Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aspartate transcarbamoylase genes of Pseudomonas putida: requirement for an inactive dihydroorotase for assembly into the dodecameric holoenzyme

The nucleotide sequences of the genes encoding the enzyme aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase) from Pseudomonas putida have been determined. Our results confirm that the P. putida ATCase is a dodecameric protein composed of two types of polypeptide chains translated coordinately from overlapping genes. The P. putida ATCase does not possess dissociable regulatory and catalytic functions but instead apparently contains the regulatory nucleotide binding site within a unique N-terminal extension of the pyrB-encoded subunit. The first gene, pyrB, is 1,005 bp long and encodes the 334-amino-acid, 36.4-kDa catalytic subunit of the enzyme. The second gene is 1,275 bp long and encodes a 424-residue polypeptide which bears significant homology to dihydroorotase (DHOase) from other organisms. Despite the homology of the overlapping gene to known DHOases, this 44.2-kDa polypeptide is not considered to be the functional product of the pyrC gene in P. putida, as DHOase activity is distinct from the ATCase complex. Moreover, the 44.2-kDa polypeptide lacks specific histidyl residues thought to be critical for DHOase enzymatic function. The pyrC-like gene (henceforth designated pyrC') does not complement Escherichia coli pyrC auxotrophs, while the cloned pyrB gene does complement pyrB auxotrophs. The proposed function for the vestigial DHOase is to maintain ATCase activity by conserving the dodecameric assembly of the native enzyme. This unique assembly of six active pyrB polypeptides coupled with six inactive pyrC' polypeptides has not been seen previously for ATCase but is reminiscent of the fused trifunctional CAD enzyme of eukaryotes.
Parametric Approach to Genomic Imprinting Analysis with Applications to Angelman’s Syndrome

Genomic imprinting is a mechanism by which only one copy of a gene pair is expressed, and this expression is determined by the parental origin of the copy. The deregulation of imprinted genes has been implicated in a number of human diseases. The Imprinted Gene Catalogue now has more than 200 genes listed, and estimates based on mouse models suggest many more may exist in humans. Therefore, the development of methods to identify such genes is important. In this communication, we present a parametric model-based approach to analyzing arbitrary-sized pedigree data for genomic imprinting. We have modified widely used LINKAGE program to incorporate our proposed approach. In addition, our approach allows for the use of sex-specific recombinations in the analysis, which is of particular importance in a genome-wide analysis for imprinted genes. We compared our imprinting analysis approach to that implemented in the GENEHUNTER-IMPRINT program using simulation studies as well as by analyzing causal genes in Angelman’s syndrome families, which are known to be imprinted. These analyses showed that the proposed approach is very powerful for detecting imprinted genes in large pedigrees.
Acceleromyography and mechanomyography for establishing potency of neuromuscular blocking agents: a randomized‐controlled trial

Background: Acceleromyography (AMG) is increasingly being used in neuromuscular research, including in studies establishing the potency of neuromuscular blocking and reversal agents. However, AMG is insufficiently validated for use interchangeably with the gold standard, mechanomyography (MMG) for this purpose. The aim of this study was to compare AMG and MMG for establishing dose–response relationship and potency, using rocuronium as an example.
Hot Money and Business Cycle Volatility: Evidence from Selected ASEAN Countries

Abstract This study investigates the linkage between speculative capital and business cycles in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore from 1981:Q1 to 2012:Q4. We use the multivariate Markov-switching intercept autoregressive heteroskedasticity vector autoregressive (MSIAH-VAR) model and observe that while speculative shocks during the tranquil period temporarily promoted Malaysia’s economic growth, they temporarily damaged economic growth in Thailand and Singapore. Moreover, speculative capital flows from abroad exacerbated economic volatility and damaged economic growth prospects for all these countries during the crisis period. Thus, it may be important for policymakers to take appropriate actions against the potential risk of economic instability and market volatility from speculative capital.
Phagocytic killing of encapsulated and microencapsulated Staphylococcus aureus by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) is an important host defense against infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Using an in vitro assay, we compared the opsonic requirements for phagocytic killing of prototype strains of encapsulated (type 1) and microencapsulated (type 5 and type 8) S. aureus by human PMNs. More than 85% of broth-grown, logarithmic-phase type 5 and 8 S. aureus organisms were killed by PMNs incubated with fresh normal human, rabbit, or guinea pig serum with complement activity. Under similar conditions, the highly encapsulated type 1 strain was not killed. Both encapsulated and microencapsulated strains were opsonized for phagocytosis by heat-inactivated serum raised in rabbits to killed bacteria. Opsonization by homologous serum was required for phagocytosis of the type 1 strain. In contrast, microencapsulated type 5 and 8 S. aureus organisms were killed by heat-inactivated rabbit serum raised to type 5, type 8, or nonencapsulated isolates; this result suggested that antibodies to the capsule or to cell wall components other than the capsule could opsonize these organisms for phagocytosis. The specificity of the assay was confirmed with capsule type 5-specific monoclonal antibodies, which were opsonic only for the type 5 S. aureus isolate. These studies indicate that, unlike the highly encapsulated type 1 strain, broth-grown microencapsulated S. aureus strains do not resist opsonophagocytic killing in vitro by normal serum.
CopyMap: localization and calling of copy number variation by joint analysis of hybridization data from multiple individuals

SUMMARY The program package CopyMap identifies copy number variation from oligo-hybridization and CGH data. Using a time-dependent hidden Markov model to combine evidence of copy number variants (CNVs) across multiple carriers, CopyMap is substantially more accurate than standard hidden Markov methods in identifying CNVs and calling CNV-carriers. Moreover, CopyMap provides more precise estimates of CNV-boundaries. AVAILABILITY The C-source code and detailed documentation for the program CopyMap is available on the Internet at http://www.sph. umich.edu/csg/szoellner/
Innovation, Entry into Multiple Markets and Unobserved Heterogeneity

This paper considers an experimental market entry game, where the decision problem involves several heterogeneous markets and players have an opportunity to enter several markets simultaneously. We find that groups fail to coordinate on any of the multiple pure strategy Nash equilibria by exhibiting excess entry in the majority of rounds. The likelihood of overentry depends on the market capacity and characteristics of the experimental markets. We also find that, on average, the behavior of the individual participants can be reconciled with the mixed strategy equilibrium prediction. Yet, this prediction fails to account for the differences in the individual profiles. By conducting an econometric estimation that accounts for the unobserved heterogeneity, we show that market capacity, expectations about the number of entrants, the amount of payoff from the previous period and the history of over- or underentry have significant impact on the individual action choice.
Function separation for 2-DOF haptic surgical forceps robots driven by multi drive linear motors

2-DOF haptic surgical multi drive robot is driven by multi drive linear motors, and does not separate hand function (manipulating mode) and arm function (grasping mode) of the human motion mechanically. Conventional method has one problem. When the operator want to grasp an object, he have to drive forceps open. This make operator difficult to use forceps finely and powerfully. A proposed method separates two function of position in control. Conventional of grasping/manipulating control uses modal transformation matrix for master or slave robots to achive bilateral control between different structural. The proposed method use modal transformation matrix both master and slave robots between same structure. Moreover, the proposed method enables us to operate like actual forceps than conventional method. The validity of the proposed method is varified by experiments.
Numerical Model to Characterize the Size Increase of Combination Drug and Hygroscopic Excipient Nanoparticle Aerosols

Enhanced excipient growth (EEG) is a newly proposed respiratory delivery strategy in which submicrometer or nanometer particles composed of a drug and hygroscopic excipient are delivered to the airways in order to minimize extrathoracic depositional losses and maximize lung retention. The objective of this study was to develop a validated mathematical model of aerosol size increase for hygroscopic excipients and combination excipient–drug particles and to apply this model to characterize growth under typical respiratory conditions. Compared with in vitro experiments, the droplet growth model accurately predicted the size increase of single component and combination drug and excipient particles. For typical respiratory drug delivery conditions, the model showed that the droplet size increase could be effectively correlated with the product of a newly defined hygroscopic parameter and initial volume fractions of the drug and excipient in the particle. A series of growth correlations was then developed that successively included the effects of initial drug and excipient mass loadings, initial aerosol size, and aerosol number concentrations. Considering EEG delivery, large diameter growth ratios (2.1–4.6) were observed for a range of hygroscopic excipients combined with both hygroscopic and nonhygroscopic drugs. These diameter growth ratios were achieved at excipient mass loadings of 50% and below and at realistic aerosol number concentrations. The developed correlations were then used for specifying the appropriate initial mass loadings of engineered insulin nanoparticles in order to achieve a predetermined size increase while maximizing drug payload and minimizing the amount of hygroscopic excipient.
Competitive Video Game Play

Sports often go beyond simple games to something that individuals identify and relate to throughout their lives. Furthermore, passive and active sports consumption (i.e., video games) allows individuals to further create a sense of fanship and identification with their favorite teams. The following study manipulates player saliency to team, saliency to opponent, and competitive outcome to examine those impacts on enjoyment and hostility. A 3 (opponent saliency) × 2 (team identification) × 2 (competitive outcome; win vs. loss) experimental design was invoked to study these effects. Results indicate that competitiveness was significantly related to both enjoyment and hostility. Furthermore, data suggest a significant interaction between identification and competitive outcomes on hostility.
Prognostic Value of MicroRNA-497 in Various Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Some studies showed that microRNA-497 (miR-497) might act as a prognostic biomarker of cancer. However, the conclusion was not consistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic role of miR-497 in various carcinomas. Methods We systematically searched the databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data to identify relevant studies. Two independent reviewers performed the data extraction and assessed the study quality. Hazard ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival/relapse-free survival (DFS/RFS) were used to assess the associations between miR-497 expression and cancer prognosis. Results A total of 15 studies involving 1760 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The lower level of miR-497 expression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (HR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.84-2.60). No significant association was found between miR-497 expression and DFS/RFS in various carcinomas (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.53-2.57). Subgroup analyses by ethnicity and cancer type showed the consistent results. Conclusion Our studies suggested that miR-497 might be a prognostic biomarker in cancers. However, further multicenter prospective clinical researches are needed to confirm the association between miR-497 expression and cancer prognosis.
Augmented Reality-Based Simulators as Discovery Learning Tools: An Empirical Study

This paper reports empirical evidence on having students use AR-SaBEr, a simulation tool based on augmented reality (AR), to discover the basic principles of electricity through a series of experiments. AR-SaBEr was enhanced with knowledge-based support and inquiry-based scaffolding mechanisms, which proved useful for discovery learning in Web-based simulation environments. Learning performance factors evaluated included students' learning behavior while interacting with the system, AR-SaBEr's learning effectiveness, and students' motivation in using the AR-based simulation environment. The study suggests that AR simulators can be exploited as effective learning environments for learning the basic principles of electricity. It would, however, be necessary to consider a number of scaffolding options to improve the learning effectiveness of AR-based simulation environments when used with students who have low levels of either: 1) self-regulation skills, or 2) motivation to engage in AR-based simulation activities.
Effective Use and Misuse of Performance Measurement

Performance Measurement(PM) is all range. It is Widely touted as the new way of providing for a focus on the results of public programs. But in the current discussion about PM there is little recognition of previous PM attempts, which failed to live up to their billing. This article identifies fallacies in the logic of PM and provides examples of ways in which PM is routinely misused. As a result, performance measures are frequently irrelevant-or worse. Used in isolation, they invariably reward and encourage the wrong activities and result in less, rather than more, attention to outcome and quality. This article also identifies strategies for effective use of PMs. In particular, it identifies how PMs can be useful for monitoring purposes, for raising questions, and for identifying areas requiring management attention. PMs, by themselves. are not appropriate for assessing outcomes, for determining future directions or for resource allocation. They can, however, be one important component of a comprehensive evaluation strategy.
Student Pharmacists’ Perspectives on Service-Learning Experiences in Free Clinics

Objective. To explore student pharmacists’ perspectives on the value of pharmacy-related service-learning experiences focused on caring for underserved populations. Methods. Student pharmacists were required to complete a three-hour volunteer experience at a free clinic in western Pennsylvania. Reflective essays from all second- and third-year student pharmacists who participated in the required service-learning experience were deidentified. Essays were thematically analyzed to formulate a list of codes that represent dominant conceptual categories. Two independent coders read and coded all essays submitted from September 2015 to May 2017 using qualitative data analysis. Codes were evaluated for intercoder variability and discrepancies were mediated through discussion. Results. Four hundred twenty-two students submitted reflective essays: 222 essays were submitted by second-year students and 200 by third-year students. The prevailing themes reflected the professional obligation students felt to provide care to the underserved, empathy for underserved patients, perspectives on equitable health resource distribution, the value of service-learning experiences, growth in interprofessional awareness, and self-reported empowerment from the experience. Themes were consistent in the reflective essays of both second-year and third-year students. Third-year students’ essays reflected a greater sense of self-assurance and confidence in their role at the free clinics. Students made connections between their didactic learning and experiential education. Conclusion. Student pharmacists valued their experiences working in underserved settings. Free clinics provide opportunities for student pharmacists to develop hands-on training as well as gain a broader perspective on underserved populations, health resource distribution, and the role of pharmacists.
The Relation between Profits and Wage Rates

Professor Phillips has argued that there is a significant relation observable between the level of unemployment and the rate of change of money wage rates in the United Kingdom over the years1861-19571. Mr. Kaldor, while believing that Phillips, ". has established the existence of these relationships ", does not believe that the figures, ". support the particular inference which he [Phillips] draws from them. "2 Kaldor goes on to state, " 1 think his figures are perfectly compatible with the alternative theory-indeed, I am prepared to argue that they provide a better support for that theory than for his own ". Mr. Kaldor states this alternative theory as follows
Cloning and functional characterization of LjPLT4, a plasma membrane xylitol H+- symporter from Lotus japonicus

Abstract Polyols are compounds that play various physiological roles in plants. Here we present the identification of four cDNA clones of the model legume Lotus japonicus, encoding proteins of the monosaccharide transporter-like (MST) superfamily that share significant homology with previously characterized polyol transporters (PLTs). One of the transporters, named LjPLT4, was characterized functionally after expression in yeast. Transport assays revealed that LjPLT4 is a xylitol-specific H+-symporter (K m, 0.34 mM). In contrast to the previously characterized homologues, LjPLT4 was unable to transport other polyols, including mannitol, sorbitol, myo-inositol and galactitol, or any of the monosaccharides tested. Interestingly, some monosaccharides, including fructose and xylose, inhibited xylitol uptake, although no significant uptake of these compounds was detected in the LjPLT4 transformed yeast cells, suggesting interactions with the xylitol binding site. Subcellular localization of LjPLT4-eYFP fusions expressed in Arabidopsis leaf epidermal cells indicated that LjPLT4 is localized in the plasma membrane. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that LjPLT4 is expressed in all major plant organs, with maximum transcript accumulation in leaves correlating with maximum xylitol levels there, as determined by GC-MS. Thus, LjPLT4 is the first plasma membrane xylitol-specific H+-symporter to be characterized in plants.
Risk factors for mortality among patients with nonperinatal listeriosis in Los Angeles County, 1992-2004.

BACKGROUND Listeriosis is a relatively rare foodborne disease with significant public health implications. The causative pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes, grows well in refrigeration, is associated with a case-fatality rate of 20%, and causes an estimated 28% of all foodborne disease-related deaths. Nevertheless, data on the risk factors for listeriosis mortality are limited. METHODS Using the passive surveillance listeriosis database of the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, we conducted a 13-year retrospective cohort study to describe nonperinatal listeriosis mortality in Los Angeles County during the period 1992-2004. A nonperinatal listeriosis case was defined as one occurring in a nonpregnant person >42 days of age who resided in Los Angeles County and had a culture positive for L. monocytogenes. RESULTS Unconditional multivariable logistic regression analysis of 281 nonperinatal listeriosis cases with 29 main effects variables resulted in finding nonhematological malignancy (odds ratio [OR], 5.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.85-18.9), alcoholism (OR, 4.63; 95% CI, 1.36-15.8), age 70 years (OR, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.50-7.87), steroid medication (OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.38-8.08), and kidney disease (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.18-7.31) to be statistically significant risk factors for mortality. Other listeriosis mortality risk factors with adjusted odds ratios >1.5 included blood transfusion, asthma, black race, Asian race, use of antibiotics, hypertension, receipt of chemotherapy, and Hispanic race. Patients admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of sepsis alone had the highest mortality (23.7%), whereas patients with cases of meningitis alone had the lowest mortality (3.13%). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study should be used to help researchers and clinicians focus on specific risk factors to prevent nonperinatal listeriosis-related deaths.
D-Alanine-Controlled Transient Intestinal Mono-Colonization with Non-Laboratory-Adapted Commensal E. coli Strain HS

Soon after birth the mammalian gut microbiota forms a permanent and collectively highly resilient consortium. There is currently no robust method for re-deriving an already microbially colonized individual again-germ-free. We previously developed the in vivo growth-incompetent E. coli K-12 strain HA107 that is auxotrophic for the peptidoglycan components D-alanine (D-Ala) and meso-diaminopimelic acid (Dap) and can be used to transiently associate germ-free animals with live bacteria, without permanent loss of germ-free status. Here we describe the translation of this experimental model from the laboratory-adapted E. coli K-12 prototype to the better gut-adapted commensal strain E. coli HS. In this genetic background it was necessary to complete the D-Ala auxotrophy phenotype by additional knockout of the hypothetical third alanine racemase metC. Cells of the resulting fully auxotrophic strain assembled a peptidoglycan cell wall of normal composition, as long as provided with D-Ala and Dap in the medium, but could not proliferate a single time after D-Ala/Dap removal. Yet, unsupplemented bacteria remained active and were able to complete their cell cycle with fully sustained motility until immediately before autolytic death. Also in vivo, the transiently colonizing bacteria retained their ability to stimulate a live-bacteria-specific intestinal Immunoglobulin (Ig)A response. Full D-Ala auxotrophy enabled rapid recovery to again-germ-free status. E. coli HS has emerged from human studies and genomic analyses as a paradigm of benign intestinal commensal E. coli strains. Its reversibly colonizing derivative may provide a versatile research tool for mucosal bacterial conditioning or compound delivery without permanent colonization.