Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Binding assay for incorporation of alkali‐extractable proteins in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall

Yeasts have developed three different ways of attaching proteins to cell wall glucan. Some proteins are bound to β‐1,3‐glucan non‐covalently, while others are attached covalently, through GPI‐anchor and β‐1,6‐glucan, or directly to β‐1,3‐glucan by alkali‐labile ester linkage between the γ‐carboxyl groups of glutamic acid and the hydroxyl groups of glucoses (Pir proteins). In order to obtain further insight into the binding mechanism, a novel, simple binding assay for Pir‐family proteins was developed. It has been shown that PIR, as well as SCW4 mutants, can bind externally added Ccw5p to their cell walls. A study of appropriate binding conditions revealed the requirement of the native conformation of Ccw5p. The presence of EDTA blocked the binding of Ccw5p, indicating the cation dependence of the reaction. Both wild‐type and mutant cells showed enhanced binding of the Ccw5p in 0.6 M KCl. After disruption of all Pir genes (CCW5, CCW6, CCW7 and CCW8), 67 kDa protein still remained in NaOH extract. SCW4 disruption in the ccw5ccw6ccw7ccw8 mutant resulted in disappearance of the 67 kDa band from the extract, indicating that Scw4p could also be covalently linked to the cell wall by a so‐far unidentified alkali‐labile linkage. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iron chelators with topoisomerase-inhibitory activity and their anticancer applications.

SIGNIFICANCE Iron and topoisomerases are abundant and essential cellular components. Iron is required for several key processes such as DNA synthesis, mitochondrial electron transport, synthesis of heme, and as a co-factor for many redox enzymes. Topoisomerases serve as critical enzymes that resolve topological problems during DNA synthesis, transcription, and repair. Neoplastic cells have higher uptake and utilization of iron, as well as elevated levels of topoisomerase family members. Separately, the chelation of iron and the cytotoxic inhibition of topoisomerase have yielded potent anticancer agents. RECENT ADVANCES The chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin and dexrazoxane both chelate iron and target topoisomerase 2 alpha (top2α). Newer chelators such as di-2-pyridylketone-4,4,-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone and thiosemicarbazone -24 have recently been identified as top2α inhibitors. The growing list of agents that appear to chelate iron and inhibit topoisomerases prompts the question of whether and how these two distinct mechanisms might interplay for a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic outcome. CRITICAL ISSUES While iron chelation and topoisomerase inhibition each represent mechanistically advantageous anticancer therapeutic strategies, dual targeting agents present an attractive multi-modal opportunity for enhanced anticancer tumor killing and overcoming drug resistance. The commonalities and caveats of dual inhibition are presented in this review. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Gaps in knowledge, relevant biomarkers, and strategies for future in vivo studies with dual inhibitors are discussed.
REGIONAL DEMAND FOR NATURAL BEEF PRODUCTS IN COLORADO: TARGET CONSUMERS AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY

Interest and sales in natural meats continue to grow, with increased offerings in supermarkets and other mainstream marketing channels. Producers interested in direct marketing also consider natural meats an attractive niche market. This study focuses on the market for natural meat, including freezer beef, in Colorado with special attention to whether consumers in different areas of the state differ in their price and product choices. Findings show that about 20% of Front Range Colorado consumers purchase at least some of their meat from specialty shops or natural food stores, while 24% of rural, Western Slope consumers buy at least some meat directly from producers.
Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Early-stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: CEPO Review and Recommendations

Background: Lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Canada. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for patients with stage I non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, 20% to 30% of them are deemed medically inoperable and may be offered radiation therapy. Standard external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is associated with high rates of local recurrence and poor long-term survival. Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) is increasingly being proposed for inoperable patients, and the use of this treatment modality for operable patients is also being contemplated. The objective of this guideline is to review the efficacy and safety of SABR in these two clinical situations and to develop evidence-based recommendations. Method: A review of the scientific literature published up to December 2013 was performed. A total of 44 publications were included. Recommendations: Considering the evidence available to date, the Comité de l’évolution des pratiques en oncologie recommends the following: (1) for medically operable patients with stage T1-2N0M0 NSCLC, surgery remains the standard treatment because comparative data regarding the efficacy of SABR and surgery are currently insufficient for SABR to be considered an equivalent alternative to surgery for these patients; (2) for medically inoperable patients with stage T1-2N0M0 NSCLC or medically operable patients who refuse surgery, SABR should be preferred to standard EBRT (grade B recommendation); (3) the biological equivalent dose (BED10) used for SABR treatment should be at least 100 Gy (grade B recommendation); (4) for patients with a central tumor, a large-volume tumor (large planning target volume) or severe pulmonary comorbidity, a risk-adapted schedule should be used (dose reduction or increase in the number of fractions; grade B recommendation); (5) the choice of using SABR to treat NSCLC should be discussed within tumor boards; treatment with SABR (or with standard EBRT) should not be considered for patients whose life expectancy is very limited because of comorbidities (grade D recommendation).
Offline and online banking – where to draw the line when building trust in e‐banking?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of situation normality cues (online attributes of the e‐banking web site) and structural assurance cues (size and reputation of the bank, and quality of traditional service at the branch) in a consumer's evaluation of the trustworthiness of e‐banking and subsequent adoption behaviour.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from a survey and a usable sample of 202 was obtained. Hierarchical moderated regression analysis was used to test the model.Findings – Traditional service quality builds customer trust in the e‐banking service. The size and reputation of the bank were found to provide structural assurance to the customer but not in the absence of traditional service quality. Web site features that give customers confidence are significant situation normality cues.Practical implications – Bank managers have to realise that good service at the branch is a necessary condition for the promotion of e‐banking. They cannot rely on bank size .
Attention deficit disorder and methylphenidate: a multilevel analysis of dose-response effects on children's impulsivity across settings.

ABSTRACT The present investigation examined the effects of methylphenidate on impulsivity in children with Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity (ADDH) in school and on their Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT) performance in a clinic setting. Twenty-two children with ADDH between 6 and 10 years of age participated in a double-blind, placebo-control, within-subject (crossover) design in which each child received four doses of methylphenidate (5, 10, 15, 20 mg) and a placebo in a randomly assigned, counterbalanced sequence. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measures demonstrated a highly significant effect on the five dependent measures. A series of one-way analyses of variance with repeated measures showed significant overall medication effects on MFFT performance (error and latency), teacher ratings of children's self-control, on-task behavior, and academic efficiency scores. With the exception of MFFT latency, all measures were highly sensitive to between-dose differences. Trend analyses revealed a significant linear relationship between improvement on the clinic and classroom measures and increasing dose. Intermediate and molecular level analyses were conducted to examine the idiosyncratic and task-specific behavior exhibited across doses, as well as the relative contribution of gross body weight to drug responsiveness. The implications of these results for psychopharmacological research and clinical practice are discussed.
Sildenafil Reverses Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension in Highland and Lowland Newborn Sheep

Perinatal exposure to chronic hypoxia induces sustained hypertension and structural and functional changes in the pulmonary vascular bed. We hypothesized that highland newborn lambs (HLNB, 3600 m) have a higher pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) due in part to a higher activity/expression of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). We administered sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, during basal and hypoxic conditions in the pulmonary hypertensive HLNB and compared them to lowland newborn lambs (LLNB, 580 m). Additionally, we compared the vasodilator responses to sildenafil in isolated small pulmonary arteries and the PDE5 mRNA expression and evaluated the vascular remodeling by histomorphometric analysis in these newborn lambs. Under basal conditions, HLNB had a higher PAP and cardiac output compared with LLNB. Sildenafil decreased the PAP during basal conditions and completely prevented the PAP increase during hypoxia in both groups. HLNB showed a greater contractile capacity and a higher maximal dilation to sildenafil. PDE5 mRNA expression did not show significant differences between HLNB and LLNB. The distal pulmonary arteries showed an increased wall thickness in HLNB. Our results showed that HLNB are more sensitive to sildenafil and therefore could be useful for treatment of pulmonary hypertension in high-altitude neonates.
The Financial Role Of East Asian Countries In Global Imbalances: An Econometric Assessment Of Developments After The Global Financial Crisis

The central objective of our paper is to empirically assess how global imbalances, have evolved since the global financial crisis of 2008–2009. More specifically, we examine how the portfolio investment positions of major East Asian countries in US financial markets — equities, debt securities, and bank lending — changed after the crisis. Our econometric analysis, based on the gravity model to identify the determinants of foreign portfolio investment into the US, finds that the "over-investment" of most East Asian countries remained substantial since the global crisis, especially in equities and long term debt securities. That is, even after the global crisis, most East Asian economies continue to hold excessive amounts of US securities, but the degree of over-investment appears to have declined for some economies in holdings of certain type of securities. We also find that East Asian countries over-invest in US financial markets largely due to excessive savings and foreign exchange reserves.
"Haemophilus somnus," a facultative intracellular pathogen of bovine mononuclear phagocytes

We have reported previously that bovine neutrophils are unable to kill the bovine respiratory pathogen "Haemophilus somnus. " In the present study we expanded our efforts and examined the interaction of bovine mononuclear phagocytes with this important veterinary pathogen. Bovine alveolar macrophages and blood monocytes ingested but did not kill opsonized "Haemophilus somnus" in vitro, whereas these same cells ingested and killed opsonized Escherichia coli. Because this suggested that "H. somnus" was a facultative intracellular pathogen, we developed an assay to monitor the intracellular fate of ingested "H. somnus" within bovine monocytes. Our results indicated that ingested "H. somnus" multiplied within bovine monocytes (1- to 2-log10 increase in 4 h); equivalent intracellular growth was noted for both a laboratory strain and a recent field isolate of "H. somnus. " Bovine monocytes killed ingested E. coli (1- to 2-log10 decrease in 4 h) under the same assay conditions that were used to follow intracellular growth of "H. somnus," thus indicating that the assay conditions did not induce a generalized defect in monocyte antibacterial activity. Light and electron microscopic examination of "H. somnus"-infected monocytes confirmed that intracellular growth had occurred. We did not observe an obvious correlation between the release of superoxide anion from bovine mononuclear phagocytes that had ingested opsonized "H. somnus" and E. coli and the subsequent intracellular survival of the bacteria. The results of this study suggest that infected mononuclear phagocytes sustain "H. somnus" infections in cattle and thus contribute to the subacute to chronic clinical course that has been reported.
Are Regional Entrepreneurs in Disadvantage? Lessons from Chile

The present paper deals with the perceptions about market conditions and public policies related to enhance entrepreneurial activities at regional levels. This is the first academic research at regional level in Chile and one of the few in Latin America to study this issue. The main results seem to indicate that entrepreneurs who are peripherally located perceive their regions as in a worse position than centrally located entrepreneurs in terms of entrepreneurial framework conditions. However, the results surprisingly indicate that peripheral entrepreneurs perceive more business opportunities in comparison to those located in core regions. This research revives the debate about specific regional policies for fostering the growth of local business, and the entrepreneurial framework conditions needed at regional level for emerging Latin-American economies.
Cross Market Information Flows: U.S. Listed ADR Accounting Principles Choice and the Market Reaction to SEC Form 20-F

In this study we expand our previous work (Senteney et al, 2014) using Grange Causality technique to test the SEC Form 20F information flow hypothesis. We investigate whether accounting principle choice used by ADR firms has any impact on equity security market at the time of the Form 20-F filings. We employ models of the cross-market ADR and equity security share response to the Form 20-F filing. Our results indicate that both ADR and equity security share markets respond to the Form 20-F filing and there is strong indication that the U.S. ADR share market response dominates the cross-market information flow driving the home country equity share market response. Furthermore, we find that the cross-market response to ADR Form 20-F filing is not equal across the three available accounting principle choices in either the ADR share market or the home country equity share market. Results are consistent with U.S. GAAP conveying the most of new price relevant information, and IFRS and local accounting standards being informative but not to the same extent.
Genome Visualization Made Fast and Simple

SUMMARY The easiest way to gain a quick overall understanding of genomic data is with a visual display that allows the user to view information about an entire genome or chromosome at once. We have constructed GenomePlot, a Perl/Tk script with a series of modules that allow us to display many types of information simultaneously. Menu options allow the user to zoom to the desired view of the data and to print or save the image to a file to produce publication quality illustrations. AVAILABILITY The program is available on request. A license is required for commercial use.
Changes in soil properties with vegetation types in highland grassland of the Loess Plateau, China

The response of soil properties to vegetation types is still not well understood and the relationship between vegetation types and soil properties has not been quantified in highland grasslands. A field experiment was conducted in highland grassland of the Loess Plateau in China to study the distribution of soil properties under different vegetation. 22 plant communities totaling 17 species that belong to 8 families were selected and root zone soil samples were collected to measure soil properties. The ability of vegetation to influence soil properties was vegetation type and soil property dependent. Generally, cation exchange capacity, soil organic carbon, labile organic carbon, total nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase, and invertase showed similar distribution trends with vegetation types and were higher in soils under Lilaceae, Leguminosae, Gramineae, Compositae, Solanaceae and Chenopodiaceae than those under Labiatae and Rosaceae. Also, total phosphorus, inorganic, and available phosphorus were higher in soils under Lilaceae, Leguminosae, Solanaceae and Chenopodiaceae than under Gramineae, Labiatae and Rosaceae. Catalase activity was not significantly influenced by vegetation type. Statistical analysis suggested that soil organic carbon has significant direct and indirect influences on soil properties and that the combination of soil organic carbon, total phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase could be used to represent physico-chemical, nutritional and biological properties under different vegetation. Our results highlighted the role of soil organic carbon in the relationship between vegetation and soil properties and indicated the potential of Leguminosae and Lilaceae to improve soil properties and of Labiatae and Rosaceae to degrade soil properties in highland grassland of the Loess Plateau.
A Firm Level Analysis of the Exchange Rate Exposure of Indian Firms

The study examines the level of foreign exchange exposure and its determinants for a sample of Indian firms. For this purpose, the relationship between exchange rate changes and stock returns for a sample of 361 Indian non financial firms is determined over April 2006-March 2011. The study finds that only 16 percent of the firms are exposed to exchange rate exposure at 10 percent level of significance. Furthermore, out of the firms having significant exposure, 86 percent firms are negatively affected by an appreciation of the rupee which confirms that Indian firms are net exporters. With respect to the determinants of exchange rate exposure, it reveals that export ratio is positively and hedging activity is negatively related to the exchange rate exposure of pure exporter firms.
Cost Analysis for Classification-based Autonomous Response Systems

Recently, cost-based Autonomous Response System (ARS) proposals are based on intrusion detection analysis. However, the implementation of the analysis in multi-class classiﬁcation-based ARS potentially leads to a wrong response action set decision. This is because the analysis may produces irrelevant response value, as it is not considering the false possibility in a true positive condition. In this paper, we introduce ARS based on cost analysis from a multi-class classiﬁcation output. The analysis is not only considering the possibility of a right response, but also the possibility of a wrong response from false classi-ﬁcation prediction. The response value and expected lost rate are introduced to quantitatively estimate the best response action set. Our simulation for Denial of Service (DoS) attack cases, conﬁrmed the capability of response action set decision algorithm. Our proposed system provides more accurate estimation of response value which leads to lower expected lost rate.
A dynamic malware analyzer against virtual machine aware malicious software

Nowadays, cyber-world is being enriched by a large variety of digital information technology-based services. An increasing rate of remote and mobile usage leads to a remarkable dependency on information security. Analysis and detection of malicious software or so-called malware is a challenging task due to the introduction of advanced obfuscation techniques by malware authors. In this study, we mainly concentrate on anti-virtual machine evasion techniques to provide secure and reproducible environments for malware analysis and its implementation issues. Malwares are identified on the basis of their behaviors by taking precautions related to the anti-virtual machine detection techniques. The dynamic malware analyzer tool is deployed to execute anti-virtual machine-aware malware samples in VMware environment. Dynamic malware analyzer monitors system resources such as connections, processes, windows registry, and file operations. Success ratio of detection is tested by using public malware sets with an accuracy of 92%. The effectiveness and success of the behavior-based malware analyzer tool is exploited and current state of the art of malware detection schemes is presented. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of Lactobacillus plantarum and glucose to control the fermentation of "Bella di Cerignola" table olives, a traditional variety of Apulian region (Southern Italy).

UNLABELLED The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of Lactobacillus plantarum, isolated from table olives "Bella di Cerignola," a traditional variety of Apulian region (Southern Italy), as a starter for this kind of food. We focused on the interaction of the starter with the natural occurring microflora, the quantitative/qualitative composition of yeast population, the decrease of pH, and the content of organic acids. After a preliminary characterization, 3 strains of Lb. plantarum, selected for their probiotic and technological performances, were used as a multiple-strain starter and inoculated (approximately 2%) in olives, processed according to Spanish style, brined at 8% and 10% of NaCl and added with 0.5% of glucose. The combination of the starter and glucose assured a correct fermentation course, decreasing the pH up to a safe value (4.3 to 4.5) and controlled the growth of yeasts. The concentrations of both L- and D-lactic acids increased throughout the fermentation, while citric and malic acids (both the isomers D and L) remained at low levels (0.2 to 0.4 g/L). Concerning yeast species, Candida guilliermondii was mainly isolated at the beginning (7 to 14 d), while C. famata prevailed at the end of fermentation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS To the question "How to standardize and maintain quality of "Bella di Cerignola" olives (Southern Italy)" we can suggest the following answer: use Lb. plantarum and a low amount of glucose (0.5%). The result is a decrease of the pH below the safety break point.
Blind False Data Injection Attack Using PCA Approximation Method in Smart Grid

Accurate state estimation is of paramount importance to maintain normal operations of smart power grids. However, recent research shows that carefully produced attacks with the knowledge of the grid topology, i.e., Jacobian matrix, can bypass the bad data detection (BDD) system. The BDD is used to ensure the integrity of state estimation to filter faulty measurements introduced by device malfunctions or malicious attacks. However, to construct the false data injection attack vectors, a common assumption in most prior works on false data injection attacks is that the attacker has complete knowledge about the power grid topology and transmission-line admittances. By contrast, this paper studies the general problem of blind false data injection attacks using the principal component analysis approximation method without the knowledge of Jacobian matrix and the assumption regarding the distribution of state variables. The proposed attack is proven to be approximately stealthy.1 The performance of the proposed attack is analyzed. Simulations confirm the performance of the proposed method.