Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The interactions between mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum and the proteome characterization of mitochondrion‐associated membrane from rabbit skeletal muscle

To obtain a comprehensive understanding of proteins involved in mitochondrion‐sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) linking, a catalog of proteins from mitochondrion‐associated membrane (MAM) of New Zealand white rabbit skeletal muscle were analyzed by an optimized shotgun proteomic method. The membrane fractions were prepared by differential centrifugation and separated by 1D electrophoresis followed by a highly reproducible, automated LC‐MS/MS on the hybrid linear ion trap (LTQ)‐Orbitrap mass spectrometer. By integrating as low as 1% false discovery rate as one of the features for quality control method, 459 proteins were identified from both of the two independent MAM preparations. Protein pI value, molecular weight range, and transmembrane region were calculated using bioinformatics softwares. One hundred one proteins were recognized as membrane proteins. This protein database suggested that the MAM preparations composed of proteins from mitochondrion, SR, and transverse‐tubule. This result indicated mitochondria physically linked with SR in rabbit skeletal muscle, voltage‐dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1), VDAC2, and VDAC3 might participate in formation of the tethers between SR and mitochondria.
A One-Phase Space-Fractional Stefan Problem With No Liquid Initial Domain

Taking into account the recent works \cite{RoTaVe:2020} and \cite{Rys:2020}, we consider a phase-change problem for a one dimensional material with a non-local flux, expressed in terms of the Caputo derivative, which derives in a space-fractional Stefan problem. We prove existence of a unique solution to a phase-change problem with the fractional Neumann boundary condition at the fixed face $x=0$, where the domain, at the initial time, consists of liquid and solid. Then we use this result to prove the existence of a limit solution to an analogous problem with solid initial domain, when it is not possible to transform the domain into a cylinder.
Developmental constraints and convergent evolution in Drosophila sex comb formation

SUMMARY The most complex and diverse secondary sexual character in Drosophila is the sex comb (SC), an arrangement of modified bristles on the forelegs of a subclade of male fruit flies. We examined SC formation in six representative nonmodel fruit fly species, in an effort to understand how the variation in comb patterning arises. We first compared SC development in two species with relatively small combs, Drosophila takahashii, where the SCs remain approximately transverse, and Drosophila biarmipes, where two rows of SC teeth rotate and move in an anterior direction relative to other bristle landmarks. We then analyzed comb ontogeny in species with prominent extended SCs parallel to the proximodistal axis, including Drosophila ficusphila and species of the montium subgroup. Our study allowed us to identify two general methods of generating longitudinal combs on the tarsus, and we showed that a montium subgroup species (Drosophila nikananu) with a comb convergently similar in size, orientation and position to the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, forms its SC through a different developmental mechanism. We also found that the protein product of the leg patterning gene, dachshund (dac), is strongly reduced in the SC in all species, but not in other bristles. Our results suggest that an apparent constraint on SC position in the adult may be attributable to at least two different lineage‐specific developmental processes, although external forces could also play a role.
Externalities and Optimal Taxation

This paper re-examines the optimal tax design problem (income and commodities) in the presence of externalities. The nature of the second-best, and the choice of the tax instruments, are motivated by the informational structure in the economy. The main results are: (i) environmental levies (linear or nonlinear) differ in formula from Pigouvian taxes by the expressions for the optimal tax on private goods; (ii) externalities do not affect commodity tax formulas (linear and nonlinear) for private goods; (iii) externalities do not affect the income tax structure if commodity taxes are nonlinear and affect it if commodity taxes are linear; and (iv) a general income tax plus strictly Pigouvian taxes are sufficient for efficient taxation if individuals of different types have identical marginal rates of substitution (at any given consumption bundle).
DC–DC Converters Dynamic Modeling With State Observer-Based Parameter Estimation

Online knowledge of dc-dc converters behavior is always of great interest. Based on a reliable model of the converters, some great improvement can be achieved. First, the control of the converters can be designed more precisely, especially while thinking in nonlinear theories model-based controls, and it can help to improve the energy management and the efficiency. Also, the knowledge of the converters gives some really useful indications about their state of health and, then, represents a good diagnosis tool and fault detection possibility. This paper proposes a modeling of the converters and a new state observer dedicated to an online estimation of the model parameters. The proposed average models include parameter modeling the losses and their estimation. They are validated on two different converters: the classical dc-dc boost converter and the current-fed dual-bridge dc-dc converter (CFDB-also called isolated boost). It is shown that the model of this last converter is strongly nonlinear, which impacts on the estimation. Simulations and experimental validation are given both on the boost and the isolated boost, and comparisons with the Luenberger state observer and extended Kalman filter are given to underline the interest of the proposed parameter estimation in terms of convergence for nonlinear systems and convergence rapidity.
Institutional Investors and Insider Trading Profitability

Abstract This study examines the relationship between institutional ownership and the profitability of insider trading. A priori the relationship is not clear. On the one hand, institutions possess superior information that erodes insider advantages and are also active in monitoring. On the other hand, institutions could treat insider trading as an incentivizing mechanism to induce manager effort, leading to improved aggregate shareholder welfare. The results indicate that, on average, institutional ownership is negatively related to the profitability of insider trading, and this relationship derives from both direct monitoring and trading/pricing. Further analysis indicates that this relationship is concentrated for insider sales. In contrast, the findings reveal a positive relationship between institutions and the profitability of insider purchases, indicating an incentivizing role.
Examining Student Discipline within the Educational Setting: A Review of the Literature

Sawyer Jeffrey T With the ever-changing nature of education, few things remain constant. The need for student discipline is one piece that has remained a center stone of the educational process. The idea of proper and appropriate disciplinary interventions has been a heated debate of education in years past and will continue to be for years to come (Sachs & Armstrong, 1992;Witzel& Mercer, 2003). This particular review of the literature examines many facets of educational discipline including prevention, reward systems, policy, student populations receiving discipline, and the complex nature of discipline in special education. In today's educational system, it is difficult to believe student discipline can and will be handled by one individual, namely the principal. The discipline of today's students requires a more collaborative, systems approach (Brownell & Walther-Thomas, 1999). Teachers, counselors, administration, support staff, parents and even the surrounding community must be considered in a system-wide approach to student discipline. Another critical aspect is that students must be able to relate disciplinary interventions to general societal rules and standards (Edvantage Media, 1998). It has been documented that helping the student understand and apply the replacement behaviors of discipline is just as important as the nature of the discipline itself (O
Politics and Income Inequality: Does Politics Still Matter in New Democracies

Does politics still matter for reducing income inequality in new democracies? The standard explanation is that political institutions, in particular the left government and proportional representation, are negatively associated with income inequality among advanced industrial countries, but there have been so few studies attempting to explain the variation of distributional outcomes across new democracies. This article tests the hypotheses about the effects of political institutions on income inequality with unbalanced pooled time-series cross-sectional data that cover 26 fledgling democracies for 1975–2006. The evidence presented here suggests that, other things being equal, a parliamentary system and PR are substantially more likely to be associated with lower levels of income inequality, but a left government and more years of democracy do not appear to be related to lower income inequality.
Cytokine levels and systemic toxicity in patients undergoing isolated limb perfusion with high-dose tumor necrosis factor, interferon gamma, and melphalan.

PURPOSE Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon gamma, and melphalan (M) has been reported to result in high response rates for extremity melanoma and sarcoma. We have evaluated the relationship of systemic TNF exposure to induction of several secondary mediators and incidence of systemic toxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS Nineteen patients with extremity melanoma (n = 16) or sarcoma (n = 3), underwent 90-minute ILP with TNF-alpha, interferon gamma (0.2 mg), and M (10 to 13 mg/L of limb volume) (TNF/IFN/M) (n = 12), or M alone (n = 7). Continuous intraoperative monitoring (CIM) for systemic leak from the perfusion circuit was performed using radioactive iodine-131 albumin. Cytokine levels in the perfusate and systemic circulation during and after ILP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Systemic leaks > or = 1% from the perfusion circuit occurred in six patients who received TNF/IFN/M and in four who received M alone. Hypotension that required vasopressor support occurred in six of six patients with evidence of a leak (> or = 1%) and zero of six patients without a leak (< 1%). These six patients had significantly higher peak systemic TNF levels during and after perfusion than patients without a leak (2.8 and 8.2 ng/mL v 0.7 and 2.0 ng/mL, respectively; P < .05). All patients who received TNF/IFN/M had significantly greater increases in systemic interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels than in patients with M alone (12,395 +/- 10,374 pg/mL v 79.4 +/- 7.2 pg/mL, respectively; P < .001). Intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), IL-8, and TNF-R levels were also increased after ILP with TNF/IFN/M. CONCLUSION ILP with TNF/IFN/M can be safely performed, as I131 albumin provides a sensitive measure of systemic leakage from the perfusion circuit. Patients with a measured leak of > or = 1% develop mild and transient postoperative hypotension with significantly higher systemic TNF levels and lower perfusate TNF levels than in patients without leaks.
Attitudes and Behaviors of Psychiatry Residents Toward Pharmaceutical Representatives Before and After an Educational Intervention

Objective: The authors sought to determine the effect of an educational seminar on interactions with pharmaceutical representatives on residents’ attitudes and behavior. Method: A controlled trial of an educational intervention was conducted. Residents at a university-affiliated residency program (N=32) were divided into two groups: one group (N=18) received a 1-hour educational intervention, while the other group (N= 14) served as a control. Both groups completed a 33-item survey before the intervention and 2 months after the intervention. Results: Residents interacted substantially with pharmaceutical representatives. The majority of residents found the interactions and gifts useful and believed their prescribing practices were not influenced. Compared to the comparison group, the intervention group significantly decreased the reported number of office supplies and noneducational gifts, but showed no change in attitude toward pharmaceutical representatives and their gifts. Conclusion: One-time educational interventions may have significant impact on psychiatric residents’ targeted gift-accepting behavior but little effect on attitudes.
Policy and regulation for sustainable microfinance: country experiences in Asia

This article considers the policy and regulatory environment for microfinance in Asia. It identifies eleven criteria for 'good practice' in policy and regulation, covering the policies of governments and donor agencies to support microfinance; the regulation of non-bank microfinance institutions; and the regulation of banks. It then grades the performance of nine countries in Asia. It concludes that there is scope for improvement in all nine countries. Overall, Philippines and Bangladesh have the policy and regulatory environments that are most conducive to sustainable microfinance, while Pakistan has the one that is least conducive. However, different countries have strengths in different areas, and no country is strong in all areas. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Stability of the Five-Factor Model of Personality in Personnel Selection And Assessment in Greece

The stability and replicability of the Five-Factor model of personality across samples and testing purposes remain a significant issue in personnel selection and assessment. The present study explores the stability of a new Greek Big Five personality measure (TPQue) across different samples in order to explore the suitability of the measure in personnel selection and assessment. The factor structure of the measure across three samples students, employees, and job applicants) is examined. The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses show that the five-factor structure remains intact for the students', the applicants' and the employees' samples - contrary to previous studies - with all the sub-scales of the personalitymeasure (TPQue) loading on the intended factors. Furthermore, congruence coefficients between the samples justify the stability of the model in the working settings.
Understanding the Pursuit of Happiness in Ten Major Cities

The pursuit of happiness has a long history as a primary political end in Western political thought. Along with traditional economic indicators, policy makers are increasingly concerned with the subjective well-being of a society as a measure for its success. It is important to understand the nature of happiness and ask what can be done to improve it. This article builds upon existing literature that consistently identifies health, wealth, and social connectedness as key predictors of happiness. We find that the design and conditions of cities are associated with the happiness of residents in 10 urban areas. Cities that provide easy access to convenient public transportation and to cultural and leisure amenities promote happiness. Cities that are affordable and serve as good places to raise children also have happier residents. We suggest that such places foster the types of social connections that can improve happiness and ultimately enhance the attractiveness of living in the city.
FINITE-ELEMENT CALCULATION OF UNBALANCED MAGNETIC PULL AND CIRCULATING CURRENT BETWEEN PARALLEL WINDINGS IN INDUCTION MOTOR WITH NON-UNIFORM ECCENTRIC ROTOR

In induction machines, an eccentrically positioned rotor experienced a strong unbalanced pull toward the short side of the air gap. The non-symmetric flux distribution due to the eccentricity induces circulating currents in the rotor cage and parallel branches of the stator winding. These currents equalise the flux distribution and reduce the unbalanced magnetic pull. In this paper, the effects of the rotor eccentricity and equalising currents on the unbalanced magnetic pull are studied by multi-slice, time-stepping, finite element model. The modelling is done for the cases in which the rotor is parallel or diagonal with respect to the stator. The results of series and parallel connected motors are then compared.
Time-varying term premia and the expectations hypothesis in Australia

This article investigates whether the (rational) expectations hypothesis holds for Australian yield data (it does not), whether the hypothesis holds after adjusting for term premia estimated from an affine term structure model (it appears to) and whether the yield process implied by the term structure model can match the failure of the hypothesis on unadjusted yields (it can). These results suggest that the term structure model used in Finlay and Chambers (2009) does a reasonable job in capturing the risk-neutral and real-world dynamics of Australian interest rates, at least as measured through the prism of the expectations hypothesis.
Human resource flexibility, organizational culture and firm performance: an investigation of multinational firms in Hong Kong

This article explores the relationships between human resource (HR) flexibility, organizational culture, and organizational performance. Drawing on previous works, we develop a conceptual model that links the constructs together. It is hypothesized that the three sub-dimensions of HR flexibility (i.e. employee skill flexibility, employee behaviour flexibility, and HR practice flexibility) affect adaptability culture, which in turn impacts HR-related and market-related outcomes. The data were collected via a questionnaire survey of HR directors/managers in multinational corporations (MNCs) in Hong Kong. The results of structural equation modelling (SEM) reveal the positive effects of employee behaviour flexibility and HR practice flexibility on adaptability culture. Employee skill flexibility, however, exerts no such effect. Further, adaptability culture is found to affect both HR-related and market-related performance in a positive manner.
DIAGNOSIS AND SEROPREVALENCE OF LEPTOSPIROSIS IN CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS FROM COASTAL CALIFORNIA

The sensitivity and specificity of the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) as a method for detection of exposure to Leptospiraspp. in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) were determined. Sera came from individuals that demonstrated clinical signs of renal disease, had lesions suggestive of leptospirosis at necropsy, and had visible leptospires in silver stained kidney sections as positive controls. Sera from unexposed captive individuals were used as negative controls. The test was 100% sensitive at 1:3,200 for confirming renal infection and 100% specific at negative <1:100 for detection of Leptospira interrogansserovar pomona antibodies by MAT in California sea lions. Leptospira interrogansserovar pomona was used as a screening serovar because it has been isolated previously from the kidneys and placentas of California sea lions, and there appears to be cross-reactivity between serovar pomona and other serovars. Sera from 225 free-ranging California sea lions presented to one of three participating California (USA) coastal marine mammal rehabilitation centers in 1996 were then evaluated for antibodies to serovar pomona using the MAT. The overall seroprevalence was 38.2% (86/225), although the prevalence varied among locations from 100% (38/38) in animals at the Marine Mammal Care Center (Fort MacArthur, California, USA) to 0% (0/14) at SeaWorld California (San Diego, California). At The Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito, California) [prevalence 27.8% (48/173)], the majority of seropositive animals were subadults and adults, and males were 4.7 times more likely to be seropositive to serovar pomona than females. When combining results from all three centers, subadult and adult animals were more likely to be seropositive than pups and juvenile sea lions, and the highest proportion of seropositive animals presented during the autumn months. Serum elevations of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, phosphorus, and/or calcium were associated with seropositivity to serovar pomona. We found no association between potassium or sodium levels and seropositivity.
Phleboviruses encapsidate their genomes by sequestering RNA bases

Rift Valley fever and Toscana viruses are human pathogens for which no effective therapeutics exist. These and other phleboviruses have segmented negative-sense RNA genomes that are sequestered by a nucleocapsid protein (N) to form ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes of irregular, asymmetric structure, previously uncharacterized at high resolution. N binds nonspecifically to single-stranded RNA with nanomolar affinity. Crystal structures of Rift Valley fever virus N-RNA complexes reconstituted with defined RNAs of different length capture tetrameric, pentameric and hexameric N-RNA multimers. All N-N subunit contacts are mediated by a highly flexible α-helical arm. Arm movement gives rise to the three multimers in the crystal structures and also explains the asymmetric architecture of the RNP. Despite the flexible association of subunits, the crystal structures reveal an invariant, monomeric RNP building block, consisting of the core of one N subunit, the arm of a neighboring N, and four RNA nucleotides with the flanking phosphates. Up to three additional RNA nucleotides bind between subunits. The monomeric building block is matched in size to the repeating unit in viral RNP, as visualized by electron microscopy. N sequesters four RNA bases in a narrow hydrophobic binding slot and has polar contacts only with the sugar-phosphate backbone, which faces the solvent. All RNA bases, whether in the binding slot or in the subunit interface, face the protein in a manner that is incompatible with base pairing or with “reading” by the viral polymerase.
The Influence of Economic Variables on Local House Price Dynamics

Abstract This paper is motivated by recent studies of the effect of economic changes (e.g., in population, employment, and income) on house prices (see Mankiw and Weil, Regional Science and Urban Economics, 19, 235–258, 1989; Hendershott and Peach draft paper presented at the AREUEA midyear meeting in Washington, DC, 1990; DiPasquale and Wheaton draft paper presented at the AREUEA midyear meeting in Washington, DC, 1990). The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between methods used to measure house price indices and economic determinants of house prices at the local level. Non-nested tests proposed by Davidson and MacKinnon ( Econometrica , 49 (3), 781-793, 1981) and by Green ( Economic Letters , 31 , 349-354, 1989) are extended to deal with contemporaneous correlation among disturbance terms. Also, a new χ 2 test is developed to evaluate differences in the functional relationships between alternative house price indices and economic variables. Twomethods for measuring house price changes are used: the repeat sales method and the assessed value (AV) method. Data for Hartford, Connecticut, indicate that the correlation between the annual rates of change in these two price indices is high (about 0.8). But the percentage changes in the two price indices differ substantially over periods of 2 to 10 quarters. Nevertheless, the two price indices are related to economic variables, such as changes in local employment and unemployment, in a similar way. The results indicate a strong role for expected inflation and unemployment, both of which reduce house price changes. Furthermore, these variables have considerable forecasting ability, contrary to the efficient market hypothesis. Model results could be improved by combining AV and repeat price indices with about twice as much weight on the AV method.