Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the Sortase Repertoire in Bacillus anthracis

LPXTG proteins, present in most if not all Gram-positive bacteria, are known to be anchored by sortases to the bacterial peptidoglycan. More than one sortase gene is often encoded in a bacterial species, and each sortase is supposed to specifically anchor given LPXTG proteins, depending of the sequence of the C-terminal cell wall sorting signal (cwss), bearing an LPXTG motif or another recognition sequence. B. anthracis possesses three sortase genes. B. anthracis sortase deleted mutant strains are not affected in their virulence. To determine the sortase repertoires, we developed a genetic screen using the property of the gamma phage to lyse bacteria only when its receptor, GamR, an LPXTG protein, is exposed at the surface. We identified 10 proteins that contain a cell wall sorting signal and are covalently anchored to the peptidoglycan. Some chimeric proteins yielded phage lysis in all sortase mutant strains, suggesting that cwss proteins remained surface accessible in absence of their anchoring sortase, probably as a consequence of membrane localization of yet uncleaved precursor proteins. For definite assignment of the sortase repertoires, we consequently relied on a complementary test, using a biochemical approach, namely immunoblot experiments. The sortase anchoring nine of these proteins has thus been determined. The absence of virulence defect of the sortase mutants could be a consequence of the membrane localization of the cwss proteins.
Interpretation of Faces: A Cross-cultural Study of a Prediction from Fridlund's Theory

From his Behavioural Ecology perspective, Fridlund (1994) theorised that facial expressions evolved to convey social intents and contingencies, yet offered no evidence that observers interpret faces in this way. Canadian, Chinese, and Japanese respondents were shown standard '“facial expressions of emotion'” and asked to select one of Fridlund's predicted social messages. For comparison, an independent group of respondents selected among the emotion messages predicted by Ekman and Friesen (1976). N o significant difference in the amount of agreement was found between social and emotion conditions, both across three cultures and within each culture. Faces convey social messages with about as much consensus as they convey emotional ones.
Resting brain activity in disorders of consciousness

Objective: To quantitatively synthesize results from neuroimaging studies that evaluated patterns of resting functional activity in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). Methods: We performed a systematic review and coordinate-based meta-analysis of studies published up to May 2014. Studies were included if they compared resting-state functional neuroimaging data acquired in patients with DOC (coma, minimally conscious state, emergence from minimally conscious state, or vegetative state) with a group of healthy controls. Coordinate-based meta-analysis was performed in studies that included voxel-based comparisons at the whole-brain level and if analysis was accomplished with data-driven approaches. Results: A total of 36 studies (687 patients, 637 healthy controls) were included in the systematic review. Reported DOC were vegetative state (43.2%), coma (23.4%), minimally conscious state (22.8%), and emergence from minimally conscious state (1.6%); the most common etiologies of DOC were traumatic brain injury (37.7%) and anoxic brain injury (36.9%). Functional neuroimaging was accomplished using fMRI (16 studies), PET (15 studies), SPECT (4 studies), and both PET and SPECT in one study. Meta-analysis in 13 studies (272 patients, 259 healthy controls) revealed consistently reduced activity in patients with DOC in bilateral medial dorsal nucleus of the thalamus, left cingulate, posterior cingulate, precuneus, and middle frontal and medial temporal gyri. Conclusions: In patients with DOC evaluated in the resting state, functional neuroimaging indicates markedly reduced activity within midline cortical and subcortical sites, anatomical structures that have been linked to the default-mode network. Studies are needed to determine the relation between activation (and coherence) within these structures and the emergence of conscious awareness.
Recent national patterns of warfarin use in atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND Studies of selected populations suggest that anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation is underused and that nonclinical factors influence the use of this stroke-preventing therapy. We wished to examine recent national trends and predictors of warfarin sodium use in atrial fibrillation. METHODS AND RESULTS A nationally representative sample of office visits from the 1989 to 1996 National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys was used. We selected 1125 visits by patients with atrial fibrillation, including 877 visits to cardiologists and primary care physicians in which apparent contraindications for anticoagulation were absent. The principal outcome measure was the proportion of visits with warfarin reported. We analyzed trends in warfarin use and statistically evaluated the predictors of warfarin use. Warfarin use increased from 13% of atrial fibrillation visits in 1989 to 40% in 1993 (P for trend <.001) in patients without contraindications. Between 1993 and 1996, however, there was no change in warfarin use. Independent of other factors, warfarin was significantly more likely to be reported in patients with a history of stroke and in patients residing outside of the South. CONCLUSIONS Warfarin use in atrial fibrillation has not increased recently, indicating inadequate implementation of this highly effective therapy. Barriers to anticoagulation in real-world clinical practice need to be identified and addressed.
Identification and Isolation of Brucella suis Virulence Genes Involved in Resistance to the Human Innate Immune System

ABSTRACT Brucella strains are facultative intracellular pathogens that induce chronic diseases in humans and animals. This observation implies that Brucella subverts innate and specific immune responses of the host to develop its full virulence. Deciphering the genes involved in the subversion of the immune system is of primary importance for understanding the virulence of the bacteria, for understanding the pathogenic consequences of infection, and for designing an efficient vaccine. We have developed an in vitro system involving human macrophages infected by Brucella suis and activated syngeneic γ9δ2 T lymphocytes. Under these conditions, multiplication of B. suis inside macrophages is only slightly reduced. To identify the genes responsible for this reduced sensitivity, we screened a library of 2,000 clones of transposon-mutated B. suis. For rapid and quantitative analysis of the multiplication of the bacteria, we describe a simple method based on Alamar blue reduction, which is compatible with screening a large library. By comparing multiplication inside macrophages alone and multiplication inside macrophages with activated γ9δ2 T cells, we identified four genes of B. suis that were necessary to resist to the action of the γ9δ2 T cells. The putative functions of these genes are discussed in order to propose possible explanations for understanding their exact role in the subversion of innate immunity.
Post-Stroke Depression Among African-American Elders

ABSTRACT In the United States, the expanding 65 and older population comprises 13% of the total population (U.S. Census, 2000, population estimates; projections). African-Americans will be the largest segment of Non-Caucasians 65 and older (Administration on Aging, [AoA], statistics, 2005). Post-stroke depression (PSD), is a common post-stroke consequence (May et al., 2002; American Stroke Association [ASA], 2005, behavior changes). Existent research on PSD focuses predominantly on Caucasian Americans. To my knowledge, no singular study examines the effects of PSD among African-American older persons. This article provides information that reveals the need to examine African-American elders in relation to PSD.
Music therapy as procedural support for invasive medical procedures: toward the development of music therapy theory

In partial response to the demand for evidence-based practice, there is an increasing interest in the use of music therapy as procedural support for both invasive and non-invasive medical procedures. Clinicians and researchers are attempting to define how music therapy functions as procedural support in order to advance clinical practice and research, but concepts remain inadequately specified in the literature. The current philosophical inquiry used qualitative document analysis to critically examine the extant literature in music therapy as procedural support during invasive medical procedures. The aims of the analysis were to identify key concepts, provide definitions of those concepts, and begin to explicate the interrelationships among concepts related to music therapy as procedural support. A total of 19 clinical practice articles, clinical practice book chapters, and research articles met the criteria for inclusion in the analysis. Data analysis and synthesis resulted in a working model of music therapy as procedural support, in which the music therapist engages in a reflexive process of continually assessing the patient's responses in order to refocus the intervention lens (e.g., altering aspects of the music, of focus of attention, and of patient/therapist interaction) to positively influence outcomes. It is hoped that the working model of music therapy as procedural support may stimulate clinical dialogue and serve as an initial systematic step toward theory construction in this area.
Knowledge and Misconceptions About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Comparison of Greek General and Special Education Teachers

School teachers play an important role in the identification and assessment of pupils' difficulties, and have been considered one of the most valuable sources of information with regard to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses. The study examines and compares general and special education teachers' knowledge and misconceptions about ADHD. In addition, it seeks to investigate the role of specific demographic variables, such as teaching experience and level of exposure to ADHD, on teacher knowledge. Two hundred thirty-four primary school teachers from 20 public school of the area of Athens, Greece completed the ADHD Knowledge Based Questionnaire. Findings suggested that special education teachers are more knowledgeable of issues related to ADHD in comparison to general education teachers. Both general and special educators were found to be most knowledgeable of the definition and characteristics of ADHD and least knowledgeable of its etiology and treatment. These findings support previous empirical evidence highlighting the need of providing teachers with continuous training and support to be better equipped in meeting the needs of ADHD pupils in mainstream school settings.
Happiness and mental health policy: A sociological critique

Background: This paper briefly outlines the work of economist Richard Layard and his proposed policy solutions to increase happiness within society. Layard's work is influencing policy and has particular relevance for mental health policy and service development. Aims: The focus of the paper lies in a critique of Layard's work in three areas. The first is that Layard's approach does little to tackle the structural inequalities within society, which are known to be prime indicators of mental ill health. The second critique is that Layard's proposals form a misguided attempt to use therapy as a way of compensating for a breakdown in community. The third and related critique is that Layard's proposals suggest a medicalization of social issues in ways that individualize social problems. The paper ends with a reflection upon broader questions not addressed within Layard's analysis. Conclusions: The paper concludes that Layard's proposal, though in many respects attractive, may have fundamental flaws and these are open to sociological analysis and critique.
Reduction of Benzenoid Synthesis in Petunia Flowers Reveals Multiple Pathways to Benzoic Acid and Enhancement in Auxin Transport[W]

In plants, benzoic acid (BA) is believed to be synthesized from Phe through shortening of the propyl side chain by two carbons. It is hypothesized that this chain shortening occurs via either a β-oxidative or non-β-oxidative pathway. Previous in vivo isotope labeling and metabolic flux analysis of the benzenoid network in petunia (Petunia hybrida) flowers revealed that both pathways yield benzenoid compounds and that benzylbenzoate is an intermediate between l-Phe and BA. To test this hypothesis, we generated transgenic petunia plants in which the expression of BPBT, the gene encoding the enzyme that uses benzoyl-CoA and benzyl alcohol to make benzylbenzoate, was reduced or eliminated. Elimination of benzylbenzoate formation decreased the endogenous pool of BA and methylbenzoate emission but increased emission of benzyl alcohol and benzylaldehyde, confirming the contribution of benzylbenzoate to BA formation. Labeling experiments with 2H5-Phe revealed a dilution of isotopic abundance in most measured compounds in the dark, suggesting an alternative pathway from a precursor other than Phe, possibly phenylpyruvate. Suppression of BPBT activity also affected the overall morphology of petunia plants, resulting in larger flowers and leaves, thicker stems, and longer internodes, which was consistent with the increased auxin transport in transgenic plants. This suggests that BPBT is involved in metabolic processes in vegetative tissues as well.
Motivational interviewing: Is it all our clients need?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) and its offshoots such as the Drinker's Check-up and Motivational Enhancement Therapy have become enormously popular in scientific and addiction treatment circles over the past decade. This article first addresses the reasons for this popularity and suggests that it is due to presumed cost-effectiveness, relevance to interventions in non-treatment-seeking populations, and the essential nature of addictions as motivational disorders. The article then goes on to examine evidence for the effectiveness of MI in both non-treatment-seeking and treatment-seeking samples, taking account of published systematic reviews and, particularly, the findings of Project MATCH. The relevance of possible findings from the UK Alcohol Treatment Trial is also considered. The article also looks at mechanisms of change that may account for the way MI works. It ends with a list of conclusions bearing on the effectiveness of MI, the possible roles in treatment that it can serve, the client groups for whom it may be especially appropriate, and what further research is needed.
A social capital approach for network policy learning: the case of an established cluster initiative

Regional development policies to foster innovation and competitiveness have evolved towards a ‘soft’ focus on facilitating relationships of cooperation. This is demonstrated by the popularity of network and cluster policies. However, the development of these policies poses particular challenges since there is insufficient understanding of the factors in the social structure that underpin networking behaviour and network outcomes. The analysis of this social context provides an important base for policy learning and therefore for the development of networking policies. The paper makes both a theoretical contribution (in establishing the framework) and a methodological contribution (in exploring its implementation in an ongoing policy process). The case studied is that of the Basque aeronautics cluster, a medium-sized cluster with 35 members founded in 1997 within the Basque Country (Spain) cluster policy, one of the longest-running cluster policies in Europe. The participatory design carried out in the application of the theoretical framework to the case study enabled a deeper appreciation of the different realities and behaviour of targeted firms and supported strategies to improve policy effectiveness.
Isosymmetric Linear Transformations on Complex Hilbert Space

Vll IV Acknowledgements V Vita,Publications & Fields Of Study. VI 1 The Hereditary Functional Calculus, The Spectrum and Resolvent Inequal­ ities . 1 2 Rosenblum's Theorem, von Neumann algebras, and roots of hereditary polynomials . 14 3 Families, Maximal Invariant Subspaces and Several Examples of Roots " 23 4 The Elementary Operator Theory of Isosymmetries 39 5 Classification of Several Classes of Isosymmetries . , . 48 Bibliography . 70
Providing Privacy-Aware Incentives in Mobile Sensing Systems

Mobile sensing relies on data contributed by users through their mobile device (e.g., smart phone) to obtain useful information about people and their surroundings. However, users may not want to contribute due to lack of incentives and concerns on possible privacy leakage. To effectively promote user participation, both incentive and privacy issues should be addressed. Although incentive and privacy have been addressed separately in mobile sensing, it is still an open problem to address them simultaneously. In this paper, we propose two credit-based privacy-aware incentive schemes for mobile sensing systems, where the focus is on privacy protection instead of on the design of incentive mechanisms. Our schemes enable mobile users to earn credits by contributing data without leaking which data they have contributed, and ensure that malicious users cannot abuse the system to earn unlimited credits. Specifically, the first scheme considers scenarios where an online trusted third party (TTP) is available, and relies on the TTP to protect user privacy and prevent abuse attacks. The second scheme considers scenarios where no online TTP is available. It applies blind signature, partially blind signature, and a novel extended Merkle tree technique to protect user privacy and prevent abuse attacks. Security analysis and cost evaluations show that our schemes are secure and efficient.
Fixed point theory and semidefinite programming for computable performance analysis of block-sparsity recovery

In this paper, we employ fixed point theory and semidefinite programming to compute the performance bounds on convex block-sparsity recovery algorithms. As a prerequisite for optimal sensing matrix design, a computable performance bound would open doors for wide applications in sensor arrays, radar, DNA microarrays, and many other areas where block-sparsity arises naturally. We define a family of goodness measures for arbitrary sensing matrices as the optimal values of certain optimization problems. The reconstruction errors of convex recovery algorithms are bounded in terms of these goodness measures. We demonstrate that as long as the number of measurements is relatively large, these goodness measures are bounded away from zero for a large class of random sensing matrices, a result parallel to the probabilistic analysis of the block restricted isometry property. As the primary contribution of this work, we associate the goodness measures with the fixed points of functions defined by a series of semidefinite programs. This relation with fixed point theory yields efficient algorithms with global convergence guarantees to compute the goodness measures.
Conditions for Choice? The context for implementation of curricular pathways in the curriculum, 14‐19, in England and Wales

Abstract> The Dearing reviews of 1993 (the National Curriculum and its assessment) and 1996 (Qualifications for 16‐19 year olds) have created the context for a renewed discussion of educational ‘flexibility’ and ‘choice’. This article seeks particularly to analyse ‘choice’ within the educational and wider social contexts and to identify how far the conditions for choice exist. It suggests three main areas of difficulty: (1) contradictions in education policy, which is a site of contestation rather than coherence at a national level, and provides therefore an unstable context for choices; (2) ambivalence in the social context, in so far as ‘autonomy’ is now both the goal of education and also a prerequisite for access to education; (3) specific characteristics of educational provision which offer limited evidence of the capacity to adapt to the kinds of support and guidance for ‘choice’ which are the pre‐requisites of any meaningful implementation of the Dearing proposals.
A longitudinal study on the early development of leader-member exchanges.

The authors investigated the first 6 months that 166 newly hired employees and their immediate supervisors worked together. Expectations, perceived similarity, liking, demographic similarity, and performance were examined as determinants of leader-member exchanges (LMXs). Leader and member expectations of each other assessed in the first 5 days in the life of the dyad predicted LMXs at 2 weeks and at 6 weeks following the 1st day of the dyads' existence. Member expectations of leaders also predicted LMXs at 6 months. Following nearly the same pattern, perceived similarity and liking from both the leaders'and members' perspectives predicted LMXs at most time periods. Demographic similarity between leaders and members had no significant effects on LMX development, and subordinate performance ratings were relatively less important in predicting LMX than were affective variables
Anthropologies and Histories: Essays in Culture, History, and Political Economy

"Elegantly written essays.Roseberry is the real gem, an anthropologist with extensive Latin American field experience and an impressive scholarly grasp of the histories of anthropology and Marxist theory. "--Micaela di Leonardo, The Nation "An extremely stimulating volume . rich and provocative, and codifies a new depature point. "--Choice "As a critic . Roseberry writes with sustained force and clarity.his principal points emerge with a directness that will make this book attractive to a wide range of readers. "--American Anthropologist "Roseberry in among the most astute, careful, and theoretically cogent of the anthropologists of his generation. [This book] illustrates well the breadth and coherence of his thinking and guides the reader through the complicated intersections of anthropology with history, political economy, Marxism, and Latin American studies. "--Jane Schneider, CUNY In Anthropologies and Histories, William Roseberry explores some of the cultural and political implications of an anthropological political economy. In his view, too few of these implications have been explored by authors who dismiss the very possibility of a political economic understanding of culture. Within political economy, readers are offered sophisticated treatments of uneven development, but when authors turn to culture and politics, they place contradictory social experiences within simplistic class or epochal labels. Within cultural anthropology, history is often little more than new terrain for extending anthropological practice. Roseberry places culture and history in relation to each other, in the context of a reflection on the political economy of uneven development. In the first half of this books, he looks at and critiques a variety of anthropological understandings of culture, arguing for an approach that sees culture as socially constituted and socially constitutive. Beginning with a commentary on Clifford Geertz's seminal essay on the Balinese cockfight, Roseberry argues that Geertz and his followers pay insufficient attention to cultural differentiation, to social and political inequalities that affect actors' different understandings of the world, other people, and of themselves. Sufficient attention to such questions, Roseberry argues, requires a concern for political economy. In the second half of the book, Roseberry explores the assumptions and practices of political economy, indicates the kind of problems that should be central to such an approach, and reviews some of the inadequacies of anthropological studies. William Roseberry is a professor of anthropology at the New School for Social Research.