Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GlnK, a PII-homologue: structure reveals ATP binding site and indicates how the T-loops may be involved in molecular recognition.

GlnK is a recently discovered homologue of the PII signal protein, an indicator of the nitrogen status of bacteria. PII occupies a central position in the dual cascade that regulates the activity of glutamine synthetase and the transcription of its gene. The complete role of Escherichia coli GlnK is yet to be determined, but already it is known that GlnK behaves like PII and can substitute for PII under some circumstances thereby adding to the subtleties of nitrogen regulation. There are also indications that the roles of the two proteins differ; the expression of PII is constitutive while that of GlnK is linked to the level of nitrogen in the cell. The discovery of GlnK begs the question of why E. coli has both GlnK and PII. Clearly, the structural similarities and differences of GlnK and PII will lead to a better understanding of how PII-like proteins function in E. coli and other organisms. We have crystallised and solved the X-ray structure of GlnK at 2.0 A resolution. The asymmetric unit has two independent copies of the GlnK subunit and both pack around 3-fold axes to form trimers. The trimers have a barrel-like core with recognition loops (the T-loops) that protrude from the top of the molecule. The two GlnK molecules have similar core structures to PII but differ significantly at the C terminus and the loops. The T-loops of the two GlnK molecules also differ from each other; one is disordered while the conformation of the other is stabilised by lattice contacts. The conformation of the ordered T-loop of GlnK differs from that observed in the PII structure despite the fact that their sequences are very similar. The structures suggest that the T-loops do not have a rigid structure and that they may be flexible in solution. The presence of a turn of 310 helix in the middle of the T-loop suggests that secondary structure could form when it interacts with soluble receptor enzymes.Co-crystals of GlnK and ATP were used to determine the structure of the complex. In these crystals, GlnK occupies a position of 3-fold symmetry. ATP binds in a cleft on the side of the molecule. The cleft is suitably positioned for ATP to influence the flexible T-loops. It is found at the junction of two beta sheets and is formed by two peptides one of which contains a variant of the "Gly-loop" found in other mononucleotide binding proteins. This sequence, Thr-Gly-X-X-Gly-Asp-Gly-Lys-Ile-Phe, forms part of the B-loop and is conserved in a wide variety of organisms that include bacteria, algae and archeabacteria. This sequence is more highly conserved than the functional T-loop, suggesting that ATP has an important role in PII-like proteins.
Analysis and performance evaluation of the DRX mechanism for power saving in LTE

This paper presents an analytical model of the DRX mechanism in 3GPP LTE. A known method based on a semi-Markov process is used to model the LTE DRX but new simple and exact formulae relevant to the evaluation of the power saving efficiency are developed. The performance of the DRX mechanism with bursty packet data traffic and especially the effects of different DRX parameters on the power saving and wake-up delay are investigated. We propose some guidelines for optimal configuration of the DRX mechanism by adjusting more than one DRX parameter simultaneously. The suggested methods and algorithms are illustrated with numerical examples and conclusions are drawn.
Interesting Open Questions in Disease Ecology and Evolution*

1. Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405; 2. Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta,Georgia 30322; 3. Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109;4. Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 18544; 5. Biosciences, University ofExeter, Penryn Campus, Tremough, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
Does the Kiwi fly when the Kangaroo jumps? The effect of Australian macroeconomic news on the New Zealand dollar

We conduct an event study that examines how the New Zealand - US (NZ/US) and the Australia - US (AU/US) exchange rates responds to the release of Australian macroeconomic news including the CPI, GDP, trade balance, and monetary policy decisions. We use two different measures of the unanticipated component of the news announcements. First, we use the difference between the actual value of the data and a survey of market participants' expectations of that data announcement. Second, we use the immediate response of the AU/US exchange rate to the news announcement.Our study has three main conclusions: 1) We show that the effects of the macro news in one country can also transmit to another country via the non-bilateral exchange rate (probably in anticipation of future spill-over effects). 2) Combined with results that show that the AU/US exchange rate responds by very little to New Zealand news, the results suggest that the low variation in the New Zealand - Australia cross rate is because both currencies respond in a similar fashion to Australian (but not New Zealand) macroeconomic data. 3) We highlight the problems associated with the events studies in which the surprises are calculated from a market price and propose a new estimator that overcomes this problem.
Practical Operation of a Biaxial Goniometer at the Wrist Joint

The objectives of this study were (a) to determine errors in wrist angle measurements from a commercially available biaxial electrogoniometer and (b) to develop a calibration routine in order to correct for these errors. Goniometric measurements were collected simultaneously with true angular data using a fixture that allowed wrist movement in one plane while restricting motion in the orthogonal plane. These data were collected in two sets of trials: flexion/extension with radial/ulnar deviation restricted, and radial/ulnar deviation with flexion/extension restricted. During these trials, we studied discrete 30° increments of forearm rotation. The results showed the expected cross talk and zero drift errors during forearm rotation. The application of mathematical equations that describe the effect of goniometer twist resulted in significant error reduction for most forearm rotations. The calibration technique employs both a slope and a displacement transformation to improve the accuracy of angular data. The calibration technique may be used on data collected in the field if forearm rotation is measured simultaneously with the goniometer data.
An Economic Theory of GATT

Despite the important roel played by GATT in the world economy, economist have nto developed a unified theoretical framework that interprets and evaluates the principles that form the foundation of GATT. Our purpose here is to propose such a framework. Working within a general equilibrium trade model, we represent government preferences with a very general formulation that includes all the major political-economy models of trade policy as special cases. Using this general framework we establish three key results. First, GATT's principle of reciprocity can by viewed as a mechanism for implementing efficient trade agreements. Second, through the principle of reciprocity countries can implement efficient trade agreements if and only if they also abide by the principle of nondiscrimination. And third, preferential agreements undermine GATT's ability to deliver efficient multilateral outcomes through the principle of reciprocity, unless these agreements take the form of customs unions among partners that are sufficiently similar.
Can we see focus? a visual perception study of contrastive focus in French

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the visual modality is useful for the perception of prosody. An audiovisual corpus consisting of four focus conditions (subject, verb, object focus and broad focus) was recorded from a male native speaker of French. A preliminary production study showed that there are visible correlates of contrastive focus in French a) increase in lip area and jaw opening on the focused syllables b) lengthening of the prefocal syllable and the focal syllables (with a considerably higher lengthening for the first segment of the focused phrase). The present perceptual study showed that a) contrastive focus was well perceived visually; b) no practice was necessary and c) subject focus was slightly easier to identify than the other focus conditions. We also found that the presence and salience of the visual cues enhances perception.
Where are we today in split liver transplantation?

Purpose of reviewResults of surgical innovations using partial liver grafts from deceased donors have improved the availability of transplantable organs. However, current data on outcomes after split liver transplantation (SLT) are conflicting. This article reviews the current state of SLT, focusing on long-term outcomes and predictors for patient and graft survival after SLT. Recent findingsThe conventional SLT has been proven to be a durable life-saving procedure. Early results for full left–right SLT for two adults are promising but this technique had not showed efficacy for wide application. Predictors of diminished patient survival after SLT included the use of split grafts in critically ill recipients (model for end-stage liver disease score >30), retransplant patients, cold ischemia time more than 10 h, and the performance of SLT in low-volume liver transplant centers. SummaryConventional SLT performed in specialized centers resulted in long-term survival outcomes comparable with whole-organ liver transplantation. Full left–right SLT for two adults remains experimental. Splitting of the liver is an effective approach to expand the donor pool and remains an untapped resource for patients in need of liver transplantation. Split graft-to-recipient pairing is crucial for optimal organ allocation and survival outcomes after liver transplantation.
On Solving Multimessage Multicasting Problems

In this paper we survey algorithms and complexity results for the multimessage multicasting problem and its variations under a unified notation. The main results apply to the multimessage multicasting problem for complete networks and pr-networks (multistage interconnection networks that can realize all permutations in one communication phase and replicate data on each switch). We also discuss algorithms that allow message forwarding and distributed algorithms where each processor only knows local information. Different applications where this problem naturally arises are explored.
Mini-garfagem: um novo metodo para a enxertia do mogno sul-americano (Swietenia macrophylla King).

A enxertia é um dos meios de clonagem dentro da propagação vegetativa das espécies florestais e frutíferas, principalmente em espécies de difícil enraizamento, ou mesmo quando se visa à redução do porte da árvore para facilitar a colheita de frutos, como no caso da macieira e do nim indiano, indução de resistência a pragas e doenças, no caso da tolerância à Hipsipylla grandella do mogno e apressar a produção de frutos (ouriços) e no caso da castanha-do-brasil (Bertholletia excelsa).
Sources of self-efficacy: An investigation of elementary school students in France.

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of Bandura's (1997) theorized sources of self-efficacy on the academic and self-regulatory efficacy beliefs of 3rd-grade elementary school students (N = 395) in France, to examine whether classroom context might explain a significant portion of the variation in self-efficacy, and to assess whether these sources differ as a function of sex. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that mastery experience, social persuasions, and mean classroom-level self-efficacy predicted mathematics self-efficacy. Mastery experience, social persuasions, physiological state, and mean classroom-level self-efficacy predicted French self-efficacy. All 4 sources predicted self-efficacy for self-regulated learning in both subjects, with the exception of vicarious experience in French. Classroom-level variables did not predict self-efficacy for self-regulated learning in either subject. Boys outperformed girls in mathematics and reported higher mathematics self-efficacy, self-regulatory efficacy, mastery experience, social persuasions, and lower physiological arousal. In French, girls outperformed boys but reported lower self-efficacy. Findings support and refine the theoretical tenets of Bandura's social cognitive theory
Molecular Spectrum of α-Globin Gene Defects in the Omani Population

Abstract We describe the molecular characterization of α-globin gene defects in a cohort of 634 Omani patients. A total of 21 different α gene mutations were found in 484 subjects. Overall, we identified three different large deletions, three small deletions, 11 point mutations [two on the α2 polyadenylation signal (polyA) (HBA2: c.*94A>G), and nine α chain variants], three αααanti 3.7 triplication, a 21 nucleotide (nt) duplication on the α1 gene and two novel (presumed) polymorphisms on the α 3.7 kb hybrid gene, namely −5 (C>T) and +46 (C>A). Of these defects, 15 have not been previously reported in the Omani population. This large heterogeneity of α-thalassemia (α-thal) observed in the Omani population could be expected in neighboring Arab countries. The high frequency of α-thal, solely or in association with β-globin gene defects, emphasize the necessity of adding α-thal testing to pre marital programs for accurate genetic counseling.
Plasmid-Mediated Florfenicol Resistance Encoded by the floR Gene in Escherichia coli Isolated from Cattle

ABSTRACT A florfenicol resistance gene almost identical to floRof Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104 was detected on 110- to 125-kb plasmids in Escherichia coliisolates of animal origin. Analysis of the floR gene flanking regions of one of the plasmids showed that they were different from those encountered in S. enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104.
The Effect of an Extreme and Prolonged Population Bottleneck on Patterns of Deleterious Variation: Insights from the Greenlandic Inuit

The genetic consequences of population bottlenecks on patterns of deleterious genetic variation in human populations are of tremendous interest. Based on exome sequencing of 18 Greenlandic Inuit we show that the Inuit have undergone a severe ∼20,000-year-long bottleneck. This has led to a markedly more extreme distribution of allele frequencies than seen for any other human population tested to date, making the Inuit the perfect population for investigating the effect of a bottleneck on patterns of deleterious variation. When comparing proxies for genetic load that assume an additive effect of deleterious alleles, the Inuit show, at most, a slight increase in load compared to European, East Asian, and African populations. Specifically, we observe <4% increase in the number of derived deleterious alleles in the Inuit. In contrast, proxies for genetic load under a recessive model suggest that the Inuit have a significantly higher load (20% increase or more) compared to other less bottlenecked human populations. Forward simulations under realistic models of demography support our empirical findings, showing up to a 6% increase in the genetic load for the Inuit population across all models of dominance. Further, the Inuit population carries fewer deleterious variants than other human populations, but those that are present tend to be at higher frequency than in other populations. Overall, our results show how recent demographic history has affected patterns of deleterious variants in human populations.
Metformin-related lactic acidosis: is it a myth or an underestimated reality?

Abstract Metformin, belonging to a class of drugs called biguanides, is the recommended first-line treatment for overweight patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It has multiple mechanisms of action, such as reduction of gluconeogenesis, increases peripheral uptake of glucose, and decreases fatty acid oxidation. However, a potential serious complication, defined metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA), is related to increased plasma lactate levels, linked to an elevated plasma metformin concentrations and/or a coexistent condition altering lactate production or clearance. The mortality rate for MALA approaches 50% and metformin has been contraindicated in moderate and severe renal impairment, to minimize its potential toxic levels. Nevertheless, metformin prescription or administration, despite the presence of contraindications or precipitating factors for MALA, was a common topic highlighted in all reviewed papers. Routine assessment of metformin plasma concentration is not easily available in all laboratories, but plasma metformin concentrations measured in the emergency room could ensure the correct diagnosis, eliminating metformin as the cause of lactic acidosis if low plasma levels occurred. Renal replacement therapies have been successfully employed to achieve the correction of metabolic acidosis and rapidly remove metformin and lactate, but the optimal treatment modality for MALA is still controversial.
Association of FOXP3 expression with non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM Lung cancer is rarely cured by current therapeutic approaches. Although numerous studies have implicated FOXP3 positive regulatory T-cells in cancer pathogenesis, the role of FOXP3 in lung cancer pathogenesis remains unkown. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using immunohistochemistry FOXP3 expression was determined in 44 NSCLC tissue specimens, 20 samples from adjacent non neoplastic lung parenchyma and 5 normal lung tissue specimens. RESULTS FOXP3 immunostaining was always nuclear in both tumor and non-neoplastic adjacent tissues. FOXP3 was also detected at lower levels in normal bronchial epithelium. Moreover, FOXP3 expression in cancer cells correlated with lymphocytic FOXP3-immunopositivity and the presence of lymph node metastasis. FOXP3 lymphocytic expression was also negatively associated with the age of the patients. CONCLUSION FOXP3 is overexpressed in NSCLC cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. This study provides evidence that lymphocytic FOXP3 expression may be age related and that tumor FOXP3 expression is correlated with lymph node metastasis.
CHANGES IN CARBOHYDRATE SUBSTRATES, AMINO ACIDS AND AMMONIA IN THE BRAIN DURING INSULIN‐INDUCED HYPOGLYCEMIA

—The influence of insulin‐induced hypoglycemia upon carbohydrate substrates, amino acids and ammonia in the brain was studied in lightly anaesthetized rats, and the changes observed were related to the blood glucose concentration and to the EEG. Calculations from glucose concentrations in tissue, CSF and blood indicated the presence of appreciable amounts of free intracellular glucose at blood glucose concentrations above 3 μmol/g. When the blood glucose concentration fell below 3 μmol/g, there was no calculated intracellular glucose and decreases in the concentrations of glycogen, G‐6‐P, pyruvate, lactate and of citric acid cycle intermediates were observed. At blood glucose levels of below 1 μmol/g the tissue was virtually depleted of glycogen, G‐6‐P, pyruvate and lactate.
Has Acne Urban Bias ?

The school boys of class VIII and X from urban and rural schools were surveyed for presence of acne lesions. Acne was found to be significantly more frequent and more severe in urban boys than rural ones (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the two groups as regard to the age, height, weight, skin fold thickness (SFT) and haemoglobin (Hb) level. Some other factors which might be responsible for this significant bias of acne for urbanites are discussed.
Influence of Different Nanomaterials on Growth and Mycotoxin Production of Penicillium verrucosum

Nanoparticles are ubiquitous in the environment. They originate from anthropogenic or natural sources or they are intentionally produced for different purposes. There exist manifold applications of nanoparticles in modern life leading unavoidably to a confrontation and interaction between nanomaterial and living organisms. Based on their wide distribution tending to increase steadily, the influence of particles based on silica and silver, exhibiting nominal sizes between 0.65 nm and 200 nm, on the physiology of the mycotoxigenic filamentous fungus Penicillium verrucosum was analyzed. The applied concentration and time-point, the size and the chemical composition of the particles was shown to have a strong influence on growth and mycotoxin biosynthesis. On microscopic scale it could be shown that silver nanoparticles attach to the mycelial surface. Moreover, silver nanoparticles with 0.65 nm and 5 nm in size were shown to internalize within the cell, form agglomerates in the cytoplasm and associate to cell organelles.
Heuristics for efficient transmission network expansion planning with load uncertainties

Transmission network expansion planning (TNEP) problem is a major aspect of power system planning which must account for the load uncertainties in a practical system. However, this increases the computational burden very significantly. This paper presents a heuristic method to address the problem in an efficient way. A two stage method is developed, where the first stage comprises of solving DC, crisp TNEP, and the second stage utilizes the information obtained from first stage to constitute suitable heuristics to be used with any metaheuristics aimed at reducing the overall computational burden. DC boundary power flow approach is used to account for the load uncertainties. Two well-known test systems of 6 bus Garver and IEEE 24 bus system are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in both base case and contingency cases. An improved harmony search (IHS) algorithm is used to test the effectiveness of developed heuristics.
The efficacy of distraction and counterstimulation in the reduction of pain reaction to intraoral injection by pediatric patients.

AIM The aim of this clinical investigation was to determine the efficacy of distraction and counterstimulation in the reduction of pain during the administration of local anesthetics in pediatric dental patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS A total of 78 healthy children (male: 40, female: 38) ages four to five years (mean age: 4.72 years old) without any history of previous intraoral injection were included in the present study. The subjects had at least one carious primary molar. The subjects were randomly allocated into three groups. Group SA received topical anesthesia followed by an inferior alveolar nerve block (simple anesthesia). Group C+SA received counter stimulation using intraoral and extraoral finger vibration in addition to the Group SA protocol. Group CD+SA incorporated verbal distraction in addition to topical and local anesthesia and counterstimulation. A sound, eye, and motor (SEM) scale was used for quantification of pain reaction. Data were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS The SEM values for Groups SA, C+SA, and CD+SA was 8.25, 5.07, and 3.41, respectively. According to the SEM scale a severe pain reaction was observed in Group SA but not in the other groups. The pain reaction for Group SA was significantly higher than the two other groups (P<0.05). Moreover, the subjects in Group CD+SA exhibited significantly less pain compared to those in Group C+SA. CONCLUSION Both distraction and counterstimulation are effective in reducing pain reaction in a clinical setting. However, it may be more plausible to use both techniques simultaneously to achieve more favorable results with reference to a reduced pain reaction in pediatric dental patients.