Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Both Subunits of ATP-Citrate Lyase from Chlorobium tepidum Contribute to Catalytic Activity

ABSTRACT ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) is an essential enzyme of the reductive tricarboxylic acid (RTCA) pathway of CO2 assimilation. The RTCA pathway occurs in several groups of autotrophic prokaryotes, including the green sulfur bacteria. ACL catalyzes the coenzyme A (CoA)-dependent and MgATP-dependent cleavage of citrate into oxaloacetate and acetyl-CoA, representing a key step in the RTCA pathway. To characterize this enzyme from the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobium tepidum and determine the role of its two distinct polypeptide chains, recombinant holo-ACL as well as its two individual subunit polypeptides were synthesized in Escherichia coli. The recombinant holoenzyme, prepared from coexpressed large and small ACL genes, and the individual large and small subunit polypeptides, prepared from singly expressed genes, were all purified to homogeneity to high yield. Purified recombinant holo-ACL was isolated at high specific activity, and its k cat was comparable to that of previously prepared native C. tepidum ACL. Moreover, the purified recombinant large and small subunit polypeptides were able to reconstitute the holo-ACL in vitro, with activity levels approaching that of recombinant holo-ACL prepared from coexpressed genes. Stoichiometric amounts of each subunit protein were required to maximize the activity and form the most stable structure of reconstituted holo-ACL. These results suggested that this reconstitution system could be used to discern the catalytic role of specific amino acid residues on each subunit. Reconstitution and mutagenesis studies together indicated that residues of each subunit contributed to different aspects of the catalytic mechanism, suggesting that both subunit proteins contribute to the active site of C. tepidum ACL.
5,22-Stigmastadien-3β-yl p-toluenesulfonate

The asymmetric unit of the title compound {systematic name: (3S,8S,9S,10R,13R,14S,17R)-17-[(E,2R,5S)-5-ethyl-6-methylhept-3-en-2-yl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-yl p-toluenesulfonate}, C36H54O3S, comprises two independent molecules that differ significantly in terms of the relative orientations of the peripheral groups; the conformation about the C=C bond of the side chain is E. In the crystal, molecules associate into linear supramolecular chains aligned along the a axis via C—H⋯O interactions.
Multi-Digit Recognition Using a Space Displacement Neural Network

We present a feed-forward network architecture for recognizing an unconstrained handwritten multi-digit string. This is an extension of previous work on recognizing isolated digits. In this architecture a single digit recognizer is replicated over the input. The output layer of the network is coupled to a Viterbi alignment module that chooses the best interpretation of the input. Training errors are propagated through the Viterbi module. The novelty in this procedure is that segmentation is done on the feature maps developed in the Space Displacement Neural Network (SDNN) rather than the input (pixel) space.
Symbolic interactionist ethnography: implications for information systems research and practice

This paper attempts to contribute to the positivist-interpretivist and rigor-relevance debates in IS research. We accomplish this by reflecting on the implications of symbolic interactionist ethnography for enriching interpretive research, and by highlighting how the adaptation of the “constant comparison” technique from grounded theory may help move the ethnography study towards theoretical interpretation of symbolic interactions in varied IS research settings. In particular, we argue that the approach as outlined in this paper may effectively combine the theoretical strengths of the interactionist perspective with the empirical strengths of ethnography and the analytical edge of grounded theory. This approach may thus provide one starting point to help reconcile between the pursuit of academic knowledge vis-à-vis practice-oriented insights in IS research.
A New Coolant Supply Method Using a Coolant Flow Guided Flexible Sheet Attracted to a Wheel Surface

To improve the characteristic of the floating nozzle method, a new coolant supply method using a coolant flow guided flexible sheet was developed. In this method, all the coolant supplied from the nozzle outlet can surely be directed immediately to the grinding point, because the coolant flow guided flexible sheet made of a thin sheet material is attracted to the wheel surface automatically, and confines the coolant between the wheel surface and the sheet. Therefore, the coolant can be completely prevented from deviating away from the grinding point. In fact, when the coolant flow rate of 4 l/min was supplied from the upper part of the wheel by using this method, the amount of coolant that reached the grinding point was 18 times higher than the case of only the floating nozzle method. It was clarified that this method had the effect to improve the grinding performance. Furthermore, this new method has a possibility of the wide application such as in profile grinding and cam grinding.
Revisiting Norm Estimation in Data Streams

The problem of estimating the pth moment F_p (p nonnegative and real) in data streams is as follows. There is a vector x which starts at 0, and many updates of the form x_i <-- x_i + v come sequentially in a stream. The algorithm also receives an error parameter 0 < eps < 1. The goal is then to output an approximation with relative error at most eps to F_p = ||x||_p^p. Previously, it was known that polylogarithmic space (in the vector length n) was achievable if and only if p <= 2. We make several new contributions in this regime, including: (*) An optimal space algorithm for 0 < p < 2, which, unlike previous algorithms which had optimal dependence on 1/eps but sub-optimal dependence on n, does not rely on a generic pseudorandom generator. (*) A near-optimal space algorithm for p = 0 with optimal update and query time. (*) A near-optimal space algorithm for the "distinct elements" problem (p = 0 and all updates have v = 1) with optimal update and query time. (*) Improved L_2 --> L_2 dimensionality reduction in a stream. (*) New 1-pass lower bounds to show optimality and near-optimality of our algorithms, as well as of some previous algorithms (the "AMS sketch" for p = 2, and the L_1-difference algorithm of Feigenbaum et al.). As corollaries of our work, we also obtain a few separations in the complexity of moment estimation problems: F_0 in 1 pass vs. 2 passes, p = 0 vs. p > 0, and F_0 with strictly positive updates vs. arbitrary updates.
Conditional Value-at-Risk Constraint and Loss Aversion Utility Functions

We provide an economic interpretation of the practice consisting in incorporating risk measures as constraints in a classic expected return maximization problem. For what we call the infimum of expectations class of risk measures, we show that if the decision maker (DM) maximizes the expectation of a random return under constraint that the risk measure is bounded above, he then behaves as a ``generalized expected utility maximizer'' in the following sense. The DM exhibits ambiguity with respect to a family of utility functions defined on a larger set of decisions than the original one; he adopts pessimism and performs first a minimization of expected utility over this family, then performs a maximization over a new decisions set. This economic behaviour is called ``Maxmin under risk'' and studied by Maccheroni (2002). This economic interpretation allows us to exhibit a loss aversion factor when the risk measure is the Conditional Value-at-Risk.
Cost-based scheduling of scientific workflow applications on utility grids

Over the last few years, grid technologies have progressed towards a service-oriented paradigm that enables a new way of service provisioning based on utility computing models. Users consume these services based on their QoS (quality of service) requirements. In such "pay-per-use" grids, workflow execution cost must be considered during scheduling based on users' QoS constraints. In this paper, we propose a cost-based workflow scheduling algorithm that minimizes execution cost while meeting the deadline for delivering results. It can also adapt to the delays of service executions by rescheduling unexecuted tasks. We also attempt to optimally solve the task scheduling problem in branches with several sequential tasks by modeling the branch as a Markov decision process and using the value iteration method
Amorphous silicon-graphene anodes for lithium ion batteries

For the development of the next generation lithium-ion batteries it is primordial to investigate new materials as potential candidates towards the increase of the specific capacity of the anode and the new lighter and efficient cells. In this paper we present our investigation on amorphous silicon (a-Si) deposited by DC-sputtering on top of Single Layer Graphene (SLG) grown by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Our aim being to improve the mechanical properties of the silicon volume change during charging and discharging cycles, it is found that half cells fabricated with such electrodes can achieve specific capacity values above 2000 mAh/g while avoiding large pulverization phenomena. However, it is also found that the a-Si/SLG interface results in high resistance electrodes and decreases cell performance. We suggest that by improving the a-Si/SLG contact resistance, the performance will further improve.
Does Culture Affect Unemployment? Evidence from the Röstigraben

This paper studies the role of culture in shaping unemployment outcomes. The empirical analysis is based on local comparisons across a language barrier in Switzerland. This Rostigraben separates cultural groups, but neither labor markets nor political jurisdictions. Local contrasts across the language border identify the role of culture for unemployment. Our findings indicate that differences in culture explain differences in unemployment duration on the order of 20%. Moreover, we find that horizontal transmission of culture is more important than vertical transmission of culture and that culture is about as important as strong changes to the benefit duration.
Evolving 3D Morphology and Behavior by Competition

This article describes a system for the evolution and coevolution of virtual creatures that compete in physically simulated three-dimensional worlds. Pairs of individuals enter one-on-one contests in which they contend to gain control of a common resource. The winners receive higher relative fitness scores allowing them to survive and reproduce. Realistic dynamics simulation including gravity, collisions, and friction, restricts the actions to physically plausible behaviors. The morphology of these creatures and the neural systems for controlling their muscle forces are both genetically determined, and the morphology and behavior can adapt to each other as they evolve simultaneously. The genotypes are structured as directed graphs of nodes and connections, and they can efficiently but flexibly describe instructions for the development of creatures' bodies and control systems with repeating or recursive components. When simulated evolutions are performed with populations of competing creatures, interesting and diverse strategies and counterstrategies emerge.
Autopsy Reenactment – A Useful Technique in the Evaluation of Adhesive Tape Asphyxia

A 19‐year‐old woman was found dead with her face and head wrapped in plastic adhesive tape in a cupboard beside an opened helium cylinder. Despite the alleged presence of a suicide message on a social networking website, the unusual circumstances raised the possibility at the time of autopsy of either accidental death from sexual asphyxia or homicide. A carefully monitored reenactment demonstrated, however, that the type of commercial adhesive tape that had been used did not cause complete airway obstruction and that it was possible to wrap a considerable length of tape around the head and neck with the breath held. All of the features at autopsy were, therefore, compatible with self‐infliction. Asphyxial death was attributed to the combined effects of smothering from tape and anoxia from helium, an extremely rare combination in young females.
Predictive Value of Admission N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Renal Function in Older People Hospitalized for Dyspnoea

Background. We investigated the relationship between NT-pro-BNP, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and all-cause mortality rates in a cohort of older people discharged from an internal medicine unit after admission for dyspnoea. Patients and Methods. NT-pro-BNP was evaluated in serum samples of 134 patients aged 80 ± 6 years who presented to a single academic centre with worsening dyspnoea. History data and anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters including GFR were collected at the time of admission. 119 out of 134 were discharged alive from hospital and were included in the follow-up of 779 ± 370 days. Results. 35 out of 119 subjects died after a follow-up of 266 ± 251 days. Cox proportional hazards model showed that GFR and Ln (NT-pro-BNP) were predictors for all-cause mortality with estimated hazard ratios of 0.969 (95% confidence interval: 0.950–0.988; P = 0.001) and 2.360 (95% confidence interval: 1.208–4.610; P = 0.012), respectively. Patients characterized by high NT-pro-BNP levels and GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 showed a dramatic reduction in survival duration compared with the groups with different combinations of the two variables (P = 0.008). Conclusions. In the elderly, NT-pro-BNP and GFR are predictors of all-cause mortality after admission because of dyspnoea. Since the fact that subjects with high NT-pro-BNP and GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 exhibited a reduced survival, high admission NT-pro-BNP suggests future negative outcome.
Mechanical and Curing Properties of a Styrene-based Shape Memory Polymer

Presented is an experimental investigation into the characteristics of a particular styrene-based shape memory polymer, Veriflex®. Tensile, 3 point bend, and creep tests are conducted yielding the Young’s modulus, yield strength, flexural modulus, flexure strength, and creep modulus of the polymer both above and below the glass transition temperature. The results of the characterization may be used to populate a linear constitutive model appropriate for design. To populate the constitutive model parameters for viscosity, retardation time, and coefficient of thermal expansion are also developed. Initial experiments in this effort revealed the tendency for residual monomer to remain after curing. While the residual monomer ultimately evaporates from the sample, when present it acts as a plasticizer thereby increasing the glassy state compliance. Thus, also presented are strategies employed for eliminating residual monomer during sample preparation.
Getting practical with interactive tabletop displays: designing for dense data, "fat fingers," diverse interactions, and face-to-face collaboration

Tabletop displays with touch-based input provide many powerful affordances for directly manipulating and collaborating around information visualizations. However, these devices also introduce several challenges for interaction designers, including discrepancies among the resolutions of the visualization, the tabletop's display, and its sensing technologies; a need to support diverse types of interactions required by different visualization techniques; and the ability to support face-to-face collaboration. As a result, most interactive tabletop applications for working with information currently demonstrate limited functionality and do not approach the power or versatility of their desktop counterparts. We present a series of design considerations, informed by prior interaction design and focus+context visualization research, for ameliorating the challenges inherent in designing practical interaction techniques for tabletop information visualization applications. We then discuss two specific techniques, i-Loupe and iPodLoupe, which illustrate how different choices among these design considerations enable vastly different experiences in working with complex data on interactive surfaces.
An fMRI investigation of detection of semantic incongruities in autistic spectrum conditions

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the brain’s haemodynamic response to semantically incongruent and congruent sentences in adults with an autistic spectrum condition (ASC) and a typically developing Control group. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure regional variations in neural activity during detection of semantic incongruities within written sentences. Whilst the 12 controls showed a pattern of activity extending from posterior cingulate cortices bilaterally and the left occipitotemporal region to the left superior and inferior temporal lobes, right anterior cingulate and right inferior frontal gyrus, the 12 participants with an ASC presented a more spatially restricted activation pattern, including the left inferior frontal gyrus, left anterior cingulate cortex and right middle frontal gyrus. These results are coherent with the hypothesis that impaired integration of multiple neural networks in people with an ASC is related to previous observations that this group have difficulties in the use of context to predict the final word of sentences.
Comparative Properties of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Fumed Silica Filled Two-Component Polyurethane Adhesives

Two fumed silicas, one hydrophilic and another hydrophobic, were added to a two-component polyurethane (PU) adhesive and their properties compared. The filled polyurethanes were characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and water and diiodomethane contact angle measurements. The adhesive strength was evaluated from single lap-shear tests of solvent wiped stainless steel/polyurethane adhesive joints. The fumed silicas were well-dispersed in the polyurethane matrix as bundles of nanometric spherical silica particles. However, some micron size agglomerates of fumed silica appeared in the filled polyurethane. The addition of fumed silica favoured the degree of phase separation between the hard and the soft segments in the polyurethane. The polyurethanes were not fully cured under the conditions used in this study and the addition of fumed silica inhibited the curing reaction; the extent of the curing reaction was not a.
An Analytical Approach Td Evaluate Probability Distributions Associated with the Reliability Indices of Electric Distribution Systems

Reliability indices of an electric distribution system are functions of factors such as component failures, repairs and restoration times which are random by nature. These indicies are, therefore, random variables and can be described by probability distributions. The mean values of the probability distributions associated with the reliability indices are very useful and conventional reliability analysis is normally only concerned with these values. There is, however, an increased awareness of the need to evaluate parameters which give information regarding the variation of the indices around their mean values. This paper presents 3n analytical approach to evaluate the probability distributions associated with the reliability indices of electric distribution systems with radial configurations. The results of a study on sample configuration are presented in this paper.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Locally Counteracts the Deleterious Effects of Cardiomyocyte Mineralocorticoid Receptor Activation

Background—The endocrine balance between atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system is critical for the maintenance of arterial blood pressure and volume homeostasis. This study investigated whether a cardiac imbalance between ANP and aldosterone, toward increased mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) signaling, contributes to adverse left ventricular remodeling in response to pressure overload. Methods and Results—We used the MR-selective antagonist eplerenone to test the role of MRs in mediating pressure overload–induced dilatative cardiomyopathy of mice with abolished local, cardiac ANP activity. In response to 21 days of transverse aortic constriction, mice with cardiomyocyte-restricted inactivation (knockout) of the ANP receptor (guanylyl cyclase [GC]-A) or the downstream cGMP-dependent protein kinase I developed enhanced left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis together with contractile dysfunction. Treatment with eplerenone (100 mg/kg/d) attenuated left ventricular hypertrophy and fully prevented fibrosis, dilatation, and failure. Transverse aortic constriction induced the cardiac expression of profibrotic connective tissue growth factor and attenuated the expression of SERCA2a (sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase) in knockout mice, but not in controls. These genotype-dependent molecular changes were similarly prevented by eplerenone. ANP attenuated the aldosterone-induced nuclear translocation of MRs via GC-A/cGMP-dependent protein kinase I in transfected HEK 293 (human embryonic kidney) cells. Coimmunoprecipitation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments demonstrated that a population of MRs were membrane associated in close interaction with GC-A and cGMP-dependent protein kinase I and, moreover, that aldosterone caused a conformational change of this membrane MR/GC-A protein complex which was prevented by ANP. Conclusions—ANP counter-regulates cardiac MR activation in hypertensive heart disease. An imbalance in cardiac ANP/GC-A (inhibition) and aldosterone/MR signaling (augmentation) favors adverse cardiac remodeling in chronic pressure overload.
Guideline for the primary care management of male lower urinary tract symptoms

As my Comment in the first section of the journal suggested, the MTOPS results have offered the possibility to general practitioners of reducing the risk of side‐effects of BPH, particularly urinary retention, by giving patients dual therapy with 5α‐reductase inhibitor and alpha‐adrenergic blocker. Authors from the UK present guidelines for the primary case management of male LUTS, which significantly fills this gap in the literature.
New polymorphic microsatellite markers and development of mitotyping primers for West Mediterranean green toad species (Bufo viridis subgroup)

We report new polymorphic microsatellites for three species of Palearctic green toads (Bufo viridis subgroup): 10 in B. balearicus and seven each in B. siculus and B. boulengeri. Diversity at these loci, measured for 27 B. balearicus, 23 B. siculus and 11 B. boulengeri, ranged from low to high (two to 10 alleles). Mitotyping primers, specific to the control region, which allow fast screening of parapatric Sicilian endemic B. siculus and Italian mainland‐origin B. balearicus, were developed.
Column Stores for Wide and Sparse Data

While it is generally accepted that data warehouses and OLAP workloads are excellent applications for column-stores, this paper speculates that column-stores may well be suited for additional applications. In particular we observe that column-stores do not see a performance degradation when storing extremely wide tables, and column-stores handle sparse data very well. These two properties lead us to conjecture that column-stores may be good storage layers for Semantic Web data, XML data, and data with GEM-style schemas.