Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A meta-analysis of task-related influences in prospective memory in traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Prospective memory is the ability to remember to do something in the future and it is essential to every-day functional independence. Traumatic brain injury is associated with frequent and persistent prospective memory deficits. This study presents a review and meta-analysis investigating the effects of task parameters on prospective memory performance of individuals with TBI. Individual studies using continuous behavioural measures of prospective memory with a sample of adults with TBI and matched controls were included. Consistent with previous research, a random effects meta-analysis indicated that TBI groups demonstrated lower prospective memory performance than control groups (d = 1.10, SE = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.86–1.34). In addition, we found that type of prospective memory cue, saliency of cues, and complexity of the ongoing task significantly moderated the difference in prospective memory performance between TBI and control groups. These findings suggest that prospective memory task parameters should be considered in the assessment of prospective memory in individuals with cognitive impairment. In addition, considering the influence of these task parameters would be useful to develop effective compensatory strategies to reduce prospective memory failures.
Optimal, Combined Speed, and Direct Thrust Control of Linear Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors

An optimal control scheme synthesized using a linear quadratic regulator-based approach for combined speed and direct thrust force control of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is proposed. A novel multiple-input-multiple-output state space model, having stator flux, thrust force, and mover's speed as states, is formulated for the linear PMSM where the state transition matrix is independent of mover's speed. An optimal linear state feedback control scheme is designed using the optimal linear quadratic regulator technique. Integral action is added to the designed control scheme by state augmentation to minimize the steady-state error. Experimental results clearly prove that the proposed optimal control scheme results in a faster transient response of speed and force with improved steady-state regulation of force and flux when compared with the state of the art.
Crystal structures of Mmm1 and Mdm12–Mmm1 reveal mechanistic insight into phospholipid trafficking at ER-mitochondria contact sites

Significance The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) forms membrane contact sites (MCSs) with other organelles such as mitochondria, endosomes, and peroxisomes in eukaryotic cells. The MCS plays a pivotal role in exchanging cellular materials such as ions and lipids. More importantly, nonvesicular lipid trafficking occurring at the ER-mitochondria MCS is essential for the biogenesis of the mitochondrial membrane. In yeast, the ER-mitochondria encounter structure (ERMES) complex comprising the ER proteins Mmm1 and cytosolic Mdm12 and the mitochondria proteins Mdm34 and Mdm10 provides a tethering force between the ER and the mitochondria and mediates lipid trafficking. Here, we present two crystal structures of Mmm1 and the Mdm12–Mmm1 complex. Based on these structures, we propose the model by which the Mdm12–Mmm1 complex contributes to phospholipid trafficking at the ER-mitochondria MCS. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria encounter structure (ERMES) comprises mitochondrial distribution and morphology 12 (Mdm12), maintenance of mitochondrial morphology 1 (Mmm1), Mdm34, and Mdm10 and mediates physical membrane contact sites and nonvesicular lipid trafficking between the ER and mitochondria in yeast. Herein, we report two crystal structures of the synaptotagmin-like mitochondrial lipid-binding protein (SMP) domain of Mmm1 and the Mdm12–Mmm1 complex at 2.8 Å and 3.8 Å resolution, respectively. Mmm1 adopts a dimeric SMP structure augmented with two extra structural elements at the N and C termini that are involved in tight self-association and phospholipid coordination. Mmm1 binds two phospholipids inside the hydrophobic cavity, and the phosphate ion of the distal phospholipid is specifically recognized through extensive H-bonds. A positively charged concave surface on the SMP domain not only mediates ER membrane docking but also results in preferential binding to glycerophospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and phosphatidylserine (PS), some of which are substrates for lipid-modifying enzymes in mitochondria. The Mdm12–Mmm1 structure reveals two Mdm12s binding to the SMP domains of the Mmm1 dimer in a pairwise head-to-tail manner. Direct association of Mmm1 and Mdm12 generates a 210-Å-long continuous hydrophobic tunnel that facilitates phospholipid transport. The Mdm12–Mmm1 complex binds all glycerophospholipids except for phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in vitro.
Cloning of a Full-length cDNA Encoding ent-Kaurene Synthase from Gibberella fujikuroi: Functional Analysis of a Bifunctional Diterpene Cyclase

We report here the nucleotide sequence of a full-length cDNA encoding ent-kaurene synthase that was isolated by a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction from Gibberella fujikuroi (Gcps/ks). This cDNA encodes 952 amino acid residues with a relative molecular mass of 107 kDa. The sequence similarity between Gcps/ks and ent-kaurene synthase of the gibberellin A1-producing fungus, Phaeosphaeria sp. L487, is very high, suggesting that Gcps/ks is also a bifunctional diterpene cyclase. Its recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli converted geranylgeranyl diphosphate to copalyl diphosphate and ent-kaurene.
Graphene based vacuum electronics device: Nano-fabrication, characterization and potential applicationstion

In this invited talk, we report (i) the findings from the in-situ field electron emission characterization and the related electron emission mechanisms on both the individual free standing and wrinkled graphene; (ii) the integration of the reduced graphene oxide with MOSFET and their potential application for actively control field emission display application; (iii) the all-dry-processes nanofabrication of the graphene nano electron emitters and the potential application in vacuum nano-electronic devices.
Optimization of a ZnO/PbS depleted heterojunction quantum dot photovoltaic cell

Solar cells made with quantum dots as the active absorber are currently the subject of intense investigation. A key reason for this interest is the band gap tunability of quantum dots. The most commonly used quantum dots in the context of photovoltaics are lead sulfide (PbS) and lead selenide (PbSe) ones. Among the various device architectures that have been reported, the depleted heterojunction is the arguably the most widely examined one. In this study, the various factors that affect the performance of a ZnO/PbS depleted heterojunction solar cell are scrutinized. In particular, the effect of EDT (1,2-ethanedithiol) treatment and the thickness of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) on device performance are examined.
Genomic Determinants of THAP11/ZNF143/HCFC1 Complex Recruitment to Chromatin

ABSTRACT The THAP11 and ZNF143 transcription factors recognize overlapping DNA sequences and are reported to exhibit signs of both competitive and cooperative binding. HCFC1 serves as a scaffold protein, bridging interactions between transcription factors, including THAP11 and ZNF143, and transcriptional coregulators. The exact mechanism of how DNA sequences guide the recruitment of the THAP11/ZNF143/HCFC1 complex to chromatin is still controversial. In this study, we use chromosomally integrated synthetic constructs and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas9-mediated approaches in intact cells to elucidate the role of the DNA sequence in the recruitment of this complex and to establish its biological relevance. We show that the ACTACA submotif, shared by both THAP11 and ZNF143, directs the recruitment of THAP11 and HCFC1 to ZNF143-occupied loci. Importantly, its position, spacing, and orientation relative to the ZNF143 core motif are critical for this action. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated alterations of the ACTACA submotif at endogenous promoters recapitulated results obtained with synthetic constructs and resulted in altered gene transcription and histone modifications at targeted promoters. Our in vivo approaches provide strong evidence for the molecular role of the ACTACA submotif in THAP11, ZNF143, and HCFC1 cooperative recruitment to chromatin and its biological role in target gene expression.
PIN1 expression contributes to hepatic carcinogenesis

The phospho‐Ser/Thr‐Pro specific prolyl‐isomerase PIN1 is over‐expressed in more than 50% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). To investigate its potential oncogenicity, we over‐expressed PIN1 in a non‐transformed human liver cell line MIHA. This resulted in up‐regulation of β‐catenin and cyclin D1, leading to anchorage‐independent growth in soft agar and tumorigenicity in nude mice. To further validate the role of PIN1 in hepatocarcinogenesis, PIN was suppressed by RNA interference (siRNA) in the HCC cell line PLC/PRF/5. siRNA‐PIN1 transfection of PLC/PRF/5 cells led to repression of PIN1 expression, resulting in decreased levels of β‐catenin and cyclin D1. siRNA‐PIN1 transfectants showed lower cell proliferation rates, reduced colony formation, and retarded cell cycle progression, with an increase in cells residing in G0/G1. Furthermore, soft agar colony formation was depressed, and tumorigenicity in nude mice was abrogated. These findings implicate PIN1 expression as an important step in hepatic carcinogenesis. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Earnings Management and Corporate Investment Decisions

We investigate the relationship between earnings management and the efficiency of corporate investment decisions. Using discretionary accruals to measure intertemporal transfers of earnings, we show that earnings management exhibits a concave relationship with the investment sensitivity to investment opportunities as measured by Tobin's Q. We find that the association is concentrated among high Q firms. The effect is present among well governed firms, suggesting that better governed firms manage accruals strategically. The concave relationship suggests that the marginal impact of earnings management on investment efficiency decreases with the amount of earnings management. Using cases of misreporting, we document that excessive earnings management does not improve investment efficiency. Taken together, these results support the view that a moderate amount of earnings management helps improve corporate investment decisions while an excessive amount undoes the benefit of earnings management.
Functionalized carbon nanotubes : from intracellular uptake and cell-related toxicity to systemic brain delivery

Citing this paper Please note that where the full-text provided on King's Research Portal is the Author Accepted Manuscript or Post-Print version this may differ from the final Published version. If citing, it is advised that you check and use the publisher's definitive version for pagination, volume/issue, and date of publication details. And where the final published version is provided on the Research Portal, if citing you are again advised to check the publisher's website for any subsequent corrections.
Making the transition to co-management governance arrangements in Hawai‘i: A framework for understanding transaction and transformation costs

Co-management has shown great promise in achieving social and ecological goals worldwide. Despite its potential, significant challenges are faced during governance transformations shifting from traditional approaches to fisheries management to co-management systems. Several factors make Hawai‘i an excellent opportunity to study the barriers associated with implementing co-management systems. Hawai‘i implements many of the same types of regulatory and fisheries programs found elsewhere in the U.S., yet it also possesses a unique legacy of customary management systems. In addition, a legal pathway has existed for nearly two decades that allows communities to partner with the State of Hawai‘i to co-manage nearshore coral reef fisheries. Despite the presence of this enabling legislation, extensive community interest in this approach across the archipelago, and significant NGO/Foundation support, co-management implementation remains limited. This study uses a mixed methods approach that relies on semi-structured interviews and archival data sources to conduct an institutional analysis of transaction and transformation costs. These costs serve as barriers to co-management implementation. The study identifies several social and organizational barriers preventing co-management implementation including: governmental structure and operations; planning and administrative processes; organized opposition from special interests; and consensus building processes. The institutional analysis further reveals a wide range of transaction and transformation costs associated with this governance transformation that prevent adoption of co-management. We conclude by identifying some actions that can help reduce these implementation barriers to co-management transitions and prevent conservation stalemates.
Recombinogenic properties of herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA sequences resident in simian virus 40 minichromosomes

In a previous work, it was demonstrated that the bacterial transposon Tn5 is capable of undergoing sequence inversion via recombination between its duplicated IS50 elements when replicated by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) origin oris but not by the simian virus 40 (SV40) origin orisv. Further analysis of the latter phenomenon indicated that this lack of recombination was the result of topological constraints imposed by the SV40 minichromosome, such that recombination events could be readily detected in Tn5 derivatives in which the IS50 elements were arranged in a direct rather than inverted orientation. With this information, a second set of experiments were carried out to examine how the highly recombinogenic sequences which mediate the inversion of the long (L) and short (S) components of the HSV-1 genome behave in an SV40 minichromosome. Tandem copies of the L-S junction of the HSV-1 genome were observed to promote deletions in an SV40 shuttle plasmid at a frequency that was considerably greater than that of duplicated bacterial plasmid vector DNA. However, the presence of superinfecting HSV-1 did not enhance the frequency of these recombination events. These results support our previous findings that HSV-1 genome isomerization is mediated by a homologous recombination mechanism which is intimately associated with the act of viral DNA synthesis. Moreover, they demonstrate that the sequences which comprise the L-S junction appear to be inherently recombinogenic and, therefore, do not contain specific signals required for HSV-1 genome isomerization.
Comprehensive assessment of variation at the transforming growth factor β type 1 receptor locus and colorectal cancer predisposition

The role of transforming growth factor β receptor type 1 (TGFBR1) polymorphisms, particularly a coding CGC insertion (rs11466445, TGFBR1*6A/9A) in exon 1, has been extensively investigated in regard to colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. These investigations have generated conflicting results. More recently, allele-specific expression (ASE) of TGFBR1 mRNA has been suggested as predisposing to CRC, with a relative risk of nearly 10-fold and a population attributable risk of ∼10%. Owing to the potential importance of TGFBR1 variants in CRC, we performed a comprehensive examination of tagging SNPs at and around the gene in 3,101 CRC cases and 3,334 controls of northern European ancestry. To test whether rare or subpolymorphic TGFBR1 variants were associated with CRC risk, we sequenced the gene's exons in a subset of patients. We also evaluated TGFBR1 ASE in a panel of CRC cases and controls. Overall, we found no association between TGFBR1 polymorphisms and CRC risk. The rare variant screen did not identify any changes of potentially pathogenic effects. No evidence of greater ASE in cases than controls was detected, and no haplotype around TGFBR1 could account for the ASE reported in other studies. We conclude that neither genetic variation nor ASE at TGFBR1 is likely to be a major CRC risk factor.
Hippocalcin‐like 1 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by promoting p21Waf/Cip1 stabilization by activating the ERK1/2‐MAPK pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer‐related death. However, the underlying mechanism during hepatocarcinogenesis remains unclarified. Stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) is a powerful quantitative strategy for proteome‐wide discovery of novel biomarkers in cancers. Hippocalcin‐like 1 (HPCAL1) is a calcium sensor protein. However, the biological function of HPCAL1 is poorly understood in cancers, including HCC. Herein, HPCAL1 was identified by SILAC as a novel hepatocarcinogenesis suppressor down‐regulated in HCC cell lines and tissues. Importantly, lost expression of HPCAL1 was associated with worse prognosis of HCC patients. Interestingly, secreted HPCAL1 protein in the plasma dropped dramatically in HCC patients compared with healthy donors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that serum HPCAL1 at a concentration of 8.654 ng/mL could better predict HCC. Furthermore, ectopic expression of HPCAL1 suppresses cell proliferation, while depletion of HPCAL1 led to increased cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HPCAL1 directly interacted with p21Waf/Cip1 in the nucleus, which requires the EF‐hand 4 motif of HPCAL1 and the Cy1 domain of p21. This interaction stabilized p21Waf/Cip1 in an extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐dependent manner, which subsequently prevented p21Waf/Cip1 proteasomal degradation by disrupting SCFSkp2 and CRL4Cdt2 E3 ligase complexes, resulting in increased protein stability and inhibitory effect of p21Waf/Cip1. Notably, the tumor suppressive function of HPCAL1 was dependent on p21 in vitro and in vivo. Consistent with this observation, expression of HPCAL1 and p21Waf/Cip1 was positively correlated in HCC tissues. Conclusion: These findings highlight a novel tumor suppressor upstream of p21Waf/Cip1 in attenuating cell cycle progression and provide a promising diagnostic and prognostic factor, as well as a potential therapeutic target for HCC. (Hepatology 2016;63:880–897)
A phase noise reduction technique in microwave oscillator using high-Q active filter

The authors present a 10 GHz oscillator that uses a high-Q active filter to reduce the phase noise. The loaded Q of active filter is obtained at about 500. This oscillator is compared with another oscillator which uses a passive filter. The difference of two oscillators' Q is estimated at 12.5 times the open-loop gain simulation. The measured result of phase noise at 100 kHz offset shows maximum 10 dB reduction with high-Q active filter.
Di-μ-chlorido-bis[dichlorido(3,3′,5,5′-tetramethyl-4,4′-bipyrazol-1-ium-κN 2′)copper(II)] dihydrate

The structure of the centrosymmetric title compound, [Cu2Cl6(C10H15N4)2]·2H2O, consists of a dimeric [{(HMe4bpz)CuCl3}2] unit (HMe4bpz is 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethyl-4,4′-bipyrazol-1-ium) with two solvent water molecules. Each [HMe4bpz]+ cation is bonded to a CuCl3 unit through a Cu—N dative bond, effectively making square-planar geometry at the Cu atom. Two of these units then undergo a face-to-face dimerization so that the Cu atoms have a Jahn–Teller distorted square-pyramidal geometry with three chlorides and an N atom in the basal plane and one chloride weakly bound in the apical position. Several N—H⋯Cl, O—H⋯Cl and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds form a three-dimensional network.
Fuzzy predictive control of nonlinear systems

This paper presents two strategies of nonlinear predictive control based on a Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model. The first one introduces a fuzzy logic-based modeling methodology, where a nonlinear system is divided into a number of linear subsystems. So the linear model based predictive control (MPC) technique is used for each subsystem. In the second one, the fuzzy model is considered as a nonlinear model of the system and the control signal is obtained by minimizing either the cumulative differences or the instant difference between set-point and fuzzy model output. The efficiency of these two fuzzy model predictive control (FMPC) approaches is demonstrated through two examples.
International regulations on the transient response of large wind power plants

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the latest requirements imposed by international transmission system operators (TSOs) on the transient response of large wind power plants (WPPs). The grid codes of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Nordic Countries, Spain, UK and USA are covered. Regulations on the transient response of large WPPs can be broadly divided into three groups, including fault ride-through curves, active and reactive power responses during the fault period, and extended range of voltage-frequency variations. This paper also presents a discussion on the ability of different wind generator technologies to fulfill the international regulations. The presented study assists new TSOs to establish their connection requirements for large WPPs or to compare their existing regulations with other TSOs around the world. This work also enables wind turbine manufacturers and wind farm developers to obtain a more precise and consistent understanding from the latest international regulations imposed on large WPPs.
Selection of Nominated Subcontractors in commercial building construction in Sri Lanka

The construction industry comprises of numerous Nominated Subcontractors (NSCs) employed in various projects. Besides, plentiful NSCs enter into the industry due to ease of entry. However, all NSCs might not possess the required expertise to fulfill client's requirements. Thus, various issues have aroused due to improper selection of NSCs creating selection of NSCs vital. The study comprised of interviews and questionnaire survey to derive at the aim of this research. Besides, to understand and compare nominated subcontracting practices between Sri Lanka and other countries, a literature synthesis followed by interview and questionnaire survey were executed. The issues aroused due to improper selection and solutions to avoid them were identified through the literature synthesis; validated through the interviews; ranked through the questionnaire survey. On a positive note, selection method of NSC; subcontract signed between Main Contractor (MC) and NSC are used in Sri Lanka equalizing the nominated subcontracting practices in other countries. However, there is no form of subcontract prepared for Sri Lankan usage; no compulsory subcontractor registration procedure in Sri Lanka. Further, the most critical issue due to improper selection of NSC, is delays occurred by NSC. Moreover, NSC's program being in line with MC's program was recognized as the most important solution to avoid this issue. Hence, these solutions assist to avoid the occurrence of issues related to selection enabling proper selection of nominated subcontracting practices.