Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protein Repair l-Isoaspartyl Methyltransferase1 Is Involved in Both Seed Longevity and Germination Vigor in Arabidopsis[W]

The formation of abnormal amino acid residues is a major source of spontaneous age-related protein damage in cells. The protein l-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT) combats protein misfolding resulting from l-isoaspartyl formation by catalyzing the conversion of abnormal l-isoaspartyl residues to their normal l-aspartyl forms. In this way, the PIMT repair enzyme system contributes to longevity and survival in bacterial and animal kingdoms. Despite the discovery of PIMT activity in plants two decades ago, the role of this enzyme during plant stress adaptation and in seed longevity remains undefined. In this work, we have isolated Arabidopsis thaliana lines exhibiting altered expression of PIMT1, one of the two genes encoding the PIMT enzyme in Arabidopsis. PIMT1 overaccumulation reduced the accumulation of l-isoaspartyl residues in seed proteins and increased both seed longevity and germination vigor. Conversely, reduced PIMT1 accumulation was associated with an increase in the accumulation of l-isoaspartyl residues in the proteome of freshly harvested dry mature seeds, thus leading to heightened sensitivity to aging treatments and loss of seed vigor under stressful germination conditions. These data implicate PIMT1 as a major endogenous factor that limits abnormal l-isoaspartyl accumulation in seed proteins, thereby improving seed traits such as longevity and vigor. The PIMT repair pathway likely works in concert with other anti-aging pathways to actively eliminate deleterious protein products, thus enabling successful seedling establishment and strengthening plant proliferation in natural environments.
High-Order Sliding-Mode Control of Variable-Speed Wind Turbines

This paper deals with the power generation control in variable-speed wind turbines. These systems have two operation regions which depend on wind turbine tip speed ratio. A high-order sliding-mode control strategy is then proposed to ensure stability in both operation regions and to impose the ideal feedback control solution in spite of model uncertainties. This control strategy presents attractive features such as robustness to parametric uncertainties of the turbine. The proposed sliding-mode control approach has been validated on a 1.5-MW three-blade wind turbine using the national renewable energy laboratory wind turbine simulator FAST (Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence) code. Validation results show that the proposed control strategy is effective in terms of power regulation. Moreover, the sliding-mode approach is arranged so as to produce no chattering in the generated torque that could lead to increased mechanical stress because of strong torque variations.
The S.ma.I2 class C group II intron inserts at integron attC sites.

We previously found the class C S.ma. I2 group II (GII) intron in Serratia marcescens SCH909 inserted into the variable region of a class 1 integron within the attC site of the ant(2'')-Ia gene cassette. Here, we demonstrate that this ant(2'')-Ia : : S.ma. I2 gene cassette is a recombinationally active element despite the presence of the S.ma. I2 intron. In addition, S.ma. I2 is an active GII intron capable of performing self-splicing and invading specific target sites. Intron homing to a DNA target site is RecA-independent and recognizes the intron binding site (IBS)1 and IBS3 regions, formed by the 5' TTGTT 3' consensus sequence located within the inverse core site of attC integrons. Our results also indicate that the process for S.ma. I2 intron mobilization involves a secondary structure provided by the folding of the complete attC site. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis of the class C GII introns showed a clear divergent clade formed by introns that insert within specific sites usually associated with lateral gene transfer.
Responses to excitatory amino acids of Purkinje cells' and neurones of the deep nuclei in cerebellar slice cultures.

1. The actions of the endogenous excitatory amino acids (EAAS) glutamate (Glu), aspartate (Asp) and homocysteate (HCA) on Purkinje cells and neurones of the deep nuclei in cerebellar slice cultures were investigated using intracellular recordings in the single‐electrode voltage‐clamp mode and the whole‐cell configuration of the patch‐clamp technique. 2. Purkinje cells and neurones of deep cerebellar nuclei were identified according to their localization in the living cultures, their morphology as revealed by intracellular injections of Lucifer Yellow and their immunoreactivity to antibodies to the 28 kDa Ca2(+)‐binding protein. 3. When Purkinje cells were voltage‐clamped near their resting membrane potential in a TTX‐containing salt solution, Glu, Asp and HCA induced inward currents which were abolished by 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroxaline‐2,3‐dione (CNQX), a selective antagonist of the non‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) subtype of EAA receptors. The selective antagonist of NMDA receptors, D‐(‐)‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid (D‐APV), was ineffective in blocking the responses induced by these three amino acids. NMDA, even at high concentrations and in magnesium‐free bathing solution, had no detectable effect on membrane properties of Purkinje cells grown in culture during 11‐34 days. 4. In magnesium‐containing saline, the amplitude of the responses induced by Glu, Asp and HCA was a linear function of the membrane potential. 5. In contrast, neurones of the deep cerebellar nuclei were responsive to NMDA and the inward currents induced by Glu, Asp and HCA were partially blocked both by CNQX and by D‐APV. 6. In magnesium‐containing saline, the amplitude of the currents induced by NMDA as well as by the three endogenous EAAs decreased at hyperpolarizing holding potentials whereas the current‐voltage relation of the responses induced by quisqualate (QA) was strictly linear. 7. It is concluded that Purkinje cells in cerebellar slice cultures do not express NMDA receptors and that excitation of these neurones by the endogenous amino acids Glu, Asp and HCA is mediated exclusively through the activation of non‐NMDA receptors. In the same preparation, neurones of the deep cerebellar nuclei possess NMDA and non‐NMDA receptors which can be both activated by the three endogenous excitatory amino acids.
Children’s and Adults’ Perceptions of Elementary School Physical Education

This article offers a brief review of research that has examined the perceptions of physical education held by 2 groups: (1) adults (including parents, teachers, and school administrators), and (2) children and adolescents. Most surveys of adults reveal generally positive perceptions of physical education, as well as the corollary belief that the subject should be part of the school curriculum. The views of classroom teachers and school administrators, however, are more complex and less uniformly positive—particularly when questions are posed about the distribution of instructional time. In contrast, the perceptions of children appear to be shaped by 3 factors: (1) the nature of the content and pedagogy provided, (2) gender, and (3) motor ability. Despite the relative scarcity of research on the topic, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the perceptions formed through children’s encounters with physical education may serve as precursors of adult dispositions toward physically active lifestyles.
Microgenetic analysis of first steps in children's acquisition of expertise on shorebirds.

A microgenetic analysis of the earliest steps in acquiring beginning levels of expertise on shorebirds was conducted. In Experiment 1, 16 5-year-old girls were given information about the names and attributes of 14 shorebirds during 4 sessions. Knowledge of names and attributes increased over time, and production of attributes surpassed production of names. Discrepancies between results from direct and indirect tests of attribute knowledge suggested a transitional period in the early development of expertise. Experiment 2 involved a case analysis of a 4-year-old boy who was an expert on other kinds of birds. Both experiments revealed the importance of individual characteristics to rate of expertise acquisition: Children with higher levels of general intelligence and greater levels of domain-related knowledge acquire expertise faster
Posthypoxic treatment with MK‐801 reduces hypoxic‐ischemic damage in the neonatal rat

We evaluated the neuroprotective effect of MK-801, a noncompetitive, selective N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, in a neonatal hypoxic-ischemic animal model. Seven-day-old rats underwent bilateral ligation of the carotid arteries followed by exposure to an 8% oxygen atmosphere for 1 hr. We sacrificed the animals 72 hrs later and assessed the hypoxic-ischemic brain damage histologically. MK-801 (10 mg/kg), administered IP 0.5 hr before the hypoxia, completely prevented hypoxic-ischemic infarction in cerebral cortex, while treatment immediately and 1 hr after the end of the hypoxia resulted in 76% and 52% reduction in the infarcted area, respectively. MK-801, given 0.5 hr before and immediately after the insult, reduced striatal damage and, given 0.5 hr before, attenuated neuronal necrosis in hippocampal regions. These results show that in neonates MK-801 is neuroprotective even when administered up to 1 hr after the end of a hypoxic-ischemic insult.
Humor appreciation and latency of comprehension

Abstract The relation between humor appreciation and comprehension difficulty has been described as an inverted U function. That is, when a joke is too easy or too hard to understand it will be less funny than a joke of intermediate difficulty. Humor appreciation might, however, be a kind of expert skill. Then the easier it is to get a joke for the experienced language user the funnier the joke will be. Two experiments found the relation between the latency of recognizing a message as a joke and the funniness of that joke to be primarily negative and linear. There was no evidence of an inverted U with this material. Funnier material was reacted to more quickly than less funny material providing some evidence for the expert skill hypothesis. Some jokes congruent with male gender stereotypes, however, resulted in higher humor ratings by females but did not affect recognition latency. This finding suggests the possibility of an implicit structural and a more explicit content factor in humor appreciation.
Early Socialization Contexts and Social Experiences of Infants in Rural and Urban Gujarat, India

In this study, the early social experiences of infants from a rural, traditionally agricultural community are compared with those of urban infants of the same region. Using spot observations, infants'daily social experiences were assessed when they were about 3 months of age. Based on overarching sociocultural orientations, the authors expected rural and urban caregivers to provide their infants with the same amount of body contact, kissing, and body stimulation. Based on different educational profiles of the caregivers, less eyetoeye contact, exclusive attention, and object stimulation by rural compared to urban caregivers were expected. Differences between mothers and other caregivers in their interaction with the infant and during distress and nondistress waking states of the infant were explored. The results confirmed their expectations partially. Urban infants experienced more eye-to-eye contact and more exclusive attention but also more body contact. There were no differences in kissing, body stimulation, and object stimulation.
Crustal thickness and Moho sharpness beneath the Midcontinent rift from receiver functions

The Mesoproterozoic Midcontinent rift (MCR) in the central US is an approximately 2000 km long, 100 km wide structure from Kansas to Michigan. During the 20-40 million years of rifting, a thick (up to 20 km) layer of basaltic lava was deposited in the rift valleys. Quantifying the effects of the rifting and associated volcanic eruptions on the structure and composition of the crust and mantle beneath the MCR is important for the understanding of the evolution of continental lithosphere. In this study we measure the crustal thickness (H), and the sharpness of the Moho (R) at about 24 portable and permanent stations in Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota by stacking Pto- S converted waves (PmS) and their multiples (PPmS and PSmS). Under the assumption that the crustal mean velocity in the study area is the same as the IASP91 earth model, we find a significantly thickened crust beneath the MCR of about 53 km. The crustal V p /V s ratios increases from about 1.80 off rift to as large as 1.95 within the rift, which corresponds to an increase of Poisson’s ratio from 0.28 to 0.32, suggesting a more mafic crust beneath the MCR. The R measurements are spatially variable and are relatively small in the vicinity of the MCR, indicating the disturbance of the original sharp Moho by the rifting and magmatic intrusion and volcanic eruption.
Influence of the modulation method on the conduction and switching losses of a PWM converter system

The dependency of the conduction losses of a bridge leg of a PWM power converter system with a high pulse rate on the shape of the phase modulation functions is explored. This is done for modulation methods which are optimized with respect to minimum harmonic current RMS values. The results are compared to the results gained for simple sinusoidal modulation. Besides the conduction losses, the switching losses of the electric valves are calculated. Deviations from the classical sinusoidal modulation are only obtained for modulation methods for which the output voltage is formed by a cyclic change via only two active and a third nonswitching bridge leg. As the calculations show, these modulation methods allow a significant increase of the effective switching frequency. This effect is dependent on the phase angle between the fundamental of the converter output phase voltage and the converter output phase current; for this comparison, equal switching losses, as for the simple sinusoidal modulation, are assumed. <<ETX>>
Patterns of tropomyosin and troponin-T isoform expression in jaw-closing muscles of mammals and reptiles that express masticatory myosin

SUMMARY We recently reported that masticatory (‘superfast’) myosin is expressed in jaw-closing muscles of some rodent species. Most mammalian limb muscle fibers express tropomyosin-β (Tm-β), along with fast-type or slow-type tropomyosin-β (Tm-β), but jaw-closing muscle fibers in members of Carnivora express a unique isoform of Tm [Tm-masticatory (Tm-M)] and little or no Tm-β. The goal of this study was to determine patterns of Tm and troponin-T (TnT) isoform expression in the jaw-closing muscles of rodents and other vertebrate species that express masticatory myosin, and compare the results to those from members of Carnivora. Comparisons of electrophoretic mobility, immunoblotting and mass spectrometry were used to probe the Tm and fast-type TnT isoform composition of jaw-closing and limb muscles of six species of Carnivora, eight species of Rodentia, five species of Marsupialia, big brown bat, long-tailed macaque and six species of Reptilia. Extensive heterogeneity exists in Tm and TnT isoform expression in jaw-closing muscles between phylogenetic groups, but there are fairly consistent patterns within each group. We propose that the differences in Tm and TnT isoform expression patterns between phylogenetic groups, which share the expression of masticatory myosin, may impart fundamental differences in thin-filament-mediated muscle activation to accommodate markedly different feeding styles that may require high force generation in some species (e.g. many members of Carnivora) and high speed in others (e.g. Rodentia).
A Win-Win Paradigm for Quality of Work Life and Business Performance. [and] Invited Reaction: Comments on Lau and May's Study.

This study develops and tests hypotheses to examine empirically how the perceived image of a company's quality of work life will affect its market and financial performances. Growth and profitability of two groups of publicly held companies were compared based on sales growth, asset growth, return on equity, and return on assets. The first group consisted of fifty-eight companies identified as the best companies to work for in the United States; the second group consisted of eighty-eight of Standard and Poor's top one hundred companies. Statistical evidence found in this study supports a paradigm that aligns the interests of the investor, manager, and employee stakeholders into a win-win situation. Findings from this empirical study suggest that companies with high quality of work life can also enjoy exceptional growth and profitability.
Ca2+/Calmodulin‐Mediated Regulation of Agonist‐Induced Sequestration of Gq Protein‐Coupled Histamine H1 Receptors in Human U373 MG Astrocytoma Cells

Abstract: We investigated the regulation by intracellular Ca2+ of agonist‐induced sequestration of Gq protein‐coupled histamine H1 receptors in human U373 MG astrocytoma cells. Histamine‐induced sequestration of H1 receptors from the cell surface membrane was detected as the loss of [3H]mepyramine binding sites on intact cells accessible to the hydrophilic H1‐receptor antagonist pirdonium. The changes in the pirdonium‐sensitive binding of [3H]mepyramine were mirrored by changes in the subcellular distribution of H1 receptors detected by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The histamine‐induced sequestration of H1 receptors did not occur in hypertonic medium, in which clathrin‐mediated endocytosis is known to be inhibited, but was significantly accelerated in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ or in the presence of the calmodulin antagonists W‐7 and calmidazolium. Inhibitors of protein kinase C (H‐7 and GF109203X), Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (KN‐62), or protein phosphatase 2B (FK506) did not alter the time course of H1‐receptor sequestration. These results provide the first evidence that agonist‐induced, clathrin‐mediated sequestration of Gq protein‐coupled receptors is transiently inhibited by Ca2+/calmodulin, with the result that receptors remain on the cell surface membrane during the early stage of agonist stimulation.
The Distinctiveness Principle: Identity, Meaning, and the Bounds of Cultural Relativity

Extending theories of distinctiveness motivation in identity (Breakwell, 1987; Brewer, 1991; Snyder & Fromkin, 1980), we discuss the precise role of distinctiveness in identity processes and the cross-cultural generality of the distinctiveness principle. We argue that (a) within Western cultures, distinctiveness is necessaryfor the construction of meaning within identity, and (b) the distinctiveness principle is not incompatible with non-Western cultural systems. We propose a distinction among three sources of distinctiveness: position, difference, and separateness, with different implications for identity and behavior. These sources coexist within cultures, on both individual and group levels of selfrepresentation, but they may be emphasized differently according to culture and context.
Six Functions of Conducting

This article poses six functions of conducting as a new foundation for music educators. Two traditional functions focus on music: the mechanical precision function indicates beat, tempo, meter, rhythm, cues, entrances and cutoff releases, and the expressive function indicates dynamics and other expressive characteristics interpreted in a score. Used to a lesser degree, yet representing distinct camps or schools of thought in the field, are functions that focus on musicians. Gestures that draw musicians into an intense mental and visual connection with the conductor serve a motivational function. Gestures that mimic and guide performance on specific instruments serve a physical technique function. Smaller, circular, or rising motions serve an unrestrained tone function that unites an ensemble in a self-reliant tempo and tone. Sharing the intention of planned gestures, teaching musicians to conduct, and drawing gestures from musicians’ familiar experiences serve a psychosocial function. This multifunctional view of conducting draws attention beyond the act of delivering gestures to how an ensemble receives and responds to gestures. It is educationally better rounded, providing a more complete foundation for music educators.
Sample designs and sampling methods for the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Studies (CPES)

This paper provides an overview of the probability sample designs and sampling methods for the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Studies (CPES): the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS‐R), the National Study of American Life (NSAL) and the National Latino and Asian American Study of Mental Health (NLAAS). The multi‐stage sample design and respondent selection procedures used in these three studies are based on the University of Michigan Survey Research Center's National Sample designs and operations. The paper begins with a general overview of these designs and procedures and then turns to a more detailed discussion of the adaptation of these general methods to the three specific study designs. The detailed discussions of the individual study samples focus on design characteristics and outcomes that are important to analysts of the CPES data sets and to researchers and statisticians who are planning future studies. The paper describes how the expected survey cost and error structure for each of these surveys influenced the original design of the samples and how actual field experience led to changes and adaptations to arrive at the final samples of each survey population. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Isolation and Characterization of “Terrein” an Antimicrobial and Antitumor Compound from Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus terreus (JAS-2) Associated from Achyranthus aspera Varanasi, India

The present study aimed at characterizing biological potentials of endophyte Aspergillus terreus JAS-2 isolated from Achyranthus aspera. Crude extracted from endophytic fungus JAS-2 was purified and chemically characterized by chromatographic and spectroscopic studies respectively. Spectral assignment of NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) data, 1H proton and 13C carbon analysis along with FTIR data elucidated the structure of compound as 4,5-Dihydroxy-3-(1-propenyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one. After purification and identification a set of experiment was conducted to explore efficacy of compound. Results revealed that on accessing the antifungal activity of compound, growth diameter of tested phytopathogenic fungi was reduced to 50% at higher concentration taken (10 μgμl−1). Compound exhibited in-vitro bacterial cell inhibition at 20 μgml−1 concentration along with moderate antioxidant behavior. Evaluation of anticancer activity against human lung cancer cell line (A-549) exhibited its IC50 value to be 121.9 ± 4.821 μgml−1. Further cell cycle phase distribution were analyzed on the basis of DNA content and evaluated by FACS (Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting) and it was revealed that at 150 μgml−1 of compound maximum cells were found in sub G1 phase which represents apoptotic dead cells. Terrein (4, 5-Dihydroxy-3-(1-propenyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one) a multi-potential was isolated from endophytic fungus JAS-2, from well recognized medicinal herb A. aspera. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report of “Terrein” from endophytic derived fungus. This compound had also exhibited anticancer and antifungal activity against human lung cancer cell line A-549 and Bipolaris sorokiniana respectively which is causal organism of many plants disease. Hence endophytes are serving as alternative sources of drug molecules.