Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The FtsK Family of DNA Translocases Finds the Ends of Circles

A global view of bacterial chromosome choreography during the cell cycle is emerging, highlighting as a next challenge the description of the molecular mechanisms and factors involved. Here, we review one such factor, the FtsK family of DNA translocases. FtsK is a powerful and fast translocase that reads chromosome polarity. It couples segregation of the chromosome with cell division and controls the last steps of segregation in time and space. The second model protein of the family SpoIIIE acts in the transfer of the Bacillus subtilis chromosome during sporulation. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms used by FtsK and SpoIIIE to segregate chromosomes with emphasis on the latest advances and open questions.
The Cumulative Effects of Quality Improvement for Depression on Outcome Disparities Over 9 Years: Results From a Randomized, Controlled Group-Level Trial

Background:Quality improvement (QI) programs for depression can improve outcomes of care and reduce outcome disparities; but cumulative effects on mental health outcome disparities have seldom been evaluated. Objective:To estimate cumulative effects over many years of short-term QI programs for depression in primary care on mental health outcome disparities, and to develop an interpretation for annualized, cumulative mental health outcome scores. Design:We conducted a group-level, randomized controlled trial in 6 US healthcare organizations. The QI programs supported provider and patient education in depression treatment and resources for medication management (QI-Meds) or access to evidence-based psychotherapy (QI-Therapy). Sites were selected to oversample minorities. Patients:Results were extrapolated to 1188 initially enrolled and living patients depressed at baseline. Main Outcome:Psychologic well-being (MHI-5) estimated as cumulative outcomes and outcome disparities (minority-whites) over 9 years, and annualized. Results:Across analyses there was a significant interaction of intervention status and ethnicity [lowest F(2,160) = 4.96, P = 0.008]. QI-therapy improved cumulative outcomes among minorities (mean, 37.92–44.29 MHI-5 points) and reduced outcome disparities for the whole sample relative to usual care (UC) (by mean, 39.44–59.01 MHI-5 points) and relative to QI-Meds (by mean, 53.90–74.41 MHI-5 points), lowest t(103) = 3.12, P = 0.002. By comparison, UC patients who lost a loved one in the year after baseline had lower psychologic well being by 6.18 MHI-5 scale points compared with similar UC patients without such a loss [t(15)=2.52, P = 0.02]. Conclusions:QI programs incorporating support for evidence-based psychotherapy offer an approach to substantially reduce cumulative outcome disparities for depressed primary care patients.
Free form projection display and application

Free Form Projection Display is a novel display technology to superimpose a virtual object onto real object by image projection. The method is based on the distortion cancellation algorithm to project an image onto curved screen without distortion. The virtual objects are represented as if it is located inside the screen. This system allows the user to handle the screen object directly, and gives the user a feel of motion parallax. This system gives the user the ease of perception of positional relationship between the surface of screen and the internal virtual object.
Objective versus Subjective Measures of Water Clarity in Hedonic Property Value Models

This paper examines and compares objective, scientific measures of environmental quality with subjective measures of individuals’ perceptions obtained from survey information within the context of hedonic property value models. The specific application is to water clarity of freshwater lakes in Maine. Non-nested, J-test results indicate that the objective measure of water clarity was either preferred, or equally preferred, to the subjective measure for explaining variation in sale prices. These results are promising for hedonic applications employing scientific measures of environmental quality, however robustness of these results to other environmental amenities, and more complex environmental quality measuresare of course needed. (JEL Q25)
BGPsec Protocol Specification

This document describes BGPsec, an extension to the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) that provides security for the path of Autonomous Systems (ASes) through which a BGP UPDATE message passes. BGPsec is implemented via an optional non-transitive BGP path attribute that carries digital signatures produced by each AS that propagates the UPDATE message. The digital signatures provide confidence that every AS on the path of ASes listed in the UPDATE message has explicitly authorized the advertisement of the route.
Integration of Japanese Papers Into the DBLP Data Set

If someone is looking for a certain publication in the field of computer science, the searching person is likely to use the DBLP to find the desired publication. The DBLP data set is continuously extended with new publications, or rather their metadata, for example the names of involved authors, the title and the publication date. While the size of the data set is already remarkable, specific areas can still be improved. The DBLP offers a huge collection of English papers because most papers concerning computer science are published in English. Nevertheless, there are official publications in other languages which are supposed to be added to the data set. One kind of these are Japanese papers. This diploma thesis will show a way to automatically process publication lists of Japanese papers and to make them ready for an import into the DBLP data set. Especially important are the problems along the way of processing, such as transcription handling and Personal Name Matching with Japanese names.
11-cis retinol dehydrogenase mutations as a major cause of the congenital night-blindness disorder known as fundus albipunctatus.

PURPOSE Patients with fundus albipunctatus uniformly experience difficulty with vision at night. Their retinas are spotted with characteristic light yellow flecks of unknown composition that typically spare the macula. A defect in the transport or utilization of visual cycle retinoids is thought to underlie this recessive disorder with variable clinical expression. To elucidate the molecular defect we considered the genes for interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (RBP3) and 11-cis retinol dehydrogenase (RDH5) as candidates for this disease. METHODS We examined two unrelated families with fundus albipunctatus. The diagnosis was determined clinically and RBP3 and RDH5 were analyzed by molecular screening methods and direct genomic sequencing. RESULTS Each family had two affected members with typical fundus albipunctatus. The affected members were siblings born to unaffected parents who were seventh cousins in the first family and unrelated in the second family. The probands from both families were clinically similar except for the fundus dots that were more extensive in the second family to the point of involving the parafoveal region. In the initial phase of genetic screening RBP3 defects were ruled-out as the cause of the disease in both families. In contrast, RDH5 mutations were found in the affected siblings in both families. The proband in one had a homozygotic Gly238Trp missense mutation (GGG -> TGG) involving exon 4 and in the other carried compound heterozygotic changes Arg280His (CGC -> CAC) and Ala294Pro (GCC -> CCC) in exon 5. The disease phenotype was only manifested in family members with two abnormal RDH5 alleles consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance in both pedigrees. CONCLUSIONS These findings strongly implicate defects of RDH5 as the cause of fundus albipunctatus and point to a heterogeneity of RDH5 mutations in this form of congenital stationary night blindness with variable expressivity.
Biopsy of Brainstem Gliomas Using Flexible Endoscopes

Abstract Objectives To describe our experience and the results obtained in performing transventricular brainstem biopsy with the use of flexible neuroendoscops. Methods We identified patients who underwent a neuroendoscopic procedure with brainstem lesion biopsy to obtain histopathologic diagnosis and to treat obstructive hydrocephalus. All patients had follow-up examinations at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 postsurgery and then annually. Results Seven patients had a transventricular biopsy of the brainstem performed. Of those, five were pediatric patients. The median age was 10 years (range: 3–26 years). Five of them were female and two male. Four patients presented with secondary obstructive hydrocephalus. The main clinical presentations were intracranial hypertension syndrome in four patients, motor neuron disease in four patients, two with decreased state of alertness, two with gait ataxia, and one with Parinaud syndrome. The types of tumors found in the histopathology and their location were one ventral (pons) and one aqueductal anaplastic astrocytoma, two ventral, one aqueductal, and one attached to the floor of the fourth ventricle pilocytic astrocytoma and one ventral low-grade astrocytoma. The route taken to approach the ventral tumors was made through premammillary fenestration. The tumors of the aqueduct and floor of the fourth ventricle were approached transaqueductally. Conclusion The use of flexible endoscops for biopsy of ventral, dorsal (tectum lamina quadrigemina), and diffuse brainstem tumors is a useful, effective, and safe procedure that also allows to treat obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to the tumors.
Image denoising with a multi-phase kernel principal component approach and an ensemble version

Image denoising is an important technique of practical significance which serves as a preliminary step for other analyses like image feature extraction, image classification etc. Two novel methods for denoising images are proposed which deal with the case when there is no noise-free training data. The basic method consists of several phases: the first phase involves preprocessing the given noisy data matrix to obtain a good approximation matrix; the second phase involves implementing kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) on the approximation matrix obtained from the first phase. KPCA is one of the useful non-linear techniques applied to image denoising. However, an important problem faced in KPCA is estimating the denoised pre-image. Consequently, we generate a pre-image by solving a regularized regression problem. The second method is an ensemble version of the basic method that provides robustness to noisy instances. Some of the attractive properties of the proposed methods include numerical stability and ease of implementation. Also our methods are based on linear algebra and avoid any nonlinear optimization. Our methods are demonstrated on high-noise cases (for both Gaussian noise and “salt and pepper” noise) for the USPS digits dataset, and they perform better than existing alternatives both in terms of low mean square error and better visual quality of the reconstructed pre-images.
Impacts of Dollar Depreciation and Low Deposit Rates on the US Economy

Extending Irving Fisher's intertemporal budget constraint, applying the GARCH model, and based on the equilibrium in aggregate demand and aggregate supply, it is found that a weak US dollar helps real output and that low deposit rates reduce interest income, consumption spending and aggregate demand. Real GDP is also negatively affected by the personal loan rate and the business lending rate, and it is positively influenced by deficit spending, household wealth, and consumer confidence. In conducting monetary policy, the Federal Reserve may need to monitor the loss in interest income and other adverse impacts due to low deposit rates.
Matrix/Integrin Interaction Activates the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase, p44 and p42(*)

Cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins is a dynamic process leading to dramatic changes in the cell phenotype. Integrins are one of the major receptor families that mediate cell-matrix contact. Evidence that integrins can act as signal transducing molecules has accumulated over the past few years. We report here that p44 and p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are rapidly phosphorylated on tyrosine residues upon adhesion of human skin fibroblasts to fibronectin or upon cross-linking of β1 integrins with antibody. The tyrosine phosphorylation of both kinases is associated with increased enzymatic activity. Pretreatment of the cells with cytochalasin D, which selectively disrupts the network of the actin filaments, completely inhibits this adhesion-mediated MAP kinase activation. Thus, our findings indicate that ligation of β1 integrins induces an increase in both tyrosine phosphorylation and enzymatic activity of p44 and p42 MAP kinases, and that the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton is essential in this process. Since MAP kinase behaves as a convergence point for diverse receptor-initiated signaling events at the plasma membrane, this serine/threonine kinase plays a key role and helps to account for the diversity of integrin-dependent cell functions.
Insulin Resistance in Nondiabetic Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: Associations with Body Composition, Peritoneal Transport, and Peritoneal Glucose Absorption.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Insulin resistance has been associated with cardiovascular disease in peritoneal dialysis patients. Few studies have addressed the impact of fast transport status or dialysis prescription on insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to test whether insulin resistance is associated with obesity parameters, peritoneal transport rate, and glucose absorption. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Insulin resistance was evaluated with homeostasis model assessment method (HOMA-IR), additionally corrected by adiponectin (HOMA-AD). Enrolled patients were prevalent nondiabetics attending at Santo António Hospital Peritoneal Dialysis Unit, who were free of hospitalization or infectious events in the previous 3 months (51 patients aged 50.4 ± 15.9 years, 59% women). Leptin, adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), and daily glucose absorption were also measured. Lean tissue index, fat tissue index (FTI), and relative fat mass (rel.FM) were assessed using multifrequency bioimpedance. Patients were categorized according to dialysate to plasma creatinine ratio at 4 hours, 3.86% peritoneal equilibration test, and obesity parameters. RESULTS Obesity was present in 49% of patients according to rel.FM. HOMA-IR correlated better with FTI than with body mass index. Significant correlations were found in obese, but not in nonobese patients, between HOMA-IR and leptin, leptin/adiponectin ratio (LAR), and IGFBP-1. HOMA-IR correlated with HOMA-AD, but did not correlate with glucose absorption or transport rate. There were no significant differences in insulin resistance indices, glucose absorption, and body composition parameters between fast and nonfast transporters. A total of 18 patients (35.3%) who had insulin resistance presented with higher LAR and rel.FM (7.3 [12.3, interquartile range] versus 0.7 [1.4, interquartile range], P<0.001, and 39.4 ± 10.1% versus 27.2 ± 11.5%, P=0.002, respectively), lower IGFBP-1 (8.2 ± 7.2 versus 21.0 ± 16.3 ng/ml, P=0.002), but similar glucose absorption and small-solute transport compared with patients without insulin resistance. FTI and LAR were independent correlates of HOMA-IR in multivariate analysis adjusted for glucose absorption and small-solute transport (r=0.82, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Insulin resistance in nondiabetic peritoneal dialysis patients is associated with obesity and LAR independent of glucose absorption and small-solute transport status. Fast transport status was not associated with higher likelihood of obesity or insulin resistance.
OBJECTIVE STRUCTURED CLINICAL EXAMINATION (OSCE)

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) was first described by Harden in 1975 as an alternative to the existing methods of assessing clinical performance. The OSCE was designed to improve the validity and reliability of assessment of performance, which was previously, assessed using the long case and short case examinations. Since then the use of the OSCE has become widespread within both undergraduate and postgraduate clinical education. We recognize that the introduction of the OSCE into an existing assessment programme is a challenging process requiring a considerable amount of theoretical and practical knowledge. The two parts of this Guide are designed to assist all those who intend implementing the OSCE into their assessment systems. Part I addresses the theoretical aspects of the OSCE, exploring its historical development, its place within the range of assessment tools and its core applications. Part II offers more practical information on the process of implementing an OSCE, including guidance on developing OSCE stations, choosing scoring rubrics, training examiners and standardized patients and managing quality assurance processes. Together we hope these two parts will act as a useful resource both for those choosing to implement the OSCE for the first time and also those wishing to quality assure their existing OSCE programme
On bringing more action into management accounting research: process considerations based on two constructive case studies

About a decade ago, the constructive research approach (CRA) was proposed by Kasanen et al. (1993) as a specific opportunity for management accounting researchers to engage in solving problems relevant to managers. While the advocates of the CRA have argued in favour of its theoretical contribution potential and have shown that it satisfies the requirements of valid applied research, only very few studies using this particular approach have been published in major research journals. Our objective is to discuss the CRA methodology, both from a descriptive and from a prescriptive or normative perspective. We examine the research processes in two very different CRA studies, Degraeve et al. (2000b) and Tuomela (2000a), using the seven-step model suggested by Lukka (2000). We give practical exemplary methodological guidance for other researchers who wish to try out the CRA or obtain a better understanding of this methodology. While so doing, we also show that the CRA can provide researchers with interesting results obtained in a reliable and valid manner. In this way, we enhance the legitimacy of the CRA.
Diversity of Pea-Associated F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides Populations Revealed by FUM1 Sequence Analysis and Fumonisin Biosynthesis

Fusarium proliferatum and F. verticillioides are considered as minor pathogens of pea (Pisum sativum L.). Both species can survive in seed material without visible disease symptoms, but still contaminating it with fumonisins. Two populations of pea-derived F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides strains were subjected to FUM1 sequence divergence analysis, forming a distinct group when compared to the collection strains originating from different host species. Furthermore, the mycotoxigenic abilities of those strains were evaluated on the basis of in planta and in vitro fumonisin biosynthesis. No differences were observed in fumonisin B (FB) levels measured in pea seeds (maximum level reached 1.5 μg g−1); however, in rice cultures, the majority of F. proliferatum genotypes produced higher amounts of FB1–FB3 than F. verticillioides strains.
Management of Relations Between Suppliers and Buyers

Abstract The aim of this article is to describe and understand the relations between Russian enterprises and their suppliers and buyers as they have developed during the transition years. The overall position of the customers and suppliers is analyzed using the stakeholder theory while the management of the relations is dealt with using three alternative approaches, the mainstream strategic planning approach, the network and the action-experience approach. The findings are based on an empirical study of 172 Russian enterprises. It is found that Russian enterprises do not use strategic planning to any large extent. Financial constraints, the lack of a coherent regulatory framework and imperfect markets make firm managers turn to networking building on experiences from the central planning era. It is also found that networks were instrumental in the fast development of barter trade. However, the networks are weak and unless redefined, are likely to disappear when the financial constraints are overcome. Barter transactions have declined since the financial crisis in August 1998 and following the devaluation of the ruble, producers have experienced new business opportunities, reflected in growing expectations regarding sales and supplies. Given the present context, managers are advised to further develop their networks to encompass additional activities, e.g., product and process development, additional domestic customers and suppliers and perhaps additional foreign partners to enhance their technological capabilities.
Motivations of Public to Private transactions: An international empirical investigation

This article contributes to the financial literature by investigating the motivations of Public to Private transactions in an international perspective (Europe, USA and Asia). We consider seven main possible motivations: tax savings, incentive realignment, control, free cash-flow, growth of prospects, takeover defense and undervaluation. Our empirical findings suggest that low growth prospects, low liquidity and high free cash-flow are the three main motivations for a Public to Private transactions. However, regions show some particularities such as importance of family block-holders in Europe and importance of the level of taxation in Asia.
Bounds on the coverage probability of heterogeneous cellular networks

In a heterogeneous cellular network (HCN), multiple tiers are employed to improve the network coverage probability. For this purpose, different properties of the coverage probability of an HCN should be studied carefully. This paper is classified into two main parts. First, a tight upper bound for the coverage probability of an HCN is derived. It is shown that this upper bound can be used as a good approximation for computing the network coverage probability. At the first glance, one may suppose that adding a new tier to an HCN improves the total coverage probability. In the second part, we study and formulate this problem and investigate the circumstances under which the coverage probability is improved by adding a new tier. Simulation results confirm the validity of our work and show that adding more base stations in the form of a new tier in populated areas can significantly increase the coverage probability, while in less dense areas adding a new tier is not much efficient in terms of improving the coverage probability.
OnTac: Online task assignment for crowdsourcing

How to integrate labels from multiple labelers in order to obtain an accurate estimate of the ground truth is a major topic of crowdsourcing. One challenging issue is that, the labelers' abilities may vary significantly and the tasks distinguish each other in difficulties. Moreover, for a crowdsourcing system, task distributors have no idea in advance how many labels will be enough for each task. Consequently, an online task assignment mechanism based on the labeler expertise and question heterogeneousness becomes necessary. In this paper, we present such an online task assignment algorithm based on a probabilistic model consisting of both labeler abilities and question difficulties. We apply the online EM (Expectation Maximization) algorithm to make online estimations of system parameters, based on which we assign tasks adaptively. A series of simulation results have been demonstrated to show that our proposed scheme outperforms the conventional EM algorithm in efficiency and accuracy.