Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural Analysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae α-Galactosidase and Its Complexes with Natural Substrates Reveals New Insights into Substrate Specificity of GH27 Glycosidases*

α-Galactosidases catalyze the hydrolysis of terminal α-1,6-galactosyl units from galacto-oligosaccharides and polymeric galactomannans. The crystal structures of tetrameric Saccharomyces cerevisiae α-galactosidase and its complexes with the substrates melibiose and raffinose have been determined to 1.95, 2.40, and 2.70 Å resolution. The monomer folds into a catalytic (α/β)8 barrel and a C-terminal β-sandwich domain with unassigned function. This pattern is conserved with other family 27 glycosidases, but this enzyme presents a unique 45-residue insertion in the β-sandwich domain that folds over the barrel protecting it from the solvent and likely explaining its high stability. The structure of the complexes and the mutational analysis show that oligomerization is a key factor in substrate binding, as the substrates are located in a deep cavity making direct interactions with the adjacent subunit. Furthermore, docking analysis suggests that the supplementary domain could be involved in binding sugar units distal from the scissile bond, therefore ascribing a role in fine-tuning substrate specificity to this domain. It may also have a role in promoting association with the polymeric substrate because of the ordered arrangement that the four domains present in one face of the tetramer. Our analysis extends to other family 27 glycosidases, where some traits regarding specificity and oligomerization can be formulated on the basis of their sequence and the structures available. These results improve our knowledge on the activity of this important family of enzymes and give a deeper insight into the structural features that rule modularity and protein-carbohydrate interactions.
Influences on knee movement strategies during walking in persons with medial knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the movement and muscle activation strategies during walking of individuals with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) to determine the influence of quadriceps strength, medial knee laxity, limb alignment, and self-reported knee instability on knee motion. METHODS Twenty-eight persons with medial knee OA and 26 control subjects participated. Quadriceps strength, medial knee laxity, and limb alignment were measured. Knee instability (I(KOS) score) was assessed with the Activities of Daily Living Scale of the Knee Outcome Survey. Knee motion and muscle activation patterns were measured with motion analysis. Group differences were detected with independent samples t-tests and predictive relationships were determined with linear and hierarchical regression analyses. RESULTS Individuals with OA were weaker, had greater medial knee laxity, and had more varus alignment. The OA group used less knee motion and higher muscle co-contraction during weight acceptance and single-limb support. Quadriceps strength and I(KOS) score significantly strengthened the prediction of knee motion during weight acceptance and single-limb support, whereas limb alignment and medial laxity did not. CONCLUSION The knee stiffening and higher muscle co-contraction used by the OA group may be detrimental to joint integrity. I(KOS) scores predicted knee motion after accounting for quadriceps strength, underscoring the importance of addressing knee instability with appropriate rehabilitation strategies in persons with medial knee OA in order to promote long-term joint integrity.
Functional foods in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes

Purpose of reviewThe aim of this article is to evaluate food properties able to influence specific physiological targets that may be helpful for the prevention and management of overweight and diabetes. Recent findingsObservational and intervention studies have clearly shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented by lifestyle measures, including reduced energy intake to induce a modest but sustained weight reduction, together with changes in diet composition. SummaryFoods can be regarded as functional if proven to affect beneficially one or more target functions in the body, beyond adequate nutritional effects, in a way relevant to improved state of health and well-being, reduction of risk of diseases, or both. Functional foods might have a particularly high impact for prevention or treatment of overweight and diabetes for which, more than in many other fields, the link between nutrition, biological responses and diseases is clearly established. Functional foods for obesity should be able to influence the energy balance equation regulated by the control of energy intake or of energy dissipated as heat (thermogenesis). For prevention of type 2 diabetes, several unmodified foods with functional properties have already been identified (low saturated fat products, vegetables, fruit, wholegrain foods, low glycemic index starchy foods). Overall, the available evidence on functional foods so far identified in this field is incomplete: the major gap is the lack of diet-based intervention trials of sufficient duration to be relevant for the natural history of diseases like overweight and diabetes.
Meta-Analysis of Case-Control and Family-Based Associations Between the 5-HTTLPR L/S Polymorphism and Susceptibility to ADHD

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) L (long)/S (short) polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to ADHD. Method: We conducted a meta-analysis of case-control associations and the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) between the 5-HTTLPR L/S polymorphism and ADHD. Results: A total of 19 comparison studies were included in this meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis of the case-control studies showed no association between ADHD and the 5-HTTLPR S allele, for all study participants (odds ratio [OR] = 1.075, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.990, 1.167], p = .085), or for the European or Asian population. The TDT indicated no association between ADHD and the 5-HTTLPR S allele, for all study participants (OR = 1.078, 95% CI = [0.962, 1.207], p = .196). Conclusion: This meta-analysis of case-control studies and TDT showed a lack of association between the 5-HTTLPR L/S polymorphism and ADHD.
The impacts of investor sentiment and price uncertainty on the effects of open-market share repurchase announcements

ABSTRACT This study probes into relationship between investor sentiment and cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) of share repurchase announcements, and it treats market return as threshold variable. By threshold regression model, it tries to find the effect of market situations on relation between investor sentiment and CAR. According to empirical result, in share market of Taiwan, investor sentiment can explain CAR. When share market is extremely pessimistic (market return lower than −16.0053%), relation between investor sentiment and CAR will change to some degree. In addition, relation between price risk of announcement company and CAR will disappear with the extremely pessimistic situation of market.
A Preliminary Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Mentoring Program for Respiratory Care

BACKGROUND: In 2008 the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation launched the Respiratory Therapy Mentoring Program, which pairs a respiratory therapist (RT) relatively new to CF (apprentice) with a highly experienced RT (mentor) from a similar CF care center. We wished to determine if we had achieved our short-term goal of increasing CF-specific knowledge among the apprentices who participated in the program. METHODS: Selected apprentices were each matched with a mentor, based on characteristics of CF population, clinical setting, center size, and geographic location of their care centers. Apprentices completed a CF-specific RT knowledge self assessment tool prior to and after a site visit to their mentor's center. Mentors also completed a post site visit knowledge self assessment tool regarding their apprentice. RESULTS: Thirty-seven apprentices completed a pre and post site visit knowledge self assessment tool. The median pre and post site visit scores were 12 and 31 (P < .001) respectively. The mentors' post site visit scores of their apprentices (median 29, P = .07) did not significantly differ from the apprentices' post site visit scores. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this preliminary evaluation suggest that the RT mentoring program has achieved its short-term goal of increasing CF-specific knowledge among RTs relatively new to CF care.
S‐sulfhydration of MEK1 leads to PARP‐1 activation and DNA damage repair

The repair of DNA damage is fundamental to normal cell development and replication. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a novel gasotransmitter that has been reported to protect cellular aging. Here, we show that H2S attenuates DNA damage in human endothelial cells and fibroblasts by S‐sulfhydrating MEK1 at cysteine 341, which leads to PARP‐1 activation. H2S‐induced MEK1 S‐sulfhydration facilitates the translocation of phosphorylated ERK1/2 into nucleus, where it activates PARP‐1 through direct interaction. Mutation of MEK1 cysteine 341 inhibits ERK phosphorylation and PARP‐1 activation. In the presence of H2S, activated PARP‐1 recruits XRCC1 and DNA ligase III to DNA breaks to mediate DNA damage repair, and cells are protected from senescence.
Factors Welfare Recipients View Significant to Become Self-Sufficient

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of welfare recipients regarding factors significant to becoming self-sufficient in Southeast Florida. The study took a qualitative approach, administering in-depth interviews to 20 current welfare clients. To ensure valid and reliable results, a computer software program known as QSR NVivo 10 was utilized for the accurate coding of responses. Findings in the study suggest that benefits, such as child care, transportation, Medicaid, subsidized employment, housing assistance, and vocational training provided by the government are significant in helping welfare recipients successfully transition from relying on the governmental assistance to obtaining reliable employment with the ultimate goal of becoming self-sufficient; however, their perception differs from policy makers in terms of the benefits provided by the government and how those benefits should be provided. Participants reported that the most helpful programs to their becoming successful were subsidized employment and vocational training. They believed the programs should be redesigned to focus on clients’ success. They believed community service did not help them achieve their long- term goal of becoming independent. Implications for social work research and practice are suggested.
Empirical evidence regarding electricity consumption and urban economic growth

ABSTRACT Links between electricity consumption and economic growth are fairly well documented for national economies, but less so for urban economies. The analysis of such relationships at the sub-national level of aggregation can potentially offer a useful complement to national-level research. This study examines the electricity-growth nexus in El Paso, Texas, while also considering the roles of capital stocks and employment. Testing suggests the presence of cointegrating relationships and a vector error correction model is estimated. Granger causality tests reveal the absence of causality between electricity consumption and personal income, implying that energy conservation efforts will have a neutral effect on economic growth. Furthermore, the results indicate that causality runs from the capital stock and employment to both personal income and electricity consumption. This echoes previous research regarding the importance of accounting for capital and labour factors of production in studies of aggregate electricity utilization and economic performance. The methodology used in this analysis to develop a broad synthetic measure of the urban capital stock, including various categories of public infrastructure, can also be applied to other regions and urban economies.
A residue in the intracellular vestibule of the pore is critical for gating and permeation in Ca2+‐activated K+ (BKCa) channels

1 We have used patch clamp to record large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BKCa) currents from a human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK293) expressing wild‐type and mutant hSloα channels. 2 When we mutated F380 in the S6 region, thought to contribute to the intracellular vestibule of the pore, to isoleucine (F380I), very little channel activity was recorded. In contrast, mutation to tyrosine (F380Y) resulted in significant voltage‐dependent currents. 3 The unitary conductances of F380I, F380Y and wild‐type channels were 92 ± 6 pS (n= 3), 166 ± 5 pS (n= 3) and 294 ± 5 pS (n= 5), respectively. 4 Both mutant and wild‐type hSloα channels were sensitive to 100 nM iberiotoxin. 5 The F380Y mutant produced channels that were active at negative membrane potentials, even in the absence of Ca2+. 6 We conclude that this conserved residue within BKCa channels may line the conduction pathway and forms a key element of the gating mechanism.
The Effects of Egg-Derived Antibodies to Glucosyltransferases on Dental Caries in Rats

The role of Streptococcus mutans in the development of dental caries is well recognized. Important virulence factors include the glucosyltransferases (gtf), essential for production of glucans. We evaluated the anticariogenic effects of orally administered chicken anti-cell-associated (CA) Gtf antibodies in desalivated rats. The animals were infected with S. mutans MT8148R and treated with chicken anti-CA-Gtf egg yolk antibodies (IgY) or nonimmune egg yolk powder. Smooth surface lesions were significantly lower in the anti-CA-Gtf-treated group in comparison to the control groups. Sulcal surface caries was also decreased and of less severity. Our study suggests that chicken anti-CA-Gtf antibodies may have promise as a prophylaxis for high caries risk patients.
THE UNIFICATION CHURCH: A KALEIDOSCOPIC INTRODUCTION

The Unification Church, or the Unificationism, also known as HAS-UWC (Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity) or ‘Moonies’ (the term deemed now as disrespectful) but originating from the name of the founder Sun Myung Moon, who set up this Christian religious movement in Northern Korea in 1954 has approximately 3 million followers worldwide. Its existence and popularity are a global phenomenon, interesting not only for sociologists of religion but for politicians, philosophers and people of faith. The impact of this movement and the two-way social change remain a rare subject of study and this paper aims to fill the gaps and to discuss contemporary situation in regards to its followers.
Mode Analysis for Unidirectional Emission AlGaInAs/InP Octagonal Resonator Microlasers

We investigate mode characteristics for octagonal resonator microlasers directly connecting an output waveguide. The threshold current of 8 mA at 286 K and single-transverse-mode operation are realized for an octagonal resonator microlaser with a side length of 10.8 μm and a 2-μm-wide vertex output waveguide. The laser spectra of multiple longitudinal modes with mode wavelength intervals of 7-8 nm are observed accompanied with three weak, higher order transverse modes. Furthermore, blueshift of mode wavelength versus the injection current around the threshold current and the far-field patterns are measured and discussed. In addition, the mode characteristics of the octagonal microresonators are simulated by the two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain technique. Two sets of high-Q longitudinal modes are observed experimentally and numerically, for the octagonal resonators with the output waveguide connected to the vertex and the midpoint of one side of the resonators, respectively.
Thigh muscle mass and function in patients treated with glucocorticoids

Abstract. Treatment with glucocorticoids causes wasting of proximal skeletal muscles. There is evidence that physical training improves muscle mass and strength in glucocorticoid‐treated rats. Whether this is also true in humans is unknown. The present investigation was designed to establish in what respect moderate physical training may alter muscle mass and function as assessed quantitatively by computed tomography (CT) and with an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex® II). Compared with matched controls, both female (n= 17) and male (n= 22) patients treated with prednisone (15±4 ± 6±6 mg die‐1) had a lower mid‐thigh muscle area of 20 and 45% and an increased mid‐thigh fat/muscle ratio of 25 and 100%, respectively. The mean peak torque and the total work output of the thigh muscle were lower by 20–30% (n= 14). Fifty days of isokinetic training in six patients increased the thigh muscle area, decreased the thigh fat area and normalized the mean peak torque and total work output. Thus, glucocorticoid‐induced muscle wasting can be reversed by increasing physical activity.
Essays on Economics of High-Skill Immigration

by Ying Shen High-skilled labors are key inputs to accelerate the long-run growth rate of a country’s economy and research production. In today’s increasingly globalized economy, attracting, growing and retaining high-skilled immigrants have been and will continue to play a significant role in maintaining a country’s leading economic advantages on the global stage. Traditionally, the United States is the largest and most important host of highly-educated foreign students. Given that the high-skilled immigrants can generate both costs and benefits on many aspects in the U.S., to explore the impacts of the high-skilled immigrants is of great policy interest. The two papers in my dissertation, therefore, address the influence of high-skilled immigrants on U.S. undergraduate programs and graduate programs, respectively. The first chapter examines the impacts of the dramatic increase in new foreign undergraduate students over the past decade on the U.S. higher education sector. I use exogenous factors driving a large inflow of Chinese students that began in 2006, in combination with variation in historical levels of foreign students to construct an instrument to predict enrollment patterns. Using a two-stage least square model that is identified with a difference-in-differences specification, I find a significant crowdout effect of the enrollment of foreign undergraduate students on the enrollment of domestic undergraduate students at large selective American research universities, with a magnitude approximately one-for-one. Constraints in universities’ demand
Dark open innovation in a criminal organizational context: the case of Madoff’s Ponzi fraud

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the processes of open innovation in the context of a fraudulent organization and, using the infamous Bernie L. Madoff Investment Securities fraud case, introduces and elaborates upon the concept of dark open innovation. The paper’s conceptual framework is drawn from social capital theory, which is grounded on the socio-economics of Bourdieu, Coleman and Putnam and is employed in order to make sense of the processes that occur within dark open innovation.Design/methodology/approachGiven the self-evident access issues, this paper is necessarily based on archival and secondary sources taken from the court records ofMadoff v. New York– including victim impact statements, the defendant’s Plea Allocution, and academic and journalistic commentaries – which enable the identification of the processes involved in dark open innovation. Significantly, this paper also represents an important inter-disciplinary collaboration between academic scholars variously informed by business and history subject domains.FindingsAlthough almost invariably cast as a positive process, innovation can also be evidenced as a negative or dark force. This is particularly relevant in open innovation contexts, which often call for the creation of extended trust and close relationships. This paper outlines a case of dark open innovation.Research limitations/implicationsA key implication of this study is that organizational innovation is not automatically synonymous with human flourishing or progress. This paper challenges the automatic assumption of innovation being positive and introduces the notion of dark open innovation. Although this is accomplished by means of an in-depth single case, the findings have the potential to resonate in a wide spectrum of situations.Practical implicationsInnovation is a concept that applies across a range of organization and management domains. Criminals also innovate; thus, the paper provides valuable insights into the organizational innovation processes especially involved in relation to dark open innovation contexts.Social implicationsIt is important to develop and fully understand the possible wider meanings of innovation and also to recognize that innovation – particularly dark open innovation – does not always create progress. The Caveat Emptor warning is still relevant.Originality/valueThe paper introduces the novel notion of dark open innovation.
Consumption Inequality and Its Evolution in Urban China

Exploiting the variations in household income and consumption structure, this paper corrects the measurement errors of consumption expenditure reported by households in different income classes. By using the Urban Household Survey (UHS) data, empirical results demonstrate that consumption inequality in urban China increased by 67% during the sample period and it was much larger than 36%, which was obtained directly from the reported raw data. Precisely, from 1993 to 2007, the consumption inequality experienced a rapid increase, but began to decrease after 2008. Since 2002, underreporting of consumption expenditure was more evident for households with higher income. Furthermore, the consumption inequality in central and western regions, and that of the households with higher education levels were more serious and constituted important driving forces for the increase of consumption inequality.
A critical assessment of employing democratic and deliberative ideals in the environmental planning process in Bangladesh

In the 6th (2011–15) and 7th (2016–20) Five Year Plans (FYP), Bangladesh's policy makers have set ambitious national environmental targets and goals to move the country towards more a sustainable economy and society. The goals were dictated by the economic, social and political interests of the political elites. This has resulted in limited stakeholder participation in environmental policy formulation. The 6th FYP aimed at achieving Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 7: ‘Ensure Environmental Sustainability’. It failed due to shortcomings in local implementation and due to a lack of community participation. The 7th FYP is based on the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13, 14, 15. The obvious paradox within Bangladesh's environmental planning is the big gap between central government's policy making and community participation and local government involvement. This paper examines environmental policy formulation, implementation and monitoring in the last two FYPs in Bangladesh. Contemporary deliberative democratic theory provides important theoretical and applied insights that are often unexamined in the environmental planning literature. A theoretical framework is developed to analyse to what degree environmental planning arrangements incorporated deliberative elements and how they contribute to decision-making. A case study of the environmental planning process tests its effectiveness in explaining observed outcomes. Elsewhere, deliberative democratic approaches have been central to the success of the environmental planning process. The central government's failure to apply this approach produced a policy gap. Plan targets cannot be met unless local participation is ensured through the deliberative framework.