Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SopB, a protein required for virulence of Salmonella dublin, is an inositol phosphate phosphatase.

Several proteins secreted by enteric bacteria are thought to contribute to virulence by disturbing the signal transduction of infected cells. Here, we report that SopB, a protein secreted by Salmonella dublin, has sequence homology to mammalian inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatases and that recombinant SopB has inositol phosphate phosphatase activity in vitro. SopB hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate, an inhibitor of Ca2+-dependent chloride secretion. In addition, SopB hydrolyzes inositol 1,3,4,5,6 pentakisphosphate to yield inositol 1,4,5, 6-tetrakisphosphate, a signaling molecule that increases chloride secretion indirectly by antagonizing the inhibition of chloride secretion by phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate [Eckmann, L. , Rudolf, M. T. , Ptasznik, A. , Schultz, C. , Jiang, T. , Wolfson, N. , Tsien, R. , Fierer, J., Shears, S. B. , Kagnoff, M. F. , et al. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94, 14456-14460]. Mutation of a conserved cysteine that abolishes phosphatase activity of SopB results in a mutant strain, S. dublin SB c/s, with decreased ability to induce fluid secretion in infected calf intestine loops. Moreover, HeLa cells infected with S. dublin SB c/s do not accumulate high levels of inositol 1,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate that are characteristic of wild-type S. dublin-infected cells. Therefore, SopB mediates virulence by interdicting inositol phosphate signaling pathways.
Residential area deprivation predicts smoking habit independently of individual educational level and occupational social class. A cross sectional study in the Norfolk cohort of the European Investigation into Cancer (EPIC-Norfolk)

Objectives: To investigate the independent association between individual and area based measures of socioeconomic status and cigarette smoking habit. Design and setting: Cross sectional, population based study. Participants and methods: 12 579 men and 15 132 women aged 39–79 years living in the general community participating in the EPIC-Norfolk Study in 1993–1997. The association between social class, educational status, Townsend residential deprivation level, and cigarette smoking status was examined. Main outcome measures: Cigarette smoking status at baseline survey. Results: Social class, educational level, and residential deprivation level independently related to cigarette smoking habit in both men and women. Multivariate age adjusted odds ratios for current smoking in men were 1.62 (95% CI 1.45 to 1.81) for manual compared with non-manual social class, 1.32 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.48) for those with educational level less than O level compared with those with O level qualifications or higher and 1.84 (95% CI 1.62 to 2.08) for high versus low area deprivation level. For women, the odds ratios for current smoking for manual social class were 1.14 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.27); 1.31 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.46) for low educational level and 1.68 (95% CI 1.49 to 1.90) for high residential deprivation respectively. Conclusions: Residential deprivation level using the Townsend score, individual social class, and educational level all independently predict smoking habit in both men and women. Efforts to reduce cigarette smoking need to tackle not just individual but also area based factors. Understanding the specific factors in deprived areas that influence smoking habit may help inform preventive efforts.
Students’ use of a rubric for research theses

A rubric for research theses was developed, based on the manual of the American Psychological Association, to be used as an assessment tool for teachers and students. The aim was to make students aware of what is expected, get familiar with criteria, and interpret teacher and peer feedback. In two studies, it was examined whether students use and value these functions. In the first study, a rubric was provided to 105 Educational Sciences students working on their bachelor’s thesis. Questionnaire data indicated that students did value the rubric for the intended functions, although rubric use was not related to ability. In a panel interview, teachers stated that the number of proficiency levels should be increased to be able to distinguish between good and excellent students adequately, and that a criterion concerning student’s role during supervision should be added. Therefore, in the second study, 11 teachers were interviewed about their motives to give high grades and about the supervision process. This lead to an extra criterion concerning student’s role during supervision and an additional proficiency level to assess excellent performance. It is argued that an adequate course organisation is conditional for the rubric’s effectiveness.
VHDL implementation of a turbo decoder with log-MAP-based iterative decoding

Turbo code is one of the most significant achievements in coding theory during the last decade. By concatenating two simple convolutional codes in parallel, it has been shown that transmission systems employing turbo codes could offer near-capacity performance. More importantly, by employing a suboptimal iterative decoding structure with soft-in/soft-out (SISO) maximum a posteriori-probability (APP) decoding algorithm, the near-capacity performance is achievable at a feasible decoding complexity. Given the outstanding performance of turbo code, the challenge now is to implement it into various communication systems at affordable decoding complexity using current very large scale integration (VLSI) technologies. In this paper, we first investigated the existing four different turbo decoding algorithms. Comparisons of both their performances and implementation complexities were performed. Log-maximum a posteriori (MAP) -based turbo decoding was found to offer the best performance-complexity compromise. A register-transfer-level (RTL) 12-bit fixed-point turbo decoder based on Log-MAP algorithm was then designed and simulated using VHDL as the hardware description language. The implemented RTL model was verified by comparing its performances with those obtained from a C-language implementation of the same turbo decoder.
Effect of HAPS movement on the performance of downlink power control CDMA system

Power control is a mandatory method in CDMA based system, including in high altitude platform station (HAPS) WCDMA system evaluated in this paper. HAPS is a new means of wireless delivery method located at stratospheric layer and act as the base station providing the communication systems. Platform located at that layer will be affected by the wind. Therefore, the platform is supposed to move from original position and then experience an instability condition. In this paper, this practical situation of HAPS will be evaluated in term of the power control performance. We evaluate two distance-based power control schemes for the downlink HAPS channel. The first scheme is an optimum power control and the second scheme is nth power of distance power control. Computer simulation shows that the performance of distance-based power control scheme is significantly affected by the movement of HAPS.
Thermal Stability of Hexameric and Tetrameric Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases

The eukaryotic nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinases are hexamers, while the bacterial NDP kinases are tetramers made of small, single domain subunits. These enzymes represent an ideal model for studying the effect of subunit interaction on protein stability. The thermostability of NDP kinases of each class was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and biochemical methods. The hexameric NDP kinase from Dictyostelium discoideum displays one single, irreversible differential scanning calorimetry peak (Tm 62°C) over a broad protein concentration, indicating a single step denaturation. The thermal stability of the protein was increased by ADP. The P105G substitution, which affects a loop implicated in subunit contacts, yields a protein that reversibly dissociates to folded monomers at 38°C before the irreversible denaturation occurs (Tm 47°C). ADP delays the dissociation, but does not change the Tm. These data indicate a “coupling” of the quaternary structure with the tertiary structure in the wild-type, but not in the mutated protein. We describe the x-ray structure of the P105G mutant at 2.2-Å resolution. It is very similar to that of the wild-type protein. Therefore, a minimal change in the structure leads to a dramatic change of protein thermostability. The NDP kinase from Escherichia coli behaves like the P105G mutant of the Dictyostelium NDP kinase. The detailed study of their thermostability is important, since biological effects of thermolabile NDP kinases have been described in several organisms.
2 Project Description Exploring the Role of Emotion in Propelling the SMET Learning Process

The current educational system is constructed so as to emphasize the evolution of rule-based reasoners (students who understand the ‘what’ of a task/problem). However scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and technologists are not rule-based reasoners. They are model-based reasoners/thinkers (e.g., they do recursion, diagnostic reasoning, cognitive assessment, cognitive appraisal). To provide for the development of SMET (science, math, engineering, technology) learners, teachers and mentors who are reflective of the educational system’s pedagogy must not model directive teaching, which develops rule-based thinkers, but they should model how to learn. The educational pedagogy of a teacher and of the curriculum must include an understanding of learning intelligence-the ability to understand and model how-to-learn, how to solve a unique problem even when confronted with discouraging setbacks during its solution; in other words, they must be able to do model-based reasoning. Based upon this hypothesis, we propose to explore and evolve current educational pedagogy such that SMET learning will move toward a model-based reasoning pedagogy.
PDGF Suppresses the Sulfation of CD44v and Potentiates CD44v-Mediated Binding of Colon Carcinoma Cells to Fibrin under Flow

Fibrin(ogen) mediates sustained tumor cell adhesion and survival in the pulmonary vasculature, thereby facilitating the metastatic dissemination of tumor cells. CD44 is the major functional fibrin receptor on colon carcinoma cells. Growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), induce post-translational protein modifications, which modulate ligand binding activity. In view of the roles of PDGF, fibrin(ogen) and CD44 in cancer metastasis, we aimed to delineate the effect of PDGF on CD44-fibrin recognition. By immunoprecipitating CD44 from PDGF-treated and untreated LS174T colon carcinoma cells, which express primarily CD44v, we demonstrate that PDGF enhances the adhesion of CD44v-coated beads to immobilized fibrin. Enzymatic inhibition studies coupled with flow-based adhesion assays and autoradiography reveal that PDGF augments the binding of CD44v to fibrin by significantly attenuating the extent of CD44 sulfation primarily on chondroitin and dermatan sulfate chains. Surface plasmon resonance assays confirm that PDGF enhances the affinity of CD44v-fibrin binding by markedly reducing its dissociation rate while modestly increasing the association rate. PDGF mildly reduces the affinity of CD44v-hyaluronan binding without affecting selectin-CD44v recognition. The latter is attributed to the fact that CD44v binds to selectins via sialofucosylated O-linked residues independent of heparan, dermatan and chondroitin sulfates. Interestingly, PDGF moderately reduces the sulfation of CD44s and CD44s-fibrin recognition. Collectively, these data offer a novel perspective into the mechanism by which PGDF regulates CD44-dependent binding of metastatic colon carcinoma cells to fibrin(ogen).
Examining the cause of high inbreeding depression: analysis of whole-genome sequence data in 28 selfed progeny of Eucalyptus grandis.

The genome-wide heterozygosity at 9590 genes, all heterozygous in a single Eucalyptus grandis parent tree, was examined in a group of 28 S1 offspring. Heterozygosity ranged from 52-79%, averaging 65.5%, much higher than the 50% expected under random segregation, supporting the occurrence of strong (47%) selection against homozygosity. The expected pattern of heterozygosity from theoretical calculations and simulations for recessive detrimentals (pseudo-overdominance) and intrinsic heterozygote advantage was examined and compared with that observed. The observed patterns are consistent with at least several detrimental loci with large effects on both parental chromosomes of the 11 pairs. It is likely that 100 or more genes, many with substantial effects on viability, are contributing to this inbreeding depression. Although our genome-wide analysis of nearly 10 000 genes strongly suggested that pseudo-overdominance was responsible for the observed high inbreeding depression, heterozygote advantage could not be excluded. Finding inconvertible evidence of the cause of inbreeding depression still presents a difficult challenge. This study is the first theoretical examination of the genomic effect of inbreeding in a forest tree and provides an approach to analyze these data to determine the extent and cause of inbreeding depression across other plant genomes.
Predictive factors for patient outcomes following open bedside tracheotomy

Open bedside tracheotomy (OBT) in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been advocated as a safe and more cost‐effective alternative to tracheotomy performed in the operating room. The objective of this study is to determine predictive factors for postoperative outcomes, including decannulation and in‐hospital mortality following OBT.
NDE Implications from a Group of Spontaneous Long-Distance Veridical OBEs

The case for veridical out-of-body experiences (OBEs) reported in near-death experiences might be strengthened by accounts of well-doc- umented veridical OBEs not occurring near death. However, such accounts are not easily found in the literature, particularly accounts involving events seen at great distances from the percipient. In this article, I seek to mitigate this paucity of literature using my collection of dream journal OBE cases. Out of 3,395 records contained in the database as of June 15, 2012, 226 had demonstrated veridicality. This group divides into examples of precogni- tion, after-death communications, and OBEs. Of the OBEs, 92 are veridical. The documentation involved is stronger than is normally encountered in spontaneous cases, because it is made prior to con! rmation attempts, all con! rmations are contemporaneous, and the number of veri! ed records is large relative to the total number of similar cases in the literature. This data- base shows that NDE-related veridical OBEs share important characteristics of veridical OBEs that are not part of an NDE. Because the OBEs are similar, but the conditions are not, skeptical arguments that depend on speci! c physical characteristics of the NDE—such as the use of drugs and extreme physical distress—are weakened. Other arguments against purported psi elements found in veridical OBEs are substantially weakened by the cases presented in this article.
Differences in WTP and Consumer Demand for Organic and Non-GM Fresh and Processed Foods

Auction experiments were used to examine demand and premium differences between organic, non-OM (genetically modified), and conventional versions for two pairs of fresh and processed foods. Results showed processed foods had greater substitutability among the versions than fresh products. Conventional versions were the least price sensitive, while non-OM versions were the most sensitive. Significant premium differences were found between fresh and processed foods for sweet com and tortilla chips, but not for potatoes and potato chips. Results from random effects models mirrored these findings. In general, the extent of premium differences between fresh and processed versions appears dependent on the food product.
Innovation in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis imaging: best use of old tools, and necessary evaluation of new ones

Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis (HAE), caused by larvae of Echinococcus multilocularis, is a rare but potentially lethal parasitic disease. The first diagnostic suspicion is usually based on hepatic ultrasound exam performed because of abdominal symptoms or in the context of a general checkup; HAE diagnosis may thus also be an incidental finding on imaging. The next step should be Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). They play an important role in the initial assessment of the disease; with chest and brain imaging, they are necessary to assess the PNM stage (parasite lesion, neighboring organ invasion, metastases) of a patient with AE. Performed at least yearly, they also represent key exams for long-term follow-up after therapeutic interventions. Familiarity of radiologists with HAE imaging findings, especially in the endemic regions, will enable earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment. Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) is currently considered to be the only noninvasive, albeit indirect, tool for the detection of metabolic activity in AE. Delayed acquisition of images (3 hrs after FDG injection) enhances its sensitivity for the assessment of lesion metabolism and its reliability for the continuation/withdrawal of anti-parasite treatment. However, sophisticated equipment and high cost widely limit PET/CT use for routine evaluation. Preliminary studies show that new techniques, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US), Dual Energy CT or Spectral CT, and Diffusion-Weighted MRI, might also be useful in detecting the blood supply and metabolism of lesions. However, they cannot be recommended before further evaluation of their reliability in a larger number of patients with a variety of locations and stages of AE lesions.
Teaching academic reading as a disciplinary knowledge practice in higher education

Many university lecturers expect students to be able to read disciplinary texts at the appropriate levels, and reflect critically and multi-dimensionally on those texts, yet are often frustrated by many students' lack of ability to do so satisfactorily. While there is much research to suggest that academic writing needs to be taught within the disciplines as a practice linked to disciplinary knowledge, there is less research to make the same claims about academic reading, which is often referred to, rather, as a 'skill'. This article argues for an overt focus on critical academic reading as part of disciplinary teaching and learning, and draws on a case study and lecturers' responses to questions on critical reading to show how an academic literacies and knowledge-focused approach can be useful to lecturers trying to help their students read in the disciplines.
LA MEDICIÓN DE LA CALIDAD PERCIBIDA EN SERVICIOS DEPORTIVOS; UN ENFOQUE EN PRIMERA PERSONA

El objetivo de esta investigacion es comprobar si existen diferencias entre el patron de respuestas dado en una escala de formato libre, o enfoque en primera persona, y el realizado en las escalas comunmente utilizadas en la medicion de la calidad percibida de servicios deportivos: Likert de 1 a 5 y de 1 a 7, y diferencial semantico de -3 a +3. Este estudio ha contado con dos muestras de consumidores de centros deportivos, y combina a nivel metodologico la nocion de invarianza de escala y la utilizacion de los modelos de ecuaciones de estructuras de covarianza. Los resultados muestran que existe distorsion estadistica entre los diferentes formatos de respuesta analizados y la escala preferida por los individuos. En aras de maximizar la validez de las respuestas obtenidas, se recomienda la utilizacion del enfoque en primera persona.
Verbal abuse in school. Constructions of gender among 14‐ to 15‐year‐olds

Verbal abuse has been identified as a common element in the life of children in school. This paper explores how this discursive practice is used in the construction of masculinities and femininities among children aged 14–15 through observations and interviews in classes in two schools in Stockholm. Verbal abuse, often with sexual content, contributed to ‘toughness’, a central component of hegemonic masculinity in the schools. Popular, tough boys generated most of the verbal abuse, but were not necessarily regarded as verbally abusive; rather, responsibility for the bulk of verbal abuse was attributed to ‘rowdy’ boys. Girls’ verbal abuse was not similarly advantageous for their femininity; instead, both through being verbally abusive and being the target of abuse, girls risked being positioned negatively. It appears that verbal abuse in school simultaneously orders masculinities and femininities, and structures heterosexual relations between the genders.
Methods of Summing Crosstalk From Mixed Sources — Part II : Performance Results

In a companion paper, the problem of summing crosstalk from mixed sources has been deeply analyzed. The problem of determining a good model for the summation of mixed crosstalk is becoming more important now that many digital subscriber line (DSL) services are being deployed in the field. The straightforward application of the usual 1% worst-case model for only one kind of disturber to all the individual worst-case contributions is overly pessimistic. The most well-known methods of summing mixed crosstalk, the FSAN and the Mean PSD methods, are less pessimistic. Also, the two new summation methods presented previously, the Minkowski-bound and the Hölder-bound methods, are less pessimistic and offer the appealing feature of choosing the level of pessimism or optimism through a parameter. However, theaccuracyof thesemethodshasneverbeenquantified in the past. As more and more types of DSLs are deployed by multiple service providers, it is imperative to gain confidence in the methods of modeling worst-case mixed crosstalk and to understand their limitations. In this paper, the problem of defining an accurate statistical modeling of the pair-to-pair crosstalk power coupling losses is addressed first. This has been accomplished by exploiting a large measurement campaign performed on real cables. The results of a large simulation campaign that compares the accuracy of known and newly proposed methods of summing mixed crosstalk are then presented. In addition, it is proposed here to use the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as the metric for determining the actual system performance in the presenceof mixed crosstalk.A Monte Carlo simulation is run that assigns randomly each disturber to a pair-to-pair NEXT coupling which matches the statistics of measured cables. The Monte Carlo method accurately determines the 1% worst-case impact on the SNR of DSL systems affected by mixed crosstalk. ISDN, HDSL, HDSL2, T1 and ADSL are each simulated with many different numbers and types of mixed crosstalk.