Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Transfer of a Photocross-linking N-Acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) Analog by an O-GlcNAc Transferase Mutant with Converted Substrate Specificity*

Background: Photocross-linking O-GlcNAc (O-GlcNDAz) can be used to capture O-GlcNAc-mediated protein-protein interactions. Results: Mutagenesis of the UDP-GlcNAc binding pocket of OGT enhances transfer of a photoreactive GlcNAc analog (GlcNDAz). Conclusion: OGT(C917A) catalyzes increased enzymatic incorporation of GlcNDAz at sites of protein O-GlcNAc modification in vitro and in cells. Significance: Enabling identification of O-GlcNAc-mediated protein interactions will provide insights into molecular mechanisms of O-GlcNAc function. O-Linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a post-translational modification of proteins in multicellular organisms. O-GlcNAc modification is catalyzed by the O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which transfers N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) from the nucleotide sugar donor UDP-GlcNAc to serine or threonine residues of protein substrates. Recently, we reported a novel metabolic labeling method to introduce the diazirine photocross-linking functional group onto O-GlcNAc residues in mammalian cells. In this method, cells are engineered to produce diazirine-modified UDP-GlcNAc (UDP-GlcNDAz), and the diazirine-modified GlcNAc analog (GlcNDAz) is transferred to substrate proteins by endogenous OGT, producing O-GlcNDAz. O-GlcNDAz-modified proteins can be covalently cross-linked to their binding partners, providing information about O-GlcNAc-dependent interactions. The utility of the method was demonstrated by cross-linking highly O-GlcNAc-modified nucleoporins to proteins involved in nuclear transport. For practical application of this method to a broader range of O-GlcNAc-modified proteins, efficient O-GlcNDAz production is critical. Here we examined the ability of OGT to transfer GlcNDAz and found that the wild-type enzyme (wtOGT) prefers the natural substrate, UDP-GlcNAc, over the unnatural UDP-GlcNDAz. This competition limits O-GlcNDAz production in cells and the extent of O-GlcNDAz-dependent cross-linking. Here we identified an OGT mutant, OGT(C917A), that efficiently transfers GlcNDAz and, surprisingly, has altered substrate specificity, preferring to transfer GlcNDAz rather than GlcNAc to protein substrates. We confirmed the reversed substrate preference by determining the Michaelis-Menten parameters describing the activity of wtOGT and OGT(C917A) with both UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-GlcNDAz. Use of OGT(C917A) enhances O-GlcNDAz production, yielding improved cross-linking of O-GlcNDAz-modified molecules both in vitro and in cells.
Long‐Term Natural History of Acquired Cystic Disease of the Kidney

Patients with acquired cystic disease of the kidney (ACDK) were followed longitudinally over an average of 21.7 ± 5.4 years to determine the natural history of the disease; that is, how big the kidneys become, when the kidney size reaches a plateau, and when the size regresses. Twenty‐seven male and 20 female patients with chronic glomerulonephritis treated at our hospital were investigated. CT scans were performed once a year and kidney volume was measured. Two different quadratic curves with a node of 5.2 years for males and 2.5 years for females after the start of hemodialysis were fitted to log‐transformed kidney volume to the duration of hemodialysis using a linear mixed model. The maximum kidney volume in male patients was obtained 21.1 years after the start of hemodialysis using this model. Peak values of kidney volume were demonstrated in 19 of 26 cases during the observation period. The median peak value (interquartile range) of bilateral kidney volumes was 274 (165–849) mL/1.73 m2 occurring 19.1 ± 4.5 years after the start of dialysis. In one male patient who had undergone nephrectomy due to renal cell carcinoma and in two of the remaining 26 male patients, the maximum kidney volume of 782 (residual kidney), 1151, and 1129 mL regressed to 428, 616, and 847 mL (reduction rate: 45.3, 46.5, and 25.0%) at 20.6, 25.4, and 23.1 years after the start of hemodialysis, respectively. Kidney enlargement due to ACDK reached a plateau after 21.1 years of hemodialysis in the male patients. Partial regression of severe ACDK may occur naturally after long‐term hemodialysis without renal transplantation.
Family business internationalisation: What we know from 20 years of research

This paper presents an analysis of 42 peer-reviewed journal articles on family business internationalisation scanning a 20 year period. Findings include that family businesses (1) are less prepared for internationalisation and exhibit lower levels of international and "cultural distant" diversification, (2) have a smaller proportion of their assets in overseas locations, and (3) have a long-term orientation, high concentration of power in management and search for working opportunities abroad, which positively influence internationalisation. The publications used both quantitative and qualitative methods with a stronger emphasis on quantitative methods in recent years. Future research directions that are likely to advance this research area are discussed.
A hedge fund business plan : investment theory, operations, and capital raising for Broadgates Capital Management

Launching a start-up hedge fund is a complex, multifaceted endeavor that requires an understanding of the interconnectivity between capital raising, investment strategy, regulation, and fund operations. The purpose of this document is to explore each of these categories and provide a plan for the launch of a hypothetical new fund (Broadgates Capital Management). In doing so, the key challenges of launching a new fund are uncovered, while clearly identifying how I would think about the fund's investment methodology and process. The hedge fund industry is increasingly competitive, with over 1,000 new funds launching every year. In addition to these launches, more than 900 funds are liquidated annually. As investor expectations and regulatory guidelines continue to institutionalize hedge funds, managers are challenged with balancing not only the implementation of a value generating investment strategy, but also ensuring the efficient execution of the fund's operating/regulatory infrastructure. In order to successfully attract investors, all three of these critical elements must be in place. This paper argues that active fund management does in fact add value to investor portfolios and proposes a quantitative portfolio sorting strategy with a value-screen overlay. Broadgates Capital Management hopes to generate high risk adjusted returns by focusing on certain market anomalies while also utilizing traditional, value driven, fundamental analysis. An offshore master feeder fund structure will be utilized with the formation of a limited liability corporation as the management company. Finally, in order to raise between $100 and $150 million of investment capital, a meticulously constructed marketing strategy that articulates exactly why investors should choose Broadgates Capital Management is presented.
The Farnesoid X Receptor Modulates Hepatic Carbohydrate Metabolism during the Fasting-Refeeding Transition*

The liver plays a central role in the control of blood glucose homeostasis by maintaining a balance between glucose production and utilization. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a bile acid-activated nuclear receptor. Hepatic FXR expression is regulated by glucose and insulin. Here we identify a role for FXR in the control of hepatic carbohydrate metabolism. When submitted to a controlled fasting-refeeding schedule, FXR-/- mice displayed an accelerated response to high carbohydrate refeeding with an accelerated induction of glycolytic and lipogenic genes and a more pronounced repression of gluconeogenic genes. Plasma insulin and glucose levels were lower in FXR-/- mice upon refeeding the high-carbohydrate diet. These alterations were paralleled by decreased hepatic glycogen content. Hepatic insulin sensitivity was unchanged in FXR-/- mice. Treatment of isolated primary hepatocytes with a synthetic FXR agonist attenuated glucose-induced mRNA expression as well as promoter activity of L-type pyruvate kinase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, and Spot14. Moreover, activated FXR interfered negatively with the carbohydrate response elements regions. These results identify a novel role for FXR as a modulator of hepatic carbohydrate metabolism.
Recent advances in outcome measures in IgM-anti-MAG+ neuropathies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to provide an overview of all randomized trials performed in IgM Anti-Myelin Associated Glycoprotein related peripheral neuropathy (MGUSP) with emphasis on the applied outcome measures including the rationale for their choice and possible limitations, emphasizing new advances in modern clinimetrics. RECENT FINDINGS All clinical trials performed in patients with MGUSP have been negative, which raises many unanswered questions: were the sample sizes too small, the duration of the trials too short, the chosen medical interventions not aggressive enough, the definition of being a responder inadequate, and, last but not least, the outcome measures used improper? Only recently has attention been directed towards the possibility of using suboptimal outcome measures as a potential factor that may have contributed to the negative results in MGUSP. SUMMARY Since there is no international consensus on how to assess and treat patients with MGUSP, the current study addresses new advances in the field of modern clinimetrics and recommendations for future outcome measure studies in MGUSP before proceeding with new interventional trials.
Impact of Upper and Lower Echelon Human Capital and HR Practices on Innovation in Start-Ups

Innovative start-ups have become the center of attention in government policy. They are considered to be the driving force of economic growth and international competitive advantage. Despite this growing interest, little is known about firm internal determinants of and critical success factors for innovation in newly established firms. Innovation is a function of a firm's ability to create, manage and maintain knowledge. Since knowledge is created by and stored within individuals, human resources as well as HR practices may play an important role as drivers of innovation in start-ups. We expect that start-ups having superior human resources (both owners/managers and employees) and an intensive HRM, are more able to innovate. Results show that unless employees' human capital is managed, it provides little benefit to start-ups in terms of innovation. Moreover, the impact of HRM intensity is higher in start-ups with high human capital as compared to newly established firms with low human capital. Next, innovation is indirectly (through the mediating effect of employees' human capital and/or HRM) and positively affected by the owners/managers' educational level and the appeal to certified experts. Industry experience, in turn, has an indirect negative impact. The number of independent board members directly and positively influences innovation.
Safety and efficacy of oxaliplatin/fluoropyrimidine regimens with or without bevacizumab as first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Final analysis of the TREE-Study.

3510 Background: The addition of bevacizumab (bev) to fluorouracil-based combination chemotherapy results in statistically significant improvement in survival among patients (pts) with mCRC. This randomized, multicenter trial was designed to assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of each of three oxaliplatin (OX) plus bolus (b), infusional, or oral fluoropyrimidine (FP) regimens without (TREE1 cohort) or with (TREE2 cohort) bev for 1st line tx of mCRC. METHODS Eligibility included age ≥ 18 years, measurable, untreated mCRC, ECOG performance status ≤1. Primary endpoint: incidence of grade (gr) 3-4 toxicities (tox) on each arm during the 1st 12 weeks of therapy; secondary endpoints: ORR, TTP, OS. Regimens TREE-1: FOLFOX: OX 85mg/m2, leucovorin (LV) 350mg, 5-FU bolus 400mg/m2 and 2400mg/m2 CIV over 46 hours ; bFOL : OX 85mg/m2 days (d) 1&15, LV 20 mg/m2 and bolus 5-FU 500mg/m2 d 1,8,15 q 4 wks; CapeOx: OX 130 mg/m2 d 1, Capecitabine 1000-850 mg/m2 bid for 14 d. In TREE-2 bev 5 mg/kg q14 or 7.5 q 21 d was added. RESULTS 147 pts were treated in TREE1 and 213 treated in TREE2. Overall, incidence of any gr 3-4 toxicity (TREE1 vs. TREE2 respectively) = FOLFOX 75% vs. 66%, bFOL 42% vs. 59%, CapeOx 73% vs. 54%. Addition of bev in TREE2 caused more gr 3-4 hypertension, impaired wound healing, and bowel perforation in each arm. Confirmed ITT ORR (TREE1 vs TREE2 respectively) = FOLFOX 41% vs.52%, bFOL 20% vs.39%, CapeOx 27% vs. 46%. Median TTP (months) + 95% CI (TREE1 vs TREE2 respectively) = FOLFOX 8.7 (6.5, 9.8) vs. 9.9 (7.9, 11.7), bFOL 6.9 (4.2, 8.0) vs. 8.3 (6.6, 9.9), CapeOx 5.9 (5.1, 7.4) vs.10. 3 (8.6, 12.5). Probability of survival at 18 months (TREE1 vs. TREE2 respectively) = FOLFOX 53% vs. 63%, bFOL 50% vs. 63%, CapeOx 49% vs. 68%. As of January 9, 2006, 56 TREE1 pts (38%) and 122 TREE2 pts (57%) are alive. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate these three Ox/FP regimens to be tolerable and effective. Addition of bev to Ox/FP regimens improves response rate and TTP with acceptable tolerability, and no unexpected toxicity. [Table: see text].
Evidence of the Photosynthetic Origin of Monoterpenes Emitted by Quercus ilex L. Leaves by 13C Labeling

The carbon of the four main monoterpenes emitted by Quercus ilex L. leaves was completely labeled with 13C after a 20-min feeding with 99% 13CO2. This labeling time course is comparable with the labeling time course of isoprene, the terpenoid emitted by other Quercus species and synthesized in leaf chloroplasts. It is also comparable with that of phosphoglyceric acid. Our experiment therefore provides evidence that monoterpenes emitted by Q. ilex are formed from photosynthesis intermediates and may share the same synthetic pathway with isoprene. By analyzing the rate and the distribution of labeling in the different fragments, we looked for evidence of differential carbon labeling in the [alpha]-pinene emitted. However, the labeling pattern was quite uniform in the different fragments, suggesting that the carbon skeleton of the emitted monoterpenes comes from a unique carbon source.
Clinical and personal relationships between oral contraceptive and hormone replacement therapy use among US women physicians

Objective To examine relationships between a history of oral contraceptive (OC) use and current use of or intention to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Design The Women Physicians' Health Study examined a stratified random sample of US women MDs, aged 30 to 70 years (4,501 respondents; a 59% response rate). Results Among postmenopausal physicians who previously used OCs, current HRT use was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with being younger, living somewhere besides the East Coast, being sexually active, being an obstetrician/gynecologist, having no history of breast cancer, having a longer use of OCs, and being posthysterectomy. Among premenopausal physicians, intended future HRT use was significantly associated with being white, being an obstetrician/gynecologist, being in good health, living somewhere besides the East Coast, being a longer user of OCs, and having more extensive, recent continuing medical education. Among women who had taken both OCs and HRT, there were no significantly elevated rates in any of the 15 health conditions we examined (after controlling for family history). Postmenopausal physicians who took HRT (and premenopausal OC-using physicians intending to take HRT) were significantly more likely to counsel their patients on HRT use. Among post-OC HRT-users, 44% counseled their postmenopausal female patients on HRT at least yearly versus 22% of post-OC HRT-nonusers (74% v 45% among such primary care physicians). Conclusions Physicians' personal OC/HRT use may strongly affect their patient counseling practices. HRT use after OC use was not associated with any obvious increases in examined diseases in this population.
The opportunistic pathogen Nocardia farcinica is a foam‐producing bacterium in activated sludge plants

H.M. STRATTON, R.J. SEVIOUR, J.A. SODDELL, L.L. BLACKALL AND D. MUIR. 1996. A Grampositive unicellular coccal‐diphtheroid rod causing foam in an activated sludge plant was successfully isolated by micromanipulation. Phenotypic characterization and 16S rDNA sequencing identified it as Nocardia farcinica. This is the first report that this opportunistic pathogen is a foam‐causing bacterium in activated sludge, and the clinical implications of these observations are discussed.
Pharmacologic Expulsive Treatment of Ureteral Calculi

Objective: TO evaluate the role of nifedipine and the α1-adrenoreceptor antagonists tamsulosin, terazosin, and doxazosin in the expulsive treatment of ureteral calculi. Data Sources: Literature was searched via MEDLINE (1966–February 2006) with subsequent bibliographic review. MeSH headings included ureteral calculi, nifedipine, doxazosin, and adrenergic α-antagonists. Key terms were ureteral calculi, nifedipine, tamsulosin, terazosin, and doxazosin. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Trials evaluating nifedipine, tamsulosin, terazosin, and doxazosin for expulsion of ureteral stones were reviewed. All were published in English-language, peer-reviewed journals. Data Synthesis: Several trials have evaluated the effects of nifedipine and tamsulosin on ureteral stone passage rates and mean time to stone passage in stones no larger than 15 mm. In 28 day trials, the rates of ureteral stone passage were 35–70% in the control groups compared with 77.1–80% in patients treated with nifedipine and 79.3–100% in patients treated with tamsulosin. Average number of days to stone passage in the control groups was 4.6–20, and the time to stone passage was only 5–9.3 days in patients receiving nifedipine and 2.7–7.9 days in those receiving tamsulosin. The stone passage rates and time to stone passage appeared to be similar in one trial that compared tamsulosin with terazosin and doxazosin. Limited data suggest that these agents may have a role as adjuncts to shock wave lithotripsy. Adverse drug reactions were uncommon. Conclusions: Nifedipine, tamsulosin, terazosin, and doxazosin are safe and effective options in enhancing ureteral stone expulsion in selected patients with uncomplicated presentations.
Global web site standardization in the new EU member states: Initial observations from Poland and the Czech Republic

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine American multinational corporations' (MNC's) web site standardization in Poland and the Czech Republic. The theoretical framework was adopted from global marketing strategy (GMS) theory, which focuses on three primary strategies: strategy to create a uniform brand image; strategy to appeal to cross‐border segments; and strategy to express culturally bound meaning. To this end, MNCs are posited to pursue the standardization of corporate visual components and web site functions, and the localization of textual information.Design/methodology/approach – Using web site content analysis techniques, the similarity between the home (US) and host (Polish or Czech) sites is evaluated, and the existence of web site functions in each site is coded. As a secondary reference point, German sites are also examined. Two native coders per country are employed, and the reliability scores are deemed to be satisfactory. Multivariate analyses, including a multiple discriminant .
Surface and Wetting Properties of Diagenetic Minerals and Sedimentary Grains in Reservoir Rocks ( NanoPorO )

Introduction Current secondary oil recovery measures allow for the recovery of a maximum of about 33 % of the oil in a reservoir. The remaining almost two third of the energy carrier are lost due to decreasing pressure, pore blocking, water invasion or hydrocarbon fluid adhesion to the rock. Therefore, fluids weakening the adhesion of hydrocarbons to pore walls and increasing permeability of the rock by e.g. mineral cement dissolution, are injected to the deposits in order to augment production. All such measures however, including enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods such as the injection of supercritical CO2 may increase the recovery factor of the original oil in place by further 10 % only. Consequently, most of the hydrocarbon wealth in oil and gas reservoirs cannot be extracted and is lost to future generations. It is thus of high importance to understand the fundamental wetting processes in the pore space, to better develop the potential of oil and gas production from reservoir rocks and to secure the fossil energy supply.
Experimental study of Love wave sensor response by phase and group velocity measurement

The effect of dispersion on acoustic wave sensors is considered experimentally. A recent theoretical prediction that the phase velocity mass sensitivity of guided shear horizontal surface acoustic wave devices can be obtained using measurements of phase and group velocity, and that the group velocity is highly sensitive to mass loading, is investigated. Experimental data for a polymer-coated surface-skimming bulk wave device on an ST quartz substrate is presented. Measurements of phase velocity, group velocity, and insertion loss determined by a network analyzer were obtained by systematically increasing the guiding layer thickness. Liquid sensing using poly (ethylene glycol) solutions with increasing densities were performed and phase and group velocities measured. The increase in mass sensitivity with the guiding layer thickness is significant and the data confirms the theoretical prediction that group velocity is a more sensitive parameter than the phase velocity to liquid loading.
Corporate governance practices in Fiji: An empirical investigation

* Department of Finance, Waikato Management School, The University of Waikato ** Department of Accounting, Waikato Management School, The University of Waikato Abstract This study investigates the nature and extent of compliance to the principle-based corporate governance initiatives by the listed companies in the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPSE) in Fiji. Three important questions are addressed: (i) whether listed companies in Fiji have complied with the principle-based governance practices: (ii) did compliance with principlebased recommendations lead to an improvement in the listed company‟s financial performance? and (iii) how the institutional factors have contributed towards corporate governance practices in Fiji? Panel data for the SPSE companies over the period 2008-2010 are analysed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Tobin‟s Q, Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) and Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation to Total Revenue (EBITDA2REV) metrics are used as dependent variables. Findings indicate that listed companies have adopted the Capital Market Development Authority‟s (CMDA) recommendations, establishing subcommittees for audit and remuneration, and having nonexecutive/independent directors on the board. The result supports the view that the CMDA recommendations of board sub-committees (Audit and Remuneration) have had positive influence on company performance measured by Tobin‟s Q. The findings of this study give support to the principle-based corporate governance practices adopted in Fiji. The results of this study provide useful insights to both regulators and policy analysts (in Fiji and internationally) seeking to enhance both governance and firm performance in their own jurisdiction. JEL Classification: G-3