Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
9 Protein Sources in Ruminant Nutrition

Since 2001 the European Commission banned the use of meat and bone meal and its byproducts in diets for livestock animals (EC directive 999/2001) in order to assure consumer safety on animal products. Consequently, soybean meal became the most utilised protein source in the intensive livestock systems. Moreover, the proteins of this source are low degradable in the rumen and well proportioned to the non structural carbohydrates (NSC). Soybean meal solvent extract (s.e.) is a by-product of oil industry, where soybean seeds are treated with organic solvents (e.g. hexane) and subsequently with high temperature. For this reason soybean meal has been banned in the organic livestock (EC directive 2092/1991; EC directive 834/2007). Even if in Europe the high part of soybean is imported, soybean solvent extract represents the less expensive protein source for its high crude protein content (44-50 % as fed). However soybean meal costs and availability are strongly related with the price development of agricultural commodities on the world market (Jezierny et al., 2010). Factors which may influence world market prices include variations in population and economic growth, changes in consumer’s product preferences, but world market prices are also dependent on weather conditions (Gill, 1997; Trostle, 2008). Finally, another factor has to be evaluated that is the genetically modification (GM) of soybean. Indeed, public concerns are increasing in GM food consumption due to the fact, even if for several years no direct evidence that it may represent a possible danger for health has been reported, recently, a number of papers have been published with controversial results. Thus, the search for alternative protein sources has led to an increasing interest in the use of grain legumes, as they supply the important source of plant protein. The botanical family of grain legumes is known as Fabaceae, also referred to as Leguminosae. Grain legumes are cultivated primarily for their seeds which are harvested at maturity, and which are rich in protein and energy. The mature dry seeds of grain legumes are used either as animal feed ingredient or for human consumption (Singh et al., 2007). Beans, lentils and chickpeas are utilised exclusively for human nutrition, while the other grains are used in animal feeding too. In Italy grain legumes cultivation is progressively increased due the presence of new cultivars more hardy and productive. These new cultivars were selected principally in
Formal Bankruptcy: Strategic Debt Service with Senior and Junior Creditors

A crucial aspect of debt restructuring is the redistribution of value among many diverse interests, differing in priority, collateral and bargaining power. Focusing on renegotiable debt contracts in a continuous-time framework, we characterise the U.S corporate bankruptcy renegotiation (Chapter 11) in a game-theoretic framework. In formal bankruptcy, the equity holders can renegotiate with one creditor at a time. Unlike previous studies, this allows us to endogenise not only the bankruptcy threshold but also the impairment strategy. Moreover, our game-theoretic setting allows us to explicitly introduce and accommodate varying bargaining powers of claimants. First, we show that there exists a unique sequence of equilibrium restructuring plans and impairment strategies which allows us to derive simple and intuitive closed-form solutions for pricing different classes of debt. Secondly, the model provides a theoretical explanation for cases of seniority reversal. Thirdly, we derive sufficient conditions for the senior credit spread to be smaller than the junior one at all levels of the state variable.
Barriers and Enablers to Organizational Integration in Cross-border Mergers & Acquisitions

One way to achieve economies of scale and scope, and other potential advantages of firm size, is through mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Being spectacular business events, and very frequent in the eco-system of firms, it has attracted much interest from both researchers and practitioners. However, empirical reviews do not support the popularity of M&A. It seems that the potential synergies are difficult to realize. A key process and major challenge for success, especially for cross-border M&As, is organizational integration. In this work, we have studied organizational integration in cross-border M&As primarily through a qualitative re-investigation of three case studies with the intent to understand what barriers and enablers could explain different outcomes. Through the use of an established coding scheme for variables related to synergy realization, and a database containing a number of coded case studies, we have also been able to make quantitative comparisons, which contributed to our analysis. The outcome is a proposal on how an existing model of synergy realization can be refined for cross-border M&As. It includes the addition of state involvement, legal obstacles, national culture, integration management and union power as factors influencing organizational integration.
European Banking : Efficiency, Technology and Growth

Acknowledgements. List of Tables. List of Figures. Introduction. Current Developments in European Banking. The Economics of Industry Structure. Market Structure and the Growth and Performance of Banks. Efficiency in European Banking. Technological Change in European Banking. The Law of Proportionate Effect: Previous Empirical Research. Stochastic Models of the Growth of Banks. Empirical Tests of the Law of Proportionate Effect for European Banking. References. Index.
Practical online partial discharge tests for turbine generators and motors

Several utilities have found partial discharge testing to be very useful for identifying motors or generators with deteriorated stator winding insulation. Such partial discharge tests are sensitive to problems associated with overheated insulation, loose stator bars, and pollution, all of which can cause in-service failures with long associated outages and high repair/rewind costs. Unfortunately, the partial discharge test is not widely applied since present test methods require considerable skill to perform, and/or require machine outages. These problems are due to the stator winding partial discharges being masked by high levels of internal and external electrical noise. The authors describe how partial discharge tests have now been developed which eliminate the effect of noise, thus allowing plant personnel to perform the test without any machine outage. >
Do Firms have Tax-Influenced Capital Structure Targets? Evidence from Taken Over Companies that Became Subsidiaries

The study extends the corporate finance and taxation literature by analyzing the existence and convergence towards a regression based target capital structure of newly acquired subsidiaries, private and public ones, in an international context. The pre-merger deviation of the new subsidiary’s debt-to-asset ratio from its target capital structure has a negative influence on the post-merger conversion towards its capital structure target. Taxes positively influence the leverage deviation and convergence for underleveraged new subsidiaries that have spare debt capacity to exploit a comparative tax advantage by carrying more debt. The deviation from the target capital structure is reversed by 26.57% within 3 years after the M&A. Targets taken over by financial acquirers who use holdings revers the 4.52% increase in total leverage occurring during the M&A completion year in the third post-merger year. A part of acquirers’ financial debt used to take over the target is shifted onto the new subsidiary in the form of internal trade credit.
Depositor Sensitivity to Risk of Islamic and Conventional Banks: Evidence from Indonesia

Islamic banks operate without involving interest, and therefore are believed to be less risky during financial crises than conventional banks. This advantage may not be significant if the government either partially or fully guarantees bank deposits. In the presence of deposit insurance the public can be indifferent to risk of both Islamic and conventional banks. However, insufficient studies have examined the issue of deposit insurance impact on depositor behavior and market discipline. This research conducts empirical tests on whether the risk of Islamic and conventional banks influence depositors in Indonesia, during two periods using cross-sectional analysis. This research also investigates the behavior of Indonesian depositors towards risk of both bank types during the US crisis through panel data analysis. Data from all insured domestic banks in Indonesia, from January 2002 to December 2009 are examined.
Neurotensin‐lmmunoreactive Neurons in the Rat Medial Preoptic Area are Oestrogen‐Receptive

The identity of neurons influenced by oestrogen is critical for the understanding of ovarian steroid actions in the brain. The medial preoptic area (MPOA) contains one of the largest oestrogen‐receptive cell populations in the rat brain and participates in several oestrogen‐dependent functions, including the regulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and sexual behaviour. Using double immunostaining procedures with antibodies specific for the oestrogen receptor and neurotensin, a neuropeptide implicated in the regulation of LH secretion within this area, we found that approximately half of the neurotensin‐immunoreactive neurons in the MPOA also displayed immunoreactivity for the oestrogen receptor. We estimate that oestrogen‐receptive neurotensin neurons represent 5% to 12% of all oestrogen receptor‐positive cells in the MPOA. Our results provide morphological evidence that neurotensin mediates oestrogen‐dependent mechanisms within the brain and suggest that oestrogen may act through preoptic neurotensin neurons to aid in the generation of the LH surge.
The impact of Sovereign Wealth Fund investments on the performance of listed companies

In this study, we attempt to shed some light on the effects of SWF investment activities by analyzing the short-term impact of SWF investments on the performance of those companies in which they invest. We collect both direct and indirect data on equity investments for each SWF. The sample consists of 60 investments by 11 important SWFs from around the world (SWF of the United Arab Emirates, China, Kuwait, Russia, France, Singapore.) during the period 2003 to 2009. To quantify the valuation effects of SWF investments, we use the event study methodology to estimate abnormal returns to the shares around the times that news of the transactions of SWFs becomes publicly available. We find that the announcement effect of SWF investments in listed companies is positive and the level of transparency of SWFs influence the positive impact of SWF investments on the performance of those companies in which they invest.
Structure and Dynamics of Type III Secretion Effector Protein ExoU As determined by SDSL-EPR Spectroscopy in Conjunction with De Novo Protein Folding

ExoU is a 74 kDa cytotoxin that undergoes substantial conformational changes as part of its function, that is, it has multiple thermodynamically stable conformations that interchange depending on its environment. Such flexible proteins pose unique challenges to structural biology: (1) not only is it often difficult to determine structures by X-ray crystallography for all biologically relevant conformations because of the flat energy landscape (2) but also experimental conditions can easily perturb the biologically relevant conformation. The first challenge can be overcome by applying orthogonal structural biology techniques that are capable of observing alternative, biologically relevant conformations. The second challenge can be addressed by determining the structure in the same biological state with two independent techniques under different experimental conditions. If both techniques converge to the same structural model, the confidence that an unperturbed biologically relevant conformation is observed increases. To this end, we determine the structure of the C-terminal domain of the effector protein, ExoU, from data obtained by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy in conjunction with site-directed spin labeling and in silico de novo structure determination. Our protocol encompasses a multimodule approach, consisting of low-resolution topology sampling, clustering, and high-resolution refinement. The resulting model was compared with an ExoU model in complex with its chaperone SpcU obtained previously by X-ray crystallography. The two models converged to a minimal RMSD100 of 3.2 Å, providing evidence that the unbound structure of ExoU matches the fold observed in complex with SpcU.
[The Effect of Non-Depolarising Muscle Relaxants on Ocular Pulse Amplitude and Intraocular Pressure].

AIM In general anaesthesia (GA) for ocular surgery the chosen non-depolarising muscle relaxant has a high influence on the fluctuations of intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA). PATIENTS AND METHODS In 229 patients, who needed GA for their ophthalmic surgery, OPA and IOP were measured with the dynamic contour tonometer (DCT) before and 5 minutes after intubation. For GA, three groups of non-depolarising muscle relaxants, namely, mivacurium (n = 71), atracurium (n = 91) and rocuronium (n = 67) were used. RESULTS The IOP decreased by about 4.0 ± 2.3 mmHg using mivacurium in GA, by about 6.1 ± 2.2 mmHg using atracurium and by about 7.4 ± 1.7 mmHg using rocuronium (p < 0.001). The relative decrease of the IOP was 20% for mivacurium, 31% for atracurium and 37% for rocuronium. For mivacurium the OPA decreased from 3.4 ± 1.5 mmHg to 2.2 ± 1.1 mmHg (p < 0.001) in contrast to atracurium (decrease from 3.6 ± 1.5 mmHg to 1.8 ± 0.8 mmHg; p < 0.001) and rocuronium (decrease from 3.1 ± 1.6 mmHg to 1.7 ± 0.9 mmHg; p < 0.001). Mean OPA reduction was lowest with mivacurium (1.3 mmHg) and the highest with atracurium (1.7 mmHg). The mean relative decrease of the OPA was 34% with mivacurium, 46% with atracurium and 43% with rocuronium (p < 0.001). There was no linear correlation between the relative OPA decrease and the relative IOP decrease. CONCLUSION Risks for ophthalmic surgery may be minimised by avoiding mivacurium in general anaesthesia. Due to its negative effects on IOP and OPA mivacurium does not seem to be suitable for operations with a large opening in the eye such as penetrating keratoplasty and block excision. Rocuronium can be used because it induces a favourised intraoperative decrease of the IOP.
Body wall development in lamprey and a new perspective on the origin of vertebrate paired fins

Classical hypotheses regarding the evolutionary origin of paired appendages propose transformation of precursor structures (gill arches and lateral fin folds) into paired fins. During development, gnathostome paired appendages form as outgrowths of body wall somatopleure, a tissue composed of somatic lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) and overlying ectoderm. In amniotes, LPM contributes connective tissue to abaxial musculature and forms ventrolateral dermis of the interlimb body wall. The phylogenetic distribution of this character is uncertain because lineage analyses of LPM have not been generated in anamniotes. We focus on the evolutionary history of the somatopleure to gain insight into the tissue context in which paired fins first appeared. Lampreys diverged from other vertebrates before the acquisition of paired fins and provide a model for investigating the preappendicular condition. We present vital dye fate maps that suggest the somatopleure is eliminated in lamprey as the LPM is separated from the ectoderm and sequestered to the coelomic linings during myotome extension. We also examine the distribution of postcranial mesoderm in catshark and axolotl. In contrast to lamprey, our findings support an LPM contribution to the trunk body wall of these taxa, which is similar to published data for amniotes. Collectively, these data lead us to hypothesize that a persistent somatopleure in the lateral body wall is a gnathostome synapomorphy, and the redistribution of LPM was a key step in generating the novel developmental module that ultimately produced paired fins. These embryological criteria can refocus arguments on paired fin origins and generate hypotheses testable by comparative studies on the source, sequence, and extent of genetic redeployment.
Negative Confounding in the Evaluation of Toxicity: The Case of Methylmercury in Fish and Seafood

In observational studies, the presence of a confounding factor can distort the true association between an exposure and a toxic-effect outcome, if the confounding variable is not controlled for in the study design or analysis phase. While confounding is often assumed to occur in the same direction as the toxicant exposure, the relationship between the benefits and risks associated with fish and seafood consumption is a classic example of negative confounding: the exposure to methylmercury occurs with fish and seafood, which are also associated with beneficial nutrients, and the signs of mercury toxicity are thereby counteracted. Mercury and nutrients may affect the same epidemiological outcomes, but most studies addressing one of them have ignored the potential for negative confounding by the other. This article reviews the existing evidence of effects of both nutrient and contaminant intakes as predictors of neurodevelopmental and cardiovascular outcomes. Substantial underestimation of the effects of mercury toxicity and of fish benefits occurs from the lack of confounder adjustment and imprecision of the exposure parameters. Given this inherent bias in observational studies, regulatory agencies should reconsider current dietary advice in order to provide better guidance to consumers in making prudent choices to maintain a nutritious diet with seafood that is low in mercury concentrations. Attention should also be paid to the occurrence of negative confounding in other connections.
How Networks Impact the Search for a Mentor: An Examination of NCAA Basketball Coaches and Their Protégés

In this paper, we analyze the relationship between an individual’s upward career mobility and the size of his or her mentors’ networks. We introduce the concept of a protégé network and propose that this concept may be important to career self-managers as they evaluate potential professional relationships with leaders and mentors. The mentors of 318 recently active Division I basketball head coaches were analyzed to determine whether the upward career mobility of these coaches was influenced by the protégé networks of their former mentors. The results of this study indicate that the protégé network sizes of the first and longest mentors are related to an individual’s upward career mobility. However, it is the aggregate protégé network size of all mentors that has the strongest relationship with career advancement.
Microbial Pathogens Associated with Proximal Dental Caries in the Primary Dentition and Their Association with Periodontal Disease in Children

Background: Certain specific bacterial species from the subgingival biofilm have demonstrated etiological relevance in the initiation and progression of periodontitis. Among all the bacteria studied, three have shown the highest association with proximal caries and bone loss: Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Capnocytophaga (Ca), and Campylobacter rectus (Cr). Therefore, the relevance of having accurate microbiological diagnostic techniques for their identification and quantification is clearly justified. Aim: To identify the bacterial pathogens with alveolar bone loss and proximal caries in primary dentition and their association with periodontal disease utilizing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) microbial probe testing. Materials and Methods: Subgingival plaque samples were collected at baseline as well as at 3, 6, and 12 months later. After extracting DNA, Fn, Ca, Cr, Aggrgatbacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and several other periodontopathogens were determined by DNA microbial probe testing method. Results: Samples detecting a high bacterial load of Fn, Ca and Cr in children having proximal caries associated with periodontal disease compared to children having proximal caries without periodontal disease (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusions: Results suggested that there was a relationship between microbial pathogens associated with proximal dental caries in the primary dentition and periodontal disease in children. In addition, DNA microbial probe testing technology clearly analyzed the different loads of periodontopathogens in children who had with proximal caries associated with bone loss and is useful in microbial diagnostics for patients in dental practices.
Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA and Microsatellite Genotyping of Pre- and Posttreatment Isolates ofCandida spp. from Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients on Different Fluconazole Regimens

ABSTRACT Twelve patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and with CD4 cell counts below 100 cells/μl received fluconazole daily (200 mg; five patients) or weekly (400 mg; seven patients) for fungal prophylaxis during a 6-month period. Oropharyngeal swabs were taken at regular intervals in order to detect colonization with Candida spp. All yeast isolates were examined with respect to the development over time of fluconazole resistance. Genetic diversity among the strains was assessed in order to discriminate between selection of a resistant subclone and patient recolonization. Genotyping was performed through random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Specific site polymorphisms were assayed by tracking length variability in several microsatellite loci. Finally, to maximize resolution, one of these loci (ERK1) was analyzed by nucleotide sequencing. Although the number of strains analyzed was too small to allow statistical verification, it appeared that when fluconazole was given weekly, a smaller fraction of the strains showed diminished sensitivity than when it was given daily. Genetic analyses allowed three different scenarios to be discerned. Resistance development in an otherwise apparently unchanged strain was seen for 1 of the 12 patients. Clear strain replacement was observed for 3 of the remaining 11 patients. For all other patients minor differences were seen in either the RAPD genotype or the microsatellite allele composition during the course of treatment. In general, microsatellite sequence data is in agreement with data obtained by other methods, but occasionally within-patient heterogeneity is indicated. The present results show that during fluconazole treatment colonizing strains can remain identical, be replaced by clearly different strains, or undergo small changes. Within a patient there may be different levels of intrastrain variation.
The Profitability of Insider Trades in the Dutch Stock Market

This study examines the profitability of insider trading on Euronext Amsterdam. To improve market transparency, disclosure of insider trading has been required in the Netherlands since April 1999. Both a short-term event study and a 6-month buy-and-hold strategy revealed that insiders as well as outsiders mirroring insiders are able to realize abnormal returns. We report outperformances for insider purchase portfolios of between 8.9% and 9.3% over 6 months, after correcting for possible size and value/growth effects in our sample. A CAPM check showed our results to be robust.