Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tissue Transglutaminase Has Intrinsic Kinase Activity

Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a ubiquitous enzyme that cross-links glutamine residues with lysine residues, resulting in protein polymerization, cross-linking of dissimilar proteins, and incorporation of diamines and polyamines into proteins. It has not previously been known to have kinase activity. Recently, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) has been reported to be phosphorylated by breast cancer cell membranes. We purified the IGFBP-3 kinase activity from solubilized T47D breast cancer cell membranes using gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography, and IGFBP-3 affinity chromatography. The fractions containing kinase activity were further purified by high pressure liquid chromatography and analyzed by tandem mass spectroscopy. TG2 was detected in fractions containing kinase activity. Antisera to TG2 and protein A-Sepharose were used to immunoprecipitate TG2 from membrane fractions. The immunoprecipitates retained IGFBP-3 kinase, whereas immunoprecipitation deleted kinase activity in the membrane supernatant. The inhibitors of TG2, cystamine and monodansyl cadaverine, abolished the ability of the T47D cell membrane preparation to phosphorylate IGFBP-3. Both TG2 purified from guinea pig liver and recombinant human TG2 expressed in insect cells were able to phosphorylate IGFBP-3. TG2 kinase activity was inhibited in a concentration-dependent fashion by calcium, which has previously been shown to be important for the cross-linking activity of TG2. These data provide compelling evidence that TG2 has intrinsic kinase activity, a function that has not previously been ascribed to TG2. Furthermore, we provide evidence that TG2 is a major component of the IGFBP-3 kinase activity present on breast cancer cell membranes.
Motivations for and Psychological Benefits of Participating in the Florida Master Naturalist Program

We explored the motivations for and psychological benefits gained from participating in the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP). We surveyed 3,904 participants, and 1,983 participants responded with completed questionnaires, for a 50.79% response rate. Florida master naturalists participated to learn, help the environment, and act on altruistic values. The respondents indicated that their participation in the FMNP provides psychological benefits related to helping the environment, exploring, and being social. To foster support for master naturalist programs, program designers should attend to motivations and perceived benefits related to participation in such programming.
Identification of a novel CD40 ligand for targeted imaging of inflammatory plaques by phage display

The CD40/CD40L dyad is deemed to play a central role in several inflammatory processes, including atherosclerosis. As CD40 is overexpressed in atherosclerotic lesions, it constitutes a promising candidate for targeted imaging approaches. Here we describe the design of a novel, selective peptide ligand for CD40 by phage display. A synthetic peptide corresponding with the phage insert NP31 displayed nanomolar affinity for CD40. Affinity was further enhanced by mutimeric presentation of NP31. An essential 11‐mer peptide motif was identified by truncation and alanine scan studies. Enriched phage selectively bound human CD40 and homed to inflammatory joints in a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis. NP31 ablated VEGF and IL‐6 transcriptional activation and partially inhibited IL‐6 production by CD40L‐activated endothelial cells. Notably, NP31 did not only alter the biodistribution profile of a streptavidin scaffold but also markedly increased accumulation of the carrier in atherosclerotic aortic lesions of aged ApoE–/– mice in a CD40‐dependent manner. This potent and selective peptide ligand has potential for targeted imaging and drug delivery approaches in CD40‐dependent inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis. —Yu, H. , Segers, F. , Sliedregt‐Bol, K. , Bot, I. , Woltman, A. M. Boross, P., Verbeek, S. , Overkleeft, H. , van der Marel, G. A. , van Kooten, C. , van Berkel, T J. C. , Biessen, E. A. L. Identification of a novel CD40 ligand for targeted imaging of inflammatory plaques by phage display. FASEBJ. 27, 4136‐4146 (2013). www.fasebj. org
Dissection Study on the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 3C-like Protease Reveals the Critical Role of the Extra Domain in Dimerization of the Enzyme

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) 3C-like protease consists of two distinct folds, namely the N-terminal chymotrypsin fold containing the domains I and II hosting the complete catalytic machinery and the C-terminal extra helical domain III unique for the coronavirus 3CL proteases. Previously the functional role of this extra domain has been completely unknown, and it was believed that the coronavirus 3CL proteases share the same enzymatic mechanism with picornavirus 3C proteases, which contain the chymotrypsin fold but have no extra domain. To understand the functional role of the extra domain and to characterize the enzyme-substrate interactions by use of the dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism, and NMR spectroscopy, we 1) dissected the full-length SARS 3CL protease into two distinct folds and subsequently investigated their structural and dimerization properties and 2) studied the structural and binding interactions of three substrate peptides with the entire enzyme and its two dissected folds. The results lead to several findings; 1) although two dissected parts folded into the native-like structures, the chymotrypsin fold only had weak activity as compared with the entire enzyme, and 2) although the chymotrypsin fold remained a monomer within a wide range of protein concentrations, the extra domain existed as a stable dimer even at a very low concentration. This observation strongly indicates that the extra domain contributes to the dimerization of the SARS 3CL protease, thus, switching the enzyme from the inactive form (monomer) to the active form (dimer). This discovery not only separates the coronavirus 3CL protease from the picornavirus 3C protease in terms of the enzymatic mechanism but also defines the dimerization interface on the extra helical domain as a new target for design of the specific protease inhibitors. Furthermore, the determination of the preferred solution conformation of the substrate peptide S1 together with the NMR differential line-broadening and transferred nuclear Overhauser enhancement study allows us to pinpoint the bound structure of the S1 peptide.
Four facets of learning in performance measurement

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the role of learning in performance measurement. Design/methodology/approach The authors develop a theoretical framework combining workplace learning theory with purposes of performance measurement. The authors elaborate this framework empirically by identifying critical incidents from a case set within a context containing a broad range of different performance measurement activities. Finally, the authors discuss the results and the possible implications for using the theoretical framework in order to better understand facets of learning regarding the design of performance measurement. Findings Workplace learning theory provides a deeper understanding of how the mechanisms of performance measurements support control or improvement purposes. The authors propose a tentative framework for learning as a driver for performance measurement and four facets of learning are identified: reproductive, rule-oriented, goal-oriented and creative learning. Research limitations/implications The empirical material is limited to the healthcare context and further studies are needed in order to validate the findings in other settings. Practical implications The authors argue that all managers must consider what kind of learning environment and what kind of learning outcomes best serve the interests of their organisation. Purposeful and carefully designed organisational arrangements and learning environments are more likely to induce intended learning outcomes. Originality/value Previous connections between the fields of “performance measurement” and “workplace learning” often lack any deeper conceptualisations or problematisations of the concept of learning. In this paper, the authors provide a more nuanced discussion about the process of learning in performance measurement, which may provide a basis for further research and scholarly attention.
The potential of a jumping spider, Phidippus clarus, as a biocontrol agent.

Spiders, particularly assemblages of species, have been shown to be effective in reducing pest insects and crop damage in field crops and orchards. We investigated the potential for a single jumping spider species to reduce pests in a greenhouse setting. We placed three treatments in large enclosures: 1) control treatment of only sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum L. ; 2) sweet basil and a phytophagous pest, fourlined plant bug, Poecilocapsus lineatus (F.) (Heteroptera: Miridae); and 3) sweet basil, fourlined plant bug, and jumping spider Phidippus clarus (Keyserling 1884). After 1 wk, jumping spiders reduced the number of plant bugs. Plants exposed to plant bugs alone were significantly shorter than either control plants or plants exposed to plant bugs and spiders. Chlorophyll concentration did not significantly differ across treatments. We discuss the feasibility of using P. clarus and similar salticids in biocontrol.
Firm size and debt maturity as indirect determinants of capital structure: evidence form European panel data

ABSTRACT The study aims at verifying whether the firm size and debt maturity affect the relationship between capital structure and its main determinants. Using panel data models, the impact of the primary factors on leverage is compared across three size groups of firms and for different measures of debt in order to identify the size effect and the debt maturity effect in these relationships. The study covers 11 EU countries during the period 2000–2013. Findings provide evidence that financing choices of small firms provide more support for the pecking-order theory, whereas medium and large-sized firms tend to follow the trade-off predictions on leverage. It also appears that the trade-off theory is more applicable for short-term debt, while pecking order – for long-term debt.
Evaluation of Silicon and Polymer substrates for fabrication of integrated microfluidic microsystems for DNA extraction and amplification

This paper is presenting two different alternatives for the DNA extraction and amplification that will be carried out by two competitive research projects developing bioanalytical microsystems with microfluidics. The first project will develop the microfluidics part on polymer material and the other one on silicon. The polymer approach is currently under development based on a modular microfluidic architecture aimed to simplify the process of designing and building such a microsystem device. A silicon alternative is about to start and is expected to decrease packaging costs of the microsystem allowing future manufacturability of the device
Articulation in multimodal silent speech interface for European Portuguese

The concept of silent speech, when applied to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), describes a system which allows for speech communication in the absence of an acoustic signal. By analyzing data gathered during different parts of the human speech production process, Silent Speech Interfaces (SSI) allow users with speech impairments to communicate with a system. SSI can also be used in the presence of environmental noise, and in situations in which privacy, confidentiality, or non-disturbance are important. Nonetheless, despite recent advances, performance and usability of Silent Speech systems still have much room for improvement. A better performance of such systems would enable their application in relevant areas, such as Ambient Assisted Living. Therefore, it is necessary to extend our understanding of the capabilities and limitations of silent speech modalities and to enhance their joint exploration. Thus, in this thesis, we have established several goals: (1) SSI language expansion to support European Portuguese; (2) overcome identified limitations of current SSI techniques to detect EP nasality (3) develop a Multimodal HCI approach for SSI based on non-invasive modalities; and (4) explore more direct measures in the Multimodal SSI for EP acquired from more invasive/obtrusive modalities, to be used as ground truth in articulation processes, enhancing our comprehension of other modalities. In order to achieve these goals and to support our research in this area, we have created a multimodal SSI framework that fosters leveraging modalities and combining information, supporting research in multimodal SSI. The proposed framework goes beyond the data acquisition process itself, including methods for online and offline synchronization, multimodal data processing, feature extraction, feature selection, analysis, classification and prototyping. Examples of applicability are provided for each stage of the framework. These include articulatory studies for HCI, the development of a multimodal SSI based on less invasive modalities and the use of ground truth information coming from more invasive/obtrusive modalities to overcome the limitations of other modalities. In the work here presented, we also apply existing methods in the area of SSI to EP for the first time, noting that nasal sounds may cause an inferior performance in some modalities. In this context, we propose a non-invasive solution for the detection of nasality based on a single Surface Electromyography sensor, conceivable of being included in a multimodal SSI.
Impact of HR Practices on Employee Engagement among Machine Operators in the Large Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka

Area of the Study This study is mainly focused on examining the impact of HR practices on employee engagement among machine operators in the large apparel industry in Sri Lanka. Problem of the Study There is an empirical gap of how HR practices affect to employee engagement in the Sri Lankan context. Therefore researchers addressed: How HR practices affect employee engagement among machine operators in the large apparel industry in Sri Lanka? Method of the study The data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 384 machine operators who are employed in top three companies in the large Sri Lankan apparel industry. A structured questionnaire which included Bakar’s (2013) 16 items for measuring HR practices and Bakker, et al.’ (2002) 17 items for measure employee engagement was administered. The data were analyzed using Pearson’sCorrelation and simple regression analysis. Findings of the Study The findings exhibited that there is a positive relationship between HR practices and employee engagement among machine operators in the large apparel industry in Sri Lanka. As well as HR practices of the Sri Lankan large apparel industry companies are at a satisfactory level and employee engagement of machine operatorsare at a high level. Moreover, all dimensions of HR practices are positively and significantly correlated with employee engagement, namely selective staffing, reward system, performance appraisal, comprehensive training and employee participation program. Lastly, the regression analysis between HR practices and employee engagement indicated that 59.8% of total variance of employee engagement was explained by HR practices. Conclusion of the Study It is concluded that there is a positive impact of HR practices on employee engagement among machine operators in the large apparel industry in Sri Lanka. Thus organizations in this sector need to develop proper and well-structured HR practices to attain high employee engagement level among the machine operators. Keywords: HR Practices, Employee Engagement, Machine Operators
Effects of ethinyl estradiol-cyproterone acetate treatment on metabolic syndrome, fat distribution and carotid intima media thickness in polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the effects of ethinyl estradiol-cyproterone acetate (EE-CA) treatment on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, and body fat distribution in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) after 6-month treatment. Subjects and methods: Thirty women with PCOS were evaluated before and after 6 months of EE-CA treatment. Anthropometrical measurements, hormonal levels, lipid and glucose profile were evaluated. Body fat thickness in four regions and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) were measured. Interval change in antropometric measurements, glucose and lipid profile, carotid IMT and body fat distribution was evaluated before and after 6-month EE-CA treatment. Results: Ferriman–Gallwey score and serum testosterone levels were significantly decreased after EE-CA treatment (p < 0.01). No significant effect was detected on insulin resistance, lipid profile and carotid artery IMT. The visceral, subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thicknesses decreased, and mid-thigh fat thickness increased after treatment period. However, only the alteration in subcutaneous fat thickness achieved a statistical significance (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The EE-CA is an effective regimen in treatment of hirsutism and menstrual regulation. Although it provides significant decrease in subcutaneous fat thickness after 6-month treatment, it has no beneficial effect with respect to visceral fat thickness, metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors.
InSAR Monitoring of Italian Coastline Revealing Natural and Anthropogenic Ground Deformation Phenomena and Future Perspectives

In this work, we use X and C-band SAR data provided by the COSMO-SkyMed and ENVISAT missions to detect and measure some ground deformation phenomena along six coastal areas of Italy. In particular, we exploit multi-temporal interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), i.e., small baseline subsets (SBAS) and interferometric point target analysis (IPTA) methods, to retrieve the deformation rate maps and time series for each investigated area. Multi-temporal InSAR analysis revealed local subsidence and uplifting effects in Ravenna Coastal Areas, Fiumicino, Campi Flegrei, Sibari Plain, Augusta Bay, and Taranto Gulf. Our work is meant as a demonstrator to show how InSAR-based analysis can provide a detailed understanding of the coastal hazards. Such analysis also opens up new monitoring scenarios such as the possibility of designing a near real-time surveillance service based on Sentinel-1 SAR data.
Factors affecting teens' academic engagement in computational thinking activities

In our increasingly technological society, computational thinking is considered vital despite future career choices. Computational thinking can develop and enhance unique thinking skills, and educators all over the world are focused on how they can increase youths’ engagement in the field. More insight is required to see what teens enjoy and are engaged by when learning and applying computational thinking, as an increased engagement can make youth more invested and involved in computing. This study aimed to investigate teens’ academic engagement in computational thinking activities by answering the research question: "Which factors can influence teens’ engagement in computational thinking activities? " Academic engagement concerns how students are psychologically invested towards learning, understanding, or mastering knowledge and skills that the academic work is promoting. This study looked more into the features of academic engagement and how collaboration can affect teens’ academic engagement. By conducting two workshops called Kodeløypa and Tappetina, data was collected using observations, interviews, artifacts, and questionnaires, and thus used to detect factors that teens find motivating. The result of this study is a mapping of factors that affect teens’ academic engagement. Some examples are teamwork and assistance, competence, motivation, perceptions, and learning. These findings can be used to assist educators, lecturers, and teachers in developing engaging and motivating computational thinking activities.
Construction of a realistic computational smartphone model for SAR evaluations

In recent years, electromagnetic (EM) applications have become common, and the opportunities of using the devices emitting EM waves have become increasing. Therefore, influences for the human body exposed to EM waves have been investigated and reported. However, there are few studies about EM exposure due to novel mobile phones such as smartphones. In this study, we developed the realistic computational smartphone model for the EM wave source. Furthermore, we estimated specific absorption rate (SAR) for the human body from the smartphone model placed in front of the abdomen.
Social Capital and Human Well-Being in Romania: an Individual Level Analysis

Social capital theorists claim that social capital has positive impacts on various aspects of societal life, such as economic well-being, health, crime rates, educational achievement, and adolescent development (Woolcock, 1998). Thus, on the basis of data collected from 1344 individuals by World Values Survey (WVS) wave 6 Romania 2012, the present paper examines the inter-linkage between social capital and human well-being in Romania. In the study, social capital is measured by two proxy indicators, the generalized trust among individuals and the membership of individuals in voluntary organizations. At all Romania level, mean score for individuals on the social capital index is found to be 5.22 points out of possible 100 points with standard deviation 10.81. To examine the impact of social capital on human well-being, OLS regression model is used where human well-being (measured by happiness in life, health condition, satisfaction in life, freedom of choice, satisfaction of the individual with his/her financial situation, Romanian citizenship proud, and the extent of savings) is taken as the dependent variable, and on the other side, social capital, human capital and income level are taken as the explanatory variables along with two demographic characteristics of the individuals, gender and age. At mean social capital score of 5.22, the coefficient of the variable shows that a one unit increase in social capital would increase well-being of individuals by 4.9%. Finally, the study suggests that human well-being programmes should integrate social capital as an essential element.
Policy review of water reform in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia: the “do's” and “do'nots”†

The water reforms undertaken in the Murray&#8211;Darling Basin, Australia since 2007 have been viewed as a model for other countries seeking to respond to water insecurity. Here, a policy review is provided of this water reform and whether it delivers on key environmental objectives in the 2007 Water Act (the Act). The evaluation includes a review of the 2012 Basin Plan, a key instrument of the Act, and complementary policies associated with the acquisition of water entitlements for the environment via direct (reverse tenders) and indirect (infrastructure subsidies) means. Using the objects of the Act as a benchmark, an evaluation is provided of the following: (i) planned reductions in irrigation water extractions in the 2012 Basin Plan; (ii) risks associated with the 2018 amendments to the Basin Plan that, collectively, allow for an increase in irrigation water extractions of some 22 per cent, relative to the sustainable diversion limits specified in the 2012 Basin Plan; (iii) Basin&#8208;scale environmental outcomes achieved, as of the end of 2018; and (iv) economic effects of direct and indirect methods of acquiring water for the environment. Findings from the review generate the &#8220;Do's&#8221; and &#8220;Do Nots&#8221; of water reform for Australia, and possibly other countries, when managing the trade&#8208;offs between water for irrigation and the environment.