Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mass spectrometry based analysis of human plasma‐derived factor X revealed novel post‐translational modifications

Human coagulation factor X is a central component of the blood coagulation cascade that converts, under its activated form, prothrombin into thrombin. Generation of thrombin is the final step of the clotting cascade that leads to the clot by polymerization of fibrinogen molecules into a fibrin network. Today, research of new by‐passing agents of the coagulation may contribute to an increased interest for human factor X, which may, in consequence, lead to the need of a more exhaustive picture of its structural features. Several post‐translational modifications of human factor X such as γ‐carboxylation/β‐hydroxylation of the N‐terminal light chain and N‐/O‐glycosylation of the activation peptide have been described. But, so far as we know, no comprehensive studies of its post‐translational modifications have been reported. In this article we report an exhaustive structural analysis of human factor X by mass spectrometry using successive protein and peptide mapping. Surprisingly, human factor X was found to be mostly O‐glucosylated on its light chain at Ser106 position, Ser9 of its activation peptide is phosphorylated at about 30% and its C‐terminal heavy chain is fully O‐glycosylated at Thr249 by a mucin‐type O‐glycan (HexNAc‐Hex‐NeuAc). The knowledge of these post‐translational modifications is mandatory for the development of recombinant molecules.
The Impact of Stock Market Development on Economic Growth:Evidence from South Africa

The main objective of this study is to examine the long run relationship between stock market development and economic growth in the case of South Africa. The study used quarterly data covering the period from 1990Q1 to 2010Q4. To empirically test the link between the two variables, the study used the Johnson’s cointegration approach and Granger causality so as to test the direction of the relationship. The Vector Error Correction Model was also employed to capture both short run and long run dynamics. Generally, the results reveal that a long run relationship exists between the two variables and the causality flows from economic growth to stock market development. Also, the extent to which of stock market development impacts on growth is statistically weak.
Lack of a scientific basis for routine discontinuation of oral anticoagulation therapy before dental treatment.

BACKGROUND There is a widespread belief among dental practitioners and physicians that oral anticoagulation therapy in which patients receive drugs such as warfarin sodium must be discontinued before dental treatment to prevent serious hemorrhagic complications, especially during and after surgical procedures. OVERVIEW The authors examine the scientific basis for properly managing the dosage of anticoagulants for dental patients who are receiving anticoagulation therapy. The authors review the appropriate laboratory test values to which dentists should refer when evaluating for dental treatment patients who are receiving anticoagulation therapy. The authors also review clinical studies, published within the past five years, that focus on the frequency and degree of hemorrhagic and related complications among dental patients who are receiving anticoagulation therapy orally to prevent thromboembolic events. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The scientific literature does not support routine discontinuation of oral anticoagulation therapy for dental patients. Use of warfarin sodium as it relates to dental or oral surgical procedures has been well-studied. Some dental studies of antiplatelet therapy are consistent with the findings in warfarin sodium studies. Dental therapy for patients with medical conditions requiring anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy must provide for potential excess bleeding. Routine discontinuation of these drugs before dental care, however, can place these patients at unnecessary medical risk. The coagulation status--based on the International Normalized Ratio--of patients who are taking these medications must be evaluated before invasive dental procedures are performed. Any changes in anticoagulant therapy must be undertaken in collaboration with the patient's prescribing physician.
The Frequency and Context of Alcohol and Tobacco Cues in Daytime Soap Opera Programs: Fall 1986 and Fall 1991

The author conducted a content analysis to determine the frequency and context of alcohol and tobacco cues in daytime television soap opera programs broadcast in Fall 1986 and Fall 1991. Given societal concerns about alcohol and tobacco, one might expect the frequency and use of these products to be similar. This research found, however, that alcohol cues occurred significantly more frequently than tobacco cues and with significantly increasing frequency in 1991 versus 1986. The alcohol cues were found to be generic, in “appropriate” settings, and neither actively consumed nor directly related to storylines. Nevertheless, their increasing use could still be of concern.
Human Rights on the Losing End of EU Enlargement: The Case of Serbia

By scrutinizing the effectiveness of EU human rights conditionality through the case of freedom of expression and media freedom in Serbia, the present study argues that Serbia has pursued the strategy of introducing some reforms that fall short of implementation. While the inconsistency of the EU's conditionality policy partially explains Serbia's underâ€ performance, Serbian authorities also lacked the incentives for compliance. As Serbia was willing to compromise on its perceived national interests concerning international war crimes prosecution and Kosovo, both highly significant issues for its national identity, the real threat now as perceived by the authorities is well functioning independent institutions and free media that can put constraints on their power. Considering that the EU assigned a key role to human rights in its conditionality policy, the Serbian case demonstrates how geopolitics can interfere to limit the EU's capacity to achieve compliance even from a candidate country.
Dual-function sRNA encoded peptide SR1P modulates moonlighting activity of B. subtilis GapA

ABSTRACT SR1 is a dual-function sRNA from B. subtilis that acts as a base-pairing regulatory RNA and as a peptide-encoding mRNA. Both functions of SR1 are highly conserved. Previously, we uncovered that the SR1 encoded peptide SR1P binds the glycolytic enzyme GapA resulting in stabilization of gapA mRNA. Here, we demonstrate that GapA interacts with RNases Y and J1, and this interaction was RNA-independent. About 1% of GapA molecules purified from B. subtilis carry RNase J1 and about 2% RNase Y. In contrast to the GapA/RNase Y interaction, the GapA/RNaseJ1 interaction was stronger in the presence of SR1P. GapA/SR1P-J1/Y displayed in vitro RNase activity on known RNase J1 substrates. Moreover, the RNase J1 substrate SR5 has altered half-lives in a ΔgapA strain and a Δsr1 strain, suggesting in vivo functions of the GapA/SR1P/J1 interaction. Our results demonstrate that the metabolic enzyme GapA moonlights in recruiting RNases while GapA bound SR1P promotes binding of RNase J1 and enhances its activity.
Cloning of Human Preprotachykinin-I Promoter and the Role of Cyclic Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate Response Elements in Its Expression by IL-1 and Stem Cell Factor1 2

Preprotachykinin-I gene (PPT-I) encodes several peptides with organ-specific functions that link the neuroendocrine-immune-hemopoietic axis. We cloned upstream of the initiation site of human PPT-I promoter and identified consensus sequences for two cAMP response elements (CRE). PPT-I is induced by cytokines including those that signal through the cAMP pathway. Therefore, we studied the role of the two CRE in IL-1α and stem cell factor (SCF) stimulation of bone marrow stroma because both cytokines induce endogenous PPT-I in these cells and activate the cAMP pathway. Furthermore, bone marrow stroma expresses the transcription factors regulated by the cAMP pathways such as the repressor (ICERIIγ) and activator (CREMτ). Mutagenesis of the two CRE and/or cotransfection with vectors that express ICERIIγ or CREMτ indicated that the two CRE have major roles in PPT-I expression. The two CRE are also required for optimal promoter activity by SCF and IL-1α. A particular cytokine could concomitantly induce PPT-I and the high affinity G protein-coupled receptor for PPT-I peptides, NK-1R. We showed that SCF, a representative cytokine, induced PPT-I and NK-1R leading to autocrine and/or paracrine cell activation. Because NK-1R activates cAMP through the G protein, the results suggest that the presence of CRE sequences within PPT-I promoter could be important in the regulation of PPT-I expression by cytokines, irrespective of their ability to signal through cAMP. As PPT-I is implicated in hemopoietic regulation, immune responses, breast cancer, and other neural functions, these studies add to the basic biology of these processes and could provide targets for drug development.
Teaching Courses on Managing Diversity: Using Learning Contracts to Address Challenges and Model Behavior

Abstract Managing for diversity is widely recognized as an increasingly important component of public administration curricula. Students must be prepared to function effectively in a workplace characterized by greater diversity among coworkers and the publics served. Despite the recognized need for courses on managing diversity, many faculty feel ill-prepared to determine course content and teach such courses. This article provides practical and normative justifications for the use of learning contracts in diversity courses. From a practical standpoint, learning contracts are an effective means of meeting the needs of diverse students and increasing course relevance while reducing the burden on the instructor to completely retool and develop a new area of expertise. The author asserts that learning contracts should be used because they are an appropriate instructional strategy for the adult learners who comprise public affairs programs and they provide a means for the instructor to model a behavior that demonstrates valuing diversity as an asset. The author presents a step-by-step guide to learning contracts tailored for use in diversity courses, provides examples of learning contract provisions developed by students in courses on managing diversity, and shares feedback received from students about the process.
Climate change in Colombia: A study to evaluate trends and perspectives for achieving sustainable development from society

Purpose This research analyses and evaluates the trends and perspectives of climate change in Colombia. This study aims to understand the main ideas and concepts of climate change in five regions of the country by analysing attitudes and values, information habits, institutionalism and the social appropriation of science and technology. Design/methodology/approach The research study involved a focus group technique. Ten focus groups in five regions of the country, including rural regions, were administered. The selection of cities and municipalities in this study took into account vulnerability scenarios based on the two criteria of temperature and precipitation for the 2011-2040 period. Findings The participants of the focus groups believe that climate change began 10 years ago and that human activities have caused climate change. The main effects of climate change are believed to be droughts and floods that have appeared in the past several years and have negatively impacted agricultural activities and the quality of life of the population. Moreover, the participants believe that it is important to design and apply adequate measures to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Originality/value This study makes an important contribution to the extant climate change literature by identifying and categorising the main ideas and knowledge on this issue from the perspective of the population in Colombia. In developing countries with high climate change vulnerability, it is especially important to analyse this issue to determine relevant official policy instruments that could promote adequate actions and instruments to prevent, adapt to and mitigate climate change.
Evidence for marine biogenic influence on summertime Arctic aerosol

We present vertically-resolved observations of aerosol composition during pristine summertime Arctic background conditions. The methansulfonic acid (MSA)-to-sulfate ratio peaked near the surface (mean 0.10), indicating a contribution from ocean-derived biogenic sulfur. Similarly, the organic aerosol (OA)-to-sulfate ratio increased towards the surface (mean 2.0). Both MSA-to-sulfate and OA-to-sulfate ratios were significantly correlated with FLEXPART-WRF-predicted airmass residence time over open water, indicating marine influenced OA. External mixing of sea salt aerosol from a larger number fraction of organic, sulfate and amine-containing particles, together with low wind speeds (median 4.7 m s−1), suggests a role for secondary organic aerosol formation. Cloud condensation nuclei concentrations were nearly constant (∼120 cm−3) when the OA fraction was <60% and increased to 350 cm−3 when the organic fraction was larger and residence times over open water were longer. Our observations illustrate the importance of marine-influenced OA under Arctic background conditions, which are likely to change as the Arctic transitions to larger areas of open water.
Normal postnatal development of medial superior olivary neurons in the albino rat: A Golgi and Nissl study

Bipolar neurons in the medial superior olivary (MSO) nucleus of albino rats were studied at various ages (0–75 days) during development in order to elucidate normal neuronal growth patterns. Neurons, visualized in celloidin embedded Golgi/Nissl‐ and frozen Nissl‐stained sections, were analyzed quantitatively for cell size and extent of dendritic arborization. These parameters, from both sets of data, showed a consistent developmental trend with the existence of two major stages in the ontogenetic process: a rapid developmental and a stabilization stage. The first stage, encompassing postnatal days 0 through approximately 14, was characterized by a rapidly increasing cell size, as observed in frozen sections. At the peak of this rapid growth, Golgi‐stained neurons possessed thick dendrites with many appendages, growth cones, and filopodia. The peak in neuronal development coincided with the initiation of ear opening. Morphological features attained a more mature form in the second, stabilizing stage of development, which began at approximately postnatal day 14. This phase was distinguished by a decrement in cell size and dendritic branching. Also, dendrites possessed more regularly distributed varicosities and fewer appendages, growth cones, and filopodia in this period. It was observed that dendritic branching trends paralleled those of cell diameter growth.
Social Consequences of Securitizing Citizenship: Two-Tiered Citizenry and Anti-Immigrant Attitudes

Abstract: In response to the rise in terrorism after the turn of the millennium, multiculturalist countries such as Australia, Britain and Canada introduced policies that make it easier to revoke the citizenships of dual nationals. These policies primarily target naturalized immigrants and their descendants. Ongoing debates indicate that more countries plan to follow suit. Some scholars argue that easy revocation policies create two-tiered political communities, where one group of citizens have a stronger status security than the other. This study builds on their perspectives, and argues that majority members should be more likely to hold anti-immigrant attitudes in countries where state policies discriminate against citizens in terms of status security. To test this hypothesis, this study employs multilevel regression analysis. Data come from European Values Study (2008), European Social Survey (2014), and Eurobarometer (2015), and cover thirty European countries. Findings offer support for the proposed hypothesis. In countries where immigrants have low status security, majority members are more likely to have negative attitudes toward immigrants. The results hold not only for immigrants in general but also for Muslim immigrants in particular. Résumé: En réponse à la montée du terrorisme après le tournant du millénaire, des pays multiculturalistes tels que l'Australie, la Grande-Bretagne et le Canada ont mis sur pied des politiques qui rendent plus facile la révocation de la citoyenneté des doubles nationalités. Ces politiques visent prioritairement les immigrants naturalisés et leurs descendants. Les débats en cours soutiennent que plus de pays prévoient d’appliquer la même politique. Certains chercheurs affirment que les politiques de révocation faciles créent des communautés politiques à deux niveaux, où un groupe de citoyens a un statut de sécurité plus rigide que l'autre. Cette étude s'appuie sur leur point de vue et postule que la majorité des membres serait plus susceptible d’avoir des attitudes anti-immigrantes dans les pays où les politiques de l'État discriminent les citoyens en termes de statut de sécurité. Pour vérifier cette hypothèse, cette étude se sert d’une analyse de régression à plusieurs niveaux. Les données proviennent de European Values Study (2008), European Social Survey (2014) et Eurobarometer (2015), et couvrent trente pays européens. Les résultats corroborent l'hypothèse proposée. Dans les pays où les immigrants ont un faible statut de sécurité, la majorité des membres est plus susceptible d'avoir des attitudes négatives à l'égard des immigrants. Les résultats concernent non seulement les immigrants en général, mais aussi les immigrants musulmans en particulier.
Assessment of skin types, skin colours and cutaneous responses to ultraviolet radiation in an Asian population

Ninety normal individuals were included in this study on skin types, skin colours and cutaneous responses to ultraviolet radiation. Skin types were recorded using Fitzpatrick's classification, skin colours were measured using the Minolta Chromameter CR‐300, and cutaneous responses to UV radiation were measured in terms of minimal erythema dose (MED) to UVA, UVB and the immediate pigment darkening dose to UVA (IPDDA). Skin colour measurements were taken from the right cheek to represent facultative skin colours, and from the buttock to represent constitutive skin colours. The colours measured were expressed by the L*a*b colour space. Skin types and some colour parameters (L and b from covered parts of body) correlated fairly well with the minimal erythema doses (MED) to UVA and UVB. Skin colour measurements are more objective than skin type assessment and could be better markers of photosensitivity. However, there is still considerable overlap in MEDs for persons with different skin colours, and further studies of these parameters are warranted. Our MEDs are higher than other reports on similar skin types and skin colours. This could be due to differences in methodology, genetic make‐up or acclimatization from chronic sun exposure. This illustrates the importance of local controls for each institution dealing with photosensitive disorders.
A Review: Carers, MND and service provision

Carers of people with MND may experience changes to their health and lifestyle. Statutory and voluntary organizations are able to support the carer in various ways. This review investigates the personal impact on carers and their experiences of service provision. A systematic search of online and grey literature was made for the period 1994–2004. Thirty‐two key texts were retrieved and a narrative synthesis conducted. The main themes were: 1) Impact on carer: general health, emotional state, life satisfaction, socio‐economic concerns, relationships, and protective factors; 2) Experience of service provision: primary care, health professionals, social care, written information, and voluntary organizations. There is a paucity of written documentation on the experience of assisting someone with MND. Data collected are diverse and sometimes contradictory. Sample sizes are often small and generalization difficult. Main findings show that maintenance of social support, activities, and a positive outlook may lessen the chance of ill health arising from long hours spent caring, and having a named coordinator may assist with access to resources, and provide practical and emotional support during and after the caring role. Carers may become ill themselves unless adequate support is given to them throughout the course of the disease.
The health status of a village population, 7 years after a major Q fever outbreak

SUMMARY From 2007 to 2010, The Netherlands experienced a major Q fever outbreak with more than 4000 notifications. Previous studies suggested that Q fever patients could suffer long-term post-infection health impairments, especially fatigue. Our objective was to assess the Coxiella burnetii antibody prevalence and health status including fatigue, and assess their interrelationship in Herpen, a high-incidence village, 7 years after the outbreak began. In 2014, we invited all 2161 adult inhabitants for a questionnaire and a C. burnetii indirect fluorescence antibody assay (IFA). The health status was measured with the Nijmegen Clinical Screening Instrument (NCSI), consisting of eight subdomains including fatigue. Of the 70·1% (1517/2161) participants, 33·8% (513/1517) were IFA positive. Of 147 participants who were IFA positive in 2007, 25 (17%) seroreverted and were now IFA negative. Not positive IFA status, but age <50 years, smoking and co-morbidity, were independent risk factors for fatigue. Notified participants reported significantly more often fatigue (31/49, 63%) than non-notified IFA-positive participants (150/451, 33%). Although fatigue is a common sequel after acute Q fever, in this community-based survey we found no difference in fatigue levels between participants with and without C. burnetii antibodies.
Excretion of the Urinary 5 Cand 7 C-Aglycone Metabolites of Vitamin K by Young Adults Responds to Changes in Dietary Phylloquinone and Dihydrophylloquinone Intakes 1 , 2

The physiological function and putative health roles of vitamin K-dependent proteins now extend beyond their classical role in hemostasis and include bone mineralization, arterial calcification, apoptosis, phagocytosis, growth control, chemotaxis, and signal transduction. Current assessments of vitamin K status do not reflect the variety of molecular forms of vitamin K. We assessed whether urinary excretion of 2-methyl-3-(5#-carboxy-3#-methyl-2#-pentenyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone (7Caglycone) and 2-methyl-3-(3#-3#-carboxymethylpropyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone (5C-aglycone), vitamin K metabolites common to both phylloquinone and the menaquinone series, reflect dietary vitamin K intake. In a randomized crossoverstudy, 9 adults resided in a metabolic unit for two 30-d periods separated by a free-living period of $4 wk. During each residency, subjects consumed 3 sequential diets: a control diet (93 mg phylloquinone/d) for 5 d, a phylloquinone-restricted diet (11 mg/d) for 15 d, followed by a randomly assigned repletion diet for 10 d with either phylloquinone (206 mg/d) or dihydrophylloquinone (240 mg/d). During the second residency, the alternative repletion diet was assigned. Urinary excretion of the 5Cand 7Caglycones was measured in sequential 24-h collections. The 5C-aglycone accounted for ;75% of total excretion and declined in response to phylloquinone restriction (P1⁄4 0.001) to ;30% of that during the control diet period. Repletion with phylloquinone and dihydrophylloquinone doubled the excretion rate of the major 5C-aglycone by 24 h (P , 0.001), and tripled excretion by 4 d. There was a linear relationship between the logarithm of total urinary excretion and dietary vitamin K intake (r1⁄4 0.699, P , 0.001). We conclude that the urinary excretion of vitamin K metabolites reflects dietary phylloquinone intake and offers the first candidate marker of global vitamin K status. J. Nutr. 137: 1763–1768, 2007.