Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Epha4/Sipa1l3/Wnt pathway regulates eye development and lens maturation

ABSTRACT The signal-induced proliferation-associated family of proteins comprises four members, SIPA1 and SIPA1L1-3. Mutations of the human SIPA1L3 gene result in congenital cataracts. In Xenopus, loss of Sipa1l3 function led to a severe eye phenotype that was distinguished by smaller eyes and lenses including lens fiber cell maturation defects. We found a direct interaction between Sipa1l3 and Epha4, building a functional platform for proper ocular development. Epha4 deficiency phenocopied loss of Sipa1l3 and rescue experiments demonstrated that Epha4 acts upstream of Sipa1l3 during eye development, with both Sipa1l3 and Epha4 required for early eye specification. The ocular phenotype, upon loss of either Epha4 or Sipa1l3, was partially mediated by rax. We demonstrate that canonical Wnt signaling is inhibited downstream of Epha4 and Sipa1l3 during normal eye development. Depletion of either Sipa1l3 or Epha4 resulted in an upregulation of axin2 expression, a direct Wnt/β-catenin target gene. In line with this, Sipa1l3 or Epha4 depletion could be rescued by blocking Wnt/β-catenin or activating non-canonical Wnt signaling. We therefore conclude that this pathomechanism prevents proper eye development and maturation of lens fiber cells, resulting in congenital cataracts. Summary: The analysis of Xenopus loss-of-function mutants reveals that Sipa1l3 – a gene associated with congenital cataracts in humans – interacts with Epha4 signaling to regulate retinal and lens development.
Clinical evaluation of rebound tonometer.

PURPOSE To evaluate the reliability and repeatability of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements using a new rebound tonometer. METHODS Intraocular pressure was measured in 42 healthy human eyes of subjects aged 18-30 years (mean +/- standard deviation [SD] 21.5 +/- 3.2 years) using the ICare Rebound and Goldmann tonometers in two separate sessions. RESULTS Intraocular pressure measurements were found to read slightly, but not significantly, higher with the ICare tonometer compared with the Goldmann instrument in both sessions (first session: mean bias +/- SD + 0.50 +/- 2.33 mmHg; second session: mean bias +/- SD + 0.52 +/- 1.92 mmHg). Limits of agreement between repeated readings were +/- 5.11 mmHg for measurements taken with the ICare tonometer, compared with +/- 3.15 mmHg for measurements taken with the Goldmann method. CONCLUSION Measurement of IOP in normal, healthy subjects using the ICare rebound tonometer produced a small, statistically insignificant, positive bias when compared with the Goldmann tonometer. Intersessional repeatability of IOP taken with the ICare is poorer than that of IOP taken with the Goldmann tonometer, but is comparable with that of other non-Goldman-type tonometers currently available.
Debt Restructuring Mechanism in Britain, 1694 to 1750*

This paper shows how Britain used privileged corporations to simultaneously securitize and restructure sovereign debt. Combining the sale of privileges with securitization allowed for multi-party acceptance of sovereign debt restructuring in an early emergingmarket country. As a result, the Bank of England, the South Sea Company, and the East India Company came to hold 80 percent of the British national debt by 1720. After 1720, Britain dismantled securitization and moved debt to a standard bond market.
From “niche” to “mainstream” ‐ strategies for marketing organic food in Germany and the UK

Considers the present situation and future challenges of marketing organic food, drawing on experiences in Germany and the UK. Argues that the existing marketing structure in the UK, dominated by the supermarkets, is not effectively meeting demand because of structural incompatibilities between organic farming and supermarketing. In Germany, increasing supply is not reaching the consumer because the prevailing niche marketing structure is unable to deal with large quantities, a situation to which production‐oriented rather than market‐oriented organic aid schemes have contributed. In both countries, the main challenge lies in broadening the appeal of organic food and establishing a broad consumer base without compromising its identity. In the UK, there is potential for the expansion of small‐scale, decentralized marketing outlets, while in Germany greater involvement by supermarkets appears to be appropriate.
The lesson learn of non-self financing ability BOT project: large-scale rail transportation systems in Taiwan

Finance–base or Service Delivery approaches were utilized to dominate BOT projects but both approaches require a reasonable self–financing ability ratio (SFA). In addition, few studies show successfully implemented BOT schemes with low SFA. To examine the heuristic rule, two cases including one of the largest BOT projects, Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Transportation Plan, are used to conduct interview correspondence, close examination, and analysis of the document of concessionaire selection. We draw on the experience of the process of the Large–scale Rail Transportation concessionaire selection practices where the story of PPP s projects remains limited worldwide. In our case, government involves financing the BOT project to provide a long–term loan guarantee for the private sector on the finance aspect. The issues which cause BOT construction to be costly as well as
Do Liquidity Premiums Matter in Pricing Corporate Bonds? The Case of Korea

In this study, we examine how default risk, which is typically considered to be as one of the critical risk factors related to long-term investment risk as well as liquidity risk, can significantly explain corporate bonds yields in the Korean bonds market through time series analyses. The liquidity positions are estimated for the period of January 2002 to December 2010. We analyzed thoroughly, through a single-factor, a multi-factorial, and an Amihud (2002) analysis of time series regression. The results are sporadic, meaning that, in future research investigations should be conducted into the real liquidity indicators other than trading volumes and absolute returns.
SUMO regulates the cytoplasmonuclear transport of its target protein Daxx

It is known that Fas death domain‐associated protein (Daxx) possesses both putative nuclear and cytoplasmic functions. However, the nuclear transport mechanism is largely unknown. This study examined the nuclear location signal (NLS) of Daxx and whether the nuclear transport of Daxx was mediated by small ubiquitin‐related modifier (SUMO). Two NLS motifs of Daxx, leucine (L)‐rich nuclear export signal (NES)‐like motif (188IXXLXXLLXL197) and C‐terminal lysine (K) rich NLS2 (amino acids 627–634) motif, were identified and the K630 and K631 on the NLS2 motif were characterized as the major sumoylation sites of Daxx by in vitro sumoylation analysis. Proteins of inactive SUMO (SUMO‐Δ), a sumoylation‐incompetent mutant, and Daxx NLS mutants (Daxx‐NESmut and Daxx NLS2mut) were dispersed in cytoplasm. The cytoplasmic dispersed Daxx mutants could be relocalized to nucleus by cotransfection with active SUMO, but not with inactive SUMO‐Δ, demonstrating the role of SUMO on regulating the cytoplasmonuclear transport of Daxx. However, inactive SUMO‐Δ could also be relocalized to nucleus during cotransfection with wild‐type Daxx, suggesting that SUMO regulation of the cytoplasmonuclear transport of its target protein Daxx does not need covalent modification. This study shows that cytoplasmic SUMO has a biological role in enhancing the cytoplasmonuclear transport of its target protein Daxx and it may be done through the non‐sumoylation interactions. J. Cell. Biochem. 98: 895–911, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Neurodevelopmental Therapy on Motor Performance of Infants with Down's Syndrome

A group of 20 infants with Down's syndrome, aged between two months and 21 months, was tested initially on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales. Four treatment objectives were developed for each individual infant, and they were then randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group were given an individual neurodevelopmental therapy program three times a week in their own homes for a period of nine weeks.
Frequent attenders with medically unexplained symptoms: service use and costs in secondary care.

BACKGROUND Frequent attenders in medical settings account for a disproportionate amount of health-care resources. Little is known about service use and costs of secondary care in those frequent attenders presenting with medically unexplained symptoms. AIMS To compare health-care use and costs of patients with medically unexplained symptoms with other frequent attenders in secondary care. METHOD In a sample of 400 frequent attenders of secondary care services, those presenting with medically unexplained symptoms were identified by a review of medical records. Their use of health-care resources was compared with that of other frequent attenders. RESULTS Of the frequent attenders 17% had at least two medically unexplained consultation episodes. These patients had a greater number of referrals to secondary care and were more likely to undergo particular investigations. CONCLUSIONS Frequent attenders with medically unexplained symptoms account for levels of service use and expenditure that are comparable with other frequent attenders, but the use and cost of medical investigations in this group are significantly greater.
Effect of chronic administration of ketamine on the mitochondrial respiratory chain activity caused by chronic mild stress

Rezin GT, Gonçalves CL, Daufenbach JF, Carvalho-Silva M, Borges LS, Vieira JS, Hermani FV, Comim CM, Quevedo J, Streck EL. Effect of chronic administration of ketamine on the mitochondrial respiratory chain activity caused by chronic mild stress. Objective: Recently, we reported that mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, III and IV were inhibited in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of rats submitted to chronic mild stress (CMS) and that acute ketamine administration reversed this effect. Therefore, we investigated whether the inhibition of these enzymes may be reversed by chronic administration of ketamine. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were submitted to CMS and chronically treated with ketamine. After 40 days of CMS, consumption of sweet food, adrenal gland weight, body weight and enzymatic activity of the complexes were measured. Results: We verified that CMS decreased the intake of sweet food, increased the adrenal gland weight and the control group gained weight after 40 days but the stressed group did not; ketamine administration reversed these effects. We also verified that chronic administration of ketamine reversed the inhibition of complexes I, III and IV in cerebral cortex. However, in cerebellum, only complex IV inhibition was reversed. The chronic ketamine administration partially reverses the inhibition caused by CMS. Conclusion: We hypothesise that CMS inhibits complexes I, III and IV activities and that chronic administration of ketamine administration partially reverses such an effect. Therefore, it seems reasonable to propose that ketamine administration might be a useful therapy for patients affected by major depression.
Perceived Attributes of ATMs and Their Marketing Implications

Most retail banking research has explored ATM usage entirely from the viewpoint of consumers′ demographics. Examines ATM usage patterns on the basis of consumers′ perceptions of the attributes of this innovation. Seeks to determine the association between consumer ATM usage patterns and their perceptions of ATM attributes by identifying those variables which distinguish users and non‐users. The results based on a survey of 630 retail banking consumers from two separate Australian banking institutions – a bank and a credit union – suggest that ATM users from both institutions differed quite significantly from non‐users in their perceptions of at least three ATM attributes; convenience, reliability, and suitability. Furthermore, the results indicate that most users perceive ATMs as mere cash dispensers. Successful marketing strategies must focus on the most important attributes of ATMs as well as identify different user groups and develop strategies to maximize their patronage.
Effect of Impeded Medial Longitudinal Arch Drop on Vertical Ground Reaction Force and Center of Pressure During Static Loading

Background: Arch supports commonly used to alleviate foot pain can impede the normal drop of medial longitudinal arch (MLA) thereby altering its function. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of using arch supports on vertical ground reaction force (GRF) and center of pressure (COP) during simulated midstance while the foot was statically loaded. Materials and Method: Ten healthy young subjects were recruited. Two dimensional (2D) analysis of the MLA was captured for both barefoot (BF) and arch support conditions before and after loading via a custom made weight loading apparatus. The foot was loaded and positioned to simulate the midstance phase of walking. Two-dimensional reflective markers demarcated the MLA and captured with the loaded foot on a force platform. The impeded MLA drop was compared between the unloaded BF, loaded BF and loaded arch support conditions. The vertical GRF, the anterior-posterior and the medial-lateral COP displacements were also measured in response to the impeded MLA by the arch supports. Results: The arch supports impeded the MLA drop (p < 0.05) and shifted the COP toward the medial side (p < 0.05), specifically for the rearfoot (calcaneal segment region), but no changes were determined for the vertical GRF (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The impedance of MLA drop by the arch support altered the pattern of the ML COP shift in the rearfoot region. Clinical Relevance: The use of arch supports may not relieve painful foot conditions that are associated with excessive calcaneal eversion indicated by altering COP shifts in localized foot regions.
A Cortico-Collicular Model for Multisensory Integration

Remarkable visual-auditory cross-modal phenomena occur at perceptual level: a visual stimulus enhances or biases auditory localization in case of spatially coincident or spatially disparate stimuli. Hemianopic patients (with one blind hemifield resulting from damage to primary visual cortex) retain visual enhancement but not visual bias of auditory localization in the blind hemifield. Here, we propose a neural network model to investigate which cortical and subcortical regions may be involved in these phenomena in intact and damaged conditions. The model includes an auditory cortical area, the primary and extrastriate visual cortices and the Superior Colliculus (a subcortical structure). Model simulations suggest that: i) Visual enhancement of auditory localization engages two circuits (one involving the primary visual cortex and one involving the Superior Colliculus) that act in a redundant manner. In absence of primary visual cortex (hemianopia), enhancement still occurs thanks to the Superior Colliculus strongly activated by the spatially coincident stimuli. ii) Visual bias of auditory localization is due to an additive contribution of the two circuits. In hemianopia, the effect disappears as the Superior Colliculus is not sufficiently activated by the spatially disparate stimuli. The model helps interpreting perceptual visual-auditory phenomena and their retention or absence in brain damage conditions.
A novel key distribution of body area networks for telemedicine

Biomedical sensors wirelessly located on/in the human body have drawn lots of attention for healthcare purposes. Due to stringent constraints of power, memory and computation capability, security mechanism in wireless body area biosensor networks should be quite different from generic sensor networks. This paper proposes a specific symmetric cryptosystem for those networks wherein physiological signals derived from the human body are utilized to ensure the security of key distribution without key exchange. Experimental data analysis shows that heart rate variability could be one of the proper physiological parameters that can be used to generate a good 'witness' to ensure the secure key distribution.
Heat shock response and ionstasis: axis against neurodegeneration

“That which does not kill us, makes us stronger” This famous quote by Friedrich Nietzsche is exemplified by the phenomenon of “hormesis”. Exposure of organisms to mild stress fortifies them against subsequent, more severe insults. Yet, the relevant molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Although heat stroke is often fatal and survivors may suffer permanent neurologic damage, the mechanisms underlying heat stroke-induced cell and tissue injury remain elusive. To gain insight, we employed the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to simulate hyperthermia [1]. We observed that heat stroke triggers pervasive necrotic cell death and neurodegeneration in C. elegans. Interestingly, preconditioning of animals at mildly elevated temperature protects against subsequent heat-induced damage. The heat shock transcription factor HSF-1 and the small heat shock protein (sHSP) HSP-16.1 mediate cytoprotection after preconditioning. Interestingly, overexpression of hsp-16.1 suppresses necrosis, bypassing the need for ab initio activation of the heat shock response pathway. HSP-16.1 colocalizes with the Ca 2+ /Mn 2+ ATPase PMR-1 in the Golgi. Notably, worms lacking PMR-1 do not benefit from preconditioning and remain susceptible to heat stroke damage. This indicates that the hormetic effect of preconditioning converges on Golgi and the PMR-1 Ca 2+ pump. In addition, loss of pmr-1 abolishes the protective effect of hsp-16.1 overexpression, suggesting that PMR-1 is an important substrate of this sHSP. Interestingly, preconditioning also suppresses cell death inflicted by diverse insults. Notably, this protective mechanism is highly conserved. We found that murine neurons suffer necrosis upon heat stroke, while prior preconditioning prevents death. sHSPs constitute a diverse family of proteins with multiple roles. Several ageing theories suggest that longevity positively correlates with the ability of the cell and the organism to resist stress. Ageing influences both general and organelle-specific stress response pathways [2]. Distinct experimental approaches have identified proteins that are abundant in long-lived worms [3]. Intriguingly, the most consistently represented subset is the sHSP group, including the Editorial
Role of Langerhans cells, Ki-67 protein and apoptosis in acquired cholesteatoma: prospective clinical study

Abstract Objective: To investigate the role of Langerhans cells in the pathogenesis and clinical picture of middle-ear cholesteatoma. Subjects and methods: The study included 40 patients operated upon for a diagnosis of chronic otitis due to acquired cholesteatoma. Results and analysis: A closed surgical technique was used in 20 per cent of patients and an open technique in 80 per cent. Langerhans cells were more densely accumulated in cholesteatoma epithelium, compared with external ear canal skin (p < 0.001). Staining for Ki-67 protein was greater in cholesteatoma epithelium (p < 0.001) and Apo2.7 protein staining (indicating apoptosis) was more prominent (p < 0.001), compared with ear canal skin. Regarding significant relationships between clinical and pathological findings, staining for Ki-67 (p = 0.046) and Apo2.7 (p = 0.037) was more prominent in patients undergoing open versus closed surgery. Conclusion: Using cell proliferation and apoptosis markers, a dense Langerhans cell infiltration was found to occur as a host response to middle-ear cholesteatoma.
MCDP-LAN, An Efficient Multimedia Content Distribution Protocol over LAN

A very usual architecture is one consisting of a set of POS (Point Of Sales terminal), built on top of PC’s, interconnected in a Local Area Network environment. Following the Client-Server model, a POS usually acts as a client, which eventually interacts with the server. This model does not work in the case of a server failure, and, even if the server is robust, the system can be easily collapsed when the number of clients increases and their demands are intense, for example, on the case under consideration in this paper, that is, multimedia traffic. Using the Client-Server model in such scenario leads to deficient service and slow response. Given a platform of a set of POS interconnected with an ethernet hub, the problem is how to distribute multimedia data fast and efficiently. In this paper MCDP-LAN (Multimedia Content Distribution Protocol over LAN), a protocol that solves this problem, is proposed and presented.
Digital contract approach for consistent and predictable multimedia information delivery in electronic commerce

A pure 'technological' solution to network quality problems is incomplete since any benefits from new technologies are offset by the demand from exponentially growing electronic commerce ad data-intensive applications. SInce an economic paradigm is implicit in electronic commerce, we propose a 'market-system' approach to improve quality of service. Quality of service for digital products takes on a different meaning since users view quality of service differently and value information differently. We propose a framework for electronic commerce that is based on an economic paradigm and mass-customization, and works as a wide-area distributed management system. In our framework, surrogate-servers act as intermediaries between information provides and end- users, and arrange for consistent and predictable information delivery through 'digital contracts. ' These contracts are negotiated and priced based on economic principles. Surrogate servers pre-fetched, through replication, information from many different servers and consolidate based on demand expectations. In order to recognize users' requirements and process requests accordingly, real-time databases are central to our framework. We also propose that multimedia information be separated into slowly changing and rapidly changing data streams to improve response time requirements. Surrogate- servers perform the tasks of integration of these data streams that is transparent to end-users.