Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MxaY regulates the lanthanide-mediated methanol dehydrogenase switch in Methylomicrobium buryatense

Many methylotrophs, microorganisms that consume carbon compounds lacking carbon–carbon bonds, use two different systems to oxidize methanol for energy production and biomass accumulation. The MxaFI methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) contains calcium in its active site, while the XoxF enzyme contains a lanthanide in its active site. The genes encoding the MDH enzymes are differentially regulated by the presence of lanthanides. In this study, we found that the histidine kinase MxaY controls the lanthanide-mediated switch in Methylomicrobium buryatense 5GB1C. MxaY controls the transcription of genes encoding MxaFI and XoxF at least partially by controlling the transcript levels of the orphan response regulator MxaB. We identify a constitutively active version of MxaY, and identify the mutated residue that may be involved in lanthanide sensing. Lastly, we find evidence to suggest that tight control of active MDH production is required for wild-type growth rates.
The importance of CSR in forming customer–company identification and long-term loyalty

Purpose Promoting customer–company identification (CCI) has become a crucial relationship marketing strategy for service firms. The purpose of this study is to examine how customers’ perceptions of service quality and corporate social responsibility (CSR) affect CCI over time. More importantly, a comparative analysis is conducted to compare the long-term effectiveness of service quality versus CSR in forming CCI. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual framework is developed and then empirically examined using latent growth curve modeling. The study data were collected from restaurant customers in Taiwan in four waves of 213 repeated measures. Findings The results of this study show that customers’ perceptions of both service quality and CSR affect CCI. Particularly, the results of this study indicate that compared with service quality, customers’ perceived CSR has a stronger effect in the promotion of CCI over time. Practical implications This study offers a new insight for service marketing practitioners who are planning and implementing strategies for enhancing CCI. The findings suggest that relationship investments are more effective over the long term when service firms shift their investment priority over time from achieving high service quality to increasing consumers’ belief in the firm’s commitment to CSR. Originality/value Though previous research has explored the various drivers of CCI, longitudinal examinations are surprisingly scarce in this context. Using latent growth curve modeling, this study examines how CCI antecedents influence changes in CCI over time. More importantly, this study reveals that CSR has a stronger long-term impact on CCI than service quality.
Additive fault tolerant control of nonlinear singularly perturbed systems against actuator fault

Abstract This paper presents the design of an additive fault tolerant control for nonlinear time-invariant singularly perturbed systems against actuator faults based on Lyapunov redesign principle. The overall system is reduced into subsystems with fast and slow dynamic behavior using singular perturbation method. The time scale reduction is carried out when the singular perturbation parameter is set to zero, thus avoiding the numerical stiffness due to the interaction of two different dynamics. The fault tolerant controller is computed in two steps. First, a nominal composite controller is designed using the reduced subsystems. Secondly, an additive part is combined with the basic controller to overcome the fault effect. The derived ε - independent controller guarantees asymptotic stability despite the presence of actuator faults. The Lyapunov stability theory is used to prove the stability provided the singular perturbation parameter is sufficiently small. The theoretical results are simulated using a numerical application.
What is the Effect of a Change in CustomersTrust, Following a Banking Collapse, on Their Loyalty towards Their Own Bank?

In October 2008 the three biggest retail banks in Iceland collapsed. This paper focuses on the effect of this collapse on customers’ trust towards banks and the effect that a change in their level of trust has on their loyalty towards their own bank. The research question is “Do customers trust their own bank more than others and could that explain why they do not switch banks more often than in a normal year following a reduced level of trust? ” Data sets from three surveys are used to answer the research question, the first one done in March 2008, the second one in February 2011 and the third one in February 2013. From the findings of this research it can be deduced that customers of banks trust their own bank more than they trust other banks following a banking collapse and even though the level of trust is down customers do not have a reason to switch banks if that decision is based on their level of trust. This fact may explain why customers of the Icelandic banks did not switch banks in greater numbers than was actually the case. Now customer trust towards the Icelandic banks is on the rebound and their level of trust towards their own bank remains higher than for the other banks. From the findings of this research it can also be deduced that in general customers of banks trust their own bank more than they trust other banks both when their trust towards their own bank is decreasing and then increasing again following a banking collapse.
Combining Quinupristin/Dalfopristin with Other Agents for Resistant Infections

OBJECTIVE To review the resistance mechanisms of Enterococcus and Staphylococcus spp. and summarize quinupristin/dalfopristin's (QD's) effects on these resistant organisms when combined with other antibiotics via review of the literature and unpublished data. DATA SOURCES Data were identified by a PubMed search (1996—May 2003) using the search terms quinupristin/dalfopristin, synergy, in vitro, in vivo, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and individual antibiotic names. Bibliographies of the resultant PubMed searches were reviewed and included if applicable. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All studies reviewed were analyzed; specific drug data were included only if clinically pertinent. In vitro data from studies with adequate design were discussed, whereas all case reports and clinical trials were utilized. DATA SYNTHESIS In the treatment of VREF, available information seems conflicting, although some clear differences have become apparent. QD—ampicillin and QD—doxycycline combinations have demonstrated beneficial activity, usually displaying synergistic or additive effects even in macrolide-, lincosamine-, and streptogramin-resistant (MLSB) isolates. Vancomycin and chloramphenicol have shown some efficacy, but antagonistic or null results also have been observed. Regarding MRSA, results from many studies of QD combinations have been ambiguous. More common combinations displayed synergy or additive effects against MRSA, but only QD—rifampin showed consistent beneficial activity against MRSA and MLSB isolates. Most other combinations displayed antagonism when tested in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Data supporting the use of various QD—antibiotic combinations against VREF and MRSA are increasing, but further in vitro and in vivo data are needed to confirm the findings.
Effect of Various Factors on Dehalogenation of Chlorinated Phenols and Anilines during Oxidative Coupling.

According to previous research, dehalogenation of chlorinated phenols in the presence of horseradish peroxidase or Trametes versicolor laccase is due to the free-radical mechanism of an oxidative coupling reaction. This study demonstrated that short reaction time, limited amount of catalyst, or unfavorable pH conditions may result in an insufficient generation of free radicals and a reduction in dehalogenation of chlorinated phenols. The free-radical mechanism of chloride release was also found to be valid for peroxidase-mediated polymerization of chlorinated anilines. In the case of a tyrosinase-mediated polymerization of chlorophenols, chloride ions were apparently removed from the formed o-quinones during nucleophilic attack by phenoxide ions. The results obtained strongly support the hypothesis that dehalogenation is strictly connected to oxidative coupling and cannot be enhanced independently by adjustment of the reaction conditions.
Using Social Media for CSR Communication and Engaging Stakeholders

Abstract Purpose The current study examines the role of social media for designing effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication strategy for modern business organisation to engage their stakeholders. Methodology/approach A structured survey questionnaire is used to collect data from multiple stakeholders through social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. The data is collected from employees, customers and investors of different companies in Pakistan. The data is analysed to examine the perceptions of different stakeholders towards effectiveness of social media for CSR communication. Findings The results indicate that the majority of respondents think that social media is very important platform to communicate CSR activities. Overall, respondents believe that social media is a trustworthy tool to communicate CSR activities and engage stakeholders. Customers believe that communication of CSR activities through social media influence their buying behaviour positively. We found strong intentions among employees to work for socially responsible corporations who are successful in communicating their CSR initiatives to their employees through social media. Research limitations/implications The study collected data from Pakistan only, a larger sample from different countries can provide more interesting results. The study didn’t used sophisticated statistical tests; the future studies can develop a rigorous theoretical model explaining how use of social media as communication strategy can influence the behaviour of diverse stakeholders. Practical implications Since social media is becoming an effective communication platform, corporations should pay more focus on using social media. The corporations should encourage stakeholders’ views related to CSR communication on social media and carefully address their suspicions in order to engage them. Originality/value There is sparse research in literature that examine the use of social media to engage organisational stakeholders. The current study provides a direction to future researchers to explore this area and explain the use of social media as CSR communication strategy in better way.
Serotonin, 5HT1 agonists, and migraine: new data, but old questions still not answered

Purpose of reviewThe serotonergic system has long been linked to migraine but recent studies highlight how much is still unclear about this link. And recent data add to the uncertainty of where/how triptans act and why they are headache specific. Recent findingsMarkers of 5HT levels in the brains of migraine patients show no changes between attacks. Several recent meta-analyses show the most convincing data on genetic differences in the serotonergic system for 5HT transporters. Findings of additional triptan actions on peripheral trigeminovascular neurons and in the hypothalamus add more fuel to the debate on where these drugs act. A growing list of studies show efficacy of multiple triptans and other 5HT1b/1d agonists in preclinical models of nonheadache pain arguing for reevaluation of whether these drugs have efficacy in other pain states. Despite these issues, serotonergic drugs continue to be the gold standard for abortive agents with new members on the horizon (5HT1f agonists). SummaryGiven the clear efficacy of serotonergic drugs for migraine, continued study on the role of the endogenous 5HT system may lead to more novel therapies. And with the list of studies demonstrating efficacy triptans in models of nonheadache, clinical studies should address whether these drugs work for other types of pain.
Nucleotide and Amino Acid Sequences of the Metallo-β-Lactamase, ImiS, from Aeromonas veronii bv. sobria

ABSTRACT The Aeromonas veronii bv. sobria metallo-β-lactamase gene, imiS, was cloned. The imiS open reading frame extends for 762 bp and encodes a protein of 254 amino acids with a secreted modified protein of 227 amino acids and a predicted pI of 8.1. To confirm the predicted sequence, purified ImiS was digested and the resulting peptides were identified, yielding an identical sequence for ImiS, with 98% identity to CphA. Both possessed the putative active-site sequence Asn-Tyr-His-Thr-Asp at positions 88 to 92, which is unique to the Aeromonas metallo-β-lactamases.
Mother-to-child human leukocyte antigen G concordance: no impact on the risk of vertical transmission of HIV-1.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G alleles are mainly expressed at the maternal-fetal interface, where they are thought to protect fetal tropho-blasts from destruction by uterine natural killer cells. We investigated the possible correlation between HLA-G allelic variants and the mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 in a cohort of mother-infant pairs recruited in Zimbabwe. Our results demonstrate that mother-child HLA-G concordance/discordance is not associated with either intrauterine or peripartum transmission.
Inhibition of Human Thiopurine S-Methyltransferase by Various Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Vitro: A Mechanism for Possible Drug Interactions

Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) is a biotransformation phase II enzyme responsible for the metabolic inactivation of thiopurine drugs. The present study was carried out to investigate the inhibitory potential of 15 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on human TPMT activity in vitro. TPMT activity was measured in pooled human erythrocytes in the absence and presence of various NSAIDs using the previously published high-performance liquid chromatography-UV method. To determine the inhibition type and Ki value for each compound, we performed kinetic analysis at five different inhibitor concentrations close to the IC50 value obtained in preliminary experiments. Naproxen (Ki = 52 μM), mefenamic acid (Ki = 39 μM), and tolfenamic acid (Ki = 50 μM) inhibited TPMT activity in a noncompetitive manner. The estimated Ki values for the inhibition of TPMT by ketoprofen (Ki = 172 μM) and ibuprofen (Ki = 1043 μM) indicated that the propionic acid derivatives were relatively weak inhibitors of TPMT. Our results suggest that coadministration of thiopurines and various NSAIDs may lead to drug interactions.
Transient Athetosis Induced by Tiagabine

Summary: Movement disorders have been reported with use of different antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). We report a 32‐year‐old woman, affected by a symptomatic focal drug‐resistant epilepsy and a mild hemiparesis, with acute athetoid movements, transiently linked to increasing tiagabine (TGB) therapy. To our knowledge, no other cases of acute athetosis related to TGB have been reported to date. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that involuntary movements were induced by an interaction between TGB and concomitant AEDs, in particular phenobarbital (PB), possibly by increasing GABAergic transmission.
Potential of Presep^® PolyChelate as a Chelating Resin: Comparative Study with Some Aminocarboxylic Acid-type Resins

The potential of Presep^® PolyChelate as a chelating resin was studied in detail. The chelating resin with extraction capacity for Cu of 0.30 mmol L^−1 could quantitatively extract Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn at pH 4 or 5.5; however, only very scant amounts of Na, K, Mg, and Ca were captured at pH levels below 7. The quantitative extraction could be achieved in 100 – 1000 mL of artificial seawater and at a flow rate of 3 – 30 mL min^−1. The performance of Presep^® PolyChelate was compared to the other aminocarboxylic acid-type chelating resins, including Nobias Chelate-PA1, Chelex 100, Muromac B-1, Lewatit TP 207, and NTA Superflow, under the same conditions. The solid-phase extraction of the nine elements in the certified reference material (ES-L-1, ground water) and a commercially available table salt was also demonstrated.
Increased Dicarbonyl Metabolism in Endothelial Cells in Hyperglycemia Induces Anoikis and Impairs Angiogenesis by RGD and GFOGER Motif Modification

Chronic vascular disease in diabetes is associated with disruption of extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions with adherent endothelial cells, compromising cell survival and impairing vasculature structure. Loss of functional contact with integrins activates anoikis and impairs angiogenesis. The metabolic dysfunction underlying this vascular damage and disruption is unclear. Here, we show that increased modification of vascular basement membrane type IV collagen by methylglyoxal, a dicarbonyl glycating agent with increased formation in hyperglycemia, formed arginine-derived hydroimidazolone residues at hotspot modification sites in RGD and GFOGER integrin-binding sites of collagen, causing endothelial cell detachment, anoikis, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Endothelial cells incubated in model hyperglycemia in vitro and experimental diabetes in vivo produced the same modifications of vascular collagen, inducing similar responses. Pharmacological scavenging of methylglyoxal prevented anoikis and maintained angiogenesis, and inhibition of methylglyoxal metabolism with a cell permeable glyoxalase I inhibitor provoked these responses in normoglycemia. Thus, increased formation of methylglyoxal and ECM glycation in hyperglycemia impairs endothelial cell survival and angiogenesis and likely contributes to similar vascular dysfunction in diabetes.
6 Heat Transfer in Freeze-Drying Apparatus

Freeze-drying is a process used to remove water (or another solvent) from a frozen product, thus increasing its shelf-life. It is extensively used in pharmaceuticals manufacturing, to recover the active pharmaceutical ingredient (and the excipients) from an aqueous solution, as well as in some food processes, because of the low operating temperatures that allow preserving product quality. Moreover, the freeze-dried product has a high surface area and can be easily re-hydrated. In this chapter we focus on pharmaceuticals manufacturing, where the solution containing the product is generally processed in vials, placed over the shelves in a drying chamber. However, it is worth stating that, in industrial practice, other loading configurations can be used to carry out the process, thus this study will be extended also to the case where vials are loaded on trays, or the solution is directly poured in trays. The process consists of three consecutive steps, namely: 1. Freezing: product temperature is lowered below the freezing point and, thus, most of the solvent freezes, forming ice crystals. Part of the solvent can remain bounded to the product, and must be desorbed. Also the product often forms an amorphous glass which can retain a high amount of water. 2. Primary drying: in this step the pressure in the drying chamber is lowered, thus causing ice sublimation. This phase is usually carried out at low temperature (ranging, in most cases, from -40°C to -10°C) and, as sublimation requires energy, heat is transferred to the product through the shelf, by acting on the temperature of the fluid flowing in the coil inserted in the shelf. 3. Secondary drying: when the sublimation of the ice has been completed, shelf temperature is raised (e.g. to 20-40°C) and chamber pressure is further decreased to allow the desorption of the water bounded to the product, thus getting the target moisture in the product. The freeze-dryer comprises the drying chamber and a condenser where the water vapour is sublimated on some cold surfaces in order to decrease the volumetric flow-rate arriving to the vacuum pump. The pressure in the chamber can be modified either by acting on a valve placed on pump discharge, or using the so called “controlled leakage”, i.e. manipulating the flow rate of nitrogen (or another gas) introduced in the chamber. The drying chamber can be isolated from the condenser by means of a valve that is usually placed in the duct connecting the chamber to the condenser (Mellor, 1978; Jennings, 1999; Oetjen & Haseley, 2004; Franks, 2007).
Effects of Integrated Reporting on the Firm's Value: Evidence from Voluntary Adopters of the IIRC's Framework

Purpose: The aim of the current paper is to evaluate potential external benefits related to capital markets of the Integrated Reporting Framework on a sample of international voluntary adopters. Design/methodology/approach: Difference-in-difference (DiD) estimators were used to test the hypotheses. A data sample of ‘treated’ and ‘control’ firms was constructed using Propensity Score Matching (PSM). The ‘treated’ data sample is comprised exclusively of firms included in the IIRC’s database as of September 2016.Findings: The results indicate Integrated Reporting is positively associated with market value and expected future cash flows, but not with bid-ask spread or implicit cost of capital. The results suggest that Integrated Reporting enhanced investor’s perception of the firm’s future cash flows but did not improved the firm’s information environment. Additional tests on the parallel assumption, level of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) disclosures, percentage of institutional investors, analyst following, and forecast error confirm this conclusion. The results coincide with the findings of Barth et al. (2016), differing only on bid-ask spread. A possible explanation for the discrepancy is provided.Research implications/limitations: The results of the paper could help companies (stock exchanges) in their decision of adopting (endorsing) the Framework. However, the researcher acknowledges a small sample size and the fact that most of the observations are big multinational firms potentially reduces the generalizability of the results.Originality/value: The study complements previous research that up to date has had its focus limited to firms listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Furthermore, it isolates the effects of Integrated Reporting from those of Sustainability Reporting by using a DiD approach.
Altered Expression Profile of Circular RNAs in the Serum of Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy Revealed by Microarray

Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness among working age adults. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a kind of noncoding RNAs that are involved in the development of some diseases. Here, we aimed to determine the possible role of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of DR by determining the expression profile of circRNAs in the serum of DR patients. Methods: Nineteen subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus with proliferative DR (T2DR), 15 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus without DR (T2DM), and 21 age-matched nondiabetic control subjects were included in the study. Expression profiles in the serum samples from 5 subjects of each group were studied by circular microarray and validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain re- action (qRT-PCR) in another 40 subjects. Bioinformatic software was used to predict the microRNA response elements. Results: Thirty circRNAs were significantly upregulated in the serum of T2DR patients compared with the serum from both T2DM and control patients. Further, the altered expression of 7 circRNAs (hsa_circRNA_063981, hsa_circRNA_ 404457, hsa_circRNA_100750, hsa_circRNA_406918, hsa_ circRNA_104387, hsa_circRNA_103410, and hsa_circRNA_ 100192) were verified by qRT-PCR. Conclusion: This study suggested a potential role of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of DR and provides novel molecular targets for clinical therapy.