Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacillopeptidase F: two forms of a glycoprotein serine protease from Bacillus subtilis 168

Bacillopeptidase F is a serine endopeptidase excreted by Bacillus subtilis 168 after the end of exponential growth. As a step toward discovering a physiological function for this protease, an enzymological and immunological study was undertaken. When bacillopeptidase F was purified at pH 10, a number of enzymically active, rapidly moving electrophoretic forms were observed, as had been previously reported. Rabbit antiserum was prepared against one form. When the enzyme was purified at pH 6.0 in the presence of the covalent inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, using the rabbit antiserum to detect the bacillopeptidase F protein, no fast-moving electrophoretic forms were observed. Instead, only two forms of the enzyme were isolated. One form had a molecular weight of 33,000, and the other had a molecular weight of 50,000, as determined by equilibrium sedimentation methods. Both forms appeared to be glycoproteins, both contained compounds, released on acid hydrolysis, which cochromatographed with phosphoserine and galactosamine, and the two gave identical immunoprecipitin lines in Ouchterlony double-diffusion tests. The smaller form had a pI of 4.4, whereas the larger had a pI of 5.4. The data suggest that bacillopeptidase F is distinct from all other proteases of B. subtilis.
Enhancement of heat transfer in stokes flows

We discuss the optimal control problem of enhancing heat transfer between two fluids via controlling the velocity of the cold fluid flow. In this paper, we consider that the fluid flow for cooling the hot fluid is a Stokes fluid flow induced by the boundary control inputs through the Navier slip boundary conditions. This approach is motivated by the study of optimal heat transfer by counter rotating walls. The objective is to minimize the average temperature of the hot fluid by optimal control of the cold flow velocity. This essentially leads to a bilinear control problem. We present a rigorous proof of the existence of an optimal control and derive the first-order necessary conditions for optimality by using a variational inequality.
RSS-Based Localization in Obstructed Environment with Unknown Path Loss Exponent

Received Signal Strength (RSS)-based ranging techniques have recently attracted a lot of attention because of their advantages in terms of low cost and easy implementation. The received signal strength highly depends on the path loss effect of radio wave propagation. When there is obstruction between transmitter and receiver, the signal power can drop significantly on the corresponding obstructed link, which degrades the accuracy of distance estimation. In this paper, we propose a novel RSS-based localization algorithm in obstructed environments with unknown Path Loss Exponent (PLE) based on Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE). The proposed algorithm can automatically detect the obstructed links between transmitter and receiver, and reduce the localization error caused by obstruction effect. According to the simulation results, our proposed method shows higher localization accuracy in obstructed environments as compared to other existing schemes.
Straight line access and coronal flaring: effect on canal length.

The object of this study was to determine if canal length is altered as a result of straight-line access (SLA) and coronal flaring (CF). Selected were 86 canals of extracted molars and premolars from two groups: straight or severely curved (Schneider curvature <5 degrees and >20 degrees). The reference cusp tip and root-end were flattened to produce reproducible measurements. A #10 file was placed such that the tip extended slightly beyond the apex, with the handle on the referenced cusp. The amount of file protrusion was measured with a stereomicroscope. Then, SLA and CF were performed and the corresponding file replaced to the same coronal reference position. Apical file protrusion was measured again. The change in canal length was determined by the difference in the pre- and post-SLA/CF measurements. A Wilcoxon signed rank test statistically verified that there was a measurable, significant (p < 0.001) change in canal length after SLA and CF. The mean change overall was slight, with a decrease of 0.17 mm. Severe curvature had a slightly greater, significant effect on the amount of change. Tooth type had no significant effect. Changes in working length from SLA and CF, although statistically significant, were very small and clinically unimportant.
Adherence of Streptococcus pneumoniae to Respiratory Epithelial Cells Is Inhibited by Sialylated Oligosaccharides

ABSTRACT To study carbohydrate-mediated adherence of Streptococcus pneumoniae to the human airway, we measured binding of liveS. pneumoniae organisms to a cultured cell line derived from the lining of the conjunctiva and to primary monolayers of human bronchial epithelial cells in the presence and absence of oligosaccharide inhibitors. Both encapsulated and nonencapsulated strains of S. pneumoniae grown to mid-logarithmic phase in suspension culture adhered to cultured primary respiratory epithelial cells and the conjunctival cell line. Adherence of nine clinically prevalent S. pneumoniaecapsular types studied was inhibited preferentially by sialylated oligosaccharides that terminate with the disaccharide NeuAcα2-3(or 6)Galβ1. Adherence of some strains also was weakly inhibited by oligosaccharides that terminate with lactosamine (Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1). When sialylated oligosaccharides were covalently coupled to human serum albumin at a density of approximately 20 oligosaccharides per molecule of protein, the molar inhibitory potency of the oligosaccharide inhibitor was enhanced 500-fold. The above-mentioned experiments reveal a previously unreported dependence upon sialylated carbohydrate ligands for adherence of S. pneumoniae to human upper airway epithelial cells. Enhanced inhibitory potencies of polyvalent over monovalent forms of oligosaccharide inhibitors of adherence suggest that the putative adhesin(s) that recognizes the structure NeuAcα2-3(or 6)Galβ1 is arranged on the bacterial surface in such a manner that it may be cross-linked by oligosaccharides covalently linked to human serum albumin.
Patient Activation Status as a Predictor of Patient Experience Among Medicare Beneficiaries

Background:Patient activation status (PAS) can be identified using the Medicare Segmentation Screening Tool, a 2-item measure assessing patients’ health skills and motivation to participate in their own care. Objective:To determine whether PAS is predictive of Medicare beneficiary health care experiences with health providers and insurance plans after case-mix adjustment. Research Design:Linear regression models examined the association between PAS and evaluations of care after case-mix adjustment in observational cross-sectional data. Subjects:236,322 Medicare beneficiaries with at least one prescription medication responding to the Medicare Segmentation Screening Tool items on the 2007 Medicare Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey. Measures:Four-category patient activation category; 11 patient-reported evaluations of health care and providers and 2 self-reported immunization measures. Results:PAS was strongly predictive of beneficiary experience beyond case-mix adjustment. Even after case-mix adjustment, active beneficiaries consistently reported the most positive experiences, followed by complacent beneficiaries, with differences of 0.2 to 0.4 standard deviations for 4 of 5 composite measures of patient experience (P < 0.05). Adjusted immunization rates for flu and pneumonia were highest for active beneficiaries, followed closely by high-effort beneficiaries. The rates for these 2 segments were 10 percentage points higher than for complacent and passive beneficiaries. Conclusions:PAS may be an important determinant of health care experiences. More confident respondents (active and complacent) give higher ratings of their care and providers, suggesting that they have more favorable experiences. Respondent motivation (high for active and high effort) seems to be a factor in receiving preventive care.
Choosing ethical partners : one institution’s efforts to engage in ethical partnerships

The WIL literature discusses the importance of engaging with partners in an ethical way (Orrell, 2004; Bringle & Hatcher, 2009; Smith et al, 2009). However, how higher education institutions choose ethical partners is an area that is neglected. It might be argued that much institutional concern is about finding enough partners to meet student demand. However, it is also necessary to ensure that partners align with the mission and vision of learning through participation, as well as those of the higher education institution. This is necessary to make sure the partners we choose to work with do not prompt ethical queries or issues which could be damaging to both student and institution. This paper examines the partnerships literature and how other organisations make choices about ethical products or organisations. These case studies demonstrate that the choice of an ethical partner has at least two dimensions: what constitutes an ethical partner and how to determine whether or not a potential partner is ethical. The development and implementation of policies and procedures to facilitate decisions is required. In this paper I present a case study of how we are developing a framework to guide the formation of ‘ethically aligned’ relationships with partners.
Self-reported pain perception of patients after mucosal graft harvesting in the palatal area.

AIM To evaluate the patient-reported pain perception after palatal graft harvesting during a 4 weeks healing period MATERIALS & METHODS Ninety patients, scheduled for different periodontal and peri-implant plastic surgeries requiring palatal mucosal graft harvesting, were consecutively recruited. Mucosal thickness was measured at the donor sites with an ultrasonic device prior to the surgeries. Graft thickness, length, and width were assessed after harvesting, and the wound areas were calculated. Based on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the patients were asked to report their perceived pain after the intervention and 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days thereafter. RESULTS Pain was most pronounced on the first postoperative day and decreased within the course of time. Graft thickness directly correlated with the amount of pain perceived while increased palatal mucosal thickness before and after graft harvesting decreased pain levels. The denuded wound surface area, however, did not influence the perceived pain level. CONCLUSIONS The wound depth at the donor site (graft thickness) was positively correlated with the patient's perception for pain. The wound surface area, however, did not influence the perceived pain level.
Being One'S Own Boss: How Does Risk Fit In?

Simon Parker (2004) argues economists generally think risk attitudes are an important determinant in self-employment decisions, but the econometric evidence is limited. Data shortcomings have been the primary obstacle in estimating the relationship between risk attitudes and self-employment decisions. A step toward bridging the gap between data and theory was made by Brunnermeier and Nagel (2008), who considered revealed preferences by creating risk proxy variables as the ratio between risky and safe assets. This paper explores the ways a similar risk proxy variable interacts with self-employment decisions. Overall, the relative riskiness of financial decisions impacts self-employment in complex ways.
[Effectiveness of tissue microarray technique for the assessment of estrogen and progesterone receptors expression in endometrioid endometrial cancer--preliminary report].

OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of the donor-block biopsies with a 2 mm-size needle in endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) in the tissue microarray (TMA) technique and the application of the TMA for estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) expression in EEC. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study examined EEC tissues from 60 patients. Tissue cores, 2 mm in size, in duplicate, were taken from the formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue donor blocks and constructed into the TMA recipient block. The presence of EEC tissue in the TMAs was analyzed, and the ER and PR expressions were examined. RESULTS EEC tissue in TMAs was confirmed in 56 cases (93.33%). In 49 of them (81.67%), both cores presented with cancer tissues. In 4 cases (6.67%) EEC tissue was absent. All cases with ECC present on the TMA slides were appropriate for the ER and PR analysis. In 29 EEC cases (51.98%) both ER and PR were expressed. In 3 cases (5.36%) only ER was expressed, in 8 cases (14.29%) only PR was expressed, and in 16 cases (28.57%) ER and PR were assessed as negative. CONCLUSIONS Two 2 mm-sized tissue cores from donor-block biopsies constructed into the TMA recipient block were sufficient to diagnose EEC and enabled the assessment of ER and PR expression in 93.3% of the cases. The use of the described TMA technique makes the immunohistochemical study of EEC easier and more time-efficient.
CZT pixel detectors for improved SPECT imaging

CZT pixel detectors show interesting capabilities for SPECT imaging. They combine a high energy resolution, good detection efficiency and a very good intrinsic spatial resolution. As these performances are superior to those obtained with scintillation detectors, a resulting improvement of image quality is expected. However, SPECT imaging performances are mostly limited by the collimation geometry and CZT based imagers cannot bring a significant gain without a global system redesign. Recently, several innovating ideas have been introduced and new systems have been developed in order to overcome these limitations. We previously proposed an architecture named “HiSens” with the objective to use more completely the information given by the detector to improve image quality. We presented some encouraging simulation results showing that a good knowledge of the interaction location inside of the detector could help to improve image. We present here an experimental study using a dedicated test bench called “Minigami”. It includes a monolithic pixel detector associated with integrated charge preamplifiers and 16 fully digital processing channels. Wide images are obtained by scanning the object with a translation table. Signal processing circuits extract relevant parameters relative to each photon. These data are saved to a list mode file. Afterwards acquisition files are post-processed in order to build spectra and images. In this paper, we describe steps involved in the image construction and solutions used to compensate for various detector non-idealities. Finally, we will discuss image characterization and present some results. Results show that CZT intrinsic spatial resolution enables to retrieve additional information and allows to shift the traditional trade-off between efficiency and spatial resolution.
Entrepreneurial Potential in Transition Economies: A View from Tomorrow's Leadres

Entrepreneurial activity is believed to be a fundamental force in the transformation of societies and economies in the former communist countries towards free markets and democracy. However, little is actually known about the situation in the transition countries with regard to entrepreneurial assets. Specifically, little research or analysis has been conducted to determine what effect, if any, does culture and political-economic history have on potential for entrepreneurship. Based on the results of a seventeen-country study of business students' attitudes and perceptions about entrepreneurship, this paper analyzes and compares the potential for entrepreneurship in six transition countries. We found substantial differences among these transition countries with respect to entrepreneurial potential with Romania ranking first, Slovenia and Poland ranking second and third, Croatia and the Czech Republic ranking fourth and fifth, and Russia ranking sixth. Our findings suggest that among these particular transition countries, differences in entrepreneurial potential are best explained by the current level of economic development and not by other country specific factors such as culture and previous experience with a market economy.
Some Aspects Regarding the Inflation Evolution During the Last Period

This paper develops on the evolution of the consumer prices, that give the measure of inflation. The case study is based on the situation of the Romanian economy. One of the main phenomena that affects a national economy is the inflation, therefore the authors considered that a thorough analysis of the situation in Romania, based on official data, is useful both from the theoretical and practical viewpoints. In this paper, the authors started from the old definition of the inflation, considered a process to multiply additional money without any correlation of the increase in output (production). On the other hand, the economists considered that we get nominal and real prices. That means that from one period to another, the price for the same good is different. Starting from tat theoretical aspect, we used the data published by the National Institute of Statistics in order to show how the modification of the prices changed the nominal prices in real prices. Normally, the increase of prices leads to the need for more money for persons in order to satisfy their need for consumption.
The Role of Other Regional Agents in the Analysis of the Labour Market: New Methodology, Research-Action, to Detect the Professional Profiles Demanded by Biscayan Clusters in a Short/Medium Period

In terms of methodology, this project has been elaborated from the Research-Action perspective. This implies that the research team, together with the Human Resources director of the participant organisations, has being adapted to the different stages of the study with the aim of responding real problems, as well as contributing to the progress of the academic knowledge, is spite of the firstly defined general diagnosis, as hypothesis.
New type of support vector machine by moving separating hyperplane

For binary pattern recognition problem, the canonical support vector machine put forward by Vapnik didn't distinguish two classification errors appearing in classifying two sample sets. So a new method, asymmetrical support vector machine (A-SVM), is proposed. The optimal separating hyperplane was deviated from the optimal support hyperplane of some kind of sample set by parallel moving the optimal separating hyperplane, and then this kind of sample set could be recognized with higher accuracy. Simulation example shows that A-SVM is similar to SVM for the total recognizing performance of both learning and testing. However, A-SVM is better than SVM when separating the kind of sample set
[Swallowing changes in cerebrovascular accidents: incidence, natural history, and repercussions on the nutritional status, morbidity, and mortality].

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of dysphagia in CVA, its natural history and value as a risk factor of respiratory infection, malnutrition and death. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective study was made of 187 consecutive patients with cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). A standardized test for dysphagia was done during the first two days of the illness and repeated three days a week. The levels of urea, total proteins and albumin were determined on admission and on discharge. The patients were questioned by phone after 6 months. RESULTS There was dysphagia of liquids in 36.4% of the patients. The incidence of dysphagia for semisolids was of the same frequency but more severe. Coma was the cause of inability to swallow in 25.7% of the patients. During their stay in hospital one third of the patients with dysphagia died, one third became normal and one third still had dysphagia when they were discharged. After one week, one, three and six months respectively, the cure rate for dysphagia was 29.4%, 4.1%, 55.9% and 55.9%, and survival 83.8%, 67.6%, 61.8% and 60.3%. Thus after 6 months only 3 patients (4.4%) were alive and dysphagic. Half of the 'cures' occurred in the first week, and none occurred after more than 77 days. As compared to the non-dysphagic patients, the dysphagic patients had 10 times more risk of respiratory infection, 18 times higher risk of death, greater loss of albumin and less loss of urea. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence of dysphagia in CVA and although functional prognosis is not unfavorable, respiratory infections, malnutrition and death are frequent.
X chromosome‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein reduces oxidative stress after cerebral irradiation or hypoxia‐ischemia through up‐regulation of mitochondrial antioxidants

We demonstrate that X chromosome‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) counteracts oxidative stress in two essentially different disease‐related models of brain injury, hypoxia‐ischemia and irradiation, as judged by lower expression of nitrotyrosine (5‐fold) and 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (10‐fold) in XIAP‐overexpressing compared with wild‐type mice. XIAP overexpression induced up‐regulation of at least three antioxidants residing in mitochondria, superoxide dismutase 2, thioredoxin 2 and lysine oxoglutarate reductase. Cytochrome c release from mitochondria was reduced in XIAP‐overexpressing mice. Hence, in addition to blocking caspases, XIAP can regulate reactive oxygen species in the brain, at least partly through up‐regulation of mitochondrial antioxidants. XIAP‐induced prevention of oxidative stress was not secondary to tissue protection because although XIAP overexpression provides tissue protection after hypoxia‐ischemia, it does not prevent tissue loss after irradiation. This is a previously unknown role of XIAP and may provide the basis for development of novel protective strategies for both acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases, where oxidative stress is an integral component of the injury mechanisms involved.
Signaling to the Crowd: Private Quality Information and Rewards-Based Crowdfunding

Problem definition: We consider an entrepreneur designing a fixed funding rewards-based crowdfunding campaign for an innovative product. Product quality is known to the entrepreneur but unknown to some backers. We study how the entrepreneur can signal quality to backers via the design of the crowdfunding campaign, including the price of the reward and the funding target. Academic/practical relevance: Crowdfunding is a new and popular way of funding innovative products. Despite numerous advantages, there are challenges to this model, one of the most significant being credibly signaling information about product quality to a pool of small, uninformed investors. We explore how an entrepreneur might accomplish this and overcome a key obstacle to crowdfunding. Methodology: We employ a game theoretic model of signaling between an entrepreneur and campaign backers. Results: We find that the entrepreneur should signal high quality by setting a high target that is distorted above the full information optimal level. While a separating equilibrium always exists, a pooling equilibrium can only occur under very specific circumstances. We show that the high target affects the quality choice of entrepreneurs and may deter unique, high-quality projects. In addition, we discuss how the entrepreneur should modify the signaling strategy when a high target potentially deters backers from pledging because of the cost of participating in a failed campaign. Managerial implications: We show how entrepreneurs can effectively design their crowdfunding campaign to signal high quality, thus providing guidance to creators listing products on crowdfunding websites. We also show information asymmetry and signaling affect product quality decisions by creators, which in turn is of interest to platform designers seeking to solicit high-quality products for their platforms.