Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein A-I Adopts a Belt-like Orientation in Reconstituted High Density Lipoproteins*

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is the major protein associated with high density lipoprotein (HDL), and its plasma levels have been correlated with protection against atherosclerosis. Unfortunately, the structural basis of this phenomenon is not fully understood. Over 25 years of study have produced two general models of apoA-I structure in discoidal HDL complexes. The “belt” model states that the amphipathic helices of apoA-I are aligned perpendicular to the acyl chains of the lipid bilayer, whereas the “picket fence” model argues that the helices are aligned parallel with the acyl chains. To distinguish between the two models, various single tryptophan mutants of apoA-I were analyzed in reconstituted, discoidal HDL particles composed of phospholipids containing nitroxide spin labels at various positions along the acyl chain. We have previously used this technique to show that the orientation of helix 4 of apoA-I is most consistent with the belt model. In this study, we performed additional control experiments on helix 4, and we extended the results by performing the same analysis on the remaining 22-mer helices (helices 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10) of human apoA-I. For each helix, two different mutants were produced that each contained a probe Trp occurring two helical turns apart. In the belt model, the two Trp residues in each helix should exhibit maximal quenching at the same nitroxide group position on the lipid acyl chains. For the picket fence model, maximal quenching should occur at two different levels in the bilayer. The results show that the majority of the helices are in an orientation that is consistent with a belt model, because most Trp residues localized to a position about 5 Å from the center of the bilayer. This study corroborates a belt hypothesis for the majority of the helices of apoA-I in phospholipid discs.
The influence of different electronic maps and displays on performance and operator state in a geographic orientation task

Mobile electronic displays for geographic orientation and navigation are used increasingly in various civil and military domains. But it is still unclear which displays and kinds of map presentation suit best for specific purposes. In the present experiment, a head-mounted display (HMD) and a display from a personal digital assistant (PDA) were compared in a simulated geographic orientation task in an urban environment. Furthermore, the effect of three kinds of map presentation (egocentric, geocentric and geocentric with colour cues) was analysed. The simulated orientation task was projected on a screen and participants controlled their locomotion within the urban area by means of a joystick. Task completion time, peripheral attention, workload, fatigue and simulator sickness were registered as dependent variables. In comparison to the geocentric map the egocentric map showed a significant shorter task completion time and the geocentric map with colour cues a significant higher peripheral attention. Task completion time of the HMD and the PDA did not differ significantly. However, peripheral attention and most indices of workload, fatigue and simulator sickness were significantly better for the PDA. Therefore, the results recommend to apply PDAs and egocentric maps for comparable orientation tasks.
ESTIMATION OF APPROXIMATE FACTOR MODELS: IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A LARGE NUMBER OF VARIABLES?

The use of principal component techniques to estimate approximate factor models with large cross-sectional dimension is now well established. However, recent work by Inklaar, Jacobs and Romp (2003) and Boivin and Ng (2005) has cast some doubt on the importance of a large cross-sectional dimension for the precision of the estimates. This paper presents some new theory for approximate factor model estimation. Consistency is proved and rates of convergence are derived under conditions that allow for a greater degree of cross-correlation in the model disturbances than previously published results. The rates of convergence depend on the rate at which the cross-sectional correlation of the model disturbances grows as the cross-sectional dimension grows. The consequences for applied economic analysis are discussed.
The Frontiers of Auditing Research

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to examine issues at the frontiers of auditing research. After the global financial crisis and the earlier round of reforms, there are many opportunities for research, some driven by current proposals for reforms and some by fundamental research issues. Research can contribute to the development of policy in response to current issues. Research can also be valuable in exploring issues raised in past research. Design/methodology/approach - – Issues that are currently of concern to regulators and for which research would be of value are reviewed, together with fundamental issues arising from previous research. Findings - – The introduction of independent regulation, increasing levels of globalization and increased attention to research by regulatory bodies have drawn attention to some research issues, especially auditors providing non-audit services, rotation of audit firms, joint audits and ways to provide increased competition. In addition, there are a number of areas in which there seems to be an obvious need for auditing research, but surprisingly little research is being done. These topics include the impact of higher-quality auditing in developing economies, and assurance for other entities such as charities and small companies. As more attention is now being given to auditing research, there are opportunities in established areas of research as well. Originality/value - – Research is starting to make a contribution in policy making with relation to auditing, but there is still a need for much more research. The paper provides guidance on areas where further research will be valuable.
Lipid metabolism in women

Differences in whole-body lipid metabolism between men and women are indicated by lower-body fat accumulation in women but more marked accumulation of fat in the intra-abdominal visceral fat depots of men. Circulating blood lipid concentrations also show gender-related differences. These differences are most marked in premenopausal women, in whom total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations are lower and HDL-cholesterol concentration is higher than in men. Tendency to accumulate body fat in intra-abdominal fat stores is linked to increased risk of CVD, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and other insulin-resistant states. Differential regional regulation of adipose tissue lipolysis and lipogenesis must underlie gender-related differences in the tendency to accumulate fat in specific fat depots. However, empirical data to support current hypotheses remain limited at the present time because of the demanding and specialist nature of the methods used to study adipose tissue metabolism in human subjects. In vitro and in vivo data show greater lipolytic sensitivity of abdominal subcutaneous fat and lesser lipolytic sensitivity of femoral and gluteal subcutaneous fat in women than in men. These differences appear to be due to fewer inhibitory α adrenergic receptors in abdominal regions and greater α adrenergic receptors in gluteal and femoral regions in women than in men. There do not appear to be major gender-related differences in rates of fatty acid uptake (lipogenesis) in different subcutaneous adipose tissue regions. In visceral fat rates of both lipolysis and lipogenesis appear to be greater in men than in women; higher rates of lipolysis may be due to fewer α adrenergic receptors in this fat depot in men. Fatty acid uptake into this depot in the postprandial period is approximately 7-fold higher in men than in women. Triacylglycerol concentrations appear to be a stronger cardiovascular risk factor in women than in men, with particular implications for cardiovascular risk in diabetic women. The increased triacylglycerol concentrations observed in women taking hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) may explain the paradoxical findings of increased rates of CVD in women taking HRT that have been reported from recent primary and secondary prevention trials of HRT.
CEACAM1-4S, a cell–cell adhesion molecule, mediates apoptosis and reverts mammary carcinoma cells to a normal morphogenic phenotype in a 3D culture

In a 3D model of breast morphogenesis, CEACAM1 (carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1) plays an essential role in lumen formation in a subline of the nonmalignant human breast cell line (MCF10A). We show that mammary carcinoma cells (MCF7), which do not express CEACAM1 or form lumena when grown in Matrigel, are restored to a normal morphogenic program when transfected with CEACAM1-4S, the short cytoplasmic isoform of CEACAM1 that predominates in breast epithelia. During the time course of lumen formation, CEACAM1-4S was found initially between the cells, and in mature acini, it was found exclusively in an apical location, identical to its expression pattern in normal breast. Lumena were formed by apoptosis as opposed to necrosis of the central cells within the alveolar structures, and apoptotic cells within the lumena expressed CEACAM1-4S. Dying cells exhibited classical hallmarks of apoptosis, including nuclear condensation, membrane blebbing, caspase activation, and DNA laddering. Apoptosis was mediated by Bax translocation to the mitochondria and release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm, and was partially inhibited by culturing cells with caspase inhibitors. The dynamic changes in CEACAM1 expression during morphogenesis, together with studies implicating extracellular matrix and integrin signaling, suggest that a morphogenic program integrates cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix signaling to produce the lumena in mammary glands. This report reveals a function of CEACAM1-4S relevant to cellular physiology that distinguishes it from its related long cytoplasmic domain isoform.
Terrestrial algae of hypersaline environments of the Central Syvash islands (Kherson Region, Ukraine)

In hypersaline environments of the Churiuk and Kuyuk-Tuk islands located in Central Syvash lagoon (Ukraine) 93 species of oxygenic phototrophs (49 Cyanoprokaryota, 29 Chlorophyta, 12 Bacillariophyta, 2 Xanthophyta, 1 Streptophyta, 1 Eustigmatophyta) are recorded. The sites studied represent four basic types of habitats: semi-terrestrial ecotone (littoral heavy-loam solonchak free of vascular plants), wet gleyic solonchak covered by sparce halophytic vegetation, gleyic solonetz under saline meadow vegetation, and chestnut solonetzic soil with Steppa salsuginosa formation. They differ in the taxonomic composition and species diversity of algae. The highest species diversity is observed at sites of wet gleyic solonchaks (71 species of five divisions), the lowest diversity (23 species belonging to three divisions) in the harsh littoral ecotone. The distribution and abundance of species in the four habitats are discussed with reference to their ecology. Descriptions and original drawings of noteworthy taxa of Chlorophyta and Xanthophyta are presented.
The Effect of Training on Employee Retention

Our study is related to the concept of employee retention which is heavily dependent on job training. Job training is one of the most important factors in retaining employees in the organizations. Our major focus is on the key variables: training, types of training and duration of training. Intervening variables are rewards and supervisory support to the employees. This research is conducted on a sample scale of 100 from Telenor, Telecommunication sector. The survey showed the result on job training and employee retention. It was a gender wise collection with the further distribution and comparison with the key variables and intervening variables. According to the findings of research, female and male employees have their interest in participating in training. Rewards and supervisory support is found to be the demand of employees irrespective of female or male.
The non-Boussinesq lock-exchange problem. Part 1. Theory and experiments

The results of an experimental study of the non-Boussinesq lock-exchange problem are described. The experiments were performed in a rectangular channel using water and either a sodium iodide solution or a sodium chloride solution as the two fluids. These combinations of fluids have density ratios (light over heavy density) in the range 0.61 to 1. A two-layer hydraulic theory is developed to model the experiments. The theory assumes that a light gravity current propagates in one direction along the top of the channel and a heavy gravity current propagates in the opposite direction along the bottom of the channel. The two currents are assumed to be connected by either a combination of an internal bore and an expansion wave, or just an expansion wave. The present results, previous experimental results and two-dimensional numerical simulations from a companion paper are compared with the theory. The results of the comparison lead to the conclusion that the theory without the internal bore is the most appropriate.
Challenges Of Studying Attributes Associated With African American Males Who Are Not Successful With Testing Measures

AMERICAN MALES WHO ARE NOT SUCCESSUL WITH TESTING MEASURES by Marvin H. McGinnis Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF EDUCATION in EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICY STUDIES APPROVED: _________________________ _________________________ Steve R. Parson, Chair Benjamin Dixon, Co-chair
Subcellular distribution of gentamicin in proximal tubular cells, determined by immunogold labeling

The subcellular distribution of gentamicin in rat renal proximal tubular cells was evaluated by immunogold labeling. The distribution of the drug was monitored from 10 min to 10 days following single (40 mg/kg of body weight) and multiple (5 and 20 mg/kg/12 h) injections of gentamicin. Animals were killed on day 11, and cubes of renal cortex tissue were fixed overnight in cold phosphate-buffered glutaraldehyde (0.5%), dehydrated in ethanol, and embedded in Araldite 502 epoxy resin. Ultrathin sections were made and incubated with sheep antigentamicin and then with protein A-gold (15 nm) complex. At 10 min after a single injection, the labeling was found over the brush border membrane and over the membranes of endocytic apical vesicles of proximal tubular cells. After 1 h, a similar distribution was observed and the labeling was also seen over small lysosomes located close to the brush border membrane. At 24 h, gold particles were found over large lysosomes of proximal tubular cells. Following 10 days of treatment, lysosomes of proximal tubular cells were densely labeled with gold particles. The labeling was distributed uniformly over the lysosomes, although a lower density of labeling was observed over the myeloid bodies inside the lysosomes. Necrotic proximal tubular cells showed labeling over intact lysosomes and also in the cytoplasms of the cells, in the mitochondria, and in the nucleoli. The various control experiments demonstrated the high specificity of these results. The present immunocytochemical study better documents the subcellular disposition of gentamicin in proximal tubular cells, as previously evaluated by subcellular fractionation and autoradiography. This technique will be useful for better understanding the relationship between drug disposition and drug-induced toxicity.
Corporate Governance in Bangladesh: A Quest for the Accountability or Legitimacy Crisis?

Purpose – This study aims at presenting an overview, development, and process of current corporate governance practices in Bangladesh. Design/Methodology/Approach – Based on New Institutional Sociology (NIS) as a theoretical framework and by using archival data, this study highlights the roles of key institutional forces in reinforcing the existing corporate governance practices in Bangladesh. Findings – This study notes that corporate governance practices in Bangladesh are still at infancy. While Bangladesh is trying to adopt many international corporate governance best practices for institutional legitimacy, the weak institutional enforcement regime, along with the absence of an effective check and balance, poses serious challenges to the firm-level good corporate governance practices in Bangladesh. The absence of isomorphic pressures to regulate the firms leads to many incidences of noncompliance. Practical implications – This study takes part in the following global debate: whether corporate governance in an emerging economy is a reality or an illusion. Originality/Value – This study seeks to contribute to the increasing literature by recognizing the interest of readers, academics, practitioners, and regulators to gain more insight and understanding of corporate governance practices in an emerging economy, such as Bangladesh.
Combined Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure and Temperature for Inactivation of Bacillus anthracis Spores

ABSTRACT Spores of Bacillus anthracis are known to be extremely resistant to heat treatment, irradiation, desiccation, and disinfectants. To determine inactivation kinetics of spores by high pressure, B. anthracis spores of a Sterne strain-derived mutant deficient in the production of the toxin components (strain RP42) were exposed to pressures ranging from 280 to 500 MPa for 10 min to 6 h, combined with temperatures ranging from 20 to 75°C. The combination of heat and pressure resulted in complete destruction of B. anthracis spores, with a D value (exposure time for 90% inactivation of the spore population) of approximately 4 min after pressurization at 500 MPa and 75°C, compared to 160 min at 500 MPa and 20°C and 348 min at atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa) and 75°C. The use of high pressure for spore inactivation represents a considerable improvement over other available methods of spore inactivation and could be of interest for antigenic spore preparation.
Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: does age at the time of surgery affect outcome?

HYPOTHESIS Functional outcome and quality of life in older patients (>55 years) undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis have been incompletely studied. Our aim was to update our understanding on how the age of the patient at the time of surgery influences functional outcome and quality of life after IPAA. METHODS From January 1, 1981, to December 31, 2000, two thousand two patients who underwent IPAA were studied. Patients were grouped by age at operation: 45 years or younger (n = 1688), between 46 and 55 years (n = 249), and older than 55 years (n = 65). Mean age was 33.5 years. Postoperative complications, function, and quality of life were assessed with a questionnaire administered annually. RESULTS Follow-up for patients older than 55 years was a mean +/- SD of 8.1 +/- 4.8 years. Overall, follow-up was a mean of 10.1 +/- 5.7 years. The pouch failure rate for patients older than 55 years was 1.6% at 10 years. No statistically significant difference in pouch failure between age groups was observed. Overall, frequent daytime and nighttime incontinence, respectively, occurred in 5.6% and 13.3% of the patients at 10 years. Incontinence was more common in older patients (P = .002 at 3 years). Quality of life as assessed by social activities, work, travel, sexual activity, family relationships, and sports and recreation was not significantly different among age groups. Most patients felt that their condition had improved or that they had no restrictions after IPAA. CONCLUSIONS Postoperative complications after surgery seem to be unrelated to age at the time of surgery. Although incontinence may occur more frequently in older patients, IPAA does not adversely affect quality of life in patients older than 55 years.
The Equity Risk Premium: The Long-Run Future of the Stock Market

The Equity Risk Premium-the difference between the rate of return on common stock and the return on government securities-has been widely recognized as the key to forecasting future returns on the stock market. Though relatively simple in theory, understanding and making practical use of the equity risk premium concept has been dauntingly complex-until now. In The Equity Risk Premium, financial advisor, author, and scholar Bradford Cornell makes accessible for the first time an authoritative explanation of the equity risk premium and how it works in the real world. Step-by-step, his lucid, nontechnical presentation leads the reader to a new and more enlightened basis for making asset allocation choices. Cornell begins his analysis by looking at the equity risk premium in the light of stock market history. He examines the use of historical data in estimating future stock market performance, including the historical relationship between stock returns and risk premium, the impact of survival bias, and the effect of long-horizon stock and bond returns. Using the stock market boom of the 1990s as a case study, Cornell demonstrates what equity risk premium analysis can tell us about whether stock prices are high or low, whether the stock market itself may have changed, and whether indeed a new economic paradigm of higher earnings and dividend growth is now in place. Cornell analyzes forward-looking estimates of the equity risk premium through the lens of various competing approaches and assesses the relative merits of each. Among those scrutinized are the Discounted Cash Flow model, the Kaplan-Rubeck study, the Welch survey, and the Fama-French Aggregate IRR analysis. His insights on risk aversion theory, on the types of risk that have been rewarded over time, and on changing investor demographics all supply the sophisticated investor with important pieces of the risk premium puzzle. In his invaluable summing up of the equity risk premium and the long-run outlook for common stocks, Cornell weighs the evidence and assays the impact of a lower equity risk premium in the future-and its profound implications for investments, corporate decision making, and retirement planning. The product of years of serious analysis and hard-won insights, The Equity Risk Premium is essential reading for institutional investors, money managers, corporate financial officers, and all others who require a higher level of market analysis.
Dynamics of alanine aminotransferase during hepatitis C virus treatment

Studies of the kinetics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) decline during interferon (IFN)‐based therapy have led to insights into treatment efficacy. However, the kinetics of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), an enzyme used as a surrogate of liver damage, have not been closely monitored, and it is not known if they correlate with those of HCV RNA. Here we describe the associations between ALT and HCV dynamics. We analyzed 35 patients treated daily with 10 mIU IFN‐α2b with or without ribavarin for 28 days followed by standard IFN/ribavirin therapy. Patients exhibited 4 patterns of ALT change: (1) exponential decay of ALT, (2) transient increase in ALT followed by a decrease to pretreatment or normal levels, (3) increase in ALT to a new level, and (4) no significant change. By simultaneously modeling HCV and ALT dynamics, we successfully fit the observed changes. We found ALT decays with t1/2 = 12.7 hours. The transient increase in ALT observed in some patients suggested a mild hepatotoxic effect of IFN. However, patients with a smaller initial ALT increase achieved higher rates of viral negativity by week 72 (P = .02). The week‐4 ALT decline correlated with the HCV log drop (P = .006) and the efficacy of therapy (P = .025). In conclusion, our results suggest the use of ALT as a surrogate marker for treatment effect in patients with elevated ALT.