Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A parasitic nematode releases cytokinin that controls cell division and orchestrates feeding site formation in host plants

Significance Sedentary plant-parasitic cyst nematodes are microscopic roundworms that cause significant yield losses in agriculture. Successful parasitism is based on the formation of a hypermetabolic feeding site in host roots from which the nematodes withdraw their nutrients. The host cell cycle is activated at the site of infection and contributes to the formation of the syncytium. Here, we provide genetic evidence that nematode-derived cytokinin is involved in activating the host cell cycle during infection. Our findings show the ability of an animal to synthesize and secrete a functional plant hormone to establish long-term parasitism. Sedentary plant-parasitic cyst nematodes are biotrophs that cause significant losses in agriculture. Parasitism is based on modifications of host root cells that lead to the formation of a hypermetabolic feeding site (a syncytium) from which nematodes withdraw nutrients. The host cell cycle is activated in an initial cell selected by the nematode for feeding, followed by activation of neighboring cells and subsequent expansion of feeding site through fusion of hundreds of cells. It is generally assumed that nematodes manipulate production and signaling of the plant hormone cytokinin to activate cell division. In fact, nematodes have been shown to produce cytokinin in vitro; however, whether the hormone is secreted into host plants and plays a role in parasitism remained unknown. Here, we analyzed the spatiotemporal activation of cytokinin signaling during interaction between the cyst nematode, Heterodera schachtii, and Arabidopsis using cytokinin-responsive promoter:reporter lines. Our results showed that cytokinin signaling is activated not only in the syncytium but also in neighboring cells to be incorporated into syncytium. An analysis of nematode infection on mutants that are deficient in cytokinin or cytokinin signaling revealed a significant decrease in susceptibility of these plants to nematodes. Further, we identified a cytokinin-synthesizing isopentenyltransferase gene in H. schachtii and show that silencing of this gene in nematodes leads to a significant decrease in virulence due to a reduced expansion of feeding sites. Our findings demonstrate the ability of a plant-parasitic nematode to synthesize a functional plant hormone to manipulate the host system and establish a long-term parasitic interaction.
Biomass-Dependent Diet Shifts in Omnivorous Gizzard Shad: Implications for Growth, Food Web, and Ecosystem Effects

Abstract We examined diet patterns of omnivorous gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum in Acton Lake, Ohio, during 1994-1997 using a multiple stable isotope analysis to quantify the role of this species in the system. On most dates, zooplankton were relatively depleted in δ13C (about −30‰ to −25.5‰) compared with sediments (−25‰), permitting construction of a mixing model to determine the proportion of C derived from benthic detritus and from planktonic productivity. During periods of greater gizzard shad biomass (>35 kg/ha), gizzard shad of more than 35-mm standard length (SL) derived most of their C from sediment detritus. When gizzard shad biomass was low (<15 kg/ha), zooplankton biomass increased and all sizes of gizzard shad derived most of their C from zooplankton. Conventional gut analyses corroborated these findings. Zooplanktivorous age-0 gizzard shad grew at three or more times the rate of those that were detritivorous. Rapid age-0 growth led to high gizzard shad biomass, a decrease in large zooplank.
Pro-inflammatory effects of different MWCNTs dispersions in p16INK4A-deficient telomerase-expressing human keratinocytes but not in human SV-40 immortalized sebocytes

Abstract We tested whether multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) induce oxidative stress and a pro-inflammatory response in human N-hTERT telomerase-immortalized keratinocytes, in human SZ95 SV-40 immortalized sebocytes and in in vitro reconstructed epidermises. MWCNTS were tested in various dispersion states, from raw and agglomerated particles to isolated entities obtained by sonication in the presence of dispersive agents (hydroxypropylcellulose and Pluronic F108). It was observed that: (a) Contrary to individualized MWCNTs, agglomerated particles prepared by suspension into pure water increased the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species as well as the expression and secretion of interleukin-8 in N-hTERT cells; (b) the inflammatory signature of MWCNTs in N-hTERT cells, drawn by transcriptomic analysis with low-density microfluidic cards, included various other cytokines such as interleukin-6 or C-C motif ligand 3; (c) the pro-inflammatory effects of MWCNTs, as assessed by interleukin-8 transcript level and protein release, were not observed in SZ95 cells; and (d) the secretion of interleukins-1α and -8 from in vitro reconstructed epidermal tissues, used as specific markers for skin irritation and sensitization, was unaffected in presence of MWCNTs, confirming that the cornified layer is an efficient barrier against MWCNTs.
Building a floor map by combining stereo vision and visual tracking of persons

It is a fundamental problem for mobile robots to detect free regions where they can move by local sensing. One of the most popular methods for detecting free regions is to observe the floor directly. In cluttered indoor environments, however, most part of the floor may be occluded by obstacles. To resolve the problem, we have developed an alternative method in which persons walking in the same room are observed, and 2D areas swept by the persons are regarded as free regions. For this purpose, we have combined two different methods: stereo vision and visual tracking of persons. Geometrical information of static obstacles, and topological information of free regions are respectively acquired by the methods. The uncertainty analysis of the methods, and experimental results are also shown.
Comparative Study Islamic Banking and Conventional Banking of Rural Banking in Riau Province

One of the unique banking in Indonesia is the rural banks (RB) (bank perkereditan rakyat, BPR). One form of microfinance institutions (MFIs) for poverty reduction is a rural bank. RB as one of the banking institutions has an important role in supporting the economy of Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to comparing the performance of RB which has Islamic system with RB which conventional system. The population and sample consists of 26 RB in Riau province. The period of this study is from 2012 to 2015. Data are taken from the bank’s annual reports. This study using panel data and using pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and random effect. The results indicate that the dummy variable ownership and systems of banks, total assets, equity and the cost impact on the rural banks performance. While the region dummy variable is not significant to the performance of rural banks. We find that the Islamic banking of rural banks in Riau province perform better than the Conventional banking system. This suggests that the conventional systems due to the bank is not burdened with payment of the deposit fee is fixed, relatively more honest customer honesty in the payment of loans and revenue Islamic bank financing is greater than the various forms of financing offered to customers.
The NK1 Receptor Localizes to the Plasma Membrane Microdomains, and Its Activation Is Dependent on Lipid Raft Integrity*

The spatial targeting of receptors to discrete domains within the plasma membrane allows their preferential coupling to specific effectors, which is essential for rapid and accurate discrimination of signals. Efficiency of signaling is further increased by protein and lipid segregation within the plasma membrane. We have previously demonstrated the importance of raft-mediated signaling in the regulation of smooth and skeletal muscle cell contraction. Since G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key components in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction-relaxation cycles, it is important to determine whether GPCR signaling is mediated by lipid rafts and raft-associated molecules. Neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) is expressed in central and peripheral nervous system as well as in endothelial and smooth muscle cells and involved in mediation of pain, inflammation, exocrine secretion, and smooth muscle contraction. The NK1 receptor was transiently expressed in HEK293 and HepG2 cell lines and its localization in membrane microdomains investigated using biochemical methods and immunofluorescent labeling. We show that the NK1 receptor, similar to the earlier described β2-adrenergic receptor and G proteins, localizes to lipid rafts and caveolae. Protein kinase C (PKC) is one of the downstream effectors of the NK1 activation. Its active form translocates from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane. Upon stimulation of the NK1 receptor with Substance P, the activated PKC relocated to lipid rafts. Using cholesterol extraction and replenishment assays we show that activation of NK1 receptor is dependent on the microarchitecture of the plasma membrane: NK1R-mediated signaling was abolished after cholesterol depletion of the receptor-expressing cells with methyl-β-cyclodextrin. Our results demonstrate that reorganization of the plasma membrane has an effect on the activation of the raft-associated NK1R and the down-stream events such as recruitment of protein kinases.
A survey of security risks of mobile social media through blog mining and an extensive literature search

Purpose – As mobile malware and virus are rapidly increasing in frequency and sophistication, mobile social media has recently become a very popular attack vector. The purpose of this paper is to survey the state-of-the-art of security aspect of mobile social media, identify recent trends, and provide recommendations for researchers and practitioners in this fast moving field. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews disparate discussions in literature on security aspect of mobile social media though blog mining and an extensive literature search. Based on the detailed review, the author summarizes some key insights to help enterprises understand security risks associated with mobile social media. Findings – Risks related to mobile social media are identified based on the results of the review. Best practices and useful tips are offered to help enterprises mitigate risks of mobile social media. This paper also provides insights and guidance for enterprises to mitigate the security risks of mobile .
Employees’ Job Characteristics and Job Crafting Behavior: The Mediating Role of Perceived Opportunities to Craft

The present study was designed to gain knowledge about the relationship between job characteristics in the workplace (job demands and job resources), employees’ perceived opportunities to craft, and subsequently their actual job crafting behavior. Specifically, the potential mediating role of perceived opportunities to craft could shed better light on the mechanisms that lead employees to job craft in the context of particular work characteristics. We collected data among a group of Dutch health care professionals working in an organization that offers care for patient with mental disabilities (N=522). Participants of the study reported their job demands; workload, emotional demands and work-home interference, their job resources; role clarity, communication and team cohesion, their perceived opportunities to craft, and their job crafting behavior. We tested the hypothesized antecedents of job crafting perceptions and behavior model with structural equation modelling (SEM) analyses. Results indicated that perceived opportunities to craft mediates the relationship between job resources and employees actual job crafting behavior. The insights provided in this study do not only build on job crafting literature but are also helpful to understand which aspects of the workplace influence employees’ job crafting behavior. Therefore, these insights may be useful for the deliberate cultivation of job crafting behavior within organizations.
Mutations within a furin consensus sequence block proteolytic release of ectodysplasin-A and cause X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia

X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED) is a heritable disorder of the ED-1 gene disrupting the morphogenesis of ectodermal structures. The ED-1 gene product, ectodysplasin-A (EDA), is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family member and is synthesized as a membrane-anchored precursor protein with the TNF core motif located in the C-terminal domain. The stalk region of EDA contains the sequence -Arg-Val-Arg-Arg156-Asn-Lys-Arg159-, representing overlapping consensus cleavage sites (Arg-X-Lys/Arg-Arg↓) for the proprotein convertase furin. Missense mutations in four of the five basic residues within this sequence account for ≈20% of all known XLHED cases, with mutations occurring most frequently at Arg156, which is shared by the two consensus furin sites. These analyses suggest that cleavage at the furin site(s) in the stalk region is required for the EDA-mediated cell-to-cell signaling that regulates the morphogenesis of ectodermal appendages. Here we show that the 50-kDa EDA parent molecule is cleaved at -Arg156Asn-Lys-Arg159↓- to release the soluble C-terminal fragment containing the TNF core domain. This cleavage appears to be catalyzed by furin, as release of the TNF domain was blocked either by expression of the furin inhibitor α1-PDX or by expression of EDA in furin-deficient LoVo cells. These results demonstrate that mutation of a functional furin cleavage site in a developmental signaling molecule is a basis for human disease (XLHED) and raise the possibility that furin cleavage may regulate the ability of EDA to act as a juxtacrine or paracrine factor.
Complementarity and the quantum eraser.

We present various experiments demonstrating the mutual exclusivity of observing interference and which-path information, as demanded by Bohr's complementarity principle. Using photon pairs created in parametric down-conversion, no which-path measurements need to be performed on the interfering photon itself. Instead the other photon can be used to introduce distinguishability, which consequently destroys interference. However, a suitable measurement erases this distinguishability and interference can be recovered.
Attenuation of benzodiazepine dependence in mice by a tri-substituted benzoflavone moiety of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus: a non-habit forming anxiolytic.

PURPOSE A tri-substituted benzoflavone moiety (BZF) recently isolated from the methanol extract of aerial parts of the plant Passiflora incarnata Linneaus had exhibited encouraging results in countering the dependence produced by addiction-prone substances like morphine, nicotine, cannabinoids and ethyl alcohol, during the studies performed by the authors. Since the BZF moiety had exhibited significant anxiolytic properties at 10 mg/kg p.o. dose in mice, therefore, it was desirable to evaluate this potential phyto-moiety (BZF) for its own dependence-liabilities It was also deemed viable to evaluate BZF moiety for its possible usefulness in countering the dependence-liabilities associated with the chronic use of benzodiazepines keeping in light their tremendous clinical use in the management of anxiety and insomnia. METHODS Different groups of mice were administered BZF alone (10, 50 or 100 mg/kg, p.o.), and concomitantly with diazepam (20 mg/kg, p.o.) in a 21-days treatment regimen, followed by no treatments for the next 72-hours. The withdrawal effects in the form of ambulatory behavior of the treated animals were recorded on the 25th day using an Actophotometer. RESULTS The BZF-alone (three doses) treated mice exhibited a normal ambulatory behavior on 25th day. Mice groups receiving co-treatments, i.e., BZF-diazepam concomitantly, also exhibited a normal ambulatory behavior in a dose-dependent manner, i.e., the higher dose of BZF (100 mg/kg) being more effective in countering the withdrawal effects of chronically administered diazepam than the lower doses (10 or 50 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS The studies revealed that the chronic administration of the BZF moiety (three doses), did not exhibit any dependence-liability of its own, even upon an abrupt cessation. Additionally, the BZF co-treatments with diazepam also prevented the incurrence of diazepam-dependence, which might be because of the aromatase enzyme inhibiting properties associated with the BZF moiety.
Vibration does not improve results of the canalith repositioning procedure.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether, in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the canalith repositioning procedure performed with vibration applied over the mastoid bone of the affected ear is more effective in resolving the symptoms and preventing recurrence of BPPV than the procedure performed without vibration. DESIGN Retrospective case review. SETTING Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS Ninety-four patients diagnosed as having BPPV involving the posterior semicircular canal. INTERVENTIONS Patients were assigned to one of 2 treatment groups: the canalith repositioning procedure with vibration (n=44) and with no vibration (n=50). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Effectiveness of treatment was determined through clinical reevaluation or reported through a telephone interview 1 week after treatment. Intensity of symptoms was quantified on a scale of 1 to 3 (mild, moderate, or severe); effectiveness of treatment was categorized on a scale of 1 to 4 (cure, much better, better, or no change). Rate of recurrence was determined through later clinical reevaluation or a telephone interview. RESULTS At 1 week, 57 of the 94 patients were cured and 16 were much better, providing a 78% overall success rate. There was no significant difference in effectiveness of the treatment or the frequency of reoccurrence of BPPV between the vibration and no-vibration groups as determined from the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method and log-rank test. Rate of recurrence was 47% at a maximum follow-up of 5.25 years. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that, while the canalith repositioning procedure is effective in the treatment of BPPV, vibration applied during the maneuver does not significantly affect short-term or long-term outcomes.
A Unified Method for Evaluating the Error-Correction Radius of Reliability-Based Soft-Decision Algorithms for Linear Block Codes

This paper presents a unified method for evaluating the error-correction radii of many reliability-based soft-decision decoding algorithms for binary linear block codes. Based on this unified method, these decoding algorithms as well as their potential improvements can be compared directly. The error-correction radius for each of these decoding algorithms is determined by finding the closest point on the boundary of the decision region of the soft-decision decoder to the transmitted signal sequence. It is shown that this problem can be formulated as a constrained optimization problem. Although no general closed-form expression is possible, a simple algorithm that always converges to the optimum solution of this optimization problem is presented. Based on these results, the error-correction radii of some well-known reliability-based soft-decision decoding algorithms are revisited and compared.
Müzik Eğitiminde Online Sistemler ve İnteraktif Yazılımlar

Son yillarda teknoloji dunyasindaki gelismelerin bas dondurucu bir hizda ilerlemesi muzik egitimi alanini da etkilemis ve egitim materyallerini buyuk olcude zenginlestirmistir. Bilgisayar teknolojisi ve Internet kaynaklari ile daha da artarak kullanimi yayginlasan bu materyaller, geleneksel muzik egitimini ve cagin muzik ogretmeni modelini kokten degistirecege benzemektedir. Teknolojideki gelismelere paralel olarak muzik egitimine damgasini vuran interaktif yazilimlarin ve online sistemlerin de muzik egitimindeki etkinligi gunden gune artmaktadir. Bu calisma, muzik egitimi icin gelistirilen yazilimlarin ve online sistemlerin cagdas bir muzik egitiminde kullanilmasinin gerekliligini ortaya koymak amaciyla yapilmistir. Bu amacla, kulak egitimi, calgi egitimi, muzik kuramlari egitimi ve muzik tarihine ait interaktif programlar ve online siteler incelenmis ve bilgisayar destekli muzik ogretim modelinin klasik egitim modeline gore avantajlari ele alinmistir.
CD73 Participates in Cellular Multiresistance Program and Protects against TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis1

The molecular mechanisms underlying the multiresistant phenotype of leukemic and other cancer cells are incompletely understood. We used expression arrays to reveal differences in the gene expression profiles of an apoptosis-resistant T cell leukemia clone (A4) and normally apoptosis-sensitive parental Jurkat cells. CD73 (ecto-5′-nucleotidase) was the most up-regulated gene in the resistant A4 cell clone. A4 cells displayed CD73 surface expression and significant ecto-5′-nucleotidase activity. The role of CD73 was confirmed by transfection of wild-type CD73 into native Jurkat cells, which led to specific resistance against TRAIL-induced apoptosis, but not other types of apoptosis. The protective role of CD73 was further confirmed by small interfering RNA-mediated down-regulation of CD73, restoring TRAIL sensitivity. CD73-mediated resistance was independent of enzymatic activity of CD73, but was reliant on the anchoring of the protein to the membrane via GPI. We suggest that the inhibition of TRAIL signaling works through interaction of CD73 with death receptor 5, as CD73 and death receptor 5 could be coimmunoprecipitated and were shown to be colocalized in the plasma membrane by confocal microscopy. We propose that CD73 is a component of multiresistance machinery, the transcription of which is activated under selective pressure of the immune system.
Competitive Advantage and Organizational Effectiveness at Public Universities of Educational Institution of Education Personnel

This study analyzes the competitive advantage and organizational effectiveness at public universities that operate the Educational Institution of Education Personnel (EIEP) in Indonesia. The role of those public universities in this century needs to emphasize competitive advantage to compete with other universities and to achieve high organizational effectiveness. From the perspective of educational administration, competitive advantage affects organizational effectiveness. This study analyzes the effect of competitive advantage on organizational effectiveness. Using the survey and quantitative approach, the research was conducted at 12 public universities in Indonesia with population of 11,262 lecturers and the sample of 108 lecturers. The data were analyzed by descriptive, SEM-PLS, and quadrant analyses. The results in general reveal that competitive advantage and organizational effectiveness at 12 public universities are moderately high, but have not optimal yet. There are still several dimensions that need to be enhanced. Hypothesis testing shows that competitive advantage has a positive and significant impact on organizational effectiveness. The SARI Quadrant Analysis Model of all variables maps the positions of each dimension in each quadrant related to the focus of the action or strategy being performed: sustained, adjusted, repaired, and improved. Keywords—competitive advantage; organizational effectiveness; educational institution of education personnel