Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Assimilatory Organic Nitrogen, Sulfur, and Carbon Sources for Growth of Methanobacterium Species

Experiments document the ability of two species of autotrophic methanogens to assimilate and utilize organic substrates as the nutrient sulfur or nitrogen source and as a carbon source during growth on H2-CO2. Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum strain ΔH and the mesophilic species Methanobacterium sp. strain Ivanov grew with glutamine as the nitrogen source or cysteine as the sulfur source. M. thermoautotrophicum also utilized urea as the nitrogen source and as a carbon precursor for methane and cell synthesis. Methanobacterium sp. strain Ivanov grew with methionine as the sulfur source. The growth rate of two different Methanobacterium species was lower on an organic N or S source than on ammonium or sulfide. 35S and 14C tracer studies demonstrated that amino acid or urea assimilation correlated with time and amount of growth. The rate of [35S]cysteine incorporation was similar in strain ΔH (34 nmol h−1 mg of cells−1) and strain Ivanov (23 nmol h−1 mg of cells−1). However, the rate of [14C]acetate incorporation was dramatically different (17 versus 208 nmol h−1 mg of cells−1 in strains ΔH and Ivanov, respectively). [14C]acetate accounted for 1.3 and 21.2% of the total cell carbon synthesized by strains ΔH and Ivanov, respectively. Amino acids and urea were mainly assimilated into the cell protein fraction, but accounted for less than 2.0% of the total cell carbon synthesized. The data suggest that a biochemical-genetic approach to understanding cell carbon synthesis in methanogens is feasible; mutants that are auxotrophic for either acetate, glutamine, cysteine, or methionine are suggested as future targets for genetic studies.
Concomitant Administration of a Histamine2 Receptor Antagonist and Proton Pump Inhibitor Enhances Gastric Acid Suppression

Because it has been hypothesized that histamine2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) might interfere with the action of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) when the drugs are given concomitantly, we sought to compare the pharmacodynamic effects of simultaneous administration of a PPI and an H2RA with the effects of each drug administered alone.
A highly purified enrichment culture couples the reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethene to growth

A microscopically pure enrichment culture of a gram-negative anaerobic bacterium, in the present article referred to as PER-K23, was isolated from an anaerobic packed-bed column in which tetrachloroethene (PCE) was reductively transformed to ethane via trichloroethene (TCE), cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-1,2-DCE), chloroethene, and ethene. PER-K23 catalyzes the dechlorination of PCE via TCE to cis-1,2-DCE and couples this reductive dechlorination to growth. H2 and formate were the only electron donors that supported growth with PCE or TCE as an electron acceptor. The culture did not grow in the absence of PCE or TCE. Neither O2, NO3-, NO2-, SO4(2-), SO3(2-), S2O3(2-), S, nor CO2 could replace PCE or TCE as an electron acceptor with H2 as an electron donor. Also, organic electron acceptors such as acetoin, acetol, dimethyl sulfoxide, fumarate, and trimethylamine N-oxide and chlorinated ethanes, DCEs, and chloroethene were not utilized. PER-K23 was not able to grow fermentatively on any of the organic compounds tested. Transferring the culture to a rich medium revealed that a contaminant was still present. Dechlorination was optimal between pH 6.8 and 7.6 and a temperature of 25 to 35 degrees C. H2 consumption was paralleled by chloride production, PCE degradation, cis-1,2-DCE formation, and growth of PER-K23. Electron balances showed that all electrons derived from H2 or formate consumption were recovered in dechlorination products and biomass. Exponential growth could be achieved only in gently shaken cultures. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Identification of algF in the alginate biosynthetic gene cluster of Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is required for alginate acetylation

Mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa produce a high-molecular-weight exopolysaccharide called alginate that is modified by the addition of O-acetyl groups. To better understand the acetylation process, a gene involved in alginate acetylation called algF was identified in this study. We hypothesized that a gene involved in alginate acetylation would be located within the alginate biosynthetic gene cluster at 34 min on the P. aeruginosa chromosome. To isolate algF mutants, a procedure for localized mutagenesis was developed to introduce random chemical mutations into the P. aeruginosa alginate biosynthetic operon on the chromosome. For this, a DNA fragment containing the alginate biosynthetic operon and adjacent argF gene in a gene replacement cosmid vector was utilized. The plasmid was packaged in vivo into lambda phage particles, mutagenized in vitro with hydroxylamine, transduced into Escherichia coli, and mobilized to an argF auxotroph of P. aeruginosa FRD. Arg+ recombinants coinherited the mutagenized alginate gene cluster and were screened for defects in alginate acetylation by testing for increased sensitivity to an alginate lyase produced by Klebsiella aerogenes. Alginates from recombinants which showed increased sensitivity to alginate lyase were tested for acetylation by a colorimetric assay and infrared spectroscopy. Two algF mutants that produced alginates reduced more than sixfold in acetyl groups were obtained. The acetylation defect was complemented in trans by a 3.8-kb XbaI-BamHI fragment from the alginate gene cluster when placed in the correct orientation under a trc promoter. By a merodiploid analysis, the algF gene was further mapped to a region directly upstream of algA by examining the polar effect of Tn501 insertions. By gene replacement, DNA with a Tn501 insertion directly upstream of algA was recombined with the chromosome of mucoid strain FRD1. The resulting strain, FRD1003, was nonmucoid because of the polar effect of the transposon on the downstream algA gene. By providing algA in trans under the tac promoter, FRD1003 produced nonacetylated alginate, indicating that the transposon was within or just upstream of algF. These results demonstrated that algF, a gene involved in alginate acetylation, is located directly upstream of algA.
Voluntary clawback adoption and the use of financial measures in CFO bonus plans

ABSTRACT: Firms trade off CFOs' fiduciary duties against their decision-making duties when designing CFO bonus plans. Decreasing bonus incentives tied to financial measures benefits CFOs' fiduciary responsibilities at the expense of motivating their decision-making duties. As prior research indicates that clawbacks increase personal misreporting costs through the loss of previously awarded compensation, we examine whether clawbacks allow firms to increase incentives in CFO bonus contracts. Based on a sample of U.S. firms between 2007 and 2013, we find that clawbacks are associated with greater CFO bonus incentives. We also find the increase in incentives to be more pronounced for CFOs relative to other executives. Our results are moderated by firms' susceptibility to misreporting. The relation between clawbacks and incentives is weaker when firms experienced internal control deficiencies, have larger abnormal accruals, when CFOs are more vulnerable to pressure from CEOs, and when audit committees have les.
Placental growth patterns affect birth weight for given placental weight.

BACKGROUND An important contributor to fetal growth is growth of the placenta, the fetus' sole source of nutrients and oxygen. Here we use placental growth measures (larger and smaller disk diameters, reflecting the laterally expanding chorionic plate, and disk thickness) to test the hypothesis that placental growth patterns, while associated with placental weight and birth weight, measure placental functional efficiency, and will have independent effects on the feto-placental weight ratio (FPR). METHODS Placental measures were available from 23,313 participants in the Collaborative Perinatal Project delivered between 34 and 43 completed weeks. Continuous variables were analyzed by regression for associations with placental weight, birth weight, and FPR, to further explore effects of placental growth patterns on the FPR (lateral chorionic plate growth and chorionic disk thickness were grouped as low, normal, and high values). The relationships of the nine resultant combinations of placental growth categories to the FPR using birth weight adjusted for gestational age, infant gender, parity, and African American race were analyzed (ANOVA). RESULTS As chorionic disk area and thickness increased, birth weight and placental weight increased, and the FPR decreased (each p < .0001) after adjustment for gestational age, parity, race, and infant gender. Small, thin placental disks had an adjusted FPR of 8.46; the largest, thickest placentas had an adjusted FPR of 6.33. The nine categories of FPRs were significantly different, consistent with chorionic plate area and disk thickness combining to determine the FPR. CONCLUSIONS Patterns of placental growth, relating to different functional dimensions of the placenta, deliver a different birth weight for a given placental weight.
SENSORY DEFICIT IN THE HANDS OF CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: A NEW LOOK AT ASSESSMENT AND PREVALENCE

The sensory function of the hand was assessed in 55 children with cerebral palsy (CP) and 15 control children with lower‐limb involvement after poliomyelitis by testing stereognosis and two‐point discrimination. A 0 to 10 per cent error in the post‐polio group defined normal limits, according to which 51 per cent of the CP group showed impairment on one or both of the tests. These results confirm those of studies carried out 30 to 40 years ago, and draw attention to a neglected aspect of CP in which the possibility of therapeutic intervention has yet to be adequately explored.
Interventions in the Commercial Sex Industry During the Rise in Syphilis Rates Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM)

Objective: Describe sexually transmitted disease/human immunodeficiency virus prevention interventions targeting men who have sex with men (MSM) in commercial sex venues (CSV). Study: Compilation of descriptive and evaluation data from the CDC 8-city MSM Syphilis Response on interventions conducted in bathhouses/sex clubs, circuit parties, the Internet, male sex workers, and the adult film industry. Results: Interventions in the commercial sex industry (CSI) often involved multiple collaborative efforts between public health departments (PHD), community-based organizations (CBO), and CSV owners and managers. Education and condoms were provided at multiple venues, including circuit parties, bathhouses, and sex clubs. CBO staff reported one-on-one street and CSV outreach to engage MSM at risk. Evaluation data demonstrate that MSM exposed to media campaigns were more aware of syphilis and more likely to have been tested for syphilis than MSM who did not see the campaigns. Conclusions: PHD and CBO are using multiple means of reaching MSM in the CSI. Evaluations are needed to determine which of these efforts decreases syphilis transmission.
Combination therapy with Coenzyme Q10 and creatine produces additive neuroprotective effects in models of Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Diseases

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and creatine are promising agents for neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases via their effects on improving mitochondrial function and cellular bioenergetics and their properties as antioxidants. We examined whether a combination of CoQ10 with creatine can exert additive neuroprotective effects in a MPTP mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, a 3‐NP rat model of Huntington’s disease (HD) and the R6/2 transgenic mouse model of HD. The combination of the two agents produced additive neuroprotective effects against dopamine depletion in the striatum and loss of tyrosine hydroxylase neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) following chronic subcutaneous administration of MPTP. The combination treatment resulted in significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and pathologic α‐synuclein accumulation in the SNpc neurons of the MPTP‐treated mice. We also observed additive neuroprotective effects in reducing striatal lesion volumes produced by chronic subcutaneous administration of 3‐NP to rats. The combination treatment showed significant effects on blocking 3‐NP‐induced impairment of glutathione homeostasis and reducing lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidative damage in the striatum. Lastly, the combination of CoQ10 and creatine produced additive neuroprotective effects on improving motor performance and extending survival in the transgenic R6/2 HD mice. These findings suggest that combination therapy using CoQ10 and creatine may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and HD.
Myosin IIB Is Unconventionally Conventional*

Members of the myosin II class of molecular motors have been referred to as “conventional,” a term used to describe their ability to form thick filaments, their low duty ratio, the ability of individual motor-containing “heads” to operate independently of each other, and their rate-limiting phosphate release. These features ensure that those motors that have completed their power stroke dissociate rapidly enough to prevent them from interfering with those motors that are beginning theirs. However, in this study, we demonstrate that myosin IIB, a cytoplasmic myosin II particularly enriched in the central nervous system and cardiac tissue, has a number of features that it shares instead with “unconventional” myosin isoforms, including myosins V and VI. These include a high duty ratio, rate-limiting ADP release, and high ADP affinity. These features imply that myosin IIB serves a set of physiologic needs different from those served by its more conventional myosin II counterparts, and this work provides a plausible basis for explaining the physiologic role of this unconventionally conventional myosin.
SAP97 and Dystrophin Macromolecular Complexes Determine Two Pools of Cardiac Sodium Channels Nav1.5 in Cardiomyocytes

Rationale: The cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5 plays a key role in excitability and conduction. The 3 last residues of Nav1.5 (Ser-Ile-Val) constitute a PDZ-domain binding motif that interacts with the syntrophin–dystrophin complex. As dystrophin is absent at the intercalated discs, Nav1.5 could potentially interact with other, yet unknown, proteins at this site. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether Nav1.5 is part of distinct regulatory complexes at lateral membranes and intercalated discs. Methods and Results: Immunostaining experiments demonstrated that Nav1.5 localizes at lateral membranes of cardiomyocytes with dystrophin and syntrophin. Optical measurements on isolated dystrophin-deficient mdx hearts revealed significantly reduced conduction velocity, accompanied by strong reduction of Nav1.5 at lateral membranes of mdx cardiomyocytes. Pull-down experiments revealed that the MAGUK protein SAP97 also interacts with the SIV motif of Nav1.5, an interaction specific for SAP97 as no pull-down could be detected with other cardiac MAGUK proteins (PSD95 or ZO-1). Furthermore, immunostainings showed that Nav1.5 and SAP97 are both localized at intercalated discs. Silencing of SAP97 expression in HEK293 and rat cardiomyocytes resulted in reduced sodium current (INa) measured by patch-clamp. The INa generated by Nav1.5 channels lacking the SIV motif was also reduced. Finally, surface expression of Nav1.5 was decreased in silenced cells, as well as in cells transfected with SIV-truncated channels. Conclusions: These data support a model with at least 2 coexisting pools of Nav1.5 channels in cardiomyocytes: one targeted at lateral membranes by the syntrophin-dystrophin complex, and one at intercalated discs by SAP97.
Cash Transfers and Labor Supply: Evidence from a Large-Scale Program in Iran

We study the impact of a nation-wide unconditional cash transfer program on labor supply in Iran. In 2011, the government started monthly deposits of cash into individual family accounts amounting to 29% of the median household income. We use panel data and fixed effects to study the causal effect of the cash transfers on labor supply using the exogenous variation in the intensity of treatment, which we define as the value of cash transfers relative to household income in the year before transfers. We also use a difference-in-differences methodology that relies on exogenous variation in the time households first started receiving transfers. With the exception of youth, who have weak ties to the labor market, we find no evidence that cash transfers reduced labor supply, while service sector workers appear to have increased their hours of work, perhaps because some used transfers to expand their business.
The stabilization of an Euler-Bernoulli beam under boundary control and non-collocated observation

We study the stabilization of an Euler-Bernoulli equation under the boundary control at one end and observation at another end. We construct an infinite-dimensional observer to track the state exponentially. A proportional output feedback control based on the observed state is designed. The closed-loop system is shown to be non-dissipative but a Riesz spectral system. Then both the determined-growth condition and exponential stability are concluded.
Older Americans Act of 1965: Programs and Funding

In 1965, Congress enacted the Older Americans Act, which established the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) and state agencies on aging to address the social services needs of older people. The Act is considered the major vehicle for promoting the delivery of social services to the aging population. Its mission is broad: to help older people maintain maximum independence in their homes and communities and to promote a continuum of care for the vulnerable elderly. In successive amendments, Congress authorized targeted programs to respond to specific needs of the older population. Considering the broad sweep of services included in its mission, the Act’s reach is constrained by modest resources. Authorization for the Act’s programs expired at the end of fiscal year (FY) 2011. Congress appropriated funds to support the Act’s programs for FY 2012 in the FY 2012 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 112-74).
Current trends in topical therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis: update and literature review

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects millions of patients worldwide. The disease is multifactorial with influences including anatomic factors, immunological disturbances, and altered sinonasal microbiome. Although oral medications are effective in controlling some symptoms, they are associated with side effects and long-term use is not ideal. Thus, topical therapies have emerged as an alternative delivery method for localized, high-concentration medication with less side effects. Areas covered: This is a review of the various topical therapies available or under investigation for the management of CRS. Common medications such as saline, steroids, and antimicrobials will be discussed. Furthermore, additives including manuka honey, xylitol, surfactant, N-chlorotaurine, Dead Sea salt, and sodium hyaluronate will be addressed. Innovations in topical therapies, such as drug-eluting biomaterials and photodynamic therapy, will also be reviewed. Expert opinion: Although topical therapies provide a high dose of active substance at the site of disease, their efficacy in CRS is not clear. Topical saline and intranasal steroids appear to consistently demonstrate therapeutic benefits. However, other topical medications require further investigation to determine long-term clinical efficacy and safety. A better understanding of their effects on the sinonasal mucociliary system is needed before they become the standard of care in CRS.
In Utero Polychlorinated Biphenyl Exposures in Relation to Fetal and Early Childhood Growth

Background: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are industrial chemicals that were used widely for approximately 50 years. Now banned, they are still ubiquitous because of their persistence in the environment, the food chain, and human fatty tissue. High in utero exposures cause developmental deficits accompanied by growth retardation. Studies examining intrauterine growth at lower exposures have been inconsistent, with most such investigations having relied on surrogate exposure indicators such as consumption of fish from contaminated bodies of water. Methods: In the 1960s, serum specimens were collected from pregnant women participating in the Child Health and Development Study in the San Francisco Bay Area. The women were interviewed and their serum samples stored at −20°C. At 5 years of age, detailed anthropometric measurements were made on children born in the years 1964–1967. We measured PCBs in specimens from 399 mothers using gas chromatography/electron capture detection. We conducted multiple linear regression to examine the relationship between these organochlorine concentrations and both intrauterine and 5-year growth, with adjustment for medical, lifestyle, sociodemographic, and specimen characteristics. Results: In male infants, higher total in utero PCB exposure was associated with reduced birth weight, head circumference, and weight-for-gestational age. An increase from the 10th to 90th percentile in total PCBs was related to 290 g lower birth weight, a 0.7-cm decrease in head circumference, and for weight for gestational age, a reduction in z-score of 0.6. In girls, smaller head circumference and shorter gestations were observed. In contrast, prenatal PCBs were associated with greater growth in 5-year-old girls, with no apparent effect in 5-year-old boys. Conclusions: Maternally mediated exposure to PCBs may be detrimental to fetal growth, particularly in boys. These effects apparently are not persistent. Interpretation of greater childhood growth of girls is unclear.
Relationship between macroeconomic environment and technological readiness: A secondary analysis of countries global competitiveness

The concept of competitiveness has attracted abundant attentions of both scholars and governors during the past decade. During this period, the world economic forum has published its annual reports which encompass Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) in order to measure national competitiveness in different countries. This paper aims at investigating the interaction between the two sets of “Technological readiness” and “Macroeconomic environment” as the two basic pillars of national competitiveness in order to provide information for improving national competitiveness in countries which are transiting from stage I to stage II of deveopment. In our study, we used descriptive-correlation methodology. The statistical population was 139 countries whose GCI data were included in GCI 2010 report. Also, we employed Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) to investigate interaction between two sets of “Technological readiness” and “Macroeconomic environment”. Our findings show that there is a significant and positive relationship between the set of “Technological readiness” and that of “Macroeconomic environment”.