70 research outputs found
Foreign exchange risk management — a balanced portfolio
No full textChanges in the financial and competitive environment have been a recurring stimulus to corporate reappraisal of foreign exchange risk management (FERM) policy. In 14 UK company cases studied by the author, treasurers identified the following competitive and financial environmental influences on FERM policy
Ezrin interacts with the SARS coronavirus spike protein and restrains infection at the entry stage
No full text© 2012 Millet et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.Background: Entry of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and its envelope fusion with host cell membrane are controlled by a series of complex molecular mechanisms, largely dependent on the viral envelope glycoprotein Spike (S). There are still many unknowns on the implication of cellular factors that regulate the entry process. Methodology/Principal Findings: We performed a yeast two-hybrid screen using as bait the carboxy-terminal endodomain of S, which faces the cytosol during and after opening of the fusion pore at early stages of the virus life cycle. Here we show that the ezrin membrane-actin linker interacts with S endodomain through the F1 lobe of its FERM domain and that both the eight carboxy-terminal amino-acids and a membrane-proximal cysteine cluster of S endodomain are important for this interaction in vitro. Interestingly, we found that ezrin is present at the site of entry of S-pseudotyped lentiviral particles in Vero E6 cells. Targeting ezrin function by small interfering RNA increased S-mediated entry of pseudotyped particles in epithelial cells. Furthermore, deletion of the eight carboxy-terminal amino acids of S enhanced S-pseudotyped particles infection. Expression of the ezrin dominant negative FERM domain enhanced cell susceptibility to infection by SARS-CoV and S pseudotyped particles and potentiated S-dependent membrane fusion. Conclusions/Significance: Ezrin interacts with SARS-CoV S endodomain and limits virus entry and fusion. Our data present a novel mechanism involving a cellular factor in the regulation of S-dependent early events of infection.This work was supported by the Research Grant Council of Hong Kong (RGC#760208)and the RESPARI project of the International Network of Pasteur Institutes
FERM domain-containing unconventional myosin VIIA interacts with integrin β5 subunit and regulates αvβ5-mediated cell adhesion and migration
No full textAbstractUnconventional myosin VIIA (Myo7a) has been known to associate with hereditary deafness. Here we present a novel function of Myo7a by identifying that Myo7a directly interacts with integrin β5 subunit and regulates cell adhesion and motility in an integrin-dependent manner. We found that Myo7a bound to the cytoplasmic tail of integrin β5. Further, we pinpointed an integrin-binding domain at F3 of the first FERM domain and F1 of the second FERM domain. Functionally, Myo7a-induced cell adhesion and migration were mediated by integrin αvβ5. These findings indicated that Myo7a interacts with integrin β5 and selectively promotes integrin αvβ5-mediated cell migration
Delivering affordable workspace: Perspectives of developers and workspace providers in London
No full textThe provision of subsidised workspace for small enterprises has been a public sector concern in many developed economies since the 1960s. In recent years, the focus of economic development initiatives has shifted away from supply side initiatives, such as fiscal incentives and the direct provision of premises, towards a consideration of the collective provision of infrastructure and services, in order to meet demands of businesses and workers in cities where there is already strong demand and growth. As well as this shift from supply- to demand-side initiatives, there has been a change in the political ideological approach to land and property development, away from public sector direct provision and funding, to place greater onus on the private sector to deliver development, infrastructure and services. The introduction of ‘affordable workspace’ planning policies by local authorities in London from the early 2000s is part of this shift – building on more established key worker and affordable housing policies.
This paper evaluates the success of affordable workspace planning policies in thirteen mixed use schemes in London, from the perspectives of developers and workspace providers, who are responsible for delivering and managing the affordable workspace. First, it finds that the perspective of the developer, in particular whether it sees affordable workspace policy as (a) an opportunity, (b) a ‘tool’ to secure planning permission or (c) a burden, is mostly influenced by the way in which the affordable workspace emerged within the proposal. Developers’ perspectives and the success of their partnerships with workspace providers are critical to the successful delivery of affordable workspace within the scheme. Second, the findings show that ‘affordable workspace’ is difficult to define and deliver, with different interpretations used by delivery partners and the ability of workspace providers to deliver affordability depends critically on their organisational model. Finally, the research shows that although there are clear benefits of the policy for artists and small, creative industry businesses, it is not benefiting low-value manufacturers or small family-run retail and service businesses, nor is it generally benefiting start-ups. The implications of policy outcomes for economic development are considered; overall the beneficial impacts are limited. The research concludes that the predominant model of affordable workspace policy being promoted in London will fail to meet the aspirations of policy makers, with the limited success of policy further compounded by the global recession of the late-2000s. Alternative or complementary strategies are discussed
Finite element reliability methods using DIANA
No full textFinite element relia.bility methods (FERM) a.re used for the analysis of a simply supported beam with a randomly distributed elastic stiffness. Two-noded Euler beam elements have been used to model the structure. The probability of exceeding a given threshold for the deflection at a certain point is calculated via FERM. The computer implementation makes use of the DIANA 5.0 finite element code
FERM domain-containing protein FRMD5 regulates cell motility via binding to integrin β5 subunit and ROCK1
No full textAbstractFRMD5 is a novel FERM domain-containing protein depicted in tumor progression. However, the mechanisms underlying FRMD5 inhibition of cell migration is largely unknown. Here, we show that FRMD5 regulates cell migration by interacting with integrin β5 cytoplasmic tail and ROCK1 in human lung cancer cells. FRMD5 promotes cell–matrix adhesion and cell spreading on vitronectin, and thus inhibits cell migration. Furthermore, FRMD5 interacts with ROCK1 and inhibits its activation that leads to the inhibition of myosin light chain phosphorylation and the actin stress fiber formation. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the putative tumor suppressive protein FRMD5 regulates tumor cell motility via a dual pathway involving FRMD5 binding to integrin β5 tail and to ROCK1
Har blåbär en blodtryckssänkande effekt hos män och kvinnor med metabola syndromet? - en systematisk översiktsartikel
No full textSammanfattning
Titel: Har blåbär en blodtryckssänkande effekt hos män och kvinnor med
metabola syndromet?
Författare: Isabelle Ferm och Johanna Andersson
Handledare: Klara Sjögren
Examinator: Anna Winkvist
Linje: Dietistprogrammet, 180/240 hp
Typ av arbete: Självständigt arbete i klinisk nutrition, 15 hp
Datum: 2020-05-25
Bakgrund: Metabola syndromet (MetS) är ett samlingsnamn för olika riskfaktorer för hjärt-kärlsjukdomar där bland annat högt blodtryck ingår. Antalet individer med MetS ökar globalt och för att förebygga och behandla riskfaktorerna är det fördelaktigt med en kost rik på frukt, grönsaker och kostfibrer. Med sitt höga innehåll av kostfibrer och antocyaniner tros blåbär därför ha en blodtryckssänkande effekt. Syfte: Syftet är att granska det vetenskapliga underlaget för att ta reda på om blåbär kan reducera risken att drabbas av hjärt-kärlsjukdomar genom att sänka blodtrycket hos individer med metabola syndromet. Sökväg: En systematisk litteratursökning gjordes i form av två sökningar i databaserna PubMed och Scopus, med sökorden: cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hyperlipidemias, blood pressure, vaccinium myrtillus, bilberry, blueberry, random, blind och RCT. Urvalskriterier: Inklusionskriterier innefattade randomiserade kontrollerade studier och deltagare över 18 år med metabola syndromet. Studierna skulle studera effekten av hela blåbäret och inte enskilt verksamma komponenter i bäret, vara skrivna på svenska eller engelska samt inkludera både män och kvinnor. Studier som exkluderades var de som var utförda på djur, de som kostade extra för att läsas och studier där kontrollgruppen fick en intervention istället för placebo.
Datainsamling och analys: Tre studier kvalitetsgranskades enligt SBU:s granskningsmall för randomiserade studier. Två av studierna inkluderades i den sammanvägda bedömningen enligt GRADE. En studie exkluderades på grund av låg studiekvalitet.
Resultat: Studierna undersökte effekten på blodtrycket av ett dagligt intag av pulveriserade frystorkade blåbär. Deltagarna i studierna var män och kvinnor med metabola syndromet. Den sammanlagda evidensstyrkan baseras på de två studier med hög studiekvalitet. Totalt deltog 184 personer i dessa två studier som varade i sex veckor respektive sex månader. Kontrollgruppen fick placebo i båda fallen. Resultatet visade på att det finns måttlig vetenskaplig evidens (+++) för att blåbär inte har en blodtryckssänkande effekt på individer med metabola syndromet.
Slutsats: Trots utebliven effekt på blodtrycket i denna systematiska översiktsartikel, bör blåbär fortfarande ingå i rekommendationerna för en vardaglig kost. Bäret bidrar med näring i form av vitaminer och kostfiber.
Nyckelord: Blåbär (Vaccinium corymbosum), blodtryck, metabola syndromet.
3
Sahlgrenska Akademin
at University of Gothenburg
Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition
Abstract
Titel: Is there a blood pressure-lowering effect of blueberries in subjects with
the metabolic syndrome?
Author: Isabelle Ferm and Johanna Andersson
Supervisor: Klara Sjögren
Examiner: Anna Winkvist
Programme: Programme in dietetics, 180/240 ECTS
Type of paper: Bachelor’s thesis in clinical nutrition, 15 hp
Date: May 25, 2020
Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a generic term for different risk factors of cardiovascular diseases where among others, high blood pressure is included. The number of individuals with MetS is increasing. To prevent and treat the risk factors for MetS a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and dietary fiber is essential. Blueberries and its high content of antocyanins and dietary fibre are therefore believed to have a blood pressure-lowering effect.
Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to examine the scientific evidence whether blueberries can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by lowering the blood pressure on individuals with the metabolic syndrome. Search strategy: A systematic literature search was made with two searches in the databases PubMed and Scopus. The terms cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hyperlipidemias, blood pressure, vaccinium myrtillus, bilberry, blueberry, random, blind och RCT, were used. Selections criteria: Inclusion criteria for the studies were randomized control trials that included participants over 18 years with the metabolic syndrome. The studies had to observe the effect of the whole blueberry and not just separate active components i the berry, be written in Swedish or English and include both males and females. Studies made on animals, studies that costed extra to be read and where the control group got an intervention instead of placebo, were excluded.
Data collection and analysis: Three studies were reviewed using the SBU:s quality reviewing guide for randomized trials. Two of the studies had high quality and were included in the judgement of GRADE. One study was excluded because of low quality.
Results: The studies examined the effect on blood pressure from a daily intake of freeze-dried blueberries. Participants included both males and females with the metabolic syndrome. The total strength of evidence was based on the two studies with high quality. A total of 184 subjects participated in these two studies that lasted for six weeks and six months respectively. The control group recived placebo in both studies. The result of this systematic review showed that there is moderate scientific evidence (+++) that blueberries do not have a blood pressure lowering effect on individuals with the metabolic syndrome.
Conclusions: Despite lack of effect on the blood pressure in this systematic review, blueberries should still be recommended as a part of the everyday diet. The berry provides a lot of nutrients with its high content of vitamins and dietary fibre.
Keywords: Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), blood pressure, metabolic syndrome
Mutations in FRMD7, a newly identified member of the FERM family, cause X-linked idiopathic congenital nystagmus.
No full textIdiopathic congenital nystagmus is characterized by involuntary, periodic, predominantly horizontal oscillations of both eyes. We identified 22 mutations in FRMD7 in 26 families with X-linked idiopathic congenital nystagmus. Screening of 42 singleton cases of idiopathic congenital nystagmus (28 male, 14 females) yielded three mutations (7%). We found restricted expression of FRMD7 in human embryonic brain and developing neural retina, suggesting a specific role in the control of eye movement and gaze stability
FERM-containing protein FRMD5 is a p120-catenin interacting protein that regulates tumor progression
No full textAbstractFERM family proteins have been known to play an important role in tumor progression. FERM-domain containing protein 5 (FRMD5), a novel putative cytoskeletal protein, is an unknown function protein. Here, we reported that FRMD5 localized at the cell adherens junction and formed a molecular complex with p120-catenin through its C-terminal region. Functionally, we found that knockdown of endogenous FRMD5 promotes lung cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro as well as tumor growth in vivo, suggesting a tumor suppressive effect. These findings indicated that FRMD5 may play a role in p120-catenin-based cell–cell contact and is involved in the regulation of tumor progression.Structured summary of protein interactionsFRMD5 and p120 catenin colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction) FRMD5 physically interacts with p120 catenin by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)FRMD5 and Beta-catenin colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)FRMD5 and gamma-catenin colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction) FRMD5 physically interacts with p120 catenin and E cadherin by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction
Meaning and usage variation of feminine and womanly in American literary history. A corpus based case study
No full textThe original aim for this case study was to look at how two synonymous lexemes, feminine and womanly, have varied in meaning over time in both British and American literature and also, to see if there was a difference in the usage of the lexemes depending on whether the author was male or female. As can be read in Lyons (1995: 60), lexemes like feminine and womanly would be called near-synonyms in linguistic semantics, which means that they are very similar but not entirely identical in meaning. This particular difference is what this study will try to discover
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