Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Nickel-Cobalt-sensing ArsR-SmtB Family Repressor

NmtR from Mycobacterium tuberculosisis a new member of the ArsR-SmtB family of metal sensor transcriptional repressors. NmtR binds to the operator-promoter of a gene encoding a P1 type ATPase (NmtA), repressing transcription in vivo except in medium supplemented with nickel or, to some extent, cobalt. In a cyanobacterial host, Synechococcus PCC 7942 strain R2-PIM8(smt), NmtR-mediated repression is alleviated by cobalt but not nickel or zinc addition, while the related sensor SmtB responds exclusively to zinc. Quantification of the number of atoms of nickel per cell shows that NmtR nickel sensitivity correlates with cytosolic nickel contents. Differential metal discrimination in a common cytosol by SmtB (zinc) and NmtR (cobalt) is not simply explained by affinities at equilibrium; although NmtR does bind nickel substantially more tightly than SmtB, it has a higher affinity for zinc than for cobalt and binds cobalt more weakly than SmtB. SmtB is known to bind and sense zinc at interhelical four-coordinate, tetrahedral sites across the C-terminal α5 helices, while absorption spectroscopy of Co(II)- and Ni(II)-substituted NmtR reveals five- and six-coordinate metal complexes. Site-directed mutagenesis identifies six potential cobalt/nickel ligands that are obligatory for inducer recognition but not repression by NmtR, four of which (Asp91, His93, His104, His107) align with α5 ligands of SmtB with two additional His provided by a carboxyl-terminal “extension” (designated α5C). Gel retardation assays reveal that zinc does not allosterically regulate NmtR-DNA binding at concentrations where lower affinity cobalt does. These data suggest that two additional ligands form hexacoordinate metal complexes and are crucial for driving allosteric regulation of DNA binding by NmtR, thereby allowing NmtR to preferentially sense metals that favor higher coordination numbers relative to SmtB.
Understanding Urban Adolescent Mothers' Visions of the Future in Terms of Possible Selves

ABSTRACT As part of a larger study of factors influencing the educational and occupational achievement of adolescent mothers, this study explored the phenomenology of pregnant and parenting teens' aspirations and expectations using the construct, “possible selves. ” Focus group discussions, autobiographical projects, and self-report surveys revealed that African American pregnant and parenting youth develop self-representations related to future achievement in the context of interactions with neighborhoods, health care systems, and adult support figures. Results related to teens' “ideal selves,” “feared selves,” and “who they might become” are presented.
Governing Human Rights and Roma Inclusion: Can the EU be a Catalyst for Local Social Change?

In this article we analyze an important development of policymaking in the European Union (EU) on the Roma, which has evolved in the context of the EU’s growing concern for human rights and Roma inclusion. The human rights focused approach on Roma was initially used by the European Union in the context of the EU’s enlargement process; since 2007, it has informed the EU’s internal policies on Roma. In addition, since 2007 the EU has made use of more broadly defined strategies of fostering social inclusion. Against the backdrop of a case study in the Czech Republic, the article explores the possible impact in the field and suggests some critical ways forward.
Bitwise optimised CAM for network intrusion detection systems

String pattern matching is a computationally expensive task, and when implemented in hardware, it can consume a large amount of resources for processing and storage. This paper presents a novel technique, based on a tree-based content addressable memory structure, for a pattern matching engine for use in a hardware-based network intrusion detection system. This technique involves hardware sharing at bit level in order to exploit powerful logic optimisations for multiple strings represented as a boolean expression. Our approach has been used to implement the entire SNORT rule set with around 12% of the area on a Xilinx XC2V80O0 FPGA. The design can run at a rate of approximately 2.5 Gigabits per second, and is approximately 30% smaller in area when compared with published results. The performance of our design can be improved further by having multiple designs operating in parallel.
Mossy fiber sprouting in the dentate gyrus

Aberrant sprouting of granule cell axons is a common feature in temporal lobe epilepsy. An increasingly detailed picture of granule cell circuit changes has emerged, but the cause–effect relationship between mossy fiber sprouting and epileptogenesis remains unclear. Recent progress in suppressing mossy fiber sprouting might help address its functional consequences. For an expanded treatment of this topic see Jasper’s Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies, Fourth Edition (Noebels JL, Avoli M, Rogawski MA, Olsen RW, Delgado‐Escueta AV, eds) published by Oxford University Press (available on the National Library of Medicine Bookshelf [NCBI] at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books).
Using Neural Networks for Descriptive Statistical Analysis of Educational Data.

Methodological issues of using a class of neural networks called Mixture Density Networks (MDN) for discriminant analysis are discussed. MDN models have the advantage of having a rigorous probabilistic interpretation, and they have proven to be a viable alternative as a classification procedure in discrete domains. Both classification and interpretive aspects of discriminant analysis are discussed, and the approach is compared to the traditional method of linear discriminants as implemented in standard statistical packages. It is shown that the MDN approach performs well for both aspects. Many of the observations made are not restricted to the particular cases at hand, and are applicable to most applications of discriminant analysis in educational research. (Contains 31 references.) (Author/SLD) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ********************************************************************************
Knowledge and Perception of Sexuality Education among Students of a Rural Secondary School in Kwara State, Nigeria

Sexuality education is a life long process of acquiring information and forming attitudes, beliefs and values about gender towards building a strong foundation for sexual health. All theories of adolescent development give sexuality a central role in negotiating the transition from child to adult. Sexuality education takes place on a daily basis in homes, schools, faith-based institutions, and through the media. This research work was thus carried out among students of a rural secondary school to determine knowledge and perception of sexuality education with the aim to identifying the problems and recommend effective strategies for efficient sexuality behavioural and life style needed to mature into sexually healthy adults. One hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed to randomly selected students of JSS 1 to SS3. A total of One hundred and thirteen questionnaires were returned representing a response of 75.3%. Awareness of sexuality education was high (72.3%) among the respondents though through informal strategy. Many of the respondents would therefore like a formal programme included in the post primary schools curriculum. This study demonstrated that 70% of the respondent aged between 10-18 years had never discussed about sex with their parents. This observation was more among the SSS2 (36.5%) and JSS1 (92.3%) respondents. However, 54.5% of the older respondents aged above 18 years had discussed about sex with their parents. This was done more by the respondents in the SSS 2 class (63.5%). All respondents agreed that sexuality education be introduced and made compulsory in schools. The study recommends the introduction of sexuality education into the secondary school curricula, immediate training and re- training of specialised skilful personnel for the teaching of sexuality education in Nigeria, sexual education should be made a compulsory subject, and mass mobilisation of parents towards home sexuality education. Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 52 (3) 2007: pp. 55-59
A Cation-π Interaction in the Binding Site of the Glycine Receptor Is Mediated by a Phenylalanine Residue

Cys-loop receptor binding sites characteristically contain many aromatic amino acids. In nicotinic ACh and 5-HT3 receptors, a Trp residue forms a cation-π interaction with the agonist, whereas in GABAA receptors, a Tyr performs this role. The glycine receptor binding site, however, contains predominantly Phe residues. Homology models suggest that two of these Phe side chains, Phe159 and Phe207, and possibly a third, Phe63, are positioned such that they could contribute to a cation-π interaction with the primary amine of glycine. Here, we test this hypothesis by incorporation of a series of fluorinated Phe derivatives using unnatural amino acid mutagenesis. The data reveal a clear correlation between the glycine EC50 value and the cation-π binding ability of the fluorinated Phe derivatives at position 159, but not at positions 207 or 63, indicating a single cation-π interaction between glycine and Phe159. The data thus provide an anchor point for locating glycine in its binding site, and demonstrate for the first time a cation-π interaction between Phe and a neurotransmitter.
Imaginary companions, theory of mind and emotion understanding in young children

ABSTRACT The phenomenon of imaginary companions (ICs) has received little attention in developmental psychology, even though it can be observed in approximately 25% of preschool-aged children. Only a few studies have investigated the effect of ICs on children's theory of mind and emotion understanding, and the results are partial or inconsistent. This study used comprehensive measures to assess emotional understanding and theory of mind in children aged four to six with ICs (N = 24) and compared their performance to that of children without ICs (N = 24). Results showed that children with ICs, regardless of age and gender, have a better theory of mind and emotion understanding than children without ICs. The greatest impact of ICs was on girls' emotion understanding. The results are discussed in relation to gender differences.
Art Moods and Human Moods in Narrative Cinema

This essay examines the usefulness of the concept of mood in studying the emotional impact of narrative cinema, arguing that moods are a neglected but important aspect of affect in cinema. It provides a broad overview of various approaches taken toward the study of affect and settles on a cognitive approach. Moods are defined as the affective character of a film, an expression of emotion and point of view, but also capable of eliciting affect in the viewer. The essay goes on to examine the most important aesthetic and cognitive implications of mood in cinema, providing many examples of how moods function in specific films.
A Public Health Modeling Based Approach to Information Security Quantification

Title of dissertation: A PUBLIC HEALTH MODELING BASED APPROACH TO INFORMATION SECURITY QUANTIFICATION Edward M. Condon, Doctor of Philosophy, 2015 Dissertation directed by: Professor Michel Cukier Reliability Engineering Program Modeling the occurrence of computer security incidents within a defined population of computers can be used to help understand some of factors contributing to risk and transmission of these incidents among the population. A better understanding of these factors can be used to determine appropriate intervention actions that can be applied to the population, which may also be evaluated through the application of models. Explanatory models attempt to include and account for various primary factors that affect the occurrence of computer security incidents. Models based on observed security incidents may also be used to evaluate interventions even when explanatory models may not exist or may be difficult to formulate or express for a particular incident type. Forecasting models can be used to project the occurrence of incidents in the future and these projections can be compared to actual observations before and after interventions are applied. The following aspects of modeling computer security incidents are explored: (1) the presentation and discussion of adapting some commonly used infectious disease models for modeling the spread of some types of computer security incidents along with applicable intervention actions; (2) an illustration of how these types of models could be applied to making resource allocation decisions regarding intervention efforts; (3) the presentation and comparison of models that can be used for tracking/forecasting security incidents and monitoring the impact of interventions; (4) the presentation of a method for estimating model features and parameter distributions from observed data; and (5) the exploration of some population characteristics and models for evaluating where to focus or target intervention actions. When resources for responding to or preventing computer security incidents are limited or constrained, the ability to accurately model and evaluate intervention actions can be a useful tool for making the most of these resources. A PUBLIC HEALTH MODELING BASED APPROACH TO INFORMATION SECURITY QUANTIFICATION
Predicting audio step feedback for real walking in virtual environments

When navigating in virtual environments by using real walking, the correct auditory step feedback is usually ignored, although this could give more information to the user about the ground he is walking on. One reason for this is time constraints that hinder a replay of a walking sound synchronous to the haptic step feedback when walking. In order to add a matching step feedback to virtual environments, this paper introduces a calibration‐free system, which can predict the occurrence time of a step‐down event based on an analysis of the user's gait. For detecting reliable characteristics of the gait, accelerometers and gyroscopes are used, which are mounted on the user's foot. Because the proposed system is capable of detecting the characteristic events in the foot's swing phase, it allows a prediction that gives enough time to replay sound synchronous to the haptic sensation of walking. In order to find the best prediction regarding prediction time and accuracy, data gathered in an experiment is analyzed regarding reliably occurring characteristics in the human gait. Based on this, a suitable prediction algorithm is proposed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doing not being a foreign language learner: English as a lingua franca in the workplace and (some) implications for SLA

Abstract The main goal of this paper is to shift the focus on ‘learning’ away from the traditional locus of inquiry in SLA – the L2 classroom – in order to extend the SLA empirical database, and by so doing extend and broaden our understanding of what it means to learn and use (in mutually reinforcing and enlightening ways) an additional, or second, language. I examine instances where participants are using English as a lingua franca in an international workplace setting. I show that although parties produce non-standard linguistic (lexical, morphosyntactic, etc.) forms that may mark their speech as non-standard, they go to great lengths, interactionally, to disavow any intimations of ‘learner’ status, and artfully deflect attention from and circumvent potential or actual language-encoding difficulties. However, in order for this to occur, various kinds of local learning is taking place within the micro-moments of interaction; for example, the interactants are compelled to assess, in situ, the language competence of their co-participants, and implicitly calibrate their own linguistic and interactional behaviour accordingly. Such calibrations, I argue, entail learning.
Number of choices and perceived decision freedom as a determinant of satisfaction and consumer behavior.

This study shows how the number of choices confronting an individual influences his perceis'ed decision freedom and, consequently, his satisfaction and consumption level. Subjects, randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions, were asked to select one soft drink flavor. Perceived decision freedom and consumption levels were significantly greater for those selecting from an enlarged-choi ce set, but there was no significant difference in the subjects' stated satisfaction. Extensive research in psychology, marketing, and other fields has concentrated on identifying factors that influence an individual's satisfaction with alternative choices confronting him. Htiber (1974) and Wilkie and Pessemier (1973) have reviewed the literature on links between attributes and the preference ordering of alternatives. If these alternatives are conceived as different products in the marketplace, then information about the relationship between product attributes, consumer preferences, and choice can be used to design new products, alter existing products, or change the emphasis of product promotion. Marketing studies have explored how attitudes toward or consumption of products are influenced by the product's attributes (Wilkie & Pessemier, 1973), by advertising (Ginter, 1974; Ginter & Bass,
The Continuing Significance of Race.

This project investigates the racial divide in support for capital punishment. The authors examine whether race has a direct effect on support for capital punishment and test whether the influence of race varies across class, being a native southerner, confidence in government officials, political orientation, and religious affiliation. Using data drawn from the General Social Survey, they find a substantial racial divide, with African Americans much less likely to support the death penalty. Furthermore, the analysis revealed little support for the “spurious/social convergence” hypothesis; shared factors that might be expected to bring African Americans and Whites together—class, confidence in government, conservative politics, regional location, and religious fundamentalism— either did not narrow African American-White punishment attitudes or, at best, had only modest effects. The Results suggest that the racial divide in support for capital punishment is likely to remain a point of symbolic contention in African American-White conceptions of criminal injustice in the United States.
Evaluation of outcome and prognostic factors in patients of glioblastoma multiforme: A single institution experience

Aims: We present retrospective analysis of patients of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and discuss clinical characteristics, various treatment protocols, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors influencing survival. Materials and Methods: From January 2002 to June 2009, 439 patients of GBM were registered in our department. The median age of patients was 50 years, 66.1% were males, and 75% underwent complete or near-total excision. We evaluated those 360 patients who received radiotherapy (RT). Radiotherapy schedule was selected depending upon pre-RT Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). Patients with KPS < 70 (Group I, n = 48) were planned for RT dose of 30-35 Gy in 10-15 fractions, and patients with KPS ≥ 70 (Group II, n = 312) were planned for 60 Gy in 30 fractions. In group I, six patients and in group II, 89 patients received some form of chemotherapy (lomustine or temozolomide). Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 12.0. Overall survival (OS) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier method, and prognostic factors were determined by log rank test. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis. Results: The median follow-up was 7.53 months. The median and 2-year survival rates were 6.33 months and 2.24% for group I and 7.97 months and 8.21% for group II patients, respectively (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, site of tumor (central vs. others; P = 0.006), location of tumor (parietal lobe vs. others; P = 0.003), RT dose (<60 Gy vs. 60 Gy; P = 0.0001), and use of some form of chemotherapy (P = 0.0001) were independent prognostic factors for survival. Conclusions: In patients with GBM, OS and prognosis remains dismal. Whenever possible, we should use concurrent and/or adjuvant chemotherapy to maximize the benefits of post-operative radiotherapy. Patients with poor performance status may be considered for hypofractionated RT schedules, which have similar median survival rates as conventional RT.
Debt Structure and Bankruptcy of Financially Distressed Small Businesses

Using a large sample of financially distressed small firms in Japan, we find that a distressed firm goes bankrupt faster if it uses proportionately more trade credits. Financially distressed firms experiencing a sharp decrease in trade payables are also more likely to go bankrupt. This suggests that coordination failure among a large number of dispersed trade creditors contributes to the bankruptcy of financially distressed firms. This finding supports the hypothesis that suppliers have an incentive to acquire credit information on distressed firms, and are able to do so more quickly than banks. Accordingly, they withdraw credits more quickly because trade credits, unlike bank loans, are unsecured.
Bicep2/KECK ARRAY VIII: MEASUREMENT OF GRAVITATIONAL LENSING FROM LARGE-SCALE B-MODE POLARIZATION

We present measurements of polarization lensing using the 150 GHz maps, which include all data taken by the BICEP2 and Keck Array Cosmic Microwave Background polarization experiments up to and including the 2014 observing season (BK14). Despite their modest angular resolution ( ), the excellent sensitivity (∼3μK-arcmin) of these maps makes it possible to directly reconstruct the lensing potential using only information at larger angular scales ( ). From the auto-spectrum of the reconstructed potential, we measure an amplitude of the spectrum to be (Planck ΛCDM prediction corresponds to ) and reject the no-lensing hypothesis at , which is the highest significance achieved to date using an EB lensing estimator. Taking the cross-spectrum of the reconstructed potential with the Planck 2015 lensing map yields . These direct measurements of are consistent with the ΛCDM cosmology and with that derived from the previously reported BK14 B-mode auto-spectrum ( ). We perform a series of null tests and consistency checks to show that these results are robust against systematics and are insensitive to analysis choices. These results unambiguously demonstrate that the B modes previously reported by BICEP/Keck at intermediate angular scales ( ) are dominated by gravitational lensing. The good agreement between the lensing amplitudes obtained from the lensing reconstruction and B-mode spectrum starts to place constraints on any alternative cosmological sources of B modes at these angular scales.