Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acetate Metabolism in a pta Mutant ofEscherichia coli W3110: Importance of Maintaining Acetyl Coenzyme A Flux for Growth and Survival

ABSTRACT In order to study the physiological role of acetate metabolism inEscherichia coli, the growth characteristics of an E. coli W3100 pta mutant defective in phosphotransacetylase, the first enzyme of the acetate pathway, were investigated. The pta mutant grown on glucose minimal medium excreted unusual by-products such as pyruvate,d-lactate, and l-glutamate instead of acetate. In an analysis of the sequential consumption of amino acids by thepta mutant growing in tryptone broth (TB), a brief lag between the consumption of amino acids normally consumed was observed, but no such lag occurred for the wild-type strain. The ptamutant was found to grow slowly on glucose, TB, or pyruvate, but it grew normally on glycerol or succinate. The defective growth and starvation survival of the pta mutant were restored by the introduction of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) synthesis genes (phbCAB) from Alcaligenes eutrophus, indicating that the growth defect of the pta mutant was due to a perturbation of acetyl coenzyme A (CoA) flux. By the stoichiometric analysis of the metabolic fluxes of the central metabolism, it was found that the amount of pyruvate generated from glucose transport by the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase system (PTS) exceeded the required amount of precursor metabolites downstream of pyruvate for biomass synthesis. These results suggest that E. coli excretes acetate due to the pyruvate flux from PTS and that any method which alleviates the oversupply of acetyl CoA would restore normal growth to the pta mutant.
Correction for Traverse and Ochman, Conserved rates and patterns of transcription errors across bacterial growth states and lifestyles

EVOLUTION Correction for “Conserved rates and patterns of transcription errors across bacterial growth states and lifestyles,” by Charles C. Traverse and Howard Ochman, which appeared in issue 12, March 22, 2016, of Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (113:3311–3316; first published February 16, 2016; 10.1073/pnas.1525329113). The authors note wish to note the following: “While compiling our transcription error rate data for distribution, we discovered that a fraction of errors went unreported. After including these data, all estimates of error rates remain within the same order of magnitude, but each rate estimate is augmented. We now report average transcription error rates of 8.23 ± 0.55 × 10 for Escherichia coli, 4.67 ± 1.53 × 10 for Buchnera aphidicola mRNA, 3.28 ± 0.56 × 10 for Buchnera aphidicola rRNA, and 5.09 × 10 for Carsonella ruddii. We repeated all statistical analyses, and the only changes are as follows: The transcription error rates of Buchnera aphidicolamRNA and rRNA are significantly lower than Escherichia colimRNA (two-tailed t test, t(9) > 2.28, p < 0.04); and C→U and C→A errors are no longer significantly higher than G→U and A→U errors, respectively. The updated results showing the original and revised values for each type of base substitution are reported in the accompanying Table 1. “In our original report, we were testing the hypothesis that the bacterial endosymbionts Buchnera and Carsonella, which have higher DNA substitution rates than E. coli, also have increased rates of transcription errors. We originally reported that the transcription error rate of Buchnera was slightly, but not significantly, lower than that of E. coli. Inclusion of these new data indicates that the transcription error rate of Buchnera is, in fact, significantly lower than that of E. coli. That Buchnera and E. coli exhibited similar error rates was among the most unanticipated results of our original study. However, it is all the more remarkable that transcription error rates in Buchnera are significantly lower that than that of E. coli. ” Table 1 appears below.
Serum levels of methotrexate by the ligand binding assay after “HIGH‐DOSE” therapy for osteosarcoma

The method of Arons et al. (Cancer Res. 35:2033–2038, 1975) for assaying methotrexate (MTX) was used to monitor serum levels of the drug attained in 18 patients with osteosarcoma. The patients received either 100 mg or 200 mg of MTX/kg via a 6‐hour infusion. With one fatal exception, unacceptable toxicity to MTX was prevented by leucovorin. Serum levels of the drug were assayed routinely at 6, 12, and 18 hours after termination of the infusion. Although significantly higher serum levels of MTX were observed at 6 hours after the infusion of 200 mg MTX/kg than after 100 mg/kg, the variation in rate of clearance of individual patients masked any subsequent dosage‐related differences. The mean half‐time for clearance of MTX was similar irrespective of the dosage of MTX and was 2.91 ± 1.51 hr for 53 treatments. The single incidence of toxicity, requiring hospitalization, was accompanied with markedly higher serum levels of MTX at 18 hours, but not at either 6 or 12 hours after termination of the drug infusion, and by a slightly slower rate of clearance, 6.2 hours. Certain minor adaptations were incorporated in the original assay to simplify the analysis of data.
Identification and functional analysis of damage-induced neuronal endopeptidase (DINE), a nerve injury associated molecule

Nerve regeneration is a complex process associated with the expression of hundreds of genes. To elucidate the molecular mechanism responsible for nerve regeneration, hundreds of nerve regeneration-associated genes have been hunted using differential display polymerase chain reaction (DD-PCR), random cloning, microarray and proteomics. Damage-induced neuronal endopeptidase (DINE) is a newly identified nerve regeneration-related molecule derived from normal and axotomized hypoglosssal nuclei using DD-PCR. After full-length cloning, we have found that DINE is a neuron-specific membrane-bound metalloprotease. Damage-induced neuronal endopeptidase shares homology with neprilysin and endothelin-converting enzyme, which degrade or process neuropeptides. Although DINE has some neuroprotective effects, the physiological function of, as well as the substrate for, DINE remains obscure. The most intriguing property of DINE is its extreme transcriptional response against various types of nerve injuries, including that of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Thus, a more detailed expression profile of DINE mRNA was investigated using the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) after sciatic nerve injury. In the DRG, DINE mRNA was observed in small-sized DRG neurons after axotomy. This expression profile was similar to that of the neuropeptide galanin. Both in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that leukemia inhibitory factor and nerve growth factor withdrawal additively enhanced the expression of DINE, as well as that of galanin. Damage-induced neuronal endopeptidase and galanin may use common transcriptional regulation machinery. Although functional correlation of these molecules remains unclear, their simultaneous induction may provide more successful protection for injured neurons.
Realized Volatility and Overnight Returns

No consensus has emerged on how to deal with overnight returns when calculating realized volatility in markets where trading does not take place 24 hours a day. This paper explores several common volatility applications, investigating how the chosen treatment of overnight returns affects the results. For example, the selection of the best volatility forecasting model depends on the way overnight returns are incorporated into realized volatility. The evidence favours weighted estimators over those that have been more commonly used in the existing literature. The definition of overnight returns is particularly challenging for the S&P 500 index, and we propose two alternative measures for its overnight return.
Chromosomal rearrangements in holocentric organisms lead to reproductive isolation by hybrid dysfunction: The correlation between karyotype rearrangements and germination rates in sedges.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Understanding the drivers of speciation is a central task of evolutionary biology. Chromosomal rearrangements are known to play an important role in species diversification, but the role of rearrangements of holocentric chromosomes-chromosomes without localized centromeres-is poorly understood. METHODS We made numerous artificial crosses between Carex scoparia individuals of different diploid chromosome numbers and, for comparison, between individuals of the same chromosome number. We studied chromosome pairing and chromosomal rearrangements in the F1 individuals using light microscopy. We then estimated germination rates as a function of geographic distance, genetic distance, chromosome number differences in parents, and pairing irregularities in F1 individuals, using generalized least squares to fit alternative regression models. KEY RESULTS The most informative predictors of germination rates in the F1 generation are chromosome number differences and minimum number of chromosome pairing irregularities in the F1 individuals. Genetic and geographic distances between parents are not significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS Holocentric chromosomal rearrangements play an important role in postzygotic reproductive isolation in Carex through F1 hybrid inviability and sterility. Hybrid dysfunction seems to be a suitable model for chromosomal speciation when there are several chromosomal rearrangements between parents. However, we have not tested the hypothesis that genome rearrangements may also play an important role in suppressing recombination between cytogenetically divergent populations.
Past and future conditions for polar stratospheric cloud formation simulated by the Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model

Abstract. We analyze here the polar stratospheric temperatures in an ensemble of three 150-year integrations of the Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model (CMAM), an interactive chemistry-climate model which simulates ozone depletion and recovery, as well as climate change. A key motivation is to understand possible mechanisms for the observed trend in the extent of conditions favourable for polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) formation in the Arctic winter lower stratosphere. We find that in the Antarctic winter lower stratosphere, the low temperature extremes required for PSC formation increase in the model as ozone is depleted, but remain steady through the twenty-first century as the warming from ozone recovery roughly balances the cooling from climate change. Thus, ozone depletion itself plays a major role in the Antarctic trends in low temperature extremes. The model trend in low temperature extremes in the Arctic through the latter half of the twentieth century is weaker and less statistically robust than the observed trend. It is not projected to continue into the future. Ozone depletion in the Arctic is weaker in the CMAM than in observations, which may account for the weak past trend in low temperature extremes. In the future, radiative cooling in the Arctic winter due to climate change is more than compensated by an increase in dynamically driven downwelling over the pole.
Explicit multi-model predictive control of a waste heat Rankine based system for heavy duty trucks

This paper presents an explicit multi-model predictive controller (MMPC) for a waste heat recovery system (WHRS) mounted on a heavy duty truck engine. WHRS based on the Rankine cycle principle attracts a lot of interest in the heavy duty industry, over the past few years, to decrease the fuel consumption and reach the future pollutant emissions standards. Control issues have still to be faced before the integration of such a system into a vehicle. Model predictive controllers suits really well for our control purpose due to their ability to handle online optimal control problem. This paper focuses on the development of an explicit control law based on MMPC with aim to control the fluid temperature at the inlet of the expansion machine in order to increase the system performance and the reliability.
Building Public Support for Science Spending

While most Americans support scientific research, few favor an increase in federal investment. This opposition is driven in large part by misinformation about the actual level of governmental support for science. Employing an experiment embedded on a nationally representative survey, we find that most Americans significantly overestimate the share of the federal budget allocated to scientific research. Correcting this misperception significantly increases support for additional science spending. We find little evidence that subjects engage in motivated reasoning when confronted with this correction. Information about the low level of existing funding increased support for investment in science across partisan and ideological divides.
The incentive effect of repricing in employee stock options

Purpose - This paper seeks to evaluate the cost of repriceable options, and to investigate whether repriceable employee stock options (ESOs) cost more than standard ESOs in providing incentives to employees. Design/methodology/approach - This paper develops an intensity-based model, reflecting the special features of repriceable ESOs. The model is used to assess shareholder cost of repriceable ESOs, to explore their early exercise pattern and to compare their incentive effect with standard ESOs. Findings - Two main conclusions arise. First, option holders of repriceable ESOs postpone their exercise before repricing. But, once the exercise price has been reset, option holders are more likely to exercise ESOs early. Second, option repricing is less cost-effective than standard options in providing incentives. Practical implications - This research finds that issuing new options proves more efficient than option repricing in providing incentives. In turn, this research offers a practical guideline to companies confronted with underwater options. Originality/value - Constructing and applying a more accurate valuation model than those previously developed, this paper investigates several important questions about ESOs repricing. Chiefly, this research helps academics and practitioners better understand the cost of repriceable options, how repricing influences employees’ early exercise decisions, and whether option repricing is cost-effective in providing incentives. These are important questions to ask, filling gaps in the existing literature.
ABBAS: An Adaptive Bio-sensors Based Assistive System

Assistive systems have become commercially available to help new workers or workers with cognitive disabilities to learn new tasks. However, continuous feedback systems can make the worker feel patronized or bored, which might influence their performance. We present ABBAS, a novel integration of four different bio-sensors into an assistive system, using in-situ projection for providing feedback and measuring workers' stress levels during assembly work tasks through bio-sensors in real-time. It adjusts work steps according to the worker's state. In two user studies, we assessed the suitability of different bio-sensors to detect the worker's stress level and showed the feasibility of GSR to create adaptive assistive systems that consider the workers' current physiological state. Finally, we discuss how integrating bio-sensors influences assistive systems and leads to both opportunities and challenges for assistive technology in general.
Competition and the performance of strategic business units ‐ A study of the South African beverage industry

Historically, South Africa’s apartheid policies had a negative effect on the financial performance of the South African beverage industry. This effect was characterised by the non‐participation of South African companies in the global market and the presence of foreign enterprises in the domestic market. From 1994, South African industries have been increasingly exposed to new opportunities and forces. Globalisation, deregulation, changing manufacturing systems and the entry of foreign competitors in the 1990s exposed the local industry to competitive challenges in the domestic and the global market. This study examined the impact of changing levels of competition on the performance of strategic business units and the mediating role of management accounting in the South African beverage industry. The methodology employed to investigate this relationship comprised both a survey and a case study. The results indicate a positive correlation between the level of competition and the performance of business units. The results furthermore indicate that enterprises can utilise a management accounting system (MAS) as a strategic response to competition. The increased use of MAS will, in turn, improve the performance of an enterprise. Enterprises that do not respond positively to competition will not survive.
Ribosomal L22-like1 (RPL22L1) Promotes Ovarian Cancer Metastasis by Inducing Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition

Double minute chromosomes (DMs) have important implications for cancer progression because oncogenes frequently amplified on them. We previously detected a functionally undefined gene amplified on DMs, Ribosomal L22-like1 (RPL22L1). The relationship between RPL22L1 and cancer progression is unknown. Here, RPL22L1 was characterized for its role in ovarian cancer (OC) metastasis and its underlying mechanism was examined. DNA copy number and mRNA expression of RPL22L1 in OC cells was analyzed using data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus database. An immunohistochemical analysis of clinical OC specimens was performed and the relationships between expression level and clinicopathological factors were evaluated. Additionally, in vivo and in vitro assays were performed to understand the role of RPL22L1 in OC. RPL22L1 expression was higher in OC specimens than in normal tissues, and its expression level was highly positively correlated with invasion and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). RPL22L1 over-expression significantly enhanced intraperitoneal xenograft tumor development in nude mice and promoted invasion and migration in vitro. Additionally, RPL22L1 knockdown remarkably inhibited UACC-1598 cells invasion and migration. Further, RPL22L1 over-expression up-regulated the mesenchymal markers vimentin, fibronectin, and α-SMA, reduced expression of the epithelial markers E-cadherin, α-catenin, and β-catenin. RPL22L1 inhibition reduced expression of vimentin and N-cadherin. These results suggest that RPL22L1 induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our data showed that the DMs amplified gene RPL22L1 is critical in maintaining the aggressive phenotype of OC and in triggering cell metastasis by inducing EMT. It could be employed as a novel prognostic marker and/or effective therapeutic target for OC.
Robust analysis of flatness based control using interval methods

In this paper a new approach to the robustness analysis of flatness based tracking controllers using interval methods is proposed. This methodology allows us to explicitely determine admissible intervals for the uncertain parameters such that specified error bounds for the state space trajectories are not violated. In contrast to earlier approaches no additional controllers have to be considered to take robustness properties into account. The presented approach also poses no a priori restrictions on the velocity of the reference trajectory. The application of the robustness analysis is demonstrated for a feedforward as well as a feedback tracking controller for the Van de Vusse type continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR).
Equilibrium Interest Rates and Multiperiod Bonds in a Partially Observable Economy

This paper analyzes the market for financial assets in a production and exchange economy with several realized outputs and a single unobservable source of nondiversifiable risk. The paper demonstrates that, for a large class of diffusion outputs and preferences, optimizing consumers first estimate the realizations of the unobservable factor and then use these estimates to determine portfolio and consumption rules. Moreover, the explicit consideration of this unobservable productivity factor affects equilibrium demands and prices. The equilibrium spot rate of interest emerges as the "best estimate" of the unobservable factor, and multiperiod default-free bonds arise as the optimal hedge for the unobservable changes of the stochastic investment opportunity set. THIS PAPER ANALYZES THE market for financial assets in a production and exchange economy with several realized outputs and a single unobservable source of nondiversifiable risk. The paper poses and answers three questions: 1. How do consumers determine equilibrium demands and prices when their investment opportunities are unobservable? 2. In equilibrium, what financial assets provide an optimal hedge for the
Linearized Multi-Level  $\Delta\Sigma$ Modulated Wireless Transmitters for SDR Applications Using Simple DLGA Algorithm

This paper proposes a new linearization algorithm, discrete level gain adjustment (DLGA), for linearized high efficiency multi-level delta sigma modulator (ΔΣM)-based transmitter architectures adequate for wideband multi-standard software defined radio (SDR) applications. The new simple linearization DLGA algorithm is deployed instead of using a full digitally predistorted to maintain the linearity of the employed switching-mode power amplifier (SMPA) with a considerable decrease in the complexity of the digital signal processing (DSP) unit. The proposed architecture includes a multi-level envelope ΔΣM (EΔΣM) concurrently with a linearized SMPA, in order to achieve a better trade-off of power efficiency versus linearity. Based on DLGA, instead of envelope elimination and restoration (EER) configuration, three-level envelope LPΔΣM-based transmitter in phase elimination and restoration (PER) configuration was implemented. The bandwidth constraint of the EER configuration was relaxed. First, a multi-level Envelope EΔΣM-based transmitter was studied to determine the optimal number of quantizer levels that could be used. Through MATLAB simulation and measurement results, it was shown that the best performance was achieved with a discrete level signal that has three different power levels, including zero and regardless the phase. From the measurements, the linearized three-level PER-LPEΔΣM transmitter shows an efficiency of 36%, signal-to-noise distortion ratio of 43.8 dB and adjacent channel power ratio of 45 dB.
The Mechanical Properties of the Heel Pad in Unilateral Plantar Heel Pain Syndrome

Plantar heel pain syndrome has been attributed to entrapment neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spurs, and stress fractures of the calcaneus. Although deteriorated mechanical properties of the heel pads may play an important role in the pathogenesis of heel pain syndrome, this has received little notice. In this study, a specially designed compression relaxation device with a push-pull scale and a 10-MHz linear array transducer was used to determine thickness of the heel pad under different loading conditions. Twenty consecutive patients aged 29 to 77 years with unilateral plantar heel pain syndrome were enrolled. Thickness of heel pad bilaterally was measured when the heel pad was compressed by serial increments of 0.5 kg to a maximum of 3 kg and then relaxed sequentially. The load-displacement curve during a loading-unloading cycle was plotted, and the compressibility index and energy dissipation ratio of the heel pad were calculated accordingly. Phase I displacement of the heel pad (from 0 to 1 kg load) on the painless side was greater than that on the painful side (P < 0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference between painless and painful sides in thickness of unloaded heel pads, compressibility index, or energy dissipation ratio (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the affected heel pad in plantar heel pain syndrome was stiffer under light pressure than the heel pad on the painless side. The changed nature of chambered adipose tissue in a painful heel pad may be responsible for its increased stiffness under light pressure.