Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Plasminogen-like Protein Selectively Degrades Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase in Liver Microsomes*

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is an integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum that is rapidly and selectively degraded when isolated liver microsomes are incubated at 37 °C. We previously reported the purification of a 90-kDa microsomal protein with SCD protease activity and characterized the inhibitor sensitivity of the protease. Here we show that the 90-kDa protein is a microsomal form of plasminogen (Pg) and that the purified SCD protease contains a spectrum of plasmin-like derivatives. The 90-kDa protein was identified as Pg by mass spectrometry of its tryptic peptides. The purified SCD protease reacted with Pg antibody, and immunoblotting demonstrated enrichment of Pg by the purification procedure established for the SCD protease. Analysis of microsomes by zymography demonstrated a single band of proteolytic activity at 70-kDa corresponding to the mobility of Pg in nonreduced polyacrylamide gels. When microsomes were incubated at 37 °C prior to zymography, an intense band of proteolytic activity developed at 30-kDa. The purified SCD protease displayed a spectrum of proteolytic bands ranging from 70 to 30 kDa. Degradation of SCD by the purified protease and by microsomes was inhibited by bdellin, a plasmin inhibitor from the medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis. To explore the role of Pg in the degradation of SCD in vivo, we examined SCD expression and degradation in microsomes isolated from Pg-deficient (Pg–/–) mice. Compared with microsomes from wild-type littermate control mice, liver microsomes from Pg–/– mice had significantly higher levels of SCD. Degradation of SCD in microsomes from Pg–/– mice was markedly diminished, whereas liver microsomes from control mice showed rapid SCD degradation similar to that observed in rat liver microsomes. These findings indicate that SCD is degraded by a protease related to Pg and suggest that plasmin moonlights as an intracellular protease.
Do Markets Anticipate Changes in Risk after Major Corporate Events? Evidence from SEOs

This paper examines the relationship between stock and option markets around SEO events. We compare option-implied volatility and realized volatility to show that option markets do not fully predict risk dynamics following equity issues. Moreover, we show that straddle strategies that explore the difference between option-implied and realized volatility following SEO events can lead to significant risk-adjusted (by common risk factors) positive returns. We also find that risk-adjusted returns can be partially explained by uncertainty (approximated for by option market liquidity). We interpret this as compensation for writing options during times of high uncertainty around the SEO event, where long options are more valuable.
Renal failure after upper gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhosis: Incidence, clinical course, predictive factors, and short‐term prognosis

To assess the incidence, clinical course, predictive factors, and prognosis of renal failure in patients with cirrhosis and gastrointestinal bleeding, 175 consecutive episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding in 161 patients were analyzed. Renal failure occurred in 20 (11%) episodes and was transient in 8 episodes and nontransient in 12. Renal failure was more common in patients with cirrhosis than in a control population of bleeding patients without cirrhosis matched by age and severity of the bleeding episode. Among 39 clinical and laboratory variables obtained at admission or during hospitalization related with the bleeding episode or with liver and renal function, the presence of hypovolemic shock, number of packed red blood cells transfused, Child‐Pugh class at admission, and baseline platelet count were independent predictors of renal failure. The development of renal failure and hypovolemic shock was the only independent predictors of in‐hospital mortality. Mortality rate among the 20 episodes with renal failure was 55% (11 deaths) as compared with only 3% (5 deaths) in the 155 episodes without renal failure (P < .01). The development of nontransient renal failure entailed a much greater mortality as compared with transient renal failure (10 of 12 [83%] vs. 1 of 8 [12%]; P < .01). In conclusion, renal failure is a common event in patients with cirrhosis and gastrointestinal bleeding, the occurrence of which is mainly related to the severity of bleeding and baseline liver function. Renal failure is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with cirrhosis and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Improvement in Essential Tremor after Pure Sensory Stroke due to Thalamic Infarction

Introduction Essential tremor, one of the commonest movement disorders, is a very slowly progressive condition which can produce significant functional disability. Stereotaxic thalamotomy or high-frequency stimulation of the thalamus are effective for the suppression of drugresistant tremor [1, 2]. We report a case of essential tremor with spontaneous controlateral improvement after a sensory stroke involving the inferolateral part of the thalamus.
Executive Stock Option Contract Increases Firm Value and Performance: A Case Study on Starbucks Company

A diversified stock option plan design plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of option contracts management and elimination of the free-rider problem. The aim of this study is to examine how a company can be used stock options in risk management and solving the agency problem rewarding employees and managers. The stock options plans offered by Starbucks engage all employees and executives into the ownership providing appropriate motivation and incentive and solving the agency problem. However, the study found that, this could also trigger more risk taking on the part of the top managers.
Primary gastric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in a population-based registry.

BACKGROUND The incidence of primary gastric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) appears to have increased worldwide in recent years, and this seems to be confirmed by large-sample population studies. METHODS AND RESULTS We derived our data from the Lombardy Cancer Registry, which provides the incidence of cancer in the province of Varese, Northern Italy. From 1978 to 1987 we identified 3261 cases of gastric neoplasms, 119 of which were gastric NHL: 32 (1.87%) from 1978 to 1982, and 87 (5.32%) from 1983 to 1987. The difference in the age and sex standardized incidence trend between these two time periods was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The overall survival rate of the 112 evaluable patients was 54% at 5 years and 45% at 10 years. A multivariate analysis was performed. Age (p < 0.0005), clinical stage (p < 0.04) and therapy (p < 0.0005) were found to be significant prognostic factors for survival. CONCLUSIONS This study stresses the utility of prospective randomized clinical trials that could indicate the optimal management of patients with primary gastric lymphoma.
Factors influencing Malaysian consumers’ consumption of dairy products

Increasing demand for dairy products in Malaysia is driving government initiatives and structural change in the domestic dairy industry in order to increase competitiveness and self-sufficiency. This study endeavours to investigate the drivers of increasing dairy demand by examining the factors influencing Malaysian consumers‟ consumption and perceptions of various types of dairy products. A survey of 435 respondents was conducted and the data were analysed using logit models. The results indicate that demographic variables such as age and ethnicity as well as other attitudinal variables significantly influence consumers‟ increasing consumption of dairy products. Managerial recommendations for the domestic dairy industry are suggested and policy implications are discussed.
Sobolev space preconditioning for Newton's method using domain decomposition

An inner–outer iteration is constructed for ill‐conditioned non‐linear elliptic boundary value problems, using a damped inexact Newton Method for the outer and a conjugate gradient method for the inner iteration. The focus is on efficient preconditioning for the inner iteration. Sobolev space background is used to construct preconditioners as discretizations of appropriately chosen piecewise constant coefficient elliptic operators. The combination of this theoretical approach with a suitable domain decomposition idea results in well‐structured preconditioners that are able to compensate for the sharp gradients of the coefficients. Furthermore, convergence estimates and mesh independence of the condition numbers are direct consequences of the method. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of Housing Down Payment Sources Among Baby Boomer Households in the U.S.

Using data from the 2001 American Housing Survey, the purpose of this study is to profile the economic and socio-demographic characteristics of baby boomers according to housing down payment sources and to identify determinants of housing down payment sources among baby boomers. Results of the multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that household income, housing value, age, education, gender, marital status, race, and geographic region were all significant determinants of housing down payment sources among baby boomers. Identification of factors affecting the occurrence of borrowing for housing down payment would aid in the development of financial education programs for baby boomer households.
Recent developments in durum wheat chromosome engineering

Transfer of alien chromosome segments from various Triticeae species into cultivated wheats, commonly referred to as “chromosome engineering”, is currently benefiting from the recent, impressive advancements in molecular genetics, cytogenetics and genomics, which are providing new insights into the genetic and physical organization of even complex plant genomes, such as those of the Triticeae. The powerful analytical tools presently available are making the assessment of desired genotypes in the course of chromosome engineering far more precise and effective than in the past, thus giving this transfer strategy renewed and increased potential for meaningful practical achievements. Examples are given here of the application of such tools to the engineering of the durum wheat genome with small alien segments containing genes with beneficial impact on disease resistance and quality traits.
From early requirements to user interface prototyping: a methodological approach

The objective of this paper is to define a software production process which represents the correspondence between the primitive elements of a business model (represented in the framework i*) and the user interface of the software system. The representation of the user interface is compliant with the Unified Model Language (UML). We use a use case model as an intermediary between the business requirements and the application software. By doing this, we go a step further in the process of properly embedding early requirements engineering into the software production process, because organizational users can validate their requirements as early as possible. This is done through the validation of the user interfaces which are generated as a software representation of these requirements. These interfaces can also be reused for further refinement as a useful starting point in the software development process.
Performance analysis of ultra small antenna in body-air channel

We propose a new slab shaped body-air channel model, in which the transmit antenna is located in body while receiver is placed in the air. The signal strength received at an ultra small magnetic dipole TX antenna is analyzed using wave equation, simulation, and experiment. Due to the slab reflecting effect, the results surprisingly show that there exists an optimum transmit antenna location in body which makes the receiving power maximum. Notably, the signal strength from a TX antenna located 7–8cm underneath is equivalent to that at the body surface and 8dB higher than the minimum case.
Feelings of Women With Strong Family Histories Who Subsequent to Their Breast Cancer Diagnosis Tested BRCA Positive

ObjectiveFamily physicians in Canada as reported in several studies do not recognize the importance of family history in relation to breast/ovarian cancer and thus Canadian women with strong family histories continue to develop early-onset breast cancer without the knowledge of or ability to make choices regarding increased surveillance or preventative strategies. This study explored the feelings of women who learned about their hereditary risk only after their diagnosis younger than 52 years and who eventually tested positive for a BRCA gene mutation. MethodsThirty-four such women were mailed an invitation to participate in this research including a letter of information, consent form, and discussion prompts for their written narrative response. Rigorous mixed method analyses were performed using Charmaz-based qualitative analyses as well as quantitative analyses. ResultsThirteen women (38.2%) responded with narratives for qualitative analysis from which 4 themes were coconstructed as follows: I, types of emotions; II, emotional response; III, coping with emotions; and IV, advice to women at similar risk. Women felt they should have learned about their hereditary risk from their family physician and through public education before their diagnosis. Although not experienced at the time of diagnosis, anger, frustration, and regret were experienced after receiving their BRCA results. These emotions arose from our research participants’ lack of opportunity for prior genetic counseling and testing opportunity for genetic counseling and testing. ConclusionsWith increased public and physician education, it is hoped that women with significant family histories of breast/ovarian cancer will be identified before diagnosis and given options regarding cancer surveillance and risk reduction strategies.
Sparsomycin–Linezolid Conjugates Can Promote Ribosomal Translocation

Sparsomycin is an antibiotic that targets the peptidyl transferase center of the ribosome and has the ability to promote ribosomal translocation in the absence of EF‐G and GTP. Here we show that changes in the configurations at the two chiral centers of sparsomycin, especially at the chiral carbon, can greatly affect its capability to promote ribosomal translocation. More importantly, the incorporation of the pseudo‐uracil moiety of sparsomycin into linezolid through a covalent linkage conferred on linezolid derivatives the ability to promote translocation, thus indicating the importance of interactions between this pseudo‐uracil moiety, rRNA, and tRNA for promoting translocation. In addition, these translocation promoters can also effectively inhibit spontaneous reverse translocation; this suggests that they might promote forward translocation by trapping the ribosome in the post‐translocation state and shifting the equilibrium between the pre‐ and post‐translocation ribosome in the forward direction.
Business R&D, Innovation and Economic Growth: An Evidence-Based Synthesis of the Policy Issues

There is strong theoretical and empirical support linking business research and development, innovation and productivity growth at a national level. There is also strong evidence of spillovers from business R&D. The magnitude of these spillovers is economically significant and warrants subsidies. Evidence also suggests that a mix of discretionary and non-discretionary policies is likely to be required. New Zealand looks increasingly unusual in the OECD in terms of its sole reliance on discretionary grants for business R&D. This paper proposes implementing a well-designed non-discretionary R&D assistance scheme aimed at stimulating a sustained increase in levels of business R&D.
A compact inverted-F antenna for dual-band WLAN operations in a mini tablet computer

A novel miniature inverted-F antenna for 2.4/5GHz dual-band WLAN applications in a tablet computer is presented. This antenna is composed of three radiating strips and a shorting strip, which occupies an area of 13(L)×6(W)mm2 to be mounted along the side edge of the panel. Good performance for the WLAN applications has been obtained.
Predictors of functional outcome of patients in neurological intensive care unit

Background: Little is known regarding the functional outcome and quality of life of neuro-ICU survivors. In Korea, the neuro-ICU concept was introduced relatively late and data about long term outcome and predictors concerning functional outcome is scarce. The main objective of this study was to analyze functional outcome and mortality, and to determine prognostic predictors for the outcome in patients admitted to Korean neuro-ICUs. Methods: Consecutive adult (≥ 15-years-of-age) patients admitted to a neuro-ICU due to various causes including ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, and other neurological or neurosurgical problems such as traumatic brain injury, seizure, or drug intoxication during an 18-month period from July 2008 through December 2009 were included. Demographic and clinical variables were compared between groups stratifi ed based on 6-month modifi ed Rankin scale score. Results: Of 555 patients, there were signifi cant differences in age (P=0.013), sex (P=0.02), hospital stay (P<0.01), neuro-ICU stay (P<0.01), admission diagnosis (P=0.001), intubation (P<0.01), mechanical ventilation (P<0.01), tracheostomy (P<0.01), comorbid conditions such as atrial fi brillation (P<0.01), cardiac complication (P<0.01) and pulmonary complication (P<0.01), a high Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS-28) score (P<0.01), and a high Acute Physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score (P<0.01) between favorable and unfavorable outcome groups. The overall mortality rate was 15.0% (n=83). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age, sex, high TISS-28, high APACHE II score, intubation, and cardiac complication were independent predictors of unfavorable outcome. Conclusion: The identifi ed predictors for functional outcomes in Korean neuro-ICU patients will be an important aid in diagnosing and treating neuro-ICU patients.
Does New Entry Drive Out Incumbents? Evidence from establishment-level data in Japan

Using establishment-level data in Japan, we examine the effects of new business entries on the probability of incumbents exiting the market. In particular, we estimate how the effects vary depending on the size of both the entrants and incumbents, which has not been explored in the literature. We find that while new business entries increase the probability that incumbents will exit, the effect differs significantly across sectors and depends on entrant and incumbent size. Although small establishments are the most likely to be driven out by new entries in all sectors, large incumbents are not always the most competitive, and, in the case of the tradable services sector, medium-sized establishments are the least likely to be affected by new entries. Moreover, our simple regression analysis shows a positive relationship between entry rates and employment growth in a region. New entries may promote resource reallocation and stimulate regional economies, possibly resulting in regional employment growth.
Optimization of Neural Network Architecture for Biomechanic Classification Tasks with Electromyogram Inputs

Electromyogram signals (EMGs) contain valuable information that can be used in man-machine interfacing between human users and myoelectric prosthetic devices. However, EMG signals are complicated and prove difficult to analyze due to physiological noise and other issues. Computational intelligence and machine learning techniques, such as artificial neural networks (ANNs), serve as powerful tools for analyzing EMG signals and creating optimal myoelectric control schemes for prostheses. This research examines the performance of four different neural network architectures (feedforward, recurrent, counter propagation, and self organizing map) that were tasked with classifying walking speed when given EMG inputs from 14 different leg muscles. Experiments conducted on the data set suggest that self organizing map neural networks are capable of classifying walking speed with greater than 99% accuracy.
Feedback of Interface Agents on Student Perception: Level, Dialogue, and Emotion

Although feedback from interface agents has recently attracted increasing research attention, most studies emphasize the cognitive influences. Thus, the effect of each feedback type on student perception remains unclear. This study focuses on three types of feedback from interface agents to clarify student perception of single feedback and combinations of feedback types. An empirical study of 45 junior college students was conducted. Results showed that students preferred the emotion feedback and disliked the level feedback when they were asked to choose one feedback type. For combinations, the combined feedback of dialogue and emotion was the most preferred among all combinations. Based on these findings, several implications for the further development of interface agents are discussed
Quantitative evolutionary genomics: differential gene expression and male reproductive success in Drosophila melanogaster

We combined traditional quantitative genetics and oligonucleotide microarrays to examine within–population genetic variation in a trait closely related to fitness. The trait, male reproductive success under competitive conditions (MCRS), is of central importance to both life-history and sexual–selection theory. We identified 27 candidate genes whose expression levels were associated with within–population variation in MCRS. ’High‚ MCRS was associated with low expression of a cytochrome P450 that causes pesticide resistance, suggesting a fitness cost to resistance. Two groups of metabolic proteins (glutathione transferases and phosphatases) were significantly over–represented, and a large portion of the candidates are genes involved in oxidative stress resistance, energy acquisition or energy storage. Genes expressed in accessory glands and testes were not over–represented among differentially expressed genes, but testis–expressed genes were significantly more likely to be upregulated in high MCRS genotypes. Finally, nine candidate genes that we identified had no previous functional annotation, and this experiment suggests that they play a role in male reproductive success.
Urinary biomarkers for secondhand smoke

The use of a biomarker is mandatory for quantitative analysis of exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). This article summarizes urinary biomarkers of smoke exposure which can be now quantified. The most reliable urinary biomarkers to assess the exposure to SHS are NNAL 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanol and NNAL‐Glucuronides, which is metabolites of tobacco‐specific nitrosamine. These substances were detected even in 50% of children who had undetectable level of cotinine (<0.5 ng/ml). Urinary cotinine, which is determined by a highly sensitive competing enzyme immunoassay, is also a useful biomarker. However, individual variability of CYP2A6 allele,in which nicotine is catalyzed to cotinine, affects the level of urinary cotinine. Approximately 20% of Japanese subjects have homozygotes or heterozygotes of the CYP2A6*4 allele, which has impaired nicotine metabolism and subsequently may underestimate the actual exposure to SHS. In assessing the exposure to SHS, therefore, individual variability of CYP2A6 gene polymorphism should be taken into consideration. The combination of urinary cotinine measurement and self‐report of parents' smoking seems to be accurate to assess the exposure to SHS in mass screening. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:354–358, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.