Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The lantibiotic mersacidin inhibits peptidoglycan biosynthesis at the level of transglycosylation.

The lantibiotic mersacidin has been previously reported to interfere with bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis, [Brötz, H. , Bierbaum, G. , Markus, A. , Molitor, E. & Sahl, H. -G. (1995) Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 39, 714-719]. Here, we focus on the target reaction and describe a mersacidin-induced accumulation of UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-pentapeptide, indicating that inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis occurs after the formation of cytoplasmic precursors. In vitro studies involving a wall-membrane particulate fraction of Bacillus megaterium KM demonstrated that mersacidin did not prevent the synthesis of lipid II [undecaprenyl-diphosphoryl-N-acetylmuramoyl-(pentapeptide)-N-ac ety lglucosamine] but specifically the subsequent conversion of this intermediate into polymeric nascent glycan strands by transglycosylation. Comparison with other inhibitors of transglycosylation shows that the effective concentration of mersacidin in vitro is in the range of that of the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin but 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than that of the competitive enzyme inhibitor moenomycin. The analogy to the glycopeptides may hint at an interaction of mersacidin with the peptidoglycan precursor rather than with the enzyme. Unlike vancomycin however, mersacidin inhibits peptidoglycan formation from UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-tripeptide and is active against Enterococcus faecium expressing the vanA resistance gene cluster. This indicates that the molecular target site of mersacidin differs from that of vancomycin and that no cross-resistance exists between the two antibiotics.
Recombinant factor VIIa to prevent surgical bleeding in factor XI deficiency

Summary. Factor XI (FXI) deficiency is associated with bleeding after invasive procedures. Risks of human plasma‐derived FXI replacement products include transfusion transmitted infection, thrombosis and fluid overload. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is an effective haemostatic agent in patients with FXI deficiency undergoing surgery. Fourteen FXI deficient patients [five severely deficient (FXI:C <20 U dL−1) and nine partially deficient (FXI:C 20–70 U dL−1] received rFVIIa to prevent surgical bleeding during five major, four minor and six dental procedures. Minor surgical and dental procedures were covered with two doses of rFVIIa (90 μg kg−1 i.v.), the first pre‐operatively and the second 4 h postoperatively. Major surgery was covered with 90 μg kg−1 i.v. two hourly for the first 24 h and four hourly for the second 24 h. Oral tranexamic acid was given for 7 days postoperatively. Effective haemostasis was observed in all cases and no alternative haemostatic agents or blood transfusions were required. Three adverse events were recorded; an acute cerebrovascular accident in a patient with a history of cardiovascular disease, an allergic reaction and local phlebitis. In this study, rFVIIa was an effective alternative to plasma‐derived FXI replacement for the prevention of surgical bleeding in FXI deficient patients but rFVIIa may not be suitable for patients with pre‐existing risk factors for thrombosis.
Women's Education and Marriage Decisions: Evidence from China

The faster increase in education among women compared with men has been underexplored. Thus, using Chinese data, we evaluate the impacts of a plausibly exogenous increase in educational attainment on women's marriage decisions. An extra year of education does not change women's decision to marry and leads to a brief delay of 0.12 years in their marriage age on average, which is much smaller than the delay among men. Although more educated women and men both have improved labour market outcomes, which may have increased their patience, men experience larger income growth than women do. Moreover, declining physical attractiveness at least partly explains why the delay is less than 1 year. Overall, the results are more reliable after addressing the endogeneity issue.
Molecular Detection and Epidemiology of Sapporo-Like Viruses

ABSTRACT Sapporo-like viruses (SLVs) are associated with acute gastroenteritis in humans. Due to a limited supply of available reagents for diagnosis, little is known about the incidence and pathogenicity of these viruses. We have developed a first-generation generic reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR assay based on a single primer pair targeting the RNA polymerase gene. With this assay, 55 (93%) of the 59 stool specimens collected in a 10-year period of time (1988 to 1998) and containing typical caliciviruses by electron microscopy tested positive and could be confirmed by Southern hybridization. By phylogenetic analysis, most SLV strains could be classified into one of the three recently described genotypes. However, three samples clustered separately, forming a potential new genotype. We sequenced the complete capsid gene of one of the strains in this cluster: Hu/SLV/Stockholm/97/SE. Alignment of the capsid sequences showed 40 to 74% amino acid identity among strains of the different clusters. Phylogenetic analysis of the aligned sequences confirmed the placing of Hu/SLV/Stockholm/97/SE into a new distinct genetic cluster. This is the first report on the development of a broadly reactive RT-PCR assay for the detection of SLVs.
Nuclear transport kinetics depend on phosphorylation‐site‐containing sequences flanking the karyophilic signal of the Simian virus 40 T‐antigen.

Selective nuclear protein transport was analyzed in single living cells. Hybrid proteins consisting of short stretches of the Simian virus 40 T‐antigen and of the almost complete beta‐galactosidase moiety were generated by molecular genetic methods and injected into the cytoplasm of rodent hepatoma cells. A histochemical assay showed that all proteins containing the karyophilic signal of the T‐antigen (residues 126/127‐132) were equally well accumulated by the nucleus within 15 h after injection. Microfluorimetric measurements of nuclear transport kinetics, however, revealed large differences. Proteins containing the karyophilic signal without flanking sequences were taken up by the nucleus on a time scale of hours. The same held for a protein containing T‐antigen residues 127‐147. However, a protein containing T‐antigen residues 111‐135 was accumulated by the nucleus with a half‐time of 8‐10 min reaching an equilibrium nucleocytoplasmic concentration ratio of greater than or equal to 15. Photobleaching measurements showed that, independently of subcellular localization, the mobility of all proteins was quite large. Thus, our measurements revealed a striking effect of T‐antigen residues 111‐125 on the kinetics of nuclear transport. Residues 111‐125 do not seem to contain a second karyophilic signal. Conspicuously, however, they comprise a cluster of phosphorylation sites.
The Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin B Superantigen Induces Specific T Cell Receptor Down-regulation by Increasing Its Internalization (*)

Superantigens are able to stimulate T lymphocyte populations expressing T cell antigen receptors (TCR) belonging to particular Vβ families. Moreover, the presence of these superantigens may induce long term unresponsiveness (anergy) of these sensitive cells. Some bacterial toxins are potent superantigens. We have analyzed in vitro the capacity of some Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin superantigens to modulate T cell antigen receptor expression and the cellular mechanisms involved. Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) induced rapid down-regulation of surface T cell antigen receptors in Vβ3-expressing T lymphocytes, as assessed by flow cytometry. This phenomenon was a consequence of the direct interaction between the toxin and the TCR since it was observed in the absence of cells expressing major histocompatibility complex class II molecules. The cellular mechanism involved in SEB-induced down-regulation of TCR was further investigated. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy experiments showed that toxin B induced intracellular accumulation of TCR·CD3 in endocytic vesicles. Moreover, SEB induced an increase in T cell receptor endocytosis as measured using radiolabeled Fab fragments of an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. Taken together, our observations indicate that Staphylococcus enterotoxin B superantigen induced changes in the dynamics of surface T cell receptors, which resulted in the fast reduction of membrane receptor numbers.
How is the role of the sommelier (re)defined in contemporary times

Wine is doubtlessly a product that arouses today interest as it is associated with the notions of complexity, mystery and luxury. As such, the sommelier seems to be very representative of these conceptions. His expertise as well as his role within gastronomic restaurants crystallize both fascination and curiosity. If the topic of wine has been largely written about (the sales, the marketing strategies, the consumer’s behaviour, the bottle labels…), few researches focus on the profession of the sommelier only, who he is, what he does, what he aims at. That is why the decision has been made in this master thesis to give pride of place to the sommelier whose role is crucial in the world of wine, as he is the liaison between the wine-making process and the consumer. Hence the following research question: How is the role of the sommelier (re)defined in contemporary times? The idea behind the notion of “contemporary times” was to entail the concepts of digitization, globalization and experience economy. Indeed, since digitization has affected the economy in multiple ways and brought about a lot of changes as well in the wine industry (in the sales and speculation for instance), the question was to know whether the sommelier had been affected and in which way. A strong emphasis has been made on the rise of amateurs on the social media and the impacts this could have on the sommelier profession. However, the findings overthrew the expectations, showing that the sommelier is part of a whole experience of tastes and enjoyment, anchored in a reality and in the present, working in a close relationship with particular meals and flavours. As such, he is today little impacted by digitization and by the social media. Indeed, if theoretical information is far more accessible to anyone, and if the consumers may be more informed, this latter is (1) not necessarily educated in terms of tastes and (2) most of the time trusts the sommelier’s and rely on his advice as he is regarded as the wine expert. Also, the sommelier relies on his palate only and is little influenced on what can be said about such or such wine. As such, he is less a trend follower than a newness introducer. Expectations about globalization and demand for New World wines have been as well overthrown. The results showed that demand for French wines remain very strong in France both from the French and non-French consumers. Finally, the interviews brought up multiple new insights, the three main being: (1) the qualities of the sommelier, that turned out to largely exceed the mere knowledge in wine with a strong emphasis on the relationship to the client, (2) the core idea of experience and (3) the evolutions of the sommelier over the years as well as the consumers’ habits.
Shock Contagion, Asset Quality and Lending Behavior

We use the geopolitical conflict in eastern Ukraine as a negative shock to bank assets and examine the shock's impact on the banking sector. We find banks were more severely affected by the conflict if they had more loans outstanding in the conflict areas before the shock. These banks, consequently, are more likely to experience an increase in troubled assets and a reduction in credit supply. Further analysis offers evidence of the "flight to headquarters" effect in credit allocation wherein more affected banks cut lending by a greater amount in markets located farther from headquarters.
Real-time implementation of Periodogram based spectrum sensing detector in TV bands

This paper deals with real time implementation of spectrum sensing method used for detection in TV bands. The most common and simplest method of spectrum sensing is based on the energy detection principle (using Periodogram, Bartlett and Welch methods). Intermediate frequency band signal of TV receiver was used in real-time implementation. The main algorithm was implemented on the Memec Development Board with FPGA Virtex IV and with A/D (D/A) converters assembled on analogue module P240. Humax F3-FOX T was chosen as a television receiver. Our results were compared with Matlab simulations based on the same input signals. It shows that we can detect free spaces in the TV channels. The real time realization can be used as an important part of Cognitive Radio chain.
Comparison between HER2 extracellular domain in serum and HER2 overexpression in breast cancer tissue.

e11066 Background: Immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) are reliable ways to identify human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and HER2 amplification. Each technique requires access to tumor tissue and high-quality tissue sample, which may not be available in some patients. HER2 extracellular domain (ECD) may be shed to the serum. The importance of serum ECD in breast cancer (BC) is not yet determined. The first aim of this study was to explore the correlation between serum ECD and HER2 expression in breast cancer tissue. The second aim was to compare ECD levels with clinical and pathological features in early BC patients. METHODS This prospective trial included patients with stage I-III BC. Serum HER2 ECD levels were measured by ADVIA Centaur automated assays before surgical resection of the tumor. Tissue HER2 status was detected by IHC in all tumors. CISH test was utilized in HER2: +2 tumors by IHC. Serum ECD >15ng/ml was considered to be positive. RESULTS 80 patients with breast tumors were included in this study. Stage I-III invasive BC was diagnosed in 64 patients, Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in 9 patients and benign tumors in 7 patients. HER2-positive status in tumor tissue was observed in 8 (16.4%) of the 64 patients with BC. Mean value of serum ECD was 10.9 ng/ml (range: 6.7 to 21.5). No significant relationship between ECD and tissue HER2 was found. ECD was significantly higher in women aged > 40 than in women aged < 40. No significant correlation was found between ECD and other variables; tumor size, stage, histological grade, lymph node involvement, estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors. CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity of HER2 ECD for the diagnosis of HER2 overexpression in primary breast cancer is poor. No significant correlation was found between ECD levels and HER2 expression in breast cancer tissue, clinical nor pathological characteristics of BC patients.
Characterization of Perceived Hyperoxia in Isolated Primary Cardiac Fibroblasts and in the Reoxygenated Heart*

Under normoxic conditions, pO2 ranges from 90 to <3 torr in mammalian organs with the heart at ∼35 torr (5%) and arterial blood at ∼100 torr. Thus, “normoxia” for cells is an adjustable variable. In response to chronic moderate hypoxia, cells adjust their normoxia set point such that reoxygenation-dependent relative elevation of pO2 results in perceived hyperoxia. We hypothesized that O2, even in marginal relative excess of the pO2 to which cells are adjusted, results in the activation of specific O2-sensitive signal transduction pathways that alter cellular phenotype and function. Thus, reperfusion causes damage to the tissue at the focus of ischemia while triggering remodeling in the peri-infarct region by means of perceived hyperoxia. We reported first evidence demonstrating that perceived hyperoxia triggers the differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts (CF) to myofibroblasts by a p21-dependent mechanism (Roy, S., Khanna, S., Bickerstaff, A. A., Subramanian, S. V., Atalay, M., Bierl, M., Pendyala, S., Levy, D., Sharma, N., Venojarvi, M., Strauch, A., Orosz, C. G., and Sen, C. K. (2003) Circ. Res. 92, 264–271). Here, we sought to characterize the genomic response to perceived hyperoxia in CF using GeneChips™. Candidate genes were identified, confirmed and clustered. Cell cycle- and differentiation-associated genes represented a key target of perceived hyperoxia. Bioinformatics-assisted pathway reconstruction revealed the specific signaling processes that were sensitive to perceived hyperoxia. To test the significance of our in vitro findings, a survival model of rat heart focal ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) was investigated. A significant induction in p21 mRNA expression was observed in I-R tissue. The current results provide a comprehensive molecular definition of perceived hyperoxia in cultured CF. Furthermore, the first evidence demonstrating activation of perceived hyperoxia sensitive genes in the cardiac I-R tissue is presented.
The Influence of Institutional Characteristics on Financial Performance of Microfinance Institutions in the OIC Countries

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) proved to be a powerful tool for financial inclusion through developing entrepreneurial activities in rural areas. MFIs provide small-scale loans to the poor who have no access to traditional banking and financial system. However, in the pursuit to meet their social obligation, MFIs need to be financially sustainable and this sustainability largely depends on the institution’s characteristics. This study investigates the influence of MFIs’ characteristics on their financial performance, using the panel dataset of 57 microfinance institutions from the member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The empirical results show that, as expected, the interest rate charged and the period of existence in the market have a significant positive relationship with the financial performance of MFIs. The results also indicate that credit union and cooperatives, non-bank financial institutions and non-governmental organisations outperformed their counterparts financially. Therefore, the study concludes that charging a high rate of interest may improve institutions’ financial self-sufficiency; however, it is unable to secure MFIs' profit maximization strategy. Conversely, not-for-profit MFIs can ensure their financial viability while serving the poorest clients which is the prime goal of any microfinance program. Hence, MFIs can earn profits, but within limits, complying with their social promise at the same time.
Water quality management from source to sea: from global commitments to coordinated implementation

ABSTRACT This article reviews links and gaps related to water quality in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It uses these as a starting point to analyze challenges in water quality management at national and basin levels from a ‘source to sea’ perspective. Experiences in the Danube River, Black Sea, East Asian Seas and the Baltic highlight key issues to be addressed during the implementation of the agenda to achieve water quality objectives in fresh, coastal and marine waters. It assesses priorities for supplementary actions to be supported to improve prospects for achieving targets in these areas.
Spatial interactions in property tax policies among Italian municipalities

This paper aims to estimate, through the use of a spatial model, the determinants of fiscal policies on property tax adopted by Italian municipalities in 2014, to assess the existence of strategic interactions influencing their revenue decisions and, finally, to investigate the possible sources of such tax mimicking. The analysis evaluates the impact of political and socio‐economic variables on the local policy decisions and confirms that the choices on property tax are influenced by the neighbouring municipalities’ behaviour. With regard to the tax mimicking sources, results highlight that the imitative behaviour among municipalities on their tax policy is determined mainly from spillover effects, with a decreasing effect in relation to municipal size. El objetivo de este articulo es estimar, mediante el uso de un modelo espacial, los determinantes de las politicas fiscales sobre los impuestos sobre la propiedad inmobiliaria adoptadas por los municipios italianos en 2014, con el proposito de evaluar la existencia de interacciones estrategicas que influyen en sus decisiones en cuanto a los ingresos fiscales y, finalmente, investigar las posibles fuentes de dicha imitacion fiscal. El analisis evalua el impacto de variables politicas y socioeconomicas en las decisiones sobre las politicas locales y confirma que las decisiones en materia de impuestos sobre la propiedad inmobiliaria estan influenciadas por el comportamiento de los municipios vecinos. Por lo que se refiere a las fuentes de imitacion fiscal, los resultados ponen de manifiesto que el comportamiento imitador de los municipios en su politica fiscal viene determinado principalmente por los efectos de spillover, con un efecto decreciente en relacion con el tamano de los municipios. 本稿では、空間モデルを使用し、2014年にイタリアの地方自治体が採用した固定資産税に対する財政政策の決定因子を推定して、税収決定に影響を与える政策的相互作用の有無を評価し、最終的にはtax mimickingの原資となるものを調査する。 分析により、地方自治の政策決定に対する政治的および社会経済的変数のインパクトを評価し、固定資産税に関する選択は、近隣の自治体の行動に影響されることを確認する。 tax mimickingの原資に関しては、分析の結果から、税制政策に関する自治体間の模倣行為は主にスピルオーバー効果により決定され、自治体の規模に関連して効果が減少していることが明確に示される。
Childhood Obesity Among Punjabi Children in Relation to Physical Activity and Their Blood Profile

Abstract The study included 60 subjects comprising equal number of male and female of 7-9 years of age from three public schools in Ludhiana city. The subjects who were 20% above the normal weight for age were selected. A diary of the physical activity of each subject was recorded. A signification difference (P < 0.01) was observed in light activity in male and female subjects. The results indicated that low physical activity level (PAL) leads to overweight or obesity in the subjects. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was found in PAL of male and female subjects. TV viewing was positively and significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with sweets and snacks intakes among male and female subjects. While a positive and negative significant correlation (P < 0.01) was found in soft drink / juice intake and moderate physical activity, respectively of the subjects of both the sexes. Biochemical analysis like glucose and lipid profile were performed by standard methods. Blood pressure of each subject was on higher side. A significant difference was found in total cholesterol (P < 0.05), HDL-C and LDL-C (P < 0.01) of the male and female subjects.
High Resolution 3D Imaging of Ex-Vivo Biological Samples by Micro CT

Non-destructive volume visualization can be achieved only by tomographic techniques, of which the most efficient is the x-ray micro computerized tomography (μCT). High resolution μCT is a very versatile yet accurate (1-2 microns of resolution) technique for 3D examination of ex-vivo biological samples1, 2. As opposed to electron tomography, the μCT allows the examination of up to 4 cm thick samples. This technique requires only few hours of measurement as compared to weeks in histology. In addition, μCT does not rely on 2D stereologic models, thus it may complement and in some cases can even replace histological methods3, 4, which are both time consuming and destructive. Sample conditioning and positioning in μCT is straightforward and does not require high vacuum or low temperatures, which may adversely affect the structure. The sample is positioned and rotated 180° or 360°between a microfocused x-ray source and a detector, which includes a scintillator and an accurate CCD camera, For each angle a 2D image is taken, and then the entire volume is reconstructed using one of the different available algorithms5-7. The 3D resolution increases with the decrease of the rotation step. The present video protocol shows the main steps in preparation, immobilization and positioning of the sample followed by imaging at high resolution.