Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ca2+ Binding and Energy Coupling in the Calmodulin-Myosin Light Chain Kinase Complex*

We have previously shown that 3 Ca2+ ions are released cooperatively and 1 independently from the complex between (Ca2+)4-calmodulin and skeletal muscle myosin light chain kinase or a peptide containing its core calmodulin-binding sequence. We now have found that three Ca2+-binding sites also function cooperatively in equilibrium Ca2+ binding to these complexes. Replacement of sites I and II in calmodulin by a copy of sites III and IV abolishes these cooperative effects. Energy coupling-dependent increases in Ca2+-binding affinity in the mutant and native calmodulin complexes with enzyme are considerably less than in the peptide complexes, although the complexes have similar affinities. Ca2+ binding to three sites in the native calmodulin-enzyme complex is enhanced; the affinity of the remaining site is slightly reduced. In the mutant enzyme complex Ca2+ binding to one pair of sites is enhanced; the other pair is unaffected. In this complex reversal of enzyme activation occurs when Ca2+ dissociates from the pair of sites with enhanced affinity; more rapid dissociation from the other pair has no effect, although both pairs participate in activation. Ca2+-independent interactions with calmodulin clearly play a major role in the enzyme complex, and appear to weaken Ca2+-dependent interactions with the core calmodulin-binding sequence.
Instrumental emotion regulation in sport: relationships between beliefs about emotion and emotion regulation strategies used by athletes

This study examined relationships between beliefs about emotions (meta‐emotion beliefs), emotion regulation strategies, and pre‐competition emotional states using an instrumental model of emotion regulation. Three hundred and sixty runners reported meta‐beliefs about the influence of anxiety and/or anger on performance, completed a short emotion scale, and reported their use of emotion regulation strategies. Results indicated that 55 runners (15%) reported meta‐emotion beliefs that strategies aimed at increasing anxiety and/or anger would help performance while 305 runners (85%) reported beliefs that strategies intended to reduce the same emotions before competition would help performance. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that people who believe that anxiety or anger is good for performance reported high anger, but not anxiety, before performance. They also reported using strategies to increase unpleasant emotions. We suggest that further research is needed to examine relationships between meta‐emotion beliefs and the use of emotion regulation strategies in sport.
Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (hybrid) cholecystectomy: The Dhillon technique

Introduction: This study presents a novel technique to perform cholecystectomy and assess its outcome and feasibility. Patients and Methods: This study presents the novel Dhillon technique and experience of hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) technique, that is, laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal cholecystectomy. We have evaluated the outcomes in terms of cosmesis, post-operative recovery and analgesic requirement. The study included 257 patients who underwent hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy at single tertiary hospital. The biographical data, surgical time, pain score on day 1 and 2, need of analgesia, intra- and post-operative complication and aesthetic assessment on day 7 were recorded. Results: Out of a total of 1100 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy 257 had hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy. Only two of these cases were converted to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The mean operative time was 31.5 ± 5.1 (25–40) min. None of the patients had any complication or biliary leakage. The mean pain score on day 1 and 2 was 3.6 ± 0.4 (3–4) and 1.0 ± 0.06 (1–2), respectively. The mean paracetamol (analgesic) dose requirement was 6.1 ± 0.6 (4–6.9) g. The aesthetic score was excellent in all the cases. Conclusions: Using the present technique of hybrid NOTES is beneficial in terms of cosmetic results, lesser need of analgesic and shorter hospital stay.
Leucophores are similar to xanthophores in their specification and differentiation processes in medaka

Significance Body color plays an important role in the diversity and speciation of vertebrates. In this paper, we revealed that three loci in medaka, leucophore free (lf), lf-2, and white leucophore, which affect leucophores and xanthophores, encoded solute carrier family 2, member 15b (slc2a15b), paired box gene 7a (pax7a), and solute carrier family 2 facilitated glucose transporter, member 11b (slc2a11b), respectively. The pax7 is important transcriptional factor for xanthophore development in zebrafish. The function of the two solute carrier family (SLC) genes was unknown. We show that the presence of the SLCs was coupled with the presence of xanthophores in vertebrates. The results suggest that leucophores are similar to xanthophores in their specification and differentiation process, and SLCs contribute to the diversification of hues in the pigment cells in vertebrates. Animal body color is generated primarily by neural crest-derived pigment cells in the skin. Mammals and birds have only melanocytes on the surface of their bodies; however, fish have a variety of pigment cell types or chromatophores, including melanophores, xanthophores, and iridophores. The medaka has a unique chromatophore type called the leucophore. The genetic basis of chromatophore diversity remains poorly understood. Here, we report that three loci in medaka, namely, leucophore free (lf), lf-2, and white leucophore (wl), which affect leucophore and xanthophore differentiation, encode solute carrier family 2, member 15b (slc2a15b), paired box gene 7a (pax7a), and solute carrier family 2 facilitated glucose transporter, member 11b (slc2a11b), respectively. Because lf-2, a loss-of-function mutant for pax7a, causes defects in the formation of xanthophore and leucophore precursor cells, pax7a is critical for the development of the chromatophores. This genetic evidence implies that leucophores are similar to xanthophores, although it was previously thought that leucophores were related to iridophores, as these chromatophores have purine-dependent light reflection. Our identification of slc2a15b and slc2a11b as genes critical for the differentiation of leucophores and xanthophores in medaka led to a further finding that the existence of these two genes in the genome coincides with the presence of xanthophores in nonmammalian vertebrates: birds have yellow-pigmented irises with xanthophore-like intracellular organelles. Our findings provide clues for revealing diverse evolutionary mechanisms of pigment cell formation in animals.
Fungicide Resistance: Facing the Challenge

Hollomon D.W. (2015): Fungicide resistance: facing the challenge. Plant Protect. Sci., 51: 170–176 Fungicide resistance continues to generate disease control problems in many crops. Experience amassed over the past fifty years has emphasised the importance of diversity in modes of action in anti-resistance strategies. Because of losses, not only from resistance, but increasingly from environmental and health concerns, the number of modes of action has become dangerously small. This paper considers three challenges facing crop protection in the search for durable disease control systems. Greater understanding of the biochemistry surrounding fungal development and pathogenicity provides opportunities for the discovery and development of novel modes of action, and some recent advances in this area are discussed. To ensure sufficient resources available to take a novel discovery forward to a commercial product, a second challenge facing manufacturers involves early assessment of resistance risk. A third challenge facing researchers, manufacturers and growers requires translation of resistance risk into effective and durable disease control strategies in actual crops. At the core of this challenge is using resistance risk evidence ob tained in laboratory and glasshouse studies using individual isolates of target pathogens, to evaluate the fitness cost of resistance in pathogen populations in field crops. Increasingly, management of resistance is seen as the integration of fungicides with non-chemical disease control methods. But success of any Integrated Disease Management (IDM) strategy ultimately depends on the ability of growers to maintain production and profitability.
Altering user’ acceptance of automation through prior automation exposure

Abstract Air navigation service providers worldwide see increased use of automation as one solution to overcome the capacity constraints imbedded in the present air traffic management (ATM) system. However, increased use of automation within any system is dependent on user acceptance. The present research sought to determine if the point at which an individual is no longer willing to accept or cooperate with automation can be manipulated. Forty participants underwent training on a computer-based air traffic control programme, followed by two ATM exercises (order counterbalanced), one with and one without the aid of automation. Results revealed after exposure to a task with automation assistance, user acceptance of high(er) levels of automation (‘tipping point’) decreased; suggesting it is indeed possible to alter automation acceptance. Practitioner Summary: This paper investigates whether the point at which a user of automation rejects automation (i.e. ‘tipping point’) is constant or can be manipulated. The results revealed after exposure to a task with automation assistance, user acceptance of high(er) levels of automation decreased; suggesting it is possible to alter automation acceptance.
Understanding and Managing Human Threats to the Coastal Marine Environment

Coastal marine habitats at the interface of land and sea are subject to threats from human activities in both realms. Researchers have attempted to quantify how these various threats impact different coastal ecosystems, and more recently have focused on understanding the cumulative impact from multiple threats. Here, the top threats to coastal marine ecosystems and recent efforts to understand their relative importance, ecosystem‐level impacts, cumulative effects, and how they can best be managed and mitigated, are briefly reviewed. Results of threat analysis and rankings will differ depending on the conservation target (e.g., vulnerable species, pristine ecosystems, mitigatable threats), scale of interest (local, regional, or global), whether externalities are considered, and the types of management tools available (e.g., marine‐protected areas versus ecosystem‐based management). Considering the cumulative effect of multiple threats has only just begun and depends on spatial analysis to predict overlapping threats and a better understanding of multiple‐stressor effects and interactions. Emerging conservation practices that hold substantial promise for protecting coastal marine systems include multisector approaches, such as ecosystem‐based management (EBM), that account for ecosystem service valuation; comprehensive spatial management, such as ocean zoning; and regulatory mechanisms that encourage or require cross‐sector goal setting and evaluation. In all cases, these efforts require a combination of public and private initiatives for success. The state of our ecological understanding, public awareness, and policy initiatives make the time ripe for advancing coastal marine management and improving our stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems.
A comparison of selective attention and facial processing biases in typically developing children who are high and low in self-reported trait anxiety

The relationship between children's anxiety and cognitive biases was examined in two tasks. A group of 50 children aged 10 to 11 years (mean = 11 years, SD = 3.71 months) was given two tasks. The first tested children's selective attention (SA) to threat in an emotional Stroop task. The second explored facial processing biases using morphed angry-neutral and happy-neutral emotional expressions that varied in intensity. Faces with varying levels of emotion (25% emotion–75% neutral, 50% emotion–50% neutral, 100% emotion–0% neutral [prototype] and 150% emotion–0% neutral [caricature]) were judged as being angry or happy. Results support previous work highlighting a link between anxiety and SA to threat. In addition, increased anxiety in late childhood is associated with decreased ability to discriminate facial expression. Finally, lack of discrimination in the emotional expression task was related to lack of inhibition to threat in the Stroop task.
Effects of periodic obstructive apneas on venous return in closed-chest dogs.

With sleep apnea syndrome, mean cardiac output (CO) may fall. This implies a fall in venous return (VR) that is equal to the product of the pressure gradient for VR (GVR)--mean circulatory pressure (MCP)--right ventricular end-diastolic pressure and the conductance for VR (Gv). During airway obstruction there could also be shifts of blood volume between central and peripheral circulatory compartments. We studied these parameters in anesthetized closed-chest, spontaneously breathing dogs when hypoxia occurred (room air [RA] breathing) and when hypoxia was prevented (100% O2 breathing). Obstructive apneas were induced by completely occluding the endotracheal tube at end expiration for 1 min and allowing 1 min of spontaneous ventilation. During RA apneas, arterial PO2 decreased to 32.7 +/- 6.1 mm Hg (p < 0.01). Apnea reduced respiratory effort rate by 22.0 to 37.0% and was associated with inspiratory airway pressure swings in both RA and O2 of approximately -16.0 mm Hg. During apnea, on RA and O2 heart rate and mean arterial pressure decreased by 20 to 30 beats/min and by 8 to 12 mm Hg, respectively. On RA, CO decreased by 7.0% (not significant). In contrast, on O2, CO increased by 21.0% (p < 0.01). With RA apneas, GVR and MCP increased by 55% (p < 0.05) and Gv decreased by 63% (p < 0.05). On O2, there were no changes in GVR or Gv, and changes in CO were predictable from the baseline VR curve. With O2 there was an increase in central blood volume by 21.0% (p < 0.01) during the apneic phase. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Airborne 222Rn concentration in Cypriot houses.

Studies from a pilot survey in 89 houses in Cyprus show that the arithmetic mean for the housing stock is about 7 Bq m-3 and the annual effective dose equivalent to the population from radon progeny is < 330 microSv y-1. Four houses have values > 30 Bq m-3, corresponding to two standard deviations from the mean value. The highest value recorded was 78 Bq m-3. These results are considerably lower than those of other countries reported in the literature. Radon concentrations in houses is correlated to the local geology. The highest concentrations are in houses built on Chalk formations with an average value of 9.29 Bq m-3 (standard deviation 19.69 Bq m-3). The lowest concentrations are in houses built on Olivine Basalt formations with an average value of 0.50 Bq m-3 (standard deviation 0.80 Bq m-3).
Nonlinear quantization effects in the LMS and block LMS adaptive algorithms-a comparison

Analog implementations of the LMS (least-mean squares) and block LMS (BLMS) adaptive filtering algorithms have been shown to be equivalent with respect to adaptation speed and steady-state misadjustment errors. However, the BLMS algorithm offers significant reductions in computational speed due to block processing. Digital implementations of the two algorithms are compared with respect to finite word effects. The algorithm stalling phenomena is studied using Gaussian data and conditional expectation arguments. It is shown that the BLMS algorithm requires 1/2(log/sub 2/L-K) fewer bits for the same stalling behavior (L=block length and K lies between 0.2 and 1, depending on the precise definition of algorithm stalling). The LMS algorithm requires log/sub 2/L fewer bits than BLMS for the same level of saturation behavior (transient response) at algorithm initialization. Hence, overall the LMS algorithm requires 1/2(log/sub 2/L+K) fewer bits than the BLMS algorithm for the same saturation and stalling effects. <<ETX>>
Comparison of HER2 Dual-Color and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization in Breast Cancer:  A Cohort Study Emphasizing Equivocal Cases.

OBJECTIVES Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2; ERBB2 gene) is of prognostic and predictive significance in breast carcinoma. Both fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and dual-color in situ hybridization (DISH) methods are available. DISH and FISH are highly concordant in validation studies, but differences may be more prevalent in the equivocal range. Our goal was to compare FISH and DISH on a cohort enriched for equivocal cases, with respect to HER2 determination. METHODS The cohort was enriched for equivocal (2+) cases. DISH and FISH were evaluated using standard protocols and the results compared with respect to HER2 status, HER2 copy number, and HER2/chromosome 17 (Chr17) ratio. RESULTS In total, 109 cases were identified. The agreement rate of DISH with FISH was 74%. The mean ± SD HER2/Chr17 ratio by DISH was 1.63 ± 0.08 vs 1.59 ± 0.26 by FISH (P = .45). The mean ± SD HER2 copy number by DISH was 4.56 ± 0.45 vs 4.75 ± 1.08 by FISH (P = .004). Individual signals were more easily resolved using FISH in cases with higher copy numbers. CONCLUSIONS In our cohort enriched for equivocal cases, the numerical values of HER2 copy number were significantly lower using DISH, resulting in discordances. Although DISH is a valid method, variations with FISH may be expected in high-equivocal cases and in quality assurance activities.
Internet-of-things-based smart environments: state of the art, taxonomy, and open research challenges

The rapid advancements in communication technologies and the explosive growth of the Internet of Things have enabled the physical world to invisibly interweave with actuators, sensors, and other computational elements while maintaining continuous network connectivity. The continuously connected physical world with computational elements forms a smart environment. A smart environment aims to support and enhance the abilities of its dwellers in executing their tasks, such as navigating through unfamiliar space and moving heavy objects for the elderly, to name a few. Researchers have conducted a number of efforts to use IoT to facilitate our lives and to investigate the effect of IoT-based smart environments on human life. This article surveys the state-of-the-art research efforts to enable IoT-based smart environments. We categorize and classify the literature by devising a taxonomy based on communication enablers, network types, technologies, local area wireless standards, objectives, and characteristics. Moreover, the article highlights the unprecedented opportunities brought about by IoT-based smart environments and their effect on human life. Some reported case studies from different enterprises are also presented. Finally, we discuss open research challenges for enabling IoT-based smart environments.
Future projection of surface ozone and its impact on crop yield loss over East Asia in 2020

To evaluate the impact of emission change in East Asia on the surface ozone concentration and crop yield loss especially for wheat and rice, we developed a one-way nested global–regional chemical transport model, and conducted 1–year calculations with emission inventories for 2000 and 2020. The model consisted of global and regional CTMs. The global CTM was based on the chemical atmospheric general circulation model for study of atmospheric environment and radiative forcing (CHASER) model, while the regional part is based on the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) /Chem model. We have been also implemented a model which estimates stomatal ozone flux into agricultural crops following to EMEP (European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme) Unified Model, to evaluate exceedance of flux-based critical levels for ozone. The anthropogenic emissions in East Asia were taken from the Regional Emission inventory in ASia (REAS). Phenological data for spring wheat, single rice, and double rice in China, Korea, and Japan are taken from statistical data for each country. Comparison of the modeled surface ozone with ground–based observations in China in 2007 and 2008 showed that the model generally reproduced the seasonal and diurnal variations of ozone at the canopy height. For the horizontal distribution of surface ozone concentration, comparison between 2000 and 2020 revealed an ozone increase of 5–20 ppbv in the North China Plain, where the increase of ozone precursors was most remarkable. Remarkable increase of accumulated ozone flux into wheat during its growing season can be seen in the southern part of China. The maximum increase of AFst6 (accumulated stomatal flux of ozone above threshold of 6 nmol m−2 PLA s−1) was 2.4 mmol/m in Kanton Province. Crop yield loss caused by high ozone concentration was also estimated by using AFst6 and AOT40 (accumulated ozone concentration over threshold of 40 ppbv). Both estimates showed that crop yield loss might increase from 7% to 15% in East Asia. keyword: surface ozone, chemical transport model, future projection, East Asia, crop yield loss
Discharge studies and prevention in the gas electron multiplier ( GEM )

The gas electron multiplier (GEM) used as single proportional counter or in a cascade of two or more elements, permits to attain high gains and to perform detection and localization of ionizing tracks at very high radiation rates. As in other micro-pattern detectors, however, the occasional occurrence of heavily ionizing trails may trigger a local breakdown, with possible harmful consequences on the device itself and on the readout electronics. This paper describes a systematic investigation of the discharge mechanisms in single and multiple GEM structures, and suggests various strategies to reduce both the energy and the probability of the discharges. r 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. PACS: 29.40 Cs; 77.22. Jp; 51.70. +f
The Role of Sentiment in Information Propagation on Twitter – An Empirical Analysis of Affective Dimensions in Political Tweets

Twitter is, among other social-media platforms, a service, which is said to have an impact on the public discourse and communication in the society. With the unique feature of “retweeting,” Twitter is an ideal platform for users to spread information. Besides their content and intended use, Twitter messages (“tweets”) often convey pertinent information about their author’s sentiment. In this paper, we examine whether sentiment occurring in politically relevant tweets has an effect on their retweetability (i.e., how often these tweets will be retweeted). Based on a data set of approximately 65,000 tweets, we find a positive relationship between the quantity of words indicating affective dimensions including positive and negative emotions associated with certain political parties or politicians in tweets and their retweet rate. We conclude by discussing the implications of our results.
Oestrogen functions in skin and skin appendages

Oestrogens have significant effects on different cell types important in skin physiology, including the epidermal keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts and melanocytes. In addition, they can also modulate skin appendages such as the hair follicle, the sebaceous gland and the apocrine glands. Oestrogens may also have important modulatory roles in events such as skin ageing, pigmentation, hair growth, sebum production and skin cancer. It is now recognised that oestrogens can modulate their actions via two distinct intracellular receptors (ERα and ERβ) or via cell surface receptors, which activate specific second messenger signalling pathways. This paper highlights the effects of oestrogens on different components of the skin and reviews some of the more recent developments in terms of receptor expression and cell signalling pathways.