bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Upstream Sequences Essential for Activation of a Bacteriophage P2 Late Promoter
Authors: Christie Gail E. , Anders Douglas L. , McAlister Victor , Goodwin Tina S. , Julien Bryan , Calendar Richard 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

We have carried out a mutational scan of the upstream region of the bacteriophage P2
FETUD
late operon promoter, P
F
, which spans an element of hyphenated dyad symmetry that is conserved among all six of the P2 and P4 late promoters. All mutants were assayed for activation by P4 Delta in vivo, by using a
lacZ
reporter plasmid, and a subset of mutants was assayed in vitro for Delta binding. The results confirm the critical role of the three complementary nucleotides in each half site of the upstream element for transcription factor binding and for activation of transcription. A trinucleotide DNA recognition site is consistent with a model in which these transcription factors bind via a zinc finger motif. The mutational scan also led to identification of the −35 region of the promoter. Introduction of a σ
70
−35 consensus sequence resulted in increased constitutive expression, which could be further stimulated by Delta. These results indicate that activator binding to the upstream region of P2 late promoters compensates in part for poor σ
70
contacts and helps to recruit RNA polymerase holoenzyme.
Competition between MutY and Mismatch Repair at A · C Mispairs In Vivo
Authors: Kim Mandy , Huang Tiffany , Miller Jeffrey H. 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

We show that the MutY protein competes with the MutS-dependent mismatch repair system to process at least some A · C mispairs in vivo, converting them to G · C pairs. In the presence of an increased dCTP pool resulting from the loss of nucleotide diphosphate kinase, the frequency of A · T→G · C transitions at a hot spot in the
rpoB
gene is 30-fold lower in a MutY-deficient derivative than in the wild type.
Using a DNA Microarray To Investigate the Distribution of Insect Virulence Factors in Strains of
Photorhabdus
Bacteria
Authors: Marokhazi Judit , Waterfield Nicholas , LeGoff Gaelle , Feil Edward , Stabler Richard , Hinds Jason , Fodor Andras , ffrench-Constant Richard H. 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

Photorhabdus
is an insect-pathogenic bacterium in which oral toxicity to insects is found in two distinct taxonomic groups. Using a DNA microarray and comparative genomics, we show that oral toxicity is associated with toxin complex genes
tcaABC
and that this locus can be mobilized or deleted within different strains.
Cytosine Methylation by the
Sua
I Restriction-Modification System: Implications for Genetic Fidelity in a Hyperthermophilic Archaeon
Authors: Grogan Dennis W. 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

5-Methylcytosine in chromosomal DNA represents a potential source of frequent spontaneous mutation for hyperthermophiles. To determine the relevance of this threat for the archaeon
Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
, the mode of GGCC methylation by its restriction-modification system,
Sua
I, was investigated. Distinct isoschizomers of the
Sua
I endonuclease were used to probe the methylation state of GGCC in native
S. acidocaldarius
DNA. In addition, the methylation sensitivity of the
Sua
I endonuclease was determined with synthetic oligonucleotide substrates and modified natural DNAs. The results show that the
Sua
I system uses
N
4
methylation to block cleavage of its recognition site, thereby avoiding the creation of G · T mismatches by spontaneous deamination at extremely high temperature.
Methanococcus jannaschii
Coenzyme F
420
Analogs Contain a Terminal α-Linked Glutamate
Authors: Graupner Marion , White Robert H. 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

Analyses of the F
420
s present in
Methanococcus jannaschii
have shown that these cells contain a series of γ-glutamyl-linked F
420
s capped with a single, terminal α-linked
l
-glutamate. The predominant form of F
420
was designated as α-F
420
-3 and represented 86% of the F
420
s in these cells. Analyses of
Methanosarcina thermophila
,
Methanosarcina barkeri
,
Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum
,
Archaeoglobus fulgidus
, and
Mycobacterium smegmatis
showed that they contained only γ-glutamyl-linked F
420
s.
Estimates on the Green Function and Existence of Positive Solutions of Nonlinear Singular Elliptic Equations
Authors: Bachar Imed , Maâgli Habib , Zeddini Noureddine 
Published: July 2003

We establish a 3G-Theorem for the Green's function for an unbounded regular domain D in ℝn(n ≥ 3), with compact boundary. We exploit this result to introduce a new class of potentials K(D) that properly contains the classical Kato class [Formula: see text]. Next, we study the existence and the uniqueness of a positive continuous solution u in [Formula: see text] of the following nonlinear singular elliptic problem [Formula: see text] where φ is a nonnegative Borel measurable function in D × (0, ∞), that belongs to a convex cone which contains, in particular, all functions φ(x, t) = q(x)t-σ, σ ≥ 0 with q ∈ K(D). We give also some estimates on the solution u.
The Geographic Distribution of Muslim Jurists During the First Four Centuries AH
Authors: Bernards Monique , Nawas John 
Published: July 2003

Using data derived from thousands of biographical entries, we present an overview of the geographic distribution of Muslim jurists (
fuqahā
) during the first four centuries AH, i.e., from the beginning of Islam up to the date of the establishment of the Islamic college (
madrasa
) toward the end of the fourth/tenth century CE. We also examine the overall share during this period of each of the four Sunnī schools of law (
madhāhib
, sg.,
madhhab
), together with jurists who switched from one Sunnī school of law to another, as well as
fuqahā
who did not belong to a particular Sunnī
madhhab
. Our primary focus, however, is on the geographical distribution of these jurists throughout the Islamic world in this period. Some of our findings confirm earlier studies while others afford new insights.
Identity in the Margins: Unpublished Hanafi Commentaries on the Mukhtasar of Ahmad B. Muhammad Al-Quduri
Authors: Wheeler Brannon 
Published: July 2003

An examination of a number of unpublished commentaries on the
Mukhtasar fī al-fiqh al-Hanafī
of Ahmad b. Muhammad al-Qudūrī (d. 428/1037), shows that the Hanafī
madhhab
gains its authority and identity through a pedagogy focused on the conflict of opinions. Hanafī
fiqh
scholarship provides a case study of how commentary functions to define and perpetuate the institutional identity of individual scholars and the
madhhab
to which they are attached. Over time, the distinctions among the Hanafī authorities and between the Hanafī authorities and other non-Hanafī authorities were stressed and these distinctions multiplied rather than diminished. It is this conflict of opinions which seems to characterize Hanafī
fiqh
scholarship and serves as the primary means for the identification of individual scholarship and the authority of the
madhhab
as a whole. These unpublished commentaries show that being a Hanafī is not a matter of imitating earlier opinions, but rather suggest that Hanafī identity is linked to the authority of the members of the Hanafī
madhhab
who have learned to do
fiqh
through the medium of the
ikhtilāf
displayed in Hanafī textbooks.
Legal Diversity in the Age of Taqlid: the Four Chief Qadis Under the Mamluks
Authors: Rapoport Yossef 
Published: July 2003

Sultan Baybars' decision to appoint four Chief
Qādīs
, one from each of the Sunni schools of law, has long been recognized as a turning point in the history of the
madhhabs.
To date, historians have explained this decision only in political or ideological terms, paying little attention to its implications for the judicial system. Here I argue that the purpose of the new quadruple structure of the judiciary was two-fold: to create a uniform but at the same time flexible legal system. The need for predictable and stable legal rules was addressed by limiting
qādīs'
discretion and promoting
taqlīd
, i.e., adherence to established school doctrine. The establishment of Chief
Qādīs
from the four schools of law, on the other hand, allowed for flexibility and prevented the legal system from becoming too rigid. The quadruple judiciary enabled litigants, regardless of personal school affiliation, to choose from the doctrines of the four schools.
Numenian Psychology in Calcidius?
Authors: Phillips John 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe 1962 publication of J. H. Waszink's edition of Calcidius' commentary on Plato's Timaeus focussed attention on the question of Calcidius' source for a group of chapters where he presents an interpretation of Plato's account of the creation of soul. I discuss three attempts to answer this question: that of Waszink himself, who argues that the source is Porphyry who was here influenced by the Neopythagorean/Platonist Numenius, that of J. M. Van Winden, who claims Numenius as the direct source, and that of Werner Deuse, who offers reasons for excluding Numenius as either directly or indirectly responsible. I show the weakness of Deuse's critique, but then argue that neither Waszink nor Van Winden has given sufficient consideration to the possibility that Plotinus, either alone or through Porphyry as intermediary, is behind Calcidius' interpretation, where the doctrines of the unity of the soul and of a higher soul that does not descend, both characteristic of Plotinus' psychology, are prominent. However, there is an important but uniformly overlooked feature of this exegesis that rules out both Plotinus and Porphyry as possible sources. This leaves Numenius as the only serious candidate. If, then, the origin of the doctrines of the unity of the soul and of the undescended higher soul can be traced to the work of Numenius, there is the strong possibility that in his formulation of these same doctrines Plotinus was indebted to Numenius.
Competition and the Exchange of Grooming Among Female Samango Monkeys (Cercopithecus Mitis Erythrarchus)
Authors: Henzi S. Peter , Payne Hallam , Lawes Michael 
Published: July 2003

AbstractCurrent socioecological models argue that multi-female primate groups engaging in co-operative, between-group resource competition (BGC), should have egalitarian social relations that promote cohesion among group members, while those that experience strong within-group competition (WGC) should exhibit nepotistic and despotic social behaviour (van Schaik, 1989; Sterck et al., 1997). Here we investigate the idea that very slight WGC can have strong effects on social relationships, even in 'egalitarian' populations, and that individual responses to ecological conditions may vary among group members. We estimated the intensity of both BGC and WGC and used the Biological Markets model to examine their effects on female dominance and grooming distributions for a group of samango monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis erythrarchus) in a high-density, territorial population. We found high levels of territorial activity consistent with female resource defence, low levels of within-group aggression and only slight effects of contest competition on diet. Individual grooming bouts were reciprocal, with no effects of rank, demonstrating that grooming was not exchanged for feeding tolerance. However, in contrast to other C. mitis populations, female samangos maintained a consistent, linear dominance hierarchy that was reflected in the overall patterns of association and grooming, with high-ranking females receiving more grooming, and lower-ranking females were less likely to take part in territorial activity. Our results support the prediction of the current socioecological model that WGC effects on female relationships will always be greater than the cohesive effects of BGC (Wrangham, 1980; Cheney, 1992), and show that a simple 'egalitarian' description of C. mitis female relationships is insufficient.
Mating in the Kakamega Forest Blue Monkeys (Cercopithecus Mitis): Does Female Sexual Behavior Function to Manipulate Paternity Assessment?
Authors: Pazol Karen 
Published: July 2003

AbstractAlthough forest guenons and patas monkeys typically live in one-male, multi-female groups, during some breeding seasons several males enter heterosexual groups and compete for mating opportunities. The occurrence of these multi-male influxes makes it possible to compare female sexual behavior in the presence of one familiar versus multiple unfamiliar males, thus creating an ideal system for evaluating the paternity confusion hypothesis. In this study, I monitored female sexual behavior and collected fecal samples for the extraction of ovarian steroids from females in two habituated blue monkey groups (Cercopithecus mitis) over three breeding seasons. During this period, a multi-male influx occurred twice in each of the monkey groups, and a resident-male turnover took place in one group between breeding seasons. In support of the paternity confusion hypothesis, females were sexually active for periods well beyond the time surrounding ovulation, and they also mated during pregnancy and prior to the onset of ovarian cycling. Moreover, following the resident-male turnover, several females rapidly became sexually active even though they showed no sign of ovarian function. However, while females did have longer sexually active periods when multiple males were in their group, they were no more likely to mate during pregnancy or prior to the onset of ovarian cycling in influx as compared to non-influx seasons. Endocrine profiles compiled from fecal samples collected near the end of amenorrheic periods revealed that females consistently had high estrogen levels at this time, and estrogen levels are also known to rise at certain points during pregnancy. Potentially, the rise in estrogen levels at these times when females are not otherwise ready to conceive is part of an adaptive mechanism through which the likelihood of mating is increased, irrespective of the number or familiarity of males who are present. Alternatively, the increase in estrogen levels may be a side-effect of endocrine changes needed to maintain pregnancy and reactivate the reproductive system following amenorrheic periods.
Strain and Current Responses During Electron Flux Excitation of Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Hadinata Philip C. , Main John A. 
Published: July 2003

The electric field induced strain in piezoelectric materials subjected to an electron flux is examined in this paper. An analysis using quantum mechanics indicates that stable and controllable strains with very low current draw should be achievable over a range of positive and negative control potentials. The model also predicts instability in the internal electric field at larger negative potentials. The model was evaluated by observing the strain output of PZT5h plates subjected to an electron flux on one face and voltage inputs from a single electrode on the opposite face. The strain response and current flow were measured as a function of electrode potential and electron energy. All of the significant predictions of the model were verified by the experimental results. Further experiments were performed to examine the time response of the strain induced in the plate. It was found that the location and potential of the electron collector dramatically influences the dynamic response of the system.
Quasi-Static Heat Transfer in an Experimental Device with a Radial Electro-Structured Fluid Clutch
Authors: Oravsky Vladimir 
Published: July 2003

In the paper an experimental device with upper half of a radial electro-structured fluid (ESF) clutch with vertical axis (consisting of a lower stationary disc and upper rotating disc) is examined for constant speed of rotation. The narrow gap between the discs is filled with a viscous liquid, so electro-structural effect is not taken into consideration. Frictional tangential forces in the fluid generate heat which is transferred through the fluid and rotating disc (by conduction) into surrounding air (by convection). A steady state model of heat transfer for the system in question in nondimensional form is built up and solved. Several novelties in approach and solution relative to existing ones are adopted and realized (described in detail in 5 appendices). Analysis of influence of the system parameters upon results of solution is given. For some particular cases theoretical results are compared with experimental ones by means of tables and diagrams and very good agreement is pointed out.
Patient Self-Assessment of Walking Ability and Fracture Risk in Older Australian Adults
Authors: Bliuc Dana , Tran Thach , Alarkawi Dunia , Chen Weiwen , Alajlouni Dima A. , Blyth Fiona , March Lyn , Blank Robert D. , Center Jacqueline R. 
Published: January 2024

ImportanceThe relationship between self-reported walking limitation, a proxy of muscle function, and fracture risk has not been investigated.ObjectiveTo examine the association between a self-reported walking limitation of 1000 m or less and 5-year risk of fracture.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis prospective cohort study compared individuals with various degrees of walking ability limitation at 1000 m (a little limitation and a lot of limitation) and those without limitation (no limitation) accounting for age, falls, prior fractures, and weight. Participants from the ongoing population-based Sax Institute 45 and Up Study were followed from recruitment (2005-2008) for 5 years (2010-2013). Data analysis was conducted from July 2020 to September 2023.ExposureSelf-reported walking limitation.Main Outcomes and MeasuresIncident fracture and site-specific fractures (hip, vertebral, and nonhip nonvertebral [NHNV] fractures).ResultsAmong the 266 912 participants enrolled in the 45 and Up Study, 238 969 were included, with 126 015 (53%) women (mean [SD] age, 63 [11] years) and 112 954 (47%) men (mean [SD] age, 61 [11] years). Approximately 20% reported a degree of limitation in walking 1000 m or less at baseline (39 324 women [24%]; 23 191 men [21%]). During a mean (SD) follow-up of 4.1 (0.8) years, 7190 women and 4267 men experienced an incident fracture. Compared with participants who reported no walking limitations, a little limitation and a lot of limitation were associated with higher risk of fracture (a little limitation among women: hazard ratio [HR], 1.32; 95% CI, 1.23-1.41; a little limitation among men: HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.34-1.60; a lot of limitation among women: HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.49-1.71; a lot of limitation among men: HR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.86-2.22). Approximately 60% of fractures were attributable to walking limitation. The association was significant for hip, vertebral, and NHNV fracture and ranged between a 21% increase to a greater than 219% increase.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study of 238 969 participants, self-reported walking limitations were associated with increased risk of fracture. These findings suggest that walking ability should be sought by clinicians to identify high-risk candidates for further assessment.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score Remission and Low Disease Activity States Discriminate Drug From Placebo and Better Health‐Related Quality of Life
Authors: Jesus Diogo , Henriques Carla , Matos Ana , Doria Andrea , Inês Luís S. 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveOur objective was to evaluate the ability of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE‐DAS) remission and low disease activity (LDA) to discriminate active drug from placebo and to discriminate outcomes in the patients’ perspective (health‐related quality of life [HR‐QoL]) in SLE trials.MethodsThis was a post hoc analysis of the pooled Belimumab in Subjects With SLE (BLISS)‐52 (NCT00424476) and BLISS‐76 (NCT00410384) trials data. SLE‐DAS remission and LDA attainment and discrimination between belimumab and placebo at 52 weeks were compared using chi‐square tests. At week 52, 36‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue (FACIT‐F) scores were compared between patients attaining SLE‐DAS remission versus nonremission and SLE‐DAS LDA versus non‐LDA using the t‐test and Mann‐Whitney test. Mean changes from week 0 to 52 in SF‐36 and FACIT‐F scores were compared between groups using multivariate regression analysis adjusted for baseline scores.ResultsAt week 52, significantly more patients attained SLE‐DAS LDA taking belimumab 1 mg/kg (17.9% vs 13.0%; P = 0.023; odds ratio [OR] 1.459; relative risk [RR] 1.377; number needed to treat [NNT] 20.4) and 10 mg/kg (21.7% vs 13.0%; P < 0.001; OR 1.853; RR 1.668; NNT 11.5) compared with placebo. Likewise, more patients attained SLE‐DAS remission taking belimumab 10 mg/kg compared to placebo (14.7% vs 10.1%; P = 0.019; OR 1.532; RR 1.454; NNT 21.7). At week 52, patients attaining SLE‐DAS remission and LDA presented higher SF‐36 domain and summary scores (all P < 0.001) and FACIT‐F scores (both P < 0.001). Mean improvements from baseline in SF‐36 and FACIT‐F scores were significantly higher in patients achieving SLE‐DAS remission and LDA.ConclusionSLE‐DAS remission and LDA showed discriminant ability for identifying patients receiving active drug in SLE clinical trials. Attainment of these SLE‐DAS targets are associated with better HR‐QoL.
Event‐triggered adaptive output feedback regulation of a chain of integrators with an unknown time‐varying delay in the input
Authors: Oh Sang‐Young , Choi Ho‐Lim 
Published: January 2024

SummaryWe consider a global regulation problem for a chain of integrators with an unknown time‐varying input delay by event‐triggered output feedback control. We show that the considered system is globally regulated by the proposed event‐triggered output feedback controller with a dynamic gain‐scaling factor. Moreover, we show that interexecution times are lower bounded and these lower bounds can be increased with our control method. An example is given for clear illustration.
Cellular and Exosomal MicroRNAs: Emerging Clinical Relevance as Targets for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Zablon Faith Mokobi , Desai Parth , Dellinger Kristen , Aravamudhan Shyam 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBreast cancer accounts for the highest cancer cases globally, with 12% of occurrences progressing to metastatic breast cancer with a low survival rate and limited effective early intervention strategies augmented by late diagnosis. Moreover, a low concentration of prognostic and predictive markers hinders disease monitoring. Circulating and exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently shown a considerable interplay in breast cancer, standing out as effective diagnostic and prognostic markers. The primary functions are as gene regulatory agents at the genetic and epigenetic levels. An array of dysregulated miRNAs stimulates cancer‐promoting mechanisms, activating oncogenes and controlling tumor‐suppressing genes and mechanisms. Exosomes are vastly studied extracellular vesicles, carrying, and transporting cargo, including noncoding RNAs with premier roles in oncogenesis. Translocation of miRNAs from the circulation to exosomes, with RNA‐binding proteins in stress‐induced conditions, has shown significant cooperation in function to promote breast cancer. This review examines cellular and exosomal miRNA biogenesis and loading, the clinical implications of their dysregulation, their function in diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of breast cancer, and in regulating cancer signaling pathways. The influence of cellular and exosomal miRNAs presents clinical significance on breast cancer diagnosis, subtyping, staging, prediction, and disease monitoring during treatment, hence a potent marker for breast cancer.