Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of Isolated Human Phosphodiesterase-5 Regulatory Domain Induces an Apparent Conformational Change and Increases cGMP Binding Affinity*

Substrate binding to the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) catalytic site increases cGMP binding to the regulatory domain (R domain). The latter promotes PDE5 phosphorylation by cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases, which activates catalysis, enhances allosteric cGMP binding, and causes PDE5A1 to apparently elongate. A human PDE5A1 R domain fragment (Val46-Glu539) containing the phosphorylation site (Ser102) and allosteric cGMP-binding sites was studied. The rate, cGMP dependence, and stoichiometry of phosphorylation of the PDE5 R domain by the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase are comparable with that of the holoenzyme. Migration in native polyacrylamide gels suggests that either cGMP binding or phosphorylation produces distinct conformers of the R domain. Phosphorylation of the R domain increases affinity for cGMP ∼10-fold (K D values 97.8 ± 17 and 10.0 ± 0.5 nm for unphospho- and phospho-R domains, respectively). [3H]cGMP dissociates from the phospho-R domain with a single rate (t 1 2 = 339 ± 30 min) compared with the biphasic pattern of the unphospho-R domain (t 1 2 = 39.0 ± 4.8 and 265 ± 28 min, for the fast and slow components, respectively). Thus, cGMP-directed regulation of PDE5 phosphorylation and the resulting increase in cGMP binding affinity occur largely within the R domain. Conformational change(s) elicited by phosphorylation of the R domain within the PDE5 holoenzyme may also cause or participate in stimulating catalysis.
Point Process Approaches to the Modeling and Analysis of Self-similar Traac { Part I: Model Construction

We propose four fractal point processes (FPPs) as novel approaches to modeling and analyzing various types of self-similar traac: the fractal renewal process (FRP), the superposition of several fractal renewal processes (Sup-FRP), the fractal-shot-noise-driven Poisson process (FSNDP), and the fractal-binomial-noise-driven Poisson process (FBNDP). These models fall into two classes depending on their construction. Study of these models provides a thorough understanding of how self-similarity arises in computer network traac. We nd that (i) all these models are (second-order) self-similar in nature; (ii) the Hurst parameter alone does not fully capture the burstiness of a typical self-similar process; (iii) the heavy-tailed property is not a necessary condition to yield self-similarity; and (iv) these models permit parsimonious modeling (using only 2{5 parameters) and fast simulation. Simulation veriies that these models exhibit fractal behavior over a wide range of time scales.
Use of politeness strategies in signed open peer review

Scholarly peer review is a complex collaborative activity that is increasingly supported by web‐based systems, yet little is known about how reviewers and authors interact in such environments, how criticisms are conveyed, or how the systems may affect the interactions and use of language of reviewers and authors. We looked at one aspect of the interactions between reviewers and authors, the use of politeness in reviewers' comments. Drawing on Brown and Levinson's (1987) politeness theory, we analyzed how politeness strategies were employed by reviewers to mitigate their criticisms in an open peer‐review process of a special track of a human‐computer interaction conference. We found evidence of frequent use of politeness strategies and that open peer‐review processes hold unique challenges and opportunities for using politeness strategies. Our findings revealed that less experienced researchers tended to express unmitigated criticism more often than did experienced researchers, and that reviewers tended to use more positive politeness strategies (e.g., compliments) toward less experienced authors. Based on our findings, we discuss implications for research communities and the design of peer‐reviewing processes and the information systems that support them.
Thermodynamic properties of ferromagnesium silicate perovskites from vibrational spectroscopy

Infrared (IR) reflectance and absorbance spectra obtained from polycrystalline and single-crystal perovskites of MgSiO3 and (Mg0.9Fe0.1)SiO3 compositions yielded virtually all the expected fundamental modes. Near-IR absorbance spectra indicate that the polycrystals were anhydrous, whereas the single crystal contained about 0.06 wt % H2O. A Kieffer-type model was used to calculate heat capacity, entropy, and Debye temperature for the orthorhombic perovskite phase. The calculated values at 298 K are Cp = 82 ± 2 J/mol K and S = 56 ± 2 J/mol K. Our calculated Cp agrees with calorimetric data within 5%. Above 500 K, the Debye temperature is nearly constant and equals 960±30 K. The bulk modulus is calculated from vibrational frequencies to be 265±13 GPa which lies within 2% of recent experiments. The Clapeyron slope for the phase transition between ilmenite and orthorhombic perovskite is calculated to be 1.110. 6 MPa/K which is close to the experimental determination.
Early activity of the largest Cenozoic shield volcano in the circum-Mediterranean area: Mt. Karacadag, SE Turkey

Volcanic activity at Mt. Karacadag, SE Turkey, developed between ~11 and ~0.01 Ma. In this paper we investigate the oldest products (older than 2.6 Ma) that created a large volcanic plateau and a N-S aligned volcanic edifice in the form of a shield volcano. These igneous rocks are mildly alkaline to transitional olivine-clinopyroxene phyric basalts with minor hawaiites, basanites and very rare differentiated lithologies (mugearites and benmoreites). The poor correlation of major elements with MgO in these lavas is qualitatively consistent with polybaric depths of magma production, variable degrees of partial melting (from ~2 to ~10 %), heterogeneous mantle sources and differences in the fractionating crystal assemblage. Primitive mantle-normalized patterns resemble typical anorogenic magma compositions, with peaks at HFSE (Nb, Ta, Hf, Zr) and high HFSE/LILE ratios. REE contents are compatible with derivation of the basanites from a mixed garnet-spinel facies peridotite after ~2 % partial melting. Alkali basalts are compatible with higher degrees of melting (between 5 and 10 %) from the same type of source. Initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios range from 0.70349 to 0.70522 while those of 143 Nd/ 144 Nd range from 0.512853 to 0.512659. Early-stage lavas show higher 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and lower 143 Nd/ 144 Nd compared to plateau-stage lavas. The Sr-Nd isotopic variations and their relation with major and trace elements cannot be explained by AFC-like (Assimilation and Fractional Crystallization) processes involving average crustal lithologies. More likely, the Sr-Nd isotopic ratios are related to the existence of heterogeneous mantle sources with only minor involvement of AFC-like processes. The Cenozoic lavas in a 200 x 800 km area between the Karasu Valley and the Syria-Iraq-Turkey border in south-eastern Anatolia form a distinct igneous province which can be characterised on the basis of Sr-isotope signatures. The lithospheric mantle beneath this area is characterized by anomalously enriched 87 Sr/ 86 Sr compositions (up to 0.7055) as well as more isotopically depleted compositi o ns ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr down to 0.7030).
LISTA ANOTADA DE LOS MAMIFEROS DE LA REGION DE LA CAÑADA, EN EL VALLE DE TEHUACAN-CUICATLAN, OAXACA, MEXICO

The species richness of mammals from the region of La Canada, in the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Valley, in the state Oaxaca, is presented. As a result of field works, revision of scientific collections, and literature. 52 species, in seven orders, 15 families, and 40 genera were found. Vegetation types in the area include grassland, xerophitic scrub and tropical deciduous forest, together with crops and secondary vegetation. The greatest species number was observed in the xerophytic scrub (44.9%), and the lowest in the grassland (3.7%). I documented the ampliation in distribution area of nine species in the state.
Protection Genes in Nucleus Accumbens Shell Affect Vulnerability to Nicotine Self-Administration across Isogenic Strains of Adolescent Rat

Classical genetic studies show the heritability of cigarette smoking is 0.4–0.6, and that multiple genes confer susceptibility and resistance to smoking. Despite recent advances in identifying genes associated with smoking behaviors, the major source of this heritability and its impact on susceptibility and resistance are largely unknown. Operant self-administration (SA) of intravenous nicotine is an established model for smoking behavior. We recently confirmed that genetic factors exert strong control over nicotine intake in isogenic rat strains. Because the processing of afferent dopaminergic signals by nucleus accumbens shell (AcbS) is critical for acquisition and maintenance of motivated behaviors reinforced by nicotine, we hypothesized that differential basal gene expression in AcbS accounts for much of the strain-to-strain variation in nicotine SA. We therefore sequenced the transcriptome of AcbS samples obtained by laser capture microdissection from 10 isogenic adolescent rat strains and compared all RNA transcript levels with behavior. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis, a systems biology method, found 12 modules (i.e., unique sets of genes that covary across all samples) that correlated (p<0.05) with amount of self-administered nicotine; 9 of 12 correlated negatively, implying a protective role. PCR confirmed selected genes from these modules. Chilibot, a literature mining tool, identified 15 genes within 1 module that were nominally associated with cigarette smoking, thereby providing strong support for the analytical approach. This is the first report demonstrating that nicotine intake by adolescent rodents is associated with the expression of specific genes in AcbS of the mesolimbic system, which controls motivated behaviors. These findings provide new insights into genetic mechanisms that predispose or protect against tobacco addiction.
A New Look on Classification of Spanish Mutual Funds 1 Working Paper in progress : First Draft

In this paper, we apply a nonlinear methodology (Self-Organizing Maps and k-means algorithm) to classify mutual funds. This methodology allows us to identify which mutual funds did not follow the investment objectives established from its official category. We also propose an alternative classification, which has a lower rate of misclassified mutual fund. It achieves better performances in terms of return/risk, with a lower number of assets, which permits increase the final utility of particular investors. We find that in average 60% of Spanish mutual funds are misclassified, according with their financial attributes. It must be taken into account that grouping mutual funds correctly may have several implications from ex-post and ex-ante benchmark and performance measures.
Learning DTW Global Constraint for Time Series Classification

Neighbor with the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) distance is one of the most effective classifiers on time series domain. Since the global constraint has been introduced in speech community, many global constraint models have been proposed including Sakoe-Chiba (S-C) band, Itakura Paral- lelogram, and Ratanamahatana-Keogh (R-K) band. The R-K band is a general global constraint model that can rep- resent any global constraints with arbitrary shape and size effectively. However, we need a good learning algorithm to discover the most suitable set of R-K bands, and the current R-K band learning algorithm still suffers from an 'overfit- ting' phenomenon. In this paper, we propose two new learn- ing algorithms, i.e., band boundary extraction algorithm and iterative learning algorithm. The band boundary extraction is calculated from the bound of all possible warping paths in each class, and the iterative learning is adjusted from the original R-K band learning. We also use a Silhouette index, a well-known clustering validation technique, as a heuris- tic function, and the lower bound function, LB Keogh, to enhance the prediction speed. Twenty datasets, from the Workshop and Challenge on Time Series Classification, held in conjunction of the SIGKDD 2007, are used to evaluate our approach.
Recent and present‐day stresses in the Granada Basin (Betic Cordilleras): Example of a late Miocene‐present‐day extensional basin in a convergent plate boundary

The diffuse convergent boundary between the Eurasian and African plates in the western Mediterranean is associated with a seismicity zone more than 300 km wide. Although the two plates are converging NW–SE, the Betic and Rif Cordilleras contain extensional structures that have been active since the Miocene. The extensional tectonics in the region, which occurred simultaneously with the uplift of the cordillera, have been analyzed in the southeastern sector of the late Miocene to recent Granada Basin, using earthquake focal mechanisms, the determination of paleostresses from the study of the orientation and kinematics of microfaults, and the study of the major structures. Both the geological surface data and the focal mechanisms indicate present‐day regional conditions of NE–SW extension, with triaxial to prolate stress ellipsoids. However, the stress field is heterogeneous, with local variations in stress over time, with different stresses sometimes even acting simultaneously in adjacent areas. The most frequent changes consist of pluridirectional or NE–SW extension, favored by the prolate character of the stress ellipsoids, and NW–SE subhorizontal compression, favored by the regional tectonic setting. Strike‐slip faults are scarce even though they are the most likely structure to be expected in a region with SW–NE extension and NW–SE compression. Seismicity is concentrated in the upper crust and may correspond to the activity of low‐ to high‐angle normal faults similar to the surface faults, although they can not be correlated with them. The lower cutoff of this seismicity probably coincides with the 300°C isotherm and suggests a low thermal gradient for the region. Present‐day regional stresses have σ1 vertical at the surface but in depth plunge toward the SW.
Quantum feedback channels

In Shannon information theory, the capacity of a memoryless communication channel cannot be increased by the use of feedback. In quantum information theory, the no-cloning theorem means that noiseless copying and feedback of quantum information cannot be achieved. In this correspondence, quantum feedback is defined as the unlimited use of a noiseless quantum channel from receiver to sender. Given such quantum feedback, it is shown to provide no increase in the entanglement-assisted capacities of a memoryless quantum channel, in direct analogy to the classical case. It is also shown that in various cases of nonassisted capacities, feedback may increase the capacity of memoryless quantum channels.
Specificity of absorbed ELISA and agar gel immuno-diffusion tests for paratuberculosis in goats with observations about use of these tests in infected goats.

OBJECTIVE To determine the specificity of serological tests that are currently used in veterinary diagnostic laboratories in Australia for detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis infection in goats. DESIGN A laboratory study. PROCEDURE Four tests were studied, comprising AGID with M. a. paratuberculosis antigen derived from cattle isolates of caprine or bovine origin, the EMAI caprine Johne's disease absorbed ELISA and the CSL PARACHEK Johne's absorbed EIA. The specificities of AGID and ELISA for paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) were estimated after examining a panel of 1000 serum samples collected from goats in Western Australia, a region free of paratuberculosis. In addition a comparison was made of test performance in a small number of paratuberculous goats from New South Wales using sera from two archival collections. RESULTS The specificity of the AGID tests was 100% while the specificities of the two absorbed ELISA were 99.7 to 99.8% at appropriate positive-negative cut-offs. Based on testing the small sample of sera from infected goats, the absorbed ELISA tests detected about twice as many goats with Johne's disease as the AGID. Each test detected paratuberculous animals regardless of whether infection was caused by cattle or sheep strains of M. a. paratuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS Both ELISA and AGID tests for paratuberculosis have high specificity and can be used in a market assurance program without risk of generating large proportions of false positive test results. However, the results suggested the ELISA is more sensitive for detection of infected goats and should be used in preference to the AGID. The two formats of ELISA evaluated in this study have similar characteristics and could be used in paratuberculosis control programs for the goat industries, but further data on sensitivity would increase confidence in their application.
Influences of ENSO Teleconnection on the Persistence of Sea Surface Temperature in the Tropical Indian Ocean

AbstractThis study confirms a weak spring persistence barrier (SPB) of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the western tropical Indian Ocean (WIO), a strong fall persistence barrier (FPB) in the South China Sea (SCS), and the strongest winter persistence barrier (WPB) in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean (SEIO). During El Nino events, a less abrupt sign reversal of SSTAs occurs in the WIO during spring, an abrupt reversal occurs in the SCS during fall, and the most abrupt reversal occurs in the SEIO during winter. The sign reversal of SSTA implies a rapid decrease in SSTA persistence, which is favorable for the occurrence of a persistence barrier. The present results indicate that a more abrupt reversal of SSTA sign generally corresponds to a more prominent persistence barrier. El Nino–induced changes in atmospheric circulation result in reduced evaporation and suppressed convection. This in turn leads to the warming over much of the TIO basin, which is an important mechanism for the abrupt .
[Medical and cost efficiency of autologous blood donation in total hip or knee replacement].

AIM Preoperative autologous blood donation before joint replacement has become standard practice. However, this procedure is discussed controversially regarding medical benefit and cost-effectiveness. METHOD In a retrospective study the data of 994 patients scheduled for hip (THR) or knee arthroplasty (TKR) between 1/2000 and 9/2002 were analysed. RESULTS Altogether 612 patients donated autologous blood (61.6 %). 50.2 % of the patients got blood transfusions during surgery or in the course of their hospitalisation. Donors received blood units more often than non-donors (55.2 vs. 41.9 %). On average 1.4 +/- 1.7 blood units were given during or after THR and 0.8 +/- 1.1 units during or after TKR. Clear predispositions for an increased use of blood transfusions were cemented endoprosthesis, old age (> 70 years) as well as exclusive general anaesthesia. Since 57.8 % of the blood units were wasted, the additional expenses (only laboratory and material costs were calculated) for each retransfused autologous blood unit were calculated to be 28.76. CONCLUSION Besides saving homologous blood, autologous blood donation causes mainly an increased probability of giving transfusions and higher costs. Therefore autologous blood donation should be indicated more critically, especially in younger patients and knee replacements.
The influence of a weakening of the atlantic meridional overturning circulation on ENSO

The influences of a substantial weakening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) on the tropical Pacific climate mean state, the annual cycle, and ENSO variability are studied using five different coupled general circulation models (CGCMs). In the CGCMs, a substantial weakening of the AMOC is induced by adding freshwater flux forcing in the northern North Atlantic. In response, the well-known surface temperature dipole in the low-latitude Atlantic is established, which reorganizes the large-scale tropical atmospheric circulation by increasing the northeasterly trade winds. This leads to a southward shift of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in the tropical Atlantic and also the eastern tropical Pacific. Because of evaporative fluxes, mixing, and changes in Ekman divergence, a meridional temperature anomaly is generated in the northeastern tropical Pacific, which leads to the development of a meridionally symmetric thermal background state. In four out of five CGCMs this leads to a substantial weakening of the annual cycle in the eastern equatorial Pacific and a subsequent intensification of ENSO variability due to nonlinear interactions. In one of the CGCM simulations, an ENSO intensification occurs as a result of a zonal mean thermocline shoaling. Analysis suggests that the atmospheric circulation changes forced by tropical Atlantic SSTs can easily influence the large-scale atmospheric circulation and hence tropical eastern Pacific climate. Furthermore, it is concluded that the existence of the present-day tropical Pacific cold tongue complex and the annual cycle in the eastern equatorial Pacific are partly controlled by the strength of the AMOC. The results may have important implications for the interpretation of global multidecadal variability and paleo-proxy data.
Late Wisconsinan buildup and wastage of the Innuitian Ice Sheet across southern Ellesmere Island, Nunavut

During the Late Wisconsinan, a precursor of the Prince of Wales Icefield, southern Ellesmere Island, formed a prodigious ice divide of the Innuitian Ice Sheet. Initial buildup occurred after 19 ka BP, when the icefield advanced west (inland) across Makinson Inlet from margins similar to present. Subsequent reversal of flow to the east required ice divide migration to the west onto a plateau that is largely ice-free today. From this divide, a trunk glacier flowed eastward through Makinson Inlet to join the Smith Sound Ice Stream en route to nothern Baffin Bay. Westward flow from this divide filled Baumann Fiord, depositing a granite dispersal train that extends a further 600 km across the archipelago to the polar continental shelf. Deglaciation of most of Makinson Inlet occurred catastrophically at ∼9.3 ka BP, forming a calving bay that thinned the Innuitian divide, thereby triggering deglaciation of most of Baumann Fiord by 8.5 ka BP. Ninety 14C dates on Holocene shells and driftwood constrain deglacial isochrones and postglacial emergence curves on opposite sides of the former Innuitian divide. Isobases drawn on the 8 ka BP shoreline rise northwest towards Eureka Sound, the axis of maximum former ice thickness. Ice margins on Ellesmere Island were similar to present from ∼50–19 ka BP (spanning marine isotope stages 3 and 2). However, significant regional variation in ice extent during this interval is recorded by ice rafting from the Laurentide Ice Sheet into Baffin Bay. Later buildup of the Innuitian Ice Sheet occurred during the low global sea level that defines the last glacial maximum (18 ka BP). We also suggest that the Innuitian Ice Sheet was influenced by the buttressing and subsequent removal of the Greenland Ice Sheet along eastern Ellesmere Island.