Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimated conformation, orientation, and accumulation of dynorphin A-(1-13)-tridecapeptide on the surface of neutral lipid membranes.

Equilibrium thermodynamic and kinetic estimations were used to confirm the rather unusual conformation, orientation, and accumulation of dynorphin A-(1-13)-tridecapeptide (dynorphin1-13) on the surface of neutral lipid membranes, as observed by Erne et al. [Erne, D. , Sargent, D. F. , & Schwyzer, R. (1985) Biochemistry 24, 4261-4263]. I started from the premise that the most stable conformation of molecularly disperse peptides in contact with the hydrophobic phase of a membrane is helical [Henderson, R. (1979) Soc. Gen. Physiol. Ser. 33, 3-15]. Calculation of the Gibbs free energy difference for the transfer of increasing numbers m of N-terminal residues of dynorphin1-13 from their random-coil conformation in water to their alpha-helical conformation in a hydrophobic phase, with the values provided by Von Heijne and Blomberg [Von Heijne, G. , & Blomberg, C. (1979) Eur. J. Biochem. 97, 175-181], showed an energy minimum at m = 9 that corresponded to the observed apparent association constant of 9 X 10(4) L/mol. This confirmed our experimental observations. The orientation of dynorphin1-13 in the interphase was estimated by calculation of the molecular amphiphilic moment A. This force vector was defined in analogy to the "helical" and "structural" hydrophobic moments of Eisenberg et al. [Eisenberg, D. , Weiss, R. M. , & Terwilliger, T. C. (1982) Nature (London) 299, 371-374]. It takes into account the segregation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues with respect to the center of the alpha-helix. A peptide located in a hydrophobic-hydrophilic gradient experiences a torque that tends to orient A in a direction perpendicular to the surfaces of equal hydrophobicity. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Asystole in Ultrabrief Pulse Electroconvulsive Therapy

Objectives Ultrabrief (UB) pulse electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been gaining popularity in recent years because of its improved cognitive adverse effect profile compared with treatments triggered by brief pulses. When delivered at maximal charge, UB pulses are administered for 8 seconds. Because electrical stimulation triggers a parasympathetic surge and transient asystole, we checked whether UB pulses delivered for 8 seconds were associated with prolonged cardiac pause compared with maximal charge delivered for 4 seconds with brief pulses. Methods This is a retrospective study of cardiac pause length of all patients undergoing ECT treatment at The Johns Hopkins Hospital during 1 year. Results Electrocardiac pause length for patients undergoing ECT with right unilateral placement at maximal charge was not affected by pulse width. However, we did find cardiac pause length to be sensitive to 2- versus 4-second duration stimuli using brief pulses (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Notwithstanding the clear limitations of small sample size and retrospective design, we found that right unilateral ECT was not affected by pulse width when maximal charge was delivered.
Multicenter Studies of Tigecycline Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Results for Acinetobacter spp

ABSTRACT Acinetobacter sp. isolates having multidrug resistance (MDR) patterns have become common in many medical centers worldwide, limiting therapeutic options. A five-center study tested 103 contemporary clinical Acinetobacter spp. , including MDR strains, by reference broth microdilution and disk diffusion (15-μg disk content) methods against tigecycline. Applying U.S. Food and Drug Administration tigecycline breakpoint criteria for Enterobacteriaceae (susceptibility at ≤2 μg/ml [≤1 μg/ml by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing]; disk diffusion breakpoints at ≥19 mm and ≤14 mm) to Acinetobacter spp. led to an unacceptable error rate (23.3%). However, an adjustment of tigecycline disk diffusion breakpoints (susceptible/resistant) to ≥16/≤12 mm reduced intermethod errors to an acceptable level (only 9.7%, all minor).
The Euro Area, a Stressful Monetary Union? Learning from Newspapers’ Monetary Policy Coverage

Abstract Through a textual analysis of national newspaper articles covering European central bankers’ statements and policy decisions from 1999 to 2011, I derive the concerns expressed by national media in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). I consider these concerns as a benchmark for national preferences, and thus for the preferences of national central bankers in the EMU. I also test the existence of groups of national media (i.e., national publics) according to their shared expressed concerns. The results show that in the euro zone, similar concerns are shared by different country groups, corresponding to a group of countries from Northern Europe (Belgium, Finland, and the Netherlands), Southern Europe (Spain and Portugal), and the Periphery (Italy, Greece, and Ireland), but that there are two isolated countries (France and Germany), whose newspapers do not share the issues raised by the rest of the European newspapers. This approach provides further insights into the potential heterogeneity of the European central bankers inside the Governing Council of the ECB in terms of policy preferences.
Regulation of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling by ADP-ribosylation

We previously established a mechanism of negative regulation of transforming growth factor β signaling mediated by the nuclear ADP-ribosylating enzyme poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) and the deribosylating enzyme poly-(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG), which dynamically regulate ADP-ribosylation of Smad3 and Smad4, two central signaling proteins of the pathway. Here we demonstrate that the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway can also be regulated by the opposing actions of PARP1 and PARG. PARG positively contributes to BMP signaling and forms physical complexes with Smad5 and Smad4. The positive role PARG plays during BMP signaling can be neutralized by PARP1, as demonstrated by experiments where PARG and PARP1 are simultaneously silenced. In contrast to PARG, ectopic expression of PARP1 suppresses BMP signaling, whereas silencing of endogenous PARP1 enhances signaling and BMP-induced differentiation. The two major Smad proteins of the BMP pathway, Smad1 and Smad5, interact with PARP1 and can be ADP-ribosylated in vitro, whereas PARG causes deribosylation. The overall outcome of this mode of regulation of BMP signal transduction provides a fine-tuning mechanism based on the two major enzymes that control cellular ADP-ribosylation.
L'efficacité des banques, structure actionnariale et les réglementations au Vietnam

Cette these se compose de trois chapitres. Le premier chapitre analyse l'impact de la structure actionnariale et des reformes mises en œuvre dans les annees 2000 sur l'efficacite des banques commerciales au Vietnam. Les resultats montrent que l'efficacite differe selon le type de structure actionnariale ; les banques d'Etat ont des niveaux d'efficacite plus bas en comparaison avec les banques privees et les banques avec des actionnaires etrangers. Depuis la mise en œuvre de regles minimales de fonds propres plus strictes, la capitalisation des banques a egalement ete un moteur important de l'efficacite de la banque. Le deuxieme chapitre traite de la facon dont les banques au Vietnam fixent leurs marges d'interet avec un accent particulier sur la structure actionnariale des banques et la reglementation des taux d'interet par la banque centrale. Les resultats montrent que seules les banques privees et publiques transferent leurs couts operationnels a leurs clients. La capitalisation bancaire qui reflete l'aversion au risque des banques est un determinant significatif pour les banques etrangeres et d'Etat uniquement en cas de reglementation des taux d'interet; ces banques ont tendance a repercuter le cout eleve du capital sur les clients. Nous montrons aussi que, en l'absence de controle des taux d'interet, les banques etrangeres fixent des marges plus elevees quand elles prennent un risque de credit plus eleve alors qu'en presence de la reglementation des taux d'interet les banques privees font face a un risque de credit plus eleve sans pouvoir augmenter leur marge en consequence. Le dernier chapitre etudie l'impact de la politique monetaire et des conditions economiques sur les prets bancaires pour les differents niveaux de capitalisation des banques. Les resultats indiquent que tous les types de chocs de politique monetaire ont un effet negatif sur les prets, mais que l'augmentation de la liquidite bancaire conduit a une reduction plus faible de la croissance des prets. Enfin, les banques dont la capitalisation est plus faible sont moins influencees par le cycle economique.
Thermodynamic Investigation into the Mechanism of the Chlorophyll Fluorescence Quenching in Isolated Photosystem II Light-harvesting Complexes*

Chlorophyll fluorescence quenching can be stimulated in vitro in purified photosystem II antenna complexes. It has been shown to resemble nonphotochemical quenching observed in isolated chloroplasts and leaves in several important respects, providing a model system for study of the mechanism of photoprotective energy dissipation. The effect of temperature on the rate of quenching in trimeric and monomeric antenna complexes revealed the presence of two temperature-dependent processes with different activation energies, one between ∼15 and 35 °C and another between ∼40 and 60 °C. The temperature of the transition between the two phases was higher for trimers than for monomers. Throughout this temperature range, the quenching was almost completely reversible, the protein CD was unchanged, and pigment binding was maintained. The activation energy for the low temperature phase was consistent with local rearrangements of pigments within some of the protein domains, whereas the higher temperature phase seemed to arise from large scale conformational transitions. For both phases, there was a strong linear correlation between the quenching rate and the appearance of an absorption band at 685 nm. In addition, quenching was correlated with a loss of CD at ∼495 nm from Lutein 1 and at 680 nm from chlorophylls a1 and a2, the terminal emitters. The results obtained indicate that quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence in antenna complexes is brought about by perturbation of the lutein 1/chlorophyll a1/chlorophyll a2 locus, forming a poorly fluorescing chlorophyll associate, either a dimer or an excimer.
Enriching lipid nanovesicles with short‐chain glucosylceramide improves doxorubicin delivery and efficacy in solid tumors

For amphiphilic anticancer drugs, such as the anthracyclin doxorubicin (Dox), uptake by tumor cells involves slow diffusion across the plasma membrane, a limiting factor in clinical oncology. Previously, we discovered that preinsertion of short‐chain sphingolipids such as AŁoctanoyl‐glucosylceramide (GC) in the tumor cell membrane enhances cellular Dox uptake. In the present study, we apply this strategy in vitro and in vivo by coadministering GC and Dox in a lipid nanovesicle (LNV). GC enrichment of Dox‐LNVs strongly enhanced in vitro cyto‐toxicity toward B16 melanoma and A431 carcinoma, as evidenced by 6‐fold decreased IC50 values compared with Dox‐LNVs. This correlated with enhanced cellular Dox uptake observed by confocal microscopy. Intravital optical imaging in window chamber‐bearing mice with ortho‐topically implanted B16 melanoma demonstrated enhanced GC‐mediated Dox delivery to tumor cells. Treatment of nude mice bearing human A431 xenografts with 6 mg/kg GC‐Dox‐LNVs almost doubled the tumor growth delay compared with Dox‐LNVs. A second administration of 5 mg/kg after 3 d induced even 3‐fold delay in tumor growth, while no systemic toxicity was found. GC‐enriched Dox‐LNVs displayed superior in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity, without systemic toxicity. This new drug delivery concept, aiming at increased membrane permeability for amphiphilic drugs, provides an opportunity to improve cancer chemotherapy. —Van Lummel, M. , van Blitterswijk, W. J., Vink, S. R. , Veldman, R. J., van der Valk, M. A. , Schipper, D. , Dicheva, B. M. , Eggermont, A. M. M. , ten Hagen, T. L. M. , Verheij, M. , Koning, G. A. Enriching lipid nanovesicles with short‐chain glucosylcer‐amide improves doxorubicin delivery and efficacy in solid tumors. FASEB J. 25, 280–289 (2011). www.fasebj. org
Prevalence and Mean Intensity of Anisakidae Parasite in Seafood Caught in the Mediterranean Sea Focusing on Fish Species at Risk of Being Raw-consumed. A Meta Analysis and Systematic Review

Objective: To assess the prevalence and mean intensity of anisakids in seafood caught in the Mediterranean Sea, focusing on fish species at risk of being raw-consumed. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published from 1960–2012. Study selection: Main criteria for the inclusion of studies were as follows: Findings of anisakid larvae, in both muscles and viscera; fish species for human consumption caught in the Mediterranean Sea; prevalence and mean intensity data for each species; and sample size equal to or more than 40 fishes. Results: Twelve studies were identified. Among these, four studies considered the following three fish species that are often consumed raw or preserved lightly, or not cooked thoroughly: anchovy, pilchard, and Atlantic mackerel. Data synthesis: All pooled analyses were based on the random-effect model. Anisakids prevalence in fish muscle was 0.64% (P < 0.0001), in viscera it was 1.34% (P < 0.0001), and overall prevalence was 0.95% (P < 0.0001). Mean intensity in muscle was 2.31 (P = 0.0083), in viscera it was 1.55 (P = 0.0174), and overall it was 1.81 (P < 0.0005). Heterogeneity indices (I2) were significantly high with the exception of viscera mean intensity. Conclusions: Anchovy, pilchard, and Atlantic mackerel have a low prevalence and mean intensity of anisakidae larvae in both viscera and muscles. Mean Intensity was also low.
Common property in the trust game: Experimental evidence from Bulgaria

The extent of human cooperation depends on the institutional arenas wherein people interact. Scholars from the Ostrom school have been particularly interested in how behavior in common property institutions differs from private property. Using a model of reciprocal motivations, I hypothesize that common property institutions elicit less cooperation than private property institutions in post-Communist Bulgaria. To investigate this hypothesis, this article reports on a series of experiments that examine the effects of common and private property in the trust game. The results indicate that common property institutions in Bulgaria elicit less cooperation than private property.
Informal Slack in Organisations: A Qualitative Analysis of Innovative Organisations

This paper considers the relationship between organisational slack and innovation from a new perspective. Moving away from the traditional quantitative research approaches, semi-structured interviews and an activity theory framework are used to operationalize a qualitative view of how slack affects the innovation process. This reveals various kinds of formal and informal slack which are considered important by people involved with innovation in a variety of different organisations. In contrast with existing literature's emphasis on money as the purest form of slack, the data presented here suggest that time and other kinds of informal slack have important roles to play in the innovation process.
THE EFFECT OF CHARGE AND CHEMICAL STRUCTURE OF CATIONIC SURFACTANTS ON LASER TONER AGGLOMERATION UNDER ALKALINE PULPING CONDITIONS

Laboratory-scale agglomeration experiments followed by image analysis were used to evaluate the effectiveness of different cationic surfactants on the 1-octadecanol agglomeration of a negatively charged laser toner. Various types of surfactants with different geometric structures were investigated. It was found that this toner became agglomerated under neutral pulping conditions, but it did not agglomerate under alkaline conditions at all. A small amount of the cationic surfactant compensated for the agglomeration disruption caused by the negative surface charge of the toner and made this toner agglomerate very well. These cationic surfactants consist of a chemical structure of C12 to C18 saturated alkyl hydrophobic chains. The positive charge of these surfactants played the major role in alleviating agglomeration disruption. Additionally, an extra phenol group on these surfactants contributed only minor advantages for toner agglomeration in the presence of 1-octadecanol. The best co-agglomeration performance occurred within a very narrow range of similar total positive charge densities based on the total toner weight. It was also found that this positive charge effect could not be applied to the chemical compounds of high molecular weight polymeric materials.
Manager Sentiment and Stock Returns

This paper constructs a manager sentiment index based on the aggregated textual tone of corporate financial disclosures. We find that manager sentiment is a strong negative predictor of future aggregate stock market returns, with monthly in-sample and out-of-sample R2s of 9.75% and 8.38%, respectively, which is far greater than the predictive power of other previously studied macroeconomic variables. Its predictive power is economically comparable and is informationally complementary to existing measures of investor sentiment. Higher manager sentiment precedes lower aggregate earnings surprises and greater aggregate investment growth. Moreover, manager sentiment negatively predicts cross-sectional stock returns, particularly for firms that are difficult to value and costly to arbitrage.
Detection of occult melanoma cells in blood with a multiple-marker polymerase chain reaction assay.

PURPOSE The objective of the study was to develop a sensitive multimarker polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect circulating melanoma cells in patient blood. The rationale was that malignant melanoma is heterogeneous in regards to antigen expression. PATIENTS AND METHODS A PCR assay that uses four melanoma-associated gene markers (tyrosinase, p97, MUC18, and MAGE-3) was developed. Sensitivity and specificity of the PCR assay for individual markers were assessed using 10 melanoma cell lines and peripheral-blood lymphocytes (PBL) from 39 normal volunteers as controls. The assay's sensitivity and specificity were improved using nested primers and Southern blot analysis. Patients (N = 119) with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages I to IV disease were evaluated for circulating melanoma cells using the four gene markers under optimal conditions. RESULTS All melanoma-associated gene markers were expressed in at least 80% of the melanoma lines, whereas 37 of 39 normal PBL tested negative for all markers; the remaining two PBL were positive for MUC18. Using four markers in the PCR assay was significantly better than using tyrosinase alone. There was a significant correlation between the number of positive PCR markers, AJCC stage of disease, and progression of disease. In all AJCC stages, there were more PCR-positive patients with disease than without disease. CONCLUSION A multimarker PCR assay is more reliable and sensitive than a single-marker assay for detection of melanoma cells in blood of patients. This assay can provide important insight into tumor progression kinetics without major surgical or conventional radiologic diagnostic procedures.
Fiscal Multipliers and Beyond

This paper seeks to link the debate surrounding short-term fiscal multipliers with the medium and longer-term impact of fiscal consolidation on public debt sustainability. A literature review and empirical findings for state-dependent multipliers confirm that there is considerable uncertainty surrounding the size of the short-term multiplier. Notably, multipliers may be larger in deep recessions or financial crises, but the negative impact of fiscal consolidation is mitigated when public finances are weak. Using a stylised framework and a range of plausible values for the fiscal multiplier, simulations suggest that an increase in the debt ratio following episodes of fiscal consolidation is likely to be short-lived. Even in a macroeconomic context in which multipliers are high, a frontloaded fiscal consolidation reduces the total consolidation effort and implies a faster stabilisation of the debt ratio. In general, backloading is subject to higher implementation risks, most notably in the light of political economy considerations. Overall, when determining the fiscal adjustment path, both the short-term costs and the longer-term benefits need to be taken into account. Particular attention should be paid to the composition of consolidation packages, with well-designed adjustments likely to imply a faster stabilisation of the debt ratio.
Dynamic fuzzy modelling of cooling coil system

Modelling of complex non-linear systems using the process data is a challenging issue. This paper presents the dynamic fuzzy modelling of a cooling coil system using the input-output process data. The structure of the model is kept fixed as zero-order Takagi-Sugeno (TS) fuzzy nonlinear output error (NOE) model. The parameter identification is done using the recursive least square (RLS) technique. There are three inputs to the system and a single output Le. a MISO system. The modelling is carried out in three steps i.e. offline parameter identification, the online parameter identification and then dynamic modelling. Simulation results have been presented which demonstrate the efficiency of dynamic modelling with online parameter identification as compared to the techniques. The online models are extremely useful in model based control techniques.
Synchronization of bursty offset QPSK signals in the presence of frequency offset and noise

This paper deals with the problem of synchronization of bursty offset QPSK signals in the presence of frequency offset and additive white Gaussian noise. The main tasks of the receiver are to detect a burst (a frame of data) with a low acquisition time, to estimate and cancel the frequency and phase offset (carrier recovery), perform timing recovery, matched filtering and finally recover the data such that the bit-error-rate (BER) is close to the theoretical limit. The key contribution of this paper is to develop synchronization techniques in discrete-time that perform effectively even at signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) close to 0 dB in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels. These techniques are well suited for implementation on a digital signal processing (DSP) platform.