Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Composite Nuclear Export Signal in the TBP-associated Factor TAFII105*

TAFII105 is a sub-stoichiometric subunit of TFIID important for activation of anti-apoptotic genes and B cell specific genes by the transcription factors NF-κB and OCA-B. This subunit is highly enriched in B and T lymphocytes, and its expression is regulated at a posttranscriptional level. In the present study we investigated the subcellular localization of TAFII105. In normal B cells, a significant portion of native TAFII105 protein is found in the cytoplasm. Treatment of these cells with B cell-specific stimuli decreased the level of cytoplasmic TAFII105. In adherent cultured cells, TAFII105 is predominantly nuclear; however, a small fraction of the cells showed either cytoplasmic or homogenous distribution of TAFII105. Analysis of different TAFII105 mutants and green fluorescence protein fusion proteins identified a region composed of two adjacent sequences displaying nuclear export activity, suggesting that nuclear export of TAFII105 is mediated by a composite nuclear export signal. TAFII105 nuclear export signal is leptomycin B-resistant indicating that it belongs to a CRM1-independent nuclear export pathway. These results reveal a novel mode of regulation of a specialized component of the general transcription apparatus that may affect the transcription of its target genes.
Customer Behavior Analysis towards Select Fast Moving Consumer Goods with Special Reference to Branded Tea Powder Products: Empirical Study from Mumbai City

Consumers across the globe are becoming increasingly concerned about nutrition, health and the quality of their Tea Powder Products. Environment and Health consciousness is getting reflected through consumer’s enhanced interest in branded Tea consumption. Our preferences are part of what makes us who we are and the brands we seek our reflect our preferences. The competition among the brands is fierce. In every product category, consumers have more choices, more information and higher expectations than ever before. Jockeying for position in a consumer’s preference set requires an aggressive strategy and constant vigilance. The marketer’s principal objective is typically to build a relationship with buyers, rather than merely to make a single sale. Ideally, the essence of that relationship consists of a strong bond between the buyer and the brand. The choice of an individual strategy or combination depends mainly on the nature of the branded product or service. The success of the strategy depends heavily on the marketer’s understanding of the preference building and bonding process.
Symptomatic reduction in free testosterone levels secondary to crizotinib use in male cancer patients

Crizotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor active against ALK, MET, and ROS1. We previously reported that crizotinib decreases testosterone in male patients. The detailed etiology of the effect, its symptomatic significance, and the effectiveness of subsequent testosterone replacement have not been previously reported.
Cure of Helicobacter pylori infection after failed primary treatment: one-center results from 120 patients.

BACKGROUND Treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and antimicrobials cures Helicobacter pylori infection in about 90% of patients. This is a retrospective overview of our studies aiming to cure the infection in all compliant patients with failed initial therapy. METHODS We retreated 120 (19% of 644) H. pylori-infected patients whose initial therapy had failed. The retreatments included (i) triple therapy (TT): colloidal bismuth subcitrate, metronidazole, amoxicillin (or tetracycline); (ii) quadruple therapy (QT): TT and a PPI; or (iii) high doses of both a PPI and clarithromycin combined with a further 1-3 individually selected antimicrobials. The eradication results were determined after 6-12 months. RESULTS The 1st retreatment was successful in 70 of 120 patients. The 2nd retreatment cured 25 of the remaining 42 patients, the 3rd 13 of 17, and the 4th the last 4 patients. The cumulative eradication rate (ITT) was 93% (95% CI: 88.9%-97.9%; 8 patients withdrew after a failed 1st retreatment) and the rate was 100% in the remaining 112 patients who accepted several retreatments. The 1st retreatment with TT cured 23% (95% CI: 12%-34%) of 57 patients and QT 85% (95% CI: 74%-96%) of 41 patients who had initially undergone a failed metronidazole-based treatment. All retreatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS In this study, high doses of a PPI and clarithromycin combined with 1-3 antimicrobials according to susceptibility data proved to be the best drug combination in the cure of H. pylori infection after failed primary treatment. Giving imidazole- and bismuth-based QT (without clarithromycin) as the first-line treatment of H. pylori infection ensures that the number of failures remains low.
Three Essays on Mergers and Acquisitions and Bank Stability

This dissertation consists of three essays on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity of banks and various dimensions of their stability. The first essay delves upon whether and how acquisitiveness of large European banks over an extensive period of 1990-2006 relate to their bailouts and credit ratings during the financial crisis of 2007-2009. Three important findings emerge from the performed analysis. First, the intensity of bank M&A activity positively relates to the likelihood and extent of their bailout support during the financial crisis. Second, the ex-ante acquisitiveness of banks relates in a significantly positive manner with the deterioration in bank issuer ratings – suggesting towards higher default risk of acquisitive banks during the crisis period. Third, a positive link between the external support and the joint effect of M&A activity and “too big to fail” factor substantiates that banks may pursue M&A activity to exploit safety net benefits associated with “too big to fail” status in the market. The second chapter analyzes the relation between M&A activity of large European banks and their vulnerability to the financial crisis using Merton (1974) based distance to default (DD) and the Z-score ratio as a measure of bankruptcy risk and solvency. The results suggest that a greater focus of samples banks towards acquiring investment banking operations over a time span of 1990-2006 significantly relates to the increase in their risk default (measured by DD) and insolvency (measured by Z-score) during the recent financial crisis. Moreover, relatively limited evidence indicates towards the positive stability effects of the acquisitions performed in the retail banking segment of industry by the sample banks. The third and final essay of this dissertation provides M&A centric evidence on bank deregulation, consolidation, and stability in the U.S. banking industry. We primarily analyze the effects of two significant deregulatory acts of the 1990s that permitted U.S. banks to expand across states (the Riegle-Neal act of 1994) and functions performed (the Gramm-Leach-Bliley act of 1999). We employ difference-in-difference approach over M&A activity of U.S. (treatment group) and European (control group) banks over a time span of 1990-2009 in an unbalanced panel setting. We find a significantly positive effect of deregulation in spurring M&A centric consolidation in the U.S. banking industry. However, such effects are not fully reflected in the types of diversification aimed at in the two deregulatory acts. Moreover, we also show that M&A intensity and deregulation jointly cast a negative effect on the stability of U.S. banking industry –thus substantiating “Concentration – Fragility” view over banking.
New Low-Mass Members of the Taurus Star-forming Region

Briceño et al. recently used optical imaging, data from the Two-Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS), and follow-up spectroscopy to search for young low-mass stars and brown dwarfs in 8 deg2 of the Taurus star-forming region. By the end of that study, there remained candidate members of Taurus that lacked the spectroscopic observations needed to measure spectral types and determine membership. In this work, we have obtained spectroscopy of the 22 candidates that have AV ≤ 8, from which we find six new Taurus members with spectral types of M2.75 through M9. The new M9 source has the second latest spectral type of the known members of Taurus (~0.02 M☉). Its spectrum contains extremely strong emission in Hα (Wλ ~ 950 Å), as well as emission in He I 6678 Å and the Ca II IR triplet. This is the least massive object known to exhibit emission in He I and Ca II, which together with the strong Hα are suggestive of intense accretion.
Effects of Additive Therapy With Spironolactone on Proteinuria in Diabetic Patients Already on ACE Inhibitor or ARB Therapy

Introduction Aldosterone seems to have deleterious effects on the kidneys. Many animal studies and a few clinical trials have shown that suppression of aldosteroneby aldosterone receptor blockers ameliorates these effects. Method In a double-blind crossover study, patients with diabetic nephropathy who were already receiving either angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) were given spironolactone or matching placebo with 1 month of washout in between. Blood pressure (BP), serum creatinine, serum potassium, and spot urine protein/creatinine were measured at the beginning and end of each study period. Results Mean systolic BP on spironolactone went down from 153.64 (±25.95) at the beginning to 141.60 (±16.54) at the end of study (P = 0.01). Diastolic BP during spironolactone therapy did not change significantly. The urine protein/creatinine increased from 1.24 (±1.13) to 1.57 (±2.13) on placebo (P = 0.35) and decreased from 1.80 (±1.78) to 0.79 (±0.99) during spironolactone therapy (P = 0.004). In other words proteinuria increased by 24% during the placebo treatment period but decreased by half (57%) during the active treatment. Serum potassium increased from 4.29 (±0.47) to 4.64 (±0.55) during spironolactone therapy (P = 0.002), no significant change with placebo. Whereas serum creatinine did not change on placebo, it increased from 1.35 (±0.54) to 1.56 (±0.62) on spironolactone (P = 0.006). Glomerular filtration rate decreased from 61.91 (±23.4) to 53.94 (±23.58) on spironolactone (P = 0.0001) but not on placebo. Conclusions Addition of a modest dose of spironolactone to a regimen of ACEI or ARB in patients with diabetic proteinuria causes further reduction in proteinuria and also lowers the systolic BP. As with ACEI or ARB, spironolactone modestly reduces the glomerular filtration rate and raises serum potassium.
Value investing in the Finnish stock market

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The purpose of the thesis is to study a value investing method (i.e. Magic Formula) in the Finnish market. The aim is to find out, if the stocks that are ranked and chosen by this method actually have higher returns in the future than stocks on average. The main objective is to compare the returns of the value portfolios to benchmark index and to see if it can be outperformed. There are five other objectives that will be studied. First, is there a difference between the returns of top ranked stocks and the bottom ranked stocks. Second, what is the optimal holding period for the portfolio, and third, how many stocks should be chosen to maximize the returns. Fourth objective is to compare the volatility and the returns of the portfolios to market portfolio. Last objective is to study whether something is gained if one more factor is added to portfolio ranking. DATA The data for this study consists of 50 to 124 companies, depending on the quarter, listed in Helsinki Stock Exchange between 2000 and 2009. Quarterly report and market data of 40 periods have been used to form two key ratios that are the basis for the stock ranking. All the other sectors except banking are included into the study, and companies are limited so that the minimum market capitalization is ten million. Also the companies that have delisted during the time period or have listed in the middle of the period are included. FINDINGS The findings of this research prove that value premium does exist and the benchmark index can be outperformed. This confirms the results of previous literature. Unlike some other studies suggested, larger portfolios did not necessarily provide higher or more constant returns. In this study, the small portfolios that were based on Magic Formula performed better in shorter holding periods but as composite measure of Magic Formula and Price-to-Book was used, larger portfolios were better. The higher returns of value portfolios are often validated with increased risk. Based on this research the volatility was lower among value portfolios than it was for the index. Permanent link to this item: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-201204061695 Email this Export to RefWorks QR Code Print BibTex Tweet
Molecular Pathogenesis of Genetic and Inherited Diseases Abnormalities of Germ Cell Maturation and Sertoli Cell Cytoskeleton in Androgen Receptor 113 CAG Knock-In Mice Reveal Toxic Effects of the Mutant Protein

An unresolved question in the study of the polyglutamine neurodegenerative disorders is the extent to which partial loss of normal function of the mutant protein contributes to the disease phenotype. To address this , we studied Kennedy disease , a degenerative disorder of lower motor neurons caused by a CAG/glutamine expansion in the androgen receptor (Ar) gene. Signs of partial androgen insensitivity , including testicular atrophy and decreased fertility , are common in affected males , although the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here , we describe a knock-in mouse model that reproduces the testicular atrophy, diminished fertility , and systemic signs of partial androgen insensitivity that occur in Kennedy disease patients. Using this model , we demonstrate that the testicular pathology in this disorder is distinct from that mediated by loss of AR function. Testes pathology in 113 CAG knock-in mice was characterized by morphological abnormalities of germ cell maturation, decreased solubility of the mutant AR protein, and alterations of the Sertoli cell cytoskeleton, changes that are distinct from those produced by AR loss-offunction mutation in testicular feminization mutant mice. Our data demonstrate that toxic effects of the mutant protein mediate aspects of the Kennedy disease phenotype previously attributed to a loss of AR function. (Am J Pathol 2006, 168:195–204; DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2006.050619) Kennedy disease is one of nine neurodegenerative disorders caused by expansions of CAG/glutamine (Q) tracts in the coding regions of otherwise unrelated genes. The mutation in Kennedy disease occurs in the first exon of the androgen receptor (Ar) gene and causes hormone-dependent dysfunction and degeneration of lower motor neurons in males. The mutant AR protein misfolds and aggregates and, like other proteins with expanded glutamine tracts, may exert toxic effects by disrupting the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and inducing a stress response, by altering the activity of transcriptional co-regulators, or by impairing synaptic function and axonal transport. These shared features likely reflect common mechanisms underlying the toxicity of these mutant proteins. It has been suggested that a partial loss of the normal function of the protein may also contribute to the pathogenesis of several CAG repeat disorders, including Kennedy and Huntington diseases. In Kennedy disease, in which the normal function of the disease-causing protein is well understood, patients may exhibit signs of partial androgen insensitivity, including testicular atrophy and decreased fertility. These clinical signs correlate with cell culture models demonstrating a partial loss of AR function that is mediated by the expanded glutamine
Factors influencing phylogenetic inference: a case study using the mammalian carnivores.

Phylogenetic reconstruction has undergone numerous developments in tree selection criteria (e.g., phenetics, cladistics, maximum-likelihood), available data sources (morphology versus molecules, and subsets of the latter), and practical limits on study size. Together with study age, I examined the effects of these variables on inferences of phylogeny for the mammalian order Carnivora. The raw data comprised 274 source trees spread among 13 carnivore taxa (generally families), which I divided into categories for each variable and combined using the supertree technique matrix representation with parsimony analysis. Incongruence between the resultant tree topologies or the underlying data was assessed using four comparison measures, each with slightly different properties: the triplet measures "do not conflict" and "explicitly agree," the partition metric, and the incongruence length difference metric. Except for a few cases reflecting historical problem areas in carnivore systematics, no significant differences in incongruence levels were found among the different categories within each variable, between the variables themselves, or between the taxa. Thus, most estimates of carnivore phylogeny cannot be distinguished from one another (and may even point toward the same solution) regardless of the methodology or data source employed. This conclusion held regardless of the comparison measure used.
Complement activation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis mediated in part by C-reactive protein.

OBJECTIVE Complement activation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered to be triggered by immune complexes. Recently, it was shown that C-reactive protein (CRP) can activate the complement system in vivo. We therefore hypothesized that part of the complement activation in RA is due to CRP. The aim of this study was to investigate CRP-mediated complement activation in RA, and to assess its correlation with disease activity. METHODS Complexes between CRP and the activated complement components C3d (C3d-CRP) and C4d (C4d-CRP), which reflect CRP-mediated complement activation, as well as the overall levels of activated C3 and C4 were measured in the plasma of 107 patients with active RA and 177 patients with inactive RA. Inactive RA was defined according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria for clinical remission. Disease activity was assessed by the modified Disease Activity Score (DAS28). RESULTS Plasma levels of C3d-CRP and C4d-CRP were increased in the majority of the patients, and were significantly higher in patients with active disease versus those with inactive RA (P < 0.001). In patients with active RA, the plasma concentrations of C3d-CRP and C4d-CRP correlated significantly with the DAS28 (Spearman's rho 0.61 and 0.55, respectively; P < 0.001), whereas these correlations were less pronounced in patients with inactive RA (Spearman's rho 0.28 [P < 0.001] and 0.25 [P = 0.001], respectively). Levels of activated C3 and C4 were also increased in the majority of the patients, particularly in patients with active RA. CONCLUSION Part of the activation of complement in RA is mediated by CRP and is correlated with disease activity. We suggest that this activation is involved in the pathogenesis of RA.
A study on the Influence of Agility of Organizational Operation and Dynamic Business Model on the Corporate Performance

Objectives: This study is intended to suggest agility of organizational operation as dynamic capabilities and perform empirical research on the influence of agility of organizational operation and dynamic business model on the corporate performance. Methods/Statistical Analysis: This study reviews existing literature related to dynamic business model, agility of organizational operation and develop research model related to the influence of them on the corporate performance. Data were collected from 92 companies. For the exploratory factor analysis, SPSS 19.0 was used, and confirmative factor analysis and structural equation model analysis are performed by using Smart PLS 3.0. Findings: According to the result of research, agility of organizational operation influenced on the corporate performance through dynamic business model and critical capability for value creation, and agility of organizational operation turned out to represent indirect influence through dynamic business model and critical capability of value creation over direct influence on corporate performance. Improvements/Applications: In order for a company to practically growth, they are required to exert an effort not only for changes in business model but also for dynamic capability of the organization. In the academic perspective, it is expected to precede more precise and well-established research in dealing with the relationship among them.
Quality‐of‐life outcomes following pelvic exenteration for primary rectal cancer

For patients with locally advanced tumours and contiguous organ involvement, pelvic exenteration (PE) can offer cure with relatively low mortality. The literature surrounding quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing PE is limited. Furthermore, there are no matched comparisons of QoL between abdominoperineal resection (APR) and PE. The aim of this study was to compare differences in long‐term QoL for patients with primary rectal cancer undergoing APR versus PE.
Fatores determinantes da mudança voluntária da empresa de auditoria externa no mercado brasileiro

This paper aims to study the factors that influence the decision of voluntary change of the audit firm. In Brazil there is a requirement of compulsory replacement (audit rotation) for at least every 5 years and at intervals of 3 years for their rehiring. However, during the period of adoption of international accounting standards, the brazilian securities regulator – CVM, has suspended the requirement, what turns the period of 2010 to 2014 interesting to this research. Previous studies relate the auditor's change decision with auditor characteristics and their relationship with the client; firm characteristics and changes in the top management; and corporate governance mechanisms. This paper aims to investigate if these and other variables explain its phenomenon in the brazilian market, characterized by the concentration of control and low protection of minority investor. The results suggest that a modified audit report, the company’s growth and being listed in Novo Mercado or Nivel 2, segments of more demanding requirements of coroporate governance of BMF while hiring non-audit services reduces the probability of voluntary change.
Origins of crossed and uncrossed retinal projections in pigmented and albino mice

The extent of the binocular cortical field in albino mice, as revealed by recording from single cells, was almost normal; although the input from the ipsilateral eye was weaker than normal, most cells were driven from both eyes. By backfilling retinal ganglion cells from one optic tract with horseradish peroxidase we examined the origins of the retinofugal projections. Filled cells ipsilateral to the injected tract were concentrated in a crescent‐shaped area bordering the inferior temporal retina. In black mice this area constituted 20% of the total retinal area, in albinos 17%. In black mice we counted nearly 1,000 labeled cell in the ipsilateral retina, or 2.6% of all cells filled in both eyes. Albinos had about one‐third fewer filled cells ipsilaterally than black mice. Four percent of all ipsilaterally filled cells in black mice and 8% in albinnos were scattered outside of the crescent region. The density of ipsilaterally projecting cells was uniform throughout the crescent region in black mice, but decreased toward the central retina in albinos.