Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Purification of the Formate-Tetrahydrofolate Ligasefrom Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 and Demonstrationof Its Requirement for MethylotrophicGrowth

ABSTRACT The serine cycle methylotroph Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 contains two pterin-dependent pathways for C1 transfers, the tetrahydrofolate (H4F) pathway and the tetrahydromethanopterin (H4MPT) pathway, and both are required for growth on C1 compounds. With the exception of formate-tetrahydrofolate ligase (FtfL, alternatively termed formyl-H4F synthetase), all of the genes encoding the enzymes comprising these two pathways have been identified, and the corresponding gene products have been purified and characterized. We present here the purification and characterization of FtfL from M. extorquens AM1 and the confirmation that this enzyme is encoded by an ftfL homolog identified previously through transposon mutagenesis. Phenotypic analyses of the ftfL mutant strain demonstrated that FtfL activity is required for growth on C1 compounds. Unlike mutants defective for the H4MPT pathway, the ftfL mutant strain does not exhibit phenotypes indicative of defective formaldehyde oxidation. Furthermore, the ftfL mutant strain remained competent for wild-type conversion of [14C]methanol to [14C]CO2. Collectively, these data confirm our previous presumptions that the H4F pathway is not the key formaldehyde oxidation pathway in M. extorquens AM1. Rather, our data suggest an alternative model for the role of the H4F pathway in this organism in which it functions to convert formate to methylene H4F for assimilatory metabolism.
Zimbabwe: A Quest for a Nominal Anchor

This study examines the appropriateness of alternative intermediate monetary policy targets for Zimbabwe in light of the stability of the demand for money and the information content of financial variables for predicting price level movements. Results of the study indicate that a well-defined long-run demand relation exists for currency in circulation, but not for other monetary aggregates. Currency in circulation has strong information content for predicting future price level movements. The information content of other financial variables, such as the exchange rate and interest rates, is weaker. Statistical relationships break down of the outset of high inflation.
Influence of urban pollution on the production of organic particulate matter from isoprene epoxydiols in central Amazonia

Abstract. The atmospheric chemistry of isoprene contributes to the production of a substantial mass fraction of the particulate matter (PM) over tropical forests. Isoprene epoxydiols (IEPOX) produced in the gas phase by the oxidation of isoprene under HO2-dominant conditions are subsequently taken up by particles, thereby leading to production of secondary organic PM. The present study investigates possible perturbations to this pathway by urban pollution. The measurement site in central Amazonia was located 4 to 6 h downwind of Manaus, Brazil. Measurements took place from February through March 2014 of the wet season, as part of the GoAmazon2014/5 experiment. Mass spectra of organic PM collected with an Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer were analyzed by positive-matrix factorization. One resolved statistical factor ( IEPOX-SOA factor ) was associated with PM production by the IEPOX pathway. The IEPOX-SOA factor loadings correlated with independently measured mass concentrations of tracers of IEPOX-derived PM, namely C5-alkene triols and 2-methyltetrols (R = 0. 96 and 0.78, respectively). The factor loading, as well as the ratio f of the loading to organic PM mass concentration, decreased under polluted compared to background conditions. For an increase in NOy concentration from 0.5 to 2 ppb, the factor loading and f decreased by two to three fold. Overall, sulfate concentration explained 37 % of the variability in the factor loading. After segregation of factor loading into subsets based on NOy concentration, the sulfate concentration explained up to 75 % of the variability. Considering both factors, the data sets show that the suppressing effects of increased NO concentrations dominated over the enhancing effects of higher sulfate concentrations. The pollution from Manaus elevated NOy concentrations more significantly than sulfate concentrations relative to background conditions. In this light, increased emissions of nitrogen oxides, as anticipated for some scenarios of Amazonian economic development, could significantly alter pathways of PM production that presently prevail over the tropical forest, implying changes to air quality and regional climate.
The Dynamic Calibration of Cycle Ergometers

The components of our rig, which is used for the dynamic calibration of cycle ergometers, were purchased for $4,080 (USA); interfacing the instrument with a computer and printer increased the cost by an additional $2,550 (USA). The rig is essentially a torque balance and was therefore validated against the primary measurements of: angular velocity (rev.min-1), distance (m) and mass (kg). Summing the inaccuracies associated with these 3 measurements yields a worst case error of only 0.3%. The coefficients of variation for a dynamic calibration rig and mechanically braked Monark cycle ergometer assembly ranged from 0.6 to 3.2% for 6 trials at each of the following power outputs: 117.7, 176.6, 235.4, 294.3 and 353.2 W. The instrument therefore has a high degree of precision.
Supplement to “ A Generalized Least Squares Matrix Decomposition ”

In addition to sparseness, there is much interest in penalties that encourage smoothness, especially in the context of functional data analysis. We show how the GPMF can be used with smooth penalties and propose a generalized gradient descent method to solve for these smooth GPMF factors. Many have proposed to obtain smoothness in the factors by using a quadratic penalty. Rice and Silverman (1991) suggested P (v) = v Ωv, where Ω is the matrix of squared second or fourth differences. As this penalty is not homogeneous of order one, we use the Ωnorm penalty: P (v) = (v Ωv)−1/2 = ||v ||Ω. Since this penalty is a norm or a semi-norm, the GPMF solution given in Theorem 2 can be employed. We seek to minimize the following Ω-norm penalized regression problem: 1 2 ||X Qu−v ||R + λv ||v ||Ω. Notice that this problem is similar in structure to the group lasso problem of Yuan and Lin (2006) with one group. To solve the Ω-norm penalized regression problem, we use a generalized gradient descent method. (We note that there are more elaborate first order solvers, introduced in recent works such as Becker et al. (2010, 2009), and we describe a simple version of such solvers). Suppose
The South Africa World Cup: the ability of small and medium firms to profit from increased tourism surrounding mega-events.

The purpose of this study is to implement a microeconomic lens to examine how a mega-sport event affects small and medium businesses (SMEs) that hope to profit from the increased tourism associated with the event. Guided by stakeholder theory, local SME owners were interviewed before and after the World Cup. Respondents suggested that the opportunities to take advantage of the World Cup were limited for SMEs because: a) limited or no access to the event and associated tourists, b) lack of knowledge and expertise to take advantage of opportunities, and c) the priority the organizing committee gives to other stakeholders, such as sponsors and the FIFA. Due to these constraints, SMEs were not able to build lasting partnerships through the World Cup, nor were they able to make any profit from the event.
What motivates ecopreneurs to start businesses

Purpose – Ecopreneurs are those entrepreneurs who start for‐profit businesses with strong underlying green values and who sell green products or services. This is an emerging field where research is still in its infancy. Research has been called for to understand the factors that motivate these ecopreneurs to start businesses – and that is the focus of this study. The aim of this paper is to compare the findings with results of extant literature on entrepreneurial motivations.Design/methodology/approach – This study comprises 14 in‐depth case studies of ecopreneurial companies in New Zealand in 2008. Participants were interviewed in a face‐to‐face, semi‐structured format. In total, 88 secondary sources such as media reports, industry statistics, and information from company web sites were also collected.Findings – Ecopreneurs were motivated by five factors: their green values; earning a living; passion; being their own boss; and seeing a gap in the market. Ecopreneurs appear to have quite similar motivati.
Carbohydrates and glycoconjugates.

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Carbohydrates and Glycoconjugates: Structure and Function 3 The Past: Primary Structure 4 The Present: Solution Conformation and Dynamics 5 The Future: Glycoconjugates in (Inter-)Action at the Membrane Surface 6 Conclusions 7 Acknowledgements 8 Biographical Sketch 9 Abbreviations Related Articles
Foraging strategies as a function of season and rank among wild female chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Among mammals, female reproduction is generally thought to be food limited, and dominance should theoretically afford high-ranking females with access to better food resources. Although the importance of dominance rank among female chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) has been debated in the past, mounting evidence suggests that rank is very important among females (P. t. schweinfurthii) at Gombe National Park, Tanzania. In this study, we investigated the influence of season and dominance rank on female foraging strategies. We found that high-ranking females spent less time foraging and tended to have a narrower diet breadth and higher diet quality than subordinate females. In this way, subordinate female foraging strategies were consistent with how females in general adapted to periods of food scarcity. The results of this study therefore suggest that low-ranking females may face persistent "food scarcity" as a result of interference food competition. We also provide evidence that subordinates may forage less efficiently because they occupy lower quality habitats or avoid associating with dominant females in shared areas. Copyright 2006.
Restless genital syndrome in Parkinson disease.

IMPORTANCE Symptoms in the genital region, such as pain, discomfort, tingling, and burning sensations, have rarely been reported in Parkinson disease (PD), and the previous cases were attributed to nonmotor off symptoms. We report a patient with PD and severe genital discomfort unrelated to motor fluctuations but compatible with restless genital syndrome. OBSERVATIONS A 65-year-old woman with PD experienced a disabling discomfort in her pelvis and genital region for 3 years. The episodes occurred in the evening and were triggered by sitting or lying down for a period. Gynecological investigation was unrevealing. She experienced improvement with a low dose of a dopamine agonist. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Restless genital syndrome is a rare disorder that can be a source of distress and disability. In patients with PD, restless genital syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of genital symptoms and restlessness, along with nonmotor wearing off and akathisia. A detailed clinical history is essential for this diagnosis and treatment with dopamine agonists can provide benefit.
Representation and voter participation

This paper presents results from a study of turnout in the 1994 European Parliament elections which inserted several new questions into the post-election Eurobarometer, including some open-ended questions. It distinguishes between circumstantial and voluntary abstention and shows how each type varies depending on the institutional arrangements for the election. Using both the subjective reasons given for abstention and a range of more objective measures of attitudes, it makes the case that conventional views as to the impact of Sunday-voting and the proportionality of the electoral system and as to the non-impact of attitudes to the European Union need to be modified. It concludes by identifying some practical institutional and political measures that could encourage higher levels of participation.
Quantitative Trait Analysis of Type 2 Diabetes Susceptibility Loci Identified From Whole Genome Association Studies in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study

OBJECTIVE—Evaluate type 2 diabetes susceptibility variants identified from genome-wide association studies in Hispanic Americans and African Americans from the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study (IRAS-FS) for association with quantitative measures of glucose homeostasis and determine their biological role in vivo. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Seventeen type 2 diabetes–associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 1,268 Hispanic- and 581 African-American participants from the IRAS-FS. SNPs were tested for association with quantitative measures of glucose homeostasis, including insulin sensitivity index (SI), acute insulin response (AIR), and disposition index. RESULTS—Previously identified risk variants in cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulatory subunit associated protein 1-like 1 (CDKAL1) were associated with reduced AIR (P < 0.0046) in Hispanic Americans. Additionally in Hispanic Americans, the variant in a hypothetical gene (chromosome 11; LOC387761) was significantly associated with AIR (P = 0.0046) with the risk allele showing protective effects, i.e., increased AIR. In both Hispanic- and African-American populations, risk variants at the solute carrier family 30, member 8 (SLC30A8) locus were nominally associated with decreased disposition index (P < 0.078). Risk variants in the insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) locus were associated with a decreased disposition index (P = 0.011) exclusively in Hispanic Americans. CONCLUSIONS—These data indicate a distinct, limited number of diabetes-related genes, more specifically the SNPs in the genes identified in European-derived populations, with modest evidence for association with glucose homeostasis traits in Hispanic Americans and African Americans. We observe evidence that diabetes risk for CDKAL1, SLC30A8, IGF2BP2, and LOC387761 is specifically mediated through defects in insulin secretion. The mechanisms of other predisposing genes remain to be elucidated.
An evaluation of ASCAT surface soil moisture products with in-situ observations in Southwestern France

Abstract. A long term data acquisition effort of profile soil moisture is currently underway at 13 automatic weather stations located in Southwestern France. In this study, the soil moisture measured in-situ at 5 cm is used to evaluate the normalised surface soil moisture (SSM) estimates derived from coarse-resolution (25 km) active microwave data of the ASCAT scatterometer instrument (onboard METOP), issued by EUMETSAT for a period of 6 months (April–September) in 2007. The seasonal trend is removed from the satellite and in-situ time series by considering scaled anomalies. One station (Mouthoumet) of the ground network, located in a mountainous area, is removed from the analysis as very few ASCAT SSM estimates are available. No correlation is found for the station of Narbonne, which is close to the Mediterranean sea. On the other hand, nine stations present significant correlation levels. For two stations, a significant correlation is obtained when considering only part of the ASCAT data. The soil moisture measured in-situ at those stations, at 30 cm, is used to estimate the characteristic time length (T) of an exponential filter applied to the ASCAT product. The best correlation between a soil water index derived from ASCAT and the in-situ soil moisture observations at 30 cm is obtained with a T-value of 14 days.
Managing operating assets to create value

Provides the conceptual structure and practical framework for analysing the effects which changes in operating cycle variables will have on economic value. Focuses on important issues and techniques in analysing and managing raw materials, work in process, finished goods and accounts receivable. Addresses single and joint effects of changes in the operating cycle on additions to value. Illustrates the amplification effects of improvements in the operating cycle. Contains simplified sample analysis to allow one to focus on conceptual and practical issues rather than complex numbers.
THE BEGINNINGS OF A ‘COMMON-SENSE’ APPROACH TO PORTFOLIO THEORY BY NINETEENTH-CENTURY FRENCH FINANCIAL ANALYSTS PAUL LEROY-BEAULIEU AND ALFRED NEYMARCK

This article is an addition to the revisited history of financial economics. While Markowitz (1952, 1959), Roy (1952), and Tobin (1958) are recognized as the founding fathers of Modern Portfolio Theory, we recall that its origins should be traced prior to 1914. We consider two, turn-of-the-century, French, financial analysts and suggest that notions such as risk aversion and risk premium, international diversification and correlation, specific and systematic risks and arbitrage were common sense for Leroy-Beaulieu (1906) and Neymarck (1913). The contribution of these authors to the development of Modern Portfolio Theory—long before the 1950s—should not be underestimated.
Sources and composition of high‐molecular‐weight dissolved organic carbon in a southern Louisiana tidal stream (Bayou Trepagnier)

The composition and cycling of high‐molecular‐weight dissolved organic carbon (HMW‐DOC) were examined in a tidal stream (Bayou Trepagnier) with seasonally high DOC concentrations (1.0–5.6 mM). 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) was used to examine the bulk chemical composition of natural HMW‐DOC from two field sites over 1.5 yr. The HMW‐DOC at both sites was dominated by aliphatic (41%), carbohydrate (33%), and carboxyl (16%) carbon, with relatively low aromatic carbon abundance (10%). A comparison of 13C NMR signatures of bayou HMW‐DOC and leachate HMW‐DOC collected from leaf litter and soils revealed that plant litter leachate appears to be a more important source of HMW‐DOM than soil. Dominant sources of HMW‐DOC were likely allochthonous inputs of terrestrial plant litter with periodic inputs of soil organic matter during flooding events. The low aromaticity of bayou HMW‐DOC may reflect the influence of low‐oxygen conditions, which inhibit the decomposition of particulate aromatic macromolecules such as lignin and humic material to HMW‐DOC. Lignin‐phenol biomarker concentrations (del6, in mg/100 mg OC) were much lower in HMW‐DOC (1.2) than in plant (5.2) and soil (6.8) organic matter, indicating that a significant fraction of this highly aromatic material was not degraded to HMW‐DOC. Finally, this study demonstrated that lignin and other compounds from terrestrially derived organic matter in sediments and adjacent soils are not a significant source of more soluble moieties that enter the HMW‐DOC pool of the bayou.
Induced Innovation, Endogenous Technical Change and Income Distribution in a Labor‐Constrained Model of Classical Growth

We present a steady state analysis of a labor-constrained classical growth model with endogenous direction and intensity of technical change. Firms use retained profits to raise their productive capacity and to improve labor and capital productivities. Investments are planned to maximize instantaneous profits. Comparative dynamics exercises show that (1) an increase in the saving rate and in R&D subsidies raises the steady state labor share, labor productivity growth and the employment rate, and (2) a rise in workers' bargaining power reduces the employment rate while leaving productivity growth and distribution unaffected.
Revisiting the Economic Injury Level and Economic Threshold Model for Potato Leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Alfalfa

ABSTRACT The economic injury level for potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was developed over 30 yr ago. In response to increasing market value of alfalfa, farmers and consultants are interested in reducing the economic threshold for potato leafhopper in alfalfa. To address this question, caged field trials were established on two consecutive potato leafhopper susceptible crops in 2013. Field cages were infested with a range of potato leafhopper densities to create a linear regression of alfalfa yield response. The slopes, or yield loss per insect, for the linear regressions of both trials were used to calculate an economic injury level for a range of current alfalfa market values and control costs. This yield—loss relationship is the first quantification that could be used to help assess whether the economic threshold should be lowered, given the increased market value of alfalfa.
Transcription Factor Sp1 Mediates Cell-Specifictrans-Activation of the Human Cytomegalovirus DNA Polymerase Gene Promoter by Immediate-Early Protein IE86 in Glioblastoma U373MG Cells

ABSTRACT Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) gene expression is highly cell and tissue specific. Cell factor-mediated regulatory interactions are involved in regulating the restricted expression of the HCMV major immediate-early (IE) gene (J. F. Baskar, P. P. Smith, G. Nilaver, R. A. Jupp, S. Hoffmann, N. J. Peffer, D. J. Tenney, A. M. Colberg-Poley, P. Ghazal, and J. A. Nelson, 70:3207–3213, 1996). To gain an understanding of HCMV early gene activation, we studied the effect of each of the three major IE proteins, IE72, IE86, and IE55, on the HCMV DNA polymerase gene (pol; UL54) promoter. In transient-expression assays, the IE86 protein alone was able to transactivate the polpromoter, but IE72 and IE55 were not, in permissive U373MG cells. However, we were unable to detect IE86-mediated transactivation in nonpermissive HeLa or C33-A cells. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), we found that expression of the IE86 protein in U373MG cells resulted in specific binding of a DNA complex to an inverted-repeat element, IR1, of the pol promoter. Antibody supershifting and EMSA-Western blotting experiments further showed that IE86 and the cellular transcription factor Sp1 were components of the IR1 DNA-binding complex. Furthermore, we found that binding of DNA by Sp1 was dramatically increased in the presence of IE86. Interestingly, this IE86-induced DNA-binding activity of Sp1 was inhibited by a repressor activity presented in HeLa cells. In summary, our study suggests that a viral regulatory protein can modulate the DNA binding activity of a cellular transcription factor, resulting in cell-specific transactivation of viral genes.
Controlled, Scalable Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation Culture

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are of significant interest as a renewable source of therapeutically useful cells. ES cell aggregation is important for both human and mouse embryoid body (EB) formation and the subsequent generation of ES cell derivatives. Aggregation between EBs (agglomeration), however, inhibits cell growth and differentiation in stirred or high‐cell‐density static cultures. We demonstrate that the agglomeration of two EBs is initiated by E‐cadherin‐mediated cell attachment and followed by active cell migration. We report the development of a technology capable of controlling cell‐cell interactions in scalable culture by the mass encapsulation of ES cells in size‐specified agarose capsules. When placed in stirred‐suspension bioreactors, encapsulated ES cells can be used to produce scalable quantities of hematopoietic progenitor cells in a controlled environment.