Efficient Loop Selections Using an Energy Function Based on Bayesian Theorem

Abstractidentifying the nature loop from the loop decoys is an important problem in protein structure prediction. We develop the layer potential energy function based on Bayesian theorem which is used to test the loop decoys. The results show that the layer potential energy function is efficient for selecting nature loop structure from loop decoys. The information gained from the studies on layer potential energy function will provide valuable insights for understanding protein structure and protein design

Explaining the performance of Chinese equity funds

This paper examines the determinants of Chinese equity fund performance measured by market benchmark adjusted returns and risk adjusted return (Jensen’s Alpha). The sample covers 193 equity funds from January 2006 to December 2011, including both bear (2008 and 2011) and bull (2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010) market conditions. We use fund characteristics including size, age, and expense ratio and managerial attributes including manager structure and management education to explain fund performance. We found only expense ratios significantly influence the fund performance under all market conditions. In addition the trading cost is positively associated with fund performance under the bear market. Fund age and management structure show varying impact across bull and bear market conditions. Management education is shown to be powerless in explaining fund performance in China

The potential for reassortment between Oropouche and Schmallenberg Orthobunyaviruses

A number of viruses within the Peribunyaviridae family are naturally occurring reassortants, a common phenomenon for segmented viruses. Using a minigenome-reporter and virus-like particle (VLP) production assay, we have accessed the potential of Oropouche virus (OROV), Schmallenberg virus (SBV), and other orthobunyaviruses within the Simbu serogroup to reassort. We found that the untranslated region (UTR) in the medium segment is a potential contributing factor for reassortment by the tested viruses. We demonstrate that for promoter activity to occur it was essential that the viral RNA polymerase (L) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins were from the same virus, reinforcing the hypothesis that the large and small segments that encode these proteins segregate together during genome reassortment. Our results indicate that, given the right epidemiological setting, reassortment between SBV and OROV would potentially be feasible and could contribute to the emergence of a new Simbu virus

Guanylate-binding protein 1 participates in cellular antiviral response to dengue virus

BACKGROUND: Dengue virus (DENV), the causative agent of human Dengue hemorrhagic fever, is a mosquito-borne virus found in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. Vaccines against DENV are currently unavailable. Guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1) is one of the Interferon (IFN) stimulated genes (ISGs) and has been shown important for host immune defense against various pathogens. However, the role of GBP1 during DENV infection remains unclarified. In this study, we evaluated the relevance of GBP1 to DENV infection in in vitro model. FINDINGS: Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot showed that the expression of mouse Gbp1 was dramatically upregulated in DENV-infected RAW264.7 cells. The intracellular DENV loads were significantly higher in Gbp1 silenced cells compared with controls. The expression levels of selective anti-viral cytokines were decreased in Gbp1 siRNA treated cells, while the transcription factor activity of NF-κB was impaired upon GBP1 silencing during infection. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested that GBP1 plays an antiviral role during DENV infection