Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro Phosphorylation of Key Metabolic Enzymes from Bacillus subtilis: PrkC Phosphorylates Enzymes from Different Branches of Basic Metabolism

Phosphorylation is an important mechanism of protein modification. In the Gram-positive soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis, about 5% of all proteins are subject to phosphorylation, and a significant portion of these proteins is phosphorylated on serine or threonine residues. We were interested in the regulation of the basic metabolism in B. subtilis. Many enzymes of the central metabolic pathways are phosphorylated in this organism. In an attempt to identify the responsible protein kinase(s), we identified four candidate kinases, among them the previously studied kinase PrkC. We observed that PrkC is indeed able to phosphorylate several metabolic enzymes in vitro. Determination of the phosphorylation sites revealed a remarkable preference of PrkC for threonine residues. Moreover, PrkC often used several phosphorylation sites in one protein. This feature of PrkC-dependent protein phosphorylation resembles the multiple phosphorylations often observed in eukaryotic proteins. The HPr protein of the phosphotransferase system is one of the proteins phosphorylated by PrkC, and PrkC phosphorylates a site (Ser-12) that has recently been found to be phosphorylated in vivo. The agreement between in vivo and in vitro phosphorylation of HPr on Ser-12 suggests that our in vitro observations reflect the events that take place in the cell.
Pigou at the Plate

Past studies estimating the marginal revenue products of baseball players have assumed individual players' hitting performances to be independent of teammate spillovers. However, the baseball community's widely held belief in “protection”—that a good (bad) player can improve (diminish) the hit probability of the batter who precedes him in the batting order—violates the assumption of the independence of batting outcomes. In this paper, the authors identify two possible hitting externalities in baseball. Using play-by-play data the authors find evidence contrary to the protection hypothesis—the quality of the on-deck hitter negatively impacts the preceding hitter—though the magnitude of the effect is very small.
Trading up: the fitness consequences of divorce in monogamous birds

Social and genetic mating systems play an important role in natural and sexual selection, as well as in the dynamics of populations. In socially monogamous species different genetic mating patterns appear when individuals mate outside the breeding pair within a breeding season (extra‐pair mating) or when they change partners between two breeding seasons (widowing or divorce). Divorce can be defined as having occurred when two previously paired individuals are alive during the next breeding season and at least one of them has re‐mated with a new partner. In socially monogamous birds divorce is widespread, but it is not clear whether it is a behavioural adaptation to improve the quality of a mating decision or whether, alternatively, it results as a non‐selected consequence of other processes: existing studies suggest a heterogeneous set of results with respect to this central question. This heterogeneity could result from a number of factors, ranging from the methodological approaches used, to population‐ or species‐specific characters. In this review we use phylogenetic meta‐analyses to assess the evidence that divorce is adaptive (in terms of breeding success) across 64 species of socially monogamous birds. Second, we explore biological and methodological reasons for the heterogeneity in the results of previous studies. Results of our analyses supported the hypothesis that divorce is, in general, an adaptive behavioural strategy as: (1) divorce is triggered by relatively low breeding success; (2) there is a positive change in breeding success as a result of divorce. More specifically, while controlling for methodological moderators, we show that: (i) earlier stages of breeding are better predictors of divorce than later stages (r = 0.231; 95% CI: 0.061–0.391 for clutch size; similar for laying date); (ii) females benefited from divorce more than males in terms of increasing breeding success between successive breeding attempts, with different stages of the breeding cycle improving at different rates (e.g. r = 0.637; 95% CI: 0.328–0.817 for brood‐level measures). We show that the effect size was dependent on the methodological approach used across studies and argue that research on the adaptive nature of divorce should be cautious when designing the study and interpreting the results. Altogether, by providing strong evidence that divorce is an adaptive strategy across monogamous birds, the results of our analysis provide a firm ground for further exploration of external covariates of divorce (e.g. demographic factors) and the mechanisms underlying the differences in the effect sizes of the proximal fitness causes and consequences of divorce.
Territoriality and human spatial behaviour

rights to territory and the concrete principles that govern conduct of everyday life. Another case in point is the confusion between intra and intergroup territoriality. To take an example, opinions vary as to whether the Kalahari bushmen maintain territories (Heinz, 1972) or whether they are non-territorial (Lee, 1976). Despite the apparent polarity these views can be reconciled, for their authors were essentially writing about different things: the former about inter-group relations and the latter about intra-group relations within a given territory (Godelier, 1979, 147). Finally, the combative aspect of territoriality may be placed in its true proportion. As suggested above, perhaps the most important facet of territoriality
Multidecadal warming of Antarctic waters

Decadal trends in the properties of seawater adjacent to Antarctica are poorly known, and the mechanisms responsible for such changes are uncertain. Antarctic ice sheet mass loss is largely driven by ice shelf basal melt, which is influenced by ocean-ice interactions and has been correlated with Antarctic Continental Shelf Bottom Water (ASBW) temperature. We document the spatial distribution of long-term large-scale trends in temperature, salinity, and core depth over the Antarctic continental shelf and slope. Warming at the seabed in the Bellingshausen and Amundsen seas is linked to increased heat content and to a shoaling of the mid-depth temperature maximum over the continental slope, allowing warmer, saltier water greater access to the shelf in recent years. Regions of ASBW warming are those exhibiting increased ice shelf melt. Seawater temperature around Antarctica is rising as more warmer, deeper water moves toward the surface. [Also see Perspective by Gille] Bringing up the problem of ice shelf melting Warm water intruding from below is heating up the ocean that covers the continental shelf of Antarctica. Schmidtko et al. report that Circumpolar Deep Water has been warming and moving further up onto the shelf around Antarctica for the past 40 years, causing higher rates of ice sheet melting (see the Perspective by Gille). These observations need to be taken into account when considering the potential for irreversible retreat of parts of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Science, this issue p. 1227; see also p. 1180
Detection of Vancomycin Resistance among Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus.

INTRODUCTION Vancomycin remains the drug of choice for resistant gram positive infections caused by Enterococcus spp and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Increased use of vancomycin has led to frank resistance and increase in MIC (MIC creep). Vancomycin intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA), Vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) & Vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE) are important emerging nosocomial pathogens resulting in treatment failures. AIM This study was undertaken to detect vancomycin resistance among clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis by phenotypic and genotypic methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted in a 1850 bedded university teaching hospital from November 2013 to April 2014. Non-repetitive, consecutive clinically significant Staphylococcus aureus (109) and Enterococcus faecalis (124) were included in this study. They were identified up to species level by conventional and automated methods. Susceptibility to various antibiotics was tested by disc diffusion method. MIC of vancomycin was determined by agar dilution method. Inducible resistance to clindamycin was detected by the D test. Methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was screened using cefoxitin disc. All isolates were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect van A and van B genes. RESULTS Out of 109 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 54 were MRSA. By MIC there was no resistance observed to vancomycin.MIC50 was 1μg/ml. None of the isolates harboured van A and van B. Among Enterococcus faecalis, sixteen isolates (12.9%) and four isolates (3.2%) exhibited resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin by disc diffusion respectively. All isolates were susceptible to linezolid. Van A was detected in 2, van B in 7 and one had both van A and van B. CONCLUSION PCR remains the gold standard for diagnosis of vancomycin resistance. There was no resistance observed to vancomycin among Staphylococci though the MIC creep detected is a cause for concern. Eight percent of Enterococci were vancomycin resistant.
Open method of co-ordination for demoi-cracy? Standards and purposes

ABSTRACT Under which conditions does the open method of co-ordination match the standards for demoi-cracy? To answer this question, we need some explicit standards about demoi-cracy. In fact, open co-ordination serves three different but interrelated purposes in European Union policy: to facilitate convergence; to support learning processes; and to encourage exploration of policy innovation. By intersecting standards and purposes, we find open co-ordination is neither inherently ‘good’ nor ‘bad’ for demoi-cracy, as it depends on how it has been put into practice. Therefore, we qualify the answer considering the empirical evidence on how normative principles hit the road of implementation. In the final part of this paper, we look into the demoi-cratic effects of the Eurozone's economic and financial crisis on our findings.
Graph Theory Based Approach to Users Grouping and Downlink Scheduling in FDD Massive MIMO

Massive MIMO is considered as one of the key enablers of the next generation 5G networks.With a high number of antennas at the BS, both spectral and energy efficiencies can be improved. Unfortunately, the downlink channel estimation overhead scales linearly with the number of antenna. This does not create complications in Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems since the channel estimate of the uplink direction can be directly utilized for link adaptation in the downlink direction. However, this channel reciprocity is unfeasible for the Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems where different physical transmission channels are existent for the uplink and downlink. In the aim of reducing the amount of Channel State Information (CSI) feedback for FDD systems, the promising method of two stage beamforming transmission was introduced. The performance of this transmission scheme is however highly influenced by the users grouping and selection mechanisms. In this paper, we first introduce a new similarity measure coupled with a novel clustering technique to achieve the appropriate users partitioning. We also use graph theory to develop a low complexity groups scheduling scheme that outperforms currently existing methods in both sum-rate and throughput fairness. This performance gain is demonstrated through computer simulations.
Stuck-Open Fault Leakage and Testing in Nanometer Technologies

The stuck-open fault (SOF) is a difficult, hard failure mechanism unique to CMOS technology. Its detection requires a specific 2-vector pair that examines each transistor in the logic gate for an open defect in its drain and/or source. In this work it is shown that this failure mechanism is very alive and relevant to modern technologies. The small nanometer technology capacitances and the increased leakage currents result in faster discharges of the floating high impedance node making fault detection more difficult. A test vector strategy is proposed to improve the detection of this fault for technologies with gate current leakage.
Memory Improvement in the A PP / PS 1 Mouse Model of Familial Alzheimer ’ s Disease Induced by Carbamylated-Erythropoietin is Accompanied by Modulation of Synaptic Genes

Neuroprotection of erythropoietin (EPO) following long-term administration is hampered by the associated undesirable effects on hematopoiesis and body weight. For this reason, we tested carbamylated-EPO (CEPO), which has no effect on erythropoiesis, and compared it with EPO in the A PP/PS1 mouse model of familial Alzheimer’s disease. Groups of 5-monthold wild type (WT) and transgenic mice received chronic treatment consisting of CEPO (2,500 or 5,000 UI/kg) or EPO (2,500 UI/kg) 3 days/week for 4 weeks. Memory at the end of treatment was assessed with the object recognition test. Microarray analysis and quantitative-PCR were used for gene expression studies. No alterations in erythropoiesis were observed in CEPO-treated WT and A PP/PS1 transgenic mice. EPO and CEPO improved memory in A PP/PS1 animals. However, only EPO decreased amyloid(A ) plaque burden and soluble A 40. Microarray analysis of gene expression revealed a limited number of common genes modulated by EPO and CEPO. CEPO but not EPO significantly increased gene expression of dopamine receptors 1 and 2, and adenosine receptor 2a, and significantly down-regulated adrenergic receptor 1D and gastrin releasing peptide. CEPO treatment resulted in higher protein levels of dopamine receptors 1 and 2 in WT and A PP/PS1 animals, whereas the adenosine receptor 2a was reduced in WT animals. The present results suggest that the improved behavior observed in A PP/PS1 transgenic mice after CEPO treatment may be mediated, at least in part, by the observed modulation of the expression of molecules involved in neurotransmission.
ALIMENTARY TRACT: INTESTINE Bicarbonate Secretion A Neglected Aspect of Colonic Ion Transport

Understanding of the mechanism of colonic electrolyte transport has markedly increased over the past three decades. This article provides a brief summary of the critical features of Na, Cl, and K transport in the large intestine and how these processes may be altered in diarrhea. Less understood is the mechanism of colonic HCO3 secretion. Recent progress in the regulation of HCO3 secretion in the distal colon is summarized with emphasis on the interrelationship between Cl-dependent, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-dependent, and cAMP-induced HCO3 secretion. cAMP down-regulates Cldependent HCO3 secretion, while SCFA stimulates HCO3 secretion but also inhibits both Cl-dependent and cAMP-induced HCO3 secretion. As SCFAs are the primary anions in stool, it is likely that SCFA-dependent HCO3 secretion is the primary mechanism of HCO3 secretion in the mammalian colon. Future studies will undoubtedly provide increased understanding of the mechanism of HCO3 secretion in health and disease.
Growth Effects of Non Proprietary Innovation

We study an endogenous growth model where a profit-motivated R and D sector coexists with the introduction of free blueprints invented by philanthropists. These goods are priced at marginal cost, contrary to proprietary ones which are produced by a monopoly owned by the inventor. We show that philanthropy does not necessarily increase long-run growth and that it may even reduce welfare. The reason is that it crowds out proprietary innovation which on net may reduce total innovation in the long run. These effects would be reinforced if philanthropical innovation diverted people from other productive acitvities, if free goods were less tailored to customers than proprietary ones, and if philanthropical inventors sometimes came out with another version of an existing proprietary good. Dynamics can also be characterized and it is shown that the impact effect of free inventions on growth is positive.
Robust Neuro-Sliding Mode Multivariable Control Strategy for Powered Wheelchairs

This paper proposes an advanced robust multivariable control strategy for a powered wheelchair system. The new control strategy is based on a combination of the systematic triangularization technique and the robust neuro-sliding mode control approach. This strategy effectively copes with parameter uncertainties and external disturbances in real-time in order to achieve robustness and optimal performance of a multivariable system. This novel strategy reduces coupling effects on a multivariable system, eliminates chattering phenomena, and avoids the plant Jacobian calculation problem. Furthermore, the strategy can also achieve fast and global convergence using less computation. The effectiveness of the new multivariable control strategy is verified in real-time implementation on a powered wheelchair system. The obtained results confirm that robustness and desired performance of the overall system are guaranteed, even under parameter uncertainty and external disturbance effects.
Longitudinal Study of Bone and Calcium Metabolism and Fracture Incidence in Spinocerebellar Degeneration

Little is known about bone and calcium metabolism and fracture incidence in spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD) despite frequent falls and immobilization. To address bone and calcium metabolism and fracture incidence in SCD, we conducted a 10-year prospective study in a cohort of adult patients with SCD. Bone mineral density (BMD) and serum levels of ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and pyridinoline cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were followed in 110 patients with SCD for 10 years. Age-matched healthy volunteers (n = 110) served as controls. At baseline, the SCD patients had a low BMD with high levels of serum ionized calcium and ICTP which correlated with the degree of immobilization (Barthel index). Over 10 years, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D decreased to the osteomalacic level (<5 ng/ml), and calcium and ICTP further increased in accordance with a decreased Barthel index score. The BMD decreased by 15.2% in men and by 24.6% in women. The incidence of fractures in the patients was significantly higher as compared with the control group (men 8/49 vs. 1/42, p = 0.0428; women 16/49 vs. 2/48, p = 0.0026). Over 10 years, the BMD was significantly reduced in the SCD patients, particularly in women, which increased the risk of a fracture. Vitamin D deficiency due to sunlight deprivation, increased bone resorption due to immobilization, and frequent falls are probable causes of osteoporosis and fractures in these patients. Hypovitaminosis D and increased bone resorption may be corrected readily by the routine use of vitamin D supplements together with bisphosphonate.
Intellectual capital disclosures and the association with first-day returns in initial public offerings

This study examines the association between first-day returns and intellectual capital (IC) disclosure. Due to valuation difficulties, lower regulatory disclosure control and intangible properties underlying IC, we propose in the absence of sufficient disclosure ex ante uncertainty surrounding IC resources is high. Thus, we hypothesise that as IC disclosure in an initial public offering (IPO) prospectus declines, the extent of first-day returns increases. Contrary to expectations we find, based on data from a sample of 334 Singapore IPOs from 1997 to 2004 and after controlling for other signalling mechanisms, a positive association between IC disclosure and first-day returns. Additional analysis finds the positive IC disclosure/first-day return association persists across key demographic features. An array of sensitivity tests provides further support for the robustness of our main findings. Overall, our findings suggest that issuers in the Singapore IPO market may use IC disclosures as a strategic tool to complement first-day returns.
Predicting the Gap between Willingness to Accept and Willingness to Pay

People report much larger willingness to accept (WTA) than willingness to pay (WTP) under a broad range of circumstances. This dissertation tries to answer the question when people will report this gap, how large the difference between the two answers will be and what reasons lie behind this behavior: We find that uncertainty about the desire to trade a good lies at the heart of the gap measured in experiments. A formal model extending Prospect Theory by “aversion to risk changes” predicts that the endowment effect increases with uncertainty. Data from our own behavioral experiment confirms the uncertainty hypothesis. When applied to a different phenomenon, so-called “Preference Reversal”, the model can predict when different types of the observed reversals occur, closing an explanatory gap that other theories have left open.
Real estate and corporate valuation: an asset pricing perspective

Property is a significant asset in the balance sheets of some Singapore industrial|commerce firms and hotel corporations. In this research, we take on the task of examining the relationship between real estate and stock market valuation of these business firms from an asset pricing perspective. Specifically, the real estate sensitivity of 'property-intensive', non-real estate stocks is investigated in both a three-index (market, sector and property) of stock returns and in an arbitrage pricing theory (APT) framework. The APT model is further recast as a multivariate non-linear regression model with across-equation restrictions. Using weekly returns on 'property-intensive' stocks in the period 1989-1998 and three shorter-sample periods, iterated non-linear seemingly regression techniques (ITNSUR) are employed to obtain joint estimates of stock sensitivities and their associated APT risk 'prices'. The 'real estate' sensitivity is found to be systematic and priced in the APT sense of corporations being paid an ex ante premium for bearing property market risk in investing and owning properties in two of the three sample periods (1989-1991, 1992-1994). The empirical results provide some support that property is a factor in corporate valuation, and is broadly consistent with the efficient markets hypothesis. The implications for portfolio and corporate management are examined. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Institutions of Monetary Policy

I argue that it is useful to think about the optimal design of monetary institutions using the insights from the theory of incomplete contracts. The core of the monetary policy problem is the uncertainty about future social decisions resulting from the impossibility and the undesirability of committing our successors to any given monetary policy strategy. The impossibility stems from the observation that collective decisions cannot be enforced so that it is impossible to commit to future collective decisions. The undesirability reflects the fact that we cannot articulate all possible future states of the world. Monetary institutions expand the possibility frontier of the technology of collective decisions by raising the costs of making inefficient deviationsng from pre-announced paths. Institutions also become repositories of experience and knowledge to facilitate learning about the economic environment and communication to society as a whole. I illustrate the importance of institutional design for the operation of monetary policy by reference to three case studies: the collapse of exchange rate regimes in Brazil and the United Kingdom; currency arrangements in Iraq and their reform after the 2003 war; and the relationship between central banks and governments when the zero constraint on nominal interest rates is binding.