Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Apoptosis of human neutrophils induced by protein phosphatase 1/2A inhibition is caspase‐independent and serine protease‐dependent

Protein phosphatase (PP) activity is associated with the regulation of apoptosis in neutrophils. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism(s) in apoptosis remain unclear. The type of cell death induced by okadaic acid (OA), the inhibitor of PP1 and PP2A, is characterized by apoptotic morphological changes of the cells and annexin V‐positive staining without DNA fragmentation. The apoptotic effects of OA and calyculin A on neutrophils were observed at concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 nM, or 10 to 50 nM, respectively. Cyclosporine A (a PP2B specific inhibitor), however, did not exhibit any pro‐apoptotic effects. OA and calyculin A, but not cyclosporine A, exhibited significant effects on protein levels and on the electrophoretic mobility of Mcl‐1. zVAD‐fmk, a pancaspase inhibitor, failed to inhibit the effect of OA on the caspase‐3 activity, procaspase‐3 processing, and the apoptotic rate of neutrophils. However, 4‐(2‐aminoethyl) benzenesulfonylfluoride (AEBSF), a general serine protease inhibitor, significantly abrogated the OA‐induced mobility shift in procaspase‐3, caspase‐3 activation, and the apoptotic morphological changes in neutrophils. Moreover, OA enhanced the serine protease activity of the neutrophils. The addition of the proteinase‐3 protein increased the rate of neutrophil apoptosis, which was also blocked by AEBSF but not by zVAD‐fmk. These results suggest that OA induces procaspase‐3 processing but that OA‐induced apoptosis is caspase‐independent and serine protease‐dependent. J. Cell. Physiol. 212: 450–462, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of Various Enterotoxins in Aeromonas hydrophila-Induced Gastroenteritis: Generation of Enterotoxin Gene-Deficient Mutants and Evaluation of Their Enterotoxic Activity

ABSTRACT Three enterotoxins from the Aeromonas hydrophila diarrheal isolate SSU have been molecularly characterized in our laboratory. One of these enterotoxins is cytotoxic in nature, whereas the other two are cytotonic enterotoxins, one of them heat labile and the other heat stable. Earlier, by developing an isogenic mutant, we demonstrated the role of a cytotoxic enterotoxin in causing systemic infection in mice. In the present study, we evaluated the role of these three enterotoxins in evoking diarrhea in a murine model by developing various combinations of enterotoxin gene-deficient mutants by marker-exchange mutagenesis. A total of six isogenic mutants were prepared in a cytotoxic enterotoxin gene (act)-positive or -negative background strain of A. hydrophila. We developed two single knockouts with truncation in either the heat-labile (alt) or the heat-stable (ast) cytotonic enterotoxin gene; three double knockouts with truncations of genes encoding (i) alt and ast, (ii) act and alt, and (iii) act and ast genes; and a triple-knockout mutant with truncation in all three genes, act, alt, and ast. The identity of these isogenic mutants developed by double-crossover homologous recombination was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Northern and Western blot analyses revealed that the expression of different enterotoxin genes in the mutants was correspondingly abrogated. We tested the biological activity of these mutants in a diet-restricted and antibiotic-treated mouse model with a ligated ileal loop assay. Our data indicated that all of these mutants had significantly reduced capacity to evoke fluid secretion compared to that of wild-type A. hydrophila; the triple-knockout mutant failed to induce any detectable level of fluid secretion. The biological activity of selected A. hydrophila mutants was restored after complementation. Taken together, we have established a role for three enterotoxins in A. hydrophila-induced gastroenteritis in a mouse model with the greatest contribution from the cytotoxic enterotoxin Act, followed by the Alt and Ast cytotonic enterotoxins.
Creating Communities that Lead to Retention: The Social Worlds and Communities of Umpires

Abstract Umpires (referees) are essential for sport competition, yet many sports report difficulty in recruiting and retaining umpires. Therefore, this research sought to better understand what experiences will ensure continued participation in umpiring. Previous literature suggests that the communities created are vital to umpire retention. Thus, the aim of this research was to identify the factors that lead to, or detract from sense of community for umpires. Twenty-two Australian Rules football umpires were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. This study revealed that Lack of Administration Consideration, Inequity (specifically related to remuneration and resources), Competition, Common Interest (specifically in the sport, interactions within football community, and/or within social spaces) impacted the development of sense of community for umpires. This study demonstrates that as umpires move through their careers, the outcome of the noted factors to enhance or detract from sense of community change. Implications for umpire education, accreditation, and management aimed at retaining umpires are discussed.
Stereo Vision Rectification Based on Epipolar Lines Match and Three Variables Projective Matrix

This paper gives an improved method by increasing precision and decreasing variables for image rectification consistent with Richard I. Hartley's theory and practice of projective rectification (1999), and Loop and Zhang's computing rectifying homographics for stereo vision (1999). This method is based on the camera calibration by Klaus Strobl et al., and DLR CalDc & DLR CalLab, Caltcch University. This paper describes a new discovery of relation between the epipolar lines and projective transformations. Therefore, based on the precise fundamental matrix and match relation of epipolar lines rather than match points, computing the projective transformations matrix is simplified by decreasing the number of unknown variables from the normal eight to three in this paper. The other advantages include the simplicity of the inverse transformation of 2D projective matrix which allows faster resampling in the identification of matched points for the scene reconstruction, and increased rapidity in the process of image rectification.
Weaving a web of control : “The Promise of Opportunity” and work-life balance in multinational accounting firms

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between management controls and the work-life balance (WLB) of junior accountants working in four multinational accounting firms using semi-structured interviews. Design/methodology/approach – The authors interviewed junior accountants, asking them about their firms’ time budgeting process, their views on organisational culture and their experience of WLB. Findings – Time budgeting controls and the dominant discourses of “efficiency” and “career” form a web of control within these firms that sustain the long-hours culture. Drawing on the work of Foucault, the authors argue that the web of control is particularly strong because it is not imposed externally by a clearly identifiable source of power. Instead, the interviews revealed how junior accountants actively produce the web of control in order to secure their identity. This is particularly apparent when they speak of their career. Research limitations/implications – This research sheds .
An Overview of the Italian Hotel Industry Today

This study aims to describe how the Italian hotel industry is improving its competitiveness in the globalized economy in terms of innovation and supplementary services delivered to the customers. Innovation (as implementation of new technologies) and supplementary services represent the driver for the Italian hotel industry to increase the creation of value and to become more competitive in the international arena. This study serves as an initial first step as a pilot for a more comprehensive and larger study of the Italian hotel industry down the road.
Agricultural Productivity Revisited

This paper describes production accounts for agriculture. Output is defined as gross production leaving the farm as opposed to real value added. Inputs are not limited to capital and labor but include intermediate inputs as well. We derive index numbers of gross output, capital, labor, and intermediate inputs. These data are used to construct indexes of total factor productivity. We then compare the contributions of input growth and productivity growth to economic growth. The important role of productivity growth in agriculture becomes immediately apparent. Copyright 1997, Oxford University Press.
What Future Teachers Think about Brain Research.

As information becomes available, teachers of educational psychology must be ready to accept or resist change. This is especially true when it comes to the brain because as technologies advance, information about it is seeping into our lives. Deciding if, how much, and when this information fits into educational psychology coursework can be difficult. In this survey study, the authors gathered data from students (n = 215) enrolled in a professional teacher education program in the southwestern United States. The study targeted the opinions of future teachers in regard to the usefulness of brain research, the importance of learning about the brain, and concerns about the applicability of brain research. The results indicate future teachers think brain research is useful and valuable for educators. Participants were neutral about potential concerns.
Project management in a dynamic environment: Balancing stakeholders

In recent times a number of discussions have been started about the pro's and con's of the traditional develop methods (Waterfall, Stage Gate) and more contemporary and incremental methods (Agile, DevOps1). These discussions are frequently related to themes of controlling risk and dealing with the dynamics of the environment of programs and projects. In this paper results from a literature study are presented in which the traditional approach and the DevOps approach are compared. The comparison is primarily related to such aspects as controlling and mitigation of uncertanties and risks. Especially attention is paid to the balance between the so called hard and soft controls. Working with such approaches as DevOps require a continuous link and communication between all the relevant stakeholders which does allow for improved detection of early warning signals when it relates to risks. DevOps also stimulates an environment where experimenting and learning are facilitated. The paper ends with the conclusion that the DevOps approach pays more attention on soft controls and that applying the DevOps approach correctly needs a fundamentally change in behavior and culture.
A Combined Model for Growth and Subsequent Thermal Inactivation of Brochothrix thermosphacta

A mathematical technique for integrating growth and thermal inactivation models of microorganisms into a smooth combined model that can be applied to circumstances under which the temperature gradually rises from growth to inactivation regions is described. For the death part of the model, a correction term is introduced to allow for additional resistance of the cells gained during slow heating. The model was validated with Brochothrix thermosphacta heated in broth at rising temperatures.
Analysis of Mitochondrial Proteins in the Surviving Myocardium after Ischemia Identifies Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier Expression as Possible Mediator of Tissue Viability*

The endogenous mechanisms contributing to tissue survival following myocardial infarction are not fully understood. We investigated the alterations in the mitochondrial proteome after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and its possible implications on cell survival. Mitochondrial proteomic analysis of cardiac tissue from an in vivo porcine I/R model found that surviving tissue in the peri-infarct border zone showed increased expression of several proteins. Notably, these included subunits of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), namely MPC1 and MPC2. Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and mRNA analysis corroborated the elevated expression of MPC in the surviving tissue. Furthermore, MPC1 and MPC2 protein levels were found to be markedly elevated in the myocardium of ischemic cardiomyopathy patients. These findings led to the hypothesis that increased MPC expression is cardioprotective due to enhancement of mitochondrial pyruvate uptake in the energy-starved heart following I/R. To test this, isolated mouse hearts perfused with a modified Krebs buffer (containing glucose, pyruvate, and octanoate as metabolic substrates) were subjected to I/R with or without the MPC transport inhibitor UK5099. UK5099 increased myocardial infarction and attenuated post-ischemic recovery of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. However, aerobically perfused control hearts that were exposed to UK5099 did not modulate contractile function, although pyruvate uptake was blocked as evidenced by increased cytosolic lactate and pyruvate levels. Our findings indicate that increased expression of MPC leads to enhanced uptake and utilization of pyruvate during I/R. We propose this as a putative endogenous mechanism that promotes myocardial survival to limit infarct size.
Sport, Tourism and Authenticity

Abstract The thesis underpinning the theoretical discussions presented in this paper is that sport has unique advantages over other types of cultural tourist attractions when considered in the context of commodification and authenticity. Leiper's tourist attraction system is used to situate sport as an attraction and to argue that sport is a reflection of local culture. Sport attractions are then critically considered in relation to the concepts of commodification and authenticity. Key characteristics of sport attractions include: (1) the uncertainty of outcomes; (2) the role of athletic display; (3) the kinaesthetic nature of sport activities; and (4) the visceral nature of many types of sporting engagements. The combination of these traits increases the likelihood that sport attractions are, more than many other types of tourist attractions, able to withstand the processes of commodification and, therefore, are more likely to provide sport tourists with authentic experiences.
Capital Structure Decision Making in Privately Held Firms: Beyond the Finance Paradigm

Capital structure theories grounded in the finance paradigm (agency theory, transaction cost theory) have contributed to our understanding of capital structure decision making. However, they do not address the intricacies of capital structure decision making from a managerial choice perspective, especially in privately held firms. This article brings together research from strategic management, decision sciences, and social psychology to develop a conceptual model for understanding capital structure decision making in privately held firms. In general, it is posited that capital structure decisions are influenced by the firm owner's attitude toward debt as moderated by external environmental conditions. Attitude toward debt is a function of one's belief about debt as influenced by the individual's need for control, risk propensity, experience, social norms, and personal net worth. The integration of theoretical perspectives yields eight propositions for understanding the determinants of privately held firm capital structure.
Linking neuroscience with modern concepts of impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) may experience impulse control disorders (ICDs) when on dopamine agonist therapy for their motor symptoms. In the last few years, a rapid growth of interest for the recognition of these aberrant behaviors and their neurobiological correlates has occurred. Recent advances in neuroimaging are helping to identify the neuroanatomical networks responsible for these ICDs, and together with psychopharmacological assessments are providing new insights into the brain status of impulsive behavior. The genetic associations that may be unique to ICDs in PD are also being identified. Complementing human studies, electrophysiological and biochemical studies in animal models are providing insights into neuropathological mechanisms associated with these disorders. New animal models of ICDs in PD patients are being implemented that should provide critical means to identify efficacious therapies for PD‐related motor deficits while avoiding ICD side effects. Here, we provide an overview of these recent advances, with a particular emphasis on the neurobiological correlates reported in animal models and patients along with their genetic underpinnings. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The fair value of FX options. Do you get what you pay for?

The latest BIS (2010) report tells us that average daily turnover in the FX options market is 207 billion US dollars. We can see from figure 1 that this is much larger than it used to be; nevertheless, it is much smaller than the daily spot turnover which in 2010 was 1.5 USD trillion. However, a substantial part of the spot turnover is actually due to option activity; this is estimated to be 30% of the total spot flow due to delta and gamma hedging (James et al. 2012). So the FX option market is responsible for a quite enormous amount of global daily FX flow. Who buys them, and who sells them? Broadly, we may classify FX option users as the following (see James et al. (2012) for a detailed discussion).
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Is Trapped by Acidic but Not by Neutralized Human Cervicovaginal Mucus

ABSTRACT To reliably infect a primate model for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), ∼10,000-fold more virus must be delivered vaginally than intravenously. However, the vaginal mechanisms that help protect against HIV are poorly understood. Here, we report that human cervicovaginal mucus (CVM), obtained from donors with normal lactobacillus-dominated vaginal flora, efficiently traps HIV, causing it to diffuse more than 1,000-fold more slowly than it does in water. Lactobacilli acidify CVM to pH ∼4 by continuously producing lactic acid. At this acidic pH, we found that lactic acid, but not HCl, abolished the negative surface charge on HIV without lysing the virus membrane. In contrast, in CVM neutralized to pH 6 to 7, as occurs when semen temporarily neutralizes the vagina, HIV maintained its native surface charge and diffused only 15-fold more slowly than it would in water. Thus, methods that can maintain both a high lactic acid content and acidity for CVM during coitus may contribute to both vaginal and penile protection by trapping HIV before it can reach target cells. Our results reveal that CVM likely plays an important but currently unappreciated role in decreasing the rate of HIV sexual transmission.
Patients' preference for acrylic resin major connector analogues formulated for titanium alloy removable partial dentures.

PURPOSE Aim of this study was to determine patients' preference to acrylic resin major connector analogues (MCA) that simulated strengthened major connector designs formulated for Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four MCA namely wide design (Wide), design with 2 strengthening ridges (2SR), design with 1 strengthening ridge (1SR), and thick design (Thick) were fabricated using light-polymerizing acrylic resin for 10 patients with Kennedy Class I or II partially edentulous maxillary arches. They were asked to wear each MCA in the mouth for 30 seconds in 6 pairs, and to report their preference for each pair. Using these data the 4 MCA were ranked in a descending preference order for each patient. A within-subject comparison of preferences was performed with the Friedman test and multiple comparisons with Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test. RESULTS A statistically significant preference order was revealed: Wide, 1SR, 2SR, and Thick (P < 0.008). The wide design (P < 0.004) and the 1SR (P < 0.01) were significantly preferred to the thick design. However, individual data showed that the first preference varied depending upon the subject. CONCLUSION Thinner designs tended to be preferred to the thicker design by the subjects, while none of the designs tested were consistently selected as the best design.
Capital Misallocation and Unemployment

The recent recession was associated not only with a marked disruption in the credit market, but also a sharp deterioration in labor market conditions, as evidenced by high unemployment rates and an outward shift in the Beveridge curve. Motivated by such co-movements of the credit market and the labor market, I develop a tractable dynamic model with heterogeneous entrepreneurs, credit constraints, and labor-search frictions. In this framework, the misallocation of capital across rms has an adverse eect on the matching eciency in the labor market. I then quantify the importance of capital
Standardized Visual Estimation of Blood Loss during Vaginal Delivery with its Correlation Hematocrit Changes—A Descriptive Study

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, visual method with variations in accuracy is followed, because it is quick, simple and noninvasive. To rely on this method accuracy is of vital importance. This study was aimed to improve accuracy of visual estimation of blood loss during vaginal delivery by standardizing (using similar sized mops and a fixed container) and correlating with hematocrit changes. Methods design: A descriptive study. Sample size: 250 women. Single fixed collecting container and similar sized mops were used in the third stage of labor. Blood was drained into the container and was visually calibrated by a single trained observer. The soaking characteristics of the mops were used to estimate total blood loss. Blood spillage on delivery table, garments and floor were approximately assessed. Total blood loss was calculated from the above three sources. Hemoglobin and hematocrit measurements were done at the time of admission and, at 24 and 72 hours postpartum and its correlation was done with blood loss. Analysis: By paired and unpaired ‘t’ test. Results: 250 out of 269 women completed the study. Incidence of PPH (> 500 ml) was 11.2%. The estimated blood loss correlated well with the hemoglobin and hematocrit changes postpartum. Conclusion: Standardized visual method (fixed container and mops) with trained observer improves the accuracy of estimation. This may assist clinicians to accurately estimate blood loss thus preventing hemorrhage related complications.
A novel mutation in the VCP gene (G157R) in a german family with inclusion‐body myopathy with paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia

Mutations in the valosin‐containing protein (VCP) are known to cause autosomal‐dominant inclusion‐body myopathy with Paget's disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD). We report a novel missense mutation (G157R) in the N‐terminal region of the VCP gene in a German family. Family members presented with mild to moderate proximal muscle weakness, Paget disease of bone, and signs of early cognitive decline, with onset in the fourth decade. Two family members also showed signs of early hearing impairment, which was confirmed to be sensorineural in one person, a symptom not yet described in the context of IBMPFD. Muscle Nerve 39: 389–391, 2009