Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Securin Is a Target of the UV Response Pathway in Mammalian Cells

ABSTRACT All eukaryotic cells possess elaborate mechanisms to protect genome integrity and ensure survival after DNA damage, ceasing proliferation and granting time for DNA repair. Securin is an inhibitory protein that is bound to a protease called Separase to inhibit sister chromatid separation until the onset of anaphase. At the metaphase-to-anaphase transition, Securin is degraded by the anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome, and Separase contributes to the release of cohesins from the chromosome, allowing for the segregation of sister chromatids to opposite spindle poles. Here we provide evidence that human Securin (hSecurin) has a novel role in cell cycle arrest after exposure to UV light or ionizing radiation. In fact, irradiation downregulated the level of hSecurin protein, accelerating its degradation via the proteasome and reducing hSecurin mRNA translation, but the presence of hSecurin is necessary for cell proliferation arrest following UV treatment. Moreover, an alteration of UV-induced hSecurin downregulation could lead directly to the accumulation of DNA damage and the subsequent development of malignant tumors.
Corporate social responsibility : readings and cases in a global context

Part I: Understanding CSR 1. Corporate Social Responsibility in a Global Context 2. The Case for and Against CSR 3. What is CSR? : Concepts and Theories 4. Responsibilities to Stakeholders Part II: Applying CSR 5. CSR in the Marketplace 6. CSR in the Workplace 7. CSR in the Community 8. CSR and the Ecological Environment Part III: Managing CSR 9. CSR Reporting and Auditing 10. Developing CSR Strategy 11. CSR Partnerships and Self-Regulation 12. The Future of CSR in a Global Context
Small GTPases in plant biotic interactions

ABSTRACT The superfamily of small monomeric GTPases originated in a common ancestor of eukaryotic multicellular organisms and, since then, it has evolved independently in each lineage to cope with the environmental challenges imposed by their different life styles. Members of the small GTPase family function in the control of vesicle trafficking, cytoskeleton rearrangements and signaling during crucial biological processes, such as cell growth and responses to environmental cues. In this review, we discuss the emerging roles of these small GTPases in the pathogenic and symbiotic interactions established by plants with microorganisms present in their nearest environment, in which membrane trafficking is crucial along the different steps of the interaction, from recognition and signal transduction to nutrient exchange.
Role of Aspartic Acid 814 in the Function and Expression of c-kit Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (*)

The c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) is constitutively activated in three different types of neoplastic mast cell lines by naturally occurring mutations that result in substitutions of Val or Tyr for Asp in the phosphotransferase domain. In an effort to characterize the role of the Asp residue, we have investigated the properties of mutant KITs in which the Asp residue was deleted or mutated to a series of other amino acids. With the exception of rare instances, mutant KITs with substitutions of Asp were found to be constitutively phosphorylated on tyrosine and activated in the absence of the ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), whereas a deletion mutant lacking Asp (KIT) did not exhibit tyrosine phosphorylation and activation even after treatment with SCF. In addition to constitutive activation, furthermore, both highly activated substitution mutants (KIT and KIT) and modestly activated substitution mutants (KIT and KIT) were continuously degraded in the absence of SCF, whereas wild-type KIT (KIT) required SCF stimulation to undergo degradation. These results suggested that the Asp residue may play a crucial role in regulating enzymatic activity and expression of KIT and that various types of mutations at the Asp residue may generate oncogenic protein with constitutive activation and degradation.
Simultaneous multiplexing and demultiplexing of wavelength-interleaved channels in DWDM millimeter-wave fiber-radio networks

A simultaneous multiplexing and demultiplexing (MUX/DEMUX) scheme for wavelength-interleaved millimeter-wave 37.5-GHz-band fiber-radio channels spaced at 25 GHz has been proposed. The proposed MUX/DEMUX technique potentially realizes simple, compact, and low-cost central office and remote nodes by avoiding the use of wavelength-selective pre- and postprocessing hardware. The novel scheme incorporates an arrayed-waveguide grating with multiple loop-backs between the input and the output ports, in addition to multiple optical circulators and optical isolators. The multiplexing functionality of the proposed technology enables a carrier subtraction technique and consequently reduces the carrier-to-sideband ratios of the multiplexed channels. Multiplexing of the uplink channels generated via several methods is demonstrated experimentally. These techniques include generation of the channels by using the optical carriers that correspond to wavelengths spaced at the free spectral range (FSR) or multiples of the FSR from the downlink (DL) optical carriers and reuse of the DL optical carriers that are recovered by applying a wavelength reuse technique (lambdaUL =lambdaDLplusmnntimesFSR, where n=0,1,2,3,.). The demultiplexing functionality of the proposed scheme that separates the 37.5-GHz-band wavelength-interleaved DL channels spaced at 25 GHz is also demonstrated. In addition, the effect of optical crosstalk on the transmission performance of the demultiplexed channels is also characterized experimentally
[Subcutaneous mycosis due to Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in an immunocompromised patient].

BACKGROUND Scopulariopsis brevicaulis is a causal agent of onchomycosis. We report the unusual clinical manifestations caused by this opportunist fungus. CASE REPORT A 61-year-old man consulted in February 1997 for a budding lesion located on the right medial malleolus. This patient had had a liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis in 1990 and had been taking prednisone and cyclosporine since this time. Cyclosporine had been recently replaced by tacrolimus. The histology examination of a lesion specimen taken from the ankle evidenced a dermal mycosis due to opportunist filamentous fungus. Total excision was performed. The patient then developed nodular lesions of the left elbow during the summer of 1997. Mycology culture of a skin biopsy grew numerous colonies of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. Excision of the elbow lesion was delayed due to hospitalization for suspected graft rejection and development of insulin-dependent diabetes. The elbow lesion was then resected followed by a skin graft. The mycology examination identified the same causal agent. DISCUSSION This liver transplant recipient developed two unusual extra-ungual localizations (ankle and elbow) of a Scopulariopsis brevicaulis infection. Chronic immunosuppression favored development of the infection with a pseudo-epithéliomatous presentation. The histology and mycology examinations were necessary for positive diagnosis.
Joint Opportunistic Beamforming and Subcarrier Assignment for Maximization of User Satisfaction in OFDMA Systems

In this paper, we consider a system based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and investigate the beneﬁts of combining the Satisfaction Oriented Resource Allocation (SORA) algorithm, which aims at maximizing the number of satisﬁed users in a system, and Orthogonal Random Beamforming (ORB), which provides spatial multiplexing gains and has low computacional complexity, low signaling demands, and high transparency to the User Equipment. Our investigations have shown that considerable gains in terms of throughput and user satisfaction can be achieved by combining SORA and ORB.
Doubly-adaptive autoregressive Kalman filter for GNSS carrier tracking under scintillation conditions

In Global Navigation Satellite Systems, receivers have to cope with ionospheric scintillation, which is of paramount importance for high-precision positioning applications. However, the design of robust carrier tracking techniques under these condition still remains an open problem. The time-varying correlated scintillation phase can be modeled as an AR(p) process, whose linear nature fits very well into the linear Kalman filter formulation and can be embedded into its architecture. State-of-the-art techniques stand for fixed architectures optimized for very specific scenarios, namely the KF-AR(1). In this paper, a new adaptive KF-AR(p) approach with new implementations with high order AR models (AR-2, AR-3) is proposed so as to match better the input scintillation time series in time-varying scenarios, which also include the presence of AWGN noise. Simulation results are provided to show the enhanced performance and adaptability in these scenarios compared to previous approaches such as the standard Kalman filter and the KF-AR(1).
Estimated Value of Service Reliability for Electric Utility Customers in the United States

Information on the value of reliable electricity service can be used to assess the economic efficiency of investments in generation, transmission and distribution systems, to strategically target investments to customer segments that receive the most benefit from system improvements, and to numerically quantify the risk associated with different operating, planning and investment strategies. This paper summarizes research designed to provide estimates of the value of service reliability for electricity customers in the US. These estimates were obtained by analyzing the results from 28 customer value of service reliability studies conducted by 10 major US electric utilities over the 16 year period from 1989 to 2005. Because these studies used nearly identical interruption cost estimation or willingness-to-pay/accept methods it was possible to integrate their results into a single meta-database describing the value of electric service reliability observed in all of them. Once the datasets from the various studies were combined, a two-part regression model was used to estimate customer damage functions that can be generally applied to calculate customer interruption costs per event by season, time of day, day of week, and geographical regions within the US for industrial, commercial, and residential customers. Estimated interruption costs for different types of customers and of different duration are provided. Finally, additional research and development designed to expand the usefulness of this powerful database and analysis are suggested.
Influenza-associated pneumonia among hospitalized patients with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus--United States, 2009.

BACKGROUND Pneumonia was a common complication among hospitalized patients with 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 [pH1N1] in the United States in 2009. METHODS Through 2 national case series conducted during spring and fall of 2009, medical records were reviewed. A pneumonia case was defined as a hospitalized person with laboratory-confirmed pH1N1 virus and a chest radiographic report consistent with pneumonia based on agreement among 3 physicians. RESULTS Of 451 patients with chest radiographs performed, 195 (43%) had pneumonia (spring, 106 of 237 [45%]; fall, 89 of 214 [42%]). Compared with 256 patients without pneumonia, these 195 patients with pneumonia were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (52% vs 16%), have acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS; 26% vs 2%), have sepsis (18% vs 3%), and die (17% vs 2%; P < .0001). One hundred eighteen (61%) of the patients with pneumonia had ≥1 underlying condition. Bacterial infections were reported in 13 patients with pneumonia and 2 patients without pneumonia. Patients with pneumonia, when compared with patients without pneumonia, were equally likely to receive influenza antiviral agents (78% vs 79%) but less likely to receive antiviral agents within ≤2 days of illness onset (28% vs 50%; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Hospitalized patients with pH1N1 and pneumonia were at risk for severe outcomes including ARDS, sepsis, and death; antiviral treatment was often delayed. In the absence of accurate pneumonia diagnostics, patients hospitalized with suspected influenza and lung infiltrates on chest radiography should receive early and aggressive treatment with antibiotics and influenza antiviral agents.
Internet anonymity practices in computer crime

Money laundering, drug dealing, terrorism, hacking, fraud, child pornography and the distribution of objectionable material are crimes that are perpetrated using the Internet. Criminals utilise software tools and valuable knowledge from the Internet as well as embracing the Internet’s global communications system to participate in virtual communities of disguised people. The Internet provides the facilities for people with criminal intent to associate and exchange intelligence with reduced risk to their personal identification. Using the example of paedophile and hacker Internet practice, this paper proposes an association between criminal Internet activity and Internet anonymity. It discusses the propensity to use anonymity techniques when perpetrating cyber crime. Consequently, a new balance between privacy, freedom of speech and law enforcement must be determined.
A Preliminary Empirical Investigation of Ã¢ÂÂBrick-to-ClickÃ¢ÂÂ BankingPresence in the United Arab Emirates.

This preliminary study undertakes to investigate the extent and quality of electronic banking (e-banking) in UAE. Banks worldwide are now moving rapidly to an era of technological change. Online versions of nearly all existing payment methods are appearing rapidly bringing about profound changes in the whole system of financial services and intermediation. While many banks especially in Europe and the U.S. have adopted internet banking, this research shows that the majority of banks in U.A. E. are still in the early stages of developing e-banking. Only 18 of the 46 banks in this emerging nation have well-developed e-banking facilicities, despite all banks having an internet banking website for the convenience of their customers. This study sets out to answer several important questions. Namely, what is e-banking? What services does e-banking provide in the UAE and what provisions are made to improve customer relationship using this technology? Using a functionality-interactivity matrix cell model and a survey of 46 banks, evidence shows that the development of electronic banking services within the UAE are moving closer towards western models, albeit, slowly. Evidence shows that reluctance of many banks to whole-heartedly brace e-banking is caused by security fears.
Simulation based analysis of temperature effect on the faulty behavior of embedded DRAMs

Temperature has proven to be an effective stress condition, commonly used to stress memory devices and to detect special types of failure mechanisms. In this paper a new approach is presented where temperature is used as a test parameter to increase the fault coverage of specific tests. This is done using defect injection and simulation of a memory model at different temperatures. The analysis presents new types of detection conditions for memories and evaluates the impact of temperature on these conditions.
Partition noise in CCD signal detection

Reset noise in CCD signal charge detection has been analyzed experimentally and theoretically. From the reset noise measurement experiment, it has been inferred that reset noise consists of sensing capacitance Cs dependent part and effective reset channel length L dependent part. Conventional reset noise theory, where the Johnson noise in reset MOS channel was regarded as the only reset noise source, agrees with the Cs dependent part of measured reset noise. However, it cannot explain the L dependent part. To explain the L dependence, the authors propose "partition noise" caused by carrier partition in the reset MOS channel. Partition noise has been analyzed by the unique technique of solving the one-dimensional diffusion equation. As a result, a reset channel capacitance dependent characteristic for partition noise has been derived, which agrees with the L dependent part for measured reset noise. Consequently, in addition to Johnson noise, partition noise is found to be a noise source in CCD signal detection.
Characterization of LTCC-Based Ferrite Tape in ${X}$ -band and Its Application to Electrically Tunable Phase Shifter and Notch Filter

In this paper, low temperature cofired ceramic compatible ferrite tape (ESL 40011) is characterized in X-band to study the properties of the tape in the demagnetized state. Data obtained are used to design an electrically tunable ferrite phase shifter and a tunable notch filter. These components are made electrically tunable by winding the bias coils around the ferrite substrate. They operate in the partially magnetized state at the magnetic fields <;100 Oe. This biasing mechanism eliminates the use of external biasing magnet for tuning. The phase shifter occupies a total volume of ~2 cm3 including the bias circuitry and the test fixture. For a biased current of 700 mA, the measured differential phase shift of 215° having a figure of merit of 48°/dB is achieved at 10.6 GHz. Tunable reflection-type notch filter is designed using the same method of biasing. Center frequency of the notch is observed at 12.35 GHz. A tunability of 3.5% is achieved by varying the bias current from 50 to 450 mA. Simulation of the structures in a 3-D electromagnetic simulator shows good agreement with the measured results. High power measurements carried out up to a 2 W of input power show good stability in the performance of these components.
BANCOSOL: THE CHALLENGE OF GROWTH FOR MICROFINANCE ORGANIZATIONS

This paper focuses on the difficulties inherent in the prudent management of growth of microfinance organizations and on potential limits to the increased efficiency, profitability, and sustainability expected from growth and large size. The paper addresses both positive and negative implications of rapid growth for microfinance organizations. The experience of BancoSol in Bolivia is used to illustrate these questions. Building upon the successful experience of PRODEM, BancoSol was chartered as a private commercial bank in 1992. The paper discusses the intangible assets inherited from PRODEM that gave BancoSol a head start and the additional advantages that resulted from formalization as a bank, in particular from the authorization to mobilize deposits. BancoSol shows outstanding success in terms of breadth, depth, and quality of outreach and in terms of sustainability. It is the microfinance organization with the largest number of clients in Latin America and it reaches poor clients who could never expect to gain access to conventional financial institutions. The paper discusses the incentive structure associated with a lending technology that has resulted in low loan arrears and the cost- effective supply of small loans. Success is explained by a strong concern with financial viability, development of a lending technology appropriate for the market niche, a long learning period, and upgrading into a formal intermediary. As it grew, BancoSol had to face a reduction of revenues as a proportion of productive assets and an increase in the average cost of funds, which combined reduced its operating margin by 13 percentage points. This challenge was fully met by reducing operating expenses as a proportion of productive assets. While growth of PRODEM had been mostly constrained by too rigid access to donor funds, growth of BancoSol has been constrained by threats on asset quality and by diminishing marginal economies of size. Portfolio efficiency has grown steadily. This growth has been the net outcome, however, of reductions in transactions efficiency and of increases in average loan size after transformation into BancoSol. The paper explores the sources of increases in average loan size and it concludes that mission drift has not occurred at BancoSol, which continues to focus on small loans to microentrepreneurs. The evolution in transactions efficiency is related, in turn, to sources of extensive (installed capacity) and intensive (productivity) growth. Extensive growth has been rapid at BancoSol and it tends to dampen productivity increases. Finally, the paper reviews the pressures from growth on the original informal culture of the organization and the gradual establishment of more formal structures.
Characteristics of patients dying from acute viral hepatitis in Serbia.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Acute viral hepatitis is complicated rarely with severe liver failure due to many factors associated with the etiology, patient age, and time of development of hepatic encephalopathy, etc. The aim of this study was to identify some of the clinical and laboratory features associated with a fatal outcome in patients dying from acute viral hepatitis in Serbia. METHODS Clinical and laboratory data from 47 patients hospitalized from January 1989 December 2006 were reviewed retrospectively. Serological tests for hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses, herpes simplex viruses, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus were done. Histological features were assessed from 35 liver tissues. The electronic base, SPSS for Windows (version 11.0), was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS The majority of the patients had alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >20x the normal value, serum bilirubin >300 μmol/L, prothrombin time >25 seconds (s), and white blood cell count >12 x 10(9)/L. Regression analysis revealed activity of alanine aminotransferase >20x the normal value to be associated with fulminant (p=0.015) and serum bilirubin concentration with subfulminant hepatitis (p=0.008). Hepatitis B virus was the most commonly detected virus (70%). Massive hepatocyte necrosis vs. sub-massive with bridging necrosis were found to be independent of clinical presentation. CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis B virus infection, severe impairment of liver function tests, and confluent hepatocyte necrosis and infection characterize patients dying from acute viral hepatitis in Serbia. High activity of alanine aminotransferase reflects rapid and extensive acute viral liver injury, while deep jaundice is more common in a protracted course of the disease.
Isolation of Human Eosinophils

Highly purified eosinophils can be isolated from peripheral blood by negative selection using anti‐CD16 immunomagnetic beads. The basic protocol describes a sequential fractionation of peripheral blood in which eosinophils are separated first from mononuclear cells and then from CD16+ neutrophils. This technique is easy to use, fast, and highly reproducible. A support protocol describes a staining method that can be used to evaluate the purity of eosinphils.
Human Resource Management Practices and Innovation: A Review of Literature

The objective of this review is to explore the theoretical and empirical findings of research work, which link human resource management (HRM) practices with organizational innovation. Innovation models demand innovation oriented and focused bundles of HRM practices to develop and sustain innovation potential and capacity of organisations. Findings of this review reveal that the theoretical and empirical status of HRM practices on development and retention of innovation potential and capacity of organizations, and further enhances the existing body of knowledge and the literature on the relationship between HRM practices and organizational innovation. In addition, this review demonstrates three key roles of HRM practices on organizational innovation. Keywords: Innovation, Human Resource Management, Human Resource Management Practices, Organization For full paper: fmscresearch@sjp.ac. lk