Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theoretical analysis of intracortical microelectrode recordings

Advanced fabrication techniques have now made it possible to produce microelectrode arrays for recording the electrical activity of a large number of neurons in the intact brain for both clinical and basic science applications. However, the long-term recording performance desired for these applications is hindered by a number of factors that lead to device failure or a poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The goal of this study was to identify factors that can affect recording quality using theoretical analysis of intracortical microelectrode recordings of single-unit activity. Extracellular microelectrode recordings were simulated with a detailed multi-compartment cable model of a pyramidal neuron coupled to a finite-element volume conductor head model containing an implanted recording microelectrode. Recording noise sources were also incorporated into the overall modeling infrastructure. The analyses of this study would be very difficult to perform experimentally; however, our model-based approach enabled a systematic investigation of the effects of a large number of variables on recording quality. Our results demonstrate that recording amplitude and noise are relatively independent of microelectrode size, but instead are primarily affected by the selected recording bandwidth, impedance of the electrode–tissue interface and the density and firing rates of neurons surrounding the recording electrode. This study provides the theoretical groundwork that allows for the design of the microelectrode and recording electronics such that the SNR is maximized. Such advances could help enable the long-term functionality required for chronic neural recording applications.
The coming of the fourth wave: new forms of retail out‐of‐town development

Discusses the historical evolution of out‐of‐town shopping developments in the UK, from the superstores retailing food, DIY, carpets and electrical products to new formats of warehouse clubs, factory outlet centres and airport retailing. Argues that this fourth wave of development may die prematurely, like proposals for regional out‐of‐town shopping centres, because of an increasingly hostile political environment. Comments that formats such as factory outlets will not be lured to traditional town centres and that potential investment will be lost.
Comparison of sleep parameters from actigraphy and polysomnography in older women: the SOF study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), and wake after sleep onset (WASO) as assessed by actigraphy gathered in 3 different modes were compared to polysomnography (PSG) measurements. Each mode was compared to PSG to determine which was more accurate. Associations of the difference in TST measurement with demographics and sleep characteristics were examined. DESIGN Observational study. SETTING Community-based. PARTICIPANTS Sixty-eight women (mean age 81.9 years) from the latest visit of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures who were concurrently measured with PSG and actigraphy. INTERVENTIONS N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS In-home 12-channel PSG was gathered along with actigraphy data in 3 modes: proportional integration mode (PIM), time above threshold (TAT) and zero crossings mode (ZCM). The PIM mode corresponded better to PSG, with a mean overestimation of TST of 17.9 min. For the PIM mode, the estimation of TST and SE by PSG and actigraphy significantly differed (P < 0.01), while the estimation of WASO was similar (P = 0.27). The intraclass correlation between the 2 procedures was moderate to high (PIM mode: TST 0.76; SE 0.61; WASO 0.58). On average, the PIM mode underestimated TST by 68 min for those who slept < or = 5 hr, overestimated TST by 31 min for those with SE < 70%, and underestimated TST by 24 min for self-reported poor sleepers (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Sleep parameters from actigraphy corresponded reasonably well to PSG in this population, with the PIM mode of actigraphy correlating highest. Those with poor sleep quality had the largest measurement error between the 2 procedures.
Dimerization of NF-KB2 with RelA(p65) regulates DNA binding, transcriptional activation, and inhibition by an I kappa B-alpha (MAD-3)

Inducible expression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is regulated by a cellular transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B). NF-kappa B is composed of distinct subunits; five independent genes, NFKB1(p105), NFKB2(p100), RelA(p65), c-rel and relB, that encode related proteins that bind to kappa B DNA elements have been isolated. We have previously found that NFKB2(p49/p52) acts in concert with RelA(p65) to stimulate the HIV enhancer in Jurkat T-leukemia cells. Here we examine the biochemical basis for the transcriptional regulation of HIV by NFKB2. Using Scatchard analysis, we have determined the dissociation constants of homodimeric p49 and heterodimeric p49/p65 for binding to the HIV kappa B site. p49 has a approximately 18-fold-lower affinity for the HIV kappa B site (KD = 69.1 pM) than does the approximately 50-kDa protein NFKB1(p50) derived from p105 (KD = 3.9 pM). In contrast, the affinity of heterodimeric NFKB2(p49)/RelA(p65) for this site is approximately 6-fold higher (KD = 11.8 pM) than that of p49 alone. Consistent with these findings, in vitro transcription was stimulated 18-fold by the addition of preformed, heterodimeric NFKB2(p49)/RelA(p65) protein. Transcriptional activation of the HIV enhancer was also subject to regulation by recently cloned I kappa B-alpha(MAD-3). Recombinant I kappa B-alpha(MAD-3) inhibited the DNA binding activity of p65, p49/p65, and p50/p65 but stimulated the binding of NFKB2(p49) or NFKB1(p50). Functional activation of an HIV reporter plasmid by p49/p65 in transiently transfected Jurkat T-leukemia cells was also inhibited by coexpression of MAD-3. These data suggest that binding of the NFKB2 subunit to the HIV enhancer is facilitated by RelA(p65) and that this NFKB2(p49)/p65 heterodimeric complex mediates transcriptional activation which is subject to regulation by MAD-3.
Raising Rivals' Costs Through Political Strategy: An Extension of Resource-based Theory

In this paper, we extend the resource-based theory of the firm to show that it can be used to analyse the effectiveness of competitive strategies. Specifically, we demonstrate that political strategies aimed at raising rivals' costs by blocking the use of substitute resources may create the opportunity for a firm to capitalize on resources that are valuable, rare, and costly to imitate. The uses of political activity to block the availability of substitute resources are discussed in detail and examples are provided to demonstrate how such strategies are used and to illustrate how successful they may be. This is an important extension of the resource-based theory because it demonstrates how the theory can be applied by researchers and practitioners.
Biosynthesis of the essential respiratory cofactor ubiquinone from phenylalanine in plants.

The prenylated benzoquinone coenzyme Q or ubiquinone is a vital electron and proton carrier in the respiratory chain of mitochondria and some bacteria (Nowicka and Kruk, 2010). Due to its highly hydrophobic nature, ubiquinone can freely migrate in mitochondrial inner membrane carrying one or two electrons from either NADH dehydrogenase (complex I) or succinate dehydrogenase (complex II) to cytochrome bc1 complex (complex III). In plants, ubiquinone can additionally be reduced and oxidized by alternative NAD(P)H dehydrogenases and alternative oxidase, respectively.
Are Consumption and Government Expenditures Substitutes or Complements? Morishima Elasticity Estimates from the Fourier Flexible Form

This article provides estimates of Morishima elasticities of substitution between private consumption expenditures (nondurable goods, services, and the stock of durable goods) and government expenditures (federal defense expenditures, federal nondefense expenditures, and state and local expenditures), finding consistent evidence that private consumption and government expenditures are net Morishima substitutes. Elasticities of substitution vary over our sample period, estimated elasticities are generally asymmetric, and short-run elasticity estimates differ from unity. In the long run, substitution elasticities remain asymmetric and vary over time. Our estimates are free of arbitrary functional form assumptions that can bias statistical inferences arising from our optimization model. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.
Guest editorial A commentary on family business entrepreneurial developments

Introduces the special issue which focuses on family business entrepreneurial developments. Outlines the articles in the issue which not only increase our repository of family business research, but also provide useful insights for new research addressing topics such as family business centred ethnic entrepreneurship, “interpreneurship” and “intrapreneurship”, succession planning, financial philosophies; governance‐boards, consultation‐communication practices, and strategy formulation.
Outsourcing Enforcement: Principles to Guide Self-Policing Regimes

In his book Outsourcing Sovereignty Paul Verkuil warns us to be wary of the possible threats to accountability and process in what has been a largely unexamined shift from private to public governance. This goal of this article is to examine particular form of outsourcing - the outsourcing of regulatory enforcement to regulated entities themselves, a practice known as self-policing - to determine whether this type of delegation of public power can be justified as being in the public interest. The article presents a case study of the Environmental Protection Agency’s self-policing program, assessing the extent to which it is a defensible form of outsourcing. Additionally the paper reviews a number of other federal self-policing programs and provides a brief assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. Finally, the article concludes with some general guidelines for self-policing programs that can help to minimize concerns about this form of outsourcing.
Selenocysteine-Containing Proteins in Anaerobic Benzoate Metabolism of Desulfococcus multivorans

ABSTRACT The sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfococcus multivorans uses various aromatic compounds as sources of cell carbon and energy. In this work, we studied the initial steps in the aromatic metabolism of this strictly anaerobic model organism. An ATP-dependent benzoate coenzyme A (CoA) ligase (AMP plus PPi forming) composed of a single 59-kDa subunit was purified from extracts of cells grown on benzoate. Specific activity was highest with benzoate and some benzoate derivatives, whereas aliphatic carboxylic acids were virtually unconverted. The N-terminal amino acid sequence showed high similarities with benzoate CoA ligases from Thauera aromatica and Azoarcus evansii. When cultivated on benzoate, cells strictly required selenium and molybdenum, whereas growth on nonaromatic compounds, such as cyclohexanecarboxylate or lactate, did not depend on the presence of the two trace elements. The growth rate on benzoate was half maximal with 1 nM selenite present in the growth medium. In molybdenum- and/or selenium-depleted cultures, growth on benzoate could be induced by addition of the missing trace elements. In extracts of cells grown on benzoate in the presence of [75Se]selenite, three radioactively labeled proteins with molecular masses of ∼100, 30, and 27 kDa were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. The 100- and 30-kDa selenoproteins were 5- to 10-fold induced in cells grown on benzoate compared to cells grown on lactate. These results suggest that the dearomatization process in D. multivorans is not catalyzed by the ATP-dependent Fe-S enzyme benzoyl-CoA reductase as in facultative anaerobes but rather involves unknown molybdenum- and selenocysteine-containing proteins.
Some considerations on the simulation used to design and test a urban electric traction systems

This paper performs an analysis of the present situation and proposes new technical solutions for a tram's driving system based on the use of d.c. voltage variators (choppers). One presents an original technological solution. Some results yielded by the SPICE simulation of the force and control side are presented, providing an estimation of the time constants are particular features of the expected operating regimes. For a better realization, the equipment is tested with a simulator (the control part) and respectively on a test stand (the force part). Various acceleration steps are simulated, in order to obtain a perfect tuning of the voltage and current regulators and of the treadle transducers. The tests on tram validates the new technological solution, emphasizing its advantages, including those concerning the power efficiency.
Reaping What We Sow: Emerging Issues and Policy Implications of Agricultural Biotechnology

This essay assesses the U.S. government's role in managing rapid biotechnological change in agriculture. Many scientists hail recent agricultural biotechnology developments as steps toward solving the health, nutrition, and environmental problems that have plagued the world for decades. At the same time, some fear these biotechnological advances will leave a legacy of environmental threats, health problems, and ethical dilemmas for future generations. The impacts of these technologies on economies and the environment are unpredictable and government's role in regulating GM (genetically modified) technologies will need to be different than its functions in traditional agricultural policy. In this article, we consider current federal regulation of GM products, consumers' apprehensions about GM food, possible market failures due to agricultural biotechnology, and the policy significance of scientific uncertainty. We then suggest policy approaches that can address concerns about biotechnology and ensure that the potentially widespread public benefits from GM crop production are not ignored.
THE IMPACT OF DECONTROL ON GASOLINE WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS

Since decontrol of the U.S. gasoline market in January 1981, substantial changes in operations of gasoline retailers (dealers) and wholesalers (jobbers) have occurred. This paper analyzes decontrols impact on the operations of these two classes of firms. A primary conclusion is that removing regulations allowed dealers to profit by cutting prices and margins for self-service gasoline, while increasing prices and margins for full-service gasoline. In addition, decontrol resulted in lower jobber margins and profitability, which in turn caused a substantial number of jobbers to exit from the market. Overall, removal of the regulations allowed operational changes which were consistent with emerging technology and consumer demands, but which had been constrained by a decade of pervasive federal regulation of the U.S. gasoline market. Thus, decontrol fostered greater economic efficiency in the marketing of gasoline, which contributed to lower gasoline prices during a time of rising gasoline taxes and increasing general inflation. Copyright 1985 Western Economic Association International.
Parameter estimation of heart rhythm dynamics using adaptive observer

The dynamics of cardiovascular rhythms have been widely studied due to the key aspects of the heart in the physiology of living beings. Cardiac rhythms can be either periodic or chaotic, being respectively related to normal and pathological physiological functioning. In paper, we analyze the dynamics of cardiovascular rhythms based on both the model-based approach. Using the time-varying adaptive observer for MIMO systems, we apply the adaptive observer to the parameter estimation method to the ECG diagnosis.
Political Context and Opportunity

In his study of popular contention in Great Britain during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, Charles Tilly (1995) observed a basic shift in the means of popular protest or claims-making – a shift away from short-term, local, and highly variable forms of contention towards a new repertoire of long-term, national, and generally applicable forms. These massive changes in contention involved a parliamentarization and nationalization of claims-making. Thus the timing of claimsmaking came to depend more closely on the rhythms of parliamentary discussion and governmental action. Britain was the first, but by no means the only country, where such a large-scale shift took place. As Tilly (1995: 364–77) explains, these shifts occurred because the ‘‘entire structure of political opportunity changed. ’’ More specifically, they were the result of four related processes which converged to profoundly change the opportunities of popular protest: state-making, economic and demographic change, and contention’s cumulative history interwove to create the preconditions for a new repertoire of popular protest that was large in scale and national in scope. In addition, they enhanced the strategic advantage and maneuvering room of formally constituted associations, especially those with national constituencies, as a basis for popular contention. First, war-driven expansion, strengthening, and centralization of the British state gave increasing political advantage to groups that could convey their demands directly to Parliament, whose fiscal and regulative powers were augmented from decade to decade. Second, capitalization, commercialization, and proletarianization of economic life created the basis for the class-cleavage and gave workers and employers increasing incentives and opportunities to band together on a regional or national scale. Third, population growth, migration, urbanization, and the creation of larger producing organizations gave additional advantage to organizations and political entrepreneurs capable of connecting and coordinating the actions by dispersed clusters of people. Finally, the Snow / Blackwell Companion to SocialMovements 14.11. 2003 3:22pm page 67
Seeding specificity and ultrastructural characteristics of infectious recombinant prions.

Infectious mouse prions can be produced from a mixture of bacterially expressed recombinant prion protein (recPrP), palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylglycerol (POPG), and RNA [Wang, F. ; et al. (2010) Science 327, 1132]. In contrast, amyloid fibers produced from pure recPrP without POPG or RNA (recPrP fibers) fail to infect wild type mice [Colby, D.W. ; et al. (2010) PLoS Pathog. 387, e1000736]. We compared the seeding specificity and ultrastructural features of infectious recombinant prions (recPrP(Sc)) with those of recPrP fibers. Our results indicate that PrP fibers are not able to induce the formation of PrP(Sc) molecules from wild type mouse brain homogenate substrate in serial protein misfolding cyclic amplification (sPMCA) reactions. Conversely, recPrP(Sc) molecules did not accelerate the formation of amyloid in vitro, under conditions that produce recPrP fibers spontaneously. Ultrastructurally, recombinant prions appear to be small spherical aggregates rather than elongated fibers, as determined by atomic force and electron microscopy. Taken together, our results show that recPrP(Sc) molecules and PrP fibers have different ultrastructural features and seeding specificities, suggesting that prion infectivity may be propagated by a specific and unique assembly pathway facilitated by cofactors.
A functional role for nucleosomes in the repression of a yeast promoter.

Induction of the PHO5 gene in S. cerevisiae was previously shown to be accompanied by the removal of four positioned nucleosomes from the promoter. In order to assess the role of nucleosomes in the cascade of gene activation, DNA corresponding to one of these nucleosomes was excised. In its place two foreign DNA segments of the same length were inserted: a fragment from the African green monkey alpha‐satellite DNA which is known to associate with histones in a highly specific fashion to give a uniquely positioned nucleosome or, alternatively, a fragment derived from pBR322 DNA. The promoter constructs were fused to the lacZ gene on centromere plasmids and transformed into yeast cells. The satellite fragment formed a nucleosome which persisted under inducing conditions. At the same time the inducibility of the PHO5 promoter was virtually abolished. When various subfragments containing between 35 and 100 bp of the satellite segment were tested, they were all found to decrease the inducibility of the promoter, full repression required the full length molecule, however. In contrast, the pBR fragment made the promoter weakly constitutive, and induction proceeded to levels even higher than with a promoter lacking an insert. Analysis of the chromatin structure reveals a nucleosome on the pBR segment at noninducing conditions which is removed upon induction. It is concluded that the quality of the histone‐DNA interactions at the promoter makes an intrinsic contribution to the regulation of the gene.
Primary Study on Isolation of Cellulase from a Thermobifida and Its Enzymatic Properties

Nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA gene of Thermobifida (formerly Thermomonospora) Q-0 was analyzed by MEGA v.3, and the phylogenetic tree showed the relationship between different strains in Thermobifida genus. A carboxymethyl cellulase I (CMCase I) was purified by fractional ammonium sulphate precipitation and ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex. The enzyme showed the highest activity at 60degC and pH 8.0. It exhibited high thermostability and wide pH stability (6.0 - 9.0). The enzyme retained 100% activity at 50degC for 120 min. The half-lives of the CMCase at 70degC and 80degC were about 75 min and 110 min, respectively. The effects of some metal ions and inhibitors on the activities of the CMCases were examined. Metal ions such as K + , Na + , Cu 2+ , Fe 3+ did not influence the enzyme activity. Mg 2+ ions caused increase, while Hg 2+ , Mn 2+ , Ag 2+ , Zn 2+ , caused a decrease in the activity. Ca 2+ was slightly inhibitory to CMCase. The enzyme activity was complete inhibited by EDTA, which indicated the enzyme activity required certain metal ions for activation and stabilization.
Modeling Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) Habitat and Climate Change Effects in the Northwestern United States

Abstract Tamarisk species are shrubs or small trees considered by some to be among the most aggressively invasive and potentially detrimental exotic plants in the United States. Although extensively studied in the southern and interior west, northwestern (Oregon, Washington, and Idaho) distribution and habitat information for tamarisk is either limited or lacking. We obtained distribution data for the northwest, developed a habitat suitability map, and projected changes in habitat due to climate change in a smaller case study area using downscaled climate data. Results show extensive populations of tamarisk east of the Cascade Mountains. Despite the perceived novelty of tamarisk in the region, naturalized populations were present by the 1920s. Major population centers are limited to the warmest and driest environments in the central Snake River Plain, Columbia Plateau, and Northern Basin and Range. Habitat suitability model results indicate that 21% of the region supports suitable tamarisk habitat. Less than 1% of these areas are occupied by tamarisk; the remainder is highly vulnerable to invasion. Although considerable uncertainty exists regarding future climate change, we project a 2- to 10-fold increase in highly suitable tamarisk habitat by the end of the century. Our habitat suitability maps can be used in “what if” exercises as part of planning, detection, restoration, management, and eradication purposes. Nomenclature: Tamarisk, species in the genus Tamarix L. , primarily Tamarix chinensis Lour. and Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. and their hybrids.