Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overexpression, purification, and refolding of a Porphyromonas gingivalis cysteine protease from Escherichia coli.

This paper describes the overexpression of the Rgp-1 (arginine) protease domain from Porphyromonas gingivalis. This protease and the related Kgp (lysine) protease, both of which display trypsin-like specificity, have been implicated as major virulence factors and may play a significant role in the etiology of periodontal disease. Both Rgp-1 and Kgp are initially translated as polyproteins, each containing a protease domain and multiple adhesin domains. The Rgp-1 protease domain was expressed in E. coli, purified, refolded, and assayed for activity. These expression studies demonstrated that prior to the formation of inclusion bodies in the E. coli cytoplasm, the protease was proteolytically active and could hydrolyze a specific synthetic substrate. When the Rgp-1 protease domain was purified from inclusion bodies and refolded, it was found to be autolytically active and displayed specific catalytic activity. This is the first report on the expression and purification of active Rgp-1 from E. coli. Polyclonal antisera raised against recombinant protein recognized the native form of the protease in the P. gingivalis strain W50, indicating that the recombinant protein contained some of the antigenic determinants of the native protease.
Design of securities under asymmetric information

A firm must decide what security to sell to raise external capital to finance a profitable investment opportunity. There is ex ante asymmetry of information regarding the probability distribution of cashflow generated by the investment. In this setting, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for a security to be optimal (uniquely optimal), that is, for pooling at this security to be an (the unique) equilibrium outcome. Using these conditions we show that the debt contract is (uniquely) optimal if and only if cash flows are ordered by (strict) conditional stochastic dominance. Finally, we derive an equivalence relationship between optimal security designs and designs that minimize mispricing.
Optimal Bank Recovery

Banks’ living wills involve both recovery and resolution. Since it may not always be clear when recovery plans or actions should be triggered, there is a role for an objective metric to trigger recovery. We outline how such a metric could be constructed meeting criteria of (i) adequate loss absorption; (ii) distinguishing between weak and sound banks; (iii) little susceptibility to manipulation; (iv) timeliness; (v) scalable from the individual bank to the system. We show how this would have worked in the U.K., during 2007–11. This approach has the added advantage that it could be extended to encompass a whole ladder of sanctions of increasing severity as capital erodes.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Intracranial Aneurysms Treated With Endovascular Coiling

Background: Our aim was to evaluate the long-term treatment results in patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with endovascular techniques. Methods: Forty-four patients treated due to intracranial aneurysms between 1996 and 2002 were investigated with a time-of-flight sequence magnetic resonance angiography (TOF MRA). Results: Depending on the assessment, 47% to 51% of the treated aneurysms had a residual neck at the last digital subtraction angiography follow-up. There was filling of the aneurysm base (2%) in only 1 patient, whereas the remaining aneurysms were totally occluded. A TOF MRA performed 6 to 14 (mean 9.68) years after the last procedure showed a stable result in 93.9% of the treated aneurysms. There were no de novo aneurysms and previously untreated aneurysms were unchanged in size. Conclusion: Our long-term follow-up showed a stable result in previously coiled intracranial aneurysms.
The association between dietary macronutrient intake and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome

We examined the association of dietary carbohydrates, protein, fat (including fatty acid subtypes) and alcohol with the metabolic syndrome and its components, in a cross-sectional study of 1626 patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Multivariate nutrient density substitution models were used to examine the associations between macronutrients (assessed by 24 h dietary recall) and the metabolic syndrome. These models express the effects of ‘substituting’ one macronutrient for another without altering total energy intake. Increases in carbohydrates offset by isoenergetic decreases in either fat or protein were associated with a decrease in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (OR 0·87 (95 % CI 0·81, 0·93), P < 0·0001; OR 0·70 (95 % CI 0·61, 0·79), P < 0·0001, per 5 % energy intake respectively). Increased intake of dietary fat at the expense of dietary protein was also associated with a decreased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (OR 0·80 (95 % CI 0·70, 0·92), P = 0·002 per 5 % energy intake). There were no statistically significant differences between fatty acid subtypes (P>0·10). Consumption of up to one standard alcoholic drink per d was associated with a lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome when compared with non-drinkers (OR 0·67 (95 % CI 0·50, 0·89), P = 0·006); however, these benefits were weakened with higher levels of alcohol intake (P = 0·10 for one to three drinks and P = 0·29 for >three drinks). Thus, a diet high in carbohydrates, low in fat and protein, with low-to-moderate alcohol intake, is associated with a reduced prevalence of the metabolic syndrome.
Mergers and Telecommunications Infrastructure Deployment

We retrospectively evaluate the impact of the various mergers of the local exchange companies in the United States telecommunications industry between 1988 and 2001 on technology investment levels. We use treatment effects modeling to evaluate major mergers in a sector where technology diffusion is important, and the approach accounts for selection bias and the endogenous nature of mergers. Our framework is based on behavioral theories of the firms and we use co-evolutionary and dynamic capabilities approaches in framing our analyses and explaining our results. We find that across firms and time, the merger events are positively and significantly associated with investments in fiber and digital assets. We stratify the data by size of firm to undertake detailed data analysis because of the presence of firm-specific heterogeneities and find that for the smaller merging firms there is a negative and significant association of mergers with investments in fiber and digital assets while for the larger merging firms this mergers and fiber and digital assets investments association is positive and significant. Our results support the predictions of the behavioral theories of the firm, and particularly the dynamic capabilities perspective. We draw implications for theory and competition policy of our results.
Psychological Testing in Personnel Selection: Contemporary Issues in Cognitive Ability and Personality Testing

This paper examines the development of personnel selection testing from the late 19th century to the present, emphasizing general cognitive ability and personality testing. The development of methods and standards in employment testing is examined with particular emphasis on selection validity and utility. The issues of fairness and discrimination in cognitive ability selection testing are explored. The transformation of older models of personality into the current Big-Five personality paradigm is discussed. The utility and fairness of personality testing for modern organizations is explored, particularly when used as part of a composite selection process with cognitive ability testing.
The study of Si/metal/GaN fusion bonding

GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on sapphire substrates are integrated with Si by fusion bonding technique. GaN-based LEDs coated with Sn/Au are joined to Si coated with Ti/Au at 300degC in a flowing nitrogen ambient for 30 min. Sapphire substrates are separated from the samples by laser lift-off (LLO) forming GaN-based LEDs/Sn/Au/Ti/Au/Si structures. Microscopy image, observed from the transparent GaN films, shows the uniform bonding interfaces free of air bubbles. The turn-on voltage of vertical GaN-based LEDs on Si decreases from 3.2 v to 3.0 v.
Estimation of Potential Cost Savings Associated With Reduced Rates of Cardiovascular Hospitalization Among Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter Patients Treated With Dronedarone in the ATHENA Trial

The aim of this study was to estimate, from a US payer perspective, potential cost savings resulting from the reduction in cardiovascular (CV) hospitalizations obtained with dronedarone in the ATHENA (A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Parallel Arm Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Dronedarone 400 mg bid for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Hospitalization or Death from any Cause in PatiENts with Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter) trial. ATHENA randomized atrial fibrillation/flutter patients to dronedarone (n = 2301) or placebo (n = 2327) plus standard care. Dronedarone significantly reduced first CV hospitalization/all-cause mortality over 12–30 months of follow-up. CV hospitalization costs (2008 values) from a US cohort of ATHENA-like atrial fibrillation/flutter patients with Medicare supplemental insurance (n = 10,200) and diagnosis-related group costs of adverse event–related hospitalizations were applied to hospitalizations occurring in ATHENA. The impact of cost variation was assessed using Monte Carlo simulation. In ATHENA, dronedarone reduced the overall CV hospitalization rate (vs. placebo) by 29% over the first 12 months (33.36 vs. 47.19 events per 100 patients) and by 25% over the full study (51.15 vs. 68.55 events per 100 patients). Adverse event–related hospitalization rates (dronedarone vs. placebo) were low (0.48 vs. 0.21 and 0.56 vs. 0.26 events per 100 patients over 12 months and the full study, respectively). Overall hospitalization cost savings were estimated at $1329 and $1763 per patient over 12 months and the full study, respectively. Cost savings were relatively stable [mean (95% confidence interval): $1330 ($994–$1676) for the first 12 months and $1763 ($1369–$2184) for the full study] over 10,000 cycles of random variation.
Investigation of the Role of CD8+ T Cells in Bovine Tuberculosis In Vivo

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (TB), and it has the potential to induce disease in humans. CD8+ T cells (CD8 cells) have been shown to respond to mycobacterial antigens in humans, cattle, and mice. In mice, CD8 cells have been shown to play a role in protection against mycobacterial infection. To determine the role of CD8 cells in bovine TB in vivo, two groups of calves were infected with the virulent M. bovis strain AF2122/97. After infection, one group was injected with a CD8 cell-depleting monoclonal antibody (MAb), and the other group was injected with an isotype control MAb. Immune responses to mycobacterial antigens were measured weekly in vitro. After 8 weeks, the animals were killed, and postmortem examinations were carried out. In vitro proliferation responses were similar in both calf groups, but in vitro gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production in 24-h whole-blood cultures was significantly higher in control cattle than in CD8 cell-depleted calves. Postmortem examination showed that calves in both groups had developed comparable TB lesions in the lower respiratory tract and associated lymph nodes. Head lymph node lesion scores, on the other hand, were higher in control calves than in CD8 cell-depleted calves. Furthermore, there was significant correlation between the level of IFN-γ and the head lymph node lesion score. These experiments indicate that CD8 cells play a role in the immune response to M. bovis in cattle by contributing to the IFN-γ response. However, CD8 cells may also play a deleterious role by contributing to the immunopathology of bovine TB.
The business of things architecture

A revolution is happening that is triggered by a brave new world made by interconnected devices. The internet of things is already a reality that is creating new business opportunities across different industrial sectors. Communication service providers have a major opportunity to shape this reality by leading this transformation. For that, they need to evolve their existing architectures to enable a flexible creation of advanced services over distributed networks, interconnecting heterogeneous sensors and actuators. This paper presents an approach for telecoms to take advantage of the upcoming machine‐to‐machine markets and defines an advanced architecture able to withstand the demands of a new plethora of evermore clever and useful services. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Versatile Use of the Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Flap as a Salvage Procedure in Reconstruction of Complex Injuries of the Upper Extremity

Complex injuries of the upper limb are usually associated with massive soft tissue necrosis, infection, and exposure of the vital structures. Management is fairly problematic, requiring multiple operations and prolonged hospitalization. We herein present a versatile use of the pedicled latissimus dorsi flap as a salvage procedure, and its advantages. In 6 patients with such injuries, all known variations of the flap have been successfully used as a musculocutaneous, pure muscle, and pure skin (thoracodorsal artery perforator) flap. The mean follow-up time was 11.8 months. All flaps survived completely. The donor sites were closed primarily, with acceptable linear scars in all cases. Variants of the pedicled latissimus dorsi flap may be suitable to address complex defects of the upper extremity, including forearm and hand, which have little chance for free flap. Content of the flap to be used should be determined depending on requirements in the recipient site.
MINING TEXTS TO UNDERSTAND CUSTOMERS' IMAGE OF BRANDS

Text mining is becoming increasingly important in understanding customers and markets these days. This paper presents a method of mining texts about customer sentiments using a network analysis technique. A data set collected about two global mobile device manufactures were used for testing the method. The analysis results show that the method can be effectively used to extract key sentiments in the customers' texts. To cite this document: Hyung Jun Ahn, "Mining texts to understand customers' image of brands", International Journal of Electronic Commerce Studies, Vol.4, No.1, pp.131-134, 2013. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi. org/10.7903/ijecs.1122
Sialylation of extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) enhances furin-mediated cleavage and secretion

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD, SOD3) protects tissues against oxidative damage by detoxifying superoxide anions, particularly in the lungs and cardiovascular system. EC-SOD undergoes several posttranslational modifications including N-glycosylation and proteolytic cleavage. While the roles of proteolytic cleavage have been well studied, the structure and function of EC-SOD N-glycans are poorly understood. Here we analyzed glycan structures on native EC-SOD purified from human sera, and identified sialylated biantennary structures. Using glycan maturation-defective CHO mutant cells, we further revealed that the presence of terminal sialic acids in the N-glycans of EC-SOD enhanced both the secretion and furin-mediated C-terminal cleavage of EC-SOD. These results provide new insights into how the posttranslational modifications of EC-SOD control its functions.
Poverty, skin colour and HIV infection: A case-control study from southern Brazil

Abstract We investigated the association between socioeconomic and behavioral factors and HIV infection and aids in a medium-sized Brazilian city. Cases included HIV-positive women (n=144) and women with aids (n=130) seen at a specialized facility. Controls were a probabilistic, population-based sample of 1,537 women aged 15–49 years. Groups were compared using logistic regression. Both HIV infection and AIDS were more frequent among younger women of non-white skin colour, with lower schooling and income who began sexual activity early. This is the first Brazilian study using population-based controls to show that both HIV-seropositivity and AIDS are concentrated among young, non-white poor women. It is important to prioritize preventive measures targeting these groups.
Co-integration of Karachi Stock Exchange with major South Asian Stock Exchanges

International cross listing have amplified the interest of academics and investors to the subject of co movement among the stock markets of the world . This study investigates the co integration of Pakistan stock exchange (KSE 100 index) with major stock exchanges of south Asia . The results reveals that there is no co integration of Pakistan’s stock market (KSE100 index) with china and Japan stock markets. However there is co integration of Pakistan’s stock market (KSE 100 index) with the stock market of India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
Imalat Sanayi Ihracatinda Uzmanlasma: Türkiye - Avrupa Birligi Analizi

(This paper is in Turkish) Purpose of this study is to identify the Turkish Industries that have comparative advantage in manufacturing export within EU-15 and EU-10 as well as candidate countries such as Bulgaria and Romania. First, export specialization value of Turkey has been calculated with respect to SITC Rev.3 3 digit product group manufacturing export data that were adapted to Balassa index for the period of 1991–2003. Then, technological structures of the Turkish industries that exhibit export specialization/comparative advantage, in accordance with SITC technology classification, have been defined.
Long‐term complications of antiretroviral therapy: lipoatrophy

The effective use of potent antiretroviral therapy has dramatically improved the life expectancy for HIV‐infected individuals. Long‐term complications of both HIV‐infection and antiretroviral agents are therefore of increasing concern. Lipoatrophy (LA) or fat wasting is a complication most frequently associated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, thymidine analogues particularly. LA can be stigmatising and is associated with psychosocial complication. It can occur in isolation or as part of the ‘metabolic’ or ‘lipodystrophy’ syndrome, a triad of LA, fat accumulation and metabolic disturbance (insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia) with a subsequently increased risk of cardiovascular events. We aimed to review the definition, prevalence, pathogenesis, implications and treatment of HIV/highly active antiretroviral therapy‐associated fat loss. We performed a review of PubMed, Medline and recent conference abstracts for information on LA.
A biologically inspired computational model relating vection and visually induced motion sickness : individual differences and sensitivity analysis

This paper presents a biologically inspired computational model that simulates the entire process from sensory stimuli to the occurrence of vection induced motion sickness. The model consists of three modules: (i) a visual-vestibular integration network of vection perception, (ii) a supervised-learning adaptation network, and (iii) a symptoms dynamic network. In this paper, we compare the predicted nausea ratings with published data and report how the model parameters can be tuned to account for individual variations of vection onset time, vection build-up time, level of saturated vection, and eventually the simulated levels of nausea. This paper contains preliminary data only.
Microepidemiology of poliomyelitis and herpes-B infections: spread of the viruses within tissue cultures.

The micro-epidemiology of poliomyelitis and of herpes-B in tissue culture, the mechanisms by which the viruses pass from one cell to another, have been studied. Poliomyelitis virus is not capable of spreading to new cells at an appreciable rate after immune serum has been added to the system. B virus is disseminated most rapidly by passage directly from infected to neighboring cells and thus forms plaques even when bathed in a fluid medium. After a latent period of 16 to 20 hours virus also passes through the culture medium to cause infection some distance from the original host cells. The addition of immune serum blocks the second method of dispersion, but not the first, and infection proceeds in the presence of antibody by means of steadily expanding foci. The results of these studies are taken as evidence that poliomyelitis virus chiefly passes through a free extracellular phase before infecting new cells, while B virus may make use of an alternative route in which it is not exposed to the action of immune serum. Even when no immune serum is present, this second route is the one by which most dissemination of B virus occurs.
Multi-parameter continuation and collocation methods for rotating multi-component Bose–Einstein condensates

We describe multi-parameter continuation methods combined with spectral collocation methods for computing numerical solutions of rotating two-component Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs), which are governed by the Gross–Pitaevskii equations (GPEs). Various types of orthogonal polynomials are used as the basis functions for the trial function space. A novel multi-parameter/multiscale continuation algorithm is proposed for computing the solutions of the governing GPEs, where the chemical potential of each component and angular velocity are treated as the continuation parameters simultaneously. The proposed algorithm can effectively compute numerical solutions with abundant physical phenomena. Numerical results on rotating two-component BECs are reported.
Minimizing Error in Measurement of Error: A Proposed Method for Calculation of Error in a Two-Dimensional Motor Task

Traditional one-dimensional error scores are still consistently used in research on motor learning to quantify two-dimensional error; however, the inherent differences in two-dimensional tasks render that application inappropriate and often misleading. Consequently, the purpose of this paper was to propose a novel method of presenting errors, which more precisely represents the accuracy, direction, and variability of error in two-dimensional settings. Although closely related to several alternatives for representing errors, the methodology used and the results obtained provide a more accurate procedure for pinpointing critical trends in what have been commonly referred to as AE (absolute error), VE (variable error), CE (constant error), and E (total variability). The proposed measurements of AVE (adjusted variable error), DE (directional error), TSE (total spread of error), and RE (radial error) provide composite error scores carrying a variety of information about performance on two-dimensional tasks. Formulas and examples are provided to facilitate computation and enhance understanding of the proposed scores.