Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rotavirus Nonstructural Protein 4 (NSP4)-Viral Enterotoxin with Multiple roles in Pathogenesis of Diarrhoea in Children -

Nonstructural protein 4 (NSP4) of Rotavirus has been designated as the first viral enterotoxin. Its role in viral replication is already well known. Intensive research over the past decade has shown the involvement of this protein in many cellular activities both in â€˜expressedâ€™ as well as â€˜secretedâ€™ form. It is responsible for increased intracellular calcium levels in the infected cell leading to a cascade of events which involve phospholipase C mediated secretion of Chloride ions. NSP4 also inhibits intestinal disaccharidases and sodium glucose symporter(SGLT1) so that complex sugars are retained resulting in malabsorption. It also alters actin in the villi resulting in their flattening and overall decreased absorptive area. NSP4 is associated with extracellular proteins and is hypothesized to have paracrine effects on neighbouring cells. Recent research has found it to be an activator of enteric nervous system too. All these factors contribute to the pathogenesis of diarrhoea which looks multifactorial and certainly very different from the bacterial toxin mediated diarrhoeas of E. coli and V. cholerae. We still donâ€™t have the final word on this intriguing protein which is now a potential candidate for a vaccine against rotavirus. The aim of this review is to put forward the salient features of the research done to elucidate the functions of NSP4.
Primary structure of Serratia marcescens anthranilate synthase component II.

The amino acid sequence of anthranilate synthase component II (AS II) from Serratia marcescens was determined. The cysteine residue essential for glutamine utilization was alkylated selectively by iodo [1-14C]acetamide prior to separation of the two protein components of anthranilate synthase. The isolated AS II then was subjected to cleavage by cyanogen bromide and by trypsin after citraconylation to obtain overlapping fragments. AS II is a single polypeptide chain of 192 residues having a calculated molecular weight of 20,956. The active site region is virtually identical to that of the Pseudomonas putida AS II enzyme (Kawamura, M., Keim, P.S., Goto, Y., Zalkin, H., and Heinrikson, R.L. (1978) J. Biol. Chem. 253, 4659-4668). Overall amino acid sequence similarity is 43%.
Innervation of bone marrow in the rabbit.

The tibias of fetal, neonatal and mature New Zealand albino rabbits were investigated histochemically to elucidate the development of innervation of the blood vessels and parenchyma in the marrow cavity. The neurovascular complex in the marrow was developed poorly at birth. Adrenergic nerves were detected with difficulty and accompanied thin walled blood vessels which could not be identified as either arterial or venous. Large bundles of nerves, suggesting the beginning of myelination, appeared by the 5th neonatal day. Simultaneously, several other morphological changes occurred. Arteries in the marrow developed a PAS positive adventitia which loosely held the nerve bundles; complete internal elastic lamellae and muscular medias also were seen for the first time. Concomitantly, there was incrcease in sulfated acid mucopolysaccharides in the connective tissue of the developing marrow cavity and large numbers of osteoclasts were seen in the enlarging marrow cavity. At this time scattered foci of early haemopoietic activity were found. In the adult, adrenergic and cholinesterase positive nerves were distributed along both arteries and veins. Adrenergic fibers also were present on arterioles and on thin walled vessels (sinusoids and venules). Among the parenchyma, cholinesterase positive fibers were found more frequently than were adrenergic fibers. While some of the fibers were observed near haemopoietic foci and fat cells, no specific terminations were observed. The ratio of fibers to cellular elements in the marrow did not seem to differ with the degree of haemopoietic activity. The results suggest that the development of a mature neurovascular complex is critical to the establishment of microenvironment suitable for haemopoiesis to occur. In addition, the reported neural influence on haemopoiesis is suggested to be mediated through vasomotor activity.
Nonprofits and Business

In this age of high-profile corporate foundations and socially responsible companies, the barrier between the nonprofit and business worlds is more permeable than ever. Nonprofits and Business assembles diverse researchers to examine nonprofits from commercial, economic, operational, and legal perspectives. As the government and the public have demanded greater efficiency from nonprofits, nonprofits have looked to corporations to find creative ways to raise money and demonstrate effectiveness. Nonprofits and Business is a unique resource on this emerging trend.
Involvement of the cholinergic system of CA1 on harmane-induced amnesia in the step-down passive avoidance test

β-carboline alkaloids such as harmane (HA) are naturally present in the human food chain. They are derived from the plant Peganum harmala and have many cognitive effects. In the present study, effects of the nicotinic system of the dorsal hippocampus (CA1) on HA-induced amnesia and exploratory behaviors were examined. One-trial step-down and hole-board paradigms were used to assess memory retention and exploratory behaviors in adult male mice. Pre-training (15 mg/kg) but not pre-testing intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of HA decreased memory formation but did not alter exploratory behaviors. Moreover, pre-testing administration of nicotine (0.5 µg/mouse, intra-CA1) decreased memory retrieval, but induced anxiogenic-like behaviors. On the other hand, pre-test intra-CA1 injection of ineffective doses of nicotine (0.1 and 0.25 µg/mouse) fully reversed HA-induced impairment of memory after pre-training injection of HA (15 mg/kg, i.p.) which did not alter exploratory behaviors. Furthermore, pre-testing administration of mecamylamine (0.5, 1 and 2 µg/mouse, intra-CA1) did not alter memory retrieval but fully reversed HA-induced impairment of memory after pre-training injection of HA (15 mg/kg, i.p.) which had no effect on exploratory behaviors. In conclusion, the present findings suggest the involvement of the nicotinic cholinergic system in the HA-induced impairment of memory formation.
Can Bitcoin Become a Major Currency?

At present, bitcoin is held mostly as a speculative vehicle, little used to pay for goods and services. Its value has been unstable, which impedes bitcoin’s wider use as a payment medium. We explain why the value of bitcoin has been so unstable. Then, we discuss entrepreneurial efforts that might enable bitcoin to become a more commonly accepted payment medium.
Considerations of Provider-to-Provider Agreements for Internet-Scale Quality of Service (QoS)

This memo analyzes provider-to-provider QoS agreements suitable for a global QoS-enabled Internet. It defines terminology relevant to inter- domain QoS models. It proposes a new concept denoted by Meta- QoS- Class (MQC). This concept could potentially drive and federate the way QoS inter-domain relationships are built between providers. It opens up new perspectives for a QoS-enabled Internet that retains, as much as possible, the openness of the existing best-effort Internet.
Continuous multi-biometric user authentication fusion of face recognition and keystoke dynamics

Several application scenarios require the user to be authenticated not only at the time of logging in to a device, but continuously, such as a mobile device being used for an extended period of time, or examinees attempting for an online test. In this paper, two widely used unimodal biometric systems, which can both easily be captured on modern computing devices, keystroke dynamics and face recognition, are fused to create a stronger multi-biometric system for continuous authentication. The matching score for keystroke dynamics system is obtained using nearest neighbor classification (combined distance) and for the face recognition system, the EigenFace approach is used. The fusion of matching scores obtained by these unimodal biometric systems at the score level improves the accuracy. Scores obtained from each individual biometric system on the CMU keystroke dynamics database and the ORL face database is normalized using min-max normalization before fusion. The sum, product and weighted sum rules have been used for fusion and the experimental results confirm that a multi-factor authentication system gives better accuracy than a single-factor authentication system. The experiments also indicate that the weighted sum rule outperforms the sum and product rule method.
Effect of Government R&D Programs on Innovation by Export Manufacturing Firms

The technological innovation of export firms is essential for their economic survival in the competitive environment of international manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to analyze if government research and development (R&D) support programs enhanced the technological innovation of export manufacturing enterprises. By using Korea Innovation Survey 2014 (KIS) data, this paper empirically examines through probit analysis whether government R&D support programs in eight categories had an impact on product and process innovation performance. The results suggest that government assistance is effective for the technological innovation of export manufacturing firms. In particular, tax exemptions and marketing support enhance product innovation performance, and providing technology information and marketing support are effective for process innovation.
Urinary Excretion of Prednisolone after Intrarectal Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis

Treatment of ulcerative colitis with betamethasone phosphate enemas was found to cause suppression of the adrenal cortex, so that absorption of betamethasone from the rectum can be inferred; no suppression occurred in similar patients treated with prednisolone phosphate enemas (Matts, Wharton, Kelleher, and Walters, 1963). In order to determine whether any rectal absorption of prednisolone does occur, we have estimated the unconjugated prednisolone and metabolites in the urine of such patients.
A Study on Factors Effecting Intention to Use Linked Open Data Applying IS Success Model

Although public institutions have been continued to provide public data open services on public data portals, public open data does not satisfy the various environments and data formats that users want. Therefore, there is a need to open public data in a form capable of connecting and expanding data. Linked Open Data is used to open public data to the production agency and it is accessible to anyone at any time. It is possible to create new added value through reuse and utilization of data links. In order to verify the factors effecting the use of Linked Open Data, we classified the characteristics of Linked Open Data into information quality, system quality and service quality proposed by IS Success model. The results of this study are as follows. First, we investigate whether the characteristics of the technology 1 acceptance model are influenced by the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. By using Linked Open Data characteristics that effect the use of public data, it can be used as a reference factor in establishing the policy direction for public data openness to contribute to the improvement of the public service of ministries, public institutions and the creation of new value added by private companies.
Effects of athletic training on heart rate variability triangular index

The purpose of this study was to assess the heart rate variability triangular index (HRVI) in elite track and field athletes. Sixty healthy males (mean aged 22·1 ± 3·5 years) −15 long distance runners (group A), 15 speed runners (Group B), 15 throwers (Group C) and 15 non‐trained subjects (Group D) were submitted to spiroergometric test, m‐mode echocardiography and 24‐h ambulatory ECG monitoring. The HRVI, mean heart rate, mean interval between two consecutive R waves of the QRS complexes (R–R interval) and standard deviation of the R–R (SDRR) were assessed through time domain method on computed 24‐h Holter recordings. The HRVI and the SDRR were 62·2 ± 9·6 and 220 ± 40 ms correspondingly in group A, 52·7 ± 6·0 and 210 ± 40 ms in B, 44·5 ± 5·3 and 180 ± 40 ms in C, 39·3 ± 6·4 and 180 ± 30 ms in D. The HRVI and the mean R–R were found to differ statistically between groups A, B and C versus D (P<0·05). However, the higher value in HRVI was found in group A. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was 62·0 ± 4·4 ml kg−1 min−1 in group A, 52·7 ± 6·0 in group B, 44·6 ± 5·3 in C and 41·6 ± 6·0 in D. The higher value in VO2max was also found in group A. The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and end‐diastolic volume index (EDVI) were 136 g m−2 and 83 ml m−2 correspondingly in group A, 136 and 79 in B, 124 and 56 in C and 88 and 55 in group D. The HRVI was found to have a significant relationship with VO2max and EDVI only in group A. On the other hand, no significant relationships were found between HRVI and LVMI in all groups. It is concluded, that the enhanced HRVI in athletes is affected by exercise training pattern. Moreover, HRVI depends on the level of VO2max in endurance‐trained, but is independent from the extent of myocardial hypertrophy in all types of training.
American Finance Association Miller ' s Equilibrium , Shareholder Leverage Clienteles , and Optimal Capital Structure

Miller's Equilibrium, Shareholder Leverage Clienteles, and Optimal Capital Structure Author(s): E. Han Kim Source: The Journal of Finance, Vol. 37, No. 2, Papers and Proceedings of the Fortieth Annual Meeting of the American Finance Association, Washington, D.C., December 28-30, 1981 (May, 1982), pp. 301-319 Published by: Blackwell Publishing for the American Finance Association Stable URL: http://www.jstor. org/stable/2327328 Accessed: 22/01/2009 14:18
Monocyte-Derived CD1a+ and CD1a− Dendritic Cell Subsets Differ in Their Cytokine Production Profiles, Susceptibilities to Transfection, and Capacities to Direct Th Cell Differentiation1

We describe a phenotypically and functionally novel monocyte-derived dendritic cell (DC) subset, designated mDC2, that lacks IL-12 synthesis, produces high levels of IL-10, and directs differentiation of Th0/Th2 cells. Like conventional monocyte-derived DC, designated mDC1, mDC2 expressed high levels of CD11c, CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHC class II molecules. However, in contrast to mDC1, mDC2 lacked expression of CD1a, suggesting an association between cytokine production profile and CD1a expression in DC. mDC2 could be matured into CD83+ DC cells in the presence of anti-CD40 mAbs and LPS plus IFN-γ, but they remained CD1a− and lacked IL-12 production even upon maturation. The lack of IL-12 and CD1a expression by mDC2 did not affect their APC capacity, because mDC2 stimulated MLR to a similar degree as mDC1. However, while mDC1 strongly favored Th1 differentiation, mDC2 directed differentiation of Th0/Th2 cells when cocultured with purified human peripheral blood T cells, further indicating functional differences between mDC1 and mDC2. Interestingly, the transfection efficiency of mDC2 with plasmid DNA vectors was significantly higher than that of mDC1, and therefore mDC2 may provide improved means to manipulate Ag-specific T cell responses after transfection ex vivo. Taken together, these data indicate that peripheral blood monocytes have the capacity to differentiate into DC subsets with different cytokine production profiles, which is associated with altered capacity to direct Th cell differentiation.
Early pathological changes in the parkinsonian brain demonstrated by diffusion tensor MRI

Objective: To determine whether the fractional anisotropy (FA) of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging is decreased in the nigrostriatal projection in parkinsonian patients. Methods: FA values were compared in the extrapyramidal system of 12 patients with Parkinson’s disease and eight age matched normal controls. Results: Patients with Parkinson’s disease had significantly decreased FA in the region of interest along a line between the substantia nigra and the lower part of the putamen/caudate complex, in which most of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurones are included. Loss of FA in this region was obvious even during the early clinical stages of Parkinson’s disease. Conclusions: Assuming that the loss of FA parallels the neuronal change in the brain, the results are consistent with the view that more than half the dopaminergic neurones in the nigrostriatal projection are lost before the onset of Parkinson’s disease. Close comparison of FA in the basal ganglia may contribute to the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
The Importance of Information Asymmetry to Auditor Choice, Audit Fees, and Going Concern Opinions: Evidence from Exploiting Exogenous Shifts in Analyst Coverage

We analyze whether information asymmetry affects three major aspects of the audit process using an instrumental variables research design that exploits exogenous increases in information asymmetry stemming from brokerage house mergers and closures. Consistent with our predictions, we find that a rise in information asymmetry leads to: (i) a higher (lower) probability that firms switch to a higher (lower) quality auditor, implying that information asymmetry stimulates demand for auditing, (ii) higher audit fees, implying that worse information asymmetry is a priced audit risk, and (iii) a higher probability that auditors render a going concern opinion, implying that auditors’ reporting decisions are sensitive to this risk. In another approach to confronting the endogeneity threat that undermines reliable identification in extant research, our core evidence holds in a difference-in-difference framework that involves examining the three auditing outcomes surrounding the brokerage house merger/closure window.
Overestimation of Physical Activity Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Underactive Individuals With Diabetes

Objectives:Using data from the national Health and Retirement Study, we sought to: (a) estimate the proportion of the US adults with diabetes above the age of 50 who do not meet physical activity guidelines but believe they are sufficiently active; and (b) examine demographic and health-related correlates of such “overestimation. ” Research Design:Respondents who were classified as underactive according to a detailed activity inventory but reported exercising at least the “right amount,” were designated as overestimating their physical activity. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association of demographic and health-related correlates with the odds of overestimation. Results:Fifty-four percent of the survey sample did not meet physical activity guidelines, and one quarter of this underactive group overestimated their physical activity. The adjusted odds of overestimation were higher among respondents who held the perception that they were about the right weight or underweight [odds ratio (OR)=2.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.49–3.94), who had good or better self-assessed diabetes control (OR=1.84; 95% CI, 1.12–3.04), and who were Black or Hispanic (OR=1.89; 95% CI, 1.13–3.16). Experiencing shortness of breath reduced the odds of overestimation (OR=0.34; 95% CI, 0.19–0.61). Conclusions:Overestimation of physical activity is common among adults with diabetes, and is associated with the perceptions that one is about the right weight and that one has good control of diabetes, and with being Black or Hispanic. Clinicians should be aware that these factors may affect their patients' beliefs about how much physical activity is adequate.
Physical exertion as a trigger of acute myocardial infarction. Triggers and Mechanisms of Myocardial Infarction Study Group.

BACKGROUND It is controversial whether the onset of myocardial infarction occurs randomly or is precipitated by identifiable stimuli. Previous studies have suggested a higher risk of cardiac events in association with exertion. METHODS Consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction were identified by recording all admissions to our hospital in Berlin and by monitoring a general population of 330,000 residents in Augsburg, Germany. Information on the circumstances of each infarction was obtained by means of standardized interviews. The data analysis included a comparison of patients with matched controls and a case-crossover comparison (one in which each patient serves as his or her own control) of the patient's usual frequency of exertion with the last episode of exertion before the onset of myocardial infarction. RESULTS From January 1989 through December 1991, 1194 patients (74 percent of whom were men; mean age [+/- SD], 61 +/- 9 years) completed the interview 13 +/- 6 days after infarction. We found that 7.1 percent of the case patients had engaged in physical exertion (> or = 6 metabolic equivalents) at the onset of infarction, as compared with 3.9 percent of the controls at the onset of the control event. For the patients as compared with the matched controls, the adjusted relative risk of having engaged in strenuous physical activity at the onset of infarction or the control event was 2.1 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.1 to 3.6). The case-crossover comparison yielded a similar relative risk of 2.1 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.6 to 3.1) for having engaged in strenuous physical activity within one hour before myocardial infarction. Patients whose frequency of regular exercise was less than four and four or more times per week had relative risks of 6.9 and 1.3, respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS A period of strenuous physical activity is associated with a temporary increase in the risk of having a myocardial infarction, particularly among patients who exercise infrequently. These findings should aid in the identification of the triggering mechanisms for myocardial infarction and improve prevention of this common and serious disorder.
High-speed serial interconnect transceiver: Applications and design

In this paper, the design and applications of high-speed interconnect transceivers are presented. Serial interconnect transceivers have been widely adopted for its high data transfer rate, low cost, good noise immunity and low EMI. Signal SNR can be severely degraded by transmission channel. Channel modeling and analysis are very critical in high-speed serial transceiver design. Effects due to channel impairments and tradeoffs among different equalization techniques are discussed in the paper. Implementation examples of key building blocks for high-speed serial transceiver in deep sub-micron CMOS logic process are also introduced.