Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Recombinant Antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 3 Cloned from Peripheral Blood Leukocytes of Individuals with Immunity to Malaria Demonstrate Antiparasitic Properties

ABSTRACT Immunoglobulins from individuals with immunity to malaria have a strong antiparasitic effect when transferred to Plasmodium falciparum malaria infected patients. One prominent target of antiparasitic antibodies is the merozoite surface antigen 3 (MSP-3). We have investigated the antibody response against MSP-3 residues 194 to 257 (MSP-3194-257) on the molecular level. mRNA from peripheral blood leukocytes from clinically immune individuals was used as a source of Fab (fragment antibody) genes. A Fab-phage display library was made, and three distinct antibodies designated RAM1, RAM2, and RAM3 were isolated by panning. Immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG3 full-length antibodies have been produced in CHO cells. Reactivity with the native parasite protein was demonstrated by immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting. Furthermore, the antiparasitic effect of RAM1 has been tested in vitro in an antibody-dependent cellular inhibition (ADCI) assay. Both the IgG1 and the IgG3 versions of the antibody show an inhibitory effect on parasite growth.
Large-scale comparison of intron positions in mammalian genes shows intron loss but no gain

We compared intron–exon structures in 1,560 human–mouse orthologs and 360 mouse–rat orthologs. The origin of differences in intron positions between species was inferred by comparison with an outgroup, Fugu for human–mouse and human for mouse–rat. Among 10,020 intron positions in the human–mouse comparison, we found unequivocal evidence for five independent intron losses in the mouse lineage but no evidence for intron loss in humans or for intron gain in either lineage. Among 1,459 positions in rat–mouse comparisons, we found evidence for one loss in rat but neither loss in mouse nor gain in either lineage. In each case, the intron losses were exact, without change in the surrounding coding sequence, and involved introns that are extremely short, with an average of 200 bp, an order of magnitude shorter than the mammalian average. These results favor a model whereby introns are lost through gene conversion with intronless copies of the gene. In addition, the finding of widespread conservation of intron–exon structure, even over large evolutionary distances, suggests that comparative methods employing information about gene structures should be very successful in correctly predicting exon boundaries in genomic sequences.
Efficient Detection of Points of Interest from Georeferenced Visual Content

Many people take photos and videos with smartphones and more recently with 360° cameras at popular places and events, and share them in social media. Such visual content is produced in large volumes in urban areas, and it is a source of information that online users could exploit to learn what has got the interest of the general public on the streets of the cities where they live or plan to visit. A key step to providing users with that information is to identify the most popular k spots in specified areas. In this paper, we propose a clustering and incremental sampling (C&IS) approach that trades off accuracy of top-k results for detection speed. It uses clustering to determine areas with high density of visual content, and incremental sampling, controlled by stopping criteria, to limit the amount of computational work. It leverages spatial metadata, which represent the scenes in the visual content, to rapidly detect the hotspots, and uses a recently proposed Gaussian probability model to describe the capture intention distribution in the query area. We evaluate the approach with metadata, derived from a non-synthetic, user-generated dataset, for regular mobile and 360° visual content. Our results show that the C&IS approach offers 2.8x-19x reductions in processing time over an optimized baseline, while in most cases correctly identifying 4 out of 5 top locations.
Mutations of alpha spectrin and labial block cuprophilic cell differentiation and acid secretion in the middle midgut of Drosophila larvae.

Mutations in Drosophila alpha spectrin cause larval lethality and defects in cell shape and adhesion (J. Lee et al., 1993, J. Cell Biol. 123, 1797-1809). Here we examined the effects of two lethal alpha spectrin alleles (alpha-specrg41 and alpha-specrg35) on development and function of the larval midgut. Homozygous null alpha-specrg41-mutant larvae exhibited a striking defect in middle midgut acidification. In contrast, many homozygous alpha-specrg35 mutants were capable of acidification, indicating partial function of the truncated alpha-specrg35 product. Acidification was also blocked by a mutation in the labial gene, which is required for differentiation of cuprophilic cells in the midgut, suggesting that these cells secrete acid. We found that two isoforms of spectrin (alphabeta and alphabetaH) are segregated within the basolateral and apical domains of cuprophilic cells, respectively. The most conspicuous defect in cuprophilic cells from labial and alpha spectrin mutants was in morphogenesis of the invaginated apical domain, although basolateral defects may also contribute to the acidification phenotype. Acid secretion in vertebrate systems is thought to involve the polarized activities of apical proton pumps and basolateral anion exchangers, both of which interact with spectrin. We propose that the alpha-specrg41 mutation in Drosophila interferes with the polarized activities of homologous molecules that drive acid secretion in cuprophilic cells.
Identification of Sites in Adenovirus Hexon for Foreign Peptide Incorporation

ABSTRACT Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) is one of the most promising vectors for gene therapy applications. Genetic engineering of Ad5 capsid proteins has been employed to redirect vector tropism, to enhance infectivity, or to circumvent preexisting host immunity. As the most abundant capsid protein, hexon modification is particularly attractive. However, genetic modification of hexon often results in failure of rescuing viable viruses. Since hypervariable regions (HVRs) are nonconserved among hexons of different serotypes, we investigated whether the HVRs could be used for genetic modification of hexon by incorporating oligonucleotides encoding six histidine residues (His6) into different HVRs in the Ad5 genome. The modified viruses were successfully rescued, and the yields of viral production were similar to that of unmodified Ad5. A thermostability assay suggested the modified viruses were stable. The His6 epitopes were expressed in all modified hexon proteins as assessed by Western blotting assay, although the intensity of the reactive bands varied. In addition, we examined the binding activity of anti-His tag antibody to the intact virions with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and found the His6 epitopes incorporated in HVR2 and HVR5 could bind to anti-His tag antibody. This suggested the His6 epitopes in HVR2 and HVR5 were exposed on virion surfaces. Finally, we examined the infectivities of the modified Ad vectors. The His6 epitopes did not affect the native infectivity of Ad5 vectors. In addition, the His6 epitopes did not appear to mediate His6-dependent viral infection, as assessed in two His6 artificial receptor systems. Our study provided valuable information for studies involving hexon modification.
Bank branch efficiency evaluation by means of least absolute deviations and DEA

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess the efficiency of individual branches of a large Greek bank through the application of both goal programming (GP) and data envelopment analysis (DEA). Design/methodology/approach - The paper employs a particular least absolute deviations (LAD) technique (i.e. a special case of GP/constrained regression) and DEA as two performance measurement methods. The performance evaluation by means of GP is assessed utilizing two alternative conceptual (parametric functional form-loglinear) models: one focusing on transaction and one on production efficiency. The DEA assessment using the transaction efficiency model is performed under the specifications of constant or variable returns to scale. Findings - The two methods do provide confirmation of each other's findings. The results support the main claim that there is a strong relationship between the rankings obtained by GP and DEA. Moreover, the GP results indicate that there is a relationship between bank branch transaction and production efficiency. Practical implications - The results may be of interest to stakeholder groups such as bank shareholders, managers, and regulatory authorities. Originality/value - The paper is believed to be the first to examine the application of GP and DEA to measure the efficient use of resources of bank branches in Greece in terms of location (urban-rural).
Two-incision technique for rotational acetabular osteotomy: Good outcome in 35 hips

We have developed a 2-incision technique for rotational acetabular osteotomy. This includes both an extraperitoneal and an anterolateral exposure of the pelvic bones allowing an unconstrained approach without dissection of the muscle insertion. 2 plates are used to stabilize the osteotomy and full range motion of the hip is permitted within 2 days of surgery, while weight bearing is restricted for 6 weeks after the operation. We reviewed the complications and technical results in 27 patients (28 hips) after a minimum follow-up of mean 3 (1-5) years. No major surgical complications occurred, but dysfunction of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve occurred frequently (14 patients). The radiographical correction of the femoral head covering was similar to those in previous reports of rotational osteotomy. The range of hip motion was not affected by the operation. A significant increase in the mean Merle D'Aubigné and Harris Hip scores was observed in a subgroup of 20 patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. In conclusion, the method we have used is safe and the early results are satisfactory.
African American Entrepreneurship in the Suburbs

Abstract This article presents the results of a systematic, national comparison of business performance among African American entrepreneurs located in cities and in suburbs. The data show that African American entrepreneurs conducting business outside the ghetto's protected market consistently outperform their counterparts doing business within it. With minor exceptions, the findings suggest strongly that African American entrepreneurs would be wiser to orient their business activities outside rather than inside the ethnic enclave. The implications of these findings for economic development planners are discussed and elaborated. Special attention is given to the limits that appear inherent in community-based economic development initiatives.
What Do Financial Markets Think of War in Iraq?

We analyze financial market data in order to produce an ex-ante assessment of the economic consequences of war with Iraq. The novel feature of our analysis derives from the existence of a market for Saddam Securities,' a new future traded on an online betting exchange that pays only if Saddam Hussein is ousted. A variety of tests suggest that this future's price provides a plausible estimate of the probability of war. The spot oil price has moved closely with the Saddam Security, suggesting that war raises oil prices by around $10 per barrel. Futures prices imply that markets expect these large immediate disruptions to dissipate quickly, with prices returning to pre-war levels within about a year and a half. Evidence on the long-run effects is fragile, and while prices are probably expected to fall a little as a result of war, any oil dividend' will be minimal. We find large effects in equity markets: and war lowers the value of U.S. equities by around 15 percent. This effect is concentrated in the consumer discretionary sector, airlines and IT; the prospect of war bolsters the gold and energy sectors. Analyzing option prices, we find that the large estimated average effects of war reflect the market pricing in a range of different scenarios - a 70 percent probability that it will lead to market declines of 0 to 15 percent, a 20 percent chance of 15 to 30 percent declines, and a 10 percent risk of a fall in excess of 30 percent. Across countries, the most extreme effects are on the stock markets of Turkey, Israel, and several European nations. Countries that are highly enmeshed in the world economy, or net oil importers, are most likely to experience adverse effects from war.
An Investigation of Online Shopping Experience on Trust and Behavioral Intentions

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of online experience on trust, purchase intentions, and word-of-mouth in Malaysian online retail context. Additionally, researchers examine gender differences in customers’ perception of online experience. Responses obtained from 134 online shopping users in Malaysia using an online questionnaire were analyzed with AMOS 20.0. The study results show that online experience influences purchase intentions both directly and indirectly through trust. Furthermore, significant gender differences were observed. The study findings provide insightful guidelines for online retailers in approaching emerging markets via online shopping strategies.
Spectroscopic Study on the Interaction between Methylene Blue and Chondroitin 4-Sulfate and Its Analytical Application

The interaction of Methylene Blue (MB) with chondroitin-4-sulfate (CHS) has been investigated using spectroscopic techniques, including UV-Vis absorption, Rayleigh resonance scattering (RRS), and circular dichroism (CD). The addition of CHS caused a decrease in the absorbance of MB at 664 nm with a new absorption band appearing at 570 nm, enhanced RRS at 314 nm and 560 nm, and also resulted in an intense CD signal at 568 nm. The Scatchard model has been applied to calculating the binding constant and the number of binding sites. The calculated parameters are consistent with the experimental results. The factors affecting the interaction were investigated. Quantitative spectroscopic methods were developed for the first time. They are based on the fact that a decrease in the absorption at 664 nm and an enhancement of the RRS intensity at 314 nm are proportional to the concentration of CHS added in a certain range. Satisfactory results were obtained on the determination of synthetic samples.
Stakeholder power and corporate social performance: the ownership effect

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the power of one of the primary organizational stakeholders (shareholders) in the development of a corporate social performance (CSP) score. Few research works in the CSP empirical literature have studied the relationship between stakeholder power and CSP. Design/methodology/approach – Stakeholder theory is used as a theoretical framework to explain how shareholder voting power can influence the CSP level of French publicly listed companies. Stakeholder theory is tested through the operationalization of Ullmann’s (1985) three-dimensional model. Hypotheses related to shareholder voting power, strategic posture and financial performance are formulated through a literature review. A Data Envelopment Analysis approach was presented as a strong tool to measure CSP level. Multiple linear regressions were undertaken to test the hypotheses in a sample of 129 French companies between 2006 and 2007. Findings – The results indicate that companies with dispersed ownership and high.
Quality-of-Life (QOL) Marketing: Proposed Antecedents and Consequences

This article builds on a program of research in quality-of-life (QOL) marketing by reviewing the research literature dealing with this construct and proposing a set of antecedents and consequences of that construct. QOL marketing is defined as marketing practice designed to enhance the well-being of customers while preserving the well-being of the firm’s other stakeholders. The authors refer to the dimension pertaining to the enhancement of customer well-being as the beneficence component of QOL marketing, while the preservation of the well-being of the firm’s other stakeholders is referred to as the nonmaleficence component. The authors propose that the consequences of marketing beneficence and nonmaleficence are high levels of customer well-being, customer trust and commitment, and positive corporate image and company goodwill. They also propose that the beneficent and nonmaleficent components of QOL marketing are influenced by a set of environmental factors, organizational factors, and individual factors.
Somatosensory Evoked Potential Quantification of Ulnar Nerve Blockade

We investigated the appropriateness of the somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) as an objective monitor of sensory blockade of the ulnar nerve by comparing the effects of saline and lidocaine infiltration of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, with and without epinephrine. The four treatments were administered in random order to each of eight volunteers who were asked to assess the intensity of sensory blockade on a 10-cm visual analogue scale (SVAS). Concomitantly, ulnar nerve SSEPs were recorded at the Erb's point, over the posterior spine at or rostral to C-7, and over the sensory cortex. All 16 of the saline and saline with epinephrine infiltrations resulted in SVAS scores of 1 or less. In contrast, all the lidocaine and lidocaine with epinephrine injections were associated with SVAS scores in excess of 8. With lidocaine this lasted 83 ± 22 min, and the duration of lidocaine with epinephrine was 248 ± 82 min. SSEP responses were considered abnormal when there were 15 min or more of a decrease in amplitude by 50% or more and an increase in latency by 15% or more. After plain lidocaine injection, all the amplitude measurements showed depression over 50%, with the exception of cortical measurements in one subject. Similarly, there were increased latencies at Erb's point and C-7 with lidocaine blocks. In contrast, change in cortical latency was seldom seen. Variable selection by multiple linear regression analysis of the six SSEP measurements gave a statistical model that sensory block duration (SVAS ≥ 8) could be specified by the duration of the reduced C-7 amplitude (r = 0.96). We conclude that ulnar nerve SSEP monitoring provides an objective assessment of sensory blockade of the ulnar nerve.
Market pressures and the development of costing practice: the emergence of uniform costing in the U.K. printing industry

Today uniform cost accounting schemes are no longer in vogue. However, in the early part of this century they were a salient feature of costing development both in the U.K. and U.S. (Solomons, 1950). This paper is concerned with an archival based study of the earliest and most enduring of the U.K. uniform costing systems -- that developed for the printing industry. The focus is not simply on the nature of the costing scheme but on the key factors which initiated and shaped its development. The role of the emergence trade association for the industry and the market (both factor and product) pressures of the time are identified as contingencies associated with the creation and design of the uniform costing system. The sue of the new costing system as an informal basis of cartelisation is explored. The inherent difficulties of successfully pursuing such a policy in the printing sector provide a rationale for the eventual problems which the association experienced in achieving adoption of the costing system by its members. The paper, therefore, provides an historical analysis of the dynamics of one aspect of management accounting development.
Diversification and bank profitability: a nonlinear approach

Using information on 98 internationally active banks headquartered in 27 countries over the period 1994–2012, we analyse the nonlinear link between income diversification (defined as noninterest income to total income) and bank return on assets (ROA). The main result is that income diversification is positively correlated with bank profitability only up to a certain degree (30% of the diversification ratio). Diversification benefits for global systemically important banks (GSIBs) are less sizable and significant, especially when we use volatility-adjusted return as a measure of bank profitability.
Developmental Performance Appraisal in Municipal Government

This article examines the relationship between develop mental perfor mance appraisal systems and the generation of effective infor mation for personnel decision making based upon a sample of 240 muncipal govern ment personnel ists. The results indicate that high quality perform ance appraisal information is associated with developmental systems and an emphasis on procedural fairness.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN IS RESEARCH

This tutorial describes how IS research in knowledge management evolved over the last decade, and discusses pressing issues and questions that remain under-researched. At the beginning of the tutorial, participants will be asked to write down some research questions under various themes related to knowledge management, that they believe are interesting and relevant. We will use these questions later in the tutorial. Based upon an analysis of IS research in six respected journals— Accounting, Management, and Technology, European Journal of Information Systems, Information Systems Research, Journal of Management Information Systems, Journal of Strategic Information Systems, and MIS Quarterly – the tutorial will classify the research into one of four dialogues. The discourses come from a framework developed by Deetz, which classifies research as normative, interpretive, critical, or dialogic. We will spend some time dissecting the meaning of the four discourses. At this point, the participants will return to their questions and be asked to classify their own assumptions based upon the Deetz framework. We hope to enlighten participants on assumptions that they carry, perhaps implicitly, about the nature of knowledge and knowledge management. Finally, we will pose a research theme and discuss how the theme would be addressed in each of the four discourses.
Input–output-based measures of systemic importance

The analyses of intersectoral linkages of Leontief [The Structure of the American Economy: 1919–1929, 1941] and Hirschman [The Strategy of Economic Development, 1958] provide a natural way to study the transmission of risk among interconnected banks and to measure their systemic importance. In this paper, we show how elements from classic input–output analysis can be applied to banking and how to derive six indicators that capture different aspects of systemic importance, using a simple numerical example for illustration. We also discuss the relationship with other approaches, most notably network centrality measures, both formally and by means of a simulated network.
Female education inequality in Turkey: factors affecting girls' schooling decisions

Education remains to be an important determinant of economic and social opportunities for individuals. However, within group inequalities for educational elements are not studied broadly. This paper seeks to inspect the reasons of higher inequality among females in terms of schooling distribution in Turkey. Our results suggest that occupation of the household head, size and the composition of the family, and education of the parents have a significant impact on the schooling decision for girls. The paper contributes to the literature in a twofold manner. First, it provides empirical evidence of schooling distribution in Turkey. Second, it investigates the factors that disproportionately affect schooling decisions for girls.