Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal alterations in protein structure by EGF regulate cryptic cysteine oxidation

EGF-induced conformational changes enable the oxidation of cryptic cysteine residues in target proteins. Uncovering cryptic cysteine residues for oxidation Growth factor signaling results in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that oxidize cysteine residues in target proteins, triggering changes in activity, localization, or abundance. A long-standing question is how different growth factors specify the oxidation of cysteine residues in distinct subsets of proteins. Behring et al. found that many oxidized cysteine residues in target proteins were buried and not accessible under basal conditions. EGF stimulation altered the conformation of the target proteins through phosphorylation or nucleotide substrate flux, exposing the cryptic cysteine residues and enabling their oxidation. Thus, growth factor–mediated redox regulation of cysteine residues may be determined by changes in target protein conformation that occur in a pathway-specific manner. Stimulation of plasma membrane receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), locally increases the abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS then oxidize cysteine residues in proteins to potentiate downstream signaling. Spatial confinement of ROS is an important regulatory mechanism of redox signaling that enables the stimulation of different RTKs to oxidize distinct sets of downstream proteins. To uncover additional mechanisms that specify cysteines that are redox regulated by EGF stimulation, we performed time-resolved quantification of the EGF-dependent oxidation of 4200 cysteine sites in A431 cells. Fifty-one percent of cysteines were statistically significantly oxidized by EGF stimulation. Furthermore, EGF induced three distinct spatiotemporal patterns of cysteine oxidation in functionally organized protein networks, consistent with the spatial confinement model. Unexpectedly, protein crystal structure analysis and molecular dynamics simulations indicated widespread redox regulation of cryptic cysteine residues that are solvent exposed only upon changes in protein conformation. Phosphorylation and increased flux of nucleotide substrates served as two distinct modes by which EGF specified the cryptic cysteine residues that became solvent exposed and redox regulated. Because proteins that are structurally regulated by different RTKs or cellular perturbations are largely unique, these findings suggest that solvent exposure and redox regulation of cryptic cysteine residues contextually delineate redox signaling networks.
Survival with retinoblastoma in the USA: 1975–2004

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the survival of retinoblastoma in the USA over a 30-year period from 1975 to 2004 using a systematic review of existing databases. Methods: Nine hundred and ninety-two cases of retinoblastoma (International Classification of Oncology (ICDO-3) codes C69.2 (retina) and C69.9 (eye, NOS)) were derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program database in the USA from 1975 to 2004. All 17 current SEER registries were utilised to allow for optimal patient volume for statistical analysis. Survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method and differences evaluated with logrank and Wilcoxon tests. Cause of death was obtained and reviewed for all deceased patients. All retinoblastoma patient records were reviewed for treatments given and occurrence of second malignant neoplasms. Results: There were a total of 990 distinct patients with retinoblastoma. Almost all cases (99.1%) were reported by the hospitals, and histopathological confirmation was available in 87.7% of cases. Over the period of 30 years (1975–2004), the 5-year observed actuarial survival rate increased from 92.3% (1975–84) to 93.9% (1985–94) to 96.5% (1995–2004). The difference in rates was statistically significant (Wilcoxon = 6.2393, p = 0.0442). The proportion of cases treated with radiotherapy first increased from 20.5% in 1975–9 to 34.6% in 1985–9 and then sharply decreased to 6.5% in 2000–4. Conclusions: Over the last 30 years, there has been a gradual improvement in 5-year survival of children with retinoblastoma in the USA.
Menstrual Cycle Characteristics and the Risk of Endometriosis

The present study utilized a case-control design to assess the relation between menstrual cycle factors and risk of endo-metriosis in women age 19–45 years. From a gynecologic specialty clinic in Western New York in 1987, we identified 104 laparoscopically confirmed cases of endometriosis. We used two control groups: (1) 100 friend controls (friends of cases), and (2) 98 medical controls (patients from the same medical practice with conditions other than endometriosis). Controls were frequency matched to cases by age. Because crude odds ratios (ORs), stratified by age (< 30 vs ≥ 30 years), revealed effect modification by age, we performed all analyses by age group. We used logistic regression to calculate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), controlling for pregnancy, religion, and body mass index. Among women under age 30, using friend controls, we observed elevated risks for menstrual flow ≥6 days per month (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1–5.9), heavy flow (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1–6.3), severe cramps (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.2–6.0), increasing symptoms (OR = 6.6, 95% CI = 2.6–16.5), and tampon use ≥14 years (OR = 3.6, 95% CI = 1.04–13.5). Risks were also elevated for women age 30 and over, but not to the same degree as among younger women. Using medical controls, we observed elevated risks for menstrual flow ≥6 days (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.1–5.1), severe cramps (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.1–5.3), and increasing symptoms (OR = 8.3, 95% CI = 3.3–21.0) among women under age 30. These results support theories that associate endometriosis with increased exposure to menstruation.
Using A Coach Approach In Regulatory Practice: One Technique On The Enforcement Spectrum

This qualitative action research explored the use of a coach approach in the field of human care licensing. The Community Care Facilities Licensing program (CCFL) in Island Health strategically employed a 6-year coach training program between 2009 and 2015. This study specifically looked at how licensing officers in Island Health, who adopted a coach approach, influenced licensees to be partners in compliance. Seventeen individuals participated, including six child care licensing officers, one licensing supervisor, five members of the CCFL management team, and seven licensees. Interviews, a focus group, and an electronic survey were utilized to obtain data on the phenomenon. An inductive analysis methodology (Creswell, 2013) was exercised to analyze the data. Each method was coded and reduced into multiple categories and themed by the use of word and phrase analysis and electronic cutting and pasting in context to the questions. It was then further explored through Dickson and Tholl’s (2014) LEADS in a Caring Environment framework and Kouzes and Posner’s (2012) five leadership practices. Five key themes emerged from the consistently reported responses. A coach approach (a) builds on the foundation of licensing leadership, (b) contributes to a culture of collaboration, (c) is a new enforcement practice, (d) is a powerful technique to transform practice and people, and (e) has organizational implications. When licensing officers use a coach approach in the field of human care licensing, licensees may become partners in compliance, and vulnerable populations in licensed care may be better protected.
Relationship between Information Literacy Skills and Research Output of Academic Staff in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between the information literacy skills of academic staff in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and their research output. <br><br>Methodology: Correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population of study comprised of 1,038 which included all the academic staff in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The sample size consists of one hundred and fifty eight (158) respondents, selected through proportionate stratified random sampling technique. Five research questions guided the study and three hypotheses were tested at 0.05% level of significance. Two instruments comprising achievement test and research output index were used for the study. Mean was used to analyzed the data obtained from research questions one and two, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to answer research question three, four and five while the hypotheses was tested using person’s correlation coefficient. <br><br>Findings: The major findings of the study are as follows: The level of information literacy skills possessed by the academic staff in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka is moderate. The test for hypothesis indicates that there is a significant and positive relationship in the level of information literacy skills possessed by the academic staff in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and their rank. The research output of academic staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka is high. The test for hypothesis indicated that there is significant and positive relationship in the research output and the rank of lecturers’ in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. There is also significant relationship between the information literacy skills possessed by the academic staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and their research output. The test of hypothesis further indicates that there is positive correlation between the information literacy skills possessed by the academic staff in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and their research output. <br><br>Implications: High research output and moderately skilled in information literacy implies that the academic staff in NAU is following the new trend that is required for their creative output though not at the maximum level; the academics in NAU publish as not to perish and keep researching as it is a means of contributing their quota to the existing wealth of knowledge. <br><br>Value/Originality: The study’s educational value rest on the recommendations that the academic staffs probably should lay more emphasis on the quality of the research output that is being produced. The academic staff should avail themselves of the available information technology training and workshops so as to enhance their information literacy skills. The university management should come to the aids of the academic staff by sponsoring their information literacy training and workshops where most of these skills will be acquired.
A Way Forward: The Future of Irish and European Union Financial Regulation

The Irish financial crisis caused unprecedented damage to the national economy. While large amounts of tax-dollars have gone towards understanding the events leading up to the crisis, there has not been a concentrated effort to consolidate the lessons learned for both Ireland and the European Union (EU) as a whole. This paper seeks to fill that gap, providing an overview of the key lessons learned from the financial crisis. First, we interrogate the domestic response and evaluate the immediate government intervention and longer-term investigation process through the Banking Inquiry. Second, we focus on the broader domestic policy lessons learned from the crisis. Lastly, we evaluate key changes in E.U. policy that will in turn shape the future of Irish regulatory policy. We find several areas where further reform is necessary, helping chart a path forward for future legislation in the financial regulatory space.
Effect of mild hyperlipidaemia on testicular cell population dynamics in albino rats.

Mild hyperlipidaemia induced by cholesterol feeding to male rats altered testicular histology. The sperm motility and density were significantly reduced in cauda epididymides and testes in mild hyperlipidaemic rats. The testicular cell population i.e. spermatocytes (primary and secondary) and spermatids were significantly reduced (P < or = 0.01 to 0.001). However, the number of degenerating Leydig cells (interstitial cells) were increased significantly (P < or = 0.001). Serum biochemistry reveals significant rise in cholesterol and triglycerides. It is concluded that cholesterol feeding caused inhibition of spermato genesis.
Coordinated control of wind turbine and energy storage system for reducing wind power fluctuation

This paper proposes a coordinated control of wind turbine and energy storage system (ESS). Because wind power (WP) is highly dependent on variable wind speed and could induce a severe stability problem to power system especially when the WP has high penetration level. To solve this problem, many power generation corporations or grid operators recently use the ESS. It has very quick response and good performance for reducing the impact of WP fluctuation but has high cost for its installation. Therefore, it is very important to design the control algorithm considering both ESS capacity and grid reliability. Thus, we propose the control algorithm to mitigate the WP fluctuation by using the coordinated control between wind turbine and ESS considering ESS state of charge (SoC) and the WP fluctuation. From deloaded control according to WP fluctuation and ESS SoC management, we can expect the ESS lifespan expansion and improved grid reliability. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated in MATLAB/Simulink considering power system including both wind turbine generator and conventional generators which react to system frequency deviation.
Student Perceptions on Live-Case Projects: Undergraduate Marketing Research

This paper is an investigation into undergraduate students’ perceptions on use of live projects as a teaching pedagogy in marketing research courses. Students in undergraduate marketing research courses from fall 2009 to spring 2013 completed an online questionnaire consisting of 17 items. The results suggested that student understanding of marketing research as a subject matter was significantly improved. The findings of this study are consistent with previous research, confirming the value of blending theory with practice. Specifically, this study found live-case projects were perceived by students to improve: (1) analytical skills, (2) understanding of subject matter, (3) critical thinking, (4) a comprehensive understanding of the research process; and (5) being engaged/active participants in class and in a more macro basis in their own education.
Shifting towards positive youth development in schools in Norway – challenges and opportunities

This commentary seeks to address the challenges of implementing school mental health promotion, and the applicability of positive youth development (PYD) theory. We know that, for more than two decades, it has been a goal in Norway to reorient schools towards (mental) health-promoting schools, applying a resource and strength perspective. Even so, we are still far from reaching these goals and mental health problems are increasing – especially among youth – and are nowadays perceived to be one of the major public health burdens in Norway. In this respect, it is argued that framed within PYD theory, student participation can create for young people the possibility to contribute and use their assets, leading to competent, confident and caring youth who have character and positive social connections, which in turn create conditions for contributions and healthy functioning, well-being and thriving through adolescence.
A comparison of two doses of omeprazole in the treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome: a blinded, randomised, clinical trial.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY Studies on omeprazole have reported that doses as low as 0.7 mg/kg bwt per os are potent suppressors of acid production. Yet, to date, no studies have compared treatment efficacy of different doses in clinical cases of equine gastric ulceration. Furthermore, no studies have been performed to compare the healing response of the squamous and glandular mucosa to acid suppression therapy. OBJECTIVES To compare: 1) the efficacy of 2 doses of omeprazole in the treatment of primary squamous and glandular gastric ulceration; and 2) the healing response of primary squamous and glandular gastric ulceration to acid suppression therapy. STUDY DESIGN A blinded, randomised, dose-response clinical trial. METHODS Twenty Thoroughbred racehorses with grade ≥2/4 glandular ulceration were identified on gastroscopy. Seventeen horses also had grade ≥2/4 squamous ulceration. Horses were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. Horses received either 2.0 g (high dose: 4.0 mg/kg bwt) or 0.8 g (low dose: 1.6 mg/kg bwt) of oral omeprazole per os once daily. Gastroscopy was repeated at 28-35 days. RESULTS Time and dose significantly affected grades of squamous (P<0.0001, P = 0.02) and glandular (P = 0.006 and 0.005) ulceration. Data analysis did not support our hypothesis that the lower dose would have similar effects (i.e. be noninferior) to the higher dose when considering ulcer healing and ulcer improvement. Improvement was more likely with the high dose for the squamous (P = 0.05) but not glandular (P = 0.4) mucosa. The percentage of glandular ulcers that improved was less than squamous ulcers (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that a dose-response exists for the treatment of both squamous and glandular ulcers. Improvement of glandular ulcers was not as complete as observed with squamous ulcers and current equine gastric ulcer syndrome treatment recommendations may not be appropriate for glandular disease.
The Quality of Local Government and Firm Performance: The Case of China's Provinces

ABSTRACT Extending La Porta, Lopez-de-Silanes, Shleifer, and Vishny (1999), we examine the effect of local government quality on firm performance, since regional and firm research provides a more fine-grained analysis especially in countries where local administration is an integral part of the bureaucratic apparatus. Using a dataset of 7,873 Chinese listed firm-years for 1994–2006, we find a positive relationship between the quality of provincial government and firm performance, controlling for location and firm-specific governance variables. Among various government quality variables, we find that having a special economic zone depicting low taxes and bureaucratic efficiency is the best predictor of firm performance, followed by the degree of marketization, efficient property registration, and environmental protection. Most intriguingly, political freedom has a significant impact on firm performance and productivity, even in a regime where democracy is not practiced. This has never been documented before at a microeconomic level and barely so at a macro level, vindicating Hayek's (1944) theory.
Classifying Continuous Active Sonar Echoes for Target Recognition

Abstract : Classification and tracking are two important techniques for enhancing active sonar performance. Classification rejects unwanted clutter using echo analysis, and tracking provides a history of target motion while rejecting clutter that doesnt support realistic target motion. Continuous active sonar (CAS) has been proposed as an alternative to conventional pulsed active sonar (PAS), largely in order to provide tracking updates at a much higher rate than is possible with PAS. Unfortunately, these faster updates come at the cost of reduced classification performance, at least for CAS that uses linear frequency modulated waveforms. In this case, maximizing the update rate requires sub-band processing. Classification of echoes from these sub-bands is expected to be relatively poor, since the full bandwidth is favoured for classification. An alternate processing scheme for CAS uses full-band processing, which is typically used for PAS. This potentially maximizes classification performance rather than providing faster updates as in the sub-band approach. A risk of this scheme is the potential for complications in echo signals arising from coherence loss caused by the long duration of CAS waveforms. One facet of a recent Canada-U.S. sea trial, TREX13, focused on conducting experiments that allow direct comparison of the performance of CAS and PAS in shallow water. In this paper, DRDCs echo classification software was tested with sonar echoes from TREX13. The software, which was originally developed for PAS applications, was used to evaluate whether CAS echoes can be classified as accurately as PAS echoes.
A meta-analysis of hemodialysis catheter locking solutions in the prevention of catheter-related infection.

BACKGROUND Catheter-related infection (CRI) is associated with increased all-cause mortality and morbidity in hemodialysis patients and may be reduced by using antimicrobial lock solutions (ALSs). STUDY DESIGN We performed a meta-analysis of studies identified from a search conducted in February 2007 of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, databases of ongoing trials, major renal journals, and reference lists of relevant reports. SETTING & POPULATION Patients receiving acute or long-term hemodialysis through a tunneled or nontunneled central venous catheter. SELECTION CRITERIA FOR STUDIES We included all prospective randomized studies that compared ALS with heparin. INTERVENTION Administration of antibiotic and/or antimicrobial catheter locking solution. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was CRI rate in patients using ALSs compared with those using heparin alone. We also examined effects of ALS use on mortality, adverse events, and catheter thrombosis. RESULTS 7 studies were identified with a total of 624 patients and 819 catheters (448 tunneled, 371 nontunneled). CRI was 7.72 (95% confidence interval, 5.11 to 10.33) times less likely when using ALS. There were no consistent suggestions of adverse outcomes with ALS use; in particular, rates of catheter thrombosis did not increase. There was no evidence of antibiotic resistance developing during a maximum follow-up of 12 months. LIMITATIONS The major limitation of this review is the relatively short duration of follow-up of the included studies, which does not allow complete reassurance regarding the development of antibiotic resistance. Lack of direct comparisons means that determination of the most efficient ALS is not possible. CONCLUSIONS This review confirms that antibiotic locking solutions reduce the frequency of CRI without significant side effects.
Prohibition, privilege and the drug apartheid: The failure of drug policy reform to address the underlying fallacies of drug prohibition

It appears to be a time of turbulence within the global drug policy landscape. The historically dominant model of drug prohibition endures, yet a number of alternative models of legalization, decriminalization and regulation are emerging across the world. While critics have asserted that prohibition and the ensuing ‘war on drugs’ lack both an evidence base and legitimacy, reformers are embracing these alternatives as indicators of progressive change. This article, however, argues that such reforms adhere to the same arbitrary notions, moral dogma and fallacious evidence base as their predecessor. As such they represent the ‘metamorphosis of prohibition’, whereby the structure of drug policy changes, yet the underpinning principles remain unchanged. Consequentially, these reforms should not be considered ‘progressive’ as they risk further consolidating the underlying inconsistencies and contradictions that have formed the basis of drug prohibition.