Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant Chimeric Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase

Chimeric Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CCaMK) is characterized by a serine-threonine kinase domain, an autoinhibitory domain, a calmodulin-binding domain and a neural visinin-like domain with three EF-hands. The neural visinin-like Ca2+-binding domain at the C-terminal end of the CaM-binding domain makes CCaMK unique among all the known calmodulin-dependent kinases. Biological functions of the plant visinin-like proteins or visinin-like domains in plant proteins are not well known. Using EF-hand deletions in the visinin-like domain, we found that the visinin-like domain regulated Ca2+-stimulated autophosphorylation of CCaMK. To investigate the effects of Ca2+-stimulated autophosphorylation on the interaction with calmodulin, the equilibrium binding constants of CCaMK were measured by fluorescence emission anisotropy using dansylated calmodulin. Binding was 8-fold tighter after Ca2+-stimulated autophosphorylation. This shift in affinity did not occur in CCaMK deletion mutants lacking Ca2+-stimulated autophosphorylation. A variable calmodulin affinity regulated by Ca2+-stimulated autophosphorylation mediated through the visinin-like domain is a new regulatory mechanism for CCaMK activation and calmodulin-dependent protein kinases. Our experiments demonstrate the existence of two functional molecular switches in a protein kinase regulating the kinase activity, namely a visinin-like domain acting as a Ca2+-triggered switch and a CaM-binding domain acting as an autophosphorylation-triggered molecular switch.
An Evidence‐Based Forensic Taxonomy of Windows Phone Communication Apps

Communication apps can be an important source of evidence in a forensic investigation (e.g., in the investigation of a drug trafficking or terrorism case where the communications apps were used by the accused persons during the transactions or planning activities). This study presents the first evidence‐based forensic taxonomy of Windows Phone communication apps, using an existing two‐dimensional Android forensic taxonomy as a baseline. Specifically, 30 Windows Phone communication apps, including Instant Messaging (IM) and Voice over IP (VoIP) apps, are examined. Artifacts extracted using physical acquisition are analyzed, and seven digital evidence objects of forensic interest are identified, namely: Call Log, Chats, Contacts, Locations, Installed Applications, SMSs and User Accounts. Findings from this study would help to facilitate timely and effective forensic investigations involving Windows Phone communication apps.
Computational model for intercellular communication between DRG neurons via satellite glial cells using ATP

Satellite glial cells (SGCs) are supporting cells enveloping and isolating soma of neurons in sensory ganglia such as dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in the peripheral nervous system. Recent studies have shown that they are involved in intercellular communication between neuronal somata within ganglia in chronic pain and inflammatory conditions. One hypothesis proposed for this communication is via release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into extracellular region between soma and its SGCs. ATP release activates adjacent SGCs which then transfer their activity to other non-activated SGCs via gap junctions. The activated SGCs then release ATP into the extracellular space surrounding the inactive soma leading to its activation. We tested this hypothesis by using a model with 2 DRG neuron somata, their adjacent SGCs connected via gap junctions. All cells were endowed with P2X3 receptor (for ATP) along with release and uptake mechanisms of ATP. The model showed that release of ATP from one DRG neuron soma can induce activity in the neighbouring neuron soma via SGCs. Hence, neuromodulation of the components of such communication can be explored for pain relief.
Social inequality in Canada

Do Canadians believe they can succeed on the basis of their own abilities? And how do they compare with Americans, Germans, Italians, Australians and Russians? There is much debate as to how Canadians differ from or resemble citizens of other countries, particularly the United States. Is it true that we are more tolerant and deferential than our southern neighbours, or more accepting of the actions of government in our lives? Do Quebecers view the world differently from other Canadians? Do women see society differently from men? Comparisons such as these, approached through survey analysis, yield up a true portrait of national identity. Social Inequality in Canada brings a comparative perspective to the question of the uniqueness of Canadian society. The challenges attending comparative attitudinal research led to the creation in 1980 of the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP), represented in Canada by the Carleton University Survey Centre. Their data provide the basis for this vanguard study of international attitudes toward social inequality: who's up, who's down and who's responsible for changing society? Social Inequality measures the consistency and logic of perceived social conditions and priorities in Canada compared with 18 other countries. It is essential reading for social scientists and policy-makers of every persuasion.
Disentangling the effects of selection and loss bias on gene dynamics

Significance Evolution of microbes is dominated by horizontal gene transfer and the incessant host–parasite arms race that promotes the evolution of diverse antiparasite defense systems. The evolutionary factors governing these processes are complex and difficult to disentangle, but rapidly growing genome databases provide ample material for testing evolutionary models. Rigorous mathematical modeling of evolutionary processes, combined with computer simulation and comparative genomics, allowed us to elucidate the evolutionary regimes of different classes of microbial genes. Only genes involved in key informational and metabolic pathways are subject to strong selection, whereas most of the others are effectively neutral or even burdensome. Mobile genetic elements and defense systems are costly, supporting the understanding that their evolution is governed by the same factors. We combine mathematical modeling of genome evolution with comparative analysis of prokaryotic genomes to estimate the relative contributions of selection and intrinsic loss bias to the evolution of different functional classes of genes and mobile genetic elements (MGE). An exact solution for the dynamics of gene family size was obtained under a linear duplication–transfer–loss model with selection. With the exception of genes involved in information processing, particularly translation, which are maintained by strong selection, the average selection coefficient for most nonparasitic genes is low albeit positive, compatible with observed positive correlation between genome size and effective population size. Free-living microbes evolve under stronger selection for gene retention than parasites. Different classes of MGE show a broad range of fitness effects, from the nearly neutral transposons to prophages, which are actively eliminated by selection. Genes involved in antiparasite defense, on average, incur a fitness cost to the host that is at least as high as the cost of plasmids. This cost is probably due to the adverse effects of autoimmunity and curtailment of horizontal gene transfer caused by the defense systems and selfish behavior of some of these systems, such as toxin–antitoxin and restriction modification modules. Transposons follow a biphasic dynamics, with bursts of gene proliferation followed by decay in the copy number that is quantitatively captured by the model. The horizontal gene transfer to loss ratio, but not duplication to loss ratio, correlates with genome size, potentially explaining increased abundance of neutral and costly elements in larger genomes.
Insulin and metabolic efficiency in rats. II. Effects of NE and cold exposure.

The role of insulin in metabolic efficiency (ME, i.e., efficiency of body wt gain) was examined under conditions of maximal energy expenditure in control and diabetic rats. Long-lasting insulin was administered using a protocol that did not affect food intake and increased ME in both groups. Half the animals were injected chronically with norepinephrine (NE). NE alone in controls decreased body weight and ME and increased brown adipose tissue (BAT) growth, thermogenic potential [cytochrome c oxidase activity (COA)], and lipoprotein lipases (LPL) activity; however, in diabetics, body weight, ME, and food intake all decreased and only BAT LPL activity and DNA content increased. The combination of NE and insulin increased BAT protein and COA in diabetics; in controls, all BAT measures were further increased and ME was intermediate to that of either treatment alone. Cold exposure decreased body weight and ME, increased food intake and qualitatively produced similar increases in BAT growth, COA, and LPL activity in both controls and diabetics. In diabetics, combined cold exposure and insulin did not affect the increase in BAT growth or LPL activity resulting from either treatment alone, but in controls this combination decreased BAT growth and COA. It is concluded that, even under conditions of maximal energy expenditure, both extremes of basal insulin status result in decreased BAT growth and thermogenic potential, but have opposite effects on ME.
Mitochondrial DNA sequence variation and phylogeography of the scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides)

Background and aims. With the goal of assessing population structure and geographic distribution of haplotype lineages among Lampropeltis elapsoides, we sequenced the ND4 mitochondrial DNA locus from 96 specimens of this snake across its area of distribution. Materials and methods. We relied heavily on formalin-fixed museum specimens to accomplish this analysis. Results. The sequence alignment consisted of 491 bp of the selected gene, with 28% missing data. A simulation used to assess the effect of missing data on population genetic and phylogenetic resolution indicated increased character conflict, but with minimal loss of phylogenetic structure. Conclusion. This limited dataset suggests that L. elapsoides constitutes a largely unstructured population, with both widespread haplotypes and large number of private haplotypes, a moderate level of nucleotide diversity, and a low, but significant, degree of north–south population differentiation. Haplotype structure and frequency, nucleotide frequency, and values for Tajima's D and Fu's FS indicate a recent range or population expansion following a historic bottleneck.
The Timing of Opening Trades and Pricing Errors

After demonstrating that a zero investment trading strategy that buys stocks with overnight returns below the market average and sells stocks with overnight returns above the market average earns more than 1% monthly profit, I demonstrate that this profit is greater for stocks that start trading more quickly than for other stocks. These results control for trading costs. The resulting pricing errors are a material portion of stock price volatility and suggest that a quick response to overnight information adds non-information-based stock volatility to stock prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Characterization and Differential Expression Patterns of Conserved microRNAs and mRNAs in Three Genders of the Rice Field Eel (Monopterus albus)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small RNAs that can regulate target mRNAs by binding to their sequences in the 3′ untranslated region. The expression of miRNAs and their biogenetic pathway are involved in sexual differentiation and in the regulation of the development of germ cells and gonadal somatic cells. The rice field eel (Monopterus albus) undergoes a natural sexual transformation from female to male via an intersex stage during its life cycle. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of this sexual transformation, miRNAs present in the different sexual stages of the rice field eel were identified by high-throughput sequencing technology. A significantly differential expression among the 3 genders (p < 0.001) was observed for 48 unique miRNAs and 3 miRNAs*. Only 9 unique miRNAs showed a more than 8-fold change in their expression among the 3 genders, including mal-miR-430a and mal-miR-430c which were higher in females than in males. However, mal-miR-430b was only detected in males. Several potential miRNA target genes (cyp19a, cyp19b, nr5a1b, foxl2 amh, and vasa) were also investigated. Real-time RT-PCR demonstrated highly specific expression patterns of these genes in the 3 genders of the rice field eel. Many of these genes are targets of mal-miR-430b according to the TargetScan and miRTarBase. These results suggest that the miR-430 family may be involved in the sexual transformation of the rice field eel.
To build a new Jerusalem : the British labour movement from the 1880s to the 1990s

100 years ago the British Labour Movement started to create its own societies and political parties. Today, a century on, Andrew Davies looks at the history and character of the British "Left". Throughout the world the Left is in turmoil, but in Britain the crisis seems especially severe. Why should this be? How many of the Left's present problems spring from its historical development? Who is and has been on the Left in the past, and why. Is the Left likely to recover its self-confidence and strength by the beginning of the 21st century?
Distinct roles of two conserved Staufen domains in oskar mRNA localization and translation

Drosophila Staufen protein is required for the localization of oskar mRNA to the posterior of the oocyte, the anterior anchoring of bicoid mRNA and the basal localization of prospero mRNA in dividing neuroblasts. The only regions of Staufen that have been conserved throughout animal evolution are five double‐stranded (ds)RNA‐binding domains (dsRBDs) and a short region within an insertion that splits dsRBD2 into two halves. dsRBDs 1, 3 and 4 bind dsRNA in vitro, but dsRBDs 2 and 5 do not, although dsRBD2 does bind dsRNA when the insertion is removed. Full‐length Staufen protein lacking this insertion is able to associate with oskar mRNA and activate its translation, but fails to localize the RNA to the posterior. In contrast, Staufen lacking dsRBD5 localizes oskar mRNA normally, but does not activate its translation. Thus, dsRBD2 is required for the microtubule‐dependent localization of osk mRNA, and dsRBD5 for the derepression of oskar mRNA translation, once localized. Since dsRBD5 has been shown to direct the actin‐dependent localization of prospero mRNA, distinct domains of Staufen mediate microtubule‐ and actin‐based mRNA transport.
How do aggregated patient-reported outcome measures data stimulate health care improvement? A realist synthesis

Objectives Internationally, there has been considerable debate about the role of data in supporting quality improvement in health care. Our objective was to understand how, why and in what circumstances the feedback of aggregated patient-reported outcome measures data improved patient care. Methods We conducted a realist synthesis. We identified three main programme theories underlying the use of patient-reported outcome measures as a quality improvement strategy and expressed them as nine ‘if then’ propositions. We identified international evidence to test these propositions through searches of electronic databases and citation tracking, and supplemented our synthesis with evidence from similar forms of performance data. We synthesized this evidence through comparing the mechanisms and impact of patient-reported outcome measures and other performance data on quality improvement in different contexts. Results Three programme theories were identified: supporting patient choice, improving accountability and enabling providers to compare their performance with others. Relevant contextual factors were extent of public disclosure, use of financial incentives, perceived credibility of the data and the practicality of the results. Available evidence suggests that patients or their agents rarely use any published performance data when selecting a provider. The perceived motivation behind public reporting is an important determinant of how providers respond. When clinicians perceived that performance indicators were not credible but were incentivized to collect them, gaming or manipulation of data occurred. Outcome data do not provide information on the cause of poor care: providers needed to integrate and interpret patient-reported outcome measures and other outcome data in the context of other data. Lack of timeliness of performance data constrains their impact. Conclusions Although there is only limited research evidence to support some widely held theories of how aggregated patient-reported outcome measures data stimulate quality improvement, several lessons emerge from interventions sharing the same programme theories to help guide the increasing use of these measures.
Functional significance of expiratory muscles during spontaneous breathing in anesthetized dogs.

Recent electromyographic studies in awake and anesthetized dogs have demonstrated that spontaneous breathing in prone dogs is associated with an increased activation of the expiratory muscles compared with that recorded in supine dogs. On the basis of these observations, one would infer that the mechanical role and contribution of the expiratory musculature to the act of breathing are enhanced in the prone posture. The changes in length associated with these postural increases in expiratory muscle electrical activity, however, have not been investigated and formed the basis of our investigation. We examined the active and passive changes in length of expiratory muscles during spontaneous breathing in supine and prone anesthetized dogs and assessed the relative role of the expiratory musculature in the generation of tidal volume. The experiments were performed on eight mongrel dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium. In all eight animals, spontaneous breathing in the prone posture was associated with an increased activation (electromyogram) of the triangularis sterni, external oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles compared with that recorded in the supine posture. We quantitated the role of the expiratory muscles in both postures by measuring the volume difference between relaxation volume of the respiratory system and the end-expiratory lung volume. In the supine animal, 93 ml were attributed to the expiratory musculature, whereas in the prone animal, we noted that 186 ml (P < 0.01) were displaced during expiration, representing 43 and 52% (NS) of tidal volume, respectively. During spontaneous breathing in the supine or prone posture, all three expiratory muscles underwent significant length changes. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Particle Swarm Optimization Based on Cultural Algorithm for Short-Term Optimal Operation of Cascade Hydropower Stations

Difficulties likely exist in optimal reservoir operation along with discreteness and nonlinear constraints. Therefore, Particle Swarm Optimization based on Cultural Algorithm (PSO-CA) is presented in this paper for overcoming these defects. In this article the evolutionary mechanism of Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (PSO) is guided by Cultural Algorithm (CA). PSO-CA uses PSO in population space and guides the evolution by shape knowledge and standardization knowledge in belief space. An example is also used to show that the PSO-CA algorithm has a better applied prospect for its high reliability and fast operation speed in global optimization.
of Birmingham Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Production in Patients with Colorectal Cancer In Vitro

Purpose . Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) are extracellular neutrophil derived DNA webs which have been implicated in cancer progression and in the development of metastases. NETs production in patients with colorectal cancer was investigated to elucidate their role and prognostic significance. Methods . Systemic neutrophils were isolated from consecutive patients with colorectal cancer and from age-matched healthy volunteers. Neutrophils were stimulated to produce NETs which were quantified by a measure of the fluorescence of the extracellular DNA. The impact of cancer location, tumour stage, and patient outcomes (complications, length of stay, and mortality) on NET production was investigated. Results . Quantification of NET formation was performed in patients with colorectal cancer ( 𝑛 = 45 ) and in well-matched healthy individuals ( 𝑛 = 20 ). Significant increases in NETs production in response to no stimulant (9,735 AFU versus 11347 AFU, 𝑝 = 0.0209 ), IL-8 (8,644 AFU versus 11,915 AFU, 𝑝 = 0.0032 ), and LPS (10,576 AFU versus 12,473 AFU, 𝑝 = 0.0428 ) were identified in patients with colorectal cancer. A significant increase in NETs production in response to fMLP was detected in patients who developed significant postoperative complications (11,760AFUversus18,340 AFU, 𝑝 = 0.0242 )andwhohadaprolongedhospitalrecovery(9,008 AFUversus12,530 AFU, 𝑝 = 0.0476 ). An increase in NETs production was also observed in patients who died, but this did not reach statistical significance. Cancer location and tumour stage did not appear to affect preoperative NETs production. Conclusions . Patients with colorectal cancer have significantly increased NETs production in vitro when compared to healthy volunteers, possibly implicating them in cancer development. Adverse patient outcomes were associated with increased preoperative NETs production, which highlights them as potential therapeutic targets.
Otogelin: a glycoprotein specific to the acellular membranes of the inner ear.

Efforts to identify the specific components of the mammalian inner ear have been hampered by the small number of neuroepithelial cells and the variety of supporting cells. To circumvent these difficulties, we used a PCR-based subtractive method on cDNA from 2-day-old mouse cochlea. A cDNA encoding a predicted 2910-amino acid protein related to mucin has been isolated. Several lines of evidence indicate, however, that this protein does not undergo the O-glycosylation characteristic to mucins. As confirmed by immunocytochemistry and biochemical experiments, this protein is specific to the inner ear. Immunohistofluorescence labeling showed that this protein is a component of all the acellular membranes of the inner ear: i.e., the tectorial membrane of the cochlea, the otoconial and accessory membranes of the utricule and saccule, the cupula of the semicircular canals, and a previously undescribed acellular material covering the otoconia of the saccule. The protein has been named otogelin with reference to its localization. A variety of nonsensory cells located underneath these membranes could be identified as synthesizing otogelin. Finally, this study revealed a maturation process of the tectorial membrane, as evidenced by the progressive organization of otogelin labeling into thick and spaced radial fiber-like structures.