Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure of the core editing complex (L-complex) involved in uridine insertion/deletion RNA editing in trypanosomatid mitochondria

Uridine insertion/deletion RNA editing is a unique form of posttranscriptional RNA processing that occurs in mitochondria of kinetoplastid protists. We have carried out 3D structural analyses of the core editing complex or “L (ligase)-complex” from Leishmania tarentolae mitochondria isolated by the tandem affinity purification procedure (TAP). The purified material, sedimented at 20–25S, migrated in a blue native gel at 1 MDa and exhibited both precleaved and full-cycle gRNA-mediated U-insertion and U-deletion in vitro activities. The purified L-complex was analyzed by electron tomography to determine the extent of heterogeneity. Three-dimensional structural comparisons of individual particles in the tomograms revealed that a majority of the complexes have a similar shape of a slender triangle. An independent single-particle reconstruction, using a featureless Gaussian ball as the initial model, converged to a similar triangular structure. Another single-particle reconstruction, using the averaged tomography structure as the initial model, yielded a similar structure. The REL1 ligase was localized on the model to the base of the apex by decoration with REL1-specific IgG. This structure should prove useful for a detailed analysis of the editing reaction.
Evaluation of mercury levels in Pangasius and Cod fillets traded in Sicily (Italy)

Predator fishes at the top of the aquatic food chain can accumulate large concentrations of metals and their consumption, consequently, makes a significant contribution, in particular, to mercury intake. The aim of this study was to determine mercury levels in fillets of two predatory species: pangasius (Pangasius hypophthalmus) from the Vietnam region of Megong and Chao Pharayai and cod (Gadus morhua) from the Baltic and North Sea, both being commercially important in the Italian market. A comparative analysis of these two imported fish species was carried out as a risk assessment for consumer safety. The results showed the presence of higher mercury levels in pangasius (0.41 ± 0.08 mg kg−1) than in cod (0.11 ± 0.004 mg kg−1) fillets. These data underline the importance of monitoring on imported fish before marketing, to evaluate better the risk of mercury exposure through fish and seafood consumption, and of selecting safer fishes for consumption by those groups more sensitive to the toxic effects of this metal.
Prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and its risk factors among adult men in a Nigerian community.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study assesses the prevalence of erectile dysfunction as well as its risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a descriptive cross-sectional study among 650 adult males, aged between 18 and 70 years selected by multi-stage sampling technique. Data were obtained from respondents selected from 4 wards in Olorunda local government area of Osogbo in Osun state, Southwest, Nigeria, using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires. RESULTS Majority of the respondents were between ages 20-29 years with mean age of 33.6 ± 13.4 years. Most of the respondents [547(91.2%)] were aware of ED and 63.4% of them said it can be treated. The prevalence of ED was 43.8% and factors such as increasing age (p=0.00), hypertension (p=0.000), diabetes mellitus (p=0.000), perineal surgery (p=0.000), alcohol consumption (p=0.000), and smoking (p=0.000) were found to be significantly associated with developing ED. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION The level of awareness about erectile dysfunction was high among respondents and the prevalence from this study was 43.8%. Factors associated with ED from this study included increasing age, alcohol consumption, hypertension, perineal injury and surgery. Hence, the risk of developing ED can be significantly reduced by educating men about life style modifications such as reduction in alcohol intake and smoking, as well as regular exercises.
Urinary sediment ICAM-1 level in lupus nephritis

Background: Urinary intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) level is potentially a valuable biomarker of lupus nephritis (LN), but because ICAM-1 is a cell-surface molecule, soluble ICAM-1 level in urinary supernatant measured by ELISA may not be biologically relevant. Methods: The ICAM-1 level in urine sediment of 12 LN patients, 10 patients with pauci-immune necrotizing glomerulonephritis (NecGN), and six healthy controls were determined with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay. The urinary sediment levels of miR-221, miR-222, miR-339-3P and miR-339-5P, which are involved in the regulation of ICAM-1 production, were also quantified. Results: LN patients had lower urinary sediment ICAM-1 levels than the other two groups (overall p = 0.034). In addition, urinary sediment ICAM-1 level inversely correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (r = −0.474, p = 0.026) but not other markers of lupus activity, or urinary sediment levels of miR-221, miR-222, miR-339-3P, or miR-339-5P. However, serum anti-dsDNA level inversely correlated with urinary sediment levels of miR-221 (r = −0.591, p = 0.043) and miR-222 (r = −0.689, p = 0.013), while urinary sediment miR-221 level also correlated with serum C3 level (r = 0.658, p = 0.02). Conclusions: We conclude that urinary sediment ICAM-1 level was significantly reduced in LN, and the level inversely correlated with renal function. Urinary sediment miR-221 and miR-222 levels correlate with lupus disease activity and may serve as biomarkers of LN.
Coopetition in New Product Development Alliances: Advantages and Tensions for Incremental and Radical Innovation

Coopetition (collaboration between competitors) can facilitate product innovation, but there is still debate about how it is suited to radical or incremental innovation. This paper argues that the early and later phases of coopetitive new product development (NPD) pose different benefits and risks for the innovation types. Building on the tensions approach to value creation and appropriation, we develop a series of hypotheses on the role of coopetition in NPD alliances and focal firm's innovation output. The hypotheses are tested on a quantitative data set of 1049 NPD alliances in the German medical and machinery sectors. The results show that, while coopetition is advantageous for incremental innovation in both pre‐launch and launch phases, radical innovation benefits from coopetition in the launch phase only.
Determinants of rural bank loan repayment capacity among farmers in Yewa Division of Ogun State, Nigeria

This study examined the determinants of the Nigeria Agricultural Cooperative and Rural Development Bank (NACRDB) repayment by farmers in Yewa division of Ogun State. Primary data collected through scheduled interview with the help of a structured questionnaire as well as secondary data were used for this purpose. Descriptive analytical tools, linear discriminate function, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data collected. Results show that majority of the respondents attributed reasons for loan default to production failure due to weather, pests, diseases and poor storage (72.5%). Furthermore, a good proportion of loan defaulters (52.5%) use the loan for farming. Discriminate analysis conducted shows that the total annual income of the household heads, other occupation of the respondents and membership of cooperative society are the most significant variables that discriminate between rural bank users and non-­‐users. The regression analysis shows that the most important variable for loan repayment is farm size (hectares) accounting for 32% of the variations in repayment level of the credit user, followed by farm income(0.29%). It was suggested that NACRDB loans should be disbursed through farmers’ cooperative society, with adequate monitoring and supervision.
Institutional Governance Reforms: Examining the Case of ECOWAS

In the last two decades, several member countries of the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS) have put in place several institutional reforms aimed at improving corporate governance. It had been anticipated that the institutionalization of democracy would bring forth several expected benefits such as good governance, strengthen existing institutions, enhance corporate governance practices, and overall, improve the general welfare of the citizenry. This research uses data from World Bank Governance Indicators for all ECOWAS countries, and examines the quality of institutional governance from 1996 to 2012. The findings of this research show that the embracing of democratic culture has not significantly improved the quality of institutional governance of many ECOWAS countries. Rather, the data reveals that there has been an increasing trend of political instability and violence in some of the ECOWAS countries such as Guinea Bissau, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, Gambia, and Togo. In addition, regulatory quality and governance effectiveness for many ECOWAS countries are either declining or at best stagnated. Ceremonial institutional conformity tends to be the norm rather than the exception. More importantly, restraining of press freedom and institutionalized corruption have significantly negatively influenced the quality of corporate governance practices in the region. Therefore, it is important to strengthen the electoral institutions to ensure free and fair elections that will reduce political violence and enhance political stability and by so doing strengthen corporate governance practices.
Income and Price Elasticities of Croatian Trade – A Panel Data Approach

This paper deals with the estimation of price and income elasticities of Croatian trade flows using disaggregated data by industries for the period after Croatia joined the WTO in 2000 and until 2007. Export and import demand functions are estimated for total merchandise trade as well as for several partner country subsamples, with controls for other potential trade flow determinants, such as the exchange rate, tariffs, FDI inflows and credit supply to particular industries. Given the dynamic nature of the studied flows and potential endogeneity issues, the models were estimated using the ArellanoBond method (1991). The results indicate that the sensitivity of both exports and imports to prices is relatively low, while income effects are stronger. These results are confirmed in all the country subsamples. The influence of other factors, however, does not appear to be as stable or uniform across country subsamples.
Lipid profile, inflammation, and oxidative status in peri- and postmenopausal women

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of perimenopause and postmenopause on lipid profile, inflammation, and oxidative stress in women. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 117 women (47 ± 6 years) classified as perimenopausal (n = 47), postmenopausal (n = 40), or non-menopausal (n = 30). In serum, we analyzed lipid profile, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Pro-oxidant status was assessed by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls. Antioxidant defense was performed by analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities. Results: Compared to non-menopausal women, triacylglycerols (TG) were similar, total cholesterol and LDL-C were higher in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, while HDL-C concentrations were decreased. TNF-α and IL-1α were higher in postmenopausal women, while CRP concentrations were elevated in both peri-and postmenopausal women (p < 0.05). TBARS and carbonyls were increased in peri- and postmenopausal women (p < 0.05). SOD and CAT activities were decreased in postmenopausal women (p < 0.05) and elevated in perimenopausal women. Conclusion: Menopausal transition and postmenopause were associated with dyslipidemia, inflammation, and unbalanced oxidative status exposing women to cardiovascular risk.
Hyperglycemia Abrogates Ischemic Postconditioning Cardioprotection by Impairing AdipoR1/Caveolin-3/STAT3 Signaling in Diabetic Rats

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation is key for ischemic postconditioning (IPo) to attenuate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), but IPo loses cardioprotection in diabetes in which cardiac STAT3 activation is impaired and adiponectin (APN) reduced. We found that IPo increased postischemic cardiomyocyte-derived APN, activated mitochondrial STAT3 (mitoSTAT3), improved mitochondrial function, and attenuated MIRI in wild-type but not in APN knockout (Adipo−/−) mice subjected to 30 min coronary occlusion, followed by 2 or 24 h of reperfusion. Hypoxic postconditioning–induced protection against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury was lost in Adipo−/− cardiomyocytes but restored by recombinant APN, but this APN beneficial effect was abolished by specific STAT3 or APN receptor 1 (AdipoR1) gene knockdown, or caveolin-3 (Cav3) disruption. APN activated cardiac STAT3 and restored IPo cardioprotection in 4-week diabetic rats where AdipoR1 and Cav3 were functionally interactive but not in 8-week diabetic rats whose cardiac Cav3 was severely reduced and AdipoR1/Cav3 signaling impaired. We concluded that IPo activates mitoSTAT3 through APN/AdipoR1/Cav3 pathway to confer cardioprotection, whereas in diabetes, IPo loses cardioprotection due to impaired APN/AdipoR1/Cav3 signaling. Therefore, effective means that may concomitantly activate APN and repair APN signaling (i.e., AdipoR1/Cav3) in diabetes may represent promising avenues in the treatment of MIRI in diabetes.
Successful detection of pathogenic Shiga‐toxin‐producing Escherichia coli in shellfish, environmental waters and sediment using the ISO/TS‐13136 method

The presence of highly pathogenic Shiga‐toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in shellfish, upstream waters and sediment from coastal shellfish sites was evaluated using the ISO/TS‐13136 method. Shellfish (oysters, mussels and cockles), water and sediment samples were collected monthly over a period of 1 year. The method used real‐time PCR detection of stx1, stx2 and eae genes and genetic markers corresponding to the five major serogroups (O157, O26, O103, O111 and O145) on enrichment broths and the identification of STEC when these genes and markers were detected. stx genes were detected in the broth of 33% of shellfish batches (n = 126), 91% of water samples (n = 117) and 28% of sediment (n = 39). One stx1+, eae+ O26:H11 strain was isolated from a shellfish batch, and O26:H11, O145:H28 and O103:H2 strains without the stx gene (n = 9) were isolated from shellfish and waters. In conclusion, this study shows the suitability of the ISO/TS‐13136 method to assess the presence of highly pathogenic E. coli strains in shellfish farming areas. It also highlights a low prevalence of STEC and consequently suggests a reduced corresponding human health risk.
Working capital management and firm profitability: a meta-analysis

Purpose - The main objective of this study is to quantitatively aggregate the findings of prior literature on the effect of Working capital management (WCM) on corporate profitability using the meta-analysis technique developed by Hunter et al. (1982). Design/methodology/approach - A set of 46 research articles that directly studied the relationship between WCM and profitability was analyzed for the purpose. In addition to overall meta-analysis, a detailed subgroup study was also conducted to test whether the differences in results are due to moderating effects related to different profitability proxies, economic development of a specific country, and size of the firms under study. Findings - The findings of this meta-analysis confirm that WCM is negatively associated with profitability, which means an aggressive WCM policy leads to higher profitability. Overall, and in all the subgroup studies, the cash conversion cycle (CCC) was found to be negatively associated with profitability. Originality/value - Unlike narrative literature review papers, this meta analysis provides quantitatively aggregate evidence on the relationship of WCM and firms’ profitability. To the best of authors’ knowledge no previous meta-analysis paper is published on the topic.
A Ka Band Balanced Third LO-Harmonic Mixer Using a Lumped-Elements Quadrature Hybrid

A novel configuration of a subharmonic mixer utilizing third local oscillation (LO) harmonic is presented. The mixer is capable of down-converting a Ka-Band radio frequency (RF) signal with the third harmonic of an X-band LO signal to produce a 2 GHz intermediate frequency signal. It is fabricated on a 4 mil substrate using a 0.15 mum GaAs PHEMT process. A novel quadrature hybrid is realized by using compact lumped elements, and it is beneficial for the reduction of chip size for an LO at a relatively low frequency in this topology. This is because it does not need any bulky via holes. Compared with published subharmonic mixers, it provides a more flexible requirement for an LO source at a relatively low frequency for an overall communication system design. The measured results show that the best conversion loss is about 13.2 dB at a RF frequency of 29 GHz as a 10.5 dBm 9 GHz LO signal is pumped. The chip area of the mixer is less than 3.14 mm2.
Injectable thermosensitive chitosan/β‐glycerophosphate/collagen hydrogel maintains the plasticity of skeletal muscle satellite cells and supports their in vivo viability

A cell carrier plays an important role in the maintenance, growth and engraftment of specific cells aimed for defined therapeutic uses in many tissue engineering strategies. A suitable microenvironment for the cells allows for the maximum efficacy of the hybrid device. We have prepared an injectable thermosensitive chitosan/β‐glycerophosphate/collagen (C/GP/Co) gel and investigated its potential application as a support for the culture of skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs). A cell viability assay was used to evaluate the in vitro cytocompatibility of the gel. Cell growth was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and histological analysis. The influence of the C/GP/Co gel on the plasticity of SMSCs seeded at the surface of the gel was assessed by induction of the myogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. C/GP/Co gel provided the appropriate environment for the culture of SMSCs in vitro. In addition, the C/GP/Co gel supported SMSC plasticity. In vivo testing of the SMSC‐seeded gel was investigated by subcutaneous injection into the dorsum of nude mice. Cell viability was assessed both by in vivo imaging and histological examination of the explants. In conclusion, C/GP/Co hydrogel is a cytocompatible carrier for the in vivo delivery of SMSCs and supportive for SMSC plasticity. Thus, this gel has potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
An Economic Analysis of the Market for Long-term Care: Evidence from Alzheimer's Disease

ii Vita . iv List of Tables . vii List of Figures . ix Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Chapter 2: Previous Literature . 9 Chapter 3: Theoretical Framework . 22 Chapter 4: Empirical Model . 34 Chapter 5: Data . 39 Chapter 6: Results . 52 Chapter 7: Conclusion. 92 References . 97 Appendix A: Comparative Statics . 103 Appendix B: Tables . 110
Value chain analysis: critical success factors for competitiveness in Uganda's commercial sugarcane industry.

Pursuing an agricultural productivity agenda is no longer a choice but a must for growth in subSaharan Africa. This research contributes to the current debate on why some countries advance in the global marketplace, and others fail to do so. This paper unpacked this question from the macro level and examined it at the meso and micro levels of Uganda’s commercial sugarcane industry. The focus of the paper was to provide an assessment of the critical success factors for the Ugandan commercial sugarcane industry competitiveness. The research shows that entrepreneurial traits, productivity indicators and financial indicators are critical success factors for competitiveness. Although the critical success factors reveal a fit between performance categories based on quantitative data, qualitative evidence offers contrary and interesting results. The high performing enterprises mainly attributed their competitiveness to the internal environmental factors under an entrepreneur’s control. These entrepreneurial traits, such as personal involvement, passion and timely application of agronomical practices, can be developed and nurtured as a business culture that results in competencies and capabilities for high sugarcane productivity. On the other hand, both the medium and low performing enterprises attributed their competitiveness to the external environmental factors that are outside the entrepreneur’s control. Interestingly, cane pricing was a contentious issue between producers and buyers. This suggested an information asymmetry on the cost production structure that could lead to a market failure and thus the necessity to review the cane payment system.
Labor Market Rigidity, Product Characteristics and World Trade at the Goods Level

This article examines the power of labor market rigidities (LMR) to influence export flows of 113 countries from 1995 to 2013 for up to 5018 different goods. Since LMR can alter the productive use of factors in the production process, I expect that the interplay of a country's LMR and the good-specific factor intensities determine comparative advantage. Based on a multi-sector Ricardian trade model, I estimate a gravity like equation to show that countries with a rigid labor market tend to export more of capital-intensive production and less of goods that have a high global sales volatility. The impact of LMR on natural resource-intensive and human capital-intensive goods depends on countries' stage of development and the aggregation level of trade date, among others. My estimates consider a wide array of high-dimensional control variables such as exporter- and importer-good fixed effects, Heckscher-Ohlin forces, and bilateral gravity forces.
The β-Glucanase ZgLamA from Zobellia galactanivorans Evolved a Bent Active Site Adapted for Efficient Degradation of Algal Laminarin*

Background: The marine bacterium Zobellia galactanivorans consumes laminarin, a main algal storage polysaccharide, as a carbon source. Results: The β-glucanase ZgLamAGH16 was structurally and biochemically characterized. Conclusion: ZgLamAGH16 evolved a unique bent active site, making the enzyme highly efficient for laminarin degradation. Significance: Within family GH16, highly specific laminarinase evolved from ancestral β-glucanases with a broader specificity. Laminarinase is commonly used to describe β-1,3-glucanases widespread throughout Archaea, bacteria, and several eukaryotic lineages. Some β-1,3-glucanases have already been structurally and biochemically characterized, but very few from organisms that are in contact with genuine laminarin, the storage polysaccharide of brown algae. Here we report the heterologous expression and subsequent biochemical and structural characterization of ZgLamAGH16 from Zobellia galactanivorans, the first GH16 laminarinase from a marine bacterium associated with seaweeds. ZgLamAGH16 contains a unique additional loop, compared with other GH16 laminarinases, which is composed of 17 amino acids and gives a bent shape to the active site cleft of the enzyme. This particular topology is perfectly adapted to the U-shaped conformation of laminarin chains in solution and thus explains the predominant specificity of ZgLamAGH16 for this substrate. The three-dimensional structure of the enzyme and two enzyme-substrate complexes, one with laminaritetraose and the other with a trisaccharide of 1,3–1,4-β-d-glucan, have been determined at 1.5, 1.35, and 1.13 Å resolution, respectively. The structural comparison of substrate recognition pattern between these complexes allows the proposition that ZgLamAGH16 likely diverged from an ancestral broad specificity GH16 β-glucanase and evolved toward a bent active site topology adapted to efficient degradation of algal laminarin.