Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of a semi‐quantitative plate‐based α‐galactosidase gene reporter for Schizosaccharomyces pombe and its use to isolate a constitutively active Mam2

To extend the tools available for biochemical and genetical analysis in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe we have investigated the development of gene reporter systems using the secreted α‐galactosidase encoded by the Sz. pombe ORF SPAC869.07c (CAB60017), which we propose naming Mel1p to reflect its structural and functional similarity to MEL1p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The α‐galactosidase activity can be monitored in liquid assays and converted the colourless substrate 5‐bromo‐4‐chloro‐3‐indolyl‐α‐D‐galactopyranoside (X‐α‐gal) into an insoluble blue product that was suitable for semi quantitative plate‐based assays; colonies expressing the highest levels of α‐galactosidase developed the most intense blue colour. Unlike assays based on β‐galactosidase, the Sz. pombe colonies develop the blue colouration under normal growth conditions, avoiding the need to replicate colonies to fresh plates for analysis. It is therefore suitable for screening large numbers of colonies. To illustrate the use of mel1 as a reporter we linked expression to the sxa2 gene promoter to provide a convenient readout for signalling through the pheromone response pathway. The sxa2 > mel1 strain identified constitutively active Mam2 pheromone receptors from a randomly mutagenised library. There was an approximate correlation between the intensity of the blue colour developed by each mutant colony and its level of constitutive activity and we identified a subset of mutants with low constitutive activity that could not have been isolated by a previous screen using nutritional selection. The mel1 α‐galactosidase activity identified and characterised in this study can be easily adapted to provide a gene reporter for many biological processes and is a new addition to the research tools available in Sz. pombe. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genital group B streptococcus carrier rate and serotype distribution in Korean pregnant women: implications for group B streptococcal disease in Korean neonates

Abstract Aims: We investigated the genital group B streptococcus (GBS) carrier rate in Korean pregnant women and the serotype distribution in face of the recent increase of late-onset GBS disease in Korea. Methods: GBS screening was performed on 4045 healthy pregnant women at 35–37 weeks' gestation. In case of positive GBS culture, serotyping was performed by using GBS typing antisera. Results: When both vaginal and anorectal culture were performed, the GBS carrier rate was 10.0% (n=121/1205), which is the highest rate ever reported in Korea. Type III was more common (36%), and type Ia (13%) and Ib (7%) were less prevalent. Conclusions: Increased maternal genital GBS carrier rate and difference in serotype distribution pattern of GBS may be related to the recent increase of late-onset GBS disease in Korea.
"Pay as she goes: For stereotypically male jobs, women tend to be hired by the hour"

The present research identifies a subtle form of gender discrimination in the contracts provided to workers. Specifically, workers who pursue jobs atypical for their gender tend to be hired by the hour rather than offered fixed contracts, a risk-averse practice that reflects a lack of confidence about their future performance on the part of employers. In Study 1, a controlled experiment, male evaluators expressed uncertainty about a female employee in a counter-stereotypical job and preferred to pay her “as she goes. ” Study 2 examined 99,567 contracts awarded by 9,297 employers in an online market for temporary labor, revealing that not only are female employees more often paid by the hour for stereotypically male work (e.g., computer programming), but male employees are more likely to be paid by the hour for stereotypically female work (e.g., customer service). These findings converge in support of a theory of stereotype-based uncertainty in contract decisions.
Age Group Estimation using Face Features

Recognition of the most facial variations, such as identity, expression and gender has been extensively studied. Automatic age estimation and predicting future faces have rarely been explored. With age progression of a human the face features changes. This paper concerns with providing a methodology to estimate age group using face features. This process involves three stages: Pre-processing, Feature Extraction and Classification. The geometric features of facial images like wrinkle geography, face angle, left eye to right eye distance, eye to nose distance, eye to chin distance and eye to lip distance are calculated. Based on the texture and shape information age classification is done using K-Means clustering algorithm. Age ranges are classified dynamically depending on number of groups using K-Means clustering algorithm. The obtained results were significant. This paper can be used for predicting future faces, classifying gender, and expression detection from facial images.
Méthodes et algorithmes pour l'approche statistique en phylogénie. (Methods and algorithms for a statistical approach in phylogenetics)

La variabilite des vitesses d'evolution entre sites est un phenomene tres repandu au sein des sequences genetiques. Celui-ci est generalement modelise par une loi gamma dont le parametre de forme doit etre estime. Nous proposons ici une methode visant a determiner la valeur efficace de ce parametre, c'est-a-dire la valeur la plus adaptee a l'estimation de topologies d'arbres. Nous montrons que (1)les valeurs efficaces conduisent generalement a sous-estimer la variabilite des vitesses et (2), celles-ci offrent une amelioration significative en termes de precision topologique compare aux cas ou l'inference d'arbre est realisee a partir des vraies valeurs (inconnues) du parametre. Outre la parametrisation adequate des modeles de substitution, l'exploration de l'espace des topologies d'arbres est un point sensible pour bon nombre de methodes d'inferences de phylogenies. Nous proposons ici une nouvelle methode pour l'estimation d'arbres de vraisemblances maximales, basee sur la modification simultanee de la topologie de l'arbre et de ses longueurs de branches. Nous montrons que cette approche autorise la construction de topologies particulierement fiables a partir de l'analyse de plusieurs centaines de sequences.
Transmission planning and investment under competitive electricity market environment

One of the challenges for power industry restructuring is to maintain transmission system reliability. To this end, transmission expansion may be inevitable especially for developing countries. However, less attention has been devoted to developing institutional structures and incentives to assure appropriate transmission investments are made in the future, and as a result, transmission planning is becoming a problem of extensive concern. In this paper, some important issues related to transmission planning under a competitive market environment are extensively discussed including new challenges, management and regulation, investment and cost recovery, and existing methods.
Mechanism of oxidation reactions catalyzed by cytochrome p450 enzymes.

ion phase that leads to an alkyl radical coordinated to the iron-hydroxo complex by a weak OH---C hydrogen bond, labeled as CI; (ii) an alkyl (or OH) rotation phase whereby the alkyl group achieves a favorable orientation for rebound; and (iii) a rebound phase that leads to C-O bond making and the ferric-alcohol complexes, 4,2P. The two profiles remain close in energy throughout the first two phases and then bifurcate. Whereas the HS state exhibits a significant barrier and a genuine TS for rebound, in the LS state, once the right orientation of the alkyl group is achieved, the LS rebound proceeds in a virtually barrier-free fashion to the alcohol. As such, alkane hydroxylation proceeds by TSR,70-72,120 in which the HS mechanism is truly stepwise with a finite lifetime for the radical intermediate, whereas the LS mechanism is effectively concerted with an ultrashort lifetime for the radical intermediate. Subsequent studies of ethane and camphor hydroxylation by the Yoshizawa group117,181-183 arrived at basically the same conclusion, that the mechanism is typified by TSR. The differences between the results of Shaik et al.130,173,177-180 and Yoshizawa et al.117,181-183 were rationalized recently71,72 and shown to arise owing to technical problems and the choice of the mercaptide ligand,117,181-183 which is a powerful electron donor and is too far from the representation of cysteine in the protein environment. The most recent study of camphor hydroxylation, which was done at a higher quality,117 converged to the picture reported by Shaik et al.130,173,177-180 and shows a stepwise HS process with a barrier of more than 3 kcal/mol for C-O bond formation by rebound of the camphoryl radical vis-à-vis an effectively concerted LS process for which this barrier is 0.7 kcal mol-1 and is the rotational barrier for reaching the rebound position. By referring to Figure 21, it is possible to rationalize the clock data of Newcomb in a simple manner. The apparent lifetimes are based on the assumption that there is a single state that leads to the reaction, such that the radical lifetime can be quantitated from the rate constant of free radical rearrangement and the ratio of rearranged to unrearranged alcohol product. However, in TSR, the rearranged (R) product is formed only/mainly on the HS surface, while the unrearranged (U) product is formed mainly on Figure 20. Formal descriptions of iron(III)-peroxo, iron(III)-hydroperoxo, and iron(V)-oxo species with indication of the negative charges. The roles “electrophile” or “nucleophile” are assigned according to the charge type. Reprinted with permission from ref 7. Copyright 2000 Springer-Verlag Heidelberg. 3964 Chemical Reviews, 2004, Vol. 104, No. 9 Meunier et al.
Subdural electrodes in focal cortical dysplasia.

Subdural electrodes are useful in selected patients with cortical dysplasia for planning resective epilepsy surgery. Their potential risks have to be balanced against the diagnostic yield and expected benefit of epilepsy surgery for the patient. Recent advances in imaging techniques now allow more accurate placement of the subdural electrodes and also limit the number required.
Optically Controlled Reconfigurable Band-Notched UWB Antenna for Cognitive Radio Applications

By utilizing two optically controlled microwave switches (OCMSs) to control two independent narrow-band complementary split ring resonators, an optically controlled aperture ultrawideband antenna capable of generating reconfigurable multiband notches is proposed. Four reconfigurable states are achieved in the 3.1–10.6-GHz band: 1) a full FCC-allowed band; 2) a WiMax-notched band; 3) a WLAN-notched band; and 4) a WiMax-WLAN-notched band. These bands are useful to detect the available spectra or block the harmful interference from WiMax and/or WLAN systems by simply changing the ON/OFF states of the OCMSs with no more than 100-mW optical powers for each switch. A prototype of the proposed antenna is fabricated and measured. Both simulations and experiments demonstrate the proposed design.
Association between the accessibility to lethal methods and method-specific suicide rates: An ecological study in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE To examine the association between availability of lethal methods of suicide and method-specific suicide rates at the city/ county level in Taiwan. METHOD Age-adjusted and age-specific suicide rates of 23 cities/counties in Taiwan for the years 1999 to 2003 were calculated. Partial correlation coefficients were used to examine cross-sectional associations between independent variables, i.e., proportion of agricultural population and proportion of households living on the sixth floor or above, and suicide rates by different methods (poisoning by solids/liquids, jumping, and hanging) after adjusting for unemployment rates and prevalence of depression. RESULTS The partial correlation coefficient was 0.77 (p < .001) for proportion of agricultural population with solids/liquids poisoning suicide rates. It was 0.73 (p < .001) for the proportion of households living on the sixth floor or above with suicide rates by jumping. Correlations between hanging suicide rates and proportion of agricultural population or between hanging suicide rates and proportion of households living on the sixth floor or above were not significant. CONCLUSION The results showed strong positive associations between access to lethal methods and method-specific suicide rates. Controlling the availability of pesticides and fencing high buildings or installing window guards may be effective measures for suicide prevention.
Overexpression of a type‐I isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase of Artemisia annua in the cytosol leads to high arteannuin B production and artemisinin increase

We recently characterized a gene-terpene network that is associated with artemisinin biosynthesis in self-pollinated (SP) Artemisia annua, an effective antimalarial plant. We hypothesize that an alteration of gene expression in the network may improve the production of artemisinin and its precursors. In this study, we cloned an isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase (IPPI) cDNA, AaIPPI1, from Artemisia annua (Aa). The full-length cDNA encodes a type-I IPPI containing a plastid transit peptide (PTP) at its amino terminus. After the removal of the PTP, the recombinant truncated AaIPPI1 isomerized isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) to dimethyl allyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP) and vice versa. The steady-state equilibrium ratio of IPP/DMAPP in the enzymatic reactions was approximately 1:7. The truncated AaIPPI1 was overexpressed in the cytosol of the SP A. annua variety. The leaves of transgenic plants produced approximately 4% arteannuin B (g g-1 , dry weight, dw) and 0.17-0.25% artemisinin (g g-1 , dw), the levels of which were significantly higher than those in the leaves of wild-type plants. In addition, transgenic plants showed an increase in artemisinic acid production of more than 1% (g g-1 , dw). In contrast, isoprene formation was significantly reduced in transgenic plants. These results provide evidence that overexpression of AaIPPI1 in the cytosol can lead to metabolic alterations of terpenoid biosynthesis, and show that these transgenic plants have the potential to yield high production levels of arteannuin B as a new precursor source for artemisinin.
Dairy farm governance : perspectives of dairy industry leaders

Dairy Farm Governance: Perspectives of Dairy Industry Leaders by Alice Kay Sterritt This thesis reports on the governance requirements for New Zealand dairy farming enterprises. Over the past two decades dairy farms in New Zealand have increased in size. Owning multiple farms in a number of locations has become more common and increasingly complex business structures have developed. For many farms, succession is an issue. These developments have led to an increasing interest in governance. This research used a case study approach to obtain the ideas and experiences of dairy industry leaders, selected based on their experience in governance. Governance literature framed the research questions and established a model that outlined the factors and roles of the board. The interviews with the industry leaders determined that dairy farm governance is very similar to the governance principles suggested within the literature. Within the New Zealand dairy industry agency theory and stewardship theory have greater explanatory power. Therefore, ownership and operational considerations influence the board roles of strategy, control and service. Due to this influence, control is the most important of the three roles. Factors considered important by the leaders were an understanding of the need for governance, that governance and management should be separate, the importance of outside directors, meetings should be formal with consistent agendas and adequate management reporting, directors should be selected on skill and experience and represent a wide variety of personality types. An engaged board was the preferred operational model. CEO duality, passive boards, revolving chairmen, appointing token directors, inexperienced family members or directors selected on prestige should be avoided.
Service quality in a retail channel system

Focuses on quality service issues as they relate to channel retail systems, providing insights into the type of channel systems rewards that are given to distributors that produce superior service quality, and providing insights into the determinants of service quality in retail channel systems. Examines the relationship between retailers and consumers in the consumer beverage industry. Provides implications for managers and researchers.
A study of the awareness and practice of competitive intelligence in SMEs in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality

While it is acknowledged that CI is important to SMEs, it is not being practiced optimally in SMEs. The study of CI in SMEs has not been as well documented as it has been in larger enterprises. Moreover, there is no evidence of CI awareness and practices in SMEs. The purposes of this study are to, establish the level and extent of awareness and practices of CI in SMEs, identify the challenges SMEs face in implementing CI, and equip SMEs for decision making in order to help SMEs to gain competitive advantage in a turbulent global market and to enhance their economic growth. This research indicates that SMEs are aware of CI. It also indicates that while SMEs practice CI, they do so informally. It also shows that CI provides competitive advantage to SMEs.
Inhaled corticosteroid related adrenal suppression detected by poor growth and reversed with ciclesonide

ABSTRACT Introduction: This case series intends to highlight the association between decreased linear growth velocity and adrenal suppression in patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids for asthma. A potential treatment option is also discussed. Adrenal suppression secondary to inhaled corticosteroids has previously been reported and is often underrecognized. A decrease in linear height velocity has also been associated with inhaled corticosteroids. However, a decrease in height velocity has not been shown to predict adrenal suppression. Case study: This case series of 15 patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids for control of asthma were noted to have a decrease in linear growth velocity ultimately associated with adrenal suppression. A change in inhaled corticosteroid to ciclesonide led to recovery of adrenal function without impacting asthma control. Results: Chart review from a pediatric pulmonology clinic was performed. Growth parameters and laboratory studies were recorded and analyzed. A mean decrease in height standard deviation score in the year prior to diagnosis of adrenal suppression was −0.59, −0.11, and −0.18, in pre-puberty, peri-puberty, and post-puberty patients, respectively. After ciclesonide therapy was initiated, a mean change in height standard deviation score of +0.40, +0.13, and −0.13, was noted for pre-puberty, peri-puberty, and post-puberty patients, respectively. A change in growth velocity of +5.3 cm/yr, +2.1 cm/yr, and −1.9 cm/yr, was noted for pre-puberty, peri-puberty, and post-puberty patients, respectively, after starting ciclesonide. Conclusions: Height velocity should be monitored closely during routine asthma visits to identify potential adrenal suppression associated with inhaled corticosteroids use. Ciclesonide is a good option for asthma treatment that allows for adrenal recovery.
Lamin A Truncation in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria

Little is known about the pathophysiology of human senescence. Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an exceedingly rare but typical progeria, clinically characterized by postnatal growth retardation, midface hypoplasia, micrognathia, premature atherosclerosis, absence of subcutaneous fat,
PERILAKU INVESTOR : “HERDING AND FEEDBACK TRADING” DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA PERIODE 2012 - 2014

This study aims to examine investor behavior of herding and feedback trading in IDX at period 2012 – 2014. Where the indicator of herding and feedback trading adopted from Oh et al ( 2007 ) is net investment flows. This study research of two types investor, foreign and domestic. This study uses a quantitative approach to VAR model. This study uses a sample of investor in IDX period 2012 – 2014 and the sampel used in this study were 36 obserrvations. Using unit root test and lag optimal, the model can be more accurate. This study findings that foreign and domestic investor has been herding and feedback trading. Domestic investor behavior has influenced by return at 3rd period before, and foreign investor behavior has influenced by net investments domestic at 5th and 8th period before.
The relationship between internationalisation and innovation : internationalisation strategies, foreign firms', patenting behaviour and FDI spillovers

This thesis aims to contribute to the understanding of the relationships between internationalisation and innovation. Based on large comprehensive firm level data from China, this thesis comprises of three empirical chapters examining internationalisation from different aspects. Specifically, the first empirical work studies how firms internationalise. It links the choice of firms’ internationalisation strategies with firm characteristics. Additionally, it re-examines the stepwise internationalisation theory by distinguishing different foreign direct investment (FDI) motives. It proposes two pecking orders of firm performance in internationalisation strategies. The second empirical study investigates what kind of innovation activities internationalised firms do. It analyses the factors that drive foreign firms to patent in an emerging host country context. It stresses the importance of the intellectual property rights protection aspect of business environment at regional level in promoting patents, the role of industry dependence on external finance in shaping foreign firms’ patenting behaviour, as well as links foreign firms’ patent production with FDI motivation. The third empirical research examines the effect of internationalisation by examining the links between inward FDI and domestic innovation in a host country. It specifically examines technology spillovers from inward FDI through the direct lens of innovation (captured by grant patents), instead of adopting the indirect productivity approach widely employed by the literature. Distinguishing different types of innovation, it provides direct evidence of heterogeneous innovation spillovers from FDI.
The service performance gap: testing the redeveloped causal model

Focuses on the service performance gap, which occurs when service is not performed according to the standards set. It attempts to define the antecedents of the gap. The research is set in the European airline industry with a theoretical framework based on service quality and the trust‐commitment theory of relationship marketing. With support from a literature review on exchange theory, equity theory, role theory and the trust‐commitment theory of relationship marketing, 18 hypotheses are advanced to develop and test an alternative to the original model by Parasuraman et al. Data were collected from two European airlines. A postal survey of 600 customer contact employees produced 193 respondents, an overall response rate of 32 per cent. The empirical investigation involved the use of structural equation modelling to estimate the proposed model. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the measurement instrument. The study offers some support to the work of Parasuraman et al., in another industrial context. It extends their findings by proposing an alternative model, which shows that the service performance gap is influenced both directly and indirectly by a significant number of critical factors including trust, commitment and co‐operation.