Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DksA represses ribosomal gene transcription in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by interacting with RNA polymerase on ribosomal promoters

In Escherichia coli transcription of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is regulated by the H‐NS and Fis proteins, as well as by the small signal molecule ppGpp and the initiating nucleotides. During amino acid starvation, the concentration of ppGpp increases, and binding of this alarmone to RNA polymerase (RNAP) leads to inhibition of rRNA transcription, a regulatory event called stringent response. Here we show that in Pseudomonas aeruginosa DksA, a protein with pleiotropic effects, is a negative regulator of rRNA transcription both during exponential growth and stringent conditions. A dksA mutant overexpresses rRNA, without being affected in the production of ppGpp. Cell‐fractionation and chromosome immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that DksA is associated with DNA, in particular with promoters of ribosomal genes in vivo. The binding to rRNA promoters specifically increases during stringent response, and correlates with the binding of RNAP to these regions. Moreover DksA can be copurified with RNAP subunits in vivo. DNA band shift experiments show that DksA, in synergy with ppGpp, increases the binding of RNAP to ribosomal promoters. Therefore DksA might be a new regulator of rRNA transcription in P. aeruginosa.
Oscillations in Stroke Volume and Cardiac Output Arising from Oscillatory Ventilation in Humans

Oscillations in the cardiovascular system have been observed in patients with periodic breathing. It is not clear whether these are driven by primary oscillations in the respiratory system or whether an intrinsic cardiovascular instability is required, as previous studies with subjects performing voluntary periodic breathing have failed to produce the cardiovascular oscillations. We investigated whether cardiovascular oscillations occurred in healthy controls performing voluntary periodic breathing. Six healthy subjects performed voluntary periodic breathing with guidance from a real‐time computer display. We measured ventilation, end‐tidal partial pressures of O2 (PO2) and CO2 (PCO2), heart rate, blood pressure (BP), arterial oxygen saturation and stroke volume and cardiac output by transthoracic impedance cardiography. Fourier analysis was used to quantify the size and phase of the periodic breathing‐induced oscillations in these parameters. Periodic breathing (amplitude 30% of mean ventilation) induced oscillations in end‐tidal PO2 (amplitude 0.8 kPa), end‐tidal PCO2 (amplitude 0.3 kPa), R‐R interval (amplitude 32.6 ms), systolic BP (amplitude 3 mmHg), diastolic BP (amplitude 3 mmHg), stroke volume (amplitude 8.0 ml, mean 79.5 ml) and cardiac output (amplitude 0.6 1, mean 5.9 l min‐1). The oscillations in stroke volume and cardiac output were nearly in phase with ventilation, with their peaks occurring 5.6 and 6.1 s, respectively, after the peak in ventilation. An oscillatory ventilatory pattern entrains the cardiovascular system in healthy controls into fluctuations, not only in heart rate and BP, but also in stroke volume and cardiac output.
Contribution à la simulation numérique des écoulements de fluides compressibles et peu compressibles par le code de calcul Kiva-II

L'objectif de cette these est d'apporter une contribution a la modelisation des ecoulements de fluides compressibles et peu compressibles en utilisant le code de calcul kiva-ii. La premiere partie est consacree a l'aspect theorique du probleme, conduisant a une formulation mathematique adequate. On y montre notamment les difficultes de la resolution numerique des equations de Navier-Stokes dans le cas des ecoulements de fluides dits peu compressibles (ecoulements a faible nombre de mach). Ces difficultes sont dues essentiellement a la grande disparite qu'il y a entre le temps caracteristique de la propagation des ondes acoustiques et celui lie a la convection. Une methode est alors developpee, elle consiste a utiliser l'hypothese de faible nombre de mach pour eliminer les ondes acoustiques presentes dans l'ecoulement et qui sont sans interets dans ce cas. Dans la deuxieme partie, nous avons aborde l'etude des differentes methodes numeriques utilisees dans le code kiva-ii, ainsi que la caracterisation des algorithmes de resolution dont ils font appel. Une discussion concernant ce code, et les principales modifications dont il a fait l'objet sont presentees dans la troisieme et la quatrieme partie. La cinquieme partie est consacree a la presentation des cas tests que nous avons traites pour valider les differentes methodes adoptees. Dans la sixieme partie, nous avons aborde les modeles physiques pour la turbulence. Trois modeles de fermeture (modele longueur de melange, modele a une equation de transport et modele a deux equations de transport) sont alors etudies et compares
Human resource practices and organizational commitment: A deeper examination

This paper examines newer conceptualizations of HRM practices in the HR—performance relationship as well as newer conceptualizations of commitment. Juxtaposing these categories of HR practices and types of commitment provides a clearer theoretical rational for at least some ways that HR practices can influence organizational performance, be that positive or negative. Implications for research are then discussed.
Second Generation γ-Secretase Modulators Exhibit Different Modulation of Notch β and Aβ Production*

Background: The γ-secretase complex is a drug target in the treatment of Alzheimer disease (AD). Results: Two novel second generation γ-secretase modulators (GSMs) modulate both Nβ and Aβ but not Notch intracellular domain (NICD) production. Conclusion: Second generation and NSAID-based GSMs have different modes of action regarding Notch processing. Significance: GSMs that do not affect NICD signaling are essential for the development of tolerable AD therapeutics. The γ-secretase complex is an appealing drug target when the therapeutic strategy is to alter amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) aggregation in Alzheimer disease. γ-Secretase is directly involved in Aβ formation and determines the pathogenic potential of Aβ by generating the aggregation-prone Aβ42 peptide. Because γ-secretase mediates cleavage of many substrates involved in cell signaling, such as the Notch receptor, it is crucial to sustain these pathways while altering the Aβ secretion. A way of avoiding interference with the physiological function of γ-secretase is to use γ-secretase modulators (GSMs) instead of inhibitors of the enzyme. GSMs modify the Aβ formation from producing the amyloid-prone Aβ42 variant to shorter and less amyloidogenic Aβ species. The modes of action of GSMs are not fully understood, and even though the pharmacology of GSMs has been thoroughly studied regarding Aβ generation, knowledge is lacking about their effects on other substrates, such as Notch. Here, using immunoprecipitation followed by MALDI-TOF MS analysis, we found that two novel, second generation GSMs modulate both Notch β and Aβ production. Moreover, by correlating S3-specific Val-1744 cleavage of Notch intracellular domain (Notch intracellular domain) to total Notch intracellular domain levels using immunocytochemistry, we also demonstrated that Notch intracellular domain is not modulated by the compounds. Interestingly, two well characterized, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), R-flurbiprofen and sulindac sulfide, affect only Aβ and not Notch β formation, indicating that second generation GSMs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-based GSMs have different modes of action regarding Notch processing.
The Myasthenia Gravis‐Specific Activities of Daily Living Profile

The myasthenia gravis activities of daily living (MG‐ADL) profile is an eight‐item patient‐reported scale developed to assess MG symptoms and their effects on daily activities. The MG‐ADL profile correlated well with the Quantitative MG (QMG) score (r= 0.58, P < 0.001) in 254 consecutive patient visits. Further analysis during clinical trials confirmed the excellent correlation with the QMG test and provided additional evidence that the MG‐ADL profile is responsive to clinical improvement. MG‐ADL performance was further analyzed during a recent multicenter, prospective scale validation study for two new outcome measures. At the first visit, there was a strong positive correlation between the MG‐ADL and the MG Composite (r= 0.85, P < 0.0001) and between the MG‐ADL and the MG‐Quality of life15 (MG‐QOL15) (r= 0.76, P < 0.0001). Test–retest analysis demonstrated a high reliability coefficient. Sensitivity/specificity analysis revealed that a 2‐point improvement has the best trade‐off attributes to predict clinical improvement. The MG‐ADL profile also performed well on Rasch analysis. The MG‐ADL scoring system is useful as a secondary outcome measure and in routine clinical management.
Scalar Control of Induction Motor Drives Using dSPACE DS1104

—This paper deals with design and implementation of Voltage/Frequency (V/f) control of induction motor (IM) drives. Sinusoidal PWM (SPWM) and non sinusoidal PWM, using an injected Zero-Sequence Signal (ZSS), are used for controlling the motor. An analytical approach is used to design the Proportional Integral Controller with antiwindup. The design procedure uses only the name plate data. A 3Kw, 3-phase, 50Hz, 1420rpm, induction motor and a dSPACE DS1104 hardware/software are used to carry out the control application. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the control method.
Differential gonadotropin responses to N-methyl-D,L-aspartate in intact and castrated male rats.

Peripheral administration of N-methyl-D,L-aspartate (NMA), a neuroexcitatory amino acid agonist, probably stimulates LH release through an increase in endogenous LHRH secretion. In the present study, NMA and a potent LHRH antagonist were used to determine the degree to which release of FSH is similarly dependent upon the acute secretion of LHRH. A second aim was to compare responsiveness of LHRH neurons to NMA in castrated and intact male rats. Adult male rats were castrated (n = 10) or sham castrated (n = 11) on the morning of Day 0. After 8 days, rats were fitted with atrial catheters between 0900 and 1200 h; at 2100 h they received s.c. either oil vehicle or 100 micrograms of an LHRH antagonist. Starting at 0900 h on Day 9, 0.5-ml blood samples were collected every 10 min for 3 h. After 1 h of sampling each animal received i.v. 5 mg of NMA in 0.5 ml 0.9% saline. An hour later each rat received i.v. 500 ng of LHRH in 0.5 ml saline. Plasma LH, FSH, and prolactin (PRL) levels were determined by RIA. In the oil-treated sham castrates, mean plasma LH levels were increased by 110% (p < 0.01) within 10 min and remained elevated for 30 min after the injection of NMA. The profile of this LH secretory response was similar to or slightly more robust than endogenous LH pulses observed previously. The NMA-induced LH release was completely blocked by pretreatment with LHRH antagonist. In both oil- and antagonist-treated sham-castrated rats, NMA administration failed to elicit a concomitant increase in plasma FSH levels. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Stray cats are more frequently infected with zoonotic protists than pet cats.

Faecal samples were collected from cats kept as pets (n = 120) and stray cats (n = 135) in Central Europe (Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia) and screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. , Giardia intestinalis (Kunstler, 1882), Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi Desportes, Le Charpentier, Galian, Bernard, Cochand-Priollet, Lavergne, Ravisse et Modigliani, 1985 by PCR analysis of the small-subunit of rRNA (Cryptosporidium spp. and G. intestinalis) and ITS (microsporidia) genes. Sequence analysis of targeted genes revealed the presence of C. felis Iseki, 1979, G. intestinalis assemblage F, E. cuniculi Levaditi, Nicolau et Schoen, 1923 genotype II, and E. bieneusi genotype D. There was no correlation between the occurrence of detected parasites and sex, presence of diarrhoea or drug treatment (drug containing pyrantel and praziquantel). Compared to pet cats (7%), stray cats (30%) were statistically more frequently infected with protist parasites and overall may present a greater risk to human health.
Biotic homogenization: a new research agenda for conservation biogeography

Aim Biotic homogenization describes the process by which species invasions and extinctions increase the genetic, taxonomic or functional similarity of two or more biotas over a specified time interval. The study of biotic homogenization is a young and rapidly emerging research area in the budding field of conservation biogeography, and this paper aims to synthesize our current knowledge of this process and advocate a more systematic approach to its investigation.
Inhibition of vimentin or β1 integrin reverts morphology of prostate tumor cells grown in laminin-rich extracellular matrix gels and reduces tumor growth in vivo

Prostate epithelial cells grown embedded in laminin-rich extracellular matrix (lrECM) undergo morphologic changes that closely resemble their architecture in vivo. In this study, growth characteristics of three human prostate epithelial sublines derived from the same cellular lineage, but displaying different tumorigenic and metastatic properties in vivo, were assessed in three-dimensional lrECM gels. M12, a highly tumorigenic and metastatic subline, was derived from the immortalized, prostate epithelial P69 cell line by selection in athymic, nude mice and found to contain a deletion of 19p-q13.1. The stable reintroduction of an intact human chromosome 19 into M12 resulted in a poorly tumorigenic subline, designated F6. When embedded in lrECM gels, the parental, nontumorigenic P69 line produced acini with clearly defined lumena. Immunostaining with antibodies to β-catenin, E-cadherin, or α6 and β1 integrins showed polarization typical of glandular epithelium. In contrast, the metastatic M12 subline produced highly disorganized cells with no evidence of polarization. The F6 subline reverted to acini-like structures exhibiting basal polarity marked with integrins. Reducing either vimentin levels via small interfering RNA interference or the expression of α6 and β1integrins by the addition of blocking antibodies, reorganized the M12 subline into forming polarized acini. The loss of vimentin significantly reduced M12-Vim tumor growth when assessed by s.c. injection in athymic mice. Thus, tumorigenicity in vivo correlated with disorganized growth in three-dimensional lrECM gels. These studies suggest that the levels of vimentin and β1 integrin play a key role in the homeostasis of the normal acinus in prostate and that their dysregulation may lead to tumorigenesis. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(3):499–508]
Analysis and Demonstration of a Fast Tunable Fiber-Ring-Based Optical Frequency Comb Generator

Fiber-ring-based optical frequency comb generators are analyzed to understand their behavior and limitations. A numerical frequency-domain model is described for studying dispersion and other phase mismatch causing effects in the fiber ring cavity, as well as for predicting the spectral and temporal evolutions of the comb in time. The results from this analysis are verified with experimental measurements. A flat optical comb, with a terahertz span within a 6-dB power envelope and containing 100 comb lines, with a suppressed central comb line, is demonstrated. The comb shows an excellent coherence dependent on the phase noise from the radio frequency synthesizer that drives the comb generator. Improvement in the error correction loop also enables the comb spacing to be set at precise 12.5-MHz intervals without having to adjust the system. Fast frequency switching of the comb line spacing is demonstrated for the first time. The comb line spacing can be switched to any operation frequency with a resolution of 12.5 MHz between 6 and 12.5 GHz, as limited only by the microwave circuit used. The switching time is less than 1 s, and the spectral profile of the comb is maintained.
Visualization algorithms for feature models in concern-driven software development

Concern-Driven Development builds on the disciplines of model-driven engineering, software product lines and aspect-orientation to define broad units of reuse, so called concerns. The feature model of a concern plays a central role, since it describes the variants encapsulated by a concern, such as, alternative functionality or different design solutions. This paper argues that depending on who is working with the feature model, the encapsulated features and their relationships should be visualized differently: the concern designer is working within the concern module, and therefore needs to see the features of reused concerns that have been selected; the concern user is evaluating if a concern can be reused for a given purpose, and therefore wants to browse the choices that are available.
An exploration of the psychological contract of staff nurses in a children’s hospice

Aim: This study explores the psychological contract of staff nurses working in a Children’s Hospice in Ireland. Background: Central to the concept of the psychological contract is the idea that mutual beliefs, expectations and obligations develop outside of the written contract of employment and require careful consideration and attention. There are widespread, nursing staff shortages at present which are expected to worsen over the coming years. Reform of public healthcare management has seen a move to a more business like environment where changes in management practices have conflicted at times with traditional nursing values. Against the above background, the importance of understanding the needs and expectations of this group is evident. Study Design: A qualitative research approach was conducted using a case study design. Using purposeful sampling 17 face to face interviews with nurses and nurse managers were completed. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Four themes emerged from the data namely, formation of the psychological contract, professional development and support, communication involvement and trust and professional ideology and commitment. The findings revealed that the staff nurse’s expectations are being met with regards to the quality of care provided, the collegial atmosphere and the support levels provided from line managers. The study calls attention to the staff nurses needs for greater opportunities for professional development, flexible working practices, involvement in decision making and reward and recognition. Breach and violation of the psychological contract is strongly associated with poor morale, low levels of commitment, higher absenteeism and higher turnover levels. The importance of the interpretation and communication process throughout the employee lifecycle is discussed in the study. Conclusion: A strong case is presented for utilizing the psychological contract as a framework for understanding the employment relationship and leveraging employee engagement and organisational commitment.
Mobilni marketing - savršen komunikacioni kanal zasnovan na interaktivnosti i dozvoli

Mobilni marketing je segment digitalnogmarketinga nastao ekspanzijom mobilnih tehnologija ipodrazumjeva upotrebu mobilnih telefona kao glavnoginteraktivnog komunikacionog kanala ponuđača i potrošača. Ovaj vid marketinga dobija na značaju usljed brze penetracijemobilnih telefona u društvu . Omogućava stalnu komunikaciju sapotrošačima, bez prostornih i vremenskih ograničenja. Brojne sutehnike na kojima je baziran ovaj medij. Cilj ovog rada jeupoznavanje domaće javnosti sa tehnikama mobilnogmarketinga i podsticanje marketinških agencija na većuupotrebu ovog najbrže rastućeg instrumenta savremenihkomunikacija.
Expression of Orexin A and its Receptor 1 in the Bovine Urethroprostatic Complex

Orexin A (oxA) and orexin B are recently discovered peptides derived from the proteolytic cleavage of the common precursor prepro‐orexin. They bind two G protein‐coupled receptors, defined orexin 1 (ox1R) and orexin 2 receptor. Both peptides are highly expressed in the lateral hypothalamic area of the brain and are involved in the regulation of many functions of the body, the best investigated of which is food intake. Recent data described the presence of orexins in peripheral organs such as the adrenal glands, stomach, bowel, pancreas, and testis. Here, we report the detection of oxA and ox1R in the exocrine and endocrine cytotypes of the cattle urethroprostatic complex by using immunohistochemistry. The expression of prepro‐orexin and ox1R mRNA transcripts in the prostatic tissue was assessed by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, while the presence of both the proteins in the tissue was confirmed by Western blotting analysis. Our findings provide the first evidence for the presence of oxA and ox1R in the urethroprostatic complex of the cattle and demonstrate that both proteins are locally synthesized, thus suggesting a role for oxA on both physiological and pathological functioning of the complex. Anat Rec, 291:169–174, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Corporate governance system in Italy: Compliance and quality

The role of banking and insurance as an animated component of any economy has been widely recognized in the evolution of literature (Shrutikeerti & Amlan, 2017). The financial liberalization efforts taken by various developing economies had the central bearing on their financial institutions (Shrutikeerti & Amlan, 2016). The development of insurance and banking sectors play an important role in stimulating financial development and consequently the growth of the economy. Enhancing firm performance predicted through ownership structure, information disclosure, financial transparency and board profile safeguards reputation, yields effective risk management systems and yet helps firms achieve their business objectives. The study employed a sample of 103 financial institutions and adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design with a Pearson correlation coefficient. Reliability, validity and exploratory factor analysis with principal components and Cronbach’s alpha as well as hierarchical regression was reasonable for analysis but also directed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) modelling which was helpful in attesting the measurement and structural models appropriate for the performance of financial institutions. Reveal a statistically significant and positive relationship between corporate governance and firm performance. PLS modelling assented the structural and measurement models and recognized that corporate governance is statistically significant and predict firm performance through its different constructs of information disclosure, financial transparency, and ownership structure and board profile. Equally, firm performance demonstrated that management efficiency, earnings quality, asset quality, capital adequacy and liquidity were key dimensions. The study was cross-sectional and a longitudinal study is necessary to understand the dynamics of corporate governance and firm performance over a period of time. The results extend the understanding of the role of corporate governance in promoting firm performance in financial institutions. Additionally, the results add evidence to the growing body of research focusing on interdisciplinary aspects as well as the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance. Overall, there is a significant positive relationship between corporate governance and firm performance.