Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Dissection of the Multi-Domain Di-Heme Cytochrome c 550 from Thermus thermophilus

In bacteria, oxidation of sulfite to sulfate, the most common strategy for sulfite detoxification, is mainly accomplished by the molybdenum-containing sulfite:acceptor oxidoreductases (SORs). Bacterial SORs are very diverse proteins; they can exist as monomers or homodimers of their core subunit, as well as heterodimers with an additional cytochrome c subunit. We have previously described the homodimeric SOR from Thermus thermophilus HB8 (SORTTHB8), identified its physiological electron acceptor, cytochrome c 550, and demonstrated the key role of the latter in coupling sulfite oxidation to aerobic respiration. Herein, the role of this di-heme cytochrome c was further investigated. The cytochrome was shown to be composed of two conformationally independent domains, each containing one heme moiety. Each domain was separately cloned, expressed in E. coli and purified to homogeneity. Stopped-flow experiments showed that: i) the N-terminal domain is the only one accepting electrons from SORTTHB8; ii) the N- and C-terminal domains are in rapid redox equilibrium and iii) both domains are able to transfer electrons further to cytochrome c 552, the physiological substrate of the ba 3 and caa 3 terminal oxidases. These findings show that cytochrome c 550 functions as a electron shuttle, without working as an electron wire with one heme acting as the electron entry and the other as the electron exit site. Although contribution of the cytochrome c 550 C-terminal domain to T. thermophilus sulfur respiration seems to be dispensable, we suggest that di-heme composition of the cytochrome physiologically enables storage of the two electrons generated from sulfite oxidation, thereof ensuring efficient contribution of sulfite detoxification to the respiratory chain-mediated energy generation.
An examination of the entrepreneurial intent of MBA students in Australia using the entrepreneurial intention questionnaire

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the entrepreneurial intentions of MBA students in Australia. Linan and Chen’s Entrepreneurial Intentions Questionnaire (EIQ) was used for this purpose which, in part, is based on Azjen’s theory of planned behaviour. Design/methodology/approach Using a pragmatic approach, a purposive convenience sample of 249 students from an Australian university was used. Permission was granted from the MBA director to visit a number of classes to distribute and collect completed survey forms. Findings The psychometric properties of the EIQ were confirmed. However, the “subjective norm” predictor variable was not corroborated as an antecedent of “entrepreneurial intent (EI)”. Research limitations/implications These findings cannot be truly generalised given the nature of the research design. Furthermore, the intentions of students may be different by the time they graduate. Practical implications The weak relationship between subjective norm and intent questions the value of networking with industry groups. University education should focus on developing those characteristics associated with the remaining independent variables. For example, a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship should be developed together with confidence building and self-efficacy linked to “perceived behavioural control”. Originality/value The psychometric properties of the EIQ were confirmed but, unlike other studies, the “subjective norm” predictor variable was not corroborated as an antecedent of EI. Therefore, the value of support from family, friends and associated support organizations such as Chambers of Commerce become questionable in terms of EI.
Effect of Pupil Size on Optical Quality Parameters in Astigmatic Eyes Using a Double-Pass Instrument

Purpose. To objectively determine the effects of pupil size on optical quality parameters in astigmatic eyes using a double-pass instrument. Methods. We examined twenty-two eyes of 22 healthy volunteers (mean age ± standard deviation, 27.1 ± 2.8 years) who had no ophthalmic diseases other than refractive errors (manifest cylinder ≤0.25 diopters (D)). After we fully corrected cycloplegic refraction, we created with-the-rule astigma tism of 1, 2, and 3 diopters in these eyes and then quantitatively assessed the modulation transfer function (MTF) cutoff frequency and the Strehl2D ratio with 2-, 4-, and 6-mm pupil sizes using the Optical Quality Analysis System. Results. The MTF cutoff frequency and the Strehl2D ratio decreased significantly as the amount of astigmatism increased at each pupil size (P < 0.001 for 2, 4, and 6 mm, analysis of variance). They also decreased significantly with an increase in pupil size at each diopter of astigmatism (P < 0.001 for 0, 1, 2, and 3 D). Multiple comparisons demonstrated a significant difference between measurements made for a 2-mm pupil and for a 6-mm pupil at each diopter of astigmatism (P < 0.001 for 0, 1, 2, and 3 D, Dunnett test) and those made for a 4-mm pupil and for a 6-mm pupil at each diopter of astigmatism (P < 0.001 for 0 D, P < 0.05 1, 2, and 3 D). Conclusions. Eyes with larger pupils had lower optical quality even when they were astigmatic. It may be necessary to correct the preexisting astigmatism to acquire excellent visual performance, especially in astigmatic eyes with larger pupils.
Higher Order Risk Attitudes, Demographics, and Financial Decisions

We conduct an experiment to study the prevalence of the higher order risk attitudes of prudence and temperance, in a large demographically representative sample, as well as in a sample of undergraduate students. Participants make pairwise choices between lotteries of the form proposed by Eeckhoudt and Schlesinger (2006). The choices in these lotteries isolate prudent from imprudent, and temperate from intemperate, behavior. We relate individuals’ risk aversion, prudence, and temperance levels to demographics and financial decisions. We observe that the majority of individuals’ decisions are consistent with risk aversion, prudence, and temperance, in both the student and the demographically representative sample. An individual’s level of prudence is predictive of his wealth, saving, and borrowing behavior outside of the experiment, while temperance predicts the riskiness of portfolio choices. Our findings suggest that the coefficient of relative prudence for a representative individual is approximately equal to two.
The Biology and some Population Parameters of the Grasshopper, Ronderosia bergi, Under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract Some biological and population parameters of Ronderosia bergi (Stål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Melanoplinae) were estimated by monitoring five cohorts of the first generation (F1) of individuals born in captivity from grasshoppers collected in the South of Misiones province, northeastern Argentina, and held under controlled conditions (30° C, 14:10 L:D, 40% RH). The mean embryonic development time was 40.6 ± 1.7 days. Five nymphal instars were recorded. Total duration of nymphal development was 30.8 ± 0.54 days. The mean lifespan of cohorts was 22.6 ± 0.7 weeks. The number of egg-pods per female was 7.6 ± 1.44, and the amount of eggs per egg-pod was 16.45 ± 0.85. Mean fecundity was 125 ± 5.83 eggs per female with an oviposition rate of 1.55 ± 0.57 eggs/female/day. Survivorship curves showed that mortality was concentrated in the final weeks of adulthood, and the life expectancy curve decreased accordingly. The population parameters estimated gave the following values: the net rate of reproduction (R0) was 46.75 ± 11.2, generation time (T) was 18.87 ± 1.67 weeks, duplication time (D) was 3.31 ± 0.34, the intrinsic rate of population growth (rm) was 0.21 ± 0.021 and the finite rate of population increase (&lgr;) was 1.24 ± 0.026. The reproductive values (Vx) indicated that the largest contribution of females to the subsequent generation was between weeks 15 and 25.
The life-extending effect of dietary restriction requires Foxo3 in mice

Forkhead box O (Foxo) transcription factors may be involved in the salutary effect of dietary restriction (DR). This study examined the role of Foxo3 in lifespan extension and cancer suppression in DR mice. Wild‐type (WT) and Foxo3‐knockout heterozygous (+/–) and homozygous (–/–) mice were subjected to a 30% DR regimen initiated at 12 weeks of age. Control mice were fed ad libitum (AL) throughout the study. In contrast to WT mice, DR did not significantly extend the lifespan of Foxo3+/– or Foxo3–/– mice. However, DR reduced the prevalence of tumors at death in WT, Foxo3+/–, and Foxo3–/– mice. These results indicate the necessity of Foxo3 for lifespan extension but not cancer suppression by DR. The findings in Foxo3+/– mice contrast with those in Foxo1+/– mice reported previously by our laboratory suggest differential regulation of cancer and lifespan by DR via Foxo1 and Foxo3.
Subjective Performance Measures in Optimal Incentive Contracts

Objective measures of performance are seldom perfect. In response, incentive contracts often include important subjective components that mitigate incentive distortions caused by imperfect objective measures. This paper explores the combined use of subjective and objective performance measures in (respectively) implicit and explicit incentive contracts. Naturally, objective and subjective measures often are substitutes, sometimes strikingly so: we show that if objective measures are sufficiently close to perfect then no implicit contracts are feasible (because the firm's fallback position after reneging on an implicit contact is too attractive). We also show, however, that objective and subjective measures can reinforce each other: if objective measures become more accurate then in some circumstances the optimal contract puts more weight on subjective measures (because the improved objective measures increase the value of the ongoing relationship, and so reduce the firm's incentive to renege). We also analyze the use of subjective weights on objective performance measures, and provide case-study evidence consistent with our analyses.
Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV converts intact B-type natriuretic peptide into its des-SerPro form.

BACKGROUND Analysis of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has suggested the in vivo formation of a truncated form, BNP (3-32), also called des-SerPro-BNP. The objectives of this study were to investigate (a) whether BNP and other natriuretic peptides are truncated by dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP IV/CD26; EC 3.4.14.5) and (b) whether this truncation affects the susceptibility to cleavage by neutral endopeptidase (NEP; EC 3.4.24.11). METHODS Human BNP (1-32), A-type natriuretic peptide 1-28 (ANP 1-28), and related peptides were incubated with purified DPP IV and with human plasma. In addition, BNP (1-32), BNP (3-32), and ANP (1-28) were subjected to hydrolysis by NEP. Cleavage products were analyzed by mass spectrometry. RESULTS BNP (1-32) was cleaved by purified DPP IV with a specificity constant of 0.37 x 10(6) L.mol(-1). s(-1). The DPP IV activity in EDTA-plasma was able to truncate BNP (1-32) ex vivo. Addition of Vildagliptin, a specific DPP IV inhibitor, prevented this truncation in a concentration-dependent manner. Under in vitro circumstances in which ANP was hydrolyzed extensively, BNP (1-32) and BNP (3-32) were very resistant to NEP-mediated cleavage. CONCLUSIONS DPP IV cleaves BNP (1-32) with an efficiency higher than or comparable to several known in vivo substrates of the enzyme. Even after loss of the amino-terminal dipeptide, BNP remains highly resistant to cleavage by NEP.
A pan-European survey of antimicrobial susceptibility towards human-use antimicrobial drugs among zoonotic and commensal enteric bacteria isolated from healthy food-producing animals.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to study antimicrobial susceptibility in Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Enterococcus recovered from chickens, pigs and cattle using uniform methodology. METHODS Intestinal samples were taken at slaughter in five EU countries per host and bacteria isolated in national laboratories. MICs were determined in a central laboratory of key antimicrobials used in human medicine. Clinical resistance was based on CLSI breakpoints and decreased susceptibility on EFSA epidemiological cut-off values. RESULTS Isolation rates from a total of 1500 samples were high for E. coli (n=1465), low for Salmonella (n=205) and intermediate for Campylobacter (n=785) and Enterococcus (n=718). Resistance prevalence varied among antibiotics, bacteria, hosts and countries. For E. coli and Salmonella, clinical resistance to newer compounds (cefepime, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin) was absent or low, but a decreased susceptibility was apparent, particularly in chickens. Clinical resistance to older compounds (except colistin and gentamicin) was variable and higher. For Campylobacter jejuni from chickens, ciprofloxacin resistance was markedly higher than in isolates from cattle. Clinical resistance to erythromycin was absent for both hosts; decreased susceptibility very low. Similar trends were determined for Campylobacter coli, but C. jejuni was less resistant. None of the enterococcal strains was resistant to linezolid, but a few displayed resistance to ampicillin or vancomycin. Resistance prevalence to quinupristin/dalfopristin was clearly higher. CONCLUSIONS Antimicrobial resistance among enteric organisms in food animals varied among countries, particularly for older antimicrobials, but clinical resistance to essential compounds used to treat disease in humans was generally zero or low. In the absence of clinical resistance to newer compounds in E. coli and Salmonella, the apparent decreased susceptibility should be monitored carefully.
Study of photon dominated regions in Cepheus B

Aims. The aim of the paper is to understand the emission from the photon dominated regions in Cepheus B, estimate the column densities of neutral carbon in bulk of the gas in Cepheus B and to derive constraints on the factors which determine the abundance of neutral carbon relative to CO. Methods. This paper presents 15 � × 15 � fully sampled maps of [C i] at 492 GHz and 12 CO 4–3 observed with KOSMA at 1 � resolution. The new observations have been combined with the FCRAO 12 CO 1–0, IRAM-30 m 13 CO 2–1 and C 18 O 1–0 data, and far-infrared continuum data from HIRES/IRAS. The KOSMA-τ spherical PDR model has been used to understand the [C i] and CO emission from the PDRs in Cepheus B and to explain the observed variation of the relative abundances of both C 0 and CO. Results. The emission from the PDR associated with Cepheus B is primarily at VLSR between −14 and −11 km s −1 . We estimate about 23% of the observed [C ii] emission from the molecular hotspot is due to the ionized gas in the H ii region. Over bulk of the material the C 0 column density does not change significantly, (2.0 ± 1.4) × 10 17 cm −2 , although the CO column density changes by an order of magnitude. The observed C/CO abundance ratio varies between 0.06 and 4 in Cepheus B. We find an anti-correlation of the observed C/CO abundance ratio with the observed hydrogen column density, which holds even when all previous observations providing C/CO ratios are included. Here we show that this observed variation of C/CO abundance with total column density can be explained only by clumpy PDRs consisting of an ensemble of clumps. At high H2 column densities high mass clumps, which exhibit low C/CO abundance, dominate, while at low column densities, low mass clumps with high C/CO abundance dominate.
PENGARUH VARIASI PRODUK, KUALITAS PELAYANAN, HARGA DAN LOKASI TERHADAP KEPUASAN KONSUMEN PADA WEDDING ORGANIZER

A BSTRACT This study attempts to know how large variations products, kuality service, prices and the location on CV.Modelman the.This research consisting of four independent variable namely variation products, the quality of services, the price and location and one variable dependent customer satisfaction.The method of analysis that used is correlation analysis and multiple regression. Data collection method to research this is using a questionnaire hosted by respondents, consumers CV.Modelman as an object. This research indicated there is positive influence and significant of location on consumer satisfaction, positive influence of product variation on consumer satisfaction, positive influence of service quality on consumer satisfaction and negative influence of price on consumer satisfaction. Keywords : Variation of products, service quality , price , location ABSTRAK Penelitian ini mencoba untuk mengetahui produk variasi seberapa besar, layanan kuality, harga dan lokasi penelitian CV.Modelman the.This yang terdiri dari empat variabel yaitu produk variasi independen, kualitas layanan, harga dan lokasi dan satu variabel kepuasan pelanggan tergantung. metode analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis korelasi dan regresi ganda. Metode pengumpulan data untuk penelitian ini menggunakan kuesioner yang diselenggarakan oleh responden, konsumen CV.Modelman sebagai objek. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan antara variabel lokasi terhadap kepuasan konsumen, terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan antara variabel variasi produk terhdap kepuasan konsumen, terdapat pengaruh positif kualitas pelayanan terhadap kepuasan kosumen dan terdapat pengaruh negatif harga terhadap kepuasan konsumen. Kata kunci : Variasi produk, kualitas pelayanan, harga, lokasi
Synthesis of Knowledge on Marine Biodiversity in European Seas: From Census to Sustainable Management

The recently completed European Census of Marine Life, conducted within the framework of the global Census of Marine Life programme (2000–2010), markedly enhanced our understanding of marine biodiversity in European Seas, its importance within ecological systems, and the implications for human use. Here we undertake a synthesis of present knowledge of biodiversity in European Seas and identify remaining challenges that prevent sustainable management of marine biodiversity in one of the most exploited continents of the globe. Our analysis demonstrates that changes in faunal standing stock with depth depends on the size of the fauna, with macrofaunal abundance only declining with increasing water depth below 1000 m, whilst there was no obvious decrease in meiofauna with increasing depth. Species richness was highly variable for both deep water macro- and meio- fauna along latitudinal and longitudinal gradients. Nematode biodiversity decreased from the Atlantic into the Mediterranean whilst latitudinal related biodiversity patterns were similar for both faunal groups investigated, suggesting that the same environmental drivers were influencing the fauna. While climate change and habitat degradation are the most frequently implicated stressors affecting biodiversity throughout European Seas, quantitative understanding, both at individual and cumulative/synergistic level, of their influences are often lacking. Full identification and quantification of species, in even a single marine habitat, remains a distant goal, as we lack integrated data-sets to quantify these. While the importance of safeguarding marine biodiversity is recognised by policy makers, the lack of advanced understanding of species diversity and of a full survey of any single habitat raises huge challenges in quantifying change, and facilitating/prioritising habitat/ecosystem protection. Our study highlights a pressing requirement for more complete biodiversity surveys to be undertaken within contrasting habitats, together with investigations in biodiversity-ecosystem functioning links and identification of separate and synergistic/cumulative human-induced impacts on biodiversity.
Multiplex Assay for Live-Cell Monitoring of Cellular Fates of Amyloid-β Precursor Protein (APP)

Amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) plays a central role in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. APP has a short half-life and undergoes complex proteolytic processing that is highly responsive to various stimuli such as changes in cellular lipid or energy homeostasis. Cellular trafficking of APP is controlled by its large protein interactome, including dozens of cytosolic adaptor proteins, and also by interactions with lipids. Currently, cellular regulation of APP is mostly studied based on appearance of APP-derived proteolytic fragments to conditioned media and cellular extracts. Here, we have developed a novel live-cell assay system based on several indirect measures that reflect altered APP trafficking and processing in cells. Protein-fragment complementation assay technology for detection of APP-BACE1 protein-protein interaction forms the core of the new assay. In a multiplex form, the assay can measure four endpoints: total cellular APP level, total secreted sAPP level in media, APP-BACE1 interaction in cells and in exosomes released by the cells. Functional validation of the assay with pharmacological and genetic tools revealed distinct patterns of cellular fates of APP, with immediate mechanistic implications. This new technology will facilitate functional genomics studies of late-onset Alzheimer's disease, drug discovery efforts targeting APP and characterization of the physiological functions of APP and its proteolytic fragments.
Hydrogel Microwell Arrays Allow the Assessment of Protease-Associated Enhancement of Cancer Cell Aggregation and Survival

Current routine cell culture techniques are only poorly suited to capture the physiological complexity of tumor microenvironments, wherein tumor cell function is affected by intricate three-dimensional (3D), integrin-dependent cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. 3D cell cultures allow the investigation of cancer-associated proteases like kallikreins as they degrade ECM proteins and alter integrin signaling, promoting malignant cell behaviors. Here, we employed a hydrogel microwell array platform to probe using a high-throughput mode how ovarian cancer cell aggregates of defined size form and survive in response to the expression of kallikreins and treatment with paclitaxel, by performing microscopic, quantitative image, gene and protein analyses dependent on the varying microwell and aggregate sizes. Paclitaxel treatment increased aggregate formation and survival of kallikrein-expressing cancer cells and levels of integrins and integrin-related factors. Cancer cell aggregate formation was improved with increasing aggregate size, thereby reducing cell death and enhancing integrin expression upon paclitaxel treatment. Therefore, hydrogel microwell arrays are a powerful tool to screen the viability of cancer cell aggregates upon modulation of protease expression, integrin engagement and anti-cancer treatment providing a micro-scaled yet high-throughput technique to assess malignant progression and drug-resistance.
Working Papers in Responsible Banking & Finance Targeted Support for High Growth Firms : Theoretical Constraints , Unintended Consequences and Future Policy Challenges

High growth firms are now a major focus within enterprise policy. This paper provides a theoretically informed analysis of the rationale and effectiveness of targeted public sector support designed to develop these firms. Drawing on empirical research undertaken in the UK, this paper challenges the appropriateness of the theoretical assumptions embodied in these state-backed support instruments. It outlines the nature of these programmes and provides a critique of some of their inherent weaknesses, revealing that the assumptions underpinning these programmes are often flawed. The paper examines the limitations of their selection procedures, the thematic nature of support and exit dynamics. It found that offering early stage firms intensive levels of resources may have important (and detrimental) unintended consequences previously overlooked by policy makers. The paper offers some suggestions for how policy instruments could be better attuned to the needs of these growth-oriented firms. WP No 15-006 3rd Quarter 2015