Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Co-overproduction and localization of the Escherichia coli motility proteins motA and motB

The motility genes motA and motB of Escherichia coli were placed under control of the Serratia marcescens trp promoter. After induction with beta-indoleacrylic acid, the levels of MotA and MotB rose over about a 3-h period, reaching plateau levels approximately 50-fold higher than wild-type levels. Both overproduced proteins inserted into the cytoplasmic membrane. Growth and motility were essentially normal, suggesting that although the motor is a proton-conducting device, MotA and MotB together do not constitute a major proton leak. Derivative plasmids which maintained an intact version of motB but had the motA coding region deleted in various ways were constructed. With these, the levels of MotB were much lower, reaching a peak within 30 min after induction and declining thereafter; pulse-chase measurements indicated that a contributing factor was MotB degradation. The low levels of MotB occurred even with an in-frame internal deletion of motA, whose translational initiation and termination sites were intact, suggesting that it is the MotA protein, rather than the process of MotA synthesis, that is important for MotB stability. Termination at the usual site of overlap with the start of motB (ATGA) was not an absolute requirement for MotB synthesis but did result in higher rates of synthesis than when translation of motA information terminated prematurely. Even in the total absence of MotA, the MotB that was synthesized was found exclusively in the cytoplasmic membrane fraction. In wild-type cells, MotA was estimated by immunoprecipitation to be in about fourfold excess over MotB; a previous estimate of 600 +/- 250 copies of MotA per cell then yielded an estimate of 150 +/- 70 copies of MotB per cell.
α1 Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase (sGC) Splice Forms as Potential Regulators of Human sGC Activity*

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), a key protein in the NO/cGMP signaling pathway, is an obligatory heterodimeric protein composed of one α- and one β-subunit. The α1/β1 sGC heterodimer is the predominant form expressed in various tissues and is regarded as the major isoform mediating NO-dependent effects such as vasodilation. We have identified three new α1 sGC protein variants generated by alternative splicing. The 363 residue N1-α1 sGC splice variant contains the regulatory domain, but lacks the catalytic domain. The shorter N2-α1 sGC maintains 126 N-terminal residues and gains an additional 17 unique residues. The C-α1 sGC variant lacks 240 N-terminal amino acids, but maintains a part of the regulatory domain and the entire catalytic domain. Q-PCR of N1-α1, N2-α1 sGC mRNA levels together with RT-PCR analysis for C-α1 sGC demonstrated that the expression of the α1 sGC splice forms vary in different human tissues indicative of tissue-specific regulation. Functional analysis of the N1-α1 sGC demonstrated that this protein has a dominant-negative effect on the activity of sGC when coexpressed with the α1/β1 heterodimer. The C-α1 sGC variant heterodimerizes with the β1 subunit and produces a fully functional NO- and BAY41-2272-sensitive enzyme. We also found that despite identical susceptibility to inhibition by ODQ, intracellular levels of the 54-kDa C-α1 band did not change in response to ODQ treatments, while the level of 83 kDa α1 band was significantly affected by ODQ. These studies suggest that modulation of the level and diversity of splice forms may represent novel mechanisms modulating the function of sGC in different human tissues.
Family-based association between Alzheimer's disease and variants in UBQLN1.

BACKGROUND Recent analyses suggest that the known Alzheimer's disease genes account for less than half the genetic variance in this disease. The gene encoding ubiquilin 1 (UBQLN1) is one of several candidate genes for Alzheimer's disease located near a well-established linkage peak on chromosome 9q22. METHODS We evaluated 19 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in three genes within the chromosome 9q linkage region in 437 multiplex families with Alzheimer's disease from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) sample (1439 subjects). We then tested the single-nucleotide polymorphisms showing a positive result in an independently identified set of 217 sibships discordant for Alzheimer's disease (Consortium on Alzheimer's Genetics [CAG] sample; 489 subjects) and assessed the functional effect of an implicated single-nucleotide polymorphism in brain tissue from 25 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 17 controls. RESULTS In the NIMH sample, we observed a significant association between Alzheimer's disease and various single-nucleotide polymorphisms in UBQLN1. We confirmed these associations in the CAG sample. The risk-conferring haplotype in both samples was defined by a single intronic single-nucleotide polymorphism located downstream of exon 8. The risk allele was associated with a dose-dependent increase in an alternatively spliced UBQLN1 (lacking exon 8) transcript in RNA extracted from brain samples of patients with Alzheimer's disease. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that genetic variants in UBQLN1 on chromosome 9q22 substantially increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, possibly by influencing alternative splicing of this gene in the brain.
Leakage Currents on Naturally Contaminated Porcelain and Silicone Insulators

The leakage current measurements on standard post insulators and on rod insulators without sheds were carried out. The porcelain and silicone rubber insulators were tested at the Glogow station under the voltage of 75 kV. It was shown that the currents on porcelain insulators are sometimes greater than the currents on silicone insulators. However, the currents on both insulator types are often similar. Silicone rubber insulators are more contaminated than porcelain insulators. The current analysis has been made by using the static theory of pollution flashover.
Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes

Part One of "Angels in America", subtitled "Millennium Approaches", erupted on to the stage of the National Theatre in January 1992. Part Two, "Perestroika", followed in November 1993. Since then "Angels in America" has become one of the most studied American plays, with over 30,000 copies of both parts sold in the UK alone. It has also been filmed for television by Mike Nichols, with Al Pacino, Meryl Streep - and Emma Thompson as the eponymous Angel. Now, 15 years after that first production, and with Tony Kushner's latest play, "Caroline, or Change", still running - and winning prizes - at the National, both parts of "Angels in America" are available in a single volume. Parts One and Two will also stay in print in separate volumes.
Prevalence of risk factors for coronary atherosclerosis in a cross-sectional population of Andhra Pradesh.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of risk factors for atherosclerosis is increasing in India due to changing socioeconomic factors and lifestyles. Data for the state of Andhra Pradesh are scanty in this regard. METHODS AND RESULTS The prevalence of conventional risk factors for atherosclerosis was prospectively assessed in a unique sample of 3307 workers of a political party drawn from all over the state of Andhra Pradesh. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical and laboratory data were collected prospectively over a period of 6 months. The mean age of the subjects was 43.12+/-9.5 years, 2955 (88%) were males and 385 (12%) females. The prevalence of risk factors was as follows: diabetes in 810 (24%); hypertension in 924 (28%); lipid abnormality in 1908 (58%); smoking in 805 (24%) and positive family history in 555 (17%). Obesity was prevalent in 1178 (36%) of the population. All coronary risk factors, excepting family history, were significantly more prevalent in males [diabetes: 777 (26%) v. 34 (9%), p<0.001; hypertension: 833 (28%) v. 72 (19%), p<0.001; lipid abnormality: 1729 (59%) v. 172 (45%), p<0.001; smoking: 801 (27%) v. 7 (2%), p<0.001; and family history: 497 (17%) v. 60 (16%), p=0.54]. Region-wise analysis showed a high prevalence of diabetes in the Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, hypertension in the Andhra region, and smoking in the Rayalaseema region. Lipid disorders were equally prevalent in all the regions. CONCLUSIONS The present report shows a disturbing burden of coronary risk factors in the study population. There is an urgent need to undertake population-based measures to reverse the trend.
Irradiation of an accretion disc by a jet: general properties and implications for spin measurements of black holes

X-ray irradiation of the accretion disc leads to strong reflection features, which are then broadened and distorted by relativistic effects. We present a detailed, general relativistic approach to model this irradiation for different geometries of the primary X-ray source. These geometries include the standard point source on the rotational axis as well as more jet-like sources, which are radially elongated and accelerating. Incorporating this code in the RELLINE model for relativistic line emission, the line shape for any configuration can be predicted. We study how different irradiation geometries affect the determination of the spin of the black hole. Broad emission lines are produced only for compact irradiating sources situated close to the black hole. This is the only case where the black hole spin can be unambiguously determined. In all other cases the line shape is narrower, which could either be explained by a low spin or an elongated source. We conclude that for those cases and independent of the quality of the data, no unique solution for the spin exists and therefore only a lower limit of the spin value can be given
FROM WHEELS & YOKE TO BRIDLES, GOAD & DOUBLE-ARM KNOB

Cette etude est consacree aux vehicules a roues de l’âge du Bronze et a certains elements en particulier, comme les roues, attelages, brides ou aiguillons. Vestiges archeologiques et temoignages iconographiques de differentes provenances (Scandinavie, Egypte, Grece, Mesopotamie.) sont analyses et compares.
Financial Advisors and Shareholder Wealth Gains in Corporate Takeovers

Abstract We examine the effect of financial advisor reputation on wealth gains in corporate takeovers. In view of the adversarial nature of a takeover, we construct a measure of the relative reputation of the advisor. We document that the absolute wealth gain as well as the share of the total takeover wealth gain accruing to the bidder (target) increases (decreases) as the reputation of the bidder's advisor increases relative to that of the target. We also find that the total wealth created in the takeover is positively related to the reputation of bidder and target advisors. While bidder advisor reputation is positively related to the probability of bid success in our sample, we also present some evidence to suggest that bidders with better advisors are more likely to withdraw from potentially value-destroying takeovers.
Detection of DNA base‐excision repair activity for oxidative lesions in adult rat brain mitochondria

Endogenous oxidative damage to brain mitochondrial DNA and consequential disturbances of gene expression and mitochondrial dysfunction have long been implicated in aging and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. It has yet to be determined, however, whether mitochondria in brain cells contain an active DNA repair system and, if so, how this system functions. Therefore, the capacity for the repair of defined types of oxidative DNA lesions has been investigated in adult rat brain mitochondria. Using in vitro DNA incorporation repair assay, we have detected base excision repair (BER) activity for the common oxidative DNA adduct 8‐hydroxyl‐2′‐deoxyguanine (8‐oxodG) in mitochondria protein extracts from cortical tissues and cultured primary cortical neurons and astrocytes. The levels of BER activity were both protein concentration‐dependent and repair‐incubation time‐dependent. To resolve the BER pathway, the activity of essential BER enzymes was examined in mitochondria using oligonucleotide incision assay, DNA polymerase assay, and DNA ligase assay employing specific DNA substrates. Mitochondrial extracts were able to remove specifically 8‐oxodG, uracil, and the apurinic/apyrimidinic abasic site from substrates. Moreover, a gamma‐like DNA polymerase activity and a DNA ligase activity were detected in mitochondiral extracts, based on the formation of specific repair products. These results demonstrate that adult brain mitochondria possess an active BER system for repairing oxidative DNA lesions. This repair system appears to function by sequential actions of DNA repair enzymes that are homologous to, but not identical to, that in the nucleus. Thus, BER may represent an endogenous protective mechanism against oxidative damage to mitochondrial, as well as nuclear, genomes in brain cells. J. Neurosci. Res. 61:225–236, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Persistent st‐segment elevation after primary stenting for acute myocardial infarction: Its relation to left ventricular recovery

Background: Early restoration of coronary artery patency in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been linked to improvement in survival. However, early recanalization of an occluded epicardial coronary artery by either thrombolytic agents or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) does Not Necessarily lead to left ventricular (LV) function recovery.
An Assessment of the Nutritional Status of under Five Children in Four Districts in the Central Region of Ghana

The study determined the nutritional status of under five children in Komenda Edina EguafoAbirem (KEEA) districts in Central region, Ghana. Weight and height measurements for 120 children selected from 4 clusters were taken and survey data collected by structured questionnaire from mothers of the selected children. Prevalence of underweight/severely underweight stunting/severely stunted and wasting/severely wasted was 13.3%, 34.2% and 10.8% respectively. Results also indicated that stunting, wasting and underweight were more prevalent in girls than in boys and in children aged >2 - 5 years than those <2 years. Wasting only occurred in a small percentage of the boys and girls, and children <2 years.Survey revealed that there is a significant association between nutritional status of children and mothers’ age, education, nutrition knowledge and feeding practices. Wald statistics and confidence intervals after adjusting for mother’s age, education, occupation, father’s occupation and feeding practices showed mothers nutrition knowledge, feeding practices and mothers’ education as predictors of children nutrition status.Curbing teenage pregnancy, encouraging girls to pursue education, developing and implementing a comprehensive nutrition education programme for mothers with emphasis on providing quality nutritious and adequate food to children is highly recommended.
A differential frost heave model : cryoturbation-vegetation interactions

We used field observations of frost-boil distribution, soils, and vegetation to attempt to validate the predictions of a Differential Frost Heave (DFH) model along the temperature gradient in northern Alaska. The model successfully predicts order of magnitude heave and spacing of frost boils, and can account for the circular motion of soils within frost boils. Modification of the model is needed to account for the observed variation in frost boil systems along the climate gradient that appear to be the result of complex interactions between frost heave and vegetation. Permafrost, Phillips, Springman & Arenson (eds) © 2003 Swets & Zeitlinger, Lisse, ISBN 90 5809 582 7
Biological dose optimization with multiple ion fields

We describe a method to irradiate arbitrarily shaped target volumes with simultaneously optimized multiple fields of fast carbon ions, explicitly taking into account sparing of organs at risk. The method was developed with realistic technical boundary conditions in mind, so that irradiations can be executed with devices like the GSI raster scanner or its successors at the upcoming dedicated ion-beam radiotherapy facilities. By virtue of the local effect model (LEM) biological effects are fully taken into account. Several minimization algorithms were investigated, and plain gradient search was found to be more effective than methods based on conjugate gradients or Newton's root finding algorithm. Two sets of cell survival experiments for the experimental verification of patient-like treatment plans were performed. Chinese hamster cells were used for quasi two-dimensional biological dosimetry. The plans combine a very good target conformation with an excellent sparing of organs-at-risk which was verified by the measurements. The results are compared to predictions of the local effect model in its original formulation and a modified version taking additional effects of clustered DNA damage into account. The new method is implemented in GSI's TRiP98 treatment planning system. It has already been applied clinically for planning and irradiating selected patients within the GSI pilot project.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Protective Effects of Self-Management Skills on Adolescent Substance Use

A variety of cognitive and behavioral self-management skills have been posited as protective in terms of adolescent substance use. This study examined whether these skills measured in the 7th grade served a protective function in 9th grade substance use across ethnically diverse samples of adolescents. Participants consisted of Black (n = 461) and Hispanic (n = 320) urban youth and White suburban youth (n = 757). Structural equation modeling indicated that a second order Self-Management Skills latent factor consisting of first order latent factors of Decision-Making, Self-Regulation, and Self-Reinforcement skills was protective for adolescent substance use across racial/ethnic subgroups. However, Self-Management Skills were more strongly protective for suburban White youth and less protective for urban minority youth. These findings are consistent with previous research showing that predictive power of risk and protective factors derived from psychosocial theories varies widely across racial/ethnic subgroups of youth and is weaker among racial/ethnic minority youth compared to White youth. An important next step is to broaden the focus of etiology research from individual-level determinants to studying adolescent substance use behavior in the context of the cultural background and primary social settings of young people, such as family, school, and community environments.
Construction of harmonic diffeomorphisms and minimal graphs

We study complete minimal graphs in ℍ x ℝ, which take asymptotic boundary values plus and minus infinity on alternating sides of an ideal inscribed polygon Γ in ℍ. We give necessary and sufficient conditions on the "lengths" of the sides of the polygon (and all inscribed polygons in Γ) that ensure the existence of such a graph. We then apply this to construct entire minimal graphs in ℍ x ℝ that are conformally the complex plane C. The vertical projection of such a graph yields a harmonic diffeomorphism from C onto ℍ, disproving a conjecture of Rick Schoen and S. -T. Yau.
Recognizing, investigating and dealing with incomplete and biased reporting of clinical research: from Francis Bacon to the WHO

Under-reportingof the results of research in anyfield of scientific enquiry is scientific misconduct because it delays discoveryandunderstanding. In the field of clinical research, incomplete and biased reporting has resulted in patients suffering and dying unnecessarily. Reliance on an incomplete evidence base for decision-making can lead to imprecise or incorrect conclusions about an intervention’s effects. Biased reporting of clinical research can result in overestimates of beneficial effects and suppression of harmful effects of treatments. Furthermore, planners of new research are unable to benefit from relevant past research. Failure to publish is also unethical. Participants in clinical research are usually assured that their involvement will contribute to knowledge; but this does not happen if the research is not reported publicly and accessibly. Moreover, failure to publish is simply a waste of precious research and other resources. Every year an estimated 12,000 clinical trials which should have been fully reported are not, wasting just under a million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually – the carbon emission equivalent of about 800,000 round-trip flights between London and New York. In brief, failure to report research findings is not only unscientific but also unethical. How did thisproblemcometobe recognizedand investigated, andwhat steps are being taken today to deal with it?
Current knowledge of type-specific M antigens of group A streptococci.

It is established that M protein is the cellular component of group A streptococci responsible for the production of type-specific antibodies, which are the basis of type-specific immunity in man. Strains freshly isolated from acute infections, so far as is known at present, always contain M antigen. Although many cultures containing M protein are avirulent for mice, all highly mouse-virulent group A strains contain M antigen. The amount of M protein in some cultures can be increased by serial mouse passage, and the virulence of such strains is usually increased at the same time. It is possible that the hyaluronic acid capsule in addition to M protein may be a factor in virulence, but its importance has not been clearly defined. M protein probably enhances virulence by impeding phagocytosis, and the capsule may contribute to virulence by a mechanism not yet fully elucidated. So far no completely purified preparations of M protein have been obtained, but progress in this direction is being made. Once this is achieved, it may be possible to define the properties of this important antigen more accurately.
The treatment of displaced fractures at the ankle by rigid internal fixation and early joint movement.

1. This paper presents a series of 135 patients with displaced ankle fractures treated by rigid internal fixation followed by early joint exercises in bed until movements were restored and followed then by full weight bearing in a plaster. 2. The advantages obtained are as follows: A high standard of reduction can be achieved and maintained. The joint movements are established before organisation of the traumatic exudate. Weight bearing in a plaster reduces the degree of disability and prevents osteoporosis. Further remedial treatment after removal of the plaster is usually unnecessary. 3. All but five of the fractures (3·7 per cent) could be classified in the manner described by Lauge-Hansen. 4. This classification is the most satisfactory of those available and is recommended for general use. 5. Anatomical reduction was obtained in 102 patients (77 per cent), with good objective clinical results in 108 patients (82 per cent). 6. The quality of the clinical result depends mostly on the accuracy of the reduction, to a lesser extent on the degree of initial displacement, and least on the type of fracture. 7. It is considered that the traditional concept of diastasis requires modification; it is felt that the term lateral ankle instability, which includes low fracture of the fibula (intraosseous diastasis) is preferable. 8. Internal fixation of the syndesmosis is to be avoided except in rare instances. 9. The incidence of arthritis is shown to depend mostly upon the accuracy of reduction; the initial degree of displacement is also of importance.