Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Accelerated Evolution and Ectodermal-Specific Expression of Presumptive BDS Toxin cDNAs from Anemonia viridis

Anemonia viridis is a widespread and extensively studied Mediterranean species of sea anemone from which a large number of polypeptide toxins, such as blood depressing substances (BDS) peptides, have been isolated. The first members of this class, BDS-1 and BDS-2, are polypeptides belonging to the β-defensin fold family and were initially described for their antihypertensive and antiviral activities. BDS-1 and BDS-2 are 43 amino acid peptides characterised by three disulfide bonds that act as neurotoxins affecting Kv3.1, Kv3.2 and Kv3.4 channel gating kinetics. In addition, BDS-1 inactivates the Nav1.7 and Nav1.3 channels. The development of a large dataset of A. viridis expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and the identification of 13 putative BDS-like cDNA sequences has attracted interest, especially as scientific and diagnostic tools. A comparison of BDS cDNA sequences showed that the untranslated regions are more conserved than the protein-coding regions. Moreover, the KA/KS ratios calculated for all pairwise comparisons showed values greater than 1, suggesting mechanisms of accelerated evolution. The structures of the BDS homologs were predicted by molecular modelling. All toxins possess similar 3D structures that consist of a triple-stranded antiparallel β-sheet and an additional small antiparallel β-sheet located downstream of the cleavage/maturation site; however, the orientation of the triple-stranded β-sheet appears to differ among the toxins. To characterise the spatial expression profile of the putative BDS cDNA sequences, tissue-specific cDNA libraries, enriched for BDS transcripts, were constructed. In addition, the proper amplification of ectodermal or endodermal markers ensured the tissue specificity of each library. Sequencing randomly selected clones from each library revealed ectodermal-specific expression of ten BDS transcripts, while transcripts of BDS-8, BDS-13, BDS-14 and BDS-15 failed to be retrieved, likely due to under-representation in our cDNA libraries. The calculation of the relative abundance of BDS transcripts in the cDNA libraries revealed that BDS-1, BDS-3, BDS-4, BDS-5 and BDS-6 are the most represented transcripts.
The effects of asset-light strategy on competitive advantage in the telephone communications industry

This study investigates how asset-light operations generate competitive advantage in the telephone communications industry. Competitive advantage is defined as the ability of a firm to generate returns above its synthetic normal return. Three regression models are developed to describe the relationships between asset-light operations and competitive advantage. This empirical study provides several insights: (1) Asset-light operations significantly contribute to competitive advantage in the telephone communications industry, but this effect is more critical in the wireless communications industry than among landline-based firms. (2) Firms with more light assets tend to have a lower book value of tangible resources. (3) Firms involving R&D and emphasising asset-light operations focus more on operational cost reduction than efficient management of their fixed assets. The last result indicates that telephone communications companies have been competing in ‘light’ operating assets rather than ‘light’ fixed assets.
Eddy-current interaction with an ideal crack. II. The inverse problem

Eddy‐current inversion is the process whereby the geometry of a flaw in a metal is derived from electromagnetic probe measurements. An inversion scheme is described for finding the shape and size of cracks from eddy‐current probe impedance measurements. The approach is based on an optimization scheme that seeks to minimize a global error function quantifying the difference between predicted and observed probe impedances. The error minimum is sought using a standard descent algorithm that requires a knowledge of the gradient of the error with respect to a variation of the flaw geometry. Computation of the gradient is based on a provisional flaw estimate, then the flaw estimate is updated in a ‘‘direction’’ that reduces the error. The process continues iteratively until a convergence criterion has been satisfied. Then the final flaw estimate should match the shape of the real defect. An equation for the gradient has been derived using an integral formulation of the ideal crack problem. Numerical estimates of the error gradient and the probe impedances have been calculated using approximations based on the moment method. Tests of the inversion scheme using single frequency probe impedance measurements have been carried out by calculating the shapes of narrow slots in aluminum alloy plates. Good agreement is found between the optimum profiles and the measured slot shapes.
When Does Differential Treatment Become Perceived Discrimination? An Intersectional Analysis in a Southern Brazilian Population

Despite ideals of equality and “racial democracy,” high levels of social inequality persist in contemporary Brazil. In addition, while the majority of the Brazilian population acknowledges the persistence of racism, high proportions of socially disadvantaged groups do not regard themselves as victims of discrimination. This study seeks to shed light on this issue by investigating the processes through which individuals come to interpret their experiences of mistreatment as discrimination. We ask: (1) How frequently do respondents perceive being treated differently due to a variety of social statuses alone and in combination? and (2) What factors are associated with respondents interpreting this differential treatment as “discrimination”? Data come from an ongoing cohort investigation, which included a representative sample of adults living in the urban area of Florianópolis. Results show that 45 percent of respondents experienced mistreatment and attributed it to two or more factors, such as social class, age, gender, and race. Perceptions of mistreatment based on social class were positively correlated with perceived mistreatment due to gender, place of residence, weight, race, and the way one dresses. Regression analyses revealed that interpreting differential treatment as stemming from multiple social statuses was the strongest predictor of respondents classifying their mistreatment as discrimination. Our findings highlight the importance of disentangling perceptions of mistreatment from perceptions of discrimination and show that the relationship between the two is structured in large part by the ways in which individuals interpret their experiences at the intersection of multiple inequalities.
NaLi-H1: A universal synthetic library of humanized nanobodies providing highly functional antibodies and intrabodies

In vitro selection of antibodies allows to obtain highly functional binders, rapidly and at lower cost. Here, we describe the first fully synthetic phage display library of humanized llama single domain antibody (NaLi-H1: Nanobody Library Humanized 1). Based on a humanized synthetic single domain antibody (hs2dAb) scaffold optimized for intracellular stability, the highly diverse library provides high affinity binders without animal immunization. NaLi-H1 was screened following several selection schemes against various targets (Fluorescent proteins, actin, tubulin, p53, HP1). Conformation antibodies against active RHO GTPase were also obtained. Selected hs2dAb were used in various immunoassays and were often found to be functional intrabodies, enabling tracking or inhibition of endogenous targets. Functionalization of intrabodies allowed specific protein knockdown in living cells. Finally, direct selection against the surface of tumor cells produced hs2dAb directed against tumor-specific antigens further highlighting the potential use of this library for therapeutic applications. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.16228. 001
Uniform qualitative electrophysiological changes in postoperative rest tremor

Ablation and deep brain stimulation (DBS) can treat pharmacologically uncontrollable tremor. Here, we compared the postoperative electrophysiological changes in resting hand tremor after 32 ablations and 12 DBS implantations in patients with severe tremor‐dominant idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET). Short‐ and long‐term accelerometric data were acquired after surgery and were compared to the preoperative tremor. After effective surgical treatments, significant rest tremor reduction and increase in both frequency and approximate entropy (ApEn) were detected in all PD cases, irrespective of the type and target of intervention. However, the long‐term effect of DBS implantation on tremor reduction was significantly better compared to that after ablative treatments. In cases of thalamotomy, the postoperative increase in frequency and ApEn was significantly larger in essential tremor compared to PD, suggesting that the etiology of tremor may influence the size of the similar changes. However, cases where clinical tremor re‐emerged 6 to 12 months after the surgery, no change in frequency and ApEn was detected on the second postoperative day, despite an initial tremor reduction and clinical improvement similar to the effective operations. Our results suggest that uniform postoperative changes in rest tremor and the increase in frequency and ApEn could be due to attenuation of pathological oscillators and might be immediate indicators of the effectiveness of neurosurgical treatments relieving tremor. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
The Private and Social Values of Wetlands: an Overview

The focus of the project was on the management of wetlands located on private property. Wetlands are increasingly recognised as being of value to society yet the history of their use in Australia has been one of widespread degradation due to grazing, cropping, clearing and draining for commercial gain. What remains of Australia’s wetlands are predominantly located on private land. The danger this situation presents arises from an imbalance between the incentives wetland owners receive for exploiting and protecting their wetlands. Wetland owners receive strong profit signals to exploit their wetlands but little if any financial reward has been available from wetland conservation activities.
Attention and Decision Making: A Test of the Predictive Validity of the Test of Attention and Interpersonal Style (TAIS) in a Sport Setting1

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between athletes' attentional styles as measured by Nideffer's (1976 a, b) Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Style and a performance component, decision making. More making abilities and then divided into good, average, and poor decision makers. It was hypothesized that good, relative to average, and poor decision makers would display a more positive “scan” factor (higher BET, BIT, INFP scales) and a more adequate “focus” factor (low OET, and OIT, but high NAR scales). Results from the analyses of variance revealed no significant differences among the three groups. Furthermore, a discriminant analysis on the good and poor decision makers revealed no clear picture. The present results support Van Schoyck and Grasha's (1981) conclusion that the Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Styles does not seem to be sensitive enough to pick up differences in attentional style between performers of different levels.
Worst-case models of electromagnetic background created by cellular base stations

The novel “worst-case” mathematical models of electromagnetic background, created by base stations of cellular communications and ground radio transmitters of other services is offered. This model allow to estimate the background total intensity directly on the basis of calculation of the total electromagnetic loading on territory as the total equivalent isotropic radiated power of base stations of cellular communications and other radio transmitters falling to the unit of the area of considered territory. The relationships characterizing restrictions on maximum permissible parameters of radioelectronic environment, created by base stations, at operating restrictions on maximum permissible levels of an electromagnetic field for the population, are resulted.
Scalar Top Quark Studies with Various Visible Energies

The precision determination of scalar top quark properties will play an important role at a future International Linear Collider (ILC). Recent and ongoing studies are discussed for different experimental topologies in the detector. First results are presented for small mass differences between the scalar top and neutralino masses. This corresponds to a small expected visible energy in the detector. An ILC will be a unique accelerator to explore this scenario. In addition to finding the existence of light stop quarks, the precise measurement of their properties is crucial for testing their impact on the dark matter relic abundance and the mecha- nism of electroweak baryogenesis. Significant sensitivity for mass differences down to 5 GeV are obtained. The simulation is based on a fast and realistic detector simulation. A vertex detector concept of the Linear Collider Flavor Identification (LCFI) collaboration, which studies pixel detectors for heavy quark flavour identi- fication, is implemented in the simulations for c-quark tagging. The study extends simulations for large mass differences (large visible energy) for which aspects of different detector simulations, the vertex detector design, and different methods for the determination of the scalar top mass are discussed. Based on the detailed simulations we study the uncertainties for the dark matter density predictions and their estimated uncertainties from various sources. In the region of parameters where stop-neutralino co-annihilation leads to a value of the relic density consis- tent with experimental results, as precisely determined by the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP), the stop-neutralino mass difference is small and the ILC will be able to explore this region efficiently.
The characteristics and variation trends of temporal and spatial distribution of thunderstorms in the area of Linyi

Based on the observation of the thunderstorm days at ten weather stations in the area of Linyi, the characteristics of temporal and spatial distribution of thunderstorm days from 1962 to 2009 has been analyzed. The results indicate that the thunderstorm days are varied in different regions of the area, but the differences are small. The thunderstorm days decreased significantly by 3.4 days for every 10 years. The thunderstorm days for the whole region decreased sharply while the thunderstorm days in local region increased a little more. The month of July has the most thunderstorms and most of which are citywide storms, then the August followed. The decreasing tendency of thunderstorms is significant in summer and autumn and not obvious in spring. After 1972, the total number of thunderstorm days in Linyi decreased suddenly.
Learning and the Value of Trade Relationships * Ryan Monarch †

How valuable are long-term supplier relationships? To address this question, this paper explores relationships between U.S. importers and their suppliers abroad. We establish several facts: almost half of U.S. imports involve relationships three years or older, relationship survival and traded quantity increase as a relationship ages, and long-term relationships were more resilient in the 2008-09 financial crisis. We present a model of importer learning and calibrate it to detailed panel data on U.S. importer relationships. Model estimates imply large differences in the value of relationships across countries. Counterfactuals show that relationship-level responses to shocks are central to aggregate trade dynamics.
Association of carotid intima-media thickness with cardiovascular risk factors and patient outcomes in advanced chronic kidney disease: the RRI-CKD study

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. The relationships of intima-media thickness (IMT), a measure of subclinical atherosclerosis, with traditional and nontraditional risk factors and with adverse outcomes in CKD patients are not well-established. Methods: IMT, clinical characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, and clinical outcomes were measured in 198 subjects from the Renal Research Institute (RRI) CKD study, a four-center prospective cohort of patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 50 mL/min/1.73 m2 not requiring renal replacement therapy. Results: The patients averaged 61 ± 14 years of age; the mean eGFR was 29 ± 12 mL/min/1.73 m2. Maximum IMT was more closely associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including age, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and systolic blood pressure, than with nontraditional risk factors or with eGFR. Higher values of maximum IMT were also independently associated with clinical CVD and with other markers of subclinical CVD. Maximum IMT ≥ 2.6 mm was predictive of the composite endpoint of CVD events and death (hazard ratio (HR): 5.47 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.97 – 10.07, p < 0.0001)) but was not related to progression to end-stage renal disease (HR: 1.67 (95% CI: 0.74 – 3.76, p = 0.21)). Conclusion: In patients with advanced pre-dialysis CKD, higher maximum IMT was associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, CVD, and other markers of subclinical CVD and was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and death. Additional research is needed to examine the clinical utility of IMT in the risk stratification and clinical management of patients with CKD.
A validation study of a Korean version of the Recovery Experience Questionnaire

This study validated the recovery experience questionnaire developed by Sonnentag & Fritz (2007) using a Korean sample (N = 286). The four-factor model consisting of psychological detachment, relaxation, mastery, and control was also applied to this Korean sample, and each subscale showed a high internal consistency. Job demands, job control, technology usage during weekend, leisure motivation, burnout, and physical symptoms were measured to examine how they were related to weekend recovery experience. Implications of the results and directions for future research were discussed. In particular, cross-cultural research was suggested.
The Roles of Syncytin-Like Proteins in Ruminant Placentation

Recent developments in genome sequencing techniques have led to the identification of huge numbers of endogenous retroviruses (ERV) in various mammals. ERVs, which occupy 8%–13% of mammalian genomes, are believed to affect mammalian evolution and biological diversity. Although the functional significance of most ERVs remains to be elucidated, several ERVs are thought to have pivotal roles in host physiology. We and other groups recently identified ERV envelope proteins (e.g., Fematrin-1, Syncytin-Rum1, endogenous Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus Env) that may determine the morphogenesis of the unique fused trophoblast cells, termed trinucleate cells and syncytial plaques, found in ruminant placentas; however, there are still a number of outstanding issues with regard to the role of ERVs that remain to be resolved. Here, we review what is known about how these ERVs have contributed to the development of ruminant-specific trophoblast cells.
Protective factors for parenting teenagers: Measuring perceived quality of relationships in Latino and Anglo adolescents expecting a baby

In American society, adolescence is typically a time when individuals develop identities and increase their involvement with peers. Transitioning to adulthood becomes more challenging when teenagers are expecting a baby and taking on new roles and responsibilities. While research supports the notion that strong family relationships are protective against negative outcomes and can help to ease the transition into parenthood, less empirical research exists about the cross-cultural manifestations of these family relationships. Familismo, the Latino cultural value emphasizing the importance of family, is often assumed to mean that Latino families are more family-centered than Anglos. However, empirical evidence in support of this assumption is often inconsistent. For example, studies comparing Latino and Anglo families rarely include information about the quality of relationships within the family. This study aimed to better understand the quality of the constellation of family relationships surrounding teenagers expecting a baby by examining reported perceptions of quality of relationships with adolescents’ own parents as well as with their partner’s parents. To address possible cultural differences, Latino couples were categorized as English-speaking (more acculturated) or Spanish-speaking (less acculturated) and compared with an Anglo population. Results indicated that Spanish-speaking adolescent fathers reported significantly stronger relationships with their own parents and their partner’s parents than their Anglo counterparts. Further, Anglo adolescent mothers reported lower perceived quality of relationship with their own mothers than English-
Depression is the strongest predictor of long-term outcome in patients with chronic nonischemic heart failure

Introduction Despite advances in medicine, chronic heart failure (CHF) still remains a significant clinical problem associated with poor outcome. Aim of the study To determine risk factors for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in three-year follow-up in patients with CHF of nonischemic etiology. Material and methods The prospective study included consecutive hospitalized patients with stable CHF (LVEDD > 57 mm; LVEF < 40%) and symptom duration > 6 months. Study exclusion criteria were: serious neurological and/or psychiatric diseases, stenoses in epicardial coronary arteries in coronarography, active myocarditis confirmed by myocardial biopsy, diseases of the respiratory system with pulmonary hypertension, presence of heart defects, neoplastic or connective tissue disease, documented infectious diseases at least three months before inclusion in the study, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease (eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2), alcoholism, planned heart transplantation. Depression severity was assessed with the Beck and the Hamilton Scales. Depression was diagnosed based on the ICD-10 criteria. Clinical follow-up began on admission and lasted three years. Results The analysis encompassed 199 patients aged 49 (41-54), who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Depression was diagnosed in 30% of the patients. Independent factors increasing the risk of MACE (death, transplantation, ventricular assist device, hospitalization) were: depression (HR: 2.26; p < 0.001), E/A index (HR: 1.31; p < 0.01), right ventricular dimension (HR: 1.06; p < 0.01), hsCRP level (HR: 1.06; p < 0.01) and alkaline phosphatase activity in blood serum (HR: 1.01; p < 0.05). Conclusions Factors affecting 3-year outcome are: depression, right ventricular dimension, the E/A index, alkaline phosphatase activity and the level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).