Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Charge Segregation and Low Hydrophobicity Are Key Features of Ribosomal Proteins from Different Organisms*

Background: The ribosome is a highly charged complex comprising RNAs and proteins. Results: Ribosomal proteins exhibit low hydrophobicity and a significant degree of intramolecular charge segregation. Conclusion: The majority of ribosomal proteins from all organisms, particularly halophiles, use intramolecular charge segregation to minimize electrostatic repulsion with rRNA. Significance: The electrostatic properties of ribosomal proteins are important for ribosome stability, assembly, and interaction with translation factors and nascent proteins. Ribosomes are large and highly charged macromolecular complexes consisting of RNA and proteins. Here, we address the electrostatic and nonpolar properties of ribosomal proteins that are important for ribosome assembly and interaction with other cellular components and may influence protein folding on the ribosome. We examined 50 S ribosomal subunits from 10 species and found a clear distinction between the net charge of ribosomal proteins from halophilic and non-halophilic organisms. We found that ∼67% ribosomal proteins from halophiles are negatively charged, whereas only up to ∼15% of ribosomal proteins from non-halophiles share this property. Conversely, hydrophobicity tends to be lower for ribosomal proteins from halophiles than for the corresponding proteins from non-halophiles. Importantly, the surface electrostatic potential of ribosomal proteins from all organisms, especially halophiles, has distinct positive and negative regions across all the examined species. Positively and negatively charged residues of ribosomal proteins tend to be clustered in buried and solvent-exposed regions, respectively. Hence, the majority of ribosomal proteins is characterized by a significant degree of intramolecular charge segregation, regardless of the organism of origin. This key property enables the ribosome to accommodate proteins within its complex scaffold regardless of their overall net charge.
The Interaction between Bamboo Mosaic Virus Replication Protein and Coat Protein Is Critical for Virus Movement in Plant Hosts

ABSTRACT Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) is a positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the genus Potexvirus. Open reading frame 1 (ORF1) encodes the viral replication protein that consists of a capping enzyme domain, a helicase-like domain (HLD), and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain from the N to C terminus. ORF5 encodes the viral coat protein (CP) required for genome encapsidation and the virus movement in plants. In this study, application of a yeast-two hybrid assay detected an interaction between the viral HLD and CP. However, the interaction did not affect the NTPase activity of the HLD. To identify the critical amino acids of CP interacting with the HLD, a random mutational library of CP was created using error-prone PCR, and the mutations adversely affecting the interaction were screened by a bacterial two-hybrid system. As a result, the mutations A209G and N210S in CP were found to weaken the interaction. To determine the significance of the interaction, the mutations were introduced into a BaMV infectious clone, and the mutational effects on viral replication, movement, and genome encapsidation were investigated. There was no effect on accumulations of BaMV CP and genomic RNAs within protoplasts; however, the virus cell-to-cell movement in plants was restricted. Sequence alignment revealed that A209 of BaMV CP is conserved in many potexviruses. Mutation of the corresponding residue in Foxtail mosaic virus CP also reduced the viral HLD-CP interaction and restricted the virus movement, suggesting that interaction between CP and a widely conserved HLD in the potexviral replication protein is crucial for viral trafficking through plasmodesmata.
Influence of Firm Size on Cost of Capital Through Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure of the Listed Companies in the Stock Exchange of Thailand

The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between corporate social responsibility disclosure and cost of capital of different firm sizes listed on the stock exchange of Thailand. This was achieved through the multiple indicator and multiple cases model (MIMIC) of 370 companies listed on the stock exchange of Thailand. The analysis of firm size in this study indicates that small-sized (SIZES) medium (SIZEM) and large-sized (SIZEL) firms have effect on the cost of capital in terms of debts (COD) only with through corporate social responsibility disclosure. The statistical result indicates that the effect of size on corporate social responsibility disclosure and cost of capital in small companies has an indirect, positive effect on the cost of capital in terms of debts (COD) through corporate social responsibility disclosure, with a significance level of . 01 and correlation coefficient of 0.17. In comparison the medium and large companies has a negative effect, with a significance level of . 05 and correlation coefficient of 0.05 of the medium companies and large companies has a negative with a significance level of . 01 and correlation coefficient of 0.09.
Selective electro‐thermolysis in aesthetic medicine: A review

The use of radiofrequency (RF) for selective electro‐thermolysis has been found to produce a highly efficient thermal effect on biological tissue. Different from optical energy, RF energy is dependent on the electrical properties of the tissue rather than on concentration of chromophores in the skin for selective thermal destruction of targeted sites. Good results have been obtained with systems that use RF current alone for skin resurfacing, with efficacy comparable to laser resurfacing but with potentially more rapid healing. A related adverse effect is pain accompanying the procedure, due to a high depth of penetration. Another technology integrates RF energy together with optical energy (using lower energies of both forms of energies). These systems have shown efficacy in hair removal for all hair colors and skin types, as well as wrinkle reduction; and may reduce the risk of side effects associated with either RF or optical treatments alone. This article discusses the properties of electrical current in medicine and reviews the studies to date that have evaluated RF energy for dermatological applications. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:91–97, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Impact of Sustainability Reporting on Firm Profitability

Using a hand-collected representative sample of 95 publicly traded American firms from various sectors in 2015-2016, I examine how corporate sustainability reporting affects the financial performance of firms. I find a positive and significant effect of sustainability reporting on a firm’s return on equity, return on assets, and profit margin in the subsequent year. However, this relationship is found only for firms with low institutional ownership. These results suggest that sustainability reporting would be a worthwhile use of corporate resources for this subset of firms. Further, corporate sustainability reporting is shown to be an effective substitute for monitoring by institutional investors.
Effect of the V3 Loop Deletion of Envelope Glycoprotein on Cellular Responses and Protection against Challenge with Recombinant Vaccinia Virus Expressing gp160 of Primary Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Isolates

ABSTRACT The magnitude and breadth of cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses induced by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope protein from which the hypervariable V3 loop had been deleted (ΔV3) were evaluated in the HLA-A2/Kb transgenic mice. It was demonstrated that vaccines expressing the ΔV3 mutant of either HIV-1IIIB or HIV-189.6 envelope glycoprotein induced broader CD8+ T-cell activities than those elicited by the wild-type (WT) counterparts. Specifically, the differences were associated with higher responses to conserved HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitopes of the envelope glycoprotein and could be correlated with an increased cell surface occupancy by the epitope-HLA-A2 complexes in target cells expressing the ΔV3 mutant. Using recombinant vaccinia virus expressing heterologous gp160 of primary HIV-1 isolates in a murine challenge system, we observed that the extent of resistance to viral transmission was higher in animals immunized with the ΔV3 than the WT envelope vaccine. The protection was linked to the presence of envelope-specific CD8+ T cells, since depletion of these cells by anti-CD8 antibody treatment at the time of challenge abolished the vaccine-induced protection. The results from our studies provide insights into approaches for boosting the breadth of envelope-specific CTL responses.
Connexin 43 expression in the testis of the frog Rana esculenta

Summary Testicular cell-to-cell interactions play a key role in the regulation of spermatogenesis. In the testis, cell contacts are mediated through several mechanisms, including paracrine and direct contacts depending on gap junctional pathways. Gap junctions require connexin (Cx) channels and connexin-43 (Cx43) represent the most abundant Cx found in mammalian testis. Little is known about Cx expression in non-mammalian testis. Here we report the partial cloning of a Cx43 transcript of 381 bp from Rana esculenta testis. We also demonstrate that, in the frog testis, Cx43 transcript and protein show a parallel temporal and spatial pattern of expression throughout the reproductive annual cycle, with higher levels from September to January (when spermatogenesis is at a maximum level). In situ hybridization, carried out on testis collected in October, indicated that Leydig cells (LC) and Sertoli cells express Cx43 transcript, while the hybridization signal was less intense in germ cells. To obtain more information on Cx43 expression in the frog testis, we have used ethane-dimethane sulphonate (EDS), a toxin that specifically destroys LC. RT-PCR analysis shows a progressive decrease in Cx43 expression in EDS-treated testis from day 1 to day 4 after the injection, associated with LC destruction. Moreover, Cx43 expression returns to normal on day 28, when a new population of LC reappear in the interstitium, indicating that Cx43 is mainly expressed by LC. Taken together our data provide evidence that Cx43 is present in the frog testis with an important role in spermatogenesis.
Natural gas in China – a regional analysis

Natural gas is expected to provide over 10% of China’s total primary energy consumption in 2020, which is a significant increase from 6.2% in 2014. A diverse range of factors can have impacts on China’s gas demand, including resource endowment, gas-access-rate (infrastructure), industry structure, urbanization, income, gas and alternative energy price, environmental awareness, government priorities, seasonal weather variations and so on. These factors can have different impact on the sectoral gas consumption at different locations. In order to understand the impact of these drivers on gas production and consumption of different provinces in China, we conduct case studies in five provinces, including the wealthy regions (Guangdong and Beijing), the gas producing regions (Sichuan and Shaanxi), and other regions (Shandong). We found that energy consumption growth in China is likely to remain moderate in the next decade. The role that gas can play is likely to change from taking a share of the growing demand to replacing the existing energy supply from other sources (mainly other fossil fuels). In general, such replacement will depend on several factors, such as the relative price levels of gas compared to alternative energy sources, the environmental impacts, and whether there will be a sufficient and secure supply. At the sectoral level, one of the main factors that determine gas consumption in different regions is the structure of the regional economy. A regional economy where industry represents a higher proportion of total GDP tends to use a higher proportion of gas in industry, though its share in total gas consumption has been declining; whilst for a regional economy dominated by services, the use of gas in the residential and commercial sectors is more significant. Residential gas consumption is growing in most regions with the improving gas infrastructure. Together with the growing trend of urbanization, residential consumption represents a significant opportunity for the future growth of gas, especially in the wealthy coastal regions. Furthermore, power and heating use of gas is expected to grow in coastal regions due to government policies on limiting the use of coal in power generation and the increasing differences between peak and valley power demand.
[Evaluation of antimicrobial properties of silicon oil--in vitro studies].

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate antimicrobial properties of silicon oil in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, which are considered the major causative agents of endophthalmitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The clinical isolates of representative microorganisms (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans) were selected. The bacteria and the fungus were separately inoculated in PDMS 5000 (produced by AcriMed, Germany). Control inoculations in physiological saline and sugar bouillon were performed. The samples of 0.01 ml from each medium were diluted, according to serial dilution procedure and inoculate on Petri plate dishes 5% sheep blood agar for bacteria and Sabouraud medium for Candida albicans. After 24 h incubations for bacteria and 48 h incubations for fungus, CFUs were counted. RESULTS All the microorganisms revealed an apparent decrease in CFUs in PDMS 5000. The total elimination was observed for S. aureus after 5 days. For P. aerugisosa solitary colonies (less than 25 CFUs) were observed up to 7 days. After 7 days of incubation no growth of P. aeruginosa was observed. High C. albicans CFU values were counted up to 3 day of the incubation. After 5 days single fungal colonies were observed. CFUs of the examined microorganisms declined slightly in physiologic saline. A growth pattern similar to the growth curve of microorganisms was observed in sugar boullion. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that silicon oil could have an antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, which are considered the major causative agents of postoperative endophthalmitis.
Cholinergic receptor subtypes and REM sleep in animals and normal controls.

As reviewed here and elsewhere in this symposium, acetylcholine, in conjunction with other neurotransmitter systems, plays a very important role in the regulation of circadian and sleep-wake states. To briefly recapitulate, several current basic concepts about the regulation of sleep-wake states include: (a) REM sleep, or at least its phasic events (eye movements and PGO spikes), are promoted by cholinergic neurons originating within the peribrachial regions [LDT/PPT] (Mitani et al., 1988; Shiromani et al., 1988; Datta et al., 1991; Shouse and Siegel, 1992); (b) REM sleep may be inhibited by noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons in the locus coeruleus and dorsal raphe, respectively (Siegel, 1989; Steriade and McCarley, 1990; Jones, 1991); (c) stages 3 and 4 (Delta) sleep are inhibited by cholinergic terminals from basal forebrain to cortex (Buzsaki et al., 1988) and from LDT/PPT to thalamus (Steriade and McCarley, 1990; Steriade et al., 1991); (d) Delta sleep is modulated by complex serotonergic mechanisms; for example, it is increased by pharmacological antagonists of 5HT2 receptors (Declerck et al., 1987; Dugovic et al., 1989; Benson et al., 1991), although the mechanism and neuroanatomical site at which this effect occurs is unknown. Given the importance of mACHR mediation of components of REM sleep, it is unfortunate that so little is known about the distribution of the various subtypes of mACHRs in brainstem areas which regulate REM sleep. mACHR subtypes have been identified by molecular, biological and pharmacological methods. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Portable Objects in Three Global Cities: The Personalization of Urban Places

The mobile phone has become the central node of the ensemble of portable objects that urbanites carry with them as they negotiate their way through information-rich global cities. This paper reports on a study conducted in Tokyo, Los Angeles, and London where we tracked young professionals’ use of the portable objects. By examining devices such as music players, credit cards, transit cards, keys, and ID cards in addition to mobile phones, this study seeks to understand how portable devices construct and support an individual’s identity and activities, mediating relationships with people, places, and institutions. Portable informational objects reshape and personalize the affordances of urban space. Laptops transform cafés into personal offices. Reward and membership cards keep track of individuals’ use of urban services. Music players and mobile devices colonize the in-between times of waiting and transit with the logic of personal communications and media consumption. Our focus in this paper is not on the relational communication that has been the focus of most mobile communication studies, but rather on how portable devices mediate relationships to urban space and infrastructures. We identify three genres of presence in urban space that involve the combination of portable media devices, people, infrastructures, and locations: cocooning, camping, and footprinting. These place-making processes provide hints to how portable devices have reshaped the experience of space and time in global cities.
Neuroimaging Studies of Amygdala Function in Anxiety Disorders

Abstract: Neuroimaging research has helped to advance neurobiological models of anxiety disorders. The amygdala is known to play an important role in normal fear conditioning and is implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. The amygdala may also be a target for the beneficial effects of cognitive‐behavioral and medication treatments for anxiety disorders. In the current paper, we review neuroimaging research pertaining to the role of the amygdala in anxiety disorders and their treatment. Moreover, we discuss the development of new neuroimaging paradigms for measuring aspects of amygdala function, as well as the function of related brain regions. We conclude that such tools hold great promise for facilitating progress in relevant basic neuroscience as well as clinical research domains.
The Palladium Acetate‐Catalyzed Microwave‐Assisted Hirao Reaction without an Added Phosphorus Ligand as a “Green” Protocol: A Quantum Chemical Study on the Mechanism

Abstract It was proved by our experiments that on microwave irradiation, the mono‐ or bidentate phosphorus ligands generally applied in the palladium(II)‐catalyzed P–C coupling reaction of aryl bromides and dialkyl phosphites or secondary phosphine oxides may be substituted by the excess of the >P(O)H reagent that exists under a tautomeric equilibrium. Taking into account that the reduction of the palladium(II) salt and the ligation of the palladium(0) so formed requires 3 equivalents of the P‐species for the catalyst applied in a quantity of 5–10%, all together, 15–30% of the P‐reagent is necessary beyond its stoichiometric quantity. In the coupling reaction of diphenylphosphine oxide, it was possible to apply diethyl phosphite as the reducing agent and as the P‐ligand. The reactivities of the diethyl phosphite and diphenylphosphine oxide reagents were compared in a competitive reaction. The mechanism and the energetics of this new variation of the Hirao reaction of bromobenzene with Y2P(O)H reagents (Y=EtO and Ph) was explored by quantum chemical calculations. The first detailed study on simple reaction models justified our assumption that, under the conditions of the reaction, the trivalent form of the >P(O)H reagent may serve as the P‐ligand in the palladium(0) catalyst, and shed light on the fine mechanism of the reaction sequence. The existence of the earlier described bis(palladium complex) {[H(OPh2P)2PdOAc]2} was refuted by high level theoretical calculations. This kind of complex may be formed only with chloride anions instead of the acetate anion. The interaction of palladium acetate and Y2P(O)H may result in only the formation of the [(HO)Y2P]2Pd complex that is the active catalyst in the Hirao reaction. The new variation of the Hirao reaction is of a more general value, and represents the greenest protocol, as there is no need for the usual P‐ligands. Instead, the >P(O)H reagent should be used in an excess of up to 30%. Hence, the costs and environmental burdens may be decreased.
The EEG in Coma

Summary The EEG allows insight into thalamocortical function in comatose patients when this is inaccessible clinically. A single EEG can help with broad diagnostic categorization whereas continuous or serial EEG provides monitoring for unstable and potentially treatable conditions and for monitoring the effects of therapy. The EEG plays a supplemental role in establishing the prognosis in disease states that are capable of causing neuronal death. The most prevalent and problematic of these conditions involves survivors of cardiac arrest who are initially in coma with intact brainstem reflexes. In such patients single EEGs are of 100% specificity for no possibility of recovery of consciousness only for essentially complete generalized suppression (<10 &mgr;V) after the first day of the arrest. Several other generalized patterns, including less marked suppression, burst–suppression, epileptiform activity, periodic complexes, and &agr;–&THgr; coma patterns, usually but not invariably indicate a poor outcome. Serial EEGs, continuous raw and automated “trending,” testing of reactivity, and the inclusion of multiple variables hold promise for an improved role in the prognostic determination in these patients.
Population genetic structure of Plasmodium falciparum in the two main African vectors, Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus

We investigated patterns of genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum associated with its two main African vectors: Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus. We dissected 10,296 wild-caught mosquitoes from three tropical sites, two in Cameroon (Simbock and Tibati, separated by 320 km) and one in Kenya (Rota, >2,000 km from the other two sites). We assayed seven microsatellite loci in 746 oocysts from 183 infected mosquito guts. Genetic polymorphism was very high in parasites isolated from both vector species. The expected heterozygosity (HE) was 0.79 in both species; the observed heterozygosities (HO) were 0.32 in A. funestus and 0.42 in A. gambiae, indicating considerable inbreeding within both vector species. Mean selfing (s) between genetically identical gametes was s = 0.33. Differences in the rate of inbreeding were statistically insignificant among sites and between the two vector species. As expected, because of the high rate of inbreeding, linkage disequilibrium was very high; it was significant for all 21 loci pairs in A. gambiae and for 15 of 21 pairs in A. funestus, although only two pairwise comparisons were between loci on the same chromosome. Overall, the genetic population structure of P. falciparum, as evaluated by F statistics, was predominantly clonal rather than panmictic, a population structure that facilitates the spread of antimalarial drug and vaccine resistance and thus may impair the effectiveness of malaria control efforts.