Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphoacetylation of histone H3 on c‐fos‐ and c‐jun‐associated nucleosomes upon gene activation

The induction of immediate‐early (IE) genes, including proto‐oncogenes c‐fos and c‐jun, correlates well with a nucleosomal response, the phosphorylation of histone H3 and HMG‐14 mediated via extracellular signal regulated kinase or p38 MAP kinase cascades. Phosphorylation is targeted to a minute fraction of histone H3, which is also especially susceptible to hyperacetylation. Here, we provide direct evidence that phosphorylation and acetylation of histone H3 occur on the same histone H3 tail on nucleosomes associated with active IE gene chromatin. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were performed using antibodies that specifically recognize the doubly‐modified phosphoacetylated form of histone H3. Analysis of the associated DNA shows that histone H3 on c‐fos‐ and c‐jun‐associated nucleosomes becomes doubly‐modified, the same H3 tails becoming both phosphorylated and acetylated, only upon gene activation. This study reveals potential complications of occlusion when using site‐specific antibodies against modified histones, and shows also that phosphorylated H3 is more sensitive to trichostatin A (TSA)‐induced hyperacetylation than non‐phosphorylated H3. Because MAP kinase‐mediated gene induction is implicated in controlling diverse biological processes, histone H3 phosphoacetylation is likely to be of widespread significance.
Ocular biometric measurements in cataract surgery candidates in Portugal

Objective Describe the ocular biometric parameters and their associations in a population of cataract surgery candidates. Methods A cross-sectional study of 13,012 eyes of 6,506 patients was performed. Biometric parameters of the eyes were measured by optical low-coherence reflectometry. The axial length (AL), mean keratometry (K) and astigmatism, anterior chamber depth (ACD) (epithelium to lens), lens thickness (LT), and Corneal Diameter (CD) were evaluated. Results The mean age was 69 ± 10 years (44–99 years). Mean AL, Km, and ACD were 23.87 ± 1.55 mm (19.8–31.92 mm), 43.91 ± 1.71 D (40.61–51.14 D), and 3.25 ± 0.44 mm (2.04–5.28 mm), respectively. The mean LT was 4.32 ± 0.49 mm (2.73–5.77 mm) and the mean CD was 12.02 ± 0.46 mm (10.50–14.15 mm). The mean corneal astigmatism was 1.08 ± 0.84 D (0.00–7.58 D) and 43.5% of eyes had astigmatism ≥ 1.00 D. Male patients had longer AL and ACDs (p < .001) and flatter corneas (p < .001). In regression models considering age, gender, Km, ACD, LT, and CD, a longer AL was associated with being male and having higher ACD, LT and CD. Conclusions These data represent normative biometric values for the Portuguese population. The greatest predictor of ocular biometrics was gender. There was no significant correlation between age and AL, ACD, or Km. These results may be relevant in the evaluation of refractive error and in the calculation of intraocular lens power.
Neuronal Apoptotic Signaling Pathways Probed and Intervened by Synthetically and Modularly Modified (SMM) Chemokines*

As the main coreceptors for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry, CXCR4 and CCR5 play important roles in HIV-associated dementia (HAD). HIV-1 glycoprotein gp120 contributes to HAD by causing neuronal damage and death, either directly by triggering apoptotic pathways or indirectly by stimulating glial cells to release neurotoxins. Here, to understand the mechanism of CXCR4 or CCR5 signaling in neuronal apoptosis associated with HAD, we have applied synthetically and modularly modified (SMM)-chemokine analogs derived from natural stromal cell-derived factor-1α or viral macrophage inflammatory protein-II as chemical probes of the mechanism(s) whereby these SMM-chemokines prevent or promote neuronal apoptosis. We show that inherently neurotoxic natural ligands of CXCR4, such as stromal cell-derived factor-1α or viral macrophage inflammatory protein-II, can be modified to protect neurons from apoptosis induced by CXCR4-preferring gp120IIIB, and that the inhibition of CCR5 by antagonist SMM-chemokines, unlike neuroprotective CCR5 natural ligands, leads to neurotoxicity by activating a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent pathway. Furthermore, we discover distinct signaling pathways activated by different chemokine ligands that are either natural agonists or synthetic antagonists, thus demonstrating a chemical biology strategy of using chemically engineered inhibitors of chemokine receptors to study the signaling mechanism of neuronal apoptosis and survival.
Genetic polymorphism of Merozoite Surface Protein-2 (MSP-2) in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Pawe District, North West Ethiopia

Background In malaria endemic regions, Plasmodium falciparum infection is characterized by extensive genetic diversity. Describing this diversity provides important information about the local malaria situation. This study was conducted to evaluate the extent of genetic diversity of P. falciparum in Pawe district, North West Ethiopia, using the highly polymorphic merozoite surface protein 2 gene. Methods Atotal of 92 isolates from patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum attending Pawe Health Centre were collected from September to December 2013. Genomic DNA was extracted using the Chelex method and analyzed by length polymorphism following gel electrophoresis of DNA products from nested PCR of msp2 (block 3), targeting allelic families of FC27 and 3D7/IC. Results There were twenty-two different msp2 alleles, 11 corresponding to the 3D7/ IC and 11 to the FC27 allelic family. The frequency of isolates of the msp2 3D7/IC allelic familywas higher (51%) compared to FC27 (49%). The majority of the isolates (76%) contained multiple infections andthe overall mean multiplicity of infection was 2.8 (CI 95% 2.55–3.03). The heterozygosity index was 0.66 for msp2. There was no statically significant difference in the multiplicity of infection by age or parasite density. Conclusions The results of this study show that P.falciparum polymorphismsare extensive in Northwest Ethiopia and most of the infections are composed of multiple clones.
Combined Effects of Short-term Calorie Restriction and Exercise on Insulin Action in Normal Rats

The present study examined the effect of combination of short-term calorie restriction (CR) and moderate exercise on insulin action in normal rats. Rats were divided randomly into 4 groups: ad libitum, sedentary (A-Sed); calorie restriction, sedentary (CR-Sed); ad libitum, exercise (A-Ex); and calorie restriction, exercise (CR-Ex). Rats in the exercise groups were run on a rodent treadmill. Rats in the CR groups were fed every alternate day. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) showed improvements in both CR-Sed and A-Ex groups compared with the A-Sed group; no further improvement in glucose tolerance was observed in the CR-Ex group. In contrast, glucose infusion rates (GIRs) determined by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp method indicated that the GIR of the CR and exercise combination was significantly better than that of the sole intervention of CR or exercise. There was no difference in the levels of fasting glucose, insulin, or high-molecular weight forms of adiponectin among the 4 groups. Protein expression of GLUT-4 in the skeletal muscle increased by exercise, but not by CR. Our findings indicate that the combination of exercise and CR may be effective in enhancing insulin sensitivity at the skeletal muscle in normal subjects.
The intergenerational transmission of education. A meta-regression analysis

ABSTRACT In this article, we evaluate the extent of the causal effect of parental education on the education of their children. We review this empirical literature and propose a multivariate meta-regression analysis. Our database is composed of a large set of both published and unpublished papers written in the period 2002–2014. The articles considered differ in the data sources, explanatory variables, econometric strategy applied, and the type of publication. In spite of the large heterogeneity of studies and evidence for publication bias, we find a transmission of education from parents to their children that amounts to 0.15.
Ionic currents in crustacean neurosecretory cells.

1. The patterns of electrical activity and membrane characteristics of a population of neurosecretory-cell somata in the X-organ of the crayfish were investigated with microelectrodes and whole-cell, voltage-clamp techniques. Some neurons (56%) were silent but could be excited by intracellular current injection: other cells showed spontaneous tonic activity (35%), and some had spontaneous bursting activity (9%). The spiking activity was abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX) exposure and by severing the axon near the cell body. After axotomy, only a small, slow, regenerative depolarization remained that could be blocked by Cd2+. 2. Under voltage clamp the steady-state I-V curve in low [Ca2+]i (9 X 10(-9) M) showed a slope conductance of 16.7 +/- 3.9 (SD) nS (n = 10) at -50 mV and zero current potential of -50.1 +/- 7.7 mV. In current-clamp mode these neurons were either silent or fired tonically. With high [Ca2+]i (1.7 X 10(-6) M) both the slope conductance and inward and outward currents were reduced. In some neurons high [Ca2+]i reveals a negative slope resistance in the range of -46 to -41 mV. It could be supressed by removing [Na+]o, but it was TTX insensitive. These are the neurons that under current clamp showed bursting activity. 3. The main inward current in cell somata was a Ca2+ current of 2 +/- 0.6 nA (n = 18), activated at -40 mV and peaking at 20 mV. It showed relaxation with prolonged pulses. No Na(+)-dependent, TTX-sensitive inward currents were recorded with short (100-ms) pulses in axotomized neurons. 4. Two outward currents could be distinguished. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Different Types of Investor Reactions to Annual Reports

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the different investor behaviors after the release of annual reports and their reactions to revenue information. Accordingly, we use a unique dataset of account information for all shareholders in China’s Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Our results indicate that individual investors are apt to increase their positions after the release of the annual report, whereas institutional investors do the opposite. Moreover, we determine that institutional investors tend to buy shareholdings after obtaining positive revenue information, whereas the behavior of individual investors is the opposite. We assume that their different degrees of overconfidence lead to different behaviors after the annual reports and revenue information are released. Evidently, individual investors are more overconfident than institutional investors.
JPR: Replaying JPF Traces Using Standard JVM

Java PathFinder (JPF) is a backtrackable Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which is implemented in Java and runs on a standard JVM (e.g., Oracle HotSpot). Thus, a JPF developer can use off-the- shelf Java debuggers (e.g., jdb) when debugging code that makes up JPF. JPF explores all non-deterministic executions of a given target program and monitors for property violations. To facilitate debugging of the target program, JPF can capture and replay the execution trace that leads to a property violation. While the deterministic replay is invaluable, the replay with JPF does not allow the developer to attach an off-the-shelf Java debugger to the target program (e.g., step through the application code, set breakpoints, etc.). We present a technique, dubbed JPR, to improve the debugging experience of the JPF captured traces by migrating the JPF traces to a new format that can be executed using the standard JVM. JPR annotates each JPF trace, during the capture phase, with ex- tra data (e.g., instruction index, instruction count, etc.); the an- notated trace is then used to instrument Java bytecode to enforce the same execution trace on a standard JVM. JPR is compatible with various optimizations, e.g., state matching and partial-order reduction. We evaluated JPR on all multi-threaded Java pro- grams in the official JPF distribution. Our results show that JPR successfully replayed all JPF traces on the standard JVM with reasonable overhead during both recording and replaying.
Immobilization of red anthocyanin extract of Dendrobium Sonia ‘Red Bom’ in calcium alginate beads

By using different concentrations of alginate and calcium chloride solutions, calcium alginate beads (CAB) of different sizes and shapes were prepared. Macro-CAB were spherical and of size 1.33 mm and micro-CAB were oblong shape of size 0.45×0.22 mm as determined by SEM. For ease of handling and storage of natural colorant, the red anthocyanin extract from Dendrobium Sonia ‘Red Bom’ (DSAE) orchid flower were immobilized by loading into these beads to produce red colored beads. The morphologies and sizes of the blank and red CAB were examined and determined by SEM. The red macro-CAB were found to be significantly smaller than the blank macro-CAB while the blank and red micro-CAB were similar in sizes. Loading efficiency of macro-CAB was higher than the micro-CAB and the color of red macro-CAB was more intense and brightly colored than the red micro-CAB. Release studies showed that the immobilized red DSAE were released instantaneously from macro- and micro-CAB into the solution. Therefore red CAB can be used to dye a variety of food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Immobilization of red DSAE in calcium alginate beads provides an easy means of handling, storing and ready application of the natural red anthocyanins colorant for intended applications.
Hypochondriasis Y-BOCS: a study of the psychometric properties of a clinician-administered semi-structured interview to assess hypochondriacal thoughts and behaviours.

INTRODUCTION This study investigated the psychometric properties of the first clinician-administered semi-structured interview for assessing the severity of hypochondriacal symptoms. The Hypochondriasis Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (H-YBOCS) consisted of three a priori dimensions: hypochondriacal obsessions, compulsions and avoidance. METHODS The 16-item interview was conducted with 112 participants with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, hypochondriasis. We analysed factor analytic structure, reliability, construct validity and sensitivity to change. RESULTS Factor analysis supported a three-factor model similar to the a priori dimensions. Internal consistency ranged from satisfactory to good. Inter-rater reliability was excellent. The construct validity was low to moderate. The H-YBOCS was sensitive for measuring changes in symptom severity. CONCLUSION The H-YBOCS is a (factorially) valid and coherent interview with a high level of agreement across different raters. The relatively low discriminant validity could be due to co-morbid anxiety and depressive disorders. Overall, the H-YBOCS seems to be a promising contribution to the assessment of hypochondriasis. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE *The hypochondriasis Y-BOCS is a feasible clinician rated interview to assess the severity of hypochondriacal complaints.
Decoding Trans-Saccadic Memory

We examine whether peripheral information at a planned saccade target affects immediate postsaccadic processing at the fovea on saccade landing. Current neuroimaging research suggests that presaccadic stimulation has a late effect on postsaccadic processing, in contrast to the early effect seen in behavioral studies. Human participants (both male and female) were instructed to saccade toward a face or a house that, on different trials, remained the same, changed, or disappeared during the saccade. We used a multivariate pattern analysis of electroencephalography data to decode face versus house processing directly after the saccade. The classifier was trained on separate trials without a saccade, where a house or face was presented at the fovea. When the saccade target remained the same across the saccade, we could reliably decode the target 123 ms after saccade offset. In contrast, when the target was changed during the saccade, the new target was decoded at a later time-point, 151 ms after saccade offset. The “same” condition advantage suggests that congruent presaccadic information facilitates processing of the postsaccadic stimulus compared with incongruent information. Finally, the saccade target could be decoded above chance even when it had been removed during the saccade, albeit with a slower time course (162 ms) and poorer signal strength. These findings indicate that information about the (peripheral) presaccadic stimulus is transferred across the saccade so that it becomes quickly available and influences processing at its expected new retinal position (the fovea). SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Here we provide neural evidence for early information transfer across saccades. Specifically, we examined the effect of presaccadic sensory information on the initial neuronal processing of a postsaccadic stimuli. Using electroencephalography and multivariate pattern analysis, we found the following: (1) that the identity of the presaccadic stimulus modulated the postsaccadic latency of stimulus relevant information; and (2) that a saccadic neural marker for a saccade target stimulus could be detected even when the stimulus had been removed during saccade. These results demonstrate that information about the peripheral presaccadic stimulus was transferred across the saccade and influenced processing at a new retinal position (the fovea) directly after the saccade landed.
Carrot or stick: CSR disclosures by Southeast Asian companies

PurposeMotivated by legitimacy theory, this paper aims to examine comprehensively corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure in Southeast Asian (Association of Southeast Asian Nations [ASEAN]) countries with the aim of disentangling whether such disclosures are the result of a proactive stance or a reaction to regulations.Design/methodology/approachAfter a content analysis of CSR stand-alone reports that relies on the Global Reporting Initiative as the basis for comparison, a multivariate analysis is carried out while controlling for firm-specific incentives and industry, country and year fixed effects.FindingsThe paper finds that CSR disclosure increased across the entire ASEAN. Although this increase cannot be directly ascribed to the introduction of regulations in Indonesia and Malaysia, the latter may have impacted choices of disclosure media. In countries where reporting requirements have become mandated, mandatory reporters show low levels, and voluntary reporters high levels, of CSR disclosure. The paper also finds that the attainment of CSR awards is related to disclosure. Additional analyses reveal a substitution effect between voluntary and mandatory incentives in countries with high levels of law enforcement.Practical implicationsThe evidence suggests that the introduction of regulations can be effective in improving the level and breadth of CSR reporting only in the presence of institutions that ensure the enforcement of the disclosure regulations.Social implicationsThe evidence suggests that organizations are reluctant to report on issues such as child labor, human rights and corruption. Organizations opportunistically employ related disclosure strategies that deviate from the underlying CSR performance.Originality/valueThe paper analyzes not only the level and breadth of CSR disclosure but also the motivation for its use across the still under-investigated ASEAN area, thus allowing an examination of the influence of institutional incentives above and beyond the firm-specific factors that drive CSR activities.
Willingness to pay estimates informing agribusiness decision making: a cautionary tale

Multiple methods to improve reliability of results when using willingness-to-pay (WTP) to evaluate consumer preferences have been developed. This study compared methods of accounting for attribute non-attendance (ANA) in WTP for food product attributes. Both inferred and stated ANA were studied and estimates of WTP for pork chop and bacon attributes were compared. A larger number of significant differences were found between stated or inferred ANA corrected models than between corrected and uncorrected models. Significant correlations between inferred and stated ANA were not present and WTP estimates from correcting for inferred ANA (IANA) or stated ANA were statistically different from one another. Exploring WTP estimates across ANA corrected models is imperative for improving models to provide insight into consumer preferences. These insights can be used in making production decisions in order to meet consumer demands and inconsistent results can lead to conflicting business decisions.
Assessing the thermal performance of envelope parts under climate change scenarios : Residential case studies in Egypt

The effect of building envelope (walls and fenestration) on the thermal comfort of the residential buildings in Egypt is the main concern for the authors' recent research work. The “the Egyptian residential energy code for improving energy efficiency” was taken as a guide to get the optimal energy performance and indoor thermal comfort. This paper presents the results of testing all the different elements of the building envelope together, to evaluate that the use of what seems to be the best solution for each part together will results in a better overall performance. To attain that, two HVAC case study buildings were simulated in three different Egyptian climatic zones, using the current climatic conditions and three other morphed climate change scenarios (2020, 2050 and 2080). Achieving the required rates for thermal comfort, as well as acquiring long term financial gains, both were the basic elements of evaluation. The results provide what seems to be a functionally and financially successful combination to fulfil the evaluation elements.
The impact of intellectual capital on firm performance: a study of Indian firms listed in COSPI

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of intellectual capital (IC) on financial performance (FP) for Indian companies listed on the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Overall Share Price Index (COSPI). Design/methodology/approach Hypotheses were developed according to theories and literature review. Secondary data were collected from Indian companies listed on the COSPI between 2001 and 2016, and the value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) of Pulic (2000) was used to measure IC and its components. A dynamic system generalized method of moments (SGMM) estimator was employed to identify the variables that significantly contribute to firm performance. Findings Indian listed firms appear to be performing well and efficiently utilizing their IC. Overall, human capital had a major impact on firm productivity during the study period. Furthermore, the empirical analysis showed that structural capital efficiency and capital employed efficiency were equally important contributors to firm’s sales growth and market value. The growing importance of the contribution of IC to value creation was consistently reflected in the FP of these Indian companies. Practical implications This study has robust theoretical grounds and employs a validated methodology. The present study extends knowledge of IC among academicians and managers and highlights its contribution to value creation. The findings may help stakeholders and policymakers in developing countries properly reallocate intellectual resources. Originality/value This study is the first study to evaluate IC and its relationship with traditional measures of firm performance among Indian listed firms using dynamic SGMM and VAIC models.