Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transient state kinetic studies of the MutT-catalyzed nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase reaction.

The MutT pyrophosphohydrolase, in the presence of Mg2+, catalyzes the hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphates by nucleophilic substitution at Pbeta, to yield the nucleotide and PP(i). The best substrate for MutT is the mutagenic 8-oxo-dGTP, on the basis of its Km being 540-fold lower than that of dGTP. Product inhibition studies have led to a proposed uni-bi-iso kinetic mechanism, in which PP(i) dissociates first from the enzyme-product complex (k3), followed by NMP (k4), leaving a product-binding form of the enzyme (F) which converts to the substrate-binding form (E) in a partially rate-limiting step (k5) [Saraswat, V. , et al. (2002) Biochemistry 41, 15566-15577]. Single- and multiple-turnover kinetic studies of the hydrolysis of dGTP and 8-oxo-dGTP and global fitting of the data to this mechanism have yielded all of the nine rate constants. Consistent with an "iso" mechanism, single-turnover studies with dGTP and 8-oxo-dGTP hydrolysis showed slow apparent second-order rate constants for substrate binding similar to their kcat/Km values, but well below the diffusion limit (approximately 10(9) M(-1) s(-1)): k(on)app = 7.2 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) for dGTP and k(on)app = 2.8 x 10(7) M(-1) s(-1) for 8-oxo-dGTP. These low k(on)app values are fitted by assuming a slow iso step (k5 = 12.1 s(-1)) followed by fast rate constants for substrate binding: k1 = 1.9 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) for dGTP and k1 = 0.75 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1) for 8-oxo-dGTP (the latter near the diffusion limit). With dGTP as the substrate, replacing Mg2+ with Mn2+ does not change k1, consistent with the formation of a second-sphere MutT-M2+-(H2O)-dGTP complex, but slows the iso step (k5) 5.8-fold, and its reverse (k(-5)) 25-fold, suggesting that the iso step involves a change in metal coordination, likely the dissociation of Glu-53 from the enzyme-bound metal so that it can function as the general base. Multiple-turnover studies with dGTP and 8-oxo-dGTP show bursts of product formation, indicating partially rate-limiting steps following the chemical step (k2). With dGTP, the slow steps are the chemical step (k2 = 10.7 s(-1)) and the iso step (k5 = 12.1 s(-1)). With 8-oxo-dGTP, the slow steps are the release of the 8-oxo-dGMP product (k4 = 3.9 s(-1)) and the iso step (k5 = 12.1 s(-1)), while the chemical step is fast (k2 = 32.3 s(-1)). The transient kinetic studies are generally consistent with the steady state kcat and Km values. Comparison of rate constants and free energy diagrams indicate that 8-oxo-dGTP, at low concentrations, is a better substrate than dGTP because it binds to MutT 395-fold faster, dissociates 46-fold slower, and has a 3.0-fold faster chemical step. The true dissociation constants (KD) of the substrates from the E-form of MutT, which can now be obtained from k(-1)/k1, are 3.5 nM for 8-oxo-dGTP and 62 microM for dGTP, indicating that 8-oxo-dGTP binds 1.8 x 10(4)-fold tighter than dGTP, corresponding to a 5.8 kcal/mol lower free energy of binding.
A Comparative Quantitative Analysis of Contemporary Big Data Clustering Algorithms for Market Segmentation in Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is one of the data-rich industries that receives huge Volumes of data streaming at high Velocity with considerably Variety, Veracity, and Variability. These properties make the data analysis in the hospitality industry a big data problem. Meeting the customers' expectations is a key factor in the hospitality industry to grasp the customers' loyalty. To achieve this goal, marketing professionals in this industry actively look for ways to utilize their data in the best possible manner and advance their data analytic solutions, such as identifying a unique market segmentation clustering and developing a recommendation system. In this paper, we present a comprehensive literature review of existing big data clustering algorithms and their advantages and disadvantages for various use cases. We implement the existing big data clustering algorithms and provide a quantitative comparison of the performance of different clustering algorithms for different scenarios. We also present our insights and recommendations regarding the suitability of different big data clustering algorithms for different use cases. These recommendations will be helpful for hoteliers in selecting the appropriate market segmentation clustering algorithm for different clustering datasets to improve the customer experience and maximize the hotel revenue.
Fin-Width Effects on Characteristics of InGaAs-Based Independent Double-Gate FinFETs

We report the characteristics of InGaAs-based independent double-gate FinFETs with Al2O3/LaAlO3 as gate dielectric. The device can be operated in three different modes (i.e., single-, double-, and independent double-gate) made possible by the physically separated two sidewall gates. When the device is operated in the double-gate mode, it exhibits better performance in terms of the On/Off current ratio, subthreshold swing, Off current, and channel mobility than in the single-gate mode. In addition, independent double-gate operation makes it possible to modulate channel properties by applying a bias at the opposite gate via gate coupling effects. Our systematic measurements reveal that gate control and coupling effects are enhanced with reduced fin width.
STATs Dimerize in the Absence of Phosphorylation*

Upon activation by tyrosine kinases, members of the STAT family of transcription factors form stable dimers that are able to rapidly translocate to the nucleus and bind DNA. Although crystal structures of activated, near full-length, Stat1 and Stat3 illustrate how STATs bind to DNA, they provide little insight into the dynamic regulation of STAT activity. To explore the unique structural changes Stat1 and Stat3 undergo when they become activated, full-length inactive recombinant proteins were prepared. To our surprise, even though these proteins are unable to bind DNA, our studies demonstrate that they exist as stable homodimers. Similarly, the Stat1 and Stat3 found in the cytoplasm of unstimulated cells also exhibit a dimeric structure. These observations indicate that Stat1 and Stat3 exist as stable homodimers prior to activation.
A review of international HRD: incorporating a global HRD construct

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to review published conceptual and research papers within the field of international, comparative and cross‐cultural HRD.Design/methodology/approach – The paper's approach is a targeted literature review focusing on papers within the mainstream HRD journals, as well as a small number of non HRD journals.Findings – The literature review revealed that international, comparative and cross‐cultural HRD is an emerging subfield of study. In general the authors were able to categorise the literatures into the three trajectories specified. However, they noted contradictions and confusions within the literature.Research limitations/implications – The paper is solely theoretical in nature; however, it does identify gaps for further research. The authors highlight specific research questions within each trajectory as well as proposing a global HRD construct.Originality/value – The paper is particularly valuable to scholars interested in theorising and researching international, com.
Antecedents and Performance Implications of a Sales Department's Learning and Entrepreneurial Orientation in SMEs

Existing research on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) has concentrated on the organizational level but neglected the analysis of more fine‐grained effects of in organizations. This study applies the concept of to the departmental level and investigates the sales department's entrepreneurial orientation (SDEO) and salespeople's learning orientation (SDEO) and these orientations' impact on sales performance. Using a survey of 268 small and medium‐sized enterprises, the authors find that is a key performance lever, whereas only indirectly fosters sales performance through driving . Furthermore, informal controls and technological turbulence are found to be important drivers of SDEO and SLO.
Climate Change and Justice: A Non-Welfarist Treaty Negotiation Framework

Abstract Obstacles to achieving a global climate treaty include disagreements about questions of justice raised by the UNFCCC's principle that countries should respond to climate change by taking cooperative action “in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and their social and economic conditions”. Aiming to circumvent such disagreements, Climate Change Justice (2010) authors Eric Posner and David Weisbach argue against shaping treaty proposals according to requirements of either distributive or corrective justice. The USA's climate envoy, Todd Stern, takes a similar position. In this article I explain the practical and theoretical drawbacks of Posner & Weisbach's welfarist (utilitarian) perspective and propose an alternative. I show that their arguments fail to rule out John Rawls's non-utilitarian, political conception of international justice and human rights, the Law of Peoples. On this basis I develop a conception of climate justice that highlights implications of some of Rawls's principles and adds a principle for determining fair shares of climate-treaty-related benefits and burdens. I propose this conception as a moral framework for negotiating a treaty that would promote human welfare consistently with requirements of justice, and I argue that a treaty proposal satisfying these requirements could best satisfy Posner & Weisbach's own feasibility criteria.
Dark Septate Endophytic Fungi Help Tomato to Acquire Nutrients from Ground Plant Material

Dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi are facultative biotrophs that associate with hundreds of plant species, contributing to their growth. These fungi may therefore aid in the search for sustainable agricultural practices. However, several ecological functions of DSE fungi need further clarification. The present study investigated the effects of DSE fungi inoculation on nutrient recovery efficiency, nutrient accumulation, and growth of tomato plants fertilized with organic and inorganic N sources. Two experiments were carried out under greenhouse conditions in a randomized blocks design, with five replicates of tomato seedlings grown in pots filled with non-sterile sandy soil. Tomato seedlings (cv. Santa Clara I-5300) inoculated with DSE fungi (isolates A101, A104, and A105) and without DSE fungi (control) were transplanted to pots filled with 12 kg of soil which had previously received finely ground plant material [Canavalia ensiformis (L.)] that was shoot enriched with 0.7 atom % 15N (organic N source experiment) or ammonium sulfate-15N enriched with 1 atom % 15N (mineral N source experiment). Growth indicators, nutrient content, amount of nitrogen (N) in the plant derived from ammonium sulfate-15N or C. ensiformis-15N, and recovery efficiency of 15N, P, and K by plants were quantified 50 days after transplanting. The treatment inoculated with DSE fungi and supplied with an organic N source showed significantly higher recovery efficiency of 15N, P, and K. In addition, the 15N, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn content, plant height, leaf number, leaf area (only for the A104 inoculation), and shoot dry matter increased. In contrast, the only positive effects observed in the presence of an inorganic N source were fertilizer-K recovery efficiency, content of K, and leaf area when inoculated with the fungus A104. Inoculation with A101, A104, and A105 promoted the growth of tomato using organic N source (finely ground C. ensiformis-15N plant material).
piggyBac‐mediated transposition in Drosophila melanogaster: an evaluation of the use of constitutive promoters to control transposase gene expression

Transgenic non‐Drosophilid insects have been made using insect transposable elements that have a broad host range such as the piggyBac element. However, the success rate is often low. Previous piggyBac helper plasmids have used either the piggyBac or the hsp70 promoter from Drosophila melanogaster to control expression of the transposase gene. Here we show that plasmids with the piggyBac transposase gene regulated by constitutive promoters can be effective ‘helpers’ for mediating transposition in D. melanogaster. We also present preliminary evidence on the use of an RNA helper that encodes the transposase. Our results suggest that for germ‐line transformation of non‐Drosophilid insects it may be advantageous to isolate a constitutive promoter from the species of interest to control transposase expression.
Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C interacts with phosphatidylinositol kinase homolog TOR2.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae PLC1 gene encodes a homolog of the delta isoform of mammalian phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C. Cells deleted for PLC1 gene (plc1Delta) are viable but display several phenotypes, including temperature and osmotic sensitivity and defects in utilization of carbon sources other than glucose. We have used the two hybrid screen to identify Plc1p-interacting proteins. One of the identified proteins was Tor2p, a putative phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) kinase involved in regulation of protein synthesis, cell cycle progression and organization of the actin cytoskeleton. This interaction was confirmed biochemically by coprecipitation of Plc1p and Tor2p. The results suggest that Tor2p, as a PtdIns kinase, produces phosphorylated PtdIns, which is then hydrolyzed by the associated Plc1p. The proximity of Tor2p to Plc1p may therefore result in a regulated spatial and temporal coupling of synthesis and hydrolysis of phosphorylated forms of PtdIns.
Mutant APH(2″)-IIa Enzymes with Increased Activity against Amikacin and Isepamicin

ABSTRACT Directed evolution by random PCR mutagenesis of the gene for the aminoglycoside 2″-IIa phosphotransferase generated R92H/D268N and N196D/D268N mutant enzymes, resulting in elevated levels of resistance to amikacin and isepamicin but not to other aminoglycoside antibiotics. Increases in the activities of the mutant phosphotransferases for isepamicin are the result of decreases in Km values, while improved catalytic efficiency for amikacin is the result of both a decrease in Km values and an increase in turnover of the antibiotic. Enzymes with R92H, D268N, and D268N single amino acid substitutions did not result in elevated MICs for aminoglycosides.
StreetHeart: Empowering Homeless Through Art and Technology

Homeless people lack stable housing conditions and often feel marginalised from broader society. Some charity organisations seek to improve the confidence and self worth of homeless individuals by providing artistic activities, in which impressive artworks are produced. However, much of the artwork remain unseen, due to lack of the resources and technology available to these charity organisations. This is why we designed StreetHeart, a multichannel service. StreetHeart gives the underprivileged (homeless) the power to upload their artworks independently, by using a portable camera device. Approved artwork is then shared through LED screens placed around the city, reaching larger audiences. By pressing a heart button embedded in the display, passersby can instantaneously send their appreciation to the artists and further purchase artworks via an online store. StreetHeart has the potential to not only increase the self-worth of those affected by homelessness, but also bring them closer to the society.
Flyback-Based Three-Port Topologies for Electrolytic Capacitor-Less LED Drivers

Electrolytic capacitors are the components that mainly impact the lifetime of ac/dc light-emitting diode (LED) drivers. Therefore, eliminating electrolytic capacitors from LED drivers is of vital importance. First, the basic derivation concept of a family of flyback-based three-port converters for electrolytic capacitor-less LED drivers is addressed in this paper, by manipulating the power flow among input port, output port, and storage capacitors. Together with the derivation of existing topologies, new topologies are also proposed. After evaluation, an integrated dual flyback converter (IDFC) is chosen, which requires less switching components and simpler control strategy. Following that, the operation principle and switching modes of the IDFC are elaborated, as well as the parameter design and implementation of control strategy. Finally, experiments on a laboratory prototype are carried out to verify the feasibility of the proposed topology.
Impact evaluation of rural road projects

Very few of the (many) aid-financed rural road projects in developing countries have been the subject of rigorous impact evaluations. Assessing the welfare impacts of rural roads poses a number of problems, with implications for data collection and evaluation methods. This paper surveys the problems and discusses some practical implementation issues related specifically to conducting an impact evaluation of a rural roads project that is assigned to some geographic areas but not to others.
A wavelet-based approach to quantify the anisotropy degree of spatial random point configurations

A two-dimensional point process, if considered as a random measure, can be expressed as a countable sum of Delta Dirac measures concentrated at some random points. Then a continuous wavelet transform can be applied to obtain information on some structural properties. We introduce the notions of wavelet-based isotropy, main anisotropy direction and anisotropy degree to characterize the implicit anisotropic structure of the point process. We propose several statistical hypothesis tests that are proved to be useful to test for the presence of anisotropy. An application to a real case is also included.
The Influence of Intraarterial High-Dose Cisplatin With Concomitant Irradiation on Arterial Microanastomosis: An Experimental Study

Objective:In this experimental study with rabbits, the influence of intraarterial high-dose cisplatin with concomitant irradiation on arterial microanastomoses was evaluated to determine their impact on free-tissue transfers. Methods:The right and left iliac arteries of 10 rabbits were injected with 150 mg/m2 of cisplatin (group 1). To serve as physiological controls, the iliac arteries of 10 other rabbits were injected with the same volume of saline (group 2). Hypofractionated radiotherapy was given to the right inguinal area of all rabbits using a 60Co unit, 1.25 MeV, and an SSD of 80 cm for 25 Gy at 5 fractions a day for 5 days (groups 1A and 2A) and the left inguinal areas remained unirradiated (groups 1B and 2B). Both femoral arteries of all 20 rabbits were transected and anastomosed using microsurgical techniques on day 7 after the treatment. All femoral artery anastomoses were examined under anesthesia for pulsatile blood flow 14 days after the surgery. Arteries, including the anastomotic site, were harvested and fixed for histologic evaluation by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results:Microscopic evaluation showed that all femoral artery anastomoses had good, pulsatile blood flow. Histologic examination of the femoral artery anastomotic site revealed changes of the arterial walls that varied between the groups. Evidence of intimal changes included detachment of endothelial cells in the intimal layer, edema of the endothelial cells in the intima, intimal thickening, separation of the intima from the tunica media, and collagen deposition. Evidence of damage to the tunica media included vacuolation and disarray of the smooth muscle cells, fibrinoid necrosis, and hemorrhage. The damage was most pronounced in the arteries that received both intraarterial cisplatin and radiotherapy (group 1A). The degree of damage diminished in the arteries of the radiotherapy-alone group (group 2A) and the intraarterial cisplatin-alone arteries (group 1B) compared with the control arteries (group 2B). Despite the arterial damage after irradiation and/or cisplatin, the patency rates after vascular anastomosis were 100% for every group. Conclusions:Although damage to the arterial walls in the group that received intraarterial high-dose cisplatin with concomitant irradiation was most obvious, there were no differences in the patency rates after vascular anastomosis between any of the groups. Thus, after intraarterial high-dose cisplatin with concomitant irradiation, the femoral arteries can be used with caution as recipient vessels for free-tissue transfer.
Severity of Household Food Insecurity Is Positively Associated with Mental Disorders among Children and Adolescents in the United States.

BACKGROUND Household food insecurity and mental disorders are both prevalent conditions among children and adolescents (i.e., youth) in the United States. Although some research has examined the association between the 2 conditions, it is not known whether more severe food insecurity is differently associated with mental disorders in youth. OBJECTIVE We investigated the association between severity of household food insecurity and mental disorders among children (aged 4-11 y) and adolescents (aged 12-17 y) using valid and reliable measures of both household food security status and mental disorders. METHODS We analyzed cross-sectional data on 16,918 children and 14,143 adolescents whose families participated in the 2011-2014 National Health Interview Survey. The brief Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the 10-item USDA Household Food Security Survey Module were used to measure mental disorders and food security status, respectively. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to test the association between household food security status and mental disorders in youth. RESULTS There was a significant linear trend in ORs, such that as severity of household food insecurity increased so did the odds of youth having a mental disorder (P < 0.001). Other selected results included the following: compared with food-secure households, youth in marginally food-secure households had higher odds of having a mental disorder with impairment [child OR: 1.26 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.52); adolescent OR: 1.33 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.68)]. In addition, compared with food-secure households, youth in very-low-food-secure households had higher odds of having a mental disorder with severe impairment [child OR: 2.55 (95% CI: 1.90, 3.43); adolescent OR: 3.44 (95% CI: 2.50, 4.75)]. CONCLUSIONS The severity of household food insecurity is positively associated with mental disorders among both children and adolescents in the United States. These results suggest that improving household food security status has the potential to reduce mental disorders among US youth.