Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conformational control of translation termination on the 70S ribosome

Translation termination ensures proper lengths of cellular proteins. During termination, release factor (RF) recognizes a stop codon and catalyzes peptide release. Conformational changes in RF are thought to underlie accurate translation termination. If true, the release factor should bind the A-site codon in inactive (compact) conformation(s), but structural studies of ribosome termination complexes have only captured RFs in an extended, active conformation. Here, we identify a hyper-accurate RF1 variant, and present crystal structures of 70S termination complexes that suggest a structural pathway for RF1 activation. In the presence of blasticidin S, the catalytic domain of RF1 is removed from the peptidyl-transferase center, whereas the codon-recognition domain is fully engaged in stop-codon recognition in the decoding center. RF1 codon recognition induces decoding-center rearrangements that precede accommodation of the catalytic domain. Our findings suggest how structural dynamics of RF1 and the ribosome coordinate stop-codon recognition with peptide release, ensuring accurate translation termination.
Comparison of two different strategies for human monocyte subsets gating within the large‐scale prospective CARE FOR HOMe Study

Monocytes are heterogeneous cells consisting of (at least) three subsets: classical, intermediate, and nonclassical monocytes. Correct enumeration of cell counts necessitates well‐defined gating strategies, which are essentially based upon CD14 and CD16 expression. For the delineation of intermediate from nonclassical monocytes, a “rectangular gating (RG) strategy” and a “trapezoid gating (TG) strategy” have been proposed. We compared the two gating strategies in a well‐defined clinical cohort of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Within the ongoing CARE FOR HOMe study, monocyte subsets were reanalyzed in 416 CKD patients, who were followed 3.6 ± 1.6 years for the occurrence of a cardiovascular event. Gating was performed by either RG or TG. We analyzed the expression of surface markers, and compared the predictive role of cell counts of monocyte subsets, as defined by RG and TG, respectively. With both gating strategies, higher intermediate monocyte counts predicted the cardiovascular endpoint in Kaplan‐Meier analyses (P < 0.001 with RG; P < 0.001 with TG). After correction for confounders, intermediate monocyte counts remained independent predictors in Cox‐Regression analyses (HR = 1.013 [95% CI: 1.006–1.020; P < 0.001] with RG; HR = 1.015 [95% CI: 1.006–1.024; P = 0.001] with TG). NRI was 3.9% when reclassifying patients from quartiles of intermediate monocyte counts with RG strategy toward quartiles of intermediate monocytes counts with TG strategy. In expression analysis, those monocytes which are defined as intermediate monocytes by the RG strategy and as nonclassical monocytes by the TG strategy share characteristics of both subsets. In conclusion, intermediate monocytes were independent predictors of cardiovascular outcome irrespective of the applied gating strategy. Future studies should aim to identify markers that allow for an unequivocal definition of intermediate monocytes, which may further improve their power to predict cardiovascular events. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Current state of public sector performance management in seven selected countries

Purpose – This paper seeks to extend the analysis of performance management regimes by Bouckaert and Halligan to other countries in order to contribute to the developing theory of forms and challenges in public sector performance management.Design/methodology/approach – The state of performance management and the context in which it has evolved is assessed in seven different countries using dimensions drawn from Bouckaert and Halligan's work along with elements from earlier work by Pollitt and Bouckaert. These are summarized in a table and comparisons made to generate additional insights into the factors that influence the shape and speed of public management evolution.Findings – The paper finds that the Bouckaert and Halligan framework for analyzing public sector performance management is useful, albeit with some modifications. Specifically, it finds that administrative culture is a key factor influencing the speed of reform and that the attitude of elites (politicians and civil servants, in most cases) .
Algorithm for recall of HIV reactive blood donors.

HIV testing is an important measure to protect the recipient of blood and blood products from getting the HIV infection. Hence we must use very sensitive tests to detect all the HIV infected donors. However the flip side to an extremely sensitive test is the generation of false positivity i.e. positive test in a person who is not really infected. Hence using an extremely sensitive as well as specific test in a health population i.e. the population of voluntary blood donors is definitely going to produce false positivity in a number of donors for example if incidence of HIV infection in a general population is 1:100000 and the fourth generation ELISA has a specificity of 99.9% that means if we test all 100000 people with the above mention ELISA then 100 people will test positive while in reality only 1 is really infected! (excerpt)
The Pheromone Receptors Inhibit the Pheromone Response Pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by a Process That Is Independent of Their Associated Ga! Protein

Dominant mutations at the DAF2 locus confer resistance to the cell-cycle arrest that normally occurs in MATa cells exposed to a-factor. One of these alleles, DAF2-2, has also been shown to suppress the constitutive signaling phenotype of null alleles of the gene encoding the a subunit of the G protein involved in pheromone signaling. These observations indicate that DAF2-2 inhibits transmission of the pheromone response signal. The DAF2-2 mutation has two effects on the expression of a pheromone inducible gene, FUSI. In DAF2-2 cells, FUSl RNA is present at an increased basal level but is no longer fully inducible by pheromone. Cloning of DAF2-2 revealed that it is an allele of STE3, the gene encoding the a-factor receptor. STE3 is normally an a-specific gene, but is inappropriately expressed in a cells carrying a STE3DAF2-2 allele. The two effects of STE3DAFz-2 alleles on the pheromone response pathway are the result of different functions of the receptor. The increased basal level of FUSl RNA is probably due to stimulation of the pathway by an autocrine mechanism, because it required at least one of the genes encoding a-factor. Suppression of a null allele of the G, subunit gene, the phenotype associated with the inhibitory function of STE3, was independent of a-factor. This suppression was also observed when the wild-type STE3 gene was expressed in a cells under the control of an inducible promoter. Inappropriate expression of STEP in a cells was able to suppress a point mutation, but not a null allele, of the G, subunit gene. The ability of the pheromone receptors
A prescription for lifestyle change in patients with hyperuricemia and gout

Purpose of reviewThis review summarizes the recent data on lifestyle factors that influence serum uric acid levels and the risk of gout and attempts to provide holistic recommendations, considering both their impact on gout as well as on other health implications. Recent findingsLarge-scale studies have clarified a number of long-suspected relations between lifestyle factors, hyperuricemia, and gout, including purine-rich foods, dairy foods, various beverages, fructose, and vitamin C supplementation. Furthermore, recent studies have identified the substantial burden of comorbidities among patients with hyperuricemia and gout. SummaryLifestyle and dietary recommendations for gout patients should consider overall health benefits and risk, since gout is often associated with the metabolic syndrome and an increased future risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Weight reduction with daily exercise and limiting intake of red meat and sugary beverages would help reduce uric acid levels, the risk of gout, insulin resistance, and comorbidities. Heavy drinking should be avoided, whereas moderate drinking, sweet fruits, and seafood intake, particularly oily fish, should be tailored to the individual, considering their anticipated health benefits against CVD. Dairy products, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fruits (less sugary ones), and whole grains are healthy choices for the comorbidities of gout and may also help prevent gout by reducing insulin resistance. Coffee and vitamin C supplementation could be considered as preventive measures as these can lower urate levels, as well as the risk of gout and some of its comorbidities.
Conflict Management Strategies of Administrators and Teachers

This study was conducted to understand the conflict management strategies of administrators and teachers. Data was collected from a sample of randomly selected 250 school administrators and teachers working in seventeen primary schools, public and private, in the Van province of East Anatolia, Turkey. Three conflict management strategies (competing, avoiding, and compromising) were examined in terms of task and school type. Results indicated that administrators are more likely to use avoiding and compromising strategies than teachers. Moreover, both administrators and teachers at private primary schools tend to use compromising, avoiding and competing behaviours than their colleagues at public schools.
Review of rain attenuation measurements on earth — Space links in Nigeria

Due to the prevailing impact of rain on microwave and millimetre wave propagation in tropical climates, fade margins derived from experimental campaigns would provide more practical estimates for planning. In this paper, the extent of work done on the experimental assessment of the attenuation induced by rain on practical earth-space links in Nigeria is presented. The cumulative rain rate distributions derived from the instantaneous precipitation indices for propagation modelling and the estimation of fade margin is presented for Ile-Ife, Akure, Ilorin, Ota, Osogbo and Ogbomoso. Results reveals the spatial variability of the point rainfall rate across these stations. Although the stations engaged with measurement on rain attenuation are limited in number, preliminary results from new stations are presented, while addition data from ongoing campaigns will provide a robust indices for modelling the digital DTH links and for evaluating the performance of pre-existing models over Nigeria.
The p29 and p35 Immunodominant Antigens ofNeospora caninum Tachyzoites Are Homologous to the Family of Surface Antigens of Toxoplasma gondii

ABSTRACT Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that is closely related to Toxoplasma gondii and has been found to be associated with neurological disorders in dogs and congenital infections and abortions in cattle. We have identified two surface proteins of 29 and 35 kDa (designated Ncp29 and Ncp35, respectively) from N. caninum tachyzoites that are the predominant antigens recognized by antisera from Neospora-infected animals. Monoclonal antibodies against Ncp29 and Ncp35 were used to analyze several independent and diverse N. caninumisolates; both antigens were recognized in all isolates, suggesting that they are well conserved. Localization studies and surface labeling with biotin demonstrated that Ncp29 and Ncp35 are membrane associated and displayed on the surface of the parasite. After treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, parasite lysates were analyzed with antibodies against the cross-reacting determinant of glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors. Approximately six glycolipid-anchored surface proteins were identified, with the two most prominent corresponding to Ncp29 and Ncp35. Sequence comparisons of Ncp29 and Ncp35 with GenBank indicated that they are most similar to the T. gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) and surface antigen 1-related sequence 2 (SRS2), respectively. Consequently, Ncp29 has been designated NcSAG1 and Ncp35 has been designated NcSRS2. Both NcSAG1 and NcSRS2 contain a tandemly duplicated motif and 12 absolutely conserved cysteines which are also found in all of the SAG and SRS proteins ofT. gondii. Maintenance of these motifs and the 12 cysteine residues suggests that these surface antigens share a similar secondary and tertiary structure that is presumably important for a conserved function that these antigens serve during infection.
Cross-Autocorrelation in the Brazilian Equity Market Before and After Financial Liberalization

ABSTRACT This study examines cross-autocorrelation in the Brazilian equity market before and after the effect of its financial liberalization. The sample consists of daily data from January 1986 through December 1999. Differences in size-based portfolios are tested using Granger-causality and trading volume. The results confirm that large stock portfolio returns lead small stock portfolio returns, but the lagged response of small stock portfolio returns diminish following financial liberalization. Relative trading volume of small stocks increases after financial liberalization while relative trading volume of large stocks decreases. RESUMEN. Este estudio examina la auto correlación cruzada antes y después de la liberalización del mercado. La muestra consiste de datos diarios entre enero de 1986 y diciembre de 1999. Las diferencias entre las carteras formadas según el tamaño de las empresas se prueban usando la causalidad de Granger y el volumen negociado. Los resultados confirman que las carteras de acciones de empresas de gran envergadura anticipan el retorno de las carteras pertenecientes a empresas de pequeño porte, pero la respuesta desfasada de la cartera de empresas de pequeño porte disminuye después de la liberalización financiera. El volumen negociado inherente a las acciones de las empresas pequeñas aumenta después de la liberalización financiera mientras que el volumen negociado relativo a las acciones de las empresas de gran envergadura disminuye. RESUMO. Este estudo examina a auto correlação cruzada antes e depois da liberalização do mercado. A amostra consiste de dados diários entre janeiro de 1986 e dezembro de 1999. As diferenças entre carteiras formadas segundo o tamanho das empresas são testadas usando-se a causalidade de Granger e o volume negociado. Os resultados confirmam que carteiras de ações de empresas de grande porte antecipam o retorno de carteiras de empresas de pequeno porte mas a resposta defasada da carteira de empresas de pequeno porte diminui depois da liberalização financeira. O volume negociado relativo das ações de empresas pequenas aumenta depois da liberalização financeira enquanto o volume negociado relativo das ações de empresas de grande porte diminui.
Moral Hazard and the Financial Structure of Banks

This paper analyzes whether risk shifting took place in the European Union’s banking sector in 2002–2009. We also identify the type of risk shifting, if any, in the sample. In addition, our method provides a way to determine which variables incentivize/disincentivize risk shifting. Our main findings suggest that banks shifted risk to non-depository creditors. As regards banking policy, the analysis indicates that (i) the three pillars of Basel II do not seem to be effective in controlling risk shifting incentives, (ii) generous deposit insurance schemes seem to incentivize risk shifting, and (iii) in tune with the new rules on conservation buffers in Basel III, incentives to shift risk seem to be weaker in banks with a capital buffer.
Dilemma Not Trilemma: The Global Financial Cycle and Monetary Policy Independence

There is a global financial cycle in capital flows, asset prices and in credit growth. This cycle co‐moves with the VIX, a measure of uncertainty and risk aversion of the markets. Asset markets in countries with more credit inflows are more sensitive to the global cycle. The global financial cycle is not aligned with countries’ specific macroeconomic conditions. Symptoms can go from benign to large asset price bubbles and excess credit creation, which are among the best predictors of financial crises. A VAR analysis suggests that one of the determinants of the global financial cycle is monetary policy in the centre country, which affects leverage of global banks, capital flows and credit growth in the international financial system. Whenever capital is freely mobile, the global financial cycle constrains national monetary policies regardless of the exchange rate regime. For the past few decades, international macroeconomics has postulated the “trilemma”: with free capital mobility, independent monetary policies are feasible if and only if exchange rates are floating. The global financial cycle transforms the trilemma into a “dilemma” or an “irreconcilable duo”: independent monetary policies are possible if and only if the capital account is managed. So should policy restrict capital mobility? Gains to international capital flows have proved elusive whether in calibrated models or in the data. Large gross flows disrupt asset markets and financial intermediation, so the costs may be very large. To deal with the global financial cycle and the “dilemma”, we have the following policy options: ( a) targeted capital controls; (b) acting on one of the sources of the financial cycle itself, the monetary policy of the Fed and other main central banks; (c) acting on the transmission channel cyclically by limiting credit growth and leverage during the upturn of the cycle, using national macroprudential policies; (d) acting on the transmission channel structurally by imposing stricter limits on leverage for all financial intermediaries.
Effectiveness of Demonstration and Lecture Methods in Learning Concept in Economics among Secondary School Students in Borno State, Nigeria

This study investigated the Effectiveness of Demonstration and Lecture Methods in Learning concepts in Economics among Secondary School Students in Borno state, Nigeria. Five objectives: to determine the effectiveness of demonstration method in learning economics concepts among secondary school students in Borno state, determine the effectiveness of lecture method in learning economics concepts among secondary school students in Borno state, compare the effectiveness of demonstration and lecture methods in learning economics concepts among secondary school students in Borno state, determine the effectiveness of demonstration method on male and female students in academic performance in learning economics concepts among secondary school students in Borno state and determine the effectiveness of lecture method on male and female students in academic performance in learning economics concepts among secondary school students in Borno state. Three hypotheses were formulated: there is no significant difference in academic performance between students exposed to demonstration and lecture methods in learning economics concepts, there is no significant different in academic performance between male and female students exposed to demonstration method, there is no significant difference in academic performance between male and female students exposed to lecture method to guide the study. Quasi-experimental Design was used. It was carried out in a classroom setting where classes were intact. The sample population used were SS1 students who were selected for the two groups in two schools, fifty-two students for each school; twenty-six students for each group that was thirteen males and thirteen females. Topics were selected from SS1 senior secondary school syllabus prepared by West African Examination Council (WAEC) which was considered as standardized test and was used for the treatment. Twenty-five achievement test objective was conducted, pre-test, post-test were collected and test were given for the groups, before and after treatments. After treatment results were collected and analysed by descriptive statistic of mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics of t-test. The results of the study revealed that demonstration and lecture methods in learning concepts in economics among secondary school students in Borno state were effective. When the two methods were compared, demonstration method was more effective than lecture method in learning concepts in economics among secondary school students in Borno state. Demonstration groups results were significantly higher than lecture groups method. It was recommended that economics teachers should maximize the use of demonstration method while teaching and learning certain economics concepts. Moreover, economic teachers should be given the opportunity for in-service training, workshops, seminars and conferences to update their knowledge in methods of teaching and learning economics concepts.
Upregulation of c-mesenchymal epithelial transition expression and RAS mutations are associated with late lung metastasis and poor prognosis in colorectal carcinoma

The present study aimed to investigate whether c-mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (C-MET) overexpression combined with RAS (including KRAS, NRAS and HRAS) or BRAF mutations were associated with late distant metastases and the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). A total of 374 patients with stage III CRC were classified into 4 groups based on RAS/BRAF and C-MET status for comprehensive analysis. Mutations in RAS/BRAF were determined using Sanger sequencing and C-MET expression was examined using immunohistochemistry. The associations between RAS/BRAF mutations in combination with C-MET overexpression and clinicopathological variables including survival were evaluated. In addition, their predictive value for late distant metastases were statistically analyzed via logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Among 374 patients, mutations in KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, BRAF and C-MET overexpression were observed in 43.9, 2.4, 0.3, 5.9 and 71.9% of cases, respectively. Considering RAS/BRAF mutations and C-MET overexpression, vascular invasion (P=0.001), high carcino-embryonic antigen level (P=0.031) and late distant metastases (P<0.001) were more likely to occur in patients of group 4. Furthermore, survival analyses revealed RAS/BRAF mutations may have a more powerful impact on survival than C-MET overexpression, although they were both predictive factors for adverse prognosis. Further logistic regression suggested that RAS/BRAF mutations and C-MET overexpression may predict late distant metastases. In conclusion, RAS/BRAF mutations and C-MET overexpression may serve as predictive indicators for metastatic behavior and poor prognosis of CRC.