Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transgenic Overexpression of Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase Is Associated with Induction of Osteoblast Gene Expression and Increased Cortical Bone Mineral Content and Density

Bone remodeling is a central event in the maintenance of skeletal tissue, and involves cycles of resorption followed by the formation of bone tissue. The activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts during these cycles is tightly regulated by systemic and local factors coupling the action of these cells. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) is predominantly expressed in bone by osteoclasts but has also been detected in osteoblasts and osteocytes. Moreover, TRAP can stimulate the differentiation of mesenchymal lineage cells, i.e. progenitors of osteoblasts and adipocytes. In order to further explore the effects of TRAP on bone turnover, the structural and molecular phenotypes of osteoclasts and osteoblasts were assessed in TRAP-overexpressing transgenic mice. Transgenic mice of both sexes display increased cortical bone mineral content and density, which cannot be accounted for by decreased bone resorption since osteoclast numbers and resorptive activity do not differ from wild-type mice. Examination of the osteoblast phenotype revealed that markers of bone formation, i.e. procollagen type I N-terminal propeptides, and osteoblast lineage markers as well as the TRAP 1B mRNA transcript are increased in TRAP-overexpressing mice. Expression of the osteoclast-selective TRAP 1C mRNA is not increased in TRAP transgenic mice. Elevated expression of TRAP mRNA and protein were detected in osteoblasts, osteocytes and in the bone matrix of TRAP transgenic mice, suggesting that TRAP overexpression in osteoblast lineage cells is associated with increased cortical bone mineral content and density. The data presented here support the hypothesis that TRAP overexpression in the osteoblastic cell lineage stimulates the differentiation and/or activation of these cells.
Resistance studies with ofloxacin.

The selection of ofloxacin-resistant mutants from susceptible wild-type bacterial populations was investigated by three methods. Resistant mutants selected from populations of Escherichia coli (NCTC 10418) and Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 6571) by single-step passage at either four or eight times the MIC occurred at a frequency of less than 1 x 10(-10). Ofloxacin-resistant mutants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCTC 10662), selected at four times the MIC, occurred with a 100-fold greater frequency at 3.3 X 10(-8), however, mutants of this species selected at eight times the MIC, occurred at a frequency of less than 1 X 10(-10). Sequential selection of ofloxacin-resistant mutants during multiple passages at 1/2 MIC, resulted in a 16- to 32-fold increase in MICs for isolates of P. aeruginosa and Klebsiella aerogenes, a four- to eight-fold increase in MICs for some strains of E. coli and a two- to four-fold increase in MICs for Staph. aureus and Streptococcus spp. During prolonged exposure of populations of E. coli (NCTC 10418) and Staph. aureus (NCTC 6571) to concentrations of ofloxacin at 1, 10 and 100 times the MIC no resistant-mutants were selected after seven days incubation. In similar experiments with P. aeruginosa (NCTC 10662) ofloxacin-resistant mutants were selected from populations exposed to the MIC which required 64 mg/l ofloxacin for inhibition. No ofloxacin-resistant mutants were selected from populations of P. aeruginosa (NCTC 10662) exposed to either ten or 100 times the MIC. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
On the development of energy-efficient communications for marine monitoring deployments

In this paper we present a novel architecture for enabling on-line communication with marine environment monitoring deployments. We rely on a set of communication technologies that range from IoT related low data rate communication standards to the widely adopted Wi-Fi and LTE protocols that are able to support bandwidth demanding applications. To achieve energy-efficient results we turn off all the power-hungry interfaces and peripherals, while maintaining a low-power interface active, dedicated to control the rest of the components. Finally, we present the installation of the developed system in the Vida oceanographic buoy, in Slovenia and evaluate our device in terms of power consumption.
A 3D structure model of the melibiose permease of Escherichia coli represents a distinctive fold for Na+ symporters

The melibiose permease of Escherichia coli (MelB) catalyzes the coupled stoichiometric symport of a galactoside with a cation (either Na+, Li+, or H+), using free energy from the downhill translocation of one cosubstrate to catalyze the accumulation of the other. Here, we present a 3D structure model of MelB threaded through a crystal structure of the lactose permease of E. coli (LacY), manually adjusted, and energetically minimized. The model contains 442 consecutive residues (≈94% of the polypeptide), including all 12 transmembrane helices and connecting loops, with no steric clashes and superimposes well with the template structure. The electrostatic surface potential calculated from the model is typical for a membrane protein and exhibits a characteristic ring of positive charges around the periphery of the cytoplasmic side. The 3D model indicates that MelB consists of two pseudosymmetrical 6-helix bundles lining an internal hydrophilic cavity, which faces the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. Both sugar and cation binding sites are proposed to lie within the internal cavity. The model is consistent with numerous previous mutational, biochemical/biophysical characterizations as well as low-resolution structural data. Thus, an alternating access mechanism with sequential binding is discussed. The proposed overall fold of MelB is different from the available crystal structures of other Na+-coupled transporters, suggesting a distinctive fold for Na+ symporters.
Conditional Value at Risk Based Optimization of Power Purchasing Portfolio in Multiple Electricity Markets and Risk Management

Here,taking a new risk index based on conditional value at risk(CVaR)as the measuring index for market risk,the revenue and risk of load serving entity(LSE)is quantized and an optimal power purchasing portfolio model for multiple markets,in which the maximized revenue is the objective function,is proposed.Taking the power purchasing in three markets for example,the proposed model is transferred into linear programming problem.Calculation results show that using the proposed model the LSE can achieve maximum purchasing revenue under the restraint of a certain risk.Thereby,as a new approach the proposed model can be applied to purchasing strategy and risk evaluation of LSE.
Masking period patterns of harmonic complex tones.

Masking period patterns, i.e., the SPL of just audible triggered sequences of short high‐frequency test tone bursts as a function of their temporal spacing throughout the period of a masker, were measured using the following maskers: low‐frequency two‐tone and three‐tone complexes, Gaussian‐shaped impluses and differentiated Gaussian impulses with both condensation and rarefaction peaks. The similarity between masking period patterns and neurophysiologically measured period histograms was confirmed with respect to the temporal structure. However, distinct differences appear in the amplitude structure of both patterns, indicating a strong nonlinearity involved in the transformation of the masker’s time function into the masking period pattern. Starting a few decibels above threshold in quiet, the peaks of the patterns are elevated by 10 dB for each 5‐dB increment of masker level. This fact points towards a square law for high‐frequency test signals and low‐frequency maskers. The steepness of slope of the m.
Adaptive impedance matching in power line communication

Power line communication is a promising communication method. Yet it is not widely used for the reason of relative high BER (bit error rate) and instability during communication. A primary cause of this poor performance is the time varying characteristics of power line. It leads to the variation in line impedance, and thus the impedance on the interface of communication equipment cannot match with it. So there are heavy attenuation and distortion during signal transfer, and the power cannot be sent out or received completely. In this paper, a new method that performs impedance matching using auto adaptation is presented. It measures the current line impedance, compares it with a typical value, and then selects the proper parameters of matching components to make a good matching. Since it makes a continuous adaptation between power line and communication equipment, the power sent out to the line and received by the receiver is maximized.
A novel faulted phase selector for double circuit transmission lines by employing adaptive cumulative sum-based method

In this paper a novel approach is proposed for faulted phase selection in transmission lines. This new approach is based on adaptive cumulative sum method which is proposed by authors. In this method, adaptive cumulative sum-based algorithm (ACUSUM) is applied to each phase current and pre-defined indices are obtained. It is shown that by monitoring these output indices and comparing them with an appropriate threshold, faulted phases can be detected, only 4 ms after fault inception. This new faulted phase selector can be also applied to double circuit transmission lines in order to detect cross-faults as well as inter-circuit faults. The implementation of the proposed method is simple and need no complicated hardware and equipment.
An Investigation on Mobile Communication Technologies and Their Effects on Elderly

In Europe people lives in an increasingly ageing society and there are different technological solutions that help them in their self management. Elderly population has been growing from 264 million in 2009 to 416 million in 2050 (UN Population Division/DESA). We believe that developing easy to use mobile functions can be of great use to the elderly as they grow older. The focus of this study is to investigate what functionalities the diabetes type 2 patients require in future mobile phones. The study is based on interviews with health care professionals and survey with elderly type 2. Interviews carried out with those health care professional who are dealing with type 2 patients and understand the problems which type 2 patients facing in the use mobile phones. The second part is survey, we distributed questionnaire to type 2 elderly although they use mobile phone or not but majorly we focused those elderly who are already users of mobile phones. The results of questionnaire will find out the satisfaction of elder persons with their current mobile phones and also reasons of from those who are not users of mobile phone. Questionnaire’s results will better explain the functionalities that needs to rebuild.
Competency of Quality Assurance Officers: Comparative Analysis of Literature Review and Survey Research in Thai Public Higher Education

The research is conducted with an objective of comparing the competency considering the academic outputs and the officers in charge of quality assurance in public higher education institutions. The study is constituted by two phases: Phase I synthesizes the essentials of competency of quality assurance officers based on 13 publications from 1991 until present, accessed through the electronic and internet database. Phase II surveys the competency particularly the appraisal of quality assurance officers in 16 public higher education institutions. The study is carried out employing the concept framework of quality competency. The review of 13 academic publications reveals a total of 45 competencies of quality assurance officers, covering four competency categories. While the surveys on the competency of quality assurance officers show 27 competencies in three categories, majority of which are in the quality experience. The comparative study between the two competency groups reflects either resemblance or identity for 20 competencies whereas other 52 competencies show dissimilarities.
A tree‐based model for allele‐sharing‐based linkage analysis in human complex diseases

By adapting a well‐known affected‐relative‐pair linkage model that can incorporate covariate or sub‐phenotype information [Olson, 1999: Am J Hum Genet 65:1760–1769], we have developed a recursive‐partitioning (RP) algorithm (tree‐based model) for identifying phenotype and covariate groupings that interact with the evidence for linkage. This strategy is designed to identify subgroups of affected relative pairs demonstrating increased evidence for linkage, where subgroups are defined by pair‐level or family‐level covariates. After growing a full tree, we identified optimal tree size through a form of tree pruning and chose the best covariate at each split by using bootstrap algorithms. Simulation studies showed that power to detect linkage can increase in the presence of gene‐environment interactions, depending on the magnitude of the interaction. As expected, however, power can decrease by examining more covariates, despite the pruning to optimize tree size. The RP model correctly identifies tree structure in a large proportion of simulations. We applied the RP model to a dataset of families with bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) where linkage regions on chromosome 18 have been previously identified. Using the all‐pairs score in Genehunter, the NPL tests showed no regions with strong linkage evidence on chromosome 18. However, using the RP model, several suggestive regions were found on chromosome 18. Two covariates appeared to influence the degree of linkage: the type II BPAD subtype and a pattern of displaying mania before or after a depressive episode. The RP model has the potential to identify previously unknown gene‐environmental interactions; here we have demonstrated the practical utility and potential this new methodology holds. Genet. Epidemiol. 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Discovering Opportunities in the Solar Energy Industry: A Subjectivistic View of Entrepreneurial Activity

Using the subjectivist view of entrepreneurship, the focus of this paper centers on understanding how certain individuals have created opportunities in the solar energy industry. An in-depth case study is developed to analyse the subjectivist character of discovery and creativity; the relevance of organizational learning for entrepreneurship; and the role of entrepreneurs’ experiences in shaping a firm’s subjective productive opportunity set. Through this research the relationships between the subjective visions and experiences of entrepreneurs, and perceived opportunities are presented. Besides the diversity of the problems that entrepreneurs encounter during the creation and development of the company, and the range of resources utilized are also discussed.
Board characteristics and higher audit quality—Evidence from Chinsese listed companies

This paper seeks to investigate the empirical relationship between board characteristics and audit quality using OLS regression analysis. In this study, the paper uses audit fees as a proxy for audit quality and seeks to investigate whether board characteristics influence the extent of auditing, and consequently, the audit fee. The results show that board independence (proportion of external directors on the board of directors), board gender diversity (proportion of female directors on the board of directors) and board diligence (number of board meetings) are positively and significantly associated with audit fees, but board size (number of members on the board of directors) is negatively and significantly associated with audit fees. The results are consistent with the demand-based perspective of audit services, wherein firms with strong corporate governance demand additional assurance from the external auditors and higher audit quality, resulting in higher audit fees.
Synchronization of Ghostburster neurons using high order sliding mode control

In this paper, high order sliding mode control is proposed to realize the synchronization of two Ghostburster neurons under external electrical stimulation. Being a motion on a discontinuity set of a dynamic system, the sliding mode is used to keep accurately a given constraint and features theoretically-infinite-frequency switching. As the high order sliding mode technique employed in this paper, it considers a fractional power of the absolute value of the tracking error coupled with the sign function. This structure provides several advantages such as the simplification of the control law, higher accuracy and chattering prevention. Firstly we analyze the periodic and chaotic dynamics of individual Ghostburster neuron under different external electrical stimulus, then high order sliding mode controller is designed to synchronize two Ghostburster neurons and drive the slave neuron to act as the master one. Asymptotic synchronization of the system can be obtained by proper choice of the control parameters. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Knowledge sharing among green fashion communities online

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the knowledge content on green fashion and the expectations regarding the sustainable supply chain held by consumers and shared within online communities. In sustainable and eco‐sectors, the supply chain is of outmost concern for consumers, as most benefits derived from the eco‐purchase are linked to the green and ethical credentials of the supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – A netnographic approach is used. Discussions on green fashion were collected in two green fashion forums over two periods (2007‐2008 and 2010‐2011) and were content analyzed.Findings – Results show a switch in knowledge content between the two periods, from a focus on sustainability to a focus on fashion. Also, there is an evolution in the nature of knowledge content, being initially subjective and becoming more objective and showing expertise during the last period studied. As the communities gain maturity, members are interested in sharing precise knowledge on a variety o.
Inhibition of ligand induced promoter occupancy in vivo by a dominant negative RXR

Background: Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) heterodimerize with other nuclear hormone receptors and control ligand mediated transcription. To address how RXRs function as heterodimers, we investigated activities of truncated RXRα and RXRβ that lack ≈ 20 conserved C‐terminal amino acids.
Efficiency, internationalization and market positioning in textiles fast fashion

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the competitive position of the company Inditex in the period 1990-2013 as a case study, identified by academics and professionals as a successful company. The analysis has focussed on the comparison of Inditex with its competitive environment. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology used to achieve the objectives was: data envelopment analysis for the analysis of efficiency and for the second the Tobit regression to determine the factors explaining efficiency. The authors have used additional methodologies such as social networks or cluster analysis. Findings – The individual company analysis reveals that the average efficiency level by years for the period 1990-2013, is relatively high 88.8 percent. The determinants of efficiency have been; the resources of the company in terms of assets whose relationship with is U-shaped curvilinear, where the minimum value (trend change) is produced between years 2002 and 2003. The degree of internationalization of the firm, is positively related to efficiency. As the company increases its expansion, experience and skills, increases efficiency. Finally, the effect of liberalization of textile trade in 2005 had no influence on the efficiency levels. Research limitations/implications – The limitations involving the methodology, in terms of representativeness, possible generalizations and type of secondary information used, can be offset by the ability to provide good vision and establish alternatives for possible studies. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the fast-fashion retail industry literature by emphasizing the importance of the case study.
A survey of the effect of internal and external factors on bank liquidity in Iran

As banks liquidity is one of the important factors having great influence on success or failure of the banks to achieve their goals and considerable changes create financial crises and banks bankruptcy. The present study investigated the internal factors (capital adequacy and assets quality) and external factors (unemployment rate and inflation) on liquidity of banks. 18 Banks of Islamic Republic of Iran were evaluated during 2003 to 2012 by multiple regression analysis of panel data. The results showed that capital adequacy ratio and inflation rate had positive effect and assets quality and unemployment had negative effect on banks liquidity.
Keratinocyte Growth Factor Prevents Radiation Damage to Salivary Glands by Expansion of the Stem/Progenitor Pool

Irradiation of salivary glands during radiotherapy treatment of patients with head and neck cancer evokes persistent hyposalivation. This results from depletion of stem cells, which renders the gland incapable of replenishing saliva to produce acinar cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to expand the salivary gland stem/progenitor cell population, thereby preventing acinar cell depletion and subsequent gland dysfunction after irradiation. To induce cell proliferation, keratinocyte growth factor (ΔN23‐KGF, palifermin) was administered to C57BL/6 mice for 4 days before and/or after local irradiation of salivary glands. Salivary gland vitality was quantified by in vivo saliva flow rates, morphological measurements, and a newly developed in vitro salisphere progenitor/stem cell assay. Irradiation of salivary glands led to a pronounced reduction in the stem cells of the tissues, resulting in severe hyposalivation and a reduced number of acinar cells. ΔN23‐KGF treatment for 4 days before irradiation indeed induced salivary gland stem/progenitor cell proliferation, increasing the stem and progenitor cell pool. This did not change the relative radiation sensitivity of the stem/progenitor cells, but, as a consequence, an absolute higher number of stem/progenitor cells and acinar cells survived after radiation. Postirradiation treatment with ΔN23‐KGF also improved gland function, and this effect was much more pronounced in ΔN23‐KGF pretreated animals. Post‐treatment with ΔN23‐KGF seemed to act through accelerated expansion of the pool of progenitor/stem cells that survived the irradiation treatment. Overall, our data indicate that ΔN23‐KGF is a promising drug to enhance the number of salivary gland progenitor/stem cells and consequently prevent radiation‐induced hyposalivation.