yielded a 1.02-kb product, indicating that the gene size is not likely to be responsible for the observed molecular weight differences among the a-type strains. The flagellin amino acid sequences of several a-type strains (170018, 5933, 5939, and PAK) were compared, and that of 170018 was compared with that of PAO1, a b-type strain. The former comparisons revealed that a-type strains are similar in amino acid sequence, while the latter comparison revealed differences between 170018 and PAO1. Posttranslational modification was explored for its contribution to the observed differences in molecular weight among the a-type strains. A biotin-hydrazide glycosylation assay was performed on the flagellins of three a-type strains (170018, 5933, and 5939) and one b-type strain (M2), revealing a positive glycosylation reaction for strains 5933 and 5939 and a negative reaction for 170018 and M2. Deglycosylation of the flagellin proteins with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS) confirmed the glycosylation results. A molecular weight shift was observed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis for the TFMS-treated flagellins of 5933 and 5939. These results indicate that the molecular weight discrepancies observed for the a-type flagellins can be attributed, at least in part, to glycosylation of the protein. Anti-a flagellin monoclonal antibody reacted with the TFMS-treated flagellins, suggesting that the glycosyl groups are not a necessary component of the epitope for the human anti-a monoclonal antibody. Comparisons between a-type sequences and a b-type sequence (PAO1) will aid in delineation of the epitope for this monoclonal antibody.
Stage-Gate® for SMEs: a qualitative study in Germany

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the structure of the new product development (NPD) processes of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and researches the transferability of the Stage-Gate® system for SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – The authors used a qualitative multiple case study design. Data were gathered from 49 semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with German firms. The authors used blank cards and a bar graph to measure process structures. The NPD processes were assessed using both objective and subjective success criteria. Pattern matching was used as a systematic analysis technology for the identification of certain structures in the data. In data analysis the authors applied triangulation, content analysis, and descriptive categorisations. The authors looked for similarities and differences between the groups and the frequencies of certain characteristics, and also compared mean values. Findings – The authors found that the majority of the enterprises have adopted St.
Segregation and Poverty Concentration

A key argument of Massey and Denton’s (1993) American Apartheid is that racial residential segregation and non-white group poverty rates combine interactively to produce spatially concentrated poverty. Despite a compelling theoretical rationale, empirical tests of this proposition have been negative or mixed. This article develops a formal decomposition model that expands Massey’s model of how segregation, group poverty rates, and other spatial conditions combine to form concentrated poverty. The revised decomposition model allows for income effects on cross-race neighborhood residence and interactive combinations of multiple spatial conditions in the formation of concentrated poverty. Applying the model to data reveals that racial segregation and income segregation within race contribute importantly to poverty concentration, as Massey argued. Almost equally important for poverty concentration, however, is the disproportionate poverty of blacks’ and Hispanics’ other-race neighbors. It is thus more accurate to describe concentrated poverty in minority communities as resulting from three segregations: racial segregation, poverty-status segregation within race, and segregation from high- and middle-income members of other racial groups. The missing interaction Massey expected in empirical tests can be found with proper accounting for the factors in the expanded model.
Unsupervised Feature Selection by Heuristic Search with Provable Bounds on Suboptimality

Identifying a small number of features that can represent the data is a known problem that comes up in areas such as machine learning, knowledge representation, data mining, and numerical linear algebra. Computing an optimal solution is believed to be NP-hard, and there is extensive work on approximation algorithms. Classic approaches exploit the algebraic structure of the underlying matrix, while more recent approaches use randomization. An entirely different approach that uses the A* heuristic search algorithm to find an optimal solution was recently proposed. Not surprisingly it is limited to effectively selecting only a small number of features. We propose a similar approach related to the Weighted A* algorithm. This gives algorithms that are not guaranteed to find an optimal solution but run much faster than the A* approach, enabling effective selection of many features from large datasets. We demonstrate experimentally that these new algorithms are more accurate than the current state-of-the-art while still being practical. Furthermore, they come with an adjustable guarantee on how different their error may be from the smallest possible (optimal) error. Their accuracy can always be increased at the expense of a longer running time.
The Management Implications of Women’s Employment Disadvantage in a Female‐Dominated Profession: A Study of NHS Nursing

Current explanations of gender inequality in paid employment fall into two broad groups. Firstly, there are theorists who argue that the actions and strategies of managers maintain and perpetuate unequal outcomes for women in the labour market. Secondly, there are theorists who argue that women’s lower commitment to work determines their job choices and outcomes. A survey of 643 qualified female NHS nurses examines both approaches. We argue that recognizing not only the existence of gender‐based disadvantage but also its sources are important in devising effective managerial policies and initiatives. Also, conventionally less attention has been given to patterns of individual disadvantage for employees within workforces dominated by members of the same gender. Employment disadvantage is shown to exist in the single gender workforce, as in the more general case, but its operation is subtler and more difficult for managers to detect. This suggests a number of important management implications: a clear need for diagnosing potential patterns of disadvantage which may be relatively covert; the need to recognize the imperative for monitoring employment equity beyond regulatory compliance; the need for the implementation of effective strategy; and managers’ need to evaluate the adequacy of not simply equal opportunities policies, but the broader issue of long‐term career planning.
COMPARISON OF ROUNDABOUT CAPACITY AND DELAY ESTIMATES FROM ANALYTICAL AND SIMULATION MODELS

The predictions of capacity and delay for a single lane entry stream at a single lane roundabout by two simulation models, ModelC and INSECT, and two analytical models, ARRB Special Report 45 (SR 45) and SIDRA, are compared. All these models are based on the use of the gap acceptance method for predicting roundabout performance. Comparisons are made for low, medium and high circulating flow levels, and for undersaturated entry stream conditions (degrees of saturation in the range 0.10 to 0.95). The features of the models in relation to capacity and delay estimation are discussed in detail. The capacities and queueing delays predicted by ModelC simulation model and the two analytical models, SR 45 and SIDRA are found to be sufficiently close given the difficulty in making the analytical and simulation model assumptions compatible. Estimates of capacity and delay from INSECT are found to be over- sensitive to the origin-destination pattern of entry flows which contribute to a particular circulating flow. They are sufficiently close to estimates from other models when a balanced arrival flow pattern is used. Capacity and delay estimates from ModelC are less sensitive to changes in the origin-destination flow pattern. (A) For the covering entry of this conference, see IRRD abstract no. 843369.
Women's Wellbeing and the Sex Ratio at Birth: Some Suggestive Evidence from India

A declining sex ratio (SR) for a population has generally been diagnosed as an indicator of worsening female advantage, while a declining sex ratio at birth (SRB) – such as in the context of the Indian population over the recent past – has been diagnosed as being caused largely by the phenomenon of sex-selective foeticide. In this article, we examine the merits of a less sinister hypothesis in terms of which a secular improvement in women's wellbeing has led to a sex-neutral reduction in the rate of foetal wastage, and through that route, to a reduction in the SRB (and therefore in the overall SR of the population). We seek support for this hypothesis by examining evidence from India. We also discuss the implications of this line of reasoning for women's wellbeing, development and the significance of a declining sex ratio.
Translocation of Protein Kinase C Isoforms to Subcellular Targets in Ischemic and Anesthetic Preconditioning

Background Translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) to subcellular targets is a pivotal signaling step in ischemic preconditioning (IPC). However, to date, it is unknown whether PKC isoforms translocate in anesthetic preconditioning (APC). Methods The PKC blockers chelerythrine and rottlerin and the adenosine triphosphate–dependent potassium (KATP) channel blockers HMR-1098 and 5-hydroxydecanoate were used to assess the role of PKC and KATP channels in isolated perfused rat hearts subjected to IPC or APC (1.5 minimum alveolar concentration isoflurane) followed by 40 min of ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to visualize PKC translocation after preconditioning. In addition, the phosphorylation status of PKC isoforms was assessed. Results Chelerythrine, rottlerin, and 5-hydroxydecanoate blocked IPC and APC with respect to functional recovery, albeit IPC at higher concentrations. HMR-1098 did not affect IPC or APC. PKC&dgr; and PKC&egr; translocated to nuclei in both IPC and APC, which was inhibited by chelerythrine and rottlerin. PKC&dgr; translocated to mitochondria but not to the sarcolemma, and PKC&egr; translocated to the sarcolemma and intercalated disks but not to mitochondria. Interestingly, PKC&egr; was accumulated at the intercalated disks in control and preconditioned hearts. Phosphorylation of PKC&dgr; on serine643 was increased in IPC and APC and blocked by chelerythrine and rottlerin, whereas phosphorylation of PKC&dgr; on threonine505 was increased only in IPC and not blocked by chelerythrine or rottlerin. PKC&egr; on serine729 did not change its phosphorylation status. Conclusions This study indicates that translocation of PKC&dgr; plays a pivotal role in IPC and APC and suggests that phosphorylation of PKC&dgr; on serine643 may be of particular relevance in transferring the APC stimulus to mitochondrial KATP channels.
Can Judges Improve Academic Achievement?

Over the last 3 decades student achievement has remained essentially unchanged in the United States, but not for a lack of spending. Over the same period a myriad of education reforms have been suggested and per-pupil spending has more than doubled. Since the 1990s the education reform attempts have frequently included judicial decisions to revise state school finance systems. Invoking general clauses about the need for an adequate education found in every state constitution, judges in more than half of the states waded into the development of finely tuned reform strategies. This article empirically estimates the effect of judicial intervention on student achievement using standardized test scores and graduation rates in 48 states from 1992 to 2005. We find no evidence that court-ordered school spending improves student achievement.
Subperiosteal hematomas of the orbit: angiographic and computed tomographic diagnosis.

Subperiosteal hematomas of the orbit are a rare complication of blunt head trauma that may on occasion occur spontaneously. Angiography and computed tomography (CT) were used in the diagnosis of three cases of subperiosteal hematoma. In the proper clinical setting, orbital CT can give a precise delineation of the size and extent of this hematoma.
Determinants of increased energy expenditure in HIV-infected women.

BACKGROUND Little is known about sex-specific effects of HIV infection on energy expenditure. OBJECTIVE We investigated the determinants of energy expenditure in HIV-infected women. DESIGN Resting energy expenditure (REE), body composition, and hormonal and nutritional indexes were compared in 33 ambulatory, premenopausal HIV-infected women and 26 weight-matched, healthy premenopausal control subjects. REE was determined by indirect calorimetry and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis, and skinfold-thickness analysis. Hormonal indexes included leptin, testosterone, estradiol, and insulin-like growth factor I. RESULTS HIV-infected subjects had a higher REE than control subjects [6794 +/- 1374 compared with 6011 +/- 607 kJ/d (1624 +/- 329 compared with 1437 +/- 145 kcal/d), P = 0.0096]. On average, REE was 119 +/- 23% of Harris-Benedict predictions in HIV-infected subjects compared with 102 +/- 9% for control subjects (P = 0.0007). In HIV-infected subjects, REE was highly correlated with fat-free mass (FFM) by DXA (R = 0.641, P < 0.001), but not with weight or disease status. The slope of the regression equation for REE and FFM was significantly greater (P = 0.027, analysis of covariance) for HIV-infected subjects [REE (kJ/d) = 203.5 (kg FFM) - 1237] than for control subjects [REE (kJ/d) = 77.4 (kg FFM) + 2923]. In a stepwise regression analysis, FFM was the most significant variable (P = 0.005), followed by free testosterone (P = 0.029), which together explained 49% of the variation in REE. The final equation was REE (kJ/d) = 230.8 (kg FFM) + 395.9 (free testosterone, pmol/L) - 3304. CONCLUSIONS Energy expenditure was higher in HIV-infected women than in control women. FFM is the primary determinant of REE in HIV-infected women, but energy expenditure is greater per kg FFM in HIV-infected subjects than in control subjects, which may contribute to the wasting syndrome.
Verteilungswirkungen der Steuerreform 2000/2005 im Vergleich zum ‚Karlsruher Entwurf'

The actual tax reform 2000/2005 and their alternative proposals are prominent in the actual economic and social policy discussion. The question of the individual impacts to the tax payers is pronounced in the political discussion beyond traditional taxation aims to cover public expenditures and to promote a just income distribution. Alternatively to the actual tax reform 2000/2005 in Germany the ‘Karlsruhe proposal’ is discussed, which tries to raise the transparency and thereby the taxation acceptance by a drastical simplification of the tax law. In this study we analyse and quantify by a microsimulation approach the distributional and redistributional income impacts to important societal groups of the competitive tax systems compared to the before tax reform situation. Our micro database is a 10% sample of the anonymised individual records of the actual available German Income Tax Statistic 1995 with ca, 3 mio. data records.
EXPERIMENTAL AUTOIMMUNE MYASTHENIA GRAVIS AND MYASTHENIA GRAVIS: BIOCHEMICAL AND IMMUNOCHEMICAL ASPECTS *

Stucture of acetylcholine receptor protein (AChR) purified from Electrophorus electricus (eel) by affinity chromatography is described. AChR is detected in extracts from human muscle, rat muscle, and rat thymus. Rats immunized with eel AChR develop humoral antibodies, a small fraction of which recognize AChR from rat muscle. Rats immunized with AChR exhibit myasthenia, but those immunized with denatured AChR do not. Immunoglobulin fraction of antisera to eel AChR can block the activity of AChR in electroplaques. Sera from patients with myasthenia gravis contain antibodies to AChR from human muscle detectabe at an average value 300-fold the background level in sera from nonmyasthenics. Relationship of thymoma and disease intensity to antibody titer is examined. The chronic phase of EAMG appears a good model of MG, since in both cases similar concentrations of 7-S immunoglobulin against determinants on muscle AChR other than the toxin binding site are found. Assay of anti-AChR antibody in sera from MG patients using AChR from rat muscle gives titers 10%-15% of those obtained using AChR from human muscle, and using AChR from eel gives negligible titers. The assay method described for assaying antibodies against AChR from human muscle is suggested as a diagnostic test for MG.
Clinical performance of a regenerative strategy for intrabony defects: scientific evidence and clinical experience.

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a regenerative strategy for the treatment of deep intrabony defects. METHODS This patient cohort study involved 40 patients with one deep interdental intrabony defect each. They were treated with periodontal regeneration using four different regenerative methods (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene [ePTFE] titanium reinforced membranes, bioabsorbable membranes alone, bioabsorbable membranes with a bone replacement graft [combination], or enamel matrix derivative), according to predefined criteria and decision-making algorithms. Defects were accessed with papilla preservation flaps performed with the aid of an operating microscope and microsurgical instruments. A stringent plaque control regimen was enforced in all the patients during the 1-year observation period. Outcomes included evaluation of the complete primary closure of the interdental space (CLOSURE), gains in clinical attachment (CAL), and reductions in probing depths (PD). RESULTS CLOSURE was achieved in all treated defects and was maintained in 90% of cases for the entire healing period. At 1 year the observed CAL gains were 6 +/- 1.8 mm on average, corresponding to a resolution of 92.1% +/- 12% of the initial intrabony (CAL%) component of the defect. Average PD reduction was 6.1 +/- 1.9 mm and was associated with minimal increase in gingival recession (-0.1 +/- 0.7 mm). The 12 sites treated with titanium reinforced ePTFE membranes resulted in a 1-year CAL gain of 6.8 +/- 2.2 mm (CAL%: 94.7 +/- 13.4); the 11 cases treated with combination therapy showed a 1-year CAL gain of 5.4 +/- 1.7 mm (CAL%: 88.2 +/- 9.6); the seven sites treated with bioabsorbable barriers resulted in 5.9 +/- 1.2 mm of CAL gain (CAL%: 88.9 +/- 11.5); and the 10 sites treated with enamel matrix gained on average 5.9 +/- 1.5 mm of CAL (CAL%: 88.9 +/- 11.5). No significant differences were observed among the four approaches. CONCLUSION The use of an evidence-based regenerative strategy resulted in clinically relevant amounts of CAL gains, shallow pockets, and minimal gingival recession with the four regenerative approaches.
A Cool Response to the Ice Regulations? Employer and Trade Union Approaches to the New Legal Framework for Information and Consultation

One year on from the introduction of the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations, this article reviews the emerging patterns of implementation in the light of the legislations 'reflexive design'. The available evidence suggests considerable employer-led activity in terms of reviewing, modifying and introducing information and consultation arrangements but a relative paucity of formal 'pre-existing agreements', despite the protection they offer against the Regulations statutory procedures being invoked by employees. This picture is consistent with a risk assessment rather than a compliance approach by management, facilitated by union ambivalence towards the legislation and low use of its provisions by employees.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and CEO luck: are lucky CEOs socially responsible?

‘Lucky’ CEOs are given stock option grants on days when the stock price is the lowest in the month of the grant, implying opportunistic timing, severe agency problems and poor corporate governance. We find that lucky (opportunistic) CEOs invest significantly less in CSR. The evidence thus does not support the notion that CSR is primarily used to enhance managers’ private benefits at the expense of shareholders. Rather, lucky CEOs appear to view CSR investments as depriving them of the free cash flow they could otherwise exploit.
Outcomes of 18 cases with squamous cell carcinoma of middle ear who underwent both surgery and post-operative radiotherapy

Abstract Conclusions: Early diagnosis and treatment were critical to prevent recurrence, and the long-term outcomes were satisfactory after surgery and post-operative radiotherapy. Objectives: To present outcomes of 18 cases with squamous cell carcinoma of the middle ear who underwent both surgery and post-operative radiotherapy. Methods: Eighteen cases with squamous cell carcinoma of the middle ear (two cases of T1, five of T2, and 11 of T3) underwent surgery and post-operative radiotherapy, and a surgical approach was determined by tumour sites. Extended mastoidotympanectomy was performed on two cases, with subtotal temporal bone resection on 12 cases and temporal bone resection on four cases. The patients who had cervical metastasis underwent additional radical neck resection and post-operative radiotherapy at the neck. The patients were followed-up after surgery. Results: During the follow-up, no cases of T1 recurred, and six cases of T2 or T3 recurred, with the total recurrence rate of 37.5% among the patients of T2 and T3. At the fifth year after surgery, 15 patients were still alive, and the actual 5-year survival rate was 83.3% among all patients.
Employment Relationships in the New Economy

It is often argued that 'new economy' jobs are less likely to use traditional employment relationships, and more likely to rely on 'alternative' or 'contingent' work. When we look at new economy jobs classified on the basis of employment in high-tech industries, we do not find greater use of contingent or alternative employment relationships. However, when we classify new economy workers based on residence in high-tech cities, contingent and alternative employment relationships are more common, even after accounting for the faster employment growth in these cities. Finally, defining 'new economy' more literally to be those industries with the fastest growth yields the most striking differences, as workers in the fastest-growing industries are much more likely to be in contingent or alternative employment relationships, with a large share of this difference driven by employment in the fast-growing construction and personnel supply services industries where employment is perhaps 'intrinsically' contingent or alternative. While subject to numerous qualifications, the combined evidence gives some support to the hypothesis that the new economy may entail a possibly significant and long-lasting increase in contingent and alternative employment relationships.