Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Yeast VSM1 Encodes a v-SNARE Binding Protein That May Act as a Negative Regulator of Constitutive Exocytosis

We have screened for proteins that interact with v-SNAREs of the late secretory pathway in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A novel protein, designated Vsm1, binds tightly to the Snc2 v-SNARE in the two-hybrid system and can be coimmunoprecipitated with Snc1 or Snc2 from solubilized yeast cell extracts. Disruption of the VSM1 gene results in an increase of proteins secreted into the medium but does not affect the processing or secretion of invertase. In contrast, VSM1 overexpression in cells which bear a temperature-sensitive mutation in the Sec9 t-SNARE (sec9-4 cells) results in the accumulation of non-invertase-containing low-density secretory vesicles, inhibits cell growth and the secretion of proteins into the medium, and blocks rescue of the temperature-sensitive phenotype by SNC1 overexpression. Yet, VSM1 overexpression does not affect yeast bearing a sec9-7 allele which, in contrast to sec9-4, encodes a t-SNARE protein capable of forming a stable SNARE complex in vitro at restrictive temperatures. On the basis of these results, we propose that Vsm1 is a novel v-SNARE-interacting protein that appears to act as negative regulator of constitutive exocytosis. Moreover, this regulation appears specific to one of two parallel exocytic paths which are operant in yeast cells.
Current Attitudes and Future Influence on Meat Consumption in the U.K.

A survey of 1018 U.K. residents was conducted using the basic structure of the theory of reasoned action along with scenarios of possible future events investigating meat-eating and vegetarianism. Over a quarter (28%) of the sample considered themselves to be reducing meat consumption although a comparison of present and retrospective meat consumption indicated that less than a quarter of this group had cut down on a variety of meats in their diets over the past year. The attitudes related to present meat consumption were healthiness, taste, value for money and, to some extent, ethical issues. Healthiness, taste and concerns over additives were related to changes in meat consumption over the preceding year. Beliefs about the healthiness of meat were also related to reported changes in meat-eating behaviour when "something that could possibly happen in the future" was described. Future events found to affect people's estimated meat-eating were the availability of polyunsaturated meat and meat produced with strict safety guarantees, the former change being dependent on a constant price. Reductions in the fat content of meat or claims extolling the nutritional benefits of eating meat were not related to predicted future meat-eating.
Low albumin levels and high impedance ratio as risk factors for worsening kidney function during hospitalization of decompensated heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND Patients hospitalized for decompensated heart failure (DHF) frequently experience worsening of renal function (WRF), leading to volume overload and resistance to diuretics. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether albumin levels and whole-body impedance ratio, as an indicator of water distribution, were associated with WRF in patients with DHF. METHODS A total of 80 patients hospitalized for DHF were consecutively included in the present longitudinal study. WRF during hospitalization was defined as an increase of ≥0.3 mg/dL (≥26.52 μmol/L) or 25% of baseline serum creatinine. Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were assessed at baseline. Whole-body bioelectrical impedance was measured using tetrapolar and multiple-frequency equipment to obtain the ratio of impedance at 200 kHz to that at 5 kHz. Serum albumin levels were also evaluated. Baseline characteristics were compared between patients with and without deteriorating renal function using a t test or χ(2) test. Subsequently, a logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the independent variables associated with WRF. RESULTS The incidence of WRF during hospitalization was 26%. Independent risk factors associated with WRF were low serum albumin (RR=0.11; P=0.04); impedance ratio >0.85 (RR=5.3; P=0.05), systolic blood pressure >160 mmHg (RR=12; P=0.02) and maximum dose of continuous intravenous furosemide required >80 mg/day during hospitalization (RR=5.7, P=0.015). CONCLUSIONS WRF is frequent in patients with DHF. It results from the inability to effectively regulate volume status because hypoalbuminemia induces water loss from the vascular space (high impedance ratio), and high diuretic doses lower circulatory volumes and reduce renal blood flow, leading to a decline in renal filtration function.
Position in Corporate Network, Performance and Strategic Risks

The fundamental question of management research is to explore the determinants of differences in company performance. These determinants are both exogenous and endogenous. Network literature highlights the importance of access to external resources available to a firm through its network. The main objective of the presented research is primarily to test the relationship between the performance of companies and their position within a network. The empirical field of this research covered companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. We test effects of structural positions in two networks among the same set of companies linked by boards and ownership ties. Social network analysis (SNA) methods were used to determine positional characteristics of firms. The results of our research underline the importance of ownership links and firms’ positions in corporate networks for firms’ performance and strategic risk.
Normal basal and insulin-stimulated fuel metabolism in lean women with the polycystic ovary syndrome.

Many reports have suggested that hyperandrogenaemic patients with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be insulin resistant. However, there have also been suggestions that their insulin resistance may relate to obesity and android fat distribution. To assess whether PCOS induces metabolic disturbances independently of obesity, we studied seven lean patients with PCOS (age, 27.1 +/- 2.0 yr; body mass index, 22.2 +/- 0.78 kg/m2; waist/hip ratio, 0.79 +/- 0.02; fat-free mass, 46.38 +/- 1.13 kg) and seven normal women (age, 25.7 +/- 1.4 yr; body mass index, 21.3 +/- 0.69 kg/m2; waist/hip ratio, 0.74 +/- 0.02; fat-free mass, 50.1 +/- 1.51 kg) for 3 h in the basal period and 2 h during a hyperinsulinemic (0.4 mU/kg.min) euglycemic clamp. In the basal state, comparable metabolic indices were recorded: serum insulin, 35.9 +/- 7.7 (PCOS) vs. 37.3 +/- 2.87 pmol/L (controls); plasma C-peptide, 364.1 +/- 66.2 vs. 397.2 +/- 66.2 pmol/L; plasma glucose, 4.95 +/- 0.09 vs. 4.77 +/- 0.09 mmol/L; forearm arterio-venous difference in glucose, 0.17 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.15 +/- 0.07 mmol/L; isotopically determined endogenous glucose production, 1.9 +/- 0.1 vs. 2.0 +/- 0.1 mg/kg.min; and serum nonesterified fatty acids, 545 +/- 40 vs. 617 +/- 54 mumol/L (all P > 0.05). During the clamp, all recordings were again similar: serum insulin, 282.7 +/- 21.5 vs. 270.5 +/- 13.6 pmol/L; plasma C-peptide, 331.0 +/- 33.1 vs. 364.1 +/- 66.2 pmol/L; plasma glucose, 4.99 +/- 0.07 vs. 4.99 +/- 0.05 mmol/L; glucose arterio-venous difference, 1.01 +/- 0.18 vs. 0.85 +/- 0.12 mmol/L; endogenous glucose production, -0.9 +/- 0.1 vs. -0.5 +/- 0.2 mg/kg.min; amount of exogenous glucose necessary to maintain euglycemia, 4.0 +/- 0.4 vs. 3.8 +/- 0.5 mg/kg.min; and nonesterified fatty acids, 205 +/- 7 vs. 246 +/- 18 mumol/L (all P > 0.05). By showing normal basal and insulin-stimulated substrate metabolism in lean hyperandrogenemic PCOS patients, these data suggest that insulin resistance may be an epiphenomenon, rather than a primary feature of PCOS.
Diffusion and Acceptance of Cloud Computing in SMEs: Towards a Valence Model of Relevant Factors

Cloud Computing provides great opportunities especially for companies within the SME segment. This is why Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) are increasing their efforts to make their infrastructure accessible for small companies to help them compensate the lack of their own IT infrastructure. But nevertheless a lot of companies - especially smaller ones - are not yet convinced of the benefits of cloud services. This paper explores factors that influence the diffusion and acceptance of Cloud Computing among SMEs. On the basis of theoretical models and qualitative interviews a valence model of relevant factors was developed. This model provides individual, organizational, technical, and environmental factors influencing the diffusion and acceptance of Cloud Computing among SMEs in a positive or negative way.
One country, multiple country-related effects: An international comparative analysis among emerging countries on Italian fashion products

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to understand whether the impact of country image and product-specific country-of-origin over the willingness to pay premium prices is different among consumers from different emerging countries. After a review of the literature shedding light on the heterogeneity of country-related cues, the paper provides first empirical evidence of a cross-national analysis based on data gathered from 2364 consumers belonging to 4 emerging countries (China, India, Thailand and Brazil) and the domestic country (Italy). The data-set was used to verify whether country image (i.e. the image consumers have of Italy as a country) and product-specific country-of-origin image (i.e. the image consumers have of “Made in Italy” fashion products) impact in a different way on the willingness to pay premium prices for Italian fashion products. Results show that country image and product-specific country of origin are country-specific, presenting different roles in the countries considered. Country-related cues in marketing strategies are still an important factor affecting consumer behaviour, especially for certain products. This paper sheds light on how country-related effects for fashion products differ across countries, with implications for both practitioners and researchers.
A Nonlinear Fuzzy Neural Network Modeling Approach Using an Improved Genetic Algorithm

Fuzzy neural networks (FNNs) are quite useful for nonlinear system identification when only the input/output information is available. A new FNN framework is first proposed by combining an AutoRegressive with exogenous input (ARX) with the nonlinear Tanh function in the Takagi–Sugeno (T-S) type fuzzy consequent part. An improved genetic algorithm is then designed to optimize the structure and parameters of the FNN simultaneously under unknown plant dynamics. The hybrid encoding/decoding, neighborhood search operator, and maintain operator are presented to optimize the input structure of the ARX plus the nonlinear function submodel, the number of the fuzzy rules, and the parameters of the membership function. Three benchmarks and a liquid level modeling problem in an industrial coke furnace are utilized to compare the performance of several typical methods. Simulation results show that the proposed method is superior in structure simplification, modeling precision, and generalization capability.
The Effect of Customer-base Diversification on Idiosyncratic Volatility

The study sets out the objective to investigate how a firm’s customer-base diversification affects its stock return idiosyncratic volatility. The research paper primarily focuses on the way that the distribution of sales impacts the firm specific risk that is unrelated to the risk of the market, and it does so through the use of both a geographical and an operating customer-base concentration measure. The previous literature and the underlying theory mainly propose that there is a positive relationship between customer-base concentration and idiosyncratic volatility. The findings of this study appear to be in line with that hypothesis at a first glance; however, the results lack significance when controlling for other firm specific factors. Preliminary testing that excludes the control variables suggests both a positive and significant effect between customer-base concentration and idiosyncratic volatility. The significance of this effect is absorbed by the control variables when introduced to the models indicating that the cause of an increase in idiosyncratic volatility is in fact attributable to other firm characteristics than customer-base concentration. The study is conducted on Swedish companies and uses a panel data setting with 60 different companies over a period of 10 years ranging from 2006 to 2015. (Less)
Service Quality and Student Satisfaction: The Moderating Role of University Culture, Reputation and Price in Education Sector of Pakistan

Service quality is imperative for higher education institutes in order to remain competitive and growing. There is a need to ensure students’ satisfaction with university. This study will help improve service quality of the institutes. Information and data are collected using a survey questionnaire from the higher education institutes of Pakistan using convenience sampling technique. Findings revealed that with the moderating effect of university culture, university reputation and price, higher education institutes can more significantly achieve the student satisfaction. University culture positively strengthens service quality to achieve and sustain student satisfaction, while price and university reputation strengthen the relationship in a negative direction. These moderators are the significant contributing factors.
Involving stakeholders in agricultural decision support systems: improving user-centred design

Decision Support Systems (DSS) can improve farm management decisions and offer the opportunity to improve productivity and limit environmental degradation, both key tenets of the sustainable intensification of agriculture. While DSS are becoming increasingly useful for agriculture, the uptake of computer-based support systems by farmers has remained disappointingly low as evidenced by studies spanning at least two decades. This paper explores the reasons behind this continued lack of interest. Is it, as previous researchers have proposed, the lack of user involvement in the design and development of these systems? If so why should this be the case given decades of evidence underlining the value in user centred design (UCD)? The paper reviews literature on the desirable characteristics of DSS, and then uses 78 interviews and five focus groups to explore a case study of system use. The paper suggests that without changes to how systems are developed, particularly in how users are consulted, use of this technology will continue to be low. Practical suggestions are proposed to encourage more effective user-centred design. Chief amongst these, the need for designers to undertake a ‘decision support context assessment’ before building and launching a product is highlighted. Better knowledge of user-centred design practices, a clear understanding of advice systems, and greater collaboration with human-computer interaction researchers are also required.
New Insights into the Pathogenesis of MDS and the rational therapeutic opportunities

ABSTRACT Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) include a heterogeneous group of acquired hematopoietic malignancies characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, peripheral cytopenias, and a varying propensity for progression to acute myeloid leukemia. The clinical heterogeneity in MDS is a reflection of its molecular heterogeneity. Better understanding of aberrant epigenetics, dysregulation of immune responses, and del(5q) MDS has provided the rationale for well-established treatments in MDS. Further understanding of abnormal signal transduction and aberrant apoptosis pathways has led to development of new rational therapies that are in advanced phases of clinical translation. This review seeks to describe recent developments in our understanding of the pathogenesis of MDS and the potential therapeutic implications of these observations.
A Study To Assess The Effectiveness Of Self Instructional Module Among Staff Nurses Regarding Stress Management In Selected Hospitals Of The City

In today's world nurses are facing a lot of stress. Nursing practice involves many stressors related to both clients and the work environment. The present study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of self instructional module regarding stress management among staff nurses in selected hospitals of the city using an evaluative approach. Objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge of stress management among staff nurses, to evaluate the effectiveness of self instructional module and to compare the level of knowledge on stress management with the selected demographic variables. One Group Pretest Posttest design was used to assess 60 samples selected by non probability convenient sampling technique. The pretest questionnaire was administrated and a SIM was distributed. The staff nurses were instructed to read the SIM and posttest was done of 7 th day of pretest. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. In data
Complement-mediated defect in clearance and sequestration of sensitized, autologous erythrocytes in rodent malaria.

We investigated the ability of malaria-infected and normal mice to clear particulate immune complexes consisting of autologous erythrocytes sensitized with either IgG or complement. Normal mice rapidly clear autologous erythrocytes optimally sensitized with IgG and the liver plays a major role in their sequestration. Clearance of optimally sensitized erythrocytes is complement-dependent because cobra venom factor-treated, normal mice failed to clear these cells rapidly, unless they had been pre-treated with fresh mouse serum. In the initial phase of Plasmodium berghei infection, clearance of the optimally sensitized erythrocytes was markedly increased over that observed in normal mice. 2 wk after infection, however, clearance was minimal. This defect was most likely the consequence of the hypocomplementemia observed at this stage of infection since sensitized erythrocytes were removed rapidly from the blood if they had been coated with C3 in vitro before injection into malarial mice.The functional activity of the complement receptors of phagocytic cells was assayed in malarial mice by the injection of autologous erythrocytes coated with C3 and C4 in the absence of antibody. The complement-coated erythrocytes were rapidly removed from the blood, accumulated in the liver, and then gradually returned to the circulation. Similar patterns were observed in normal animals, but the degree of clearance was considerably higher in the malarial mice late in infection. It appears, therefore, that complement receptors remain functional throughout the infection. Erythrocytes suboptimally sensitized with IgG were cleared minimally by normal mice. This clearance was not complement-dependent and was mediated mainly by the spleen. During malaria, clearance of these particles was initially enhanced but later it was abolished.The association of hypocomplementemia with a major splenic defect in clearance late in malaria infection may explain the accumulation of immune complexes in pathological sites observed in this disease.
Manajemen Pemasaran dan Pemasaran Jasa

Buku ini disusun berdasarkan pengalaman praktis dalam dunia bisnis dan kuliah-kuliah yang telah penulis berikan kepada para mahasiswa jurusan ekonomi sejak bertahun-tahun yang lalu. Guna memenuhi kebutuhan dan keinginan berbagai pihak, maka sistematika penyusunan buku ini dibuat sedemikian rupa sehingga mudah d ikuti.
Randomized Trial Comparing Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, and 5-Fluorouracil (CMF) Regimen with Rotational CMFEV Regimen (E=Epirubicin, V=Vincristine) as Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Moderate Risk Operable Breast Carcinoma

Objectives: The CMFEV (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, vincristine) regimen is an innovative schedule, designed by our Group, aimed at administering five partially or totally no cross-resistant cytotoxic agents in breast carcinoma. It was randomly compared to CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil) as primary treatment in operable disease and demonstrated a short-term significant increase in clinical complete response rate and a long-term significant locoregional relapse-free survival in premenopausal patients. So, it seemed worth comparing this regimen with CMF as adjuvant chemotherapy in moderate risk operable breast carcinoma. Methods: Four hundred and eighty-nine patients with stage I or II moderate risk breast carcinoma were randomized to receive CMF or CMFEV regimen for 6 cycles after surgery. Main end points were overall survival (OS), invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) and recurrence-free interval (RFI), as estimated by Kaplan-Meier analyses and log-rank tests. Results: At a median observation time of 7.3 years (range 5.4 months-10.3 years), no significant differences in OS and IDFS were observed between the two arms. Deaths from breast carcinoma were more frequent with CMF (58.5%) than with CMFEV regimen (41.7%) as well as recurrences from breast carcinoma (58.8% with CMF and 41.2% with CMFEV). These differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: CMFEV appears more effective than CMF in preventing recurrences from primary disease in patients with moderate risk stage I-II breast carcinoma. The lack of statistical significance of the observed differences was probably due to the limited number of patients enrolled which rendered the study underpowdered.
Long‐term depression‐like plasticity of the blink reflex for the treatment of blepharospasm

Our previous work showed a beneficial therapeutic effect on blepharospasm using slow repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, which produces a long‐term depression (LTD)‐like effect. High‐frequency supraorbital electrical stimulation, asynchronous with the R2 component of the blink reflex, can also induce LTD‐like effects on the blink reflex circuit in healthy subjects. Patients with blepharospasm have reduced inhibition of their blink recovery curves; therefore, a LTD‐like intervention might normalize the blink reflex recovery (BRR) and have a favorable therapeutic effect. This is a randomized, sham‐controlled, observer‐blinded prospective study. In 14 blepharospasm patients, we evaluated the effects of high‐frequency supraorbital stimulation on three separate treatment days. We applied 28 trains of nine stimuli, 400 Hz, either before or after the R2 or used sham stimulation. The primary outcome was the blink rate, number of spasms rated by a blinded physician and patient rating before, immediately after and 1 hour after stimulation while resting, reading, and talking; secondary outcome was the BRR. Stimulation “before” and “after” the R2 both showed a similar improvement as sham stimulation in physician rating, but patients felt significantly better with the before condition. Improvement in recovery of the blink reflex was noted only in the before condition. Clinical symptoms differed in the three baseline conditions (resting, reading, and talking). Stimulation before R2 increased inhibition in trigeminal blink reflex circuits in blepharospasm toward normal values and produced subjective, but not objective, improvement. Inhibition of the blink reflex pathway by itself appeared to be insufficient for a useful therapeutic effect. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society