Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The N-terminal side of the origin-binding domain of simian virus 40 large T antigen is involved in A/T untwisting

We investigated the role of the N-terminal side of simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen's origin-binding domain in the initiation of virus DNA replication by analyzing the biochemical activities of mutants containing single point substitutions or deletions in this region. Four mutants with substitutions at residues between 121 and 135 were partially defective in untwisting the A/T-rich track on the late side of the origin but were normal in melting the imperfect palindrome (IP) region on the early side. Deletion of the N-terminal 109 amino acids had no effect on either activity, whereas a longer deletion, up to residue 123, greatly reduced A/T untwisting but not IP melting. These results indicate that the region from residue 121 to 135 is important for A/T untwisting but not for IP melting and demonstrate that these activities are separable. Two point substitution mutants (126PS and 135PL) were characterized further by testing them for origin DNA binding, origin unwinding, oligomerization, and helicase activity. These two mutants were completely defective in origin (form U(R)) unwinding but normal in the other activities. Our results demonstrate that a failure to normally untwist the A/T track is correlated with a defect in origin unwinding. Further, they indicate that some mutants with substitutions in the region from residue 121 to 135 interact with origin DNA incorrectly, perhaps by failing to make appropriate contacts with the A/T-rich DNA.
Innovative change management in SMEs: beyond continuous improvement

With increasing market pressure and fragmentation Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) must move beyond the change philosophy of Continuous Improvement (CI) and develop a culture of innovation. To find out if SMEs could go beyond CI to achieve effective business innovation as a change management philosophy, a literature survey and a research survey on 15 SMEs was conducted to provide additional relevant information. The main research findings were: the SMEs exhibited a range of Continuous Improvement and innovation characteristics – some had adopted a culture of Continuous Improvement, while others had not; the SMEs which had adopted a culture of Continuous Improvement found that it could provide a solid foundation on which to build a culture of effective business innovation; and these SMEs were found to have embraced all the different components of innovation, as measured, more readily than those SMEs which did not have a culture of Continuous Improvement.
The impact of equity analyst recommendations on market attention, price-consensus and the behaviour of other analysts

Analysts are valuation specialists who advise both institutional clients and non-professional investors on the choice and timing of security purchases and sales. The analysts’ advice may have hugely beneficial or unfavourable outcomes for those who rely on them. This study investigated the possible influence of 901 local and international analysts’ recommendations that were issued from 1993 to 2011 on shares listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The short-term impact of recommendations on prices and possible behavioural tendencies among analysts, including a reported inclination to issue overly-positive recommendations, were respectively investigated in the first two empirical chapters. Thirdly, the success rate of analysts to issue recommendations with an advised directional impact and possible herding behaviour among analysts were researched. The empirical chapters conclude with an investigation into changes in investor attention (as proxied by traded volumes) and price volatility around analysts’ recommendations. The efficient market hypothesis and the ‘differences of opinion’ theories were used as fundamental points of departure and interpretation. More than 37 000 recommendations, ranging from strong buy to strong sell, were used in an eventstudy methodology to analyse the market’s reaction to these recommendations. Advanced modelling techniques were implemented in Excel and VBA to analyse daily consensus opinions, positiveversus negative sentiment, analyst activity and reactions, the frequency of abnormal price reactions, abnormal price movements, abnormal traded volumes, and changes in price volatility surrounding recommendation revisions. The study found that analyst recommendations were followed by an abnormal reaction in prices and that the magnitude of a recommendation’s change (e.g. a three-step change from strong sell to buy versus a one-step change hold to buy) had a greater impact than a recommendation’s absolute level. A portfolio strategy revealed the possible benefit of recommendations for investors. Analysts issued their opinions using different patterns within the five possible recommendation categories, and issued the same proportion of negative recommendations during periods of low business confidence and economic contraction than during growthand economic upswing phases. Analysts who issued more recommendations in total were not more influential than less active analysts, and not all analysts were able to issue recommendations with a large advised directional abnormal impact. As expected, recommendations that had a large abnormal price impact generated some herding activity among the other analysts who covered the same share. Investor attention increased around the issuance of recommendation revisions, and price volatility increased after large recommendation upgrades. Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za
Teaching/Learning Resources and Academic Performance in Mathematics in Secondary Schools in Bondo District of Kenya

The education system in Kenya is evolving steadily even as it is faced with a number of shortcomings which include inadequate teaching/learning resources in secondary schools due to poor planning and corruption. The study looked at the effect of teaching/learning resources on academic performance in secondary school mathematics in Bondo district of Kenya. The research design for this study was descriptive survey design with a total of 405 senior four students as the population of the study. Two hundred and forty two (242) students were randomly selected from nine schools in the three divisions of Bondo districts out of 24 schools. Intact classes were chosen. The schools were stratified into co-educational day, co-educational boarding, boys boarding and girls boarding. One validated research instrument developed for the study was Student Questionnaire on Performance (SPQ) (r = 0.437). Three research questions were answered. The data collected was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. There was a positive correlation among the eight independent variables and the dependent measure – mathematics performance(R= 0.486; F(8,241)=9.014; p<0.05). The eight variables accounted for 23.6% of the total variance in the independent measure (R 2 = 0.236). Government Financial support (B=0.182, t=2.469; p<0.05), trained teachers (B=0.341, t=3.489; p<0.05), classroom/laboratories (B=-0.347, t=-4.173; p<0.05) and textbooks/student-ratio (B=0.413, t=4.186; p<0.05) could be used to predict academic performance in mathematics. The study recommends that review of curriculum, in-servicing of trained teachers, recruiting more competent teachers, motivation of learners, improved government support to education, good teaching methods, improved students-book ratio and better remuneration of teachers are factors that the government and all stakeholders should pay more attention to in order to improve performance in mathematics.
Free Drink or Free Mug? Managing Service Experience with Experiential vs. Material Complimentary Gifts

In the marketplace, complimentary gifts can take the form of experiential elements e.g., a meal or material items e.g., tangible objects such as a mug. We identify these free gifts as a meaningful service design choice that helps service providers innovate service. Specifically, we examine the circumstances under which experiential or material gifts are preferred and generate greater consumer satisfaction, enhancing the overall service experience. Across three experiments, we demonstrate that consumers are generally happier with experiential offerings, and they prefer and are more satisfied with experiential offerings on ordinary consumption occasions; experiential elements are believed to further enrich otherwise mundane experiences. However, this experiential advantage disappears for consumers on meaningful and special occasions because of a strong desire to obtain a memory cue that will help them recall the experience. Indeed, the preference for a material item holds only when the gift has the quality to serve as a salient memory marker. This research provides insight for managers to take into account consumption occasions or types of consumers e.g., special occasions, repeat customers to effectively design service bundles with complimentary gifts and thus better manage overall service experience.
Form and function: The laminin family of heterotrimers

The laminins are a family of glycoproteins that provide an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue. Each laminin is a heterotrimer assembled from α, β, and γ chain subunits, secreted and incorporated into cell‐associated extracellular matrices. The laminins can self‐assemble, bind to other matrix macromolecules, and have unique and shared cell interactions mediated by integrins, dystroglycan, and other receptors. Through these interactions, laminins critically contribute to cell differentiation, cell shape and movement, maintenance of tissue phenotypes, and promotion of tissue survival. Recent advances in the characterization of genetic disruptions in humans, mice, nematodes and flies have revealed developmental roles for the different laminin subunits in diverse cell types, affecting differentiation from blastocyst formation to the post‐natal period. These genetic defects have challenged some of the previous concepts about basement membranes and have shed new light on the diversity and complexity of laminin functions as well as established the molecular basis of several human diseases. Dev Dyn;218:213–234. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Dynamic Systems Theory approach to second language acquisition

In this article it is argued that language can be seen as a dynamic system, i.e. a set of variables that interact over time, and that language development can be seen as a dynamic process. Language development shows some of the core characteristics of dynamic systems: sensitive dependence on initial conditions, complete interconnectedness of subsystems, the emergence of attractor states in development over time and variation both in and among individuals. The application of tools and instruments developed for the study of dynamic systems in other disciplines calls for different approaches to research, which allow for the inclusion of both the social and the cognitive, and the interaction between systems. There is also a need for dense data bases on first and second language development to enhance our understanding of the fine-grained patterns of change over time. Dynamic Systems Theory is proposed as a candidate for an overall theory of language development.
Prognostic role of plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA load for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE Predicting prognosis and treatment outcomes for patients with for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been difficult due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease This study aimed to evaluate pretreatment copy number of plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA as an outcome marker for survival in NPC. METHODS MEDLINE, CENTRAL and Embase databases were searched until April 7, 2015. Included studies were randomized controlled trials, two-arm prospective studies, or retrospective studies in patients with newly diagnosed NPC. The primary outcome was overall survival and secondary outcomes were progression-free, relapse-free, disease-free and distant metastasis-free survival. Sensitivity, quality and publication bias assessments were performed. RESULTS Sixteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 7698 patients. For overall survival, pooled HR was 3.005 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.245-4.022; P < 0.001), indicating that higher levels of EBV DNA were associated with a greater risk of death. Pooled estimates for relapse-free, disease-free, progression-free and distant metastasis-free survival indicated that higher levels of EBV DNA were associated with an increased risk of relapse, disease recurrence, disease progression and distant metastasis in comparison with lower levels of EBV DNA (P values < 0.001). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis found that high EBV DNA levels indicate poor prognosis and reduced long-term survival in patients with newly diagnosed NPC; hence, EBV DNA levels are highly prognostic of survival in patients with NPC. None of the included studies used the WHO standard for EBV DNA measurement, indicating a greater need for harmonization in future studies.
The Impact of Macro Factors Entrepreneur, Innovation and Opportunity on Entrepreneurial Success of Smes

This article endeavored to develop an entrepreneurial model for Pakistani SMEs. While developing the model, the author benefited from the experiences of successful entrepreneurs engaged in commercial fast-food sector. The experiences of such entrepreneurs had been collected through questionnaire survey. It argued that essentially three factors namely entrepreneurship, innovation and opportunity were main determinates of the profitability and business success in this sector. Therefore, favorable synergies ensuring availability of these determinants were required for the promotion and growth of the SMEs, which would in turn induce economic growth in economy. It was further argued that seeking economic growth through the growth of SMEs sector was most appropriate strategy given the labor-abundant and capital scarce nature of the economy. The proposed model was analyzed through statistical and econometric techniques. The results so obtained validated theoretical model. The innovation factor turn out to be the most important factor, Hence, the study concluded that entrepreneurial success was highly influenced by innovative behavior of the entrepreneurs but being opportunistic, a suitable culture and environment and sufficient resources were also needed for the success of a commercial fast-food SMEs.
Role of microRNAs in osteoblasts differentiation and bone disorders.

Advanced studies of single stranded endogenous ~22 nt microRNAs (miRNAs) have demonstrated their diverse biological functions including control of cell differentiation, cell cycle and pathological conditions. Recent studies suggest the potential application of miRNAs in stem cell engineering. miRNAs play a vital role as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression which controls osteoblasts-mediated bone formation and osteoclasts related bone remodeling. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms regulate the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteogenesis. The differentiation of osteoblasts is a key step in the development of skeletal muscles and it is involved in triggering the signaling pathways. Signaling pathways like TGFβ, BMP and Wnt are regulated by miRNAs which in turn, are shown to be associated with bone dynamics and bone disorders. This recap highlights the role of miRNAs in osteoblasts differentiation and emphasizes their potential therapeutic role in metabolic bone disorders.
Social behaviour and task orientation in early‐treated PKU

In the context of the Dutch Collaborative Study on the Psychological Development of Children, early treated for Phenylketonuria (PKU), data were obtained on children's behaviour as perceived by parents (n= 53) and teachers (n= 57), using standardized behavioural questionnaires. Results are compared with group representative of Dutch school‐aged children (n= 1381) with matched control group (n= 38), and with a group, to be considered as “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” (ADHD, n= 38). Especially the clusters “negative task orientation” and “extraversion” distinguish between PKU children and controls. In parents' descriptions as well as in teachers' descriptions PKU children score higher in both clusters. Intriguing differences are found between PKU and ADHD. In parents' but not in teachers' descriptions PKU children show signs of negative task orientation almost to similar degree as children with ADHD, but not of the signs of “negative social behaviour”, characteristic for ADHD children. Data are discussed in terms of the effectiveness of early treatment and guidance.
Joint Replacement for Sequelae of Childhood Hip Disorders

Painful osteoarthrosis is the end point of a range of hip conditions treated by pediatric orthopaedic surgeons, and symptoms may present at an early age. An ideal treatment gives complete and long-lasting relief of symptoms, restores full function, and does not require further surgery. When a young patient presents with symptomatic hip arthrosis, reconstructive osteotomy is considered before joint replacement, but in the face of established advanced degenerative changes, the benefits from osteotomy surgery may be marginal and shortlived. The surgeon will then have to consider other interventions, including arthrodesis, salvage osteotomy (such as pelvic support osteotomy), or joint replacement. In this article we will consider joint replacement for treatment of sequelae of pediatric hip disorders and its range of technical challenges. We will discuss the pathologic anatomies encountered subsequent to pediatric and adolescent hip disorders and deformities secondary to previous surgical treatment. We will outline arthroplasty techniques in special situations. We will also give an overview of arthroplasty outcomes and how they are influenced by pediatric hip disorders.
‘It's really, really good, but it could be a lot better’: Qualitative evaluation of a Rural Clinical School, four years on

Introduction: In their first clinical year 25% of Western Australia's medical students undertake a clinical longitudinal integrated clerkship in rural and remote Western Australia. Annual evaluations are undertaken. Method: All students, academic and administrative staff employed by the university were interviewed. Qualitative analysis of interview data was taken, fed back to the coordinators and modifications for the next annual cycle were then discussed and decided upon. Results: The predominant themes were elation at the excellence of much of their rural experience and frustration at some individual sites because of issues which were not being resolved. Students were overwhelmingly positive in their interpretation of problems seeing them as systems issue to be improved. Staff at some sites, however, had a strong tendency to blame the student and not respond to the actual problem. All students passed their end of year examinations. Discussion: Most academic evaluation of courses has focussed on comparative academic results with less, if any, attention paid to the qualitative experience of students. Not all clinical clerkship experiences are positive and it is useful to identify what works and what does not work in any medical school. Staff defensiveness is a well-recognised response to challenges and an evaluation system which encourages staff development is an essential component to any School's ongoing improvement.
Strategic Versus Tactical Nature of Sales Promotions

Sales promotions (SP) are short‐term instruments usually designed to yield an immediate sales effect. Previous research has suggested that SP can be seen as detrimental to a brand's consumer franchise/equity as, in the long term, SP deteriorates brand value. In this paper, we theoretically broaden the scope of SP research relation to the following topics: strategy concept, marketing strategy, the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) concept, the specific nature of each SP instruments and the underlying processes associated with consumer uptake of SP. We present findings that illustrate managers' perceptions of the positioning of SP instruments. We argue that the strategic nature of SP needs to be incorporated into marketers' research agendas.
Cryptic biogeochemical cycles: unravelling hidden redox reactions.

The turnover of organic matter in the environment is controlled by a series of (often connected) biogeochemical cycles, mainly involving the transformation of C, N, S, O, Fe and Mn under both oxic and anoxic conditions (Druschel and Kappler, 2015). Typically, in order to quantify the extent and rates of turnover, the geochemical end products or reaction intermediates are quantified over time (e.g. sulfide and sulfate or Mn(II) and Mn(IV)). In many cases, the absence of a certain species is used to exclude the relevance of the respective biogeochemical cycle. Recently, however, more evidence has appeared which shows that very reactive, sometimes short-lived intermediates at low concentrations with poorly understood redox properties can play key roles in biogeochemical cycles. For example, redox-active humics are important in carbon cycling, nitrous oxide in the nitrogen cycle and polysulfides in the sulfur cycle (Hansel et al., 2015). The concentrations of these intermediates represent steady-state concentrations arising from the balance between continuous oxidation and reduction. This leads to so-called ‘cryptic element cycles’ where changes in concentrations of a certain redox species cannot be measured but rapid turnover (connected to other element cycles) means that they are key components of the biogeochemical processes that are occurring. In recent years, for example, the importance of cryptic cycling of sulfur has become increasingly clear. The main driver of the sulfur cycle is microbial sulfate reduction which ultimately produces sulfide (H2S). However, this is not a direct process and a large diversity of reactive sulfur species are formed during the six intermediate oxidation states between sulfate and sulfide which are themselves suitable for microbial redox reactions (Zopfi et al., 2004). These reactive intermediates are often below detection limit in the environment, yet are thought to play very important roles in biogeochemical cycling of both sulfur and associated redox species (Holmkvist et al., 2011). Additionally, sulfide can be rapidly recycled making the detection of sulfate reduction difficult. For example, Canfield et al. (2010) found that diverse communities of sulfur cycling microorganisms were present in oxygen minimum zones off the Chilean coast despite very low sulfate and sulfide concentrations. These sulfur cycling communities were sustained through rapid recycling of the H2S which is also linked to nitrogen cycling in these regions. Although cryptic cycling has been described in detail for sulfur, and other elements to a small extent, almost nothing is known about cryptic iron cycling (Hansel et al., 2015).
Brain potentials indicate differences between regular and irregular German plurals

EVENT-RELATED brain potentials were recorded as 18 German-speaking subjects read sentences that contained as critical words German nouns in correct and incorrect plural forms. Two types of plurals were investigated: regular -s plurals (e.g. Karussell-s ‘roundabouts’) and irregular -(e)n plurals (Muskel-n ‘muscles’). We compared correct regular and irregular plurals with incorrect ones; the latter had -(e) n on nouns that actually take -s plurals (*Karussell-en), or -s on nouns that require -(e) n (*Muskel-s). ERPs showed different responses to regular and irregular plurals: incorrect irregular plurals (*Muskel-s) elicited a ramp-shaped left frontotemporal negativity, whereas incorrect regulars (*Karussell-en) produced a central phasic negativity with a maximum at 380 ms. This dissociation supports the view that regularly inflected words are processed differently from irregularly inflected ones.