Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of antibiotic activity and synthesis of new pentadecapeptides based on lactoferricins

The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus has been studied for a number of modified pentadecapeptides based on lactoferricins of different origin. The peptides were classified by multivariate methods and quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) were developed using theoretically derived variables for the amino acids. For the modified peptides based on bovine lactoferricin (LFB) a model was calculated and used for prediction of new peptides that were then tested for antibacterial activity in order to improve peptide activity and to check the validity of the model. Models were also calculated including lactoferricins of different origin. Theories of the mechanism of action of the peptides are briefly discussed. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A two-center randomized controlled feasibility trial of insulin pump therapy in young children with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE Our goals were to determine if continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), compared with those continuing multiple daily injections (MDIs), can be safely used in young children, if those on CSII will have superior glycemic control, if subjects using CSII will have less hypoglycemia for their level of control, and if families using CSII will report an improved quality of life. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a randomized 1-year feasibility trial comparing CSII with continuing MDIs in preschool children with a history of type 1 diabetes for at least 6 months' duration. Prospective outcomes included measures of overall glycemic control (HbA1c and continuous glucose monitoring system), the incidence of severe hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, the percent of glucose values below 3.9 mmol/l, and the parents' report of quality of life. RESULTS The 19 subjects' ages ranged from 1.7 to 6.1 (mean 3.6) years, duration of diabetes ranged from 0.6 to 2.6 (mean 1.4) years, and baseline HbA1c ranged from 6.7 to 9.6% (mean 7.9%). Seven subjects were male. Nine subjects were randomized to start CSII and 10 to continue on MDI. All baseline characteristics were well balanced. Overall metabolic control, diabetes quality of life, and the incidence of hypoglycemia were similar in the two groups. No subject had diabetic ketoacidosis, while one subject in each group had an episode of severe hypoglycemia. No CSII subject discontinued using the pump during or after the study. CONCLUSIONS CSII can be a safe and effective method to deliver insulin in young children.
The Impacts of Social Responsibility and Ownership Structure on Sustainable Financial Development of China’s Energy Industry

In the analysis, we integrated stakeholder and agency theories to explore the connection between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable financial development by considering the moderating effect of ownership structure. After empirical analysis, we found the following conclusions. First, the short-term and long-term economic performance is positively affected by CSR, which leads to sustainable financial development. Second, ownership circulation has a positive relationship with economic performance in the short run, which short-term profit increases as ownership circulation strengthens. Third, the effect of CSR on short-term economic performance is moderated by ownership structure. Excessive concentrated ownership may lead to decisions that do not satisfy all key stakeholders and may reduce the positive effect of CSR on economic performance. Finally, we suggest that Chinese energy companies should pay more attention to improving corporate social responsibility to maintain good economic performance and develop sustainable competitive advantage. Meanwhile, companies should optimize ownership concentration to avoid weakening the positive effects of social responsibility on short-term economic performance.
Transfer and Expression of the Catabolic Plasmid pBRC60 in Wild Bacterial Recipients in a Freshwater Ecosystem

3-Chlorobenzoate (3Cba)-degrading bacteria were isolated from the waters and sediments of flowthrough mesocosms dosed with various concentrations of 3Cba and inoculated with a 3Cba-degrading Alcaligenes sp. , strain BR60. Bacteria capable of 3Cba degradation which were distinct from BR60 were isolated. They carried pBRC60, a plasmid introduced with Alcaligenes sp. strain BR60 that carries a transposable element (Tn5271) encoding 3Cba degradation. The isolates expressed these genes in different ways. The majority of pBRC60 recipients were motile, yellow-pigmented, gram-negative rods related to the group III pseudomonads and to BR60 by substrate utilization pattern. They were capable of complete 3Cba degradation at both millimolar and micromolar concentrations. Two isolates, Pseudomonas fluorescens PR24B(pBRC60) and Pseudomonas sp. strain PR120(pBRC60), are more distantly related to BR60 and both produced chlorocatechol when exposed to 3Cba at millimolar concentrations in the presence of yeast extract. These species showed poor growth in liquid 3Cba minimal medium but could degrade 3Cba in continuous cultures dosed with micromolar levels of the chemical. Laboratory matings confirm that pBRC60 can transfer from BR60 to species in both the beta and gamma subgroups of the proteobacteria and that 3Cba gene expression is variable between species. Selection pressures acting on pBRC60 recipients are discussed.
Evaluation of a Method for Initiating Vancomycin Therapy: Experience in 205 Patients

This study evaluated a dosing method for initiating vancomycin therapy in a large population based on patients' age, weight, and renal function. The aims were to determine the method's efficacy in achieving predetermined peak and trough serum concentrations, and to calculate the cost savings incurred by individualizing therapy. Average doses ±1 SD of 7.93 ± 0.29 mg/kg corrected body weight (lean body weight + 40% excess weight) were administered at intervals predicted by the patients' estimated creatinine clearances (range 22–130 ml/min). The calculated mean dose ± SD was 558 ± 83 mg (range 350–750 mg) and the calculated median interval was 12 hours (range 6–24 hr). Peak and trough concentrations ± SD measured at steady state averaged 26.0 ± 5.4 and 7.3 ± 2.3 μg/ml, respectively. Peak and trough serum concentrations fell within the predetermined therapeutic range in 311 (76%) of 410 samples. Peak concentrations were in the range of 20–30 μg/ml in 145 (71%) of 205 samples. Trough concentrations were in the range of 5–10 μg/ml in 166 (81%) of the 205 samples. This simplified dosing method successfully individualized therapy in most patients, and produced a significant savings to the pharmacy in reduced drug acquisition costs and to patients in reduced drug charges.
Accountants' whistle-blowing intentions: the impact of affective organisational commitment

Incidences of organisational wrongdoing have been widely spread throughout the business world. Accounting professionals are the key human resources who find evidence of wrongdoing in firms and have the opportunity to report it. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between affective organisational commitment of accountants and their whistle-blowing preferences. Using the survey method, 177 responses were collected from Turkish accountants. A partial least square structural equation model was constructed to test both the reliability and validity of the measurement and the structural model. The results showed that the accountants with higher affective organisational commitment are more likely to prefer 'whistle-blowing toward internal structures' to remain silent. Furthermore, it found a strong relationship between 'whistle-blowing toward outside agencies' and 'whistle-blowing with an assumed name'. On the other hand, the study found a negative relationship between affective organisational commitment and 'whistle-blowing with an assumed name' and 'whistle-blowing toward outside agencies'.
Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA)

This unit describes six different ELISA systems for the detection of specific antibodies, soluble antigens, or cell‐surface antigens. In all six systems, soluble reactants are removed from solution after specifically binding to solid‐phase reactants. In the first four protocols, solid‐phase reactants are prepared by adsorbing an antigen or antibody onto plastic microtiter plates; in the next two protocols, the solid‐phase reactants are cell‐associated molecules. In all protocols, the solid‐phase reagents are incubated with secondary or tertiary reactants covalently coupled to an enzyme. Unbound conjugates are washed out and a chromogenic or fluorogenic substrate is added. As the substrate is hydrolyzed by the bound enzyme conjugate, a colored or fluorescent product is generated. Finally, the product is detected visually or with a microtiter plate reader. The amount of product generated is proportional to the amount of analysate in the test mixture. Support protocols are provided for optimizing the different ELISAs and preparing lysates for use as test antigen from bacterial cultures containing expressed protein.
Combination of lenalidomide with R-CHOP (R2CHOP) as an initial therapy for aggressive B-cell lymphomas: A phase I/II study.

8015 Background: Lenalidomide (Len) was demonstrated to have significant single agent activity in relapsed aggressive B cell lymphoma (J Clin Oncol. 2008;26:4952-7). However, the safety and efficacy of Len in combination with standard immunochemotherapy is not known. METHODS A phase I/II study was designed to define the maximum tolerated dose and efficacy of Len administered on days 1-10 with standard R-CHOP chemotherapy (R2CHOP). Len dose escalation levels were 15 mg, 20 mg and 25 mg. All patients (pts) received 6 mg pegfilgrastim on day 2 and aspirin prophylaxis. Eligible pts were adults with newly diagnosed CD20 positive diffuse large B cell (DLBCL) or grade 3 follicular lymphoma (FL). Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as any grade 3 or higher non-hematological toxicity or a hematological toxicity resulting in a delay of the next cycle of chemotherapy. The response was evaluated using PET/CT by standard criteria (J Clin Oncol. 2007;25:579-586). RESULTS In the phase I portion, 3 pts received 15 mg, 3 received 20 mg and 6 received 25 mg of Len. No DLT was found and 25 mg was the recommended dose for phase II. 26 additional pts were enrolled on the 25 mg dose level in the phase II portion for a total of 32 pts at this level. The median age of these 32 pts was 64 years (19-87); 59% (19/32) were males. 28 pts (88%) had DLBCL and 4 (12%) pts had FL grade 3. International prognostic index (IPI) was low, low-intermediate, high-intermediate and high in 6, 13, 11 and 2 pts respectively. 8 pts (25%) experienced a grade 3 non-hematological toxicity and the most frequent were: febrile neutropenia (3 pts), fatigue (2 pts), thrombosis (2 pts), and dehydration (2 pts). Hematological toxicities were: grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia (16% and 25% of pts respectively); grade 3 and 4 neutropenia (13% and 75% of pts respectively). For 30 pts evaluable for response the overall and complete response rate was 100% and 83% respectively. CONCLUSIONS Lenalidomide at a dose of 25 mg for days 1-10 is well tolerated when combined with standard R-CHOP21 chemotherapy. The overall and complete response rates are encouraging. Ultimately, a randomized trial will be needed to confirm the benefits of this novel combination.
The Context-Bound University Selectivity Premium

In this paper I present a selective survey of the empirical literature on wage premium to university selectivity focusing mainly on the context of the country under analysis and the identification strategies employed. I then estimate the wage premium to university selectivity using Canadian data and two popular methods to correct for non-random selection in universities of different quality: matching methods and instrumental variables (IV). I estimate a wage premium of 7% using the matching estimator, and a premium of 14.8% using the IV estimator for alumni of selective Canadian universities 4A¢â‚¬â€œ6 years after graduation. My findings are in line with the literature on countries with a moderately differentiated higher education system that has low variation in tuition fees and is well supported by public funds.
Current Injection-Based Online Parameter and VSI Nonlinearity Estimation for PMSM Drives Using Current and Voltage DC Components

To develop a high-performance and reliable permanent-magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) drive for electric vehicle (EV) applications, accurate knowledge of the PMSM parameters is of significance. This paper investigates online estimation of PMSM parameters and voltage source inverter (VSI) nonlinearity using current injection method in which magnetic saturation is also considered. First, a novel dc component-based current injection model considering VSI nonlinearity is proposed, which employs the dc components of dq-axis currents and voltages for PMSM parameter and VSI-distorted voltage estimation. This method can eliminate the influence of rotor position error on VSI nonlinearity estimation. Second, a simplified linear equation is employed to model the cross- and self-saturation of the dq-axis inductances during current injection, which can facilitate the estimation of the inductance variations induced by magnetic saturation. Third, a novel current compensation strategy is proposed to minimize the torque ripples caused by current injection, which contributes to making our approach applicable to both surface and interior PMSMs. Therefore, the proposed online parameter estimation approach can estimate the winding resistance, rotor flux, VSI-distorted voltage, and the varying dq-axis inductances under different operating conditions. The proposed approach is experimentally validated on a down-scaled laboratory interior PMSM prototyped for direct-drive EV powertrain.
Process kinetics of an activated-sludge reactor system treating poultry slaughterhouse wastewater

The principal objective was to generate the essential kinetic parameters for model simulation and operation management of an activated-sludge reactor (ASR) system treating poultry slaughterhouse wastewater. By varying four different mean cell residence times (θc=4.6–24.3 d), the ASR system (26°C) removed effectively 93.5%–97.2% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) from wastewater. If a high COD removal efficiency and a low effluent volatile suspended solids (VSS) concentration are of great concern, a θc of 15–24 d or a food to microorganism (F/M) ratio of 0.3–0.7 kg COD/kg VSS-d is suggested; if resource sustainability and enhanced operation of the ASR system are of great concern, a θc of 9 d or an F/M ratio of 0.9 kg COD/kg VSS-d is suggested. The COD residual concentrations and COD removal efficiencies calculated by using the Monod model agreed well with the experimental results. When the parameters k and K s (Δ P/P) were respectively varied from−100% to+100%, the parametric sensitivity analysis showed that the COD residual concentration change (Δ S/S) was highly sensitive to k in the Δ P/P range between 0% and−40%, causing a marked increase in COD residual concentration.
Gene expression of the endolymphatic sac

Abstract Conclusion: The endolymphatic sac is part of the membranous inner ear and is thought to play a role in the fluid homeostasis and immune defense of the inner ear; however, the exact function of the endolymphatic sac is not fully known. Many of the detected mRNAs in this study suggest that the endolymphatic sac has multiple and diverse functions in the inner ear. Objectives:The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the genes expressed in the endolymphatic sac in the rat and perform a functional characterization based on measured mRNA abundance. Methods:Microarray technology was used to investigate the gene expression of the endolymphatic sac with the surrounding dura. Characteristic and novel endolymphatic sac genes were determined by comparing with expressions in pure dura. Results: In all, 463 genes were identified specific for the endolymphatic sac. Functional annotation clustering revealed 29 functional clusters.
Analyzing and Forecasting Zonal Imbalance Signs in the Italian Electricity Market

In this paper, within the Italian electricity market, we analyse the features and the dynamics of the imbalance sign, defined as the sign of the algebraic sum of energy bought and sold by the national Transmission and System Operator during the real-time balancing of the electric network. The analyses provide evidence that the probability of having a positive (negative) sign exhibits a serial dependence structure and a dependence on the load periods, as well as on past history. Based on this evidence, we build a suitable model for zonal sign dynamics, and we use it for an out-of-sample forecasting exercise concerning the probability of a positive imbalance sign, nt. The results show that the zonal imbalance sign is ‘predictable. ’ An economic evaluation of the benefits of using the proposed model is also provided.
Ewing Sarcoma and Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor of the Esophagus: Report of a Case and Review of Literature

This study presents a case of Ewing sarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumor arising in the esophagus of a 44-year-old woman who presented with progressive dysphagia. Imaging studies demonstrated a polypoid lesion in the esophagus. The tumor was characterized by corded and pseudopapillary architecture, cytologic monotony, and low proliferative activity. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for CD99, neuron-specific enolase, vimentin, cyclin D1, p53, and FLI1 gene product. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated a 22q12 translocation, associated with primitive neuroectodermal tumor in the tumor cells, whereas reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction conformed expression of Ewing sarcoma/FLI1 fusion transcript in the patient’s bone marrow aspirate. Although this is a rare site for this type of tumor to occur, primitive neuroectodermal tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mesenchymal tumors of the esophagus. Genetic analysis is crucial to establish the diagnosis and can be successfully performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material and hematopoietic tissue.
Us Monetary Policy and the Global Financial Cycle

U.S. monetary policy shocks induce comovements in the international financial variables that characterize the “Global Financial Cycle. ” A single global factor that explains an important share of the variation of risky asset prices around the world decreases significantly after a U.S. monetary tightening. Monetary contractions in the US lead to significant deleveraging of global financial intermediaries, a decline in the provision of domestic credit globally, strong retrenchments of international credit flows, and tightening of foreign financial conditions. Countries with floating exchange rate regimes are subject to similar financial spillovers.
Developmental dynamics of PAFAH1B subunits during mouse brain development

Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) mediates an array of biological processes in the mammalian central nervous system as a bioactive lipid messenger in synaptic function and dysfunction (plasticity, memory, and neurodegeneration). The intracellular enzyme that deacetylates the PAF (PAFAH1B) is composed of a tetramer of two catalytic subunits, ALPHA1 (PAFAH1B3) and ALPHA2 (PAFAH1B2), and a regulatory dimer of LIS1 (PAFAH1B1). We have investigated the mouse PAFAH1B subunit genes during brain development in normal mice and in mice with a hypomorphic allele for Lis1 (Lis1/sLis1; Cahana et al. [ 2001 ] Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 98:6429–6434). We have analyzed quantitatively (by means of real‐time polymerase chain reaction) and qualitatively (by in situ hybridization techniques) the amounts and expression patterns of their transcription in developing and postnatal brain, focusing mainly on differences in two laminated encephalic regions, the forebrain (telencephalon) and hindbrain (cerebellum) separately. The results revealed significant differences in cDNA content between these two brain subdivisions but, more importantly, between the LIS1 complex subunits. In addition, we found significant spatial differences in gene expression patterns. Comparison of results obtained with Lis1/sLis1 analysis also revealed significant temporal and spatial differences in Alpha1 and Lis1 expression levels. Thus, small changes in the amount of the Lis1 gene may differentially regulate expression of Alpha1 and Alpha2, depending on the brain region, which suggests different roles for each LIS1 complex subunit during neural differentiation and neural migration. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:3877–3894, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Novel Epimerization System in Fungal Secondary Metabolism Involved in the Conversion of Isopenicillin N into Penicillin N inAcremonium chrysogenum *

The epimerization step that converts isopenicillin N into penicillin N during cephalosporin biosynthesis has remained uncharacterized despite its industrial relevance. A transcriptional analysis of a 9-kb region located downstream of thepcbC gene revealed the presence of two transcripts that correspond to the genes named cefD1 and cefD2 encoding proteins with high similarity to long chain acyl-CoA synthetases and acyl-CoA racemases from Mus musculus,Homo sapiens, and Rattus norvegicus. Both genes are expressed in opposite orientations from a bidirectional promoter region. Targeted inactivation of cefD1 andcefD2 was achieved by the two-marker gene replacement procedure. Disrupted strains lacked isopenicillin N epimerase activity, were blocked in cephalosporin C production, and accumulated isopenicillin N. Complementation in trans of the disrupted nonproducer mutant with both genes restored epimerase activity and cephalosporin biosynthesis. However, when cefD1 orcefD2 were introduced separately into the double-disrupted mutant, no epimerase activity was detected, indicating that the concerted action of both proteins encoded by cefD1 andcefD2 is required for epimerization of isopenicillin N into penicillin N. This epimerization system occurs in eukaryotic cells and is entirely different from the known epimerization systems involved in the biosynthesis of bacterial β-lactam antibiotics.
A Merger Paradox: Proposal Right and Price Discrimination

This article studies merger incentives in a two-sided Bertrand oligopoly market. Either buyers or sellers receive a proposal right with a probability proportional to their relative bargaining powers. Each buyer or seller, if chosen, offers a payment schedule, or contract, to every opponent. We show that if there is a separable efficient allocation, the post-merger contracts exhibit a higher level of price discrimination than the pre-merger contracts. Thus, the horizontal merger to monopoly is harmful if their bargaining power is weak enough, i.e. the merger of buyers (sellers) decreases their joint profit if buyers (sellers) are responders with a high probability. The proposal right in vertical bargaining determines the horizontal merger incentive through price discrimination. We further show that this merger paradox is likely to emerge when goods are substitutes.