Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GRIPDB - G protein coupled Receptor Interaction Partners DataBase

The G protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) superfamily is one of the most important pharmaceutical targets. Studies of GPCRs have long been performed under the assumption that GPCRs function as monomers. However, recent studies have revealed that many GPCRs function as homo- and/or hetero-dimers or higher-order oligomeric molecular complexes. As a result, information about GPCR oligomerization is rapidly accumulating, although the molecular mechanisms of oligomerization are not fully understood. A comprehensive collection of information about oligomerization would accelerate investigations of the molecular mechanisms of GPCRs’ oligomerization and involvement in signaling. Hence, we have developed a database, G protein coupled Receptor Interaction Partners DataBase (GRIPDB), which provides information about GPCR oligomerization. The entries in the database are divided into two sections: (I) Experiment Information section and (II) Prediction Information section. The Experiment Information section contains (I-i) experimentally indentified GPCR oligomers and their annotations, and (I-ii) experimentally suggested interfaces for the oligomerization. Since the number of experimentally suggested interfaces is limited, the entries in the Prediction Information section have been introduced to provide information about the oligomerization interfaces predicted by our computational method. The experimentally suggested or computationally predicted interfaces are displayed by 3D graphics, using GPCRs with available coordinates. The information in the GRIPDB, especially that about the interfaces, is useful to investigate the molecular mechanisms of signal transduction via GPCR oligomerization. The GRIPDB is available on the web at the following URL: http://grip.cbrc. jp/GDB/index.html.
Rational Choice Institutionalism and European Integration

Rational choice institutionalism (RCI) conceives of European integration as the outcome of three interpla ing forces interests information an institutions Cooperation in the European Union (EU) is thus based on collective choices among a diverse set of actors ranging from voters to member states that disagree over the potential outcome of the decision-making process, are uncertain about the motives and resources of other players, and are exposed to decision-making rules with varying distributional consequences. RCI distinguishes between two fundamental choices the supranational organization can make. EU actors can in this perspective either decide how the EU should be governed ( decision-making about rules ) or how a policy should be changed with the help of a given rule ( decision-making within rules ). he first perspective deals largely with the intergovernmental conferences during which the European Union has changed the rules that structure the interactions among the member states. The latter viewpoint addresses how the relevant decision makers of the European Union have amended or prevented policy changes alone or in collaboration with other actors. Rational Choice Institutionalism and European Integration Gerald Schneider and Anastasia Ershova Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics
Package AquaEnv : an Aquatic modelling Environment in R

AquaEnv (Hofmann et al. 2010b) is an integrated development toolbox for aquatic chemical model generation focused on (ocean) acidification and CO2 air-water exchange. It contains ❼ All elements necessary to model the pH, the related CO2 air-water exchange, as well as aquatic acid-base chemistry in general for an arbitrary marine, estuarine or freshwater system. ❼ A suite of tools to visualize this information. ❼ It can be used to build dynamic models of aquatic systems that include acid-base chemistry. ❼ The sensitivity of the system to variations in the input variables can be visualized. ❼ A number of example “applications” that make use of AquaEnv are: – a theoretical titration simulator – a routine to determine total alkalinity ([TA]), the total dissolved inorganic carbon concentration ([ ∑ CO2]), as well as additionally the electrode standard potential (E0) and the first dissociation constant of the carbonate system (K ∗ CO2 ) from titration data.
A principal component analysis of the determinants of spatial disparity between rural and urban localities of Ghana

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyse the spatial disparity between rural and urban areas in Ghana using the Ghana Living Standards Survey’s (GLSS) rounds 5 and 6 data to advance the assertion that an endowed rural sector is necessary to promote agricultural development in Ghana. This analysis helps us to know the factors that contribute to the depravity of the rural sectors to inform policy towards development targeting. Design/methodology/approach - A multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied to data from the GLSS-5 and GLSS-6 to determine the characteristics of the rural-urban divide in Ghana. Findings - The findings reveal that the rural poor also spend 60.3 per cent of their income on food, while the urban dwellers spend 49 per cent, which is an indication of food production capacity. They have low access to information technology facilities, have larger household sizes and lower levels of education. Rural areas depend a lot on firewood for cooking and use solar/dry cell energies and kerosene for lighting which have implications for conserving the environment. Practical implications - Developing the rural areas to strengthen agricultural growth and productivity is a necessary condition for eliminating spatial disparities and promoting overall economic development in Ghana. Addressing rural deprivation is important for conserving the environment due to its increased use of fuelwood for cooking. Absence of alternatives to the use of fuelwood weakens the efforts to reduce deforestation. Originality/value - The application of PCA to show the factors that contribute to spatial inequality in Ghana using the GLSS-5 and GLSS-6 data is unique. The study provides insights into redefining the framework for national poverty reduction efforts.
The role of glutathione transferases M1 and T1 in individual susceptibility to bladder cancer in a Tunisian population

Background: Susceptibility to bladder cancer is thought to depend on interplay between genetic factors and environmental chemical carcinogens. Aim: This study seeks to determine the role of the glutathione transferases M1 and T1 null genotypes (GSTM1*0 and GSTT1*0) in individual susceptibility to bladder cancer in a Tunisian population. Method: Sixty-two patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder cancer and 79 controls were examined with respect to the frequency of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes. Results: The frequencies of the GSTT1 null in the total group of bladder cancer cases vs. controls did not differ statistically. The proportion of GSTM1 null genotype in patients was 63% compared to 45% in controls group (OR = 2.03; 95% CI 0.97–4.24; p = 0.04). A significantly higher incidence of GSTM1 deletion genotype was found in smokers with bladder cancer compared to the controls (65.38% vs. 45.5%). Smokers lacking the GSTM1 gene are at an approximately 2.2-fold higher risk of bladder cancer (OR = 2.23, 95% CI 1–5.15; p = 0.03). Conclusion: This study suggests that in Tunisian subjects the GSTM1 null genotype may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. This association appears to depend upon smoking status.
Chromatin immunoprecipitation identifies photoreceptor transcription factor targets in mouse models of retinal degeneration: New findings and challenges

The transcription factors, Otx2, Crx, Nrl, and Nr2e3, expressed by retinal photoreceptor cells are essential for photoreceptor gene expression, development, and maintenance. Malfunction of any of these factors due to genetic mutations causes photoreceptor disease. Protein–protein interaction studies suggest that these factors may form a regulatory network centered on Crx. To understand how these factors regulate photoreceptor gene transcription in vivo, we have employed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays to assess the ability of these proteins to bind to regulatory sequences of photoreceptor genes in the retina of wild-type and mutant mice with photoreceptor degeneration. This paper summarizes the advantages and limitations of ChIP, using examples from our studies to demonstrate how this technique has contributed to our understanding of the regulation of photoreceptor gene expression. We report that Crx, Otx2, Nrl, and Nr2e3 co-occupy the promoter/enhancer, but not the region 3′ of selected Crx target genes, in a retina-specific fashion. We identified Crx-dependent (Nr2e3) and Crx-independent (Otx2 and Nrl) target binding using Crx knockout mice (Crx−/−), suggesting that individual factors may use distinct mechanism(s) for binding and regulating target genes. Consistent with ChIP results, we also found that Otx2, a close family member of Crx, can activate the promoter of rod and cone genes in HEK293 cells, implicating Otx2 in regulating photoreceptor gene expression. These findings provide important information for understanding how photoreceptor transcription factors regulate photoreceptor gene expression and the mechanisms by which mutations in these factors cause transcriptional dysregulation and photoreceptor degeneration.
Inflation outlook and business conditions of firms: evidence from the Tankan Survey

In March 2014, the Bank of Japan introduced a survey on the inflation outlook of firms -general prices and output prices -in its Short-term Economic Survey of Enterprises in Japan (Tankan). The Tankan survey covers over 10,000 sample enterprises, as well as the overall corporate activity in a number of various survey items, and therefore, it provides us with detailed and credible data on both the inflation outlook and business environment of firms for more than two years since the introduction. In this paper, we investigate the relation between the inflation outlook of firms and their business conditions, and analyze the changes in expectations using micro data. We find that current changes in output prices and input prices have a larger impact on firms' inflation outlook than business conditions or supply-demand measures. And the decline in commodity prices is also likely to exert a certain influence on the recent decline in firms' general price expectations.
Dental Implant Success-Failure Analysis: A Concept of Implant Vulnerability

This article shows the factors of importance in the long-term success and failure of oral implants based on literature review. Many factors are attributed to the failure of dental implants. The critical components leading to early and late implant failures are evaluated. The behavior of natural teeth and implants is compared in healthy and unfavorable local and systemic conditions. Similarities and differences among dental implants, healthy natural teeth, and ankylosed teeth are examined. Based on this comparison, the author attempts to draw a conclusion on the vulnerability of dental implants and their prognosis. The importance of ongoing clinical supervision of a patient’s implant condition with a good recall program and the necessity to accumulate clinical data concerning implant failures over an extended period of time in a standardized manner are emphasized. It is also suggested that implant practitioners avoid giving guarantees of long-term implant success to their patients.
T8590C polymorphism of CYP4A11 is a risk factor for hypertension: a meta‐analysis

Background T8590C polymorphism of CYP4A11 has been associated with hypertension, though with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to quantitatively summarize the evidence for CYP4A11 T8590C polymorphism and hypertension risk. Methods Electronic search of PubMed and the Chinese Biomedicine database was conducted to select studies. Case‐control studies containing available genotype frequencies of T8590C were chosen, and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of this association. Results Seven case‐control studies, including 3 295 cases and 3 192 controls, were identified. The meta‐analysis, stratified by ethnicity, showed that individuals with the C allele carriers (CC+CT) had increased risk of hypertension in over all (OR=1.184, 95% CI: 1.063–1.319, P=0.002) and in others (OR=1.217, 95% CI: 1.045–1.419, P=0.012). The results among Asians did not suggest an association (OR=1.152, 95% CI: 0.990–1.342, P=0.068). A symmetric funnel plot, the Egger's test (P=0.863), and the Begg test (P=0.393) were all suggestive of the lack of publication bias. Conclusions This meta‐analysis suggests the CYP4A11 T8590C polymorphism may be a risk factor for hypertension. Future well‐designed large studies might be necessary to validate this association in different populations incorporated with environmental factors in the susceptibility of hypertension.
Investing in High Risk-Return Mutual Funds: Is It Worth the Risk?

(ProQuest: . denotes formulae omitted.)INTRODUCTIONMost investors are aware of the importance of asset allocation in their portfolio. With this in mind, they often buy mutual funds for their personal accounts or for their retirement accounts. For many years the most popular mutual funds are those that are constructed to track the performance of a broad market equity index such as the Standard and Poor's 500 Composite Index (SP see, for example, Cornell (1992), Ramaswami (1991), Zivney, Bertin and Torabzadeh (1993), and Kohers and Chieffe (1996). Altman and Nammacher (2002) observe that over the period of this study, high yield bonds have offered a very attractive risk-return tradeoff for individual investors, enabling many prudent investors to realize impressive returns.Emerging MarketsBarry, Peavy and Rodriguez (1998) examine the performance characteristics of emerging capital markets. They find that although the stocks of firms in emerging market countries are highly volatile, they are beneficial for risk reduction when combined with stocks from developed countries. Although emerging markets have not generated compound returns as high as the returns on the U.S. stock markets, they can provide diversification benefits to investors.Redman, Gullett and Manakyan (2000) compare the returns of five international mutual funds over three different time periods compared to the Vanguard Index 500 mutual fund and also a portfolio of U.S. stocks. Their results indicate the international mutual funds outperformed the benchmarks for the periods of 1984 - 1994 under the Sharpe and Treynor Indices. The returns of the international mutual funds declined below the U.S. …
Songbird response to increased willow (Salix spp.) growth in Yellowstone's northern range.

After nearly a century of height suppression, willows (Salix spp.) in the northern range of Yellowstone National Park, U.S.A. , are increasing in height growth as a possible consequence of wolf (Canis lupus) restoration, climate change, or other factors. Regardless of the drivers, the recent release of this rare but important habitat type could have significant implications for associated songbirds that are exhibiting declines in the region. Our objective was to evaluate bird response to releasing willows by comparing willow structure and bird community composition across three willow growth conditions: height suppressed, recently released, and previously tall (i.e., tall prior to the height increase of released willows). Released and previously tall willows exhibited high and similar vertical structure, but released willows were significantly lower in horizontal structure. Suppressed willows were significantly shorter and lower in horizontal cover than released or previously tall willows. Bird richness increased along a gradient from lowest in suppressed to highest in previously tall willows, but abundance and diversity were similar between released and previously tall willows, despite lower horizontal cover in the released condition. Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) and Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) were found in all three growth conditions; however, Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia), Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus), Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii), and Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodii) were present in released and previously tall willows only. Wilson's Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) was found in previously tall willows only, appearing to specialize on tall, dense willows. The results of our a priori habitat models indicated that foliage height diversity was the primary driver of bird richness, abundance, and diversity. These results indicate that vertical structure was a more important driver of bird community variables than horizontal structure and that riparian and willow-dependent bird species have responded positively to increased willow growth in the region.
Explaining Differences between Elementary and Secondary Schools: Individual, Organizational, and Institutional Perspectives.

Elementary, junior high, and senior high schools are different. Yet, such differences are ignored when all schools are characterized as loosely linked systems. This paper shows that secondary schools are more loosely linked than elementary schools; influence is less centralized and there is less agreement on goals. Evidence is presented suggesting that such differences cannot be attributed either to staff or organizational characteristics of schools. Historical evidence indicates that these differences result from institutional forces that create different expectations about how older and younger children should be educated.
Reelin-mediated Signaling Locally Regulates Protein Kinase B/Akt and Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β*

Reelin is a large secreted protein that controls cortical layering by signaling through the very low density lipoprotein receptor and apolipoprotein E receptor 2, thereby inducing tyrosine phosphorylation of the adaptor protein Disabled-1 (Dab1) and suppressing tau phosphorylation in vivo. Here we show that binding of Reelin to these receptors stimulates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, resulting in activation of protein kinase B and inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β. We present genetic evidence that this cascade is dependent on apolipoprotein E receptor 2, very low density lipoprotein receptor, and Dab1. Reelin-signaling components are enriched in axonal growth cones, where tyrosine phosphorylation of Dab1 is increased in response to Reelin. These findings suggest that Reelin-mediated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling in neuronal growth cones contributes to final neuron positioning in the mammalian brain by local modulation of protein kinase B and glycogen synthase kinase 3β kinase activities.
Evaluation of load-following reserves for power systems with significant RES penetration considering risk management

In this study a novel two-stage stochastic programming based day-ahead joint energy and reserve scheduling model is developed. Demand-side as a reserve resource is explicitly modeled through responsive load aggregations, as well as large industrial consumers that directly participate in the scheduling procedure. Furthermore, a risk-hedging measure is introduced, namely the Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR), to analyze the behavior of energy and reserve scheduling by both the generation and the demand-side for a risk-averse ISO. The proposed methodology is tested on the practical non-interconnected insular power system of Crete, Greece, which is characterized by a significant penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES).
Morphological Computation: Connecting Body, Brain, and Environment (特集:ロボティクスと神経科学)

Traditionally, in robotics, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience, there has been a focus on the study of the control or the neural system itself. Recently there has been an increasing interest into the notion of embodiment not only in robotics and artificial intelligenc, but also in the neurosciences, psychology, and philosophy. In this paper, we introduce the notion of morphological computation and demonstrate how it can be exploited on the one hand for designing intelligent, adaptive robotic systems, and on the other for understanding natural systems. While embodiment has often been used in its trivial meaning, i.e. „intelligence requires a body“, the concept has deeper and more important implications, concerned with the relation between physical and information (neural, control) processes. Morphological computation is about connecting body, brain and environment. A number of case studies are presented to illustrate the concept. We conclude with some speculations about potential lessons for neuroscience and robotics.
Characterization of Burkholderia pseudomallei infection and identification of novel virulence factors using a Caenorhabditis elegans host system

The environmental saphrophyte Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, a systemic, potentially life‐threatening condition endemic to many parts of south‐east Asia and northern Australia. We have used the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model host to characterize the mechanisms by which this bacterium mounts a successful infection. We find that C. elegans is susceptible to a broad range of Burkholderia species, and that the virulence mechanisms used by this pathogen to kill nematodes may be similar to those used to infect mammals. We also find that the specific dynamics of the C. elegans–B. pseudomallei host–pathogen interaction can be highly influenced by environmental factors, and that nematode killing results at least in part from the presence of a diffusible toxin. Finally, by screening for bacterial mutants attenuated in their ability to kill C. elegans, we genetically identify several new potential virulence factors in B. pseudomallei. The use of C. elegans as a model host should greatly facilitate future investigations into how B. pseudomallei can interact with host organisms.
Experimental Pathogenicity of a Presumed Monoxenous Trypanosomatid Isolated from Humans in a Murine Model

Abstract Two strains of a presumed lower trypanosomatid isolated from immunocompetent and HIV-infected humans in French West Indies were investigated in vitro and in vivo in a murine experimental model. The ability of parasites to grow in vitro in bone marrow-derived macrophages and their virulence in vivo were assessed. For in vivo infection, two groups of BALB/c mice were inoculated either by the subcutaneous or intravenous route with 107 promastigotes at day 0. Infection was monitored by measuring parasite load in liver, spleen, foot pad, popliteal, and mesenteric lymph nodes and brain from day 7 to day 150 post-infection using a microtitration technique. Parasites multiplied in mouse macrophages in vitro. In vivo, both strains proved infective to mice and capable of visceralization and dissemination in the popliteal and mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and even brain. Both strains elicited a strong humoral response against trypanosomatid antigen in mice, which cross-reacted with Leishmania antigen. Contrasting with the straightforward dissemination of parasites, the infection was strikingly well tolerated by the murine host with no clinical signs and minimal tissue changes around parasitized macrophage infiltrates.
Considering correlations for reliable distributed ancillary service provision

Due to the ongoing decentralization of the energy system, new requirements for energy resources appear. Distributed units must take over tasks of conventional power plants such as the provision of primary frequency control. However, the reliability of ancillary service products must be guaranteed. In this paper, a method is introduced to cluster distributed units into groups that are highly correlated. This is integrated into the RelACs-method for assessing coalitions of distributed units with regard to their ability of reliably providing ancillary services.