Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Perils of Pathogen Discovery: Origin of a Novel Parvovirus-Like Hybrid Genome Traced to Nucleic Acid Extraction Spin Columns

ABSTRACT Next-generation sequencing was used for discovery and de novo assembly of a novel, highly divergent DNA virus at the interface between the Parvoviridae and Circoviridae. The virus, provisionally named parvovirus-like hybrid virus (PHV), is nearly identical by sequence to another DNA virus, NIH-CQV, previously detected in Chinese patients with seronegative (non-A-E) hepatitis. Although we initially detected PHV in a wide range of clinical samples, with all strains sharing ∼99% nucleotide and amino acid identity with each other and with NIH-CQV, the exact origin of the virus was eventually traced to contaminated silica-binding spin columns used for nucleic acid extraction. Definitive confirmation of the origin of PHV, and presumably NIH-CQV, was obtained by in-depth analyses of water eluted through contaminated spin columns. Analysis of environmental metagenome libraries detected PHV sequences in coastal marine waters of North America, suggesting that a potential association between PHV and diatoms (algae) that generate the silica matrix used in the spin columns may have resulted in inadvertent viral contamination during manufacture. The confirmation of PHV/NIH-CQV as laboratory reagent contaminants and not bona fide infectious agents of humans underscores the rigorous approach needed to establish the validity of new viral genomes discovered by next-generation sequencing.
Downregulation of STEAP4, a highly-expressed TNF-α-inducible gene in adipose tissue, is associated with obesity in humans

AbstractAim:To determine the relationship between six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 4 (STEAP4) expression and obesity.Methods:RT–PCR and immunoblot analyses were performed to determine the differential expressions of STEAP4 mRNA and protein, respectively, in human omental adipose tissue from obese patients and normal weight controls. The expression pattern of STEAP4 mRNA in various human tissues was determined by RT–PCR. The subcellular localization of the STEAP4 protein in human adipose tissue was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Finally, we confirmed that cultured human omental adipose tissue undergoes TNF-α-mediated regulation of the STEAP4 expression.Results:STEAP4 mRNA and protein levels were downregulated in omental adipose tissue from obese patients relative to normal controls. The STEAP4 expression was most abundant in human adipose tissue. An immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that STEAP4 was associated with the plasma membrane of adipocytes. The STEAP4 expression was induced by TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner in human adipose tissue.Conclusion:STEAP4 was abundantly expressed in human adipose tissue, and the STEAP4 expression was significantly downregulated in obese patients. STEAP4 localized to the plasma membrane of adipocytes, and the STEAP4 expression was induced by TNF-α in adipose tissue. These data suggest that STEAP4 may play a significant role in the development of human obesity.
Determinanten politischer Kultur am Beispiel des Schwyzer Stimmverhaltens

Zusammenfassung Am Beispiel des Schwyzer Stimmverhaltens werden die verschiedenen Determinanten zur Erklarung einer spezifischen politischen Kultur in der Schweiz theoretisch hergeleitet und empirisch uberpruft. Insbesondere sollen sieben zum Teil konkurrierende Hypothesen verschiedener theoretischer Ansatze der Wahl- und Abstimmungsforschung hinsichtlich ihrer Erklarungskraft fur das Abstimmungsverhalten im Kanton Schwyz getestet werden. Die Datenbasis beruht auf Reprasentativbefragungen im Kanton Schwyz und in allen Kantonen der Deutsch- und Westschweiz sowie auf den effektiven Ergebnissen der eidgenossischen Abstimmungen von 1981-1994. Die Analyse ergibt, dass Selbstbestimmung, Traditionalismus und Konservatismus als zentrale Grundwerte einen grossen Einfluss auf das Schwyzer Stimmverhalten ausuben. Die Vertretung von Eigeninteressen gegenuber dem Bund spielt ebenfalls eine Rolle, wahrend historische Ereignisse wenig bedeutsam scheinen. Die soziostrukturellen Merkmale der Gemeinden erklaren insbesondere einen betrachtlichen Teil der Abstimmungsunterschiede innerhalb des Kantons. Entgegen den Erwartungen verfugt der soziostrukturelle Ansatz gegenuber den heute favorisierten Theorien des sozialpsychologischen oder des Rational Choice-Verhaltens uber eine bleibende Erklarungskraft.
Kinetic studies on the interaction between a ribosomal complex active in peptide bond formation and the macrolide antibiotics tylosin and erythromycin.

The inhibition of peptide bond formation by tylosin, a 16-membered ring macrolide, was studied in a model system derived from Escherichia coli. In this cell-free system, a peptide bond is formed between puromycin (acceptor substrate) and AcPhe-tRNA (donor substrate) bound at the P-site of poly(U)-programmed ribosomes. It is shown that tylosin inhibits puromycin reaction as a slow-binding, slowly reversible inhibitor. Detailed kinetic analysis reveals that tylosin (I) reacts rapidly with complex C, i.e., the AcPhe-tRNA. poly(U). 70S ribosome complex, to form the encounter complex CI, which then undergoes a slow isomerization and is converted to a tight complex, CI, inactive toward puromycin. These events are described by the scheme C + I <==> (K(i)) CI <==> (k(4), k(5)) CI. The K(i), k(4), and k(5) values are equal to 3 microM, 1.5 min(-1), and 2.5 x 10(-3) min(-1), respectively. The extremely low value of k(5) implies that the inactivation of complex C by tylosin is almost irreversible. The irreversibility of the tylosin effect on peptide bond formation is significant for the interpretation of this antibiotic's therapeutic properties; it also renders the tylosin reaction a useful tool in the study of other macrolides failing to inhibit the puromycin reaction but competing with tylosin for common binding sites on the ribosome. Thus, the tylosin reaction, in conjunction with the puromycin reaction, was applied to investigate the erythromycin mode of action. It is shown that erythromycin (Er), like tylosin, interacts with complex C according to the kinetic scheme C + Er <==> (K(er)) CEr <==> (k(6), k(7)) C*Er and forms a tight complex, CEr, which remains active toward puromycin. The determination of K(er), k(6), and k(7) enables us to classify erythromycin as a slow-binding ligand of ribosomes.
Challenges for Brazilian MNCs’ international human resources management

Multinationals from emerging countries such as Brazil now take the path of internationalisation where early movers have already been. However, these companies have to develop new tools to deal with their own challenges, since they come from countries with different historical backgrounds and specificities. This paper explores challenges for Brazilian MNCs in terms of HRM when operating abroad. It presents the results of six cases of Brazilian MNCs through a grounded theory study. Results show these companies had to deal with their former economic turbulence, shortage of qualified workforce to work internationally and the need to develop HRM competencies to operate globally.
Determining the Current Optimal Allocation to Property: A Survey of Australian Fund Managers

Abstract This research paper examines the property asset allocation strategies for the A$1.7 trillion Australian managed funds industry and identifies the important steps and considerations that influence their optimal property allocation view and decision making process. It investigates the use and relevance of strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies for property asset allocation decisions. The results indicate that the allocation of resources to property assets is a complex system of interdependent decisions given its distinctive investment characteristics when compared to alternative asset classes. Apart from definitive/quantitative inputs in property asset allocation models, Australian fund managers are influenced by many other non-financial considerations. In addition, there are notable differences in techniques for direct property, unlisted property and securitised property asset allocation. The results also demonstrate that there has been a shift in Australian fund manager’s property asset allocation views and strategies driven mainly by the fund’s need to adapt to the continued uncertain global financial market conditions.
Role of nitric oxide in the renal hemodynamic response to a meat meal.

Ingestion of a high-protein meat meal results in significant increases in renal plasma flow (RPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The mechanism involved in this hemodynamic response to the meat meal has not yet been fully elucidated. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the renal hyperemic responses to a meat meal. To test this hypothesis, renal hemodynamic response to a meat meal (10 g/kg) was determined in conscious, chronically instrumented dogs with (n = 9) and without (n = 7) an intrarenal NO synthesis inhibition with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 3 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 intrarenally). Under control conditions, the meat meal resulted in significant renal hyperemia. Three hours after ingestion of the meat meal, GFR (43 +/- 3 to 59 +/- 6 ml/min) and RPF (128 +/- 10 to 160 +/- 17 ml/min) progressively increased by approximately 40 and 25%, respectively. In contrast, pretreatment with intrarenal infusion of L-NAME abolished the GFR (48 +/- 6 to 52 +/- 6 ml/min) and RPF (129 +/- 20 to 121 +/- 17 ml/min) increases induced by the meat meal. Pretreatment with L-arginine (0.5 mg.kg-1.min-1) plus L-NAME (3 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) did not modify the meat meal-induced changes in GFR (41 +/- 4 to 66 +/- 6 ml/min) and RPF (127 +/- 9 to 182 +/- 14 ml/min). In summary, a meat meal in dogs results in marked increases in RPF and GFR. Intrarenal NO synthesis inhibition abolished the RPF and GFR responses to the meat meal. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Linking strategy with open innovation and performance in SMEs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the linkages between company’s strategy, open innovation and innovation performance, focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In more detail, the aim is to investigate the influence of firm strategy on the level of openness adopted and then the impact of open innovation on firm performance. Finally, the influence of context-specific variables (such as firm size, technology intensity, geographical area, experience of the company and technology turbulence) on the relations mentioned above will be verified. Design/methodology/approach – A survey has been conducted in the Italian manufacturing context and a database of 107 responses was obtained. The constructs of the research framework were created and validated using factor analysis; further, structural equation modeling was performed to verify the hypothesis about the studied relations. Findings – The obtained model confirmed most of the relations hypothesized, giving useful indications on how to de.
Design And Implementation of Low Area/Power Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Hardware Core

The Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm(ECDSA) is the analog to the Digital Signature Algorithm(DSA). Based on the elliptic curve, which uses a small key compared to the others public-key algorithms, ECDSA is the most suitable scheme for environments where processor power and storage are limited. This paper focuses on the hardware implementation of the ECDSA over elliptic curveswith the 163-bit key length recommended by the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). It offers two services: signature generation and signature verification. The proposed processor integrates an ECC IP, a Secure Hash Standard 2 IP (SHA-2 Ip) and Random Number Generator IP (RNG IP). Thus, all IPs will be optimized, and different types of RNG will be implemented in order to choose the most appropriate one. A co-simulation was done to verify the ECDSA processor using MATLAB Software. All modules were implemented on a Xilinx Virtex 5 ML 50 FPGA platform; they require respectively 9670 slices, 2530 slices and 18,504 slices. FPGA implementations represent generally the first step for obtaining faster ASIC implementations. Further, the proposed design was also implemented on an ASIC CMOS 45-nm technology; it requires a 0.257 mm2 area cell achieving a maximum frequency of 532 MHz and consumes 63.444 (mW). Furthermore, in this paper, we analyze the security of our proposed ECDSA processor against the no correctness check for input points and restart attacks.
Impact of annual targeted treatment on infectious trachoma and susceptibility to reinfection.

CONTEXT The World Health Organization developed the SAFE strategy (Surgery for trichiasis; Antibiotics for Chlamydia trachomatis infection; Facial cleanliness; and Environmental improvement) to eliminate blinding trachoma globally by the year 2020. Despite a number of studies using various intervals of treatment for different prevalence rates, there has been a lack of sufficient follow-up beyond the final treatment point to determine rates of recurrence of disease and infection and the risk factors that may contribute to each. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of 2 annual targeted azithromycin treatments on active trachoma and C trachomatis infection rates over 3 years in Vietnam. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Three communes were randomly selected for a longitudinal study in Vietnam from November 2000 through November 2003. Individuals (n = 3186) were graded for trachoma followed by conjunctival sampling to detect chlamydiae by commercial polymerase chain reaction. Grading and chlamydial detection were repeated every 6 months for 3 years. INTERVENTION Azithromycin was given to children aged 5 through 15 years with active trachoma and their household members in SAFE and SA communes at baseline and 12 months; these communes were compared with the S-only control commune that did not receive azithromycin targeted treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence and incidence of active trachoma and C trachomatis infection in all communes at baseline, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months. Subgroup analysis evaluated new infection, continuing infection, and reinfection at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months and risk factors for each. RESULTS Reinfection rates increased significantly between 12 and 36 months for SAFE (from 1.6 to 29.3 per 1000; P<.001) and SA (5.1 to 25.3 per 1000; P = .002) communes but not for the S-only commune (13.4 to 6.7 per 1000; P = .55) after 24 months. Compared with the S-only commune, mixed-effects and generalized estimating equations (GEE) logistic models showed that reinfection risk was significantly higher for SAFE (odds ratio [OR], 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-9.8; P = .005) and SA (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.1-17.3; P = .04) communes at 36 months. CONCLUSIONS Increasing reinfection rates suggest that treatment may interrupt the duration of infection required for developing immunity, increasing the number of individuals susceptible to reinfection and adversely affecting disease prevalence over time. Additional research is needed to determine optimal trachoma control strategies, including evaluation of the "F" and "E" components. TRIAL REGISTRATION www.actr. org.au Identifier: 12606000360516.
High-Order Correlations of Neuronal Spontaneous Activity Signals

A statistical characterization of spontaneous neuronal activity signals is presented. The first set of these signals results from in vivo measurements of action potentials of invertebrate neurons; the second set was recorded from cultured neurons based on a multielectrode-array (MEA) acquisition system. The correlations of second-, third- and fourth- statistical orders of these time series were estimated and compared to each other. Our experimental results provide the basis for considering the probability density function of spontaneous activity as nonGaussian, and we also conclude that most of signals associated with MEA electrodes present a high-order correlated behavior
An Analysis of the Barriers Hindering Small Business Export Development

Notwithstanding the benefits derived from exporting in an increasingly globalized marketplace, for many smaller‐sized manufacturers the internationalization path is beset by numerous obstacles. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of 39 export barriers extracted from a systematic review of 32 empirical studies conducted on the subject. These have been classified into internal (incorporating informational, functional, and marketing) and external (comprising procedural, governmental, task, and environmental) barriers. The impact of export barriers is shown to be situation‐specific, largely depending on the idiosyncratic managerial, organizational, and environmental background of the firm. However, certain barriers, such as those relating to information inefficiencies, price competitiveness, foreign customer habits, and politicoeconomic hurdles, seem to have a systematically strong obstructing effect on export behavior. Several conclusions and implications for small business managers, public policymakers, business educators, and exporting researchers are derived.
Barriers to outsourcing household services to small business

It is popularly assumed that the main barrier that prevents household services from being outsourced to the small business sector is household disposable income. This paper evaluates critically whether this is the case. Reporting survey results from 418 households in the UK city of Sheffield, the finding is that cost is the main barrier in just 38% of instances. Nearly two‐thirds of household services are undertaken in other ways either out of choice or due to the poor availability, quality and reliability of provision by small businesses. How these barriers to outsourcing household services might be tackled is then addressed.
The Economics of Professional Sports Leagues

Over the years, sporting leagues around the world have implemented a number of cross-subsidization policies aiming to preserve their competitive balance. The main target of these policies has been the sporting labor market. Some of these policies aim to directly affect players' salaries, whereas others attempt to reform the transfer market. In this article, after a brief review of cross-subsidization policies, the authors develop a simple model of the transfer market where players' salaries are determined by a bargaining process. Within this framework, the authors reexamine the effect of such policies for competitive balance, taking explicitly into account their effects on transactions in the transfer market.
Daily life event segmentation for lifestyle evaluation based on multi-sensor data recorded by a wearable device

In order to evaluate people's lifestyle for health maintenance, this paper presents a segmentation method based on multi-sensor data recorded by a wearable computer called eButton. This device is capable of recording more than ten hours of data continuously each day in multimedia forms. Automatic processing of the recorded data is a significant task. We have developed a two-step summarization method to segment large datasets automatically. At the first step, motion sensor signals are utilized to obtain candidate boundaries between different daily activities in the data. Then, visual features are extracted from images to determine final activity boundaries. It was found that some simple signal measures such as the combination of a standard deviation measure of the gyroscope sensor data at the first step and an image HSV histogram feature at the second step produces satisfactory results in automatic daily life event segmentation. This finding was verified by our experimental results.
Agency costs, taxes and debt: The UK evidence

This paper provides an empirical examination of the impact of the corporation tax and agency costs on firms' capital structure decisions. Our evidence suggests that the agency costs are the main determinants of corporate borrowing. Consistent with the agency theory, we find that firms that have fewer growth options have more debt in their capital structure. Moreover, our results show that debt mitigates the free cash flow problem and that firms that are more likely to be diversified and less prone to bankruptcy are highly geared. the negative effect of insider shareholding on leverage disappears, however; when all the agency mechanisms are accounted for. In addition, we find that, in the long run, companies that are tax exhausted exhibit significantly lower debt ratios than tax‐paying firms. However, in the short run, firms' capital structure decisions are not affected by taxation.
Impact of stress on band-to-band tunneling current in SOI MOSFET based on first-principles calculation

The effect of hydrostatic tensile stress on the band structures of silicon have been theoretically investigated based on the first-principles calculation. The calculations demonstrate that the electron effective mass for stressed structure becomes 3.71% smaller than that for unstressed, whereas the band gap for stressed structure is 4.96% larger than unstressed one. At last, the impact of these changes on band-to-band tunneling leakage current in silicon-on-insulator MOSFET was calculated. And the calculated result shows that the tunneling leakage current decreases due to these changes.
Are we Comparing Apples with Apples or Apples with Oranges? Appropriateness of Knowledge Accumulation across Growth Studies

Although knowledge accumulation is dependent upon relationships among constructs being robust across different measurement and sampling decisions, scholars have not sufficiently established such robustness for the construct of firm growth. Focusing on this construct, we conduct analyses on all Swedish firms incorporated during the 1994 to 1998 period (68,830 firms) and track their growth (or demise) over their first 6 years of existence. Although we typically find low shared variance between different growth measures, there is variability such that some measures demonstrate high and/or moderate concurrent validity. These findings have implications for how we delineate the boundaries of firm growth research and accumulate knowledge—when we are comparing apples with apples and when we are comparing apples with oranges.