Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Lin12-Notch Repeats of Pregnancy-associated Plasma Protein-A Bind Calcium and Determine Its Proteolytic Specificity*

The Lin12-Notch repeat (LNR) module of about 35 residues is a hallmark of the Notch receptor family. Three copies, arranged in tandem, are invariably present in the extracellular portion of the Notch receptors. Although their function is unknown, genetic and biochemical data indicate that the LNR modules participate in the regulation of ligand-induced proteolytic cleavage of the Notch receptor, a prerequisite to intramembrane cleavage and Notch signaling. Outside the Notch receptor family, the LNR module is present only in the metalloproteinase pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and its homologue PAPP-A2, which also contain three copies. Curiously, LNR modules 1 and 2 are present within the proteolytic domain of PAPP-A/A2, but LNR3 is separated from LNR2 by more than 1000 amino acids. The growth factor antagonists insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-4 and -5 are both substrates of PAPP-A. We provide here evidence that the PAPP-A LNR modules function together to determine the proteolytic specificity of PAPP-A. Analysis of C-terminally truncated PAPP-A mutants followed by the analysis of LNR deletion mutants demonstrated that each of the three PAPP-A LNR modules is strictly required for proteolytic activity against IGFBP-4 but not for proteolytic activity against IGFBP-5. Individual substitution of conserved LNR residues predicted to participate in calcium coordination caused elimination (D341A, D356A, D389A, D1484A, D1499A, and D1502A) or a significant reduction (D359A and E392A) of IGFBP-4 proteolysis, whereas IGFBP-5 proteolysis was unaffected. The activity of the latter mutants against IGFBP-4 could be partially rescued by calcium, and the addition of the calcium-binding protein calbindin D9k to wild-type PAPP-A eliminated activity against IGFBP-4 but not against IGFBP-5, demonstrating that the PAPP-A LNR modules bind calcium ions. We propose a model in which LNR3 is spatially localized in proximity to LNR1 and -2, forming a single functional unit.
Muscle-derived hematopoietic stem cells are hematopoietic in origin

It has recently been shown that mononuclear cells from murine skeletal muscle contain the potential to repopulate all major peripheral blood lineages in lethally irradiated mice, but the origin of this activity is unknown. We have fractionated muscle cells on the basis of hematopoietic markers to show that the active population exclusively expresses the hematopoietic stem cell antigens Sca-1 and CD45. Muscle cells obtained from 6- to 8-week-old C57BL/6-CD45.1 mice and enriched for cells expressing Sca-1 and CD45 were able to generate hematopoietic but not myogenic colonies in vitro and repopulated multiple hematopoietic lineages of lethally irradiated C57BL/6-CD45.2 mice. These data show that muscle-derived hematopoietic stem cells are likely derived from the hematopoietic system and are a result not of transdifferentiation of myogenic stem cells but instead of the presence of substantial numbers of hematopoietic stem cells in the muscle. Although CD45-negative cells were highly myogenic in vitro and in vivo, CD45-positive muscle-derived cells displayed only very limited myogenic activity and only in vivo.
Marketing potentials of the social media tools in the banking market of an emerging country

Copyright: 2016. Virtus Interpress. Due to copyright restrictions, only the abstract is available. For access to the full text item, please consult the publisher's website. The definitive version of the work is published in Risk Governance and Control : Financial Markets & Institutions. Vol 6 (4) contd. 2 : Pp 17-27. http://www.virtusinterpress. org/MARKETING-POTENTIALS-OF-THE-SOCIAL.html
[Emergence of multidrug resistant Salmonella strains in Lome (Togo)].

OBJECTIVE This study had for aim to compare antibiotic resistance of 332 Salmonella enterica strains identified in human samples in the course of infections, in Lome. DESIGN The strains were collected over two periods: 1998-2002 (N=168) and 2003-2004 (N=164). The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by disk diffusion assay. RESULTS The main serotypes identified were 147 Salmonella Typhi (44.3%), 97 Salmonella Typhimurium (29.2%), and 74 Salmonella Enteritidis (22.3%). The proportions of strains resistant to chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazol, and amoxicillin (first line antibiotics) varied respectively from 33, 46, and 57% in 1998-2002 to 73, 79, and 82% in 2003-2004 (P<0.0001). The percentage of resistance to ciprofloxacin or ceftriaxone was inferior to 10%. CONCLUSION Fluoroquinolones and third generation cephalosporins have become the first line antibiotics for the treatment of Salmonella in Lome (Togo).
Comparison of Postdural Puncture Headache in Median and Paramedian Approach under Spinal Anesthesia in Cesarean Section

Background: Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a known complication of spinal anesthesia due to constant spillage of cerebrospinal fluid from the dural puncture site. Spinal anesthesia can be performed by two approaches i.e., midline & paramedian. The results regarding incidence of PDPH with these approaches are debatable. Aim: To compare the frequency of PDPH with spinal anesthesia using midline & paramedian approach in patients of cesarean section. Methodology: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted at department of Anesthesia & ICU, Lahore General Hospital. 100 cases were included through Non-Probability, Purposive Sampling. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group received sub-arachnoid block via midline and other group received sub-arachnoid block via paramedian approach. After surgical procedure the patients were admitted in department of gynecology & obstetrics and followed for PDPH for 1 st 2 nd & 3 rd post-operative days. Results: Out of 100 patients 6 patients developed PDPH; 2 were from Group A & 4 were from Group B. P value was 0.0678. Conclusion: PDPH was more frequent with paramedian approach when compared to midline approach.
Returns to Buying Upward Revision and Selling Downward Revision: Some Preliminary Evidence from Canada

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of earnings forecast revisions by equity analysts in predicting Canadian stock returns. The sample covers 420 Canadian firms over the period 1998-2009. It analyses investors’ reactions to 27,271 upward revisions and 32,005 downward revisions of analysts’ forecasts for Canadian quoted companies. To test whether analysts’ earnings forecast revisions affect stock return continuation, forecast revision portfolios similar to Jegadeesh and Titman (2001) are constructed. The paper analyses the returns gained from a trading strategy based on buying the strong upward revisions portfolio and short selling the strong downward revisions portfolio. It also separates the sample into upward and downward revisions. We find that new information in the form of analyst forecast revisions is not impounded efficiently into stock prices. Significant returns persist for a trading strategy that buys stocks with recent upward revisions and short sells stocks with recent downward revisions. Good news is impounded into stock prices more slowly than bad news. Post-earnings forecast revisions drift is negatively related to analyst coverage. The effect is strongest for stocks with greatest number of upward revisions. The introduction of the better disclosure standards has made the Canadian stock market more efficient. The paper adds to the limited evidence on the effect of analyst forecast revisions on the returns of Canadian stocks. It sheds light on the importance of analysts’ earnings forecast information and offers support for the investor conservatism and information diffusion hypotheses. It also shows how policy can improve market efficiency.
Grip test; the use of a dynamometer with adjustable handle spacings.

A grip tester having adjustable handle spacings allows a more accurate evaluation of the effect of various types of hand injury. It will also more effectively record the maximum grip of large and small hands. The force of grip is influenced by many factors. These are the size of the object, the effect of previous exercise, handedness, the time of day, age, the state of nutrition, and pain. The failure of the subject to carry out the test with his full effort can be demonstrated by the variation in the force of the grip when the test is repeated.
Wireworm in Quebec Field Crops: Specific Community Composition in North America

Abstract Wireworms are important economic pests that attack the seeds and roots of numerous vegetable and field crops worldwide. A 5-yr study was conducted in the main agricultural regions of the province of Quebec (Canada), to identify and characterize the wireworm communities (Coleoptera: Elateridae) that occur in fields planted with economically important crops (maize, soybean, cereals, canola, and grasslands). Bait traps were used to collect wireworms each spring from 2011 to 2015. More than 600 sites were sampled in total, involving ca. 14,000 traps. Wireworms were found in 69% of the sites and 73% of the traps. A total of 6,014 wireworms were collected and identified to genus, or to species when possible. The results show that nine genera occur in Quebec and that Hypnoidus abbreviatus (Say) is currently the most abundant species in arable land in Quebec, representing 72% of all collected wireworms. The other genera collected were Melanotus (8% of all wireworms collected), Ampedus (7%), Limonius (6%), and Agriotes (4%). Wireworms from the genera Aeolus, Dalopius, Hemicrepidius, and Oestodes constituted ca. 3% together. The predominance of H. abbreviatus appeared to be specific to Quebec compared with the other Canadian provinces and the rest of North America. We observed differences in the relative abundance of wireworm genera among the agricultural regions sampled. However, no effect of current and preceding crops was observed in this study. Our results suggest that integrated pest management strategies for managing wireworms in Quebec fields should take into consideration the species present in each agronomical region.
Perfluorocarbon‐associated gas exchange in gastric aspiration

ObjectivesTo test whether perfluorocarbon-associated gas exchange (gas ventilation of the perfluorocarbon-liquid filled lung) could support oxygenation better than conventional positive pressure breathing in a piglet model of gastric aspiration-induced adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). DesignProspective, randomized, blinded, controlled study. SettingA critical care research laboratory in a university medical school. SubjectsFourteen healthy piglets. InterventionsUnder α-chloralose anesthesia and metocurine iodide neuromuscular blockade, 14 piglets underwent tracheostomy; central venous, systemic and pulmonary arterial catheterizations; and volume-regulated continuous positive-pressure breathing. Homogenized gastric aspirate (1 mL/kg) titrated to pH of 1.0 was instilled into the tracheostomy tube of each subject at 0 min to induce ARDS. Hemodynamics, lung mechanics, and gas exchange were evaluated every 30 mins for 6 hrs. Seven piglets were treated at 60 mins by tracheal instillation of perflubron, a volume selected to approximate normal functional residual capacity, and were supported by perfluorocarbon-associated gas exchange without modifying ventilatory settings. Perflubron was added to the trachea every hour to replace evaporative losses. Measurements and Main ResultsThere was a significant difference in oxygenation over time when tested by repeated-measures analysis of variance (F test = 8.78, p < .01). On further analysis, the differences were not significant from baseline to 2.5 hrs but became increasingly significant from 2.5 to 6 hrs after injury (p < .05) in the inflammatory phase of gastric aspiration-induced ARDS. Histologic evidence for ARDS in the treated group 6 hrs after injury was lacking. ConclusionsIn the piglet model, perfluorocarbon-associated gas exchange with perflubron facilitates oxygenation in the acute phase of gastric aspiration-induced inflammatory ARDS when compared with conventional positive-pressure breathing. Histologic and physiologic data suggest that perfluorocarbon-associated gas exchange with perflubron might prevent ARDS if instituted after aspiration in the time window before the acute inflammatory process is manifest. (Crit Care Med 1994; 22:1445–1452)
Understanding the Meaning of 'Project Success'

Fortune 500 organizations are executing their tasks using projects. Project management is the area of concentration across the world. Different stakeholders have a different perspective about project success. The meaning of project success had been explained in this article. In addition, the Project Critical Success Factors (CSFs) were mentioned. The research of Standish Group on project success and project success metrics was presented. Earlier research on the meaning of project success and project critical success factors was highlighted. The works of Jeffery K. Pinto and Dennis P. Slevin, David and Adam, DeLone and McLean, and The Standish Group Research were discussed in this article. The methodology included secondary research based on literature view of prominent empirical studies and the literature reviews by making note of findings and observations from those studies. The initial literature collected led to further search of articles based on their references. The research findings indicate that the top of the most success factors for many projects include project objective, top management commitment, competent project team, and user involvement.
Developing the Chinese Environmentally Extended Input‐Output (CEEIO) Database

Environmentally extended input‐output (EEIO) databases are increasingly used to examine environmental footprints of economic activities. Studies focusing on China have independently, repeatedly developed EEIO databases for China. These databases are usually not publicly available, leading to repeated efforts, inconsistent with one another using different approaches, of limited environmental accounts, and lacking transparency, preventing continuous updating. We developed a transparent, comprehensive, and consistent Chinese EEIO database covering a wide period of time (currently 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007 for which benchmark input‐output tables [IOTs] are available), sector classifications (original sector classifications in benchmark IOTs, a 45‐sector classification commonly used in China's environmental and energy statistics, and a 91‐sector classification with maximized sector resolution ensuring temporal consistence), and environmental satellite accounts for 256 types of resources and 30 types of pollutants in this study. Moreover, the environmental satellite accounts cover households in addition to sectors, allowing developing closed models. We make this database publicly available with open access for broader dissemination (www.ceeio.com). We demonstrate the database by evaluating environmental pressures of Chinese products in 2007. Comparisons of our database with previous studies validate its rationality and reliability.
Blood pressure measurement

Most devices for measuring blood pressure are dependent on one common feature, namely, occluding the artery of an extremity (arm, wrist, finger, or leg) with an inflatable cuff to measure blood pressure either oscillometrically, or by detection of Korotkoff sounds. Other techniques, which are not dependent on limb occlusion, such as pulse-waveform analysis, can also be used, but these have little application in clinical practice. The array of techniques available today owe their origins to the conventional technique of auscultatory blood pressure measurement, and these new techniques must indeed be shown to be as accurate as the traditional mercury sphygmomanometer. Since the introduction of sphygmo- manometry, mercury and aneroid sphygmomanometers have been the most popular devices for measuring blood pressures. This article has been adapted from the newly published 4th edition of ABC of Hypertension . The book is available from the BMJ bookshop and at http://www.bmjbooks. com/ Mercury sphygmomanometer No matter which device is used to measure blood pressure, it must be recognised that blood pressure is a variable haemodynamic phenomenon, which is influenced by many factors, not least being the circumstances of measurement itself. These influences on blood pressure can be significant, often accounting for rises in systolic blood pressure greater than 20 mm Hg, and if they are ignored, or unrecognised, hypertension will be diagnosed erroneously and inappropriate management instituted. These factors have to be carefully considered in all circumstances of blood pressure measurement—self measurement by patients, conventional measurement, measurement with automated devices whether in a doctor's surgery, an ambulance, a pharmacy, or in hospital using sophisticated technology. 1 2 The observer must be aware of the considerable variability that may occur in blood pressure from moment to moment with respiration, emotion, exercise, meals, tobacco, alcohol, temperature, bladder distension, and pain, and that blood pressure is also influenced …
Accounting Classification and the Predictive Content of Earnings

The accounting profession requires that firms disaggregate net income into specific components. Despite the widespread assumption that earnings disaggregation is important for assessing firm profitability, there is little empirical evidence that the classification scheme actually improves profitability forecasts. We analyze accuracy improvements in out-of-sample forecasts of one-year ahead return-on-equity (ROE) to examine the predictive content of earnings disaggrega- tions. The results demonstrate that the classification scheme prescribed by the accounting profession does increase the predictive content of reported earnings. We find forecasting improvements from earnings disaggregation. These improvements go beyond separating extraordinary items and discontinued operations from the other components of earnings. Further disaggregation of earnings (into operating earnings, non-operating earnings and taxes, and special items) improves forecasts of ROE one year ahead.
The Arabidopsis ATP-binding Cassette Protein AtMRP5/AtABCC5 Is a High Affinity Inositol Hexakisphosphate Transporter Involved in Guard Cell Signaling and Phytate Storage*

Arabidopsis possesses a superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Among these, the multidrug resistance-associated protein AtMRP5/AtABCC5 regulates stomatal aperture and controls plasma membrane anion channels of guard cells. Remarkably, despite the prominent role of AtMRP5 in conferring partial drought insensitivity upon Arabidopsis, we know little of the biochemical function of AtMRP5. Our phylogenetic analysis showed that AtMRP5 is closely related to maize MRP4, mutation of which confers a low inositol hexakisphosphate kernel phenotype. We now show that insertion mutants of AtMRP5 display a low inositol hexakisphosphate phenotype in seed tissue and that this phenotype is associated with alterations of mineral cation and phosphate status. By heterologous expression in yeast, we demonstrate that AtMRP5 encodes a specific and high affinity ATP-dependent inositol hexakisphosphate transporter that is sensitive to inhibitors of ABC transporters. Moreover, complementation of the mrp5-1 insertion mutants of Arabidopsis with the AtMRP5 cDNA driven from a guard cell-specific promoter restores the sensitivity of the mutant to abscisic acid-mediated inhibition of stomatal opening. Additionally, we show that mutation of residues of the Walker B motif prevents restoring the multiple phenotypes associated with mrp5-1. Our findings highlight a novel function of plant ABC transporters that may be relevant to other kingdoms. They also extend the signaling repertoire of this ubiquitous inositol polyphosphate signaling molecule.
Ultrasonographic Cross-Sectional Area of Spinal Nerve Roots in Cervical Radiculopathy: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACTRecently, sonographic assessment has been considered an alternative method for evaluating cervical root lesions. The aim of this pilot study was to measure cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of cervical spinal nerve roots using high-resolution ultrasonography in patients with cervical radiculopathy, to compare the CSA of nerve roots between the affected and unaffected sides. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of unilateral cervical radiculopathy, who were referred to the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the University General Hospital by general practitioners, were prospectively recruited. The selected nerve roots were sonographically imaged at the most proximal location possible, where they exited over the transverse processor, just distal to that point. The CSA was measured three times using the trace tool available on the ultrasonography device. The CSA of each contralateral nerve root served as a control. Twenty-four patients (9 women; mean age, 53.7 yrs) were enrolled in this study. The CSAs were measured by ultrasonography in 5 pairs of C5 roots, 12 pairs of C6 roots, and 7 pairs of C7 roots. The mean CSAs of the affected and unaffected sides were 9.74 ± 1.95 and 9.47 ± 1.95 mm2, respectively (P = 0.019). Spearman rank-order correlation test showed a positive relationship between the CSA of the affected nerve root and the duration of symptoms (&rgr;22 = 0.467, P = 0.021). This is, to the authors’ knowledge, the first comparative study to obtain the CSA of spinal nerve roots in cervical radiculopathy. Increased CSA of the affected nerve root relative to the unaffected side, as demonstrated by ultrasonography, may be useful as an additive clue for the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy.
Personal adjustment to aging: longitudinal prediction from neuroticism and extraversion.

Personal adjustment to aging as measured by scales from the Chicago Attitude Inventory (CAI) was examined longitudinally in a community-dwelling sample of 557 men aged 17 to 97. Concurrent and predictive relations between this age-appropriate measure of well-being and personality were examined by correlating the CAI variables with three factors from the Guilford-Zimmerman Temperament Survey identified as Neuroticism, Extraversion, and "Thinking Introversion. " As hypothesized, Neuroticism was related negatively and Extraversion was related positively to most concurrent measures of well-being in both younger and older subsamples. "Thinking Introversion" was related only to positive attitudes toward religion. Predictive correlations between personality and subjective well-being over two-to-ten (M = 5.3) and ten-to-seventeen (M = 12.6) year intervals confirmed earlier research, and showed that enduring personality disposition antedate and predict measures of personal adjustment to aging.
Survey for fumonisin B1 in Korean corn-based food products

Seventy-six corn-based foods collected in Seoul, Korea, including corn flakes, corn snack, cornstarch, corn for popping, roasted corn for tea, canned sweet corn and other corn products were analysed for the occurrence of fumonisin B1 (FB1) by using direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dcELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The average recoveries of FB1 from the corn flakes sample in the range 5–1000 ng g−1 were 104% by dcELISA and 82% by HPLC. The limits of detection were approximately 5 ng g—1 by dcELISA and 20 ng g−1 by HPLC. The incidences and mean levels of FB1 were 73.3, 78.6, 50, 58.3, 17.6 and 40% and 41.8, 67.9, 114, 256, 172 and 22 ng g−1 from corn flakes, corn snack, corn starch, corn for popping, roasted corn for tea and other corn products, respectively, by dcELISA. No FB1 was found in canned sweet corn. The results obtained by dcELISA were correlated to those by HPLC for FB1 (r2 = 0.992). This is the first report on the occurrence of FB1 in corn-based foods in Korea.