Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pneumococcal phosphorylcholine esterase, Pce, contains a metal binuclear center that is essential for substrate binding and catalysis

The phosphorylcholine esterase from Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pce, catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphorylcholine residues from teichoic and lipoteichoic acids attached to the bacterial envelope and comprises a globular N‐terminal catalytic module containing a zinc binuclear center and an elongated C‐terminal choline‐binding module. The dependence of Pce activity on the metal/enzyme stoichiometry shows that the two equivalents of zinc are essential for the catalysis, and stabilize the catalytic module through a complex metal‐ligand coordination network. The pH dependence of Pce activity toward the alternative substrate p‐nitrophenylphosphorylcholine (NPPC) shows that kcat and kcat/Km depend on the protonation state of two protein residues that can be tentatively assigned to the ionization of the metal‐bound water (hydrogen bonded to D89) and to H228. Maximum activity requires deprotonation of both groups, although the catalytic efficiency is optimum for the single deprotonated form. The drastic reduction of activity in the H90A mutant, which still binds two Zn2+ ions at neutral pH, indicates that Pce activity also depends on the geometry of the metallic cluster. The denaturation heat capacity profile of Pce exhibits two peaks with Tm values of 39.6°C (choline‐binding module) and 60.8°C (catalytic module). The H90A mutation reduces the high‐temperature peak by about 10°C. Pce is inhibited in the presence of 1 mM zinc, but this inhibition depends on pH, buffer, and substrate species. A reaction mechanism is proposed on the basis of kinetic data, the structural model of the Pce:NPPC complex, and the currently accepted mechanism for other Zn‐metallophosphoesterases.
Primary High-Grade Osteosarcoma: Comparison Between Preadolescent and Older Patients

The medical records of patients with high-grade osteosarcoma observed at the authors' institution between 1972 and 1999 were reviewed to study whether osteosarcoma in preadolescent patients has a different biology and a worse prognosis than in older patients. To assess epidemiologic differences, the first analysis evaluated 1,603 patients regardless of tumor stage and site and treatment received. In the second analysis, only 1,136 patients (317 preadolescent and 819 older patients) with nonmetastatic extremity osteosarcoma, treated with the same protocols of chemotherapy, were evaluated to assess differences in prognosis and in the pattern of relapse. Most preadolescents were female (56% vs. 44%, P < 0.0001), and most tumors were located in the extremity (95% vs. 5%, P < 0.001). The 5-year event-free survival (60% [95% CI 53-67%] vs. 58% [95% CI 46-63%]), the overall survival (67% vs. 65%), the rate of amputation (24% vs. 25%), time (21 vs. 22 months) and type of first relapse (systemic 98% vs. 95%, local 2.3% vs. 4.7%) the site of first metastases (pulmonary, 87% vs. 89%), and good histologic response to preoperative treatment (65% vs. 63%) were essentially the same. The authors concluded that there is no need to employ different therapies for the two groups.
Geographical variation in the prevalence of positive skin tests to environmental aeroallergens in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey I

Background: Many studies have reported the prevalence of sensitization using skin prick tests. However, comparisons between studies and between regions are difficult because the number and the type of allergens tested vary widely. Using the European Community Health Respiratory Survey I data, the geographical variation of sensitization to environmental allergen as measured by skin tests was established.
Methods for assessing the impact of research on innovation and development in the agriculture and food sectors

The need for technological transition and the context of the privatization of public research funding both challenge the evolution of methods to assess the impact of research in the agricultural and food sectors. We analyze this evolution through a literature review and an examination of a range of case studies on research completed in developing countries. In the first part, the results stemming from the former analysis question the controversies raised by quantitative approaches. In view of these controversies, we then examine the methodological innovations taking place in a qualitative approach. A survey of case studies ultimately helps to characterize the strategic resources that research generates with a view to improving its impact on innovation and development.
Endocrine aspects of the clinical management of breast cancer - current issues

Introduction Endocrine therapy has now been used as an effective treatment for breast cancer for 100 years. It was the first successful systemic treatment for cancer, initially becoming accepted following George Beatson's (1896) observations that, in a proportion of pre-menopausal women with advanced breast cancer, bilateral oophorectomy resulted in disease regression. Over the subsequent 75 years, several other endocrine therapies for breast cancer were developed, including other surgical approaches to hormone ablation therapy such as adrenalectomy (Huggins & Dao 1953) and hypophysectomy (Luft & Olivecrona 1953), and hormonal additive therapies, such as the use of pharmacological doses of androgens, oestrogens, progestogens and glucocorticoids. However, as none of these approaches led to a significant improvement in the rates of tumour regression, clinicians' enthusiasm in the 1960s and early 1970s became focused on the use of newly developing cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens. Then, in the 1970s, tamoxifen, and subsequently a range of other new endocrine agents, became available which were of low toxicity and generally well tolerated - high-dose oestrogens were quickly replaced by tamoxifen, and adrenalectomy by aromatase inhibitors. Measurement of hormone receptor levels also became available, allowing better selection of patients whose tumours might be hormonally responsive. In addition, some of the limitations of cytotoxic drugs in breast cancer were starting to become apparent.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Isolates from Pediatric Blood Stream Infections

Radiodiagnosis for interpretation of thyroid sonographic data and Dr. Rakesh Kumar and Dr. Sheetal Sharda, Assistant Professors, Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh for their assistance in follow-up patient-care. Contributors: DD: concept and design, final drafting of manuscript; PJ: acquition and analysis of data; IP: critical manuscript revision for important intellectual content; AB: interpretation of thyroid scintiscan data; and NS: interpretation of laboratory data. The final version of the manuscript was approved by all authors. Funding: None; Competing interests: None stated.
The internal calcar septum and its contact with the virtual stem in THRA computer tomographic evaluation

The internal calcar septum is a ridge of cortical bone protruding from the inner cortical wall of the proximal femur into the medullary canal. It extends from the lesser trochanter into the femoral neck and narrows the femoral cavity in its dorsal third. This region is essential for THR stability, but the degree of contact between the septum and standard THR implants has never been studied. We obtained CT scans of 50 arthrotic hip joints from patients requiring THR. Virtual stems (50 straight/wedge-shaped and 50 anatomic stems) were placed in CT images of the femora using a PC-based preoperative planning unit. The dimensions of the septum, degree and location of contact between the septum and implants were recorded. A septum of cortical density was seen in 49/50 CT scans. It was 11 (2.9) mm long (medial-lateral), 3.5 (0.7) mm wide and 32 (10) mm high (caudal-cranial, mean (SD)). 94/100 implanted virtual stems showed direct contact with the septum. 31 straight stems and 5 anatomical stems were supported by the septum along their dorsal side. The internal calcar septum can be consistently seen on CT scans of patients needing THR and it probably contributes to THR stability.
At Risk Youth A Comprehensive Response

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Research on Transactive Memory System, Knowledge Reuse and Team Efficacy in Professional Service Teams

As the development of service industry, service teams have emerged as an increasingly popular boundary-spanning structure in service firms, especially in the professional service area. Previous researches separated on the road revealing the element and structure that keep service teams highly effective, and there are research gaps between knowledge managing issue and team efficacy in service teams. In the paper, we trying filling up this gap by developing a theoretical model that linking transactive memory system (TMS), knowledge reusing, and team efficacy in profession service teams. We argue that knowledge reusing and team efficacy are synchronously generating and taking positive effect in service teams. Besides, we posit that TMS has positive effect both on knowledge reuse and team efficacy and the effect of TMS is mediate by those two elements. Base on these contentions, we offer several practical implications for service teams to enhance team performance.
Exploratory Innovation, Exploitative Innovation and Innovation Performance: The Moderating Role of Alliance Portfolio Partner Diversity

Although organisational ambidexterity as the ability of an organisation to simultaneously pursue both explorative and exploitative innovations has been highlighted as increasingly important for the sustained competitive advantage of firms, the empirical evidence on the effects of organisational ambidexterity on performance is still mixed. By using the Community Innovation Survey 2006 micro data for innovation from twelve countries, we proposed and found a positive moderating effect of alliance portfolio partner diversity on the relationship between exploration and exploitation innovation and a firm’s innovation performance. This study reveals that that the use of alliance portfolio partner diversity is beneficial to balance the contradictory pressures for explorative and exploitative innovations. DOI: 10.15458/85451.26
Plug & play operation of distributed energy resources in micro-grids

Smart grids offer a new wide application domain for power electronics. In fact, every distributed energy resource includes an electronic power processor to govern the power exchange with the grid. Such energy processors must perform cooperatively to fully exploit renewable energy sources and improve power quality and distribution efficiency. This is particularly important in low-voltage residential micro-grids, where number of active energy sources and generated power vary during daytime. A simple and effective control solution, based on a plug & play approach, is presented in the paper. It allows independent and stable operation of every EPP while providing full utilization of energy sources and reduction of distribution losses. Accordingly, residential micro-grids may perform efficiently, adapt to supply and load variations and turn automatically from grid-connected to islanded operation.
Umbanda and Africa

This article argues that scholarship on Umbanda (a distinctively Brazilian hybrid of Candomble, Kardecist Spiritism, and popular Catholicism, with romanticized indigenous elements) manifests certain limitations that lead to insufficient emphasis on the religious tradition's internal doctrinal, ritual, and organizational variation. It compares the complex and ambivalent place of African traditions in Umbanda and Candomble, highlighting the extent to which Umbanda has been seen as derivative, more distant from Africa. The article also notes other distorting factors such as centros in the southeast of Brazil being considered normative, and scholars focusing inordinately on the question of the tradition's “birth. ” The case of Umbanda underlines the Brazilian context of Afro-Brazilian traditions, in contrast to an emphasis on transnationalism.
high-intensity exercise transformation in white muscle of trout during Glycogen phosphorylase and pyruvate dehydrogenase

[PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , April 1, 2003; 284 (4): R936-944. Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol S. L. Longnus, R. B. Wambolt, H. L. Parsons, R. W. Brownsey and M. F. Allard myocardial glycogenolysis by allosteric mechanisms 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-beta -D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) stimulates [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , December 1, 2004; 287 (6): R1344-R1353. Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol J. Frolow and C. L. Milligan (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) Hormonal regulation of glycogen metabolism in white muscle slices from rainbow trout
Buying Local or Imported Goods? Profiling Non-income Consumers in Developing Countries

This study attempts to profile non-income consumers by examining their decisions to buy local or imported products. Hypotheses were drawn from discussions on the comparative advantages of advanced and developing countries, as well as the effects of a product’s country-of-origin on customers’ purchasing decisions. Data was collected on 296 university students in Malaysia and analyzed through probit regression analysis. The findings reveal that foreign products from advanced countries are preferred by male students because of the superior quality and brand image. On the other hand, family members encourage students to buy local products because they are perceived as being less expensive. Also, students who receive scholarships are more likely to buy local products than self-sponsored students. This research offers insights into ex-ante purchasing behavior in developing countries particularly among non-income consumers
Occlusion Detection and Localization from Kinect Depth Images

Faces captured in a real-world scenario may suffer from large variations in shape and occlusions due to difference in illumination, variation in pose and orientation of a facial image. Automated face recognition or security reinforcement by surveillance techniques would be useless if the faces are occluded. Therefore, face occlusion detection has become very important not only for effective face recognition but also to prevent security threats. In this paper, for the very first time an occlusion detection method is proposed based on the depth information provided by Kinect RGB-D cameras. Uniform Local Binary Pattern (LBP) is used to effectively extract the features from the depth images and SVM binary classifier is then applied to identify the front face and the occluded face. For localizing occluded regions in the face image, a threshold based approach is proposed to identify the areas close to the camera. In the depth images, an object close to the camera has a higher pixel intensity than the object further from the camera. Thus, we assume that occluded regions have lower distance from the camera, i.e. higher intensity values. Based on this hypothesis, we extract the connected component with highest energy values as the potential occluded region from the depth image. The boundary of the detected occluded region is then corrected using the reference front face image. The occlusion detection and localization method have been evaluated on EUROKOM Kinect face database containing different types of occluded and unoccluded faces with neutral expressions. Experimental results show that the proposed method provides an average detection rate of 98.50% for front and occluded face images. We have also compared our proposed method with existing methods that use faces acquired using 3D scanners for occlusion detection.
Is It Safer to Intubate Premature Infants in the Delivery Room?

To the Editor. I read with interest the article “Is It Safer to Intubate Premature Infants in the Delivery Room? ” by Aly et al.1 In our hospital, early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (ENCPAP) has also been established since 1995 as a possible initial respiratory support for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Like Aly et al, we could observe an increasing use of ENCPAP over time, reflecting the experience of the staff. In our unit the increasing experience led to the development in 1997 of an internal hospital guideline …
The Impacts of Job Motivation and Job Satisfaction on Job Performance Among Employees of Retail Banking Sector in Vietnam

After being an official member of WTO in 2007, Vietnamese government accepted privatization of banking sector and open the “door” to foreign direct investment organizations to have more opportunities to operate in Vietnam. However, the job performance of employees still has the problems that affect directly to the customer services quality. In this research, the quantitative study examined the relationship among selected variables in order to determine the effects of job motivation and job satisfaction on job performance among retail banks’ employees in Vietnam. A convenience sample of 350 bank employees participated in the study. The findings showed a positive correlation between job motivation and job performance in bank employees (r = . 43, p-Value
Topical estrogen protects against SIV vaginal transmission without evidence of systemic effect

Background: Accumulating data suggest that the state of the vaginal epithelium affects a woman's risk of HIV vaginal transmission and several human and non-human primate studies have shown that the rate of HIV or SIV vaginal transmission is decreased when estrogen is dominant. Systemic estrogen can protect against SIV vaginal transmission. Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of topical estrogen in preventing SIV vaginal transmission. Design: The non-human primate model of HIV vaginal transmission was used to assess vaginal estriol cream in ovariectomized macaques. Methods: Twelve macaques were treated intravaginally with estriol and eight with placebo cream twice a week. The vaginal and systemic effects of estriol were determined by colposcopy and serum luteinizing hormone, levels of which would decline in the presence of systemic estrogen. After 5 weeks of therapy, the animals were challenged vaginally with pathogenic SIVmac251. Results: Vaginal estriol resulted in minimal serum estriol levels and had no effect on serum luteinizing hormone levels. Vaginal epithelia cornified and thickened significantly in response to estriol therapy. One of the estriol-treated animals became infected after this single challenge, while six of the control animals became infected (P = 0.0044). Conclusions: These data demonstrate that topical vaginal estriol can strongly protect against SIV vaginal transmission, while having no detectable systemic effect. These results support the study of topical vaginal estriol in preventing HIV vaginal transmission in at-risk women.
A generic attack on hashing-based software tamper resistance

The exact analysis of second order bandpass modulator with sinusoidal inputs is performed and the results show the quantization error is neither uniformly distributed nor white and its spectrum is purely discrete and symmetric with w = 2 . The location of each spectrum frequency component or idle tone depends strongly on the input amplitude but the spectrum magnitude is not input dependent. As the amplitude of input signal increased, the largest secondary tones will approach to the center frequency and may corrupt desired signal. The crosscorrelation between quantization error and input do exist in our study of bandpass system with sinusoidal inputs. However, it can be cancelled out by the noise shaping function, so the modulator output will not be a ected by this crosscorrelation. However, for input signal with certain bandwidth, the crosscorrelation will degrade the system performance. For higher order systems or noisy passband communication signals, the Gaussian assumption for the input to the quantizer is reasonable even for bandpass modulators. The analysis of quantization error power under this assumption shows it is not only the function of output step size but also the input level of quantizer. The minimum power of quantization error can be achieved when a speci c value of quantizer input power is applied. Two applications, direct decoding technique and improved Hartley image-reject receiver, for bandpass modulators are also introduced and analyzed. ii Analysis and Application of Bandpass Delta-Sigma Modulation By Tsung-Yuan Chang, Ph.D. The Ohio State University, 1998 Professor Steven B. Bibyk, Adviser The exact analysis of second order bandpass modulator with sinusoidal inputs is performed and the results show the quantization error is neither uniformly distributed nor white and its spectrum is purely discrete and symmetric with w = 2 . The location of each spectrum frequency component or idle tone depends strongly on the input amplitude but the spectrum magnitude is not input dependent. As the amplitude of input signal increased, the largest secondary tones will approach to the center frequency and may corrupt desired signal. The crosscorrelation between quantization error and input do exist in our study of bandpass system with sinusoidal inputs. However, it can be cancelled out by the noise shaping function, so the modulator output will not be a ected by this crosscorrelation. However, for input signal with certain bandwidth, the crosscorrelation will degrade the system performance. For higher order systems or noisy passband communication signals, the Gaussian
Exploring the Impact of Ownership Structure on Earnings Predictability: Insights from Japan

Abstract Using a very recent data over the period from 2007 to 2012 (sample period 2001–2012), this study estimates the relationship between ownership structure and earnings predictability in Japanese listed companies. In particular, this study investigates how three important categories of ownership (i.e., domestic institutional, foreign and insider ownership) are associated with earnings predictability in Japanese listed firms. The results show that higher domestic institutional (financial) ownership is associated with greater earnings predictability. The findings support the argument that institutional shareholders especially financial institutions ensure effective monitoring over corporate reporting practices which lead to better earnings quality. In sharp contrast, this study finds that incremental foreign institutional ownership in Japanese listed firms is associated with lower earnings predictability. Such finding is contrary to the oversimplifying assumption that increasing cross-border shareholdings is always associated with better earnings quality. This study demonstrates interesting insights regarding the impact of ownership structure on earnings predictability which surely carry significance for Japanese corporate policymakers and future researchers.