Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis ABCG Transporters, Which Are Required for Export of Diverse Cuticular Lipids, Dimerize in Different Combinations[W]

Arabidopsis ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, ABCG11 and ACBG12, are required for export of different lipids from the epidermis to the cuticle. This study shows that ABCG11 and ABCG12 can form an obligate heterodimer and that ABCG11 can homodimerize. Live-cell imaging in epidermal cells demonstrates that localization of these ABCGs to the plasma membrane is dependent upon dimerization. ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters play diverse roles, including lipid transport, in all kingdoms. ABCG subfamily transporters that are encoded as half-transporters require dimerization to form a functional ABC transporter. Different dimer combinations that may transport diverse substrates have been predicted from mutant phenotypes. In Arabidopsis thaliana, mutant analyses have shown that ABCG11/WBC11 and ABCG12/CER5 are required for lipid export from the epidermis to the protective cuticle. The objective of this study was to determine whether ABCG11 and ABCG12 interact with themselves or each other using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and protein traffic assays in vivo. With BiFC, ABCG11/ABCG12 heterodimers and ABCG11 homodimers were detected, while ABCG12 homodimers were not. Fluorescently tagged ABCG11 or ABCG12 was localized in the stem epidermal cells of abcg11 abcg12 double mutants. ABCG11 could traffic to the plasma membrane in the absence of ABCG12, suggesting that ABCG11 is capable of forming flexible dimer partnerships. By contrast, ABCG12 was retained in the endoplasmic reticulum in the absence of ABCG11, indicating that ABCG12 is only capable of forming a dimer with ABCG11 in epidermal cells. Emerging themes in ABCG transporter biology are that some ABCG proteins are promiscuous, having multiple partnerships, while other ABCG transporters form obligate heterodimers for specialized functions.
ElasticFusion: Real-time dense SLAM and light source estimation

We present a novel approach to real-time dense visual simultaneous localisation and mapping. Our system is capable of capturing comprehensive dense globally consistent surfel-based maps of room scale environments and beyond explored using an RGB-D camera in an incremental online fashion, without pose graph optimization or any post-processing steps. This is accomplished by using dense frame-to-model camera tracking and windowed surfel-based fusion coupled with frequent model refinement through non-rigid surface deformations. Our approach applies local model-to-model surface loop closure optimizations as often as possible to stay close to the mode of the map distribution, while utilizing global loop closure to recover from arbitrary drift and maintain global consistency. In the spirit of improving map quality as well as tracking accuracy and robustness, we furthermore explore a novel approach to real-time discrete light source detection. This technique is capable of detecting numerous light sources in indoor environments in real-time as a user handheld camera explores the scene. Absolutely no prior information about the scene or number of light sources is required. By making a small set of simple assumptions about the appearance properties of the scene our method can incrementally estimate both the quantity and location of multiple light sources in the environment in an online fashion. Our results demonstrate that our technique functions well in many different environments and lighting configurations. We show that this enables (a) more realistic augmented reality rendering; (b) a richer understanding of the scene beyond pure geometry and; (c) more accurate and robust photometric tracking.
People, Places and Public Policy: Some Simple Welfare Economics of Local Economic Development Programs

Most countries exhibit large and persistent geographical differences in wages, income, and unemployment rates. A growing class of place-based policies attempts to address these differences through public investments and subsidies that target disadvantaged neighborhoods, cities, or regions. Place-based policies have the potential to profoundly affect the location of economic activity, along with the wages, employment, and industry mix of communities. These programs are widespread in the United States and throughout the world but have only recently been studied closely by economists. We consider the following questions: Who benefits from place-based interventions? Do the national benefits outweigh the costs? What sorts of interventions are most likely to be effective? To study these questions, we develop a simple spatial equilibrium model designed to characterize the welfare effects of place-based policies on the local and the national economy. Using this model, we critically evaluate the economic rationales for place-based policies and assess the latest evidence on their effects. We conclude with some lessons for policy and directions for future research.
Estimation of the liquidity trap using a panel threshold model

ABSTRACT This empirical study investigates, unlike previous studies, the presence of a liquidity trap using firm-level data. The study focuses on the case of China. A panel threshold model is employed. The empirical estimation reveals that the interest elasticity of money demand declines as the interest rate falls, a finding indicating that China has not been in a liquidity trap.
How Japanese former study abroad students perceive this experience and its career impact as a potential Global Jinzai

Fostering Global Jinzai (global human resource) has become increasingly important in the Japanese political and economic context with the country’s challenging situation caused by globalisation and various domestic problems. Several policies have already been introduced and in particular the government has started encouraging students to study abroad with scholarship in 2014. Although the Governmental Committee defined the term in 2010, Global Jinzai is still new and has contested opinions in society, as there are only few visible and successful examples of Global Jinzai in the public sphere. Furthermore, little research has been done to establish a connection between the educational outcome of studying abroad and Global Jinzai. This study aimed to explore how Japanese former study abroad students perceive this experience and its career impact as a potential Global Jinzai. It employed semi-structured interviews as an exploratory method to understand what has been happening to two groups: professionals who studied in the UK between 2002 and 2004, undergraduate students who studied in the UK between 2013 and 2014. By investigating what they think they learnt during their studies abroad, how it affected or will affect their careers, how they perceive the competency of Global Jinzai, and if they identify themselves as Global Jinzai, this research explores the long term positive educational effect of study abroad and if it is beneficial in fostering Global Jinzai. The results show that their study abroad has positive educational and career effects, especially on intercultural competency, English ability, tough independence, and academic skills and motivation. In comparison with the Global Jinzai definition in 2010, many of their perceptions were found to be similar. Although some of their perceptions of Global Jinzai differed according to their career histories, thematic analysis suggests that it is alike to their own career objectives and they are currently on the path to such careers.
Mini-review: Syphilis

M. B. De Jesus, M. M. Ehlers, A. W. Dreyer and M. M. Kock Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Private Bag x323, University of Pretoria, Arcadia, 0007, Gauteng, South Africa Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria and the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) Tshwane Academic Division, Gauteng, South Africa *Corresponding author: Marisa B. de Jesus, marisa_de_jesus@yahoo.co.uk
Comparative evaluation of VITEK 2 for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of group B Streptococcus.

OBJECTIVES Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended to prevent neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) disease in colonized women, and penicillin or aminopenicillin constitute the first-line antibiotics. Most isolates are resistant to tetracycline, and resistance to macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLS) antibiotics is increasing. Therefore, laboratory testing for MLS resistance in GBS is now recommended for penicillin-allergic patients. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial susceptibility of GBS as determined by the VITEK 2 system (bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France), agar diffusion methods and PCR-genotypic detection of resistance genes. METHODS One hundred and ten unrelated selected GBS clinical isolates were studied. The antibiotics tested (VITEK 2 and agar diffusion method) were benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, co-trimoxazole, tetracycline, kanamycin, streptomycin and vancomycin. A standardized double-disc (DD) diffusion test was performed for MLS antibiotics. Genotypic characterization of tetracycline, MLS and aminoglycoside resistance genes was performed by PCR. RESULTS All strains were susceptible to benzylpenicillin, ampicillin and vancomycin [category agreement (CA) between VITEK 2 and the diffusion method was 100%]. Ninety-five (86%) strains were resistant to tetracycline (CA was 98.9%). Eighty-one strains (73.6%) harboured an MLS resistance phenotype; 50 (61.8%) an MLS(B)-constitutive phenotype, 25 (30.8%) an MLS(B)-inducible phenotype and 6 (7.4%) an M phenotype. The agreement between data of VITEK 2 and the DD diffusion test for the detection of MLS(B)-constitutive, MLS(B)-inducible and M phenotype isolates was 76%, 36% and 100%, respectively. Almost all discrepancies were due to failure to detect erythromycin resistance by VITEK 2. CONCLUSIONS VITEK 2 allows accurate determination of GBS susceptibility for the majority of antibiotics, but has to be improved for erythromycin. Thus, the DD diffusion test remains the most simple and reliable method for macrolide resistance detection among this streptococcal species.
Extrinsic cues, perceived quality, and purchase intention for private labels

Purpose Based on the cue utilization theory and congruity theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating effects of perceived quality on the relationships between category characteristics and purchase intention for private labels. Design/methodology/approach To examine the research hypotheses, the authors conducted a questionnaire survey on 703 adult consumers in China. Findings The results show that perceived quality fully mediates the relationships between category complexity, risk importance, category quality variation, product signatureness and purchase intention. In addition, consumers’ knowledge moderates the relationship between perceived quality and purchase intention. The implications and future research directions are discussed in this study. Originality/value The results show that the category complexity is positively related to consumers’ perceived quality. Although opposite to the conclusions in prior research, the findings are consistent with the unique phenomenon in China, that is, to label the name and location of the contract manufacturers. The authors investigate the moderating role of consumer knowledge, which will provide meaningful guidance for the Chinese retailing market.
Elections and Property Rights: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in Russia

The relative bargaining power of rulers and right-holders is thought to be a key determinant of property rights, but because it both shapes and is shaped by property rights, it is difficult to estimate the impact of bargaining power on property rights. We take advantage of a natural experiment by comparing the responses of managers interviewed just before and just after a surprising parliamentary election in Russia that weakened the relative bargaining power of the ruling party. This electoral shock had little impact on the perceived property rights of the average firm, but firms with close economic ties to the state viewed their property as more vulnerable after the election. By exploiting largely exogenous variation in the timing of survey interviews, we estimate the impact of bargaining power on property rights with greater precision. We also contribute to the literature on elections under autocracy by focusing on their economic, rather than political impacts on individuals
Diplopia Due to Skew Deviation Following Neurotologic Procedures

DISCUSSION Table 1. Summary of patient characteristics and neuro-opthalmologic findings ABSTRACT Introduction: Diplopia following cerebellopontine angle (CPA) surgery is usually attributed to neuropathy of III, IV or VI cranial nerves. Diplopia in the absence of cranial neuropathy following CPA surgery is rare. We present a series of patients who developed vertical diplopia from skew deviation following resection of tumors in the CPA or labyrinthectomy. Primarily associated with brainstem lesions, this vertical misalignment of the visual axis is postulated to result from unilateral disruption of supranuclear input from the otolithic organs.
Exaled nitric oxide and air trapping correlation in asthmatic children

Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels have been shown to correlate with atopy and with airway hyperresponsiveness but not with standard spirometry. The aim of our study was to evaluate the correlation between eNo levels and functional residual capacity (FRC), residual volume (RV), RV to total lung capacity (TLC) ratio, and pulmonary resistances in asthmatic children ages 6–13 years. Forty‐nine patients (35 males) were enrolled in the study. Nineteen of them were not receiving inhaled corticosteroids. The eNO levels were measured by chemiluminescence's analyzer and lung function study were performed by body box plethysmography. As expected, there was no correlation between eNO levels and forced vital capacity (FVC); forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1); mid respiratory flow between 25 and 75% of the vital capacity (MEF25‐‐75), FEV1/FVC, and pulmonary resistances. Instead a correlation was found between eNO level and RV both considering all the study population together (r = 0.51, P = 0.001) and separately the asthmatic children not receiving ICS (r = 0.6, P = 0.003). In the patients receiving ICS the correlation was still present (r = 0.43, P = 0.01). The correlation between eNo levels and RV may reflect the effect of airway inflammation on NO production and diffusion as well as peripheral airway trapping and consequent RV.
Locating QTL conferring resistance against net blotch, leaf rust, and stripe rust in the wild barley nested association mapping (NAM) population HEB-25

Net blotch, caused by the fungus Pyrenophora teres f. teres, Puccinia hordei, causing leaf rust, and Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei, the causal agent of stripe rust, are important fungal diseases of barley with the potential to cause severe yield losses and a reduction in feed and malting quality. The identification of QTL conferring resistance is the basis for targeted breeding approaches aiming to improve resistance of modern barley cultivars against these fungi. Initial domestication from its wild progenitor Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum and extensive breeding resulted in a loss of genetic diversity in modern elite barley varieties. Many modern barley varieties are similar in their genotype resulting in an increased risk of occurrence of severe epidemics. There is an urgent need to broaden the genetic basis of resistance of modern barley cultivars to ensure a stable production. Wild barley accessions possessing high allelic richness have shown to be a valuable source of resistance alleles no longer present in the current breeding pool. In the framework of this thesis, the NAM population HEB-25 was utilized to detect QTL conferring resistance against net blotch, leaf rust, and stripe rust. Screening of HEB-25 in two-year field trials revealed the presence of a high genetic diversity within HEB-25 and allowed for the identification of HEB-lines with a high degree of resistance to one or more of the evaluated fungi. NAM applying the 9k iSelect barley chip performed independently for all three fungi resulted in the identification of a high number of QTL conferring resistance on all chromosomes with predominantly small effect. In case of net blotch six QTL, eight QTL for stripe rust and two QTL for leaf rust, are considered novel showing no overlap with previously reported resistance QTL. Estimation of parent-specific QTL effects indicates the presence of alleles with increasing or decreasing effect on genotype resistance, respectively. Leucine-rich repeat, NB-ARC, and serine/threonine-protein kinase-like genes were found at high frequency in the QTL intervals and due to their important role in plant defense response represent putative candidate genes causing the QTL effect. HEB-25 showed to be well suited for the detection of QTL conferring resistance to net blotch, leaf rust, or stripe rust and represents a valuable source for improving genetic diversity and resistance of modern barley cultivars against these fungi.
Prediction of progressive liver fibrosis in hepatitis C infection by serum and tissue levels of transforming growth factor‐β

Although many patients with chronic viral hepatitis C infection suffer from progressive liver disease, the rate of fibrosis progression is highly variable and some patients do not show any measurable progression. However, our ability to predict which patients progress is very limited. Since transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is a key mediator of liver fibrogenesis, we assessed the predictive role of TGF‐β for fibrogenesis in chronic hepatitis C. We studied 39 patients with chronic hepatitis C in whom two liver biopsies were taken at least 12 months apart, and who did not receive therapy during this period. TGF‐β was measured by bioassay and by ELISA in serum samples taken at the time of the first biopsies, and TGF‐β was determined semiquantitatively by immunostaining of liver biopsy sections. Fibrosis was scored blinded in the biopsy samples by two pathologists independently. There was a close correlation between TGF‐β serum levels and the rate of fibrosis progression. Patients with no progression of fibrosis had significantly lower (59 ng/mL ± 22) TGF‐β serum levels than patients with progressive disease (115 ng/mL ± 20), and a TGF‐β level below 75 ng/mL was predictive for stable disease. Immunohistology for TGF‐β in biopsy samples was also predictive for progressive liver disease with fibrosis progression found in those patients displaying staining of hepatocytes and sinusoidal cells. No such correlation was found with other markers such as procollagen III peptide, viral load or transaminase levels. These results further support the role of TGF‐β in liver fibrogenesis, and offer an opportunity to predict clinical disease progression, which may help in selecting patients who are in need of therapeutic interventions.
A rigorous comparative analysis of directional couplers and multimode Interferometers based on ridge waveguides

We present a rigorous comparison of the unique characteristics of directional couplers and multimode interferometers based on the unique properties of high-index contrast ridge waveguides. The two devices are intimately related as the multimode interference (MMI) is derived from the directional couplers (DCs). We show for the first time the continuous evolution from the two-mode coupling characteristic of DC to the multimode mixing and interference characteristic of MMI, as the DC is structurally transformed into the MMI. We also show that DC can be designed to have the MMI features of compactness and polarization-insensitivity, two traits that reflect their shared lineage. The performance of MMI and DC are compared in terms of coupling length, polarization dependence, crosstalk, excess loss, and fabrication tolerances. We show that the DC, as long as it is designed to have nearly the same coupling length for transverse electric and transverse magnetic, can potentially have better performance than the MMI in terms of crosstalk and polarization sensitivity. Such a DC, however, requires careful control of many design parameters, while the MMI design is more robust and involves fewer design variables. Finally, the effect of higher-order modes and mode filtering are also considered.
Performance Evaluation of IPv4/IPv6 Transition Mechanisms for Real-Time Applications using OPNET Modeler

The problem of the potential depletion of IPv4 addresses has given rise to the development of a new version of the Internet Protocol named IPv6. This version of the protocol offers many improvements, including an increase in the address space from 232 to 2128 and improvements in security, mobility, and quality of service. However, the transition from the current version to the new version (IPv4 to IPv6) is complicated and cannot be performed in a short time. The size and complexity of Internet make this migration task extremely difficult and time-consuming. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) took into account this migration problem and proposed transition mechanisms as temporary solutions allowing IPv4 to coexist and operate in parallel with IPv6 networks. The dual stack, manual tunnel, and 6to4 automatic tunnel appear to be promising solutions depending on their characteristics and benefits. In this paper, we study the performance of these transition mechanisms on real-time applications (VoIP and Video Conferencing) using the network simulator OPNET Modeler. Performance parameters such as delay, delay variation, jitter, MOS, and packet loss are measured for these transition mechanisms. The obtained results showed that the dual stack transition mechanism gave better network performance than the tunneling mechanisms.
Pseudopregnancy in mice treated with ovine prolactin.

In the laboratory mouse, prolactin is indispensable for luteal function (Choudary & Greenwald, 1969), and pseudopregnancy can be induced by prolactin injections or by prolactin-producing pituitary grafts (Dresel, 1935; Browning & White, 1963; Bartke, 1966; Dominic, 1966). During pregnancy, the minimal daily requirement for exogenous prolactin is greater during the first 2 days than during the following 6 days (Bartke, 1973), and the present study was undertaken to check whether a similar difference also exists during pseudopregnancy. Adult female mice of a random-bred stock were housed individually and vaginal smears were taken daily throughout the study. Ovine prolactin (NIH\x=req-\ PL-S10) dissolved in 0\m=. \9%saline(with a few drops of0\m=.\1n-NaOH) was injected intraperitoneally daily starting on the day of full vaginal cornification (oestrus) for 2 days or until the next oestrous smear. A treatment cycle of 9\p=n-\14days in length was considered as pseudopregnancy. The mean length of the treatment cycle in the various groups was compared by an analysis of variance and Dun\x=req-\ can's test, while the incidence of pseudopregnancy was compared by the \g=x\2 test for heterogeneity. In untreated control animals, the length of the cycle was 4\m=. \03\m=-\0\m=. \02 days and spontaneous occurrence of pseudopregnancy was never observed. Administration of prolactin for 2 days only, regardless ofdose, or daily treatment with 12\m=. \5 \g=m\g prolactin had no effect, while all other doses of prolactin caused a significant increase in the length of the cycle (Table 1). Pseudopregnancy was induced in 18/19 animals given a minimum of 50 ^g prolactin/day. Administration of 50