Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Cyclic AMP Receptor Protein, CRP, Is Required for Both Virulence and Expression of the Minimal CRP Regulon in Yersinia pestis Biovar microtus

ABSTRACT The cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) is a bacterial regulator that controls more than 100 promoters, including those involved in catabolite repression. In the present study, a null deletion of the crp gene was constructed for Yersinia pestis bv. microtus strain 201. Microarray expression analysis disclosed that at least 6% of Y. pestis genes were affected by this mutation. Further reverse transcription-PCR and electrophoretic mobility shift assay analyses disclosed a set of 37 genes or putative operons to be the direct targets of CRP, and thus they constitute the minimal CRP regulon in Y. pestis. Subsequent primer extension and DNase I footprinting assays mapped transcriptional start sites, core promoter elements, and CRP binding sites within the DNA regions upstream of pla and pst, revealing positive and direct control of these two laterally acquired plasmid genes by CRP. The crp disruption affected both in vitro and in vivo growth of the mutant and led to a >15,000-fold loss of virulence after subcutaneous infection but a <40-fold increase in the 50% lethal dose by intravenous inoculation. Therefore, CRP is required for the virulence of Y. pestis and, particularly, is more important for infection by subcutaneous inoculation. It can further be concluded that the reduced in vivo growth phenotype of the crp mutant should contribute, at least partially, to its attenuation of virulence by both routes of infection. Consistent with a previous study of Y. pestis bv. medievalis, lacZ reporter fusion analysis indicated that the crp deletion resulted in the almost absolute loss of pla promoter activity. The plasminogen activator encoded by pla was previously shown to specifically promote Y. pestis dissemination from peripheral infection routes (subcutaneous infection [flea bite] or inhalation). The above evidence supports the notion that in addition to the reduced in vivo growth phenotype, the defect of pla expression in the crp mutant will greatly contribute to the huge loss of virulence of this mutant strain in subcutaneous infection.
Early adolescents' temperament, emotion regulation during mother–child interactions, and depressive symptomatology

Abstract This study examined the relations among temperament, emotion regulation, and depressive symptoms in early adolescents. Early adolescents provided self-reports of temperament on two occasions, as well as reports on emotion regulation and depressive symptomatology. Furthermore, 163 of these adolescents participated in event-planning and problem-solving interactions with their mothers. Adolescents with temperaments that were high in negative emotionality or low in effortful control displayed more emotionally dysregulated behaviors during the interaction tasks, reported having maladaptive responses to negative affect more often and adaptive responses less often, and had more depressive symptoms. In particular, adolescents with the high negative emotionality and low effortful control temperament combination reported the highest levels of depressive symptomatology. Sequential analyses of family interactions indicated that adolescents with more depressive symptoms were more likely to reciprocate their mothers' negative affective behaviors. Adolescents' adaptive and maladaptive responses to negative affect mediated the associations between their temperament and concurrent depressive symptoms.
Fluorescence Imaging-Based Forward Genetic Screens to Identify Trafficking Regulators in Plants

Coordinated, subcellular trafficking of proteins is one of the fundamental properties of the multicellular eukaryotic organisms. Trafficking involves a large diversity of compartments, pathways, cargo molecules, and vesicle-sorting events. It is also crucial in regulating the localization and, thus, the activity of various proteins, but the process is still poorly genetically defined in plants. In the past, forward genetics screens had been used to determine the function of genes by searching for a specific morphological phenotype in the organism population in which mutations had been induced chemically or by irradiation. Unfortunately, these straightforward genetic screens turned out to be limited in identifying new regulators of intracellular protein transport, because mutations affecting essential trafficking pathways often lead to lethality. In addition, the use of these approaches has been restricted by functional redundancy among trafficking regulators. Screens for mutants that rely on the observation of changes in the cellular localization or dynamics of fluorescent subcellular markers enable, at least partially, to circumvent these issues. Hence, such image-based screens provide the possibility to identify either alleles with weak effects or components of the subcellular trafficking machinery that have no strong impact on the plant growth.
Effective bidding and deal identification for negotiations in highly nonlinear scenarios

Most real-world negotiation scenarios involve multiple, inter-dependent issues. These scenarios are specially challenging because the agents' utility functions are nonlinear, which makes traditional negotiation mechanisms not applicable. Even mechanisms designed and proven useful for nonlinear utility spaces may fail if the utility space is highly nonlinear. For example, simulated annealing has been used successfully in bidding based negotiations with constraint-based utility spaces to identify high utility regions in the contract space, and to send these regions as bids to a mediator. In this paper, we will show that the performance of this approach decreases drastically in highly nonlinear scenarios, and propose alternative mechanisms for the bidding process which take advantage of the constraint-based preference model. Also, we propose a probabilistic search method for the mediator to improve the scalability of the deal identification process, and an iterative, expressive negotiation protocol to give feed-back to the agents in case no deals have been found with the initial bids. The experiments show that the proposed mechanisms yield better results than the previous approach in highly nonlinear negotiation scenarios.
DIG-1, a novel giant protein, non-autonomously mediates maintenance of nervous system architecture

Dedicated mechanisms exist to maintain the architecture of an animal's nervous system after development is completed. To date, three immunoglobulin superfamily members have been implicated in this process in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans: the secreted two-Ig domain protein ZIG-4, the FGF receptor EGL-15 and the L1-like SAX-7 protein. These proteins provide crucial information for neuronal structures, such as axons, that allows them to maintain the precise position they acquired during development. Yet, how widespread this mechanism is throughout the nervous system, and what other types of factors underlie such a maintenance mechanism, remains poorly understood. Here, we describe a new maintenance gene, dig-1, that encodes a predicted giant secreted protein containing a large number of protein interaction domains. With 13,100 amino acids, the DIG-1 protein is the largest secreted protein identifiable in any genome database. dig-1 functions post-developmentally to maintain axons and cell bodies in place within axonal fascicles and ganglia. The failure to maintain axon and cell body position is accompanied by defects in basement membrane structure, as evidenced by electron microscopy analysis of dig-1 mutants. Expression pattern and mosaic analysis reveals that dig-1 is produced by muscles to maintain nervous system architecture, demonstrating that dig-1 functions non-autonomously to preserve the proper layout of neural structures. We propose that DIG-1 is a component of the basement membrane that mediates specific contacts between cellular surfaces and their environment through the interaction with a cell-type specific set of other maintenance factors.
Output Co-movement between Australia and China

Historical stylised facts show a high degree of output co-movement between Australia and the US. This has served to inform the policy response in Australia to developments in the US. However, in the 2000s, a perception has arisen in some policy circles, and even more so in the mass media, that output fluctuations in Australia increasingly reflect developments in China. This paper seeks to shed light on this view by examining the degree of output co-movement between Australia and China. The results indicate that while output co-movement has increased in recent years, it continues to lag behind that between Australia and the US. Several explanations are provided as to why output comovement between Australia and China is modest, and likely to remain so into the foreseeable future. JEL codes: E32, F15, F43
Evaluation of transport media for Campylobacter jejuni in human fecal specimens

It is not always possible to culture feces immediately, and appropriate methods for transport of human specimens, unlike those from animals, have not been fully evaluated. Therefore, we took serial subcultures in two phases from six transport media inoculated with human diarrheal stools known to be positive for Campylobacter jejuni. In phase 1, Cary-Blair medium and buffered glycerol saline did not preserve C. jejuni as well as did alkaline peptone-water (APW), modified Cary-Blair medium, thioglycolate broth (Thio), and Campy-Thio. The four best media (APW, Cary-Blair medium, Thio, and Campy-Thio) preserved 20 fecal samples with C. jejuni better at 4 degrees C (90% survival for 5 to 8 days) than at 25 degrees C (90% survival for 1.7 to 2 days). In phase 2, APW and Thio, along with four modifications of the best media in phase 1, were tested with 23 positive strains. The ranges of survival times with modified media at 25 degrees C were 1.3 to 2.2 days (90%) and 4.7 to 6.8 days (50%). APW with reducing agents preserved C. jejuni better than did APW alone, Thio plus ox bile, or Campy-Thio plus ox bile (P less than 0.05). Thio at pH 8.5 was better at preserving C. jejuni than was APW or Thio plus ox bile (P less than 0.05). If human fecal specimens cannot be refrigerated during transport or storage, we recommend the use of Thio at pH 8.5 or APW with reducing agents for preservation of C. jejuni at 25 degrees C.
A Review of the Effects of Chronic Arsenic Exposure on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

Exposure to arsenic has a number of known detrimental health effects but impact on pregnancy outcomes is not as widely recognized. This narrative review examines existing epidemiological evidence investigating the association between arsenic exposure via drinking water and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We reviewed published epidemiological studies from around the world on impact of chronic arsenic exposure on spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, neonatal death, post neonatal death, low birth weight and preterm baby. Plausible mechanisms of arsenic toxicity causing adverse pregnancy outcomes were also determined through literature review. There is convincing evidence to support the association between high inorganic arsenic exposure (>50 ppb) and spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and low birth weight. Limitations of certain studies include study design, small sample size, recall constraints and exposure assessment. There needs to be further research investigating the dose metered impact of arsenic exposure on pregnancy outcomes. Further research on impact of low–moderate arsenic concentration exposure on pregnancy outcomes will allow for appropriate public health policy recommendations.
Second-Order Consensus for Multiagent Systems With Directed Topologies and Nonlinear Dynamics

This paper considers a second-order consensus problem for multiagent systems with nonlinear dynamics and directed topologies where each agent is governed by both position and velocity consensus terms with a time-varying asymptotic velocity. To describe the system's ability for reaching consensus, a new concept about the generalized algebraic connectivity is defined for strongly connected networks and then extended to the strongly connected components of the directed network containing a spanning tree. Some sufficient conditions are derived for reaching second-order consensus in multiagent systems with nonlinear dynamics based on algebraic graph theory, matrix theory, and Lyapunov control approach. Finally, simulation examples are given to verify the theoretical analysis.
Advantages of dietary, exercise-related, and therapeutic interventions to prevent and treat sarcopenia in adult patients: an update

Sarcopenia is the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function with aging. Although the term sarcopenia was first coined in 1989, its etiology is still poorly understood. Moreover, a consensus for defining sarcopenia continues to elude us. Sarcopenic changes in the muscle include losses in muscle fiber quantity and quality, alpha-motor neurons, protein synthesis rates, and anabolic and sex hormone production. Other factors include basal metabolic rate, increased protein dietary requirements, and chronic inflammation secondary to age-related changes in cytokines and oxidative stress. These changes lead to decreased overall physical functioning, increased frailty, falls risk, and ultimately the loss of independent living. Because the intertwining relationships of these factors are complex, effective treatment options are still under investigation. The published data on sarcopenia are vast, and this review is not intended to be exhaustive. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the current knowledge of the definition, etiology, consequences, and current clinical trials that may help address this pressing public health problem for our aging populations.
Extract of Bauhinia vahlii Shows Antihyperglycemic Activity, Reverses Oxidative Stress, and Protects against Liver Damage in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Several studies have affirmed the effectiveness of some Bauhinia plants as antihyperglycemic agents. Objective: We investigated the possible effect of Bauhinia vahlii leaves extract in reducing hyperglycemia and reversing signs of organ damage associated with diabetes in streptozotocin (STZ) rat model. Materials and Methods: Both polar fraction of the B. vahlii leaves (defatted ethanolic extract [DEE]) and nonpolar fraction (n-hexane extract) were evaluated in vitro for α-glucosidase inhibition and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging potential. DEE was selected for further in vivo studies and was administered at two doses, i.e., 150 or 300 mg/kg to STZ-diabetic rats for 4 weeks. Results: Only DEE exhibited in vitro antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities and its oral administration at both dose levels resulted in significant reduction in fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin. Furthermore, signs of oxidative stress as indicated by hepatic reduced glutathione, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde levels were completely reversed. In addition, histopathological examination and measurement of serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels showed that DEE protected the liver from signs of liver pathogenesis when compared to diabetic untreated animals and those treated with metformin. Phytochemical analysis of DEE showed high flavonoids content with quercitrin as the major constituent along with other quercetin glycosides. Conclusion: This study strongly highlights the possible beneficial effect of B. vahlii leaves extract in relieving hyperglycemia and liver damage in STZ-diabetic rats and recommends further investigation of the value of quercetin derivatives in controlling diabetes and ameliorating liver damage associated with it. Abbreviations used: ALT: Alanine transaminase, AST: Aspartate transaminase, DEE: Defatted ethanol extract, DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, FBG: Fasting blood glucose, GAE: Gallic acid equivalent, GSH: Reduced glutathione, Hb1Ac: Glycated hemoglobin, HE: Hexane extract MDA: Malondialdehyde, QE: Quercetin equivalent, STZ: Streptozotocin, TAC: Total antioxidant capacity.
TCP in mixed Internet and geo-satellite environments: experiences and results

Experiments in real satellite testbeds are relatively rare in practice. In this paper, we are going to share our experience on using one, and comment on selected sets of results that we've conducted in such mixed Internet and GEO-Satellite environment. The selected material includes: characterization of an induced error-prone satellite channel; results from an optimized non-congestion losses aware TCP (TCP Westwood) and its superior performance compared to TCP NewReno on such error prone scenario. Other results of how implementation details can adversely affect the expected performance, like the congestion window inflation issue and, finally, the state-of-the-art performance enhancement proxies (PEPs) through the satellite. Our main goal is not only to present such novel results but also describe the complex testbed deployment, methodology and the lessons that we learned by performing these experiments
Parental care of a cowbird host: caught between the costs of egg–removal and nest predation

Avian brood parasites reduce host fitness through the addition of parasitic eggs and the removal of host eggs. Both parasitic egg–addition and host egg–removal may be important sources of selection on host behaviour, creating fitness trade-offs with selection imposed by nest predation. However, the relative costs hosts suffer from egg-addition and host egg–removal and the responses to these costs are largely unstudied. Through experimental manipulations and observations, we demonstrate that increased nest attentiveness by female yellow warblers (Dendroica petechia) reduces the cost of brood parasitism by reducing egg–removal by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater). However, female attentiveness does not reduce the addition of parasitic eggs. Experimentally parasitized females respond to the threat of egg–removal by increasing nest attentiveness. Increased attentiveness, however, reduces time for females to gather food and requires males to visit the nest more often to feed incubating females. This increased activity in turn increases the risk of nest predation. Thus, brood parasitism (specifically egg–removal) and nest predation produce conflicting selection on incubation strategies, as parasitized hosts are caught between the costs of egg–removal by brood parasites, and the costs of increased nest predation if the female spends more time on the nest to reduce egg–removal.
Can the early bird catch the worm? Effects of early rising on leukocyte subsets via modification of autonomic nervous system and the effect on glucose levels

The importance of sleep has been described in proverbs such as “the early bird catches the worm”. However, there are few scientific reports on the effects of early rising. Therefore, early risers (Group E) and late risers (Group L) were compared and the number and ratio of leukocytes, body temperature, glucose and its associated hormones were studied. Furthermore, each group was divided into two groups by the duration of sleep and the following four groups were compared: early risers with short sleep (Group E-S); early risers with long sleep (Group E-L); late risers with short sleep (Group L-S); and late risers with long sleep (Group L-L). Then, compared with Group L, Group E showed lower numbers and ratio of granulocytes and a higher ratio of lymphocytes showing parasympathetic nerve dominance. Group E showed higher levels of glucose and its related hormones than Group L, indicating sympathetic nerve dominance. Compared with Groups E-S and L-S, Groups E-L and L-L showed lower glucose and cortisol levels, respectively. These results indicated that early rising might affect leukocyte subsets, and adequate duration of sleep could decrease levels of glucose via modification of the autonomic nervous system.
Cold dust in the giant barred galaxy NGC 1365

Constraining the physcial properties of dust requires observations at submm wavelengths. This will provide important insight into the gas content of galaxies. We mapped NGC 1365 at 870 μm with LABOCA, the Large APEX Bolometer Camera, allowing us to probe the central mass concentration as well as the rate at which the gas flows to the center. We obtained the dust physical properties both globally and locally for different locations in the galaxy. A 20 K modified black body represents about 98% of the total dust content of the galaxy, the rest can be represented by a warmer dust component of 40 K. The bar exhibits an east-west asymmetry in the dust distribution: The eastern bar is heavier than the western bar by more than a factor of 4. Integrating the dust spectral energy distribution, we derived a total infrared luminosity, L_(TIR), of 9.8 × 10^(10) L⊙, leading to a dust-enshrouded star formation rate of SFRTIR ≃ 16.7 M⊙ yr^(-1) in NGC 1365. We derived the gas mass from the measurements of the dust emission, resulting in a CO-to-H_2 conversion factor of X_(CO) ≃ 1.2 × 10^(20) mol cm^(-2) (K km s^(-1))^(-1) in the central disk, including the bar. Taking into account the metallicity variation, the central gas mass concentration is only ≃20% at R < 40″ (3.6 kpc). On the other hand, the timescale on which the gas flows into the center, ≃300 Myr, is relatively short. This indicates that the current central mass in NGC 1365 is evolving fast because of the strong bar.
Detection of Low Auto Correlation Binary Sequences using Meta Heuristic Approach

This paper describes the method that constructs low autocorrelation binary sequences (LABS) which have applications in various engineering domains. We use a metaheuristic search approach employing local search method known as Tabu Search, which solves mathematical optimization problems. Our paper is an extension to the existing one [1]. We were able to achieve new optimal solutions with our improved algorithm (especially for instances greater than 60 and less than 101) to that of the previous method [1]. Instead of finding optimal solutions for odd skewsymmetric instances we found the optimal solutions for all the instances. We have conducted experiments over a large number of sequences thoroughly, for multiple times to ensure the results.