Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Purification and in vitro phosphorylation of HupT, a regulatory protein controlling hydrogenase gene expression in Rhodobacter capsulatus

The HupT protein of Rhodobacter capsulatus, involved in negative regulation of hydrogenase gene expression, is predicted to be a histidine kinase on the basis of sequence comparisons. The protein was overproduced in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity, and demonstrated to autophosphorylate in vitro in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP. An H217N hupt mutant was constructed, and the mutant protein was shown to have lost kinase activity. This result, and the fact that the phosphoryl group in phosphorylated HupT appeared to be bound to an N atom, support the suggestion from sequence comparisons that HupT is a histidine kinase, which can autophosphorylate on the His217 residue.
Determinants of Corporate Hedging Behavior: Evidence from the Life Insurance Industry

Using data collected from the annual statements of 571 life insurers, separate models are estimated for the probability and degree of use of futures and options by life insurers for the purpose of hedging economic risk. The results support the informational economies hypothesis, the bankruptcy costs and underinvestment hypotheses, and the managerial discretion hypothesis. The results also suggest that an insurer's matching of asset and liability durations (on-balance-sheet hedging) serves as a substitute for hedging with futures and options (off-balance-sheet hedging) and that the use of reinsurance serves as a signal for those firms that are predisposed to hedging firm risk.
Collaboration and Partnership Development for Sustainable Tourism

Abstract For many years, the need to improve sustainability in the tourism industry has been widely recognized. Many destinations have attempted to move toward sustainability, but unfortunately, have been hindered in their attempts by a lack of collaboration among stakeholders that is necessary to support their sustainability agendas. Collaboration, specifically through multi-stakeholder partnerships, has been seen as an effective way to support initiatives in tourism development. Through the lens of Gray's collaboration theory and Selin and Chavez's tourism partnership model, the success of collaboration and partnerships in tourism development on the island of Gili Trawangan, Indonesia, will be examined. Through a multi-method approach consisting of an environmental audit and semi-structured interviews, this paper explores the implementation of a multi-stakeholder partnership. The partnership that has been developed, called the Gili Ecotrust, provides an example of successful collaboration, leading to the implementation of innovative sustainability initiatives on the island.
The Elucidation of the Interactome of 16 Arabidopsis bZIP Factors Reveals Three Independent Functional Networks

The function of the bZIP transcription factors is strictly dependent on their ability to dimerize. Heterodimerization has proven to be highly specific and is postulated to operate as a combinatorial mechanism allowing the generation of a large variety of dimers with unique qualities by specifically combining a small set of monomers; an assumption that has not yet been tested systematically. Here, the interaction pattern and the transactivation properties of 16 Arabidopsis thaliana bZIPs are examined in transiently transformed Arabidopsis protoplasts to deliver a perspective on the relationship between bZIP dimerization and function. An interaction matrix of bZIPs belonging to the C, G, H, and S1 bZIP groups was resolved by Bimolecular Fluorescent Complementation (BiFC) coupled to quantitative flow cytometric analysis, while an extensive GUS reporter gene assay was carried out to determine the effect of different bZIP pairs on the expression of four different known bZIP-targeted promoters. Statistical data treatment and complementary bioinformatic analysis were performed to substantiate the biological findings. According to these results, the 16 bZIPs interact in three isolated networks, within which their members dimerize non-specifically and exhibit a significant level of functional redundancy. A coherent explanation for these results is supported by in silico analysis of differences in the length, structure and composition of their leucine zippers and appears to explain their dimerization specificity and dynamics observed in vivo quite well. A model in which the bZIP networks act as functional units is proposed.
Why 'Business Angels' Say No: A Case Study of Opportunities Rejected by an Informal Investor Syndicate

DR. COLIN MASON IS READER IN ECONOMIC Geography, University of Southampton, England, and Richard Harrison is Professor of Management Development at the Ulster Business School, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland. Despite the rapid growth of studies of the informal venture capital market, knowledge of why 'business angels' reject investment opportunities remains highly generalised. In contrast with the investor focus of previous studies, this study adopts a dealspecific perspective by examining a sample of 35 investment opportunities that were considered and subsequently rejected by Metrogroup, a private investor syndicate in the United Kingdom. The paper refines and extends knowledge of 'why angels say no' in three respects. First, most investment opportunities are rejected for just one or two reasons. Second, the most common reasons for rejecting investment opportunities are associated with the entrepreneur/management team, market and marketing factors, and financial factors; a flawed or incomplete marketing strategy and flawed or incomplete financial projections are particularly significant deal killers, especially at the initial review stage. Third, with some specific exceptions, deals rejected at the initial review stage tend to be on the basis of the cumulation of a number of deficiencies rather than for a single reason.
Modelling diffusion of successive generations of technology: a general framework

In today's market where each company is trying to prove itself better than its competitors, companies have to continually bring new generations of their products so as to survive in the market. Each succeeding generation offers some innovative performance or new functionality, distinguishing itself from the past generation. Based on the behavioural assumptions of diffusion theory, this paper proposes an extension of the Bass diffusion model that separates substitution from switching as well as leapfrogging. We also present a relationship between our model and Norton-Bass model. Empirical implications of the proposed model have been validated on data collected from two industries (semiconductor industry dynamic random access memory shipments of six generations, mainframe industry (USA)). The model describes the growth of these generations quite effectively.
Preoperative serum α‐fetoprotein and prognosis after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

While the majority of studies report that a raised serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level before operation is associated with a high risk of recurrence and death in patients who undergo hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), results are conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of AFP.
Early intervention for first episode psychosis: Secondary care must become more responsive to primary care

[][1] Credit: SHOOTING STAR/PHOTONICA EDITOR—Shiers and Lester observe that primary and secondary care must work together and that the wider involvement of the community is the key to success.1 However, they eschew a more detailed appraisal of these important issues in favour of a finger wagging at general practice. They base their predication on several assumptions. Firstly, they assume that general practitioners neither … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Revisiting growth empirics based on IV panel quantile regression

We analyse the well-known issue of economic growth convergence using quantile regression. Most previous studies have used a least squares (LS) method or variation, which focuses on the issue only at the mean of the growth rate. Therefore, such results cannot provide a satisfactory answer to what can happen if the growth rate is far from the conditional mean level. For example, we consider the following question: do we still have economic growth convergence or is the convergence speed changed in a low growth period such as the ‘Great Recession,’ that started in 2008? We propose using instrumental variable panel quantile regression to answer this question. Our empirical findings demonstrate that economic growth convergence occurs at all quantiles over the entire conditional distribution, but that the convergence speed does depend on quantiles; the convergence speed is much higher when the GDP growth rate is at either high or low quantiles.
Price or Quantity Competition?: Oligopolistic Structures in International Commodity Markets

International commodity markets may be characterized by price or quantity competition and by product differentiation. As an illustration, this paper presents a set of models of the Japanese market for imported beef. The models are evaluated using a non-nested econometric test. The one which best fits the data is a Stackelberg model with price leadership by Australia. This result provides evidence on the explicit nature of the game being played by exporters, unlike the applied conjectural variations approach which provides only an index of how competitive the market is. Copyright 1997 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
DNA Binding: a Novel Function of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type IV Pili

ABSTRACT The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces multifunctional, polar, filamentous appendages termed type IV pili. Type IV pili are involved in colonization during infection, twitching motility, biofilm formation, bacteriophage infection, and natural transformation. Electrostatic surface analysis of modeled pilus fibers generated from P. aeruginosa strain PAK, K122-4, and KB-7 pilin monomers suggested that a solvent-exposed band of positive charge may be a common feature of all type IV pili. Several functions of type IV pili, including natural transformation and biofilm formation, involve DNA. We investigated the ability of P. aeruginosa type IV pili to bind DNA. Purified PAK, K122-4, and KB-7 pili were observed to bind both bacterial plasmid and salmon sperm DNA in a concentration-dependent and saturable manner. PAK pili had the highest affinity for DNA, followed by K122-4 and KB-7 pili. DNA binding involved backbone interactions and preferential binding to pyrimidine residues even though there was no evidence of sequence-specific binding. Pilus-mediated DNA binding was a function of the intact pilus and thus required elements present in the quaternary structure. However, binding also involved the pilus tip as tip-specific, but not base-specific, antibodies inhibited DNA binding. The conservation of a Thr residue in all type IV pilin monomers examined to date, along with the electrostatic data, implies that DNA binding is a conserved function of type IV pili. Pilus-mediated DNA binding could be important for biofilm formation both in vivo during an infection and ex vivo on abiotic surfaces.
Early fin primordia of zebrafish larvae regenerate by a similar growth control mechanism with adult regeneration

Some vertebrate species, including urodele amphibians and teleost fish, have the remarkable ability of regenerating lost body parts. Regeneration studies have been focused on adult tissues, because it is unclear whether or not the repairs of injured tissues during early developmental stages have the same molecular base as that of adult regeneration. Here, we present evidence that a similar cellular and molecular mechanism to adult regeneration operates in the repair process of early zebrafish fin primordia, which are composed of epithelial and mesenchymal cells. We show that larval fin repair occurs through the formation of wound epithelium and blastema‐like proliferating cells. Cell proliferation is first induced in the distal‐most region and propagates to more proximal regions, as in adult regeneration. We also show that fibroblast growth factor signaling helps induce cell division. Our results suggest that the regeneration machinery directing cell proliferation in response to injury may exist from the early developmental stages. Developmental Dynamics 231:693–699, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Post-Crisis Japanese Nuclear Policy: From Top-down Directives to Bottom-up Activism

Over the past fifty years, Japan has developed one of the most advanced commercial nuclear power programs in the world. This is largely due to the government’s broad repertoire of policy instruments that have helped further its nuclear power goals. These top-down directives have resulted in the construction of 54 plants and at least the appearance of widespread support for nuclear power. By the 1990s, however, this carefully cultivated public support was beginning to break apart. And following the earthquake and tsunami of March 2011 and resulting nuclear crisis in the Fukushima nuclear complex, the political and social landscape for energy in Japan has been dramatically altered. The crisis has raised and reinforced environmental concerns and health fears, as well as skepticism about information from government and corporate sources. A civil society that for decades has appeared weak and nonpartcipatory has awakened and citizens are carrying out bottom-up responses to the accident, effecting change with grassroots science and activism.
Assessing appropriate parenteral nutrition ordering practices in tertiary care medical centers.

BACKGROUND Parenteral nutrition (PN) is an essential feeding route for specific patient populations. Despite its utility, PN is invasive, costly, and associated with clinical complications. In most U.S. hospitals, PN is overprescribed. This study measured rates of inappropriate PN use in hospitalized adults, as determined by the 2002 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition guidelines, at 4 tertiary care South Carolina hospitals (facilities A-D). Secondary aims were to identify indicators of inappropriate use and estimated preventable costs. METHODS Over a 3-month period, trained registered dietitians at each site collected data retrospectively and prospectively to determine PN appropriateness and indicators of use in 278 randomly selected PN cases. RESULTS PN therapy was inappropriately prescribed in 32% of cases, resulting in approximately 552 days and $138,000 in preventable hospital costs. Thirteen percent of patients who were prescribed inappropriate PN were discharged on home PN. Mean duration of PN therapy was higher in inappropriate cases vs appropriate cases (6 ± 7 days [range, 1-78 days] vs 10 ± 10.6 days [range, 1-51 days]; P < .004). Facility B had lower rates of inappropriately prescribed PN (23%) compared with facilities A (33%), C (35%), and D (38%). Dietitians recommended against PN in >70% of all inappropriate cases at facilities A and D compared with <45% at facilities B and D (P < .001). Facility B employed more certified nutrition support dietitians (68% of staff) and was among the 2 hospitals using a nutrition support team (NST). CONCLUSION This study was novel by comparing PN practices in statewide hospitals. Results indicate that NSTs and certified nutrition support clinicians can curtail preventable spending from inappropriate PN use. Future studies should identify barriers in implementing evidence-based practice.
Do pediatric nurse practitioners recognize sexual abuse?

INTRODUCTION This study was undertaken to describe pediatric nurse practitioners' (PNPs') knowledge of genital anatomy and their ability to recognize sexual abuse. METHOD A 33-item questionnaire developed by Ladson, Johnson, and Doty (1987) was revised, and PNPs were asked questions about demographics, their knowledge of normal and abnormal prepubescent genital anatomy, and their recognition of the association between sexually transmitted diseases and sexual abuse in prepubescent girls. The questionnaire was mailed to 213 PNPs within the state of Ohio, all of whom were members of the Ohio Chapter of NAPNAP. RESULTS No statistically significant correlation was noted between any demographic characteristics and correct responses to questionnaire items. Two anatomical parts--hymen and vaginal opening--were correctly identified by less than 60% of the participants. Only 67.1% of the PNPs stated that a child can have a normal genital examination after penile penetration of the vagina. CONCLUSIONS PNPs need to increase their knowledge of normal prepubescent genital anatomy and physical findings of sexual abuse and report these findings if abuse is suspected.
MRI-Negative, Bone Scintigram-Positive in Early Osteonecrosis of the Knees

Nontraumatic avascular necrosis (AVN) of bone is a well-reported complication of glucocorticoid therapy for immunologic and malignant disease. We present the case of a 13-year-old girl with no history of trauma who presented with a 5-day history of increasing pain in both knees after cord blood transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Plain film and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were reported as normal. Bone scintigraphy revealed evidence of bilateral avascular necrosis in the distal femora. MRI subsequently became abnormal several weeks later. The case illustrates the natural history of AVN, in which changes that are detected by MRI can take several weeks to develop. The scintigraphic findings influenced early management of the condition.
The Diversity and Dynamics of Competition: Evidence from two local schooling markets

The policy of encouraging schools to compete has been justified on the basis of raising measured levels of attainment and widening choice. In this paper we review the basis for this policy, utilising the economic analysis of markets with a small number of providers. We note that in such markets, typical of local schooling markets, increased competition may generate diverse market behaviour and identify factors likely to produce rivalry and co-operation. We then present evidence of two apparently similar local schooling markets that exhibit very different levels and types of competition. We show how an assessment of the intensity of competition in a local schooling market depends on the particular indicators chosen. We review alternative interpretations for these differences in the nature of competition and relate to recent policy initiatives.
Corporate Codes of Ethics: Necessary But Not Sufficient

While most large companies around the world now have a code of ethics, reported ethical malpractice among some of these does not appear to be abating. The reasons for this are explored, using academic studies, survey reports as well as insights gained from the Institute of Business Ethics' work with large corporations. These indicate that there is a gap between the existence of explicit ethical values and principles, often expressed in the form of a code, and the attitudes and behaviour of the organisation. The paper suggests that two basic reasons appear to be at the heart of the problem: ineffective ethics programmes and deficiencies in corporate culture. The paper concludes that successfully embedded corporate ethical values requires well-designed ethics policies, sustained ethical leadership and incorporation of ethics in organisational processes and strategy as part of an ethical culture at all levels of the organisation. It makes some practical suggestions on how this can be achieved.
Clonal Evolution Leading to Maintenance of Antibiotic Resistance Rates among Colonizing Pneumococci in the PCV7 Era in Portugal

ABSTRACT The introduction of the seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in Portugal led to extensive serotype replacement among carriers of pneumococci, with a marked decrease of PCV7 types. Although antimicrobial resistance was traditionally associated with PCV7 types, no significant changes in the rates of nonsusceptibility to penicillin, resistance to macrolides, or multidrug resistance were observed. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms leading to maintenance of antimicrobial resistance, despite marked serotype replacement. We compared, through molecular typing, 252 antibiotic-resistant pneumococci recovered from young carriers in 2006 and 2007 (era of high PCV7 uptake) with collections of isolates from 2002 and 2003 (n=374; low-PCV7-uptake era) and 1996 to 2001 (n=805; pre-PCV7 era). We observed that the group of clones that has accounted for antimicrobial resistance since 1996 is essentially the same as the one identified in the PCV7 era. The relative proportions of such clones have, however, evolved substantially overtime. Notably, widespread use of PCV7 led to an expansion of two Pneumococcal Molecular Epidemiology Network (PMEN) clones expressing non-PCV7 capsular variants of the original strains: Sweden15AST63 (serotypes 15A and 19A) and Denmark14ST230 (serotypes 19A and 24F). These variants were already in circulation in the pre-PCV7 era, although they have now become increasingly abundant. Emergence of novel clones and de novo acquisition of resistance contributed little to the observed scenario. No evidence of capsular switch events occurring after PCV7 introduction was found. In the era of PCVs, antimicrobial resistance remains a problem among the carried pneumococci. Continuous surveillance is warranted to evaluate serotype and clonal shifts leading to maintenance of antimicrobial resistance.
Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia and the Development of the Malignant Phase of Hypertension

Evidence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MHA) was found in 14 of 22 patients with malignant phase hypertension, and in one of these, a patient with proliferative glomerulonephritis, MHA and malignant hypertension developed together during a three-month period of observation. Among 61 rats subjected to unilateral nephrectomy, injected with DOCA, and given 1% saline to drink, 42 developed evidence of MHA. Eighty-four per cent of these also had fibrinoid necrosis and/or plasmatic vasculosis in the remaining kidney at autopsy. Blood pressure rose to 150 mm Hg or more in 72% of these DOCA-injected animals. In 29 control rats subjected to unilateral nephrectomy only, blood pressure rose to 150 mm Hg or more in 21%, MHA developed in 14%, and fibrinoid lesions were found in none. The significance of these observations is discussed in relation to the possibility that MHA is either a consequence of malignant hypertension or a contributory factor in its pathogenesis.
Evolution of the Interindustry Wage Structure in China Since the 1980s

Industry mean wages in China have exhibited sharply increased dispersion since the early1990s. Researchers have attributed this rising inequality within the industrial wage structure to: (i) increasingly competitive labour markets leading to better matches between worker pay, worker skills and employer demands; or (ii) residual government control in some industrial sectors that has generated high wages through monopoly rent sharing. We argue that the rise in China's industrial wage dispersion is primarily attributable to increasingly competitive labour markets, which have led to greater returns to schooling and to efficient redistribution of workers across major industry groups. We cannot reject the null hypothesis that the level or changes in government monopoly power has had negligible impact on China's rising industrial wage dispersion.