Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CAR2 Displays Unique Ligand Binding and RXRα Heterodimerization Characteristics

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR; NR1I3) regulates the expression of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism. Alternative splicing of the human CAR gene yields an array of mRNAs that encode structurally diverse proteins. One form of CAR, termed CAR2, contains an additional four amino acids (SPTV) that are predicted to reshape the ligand-binding pocket. The current studies show a marked, ligand-independent, CAR2-mediated transactivation of reporters containing optimal DR-3, DR-4, and DR-5 response elements, and reporters derived from the natural CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 gene promoters. Overexpression of the RXRα ligand binding domain was critical for achieving these effects. CAR2 interaction with SRC-1 was similarly dependent on the coexpression of RXRα. Mutagenesis of Ser233 (SPTV) to an alanine residue yielded a receptor possessing higher constitutive activity. Alternatively, mutating Ser233 to an aspartate residue drastically reduced the transactivation capacity of CAR2. The respective abilities of these mutagenized forms of CAR2 to transactivate a DR-4 × 3 reporter element correlated with their ability to interact with RxRα and to recruit SRC-1 in a ligand-regulated manner. Together, these results demonstrate a robust RXRα-dependent recruitment of coactivators and transactivation by CAR2. In addition, CAR2 displays novel dose responses to clotrimazole and androstanol compared with the reference form of the receptor while at the same time retaining the ability to bind CITCO. This result supports a hypothesis whereby the four-amino-acid insertion in CAR2 structurally modifies its ligand binding pocket, suggesting that CAR2 is regulated by a set of ligands distinct from those governing the activity of reference CAR.
Feeling Like a Leader: The Emotions of Leadership.

Examining the emotionality of leadership by exploring administrators' recall of key junctures in their lives as leaders, this study investigated the associations between an individual's work philosophy of leadership and his/her experience of emotionality in leadership work. Participants were five Canadian individuals actively involved in leadership/administrative positions in education. The study used stimulated recall of emotional experiences associated with leadership work. Data collection involved interviews, the researcher's observation notes, and participants' written reflections about the interviews. Data analysis indicated that the protection of self from emotional hurt was of paramount importance. This was fostered by sharing and collaboration. Leadership styles that were controlling and perfectionist related to high anxiety, fear, and reticence to risk. Authentic collaboration was a successful anxiety reducer and optimizing strategy. There was a stronger capacity to use language and reexperience the emotions of the self and others in recall among women. Among the participants, while emotional authenticity was special and pleasant, it was rare. This paper summarizes results related to kinds of emotions and their provocations, emotional intrasubjectivity of leaders, and emotional intersubjectivity of leadership. Findings support the position that emotions may be fundamental to the intraand intersubjective realities of life in schools, in general, and of leadership work in particular. (Contains 45 references.) (SM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.
Locally-Optimized Reweighted Belief Propagation for Decoding LDPC Codes with Finite-Length

In practice, LDPC codes are decoded using message passing methods. These methods offer good performance but tend to converge slowly and sometimes fail to converge and to decode the desired codewords correctly. Recently, tree-reweighted message passing methods have been modified to improve the convergence speed at little or no additional complexity cost. This paper extends this line of work and proposes a new class of locally optimized reweighting strategies, which are suitable for both regular and irregular LDPC codes. The proposed decoding algorithm first splits the factor graph into subgraphs and subsequently performs a local optimization of reweighting parameters. Simulations show that the proposed decoding algorithm significantly outperforms the standard message passing and existing reweighting techniques.
IceCube search for dark matter annihilation in nearby galaxies and galaxy clusters

We present the results of a first search for self-annihilating dark matter in nearby galaxies and galaxy clusters using a sample of high-energy neutrinos acquired in 339.8 days of live time during 2009/10 with the IceCube neutrino observatory in its 59-string configuration. The targets of interest include the Virgo and Coma galaxy clusters, the Andromeda galaxy, and several dwarf galaxies. We obtain upper limits on the cross section as a function of the weakly interacting massive particle mass between 300 GeV and 100 TeV for the annihilation into b (b) over bar, W+(W) over bar (-), tau(+)tau(-), mu(+)mu(-) , and nu(nu) over bar. A limit derived for the Virgo cluster, when assuming a large effect from subhalos, challenges the weakly interacting massive particle interpretation of a recently observed GeV positron excess in cosmic rays.
Inorganic and black carbon aerosols in the Los Angeles Basin during CalNex

We evaluate predictions from the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ version 4.7.1) model against a suite of airborne and ground‐based meteorological measurements, gas‐ and aerosol‐phase inorganic measurements, and black carbon (BC) measurements over Southern California during the CalNex field campaign in May/June 2010. Ground‐based measurements are from the CalNex Pasadena ground site, and airborne measurements took place onboard the Center for Interdisciplinary Remotely‐Piloted Aircraft Studies (CIRPAS) Navy Twin Otter and the NOAA WP‐3D aircraft. BC predictions are in general agreement with observations at the Pasadena ground site and onboard the WP‐3D, but are consistently overpredicted when compared to Twin Otter measurements. Adjustments to predicted inorganic mass concentrations, based on predicted aerosol size distributions and the AMS transmission efficiency, are shown to be significant. Owing to recent shipping emission reductions, the dominant source of sulfate in the L.A. Basin may now be long‐range transport. Sensitivity studies suggest that severely underestimated ammonia emissions, and not the exclusion of crustal species (Ca2 +, K+, and Mg2 +), are the single largest contributor to measurement/model disagreement in the eastern part of the L.A. Basin. Despite overstated NOx emissions, total nitrate concentrations are underpredicted, which suggests a missing source of HNO3 and/or overprediction of deposition rates. Adding gas‐phase NH3 measurements and size‐resolved measurements, up to 10 μm, of nitrate and various cations (e.g. Na+, Ca2 +, K+) to routine monitoring stations in the L.A. Basin would greatly facilitate interpreting day‐to‐day fluctuations in fine and coarse inorganic aerosol.
The interaction of Pcf11 and Clp1 is needed for mRNA 3′-end formation and is modulated by amino acids in the ATP-binding site

Polyadenylation of eukaryotic mRNAs contributes to stability, transport and translation, and is catalyzed by a large complex of conserved proteins. The Pcf11 subunit of the yeast CF IA factor functions as a scaffold for the processing machinery during the termination and polyadenylation of transcripts. Its partner, Clp1, is needed for mRNA processing, but its precise molecular role has remained enigmatic. We show that Clp1 interacts with the Cleavage–Polyadenylation Factor (CPF) through its N-terminal and central domains, and thus provides cross-factor connections within the processing complex. Clp1 is known to bind ATP, consistent with the reported RNA kinase activity of human Clp1. However, substitution of conserved amino acids in the ATP-binding site did not affect cell growth, suggesting that the essential function of yeast Clp1 does not involve ATP hydrolysis. Surprisingly, non-viable mutations predicted to displace ATP did not affect ATP binding but disturbed the Clp1–Pcf11 interaction. In support of the importance of this interaction, a mutation in Pcf11 that disrupts the Clp1 contact caused defects in growth, 3′-end processing and transcription termination. These results define Clp1 as a bridge between CF IA and CPF and indicate that the Clp1–Pcf11 interaction is modulated by amino acids in the conserved ATP-binding site of Clp1.
Comparative evaluation of serum C-reactive protein levels in chronic and aggressive periodontitis patients and association with periodontal disease severity

Objective: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant and has been proved to be a significant predictor of future cardiovascular events. Recent studies have demonstrated a correlation between periodontitis and elevated CRP levels. However, most of the studies have focused on chronic periodontitis and very few studies are done in patients with aggressive periodontitis. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the relative levels of serum CRP in aggressive and chronic periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 75 systemically healthy subjects were divided into three groups: Group I, nonperiodontitis subjects; group II, chronic generalized periodontitis patients and group III, generalized aggressive periodontitis patients. All participants were subjected to quantitative CRP analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Mean CRP levels were significantly greater in both group II and III as compared to group I and group III having greater level than group II. Furthermore, CRP levels positively correlated with the amount of periodontal destruction as measured by probing depth and clinical attachment loss. Conclusion: The present study indicates a positive correlation between CRP and periodontal disease severity with particular concern in younger individuals that could be a possible underlying pathway in the association between periodontal disease and the observed higher risk for cardiovascular disease in periodontitis patients.
The Impact of miRNA Target Sites in Coding Sequences and in 3′UTRs

Animal miRNAs are a large class of small regulatory RNAs that are known to directly and negatively regulate the expression of a large fraction of all protein encoding genes. The identification and characterization of miRNA targets is thus a fundamental problem in biology. miRNAs regulate target genes by binding to 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of target mRNAs, and multiple binding sites for the same miRNA in 3′UTRs can strongly enhance the degree of regulation. Recent experiments have demonstrated that a large fraction of miRNA binding sites reside in coding sequences. Overall, miRNA binding sites in coding regions were shown to mediate smaller regulation than 3′UTR binding. However, possible interactions between target sites in coding sequences and 3′UTRs have not been studied. Using transcriptomics and proteomics data of ten miRNA mis-expression experiments as well as transcriptome-wide experimentally identified miRNA target sites, we found that mRNA and protein expression of genes containing target sites both in coding regions and 3′UTRs were in general mildly but significantly more regulated than those containing target sites in 3′UTRs only. These effects were stronger for conserved target sites of length 7–8 nt in coding regions compared to non-conserved sites. Combined with our other finding that miRNA target sites in coding regions are under negative selection, our results shed light on the functional importance of miRNA targeting in coding regions.
Incidence and prevalence of myasthenia gravis in western Denmark

We studied the epidemiology of myasthenia gravis (MG) in western Denmark from 1975 to 1989, basing case identification on records from all hospitals in the survey area. The population surveyed was 2.80 million in 1985. The average annual incidence rate was 5.0 per million population (women, 5.9; men, 4.2). The point-prevalence rate (January 1, 1990) was 78 per million population (women, 102; men, 53). In men, the incidence increased after 40 years. In women, the incidence rates showed a bimodal pattern with a peak of 7.0 in the age group 20 to 29 years and a second peak of 11.7 in the age group 70 to 79 years. The differences in sex- and age-specific incidence rates suggest that younger women are more susceptible to MG than younger men. Old men and postmenopausal women had similar rates. When last examined, 21% of the 220 prevalent cases were in remission and 18% were moderately or severely disabled.
Changing Epidemiology of HIV in Mumbai: An Application of the Asian Epidemic Model

Background: Mumbai is one of the most populous and high HIV prevalence cities in India. It has witnessed substantial changes in HIV-risk behaviors and a decline in HIV prevalence among high-risk groups during the past decade. Aim: To examine the changing pattern in the number of new HIV infections by transmission routes in Mumbai during 2000-2017. Methods: We used the Asian Epidemic Model by dividing the adult population (aged 15 and above) into seven subgroups: brothel-based and non-brothel based female sex workers (FSWs), heterosexual clients of FSWs, men who have sex with men/transgendered people (MSM), injecting drug users (IDUs), general women and general men. The MSM subgroup included homosexual and bisexual men. Results: New HIV infections among adults reduced by 86% during 2000-2010. The highest decline was among FSWs and their heterosexual clients (95%-98%), followed by MSM (82%), general women (77%), IDUs (51%) and general men (42%). Most new HIV infections during 2011-2017 are expected to occur among general women (1666) and general men (977) followed by MSM (715). Bisexual men were estimated to contribute about 14% of the new HIV infections among general women in 2010 and this proportion was estimated to increase to 19% in 2017. Discussion: HIV prevention programs for MSM and the general population need to be strengthened. Ensuring early detection of HIV, and higher levels of consistent condom use by HIV-infected men and women are essential to prevent new HIV infections in future.
Regional after-hours urgent care provided by a tertiary children's hospital.

BACKGROUND Ambulatory presentation to a tertiary pediatric emergency department (ED) is not convenient for many families. Yet many primary care pediatricians (PCPs) desire after-hours urgent care for their patients as an alternative to extended office hours or care by general emergency medicine providers at community hospitals. OBJECTIVE To describe a regional, community-based pediatric urgent care network (PUCN). METHODS The PUCN consists of 4 models: 1) pediatric emergency medicine faculty in a community hospital ED; 2) general pediatricians in a community hospital ED; 3) general pediatricians in a freestanding urgent care center; and 4) general pediatricians in a community hospital-based urgent care center. Physician staffing at all 4 sites is managed by our tertiary children's hospital. Billing records were reviewed and a questionnaire was mailed to 55 PCP practices in our metro area. RESULTS Year 2001 visits totaled 37 143. Minor trauma, ear complaints, and viral illnesses accounted for 70% of visits. Current Procedural Terminology codes for visits, reflecting complexity levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were billed at the following frequency: 1%, 35%, 44%, 17% and 3%, respectively. A total of 2.2% of visits required admission or transfer. Mean collection rates ranged from 37% to 68% across the 4 sites. Break-even average hourly patient volumes ranged from 1.1 (site 4) to 1.9 (sites 1 and 3). A total of 110 PCPs, representing all 55 practices, responded to the questionnaire: 81% reported their patients used the PUCN often, 85% felt that communication between the PUCN and their practice was good, and 99% reported overall satisfaction with the network. CONCLUSIONS The PUCN effectively addresses the needs of regional PCPs; however, the cost-effectiveness of such a program depends on billing practices, local collection rates, and site-specific staffing patterns.
Computer-mediated peer response in a level-iv esl academic writing class: a cultural historical activity theoretical perspective

Very few studies focus on how English as a second language (ESL) students’ agency and their unique histories as an integral part of the social cultural environment influence his or her participation in computer-mediated peer response tasks, particularly in a multimedia-based synchronous communication environment. Considering each ESL student as an active agency with unique historical bearings, the dissertation investigated ESL students’ participation in computer-mediated peer response (CMPR) tasks that used instant messenger (IM) as the communication technology between students from the cultural historical activity theoretical (CHAT) perspective, which views all human interaction as a dynamic developmental process. A case study approach was adopted to collect qualitative data from five ESL students enrolled in a level-4 academic writing class in summer, 2006. The entire study spanned from May to August. Each of the five participants participated in three CMPR tasks throughout the semester. Data were collected from multiple sources including a demographic survey, IM chat transcripts, the researcher’s participative observations, participants’ on-screen and off-screen behaviors, their first and second writing drafts, interviews, the researcher’s reflective journals as well as documents collected in each instructional modules. Both within-case and cross-case analysis were used to identify emergent themes. Specific methods included constant comparison method, content analysis, revision analysis, and CHAT analysis. The findings showed that ESL students had multiple and heterogeneous motives and goals within and across CMPR tasks. Some motives were learning-oriented while others were nonlearning-oriented or even entertainment-oriented. The use of IM not only triggered each student’s motive and goal formation and shift, but also transformed his or her particular behaviors and the relationship established during each CMPR session. ESL students’ online contributions were strongly influenced by the pair’s IM communication styles and competences rather than the task types or their motives. Students also developed new perceptions about CMPR tasks, which shaped and were dialectically shaped by their participatory behaviors in each task. Conflicts and tensions existed within and between both contemporary and historical activity systems in which each student was involved. Those who actively sought solutions to the conflicts developed new knowledge and skills such as writing an exploratory essay and competences of conducting CMPR tasks. Those who ignored the conflicts experienced scarce expected development.
Role of ultrasound in the assessment of male infertility

The use of ultrasonography has become an important component in the evaluation and treatment of male reproductive tract disorders. From the use of color flow Doppler ultrasonography for the assessment of varicoceles to transrectal ultrasonography combined with seminal vesiculography for the evaluation of ejaculatory duct obstruction, ultrasonography has practical clinical applications. In this article, the authors review the indications and use of ultrasonography in the assessment and treatment of the infertile male. The recent advances in diagnostic transrectal ultrasonography for ejaculatory duct obstruction, in particular, are emphasized. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Impact of glacial/interglacial sea level change on the ocean nitrogen cycle

Significance Biologically available nitrogen (fixed N) limits the fertility of much of the ocean. Of the processes that remove fixed N from the ocean, conversion to N2 in coastal sediments appears to dominate. This work provides the strongest data-based support for the long-standing hypothesis of changes in N loss along the ocean margin due to the cyclic drowning and emergence of the continental shelves. The data also imply strong local coupling of N loss to N2 fixation, the dominant N input to the ocean, thus suggesting a stable oceanic fixed N reservoir over glacial cycles. Finally, this work points to glacial/interglacial oscillations in the biogeochemical fluxes at and near the ocean margins that would have influenced the evolution of coastal species. The continental shelves are the most biologically dynamic regions of the ocean, and they are extensive worldwide, especially in the western North Pacific. Their area has varied dramatically over the glacial/interglacial cycles of the last million years, but the effects of this variation on ocean biological and chemical processes remain poorly understood. Conversion of nitrate to N2 by denitrification in sediments accounts for half or more of the removal of biologically available nitrogen (“fixed N”) from the ocean. The emergence of continental shelves during ice ages and their flooding during interglacials have been hypothesized to drive changes in sedimentary denitrification. Denitrification leads to the occurrence of phosphorus-bearing, N-depleted surface waters, which encourages N2 fixation, the dominant N input to the ocean. An 860,000-y record of foraminifera shell-bound N isotopes from the South China Sea indicates that N2 fixation covaried with sea level. The N2 fixation changes are best explained as a response to changes in regional excess phosphorus supply due to sea level-driven variations in shallow sediment denitrification associated with the cyclic drowning and emergence of the continental shelves. This hypothesis is consistent with a glacial ocean that hosted globally lower rates of fixed N input and loss and a longer residence time for oceanic fixed N—a “sluggish” ocean N budget during ice ages. In addition, this work provides a clear sign of sea level-driven glacial/interglacial oscillations in biogeochemical fluxes at and near the ocean margins, with implications for coastal organisms and ecosystems.
A Robust 3D Interest Points Detector Based on Harris Operator

With the increasing amount of 3D data and the ability of capture devices to produce low-cost multimedia data, the capability to select relevant information has become an interesting research field. In 3D objects, the aim is to detect a few salient structures which can be used, instead of the whole object, for applications like object registration, retrieval, and mesh simplification. In this paper, we present an interest points detector for 3D objects based on Harris operator, which has been used with good results in computer vision applications. We propose an adaptive technique to determine the neighborhood of a vertex, over which the Harris response on that vertex is calculated. Our method is robust to affine transformations(partially for object rotation) and distortion transformation such as noise addition. Moreover, the distribution of interest points on the surface of an object remains similar in transformed objects, which is a desirable behavior in applications such as shape matching and object registration.