Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
C3b receptor activity on transfected cells expressing glycoprotein C of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2

Glycoprotein C from herpes simplex virus type 1 (gC-1 from HSV-1) acts as a receptor for the C3b fragment of the third component of complement on HSV-1-infected cell surfaces. Direct binding assays with purified gC-1 and C3b demonstrate that other viral and cellular proteins are not required for this interaction. Although C3b receptor activity is not expressed on HSV-2-infected cell surfaces, purified gC-2 specifically binds C3b in direct binding assays, suggesting that gC-1 and gC-2 are functionally similar. Here, we used a transient transfection system to further characterize the role of gC-1 and gC-2 as C3b receptors and to localize the site(s) on gC involved in C3b binding. The genes for gC-1 and gC-2 were each cloned into a eucaryotic expression vector containing the Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat as the promoter and transfected into NIH 3T3 cells. The expressed proteins were similar in molecular size, extent of carbohydrate processing, and antigenic properties to gC-1 and gC-2 purified from infected cells. Using a double-label immunofluorescence assay, we found that both gC-1 and gC-2 were expressed on the surfaces of transfected cells and bound C3b. These results suggest that other proteins expressed during HSV-2 infection prevent receptor activity. We constructed three in-frame deletion mutants of gC-2 to identify domains on the protein important for C3b receptor activity. These mutants lacked amino acids 26 to 73, 219 to 244, or 318 to 346. The mutant protein lacking residues 26 to 73 was reactive with two monoclonal antibodies recognizing distinct epitopes, showed a wild-type pattern of carbohydrate processing, and bound C3b on the transfected cell surface. These results suggest that residues 26 to 73 are not involved in C3b binding. The other two mutant proteins were present on the cell surface, but did not bind C3b. In addition, these mutant proteins showed altered patterns of carbohydrate processing, formed aggregates, and were no longer recognized by the monoclonal antibodies. These properties indicate that removal of residues 219 to 244 or 318 to 346 disrupted the native conformation of gC-2, possibly owing to an alteration in the spacing between critical cysteine residues.
High-performance electroplated solenoid-type integrated inductor (SI/sup 2/) for RF applications using simple 3D surface micromachining technology

Electroplated solenoid-type integrated inductors (SI/sup 2/s) have been demonstrated to have high performance and small area occupation for GHz applications, using a new, simple, and highly adaptable 3D surface micromachining technology. The method utilizes simply modified conventional photolithography and well-established electroplating at a low process temperature (<120/spl deg/C), so that the post-IC process and batch fabrication are possible. We have fabricated a 20-turn SI/sup 2/ with an inductance of 2.5nH, a peak Q-factor of 19 at 5.5 GHz, and the surface area occupation of 800 /spl mu/m by 90 /spl mu/m excluding pads (50 nH/mm/sup 2/), from the entirely unoptimized initial fabrication on a glass substrate. Also, a 10 nH and a peak Q of 12.5 at 2.3 GHz have been obtained from an 80-turn SI/sup 2/ (27 nH/mm/sup 2/).
Wage Discrimination in the NBA: Evidence Using Free Agent Signings

This research paper investigates the prominence of wage discrimination in the National Basketball Association (NBA) using free agent signings from 2011-2017 allowing us to better capture the determinants of player wages, a limitation in previous NBA wage discrimination literature. Using the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition and weighted linear regression models, we find that black athletes are paid significantly less than their counterparts. In addition, weighted quantile regressions show evidence of consumer discrimination presence in the league. This is observed through the result that black players with high audience visibility experience a larger racial wage gap; moreover, this gap is positively related to the share of white population of MSA where the player is employed.
Vector analysis of evolutive corneal astigmatic changes in keratoconus.

PURPOSE To evaluate by vector analysis the corneal astigmatic changes occurring in keratoconic corneas during a 3-year follow-up and to determine the relationship between these changes and other clinical changes. METHODS Keratoconic eyes (n = 114) of 75 patients ranging in age from 14 to 70 years were retrospectively reviewed in four different centers. In all cases, a 3-year follow-up was completed after the diagnosis of keratoconus. Visual, refractive, keratometric, aberrometric, internal astigmatism (IA), and pachymetric changes were evaluated during the follow-up. In addition, corneal astigmatic changes were evaluated by examining the following parameters, using a modification of the Alpins vectorial method: evolutive astigmatism (EA) and angle of error (AE). RESULTS An increase in the magnitude of refractive (P = 0.02) and corneal astigmatism (P = 0.05) was found. The mean magnitude of EA was 1.21 ± 0.97 D at 3 years, with no significant changes at each annual visit (P ≥ 0.52). Mean absolute AE increased significantly by the end of the follow-up (P < 0.01). Absolute AE and the increase in corneal astigmatism were found to correlate at 2 years (r = 0.675, P < 0.01). This correlation became poorer at 3 years (r = 0.352, P = 0.02). The magnitude of the EA was also found to be significantly correlated with central corneal thinning (r = -0.441, P = 0.02). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the magnitude of EA at 3 years correlated significantly with the baseline sphere and IA (R² = 0.86, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Corneal vector astigmatic changes are related to some signs of keratoconus progression and are therefore predictive.
Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Text of Annual Reports—The Case of the IT Services Industry

Annual reports are an important source of qualitative information about a company’s strategic areas, including sustainability. However, previous work on sustainability assessment has been limited to quantitative indicators that are difficult to obtain. Here, we address this issue by analyzing a company’s strategic documents, with the specific aim of demonstrating the role of sustainability and social responsibility in the text of the annual reports of companies in the IT services industry. We demonstrate that this information is a significant determinant of future economic outcomes. Specifically, here we evaluate sentiment in managerial communication in the area of sustainable business by using collocation analysis of topic and sentiment word lists. Several domain-specific word lists were used for each category monitored. Specifically, Loughran and McDonald’s word list was used to measure sentiment in the context of corporate social responsibility and sustainability. The word list that was developed by Pencle and Malaescu was used for CSR, while novel word lists are proposed for sustainability topics. The results of experiments show that the sentiment of sustainability topics (environmental and social in particular) in the annual reports may be a significant indicator of future profitability and thus represent an important information for corporate stakeholders.
Evaluation of internal consistency of the epidermolysis bullosa oropharyngeal severity score (EBOS)

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the internal consistency of the epidermolysis bullosa oropharyngeal severity score (EBOS). Materials and methods. Data from 92 patients of varying EB types/sub-types already described in a previous multi-center study were re-analyzed via the coefficient Cronbach’s α (CR-α). Additionally, the corrected item total correlation between each item and the items’ overall score with Pearson’s product-moment correlation (ρ) was calculated. Results. The alpha coefficient for the mean total score of 17 items is 0.941. The inter-observer reliability for disease severity score was excellent for oral medicine specialist (α = 0.924) and dermatologist (α = 0.916) and the intra-observer reliability was good at Time 1 (α = 0.895) and Time 2 (α = 0.897). The analysis of CR-α per single item revealed that alpha was greater than 0.904 for disease activity and 0.743 for structural damage, after the elimination of four items for oral medicine specialist and greater than 0.898 for disease activity and 0.769 for structural damage after the elimination of five items for dermatologist. Similarly the analysis of the corrected items-EBOS correlation showed that the same items do not correlate very well (ρ < 0.4) with the overall EBOS. Conclusions. The EBOS turned out to have a strong and reliable internal consistency, as the majority of the EBOS’ items were consistent with each other.
Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2‐sensitive Na+/Ca2+ exchanger activity in dendritic cells

Gene variants of the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are associated with susceptibility to Parkinson's disease (PD). Besides brain and periphery, LRRK2 is expressed in various immune cells including dendritic cells (DCs), antigen‐presenting cells linking innate and adaptive immunity. However, the function of LRRK2 in the immune system is still incompletely understood. Here, Ca2+‐signaling was analyzed in DCs isolated from gene‐targeted mice lacking lrrk2 (Lrrk2‐/‐) and their wild‐type littermates (Lrrk2). According to Western blotting, Lrrk2 was expressed in Lrrk2+/+ DCs but not in Lrrk2‐/‐ DCs. Cytosolic Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) were determined utilizing Fura‐2 fluorescence and whole cell currents to decipher electrogenic transport. The increase of [Ca2+]i following inhibition of sarcoendoplasmatic Ca2+‐ATPase with thapsigargin (1 μM) in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+‐release) and the increase of [Ca2+]i following subsequent readdition of extracellular Ca2+ (SOCE) were both significantly larger in Lrrk2‐/‐ than in Lrrk2+/+ DCs. The augmented increase of [Ca2+]i could have been due to impaired Ca2+ extrusion by K+‐independent (NCX) and/or K+‐dependent (NCKX) Na+/Ca2+‐exchanger activity, which was thus determined from the increase of [Ca2+]i, (Δ[Ca2+]i), and current following abrupt replacement of Na+ containing (130 mM) and Ca2+ free (0 mM) extracellular perfusate by Na+ free (0 mM) and Ca2+ containing (2 mM) extracellular perfusate. As a result, both slope and peak of Δ [Ca2+]i as well as Na+/Ca2+ exchanger‐induced current were significantly lower in Lrrk2‐/‐ than in Lrrk2+/+ DCs. A 6 or 24 hour treatment with the LRRK2 inhibitor GSK2578215A (1 μM) significantly decreased NCX1 and NCKX1 transcript levels, significantly blunted Na+/Ca2+‐exchanger activity, and significantly augmented the increase of [Ca2+]i following Ca2+‐release and SOCE. In conclusion, the present observations disclose a completely novel functional significance of LRRK2, i.e., the up‐regulation of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger transcription and activity leading to attenuation of Ca2+‐signals in DCs. —Yan, J., Almilaji, A. , Schmid, E. , Elvira, B. , Shimshek, D. R. , van der Putten, H. , Wagner, C. A. , Shumilina, E. , Lang, F. Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2‐sensitive Na+/Ca2+ exchanger activity in dendritic cells. FASEB J. 29, 1701‐1710 (2015). www.fasebj. org
Predictors of crying, feeding and sleeping problems: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND Infant regulatory problems, that is, excessive crying, feeding and/or sleeping difficulties, are precursors of adverse development. However, the aetiology of regulatory problems is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate pre-, peri- and post-natal neurophysiological and psychosocial predictors of single and multiple regulatory problems at 5 months of age. METHODS This prospective longitudinal study included all children born at neonatal risk in a geographically defined area in southern Germany. The data of n = 5093 singleton infants (83.6%) were analysed using crude and multivariate logistic regression analyses. As outcome measures we used single and multiple regulatory problems, that is, crying, feeding and/or sleeping difficulties at 5 months of age, which were assessed via a standardized interview with the parents by study paediatricians as part of a neurodevelopmental examination. RESULTS In total, 30.7% of the sample suffered from single or multiple regulatory problems at 5 months. Breastfeeding increased the odds of single sleeping problems 5.12-fold, but decreased the odds of single feeding problems [odds ratio (OR) 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35-0.74]. Very preterm birth was predictive of single feeding (OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.25-2.55) and multiple regulatory problems (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.19-3.46), and foetal abnormalities increased the odds of single feeding and multiple regulatory problems from 1.53- to 1.64-fold. Family adversity and psychosocial stress factors were associated with single crying and multiple regulatory problems. CONCLUSIONS Pre-, peri- and post-natal neurophysiological and psychosocial factors are predictive of single and multiple regulatory problems. The results may be useful in terms of early recognition of at risk groups for regulatory problems.
The role of the immune system in regulating the microbiota

A diverse population of bacteria, archaea, and fungi, collectively known as the microbiota, abounds within the gastrointestinal tract of the mammalian host. This microbial population makes many important contributions to host physiology through inter-kingdom signalling and by providing nutrients that have both local and systemic effects. In a healthy state the overall host-microbial interaction is symbiotic; however, a growing number of diseases have been associated with a dysregulated microbiota. To avoid these consequences, the host exerts substantial effort to maintain proper regulation of the microbiota with respect to localization and composition. Although important to maintaining microbial balance, the host immune response can also be the cause of a disrupted microbiota, contributing to disease severity. Here, we discuss the role of the host in both maintaining and disrupting a balanced gastrointestinal microbiota.
Effectiveness of gender equality initiatives in project-based organizations in Australia

Little is known about the impact of workplace gender equality initiatives in improving women’s representation. We assess their effectiveness on levels of women’s representation in Australian property and mining organizations. Derived from signaling theory, we propose and test a positive relationship between gender equality initiatives and women’s representation at management and non-management levels. Derived from contingency theory, we propose and test the moderating effect of women in top management teams on the abovementioned relationships. The hypotheses were tested using archival data from 358 organizations with a 2-year time lag. The findings partially support the main and moderating effect hypotheses. We discuss theoretical, research, and practical implications. JEL Classification: M12, M14
Novel Maximum Electrical and Mechanical Power Tracking Controllers for Wind Energy Conversion Systems

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods are currently implemented as maximum mechanical power trackers (MMPTs) in wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). In this paper, the idea of a maximum electrical power tracker (MEPT) is first introduced. It is shown that the proposed MEPT extracts maximum output electrical power from a WECS, while an MMPT only extracts maximum mechanical power from the wind turbine used in the WECS. The novelties and contributions of this work are introducing the idea of an MEPT, and presenting two novel MEPT and MMPT having greater MPPT efficiencies and shorter convergence times compared to the state-of-the-art MPPT methods all implemented as MMPTs. Very simple structure, low cost, and very good response to sudden variations in wind speed are the other advantages of utilizing the proposed MEPT and MMPT. A 600-W vertical wind turbine, a 1-kW dc/dc boost converter, and a microcontroller have been used to construct the MEPT and MMPT, and the experimental and simulation verifications are presented to validate theoretical results.
Predicting stock market indexes with world news

With the rapid development of economy, people need to raise the accuracy of predicting prices considering late events. The main tackle in raising the accuracy is to fully use the information in daily reports. Unfortunately, most of the current solutions separate the time series statistics, the events reported in text data and prediction in data mining way from each other. As a result, although they predict the prices accurately in most of the days, they can not grasp the sudden change points of those time series. In this paper, we propose an ensemble framework to take advantage of the news text in predicting change points in stock market indexes as well as traditional prediction works, so that we can improve our prediction sufficiently. Our extensive experimental results shows that we reduce the loss of error predictions and enhance the good prediction results.
HIPPI world-the switch is the network

The 800 Mb HIPPI (High-Performance Parallel Interface) data channel defined by ANSI X3T9.3 has the capability to connect a variety of computers and peripherals which can take advantage of such speeds. The HIPPI architecture further permits a large number of HIPPI channels to be interconnected via crossbar switches, permitting a single channel to selectively converse with many other HIPPI destinations. The author explores the capability of such switches, and the ability of interconnected HIPPI switches to serve as a multi-gigabit network in a variety of environments. <<ETX>>
PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF AN ANTI-IDIOTYPIC SINGLE CHAIN FV THAT RECOGNIZES AN ANTI-DNA ANTIBODY

A well-characterized recombinant anti-idiotype to an anti-DNA antibody can be useful for studies of the regulation of anti-DNA-producing B cells. Using a hybridoma technique, a monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody, designated O2F3, was obtained, and its scFv gene was constructed. O2F3 single chain Fv (scFv) was produced against an idiotope of a monoclonal anti-DNA antibody, 3D8, that was obtained from an autoimmune-prone mouse, MRL-lpr/lpr. Here we describe the production and in vitro characterization of the O2F3 scFv, and compare it with its parent monoclonal antibody, O2F3 IgM. To characterize O2F3 scFv and O2F3 IgM, we generated recombinant 3D8 fragments, including 3D8 scFv, 3D8 VH, and 3D8 VL, that were used as antigens in several assays. ELISA and Western blot analysis showed that both O2F3 scFv and O2F3 IgM recognized a conformational determinant formed by the association of the variable region heavy and light chains of the 3D8 antibody, suggesting that O2F3 scFv retained a similar binding pattern to its parent O2F3 antibody. The idiotope recognized by O2F3 was shown by competitive ELISA to be outside of the DNA binding site of the 3D8 antibody. This characterized O2F3 scFv could be applied for the regulation of anti-DNA antibody production and the manipulation of recombinant antibody-based proteins to which toxins, enzymes, and chemical agents can be connected.
Mechanism of caveolin filament assembly

Caveolin-1 was the first protein identified that colocalizes with the ≈10-nm filaments found on the inside surface of caveolae membranes. We have used a combination of electron microscopy (EM), circular dichroism, and analytical ultracentrifugation to determine the structure of the oligomers that form when the first 101 aa of caveolin-1 (Cav1–101) are allowed to associate. We determined that amino acids 79–96 in this caveolin-1 fragment are arranged in an α-helix. Cav1–101 oligomers are ≈11 nm in diameter and contain seven molecules of Cav1–101. These subunits, in turn, are able to assemble into 50 nm long × 11 nm diameter filaments that closely match the morphology of the filaments in the caveolae filamentous coat. We propose that the heptameric subunit forms in part through lateral interactions between the α-helices of the seven Cav1–101 units. Caveolin-1, therefore, appears to be the structural molecule of the caveolae filamentous coat.
Constituents and Consequences of Online-Shopping in Sustainable E-Business: An Experimental Study of Online-Shopping Malls

With the growth of the internet, electronic (online) business has become an important trend in the economy. This study investigates how retailers could enhance their shopping processes and hence help sustain their e-business development. Therefore, we propose a unified information system-consumer behavior (IS-CB) model for online shopping to analyze factors that impact online shopping. We used an online survey to gather data from 633 online customers to test the theoretical model, matching differences using structural equation modeling. Highly influencing factors for the IS-CB online shopping model included perceived value (PV), perceived risk (PR), social factors (SF), perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU), online shopping intention, trust, online shopping experience, actual online shopping purchases, entertainment gratification (EG), website irritation (WI), information design (ID), visual design (VD), and navigation design (ND). This study provides important theoretical and practical implications. PV and trust in online shopping can nurture positive attitudes and shopping intentions among online customers. Well-designed websites produce higher levels of trust and reduced WI. Similarly, online shopping sites with better ID, ND, and VD also reduce WI and increase trust. This study fills gaps in previous studies relating to IS and CB and provides explanations for IS and CB constituent impacts on acceptance and use of online shopping. The proposed unified IS-CB explains consumer online shopping patterns for a sustainable e-business.
Implicit and explicit learning in an auditory serial reaction time task

Objective– To explore the role of the motor cortex during implicit and explicit learning. Materials and methods– EEG signals were recorded from 30 channels by measuring task‐related desynchronization (TRD) when 10 right‐handed naive volunteers performed a variation of the serial reaction task. Stimuli, consisting of 4 pure tones of 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 HZ, lasting 200 ms, were presented binaurally through a pair of tubephones at 60 dB with a 2‐s constant interstimulus interval. A series of 10 repetitive tones represented the test sequence; the random sequence was the control. Results– All subjects developed implicit and explicit knowledge reflected by decreased response time, increased accuracy, and the ability to generate the sequence. Six of 10 subjects demonstrated implicit learning without explicit learning during the first 3 blocks. When subjects acquired full explicit learning, 10 Hz TRD at C3 reached a peak amplitude, declining thereafter. Conclusions– Properties of the sensorimotor cortex change during learning and these changes are independent of stimulus modality.