Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are 'digital natives' really digitally competent? - A study on Chinese teenagers

Literature review has found that despite the considerable attention focused on ‘digital natives’, few studies have carefully investigated the characteristics of this group. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the debate on digital natives by providing a ‘piece of evidence’ on the digital competence status of a group of Chinese teenagers (ninth grade students) randomly selected from the Jiangdong District in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province. An Instant Digital Competence Assessment (iDCA) tool, developed by a research group from the University of Florence, was adopted as the measurement tool for the study. Quantitative research was employed and the research design for the study was descriptive in nature. Data analysis results found that the majority of the participating ninth grade students (n = 317) had personal computers (PCs) and the Internet available at home and the average period of time owing a PC was about 5 years. The iDCA results indicated that (1) participants’ overall performance in the iDCA was just ‘pass’ rather than ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, which might imply that digital natives in China are not necessarily digitally competent; (2) there were big disparities among participants as regards their digital competence; (3) participants’ digital competence differed depending on their schools and their ages; (4) participants’ digital competence was not significantly influenced by such factors as having a PC or not, having the Internet or not at home, frequency of computers and Internet use. On the basis of the findings, the study concluded by highlighting the role of education in improving teenagers’ digital competence and by recommending the development of well-designed teaching and learning materials for the Chinese K-12 school system.
Loss of Vacuolar H+-ATPase Activity in Organelles Signals Ubiquitination and Endocytosis of the Yeast Plasma Membrane Proton pump Pma1p*

Background: Loss of organelle acidification results in reduced levels of the plasma membrane pump Pma1p. Results: Ubiquitination and internalization of Pma1p requires ubiquitin ligase Rsp5p and adaptor protein Rim8. Conclusion: Loss of V-ATPase proton pump activity in organelles signals ubiquitination and endocytosis of plasma membrane Pma1p. Significance: A novel pH control mechanism communicates organelle pH changes to a plasma membrane proton pump. Yeast mutants lacking the intracellular V-ATPase proton pump (vma mutants) have reduced levels of the Pma1p proton pump at the plasma membrane and increased levels in organelles including the vacuolar lumen. We examined the mechanism and physiological consequences of Pma1p mislocalization. Pma1p is ubiquitinated in vma mutants, and ubiquitination depends on the ubiquitin ligase Rsp5p and the arrestin-related adaptor protein Rim8p. vma mutant strains containing rsp5 or rim8 mutations maintain Pma1p at the plasma membrane, suggesting that ubiquitination is required for Pma1p internalization. Acute inhibition of V-ATPase activity with concanamycin A triggers Pma1p ubiquitination and internalization. In an endocytosis-deficient mutant (end4Δ) Pma1p is ubiquitinated but retained at the plasma membrane during concanamycin A treatment. Consistent with specificity in signaling loss of V-ATPase activity to Pma1p, another plasma membrane transporter, Mup1p, is not internalized in a vma mutant, and loss of the Mup1p adaptor Art1p does not prevent Pma1p internalization in a vma mutant. Very poor growth of vma2 rsp5-1 and vma2 rim8Δ double mutants suggests that Pma1p internalization benefits the vma mutants. We hypothesize that loss of V-ATPase-mediated organelle acidification signals ubiquitination, internalization, and degradation of a portion of Pma1p as a means of balancing overall pH homeostasis.
High expression of a functional cruzipain by a non-infective and non-pathogenic Trypanosoma cruzi clone

We compared a Trypanosoma cruzi clone unable to infect or induce pathology in mice (CL-14), with virulent T. cruzi (Y and CL strains) in terms of cruzipain expression, subcellular distribution and functional activity. Our results showed that (1) intracellular Y amastigotes expressed R1 (carboxy-terminal) and R2 (catalytic) domains concentrated in cytoplasmic vesicles, while CL-14 presented R1 labelling on membrane clusters and R2 in intracellular compartments, (2) CL-14-trypomastigotes presented R1 and R2 staining preferentially on flagellar and cellular membranes, similar to CL, but different from Y strain intracellular labelling pattern, (3) flow-cytometry revealed higher expression of R1 by CL-14-trypomastigotes than virulent strains, but R2 staining similar to CL-trypomastigotes, (4) CL-14-trypomastigotes presented normal cruzipain activity in gelatin gels, but different banding patterns were found in CL-14 versus CL and Y strains. Our data rule out failure in cruzipain expression, activity or subcellular distribution as an explanation for CL-14 biological behaviour, but suggest the expression of a different isoform. These results also cast doubt on the putative role of cruzipain as a target of immunopathological responses, since high levels of functional cruzipain are expressed by a non-pathogenic T. cruzi.
Power-Efficient Accelerators for High-Performance Applications

Computers, regardless of their function, are always better if they can operate more quickly. The addition of computation resources allows for improved response times, greater functionality and more flexibility. The drawback with improving a computer's performance, however, is that it often comes at the cost of power and energy consumption. For many platforms, this is not an issue—desktop computers, for instance, have been consuming an increasing amount of power yet because they comprise a small fraction of a household's overall power consumption, this increase is tolerated. Power increases are not tolerated, however, in modern mobile devices. These devices do more and more each generation and are deployed in increasingly interesting environments—whether it is the common smart phone, a portable medical imaging device or a complex sensor-processor used for disaster relief. Even in less portable circumstances, such as servers used for high-throughput computation, reducing power consumption is an important way to reduce the cost of operating the server. This thesis studies various applications from these and other domains that require ever-increasing compute ability but cannot tolerate a similar increase in power consumption. These domains include wireless signal-processing, portable medical imaging and scientific computing. These applications are analyzed in detail to ascertain the most appropriate hardware substrates and microarchitectural structures to help deliver the best performance-per-power efficiency. The architectures evaluated included fixed-function and flexible loop accelerators, SIMD data-engines, general-purpose graphics-processing units and general-purpose processors. These architectures were improved in ways that increased programmability, instruction-level parallelism, memory bandwidth, and average throughput; and reduced control-divergence overhead, effective memory latency, and data-dependent stalls. These modifications led to solutions with 50 times the performance-per-power efficiency as current designs.
Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of RNA compared with polyclonal- and monoclonal-antibody-based enzyme immunoassays for rotavirus

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of rotaviral RNA, a sensitive and highly specific test for detecting rotavirus in stool, was compared with two commercially available enzyme immunoassays (EIAs), monoclonal (Pathfinder) and polyclonal (Rotazyme II). Stool samples from 204 children with nosocomial diarrhea were tested for rotavirus by both EIAs and by PAGE of RNA extracted from raw stools or 10% stool suspensions. Samples which tested positive by either EIA but were negative by PAGE were subjected to blocking EIA with rabbit or goat anti-SA11. Rotavirus was detected by PAGE and Pathfinder in 62 stools, but only 47 of these were positive by Rotazyme II. Blocking assays of EIA-positive, PAGE-negative samples suggested the presence of rotavirus in four additional stools. Sensitivity and specificity measured against PAGE and blocking assays were: Pathfinder, 0.985 and 0.934; and Rotazyme II, 0.731 and 0.927, respectively. False-positive rates were 0.134 for Pathfinder and 0.149 for Rotazyme II. The specificity and rate of false-positive results of Pathfinder were improved by using an adjusted optical density cutoff 4.36 times greater than that recommended by the manufacturer (specificity, 0.993; sensitivity, 0.985; false-positive rate, 0.015).
Antagonistic Interactions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms in Planktonic but Not Biofilm Growth

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa has an extraordinary capacity to evade the activity of antibiotics through a complex interplay of intrinsic and mutation-driven resistance pathways, which are, unfortunately, often additive or synergistic, leading to multidrug (or even pandrug) resistance. However, we show that one of these mechanisms, overexpression of the MexCD-OprJ efflux pump (driven by inactivation of its negative regulator NfxB), causes major changes in the cell envelope physiology, impairing the backbone of P. aeruginosa intrinsic resistance, including the major constitutive (MexAB-OprM) and inducible (MexXY-OprM) efflux pumps and the inducible AmpC β-lactamase. Moreover, it also impaired the most relevant mutation-driven β-lactam resistance mechanism (constitutive AmpC overexpression), through a dramatic decrease in periplasmic β-lactamase activity, apparently produced by an abnormal permeation of AmpC out of the cell. While these results could delineate future strategies for combating antibiotic resistance in cases of acute nosocomial infections, a major drawback for the potential exploitation of the described antagonistic interaction between resistance mechanisms came from the differential bacterial physiology characteristics of biofilm growth, a hallmark of chronic infections. Although the failure to concentrate AmpC activity in the periplasm dramatically limits the protection of the targets (penicillin-binding proteins [PBPs]) of β-lactams at the individual cell level, the expected outcome for cells growing as biofilm communities, which are surrounded by a thick extracellular matrix, was less obvious. Indeed, our results showed that AmpC produced by nfxB mutants is protective in biofilm growth, suggesting that the permeation of AmpC into the matrix protects biofilm communities against β-lactams.
Kinematic predictors of performance on the Star Excursion Balance Test.

CONTEXT The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is composed of 8 reaching directions that are potentially measuring the same functional component, leading to the suggestion that the number of reach directions could be reduced without compromising the assessment of dynamic postural control. OBJECTIVE To determine whether the relationship of stance-leg angular displacement on normalized reach distance is a source of dynamic-postural-control measurement redundancy. DESIGN Single-session within-subjects design. SETTING Athletic training research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS 10 women and 10 men. INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Normalized reach distance and angular displacement at the knee and hip. RESULTS Stepwise regression revealed that hip flexion and knee flexion, separately and in combination, accounted for 62% to 95% of the variance in reach distances. CONCLUSION Similarity in lower extremity function could account for the previously observed measurement redundancy in the SEBT.
Biocompatibility and Immunocompatibility Assessment of Poly(2-Oxazolines)

Synthetic polymers are considered to be the promising materials for biomedical applications. Various polymer formulations have been employed to achieve the desired chemical, physical and biological properties. Recently, there has been much interest in the development of environmentally responsive polymers for use as biomaterials [1]. Such behavior is significant for the controlled release of drugs upon the application of a stimulus, such as pH, temperature, light or ionic strength. These mentioned properties are necessary for the utilization of polymeric materials for biomedical applications, such as drug and gene delivery, biomembrane technology and biocatalysis [2,3]. Polymer materials can be used in medicine as a part of implant, dialysis membranes, bone scaffolds or components of artificial organs. It means that polymers covers very broad range of biomedical applications. A critical point of the usage of synthetic polymers in living bodies is their utilization, accompanied with the interactions of the foreign material, with the living matter (cells, tissues etc.). The implantation of polymeric materials to a body is usually associated with the inflammation and biofouling. The inflammation is the first defense mechanism of the immune system followed by unspecific cell and protein adhesion and the formation of fibrotic tissue which leads to implant s dysfunctions. The fundamental role in the implantation of these materials is to increase the tolerance of body to implanted material and to avoid the foreign body reaction [4,5].
Biochemical Differentiation of Pseudomonas fluorescens of Assam Soil and their Utility in Management of Bacterial Wilt of Solanaceous Crops

The bacterial wilt solanaceous crops caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is an important soil borne bacterial plant pathogen with worldwide distribution and a wide host range of more than 200 species in 50 families (Hayward, 1991). Some of its economically important plant hosts include tomato, potato, eggplant, pepper, tobacco, banana, chilli, and peanut (French and Sequeira, 1970). Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill), Brinjal (Solanum nigrum) and chilli (Capsicum annum L) are some popular and widely grown vegetable crops in the world and are major source of income for the small and marginal farmers. The major constraint in their production is the bacterial wilt disease as it causes severe plant mortality and yield loss up to an extent of 90 to 100 per cent (Kishun, International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 6 (2017) pp. 2796-2806 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Risk factors for Brucella spp. infection in smallholder household herds

SUMMARY Risk factors for Brucella infection, the association and impact of Brucella seropositivity on abortions were investigated in cattle (n=1291) reared in smallholder household herds (n=203) from six geographical areas of Zimbabwe between September 2004 and 2005. Data on management, abortion and herd structure were collected. Sera were tested for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal test and a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analysed by generalized estimating equation and logistic regression models. Brucella antibodies were estimated at 5·5% and 22·9% for individual cattle and herds, respectively. Abortions were reported in 3·2% of cows and 22·0% herds. The age of cows and Brucella seropositivity predicted abortion. For herds, Brucella seropositivity, geographical area, purchase of cattle and large herd size were independently associated with increased odds of abortion. Exposure to Brucella had a significant impact on abortion. These results highlight the important risk factors for Brucella spp. infection in smallholder herds. Thus, brucellosis control programmes which take these factors into consideration will be beneficial.
Relationship of serological subtype, basic core promoter and precore mutations to genotypes/subgenotypes of hepatitis B virus

Using phylogenetic analysis and pairwise comparison of 670 complete hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomes, we demonstrated that nucleotide divergence greater than 7.5% can be used to separate strains into genotypes A–H. Strains can be separated into subgenotypes when two criteria are met: nucleotide divergence of about 4% but less than 7.5% and good bootstrap support. There is a highly statistically significant association between serological subtypes and genotypes (χ2‐test for association, P < 0.0001): adw is associated with genotypes A, B, F, G, and H, adr with C and ayw with D and E. The logistic regression method showed that 1802–1803CG are characteristic of genotypes A, D, and E whereas 1802–1803TT are characteristic of genotypes B, C, and F. 1858C is positively associated with genotypes A, F, and H and 1858T with genotypes B, D, and E. Subgenotypes C2, F1/F4 can be differentiated from subgenotypes C1, F2/F3, respectively, because the latter have 1858C as opposed to 1858T in the former. 1888A was positively associated with subgenotype A1 and TAA at 1817 with genotype G. The Haploplot method revealed high linkage between loci 1858 and 1896 but strong evidence of recombination between loci 1862 and 1896. Loci 1809–1812, 1862, and 1888 may have co‐evolved. Using a computer program, we showed that serological subtype deduced from the S region (position 155–835) and mutations/variations within the basic core promoter/precore region (1653–1900), allowed genotyping of HBV with 97% sensitivity and 99% specificity. Certain subgenotypes or subgenotype groups could also be differentiated. J. Med. Virol. 80:27–46, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Segmental Trunk Support on Posture and Reaching in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Purpose: To test the effects of segmental trunk support on seated postural and reaching control in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: Seventeen children (age range 2-15 y, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III-V) were classified with the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control into mild (complete trunk control/lower lumbar deficits), moderate (thoracic/upper lumbar deficits), and severe (cervical/upper thoracic deficits). Postural and arm kinematics were measured while reaching with trunk support at axillae, mid-ribs, or pelvis. Results: Children in the mild group did not display changes in posture or reaching across conditions. The moderately involved group showed decrements in postural and reaching performance with pelvic compared with higher supports (P < .01). Children in the severe group were unable to maintain posture with pelvic support and showed postural deficiencies with mid-ribs compared with axillae support (P < .01). Conclusions: Children with cerebral palsy and trunk dysfunction demonstrate improved motor performance when the external assistance matches their intrinsic level of trunk control.
A study of the etiological factors in cancer of the mouth

N recent years epidemiology hab played an I increasingly important role in the determination of factors that influence the development of cancer in man. Its principles, which have done so much to promote the understanding of arid prevention of infectious diseases, are now applied with equal vigor and hope to understanding of and prevention of chronic illnesses. In this field the ultimate goal of epidemiology is to establish ways by which a given disease process can be avoided. In searching for environmental and etiological factors, one must study all possible factors in order to determine the relationship o€ any of these factors to the disease process. As in previous studies, the incidence pattern of cancer served as a major clue in searching for different environmental factors. We shall review some of these clues as they apply to cancer of the oral cavity.
Proposed radiofrequency phased‐array excitation scheme for homogenous and localized 7‐Tesla whole‐body imaging based on full‐wave numerical simulations

In this article, a radiofrequency (RF) excitation scheme for 7‐Tesla (T) whole‐body applications is derived and analyzed using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. Important features of the proposed excitation scheme and coil (a potential 7T whole‐body transverse electromagnetic [TEM] resonator design), from both operational and electromagnetic perspectives, are discussed. The choice of the coil's operational mode is unconventional; instead of the typical “homogenous mode,” we use a mode that provides a null field in the center of the coil at low‐field applications. Using a 3D FDTD implementation of Maxwell's equations, we demonstrate that the whole‐body 7T TEM coil (tuned to the aforementioned unconventional mode and excited in an optimized near‐field, phased‐array fashion) can potentially provide 1) homogenous whole‐slice (demonstrated in three axial, sagittal, and coronal slices) and 2) 3D localized (demonstrated in the heart) excitations. As RF power was not considered as a part of the optimization in several cases, the significant improvements achieved by whole‐slice RF excitation came at the cost of considerable increases in RF power requirements. Magn Reson Med 57:235–242, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
QSR1, an Essential Yeast Gene with a Genetic Relationship to a Subunit of the Mitochondrial Cytochrome bc1Complex, Is Homologous to a Gene Implicated in Eukaryotic Cell Differentiation (*)

Subunit 6 of the mitochondrial cytochrome bc1complex regulates the activity of the bc1complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae but is not essential for respiration. To test whether QCR6, the nuclear gene which encodes subunit 6, might be functionally redundant with any other gene(s), we screened for mutations in yeast genes which are essential when the otherwise non-essential QCR6 is deleted from the yeast chromosome. We obtained such q uinol-cytochrome c reductase subunit-requiring mutants in two complementation groups, which we named qsr1 and qsr2. The qsr mutants require QCR6 for viability on fermentable and non-fermentable carbon sources, indicating that QCR6 is covering lethal mutations in qsr1 and qsr2, even when the yeast do not require respiration. QSR1 was cloned by rescuing the synthetic lethality of a qsr1-1 mutant. QSR1 encodes a 25.4-kDa protein which is 65% identical to a protein encoded by QM, a highly conserved human gene which has been implicated in tumorigenesis. In mammals QM is down-regulated during adipocyte, kidney, and heart differentiation, and in Nicotiana the homolog of QM is also down-regulated during differentiation. When one chromosomal copy of QSR1 was deleted in a diploid yeast strain, haploid spores derived therefrom and carrying the deletion were unable to grow on fermentable or non-fermentable carbon sources. Although QCR6 allows the qsr1-1 mutant to grow, it will not substitute for QSR1, since the deletion of QSR1 is lethal even if QCR6 is present. These results indicate a novel genetic relationship between a subunit of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and an essential gene in yeast which is homologous to a gene implicated in differentiation in other eukaryotes.