Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factor H C-Terminal Domains Are Critical for Regulation of Platelet/Granulocyte Aggregate Formation

Platelet/granulocyte aggregates (PGAs) increase thromboinflammation in the vasculature, and PGA formation is tightly controlled by the complement alternative pathway (AP) negative regulator, Factor H (FH). Mutations in FH are associated with the prothrombotic disease atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), yet it is unknown whether increased PGA formation contributes to the thrombosis seen in patients with aHUS. Here, flow cytometry assays were used to evaluate the effects of aHUS-related mutations on FH regulation of PGA formation and characterize the mechanism. Utilizing recombinant fragments of FH spanning the entire length of the protein, we mapped the regions of FH most critical for limiting AP activity on the surface of isolated human platelets and neutrophils, as well as the regions most critical for regulating PGA formation in human whole blood stimulated with thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP). FH domains 19–20 were the most critical for limiting AP activity on platelets, neutrophils, and at the platelet/granulocyte interface. The role of FH in PGA formation was attributed to its ability to regulate AP-mediated C5a generation. AHUS-related mutations in domains 19–20 caused differential effects on control of PGA formation and AP activity on platelets and neutrophils. Our data indicate FH C-terminal domains are key for regulating PGA formation, thus increased FH protection may have a beneficial impact on diseases characterized by increased PGA formation, such as cardiovascular disease. Additionally, aHUS-related mutations in domains 19–20 have varying effects on control of TRAP-mediated PGA formation, suggesting that some, but not all, aHUS-related mutations may cause increased PGA formation that contributes to excessive thrombosis in patients with aHUS.
Do Taxes Increase Economic Inequality? A Comparative Study Based on the State Personal Income Tax

I present new quasi-experimental evidence on the relationship between tax policies and the distribution of income. I focus on the twentieth century United States, and on the personal income tax, since its inception. I study three major policy events that, as the existing literature shows, significantly raised the revenues from the income tax: the introduction of the state personal income tax, the introduction of tax withholding together with third-party reporting, and the intergovernmental agreements between the federal and state governments to coordinate tax auditing efforts. All the three policies were introduced in a staggered fashion and increased tax revenues, but had different fiscal consequences. Despite this, I find that income inequality raised after all the tax policy events. The result is robust to different measures of economic inequality and econometric specifications.
Association between carbohydrate quality and inflammatory markers: systematic review of observational and interventional studies.

BACKGROUND Chronic low-grade inflammation is a likely intermediary between quality of carbohydrate and chronic disease risk. OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic literature search to evaluate the relevance of carbohydrate quality on inflammatory markers in observational and intervention studies. DESIGN MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies on associations between glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), dietary fiber or fiber supplements or whole grain intake, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) or interleukin 6 (IL-6). Included studies had to be conducted on adults (healthy, overweight, with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome features, but without inflammatory disease) with ≥20 participants and a 3-wk duration. RESULTS In total, 22 of the 60 studies that met our inclusion criteria examined GI/GL: 5 of 9 observational studies reported lower concentrations of hsCRP or IL-6 among persons with a lower dietary GI/GL; 3 of 13 intervention studies showed significant antiinflammatory effects of a low-GI/GL diet, and 4 further studies suggested beneficial effects (trends or effects in a subgroup). For fiber intake, 13 of 16 observational studies reported an inverse relation with hsCRP or IL-6, but only 1 of 11 intervention studies showed a significant antiinflammatory effect of fiber intake, and a further trial reported a beneficial trend. For whole-grain intake, 6 of 7 observational studies observed an inverse association with inflammatory markers, but only 1 of 7 intervention studies reported significant antiinflammatory effects, 1 further study was suggestive (in a subgroup) of such, and another study found an adverse effect (trend only). CONCLUSIONS Evidence from intervention studies for antiinflammatory benefits is less consistent for higher-fiber or whole-grain diets than for low-GI/GL diets. Benefits of higher fiber and whole-grain intakes suggested by observational studies may reflect confounding.
Regional localization of a glioma-associated antigen defined by monoclonal antibody 81C6 in vivo: kinetics and implications for diagnosis and therapy.

The pharmacokinetics and regional tissue distribution of two IgG2b immunoglobulins were studied in athymic mice with D54MG human glioma xenografts. Monoclonal antibody (Mab) 81C6, an antiglioma antibody, had a plasma half-life of 2.7 +/- 0.3 (SE) days; 45.6, a control immunoglobulin, had a plasma half-life of 3.3 +/- 0.4 days. The immunoreactive fraction of 81C6 in plasma fell slowly from 0.37 to 0.23 over 9 days. The blood-to-tissue transfer constant (K1) of Mab was 0.11 +/- 0.05 ml/g/h in brain xenografts and 0.07 +/- 0.02 ml/g/h in s.c. xenografts. In contrast, K1 in muscle (0.005 +/- 0.002) and brain (0.0004 +/- 0.0001 ml/g/h) was much lower. The equilibration half-time of Mab in extracellular space was 1.1 +/- 0.2 h in the brain xenografts, 3.6 +/- 1.4 h in s.c. xenografts, and 8.1 and 24 h in muscle and brain, respectively. Distribution and binding of 81C6 was heterogeneous in the xenografts. A binding potential of 5-14 was found centrally and a binding potential of 0.8-1.0 was found peripherally in the brain xenografts. In the s.c. xenografts, the binding potential was higher peripherally than centrally. The exposure of D54MG xenograft tissue to Mab 81C6 was not significantly limited by the permeability of the blood vessels or blood flow due to the long plasma half-life of the immunoglobulin. A comparison of Mab and alpha-aminoisobutyric acid influx constants suggests that Mab entry into intracerebral xenografts occurs through large pores without significant sieving or steric restriction. Under such conditions the differences in influx constants between immunoglobulin and smaller immunoglobulin fragments will be proportional to the differences in their aqueous diffusion constants.
The Role of Carbohydrates in the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Signalling

The interactions between sugar-containing molecules from the bacteria cell wall and pattern recognition receptors (PRR) on the plasma membrane or cytosol of specialized host cells are the first molecular events required for the activation of higher animal’s immune response and inflammation. This review focuses on the role of carbohydrates of bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS, lipooligosaccharide, LOS, and lipid A), in the interaction with the host Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (TLR4/MD-2) complex. The lipid chains and the phosphorylated disaccharide core of lipid A moiety are responsible for the TLR4 agonist action of LPS, and the specific interaction between MD-2, TLR4, and lipid A are key to the formation of the activated complex (TLR4/MD-2/LPS)2, which starts intracellular signalling leading to nuclear factors activation and to production of inflammatory cytokines. Subtle chemical variations in the lipid and sugar parts of lipid A cause dramatic changes in endotoxin activity and are also responsible for the switch from TLR4 agonism to antagonism. While the lipid A pharmacophore has been studied in detail and its structure-activity relationship is known, the contribution of core saccharides 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonic acid (Kdo) and heptosyl-2-keto-3-deoxy-octulosonate (Hep) to TLR4/MD-2 binding and activation by LPS and LOS has been investigated less extensively. This review focuses on the role of lipid A, but also of Kdo and Hep sugars in LPS/TLR4 signalling.
Molecular interactions in the priming complex of bacteriophage T7

The lagging-strand DNA polymerase requires an oligoribonucleotide, synthesized by DNA primase, to initiate the synthesis of an Okazaki fragment. In the replication system of bacteriophage T7 both DNA primase and DNA helicase activities are contained within a single protein, the bifunctional gene 4 protein (gp4). Intermolecular interactions between gp4 and T7 DNA polymerase are crucial for the stabilization of the oligoribonucleotide, its transfer to the polymerase, and its extension by DNA polymerase. We have identified conditions necessary to assemble the T7 priming complex and characterized its biophysical properties using fluorescence anisotropy. In order to reveal molecular interactions that occur during delivery of the oligoribonucleotide to DNA polymerase, we have used four genetically altered gp4 to demonstrate that both the RNA polymerase and the zinc-finger domains of DNA primase are involved in the stabilization of the priming complex and in sequence recognition in the DNA template. We find that the helicase domain of gp4 contributes to the stability of the complex by binding to the ssDNA template. The C-terminal tail of gp4 is not required for complex formation.
Determinants of the allocative, cost and scope efficiencies of Indian banks

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the impact of competition on determinants of allocative, scope and cost efficiencies of Indian scheduled commercial banks (SCBs). Specifically, the study, analyzes the impact of the second round of licensing on the efficiency of Indian SCBs. This is the first paper to measure scope efficiency of Indian banks and analyze its determinants. A two-stage analysis is performed on a balanced panel dataset of Indian SCBs for the period 1999–2016. In the first stage, the allocative, cost and scope efficiencies for each bank are estimated following the data envelopment analysis approach. In the second stage, internal determinants of the stated efficiency measures are estimated following the system of the generalized method of moments approach. The findings suggest that competition has not resulted in enhancing the efficiency of Indian SCBs. Among factors that can influence efficiency, it is seen that size does matter. Larger banks can enhance the efficiency of SCBs. It is also seen that having more foreign banks improves the overall efficiency of SCBs. However, before embarking on further rounds of licensing, the study posits that market-driven correction to succeed, it is imperative to address sunspots in the form of investor or borrower repression.
How Does Asymmetric Information Affect Catering Behavior?

ABSTRACT This study examines the association between information asymmetry and payout policy, and how asymmetric information affects catering behavior. Using forecast error and forecast dispersion as information asymmetry variables, this study finds that the more information asymmetry the firms face, the less likely they will increase dividends. Meanwhile, the effects of information asymmetry dominate over those of catering incentives for managers to decide dividend policy. Finally, our empirical results demonstrate that the signaling theory holds when dividend yield is high or market underestimates the EPS of firms. In addition, companies use share repurchases as a substitute for dividend increases, and take retained earnings into account when making dividend policies.
engagement among employees: a serial mediation model", engagement among hospitality employees: A serial mediation model”

Purpose - This paper aims to disclose some mechanisms whereby job engagement can be created in a hospitality context. A study was conducted to examine the relationships among high-performance work practices (HPWPs), empowering leadership behaviors, psychological empowerment, and engagement. Design/methodology/approach - A theoretical serial mediation model was developed to examine the proposed relationship. The hypotheses were tested using regression analysis with bootstrapping. 340 hotel workers participated in this study. Findings - Both empowering leadership and psychological empowerment were found to be independent mediators of the HPWPs-engagement relationship; in addition, empowering leadership and psychological empowerment mediated this relationship serially . Research implications Results suggest that hospitality organizations should implement HPWPs and encourage empowering leadership behavior in their managers to create a work context that fosters psychological empowerment. These strategies will, in turn, generate employee job engagement. A richer, deeper understanding of various antecedents of engagement is the main theoretical contribution of this work. Practical implications - This research stresses the importance of specific organizational conditions and managerial strategies in achieving psychological fulfillment of hospitality employees. In sum, the present study provides important insights for managers and human resource managers in the hospitality industry who seek to foster empowered, engaged employees. Originality/value - The findings suggest that HPWPs are associated with employee engagement through a serial mediation model with two mediators . No research to date has used this nascent methodology to explore the association between HPWPs and engagement.
Annotation: children's relationships with their non-resident fathers.

BACKGROUND The frequency of parental separation means that increasing numbers of children have fathers who live in different households from mother-and-child; the significance of contact and relationships between children and their non-resident fathers for children's adjustment is receiving growing attention. Lessons from this research are considered. METHODS Recent meta-analyses and overviews of research, and key research projects, are discussed. Findings related to contact and relationship quality are the main focus of the annotation. RESULTS Economic support from non-resident fathers is related to children's well-being, and continues to be a key factor. Findings on contact are more mixed, especially from early studies; the effect size of associations between contact and positive child outcome has increased in recent research. Quality of child-father relationships is consistently related to adjustment outcome. Authoritative parenting, involvement and feelings of closeness are of particular importance in relation to adjustment, and these links are related to the quality of mother-non-resident father relations, and the mother-child relationship. Age differences, patterns over time, and gender are discussed; the perspectives of fathers and the problems they face in maintaining authoritative relationships are considered. CONCLUSIONS The significance of child-non-resident father relationships for children's and fathers' well-being is clear and merits further research; fruitful new directions for such research, within the framework of other family relationships, are outlined.
Body mass index references for Turkish children

Aim: To construct the body mass index reference curves for Turkish children aged 6 to 18 y, and to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Subjects and methods: Height and weight measurements of healthy schoolchildren (1100 boys, 1019 girls) were obtained biannually. Body mass index was calculated from 11 648 height and weight measurements. Centile curves were constructed using the LMS method. Results: The smoothed percentile values and curves for body mass index in Turkish children show that there is a constant increase in body mass index values towards adulthood, especially during the pubertal years, in both sexes. The prevalence of overweight is 25% and obesity 4% in boys at age 18 y. The percentage of overweight and obesity in girls at age 14 was 15% and 1%, respectively. The sample size was too small to come to any conclusion regarding these rates at 18 y of age.
Safety and Outcome of Intra-Arterial Treatment for Basilar Artery Occlusion.

Importance After the many positive results in thrombectomy trials in ischemic stroke of the anterior circulation, the question arises whether these positive results also apply to the patient with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Objective To report up-to-date outcome data of intra-arterial (IA) treatment in patients with BAO and to evaluate the influence of collateral circulation on outcome. Design, Setting, and Participants Single-center retrospective case series of 38 consecutive patients with BAO who underwent IA treatment between 2006 and 2015 at a comprehensive stroke center. Exposures Intra-arterial treatment by mechanical thrombectomy and/or IA thrombolysis. Main Outcomes and Measures Adequate recanalization was defined as a score of 2b or 3 on the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score. Favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale of 0 to 3 at first follow-up. Imaging data on the patency of the vertebral arteries and posterior communicating arteries, as well as the presence of cerebellar arterial anastomosis, were recorded and posttreatment imaging results were reviewed. Results Of the 38 patients with BAO, mean (SD) age was 58 (16) years, and 21 (55%) were male. Twenty-seven patients (71%) were treated with intravenous thrombolysis before IA therapy. Mechanical thrombectomy was applied to 30 patients, and 7 patients received local urokinase without thrombectomy. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 21 (interquartile range [IQR], 15-32) points, and median time to IA treatment was 288 (IQR, 216-380) minutes. Adequate recanalization was achieved in 34 of 38 cases (89%). Functional outcome was favorable in 19 (50%) patients. No association between patent collateral circulation and favorable outcome was found. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 2 patients (5%). Conclusions and Relevance The proportion of patients reaching a favorable outcome in our study is comparable to the IA-treated group of the MR CLEAN trial and better than the results reported in the BASICS registry, suggesting that IA intervention in patients with BAO is an effective and safe treatment modality in daily clinical practice.
Effects of balance training on functional outcome after total knee replacement in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of additional balance training on mobility and function outcome in patients with knee osteoarthritis after total knee replacement. Design: A prospective intervention study and randomized controlled trial. Setting: A university-based teaching hospital. Participants: Patients who received total knee replacement surgery were recruited sequentially from the orthopedic department. They were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or control group. Interventions: The control group received conventional function training for eight weeks. The experimental group not only received the same conventional training as the control group, but also received additional balance exercises in each admission. Main outcome measures: Before and after training we took the following measurements: distance of functional forward reach; duration of single leg stance; timed sit-to-stand test; timed up-and-down stair test; timed 10-m walk; timed up-and-go test; and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score. Results: 58 patients in the experimental group with a mean (SD) age of 71.4 (6.6) years and 55 in the control group with mean (SD) age of 72.9 (7.3) years, completed the study. After eight-weeks intervention with additional balance exercises, the experimental group demonstrated significant changes in 10-m walk (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6 to 4.4 seconds) and in timed up-and-go (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval: 2.6 to 3.4 seconds) tests. Significant changes of all other measures and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score were also observed in the experimental group (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: Additional balance training exerted a significant beneficial effect on the function recovery and mobility outcome in patients with knee osteoarthritis after total knee replacement.
Histological and genetic changes in malignant transformation of gallbladder adenoma.

DESIGN Elucidate the histological and genetic changes in malignant transformation of adenoma of the gallbladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-three adenomas and 20 intramucosal tumors of carcinoma-in-adenomas were studied for histological and genetic changes (particularly K-ras mutation and p53 protein overexpression by immunohistochemistry) in malignant transformation. The genetic changes were compared with those of 164 carcinomas without anomalous union and 17 carcinomas with anomalous union of pancreatico-biliary duct. RESULTS Atypical cell foci, i.e. spindle cell foci, were observed only in the adenoma area, with a frequency of 23% in 39 adenomas, and of 45% in 20 tumors of carcinoma-in-adenoma. 129 of 130 spindle cell foci examined were negative for Ki-67 staining and all the spindle cell foci were negative for p53 stain. K-ras mutation and p53 overexpression were not found in all adenomas, pure and with carcinoma i.s. , and only one carcinoma (1/16, 6%) with adenoma showed p53 overexpression. K-ras mutation was low (10%, 4/40) in carcinomas without adenoma, but high in carcinomas with anomalous union of pancreatico-biliary duct. While, p53 overexpression was high and similar in carcinomas with and without anomalous union. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that there are three distinct pathways in gallbladder carcinogenesis; that is, de novo carcinoma develops from a predominant p53 alteration with low K-ras mutation, de novo carcinoma with anomalous union from K-ras mutation and p53 mutation, and carcinoma-in-adenoma from K-ras-, p53-, and probably APC-gene-related, as yet unknown, alteration.
Analytical Design Study of a Novel Witricity Charger With Lateral and Angular Misalignments for Efficient Wireless Energy Transmission

Detailed theoretical and numerical analysis reveals that Witricity, which was first reported by a research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is efficient and practical for mid-range wireless energy exchange to transmit nontrivial amount of power wirelessly over a long distance. This paper presents an analytical model, based on Witricity technology, for resonant magnetic coupling to address misalignments between the transmitter and receiver of this advanced system. The relationships among the energy transfer efficiency and several key parameters of the system are analyzed using finite element method (FEM). Formulae are derived for the magnetic field of the receiver coil when it is laterally and angularly misaligned from the transmitter. A resonant near-field power transfer formula is suggested to incorporate the coil characteristics and misalignments. Experiments have also been carried out to facilitate quantitative comparison. It is shown that a maximum degree of misalignment can be defined in a given application. The analysis reported allows a formal design procedure to be established for the optimization of Witricity for a given application.