Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Shareholder Voting Maximize Stock Market Value ?

This paper examines the relation between shareholder voting and stock market value from a novel empirical perspective. If voting maximizes value, then the outcome of close proxy contests should not have a systematic effect on stock prices; price setters will anticipate that voting aggregates information efficiently and will build this expectation into the price of the stock before the voting outcome is announced The paper shows, however, that close dissident victories are associated with significant positive movements in stock prices, while close management victories are associated with negative stock price effects. This suggests that voting outcomes favor management rather than maximizing value, with important policy ramifications. Viewed from a regression discontinuity (RD) design perspective, the study provides unique evidence that dissident control of decision making causes increases in stock value. * I thank Robert Cooter, Aaron Edlin, Alan Gerber, Henry Hansmann, Daniel Ho, Stephanie Listokin, Roberta Romano, Benjamin Sachs, Alan Schwartz, Eric Talley and participants in the University of California Berkeley Boalt Hall Law and Economics Seminar for helpful comments and discussions and the Oscar M. Ruebhausen Fund for financial support. All errors are my own.
Medication Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes: The ENTRED Study 2007, a French Population-Based Study

Background Adherence to prescribed medications is a key dimension of healthcare quality. The aim of this large population-based study was to evaluate self-reported medication adherence and to identify factors linked with poor adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes in France. Methodology The ENTRED study 2007, a French national survey of people treated for diabetes, was based on a representative sample of patients who claimed reimbursement for oral hypoglycaemic agents and/or insulin at least three times between August 2006 and July 2007, and who were randomly selected from the database of the two main National Health Insurance Systems. Medication adherence was determined using a six-item self-administered questionnaire. A multinomial polychotomous logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with medication adherence in the 3,637 persons with type 2 diabetes. Principal Findings Thirty nine percent of patients reported good medication adherence, 49% medium adherence and 12% poor adherence. The factors significantly associated with poor adherence in multivariate analysis were socio-demographic factors: age <45 years, non-European geographical origin, financial difficulties and being professionally active; disease and therapy-related factors: HbA1c>8% and existing diabetes complications; and health care-related factors: difficulties for taking medication alone, decision making by the patient only, poor acceptability of medical recommendations, lack of family or social support, need for information on treatment, reporting no confidence in the future, need for medical support and follow-up by a specialist physician. Conclusions In a country with a high level of access to healthcare, our study demonstrated a substantial low level of medication adherence in type 2 diabetic patients. Better identification of those with poor adherence and individualised suitable recommendations remain essential for better healthcare management.
The bacterial pigment pyocyanin inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome through intracellular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species

Inflammasomes are cytosolic complexes that mature and secrete the inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 and induce pyroptosis. The NLRP3 (NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains–containing protein 3) inflammasome detects many pathogen- and danger-associated molecular patterns, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) have been implicated in its activation. The phenazine pyocyanin (PCN) is a virulence factor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and generates superoxide in cells. Here we report that PCN inhibits IL-1β and IL-18 release and pyroptosis upon NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages by preventing speck formation and Caspase-1 maturation. Of note, PCN did not regulate the AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2) or NLRC4 inflammasomes or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) secretion. Imaging of the fluorescent glutathione redox potential sensor Grx1-roGFP2 indicated that PCN provokes cytosolic and nuclear but not mitochondrial redox changes. PCN-induced intracellular ROS/RNS inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome posttranslationally, and hydrogen peroxide or peroxynitrite alone were sufficient to block its activation. We propose that cytosolic ROS/RNS inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome and that PCN's anti-inflammatory activity may help P. aeruginosa evade immune recognition.
A modification of the BCJR algorithm over the flat fading channel and its application to turbo decoding

A modification of the BCJR algorithm is derived for convolutionally-coded transmissions over the time-selective, frequency-flat, Rayleigh fading channel with pilot-symbol-assisted channel estimation. The derivation demonstrates why the minimum mean-square error (MMSE) channel estimator is required and how the acquired channel estimate and the estimation error variance should be used in the maximum a posteriori probability decoding. Using the LTE turbo code as an example, we show that the newly derived algorithm outperforms the conventional BCJR algorithm in both standard turbo decoding and iterative channel estimation and decoding. The work demonstrates the importance of incorporating channel estimation accuracy in turbo decoding.
Surface-exposed loops and an acidic patch in the Scl1 protein of group A Streptococcus enable Scl1 binding to wound-associated fibronectin

Keratinized epidermis constitutes a powerful barrier of the mucosa and skin, effectively preventing bacterial invasion, unless it is wounded and no longer protective. Wound healing involves deposition of distinct extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins enriched in cellular fibronectin (cFn) isoforms containing extra domain A (EDA). The streptococcal collagen-like protein 1 (Scl1) is a surface adhesin of group A Streptococcus (GAS), which contains an N-terminal variable (V) domain and a C-terminally located collagen-like domain. During wound infection, Scl1 selectively binds EDA/cFn isoforms and laminin, as well as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), through its V domain. The trimeric V domain has a six-helical bundle fold composed of three pairs of anti-parallel α-helices interconnected by hypervariable loops, but the roles of these structures in EDA/cFn binding are unclear. Here, using recombinant Scl (rScl) constructs to investigate structure–function determinants of the Scl1–EDA/cFn interaction, we found that full-length rScl1, containing both the globular V and the collagen domains, is necessary for EDA/cFn binding. We established that the surface-exposed loops, interconnecting conserved α-helices, guide recognition and binding of Scl1-V to EDA and binding to laminin and LDL. Moreover, electrostatic surface potential models of the Scl1-V domains pointed to a conserved, negatively charged pocket, surrounded by positively charged and neutral regions, as a determining factor for the binding. In light of these findings, we propose an updated model of EDA/cFn recognition by the Scl1 adhesin from GAS, representing a significant step in understanding the Scl1–ECM interactions within the wound microenvironment that underlie GAS pathogenesis.
Platelet microparticle membranes have 50- to 100-fold higher specific procoagulant activity than activated platelets

Summary Platelet microparticles (PMPs) are small vesicles released from blood platelets upon activation. The procoagulant activity of PMPs has been previously mainly characterized by theirability to bind coagulation factors VIII and Va in reconstructed systems. It can be supposed that PMPs can contribute to the development of thrombotic complications in the pathologic states associated with the increase of their blood concentration. In this study we compared procoagulant properties of calcium ionophore A23187-activated platelets and PMPs using several in-vitro models of hemostasis. Surface densities of phosphatidylserine, CD61, CD62P and factor X bound per surface area unit were determined by flow cytometry. They were 2.7-, 8.4-, 4.3-, and 13-fold higher for PMPs than for activated platelets, respectively. Spatial clot growth rate (Vclot) in the reaction-diffus ion experimental model and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) were determined in plasma, which was depleted of phospholipid cell surfaces by ultra-centrifugation and supplemented with activated platelets or PMPs at different concentrations. Both Vcllot and ETP rapidly increased with the increase of PMP or platelet concentration until saturation was reached. The plateau values of Vclot and ETP for activated platelets and PMPs were similar. In both assays, the procoagulant activity of one PMP was almost equal to that of one activated platelet despite at least two-orders-of-magnitude difference in their surface areas. This suggests that the PMP surface is approximately 50- to 100-fold more procoagulant than the surface of activated platelets.
The Sequence-specific Peptide-binding Activity of the Protein Sulfide Isomerase AGR2 Directs Its Stable Binding to the Oncogenic Receptor EpCAM*

AGR2 is an oncogenic endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein disulfide isomerase. AGR2 protein has a relatively unique property for a chaperone in that it can bind sequence-specifically to a specific peptide motif (TTIYY). A synthetic TTIYY-containing peptide column was used to affinity-purify AGR2 from crude lysates highlighting peptide selectivity in complex mixtures. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry localized the dominant region in AGR2 that interacts with the TTIYY peptide to within a structural loop from amino acids 131–135 (VDPSL). A peptide binding site consensus of Tx[IL][YF][YF] was developed for AGR2 by measuring its activity against a mutant peptide library. Screening the human proteome for proteins harboring this motif revealed an enrichment in transmembrane proteins and we focused on validating EpCAM as a potential AGR2-interacting protein. AGR2 and EpCAM proteins formed a dose-dependent protein-protein interaction in vitro. Proximity ligation assays demonstrated that endogenous AGR2 and EpCAM protein associate in cells. Introducing a single alanine mutation in EpCAM at Tyr251 attenuated its binding to AGR2 in vitro and in cells. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry was used to identify a stable binding site for AGR2 on EpCAM, adjacent to the TLIYY motif and surrounding EpCAM's detergent binding site. These data define a dominant site on AGR2 that mediates its specific peptide-binding function. EpCAM forms a model client protein for AGR2 to study how an ER-resident chaperone can dock specifically to a peptide motif and regulate the trafficking a protein destined for the secretory pathway.
Transplantable Melanomas in Hamsters and Gerbils as Models for Human Melanoma. Sensitization in Melanoma Radiotherapy—From Animal Models to Clinical Trials

The focus of the present review is to investigate the role of melanin in the radioprotection of melanoma and attempts to sensitize tumors to radiation by inhibiting melanogenesis. Early studies showed radical scavenging, oxygen consumption and adsorption as mechanisms of melanin radioprotection. Experimental models of melanoma in hamsters and in gerbils are described as well as their use in biochemical and radiobiological studies, including a spontaneously metastasizing ocular model. Some results from in vitro studies on the inhibition of melanogenesis are presented as well as radio-chelation therapy in experimental and clinical settings. In contrast to cutaneous melanoma, uveal melanoma is very successfully treated with radiation, both using photon and proton beams. We point out that the presence or lack of melanin pigmentation should be considered, when choosing therapeutic options, and that both the experimental and clinical data suggest that melanin could be a target for radiosensitizing melanoma cells to increase efficacy of radiotherapy against melanoma.
The influence of training load, exposure to match play and sleep duration on daily wellbeing measures in youth athletes

ABSTRACT This study assessed the influence of training load, exposure to match play and sleep duration on two daily wellbeing measures in youth athletes. Forty-eight youth athletes (age 17.3 ± 0.5 years) completed a daily wellbeing questionnaire (DWB), the Perceived Recovery Status scale (PRS), and provided details on the previous day’s training loads (TL) and self-reported sleep duration (sleep) every day for 13 weeks (n = 2727). Linear mixed models assessed the effect of TL, exposure to match play and sleep on DWB and PRS. An increase in TL had a most likely small effect on muscle soreness (d = −0.43;± 0.10) and PRS (d = −0.37;± 0.09). Match play had a likely small additive effect on muscle soreness (d = −0.26;± 0.09) and PRS (d = −0.25;± 0.08). An increase in sleep had a most likely moderate effect on sleep quality (d = 0.80;± 0.14); a most likely small effect on DWB (d = 0.45;± 0.09) and fatigue (d = 0.42;± 0.11); and a likely small effect on PRS (d = 0.25;± 0.09). All other effects were trivial or did not reach the pre-determined threshold for practical significance. The influence of sleep on multiple DWB subscales and the PRS suggests that practitioners should consider the recovery of an athlete alongside the training stress imposed when considering deviations in wellbeing measures.
Tubulin Inhibitor-Based Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Cancer Therapy

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a class of highly potent biopharmaceutical drugs generated by conjugating cytotoxic drugs with specific monoclonal antibodies through appropriate linkers. Specific antibodies used to guide potent warheads to tumor tissues can effectively reduce undesired side effects of the cytotoxic drugs. An in-depth understanding of antibodies, linkers, conjugation strategies, cytotoxic drugs, and their molecular targets has led to the successful development of several approved ADCs. These ADCs are powerful therapeutics for cancer treatment, enabling wider therapeutic windows, improved pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties, and enhanced efficacy. Since tubulin inhibitors are one of the most successful cytotoxic drugs in the ADC armamentarium, this review focuses on the progress in tubulin inhibitor-based ADCs, as well as lessons learned from the unsuccessful ADCs containing tubulin inhibitors. This review should be helpful to facilitate future development of new generations of tubulin inhibitor-based ADCs for cancer therapy.
A Novel Feeding Network for Quadri-Polarization Antennas With Simultaneously Wide Impedance and Polarization Bandwidth

In this communication, a broadband feeding network for quadri-polarization antennas has been proposed. The feeding network is composed of several passive components, namely two Wilkinson power dividers, slow-wave transmission lines, Schiffman phase shifters, branch-line hybrids, and a crossover. With a careful design of each component and an elaborate topology arrangement, the four output ports can transmit signals for antennas with four polarization states in a wideband, i.e., left-hand circular polarization, right-hand circular polarization, +45° and −45° linear polarization. Two antenna implementations based on such a feeding network have been given, and the measured results show that antennas have a bandwidth as wide as 22.7%, within which excellent input port impedance matching, port isolation, realized gain, and polarization purity are simultaneously achieved. The feeding network also has advantages such as completely switch-free, ease of fabrication and implementation, and flexibility for different types of antenna configurations.
siRNA delivery into human T cells and primary cells with carbon-nanotube transporters.

Molecular transporters and delivery agents have been pursued actively in the past. RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged recently as a powerful method for biological research and the potential treatment of human diseases, including AIDS and cancer. It has been shown that the delivery of short interfering RNA (siRNA) to human T cells to silence the expression of the HIV-specific cell-surface receptors CD4 and/or coreceptors CXCR4/CCR5 can block HIV-virus entry and reduce infection. Much remains to be done to enable the efficient delivery of molecules both in vitro and in vivo. Existing delivery methods include viral and nonviral approaches. In vitro, certain T cells and primary cells are still difficult to transfect by nonviral agents, such as liposomes, as in the case of siRNA delivery to T cells. Electroporation is an efficient in vitro transfection method, but cell damaging may occur. A simple nonviral method for molecular delivery to various types of cells should improve understanding of cellular behavior and functions, and lead to potential in vivo applications. Recently, carbon nanotubes have been shown to traverse cellular membranes by endocytosis and shuttle biological molecules, including DNA, siRNA, and proteins, into immortalized cancer cells. Little cytotoxicity is observed for nanotubes with appropriate functionalization and high aqueous solubility. The ability of nanotubes to transport molecules into biologically and medically more relevant T cells and primary cells remains untested. It is important to investigate whether nanotube transporters exhibit advanced capabilities over conventional nonviral delivery agents. Herein, we explore single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as nonviral molecular transporters for the delivery of siRNA into human T cells and primary cells. We show that nanotubes are capable of siRNA delivery to afford efficient RNAi of CXCR4 and CD4 receptors on human T cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The delivery ability and RNAi efficiency of nanotubes far exceed those of several existing nonviral transfection agents, including four formulations of liposomes. A dependence of the delivery ability of nanotubes on functionalization and the degree of hydrophilicity was also observed upon probing the interaction of SWNTs with single cells by micro-Raman spectroscopic imaging. This result showed that hydrophobic interactions are an underlying factor in nanotube-mediated molecular delivery. SWNTs (average length 200 nm, diameter 1–3 nm; Figure 1a,b) were functionalized and made water soluble by the strong adsorption of phospholipids (PLs) grafted onto amine-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG; PL-PEG2000NH2, Figure 1a), [13,14] to give a nanotube suspension stable as a solution in PBS buffer or in a serum-containing cell medium, without aggregation (Figure 1c). The two alkyl chains on a PL molecule strongly bind to SWNTs without detachment in PBS even upon heating to 70 8C for weeks. Thiol-modified siRNA cargo molecules were linked to the amine groups on the sidewalls of SWNTs through cleavable
Evaluating Query and Storage Strategies for RDF Archives

There is an emerging demand on efficiently archiving and (temporal) querying different versions of evolving semantic Web data. As novel archiving systems are starting to address this challenge, foundations/standards for benchmarking RDF archives are needed to evaluate its storage space efficiency and the performance of different retrieval operations. To this end, we provide theoretical foundations on the design of data and queries to evaluate emerging RDF archiving systems. Then, we instantiate these foundations along a concrete set of queries on the basis of a real-world evolving dataset. Finally, we perform an empirical evaluation of various current archiving techniques and querying strategies on this data. Our work comprises -- to the best of our knowledge -- the first benchmark for querying evolving RDF data archives.
Rickettsia felis: A Review of Transmission Mechanisms of an Emerging Pathogen

Rickettsia felis is an emerging pathogen of the transitional group of Rickettsia species and an important cause of febrile illness in Africa. Since the organism’s original discovery in the early 1990s, much research has been directed towards elucidating transmission mechanisms within the primary host and reservoir, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). Several mechanisms for vertical and horizontal transmission within this vector have been thoroughly described, as well as transmission to other arthropod vectors, including other species of fleas. However, while a growing number of human cases of flea-borne spotted fever are being reported throughout the world, a definitive transmission mechanism from arthropod host to vertebrate host resulting in disease has not been found. Several possible mechanisms, including bite of infected arthropods and association with infectious arthropod feces, are currently being investigated.
Adherence to healthy dietary guidelines and future depressive symptoms: evidence for sex differentials in the Whitehall II study1234

Background: It has been suggested that dietary patterns are associated with future risk of depressive symptoms. However, there is a paucity of prospective data that have examined the temporality of this relation. Objective: We examined whether adherence to a healthy diet, as defined by using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), was prospectively associated with depressive symptoms assessed over a 5-y period. Design: Analyses were based on 4215 participants in the Whitehall II Study. AHEI scores were computed in 1991–1993 and 2003–2004. Recurrent depressive symptoms were defined as having a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score ≥16 or self-reported use of antidepressants in 2003–2004 and 2008–2009. Results: After adjustment for potential confounders, the AHEI score was inversely associated with recurrent depressive symptoms in a dose-response fashion in women (P-trend < 0.001; for 1 SD in AHEI score; OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.75) but not in men. Women who maintained high AHEI scores or improved their scores during the 10-y measurement period had 65% (OR: 0.35%; 95% CI: 0.19%, 0.64%) and 68% (OR: 0.32%; 95% CI: 0.13%, 0.78%) lower odds of subsequent recurrent depressive symptoms than did women who maintained low AHEI scores. Among AHEI components, vegetable, fruit, trans fat, and the ratio of polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat components were associated with recurrent depressive symptoms in women. Conclusion: In the current study, there was a suggestion that poor diet is a risk factor for future depression in women.