Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis JASMONATE-INDUCED OXYGENASES down-regulate plant immunity by hydroxylation and inactivation of the hormone jasmonic acid

Significance In plants the hormone jasmonic acid (JA) is synthesized in response to attack by pathogens and herbivores, leading to activation of defense responses. Rapidly following JA accumulation the hormone is metabolized, presumably to prevent inhibitive effects of high JA levels on growth and development. The enzymes that directly inactivate JA were so far unknown. Here, we identify four jasmonate-induced oxygenases (JOXs) in Arabidopsis that hydroxylate jasmonic acid to form inactive 12-OH-JA. A mutant that no longer produces the four enzymes hyperaccumulates JA, exhibits reduced growth, and is highly resistant to attackers that are sensitive to JA-dependent defense. The JOX enzymes thus play an important role in determining the amplitude and duration of JA responses to balance the growth–defense trade-off. The phytohormone jasmonic acid (JA) is vital in plant defense and development. Although biosynthesis of JA and activation of JA-responsive gene expression by the bioactive form JA-isoleucine have been well-studied, knowledge on JA metabolism is incomplete. In particular, the enzyme that hydroxylates JA to 12-OH-JA, an inactive form of JA that accumulates after wounding and pathogen attack, is unknown. Here, we report the identification of four paralogous 2-oxoglutarate/Fe(II)–dependent oxygenases in Arabidopsis thaliana as JA hydroxylases and show that they down-regulate JA-dependent responses. Because they are induced by JA we named them JASMONATE-INDUCED OXYGENASES (JOXs). Concurrent mutation of the four genes in a quadruple Arabidopsis mutant resulted in increased defense gene expression and increased resistance to the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea and the caterpillar Mamestra brassicae. In addition, root and shoot growth of the plants was inhibited. Metabolite analysis of leaves showed that loss of function of the four JOX enzymes resulted in overaccumulation of JA and in reduced turnover of JA into 12-OH-JA. Transformation of the quadruple mutant with each JOX gene strongly reduced JA levels, demonstrating that all four JOXs inactivate JA in plants. The in vitro catalysis of 12-OH-JA from JA by recombinant enzyme could be confirmed for three JOXs. The identification of the enzymes responsible for hydroxylation of JA reveals a missing step in JA metabolism, which is important for the inactivation of the hormone and subsequent down-regulation of JA-dependent defenses.
Perceptions of the US National Tobacco Quitline Among Adolescents and Adults: A Qualitative Study, 2012–2013

Introduction Tobacco quitlines are critical components of comprehensive tobacco control programs. However, use of the US National Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) is low. Promoting quitlines on cigarette warning labels may increase call volume and smoking cessation rates but only if smokers are aware of, and receptive to, quitline services. Methods We conducted qualitative interviews with a diverse subset (n = 159) of adolescent (14–17 y) and adult (≥18 y) participants of a larger quantitative survey about graphic cigarette warning labels (N = 1,590). A convenience sample was recruited from schools and community organizations in 6 states. Interviews lasted 30 to 45 minutes and included questions to assess basic knowledge and perceptions of the quitline number printed on the warning labels. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results Four themes were identified: available services, caller characteristics, quitline service provider characteristics, and logistics. Participants were generally knowledgeable about quitline services, including the provision of telephone-based counseling. However, some adolescents believed that quitlines provide referrals to “rehab. ” Quitline callers are perceived as highly motivated — even desperate — to quit. Few smokers were interested in calling the quitline, but some indicated that they might call if they were unable to quit independently. It was generally recognized that quitline services are or should be free, confidential, and operated by governmental or nonprofit agencies, possibly using tobacco settlement funds. Conclusion Future marketing efforts should raise awareness of the nature and benefits of quitline services to increase use of these services and, consequently, reduce tobacco use, improve public health, and reduce tobacco-related health disparities.
Research of Bayesian underground positioning technology based on SIFT feature

Underground mining environment is harmful and dangerous for humans, thus in recent years, unmanned mining vehicle technique is a study hot spot. Although image processing is widely applied in automatic navigation system, some key techniques cannot meet application requirements in underground mining scenes, there still need more attention, such as inadequate lighting, gradient variation, high dust concentration, etc. This paper describes two novel methods based on Bayesian algorithm and SIFT feature and is devised to solve these problems simultaneously.
A perceptually optimized 3-D subband codec for video communication over wireless channels

Visual communication over wireless channels is becoming important in multimedia. Because of the limited bandwidth and high error rates of the wireless channel, the video codec should be designed to have high coding efficiency in maintaining acceptable visual quality at low bit rates and robustness to suppress the distortion due to transmission errors. The coding efficiency of a 3D subband video codec is optimized by removing not only the redundancy due to spatial and temporal correlation but also perceptually insignificant components from video signals. Unequal error protection is applied to the source code bits of different perceptual importance. An error concealment method is employed to hide the distortion due to erroneous transmission of perceptually important signals. The evaluation of each signal's perceptual importance is made first from measuring the just-noticeable distortion (JND) profile as the perceptual redundancy inherent in video signals, and then from allocating JND energy to signals of different subbands according to the sensitivity of human visual responses to spatio-temporal frequencies. Simulation results show that acceptable visual quality can be maintained in transmitting video sequences with low bit rates (<64 kbps) over the wireless channel of high error rates (up to BER=10/sup -2/), and the distortion due to erroneous transmission of coded data can be effectively suppressed. In the simulation, the noisy channel is assumed to be corrupted by the random errors depending on the average strength of the received wave and the burst errors due to Rayleigh fading.
Reduction of Fuel Consumption in PV / Diesel Hybrid Power Generation System by Dynamic Programming Combined With Genetic Algorithm

This paper concerns a photovoltaic/diesel generator hybrid power generation system with storage battery. Utilizing computational optimization methods, we carry out the optimum diesel generator operation and charge-discharge control of storage battery from the viewpoint of fuel consumption. Some numerical results, that demonstrate the validity of the proposed technique, are also presented. The derived trade-off relationship between the minimized fuel consumption and PV-battery capacities is useful for the design of hybrid system as quantitative indices
High 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with unexpectedly high plasma inflammatory markers in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy

Abstract Inflammation associated with low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected patients with vitamin D deficiency. We investigated the association between 25(OH)D and soluble biomarkers among HIV-infected patients on stable antiretroviral therapy. This is a cross-sectional study. This study focuses on assessment in subjects 40 years or older on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) for >3 months. Chemiluminescent immunoassay was used to determine plasma 25(OH)D levels. Plasma soluble biomarkers were measured by Luminex technology. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to assess the associations between log10-25(OH)D and soluble biomarkers. Of 138 patients, median age was 50.5 (45, 57) years and 25(OH)D was 34.0 (25.0, 42.3) ng/mL. The majority were males (88%) and had undetectable HIV RNA (84.8%); 19 (13.8%) had 25(OH)D ≥50 ng/mL. Spline regression analyses suggested a J-shaped relationship between various plasma biomarkers and 25(OH)D. Among subjects with 25(OH)D ≥20 ng/mL, multivariable linear regression showed positive association between 25(OH)D and interleukin (IL)-10 (&bgr; = 1.84, P < 0.001), IL-6 (&bgr; = 0.72, P = 0.02), MPO (&bgr; = 0.47, P = 0.02), serum amyloid A (&bgr; = 1.20, P = 0.04), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-&agr; (&bgr; = 0.51, P = 0.04). High 25(OH)D (≥50 ng/mL) was associated with higher IL-6 (&bgr; = 0.30, P = 0.009), IL-8 (&bgr; = 0.14, = 0.005), IL-10 (&bgr; = 0.43, P = 0.02), and TNF-&agr; (&bgr; = 0.20, P = 0.04), independent of age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, hepatitis C co-infection, current smoking status, CD4%, and HIV RNA. In older HIV-infected patients, high 25(OH)D was associated with higher (not lower) levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Higher-than-optimal 25(OH)D may be associated with immune dysregulation and may pose a potential health risk among HIV-infected patients.
Texture Overlay onto Non-rigid Surface using Commodity Depth Camera

We present a method for overlaying a texture onto a non-rigid surface using a commodity depth camera. The depth cameras are able to capture 3-D data of a surface in real-time, and have several advantages compared with methods using only standard color cameras. However, it is not easy to register a 3-D deformable mesh to a point cloud of the non-rigid surface while keeping its geometrical topology. In order to solve this problem, our method starts by learning many representative meshes to generate surface deformation models. Then, while capturing 3-D data, we register a feasible 3-D mesh to the target surface and overlay a template texture onto the registered mesh. Even if the depth data are noisy or sparse, the learning-based method provides us with a smooth surface mesh. In addition, our method can be applied to real-time applications. In our experiments, we show some augmented reality results of texture overlay onto a non-textured T-shirt.
Building efficient spectrum-agile devices for dummies

Spectrum management and device coordination for Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) networks have received significant research attention. However, current wireless devices have yet to fully embrace DSA networks due to the difficulties in realizing spectrum-agile communications. We address the practical hurdles and present solutions towards implementing DSA devices, answering an important question "what is a simple practical extension to current wireless devices that makes them spectrum-agile? " To this end, we propose RODIN, a general per-frame spectrum-shaping protocol that has the following features to support DSA in commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) wireless devices: (a) direct manipulation of passband signals from COTS devices, (b) fast FPGA-based spectrum shaping, and (c) a novel preamble design for spectrum agreement. RODIN uses an FPGA-based spectrum shaper together with a preamble I-FOP to achieve per-frame spectrum shaping with a delay of under 10 μ s.
Profiling temporal event behavior for demand prediction in cloud application performance management

To sustain a good viewing experience of Internet live event broadcast service for users, application performance management in the presence of highly dynamic and unpredictable demand relies on a close grasp of the demand behavior characteristics and an accurate prediction model of them. In this paper, we propose a learning-based behavior profiling model which takes event-related temporal information into account, and separately characterized and classified the demand behavior of event periods rather than for the entire event as a whole. We also propose a run-time prediction algorithm based on the generated demand characteristic profiles and the state transition probability matrix to support an accurate forecast of the external demand in dynamic resource allocation for target performance management. The results show that our proposed model can well capture the demand temporal dynamics and changes, as well as minimize the probability of target performance violation while making a good utilization of resources in the presence of an unpredictable and highly dynamic workload.
Additive renoprotective effect of candesartan and tetrahydrobiopterin in rats after 5/6 nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND Chronic treatment with candesartan cilexetil (C) improves the outcome of rats after 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx). Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an essential cofactor for appropriate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, prevents an increase in blood pressure (BP) in Nx rats when given immediately after surgery. In the present study, we evaluated the renoprotective effect of a combined treatment. METHODS Five groups of rats were studied: SHAM (sham-operated rats, n=12); SNx (untreated 5/6 nephrectomized rats, n=15); C (SNx rats treated with candesartan cilexetil, 5 mg/kg/day per os, n=11); C+BH4 (SNx rats treated with candesartan cilexetil and BH4, 10 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally, n=11); and BH4 (SNx rats treated with BH4, 10 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally, n=11). Treatment began 30 days after surgery, when hypertension and renal insufficiency have developed. This day was considered as day 1 of treatment for statistical comparisons. The study was continued until 50% mortality was achieved in the SNx rats (4 months after surgery). RESULTS The survival rates were 100% for SHAM, 47% for SNx, 50% for BH4, 64% for C and 80% for C+BH4 (P<0.05 vs all). Untreated Nx rats developed hypertension, proteinuria (UP) and severe renal insufficiency. Mortality was associated with a lower renal function and increased urine protein excretion. In C and C+BH4 rats, systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased significantly. BH4 alone had a mild non-significant effect on SBP. C and C+BH4 treatments attenuated significantly the increase in proteinuria found in SNx animals. The weight of the remnant kidneys as well as the severity of glomerulosclerosis were significantly lower in the C+BH4 rats. CONCLUSION This study shows that in subnephrectomized rats, addition of BH4 to a treatment with candesartan had an additive renoprotective effect. The mechanism of such action may include a better control of BP associated with a blockade of actions of angiotensin II (Ag II), an improvement in nitric oxide synthesis and a balanced redox.
Component evolution and versioning state of the art

Emerging component-based software development architectures promise better re-use of software components, greater flexibility, scalability and higher quality of services. But like any other piece of software too, software components are hardly perfect, when being created. Problems and bugs have to be fixed and new features need to be added.This paper analyzes the problem of component evolution and the incompatibilities which result during component upgrades. We present the state of the art in component versioning and compare the different methods in component models, frameworks and programming languages. Special attention is put on the automation of processes and tool support in this area. The concluding section sketches a possible solution of these problems we are cur rently working on.
Monitoring Protein-Protein Interactions between the Mammalian Integral Membrane Transporters and PDZ-interacting Partners Using a Modified Split-ubiquitin Membrane Yeast Two-hybrid System*S

PDZ-binding motifs are found in the C-terminal tails of numerous integral membrane proteins where they mediate specific protein-protein interactions by binding to PDZ-containing proteins. Conventional yeast two-hybrid screens have been used to probe protein-protein interactions of these soluble C termini. However, to date no in vivo technology has been available to study interactions between the full-length integral membrane proteins and their cognate PDZ-interacting partners. We previously developed a split-ubiquitin membrane yeast two-hybrid (MYTH) system to test interactions between such integral membrane proteins by using a transcriptional output based on cleavage of a transcription factor from the C terminus of membrane-inserted baits. Here we modified MYTH to permit detection of C-terminal PDZ domain interactions by redirecting the transcription factor moiety from the C to the N terminus of a given integral membrane protein thus liberating their native C termini. We successfully applied this “MYTH 2.0” system to five different mammalian full-length renal transporters and identified novel PDZ domain-containing partners of the phosphate (NaPi-IIa) and sulfate (NaS1) transporters that would have otherwise not been detectable. Furthermore this assay was applied to locate the PDZ-binding domain on the NaS1 protein. We showed that the PDZ-binding domain for PDZK1 on NaS1 is upstream of its C terminus, whereas the two interacting proteins, NHERF-1 and NHERF-2, bind at a location closer to the N terminus of NaS1. Moreover NHERF-1 and NHERF-2 increased functional sulfate uptake in Xenopus oocytes when co-expressed with NaS1. Finally we used MYTH 2.0 to demonstrate that the NaPi-IIa transporter homodimerizes via protein-protein interactions within the lipid bilayer. In summary, our study establishes the MYTH 2.0 system as a novel tool for interactive proteomics studies of membrane protein complexes.
1 v-src-Dependent Downregulation of the Ste 20-like Kinase SLK by Casein Kinase II

We have previously shown that the Ste20-like kinase SLK is a microtubuleassociated protein inducing actin stress fiber disassembly. Here, we show that v-src expression can downregulate SLK activity. This downregulation is independent of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) but requires v-src kinase activity and membrane translocation. SLK downregulation by v-src is indirect and is accompanied by SLK hyperphosphorylation on serine residues. Deletion analysis revealed that casein kinase II (CK2) sites at position 347/348 are critical for v-src-dependent modulation of SLK activity. Further studies show that CK II can directly phosphorylate SLK at these positions and that inhibition of CK II in v-srctransformed cells results in normal kinase activity. Finally, CK II and SLK can be colocalized in fibroblasts spreading on fibronectincoated substrates, suggesting a mechanism whereby SLK may be regulated at sites of actin remodeling, such as membrane lamellipodia and ruffles, through CK II.
Formal specification and analysis of airborne mission systems

The airborne mission system in military aircraft is a complex real time system consisting of a mission control computer, sensors, displays, controls, and data buses that provide interfaces between sub-systems. The complexity and real time requirements of airborne mission systems represent major challenges to the Australian Defence Force during acquisition, upgrades, and maintenance. This has motivated research into the application of formal techniques to model the mission system architecture, and to investigate and predict the effects of avionics upgrades on the behaviour and performance of the integrated mission system. We are currently using coloured Petri nets to model and analyse airborne mission systems. This paper presents two aspects of our ongoing research using coloured Petri nets. Firstly, we present some analysis for a generic airborne mission system based on a previously published model. Then we describe an initial application of our modelling framework to the AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft's airborne mission system.
Layered Composite Model for Design and Fabrication of Bone Replacement

Biological tissues are inherently heterogeneous. The design of 3D tissue scaffolds for tissue engineering application should, if possible, biomimic the complex hierarchy and structural heterogeneity of the replaced tissues. This is particularly true for design of bone scaffolds with structural properties compatible with the spatial heterogeneity and mechanical properties of the replaced tissue. The paper presents an image-based computer modeling approach for reconstruction, characterization, and biomimetic modeling and design of three-dimensional heterogeneous tissue structure. The presented work will cover: 1) overview of biomimetic modeling and design of bone structures and reverse engineering for CAD-based constructive solid geometry; 2) design of bone scaffold; and 3) slicing and process planning for solid freeform fabrication.
Identification and Testing of a Gene Expression Signature of Invasive Carcinoma Cells within Primary Mammary Tumors

We subjected cells collected using an in vivo invasion assay to cDNA microarray analysis to identify the gene expression profile of invasive carcinoma cells in primary mammary tumors. Expression of genes involved in cell division, survival, and cell motility were most dramatically changed in invasive cells indicating a population that is neither dividing nor apoptotic but intensely motile. In particular, the genes coding for the minimum motility machine that regulates β-actin polymerization at the leading edge and, therefore, the motility and chemotaxis of carcinoma cells, were dramatically up-regulated. However, ZBP1, which restricts the localization of β-actin, the substrate for the minimum motility machine, was down-regulated. This pattern of expression implicated ZBP1 as a suppressor of invasion. Reexpression of ZBP1 in metastatic cells with otherwise low levels of ZBP1 reestablished normal patterns of β-actin mRNA targeting and suppressed chemotaxis and invasion in primary tumors. ZBP1 reexpression also inhibited metastasis from tumors. These experiments support the involvement in metastasis of the pathways identified in invasive cells, which are regulated by ZBP1.
Front Line Employees’ Social Intellect Competence Impact on Customer Satisfaction in Tourism Service

The researchers draw their attention to the fact that successful leaders, besides emotional, professional and personal competences, distinctly demonstrate interpersonal -- social competences. Analyzing the phenomenon of leadership , the authors defined, that leaders need to posses interpersonal-social competences, based on specific nervous system neurons. The newest behavior affecting invention is mirror neurons, which make people repeat/reiterate other people‘s emotions perceived through their actions.The mirror neurons are of extreme importance in organizations as employees are disposed to observe the leaders and automatically imitate their emotions. Front line employees can also be called leaders, especially in tourism industry, as a tourism manager in a tourism enterprise, a guide – on trip or excursion is very often the only person to provide information or lend help if problems arise.
B Lymphocyte Subsets and Their Functional Activity in the Early Months of Life

In the present study we evaluated B-cell subsets and their functional development in 74 newborns from birth to 6 months of life. Moreover, we evaluated “natural antibody” production in vitro. The results documented a predominance of naive B-lymphocytes at all time-points evaluated, decreasing from birth to 6 months (p=0.009). The percentages of CD27+IgD+ and CD27+IgDneg memory B-cells were very low at birth and significantly increased only at 6 months (p=0.02 and p<0.001, respectively). We found a significant increase only in in vitro stimulated IgG production at 6 months as compared to birth (p<0.001). Moreover, a lower secretion of anti-Pn IgM antibodies up to 6 months of age, as compared to controls was observed. Our results underline that the susceptibility and severe course of infection in the neonate can be attributed, at least in part, to the lack of pre-existing immunological memory and competent adaptive immunity.