Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Active Transport of CO(2) by the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus UTEX 625 : Measurement by Mass Spectrometry.

Mass spectrometry has been used to confirm the presence of an active transport system for CO(2) in Synechococcus UTEX 625. Cells were incubated at pH 8.0 in 100 micromolar KHCO(3) in the absence of Na(+) (to prevent HCO(3) (-) transport). Upon illumination the cells rapidly removed almost all the free CO(2) from the medium. Addition of carbonic anhydrase revealed that the CO(2) depletion resulted from a selective uptake of CO(2), rather than a total uptake of all inorganic carbon species. CO(2) transport stopped rapidly (<3 seconds) when the light was turned off. Iodoacetamide (3.3 millimolar) completely inhibited CO(2) fixation but had little effect on CO(2) transport. In iodoacetamide poisoned cells, transport of CO(2) occurred against a concentration gradient of about 18,000 to 1. Transport of CO(2) was completely inhibited by 10 micromolar diethylstilbestrol, a membrane-bound ATPase inhibitor. Studies with DCMU and PSI light indicated that CO(2) transport was driven by ATP produced by cyclic or pseudocyclic photophosphorylation. Low concentrations of Na(+) (<100 microequivalents per liter), but not of K(+), stimulated CO(2) transport as much as 2.4-fold. Unlike Na(+)-dependent HCO(3) (-) transport, the transport of CO(2) was not inhibited by high concentrations (30 milliequivalents per liter) of Li(+). During illumination, the CO(2) concentration in the medium remained far below its equilibrium value for periods up to 15 minutes. This could only happen if CO(2) transport was continuously occurring at a rapid rate, since the continuing dehydration of HCO(3) (-) to CO(2) would rapidly raise the CO(2) concentration to its equilibrium value if transport ceased. Measurement of the rate of dissolved inorganic carbon accumulation under these conditions indicated that at least part of the continuing CO(2) transport was balanced by HCO(3) (-) efflux.
A Fuzzy WASPAS-Based Approach to Determine Critical Information Infrastructures of EU Sustainable Development

Critical information infrastructure exists in different sectors of each country. Its loss or sustainability violation will lead to a negative impact on the supply of essential services, as well as on the social or economic well-being of the population. It also may even pose a threat to people’s health and lives. In the modern world, such infrastructure is more vulnerable and unstable than ever, due to rapid technological changes, and the emergence of a new type of threat—information threats. It is necessary to determine which infrastructure are of crucial importance when decision-makers aim to achieve the reliability of essential infrastructure. This article aims to solve the problem of ensuring the sustainable development of EU countries in terms of identifying critical information infrastructures. Integrated multi-criteria decision-making techniques based on fuzzy WASPAS and AHP methods are used to identify essential information infrastructures, which are related to a new type of potential threat to national security. The paper proposes a model for identifying critical information infrastructures, taking into account the sustainable development of countries.
Early emergence of photoreceptor mosaicism in the primate retina revealed by a novel cone‐specific monoclonal antibody

We have examined the emergence of the photoreceptor mosaic in fetal macaque monkeys by using a novel monoclonal antibody, 7G6, that recognizes all cones in the adult primate retina. In the fetal retina, however, between embryonic (E) day 80 and E130, some opsin‐positive cones were not labeled by 7G6. Double‐labeling experiments revealed that though long and middle wavelength‐sensitive fetal cones are 7G6‐positive, a subset of short wavelength‐sensitive cones are delayed in their acquisition of 7G6 immunoreactivity. Heterogeneity in cone labeling with 7G6 was evident at all fetal ages. The onset of 7G6 immunoreactivity, surprisingly, precedes both the expression of the cone opsins and the formation of synaptic contacts in the outer plexiform layer. Specifically, a population of cones was labeled in the periphery of the E65 retina, concomitant with ongoing cone genesis. Moreover, early‐differentiating 7G6‐positive cones are organized into a regular array in immature, peripheral regions of the fetal retina indicating that the spatial arrangement of cones is initiated either during active cone proliferation or the initial differentiation of these cells. These results suggest that the periodic spacing of cones in the primate retina emerges autonomously within the photoreceptor layer, prior to the formation of synaptic connections within the retina or with the brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 377:500–508, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of Hsp27 Oligomerization, Chaperone Function, and Protective Activity against Oxidative Stress/Tumor Necrosis Factor α by Phosphorylation*

The small heat shock proteins (sHsps) from human (Hsp27) and mouse (Hsp25) form large oligomers which can act as molecular chaperones in vitro and protect cells from heat shock and oxidative stress when overexpressed. In addition, mammalian sHsps are rapidly phosphorylated by MAPKAP kinase 2/3 at two or three serine residues in response to various extracellular stresses. Here we analyze the effect of sHsp phosphorylation on its quaternary structure, chaperone function, and protection against oxidative stress. We show that in vitro phosphorylation of recombinant sHsp as well as molecular mimicry of Hsp27 phosphorylation lead to a significant decrease of the oligomeric size. We demonstrate that both phosphorylated sHsps and the triple mutant Hsp27-S15D,S78D,S82D show significantly decreased abilities to act as molecular chaperones suppressing thermal denaturation and facilitating refolding of citrate synthase in vitro. In parallel, Hsp27 and its mutants were analyzed for their ability to confer resistance against oxidative stress when overexpressed in L929 and 13.S. 1.24 cells. While wild type Hsp27 confers resistance, the triple mutant S15D,S78D,S82D cannot protect against oxidative stress effectively. These data indicate that large oligomers of sHsps are necessary for chaperone action and resistance against oxidative stress whereas phosphorylation down-regulates these activities by dissociation of sHsp complexes to tetramers.
Simultaneous Doppler tracing of transmitral inflow and mitral annular velocity as an estimate of elevated left ventricular filling pressure in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND The time interval between the onset of early transmitral flow velocity (E) and that of early diastolic mitral annular velocity (e') (T(E-e')) is a good predictor of elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressure in patients with sinus rhythm. Although the evaluation of LV filling pressure using E/e' has been challenging in atrial fibrillation (AF), the usefulness of T(E-e') is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS E and e' were simultaneously recorded using dual Doppler echocardiography in 45 AF patients (30 men; mean age, 69 ± 9 years). E/e' and T(E-e') were calculated and compared with the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), which was measured invasively. E/e' and T(E/e') correlated with PCWP (E/e', r=0.57, P<0.001; T(E-e'), r=0.77, P<0.001). Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimal cut-off for T(E-e') was 34 ms (sensitivity, 95%; specificity, 88%) and that for E/e' was 14.6 (sensitivity, 50%; specificity, 84%) in order to predict >12-mmHg PCWP. When the combined cut-offs of T(E-e') >34 ms and E/e' >14.6 were used, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting elevated PCWP were improved to 100% and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In AF patients, the simultaneous recording of E and e' using dual Doppler echocardiography and the analysis of T(E-e'), in addition to E/e', improved the accuracy of evaluation of LV filling pressure.
Novel low cost standardized Nano-Satellite structure bus for LEO missions

This paper focuses on SRMSAT STRUCTURE BUS which is a standardized Nano-Satellite structure bus. It provides a standard platform for a wide variety of missions in LEO and can be realized in a very short developmental period. The bus was designed and developed for SRMSAT, the SRM University (Sri Ramaswamy Memorial University) student Nano-Satellite, by the undergraduate students and faculty of SRM University in collaboration with Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The bus can support payloads up to a mass of 20kg. SRMSAT STRUCTURE BUS has a mass of around 6 kg and dimensions 280mm × 280mm × 280mm with an available volume of 11000 cc. Vibration Testing of the bus has been performed upto 6.7 gRMS. This makes the satellite capable of being launched by any launch vehicle in the world. An innovative PCB mounting design has been introduced in this structure bus which facilitates mounting of a maximum 7 PCB trays independently, each tray capable of holding a 250 mm2 PCB. Structural analysis of SRMSAT STRUCTURE BUS was done using NX Nastran. The boundary conditions for each analysis were defined based on the loading conditions as specified by the launcher, PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle). Optimization of each individual component was performed by maintaining a minimum threshold between the local frequencies of the component and global frequencies of the entire satellite. Static, Modal, Harmonic and Random Vibration analysis of the structure bus was performed. This paper also describes the methodology followed in the static and dynamic analysis of the structure bus to finalize the design. The results have been tested and validated at ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore with around 90% accuracy and the structure has been certified as a standard structure bus for Nano-satellite missions. In terms of expandability, this structure bus is capable of accommodating deployable solar panels. Also, the payload mounting is not only restricted to the bottom deck but can also be done in the top or side decks as required for specific missions. This enhances the scope of small satellites which has not been possible with previous satellites of the same size. SRMSAT which utilized this bus was launched on-board PSLV C-18 on 12th October 2011 with the scientific objective of measuring greenhouse gases, namely CO2 and H2O.
Antibacterial activity of fresh pomegranate juice against clinical strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis

Background Polyphenols have received a great deal of attention due to their biological functions. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a polyphenol-rich fruit. In the past decade, studies testing the antimicrobial activity of pomegranates almost exclusively used solvent extracts instead of fresh pomegranate juice (FPJ). The use of FPJ instead of solvent extracts would reduce toxicity issues while increasing patient acceptance. We established a model to test FPJ as a natural antimicrobial agent. Objective To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of FPJ on clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis strains. Design Sixty strains of S. epidermidis isolated from ocular infections were grown in the presence of FPJ, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by broth and agar dilution methods. Results FPJ at 20% had a MIC equal to 100% (MIC100%) on all 60 strains tested. This inhibition of FPJ was confirmed by the growth kinetics of a multidrug-resistant strain exposed to different concentrations of FPJ. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of FPJ was compared against commercial beverages containing pomegranate: Ocean Spray® had a MIC100% at 20%, followed by Del Valle® with a MIC15% at 20% concentration only. The beverages Jumex® and Sonrisa® did not have any antimicrobial activity. FPJ had the highest polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. Conclusions Overall, FPJ had antimicrobial activity, which might be attributed to its high polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity.
Sorting of Lysosomal Membrane Glycoproteins lamp-1 and lamp-2 into Vesicles Distinct from Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptor/γ-Adaptin Vesicles at the trans-Golgi Network*

Newly synthesized lysosomal membrane glycoproteins lamp-1 and lamp-2 are primarily sorted at thetrans-Golgi network (TGN) by recognition of a tyrosine-based signal sequence in their cytoplasmic tails. It is presently unclear how this signal is recognized and what type of vesicle transports lamp-1 and lamp-2. Here, we describe a method to generate transport vesicles containing lamp proteins from the TGNin vitro. The method is based on incorporation of radioactive sialic acid in glycoproteins at the TGN by incubation of membranes with tritiated CMP-sialic acid. The generation of vesicles from labeled membranes required ATP and cytosol, and was temperature-dependent and brefeldin A-sensitive. Analysis on Nycodenz gradients revealed that lamp-vesicles were distinct from vesicles containing γ-adaptin and mannose 6-phosphate receptor (MPR). Moreover, both these types of vesicles migrated differently than vesicles containing proteins destined for the plasma membrane. The conclusion that lamps and MPRs are sorted into different vesicles was further strengthened by the finding that whereas wortmannin bothin vitro and in vivo inhibited the production of γ-adaptin/MPR-containing vesicles, this drug had no effect on the generation of lamp-vesicles and on the sorting of lamps. The results indicate that membrane proteins containing tyrosine-based motifs for sorting at the TGN are segregated from clathrin-coated vesicles containing MPRs.
European colonization by the spined loach (Cobitis taenia) from Ponto‐Caspian refugia based on mitochondrial DNA variation

In the last 20 years, new species, asexual reproduction, polyploidy and hybridization have all been reported within the genus Cobitis. An understanding of the current distribution and baseline phylogeographical history of ‘true’ nonhybrid Cobitis species is crucial in order to unravel these discoveries. In the present work, we investigated the phylogeography of the spined loach, Cobitis taenia, using 1126 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from 174 individuals collected at 47 sites. In total, 51 haplotypes that differed at 49 positions (4.35%) were detected. We deduce that C. taenia survived European glaciations in at least three refuges in the Ponto‐Caspian area. Two of these refuges each provided a major lineage that recolonized Europe in separate directions: one westward to England and the other spreading north into Russia before moving west. A third (minor) lineage that contributed little to the recolonization of Europe was also revealed — remaining near its Black Sea refuge. However, more recent history was difficult to resolve with colonization from a more western refugium during the last glacial maximum (LGM) a distinct possibility. Nested clade analysis indicates a pattern of restricted gene flow with isolation by distance at the first two levels and overall. Unlike many other European freshwater fish species, the Danube is not part of the current distribution of C. taenia, nor was it used as either a refuge or a source of colonization of Europe. Low genetic diversity within C. taenia suggests that its colonization of Europe is relatively recent. Demographic analyses revealed a history of recent expansion and isolation by distance.
What's Inside a Bow-Tie: Analyzing the Core of the Web and of Social Networks

The explosive growth of the Web and of social networks motivates the need for analyzing the macroscopic structure of their underlying graphs. Since the pioneering study by Broder et al. that revealed the bow-tie structure of the Web, many subsequent studies observed a similar structure in large-scale Web and social graphs, all reporting the existence of a giant strongly connected component that is considered as the core of the graph. Although the characterization of the structure of a graph with respect to its pairwise connectivity has been known for over 15 years, no study further analyzed the structure inside the largest strongly connected component of Web and social graphs. In this paper, we investigate the pairwise 2-connectivity among the vertices inside the core of Web and social graphs. Our experiments reveal an inner bow-tie structure, with respect to the pairwise 2-connectivity, that is formed around a giant 2-connected components. Furthermore, our findings report a surprisingly consistent structure across Web graphs and across social graphs, despite the difference in their sizes and characteristics.
The Fixer: A Story from Sarajevo

In The Fixer Joe Sacco returns to Bosnia, the setting for his first masterpiece, Safe Area Gorazde. In 2001 he went back to Sarajevo to meet up with his old 'fixer', an army veteran called Neven who, for the right price, could arrange anything for the visiting journalist. Sacco gradually realized that Neven's own story - a microcosm of the Balkan conflict itself - might be the most compelling of all. Through Neven, Sacco tells the story of the warlords and gangsters who ran the country during the war, but all the time he - and the reader - never know whether Neven is telling the truth.
Evaluation of risk factors and effect of physical activity in caesarean section in nulliparous women

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for caesarean section (CS) in nulliparous women and to determine the effect of physical activity on ease of labour. Methods: A prospective observational study, including 282 nulliparous women at 37–41 gestational weeks was conducted. Maternal demographic characteristics, obstetric history and Modified Grimby scale for evaluation of physical activity were noted. Patients were classified into spontaneous labour and induction group. Multiple logistic regression model was used to assess independent risk factors for type of delivery. Results: Caesarean rate was increasing with higher educational status (p < 0.001). Maternal height, maternal and paternal age were higher, whereas dilatation on admission was lower in CS group (p < 0.05). Maternal age, weight gain and CS rate were higher in induction group (p < 0.05). Fetal distress as a cause of CS was detected higher in induction group (p < 0.05). Physical activity has no significant effect on mode of delivery (p > 0.05). Maternal height (p = 0.011), and cervical dilatation on admission (p = 0.004) were identified as predictor factors for CS. Conclusion: Cervical dilatation is the most important negative predictive factor for CS, whereas, moderate physical activity has no effect on mode of delivery. Fetal distress was the most frequent cause of CS in induction group.
Design of 3D cubic antenna arrays with low side lobe level during beam-scanning

This paper presents the synthesis of a scannable pattern for 3D cubic antenna arrays. This design of steerable cubic antenna arrays considers the optimization of the amplitude and phase excitations across the antenna elements. The performance of cubic antenna arrays could be improved substantially if the amplitude and phase excitations are set or optimized in an adequate way. The synthesis process is carried out by the method of DEMO (Differential Evolution for Multi-objective Optimization).
Law and Lemons

We study how statutory-law changes relate to disclosure, pricing, and liquidity in the used-car market. Federal odometer laws mandated disclosure of mileage on car titles upon ownership transfer and thereby enhanced enforcement of odometer-fraud prohibitions. Exploiting time variations in state implementation of odometer regulations, we have four key findings. First, the frequency of mileage disclosure in classified ads increases significantly post implementation, suggestive of improved disclosure incentives. Second, the sensitivity of asking price to mileage disclosed increases post implementation, suggesting that laws increased the credibility of information disclosed. Third, we show a 5.8 percent increase in asking price, indicating a reduction of adverse selection. Fourth, we find a decrease in repeated ads, particularly among mileage disclosers−implying that the law improves trade liquidity. Our study highlights the value of laws in enhancing verifiability of disclosed information and market outcomes.
Gray and white matter asymmetries in healthy individuals aged 21–29 years: A voxel‐based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging study

The hemispheres of the human brain are functionally and structurally asymmetric. The study of structural asymmetries provides important clues to the neuroanatomical basis of lateralized brain functions. Previous studies have demonstrated age‐related changes in morphology and diffusion properties of brain tissue. In this study, we simultaneously explored gray and white matter asymmetry using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in 109 young healthy individuals (58 females and 51 males). To eliminate the potential confounding effects of aging and handedness, we restricted the study to right‐handed subjects aged 21–29 years. VBM and voxel‐based analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA) maps derived from DTI revealed a number of gray matter volume asymmetries (including the right frontal and left occipital petalias and leftward asymmetry of the planum temporale) and white matter FA asymmetries (including leftward asymmetry of the arcuate fasciculus, cingulum, and corticospinal tract). There was no significant effect of sex on gray and white matter asymmetry. Leftward volume asymmetry of the planum temporale and leftward FA asymmetry of the arcuate fasciculus were simultaneously demonstrated. Post hoc analysis showed that the gray matter volume of the planum temporale and FA of the arcuate fasciculus were positively related (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.43; P < 0.0001). The results of our study demonstrate gray and white matter asymmetry in right‐handed healthy young adults and suggest that leftward volume asymmetry of the planum temporale and leftward FA asymmetry of the arcuate fasciculus may be related. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adaptive designs for single‐arm phase II trials in oncology

Clinical phase II trials in oncology are conducted to determine whether the activity of a new anticancer treatment is promising enough to merit further investigation. Two‐stage designs are commonly used for this situation to allow for early termination. Designs proposed in the literature so far have the common drawback that the sample sizes for the two stages have to be specified in the protocol and have to be adhered to strictly during the course of the trial. As a consequence, designs that allow a higher extent of flexibility are desirable. In this article, we propose a new adaptive method that allows an arbitrary modification of the sample size of the second stage using the results of the interim analysis or external information while controlling the type I error rate. If the sample size is not changed during the trial, the proposed design shows very similar characteristics to the optimal two‐stage design proposed by Chang et al. (Biometrics 1987; 43:865–874). However, the new design allows the use of mid‐course information for the planning of the second stage, thus meeting practical requirements when performing clinical phase II trials in oncology. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.