Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Catabolite repression mediated by the CcpA protein in Bacillus subtilis: novel modes of regulation revealed by whole‐genome analyses

Previous studies have shown that the CcpA protein of Bacillus subtilis is a major transcription factor mediating catabolite repression. We report here whole‐transcriptome analyses that characterize CcpA‐dependent, glucose‐dependent gene expression and correlate the results with full‐genome computer analyses of DNA binding (CRE) sites for CcpA. The data obtained using traditional approaches show good agreement with those obtained using the transcriptome approach. About 10% of all genes in B. subtilis are regulated > 3× by glucose, with repressed genes outnumbering activated genes three to one. Eighty per cent of these genes depend on CcpA for regulation. Classical approaches have provided only evidence for CcpA‐mediated, glucose‐dependent activation or repression. We show here that CcpA also mediates glucose‐independent activation or repression, and that glucose may alter either the direction or the intensity of either effect. Computer analyses revealed the presence of CRE sites in most operons subject to CcpA‐mediated glucose repression, but not in those subject to glucose activation, suggesting that either secondary transcription factors regulate the latter genes or activation by CcpA involves a dissimilar binding site. Operons encoding the constituents of ABC‐type transporters that are subject to CcpA‐mediated glucose regulation show two distinct patterns: either all genes in the operon are regulated in parallel (the minor class) or the gene encoding the extracytoplasmic solute‐binding receptor is preferentially regulated (the major class). Genes subject to CcpA‐independent catabolite repression are primarily concerned with sporulation. Several transcription factors were identified that are themselves regulated by CcpA at the transcriptional level. Representative data with functionally characterized genes are presented to illustrate the novel findings. The comprehensive transcriptome data are available on our website: www.biology. uesd.edu/~MSAIER/regulation/.
Pilot Tone Reference-Less Phase Conjugator for Phase-Modulated Retrodirective Antenna Applications

This letter presents a simple tracking phased locked loop (PLL) that can be used to track phase-modulated signals and provide a phase-conjugated signal for retrodirective retransmission. The configuration allows the retrodirective antenna to directly track phase-modulated signals with no requirement for a separate continuous wave (CW) pilot tone. The ability to directly track phase-modulated signals is carried out using a 4× multiplier on the tracking PLL reference signal. Practical phase conjugation results are presented for a five-element retrodirective array simultaneously sending and receiving phase-modulated (QPSK) signals. Signals with levels as low as -122 dBm can be phase-conjugated and retransmitted with 30 dBm EIRP.
On the a Priori Identifiability of the Two-Compartment Distributed Parameter Model From Residual Tracer Data Acquired by Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Imaging

Tracer kinetics models are commonly employed to estimate physiological parameters related to blood transport and capillary-tissue exchange. A priori identifiability addresses the question of whether the parameters in a model can be uniquely determined from a given experiment. It has been previously shown that the one- and two-compartment distributed parameter (DP) models are nonidentifiable from tracer outflow data obtained by arterial-venous sampling. In this correspondence, we show that both DP models are a priori identifiable from residual tracer data obtained by dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging. We list the various parameters of the DP models that can be uniquely estimated from DCE imaging data, and discuss this seemingly different outcome for DCE imaging experiments, as compared with the arterial-venous sampling experiments.
Short-term adult exposure to estradiol feminizes the male pattern of spontaneous and growth hormone-releasing factor-stimulated growth hormone secretion in the rat.

Experimental evidence indicates that the neonatal gonadal steroid environment is an important determinant of the sexual dimorphism of GH secretion and body growth. However, the influence of the sex steroids in GH control during adult life and their mechanism/site of action are largely unknown. In the present study we examined the effects of adult gonadectomy (GNX) and short term adult exposure to 17 beta-estradiol (E2) on both spontaneous and GRF-stimulated GH release in free-moving adult male rats. The rate of body weight gain was also monitored. GNX (3 weeks postoperatively) resulted in a 2-fold reduction in GH pulse amplitude compared to that in sham-operated control rats, but did not significantly alter the GH nadir or the interpeak interval. Exposure to E2 (sc implants) for 4 days markedly disrupted the spontaneous GH secretory profile of both sham-operated and GNX rats; E2-treated animals exhibited a striking elevation (4- to 20-fold) of GH trough levels and a significant decrease in GH interpeak interval, remarkably similar to the typical female rat GH secretory profile. The augmentation in both GH nadir and GH pulse frequency was evident as early as 12 h after a single sc injection of E2 valerate. In sham and GNX rats bearing control implants, the GH response to 1 micrograms rat GRF-(1-29)NH2, iv, was significantly greater when GRF was administered at peak (1100 h) than at trough (1300 h) times of GH secretion; the latter is known to be due to antagonism by the cyclical increased release of endogenous somatostatin (SRIF) in the male rat. Treatment with E2 abolished this time-dependent difference in both groups and produced a regular pattern of GH responsiveness to GRF similar to that typically observed in the female rat, thus suggesting that E2 has altered the pattern of hypothalamic SRIF secretion from a cyclic to a more continuous mode of release. Chronic exposure to E2 for 2 weeks resulted in an almost 6-fold inhibition of the rate of body weight gain in sham-operated male rats to levels comparable to those in normal adult female rats. Taken together, these results demonstrate that short term exposure to E2 during adult life can profoundly feminize the male pattern of spontaneous and GRF-stimulated GH secretion, as well as rate of somatic growth. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Improvements to the CBOE VIX Calculation Formula

The volatility index (VIX) documented in the Cboe white paper (The Cboe Volatility Index, 2003-2018) involves the approximation of implied variance of S&P 500 index using quoted option prices. The Cboe procedure uses the average price of both call and put options at the strike that is just below or at the forward price. This procedure overestimates implied variances that are used to compute the VIX index. The error is less noticeable when quoted strikes around forward index value are significantly close to each other such as in the case of the Cboe VIX index, but becomes larger as strikes are further apart from each other as in the Cboe VVIX index (the VIX of VIX). We show that better accuracy can be achieved by using only the put price at the strike and replacing the strike price used in the adjustment term with the forward price or the average of the two adjacent strikes that are above and below the forward price. Whatever error remaining is purely due to numerical integration. We identified two types of numerical integration errors, one from the curvature of options prices and the other from the kink that joins the put and call segments of out-of-money options at the forward price. We proposed methods to reduce both type of errors.
A New Electrical Steel Sheet Developed by Vector Magnetic Characteristic Control

It is assumed that vectors of magnetic flux density B (B-vector) and magnetic field strength H (H-vector) are parallel in the standard magnetic measurement; however, they are not parallel in actual electrical steel sheets. We have proposed the 2-D vector magnetic measurement technique which can measure the B-vector and H-vector that are in different directions. There is a phase difference θBH between B-vector and H-vector. The iron loss is calculated by the inner product between B-vector and H-vector. Therefore, the iron loss increases depending on the θBH. We controlled the θBH by using a laser treatment, and developed a new electrical steel sheet developed by vector magnetic characteristic control, which can reduce the iron loss. This paper presents the details of the measured results from the new electrical steel sheets developed by vector magnetic characteristic control.
DETERMINATION FACTORS OF CAPITAL STRUCTUREPOLICYAND FIRM VALUE IN INDONESIA STOCK EXCHANGE

This paper aims to make a theoretical model factors that determine capital structure policy and firm value in Indonesia Stock Exchange. Analysis will be done by placed capital structure as intervening variable. While the Microeconomic factors and macroeconomic factors placed as independent variable that predicted directly affect to capital structure and firm value. To examine direct effect of independent variable to dependent variable used twostage regression, where as to test the role of mediating variable used Sobel Test.
Characterization of chromatic dispersion and polarization sensitivity in fiber gratings

Fiber gratings have already become key passive components in fiber optic communication systems. We have characterized gratings used in reflection for dispersion compensation and long period gratings used in transmission for gain flattening using a low-loss, low-noise experimental setup having a picometer optical wavelength resolution. Our measurements include reflection or transmission response, group delay and polarization dependent loss. We have scanned the spectrum of our devices using a very narrow linewidth tunable laser. A network analyzer is used for the chromatic dispersion measurements. Time delays corresponding to the design values have been measured within the useful bandwidth of the gratings for dispersion compensation and the devices have been found to have reasonably small ripples that increase in magnitude toward the shorter wavelength range. The long period gratings for gain flattening have very small group delays. Polarization dependent loss has been measured for the first time in these devices. A polarization analyzer was used and Jones matrix analysis was applied to obtain the measurements. The gratings for dispersion compensation have small a polarization dependent loss within their useful bandwidth, while the long period gratings exhibit higher values and a stronger wavelength dependency in the polarization dependent loss.
The Study on the Relationship between Agricultural Product Price Fluctuation and Inflation

After introducing the inflation expectation, this paper uses the co-integration test and VAR model to analyze the price fluctuation of agricultural products and the paper analyzes the relationship between inflation and inflation expectation. The results show that there is no co-integration relationship between agricultural product price fluctuation, inflation expectation and inflation, but agricultural product price fluctuation is Granger reason of inflation expectation. There is bi-directional Granger causality between inflation expectation and inflation. In the short run, there is volatility between the three in the current or lag phase 1 to reach the maximum.
Infant regulation of intake: the effect of free glutamate content in infant formulas.

BACKGROUND We recently discovered that infants randomly assigned to a formula high in free amino acids (extensive protein hydrolysate formula; ePHF) during infancy consumed less formula to satiation and gained less weight than did infants fed an isocaloric formula low in free amino acids (cow milk formula; CMF). OBJECTIVE Because ePHF and CMF differ markedly in concentrations of free glutamate, we tested the hypothesis that the higher glutamate concentrations in ePHF promote satiation and satiety. DESIGN In this counterbalanced, within-subject study, infants <4 mo of age (n = 30) visited our laboratory for 3 sets of 2 consecutive infant-led formula meals over 3 test days. Infants were fed 1 of 3 isocaloric formulas during each first meal: CMF, ePHF, or CMF with added free glutamate to approximate concentrations in ePHF (CMF+glu). When infants signaled hunger again, they were fed a second meal of CMF. From these data, we calculated satiety ratios for each of the 3 formulas by dividing the intermeal interval by the amount of formula consumed during that particular first meal. RESULTS Infants consumed significantly less CMF+glu (P < 0.02) and ePHF (P < 0.04) than CMF during the first meals. They also showed greater levels of satiety after consuming CMF+glu or ePHF: satiety ratios for CMF+glu (P < 0.03) and ePHF (P < 0.05) were significantly higher than for CMF. CONCLUSION These findings suggest a role of free glutamate in infant intake regulation and call into question the claim that formula feeding impairs infants' abilities to self regulate energy intake.
78 Potential of 99 m Tc-LDLs Labeled by Two Different Methods for Scintigraphic Detection of Experimental Atherosclerosis in Rabbits

In this study we evaluated two different""To-labeling techniques to produce "To-low density lipoprotein (Tc-LDL) suitable for the scintigraphic delineation of experimental atherosclerotic lesions. The two methods are 1) a procedure that uses stamnous chloride and sodium borohydride (borohydride method) and 2) a procedure that uses sodium dithiionite as a reducing agent and that has been successfully applied in previous scintigraphic atherosclerosis; detection (dithionite method). ""Tc-LDL produced by either method was injected into New Zealand White rabbits with diet-induced atherosclerotic plaques and in control rabbits. Scintigraphic images were taken 10 minutes (t=0) and 1, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours after injection. Clearance of plasma radioactivity was also studied. Stability of the "Tc-LDL complex in the circulation was examined by size exclusion chromatography of plasma samples. After scintigraphy, the animals were killed, and the biodistribution of radioactivity was determined. The thoracic and abdominal aortas appeared in scintigraphic images to accumulate "Tc over their entire length with either "Tc-LDL preparation. The sparse imaging of focal atherosclerosis was found to be due to the fact that the aortas were covered with confluent atherosclerotic lesions. Scintigraphic image analysis showed that 24 hours after injection, the accumulated radioactivity in the abdominal aorta of the atherosclerotic rabbits was 57% and 54%, respectively, of the accumulated radioactivity in the abdominal aorta at t=0 when the borohydride versus the dithionite method was used. In the control animals this value was 25% for the dithionite method, whereas in the borohydride method the aortas could not be detected in the images at t=24 hours. When the borohydride method was used, radioactivity in the abdominal aorta in the atherosclerotic animals was significantly higher than in control rabbits 4 hours after injection of the "Tc-LDL. For the dithionite method (his was 16 hours after injection. Plasma radioactivities in atherosclerotic animals at t=24 hours were 28% and 41% of plasma radioactivity at t=0 for the borohydride and the dithionite method, respectively. In control animals these values were 6% and 18%, respectively. Both methods produced relatively stable "Tc-LDL complexes, with 72% and 68% of the """Tc remaining attached to LDL at t=24 hours. In the biodistribution study, uptake of radioactivity in the aortas was comparable for both labeling methods. We conclude that the borohydride method may be useful in the scintigraphic detection of atherosclerosis, since it yields "Tc-LDL that accumulates in atherosclerotic lesions to the same extend as LDL labeled by the dithionite method. In addition, it is cleared from the circulation considerably faster, resulting more rapidly in a higher target-to-nontarget ratio, which facilitates early identification of atherosclerosis. (Arteriosclerosis and Thrombosis 1993;13:78-83)
Effects of neuropeptide Y on the blood pressure response to various vasoconstrictor agents.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is known to potentiate the pressor effect of norepinephrine. In the present work, we evaluated in unanesthetized normotensive rats the effect of NPY on blood pressure responsiveness not only to norepinephrine, but also to tyramine, a sympathomimetic agent acting indirectly to B-HT933, a selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor stimulant, to angiotensin II and vasopressin. Dose-response curves to the various pressor agents were established starting at the 45th min of an i.v. infusion with either NPY (0.025 and 0.1 microgram/min) or its vehicle. The two doses of NPY increased blood pressure by an average of approximately 6 mm Hg, which was not significantly different from the vehicle-induced blood pressure changes. NPY significantly enhanced the pressor effect of norepinephrine, tyramine and angiotensin II, but not that of B-HT933 and vasopressin. We also tested whether NPY inhibits the enzyme activity of Na, K-adenosine triphosphatase using a purified toad kidney preparation. Concentrations of NPY from 10(-14) M up to 10(-6) M had no effect on the enzyme activity. It appears therefore that the blood pressure potentiating effect of NPY is not restricted to alpha adrenoceptor stimulation with norepinephrine, but involves also the vasoconstrictor hormone angiotensin II. This NPY-induced potentiation does not seem to depend upon stimulation of alpha-2 adrenoceptors or inhibition of Na,K-adenosine triphosphatase.
Pathway Analysis of Glioblastoma Tissue after Preoperative Treatment with the EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Gefitinib—A Phase II Trial

Amplification of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is one of the most common oncogenic alterations in glioblastoma (45%) making it a prime target for therapy. However, small molecule inhibitors of the EGFR tyrosine kinase showed disappointing efficacy in clinical trials for glioblastoma. Here we aimed at investigating the molecular effects of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib on the EGFR signaling pathway in human glioblastoma. Twenty-two patients selected for reoperation of recurrent glioblastoma were treated within a phase II trial for 5 days with 500 mg gefitinib before surgery followed by postoperative gefitinib until recurrence. Resected glioblastoma tissues exhibited high concentrations of gefitinib (median, 4.1 μg/g), 20 times higher than respective plasma. EGFR-pathway activity was evaluated with phosphorylation-specific assays. The EGFR was efficiently dephosphorylated in treated patients as compared to a control cohort of 12 patients. However, no significant effect on 12 pathway constituents was detected. In contrast, in vitro treatment of a glioblastoma cell line, BS-153, with endogenous EGFRwt amplification and EGFRvIII expression resulted not only in dephosphorylation of the EGFR, but also of key regulators in the pathway such as AKT. Treating established xenografts of the same cell line as an in vivo model showed dephosphorylation of the EGFR without affecting downstream signal transductors, similar to the human glioblastoma. Taken together, gefitinib reaches high concentrations in the tumor tissue and efficiently dephosphorylates its target. However, regulation of downstream signal transducers in the EGFR pathway seems to be dominated by regulatory circuits independent of EGFR phosphorylation. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(6); 1102–12. ©2011 AACR.
Cannibalism and predation among larvae of the Anopheles gambiae complex

Among the aquatic developmental stages of the Anopheles gambiae complex (Diptera: Culicidae), both inter‐ and intra‐specific interactions influence the resulting densities of adult mosquito populations. For three members of the complex, An. arabiensis Patton, An. quadriannulatus (Theobald) and An. gambiae Giles sensu stricto, we investigated some aspects of this competition under laboratory conditions. First‐instar larvae were consumed by fourth‐instar larvae of the same species (cannibalism) and by fourth‐instar larvae of other sibling species (predation). Even when larvae were not consumed, the presence of one fourth‐instar larva caused a significant reduction in development rate of first‐instar larvae. Possible implications of these effects for population dynamics of these malaria vector mosquitoes are discussed.
Analysis of the coexisting pathways for NO and N2O formation in Chernozem using the 15N-tracer SimKIM-Advanced model

The nitrogen (N) cycle consists of a variety of microbial processes. These processes often occur simultaneously in soils, but respond differently to local environmental conditions due to process-specific biochemical restrictions (e.g. oxygen levels). Hence, soil nitrogen cycling (e.g. soil N gas production through nitrification and denitrification) is individually affected through these processes, resulting in the complex and highly dynamic behaviour of total soil N turnover. The development and application of methods that facilitate the quantification of individual contributions of coexisting processes is a fundamental prerequisite for (i) understanding the dynamics of soil N turnover and (ii) implementing these processes in ecosystem models. To explain the unexpected results of the triplet tracer experiment (TTE) of Russow et al. (Role of nitrite and nitric oxide in the processes of nitrification and denitrification in soil: results from 15N tracer experiments. Soil Biol Biochem. 2009;41:785–795) the existing SimKIM model was extended to the SimKIM-Advanced model through the addition of three separate nitrite subpools associated with ammonia oxidation, oxidation of organic nitrogen (Norg), and denitrification, respectively. For the TTE, individual treatments with 15N ammonium, 15N nitrate, and 15N nitrite were conducted under oxic, hypoxic, and anoxic conditions, respectively, to clarify the role of nitric oxide as a denitrification intermediate during N2O formation. Using a split nitrite pool, this analysis model explains the observed differences in the 15N enrichments in nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O) which occurred in dependence on different oxygen concentrations. The change from oxic over hypoxic to anoxic conditions only marginally increased the NO and N2O release rates (1.3-fold). The analysis using the model revealed that, under oxic and hypoxic conditions, Norg-based N2O production was the dominant pathway, contributing to 90 and 50 % of the total soil N2O release. Under anoxic conditions, denitrification was the dominant process for soil N2O release. The relative contribution of Norg to the total soil NO release was small. Ammonia oxidation served as the major pathway of soil NO release under oxic and hypoxic conditions, while denitrification was dominant under anoxic conditions. The model parameters for soil with moderate soil organic matter (SOM) content were not scalable to an additional data set for soil with higher SOM content, indicating a strong influence of SOM content on microbial N turnover. Thus, parameter estimation had to be re-calculated for these conditions, highlighting the necessity of individual soil-dependent parameter estimations.