Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PB2-588I Enhances 2009 H1N1 Pandemic Influenza Virus Virulence by Increasing Viral Replication and Exacerbating PB2 Inhibition of Beta Interferon Expression

ABSTRACT The 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus (pdm/09) is typically mildly virulent in mice. In a previous study, we identified four novel swine isolates of pdm/09 viruses that exhibited high lethality in mice. Comparing the consensus sequences of the PB2 subunit of human isolates of pdm/09 viruses with those of the four swine isolate viruses revealed one consensus mutation: T588I. In this study, we determined that 588T is an amino acid mutation conserved in pdm/09 viruses that was exceedingly rare in previous human influenza isolates. To investigate whether the PB2 with the T5581 mutation (PB2-T558I) has an effect on the increased pathogenicity, we rescued a variant containing PB2-588I (Mex_PB2-588I) in the pdm/09 virus, A/Mexico/4486/2009(H1N1), referred to as Mex_WT (where WT is wild type), and characterized the variant in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that the mutation significantly enhanced polymerase activity in mammalian cells, and the variant exhibited increased growth properties and induced significant weight loss in a mouse model compared to the wild type. We determined that the mutation exacerbated PB2 inhibition of mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS)-mediated beta interferon (IFN-β) expression, and PB2-588I was observed to bind to MAVS more efficiently than PB2-588T. The variant induced lower levels of host IFN-β expression than the WT strain during infection. These findings indicate that the pdm/09 influenza virus has increased pathogenicity upon the acquisition of the PB2-T588I mutation and highlight the need for the continued surveillance of the genetic variation of molecular markers in influenza viruses because of their potential effects on pathogenicity and threats to human health.
Does trade integration affect the asymmetric behavior of export prices? The case of manufacturing exports of Turkey

This article attempts to analyze the effect of trade integration on the asymmetric behavior of export prices with respect to exchange rate changes using the experience of Turkey’s trade integration and that of the European Union in 1996. In the course of this study, a fairly low exchange rate pass-through elasticity was found and the presence of asymmetry in the industries was considered. It was also found that neither the exchange rate pass-through elasticity nor the asymmetric response of export prices to appreciations and depreciations changed due to the trade integration. Key words: Pass-through, trade integration, Turkey.
INTERLEUKIN-6 HAS NO EFFECT ON SURFACTANT OR LUNG FUNCTION IN DIFFERENT LUNG INSULTS

The current study determined if interleukin-6 (IL-6) had a causative role in the lung dysfunction and/or surfactant alterations associated with three different lung insults. IL-6 (or saline) was instilled into rats followed by mechanical ventilation in vivo for 4 hours. Also, IL-6 (−/−) and wild-type mice were subjected to 3 insults: ex vivo injurious mechanical ventilation; cecal ligation and perforation; and hyperoxia exposure. In all experiments, the presence or absence of IL-6 did not significantly influence gas exchange, lung compliance, or various surfactant measurements. These results suggest that IL-6 may have a limited role in the surfactant alterations observed in acute lung injury.
Changes in the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates during germination of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds

The levels of lipids, carbohydrates and enzymes concerned with their breakdown were determined in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds during an 8-days period of germination. Alkaline lipase and isocitrate lyase activities were at peak level when the lipid mobilization was highest. The content of total soluble carbohydrates, reducing and nonreducing sugars, increased during the initial 5-days period of germination followed by a reverse trend thereafter. An increase in α-amylase coincided with an increase in the content of reducing sugars in the cotyledons. Studies related to the distribution of enzymes in different organelles revealed that alkaline lipase and isocitrate lyase were restricted to the glyoxysomes. The development profiles of alkaline lipase and isocitrate lyase were followed in the sesame seedlings exposed to the inhibitors of protein synthesis. A substantial fall in enzyme activities was observed in the seedlings exposed to the inhibitors.
Nature of the Stranski-Krastanow transition during epitaxy of InGaAs on GaAs.

We report first quantitative measurements by energy-selected imaging in a transmission electron microscope of In segregation within an uncapped islanded In0.25Ga0. 75As layer grown epitaxially on GaAs. This layer has the lowest In concentration at which islanding occurs and, then, only after a flat approximately 3 nm alloy layer has been formed. In buildup by segregation at the surface of this initial flat layer is considered the driving force for islanding and, importantly, the segregation process introduces the characteristic delay seen before the Stranski-Krastanow transition. We observe strong inhomogeneous In enrichment within the islands (up to x(In) approximately 0.6 at the apex) and a simultaneous In depletion in the remaining flat layer.
An Empirical Investigation of the Differences Between Initiating and Continuing Exporters

Examines the characteristics of small and medium‐sized initiating and continuing exporting firms from Saskatchewan, Canada. As the US is the major trading partner of Canada and most of the initial export activities of Canadian firms are destined for the US markets, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Canada and the US has far‐reaching implications on the behaviour and performance of small and medium‐sized exporters from both sides of the border. Offers policy guidelines to those small and medium‐sized Asia‐Pacific firms which are considering establishing trading links with North American firms.
Public Perspectives on Expanding Naloxone Access to Reverse Opioid Overdoses

ABSTRACT Background: Opioid overdoses can often be reversed with naloxone hydrochloride. Past studies on attitudes toward expanded naloxone access have surveyed drug users, family members, and providers. Objectives: To explore how the general public perceives take-home or nonmedical first-responder access to naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses. Additionally, little is known about how support for expanded access is related to participant's endorsement of Individualism and Just World Belief—colloquially people getting what they deserve and deserving what they get. Methods: Lay participants completed an online survey examining concerns with and support for expanding naloxone access. Just World Belief, Individualism, and participants' dependence history were also measured. Four different hypothetical situations were considered, varying according to type of opioid (heroin versus nonmedical prescription opioid) and recipient (suburban middle class versus recent parolee). Results: Most participants agreed with at least some degree of expanded access. Analyses of variance indicated that type of opioid or recipient did not affect attitudes toward expansion. Pearson correlations and multiple regressions revealed that endorsement of Just World Beliefs and Individualism were associated with greater concerns with and less support for expansion. Importance: While there is general agreement with some degree of expanding naloxone access, participants' level of endorsement was influenced by their level of individualism and belief in a just world. These factors need to be considered in how to best frame messages to maximize layperson support for expansion.
The Influence of Perceived Service Quality on Brand Image, Word of Mouth, and Repurchase Intention: A Case Study of Min-Sheng General Hospital in Taoyuan, Taiwan

The purpose of this research is to understand the relationship between patient-perceived service quality, brand image, word of mouth and repurchase intention. In addition, this study also seeks to find out if the differences in demographic factors have any influence on patient-perceived service quality, brand image, word of mouth and repurchase intention. The respondents of this study were outpatients at Min-Sheng General Hospital in Taoyuan, Taiwan. 400 questionnaires were distributed and 394 usable ones were collected. The results indicate that there is a positive relationship between patient-perceived service quality, brand image, word of mouth and repurchase intention. There is, however, a significant difference in patient-perceived quality and word of mouth when segmented by gender and income levels. And there is a significant difference in patient-perceived service quality, brand image, word of mouth and repurchase intention when segmented by age levels and education levels.
MATING SYSTEM, HALDANE'S SIEVE, AND THE DOMESTICATION PROCESS

Mating systems are expected to have a strong influence on both the dynamic of adaptation and the genetic architecture of adaptive traits. In particular, the bias toward the fixation of dominant or partially dominant beneficial mutations predicted under outcrossing (Haldane's sieve) is expected to be reduced under self‐fertilization. To test this prediction in plants, we considered domestication as an example of adaptation. We compiled data from studies reporting the degree of dominance of quantitative trait loci (QTL) involved in the domestication syndrome. We found that adaptation to cultivation mostly proceeded through the selection of recessive and partially recessive genes in predominantly selfing species whereas a much larger fraction of domestication‐related QTL were dominant or partially dominant in outcrossers, as expected under Haldane's sieve. Our study also showed that levels of dominance in mixed mating crop species resemble those observed in selfers, suggesting that recessive alleles can contribute to adaptation even under moderate selfing rates. Although these results rely on a particular example of adaptation, they constitute one of the first attempts to test theoretical expectations on the level of dominance of genes involved in plant adaptation.
Impact of corporate social responsibility on customer satisfaction in banking service

The past three decades have witnessed the emergence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a field of study and a framework for the role of business corporations and financial institutions in society. After the Tsunami in 2004 people were need financial assistance to recover from the loss of tsunami and revamping their life. Only source they perceive is availing loans from banking sector and other guidance. The topic of Impact of Corporate social responsibility on Customer Satisfaction in banking service is of relevance especially for those suffered from Tsunami. This study aims to explore the perception of the customer on CSR in banking service. The data were analyzed by modeling it using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS 18 and found that customer satisfaction is the mediating factor for banking service quality and the CSR is the most influential factor for the customer satisfaction. Key words: Corporate social responsibility, customer satisfaction, Tsunami, India.
Green Light to Plant Responses to Pathogens: The Role of Chloroplast Light‐Dependent Signaling in Biotic Stress

Light has a key impact on the outcome of biotic stress responses in plants by providing most of the energy and many signals for the deployment of defensive barriers. Within this context, chloroplasts are not only the major source of energy in the light; they also host biosynthetic pathways for the production of stress hormones and secondary metabolites, as well as reactive oxygen species and other signals which modulate nuclear gene expression and plant resistance to pathogens. Environmental, and in particular, light‐dependent regulation of immune responses may allow plants to anticipate and react more effectively to pathogen threats. As more information is gathered, increasingly complex models are developed to explain how light and reactive oxygen species signaling could interact with endogenous defense pathways to elicit efficient protective responses against invading microorganisms. The emerging picture places chloroplasts in a key position of an intricate regulatory network which involves several other cellular compartments. This article reviews current knowledge on the extent and the main features of chloroplast contribution to plant defensive strategies against biotic stress.
THE EARLY CAREER : DOES TRAINING MATTER ?

Consultation is considered a pivotal skill for professional psychologists, including those practicing in educational settings (i.e., school psychologists). It is generally assumed that the development of consulting competence occurs through effective consultation training. However, limited research supports this claim. Via a national survey of 262 early career school psychologists, this study investigated the link between school psychologists’ consultation training at the preservice level, and the enactment of the consultant role in schools during the early career. Participants’ reported experiences in consultation training were consistent with recent research in this area including omissions in the training and supervision they received, such as a lack of emphasis on process skills and multicultural competence. Regression analyses indicated participants’ consultation training, including supervision, and their direct service practices (i.e., assessment and counseling), may impact how they enact the consultant role, how confident they are in their consultation practice, and their perceived ability to achieve client, consultee, or systems-level change.
ADOPTION OF IFRS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS EFFECTS: The Perceived Implications on FDI and Nigeria Economy

The IFRS adoption is already an issue of global relevance among various countries of the world due to the quest for uniformity, reliability and comparability of financial statements of companies. This research paper investigated the effect of IFRS adoption on Foreign Direct Investment and Nigeria economy. The population consists of quoted companies in Nigeria Stock Exchange (Preparers) and Investment Analysts (Users). Stratified Random sampling method was adopted and primary data used to elicit responses with 123 structured questionnaires administered. Findings showed that IFRS has been adopted in Nigeria but only fraction of companies has implemented with deadline for the others to comply. It is perceived that IFRS implementation will promote FDI inflows and economic growth. It was recommended that all stakeholders should endeavour to have full implementation to reap benefits of the global GAAP and principle - based standards.
Relationship between Internal Marketing and Service Quality with Customers' Satisfaction

This study aims at investigating the relationship between internal marketing and service quality to customers' satisfaction in Jordan commercial banks, through answering the following questions: Do commercial banks in Jordan apply the appropriate concept of internal marketing? What are the possible procedures that can be applied in the banking sector? Is there any relationship between bank services quality and customer satisfaction? In order to achieve the study objectives, two questionnaires were designed and distributed over two samples of Jordan bank employees and customers totaling (231) and (384) respectively. The questionnaires were collected and analyzed by using the SPSS. The study's conclusions are as follows: -Study's sample attitudes were positive towards internal marketing (service culture, human resources development, motives system and rewards) totaling (0.5693) more than virtual mean -Study's sample evaluations were positive towards internal marketing procedures from employees perspectives since its mean is more than the virtual mean (3), totaling (0.6935). -Study's sample attitudes were positive towards banking service quality represented by (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy), since evaluations before benefiting from the banking service were (3.566) i.e. (0.566) more than the virtual mean, while after benefiting, the evaluations were (0.778) more that the virtual mean.
An intersector analysis of the relevance of service in building a strong retail brand

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to try to show the relevance of service quality in building a strong retail brand. It addresses how retailer attributes affect customer‐based retail brand equity, when considering retailers as brands. These attributes are compared with one another, and the importance of service is set in proportion to the other retailer attributes, both intersectorally and sector‐specifically. An integrated model is used here.Design/methodology/approach – This is an empirical study across five retail sectors (grocery, textiles, DIY, consumer electronics and furniture retailing) based on a survey with 2,000 face‐to‐face interviews. Structural equation modelling is used to illustrate the impact of central dimensions of the perception of retailer service and of the other retailer attributes on customer‐based retail brand equity.Findings – In retailing, service quality appears to be the most important retailer attribute in building a strong retail brand – as demonstrated in four out o.
Bank Market Structure, Property Rights and Financial Freedom Effects on Capital Structure: Evidence from Asian Developing Countries

The paper considers direct and indirect impacts of bank concentration, property rights and financial freedom on corporate leverage in 12 Asian developing countries from 2000 to 2013. Our result shows that bank concentration has a directly negative relationship with leverage in these countries but this relationship becomes revertible when bank concentration reaches a given point. Highly concentrated banking market structure favors for profitable firms to obtain debts and is considered as a solution against strong private property rights proxy. A strong private property rights decreases amount of debts financed by banking system and leads firms to prefer using internal funds to obtain protection advantages for newly established assets. Our results indicate stronger degree of financial freedom encourages firms borrow more and supports for profitable firms. Strong degree of financial freedom also reduces the importance of collapse coverage in accessing debts whilst weaker degree of financial freedom leads to an increase of using trade credit as a substitute for bank loans.
Multi-Dimensional Uncertainty and Herd Be-havior in Financial Markets

We study the relationship between rational herd behavior and asset prices. We define herd behavior as occurring when an agent trades against his initial assessment and instead follows the trend in previous trade. When traders have an informational advantage on a single dimension (the new asset value), price adjustments by a competitive market maker prevent any herd behavior. If the market maker is additionally uncertain as to whether the underlying asset value has changed, we show that herd behavior is possible. However, such herd behavior need not affect the asset price because the market correctly discounts the informativeness of trades during periods of herding. When the market is uncertain about both whether the asset value has changed and whether traders are well or poorly informed on average about the new asset value, then herd behavior can lead to significant, short-run price movements that do not reflect the true asset value. *Kennedy School of Government and INSEAD, respectively. We are grateful for comments and advice from Anat Admati, Darrell Duffle, Glenn Ellison, Drew Fudenberg, Jim Hines, Allan Kleidon, Paul Milgrom, Paul Pfleiderer, Lones Smith, Peter Sorensen, Xavier Vives and Richard Zeckhauser.
Intracistronic complementation of the tetracycline resistance membrane protein of Tn10

The structural gene region for tetracycline resistance on Tn10 consists of two complementation groups, tetA and tetB (M. S. Curiale and S. B. Levy, J. Bacteriol. 151:209-215, 1982). Using a series of deletion mutants, we have determined that the tetA region is 450 to 600 base pairs long and that the tetB region, which is adjacent to tetA, is 600 to 750 base pairs long. Point mutations in either tetA or tetB affected the amount and size of the inducible inner-membrane Tet protein synthesized in Escherichia coli maxicells. Moreover, deletions in these regions led to the synthesis of an appropriately smaller Tet protein. A single tetracycline-inducible RNA of about 1,200 bases was detected that was homologous with the tetracycline resistance structural gene region. These results indicate that the tetA and tetB complementation regions represent two parts of a single gene encoding two domains of the tetracycline resistance protein Tet.
Defining Economics in the Twenty First Century

Economics as a subject matter has been given a variety of definitions over the last 200 years, however all the definitions have a similar concept that they lean towards, a general principle one can say. The definitions are not wrong, this paper does not seek to prove that they are wrong, but only to show they where right for their time, a subject matter like economics, though studied over the centuries only formally became a discipline in its own right in the last two centuries, and as such is fairly young and as we know more there perhaps is a time to seek a definition for economics for the twenty first century. This paper seeks to give such a definition in light of the increased understanding of economics or at the least we have access to greater information concerning the discipline economics than say Adam Smith, Alfred Marshall or Hayek. Take the definition by Samuelson, “Economics is the study of how societies use scarce resources to produce valuable commodities and distribute them among different people”, though correct, is the definition sufficient for the twenty first century and beyond, that is all this paper seeks to answer, for it is the definition of a discipline that guides the readers thoughts. The objective of this paper is to simply reaffirm the modern definition of what is economics given we know so much more than 100 years ago.
The Effects of Extracting Upper Second Permanent Molars on Lower Second Permanent Molar Position

There is some controversy over whether the extraction of upper second permanent molars as part of orthodontic treatment leads to the over eruption of unopposed lower second permanent molars. A study was established to investigate the presence of any over-eruption in a group of subjects who had upper second permanent molars extracted as part of a previous course of orthodontic treatment. These subjects (the experimental group) were compared with a control group of subjects, matched for age and sex. Upper and lower impressions were taken, and the vertical positions of the posterior teeth were objectively assessed from the study models using the travelling microscope. Measurements from the study models showed that the distal aspect of the lower second permanent molar had over erupted in the experimental group when compared to the control (P <0·001 right, P<0·05 left). The degree of over-eruption was influenced on the mesial aspect by the distal position of the upper first permanent molar (P<0·01), but the distal aspect was not. Eruption of the upper third molar did not affect the over-eruption of the lower second permanent molar in the experimental group. The majority of upper third molars had erupted at least 3 years since the upper second molars had been extracted, but the majority had erupted into an unfavourable contact position with the Just permanent molar.