Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a thiol-dependent endopeptidase from Lactobacillus helveticus CNRZ32

An endopeptidase gene (pepE) was isolated from a previously constructed genomic library of Lactobacillus helveticus CNRZ32. The pepE gene consisted of a 1,314-bp open reading frame encoding a putative peptide of 52.1 kDa. Significant identity was found between the deduced amino acid sequence of pepE and the sequences for aminopeptidase C from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis DSM7290, L. helveticus CNRZ32, Streptococcus thermophilus CNRZ302, and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris AM2. A recombinant PepE fusion protein containing an N-terminal six-histidine tag was constructed and purified to electrophoretic homogeneity. Characterization of PepE revealed that it was a thiol-dependent protease having a monomeric mass of 50 kDa, with optimum temperature, NaCl concentration, and pH for activity at 32 to 37 degrees C, 0.5%, and 4.5, respectively. PepE had significant activity under conditions which simulate those of ripening cheese (10 degrees C, 4% NaCl, pH 5.1). PepE hydrolyzed internal peptide bonds in Met-enkephalin and bradykinin; however, hydrolysis of alpha-, beta-, and kappa-caseins was not detected.
Democracy Under the Tsars? The Case of the Zemstvo

The emancipation of the serfs is often viewed as watershed moment in 19th-century Russian history. However, this reform was accompanied by numerous others measures aimed at modernizing the Tsarist economy and society. Among these "Great Reforms" was the creation of a new institution of local government - the zemstvo - which has received comparatively little attention from economic historians. This quasi-democratic form of local government played a large role in expanding the provision of public goods and services in the half century leading up to the Russian Revolution. In this paper, I draw on newly collected data from several years of spending and revenue decisions by district zemstva. These data are matched to information on local socio-economic conditions to produce one of the first (panel) datasets with broad geographic coverage on any topic in Russian economic history. I use this dataset to investigate how population characteristics, local economic conditions, and mandated peasant representation in the zemstva influenced funding decisions over public goods. Through their representation in this local political institution, were peasants able to voice their preferences over spending levels and funding for specific initiatives? I find that district zemstvo with greater political representation from the peasantry spent more per capita, especially on education. This study initiates a broader research agenda into the zemstvo's place in Russian economic history and contributes to the literature on the political economy of public good provision in developing societies.
Chromosomal and structural anomalies in fetuses with open neural tube defects

The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency and types of associated anomalies with the results of ultrasonographic and postmortem examination and identify the necessity of prenatal karyotyping among fetuses with open neural tube defects (NTD). Fetuses diagnosed with NTDs between 2008 and 2012 were retrospectively analysed. A total of 167 fetuses that were prenatally karyotyped, terminated and examined at postmortem were evaluated. Associated anomalies were detected and classified by detailed ultrasonography and autopsy findings. In total, 57 fetuses (34.1%) had associated anomalies. Prenatal ultrasonography detected 73.1% of additional anomalies compared with autopsy. Three fetuses had chromosomal abnormalities with multiple additional anomalies. A complete anatomical survey and genetic evaluation is needed for the fetuses with NTDs. We found lower chromosomal abnormality rates but due to some factors specific to NTDs, ultrasonography may not be predictive as to whether the fetus is isolated or not. We still therefore also offer chromosome analysis in isolated cases.
How does dose impact on the severity of food‐induced allergic reactions, and can this improve risk assessment for allergenic foods?

Quantitative risk assessment (QRA) for food allergens has made considerable progress in recent years, yet acceptability of its outcomes remains stymied because of the limited extent to which it has been possible to incorporate severity as a variable. Reaction severity, particularly following accidental exposure, depends on multiple factors, related to the allergen, the host and any treatments, which might be administered. Some of these factors are plausibly still unknown. Quantitative risk assessment shows that limiting exposure through control of dose reduces the rates of reactions in allergic populations, but its impact on the relative frequency of severe reactions at different doses is unclear. Food challenge studies suggest that the relationship between dose of allergenic food and reaction severity is complex even under relatively controlled conditions. Because of these complexities, epidemiological studies provide very limited insight into this aspect of the dose‐response relationship. Emerging data from single‐dose challenges suggest that graded food challenges may overestimate the rate of severe reactions. It may be necessary to generate new data (such as those from single‐dose challenges) to reliably identify the effect of dose on severity for use in QRA. Success will reduce uncertainty in the susceptible population and improve consumer choice.
Thermodynamic cooperativity of cosubstrate binding and cation selectivity of Salmonella typhimurium MelB

The Na+-coupled melibiose symporter MelB, which can also be coupled to H+ or Li+ transport, is a prototype for the glycoside-pentoside-hexuronide:cation symporter family. Although the 3-D x-ray crystal structure of Salmonella typhimurium MelB (MelBSt) has been determined, the symport mechanisms for the obligatory coupled transport are not well understood. Here, we apply isothermal titration calorimetry to determine the energetics of Na+ and melibiose binding to MelBSt, as well as protonation of this transporter. Studies of the thermodynamic cycle for the formation of the Na+–MelBSt–melibiose ternary complex at pH 7.45 reveal that the binding of Na+ and melibiose is cooperative. The binding affinity for one substrate (Na+ or melibiose) is increased by the presence of the other by about eightfold. The coupling free energies (&Dgr;&Dgr;G) of either substrate binding are ∼5 kJ/mol, and binding of both substrates releases a free energy of ∼35 kJ/mol. Measurements of the Na+-binding enthalpy at three different pH values, including the pKa value of MelB, indicate that the binding of one Na+ displaces one H+ per MelBSt molecule. In addition, the absolute dissociation constants for Na+ and H+, determined by competitive binding, show that MelBSt is selective for H+ over Na+ by ∼1,000-fold at a pKa of 6.25. Thus, the Na+ coupling in MelBSt is based not on ion selectivity but on ion concentrations and competitive binding because of a much higher Na+ concentration under physiological conditions. Such a selectivity feature seems to be common for membrane transport proteins that can bind both H+ and Na+ at a common site.
Trade liberalization, growth and poverty reduction - the case of Bangladesh

The paper seeks to compile evidence for the hypothesis that greater trade openness, and associated deregulation is good for growth, and poverty reduction in Bangladesh. At the theoretical level, it can be argued that since Bangladesh is relatively heavily endowed with labor, within the framework of the Hecksher-Ohlin model (1933 and 1949), expansion of international trade opportunities will likely support the growth of labor-intensive export industries, promoting employment, and incomes as per the Stolper-Samuelson Theorem (1941). Arguments also suggest improved productive and allocative efficiency; factor accumulation and investment; knowledge spillovers; improved income distribution; and, government policy improvements. The paper argues, using qualitative and quantitative analysis and a case study approach, that Bangladesh's increasing global integration, based on trade liberalization, and other economic deregulation, especially as of the 90s, contributed significantly to the acceleration of per capita income growth, and poverty reduction. It looks briefly at issues of trade openness, and economic development from the theoretical perspective, reviews the empirical basis for the effects of trade openness on economic development, and, focuses broadly on economic deregulation, and trade liberalization. Policy regimes implications are analyzed to provide a series of observations.
Does the mosquito Culex pipiens represent a potential vector of hepatitis C virus?

Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a public health burden in several countries. Although transmission through blood is the most likely potential route of HCV infection, other sources warrant exploration. This study was designed to examine the possibility that the mosquito Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) might serve as a vector of HCV. A series of laboratory experiments were conducted in female Cx. pipiens that were fed on blood taken from HCV patients and tested for the presence of HCV RNAs using a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique. In addition, the ability of the female mosquito to transmit HCV to human blood through membrane feeding or to its offspring (larvae) was tested. Although positive strand RNA was detected on days 1,7 and 14, negative strand HCV RNA was detected in mosquito body homogenate on days 7 and 14. Positive strands were also detected in the head, alimentary canal and salivary glands of mosquito adults at 1 week post‐feeding, as well as in their offspring (larvae). An ex vivo assay demonstrated that HCV‐infected mosquitoes were able to transmit the virus RNA into naive human blood samples via a membrane feeder. The present data indicate that the mosquito Cx. pipiens may be a potential vector of HCV.
The Finnish roundwood market: an econometric analysis

The present study investigates the determination of the aggregate supply of and demand for saw logs and pulpwood in Finland using annual data from 1965 to 1985. Raw material is purchased in competitive markets from private nonindustrial forest owners. The equilibrium assumptions seem to work rather well in both markets, in spite of the fact that, particularly in the pulpwood trade, recommended stumpage price agreements have been concluded for most of the years. Both supply and demand react to prices, and cross elasticities of supply between saw logs and pulpwood are positive or zero. When only pulpwood originating from thinning stands is used as the dependent variable in the pulpwood trade, supply and demand elasticities for pulpwood increase and cross elasticity of pulpwood supply with respect to the price of saw logs becomes negative.
Cofounders and the Value of Family Firms

ABSTRACT Prior literature documents the positive effect of the founder’s role on family-firm value. In this study, we examine whether the existence of cofounders has any effect on family firm value. We find that the outperformance of founder family firms is concentrated in family firms with cofounders as measured by Tobin’s q. Our results are robust when we use return on assets (ROA) as an alternative measure. These findings suggest that the presence of cofounders would reduce the potential risk arising from the absence of the sole founder and the power concentration in the sole founder and thus lead to higher firm value.
Promoter methylation of PARG1, a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene in mantle-cell lymphomas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a mature B-cell neoplasm, is genetically characterized by the translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32). However, secondary alterations are required for malignant transformation. The identification of inactivated tumor suppressor genes contributing to the development of MCL may lead to further elucidation of the biology of this disease and help to identify novel targets for therapy. DESIGN AND METHODS Whole genome microarray-based gene expression profiling on treated versus untreated MCL cell lines was used to identify genes induced by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. The degree of promoter methylation and transcriptional silencing of selected genes was then proven in MCL cell lines and primary cases by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, real-time PCR and gene expression profiling. RESULTS After 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment, we identified more than 1000 upregulated genes, 16 of which were upregulated > or =3-fold. Most of them were not known to be silenced by methylation in MCL. A low expression of ING1, RUNX3 and BNIP3L was observed in three of the five the MCL cell lines. In addition, the expression of PARG1, which is located in the frequently deleted region 1p22.1, was substantially reduced and displayed at least partial promoter methylation in all investigated MCL cell lines as well as in 31 primary MCL cases. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS In summary, we identified interesting novel candidate genes that probably contribute to the progression of MCL and suggest that PARG1 is a strong candidate tumor suppressor gene in MCL.
Novel Cooperative Interactions and Structural Ordering in H2S-H2

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hydrogen (H2) crystallize into a 'guest-host' structure at 3.5 GPa and, at the initial formation pressure, the rotationally disordered component molecules exhibit weak van der Waals type interactions. With increasing pressure, hydrogen bonding develops and strengthens between neighboring H2S molecules, reflected in a pronounced drop in S-H vibrational stretching frequency and also observed in first-principles calculations. At 17 GPa, an ordering process occurs where H2S molecules orient themselves to maximize hydrogen bonding and H2 molecules simultaneously occupy a chemically distinct lattice site. Intermolecular forces in the H2S+H2 system may be tuned with pressure from the weak hydrogen-bonding limit to the ordered hydrogen-bonding regime, resulting in a novel clathrate structure stabilized by cooperative interactions.
‘PACE-Gate’: When clinical trial evidence meets open data access

Science is not always plain sailing and sometimes the voyage is across an angry sea. A recent clinical trial of treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome (the PACE trial) has whipped up a storm of controversy. Patients claim the lead authors overstated the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy by lowering the thresholds they used to determine improvement. In this extraordinary case, patients discovered that the treatments tested had much lower efficacy after an information tribunal ordered the release of data from the PACE trial to a patient who had requested access using a freedom of information request.
The Right to Social Security and National Development: Lessons from OECD Experience for Low-Income Countries

Mounting acceptance throughout the world of human rights puts pressure on all countries to re-cast development policies and eliminate poverty. This report traces the divergent historical experience in developed and developing countries of putting into practice the fundamental rights to social security, including social insurance, and an adequate standard of living. Attempts to restrain and roll back social security in the last three decades have been made with too little understanding of the accumulating historical impetus in all OECD countries of its elaborate institutions and multiple functions. This report has sought to review that history because of the critical contemporary need to establish an economic and social as well as political consensus about strategy. The report highlights the importance of social security in development policy formulation and provides in this respect some strategic recommendations for both developing and industrialized countries.
A Self-Help Guide for Emerging Markets

International economic crises will continue to occur in the future as they have for centuries past. The rapid spread of the 1997 crisis in Asia and of the 1982 crisis in Latin America showed how shifts in market perceptions can suddenly bring trouble to countries even when there has been no change in objective conditions. More recently, the sharp jump in emerging market interest rates after Russia's August 1998 default underlined the vulnerability of all emerging market economies to increases in investors' aversion to risk. Emerging market countries that want to avoid the devastating effects of such crises must protect themselves. They cannot depend on the International Monetary Fund or other international organizations nor expect that a new global financial architecture' will make the world economy less dangerous. Taking steps to protect themselves requires more than avoiding those bad policies that make a currency crisis inevitable. The process of contagion makes even the virtuous vulnerable to currency runs. Liquidity is the key to self-protection. A country that has substantial international liquidity -- large foreign exchange reserves and a ready source of foreign currency loans -- is less likely to be the object of a currency attack. Substantial liquidity also permits a country that is attacked from within or without to defend itself better and to make more orderly adjustments. The challenge is to find ways to increase liquidity at reasonable cost.
An econometric method of estimating the''hidden economy

In this paper, a method of estimating the unrecorded part of the GNP based on a modified RESET procedure applied to a currency demand equation is proposed. The model passes all standard diagnostic tests and the estimates of the unrecorded economy provide plausible answers when used as a proxy for the tax-evaded income. The method is easily applicable to most countries with minor modifications. Copyright 1990 by Royal Economic Society.
Liberalisation of Rail Freight Markets in Central and South-Eastern Europe: What the European Commission Can Do to Facilitate Rail Market Opening

Drawing on the features of political and economic transformation in Central and South-eastern Europe, this article explores how the First Infrastructure Package which in 2001 liberalised rail freight markets in Europe affected the process of legislative compliance and market dynamics in the new EU-members. The article focuses on how these countries governments’ safeguarding of economic welfare of national voters hindered rail market opening and distorted the level of playing ground for competition between the incumbents and the new entrants. To understand the public administrators’ behaviours, the study looks into in the economic woes of the newly liberated countries which imposed considerable political pressures on the national governments. Opening of rail markets to competition magnified these problems because national incumbents did not know how to compete and earn market profits. Large financial losses that they incurred as a consequence of rail market contestability have seriously threatened the means of subsistence for many railway workers. Thus, the governments stepped in to subsidise the incumbents’ employment and service continuity. These developments reveal conflict between the national priorities and the European Commission’s desire for intra-rail and inter-modal competition. Yet, the results also indicate that despite unequal playing ground, private rail operators in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Romania learned how to compete and accumulate working capital for expansion into the truck-served freight segment. Besides, the growth in markets captured by new entrants was not deterred by infrastructure fees which are among highest in Europe, the discrimination in access to rail terminals and an official favouritism towards incumbents. The explanations are rooted in socio-political transformation which created unique opportunities for entry into the rail freight sector and unleashed entrepreneurial dynamism. In order to minimise incompatibility between the national and the European interests, the article concluded that the European development funds, which the new member states receive should be channelled to remove the discriminatory praxis, dismantle the national railway monopolies, and build consensus between the national and the European prerogatives.
Schooling and Economic Well-Being: The Role of Nonmarket Effects

Standard estimates of the economic value of additional schooling, based on earnings differences associated with differences in the level of schooling attained, cover only a portion of the total effects of education that are valued by citizens. We first identify a catalog of nonmarketed effects, many of which have been recently studied by economists, and then propose a procedure for estimating a willingness-to-pay value for these effects. Using empirical estimates of the magnitude of a selection of these effects found in the literature, we calculate willingness-to-pay values using our proposed procedure. These illustrative calculations suggest that standard estimates of the benefit of incremental schooling substantially understate the full value of such investments.
Distinct Modes of Inhibition by Sclerostin on Bone Morphogenetic Protein and Wnt Signaling Pathways*

Sclerostin is expressed by osteocytes and has catabolic effects on bone. It has been shown to antagonize bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and/or Wnt activity, although at present the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Consistent with previous findings, Sclerostin opposed direct Wnt3a-induced but not direct BMP7-induced responses when both ligand and antagonist were provided exogenously to cells. However, we found that when both proteins are expressed in the same cell, sclerostin can antagonize BMP signaling directly by inhibiting BMP7 secretion. Sclerostin interacts with both the BMP7 mature domain and pro-domain, leading to intracellular retention and proteasomal degradation of BMP7. Analysis of sclerostin knock-out mice revealed an inhibitory action of sclerostin on Wnt signaling in both osteoblasts and osteocytes in cortical and cancellous bones. BMP7 signaling was predominantly inhibited by sclerostin in osteocytes of the calcaneus and the cortical bone of the tibia. Our results suggest that sclerostin exerts its potent bone catabolic effects by antagonizing Wnt signaling in a paracrine and autocrine manner and antagonizing BMP signaling selectively in the osteocytes that synthesize simultaneously both sclerostin and BMP7 proteins.
Estimación del riesgo bursátil peruano

En este artículo son comparadas dos metodologías para estimar el Valor en Riesgo (VaR) del Índice General de la Bolsa de Valores de Lima (IGBVL) durante el periodo 2000-2006. Especíﬁcamente son utilizados el método RiskmetricsTM y el método de regresión cuantílica CAViaR, propuesto por Engle y Manganelli (2004). Los resultados obtenidos muestran que, en periodos de baja volatilidad o para VaR 95%, los VaR estimados por los dos métodos son próximos, pero se observan diferencias importantes en periodos de alta volatilidad, especialmente para VaR 99%.