Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of the SOS response in Bacillus subtilis: evidence for a LexA repressor homolog

The inducible SOS response for DNA repair and mutagenesis in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis resembles the extensively characterized SOS system of Escherichia coli. In this report, we demonstrate that the cellular repressor of the E. coli SOS system, the LexA protein, is specifically cleaved in B. subtilis following exposure of the cells to DNA-damaging treatments that induce the SOS response. The in vivo cleavage of LexA is dependent upon the functions of the E. coli RecA protein homolog in B. subtilis (B. subtilis RecA) and results in the same two cleavage fragments as produced in E. coli cells following the induction of the SOS response. We also show that a mutant form of the E. coli RecA protein (RecA430) can partially substitute for the nonfunctional cellular RecA protein in the B. subtilis recA4 mutant, in a manner consistent with its known activities and deficiencies in E. coli. RecA430 protein, which has impaired repressor cleaving (LexA, UmuD, and bacteriophage lambda cI) functions in E.coli, partially restores genetic exchange to B. subtilis recA4 strains but, unlike wild-type E. coli RecA protein, is not capable of inducing SOS functions (expression of DNA damage-inducible [din::Tn917-lacZ] operons or RecA synthesis) in B. subtilis in response to DNA-damaging agents or those functions that normally accompany the development of physiological competence. Our results provide support for the existence of a cellular repressor in B. subtilis that is functionally homologous to the E. coli LexA repressor and suggest that the mechanism by which B. subtilis RecA protein (like RecA of E. coli) becomes activated to promote the induction of the SOS response is also conserved.
An engine of virtual reality mixing environment based on real-time modeling and interaction

Mixed reality (MR) is a further research hotspot with the development of virtual reality (VR). Seamless fusion and real-time interaction between virtual environment and real users or objects are two most important problems urgent to be solved for a MR system. In this paper an engine of virtual reality mixing environment E-VRME is proposed based on real-time modeling and interaction and three applications are demonstrated. The engine runs on our self-built hardware platform DreamWorld and has three modules. Graphics module is designed for VE rendering, modeling module for 3D reconstruction and V-R interaction module for collision detection and feedback. An octree-based visual hull modeling method is used for constructing the mesh models of all the users from their multi-view images. Then, marching cubes algorithm is applied for triangulation and texture mapping is carried out. E-VRME integrates virtual and real information into a seamless unit and it supports any kinds of real-time MR applications. Experimental results and three different application systems proved its usefulness and effectiveness.
Correlation of plasma insulin and insulin‐like growth factor‐I with indices of androgen transport and metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Summary. objective Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Is said to be associated with hyperinsulinaemia. Insulin stimulates androgen production by ovarian tissue in vitro and previous studies have identified a positive correlation of Insulin with androstenedione. The aim of the present study was to discover whether insulin levels correlate with clinical presentation and with markers of androgen trans‐port and metabolism In women with PCOS.
Chemical and Structural Diversity in Cyclooxygenase Protein Active Sites

A major pharmaceutical problem is designing diverse and selective lead compounds. The human genome sequence provides opportunities to discover compounds that are protein selective if we can develop methods to identify specificity determinants from sequence alone. We have analyzed sequence and structural diversity of sheep COX‐1 and mouse COX‐2 proteins by Active Site Profiling (ASP). Eleven residues that should serve as specificity determinants between COX‐1 and COX‐2 were identified; however, the literature suggests that only one has been utilized in structure‐based discovery. ASP was used to create a position‐specific scoring matrix, which was used to identify possible cross‐reacting proteins from the human sequences. This method proved selective for cyclooxygenases, comparing well with results using BLAST. The methods identify a probable misannotation of a cyclooxygenase in which there is high sequence similarity scores using BLAST, but ASP shows it does not contain the residues necessary for cyclooxygenase function. ASP Analysis of human COX proteins suggests that some specificity determinants that distinguish COX‐1 and COX‐2 proteins are similar between sheep COX‐1/mouse COX‐2 and human COX‐1/COX2; however, residue identities at those positions are not necessarily conserved. Our results lay groundwork for development of family‐specific pattern recognition methods to selectively match compounds with proteins.
Lending Relationships and Optimal Monetary Policy

We study optimal monetary policy in a monetary model of internal and external finance with bank entry and endogenous formation of lending relationships through search and bargaining. Following an unanticipated destruction of relationships, optimal monetary policy under com- mitment lowers the interest rate in the aftermath of the shock and uses forward guidance to promote bank entry and rebuild relationships. Absent commitment, forward guidance fails to anchor inflation expectations and optimal policy is subject to a deflationary bias that delays recovery. If there is a temporary freeze in relationship creation, the interest rate is set at the zero lower bound for some period of time.
The influences of proportion of flexible epoxy resin on dielectric properties

Epoxy resin has been widely used in dry-type insulation application, such as dry-type bushings. This study focuwes on the epoxy formulation system effect on the dielectric properties of epoxy resin. With methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride as curing agent, we made the specimens which were mixed epoxy resin and flexible epoxy resin in different weight. Because of the proportion of flexible epoxy resin, the composite epoxy resin specimens have different glass transition temperature. Experimental results demonstrate that the glass transition temperature decreases linearly as proportion of flexible epoxy resin rises. Glass transition temperature has a considerable effect on dielectric properties of epoxy resin.
Morphometric Analysis of Normal Human Spiral Ganglion Cells

A morphometric analysis of the human spiral ganglion was performed at an ultrastructural level. Cells of the basal, middle, and upper middle turns were evaluated by serial section. The following parameters were evaluated: Myelinization, area, diameter, circumference, and degree of roundness of the cell body and nucleus; diameter of the axon and dendrite in their initial segments; and process configuration. Analysis of variance suggested there were at least two types of cell bodies within the human spiral ganglion, best delineated by the dimensions of the cell body and nucleus and the ratio of diameter of the initial segments of axonic and dendritic processes. Myelinization and degree of roundness were relatively unimportant differential parameters. Cluster (multivariate) analysis of the six most important differential parameters suggested the possibility of five subgroups among the groups of large and small cells. For the middle and upper middle turns, cluster analysis suggested that there may be as many as three groups of cells based on morphometric analysis. These results are discussed in relation to other morphologic and physiologic data in the mammalian spiral ganglion.
Bullet Trajectory after Impact on Laminated Particle Board

When reconstructing a bullet's trajectory prior to impact using the spatial orientation between two consecutive bullet defects (e.g., by probing), it is important to take the bullet's deflection into account. The (critical) ricochet angles as well as the vertical and horizontal deflection angles of eight cartridge types on laminated particle board have been studied. For all eight of the cartridge types combined, the critical ricochet angles lie between approximately 14° and 26°, while for the subgroup of the jacketed bullets, this range lies lower, between approximately 14° and 18°. The data from this study can be used to assess the accuracy and precision of the applied method. The results show that the highest deflection angles are seen near the critical ricochet angle. Generally speaking, vertical and horizontal deflection angles can almost be neglected above angles of incidence of 30° or 40° for handgun ammunition when shooting at laminated particle board.
Evaluation of Medetomidine–Ketamine–Butorphanol Anesthesia with Atipamezole–Naltrexone Antagonism in Captive Male Guanacos (Lama guanicoe)

Abstract Seven captive adult male guanacos (Lama guanicoe) weighing 112.0 ± 10.9 kg (mean ± standard deviation) were anesthetized with a combination of medetomidine (90.0 ± 8.8 µg/kg), ketamine (2.7 ± 0.3 mg/kg), and butorphanol (0.3 ± 0.03 mg/kg) administered intramuscularly to evaluate its anesthetic and cardiopulmonary effects. Inductions were smooth and rapid, with a mean time to initial effect of 3 ± 1.5 min and a mean time to recumbency of 5.1 ± 3.1 min. Anesthesia was predictable, smooth, and characterized by excellent muscle relaxation. Spontaneous ventilation was maintained throughout anesthesia in all animals. Marked bradycardia ranging from 24 to 52 beats/min was noted across all time points for all individuals. Median heart rates decreased during the procedures, but median heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and end-tidal carbon dioxide values over the 20 min monitoring period were not significantly different. Mean arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) on initial sampling was 65.9 ± 14.8 mm Hg, with six of seven animals exhibiting hypoxemia (PaO2 < 80 mm Hg). After oxygen supplementation for 20 min, mean PaO2 values showed statistically significant increases to a mean value of 127.7 ± 32.4 mm Hg (P = 0.0014). Mean arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) showed a significant increase over the monitoring period (P = 0.0004), and mild hypoventilation (PaCO2 > 45 mm Hg) was noted in four animals. Mean total duration of procedure time was 23.3 ± 3.3 min. All guanacos received 0.45 ± 0.04 mg/kg atipamezole and 2.7 ± 0.25 mg/kg naltrexone administered intramuscularly for anesthetic antagonism. Recoveries were smooth and uncomplicated. Mean time to sternal recumbency after antagonist administration was 7.7 ± 4.5 min, and time to successful standing was 12.9 ± 5.0 min, with all animals standing on first attempt.
Interactions of Anopheles gambiae Odorant-binding Proteins with a Human-derived Repellent

Background: Odorant-binding proteins mediate recognition of odors that guide mosquito behavior. Results: Studies of AgamOBP1 reveal the binding site for the natural repellent 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (6-MH). Conclusion: 6-MH binds to the same site as DEET and blocks the interaction of AgamOBP1 with other OBPs. Significance: In targeting OBPs in mosquitoes, the location of repellent binding may count more than the binding affinity. The Anopheles gambiae mosquito, which is the vector for Plasmodium falciparum malaria, uses a series of olfactory cues emanating from human sweat to select humans as their source for a blood meal. Perception of these odors within the mosquito olfactory system involves the interplay of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and odorant receptors and disrupting the normal responses to those odorants that guide mosquito-human interactions represents an attractive approach to prevent the transmission of malaria. Previously, it has been shown that DEET targets multiple components of the olfactory system, including OBPs and odorant receptors. Here, we present the crystal structure of A. gambiae OBP1 (OBP1) in the complex it forms with a natural repellent 6-methyl-5-heptene-2-one (6-MH). We find that 6-MH binds to OBP1 at exactly the same site as DEET. However, key interactions with a highly conserved water molecule that are proposed to be important for DEET binding are not involved in binding of 6-MH. We show that 6-MH and DEET can compete for the binding of attractive odorants and in doing so disrupt the interaction that OBP1 makes with OBP4. We further show that 6-MH and DEET can bind simultaneously to OBPs with other ligands. These results suggest that the successful discovery of novel reagents targeting OBP function requires knowledge about the specific mechanism of binding to the OBP rather than their binding affinity.
The Crowding Out Effect of Booming Real Estate Markets on Corporate TFP: Evidence from China

This paper explores the impact of housing price appreciation on corporate total factor productivity (TFP) in Chinese A‐share listed corporations. Results show that increasing real estate prices negatively affect corporate TFP. Meanwhile, we find that the deterring effect is especially significant for state‐owned enterprises (SOEs), large corporations and manufacturing corporations. This research further provides suggestive evidence that managerial myopia may be one potential explanation for the crowding out effect of increasing housing prices. When home purchase is under restriction, however, the negative impact of rising housing prices on corporate TFP declines sharply. This study illustrates the efficiency cost of China's booming real estate market.
Important role of endocannabinoid signaling in the development of functional vision and locomotion in zebrafish

The developmental role of the endocannabinoid system still remains to be fully understood. Here, we report thepresenceof a complete endocannabinoid system during zebrafish development andshowthat thegenes that code for enzymes that catalyze the anabolism and catabolism (mgll and dagla) of the endocannabinoid, 2‐AG (2‐arachidonoylglycerol), as well as 2‐AGmain receptor in the brain, cannabinoid receptor type 1, are coexpressed in defined regions of axonal growth. By using morpholino‐induced transient knockdown of the zebrafish Daglα homologandits pharmacologic rescue, we suggest that synthesis of 2‐AGis implicated inthe control of axon formationin themidbrain‐hindbrain region andthat animals that lack Daglα display abnormal physiological behaviors intests that measure stereotypedmovement andmotion perception. Our results suggest that thewell‐established role for 2‐AG in axonal outgrowth has implications for the control of vision andmovement in zebrafish and, thus, is likely common to all vertebrates. —Martella, A. , Sepe, R.M. , Silvestri, C. , Zang, J., Fasano, G. , Carnevali, O. , De Girolamo, P., Neuhauss, S.C. F. , Sordino, P., Di Marzo, V. Important role of endocannabinoid signaling inthe development of functional vision and locomotion in zebrafish. FASEB J. 30, 4275–4288 (2016). www.fasebj. org
Item Analysis of the Berg Balance Scale in Individuals with Subacute and Chronic Stroke

Abstract Purpose: The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is one of the most commonly applied clinical measures of balance for individuals with stroke. This study used item analysis methods to investigate various psychometric aspects of the BBS in participants with subacute and chronic stroke. Methods: Secondary analysis of data from 69 participants was included. The Rasch measurement model was used to generate item fit statistics for each item of the BBS and assess scale precision across the continuum of balance. Results: Two of the 14 items of the BBS (standing on one foot and tandem standing) demonstrated misfit. The hierarchical scale demonstrated decreased precision at the higher end of the balance continuum. Discussion: The original instructions for the BBS indicate that the individual tested can choose the limb utilized in the single-limb stance and tandem stance items. Administration of these test items in this way to individuals with stroke may contribute to item misfit. Standardization of administration of the BBS to routinely use the involved lower extremity may support higher item difficulty, contribute to improved scale precision, and decrease the ceiling effect of the scale previously reported. Conclusion: The ability of participants to self-select the assessed lower extremity is most likely contributing to item misfit for 2 of the 14 BBS items. Standardized administration of these items may improve the ability of the BBS to more accurately measure initial balance impairment, as well as changes in balance due to spontaneous recovery and rehabilitation interventions.
Shuttling of G Protein Subunits between the Plasma Membrane and Intracellular Membranes*

Heterotrimeric G proteins (αβγ) mediate the majority of signaling pathways in mammalian cells. It is long held that G protein function is localized to the plasma membrane. Here we examined the spatiotemporal dynamics of G protein localization using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, fluorescence loss in photobleaching, and a photoswitchable fluorescent protein, Dronpa. Unexpectedly, G protein subunits shuttle rapidly (t½ < 1 min) between the plasma membrane and intracellular membranes. We show that consistent with such shuttling, G proteins constitutively reside in endomembranes. Furthermore, we show that shuttling is inhibited by 2-bromopalmitate. Thus, contrary to present thought, G proteins do not reside permanently on the plasma membrane but are constantly testing the cytoplasmic surfaces of the plasma membrane and endomembranes to maintain G protein pools in intracellular membranes to establish direct communication between receptors and endomembranes.
Day/night and circadian rhythm control of con gene expression in Neurospora.

In the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, several events in the process of conidiation are influenced by light. Two genes, con-6 and con-10, which were previously shown to be transcriptionally activated during conidiation and by exposure to light, were found to be unexpressed in mycelium maintained in constant darkness or in constant light. However, when mycelium was shifted from darkness to light, transcripts of both genes appeared and were abundant. Upon further illumination both transcripts disappeared--i.e., their continued production was light repressed. When dark-grown mycelium was exposed to a light pulse and reincubated in the dark, expression of con-6 and con-10 exhibited a 20-hr circadian periodicity. Both genes were photoinducible throughout the stages of the circadian cycle. In the mutant strains bd and bd;frq9, con-6 and con-10 were light inducible but were not normally light repressible. Mutant genes such as acon-2, acon-3, and fl that block developmental expression of con-6 and/or con-10 did not prevent their photoinduction.
Selective use of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling in patients with adrenocorticotropin-dependent Cushing's syndrome prior to transsphenoidal surgery.

CONTEXT Few data are available on the selective use of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) in the presurgical evaluation of patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, so we investigated whether its use only in patients without a clear adenoma on magnetic resonance imaging and/or inconsistent biochemical testing affected remission and long-term outcome after surgery in patients with Cushing's disease (CD). SETTING This was a retrospective review of patients treated for CD by one pituitary neurosurgeon at tertiary medical centers in New York City. PATIENTS A total of 193 consecutive adult patients who underwent initial transsphenoidal surgery (TS) for presumed CD between 1987 and 2005 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We examined preoperative pituitary imaging and biochemical data, results of BIPSS and surgical pathology, and outcome based on biochemical tests after initial TS and long term after subsequent therapies. RESULTS Remission rate after the first TS was 80.8% overall, 79.1% in the BIPSS group (n = 105), and 83.0% in the No-BIPSS group (n = 88). Recurrences occurred in 13.5% after the first TS at a mean of 4.8 +/- 3.5 yr (range, 0.7-12.4 yr) with no difference between BIPSS and No-BIPSS groups. Long-term remission was achieved after surgeries and radiotherapy in 85% (86.7% of BIPSS group, 83.0% of No-BIPSS group). CD was ultimately confirmed in all but one patient in each group. CONCLUSIONS Selective use of BIPSS in the preoperative evaluation of patients with presumed CD did not lead to misdiagnosis in the No-BIPSS group or adversely affect remission rates or long-term outcome.
Beyond the Matrix: Visual Methods for Qualitative Network Research

Network research remains dominated by approaches involving the analysis of numerical data stored in data matrices with the aim of identifying the effects of hidden social structures. While such research has advanced our understanding of social networks at the inter‐personal, inter‐unit and inter‐organizational level, repeated calls have been made for network research to attend to the situated meanings attached to both relationships and network structures. In this article, we advance a nascent literature on qualitative methods for social network analysis by drawing together developments in visual network research from across the social sciences. We introduce a typology of three visual methods for the collection of network data using network maps: participatory network mapping, network map interviews and visual network surveys. Drawing on three empirical examples from our research in the inter‐organizational domain, we demonstrate how these methods can be used for the collection of qualitative and quantitative relational data, and how they can be triangulated with other qualitative methods and social network analysis. We evaluate the merits and limitations of the methods presented and conclude that visual network research is a useful addition to existing methods for network research in business and management studies.
Differential transmission of MEKK1 morphogenetic signals by JNK1 and JNK2

JNK1 and JNK2 are two ubiquitously expressed isoforms that exert redundant roles in many physiological processes, but the extent of their relative contributions to these processes has not been well characterized. We show that both JNK isoforms transmit MEK kinase 1 (MEKK1)-mediated morphogenetic signals during mouse embryonic eyelid closure. However, JNK1 and JNK2 are not synonymous, because MEKK1 is haploinsufficient for normal eyelid closure in Jnk1-null mice, but is haplosufficient in Jnk2-null mice. In the Mekk1 heterozygous background, a more efficient phosphorylation of JNK1 than JNK2 leads to differential downstream reactions, such as c-Jun phosphorylation and PAI1 expression in the developing eyelid epithelium. Differences in efficiency of phosphorylation are attributed to JNK1 Gly177 and Ser179 - residues that are absent in JNK2 - which promote a less ordered structural conformation. This leads to more favorable JNK phosphorylation by activin B morphogenetic signals mediated by the MEKK1-MKK4 pathway. Interestingly, Mekk1-Jnk1-Jnk2 triple hemizygotes display a partial eye-open phenotype at birth, suggesting that all three genes dose-dependently contribute to morphogenetic eyelid closure. We propose that a MEKK1-JNK1/2 axis governs the JNK activation levels to control downstream transcriptional events and eyelid morphogenesis and that reduction of upstream MEKK1 signals uncovers analogous but differential roles of JNK1 and JNK2 in a biological process.