Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amino Acid Derivatives as Bitter Taste Receptor (T2R) Blockers*

Background: T2Rs are activated by hundreds of bitter compounds; however, only five blockers are known. Results: T2R4 residues involved in binding to agonist quinine and two novel bitter blockers GABA and BCML were identified. Conclusion: Bitter blockers and agonists share the same orthosteric site in T2R4. Significance: Bitter blockers identified in this study have tremendous physiological and nutraceutical importance. In humans, the 25 bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) are activated by hundreds of structurally diverse bitter compounds. However, only five antagonists or bitter blockers are known. In this study, using molecular modeling guided site-directed mutagenesis, we elucidated the ligand-binding pocket of T2R4. We found seven amino acids located in the extracellular side of transmembrane 3 (TM3), TM4, extracellular loop 2 (ECL2), and ECL3 to be involved in T2R4 binding to its agonist quinine. ECL2 residues Asn-173 and Thr-174 are essential for quinine binding. Guided by a molecular model of T2R4, a number of amino acid derivatives were screened for their ability to bind to T2R4. These predictions were tested by calcium imaging assays that led to identification of γ-aminobutryic acid (GABA) and Nα,Nα-bis(carboxymethyl)-l-lysine (BCML) as competitive inhibitors of quinine-activated T2R4 with an IC50 of 3.2 ± 0.3 μm and 59 ± 18 nm, respectively. Interestingly, pharmacological characterization using a constitutively active mutant of T2R4 reveals that GABA acts as an antagonist, whereas BCML acts as an inverse agonist on T2R4. Site-directed mutagenesis confirms that the two novel bitter blockers share the same orthosteric site as the agonist quinine. The signature residues Ala-90 and Lys-270 play important roles in interacting with BCML and GABA, respectively. This is the first report to characterize a T2R endogenous antagonist and an inverse agonist. The novel bitter blockers will facilitate physiological studies focused on understanding the roles of T2Rs in extraoral tissues.
Audio informed visual speaker tracking with SMC-PHD filter

Sequential Monte Carlo probability hypothesis density (SMC-PHD) filter has received much interest in the field of nonlinear non-Gaussian visual tracking due to its ability to handle a variable number of speakers. The SMC-PHD filter employs surviving, spawned and born particles to model the state of the speakers and jointly estimates the variable number of speakers with their states. The born particles play a critical role in the detection of new speakers, which makes it necessary to propagate them in each frame. However, this increases the computational cost of the visual tracker. Here, we propose to use audio data to determine when to propagate the born particles and re-allocate the surviving and spawned particles. In our framework, we employ audio data as an aid to visual SMC-PHD (V-SMC-PHD) filter by using the direction of arrival (DOA) angles of the audio sources to reshape the distribution of the particles. Experimental results on the AV16:3 dataset with multi-speaker sequences show that our proposed audio-visual SMC-PHD (AV-SMC-PHD) filter improves the tracking performance in terms of estimation accuracy and computational efficiency.
Distinct roles of two separable in vitro activities of yeast Mre11 in mitotic and meiotic recombination

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Mre11 protein is involved in both double‐strand DNA break (DSB) repair and meiotic DSB formation. Here, we report the correlation of nuclease and DNA‐binding activities of Mre11 with its functions in DNA repair and meiotic DSB formation. Purified Mre11 bound to DNA efficiently and was shown to have Mn2+‐dependent nuclease activities. A point mutation in the N‐terminal phosphoesterase motif (Mre11D16A) resulted in the abolition of nuclease activities but had no significant effect on DNA binding. The wild‐type level of nuclease activity was detected in a C‐terminal truncated protein (Mre11ΔC49), although it had reduced DNA‐binding activity. Phenotypes of the corresponding mutations were also analyzed. The mre11D16A mutation conferred methyl methanesulfonate‐sensitivity to mitotic cells and caused the accumulation of unprocessed meiotic DSBs. The mre11ΔC49 mutant exhibited almost wild‐type phenotypes in mitosis. However, in meiosis, no DSB formation could be detected and an aberrant chromatin configuration was observed at DSB sites in the mre11ΔC49 mutant. These results indicate that Mre11 has two separable functional domains: the N‐terminal nuclease domain required for DSB repair, and the C‐terminal dsDNA‐binding domain essential to its meiotic functions such as chromatin modification and DSB formation.
Buying on Certification: Customer Procurement and Credit Ratings

This paper examines how the spending of the public sector is influenced by a certification from the private sector – that is, how the federal government responds to a change in supplier firms’ credit ratings in the process of government procurement. The government significantly increases the spending on firms that receive positive rating certification, and lowers the spending on firms that receive negative certification. This effect is more pronounced in industries that are heavily dependent on government spending, and is concentrated on firms close to the investment-speculative grade threshold. In contrast, firms’ non-government customers do not exhibit a similar response. Positive rating certification appears to enable firms to adopt more aggressive pricing strategies and collect a premium from government customers. These findings highlight a significant impact of credit rating certification on government spending, and potentially, on taxpayers’ wealth.
Hybrid Architectures for Multi-Engine Machine Translation

We describe diﬀerent architectures that combine rule-based and statistical machine translation (RBMT and SMT) engines into hybrid systems. One of them allows to combine many existing MT engines in a multi-engine setup, which can be done under the control of a de-coder for SMT. Another architecture uses lexical entries induced via SMT technology to be included in a rule-based system. For all these approaches prototypical implementations have been done within the Eu-roMatrix project and some indicative results from the recent evaluation campaign are given, which help to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches.
ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF ALKALOIDS AND FLAVONOIDS EXTRACTED FROM TAMARIX APHYLLA LEAVES AGAINST COMMON HUMAN PATHOGENIC BACTERIA

Background: Alkaloids and flavonoids are secondary metabolites extracted from different medicinal plants. Tamarix aphylla a traditionally valuable medicinal plant; was used for the extraction of alkaloids and flavonoids in order to evaluate their antibacterial activity. Methodology: The leaves of the plant were collected from district Kohat, Pakistan, and their alkaloids and flavonoids were extracted with ethanol and methanol, respectively. Four bacteria i.e. Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were selected for the biological screening of these phyto-constituents. Results: The concentration of alkaloids was found to be more in the leaves of Tamarix aphylla than flavonoids. The extracted phytochemicals showed varied inhibition zones against tested bacterial isolates. Alkaloids showed highest inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus (14±0.6 mm) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13±0.7 mm). Conversely, flavonoids showed the highest inhibitory affect against Salmonella typhi (17±0.7 mm) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (14±0.7 mm). However, both extracts showed the lowest inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli. Conclusions: It was concluded that the alkaloids and flavonoids from Tamarix aphylla leaves have antimicrobial potential against common human bacterial pathogens. However, flavonoids were found to be more active phytochemical against tested bacterial strains as compared to alkaloids.
Identification of the Nervus Intermedius Using 3T MR Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Improved MR imaging at higher field strengths enables more detailed imaging of cranial nerves. The aim of this study was to assess the identifiability of the NI in the CPA and IAC by using high-resolution 3T MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven healthy volunteers (13 men and 14 women; mean age, 33 years) underwent 3T MR imaging of the CPA. The section thicknesses of the CISS sequence was 0.4 mm (TR, 12.18 ms; TE, 6.09 ms) using a 12-channel head coil. Evaluation was performed by using MPR mode. Image quality and identifiability of the NI were rated independently by 2 observers according to predefined criteria on an ordinal scale. Interobserver agreement was assessed by κ statistics. RESULTS: Fifty-four NIs were evaluated. Both observers were able to identify the NI in nearly 60% of cases. It was possible to indentify at least 1 NI in 70% of all volunteers in the CPA and/or IAC. Image quality ratings showed a substantial agreement (κ = 0.65) and identifiability ratings an almost perfect (κ = 0.83) agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Careful evaluation of all nervous and vascular structures in the CPA and IAC at high-resolution 3T MR imaging allows reliable depiction of the NI.
The challenge of developing a new predictive formula to estimate energy requirements in ventilated critically ill children.

BACKGROUND Traditionally, energy requirements have been calculated using predictive equations. These methods have failed to calculate energy expenditure accurately. Routine indirect calorimetry has been suggested, but this method is technically demanding and costly. This study aimed to develop a new predictive equation to estimate energy requirements for critically ill children. METHODS This prospective, observational study on ventilated children included patients with an endotracheal tube leak of < 10% and fractional inspired oxygen of < 60%. An indirect calorimetry energy expenditure measurement was performed and polynomial regression analysis was used to develop new predictive equations. The new formulas were then compared with existing prediction equations. RESULTS Data from 369 measurements were included in the formula design. Only weight and diagnosis influenced energy expenditure significantly. Three formulas (A, B, C) with an R² > 0.8 were developed. When we compared the new formulas with commonly used equations (Schofield, Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University, and White equation), all formulas performed very similar, but the Schofield equation seemed to have the lowest SD. CONCLUSIONS All 3 new pediatric intensive care unit equations have R² values of > 0.8; however, the Schofield equation still performed better than other predictive methods in predicting energy expenditure in these patients. Still, none of the predictive equations, including the new equations, predicted energy expenditure within a clinically accepted range, and further research is required, particularly for patients outside the technical scope of indirect calorimetry.
Face-name memory training in subjective memory decline: how does office-based training translate to everyday situations?

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine whether people with subjective memory decline (SMD) benefit from face-name memory training (single session) as much as older adult controls in an office-based setting. Approximately 2 months later, groups were reassessed for translation to a naturalistic setting. In the office setting, there was a significant interaction between stimulus type (cued name; uncued name) and training condition (spaced retrieval, semantic association, no training), but no group differences nor interactions. Semantic association was only beneficial for cued names, whereas spaced retrieval was beneficial in cued and uncued conditions. In the naturalistic setting, however, there were no training effects. Naturalistic performance was predicted by demographics, cognition, and motivation. All groups reported improved memory control beliefs and contentment. Our study demonstrates the benefit of simple memory strategies for older adults, including those with SMD, in office-based settings. Translation to everyday settings is complex and may require prior intervention to increase motivation.
Motivational orientation of persons managing community water supply and sanitation programmes: An empirical study.

This paper reports on an investigation into factors that determined the decisions of members of Water and Sanitation (Watsan) Committees to participate in and commit themselves to management activities that would ensure the sustainability of water supply and sanitation programmes in their communities. The major finding was that the motivational orientation of the Watsan members was gradually shifting from purely normative to remunerative values. It implies that their continued membership and willingness to perform their management tasks satisfactorily, in future, would depend on how much satisfaction they derived from being members. These motivational factors are essential if the participation and commitment of local organizations to the entire programme management process is to be guaranteed.
The dipteran family Celyphidae in the New World, with discussion of and key to world genera (Insecta, Diptera)

Abstract The family Celyphidae (Diptera, Lauxanioidea) is verified as part of the New World fauna, with a second specimen discovered of a species described from French Guiana in 1844 by P.J.M. Macquart. As this species possesses characteristics that clearly suggest a separate lineage from the Old World celyphids, a new genus is proposed, Atopocelyphus gen. n. , with the type species, Celyphus ruficollis Macquart, in the new combination Atopocelyphus ruficollis (Macquart), comb. n. A key to world genera of Celyphidae is presented, along with discussion of generic concepts. Chamaecelyphus Frey is synonymized under Spaniocelyphus Hendel, syn. n. , resulting in the following 10 new combinations: Spaniocelyphus africanus (Walker), comb. n. ; S. dichrous (Bezzi), comb. n. ; S. gutta (Speiser), comb. n. ; S. halticinus (Frey), comb. n. ; S. kalongensis (Vanschuytbroek), comb. n. ; S. ruwenzoriensis (Vanschuytbroek), comb. n. ; S. straeleni (Vanschuytbroek), comb. n. ; S. upembaensis (Vanschuytbroek), comb. n. ; S. violaceus (Vanschuytbroek), comb. n. ; S. vrydaghi (Vanschuytbroek), comb. n. The subgenera of Celyphus Dalman are elevated to genus rank, as Paracelyphus Bigot, stat. rev., and Hemiglobus Frey, stat. rev., resulting in the following 17 new and revised combinations: Hemiglobus cheni (Shi), comb. n. ; H. eos (Frey), comb. n. ; H. lacunosus Frey, comb. rev.; H. pellucidus Frey, comb. rev.; H. planitarsalis (Shi), comb. n. ; H. porosus (Tenorio), comb. n. ; H. pulchmaculatus (Liu & Yang), comb. n. ; H. quadrimaculatus (Tenorio), comb. n. ; H. resplendens Frey, comb. rev.; H. rugosus (Tenorio), comb. n. ; H. testaceus (Malloch), comb. n. ; H. trichoporis (Shi), comb. n. ; H. unicolor Frey, comb. rev.; H. violaceus Chen, comb. rev.; Paracelyphus hyacinthus Bigot, comb. rev.; P. medogis (Shi), comb. n. ; P. vittalis (Shi), comb. n.
Identification of microsporidia in stool specimens by using PCR and restriction endonucleases

We report the development of a PCR-based assay for the detection of microsporidia in clinical specimens. A single primer pair complementary to conserved sequences of the small-subunit rRNA enabled amplification of DNA from the four major microsporidian pathogens of humans: Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon hellem, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Septata intestinalis. The extraction method allowed PCR amplification of E. bieneusi and S. intestinalis DNA from sodium hypochlorite-treated stool specimens. Differentiation of the microsporidian gastrointestinal pathogens E. bieneusi and S. intestinalis could be accomplished by restriction endonuclease digestion of PCR products using PstI and HaeIII.
The Effectiveness of Various Restorative Justice Interventions on Recidivism Outcomes Among Juvenile Offenders

Research has generally supported the effectiveness of restorative justice (RJ) programs on a number of outcomes; however, little research has examined the effectiveness of variations in the intervention. This study examined several variations of an RJ program for juvenile offenders, including direct mediation, indirect forms of victim/offender mediation accomplished without direct victim/offender contact, the use of community panels (i.e., with community representatives when no direct victim was available), and a group who received only minimal interaction with RJ staff. Results supported the effectiveness of a number of variations in program implementation. Implications for future research and potential improvements to the RJ model are discussed.
Outcome analysis of endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with nasal polyps and asthma

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in the management of chronic sinusitis and asthma in patients with nasal polyps and steroid‐dependent asthma. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: The study included 17 patients who underwent ESS with nasal polyps, steroid‐dependent asthma with or without aspirin sensitivity and a minimum of 1 year postoperative follow‐up. Nine patients were ASA sensitive, and eight patients were ASA tolerant. Chronic sinusitis and asthma were evaluated using subjective (patient complaints) and objective (computed tomography scans, pulmonary function tests, steroid doses) criteria. Preoperative data were compared with data obtained 12 to 18 months postESS. Tissue samples were graded for degree of inflammation and edema. Results: Thirteen of the 17 (76.5%) patients reported improved clinical symptoms postESS. The postoperative Lund‐Mackay scores were statistically lower for the 17 patients (P < .0001). The group experienced improvement in postoperative forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1) (P < .014). Twelve of 17 (70.6%) experienced reduction in systemic steroid usage (P < .048). The ASA sensitive patients did not have a statistical improvement in postoperative FEV1 (P > .08) and sinonasal symptoms (P > .16) compared with the ASA tolerant group. Polyp tissue from the ASA sensitive patients demonstrated more edema and more inflammation on average than ASA tolerant polyps, but the results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: ESS demonstrates a beneficial effect on the sinonasal and asthma symptomatology in patients with nasal polyps and asthma using objective measures. Subset of aspirin‐tolerant patients have statistically better outcome for sinonasal symptoms and pulmonary function testing than aspirin‐sensitive patients.
Psychometric Properties of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire in Patients With Chronic Pain

Objective:Previous studies have demonstrated that the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire is able to discriminate between depressive and anxious symptoms. Factor analysis of the scale has revealed 3 factors: general distress, positive affect, and physiological hyperarousal. However, the properties of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire have not been extensively examined in medical populations, in which the measurement of depressive and anxious symptoms is complicated by the presence of comorbid physical symptoms such as pain. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire in patients with chronic pain. Materials and Methods:A total of 230 persons with chronic musculoskeletal pain were recruited from a multidisciplinary pain clinic (n = 110) and a large urban community (n = 120). Participants completed the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire and were interviewed for the presence of depressive disorders using the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV. Factor analyses, scale reliability analyses, and discriminative function analyses were performed on the data. Results:Utilizing principal factor analysis and orthogonal rotation, the factor structure of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire in both chronic pain samples was similar to previously reported factor analyses. Three factors emerged: positive affect, general distress, and physiological hyperarousal. Coefficients of congruence calculated from the factor structures of each subsample of persons with chronic pain suggested that the factors were highly similar (0.83-0.93). Given that the factor structures were comparable in both populations, a final analysis was conducted on the entire sample. Again, this analysis revealed a 3-factor solution. Examination of the factor loadings and item-to-total correlations revealed that some of the original scale items failed to load on or correlate with a specific factor, or correlated highly with 2 or more factors (thus lacking discriminatory power). A revised scale, eliminating items with low factors loadings and/or high cross loadings, was examined. Reliabilities for the subscales were high, and the subscales demonstrated the ability to predict clinical diagnoses of depression in a hypothesized fashion. Discussion:The results support the utility of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire with samples of patients with chronic pain and provide further support for the tripartite model of anxiety and depression.
Patterns of mutations in target genes in septicemia isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae with resistance or reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin

Thirty‐two Escherichia coli and 21 Klebsiella pneumoniae septicemia isolates with varying degrees of resistance to ciprofloxacin were analyzed for the presence of point mutations within the quinolone‐resistance target genes. The number of mutations observed in the resistant isolates agreed with the level of ciprofloxacin resistance in both species. Such isolates were also resistant to nalidixic acid. Isolates with borderline susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, on the other hand, behaved differently in the two species. In E. coli all the isolates harbored at least one mutation and these isolates were also resistant to nalidixic acid, while no mutations were detected in the K. pneumoniae isolates, and susceptibility to nalidixic acid was unpredictable. Therefore, nalidixic acid cannot be used as a class representative. Time‐kill curve studies on an isolate with borderline susceptibility from each species showed higher degrees of resistance to ciprofloxacin in comparison to that of the wild‐type E. coli. A previously unreported parC mutation, S57→T, was detected in a resistant E. coli isolate and might expand the QRDR of this gene. Normalized resistance interpretations of histograms confirmed the setting of microbiological zone breakpoints for ciprofloxacin testing.