Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic and nucleotide sequence studies of a kanamycin-inactivating enzyme encoded by a plasmid from thermophilic bacilli in comparison with that encoded by plasmid pUB110

The product of a kanamycin resistance gene encoded by plasmid pTB913 isolated from a thermophilic bacillus was identified as a kanamycin nucleotidyltransferase which is similar to that encoded by plasmid pUB110 from a mesophile, Staphylococcus aureus. The enzyme encoded by pTB913 was more thermostable than that encoded by pUB110. In view of a close resemblance of restriction endonuclease cleavage maps around the BglII site in the structural genes of both enzymes, ca. 1,200 base pairs were sequenced, followed by amino-terminal amino acid sequencing of the enzyme. The two nucleotide sequences were found to be identical to each other except for only one base in the midst of the structural gene. Each structural gene, initiating from a GUG codon as methionine, was composed of 759 base pairs and 253 amino acid residues (molecular weight, ca. 29,000). The sole difference was transversion from a cytosine (pUB110) to an adenine (pTB913) at a position + 389, counting the first base of the initiation codon as + 1. That is, a threonine at position 130 for the pUB110-coded kanamycin nucleotidyltransferase was replaced by a lysine for the pTB913-coded enzyme. The difference in thermostability between the two enzymes caused by a single amino acid replacement is discussed in light of electrostatic effects.
Activation of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils by streptolysin O from Streptococcus pyogenes leads to the release of proinflammatory mediators

Summary Streptococcus pyogenes is an important Gram-positive pathogen that is strictly limited to infections in humans. Here we report that streptolysin O (SLO),a cytolytic exotoxin secreted by S. pyogenes, activates human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) by perforating these cells. This appears to be followed by an influx of Ca2+ and p38 MAPK activation. As a consequence, PMNs secrete heparin-binding protein, a potent inducer of vascular leakage, and neutrophil-borne proteins, including LL-37, α-defensins, and elastase. The results of the present work therefore suggest that the interaction between SLO and PMNs evokes an exaggerated host response which may contribute to the pathogenesis of local and generalized S. pyogenes infections.
The beta subunit of the high conductance calcium-activated potassium channel. Identification of residues involved in charybdotoxin binding.

Coexpression of alpha and beta subunits of the high conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (maxi-K) channel leads to a 50-fold increase in the affinity for 125I-charybdotoxin (125I-ChTX) as compared with when the alpha subunit is expressed alone (Hanner, M., Schmalhofer, W. A., Munujos, P., Knaus, H.-G., Kaczorowski, G. J., and Garcia, M. L. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 94, 2853-2858). To identify those residues in the beta subunit that are responsible for this change in binding affinity, Ala scanning mutagenesis was carried out along the extracellular loop of beta, and the resulting effects on 125I-ChTX binding were determined after coexpression with the alpha subunit. Mutagenesis of each of the four Cys residues present in the loop causes a large reduction in toxin binding affinity, suggesting that these residues could be forming disulfide bridges. The existence of two disulfide bridges in the extracellular loop of beta was demonstrated after comparison of reactivities of native beta and single-Cys-mutated subunits to N-biotin-maleimide. Negatively charged residues in the loop of beta, when mutated individually or in combinations, had no effect on toxin binding with the exception of Glu94, whose alteration modifies kinetics of ligand association and dissociation. Further mutagenesis studies targeting individual residues between Cys76 and Cys103 indicate that four positions, Leu90, Tyr91, Thr93, and Glu94 are critical in conferring high affinity 125I-ChTX binding to the alpha.beta subunit complex. Mutations at these positions cause large effects on the kinetics of ligand association and dissociation, but they do not alter the physical interaction of beta with the alpha subunit. All these data, taken together, suggest that the large extracellular loop of the maxi-K channel beta subunit has a restricted conformation. Moreover, they are consistent with the view that four residues appear to be important for inducing an appropriate conformation within the alpha subunit that allows high affinity ChTX binding.
Endoscopic Ultrasonography for the Preoperative Localization of Insulinomas

Preoperative radiological localization of insulinomas often fails because of the small size of the tumors. We studied retrospectively the value of different procedures in preoperative localization of insulinomas in 18 patients. Radiological assessment included transab-dominal ultrasonography, computed tomography, angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, transhepatic venous sampling, and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for the last 11 patients. During surgery, the association of palpation and intraoperative ultrasonography localized 16 solitary tumors and two multiple tumors (mean size, 1.8 ± 1.1 cm). Three insulinomas were found to be malignant. Conventional preoperative methods correctly localized the tumor in seven of 18 cases (38%), whereas the sensitivity of EUS was 10 of 11 cases (90%). Surgical procedures involved eight enucleations, nine distal pancreatectomies, and one total pancreatectomy. Because of its high sensitivity and safety, EUS was found to be the best method for preoperative localization of insulinomas, and we recommend that EUS replace conventional methods for the majority of cases.
Contribution of Resistance-Nodulation-Division Efflux Pump Operon smeU1-V-W-U2-X to Multidrug Resistance of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

ABSTRACT KJ09C, a multidrug-resistant mutant of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia KJ, was generated by in vitro selection with chloramphenicol. The multidrug-resistant phenotype of KJ09C was attributed to overexpression of a resistance nodulation division (RND)-type efflux system encoded by an operon consisting of five genes: smeU1, smeV, smeW, smeU2, and smeX. Proteins encoded by smeV, smeW, and smeX were similar to the membrane fusion protein, RND transporter, and outer membrane protein, respectively, of known RND-type systems. The proteins encoded by smeU1 and smeU2 were found to belong to the family of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases. Mutant KJ09C exhibited increased resistance to chloramphenicol, quinolones, and tetracyclines and susceptibility to aminoglycosides; susceptibility to β-lactams and erythromycin was not affected. The expression of the smeU1-V-W-U2-X operon was regulated by the divergently transcribed LysR-type regulator gene smeRv. Overexpression of the SmeVWX pump contributed to the acquired resistance to chloramphenicol, quinolones, and tetracyclines. Inactivation of smeV and smeW completely abolished the activity of the SmeVWX pump, whereas inactivation of smeX alone decreased the activity of the SmeVWX pump. The enhanced aminoglycoside susceptibility observed in KJ09C resulted from SmeX overexpression.
The GALEX Ultraviolet Virgo Cluster Survey (GUViCS)

Context. The Virgo direction has been observed at many wavelengths in recent years, in particular in the ultraviolet with GALEX. The far ultraviolet (FUV) diffuse light detected by GALEX offers interesting information on the large scale distribution of Galactic dust, owing to the GALEX FUV band sensitivity and resolution.Aims. We aim to characterise the ultraviolet large scale distribution of diffuse emission in the Virgo direction. A map of this emission may become useful for various studies by identifying regions where dust affects observations by either scattering light or absorbing radiation.Methods. We constructed mosaics of the FUV and near ultraviolet (NUV) diffuse emission over a large sky region (RA 12 to 13 h, Dec 0 to 20 deg) surrounding the Virgo cluster, using all the GALEX available data in the area. We tested for the first time the utilisation of the FUV diffuse light as a Galactic extinction E(B − V) tracer.Results. The FUV diffuse light scattered on cirrus reveals details about their geometry. Despite large dispersion, the FUV diffuse light correlates roughly with other Galactic dust tracers (coming from IRAS, Herschel, Planck), offering an opportunity to use the FUV emission to locate them in future studies with a better resolution (about 5 arcsec native resolution, 20 arcsec pixels maps presented in this paper) than for several usual tracers. Estimating the Galactic dust extinction on the basis of this emission allows us to find a smaller dispersion in the NUV − i colour of background galaxies at a given E(B − V) than with other tracers. The diffuse light mosaics obtained in this work are made publicly available.
Preoperative evaluation of resectability of Klatskin tumor with 16-MDCT angiography and cholangiography.

OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to evaluate prospectively the preoperative use of 16-MDCT angiography and cholangiography in determining the resectability of Klatskin tumors. CONCLUSION Preoperative MDCT angiography and cholangiography gave a good assessment of the degree of vascular and biliary involvement of the Klatskin tumor.
A Detour for Yeast Oxysterol Binding Proteins*

Oxysterol binding protein-related proteins, including the yeast proteins encoded by the OSH gene family (OSH1–OSH7), are implicated in the non-vesicular transfer of sterols between intracellular membranes and the plasma membrane. In light of recent studies, we revisited the proposal that Osh proteins are sterol transfer proteins and present new models consistent with known Osh protein functions. These models focus on the role of Osh proteins as sterol-dependent regulators of phosphoinositide and sphingolipid pathways. In contrast to their posited role as non-vesicular sterol transfer proteins, we propose that Osh proteins coordinate lipid signaling and membrane reorganization with the assembly of tethering complexes to promote molecular exchanges at membrane contact sites.
Low Loss Tunable Superconducting Dual-Mode Filter at L-Band Using Semiconductor Varactors

This letter presents a superconducting continuously tunable bandpass filter with dual-mode resonator and Gallium arsenide (GaAs) varactors. The even- and odd-modes of the dual-mode resonator can be tuned simultaneously using a single bias voltage. The interstage and external couplings are realized with interdigital coupling structure to enhance the coupling strength. A four-pole dual-mode superconducting filter at L-band with a fractional bandwidth of approximately 20% is successfully designed. Two transmission zeros are generated in the upper stopband to increase the stopband rejection. The tuning range of the filter is 16% from 784.92 to 918.23 MHz. The insertion loss at 918.23 MHz is 0.69 dB with a reverse bias voltage of 9 V. The measurements of the filter match well with the simulated ones.
Hericium erinaceus suppresses LPS-induced pro-inflammation gene activation in RAW264.7 macrophages

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of each fraction of Hericium erinaceus (HE). The ethanol extract from HE was partitioned with different solvents in the order of increasing polarity. The treatment with 10–100 μg/mL of each fraction did not reduce RAW 264.7 cell viability except ethyl acetate fraction. Among the various extracts, the chloroform fraction showed the most potent activity against nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The western blotting and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses revealed that chloroform fraction from HE (CHE) significantly reduced the protein level of iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) or mRNA levels of iNOS in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages. Furthermore, CHE inhibited the translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 subunit, phsophorylation of I-κB, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the activation of both activator protein-1 (AP-1) and NF κB in the nucleus were abrogated by CHE with luciferase assay. In conclusion, these results indicate that CHE may provide an anti-inflammatory effect by attenuating the generation of excessive NO, PGE2, and ROS and by suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes through the inhibition of NF-κB and JNK activity.
Photoreceptor Cells of the Pike Pineal Organ as Cellular Circadian Oscillators

In the pike pineal, the rhythm of melatonin (MEL) secretion is driven by a population of cellular circadian oscillators, synchronized by the 24 h light/dark (LD) cycle. Because the pineal photoreceptor contains both the input and output pathways of the clock, this cell is likely to be a cellular circadian system by itself. To support this idea, we have dissociated and cultured pike pineal cells as well as purified photoreceptors. In culture, the pineal cells reassociated in follicles, surrounded by collagen fibres. At the electron microscopic level, they appeared well preserved. Total cells consisted mainly of photoreceptors and glia. Purified cells corresponded exclusively to photoreceptors. Under LD, MEL production was rhythmic. Under constant darkness (DD), the rhythm was well sustained for at least six 24 h cycles (τ= 24/27 h) with 1 × 106 total cells/well or below; with 2 × 106 total cells/well, a strong damping occurred towards high levels as soon as after the second cycle. At the density of 0.5 × 106 cells/well, purified photoreceptors produced less MEL than an equivalent amount of total cells. However, the pattern of the oscillations was similar to that observed with 2 × 106 total cells, i.e. a damping occurred rapidly. Decreasing the density to 0.125 × 106 photoreceptors/well resulted in a loss of homogeneity among replicates. The production of melatonin by single photoreceptors was monitored by means of the reverse haemolytic plaque assay. Both under LD and under DD, the number of photoreceptors releasing melatonin was higher during the (subjective) dark than during the (subjective) light. The results provide strong support to the idea that the pike pineal photoreceptor is a cellular circadian system. Expression of the oscillations seemed to depend on several factors, including cell to cell contacts between photoreceptors. There is indication that also MEL and glia might be involved.
From one generation to the next: a comprehensive account of sympathetic receptor control in branching arteriolar trees

The sympathetic nervous system increases skeletal muscle arteriolar resistance by activating adrenergic, peptidergic and purinergic receptors, which may depend on network topology. To date, there has been limited work conducted on topologically‐dependent sympathetic nervous system control in continuously branching skeletal muscle microvascular networks. In the present study, we investigated how arterioles respond to activation of receptors for sympathetic neurotransmitters based on their location within continuously branching arteriolar trees in skeletal muscle. For the first time, we show differential order‐dependent responses to adrenergic, peptidergic and purinergic agonists in continuously branching arteriolar trees. These results provide novel and detailed network data describing full‐range sympathetic control in the skeletal muscle microcirculation. This work provides much needed experimental data, which can be applied to mathematical models of skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen transport.
Electricity Markets Cleared by Merit Order—Part I: Finding the Market Outcomes Supported by Pure Strategy Nash Equilibria

In an electricity market cleared by a merit-order economic dispatch we first identify the necessary conditions for the market outcomes supported by pure strategy Nash equilibria (NE) to exist when generating companies (Gencos) game through their incremental cost offers or supply functions. A Genco may own any number of units, each offering to generate power through an incremental cost curve or supply function consisting of multiple blocks. Then, we develop a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) scheme to find the NE without approximations or iterations. In Part II of this paper, we show how to use these NE to derive a dominant offer strategy in terms of gaming or not gaming that best meet the risk/benefit expectations of the participating Gencos. The MILP scheme is tested on several systems of up to 30 generating units, each with four incremental cost blocks. Finally, based on these results, we carry out a number of numerical analyses of how market power is influenced by the number and size of the competing Gencos.
Examining Undergraduate Faculty's Competence and Confidence in Addressing Distressed and Disruptive College Students

Mental health issues serve as a leading barrier to academic success for college students. As mental health issues among college students continue to escalate, there is an increased likelihood in the manifestation of demonstrable distress and disruption among college students within the classroom. However, there is dearth of research surrounding faculty’s confidence and competence related to college students’ mental health experiences, namely experiences with students in distress or those whom are disruptive. This qualitative research study will focus on examining faculty’s confidence and competence in responding to distressed and disruptive college students through an interpretevist lens. Using Noddings’s (1999) Ethic of Care theory and Johnson’s and Bany’s (1970) Classroom Management theory, this research study seeks to address and assess faculty’s confidence and competence within these theoretical frameworks. The ability to better understand undergraduate faculty experiences with disruptive and distressed college students has the potential to inform institutional training opportunities for faculty, as well as provide insight into how student affairs administrators can build collaborative bridges in supporting students through key partnerships with faculty. Furthermore, improving upon faculty competence and confidence through comprehensive training programs can contribute to early intervention strategies with potential to positively impact student retention and completion rates.
MDM2 Protein-mediated Ubiquitination of NUMB Protein

Background: MDM2 uses a dual-site mechanism to ubiquitinate p53, involving the acidic domain. Results: MDM2 acid domain binds NUMB and is critical for NUMB ubiquitination. Conclusion: Small molecule ligands that target the acid domain of MDM2 stabilize Numb and activate tumor suppressor activities of p53 in cells. Significance: NUMB regulates steady-state levels of p53 in cells by disrupting p53-MDM2 acidic domain interactions. The E3 ubiquitin ligase, MDM2, uses a dual-site mechanism to ubiquitinate and degrade the tumor suppressor protein p53, involving interactions with the N-terminal hydrophobic pocket and the acidic domain of MDM2. The results presented here demonstrate that MDM2 also uses this same dual-site mechanism to bind to the cell fate determinant NUMB with both the N-terminal hydrophobic pocket and the acidic domain of MDM2 also involved in forming the interaction with NUMB. Furthermore, the acidic domain interactions are crucial for MDM2-mediated ubiquitination of NUMB. Contrary to p53, where two separate domains form the interface with MDM2, only one region within the phosphotyrosine binding domain of NUMB (amino acids 113–148) mediates binding to both these regions of MDM2. By binding to both domains on MDM2, NUMB disrupts the MDM2-p53 complex and MDM2-catalyzed ubiquitination of p53. Therefore, we have identified the mechanism NUMB uses to regulate the steady-state levels of the p53 in cells. By targeting the acidic domain of MDM2 using acid domain-binding ligands we can overcome MDM2-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of NUMB impacting on the stabilization of p53 in cells. Furthermore, delivery of MDM2 acid domain-binding ligands to cancer cells promotes p53-dependent growth arrest and the induction of apoptosis. This highlights the dual-site mechanism of MDM2 on another physiological substrate and identifies the acid domain as well as N terminus as a potential target for small molecules that inhibit MDM2.
Performance of feedforward and feedback systems for active control

A consistent framework is presented for the calculation of the optimal performance of feedforward and feedback control systems in attenuating random disturbances. In both cases, the optimization problem is transformed into a quadratic form using an internal model of one part of the physical system under control. The resulting architecture for the feedback controller is known as internal model control (IMC) and is widely used in the H/sub /spl infin// control literature. With this controller architecture, the optimum performance of a multichannel feedback system can be readily calculated using the quadratic optimization techniques already developed in the sampled time domain for multichannel feedforward control. The robustness of the stability of such a feedback controller to changes in the plant response can be separately assessed using a generalization of the complementary sensitivity function, which has a particularly simple form when IMC is used. The stability robustness can be improved by incorporating various forms of effort weighting into the cost function being minimized, some of which are already used for adaptive feedforward controllers. By way of example, the performance is calculated of both feedforward and feedback controllers for the active attenuation of road noise in cars. The variation of performance with loop delay is calculated for both types of control, and it is found that in this example, the potential attenuation is greatest using feedback control but only if the loop delay is less than 1.5 ms.
Temperature and humidity profiling in the Arctic using millimeter-wave radiometry

A One Dimentional Variational (1DVAR) retrieval technique has been developed for obtaining temperature and humidity profiles from observations of the Ground-based Scanning Radiometer (GSR) operating at millimeter and submillimeter waves. The GSR participated in two Arctic experiments held at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program in Barrow, Alaska: the Water Vapor Intensive Operational Period (WVIOP, March-April 2004) and the Radiative Heating in Underexplored Bands Campaign (RHUBC, February-March 2007); data from both experiments are used in this paper. Temperature and humidity profiles retrieved with the 1DVAR technique are compared with simultaneous radiosonde observations. Examples and statistical results are presented and discussed to demonstrate the achieved retrieval accuracy and vertical resolution.