Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subcellular Localization, Stoichiometry, and Protein Levels of 26 S Proteasome Subunits in Yeast*

The 26 S proteasome of eukaryotes is responsible for the degradation of proteins targeted for proteolysis by the ubiquitin system. Yeast has been an important model organism for understanding eukaryotic proteasome structure and function. Toward a quantitative characterization of the proteasome, we have determined the localization, cellular levels, and stoichiometry of proteasome subunits. The subcellular localization of two ATPase components of the regulatory complex of the proteasome, Sug2/Rpt4 and Sug1/Rpt6, and a subunit of the 20 S proteasome, Pre1, were determined by immunofluorescence. In contrast to findings in multicellular organisms, these proteins are localized almost exclusively to the nucleus throughout the cell cycle. We have also determined the cellular abundance and stoichiometry of these proteasome subunits. Sug1/Rpt6, Sug2/Rpt4, and Pre1 are present in roughly equal stoichiometry with an abundance of 15,000-30,000 molecules/cell, corresponding to a concentration of 13–26 μm in the nucleus. Also, in contrast to mammalian cells, we find no evidence of a p27-containing “modulator” of the proteasome in yeast. This information will be useful in comparing and contrasting the yeast and mammalian proteasomes and should contribute to a mechanistic understanding of how this complex functions.
Comparative Study of Critical Attributes towards Purchasing Decision between National and Foreign Car in Malaysia

Automotive industry is one of the key industries that drives the success and development of a nation. Malaysia's automotive industry is regarded as one of the main contributors to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Automotive industry in Malaysia can be divided into National Car and Non-National (foreign) car manufacturer. Intense competition from foreign car brands could threaten the competitiveness of the national car brands. Therefore, this study seeks to compare the critical attributes affecting purchase decision between national and foreign car brands among Malaysian car users. Three critical attributes have been proposed which are product quality dimension, brand loyalty and price. A survey was carried out with 384 respondents and the data collected by using closed-ended questionnaire. 186 questionnaires accepted and processed with 48.5% of response rate. Finding of this study illustrated that there are significant difference of critical attributes of product quality, price and brand loyalty toward purchase decision between national and foreign car brands. It can be concluded that price for national car brands is reasonable and competitive but not for loyalty and product quality compared to foreign car. This study would benefit especially the automotive players by understanding their customer needs affecting to attract intention for Malaysian consumer to purchase. At the same times traders and marketers to gain a better understanding while launching their marketing strategy for global competitiveness.
National Culture and the Valuation of Cash Holdings

Prior studies document that national culture traits are systematically related to cash holdings and attribute this to managerial cultural predispositions. However, it is possible that these preferences reflect investors’ cultural preferences and that managers are simply catering to investors’ preferences. It is also not clear whether the cash holding effects previously documented are value maximizing. By examining the impact of national culture traits on cash valuation we are able to provide insight into these questions. Specifically, we examine the effect of three national culture traits—individualism, uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation—on firm cash valuation. Our results suggest that the previously observed effects of cultural traits on cash holdings and attributed to managerial cultural biases do not reflect investors’ preferences and are not value maximizing. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
The Prognostic Value of NSE and S100B From Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid in Patients With Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100B protein have been shown to be increased in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage. This study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of NSE and S100B from CSF and serum for the prognosis of outcome and the detection of cerebral infarction, vasospasm and intracranial hypertension. In 55 patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage and requiring external ventricular drainage the concentrations of NSE and S100B were determined daily from the serum and the CSF from admission until day 8. At ICU discharge patients' outcome was assessed by the Glasgow outcome scale and occurrence of cerebral infarction, vasospasm and intracranial hypertension were registered. Mean and peak values of each parameter for each patient were calculated. For accuracy assessment receiver operating characteristics were used. Bad outcome (Glasgow outcome scale 1 to 3) was found in 33 patients. Cerebral infarction, vasospasm, and intracranial hypertension were found in 31 (56%), 34 (62%), and 36 (65%) patients. Mean and peak values of NSECSF (P<0.001), S100BCSF (P<0.001), and S100Bserum (P<0.001) but not of NSEserum provided the ability to distinguish between patients with good and bad outcome. The accuracy of NSECSF and S100BCSF did not differ significantly from that of S100Bserum. NSECSF (P<0.001), S100BCSF (P<0.001), and S100Bserum (P<0.001) allowed the detection of cerebral infarction and intracranial hypertension. Cerebral vasospasm was detected by none of the parameters. In conclusion, NSECSF, S100BCSF, and S100Bserum provide similar prognostic values for outcome, intracranial hypertension and cerebral infarction. Significantly lower accuracy was found for NSEserum.
Using the Variation in Potential Duration of Unemployment Benefits to Estimate the Causal Effect of Unemployment Duration on Re-Employment Wages

This paper estimates the impact of unemployment duration on re-employment wages. Using administrative data on the Portuguese unemployed between 2005 and 2012, we employ a control function framework through the definition of potential duration of unemployment benefits to solve the simultaneity present in the re-employment wage equation. We consider three alternative strategies to predict the unemployment duration: the potential duration of unemployment benefit, the change in the rules of the potential duration with the 2007 reform, and the age discontinuity in the potential duration rules of unemployment benefit. The results show that each additional month in unemployment duration is expected to decrease the reemployment wage by 0.5%. When we analyse the sensitiveness of our results, there seems to be presence of a moral hazard behaviour in case the individual became unemployed by mutual agreement. Moreover, the negative effect of unemployment duration on re-employment wages shows a relatively high persistence, which only vanishes three years after the date of re-employment. Therefore, additional job assistance programs may be justified in Portugal (Carneiro et al., 2015).
PEDIATRIC AND CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE Original Studies Intermediate Follow-Up Following Intravascular Stenting for Treatment of Coarctation of the Aorta

Thomas J. Forbes,* MD, Phillip Moore, MD, Carlos A.C. Pedra, MD, Evan M. Zahn, MD, David Nykanen, MD, Zahid Amin, MD, Swati Garekar, MD, David Teitel, MD, Shakeel A. Qureshi, MD, John P. Cheatham, MD, Makram R. Ebeid, MD, Ziyad M. Hijazi, MD, Satinder Sandhu, MD, Donald J. Hagler, MD, Horst Sievert, MD, Thomas E. Fagan, MD, Jeremy Ringwald, MD, Wei Du, PhD, Liwen Tang, MS, MD, David F. Wax, MD, John Rhodes, MD, Troy A. Johnston, MD, Thomas K. Jones, MD, Daniel R. Turner, MD, Robert Pass, MD, Alejandro Torres, MD, and William E. Hellenbrand, MD
Developmental Stages and Caste Composition of a Mature and Incipient Colony of the Drywood Termite, Cryptotermes dudleyi (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)

ABSTRACT The caste composition and sex ratio in a mature and an incipient colony of Cryptotermes dudleyi Banks (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) was studied. Biometric descriptors of both immature and sexual castes were developed. Morphometric analysis revealed that there are four larval instars, a pseudergate, and three nymphal instars in the development of C. dudleyi. To differentiate between the fourth larval instars and the pseudergate, pronotal width and tibial length must be taken into account, because the head width overlaps between the two groups. The number of antennal segments increases in parallel with instar development. The mature colony was headed by a pair of physogastric nymphoid neotenics; the colony also contained multiple pairs of nonphysogastric de-alates and wing-torn alates. The majority of eggs and larvae were confined to galleries that connected to locations where nymphoid neotenics were found, whereas in general only pseudergates and nymphs were found together with de-alates and wing-torn alates. In contrast, the incipient colony contained only a pair of primary reproductives. Nymphs formed a major group in both mature and incipient colonies, as did pseudergates. The sex ratio of the mature colony was slightly but significantly biased in favor of females, whereas it was skewed toward males in the incipient colony. The data also suggested that the soldier caste was female skewed.
Myotonic dystrophy protein kinase of the cardiac muscle: Evaluation using an immunochemical approach

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is an inherited multisystem disorder characterized by the presence of a high polymorphic expansion of trinucleotide (CTG) repeat in the 3′ untranslated region of the DM protein kinase (DMPK) gene. However, the role of myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) has yet to be elucidated. Studies aimed to discover possible physiological targets of DMPK indicated several subcellular localization sites, such as neuromuscular junctions, myotendinous junctions, and terminal cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the skeletal muscle and intercalated discs in the cardiac muscle. Here, we extend our previous observations on the localization of DMPK at gap junction (GJ) level in the heart, taking advantage of the polyclonal peptide‐specific anti‐DMPK antibodies raised against two different domains of the protein. DMPK was detected by immunofluorescence at the intercalated disc level by both antibodies. Double immunofluorescence staining experiments performed with each anti‐DMPK and anti‐connexin43 showed colocalization of the two antigens. Immunoblot analysis of partially purified GJs showed co‐sedimentation of DMPK and connexin43. We conclude that GJs are a genuine localization site of DMPK. Given the known regulation exerted by protein kinases on assembly, trafficking, gating, and disassembly of connexins, such a localization may be relevant to the functional role of connexins. DM is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults, and is known by the cardiac involvement that is a common feature in DM patients. Localization of DMPK at GJ in relation to DM is also briefly discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 58:404–411, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low-pressure sintering of silver micro- and nanoparticles for a high temperature stable pick & place die attach

Die attach using a pick & place process based on pressure-assisted Ag sintering was described for the assembly of hybrid circuits designed for operation up to 250 °C and above. Silver pastes with different ratios of nano- and micro-particles were analyzed regarding porosity, Young`s modulus, adhesion, electrical, and thermal conductivity in dependence of the sintered layer thickness. Temperature load capability was demonstrated by shear tests of bonded devices after temperature cycling between 30 °C and 250 °C. Commercial flip-chip devices were successfully bonded on substrates using pressure-assisted silver sintering for the first time.
Prevalence, risk factors, clinical course, and outcome of acute kidney injury in Chinese intensive care units: a prospective cohort study

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been recognized as a major healthcare problem affecting millions of patients worldwide. However, epidemiologic data concerning AKI in China are still lacking. The objectives of this study were to characterize AKI defined by RIFLE criteria, assess the association with hospital mortality, and evaluate the impact of AKI in the context of other risk factors. Methods This prospective multicenter observational study enrolled 3,063 consecutive patients from 1 July 2009 to 31 August 2009 in 22 ICUs across mainland China. We excluded patients who were admitted for less than 24 hours (n=1623), younger than 18 years (n=127), receiving chronic hemodialysis (n=29), receiving renal transplantation (n=1) and unknown reasons (n=28). There were 1255 patients in the final analysis. AKI was diagnosed and classified according to RIFLE criteria. Results There were 396 patients (31.6%) who had AKI, with RIFLE maximum class R, I, and F in 126 (10.0%), 91 (7.3%), and 179 (14.3%) patients, respectively. Renal function deteriorated in 206 patients (16.4%). In comparison with non AKI patients, patients in the risk class on ICU admission were more likely to progress to the injury class (odds ratio (OR) 3.564, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.706 ‐ 7.443, P = 0.001], while patients in the risk class (OR 5.215, 95% CI 2.798–9.719, P <0.001) and injury class (OR 13.316, 95% CI 7.507–23.622, P <0.001) had a significantly higher probability of deteriorating into failure class. The adjusted hazard ratios for 90‐day mortality were 1.884 for the risk group, 3.401 for the injury group, and 5.306 for the failure group. Conclusions The prevalence of AKI was high among critically ill patients in Chinese ICUs. In comparison with non‐AKI patients, patients with RIFLE class R or class I on ICU admission were more susceptibility to progression to class I or class F. The RIFLE criteria were robust and correlated well with clinical deterioration and mortality.
A Stereoscopic Vision System with Delay Compensation for 360° Remote Reality

The rapid development of virtual reality systems and their increasing acceptance result in a high demand for 3D content, in particular, content that can be viewed in 360°. The acquisition of monoscopic 360° videos is straightforward and is typically done with a single camera in combination with panoramic optics or an arrangement of two 180° fisheye cameras. Stereoscopic 360° videos support the perception of depth but are considerably more challenging to capture. They require sophisticated multi-camera arrangements, which leads to heavy, bulky and expensive systems. Furthermore, they need computationally demanding post-processing. For telepresence applications, where the user wears VR glasses to get a 3D view of the scene in front of a mobile telepresence platform, such a vision system must be real-time capable. Another challenge is the network-induced delay, which leads to motion sickness. In this paper, we present a stereoscopic vision system that captures stereo video content for VR displays and consists of only two cameras, a pan-tilt-unit and a visual delay compensation algorithm. With our approach, the user is allowed to rotate his head by 360°. The proposed system compensates the perceived delay when the user rotates the head around the z-axis by streaming a larger field-of-view (FoV) than needed by the VR display. We provide an analytical solution for the required camera FoV as a function of the FoV of the HMD and the communication delay. Our experimental evaluation for typical head motions shows that the proposed system achieves a mean compensation rate of up to 95% for the tested communication delays of 0-500ms.
Talc Use, Variants of the GSTM1, GSTT1, and NAT2 Genes, and Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Epidemiologic evidence suggests a possible association between genital use of talcum powder and risk of epithelial ovarian cancer; however, the biological basis for this association is not clear. We analyzed interactions between talc use and genes in detoxification pathways [glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1), and N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2)] to assess whether the talc/ovarian cancer association is modified by variants of genes potentially involved in the response to talc. Our analysis included 1,175 cases and 1,202 controls from a New England-based case-control study and 210 cases and 600 controls from the prospective Nurses' Health Study. We genotyped participants for the GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletions and three NAT2 polymorphisms. We used logistic regression to analyze the main effect of talc use, genotype, and gene-talc interactions in each population and pooled the estimates using a random-effects model. Regular talc use was associated with increased ovarian cancer risk in the combined study population (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.14-1.63; Ptrend < 0.001). Independent of talc, the genes examined were not clearly associated with risk. However, the talc/ovarian cancer association varied by GSTT1 genotype and combined GSTM1/GSTT1 genotype. In the pooled analysis, the association with talc was stronger among women with the GSTT1-null genotype (Pinteraction = 0.03), particularly in combination with the GSTM1-present genotype (Pinteraction = 0.03). There was no clear evidence of an interaction with GSTM1 alone or NAT2. These results suggest that women with certain genetic variants may have a higher risk of ovarian cancer associated with genital talc use. Additional research is needed on these interactions and the underlying biological mechanisms. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(9):2436–44)
Innovation as an Argument for Corporate Social Responsibility

This article looks at the meaning of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as well as the traditional arguments for the practice of CSR. The four traditional arguments are the moral (or ethical) argument, the license-to-operate (or legal) argument, the sustainability argument, and finally the reputation (brand image) argument. While acknowledging that these are solid arguments in support of CSR, the article further argues that another solid reason for pursuing a strategic CSR program is that it could lead to innovation. The article highlights the value chain analysis that DuPont has developed to tackle the climate change problem, showing how it has led to innovations that are not only helping the company, but also addressing the global warming issue at a global level, while also making DuPont’s business safer and more profitable in the medium to long term. In conclusion, the article argues that CSR should not just be considered an expense, but rather an investment.
Involvement theory: an examination of community college student-athletes

v List of Tables.ix Chapter I: Introduction.1 Statement of the Problem.1 Purpose of the Study.2 Assumptions and Limitations.2 Operational Definitions.3 Research Questions.5 Overview of the Study.6 Chapter II: Review of Literature.7 Student-Athletes Eligibility in Higher Education.7 The Community College Student-Athlete.9 Student Athletes and Academic Success.11 Student Involvement Theory.15 Student Involvement Research.17 Summary of the Literature Review.21 Chapter III: Methodology.24 Context of the Study.24 Population and Sample Selection.25 Instrumentation.26 Pilot Testing.28
Effects of prolonged exercise and recovery on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ cycling properties in rat muscle homogenates.

AIM To examine the effects of exercise and exercise plus active and passive recovery on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-handling properties. METHODS Crude muscle homogenates were prepared from adult rat gastrocnemius muscle from two experiments. In one experiment, the muscle was extracted immediately after prolonged treadmill running (RUN), after a 45 min period of reduced exercise intensity (RUN+) following RUN and compared with controls (CON). In the second experiment, muscle was extracted during passive recovery following the same run protocol at 10 min (REC10), 25 min (REC25) and 45 min (REC45) and compared with CON. RESULTS Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-uptake was 31% higher (P < 0.05) in RUN+ compared with CON and RUN. Higher values (P < 0.05) were also found in REC25 (48%) and REC45 (50%) compared with CON. Maximal Ca2+-ATPase was increased by 23% (P < 0.05) in RUN+ compared with CON and RUN and by 65-68% (P < 0.05) in REC25 and REC45 compared with CON. A higher (P < 0.05) Hill coefficient for Ca2+-ATPase activity was observed in RUN+ (2.3 +/- 0.2) compared with CON (1.7 +/- 0.2) or RUN (1.6 +/- 0.2), but not for any REC conditions. In addition, the coupling ratio (Ca2+-uptake/Ca2+-ATPase activity) was higher (P < 0.05) in RUN+ (2.2 +/- 0.10) compared with CON (1.9 +/- 0.05) and RUN (1.9 +/- 0.08). CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that in crude homogenates, SR Ca2+-uptake and Ca2+-ATPase activity are elevated in recovery following prolonged running and that the elevation in these properties is more pronounced during passive compared with active recovery.
Synthesis of glutathione in response to methionine load in control subjects and in patients with cirrhosis.

The fasting plasma level of reduced glutathione (GSH), a methionine-derived tripeptide, is reduced in cirrhosis. There is evidence that a reduced activity of S-adenosyl-L-methionine synthetase limiting the flux of methionine along the transmethylation/transsulfuration pathway may contribute to decrease GSH levels. No studies have analyzed plasma GSH in response to a methionine load. In 6 control subjects and in 10 patients with cirrhosis, plasma sulfur amino acid and plasma and erythrocyte GSH levels were measured in response to a L-methionine load (0.1 g/kg). Blood samples were obtained throughout the day after the oral load. Urine was collected for measurement of sulfur excretion. During the study period, all subjects consumed a standard diet of 1,683 kcal containing 2% protein and virtually no methionine. Plasma methionine increased in both groups to a peak level exceeding 20 times the basal value 90 minutes after the load, and declined thereafter. Methionine clearance, calculated on the descending part of the methionine-time curve, was reduced by 50% in cirrhosis (P = .0001). Fasting GSH was higher in controls (mean +/- SD, 3.9 +/- 1.3 v 1.6 +/- 0.7 micromol/L, P = .0004). In response to a methionine load, it peaked at 10.2 +/- 7.2 and 3.2 +/- 1.3 micromol/L, respectively (P = .009). Thereafter, plasma GSH progressively declined, and after 24 hours, it returned to the fasting preinfusion values in both groups. Plasma cysteine and taurine concentrations, as well as the erythrocyte GSH time course, paralleled plasma GSH levels, with less significant differences between groups. Sulfate excretion was delayed. GSH synthesis is stimulated by a methionine load. The reduced flux of methionine along the transmethylation/transsulfuration pathway reduces GSH synthesis in cirrhosis. Defective methionine metabolism also may be responsible for reduced fasting GSH.