Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dominant-negative Gα subunits are a mechanism of dysregulated heterotrimeric G protein signaling in human disease

Mutations in the G protein subunit Gαi3 prevent the endothelin receptor from coupling to the appropriate G protein in patients with auriculo-condylar syndrome. Gαi gets in the way of Gαq Signaling by G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulates various aspects of development and adult physiology, and mutations in GPCR signaling pathway components cause disease. Some patients with auriculo-condylar syndrome (ACS), who have defects in craniofacial development, have mutations in the heterotrimeric G protein subunit Gαi3. Developmental analysis of transfected Xenopus embryos and biochemical analysis in mammalian cells revealed that the Gαi3 mutations associated with ACS enable Gαi3 to bind inappropriately to the endothelin receptor ETAR and block the binding of another G protein, Gαq/11. Although able to bind ETAR, Gαi3 mutants lacked enzymatic activity, thereby preventing intracellular propagation of the endothelin signal. The findings show that dominant-negative mutations in one G protein can impair another and cause disease. Auriculo-condylar syndrome (ACS), a rare condition that impairs craniofacial development, is caused by mutations in a G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway. In mice, disruption of signaling by the endothelin type A receptor (ETAR), which is mediated by the G protein (heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide–binding protein) subunit Gαq/11 and subsequently phospholipase C (PLC), impairs neural crest cell differentiation that is required for normal craniofacial development. Some ACS patients have mutations in GNAI3, which encodes Gαi3, but it is unknown whether this G protein has a role within the ETAR pathway. We used a Xenopus model of vertebrate development, in vitro biochemistry, and biosensors of G protein activity in mammalian cells to systematically characterize the phenotype and function of all known ACS-associated Gαi3 mutants. We found that ACS-associated mutations in GNAI3 produce dominant-negative Gαi3 mutant proteins that couple to ETAR but cannot bind and hydrolyze guanosine triphosphate, resulting in the prevention of endothelin-mediated activation of Gαq/11 and PLC. Thus, ACS is caused by functionally dominant-negative mutations in a heterotrimeric G protein subunit.
Leveraged Buyouts: Motives and Sources of Value

This paper provides an exhaustive literature review of the motives for public-to-private LBO transactions. First, the paper develops the theoretical framework for the potential sources of value creation from going private: a distinction is made between the reduction in agency costs, stakeholder wealth transfers, tax benefits, transaction costs savings, takeover defense strategies, and corporate undervaluation. The paper then reviews and summarizes whether and how these theories have been empirically verified in the four different strands of literature in LBO research. These strands of literature are categorized by phase in the LBO transaction. Intent (of a buyout), Impact (of the LBO on the various stakeholders), Process (of restructuring after the leveraged buyout) and Duration (of retaining the private status). Then, the paper shows that in the first half of the 2000s, a public-to-private LBO wave re-emerged in the US, UK and Continental Europe, whose value vastly exceeded that of the 1980s US LBO wave. Finally, the paper provides suggestions for further research.
The association between tooth loss and coronary heart disease in men and women.

OBJECTIVES This paper evaluates the relation of tooth loss to incidence of coronary heart disease in two large cohort studies. METHODS Participants included 41,407 men and 58,974 women free of any cardiovascular diseases at baseline. We recorded 1,654 incident coronary heart disease events (562 fatal events) among men during 12 years of follow-up and 544 events (158 fatal events) among women during 6 years of follow-up. RESULTS After controlling for important cardiovascular risk factors, compared to men with 25-32 teeth at baseline, men with 0-10 teeth had a significantly higher risk of coronary heart disease (relative risk [RR]= 1.36; 95 percent confidence interval [CI]=1.11, 1.67). The relative risk increased to 1.79 (95% CI=1.34, 2.40) when limited to fatal events. Women with 0-10 teeth were also at increased risk of coronary heart disease compared to women with 25-32 teeth (RR=1.64; 95% CI=1.31, 2.05). The association was similar for fatal events (RR= 1.65; 95% CI=1.11, 2.46). The association between number of teeth and incidence of coronary heart disease was similar between men with and without a history of periodontal disease, and there was no significant association between tooth loss during follow-up and coronary heart disease. CONCLUSIONS This study showed a significant association between number of teeth at baseline and risk of coronary heart disease and the mechanisms to explain this association should be further clarified.
Adjunctive divalproex and hostility among patients with schizophrenia receiving olanzapine or risperidone.

OBJECTIVE This study compared the specific antihostility effects of atypical antipsychotic monotherapy (olanzapine or risperidone) with that of combination treatment with divalproex sodium among patients with schizophrenia experiencing an acute psychotic episode. METHODS A total of 249 inpatients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to receive olanzapine plus placebo, olanzapine plus divalproex, risperidone plus placebo, or risperidone plus divalproex in a double-blind, 28-day multicenter trial. The target daily dose was 15 milligrams for olanzapine, 6 milligrams for risperidone, and up to 30 milligrams per kilogram (minimum, 15 milligrams per kilogram) for divalproex. The hostility item of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was the principal outcome measure. Covariates included the PANSS items reflecting positive symptoms of schizophrenia (delusions, suspiciousness/persecution, grandiosity, unusual thought content, conceptual disorganization, and hallucinatory behavior). RESULTS Combination treatment with risperidone or olanzapine plus divalproex was associated with different scores on the hostility item of the PANSS compared with antipsychotic monotherapy. Combination therapy had a significantly greater antihostility effect at days 3 and 7 than monotherapy. This result was not seen beyond the first week of treatment, but there was a trend toward a difference in effect for the entire treatment period. The effect on hostility appears to be statistically independent of antipsychotic effect on other PANSS items reflecting delusional thinking, a formal thought disorder, or hallucinations. CONCLUSIONS Divalproex sodium may be useful as an adjunctive agent in specifically reducing hostility in the first week of treatment with risperidone or olanzapine among patients with schizophrenia experiencing an acute psychotic episode.
Ruthenium Red Modifies the Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Ca2+ Release Channels (Ryanodine Receptors) by Multiple Mechanisms*

The effects of ruthenium red (RR) on the skeletal and cardiac muscle ryanodine receptors (RyRs) were studied in vesicle-Ca2+ flux, [3H]ryanodine binding, and single channel measurements. In vesicle-Ca2+flux measurements, RR was more effective in inhibiting RyRs at 0.2 μm than 20 μm free Ca2+. [3H]Ryanodine binding measurements suggested noncompetitive interactions between RR inhibition and Ca2+regulatory sites of RyRs. In symmetric 0.25 m KCl with 10–20 μm cytosolic Ca2+, cytosolic RR decreased single channel activities at positive and negative holding potentials. In close to fully activated skeletal (20 μmCa2+ + 2 mm ATP) and cardiac (200 μm Ca2+) RyRs, cytosolic RR induced a predominant subconductance at a positive but not negative holding potential. Lumenal RR induced a major subconductance in cardiac RyR at negative but not positive holding potentials and several subconductances in skeletal RyR. The RR-related subconductances of cardiac RyR showed a nonlinear voltage dependence, and more than one RR molecule appeared to be involved in their formation. Cytosolic and lumenal RR also induced subconductances in Ca2+-conducting skeletal and cardiac RyRs recorded at 0 mV holding potential. These results suggest that RR inhibits RyRs and induces subconductances by binding to cytosolic and lumenal sites of skeletal and cardiac RyRs.
Development of cognitive capabilities for robot Nao in Center for Intelligent Technologies in Kosice

In this paper, we show two practical demonstrations of the robot Nao in projects of Center for Intelligent Technologies. We present our research for tasks like object recognition; robotic kick the ball problem; voice commands recognition and human-robot interactions. At the end of the article we demonstrate that the robot Nao is suitable for these applications.
Does Water Scarcity Shift the Electricity Generation Mix Toward Fossil Fuels? Empirical Evidence from the United States

Water withdrawals for the energy sector are the largest use of fresh water in the United States. Using an econometric model of monthly plant-level electricity generation levels between 2001 and 2012, we estimate the effect of water scarcity on the US electricity fuel mix. We find that hydroelectric generation decreases substantially in response to drought, although this baseline generation is offset primarily by natural gas, depending on the geographic region. We provide empirical evidence that drought can increase emissions of CO2 as well as local pollutants. We quantify the average social costs of water scarcity to be $51 million per state-year (2015 dollars) attributable to CO2 emissions alone; however, this figure is much larger for regions that rely heavily on hydropower.
Keratoprosthesis: Current Techniques

Purpose: To compare and contrast the techniques and results of keratoprosthesis (KPro) using the Cardona device (1975-1985) with those related to the use of the Dohlman-Doane type 1 device (2003-2005). Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 31 cases of Cardona KPro implanted between 1975 and 1981 and a review of 25 cases of Dohlman-Doane type 1 KPro implanted between 2003 and 2005. Procedures were limited to eyes with a poor prognosis for traditional penetrating keratoplasty. Results: In the Cardona cases, 39% (12/31) of patients achieved a visual acuity of 20/40 or better at some point postoperatively, degrading to 16% (5/31) at the end of the observation period. Fifty percent (15/31) required subsequent surgical revision of the KPro. Sixteen percent of cases (5/31) developed endophthalmitis, and 58% (18/31) developed retroprosthetic membranes. There were 5 dislocations of the prosthesis and an additional 3 frank extrusions (26%). Of the 25 Dohlman-Doane cases, there have been no reoperations, endophthalmitis, dislocations, or extrusions to date (8/15/05). Forty-eight percent (12/25) achieved 20/200 acuity or better, and 12% (3/25) achieved 20/40 or better. Retroprosthetic membranes formed in 3 cases. Conclusion: Although KPro remains a technique to be used in poor prognosis keratoplasty, improvements in the design of the device and surgical technique over the past 30 years have reduced the overall morbidity and severity of complications and improved the prognosis for visual rehabilitation.
Health State Transitions and Longevity Effects on Retirees’ Optimal Annuitization

The interplay between longevity risk and health state transitions for retirees’ optimal annuitization decisions is investigated. Using a life-cycle framework incorporating wealth levels, bequest motives, and consumption floors created by government subsidies, we examine how increased longevity in conjunction with an individual's health state transition process impacts annuity purchase decisions. Health state transition matrices are estimated from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) data. The effects of increased longevity on annuitization decisions are considered when longevity is both accompanied by increased time spent in healthier states (morbidity compression) or experienced by more time in unhealthy states (morbidity expansion). We find that retirees’ annuity demand is affected by wealth, initial health status, and expansion or compression of morbidity. Wealthier retirees have higher annuity demand when health shocks are considered, and increased longevity increases demand even more when retirees expect an expansion or slight morbidity compression. With health shocks and expectations of severe morbidity compression considered, the opposite effect might occur. Thus, an annuity can help retirees hedge health shock costs when slight compression or expansion of morbidity occurs. For retirees with lower wealth, the consumption floor provided by governmental subsidies will create a decreased propensity to annuitize.
Sol-gel-derived bioactive glasses demonstrate antimicrobial effects on common oral bacteria.

PURPOSE To determine the antibacterial effect of nano-structured, sol-gel processed bioactive glasses that may be used for implants, coatings, and as adjuncts to dental restorative materials. METHODS Six bioactive glasses (BAG), three made with differing amounts of silica (65, 75 and 85 mole%), and three with different amounts of silica (61, 71, and 81 mole%) and 3 mole% fluoride were prepared by a sol-gel synthesis method and tested against clinically important bacteria species, Streptococcus sobrinus (ATCC33478), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC25175) and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC19433). Bacterial suspensions were independently incubated with bioactive glass in particulate form (< 3 µm) for 4 and 24 hours. Viability was determined by colony-forming units. RESULTS At 4 hours, all BAG produced an order of magnitude reduction in all three bacteria. After 24 hours, all BAG produced a significant reduction in S. sobrinus colonies, but no further reduction in S. mutans; all BAG, except BAG 61-F, significantly reduced E. faecalis compared to the control. At 4 hours, an increase in the pH of the BAG groups (to pH 9) could also have contributed to the bactericidal effect. In further experiments it was found that the viability of S. sobrinus was significantly reduced following exposure to an extract of BAG in media adjusted to a pH of 7.4. Additionally media with pH adjusted to 9 exerted a significant antibacterial effect against S. sobrinus after 4 hours. To determine the influence of the calcium ions released from the BAG in the absence of the pH effect, a typical dose response was demonstrated after 4 hours of exposure of S. sobrinus to media containing various levels of calcium. The results of this study clearly suggest that the effect of BAG extract on bacteria is not only related to a pH effect, but is also linked to an effect of liberated ions, such as calcium, extracted from the surface of the bioactive glasses.
Recommending learning objects based on utility and learning style

The information and communication technologies have become increasingly present in education, either as support for classroom learning, whether in distance learning. Among these technologies, software known as Learning Management Systems - LMS are used for better student-teacher communication and especially for providing instructional materials, activities, assessments and other resources to provide collaborative activities. Despite the large number of LMS' systems available nowadays, these environments and its tools are not always useful in the teaching-learning process. Moreover, every individual possesses a different personal Learning Style (LS), or, in other words, absorbs, processes, and transforms information into knowledge in different ways. When using these differences to recommend Learning Objects (LOs), we allow students access to educational resources that are more adequate to their teaching-learning processes. This article presents a system that utilizes a recommendation technique based on utility, or usefulness, to recommend LOs, stemming from three aspects: the subject the one wishes to learn, one's personal preferences and one's LS. At the end of this article the results of the experiment will be described, which demonstrate the importance of this approach, as well as future projects.
Perceptual, durational and tongue displacement measures following articulation therapy for rhotic sound errors

ABSTRACT Outcomes of articulation therapy for rhotic errors are usually assessed perceptually. However, our understanding of associated changes of tongue movement is limited. This study described perceptual, durational and tongue displacement changes over 10 sessions of articulation therapy for /ɹ/ in six children. Four of the participants also received ultrasound biofeedback of their tongue shape. Speech and tongue movement were recorded pre-therapy, after 5 sessions, in the final session and at a one month follow-up. Perceptually, listeners perceived improvement and classified more productions as /ɹ/ in the final and follow-up assessments. The durations of VɹV syllables at the midway point of the therapy were longer. Cumulative tongue displacement increased in the final session. The average standard deviation was significantly higher in the middle and final assessments. The duration and tongue displacement measures illustrated how articulation therapy affected tongue movement and may be useful for outcomes research about articulation therapy.
Talent management practice effectiveness: investigating employee perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to enhance the theoretical and empirical understanding of the process through which talent management (TM) practice effectiveness impacts high-potential employees’ commitment to leadership competence development. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modelling was utilized to analyse survey data representing a sample of 439 high-potential employees from 11 Finnish multinational corporations. Findings First, the authors found that the more high-potential employees perceived TM practices to be effective, the more they were committed towards leadership competence development. Next, the findings revealed that the association between TM practice effectiveness and commitment to leadership competence development operates by means of psychological contract fulfilment. Finally, the authors found that female employees possessed a stronger reaction to the effectiveness of TM practices by demonstrating higher levels of commitment to leadership competence development than male employees. Originality/value This study supports social exchange theory, which postulates that when organizations invest in their employees, the employees are likely to reciprocate these corporate investments in positive ways. The findings indicate that TM practices may help high-potential employees to make sense of their employment relationship and communicate to employees those attitudes and behaviours that organizations value. The authors thus advocate that in order to have the desired effect, such as for instance the increased commitment to leadership competence development, it is crucial for organizations to invest in those TM practices that are perceived as effective by employees.
Spatial variations in prostate tissue histology as measured by a tactile resonance sensor

In recent years, tactile sensors based on piezoelectric resonance sensor technology have been used for medical diagnosis where the sensor's stiffness-measuring properties can reflect tissue pathology. The change in the frequency of the resonating system and the change in force when contact is made with tissue are used as a stiffness parameter. Earlier stiffness measurements of prostate tissue in vitro demonstrate variations related to tissue composition. In this study, measured stiffness from two human prostate specimens was compared to histological composition of prostate tissue below and around the measurement points. Tissue stiffness was measured with the resonance sensor system. Tissue composition was measured at four different depths in the tissue specimen using a microscopic-image-based morphometrical method. With this method, the proportion of tissue types was determined at the points of intersections in a circular grid on the images representing each measurement point. Numerical values were used for weighting the tissue proportions at different depths in the tissue specimen. For an impression depth of 1.0 mm, the sensing depth in this study was estimated to be 3.5–5.5 mm. Stiffness variations due to horizontal tissue variations were investigated by studying the dependence of the size of the circular grid area relative to the contact area of the sensor tip. The sensing area (grid radius) was estimated to be larger than the contact area (contact radius) between the sensor tip and the tissue. Thus, the sensor tip registers spatial variations in prostate tissue histology, both directly below and lateral to the tip itself. These findings indicate that tumours around the sensor tip could be detected, which in turn supports the idea of a future resonance-sensor-based clinical device for detecting tumours and for guiding biopsies.
Anastomotic leakage: An avoidable complication of Lewis‐Tanner oesophagectomy

Data were collected prospectively from 159 patients undergoing Lewis‐Tanner oesophagectomy for carcinoma of the lower two‐thirds of the oesophagus and analysed with regard to anastomotic leakage. The 30‐day mortality rate was 3·8 per cent and none of these deaths was due to anastomotic leakage. In hospital, mortality was 7·5 per cent. Six patients (3·8 percent) had evidence of a leak. In four patients this was from the suture line, but in the remaining two it was due to patches of gangrene in the fundus of the transposed stomach and was separate from the anastomosis. Two patients died with an unhealed leak. Anastomotic leaks were minor in three instances and healed with conservative treatment but the fourth required exploration. Gangrene of the oesophageal substitute resulted in gross leakage with mediastinitis and required exploration in both cases. An apparent predisposing cause was evident in five of the six cases with leakage and some of these might have been avoidable. Transthoracic oesophagectomy can be performed with acceptably low mortality and leak rates and may therefore be considered as the treatment of choice for most patients with oesophageal cancer.
Explorer Integrating Non-Linguistic Events into Discourse Structure

Interpreting an utterance sometimes depends on the presence and nature of non-linguistic actions. In this paper, we motivate and develop a semantic model of embodied interaction in which the contribution that non-linguistic events make to the content of the interaction is dependent on their rhetorical connections to other actions, both linguistic and non-linguistic. We support our claims with concrete examples from a corpus of online chats, comparing annotations of the linguistic-only content against annotations in which non-linguistic events in the context are taken into account.
Production of Monoclonal Antibodies

This unit describes the production of monoclonal antibodies beginning with immunization and cell fusion and selection. Support protocols are provided for screening primary hybridoma supernatants for antibodies of desired specificity, establishment of stable hybridoma lines, cloning of these B cell lines by limiting dilution to obtain monoclonal lines, and preparation of cloning/expansion medium. An alternate protocol describes cell fusion and one‐step selection and cloning of hybridomas utilizing a semi‐solid methylcellulose‐based medium (ClonaCell®‐HY).