Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic Role of FoxO3a in the Development of CD8+ T Cell Memory

CD8+ T cells undergo rapid expansion during infection with intracellular pathogens, which is followed by swift and massive culling of primed CD8+ T cells. The mechanisms that govern the massive contraction and maintenance of primed CD8+ T cells are not clear. We show in this study that the transcription factor, FoxO3a, does not influence Ag presentation and the consequent expansion of CD8+ T cell response during Listeria monocytogenes infection, but plays a key role in the maintenance of memory CD8+ T cells. The effector function of primed CD8+ T cells as revealed by cytokine secretion and CD107a degranulation was not influenced by inactivation of FoxO3a. Interestingly, FoxO3a-deficient CD8+ T cells displayed reduced expression of proapoptotic molecules BIM and PUMA during the various phases of response, and underwent reduced apoptosis in comparison with wild-type cells. A higher number of memory precursor effector cells and memory subsets was detectable in FoxO3a-deficient mice compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, FoxO3a-deficient memory CD8+ T cells upon transfer into normal or RAG1-deficient mice displayed enhanced survival. These results suggest that FoxO3a acts in a cell-intrinsic manner to regulate the survival of primed CD8+ T cells.
Business Value in Public-Private Partnerships: The Positive Impact of Trust and Task-Relevant Competencies on Business Outcomes in PPPs

ABSTRACT Governments and businesses enter public-private partnerships (PPPs) to achieve better outcomes, but successful partnerships are not easily accomplished. Because businesses’ expectations about PPP outcomes affect how and whether they participate as partners, managing PPPs effectively requires knowing not just what governments lose or gain, but also the value businesses receive. This article demonstrates how structural, collaborative, and participant factors associated with both public and private partners affect business value in PPPs. Based on a mixed-methods approach, this study tests four hypotheses on how PPPs influence value creation for businesses. The findings show that PPP experience, trust, and size have significant effects on business value. However, they only increase certain types of value, depending on the presence and performance of other factors. Moreover, the results show that businesses gain more intangible values, such as network development and knowledge, than revenue.
Application of Taguchi model to valuation of information security technology considering security quality failure

As interests in intangible assets in a digital economy have been growing, technology valuation is becoming increasingly more important in information technology management. Most existing valuation methods do not reflect the unique characteristics of technology. Thus, this paper aims to suggest an approach for technology valuation that considers the nature of information security technology. First, technological value is evaluated by scoring value factors that are used to analyse the intrinsic characteristics and application of technology. Second, to evaluate the market value, the expected profit of the technology will be deduced by using an income approach, reflecting on the characteristics of information security products and services. The weighted sum of factors from the previous scoring process plays a role in adjusting the expected profit. Third, the Taguchi loss function is applied to calculate the amount of social loss incurred due to the lower quality level of security. The final result of technology valuation is presented by integrating the expected profit and social loss. The proposed approach is illustrated with a case of safe symmetric key algorithm, one of information security technologies in Korea. The results of technology valuation will provide objective information for technology transfer and the selection of R&D projects.
Changes in Strength and Power Performance in Elite Senior Female Professional Volleyball Players During the In-Season: A Case Study

Marques, MC, van den Tillaar, R, Vescovi, JD, and González-Badillo, JJ. Changes in strength and power performance in elite senior female professional volleyball players during the in-season: a case study. J Strength Cond Res 22: 1147-1155, 2008-It is often recommended that in-season training programs aim to maintain muscular strength and power developed during the off-season. However, improvements in performance may be possible with a well-designed training regimen. The purpose of this case report is to describe the changes in physical performance after an in-season training regimen in professional female volleyball players in order to determine whether muscular strength and power might be improved. Apart from normal practice sessions, 10 elite female volleyball players completed 2 training sessions per week, which included both resistance training and plyometric exercises. Over the 12-week season, the athletes performed 3-4 sets of 3-8 repetitions for resistance and plyometric exercises during each training session. All sessions were supervised by one of the investigators as well as by the team head coach. Muscular strength and power were assessed before and after the 12-week training program using 4 repetition maximum bench press and parallel squat tests, an overhead medicine ball throw (BTd), as well as unloaded and loaded countermovement jumps (CMJs). Strength improved by 15% and 11.5% in the bench press and parallel squat, respectively (p < 0.0001). Distance in the BTd improved by 11.8% (p < 0.0001), whereas unloaded and loaded CMJ height increased between 3.8 and 11.2%. The current findings suggest that elite female volleyball players can improve strength and power during the competition season by implementing a well-designed training program that includes both resistance and plyometric exercises.
Crystal Structure of a Prolactin Receptor Antagonist Bound to the Extracellular Domain of the Prolactin Receptor*

The crystal structure of the complex between an N-terminally truncated G129R human prolactin (PRL) variant and the extracellular domain of the human prolactin receptor (PRLR) was determined at 2.5Å resolution by x-ray crystallography. This structure represents the first experimental structure reported for a PRL variant bound to its cognate receptor. The binding of PRL variants to the PRLR extracellular domain was furthermore characterized by the solution state techniques, hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. Compared with the binding interface derived from mutagenesis studies, the structural data imply that the definition of PRL binding site 1 should be extended to include residues situated in the N-terminal part of loop 1 and in the C terminus. Comparison of the structure of the receptor-bound PRL variant with the structure reported for the unbound form of a similar analogue ( Jomain, J. B., Tallet, E., Broutin, I., Hoos, S., van Agthoven, J., Ducruix, A., Kelly, P. A., Kragelund, B. B., England, P., and Goffin, V. (2007) J. Biol. Chem. 282, 33118-33131 ) demonstrates that receptor-induced changes in the backbone of the four-helix bundle are subtle, whereas large scale rearrangements and structuring occur in the flexible N-terminal part of loop 1. Hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry data imply that the dynamics of the four-helix bundle in solution generally become stabilized upon receptor interaction at binding site 1.
New Transposon Tn6133 in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 Contains vga(E), a Novel Streptogramin A, Pleuromutilin, and Lincosamide Resistance Gene

ABSTRACT A novel streptogramin A, pleuromutilin, and lincosamide resistance determinant, Vga(E), was identified in porcine methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ST398. The vga(E) gene encoded a 524-amino-acid protein belonging to the ABC transporter family. It was found on a multidrug resistance-conferring transposon, Tn6133, which was comprised of Tn554 with a stably integrated 4,787-bp DNA sequence harboring vga(E). Detection of Tn6133 in several porcine MRSA ST398 isolates and its ability to circularize suggest a potential for dissemination.
MTHFR 677C-->T polymorphism and risk of coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis.

CONTEXT In observational studies, individuals with elevated levels of plasma homocysteine tend to have moderately increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The MTHFR 677C-->T polymorphism is a genetic alteration in an enzyme involved in folate metabolism that causes elevated homocysteine concentrations, but its relevance to risk of CHD is uncertain. OBJECTIVE To assess the relation of MTHFR 677C-->T polymorphism and risk of CHD by conducting a meta-analysis of individual participant data from all case-control observational studies with data on this polymorphism and risk of CHD. DATA SOURCES Studies were identified by searches of the electronic literature (MEDLINE and Current Contents) for relevant reports published before June 2001 (using the search terms MTHFR and coronary heart disease), hand searches of reference lists of original studies and review articles (including meta-analyses) on this topic, and contact with investigators in the field. STUDY SELECTION Studies were included if they had data on the MTHFR 677C-->T genotype and a case-control design (retrospective or nested case-control) and involved CHD as an end point. Data were obtained from 40 (34 published and 6 unpublished) observational studies involving a total of 11 162 cases and 12 758 controls. DATA EXTRACTION Data were collected on MTHFR 677C-->T genotype, case-control status, and plasma levels of homocysteine, folate, and other cardiovascular risk factors. Data were checked for consistency with the published article or with information provided by the investigators and converted into a standard format for incorporation into a central database. Combined odds ratios (ORs) for the association between the MTHFR 677C-->T polymorphism and CHD were assessed by logistic regression. DATA SYNTHESIS Individuals with the MTHFR 677 TT genotype had a 16% (OR, 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.28) higher odds of CHD compared with individuals with the CC genotype. There was significant heterogeneity between the results obtained in European populations (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01-1.28) compared with North American populations (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.73-1.05), which might largely be explained by interaction between the MTHFR 677C-->T polymorphism and folate status. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with the MTHFR 677 TT genotype had a significantly higher risk of CHD, particularly in the setting of low folate status. These results support the hypothesis that impaired folate metabolism, resulting in high homocysteine levels, is causally related to increased risk of CHD.
Powered endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: technique and results of a series of patients.

INTRODUCTION External dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) has been the gold standard for treatment of epiphora. Currently several endoscopic DCR techniques are described. We evaluated results of endonasal DCR in our institution. METHODS A retrospective chart review of a consecutive series of DCR procedures. Patients were subjected to a questionnaire a minimum of 6 months postoperatively to assess longer-term results. RESULTS 19 DCR procedures in 16 patients (6 males) by a single surgeon (LD) were reviewed. Mean age was 60 (range 32 - 79). All patients suffered from epiphora (4-60 months), 7 had recurrent dacryocystitis. The technique involved the creation of a large rhinostomy using a microdebrider with a rough diamond burr and apposition of nasal mucosal and lacrimal sac flaps with Gelfoam. A silicone tube was placed in the nasolacrimal system. Patients were discharged day 1 and all patients reported immediate improvement of symptoms. Postoperative complications were limited to epistaxis in one patient. Patients were seen at week 1, 3 and 6 at clinic to perform suction cleaning until complete internal healing. The silicone tube was removed (at the last but one visit) after a median of 15 weeks (range 9-26 weeks) postoperatively. After a median follow-up of 19 months 13 patients were completely symptom free. Two patients reported minor symptoms sporadically. One patient reported recurrence of symptoms. CONCLUSION Powered endonasal DCR with internal marsupialisation of the lacrimal sac is a safe and successful procedure for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Age-dependent detection of erythrocytes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and its correlation with oxidative stress

Abstract Context: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an important enzyme of hexose monophosphate shunt, involved in the biosynthesis of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH). Objective: This study was designed to investigate age-dependent changes in human erythrocyte G6PD activity. The G6PD activity pattern was correlated with reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant potential in terms of FRAP (ferric reducing ability of plasma) value. Materials and methods: We analyzed normal, healthy subjects of both sexes between the ages of 20 and 80 years. G6PD activity was determined by Burties method. Results: We observe a significant age-dependent decrease in G6PD activity (p < 0.0001). It was positively correlated with GSH (r = 0.5706) and total antioxidant potential (r = 0.7723) as a function of human age. Discussion and conclusion: Our findings on erythrocyte G6PD and their correlation with GSH and FRAP provide evidence of a higher oxidative stress in old age population.
Oil and Gas Production and the Growth of Ghana’s Economy: An Initial Assessment

Oil and gas resources present enormous opportunities for the economic development of low income economies, but poor management of these resources can result in dire consequences for the foundations of the resource-endowed nation. The discovery of oil and gas in Ghana is as significant as the policies and measures to ensure optimum benefits to the nation. This paper evaluates the sustainability of petroleum production in the light of the medium term policy structure, the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA). In particular, the economic contribution of oil and gas to Ghana’s GDP and sustainable investment options for petroleum revenues were examined using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. The evidence suggests that at current production levels, petroleum is not a significant contributor to Ghana’s GDP after adjusting for the contribution from other sectors of the economy. The consistent appreciation of Ghana’s real effective exchange rate between 2010 and 2013 led to a deterioration of the competitiveness of the non-oil sector and declining contribution of the agricultural sector to GDP; and further eroded the net impact of petroleum production. Investing petroleum proceeds in the non-oil sector and expansion of the export base are a viable option for utilising petroleum revenues.
Support for agriculture during economic transformation: Impacts on poverty and undernutrition

This paper explores trends in poverty and nutrition during economic transformation and especially the impacts linked to government support for agriculture during the process. Analysis of multiyear data for 29 developing countries confirms that structural transformation raises total income and that poverty falls faster with strong support for agriculture. In turn, poverty reduction supports improved nutrition, especially in rural areas. However, transformation brings problems through health risks associated with rising obesity in rural as well as urban areas. Thus, the transition process must be managed better, through targeted support for smallholder agriculture and health interventions, if the negative consequences of obesity and chronic disease are to be mitigated.
Research on the Optimized Development of the Festival from the Perspective of Tourism Experience

In view of the fact that tourism development of ethnic cultural heritages emphasizes resource exploitation and neglects tourism experience, this paper makes relational assumptions between tourism experience, satisfaction and behavioral intention. It takes a sampling from tourists attending the Nadam Festival (a traditional Mongolian Festival) and employs SPSS21.0 software to analyze the questionnaires recovered. The results show that tourism experience of these tourists mainly consists of two parts, namely, cognition and enjoyment. Tourism experience has significant positive impact on tourist satisfaction while tourist satisfaction has significant positive impact on behavioral intention of tourists and shows the strongest correlation with knowledge increase. Therefore, this paper proposes to improve tourism experience by enhancing the authenticity of ethnic culture, thereby providing theoretical basis for the formation of positive tourism experience during ethnic events.
Democratic or cultural peace? Examining the joint democratic peace proposition through the lens of shared emancipative values

Abstract Is it joint democracy or state similarity that has a pacifying impact on interstate relations? This study explores the complementarity of the two propositions and demonstrates the potential of a particular kind of shared emancipative culture embracing values of autonomy, equality, choice, and voice to amplify the impact of joint democracy on interstate conflict. The data on cultural values, which comes from the World Values Survey, was integrated with the data from the Correlates of War Project to test the impact of joint democracy and cultural similarity on militarised interstate disputes (1981–2010). We find that culturally similar dyads are less likely to be involved in conflict with each other than culturally dissimilar dyads. Although, cultural similarity does not wash out the pacifying effect of democracy, it offers a complementary explanation to the democratic peace. We also find that states that are democratic and share higher than average scores on the emancipative values are less likely to engage in militarised interstate disputes than democratic states, which are culturally dissimilar or score low on the emancipative dimensions. This provides support for an additional normative/cultural impact on democratic peace.
Accounting for Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies under IFRS: A Comparison and Assessment of Competing Models

The invention of blockchain technology has radically changed the perception of how monetary systems can be structured and operated. Central banks and state authorities mostly refuse to acknowledge that cryptocurrencies are money, yet the number of payment transactions using cryptocurrencies is increasing and cryptocurrencies form a non-negligible stake of wealth. As with other economic phenomena, cryptocurrencies shall be addressed in the financial statements of the entities using them, albeit without any accounting guidance in current financial reporting standards. This paper fills this void by suggesting, comparing, and assessing potential accounting models under IFRS. Based on evidence from literature review, as well as recent time-series data on the price volatility of cryptocurrencies, the paper shows that fair value accounting is the most relevant source of useful information for users of financial statements when cryptocurrencies are acquired for investment purposes. Furthermore, the paper identifies scenarios under which cryptocurrencies shall be treated as (foreign) currencies, even though financial system regulators do not consider cryptocurrencies as being money (fiat currency).
Low-temperature zero-level packaging technique using photosesitive film type PerMX polymer

This paper presents a film type PerMX polymer-based low temperature zero-level packaging technique for RF devices. PerMX polymer capping technique was developed in two different types; 1) PerMX ring and PerMX membrane, 2) SU8 ring and PerMX membrane. The height of the implemented cap was 100 µm having 50 µm thick sealing ring and 50 µm thick membrane and the implemented dimensions were 1.4×1.1 mm2, 2.1×2.1 mm2 and 5.1×5.1 mm2. Firstly, the electrical parameters of PerMX were extracted from the measured S-parameter of microstrip line. The extracted dielectric constant and loss tangent of PerMX were 2.99, 0.049 at 30 GHz respectively. Also, the effect of the PerMX package on coplanar was found to be negligible insertion loss change of the packaged transmission line while its return loss is better than 20 dB at the measured frequency range.
Natural Phosphorylation of CD5 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia B Cells and Analysis of CD5-Regulated Genes in a B Cell Line Suggest a Role for CD5 in Malignant Phenotype1

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) results in the accumulation of B cells, presumably reflecting the selection of malignant cell precursors with Ag combined with complex alterations in protein activity. Repeated BCR stimulation of normal B cells leads to anergy and CD5 expression, both of which are features of CLL. Because CD5 is phosphorylated on tyrosine following BCR engagement and negatively regulates BCR signaling in normal B cells, we investigated its phosphorylation status and found it to be naturally phosphorylated on tyrosine but not on serine residues in CLL samples. To analyze the role of CD5, we established a B cell line in which CD5 is phosphorylated. Gene profiling of vector vs CD5-transfected B cells pointed out gene groups whose expression was enhanced: Apoptosis inhibitors (BCL2), NF-κB (RELB, BCL3), Wnt, TGFβ, VEGF, MAPKs, Stats, cytokines, chemokines (IL-10, IL-10R, IL-2R, CCL-3, CCL-4, and CCR7), TLR-9, and the surface Ags CD52, CD54, CD70, and CD72. Most of these gene groups are strongly expressed in CLL B cells as compared with normal B cells. Unexpectedly, metabolic pathways, namely cholesterol synthesis and adipogenesis, are also enhanced by CD5. Conversely, CD5 inhibited genes involved in RNA splicing and processing, ribosome biogenesis, proteasome, and CD80 and CD86 Ags, whose expression is low in CLL. Comparison of CD5- vs tailless CD5-transfected cells further demonstrated the role of CD5 phosphorylation in the regulation of selected genes. These results support a model where CLL cells are chronically stimulated, leading to CD5 activation and cell survival. In addition to CD5 itself, we point to several CD5-induced genes as potential therapeutic targets.
Statistical Methodology for Evaluating Business Cycles with the Conditions of Their Synchronization and Harmonization

The importance of the topic of business cycle research and their interaction is due to the fact that the cyclical nature of development is a universal feature of the market economy (regardless of the level of development of the country ’ s economy and the principles of its organization). In all cases, cyclical ups and downs depend not only on internal system cyclical processes and their factors in countries but also on the consequences of intercountry interaction. The ability to measure and predict business cycles, taking into account their mutual influence, is a prerequisite for the development of an adequate business policy of countries and their associations.
Iteratively Multiple Projections Optimization for Product Quantization in Nearest Neighbor Search

Recently, the variable length coding product quantization is proposed to accelerate the speed of codebook training for approximate nearest neighbor (ANN) search. And the Gaussian Mixture model (GMM) is trained as a coarse quantizer to project the data into different subspaces respectively. However, the existing method trains the GMM without considering the quantization distortion. In this paper, we propose a novel distortion model which can jointly train the multiple projections and fine quantizers. Based on the loss function, multiple projected matrixes, quantizer of each subspace and the partition of the training set are optimized iteratively. Moreover, the solution of the problem is further analyzed and a simpler form for training is derived. The experimental results verify the improvements when the spaces decomposition and the quantizers are optimized jointly.