Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Nature of Money in a Convertible Currency World

In a world where the means of exchange is convertible into the numeraire consumption good at a fixed rate, no one wants to hold money over time – and due to convertibility there is no means by which the Friedman rule can generate deflation. This is the environment we study in this paper in order to demonstrate that there is still a way to reach the first-best: institutionalize the naked shorting of the unit of account, or in other words establish a banking system. To motivate the benefits of a banking system, the environment has real productivity shocks that are constantly changing the optimal level of economic activity, so the optimal quantity of money is inherently stochastic. Efficiency in such an environment requires the capacity to expand the money supply on an “as needed” basis. We show how a debt-based payments system that relies on banks to certify the individual debtors’ IOUs addresses the monetary problem. This model explains (i) central bank monetary policy as a means of stabilizing the banking system and (ii) usury laws as means of promoting equilibria that favor non-banks over those that favor banks. Furthermore, by modeling a commercial bank-based monetary system as an efficient solution to a payments problem this paper develops a theoretic framework that may be used to evaluate central bank digital currency proposals.
Temperature dependence of protein folding kinetics in living cells

We measure the stability and folding rate of a mutant of the enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) inside bone tissue cells as a function of temperature from 38 to 48 °C. To facilitate measurement in individual living cells, we developed a rapid laser temperature stepping method capable of measuring complete thermal melts and kinetic traces in about two min. We find that this method yields improved thermal melts compared to heating a sample chamber or microscope stage. By comparing results for six cells with in vitro data, we show that the protein is stabilized by about 6 kJ/mole in the cytoplasm, but the temperature dependence of folding kinetics is similar to in vitro. The main difference is a slightly steeper temperature dependence of the folding rate in some cells that can be rationalized in terms of temperature-dependent crowding, local viscosity, or hydrophobicity. The observed rate coefficients can be fitted within measurement uncertainty by an effective two-state model, even though PGK folds by a multistate mechanism. We validate the effective two-state model with a three-state free energy landscape of PGK to illustrate that the effective fitting parameters can represent a more complex underlying free energy landscape.
Recruitment of PI4KIIIβ to Coxsackievirus B3 Replication Organelles Is Independent of ACBD3, GBF1, and Arf1

ABSTRACT Members of the Enterovirus (poliovirus [PV], coxsackieviruses, and human rhinoviruses) and Kobuvirus (Aichi virus) genera in the Picornaviridae family rely on PI4KIIIβ (phosphatidylinositol-4-kinase IIIβ) for efficient replication. The small membrane-anchored enteroviral protein 3A recruits PI4KIIIβ to replication organelles, yet the underlying mechanism has remained elusive. Recently, it was shown that kobuviruses recruit PI4KIIIβ through interaction with ACBD3 (acyl coenzyme A [acyl-CoA]-binding protein domain 3), a novel interaction partner of PI4KIIIβ. Therefore, we investigated a possible role for ACBD3 in recruiting PI4KIIIβ to enterovirus replication organelles. Although ACBD3 interacted directly with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) 3A, its depletion from cells by RNA interference did not affect PI4KIIIβ recruitment to replication organelles and did not impair CVB3 RNA replication. Enterovirus 3A was previously also proposed to recruit PI4KIIIβ via GBF1/Arf1, based on the known interaction of 3A with GBF1, an important regulator of secretory pathway transport and a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) of Arf1. However, our results demonstrate that inhibition of GBF1 or Arf1 either by pharmacological inhibition or depletion with small interfering RNA (siRNA) treatment did not affect the ability of 3A to recruit PI4KIIIβ. Furthermore, we show that a 3A mutant that no longer binds GBF1 was capable of recruiting PI4KIIIβ, even in ACBD3-depleted cells. Together, our findings indicate that unlike originally envisaged, coxsackievirus recruits PI4KIIIβ to replication organelles independently of ACBD3 and GBF1/Arf1. IMPORTANCE A hallmark of enteroviral infection is the generation of new membranous structures to support viral RNA replication. The functionality of these “replication organelles” depends on the concerted actions of both viral nonstructural proteins and co-opted host factors. It is thus essential to understand how these structures are formed and which cellular components are key players in this process. GBF1/Arf1 and ACBD3 have been proposed to contribute to the recruitment of the essential lipid-modifying enzyme PI4KIIIβ to enterovirus replication organelles. Here we show that the enterovirus CVB3 recruits PI4KIIIβ by a mechanism independent of both GBF1/Arf1 and ACBD3. This study shows that the strategy employed by coxsackievirus to recruit PI4KIIIβ to replication organelles is far more complex than initially anticipated.
Contribution of increased mitochondrial free Ca2+ to the mitochondrial permeability transition induced by tert‐butylhydroperoxide in rat hepatocytes

Previously, we showed that the oxidant chemical,tert‐butylhydroperoxide (t‐BuOOH), induces a mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) in intact hepatocytes, causing lethal cell injury. Here, we investigated the role of mitochondrial free Ca2+ in t‐BuOOH cytotoxicity to 1‐day‐cultured rat hepatocytes using confocal microscopy of autofluorescence and parameter‐indicating fluorophores. t‐BuOOH (100 μmol/L) caused an early increase of mitochondrial free Ca2+, as assessed by confocal microscopy of Rhod‐2 fluorescence. Increased mitochondrial Ca2+ was followed by onset of the MPT, as evidenced by permeation of cytosolic calcein into mitochondria and loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential–indicating dye, tetramethylrhodamine methylester. Preincubation with an intracellular Ca2+ chelator (BAPTA‐AM and its derivatives) partially blocked the late phase of mitochondrial NAD(P)H oxidation after t‐BuOOH, but failed to prevent the early oxidation of mitochondrial NAD(P)H. Ca2+ chelation also prevented the increase of mitochondrial Ca2+, generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), onset of the MPT, and subsequent cell death. Confocal images showed that protection occurred when loading of the Ca2+ chelator was predominantly mitochondrial. The antioxidant, desferal, also diminished increased mitochondrial Ca2+ after t‐BuOOH and prevented cell death. We conclude that oxidative stress induced by t‐BuOOH enhances mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, leading to increased matrix Ca2+, increased ROS formation, onset of the MPT, and cell death.
Expression of Quinone Reductase-2 in the Cortex Is a Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor-Dependent Memory Consolidation Constraint

Learning of novel information, including novel taste, requires activation of neuromodulatory transmission mediated, for example, by the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in relevant brain structures. In addition, drugs enhancing the function of mAChRs are used to treat memory impairment and decline. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood. Here, using quantitative RT-PCR in Wistar Hola rats, we found quinone reductase 2 (QR2) to be expressed in the cortex in an mAChR-dependent manner. QR2 mRNA expression in the insular cortex is inversely correlated with mAChR activation both endogenously, after novel taste learning, and exogenously, after pharmacological manipulation of the muscarinic transmission. Moreover, reducing QR2 expression levels through lentiviral shRNA vectors or activity via inhibitors is sufficient to enhance long-term memories. We also show here that, in patients with Alzheimer's disease, QR2 is overexpressed in the cortex. It is suggested that QR2 expression in the cortex is a removable limiting factor of memory formation and thus serves as a new target to enhance cognitive function and delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We found that: (1) quinone reductase 2 (QR2) expression is a muscarinic-receptor-dependent removable constraint on memory formation in the cortex, (2) reducing QR2 expression or activity in the cortex enhances memory formation, and (3) Alzheimer's disease patients overexpressed QR2. We believe that these results propose a new mechanism by which muscarinic acetylcholine receptors affect cognition and suggest that inhibition of QR2 is a way to enhance cognition in normal and pathological conditions.
Analysing the Relationship between Agricultural Production and Exports Diversification in South Africa: A Granger Causality Approach for Apple, Avocado, Mango and Orange from 1994 to 2012

Abstract The study analysed the relationship between agricultural production and exports diversification of avocado, apple, mango and orange exports in South Africa from 1994 - 2012. The main objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between agricultural production and diversified exports of apple, avocado, mango and orange in South Africa. To test this the study used time series data to analyse the causality between agricultural production and exports diversification using a granger causality test and tested correlation between each enterprise in a form of correlation matrixes. The correlation matrixes showed positive relationship among all produce indicating that agricultural export moves in the same direction as the agricultural production. Based on the empirical analyses avocado, mango and orange production and diversified exports showed both unidirectional and bidirectional relationship which implied that agricultural production and exports push each other to different directions. Future policies aimed at securing the adoption of modern agricultural technology which will improve agricultural production and increase exports need to be developed.
Development of a new signal processing algorithm based on independent component analysis for single channel ECG data

We proposed a new signal processing algorithm based on independent component analysis (ICA) for single channel ECG data. For the application ICA to single channel data, mixed (multi-channel) signals are constructed by adding some delay to original data. By ICA, signal enhancement is acquired. For validation of usefulness of this signal, QRS complex detection was accompanied. In QRS detection process, Hilbert transform and wavelet transform were used and good QRS detection efficacy was obtained. Furthermore, a signal, which could not be filtered properly using existing algorithm, also had better signal enhancement. In future, we need to study on the algorithm optimization and simplification.
Determinants of tax audit effectiveness in Tanzania

Purpose This paper aims to explore factors influencing the effectiveness of tax audit in Tanzania. The study organized factors into four categories: organizational-related, tax auditors-related, taxpayers-related and regulatory-related factors. Design/methodology/approach The study used an explanatory approach, whereby data from 225 auditors in 23 tax regions in Tanzania were collected using a mailed questionnaire. The questionnaire had 25 statements representing factors and 5 statements representing the tax audit effectiveness. The collected data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. In the case of descriptive statistics, the study used frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. For the inferential statistics, the study used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multiple regression analysis. Findings The study findings showed that there were five main critical factors for tax audit effectiveness. The first factor, which is the implementation of tax auditors’ recommendations by management, was found under the organizational category. The second factor, which was adequacy of tax audit unit, was found under the tax auditors’ category, while the third factor was taxpayers’ attitude, found under the taxpayers’ category. The fourth and fifth factors, which were availability and application of regulations and standards for tax audit, and leadership and tax policies for tax audit, respectively, were found under the regulatory category. Research limitations/implications Despite the contributions of this study, there are some limitations which need to be acknowledged. First, data were collected from tax auditors only. Second, only 25 statements for factors were used. Third, the study has used only primary data. Last, the study has used perceptual measures of tax audit effectiveness. The authors consider that if other approaches were used, they could have reached different conclusions. Therefore, future studies could be conducted in the areas where limitations have been identified. Practical implications From a practical perspective, tax authorities may be relying heavily on tax auditors, as well as regulations and policies, for tax audit effectiveness. The study shows that taxpayers, management, as well as tax audit standards, are critical factors too. However, the study also has practical implications for governments, tax authorities, tax auditors as well taxpayers. Originality/value This paper extends prior research in the area of tax audit and is the first paper to use four categories of factors to analyse the influence of tax audit effectiveness, taking into consideration both tax authorities and taxpayers. It also used EFA, which helped to generate variables with multiple prior theories (i.e. theoretical triangulation). Hence, new theories were combined with old theories to produce findings which take into consideration the context of the country.
‘ Think big ’ or ‘ small is beautiful ’ ? An empirical analysis of characteristics and determinants of success of sustainable crowdfunding projects

This paper deals with crowdfunding for sustainable ventures. It uses an empirical dataset gained from the two largest sustainability-oriented crowdfunding platforms in Germany. In a first step, common characteristics of sustainable crowdfunding projects are identified and categorised based on an established framework for classifying sustainable entrepreneurship. In a second step, linear and logistic regression models are used to analyse the drivers of financial and marketing success of sustainable crowdfunding projects. The analysis reveals that only few ecopreneurial, growth-oriented ventures can be found among sustainable crowdfunding projects and shows that those projects which do not aim at high levels of market impact and growth are more likely to reach their funding targets. Based on the results, recommendations for sustainable entrepreneurs who intend to make use of crowdfunding are formulated and the potential contribution of crowdfunding to sustainability transitions is discussed.
Flow Cytometry Detection of Infectious Rotaviruses in Environmental and Clinical Samples

ABSTRACT A method for the detection of infectious human rotaviruses based on infection of CaCo-2 cells and detection of infected cells by indirect immunofluorescence and flow cytometry (IIF-FC) has been developed. The technique was validated by performing a seminested reverse transcription-PCR assay with sorted cell populations. The efficiency of the procedure has been compared with that of the standard method of infection of MA104 cells and ulterior detection by IIF and optical microscopy (IIF-OM) and with that of infection of MA104 cells and detection by IIF-FC. The limit of sensitivity for the detection of the cell-adapted strain Itor P13, expressed as the most probable number of cytopathogenic units, was established as 200 and 2 for MA104 and CaCo-2 cells, respectively, by the IIF-FC method. The ratio of infectious virus particles to total virus particles for a wild-type rotavirus was determined to be 1/2 × 106and 1/2 × 104 for IIF-OM with MA104 cells and IIF-FC with CaCo-2 cells, respectively. The use of IIF-FC with CaCo-2 cells was tested with fecal and water samples and proved to be more effective than the standard procedure for rotavirus detection.
Multiple Layar Kernel-Based Approach in Relevance Feedback Content-Based Image Retrieval System

Relevance feedback has drawn intense interest from many researchers in the field of content-based image retrieval (CBIR). In recent years, kernel-based approach has been a popular choice for the implementation of the relevance feedback based CBIR system. This is largely due to its ability to classify patterns with limited sample data. Since most of the kernel approaches reported have been treating the input as a long flat vector, such arrangement may increase the chances of “polluting” the feature element that uniquely identifies the selected image group. This paper proposes a two layer kernel configuration with an objective to improve the retrieval accuracy. While the performance of the two configurations is similar in certain conditions, the proposed configuration has shown to superior when dominant feature element exists that is capable to uniquely identify the selected image group.
Combining synchronous rectification and post regulation for multiple isolated outputs

A novel secondary side topology is presented for the simultaneous synchronous rectification and post regulation of multiple outputs in a single ended forward convertor. Multiple outputs are synchronously rectified and independently regulated using a simple all-MOSFET power circuit. The circuit works directly off the transformer secondary voltage, has no shoot through at turn on, and requires no bias supply and no synchronising or any other kind of signals to be exchanged across the isolation boundary. Multiple outputs with a common return are derived from the same secondary winding, leading to simple low cost magnetics. High efficiency is achieved with synchronous rectification and elimination of the intermediate DC bus. Zero current switching on the primary side is also achieved.
Photostimulation of channelrhodopsin‐2 expressing ventrolateral medullary neurons increases sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in rats

To explore the specific contribution of the C1 neurons to blood pressure (BP) control, we used an optogenetic approach to activate these cells in vivo. A lentivirus that expresses channelrhodopsin‐2 (ChR2) under the control of the catecholaminergic neuron‐preferring promoter PRSx8 was introduced into the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). After 2–3 weeks, ChR2 was largely confined to Phox2b‐expressing neurons (89%). The ChR2‐expressing neurons were non‐GABAergic, non‐glycinergic and predominantly catecholaminergic (∼54%). Photostimulation of ChR2‐transfected RVLM neurons (473 nm, 20 Hz, 10 ms, ∼9 mW) increased BP (15 mmHg) and sympathetic nerve discharge (SND; 64%). Light pulses at 0.2–0.5 Hz evoked a large sympathetic nerve response (16 × baseline) followed by a silent period (1–2 s) during which another stimulus evoked a reduced response. Photostimulation activated most (75%) RVLM baroinhibited neurons sampled with 1/1 action potential entrainment to the light pulses and without accommodation during 20 Hz trains. RVLM neurons unaffected by either CO2 or BP were light‐insensitive. Bötzinger respiratory neurons were activated but their action potentials were not synchronized to the light pulses. Juxtacellular labelling of recorded neurons revealed that, of these three cell types, only the cardiovascular neurons expressed the transgene. In conclusion, ChR2 expression had no discernable effect on the putative vasomotor neurons at rest and was high enough to allow precise temporal control of their action potentials with light pulses. Photostimulation of RVLM neurons caused a sizable sympathoactivation and rise in blood pressure. These results provide the most direct evidence yet that the C1 neurons have a sympathoexcitatory function.
The Conflicts of Agriculture: Exploring the Agricultural Ideologies of University Agricultural Education Students.

American agriculturalists are divided on a variety of issues related to production and consumption of food. Broadly speaking, two groups have emerged along two ideological lines: agrarian populism, which articulates conventional agricultural values, and neo-agrarianism, which shares some nonconventional agricultural values. Although both groups may find common ground, their ideological differences have led to conflict. Land-grant institutions are not immune to this type of conflict. This study examined how differing agricultural ideologies affected the experiences of agricultural education undergraduates at a land-grant institution. Two focus groups of agricultural education students at [University] were set apart to explore their agriculture values. Three themes emerged from this study: (a) acknowledgement of different agriculture values; (b) deeply rooted agriculture values; and (c) conflicts arising from differing agriculture values. Arguments from some students centered on agrarian populist ideological ideals, including traditional agriculture, farming, and rural lifestyle values and were often rooted in emotions. They were concerned about protecting a way of life, which they felt was being threatened by others. Some participants who had more neo-agrarian agriculture values did not freely present their arguments; but, seemed more comfortable promoting some of the more traditional agrarian populist ideals.
Structural Bases of PAS Domain-regulated Kinase (PASK) Activation in the Absence of Activation Loop Phosphorylation*

Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain-containing protein kinase (PASK) is an evolutionary conserved protein kinase that coordinates cellular metabolism with metabolic demand in yeast and mammals. The molecular mechanisms underlying PASK regulation, however, remain unknown. Herein, we describe a crystal structure of the kinase domain of human PASK, which provides insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing catalysis. We show that the kinase domain adopts an active conformation and has catalytic activity in vivo and in vitro in the absence of activation loop phosphorylation. Using site-directed mutagenesis and structural comparison with active and inactive kinases, we identified several key structural features in PASK that enable activation loop phosphorylation-independent activity. Finally, we used combinatorial peptide library screening to determine that PASK prefers basic residues at the P-3 and P-5 positions in substrate peptides. Our results describe the key features of the PASK structure and how those features are important for PASK activity and substrate selection.
RNA-Binding Proteins in Early Development

ABSTRACT RNA-binding proteins play a major part in the control of gene expression during early development. At this stage, the majority of regulation occurs at the levels of translation and RNA localization. These processes are, in general, mediated by RNA-binding proteins interacting with specific sequence motifs in the 3′-untranslated regions of their target RNAs. Although initial work concentrated on the analysis of these sequences and their trans-acting factors, we are now beginning to gain an understanding of the mechanisms by which some of these proteins function. In this review, we will describe a number of different families of RNA-binding proteins, grouping them together on the basis of common regulatory strategies, and emphasizing the recurrent themes that occur, both across different species and as a response to different biological problems.