Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proteome targets of ubiquitin‐like samp1ylation are associated with sulfur metabolism and oxidative stress in Haloferax volcanii

Small archeal modifier proteins (SAMPs) are related to ubiquitin in tertiary structure and in their isopeptide linkage to substrate proteins. SAMPs also function in sulfur mobilization to form biomolecules such as molybdopterin and thiolated tRNA. While SAMP1 is essential for anaerobic growth and covalently attached to lysine residues of its molybdopterin synthase partner MoaE (K240 and K247), the full diversity of proteins modified by samp1ylation is not known. Here, we expand the knowledge of proteins isopeptide linked to SAMP1. LC‐MS/MS analysis of ‐Gly‐Gly signatures derived from SAMP1 S85R conjugates cleaved with trypsin was used to detect sites of sampylation (23 lysine residues) that mapped to 11 target proteins. Many of the identified target proteins were associated with sulfur metabolism and oxidative stress including MoaE, SAMP‐activating E1 enzyme (UbaA), methionine sulfoxide reductase homologs (MsrA and MsrB), and the Fe‐S assembly protein SufB. Several proteins were found to have multiple sites of samp1ylation, and the isopeptide linkage at SAMP3 lysines (K18, K55, and K62) revealed hetero‐SAMP chain topologies. Follow‐up affinity purification of selected protein targets (UbaA and MoaE) confirmed the LC‐MS/MS results. 3D homology modeling suggested sampy1ylation is autoregulatory in inhibiting the activity of its protein partners (UbaA and MoaE), while occurring on the surface of some protein targets, such as SufB and MsrA/B. Overall, we provide evidence that SAMP1 is a ubiquitin‐like protein modifier that is relatively specific in tagging its protein partners as well as proteins associated with oxidative stress response.
Pentobarbitone modulation of NMDA receptors in neurones isolated from the rat olfactory brain

1 The action of pentobarbitone on the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors of neurones freshly dissociated from the olfactory bulb and olfactory tubercle has been studied using patch‐clamp techniques. 2 Pentobarbitone produced a concentration‐dependent depression of the currents evoked by NMDA with an IC50 value of c. 250 μm. 3 Analysis of the NMDA‐evoked noise produced power spectra that could be fitted by the sum of two Lorentzians with comer frequencies of 17 and 82 Hz. Pentobarbitone increased the comer frequency of the high frequency component but did not alter the apparent single channel conductance estimated from the noise. 4 Single channel recordings in either the cell‐attached or outside‐out patch configurations revealed that NMDA (20 or 50 μm) opened channels with a main conductance level around 55 pS and a principal subconductance around 44 pS. The uncorrected mean open time of the channels was 3.4 ms and mean burst length was 6.0 ms. Mean cluster length was about 12 ms. 5 Pentobarbitone produced a concentration‐dependent reduction in both mean open time and burst length. Mean cluster length was much less affected. Pentobarbitone did not decrease unitary current amplitude or bias the open‐state current amplitude distribution in favour of a particular substate. 6 From these data it appears that pentobarbitone depresses the inward current evoked by NMDA by reducing the probability of channel opening and this results from a shortening of the lifetime of the channel open state and by decreasing burst length.
Financing of Smart Growth in Less Developed Regions on the Example of Poland

Abstract The aim of this paper is twofold. First, the smart growth concept is examined with a focus on challenges associated with applying this concept in the less developed regions. Second, the impact of EU structural funds on smart growth in Poland is analyzed at the regional level with a view to contributing to the debate on public intervention in this area. The research questions are as follows: “Is the concept of smart growth, as postulated by the European Union, well suited to the less developed regions? ” and “Whether and to what extent do EU funds contribute to achieving smart growth in Poland? ” Smart growth has accelerated after 2007, which could suggest a significant impact of EU structural funds, whose allocation to measures supporting innovative activity rose markedly after 2007. However, among the various factors influencing regional development processes, the impact of structural funds was not as strong as might be expected, which was confirmed by further analysis.
Evaluation of a multidisciplinary Tier 3 weight management service for adults with morbid obesity, or obesity and comorbidities, based in primary care

A multidisciplinary Tier 3 weight management service in primary care recruited patients with a body mass index ≥40 kg·m−2, or 30 kg·m−2 with obesity‐related co‐morbidity to a 1‐year programme. A cohort of 230 participants was recruited and evaluated using the National Obesity Observatory Standard Evaluation Framework. The primary outcome was weight loss of at least 5% of baseline weight at 12 months. Diet was assessed using the two‐item food frequency questionnaire, activity using the General Practice Physical Activity questionnaire and quality of life using the EuroQol‐5D‐5L questionnaire. A focus group explored the participants' experiences. Baseline mean weight was 124.4 kg and mean body mass index was 44.1 kg·m−2. A total of 102 participants achieved 5% weight loss at 12 months. The mean weight loss was 10.2 kg among the 117 participants who completed the 12‐month programme. Baseline observation carried forward analysis gave a mean weight loss of 5.9 kg at 12 months. Fruit and vegetable intake, activity level and quality of life all improved. The dropout rate was 14.3% at 6 months and 45.1% at 1 year. Focus group participants described high levels of satisfaction. It was possible to deliver a Tier 3 weight management service for obese patients with complex co‐morbidity in a primary care setting with a full multidisciplinary team, which obtained good health outcomes compared with existing services.
Ecological divergence and speciation between lemur (Eulemur) sister species in Madagascar

Understanding ecological niche evolution over evolutionary timescales is crucial to elucidating the biogeographic history of organisms. Here, we used, for the first time, climate‐based ecological niche models (ENMs) to test hypotheses about ecological divergence and speciation processes between sister species pairs of lemurs (genus Eulemur) in Madagascar. We produced ENMs for eight species, all of which had significant validation support. Among the four sister species pairs, we found nonequivalent niches between sisters, varying degrees of niche overlap in ecological and geographic space, and support for multiple divergence processes. Specifically, three sister‐pair comparisons supported the null model that niches are no more divergent than the available background region. These findings are consistent with an allopatric speciation model, and for two sister pairs (E. collaris–E. cinereiceps and E. rufus–E. rufifrons), a riverine barrier has been previously proposed for driving allopatric speciation. However, for the fourth sister pair E. flavifrons–E. macaco, we found support for significant niche divergence, and consistent with their parapatric distribution on an ecotone and the lack of obvious geographic barriers, these findings most strongly support a parapatric model of speciation. These analyses thus suggest that various speciation processes have led to diversification among closely related Eulemur species.
Direct fabrication of polymer nanofiber membrane for piezoelectric vibration sensor

A modified electrospinning method was introduced to fabricate high-performance piezoelectric membranes directly, where a copper sheet was fixed at the end of the needle and a rotating collector was used. This electrospinnig process provides a uniform parallel electric field with a combined action of strong electric field strength and high stretch ratio to orient poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) molecular chain, and promote polymorphic change from α-phase to ß-phase, which enhances its piezoelectric performance. PVDF samples in different forms were prepared and evaluated by testing their respective piezoelectric performance. The results show that maximal piezoelectric response of the untreated PVDF nanofiber membrane (259 mV) is much better than that of electric poling spin coating film (123 mV) at an excitation voltage of 1.2 V and frequency of 15 Hz. The piezoelectric performance of the untreated membrane shows linearity with excitation voltage and can be further enhanced by electric poling.
Metalloreductase Steap3 coordinates the regulation of iron homeostasis and inflammatory responses

Background Iron and its homeostasis are intimately related to inflammatory responses, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. We investigated the role of Steap3 in regulating iron homeostasis in macrophages, and the effects of Steap3 depletion on host inflammatory responses. Design and Methods We analyzed bone marrow-derived macrophages and primary cultured hepatocytes from Steap3-/- mouse models to investigate the roles of Steap3 in coordinately regulating iron homeostasis and inflammatory responses. First, we examined iron distribution and iron status in cells deficient in Steap3, as well as the requirement for the Steap3 gene during inflammatory responses. Secondly, we analyzed the regulation of Steap3 expression by inflammatory stimuli and thus, the influence of these stimuli on iron distribution and homeostasis. Results We found that Steap3 mRNA was expressed at high levels in macrophages and hepatocytes. Steap3 deficiency led to impaired iron homeostasis, causing abnormal iron distribution and a decreased availability of cytosolic iron in macrophages. Among STEAP family members, Steap3 mRNA was uniquely down-regulated in macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharides. To determine whether Steap3 regulated iron homeostasis during inflammatory stress, we treated Steap3-/- mice with lipopolysaccharide, which produced greater iron accumulation in the vital tissues of these mice compared to in the tissues of wild-type controls. Furthermore, Steap3 depletion led to impaired induction of interferon-β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-5, and interferon induced protein-10 in macrophages via the TLR4-mediated signaling pathway. Conclusions Steap3 is important in regulating both iron homeostasis and TLR4-mediated inflammatory responses in macrophages. Steap3 deficiency causes abnormal iron status and homeostasis, which leads to impaired TLR4-mediated inflammatory responses in macrophages. Following inflammatory stimuli, Steap3 depletion causes dysregulated iron sequestration and distribution. Our results provide important insights into the function of Steap3 as a coordinate regulator of both iron homeostasis and innate immunity.
Mathematical model showing how socioeconomic dynamics in African cities could widen or reduce inequality

Cities are important forces of national socioeconomic development. Individuals in cities often belong to different socioeconomic statuses depending on their levels of income, education and nature of occupation. Income, employment and education opportunities are among the main attractions of most cities. In this study, we investigate the impact of socioeconomic status on city attractiveness for the African cities of Windhoek, Harare, Lusaka, Kinshasa and Nairobi. The socioeconomic status of samples of individuals in these cities are used to formulate a mathematical model that describes the city population dynamics. Using income as a measure, qualitative analyses of the model together with numerical simulations using survey data show how competitive relationships among the various socioeconomic status groups could widen inequality over time. Alternatively, synergetic relationships among the various socioeconomic groups could reduce this inequality. These results point to urban planning that encourages synergism between the different income classes with the aim of reducing inequality.
Spatial Cues Influence the Visual Perception of Gender

Spatial localization is a basic process in vision, occurring reliably when people encounter an object or person. Yet the role of spatial-location in the visual perception of people is poorly understood. We explored the extent to which spatial-location distorts the perception of gender. Consistent with evidence that the perception of objects is constrained by their location in visual scenes, enhancing perception for objects in their typical location (e.g., Biederman et al., 1982), we hypothesized that people would see relatively greater femininity in faces that appeared lower in space. On each of many trials, participants briefly viewed a pair of faces that varied in gender-ambiguity. One face appeared higher than the other, and participants identified the 1 that looked more like a woman’s face (Study 1) or indicated whether the 2 faces were the same (Study 2). Across 2 experiments, participants perceived greater femininity in faces seen lower (vs. higher) in space. These effects seem to be perceptual—changes to spatial location were sufficient for altering whether 2 faces looked identical or different. Thus, spatial-location modulates visual percepts of gender, providing a biased foundation for downstream processes involved in gender biases, sexual attraction, and sex-roles.
Institutional Quality and Curse Resources: An Experimental Study on OPEC Countries

This paper is to study the resource curse applying annual data from 2002 to 2016 for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members i.e. Algeria, Iran, Kuwait, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. For this purpose, there were concerned the interactions role of resource abundance and institution quality, and their marginal effect of the countries’ economic growth. Results show that resource abundance and investment have a positive significant effect on the economic growth. Yet, initial income level is observed to have a significant negative effect on the economic growth. In addition, the results showed that the positive effects of resource abundance in the OPEC countries were reduced with increasing institutional quality. The empirical results rejected the resource curse assumption for OPEC, because the effects of resource abundance on the economies of OPEC were significantly positive. Results of the present study indicated, since the institutional structure of these countries is based on oil, the lack of oil revenues in short-run can have a negative effect on their economies.
Young people volunteering and youth projects: A rapid review of recent evidence

This review was conducted as part of a scoping study of a formative evaluation of v. The review examines the evidence base on young people and volunteering, looking at both their attitudes to and participation in volunteering. It goes on to explore specific types of volunteering and various government-funded projects and initiatives (from the UK and beyond), from which some key lessons are identified. It concludes by briefly summarising the main developments in the literature since the last comprehensive review conducted in 2004 and points towards some remaining gaps in the research.
Motor relearning programme for stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To study the efficacy of the motor relearning approach in promoting physical function and task performance for patients after a stroke. Design: Matched-pair randomized controlled trial. Setting: An outpatient rehabilitation centre in Hong Kong. Participants: Fifty-two outpatients with either a thrombotic or haemorrhagic stroke who completed either the study or control group. Interventions: The patients received 18 2-h sessions in six weeks of either the motor relearning programme or a conventional therapy programme. Main outcome measures: The Berg Balance Scale, the Timed Up and Go Test, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the modified Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) test, and the Community Integration Questionnaire. Results: Patients in the motor relearning group showed significantly better performance on all but the Timed Up and Go Test when compared with the control group (F(1,150)=6.34-41.86, P ≤ 0.015). The interactions between group and occasion were significant on all five outcome measures, indicating that the rates of change across time between the motor relearning and control groups differed (F(3,150)=3.60-33.58, P < 0.015). Conclusion: The motor relearning programme was found to be effective for enhancing functional recovery of patients who had a stroke. Both ‘sequential’ and ‘function-based’ concepts are important in applying the motor relearning approach to the rehabilitation of stroke patients.
Low-Temperature Fabrication and Characteristics of Lanthanum Indium Zinc Oxide Thin-Film Transistors

We fabricated lanthanum indium zinc oxide (IZO) (La-IZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) using radio frequency cosputtering of IZO and lanthanum. The field-effect mobility and switching ratio of the La-IZO TFTs were 4.2 cm<sup>2</sup>·V<sup>-1</sup>·s<sup>-1</sup> and on the order of 10<sup>8</sup>, respectively, before thermal annealing and 3.02 cm<sup>2</sup>·V<sup>-1</sup>·s<sup>-1</sup> and on the order of 10<sup>10</sup>, respectively, after thermal annealing at 150<sup>°</sup>C in air. Our La-IZO TFTs had better thermal stability than pure-IZO TFTs due to the stable ionic bond between La and O.
Combining correlative and mechanistic habitat suitability models to improve ecological compensation

Only a few studies have shown positive impacts of ecological compensation on species dynamics affected by human activities. We argue that this is due to inappropriate methods used to forecast required compensation in environmental impact assessments. These assessments are mostly descriptive and only valid at limited spatial and temporal scales. However, habitat suitability models developed to predict the impacts of environmental changes on potential species' distributions should provide rigorous science‐based tools for compensation planning. Here we describe the two main classes of predictive models: correlative models and individual‐based mechanistic models. We show how these models can be used alone or synoptically to improve compensation planning. While correlative models are easier to implement, they tend to ignore underlying ecological processes and lack accuracy. On the contrary, individual‐based mechanistic models can integrate biological interactions, dispersal ability and adaptation. Moreover, among mechanistic models, those considering animal energy balance are particularly efficient at predicting the impact of foraging habitat loss. However, mechanistic models require more field data compared to correlative models. Hence we present two approaches which combine both methods for compensation planning, especially in relation to the spatial scale considered. We show how the availability of biological databases and software enabling fast and accurate population projections could be advantageously used to assess ecological compensation requirement efficiently in environmental impact assessments.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pelvimetry Before and After a Periacetabular Osteotomy

Background: The majority of patients who undergo a reconstructive pelvic osteotomy because of symptomatic hip dysplasia are young women of childbearing potential. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effect of periacetabular osteotomy on the dimensions of the pelvic inlet and outlet in these patients. Methods: The dimensions of the osseous pelvis of seven women with symptomatic hip dysplasia were measured with use of magnetic resonance imaging pelvimetry before and after periacetabular osteotomy. Four measurements were made: the bispinous diameter, the anterior-posterior inlet measurement, the anterior-posterior midpelvis measurement, and the transverse inlet measurement. Radiographic correction obtained with the osteotomy was documented with preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior pelvic and false-profile radiographs. Results: Periacetabular osteotomy improved the Tönnis angle and the Lequesne angle of the hip joint to an average of 8° and 30°, respectively. The hip center of rotation was medialized an average of 8 mm. None of the four measurements made with the magnetic resonance imaging pelvimetry decreased substantially after the periacetabular osteotomy. Conclusion: Periacetabular osteotomy does not markedly alter the pertinent pelvic dimensions in young female patients.
Visual distraction in cytopathology: should we be concerned?

Visual distraction in cytopathology has not been investigated previously as a source of diagnostic error, presumably because the viewing field of a conventional light microscope is considered to be large enough to minimise interference from peripheral visual stimuli. Virtual microscopy, which involves the examination of digitised images of pathology specimens on computer screens, is beginning to challenge the central role of light microscopy as a diagnostic tool in cytopathology. The relatively narrow visual angle offered by virtual microscopy makes it conceivable that users of these systems will be more vulnerable to visual interference. Using a variant of a visual distraction paradigm (the Eriksen flanker task), the aim of this study was to determine whether the accuracy and speed of the interpretation of cells on a central target screen are affected by images of cells and text displayed on neighbouring monitors under realistic reading room conditions.