Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Proteome Translocation Response to Complex Desert Stress Environments in Perennial Phragmites Sympatric Ecotypes with Contrasting Water Availability

After a long-term adaptation to desert environment, the perennial aquatic plant Phragmites communis has evolved a desert-dune ecotype. The desert-dune ecotype (DR) of Phragmites communis showed significant differences in water activity and protein distribution compared to its sympatric swamp ecotype (SR). Many proteins that were located in the soluble fraction of SR translocated to the insoluble fraction of DR, suggesting that membrane-associated proteins were greatly reinforced in DR. The unknown phenomenon in plant stress physiology was defined as a proteome translocation response. Quantitative 2D-DIGE technology highlighted these ‘bound’ proteins in DR. Fifty-eight kinds of proteins were identified as candidates of the translocated proteome in Phragmites. The majority were chloroplast proteins. Unexpectedly, Rubisco was the most abundant protein sequestered by DR. Rubisco activase, various chaperons and 2-cysteine peroxiredoxin were major components in the translocation response. Conformational change was assumed to be the main reason for the Rubisco translocation due to no primary sequence difference between DR and SR. The addition of reductant in extraction process partially reversed the translocation response, implying that intracellular redox status plays a role in the translocation response of the proteome. The finding emphasizes the realistic significance of the membrane-association of biomolecule for plant long-term adaptation to complex stress conditions.
The Microtubule-Targeting Agents, PBOX-6 [Pyrrolobenzoxazepine 7-[(dimethylcarbamoyl)oxy]-6-(2-naphthyl)pyrrolo-[2,1-d] (1,5)-benzoxazepine] and Paclitaxel, Induce Nucleocytoplasmic Redistribution of the Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerases, Cyclophilin A and Pin1, in Malignant Hematopoietic Cells

Microtubule assembly and disassembly is required for the maintenance of cell structure, mobility, and division. However, the cellular and biochemical implications of microtubule disruption are not fully understood. Using a proteomic approach, we found that the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase, cyclophilin A, was increased in plasma membrane extracts from chronic myeloid leukemia cells after microtubule disruption. In addition, we found that two peptidyl-prolyl isomerases, cyclophilin A and pin1, are overexpressed up to 10-fold in hematological malignancies compared with normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Although previous reports suggest that cyclophilin A is localized to the cytosol of mammalian cells, we found that cyclophilin A and pin1 are both localized to the nucleus and nuclear domains in hematopoietic cells. Microtubule disruption of hematopoietic cells caused a dramatic subcellular redistribution of cyclophilin A and pin1 from the nucleus to the cytosol and plasma membrane. We suggest that this accounts for the increased cyclophilin A at the plasma membrane of chronic myeloid leukemia cells after microtubule disruption. The subcellular redistribution of cyclophilin A and pin1 occurred in a c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase- and serine protease-dependent manner. Moreover, the altered subcellular localization of the peptidyl-prolyl isomerases occurred in a dose- and time-dependent manner after microtubule disruption and was found to correlate with G2/M arrest and precede induced cell death. These results suggest that the function of peptidyl-prolyl isomerases may be influenced by microtubule dynamics throughout the cell cycle, and their altered localization may be an important part of the mechanism by which microtubule-disrupting agents exert their cytostatic effects.
In vivo phosphorylation of a synthetic peptide substrate of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase.

A model synthetic peptide substrate of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (ATP:protein phosphotransferase; EC 2.7.1.37), Leu-Arg-Arg-Ala-Ser-Leu-Gly, closely resembling the local phosphorylation site sequence in porcine hepatic pyruvate kinase, was shown to be phosphorylated in vivo after microinjection into Xenopus oocytes. This result demonstrates that the microinjection technique, utilizing a synthetic peptide substrate, or possibly a synthetic substrate analog inhibitor [Kemp, B. E. , Benjamini, E. & Krebs, E. G. (1976) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 73, 1038--1042], can be used to study protein phosphorylation-dephosphorylation reactions in living oocytes. This follows, since it is clear that the injected peptide was accessible to the cellular compartment containing the protein kinase.
Haplotypes of the steroid 21-hydroxylase gene region encoding mild steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

Haplotypes of the complement 4 (C4) and steroid 21-hydroxylase [21-OHase; steroid hydrogen-donor: oxygen oxidoreductase (21-hydroxylating), EC 1.14. 99.10] repeated gene complex were studied in nine families with at least one member affected with a mild form of 21-OHase deficiency. DNA probes from different parts of the repeated C4/21-OHase unit were used to follow the segregation of hybridization patterns in the families. Ten structurally distinct haplotypes of the C4/21-OHase gene region were identified, and the encoded phenotype was assigned to 34 of the 36 C4/21-OHase haplotypes. Four structurally different haplotypes with three C4/21-OHase repeat units were found. Eight of the nine haplotypes found with triplications of the C4/21-OHase repeat unit encoded the mild form of 21-OHase deficiency, whereas one particular triplicated haplotype encoded a severe form of the disease. In one case the mild form of 21-OHase deficiency was encoded by a haplotype with a single C4/21-OHase repeat unit. Mild 21-OHase deficiency was predicted in a patient by the presence of a triplicated haplotype. The finding of deranged 21-OHase genes on all triplicated C4/21-OHase haplotypes indicate that most of these common haplotypes carry mutated 21-OHase genes, and thus may cause functional polymorphism of general importance in the population.
Inductance Identification and Study of PM Motor With Winding Turn Short Circuit Fault

A time stepping FEM is performed for study of PM motor with inter-turn fault. The novel analytical expressions are proposed for calculation of faulty machine inductances from healthy machine parameters. The proposed expressions are validated by FEM and can be used in the circuit based fault models. Finally, the FEM is applied for studying the PM machine under various fault conditions.
"Density mask". An objective method to quantitate emphysema using computed tomography.

We used a computed tomography (CT) scanner program ("density mask") that highlights voxels within a given density range to quantitate emphysema by defining areas of abnormally low attenuation. We compared different density masks, mean lung attenuation, visual assessment of emphysema and the pathologic grade of emphysema in 28 patients undergoing lung resection for tumor. In each patient, a single representative CT image was compared with corresponding pathologic specimens of tissue. There was good correlation between the extent of emphysema as assessed by the density mask and the pathologic grade of emphysema. The optimal attenuation level to define areas of emphysema may vary in different scanners, but, once determined for a particular scanner, the density mask accurately assesses the extent of emphysema and eliminates interobserver and intraobserver variability. It has the added advantage of determining the exact percentage of lung parenchyma showing changes consistent with emphysema.
Executive Gender Pay Gaps: The Roles of Female Risk Aversion and Board Representation

Using a large sample of executives in S&P1500 firms over 1996-2010, we document significant salary and total compensation gaps between female and male executives and explore two possible explanations for the gaps. We find support for greater female risk aversion as one contributing factor. Female executives hold significantly lower equity incentives and demand larger salary premiums for bearing a given level of compensation risk. These results suggest that females’ risk aversion contributes to the observed lower pay levels through its effect on ex-ante compensation structures. We also find evidence that the lack of gender diversity on corporate boards affects the size of the gaps. In firms with a higher proportion of female directors on the board, the gaps in salary and total pay levels are lower. Together, these findings suggest that female higher risk aversion may act as a barrier to full pay convergence, despite the mitigating effect from greater gender diversity on the board.
Perfusion MRI: the five most frequently asked technical questions.

OBJECTIVE This and its companion article address the 10 most frequently asked questions that radiologists face when planning, performing, processing, and interpreting different MR perfusion studies in CNS imaging. CONCLUSION Perfusion MRI is a promising tool in assessing stroke, brain tumors, and patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Most of the impediments that have limited the use of perfusion MRI can be overcome to allow integration of these methods into modern neuroimaging protocols.
Food perceptions among adults and registered dietitians : are they similar?

Purpose: To determine how adults and registered dietitians (RDs) perceived foods according to a frequency continuum, and to assess the differences between them. Methods: A sample of 1002 adults and 566 RDs were recruited. Participants had to associate 51 foods with a frequency continuum (“daily”, “occasional” or “sometimes”). Food groups were created: 1) Canada’s Food Guide’s groups (CFG) (n = 22), 2) High in Fat or High in Sugar foods (HFHS) (n = 16), and 3) Meals (n = 13). Results: CFG were perceived as “daily” foods (adults = 56.8%, RDs = 94.5%), HFHS as “sometimes” foods (adults = 67.2%, RDs = 59.6%) and Meals as “occasional” foods (adults = 75.8%, RDs = 58.2%). Adults (all age groups) perceived that CFG and Meals should be eaten less frequently than RDs (18 to 64 years old). Younger adults perceived these two groups as to be eaten more frequently than older respondents. Adults perceived HFHS as to be consumed less frequently than RDs (no age effect). Conclusions: While adults tend to have more severe perceptions than RDs, results show that their food perceptions are in line with an overall awareness of Canadian nutrition guidelines, suggesting the presence of a relevant popular knowledge about the value of food.
Cost-Efficient Protection in TDM PONs

Reliability in optical access networks is becoming a crucial issue for both operators and users due to the enormous increase of capacity and the importance of uninterrupted access to network services. Consequently, the growing number of users requesting penalties for connection interruptions is motivating for investing in protection mechanisms in fiber access networks. The investments involved depend on several aspects such as technology and covered area (population density, distance, type of users, etc.). Moreover, the passive optical network is considered one of the most beneficial fiber access solutions from the capital expenditures point of view; in particular, we are witnessing a wide deployment of TDM PONs. Keeping in mind that cost is a major issue in the access part of the network, in this article we propose a cost-efficient way to provide protection in a TDM PON considering different deployment scenarios in respect to population density in the access network area. The cost efficiency is obtained by taking advantage of investment cost reduction caused by sharing the same duct by both working and protection fibers. In order to evaluate the investment associated with the deployment of the proposed protection schemes, we take into account three different approaches: provide protection in the access network from the beginning, invest initially on an unprotected architecture keeping in mind a future upgrade with protection resources, and roll out an unprotected access network and, if needed in the future, invest in deployment of protection resources. The cost parameters considered in this article include investment in the infrastructure and installation, as well as the operational expenditures associated with failure reparation and service interruption penalties. Our results confirm that the proposed reliable PON architectures can achieve significant reduction of service interruption at very low increase in investment cost, leading to a great decrease of the total cost of ownership. Finally, some useful guidance for cost-efficient deployment of protection in fiber access networks is provided along with a sensitivity study to point out the key cost factors.
Impact of microfinance on women's empowerment: a case study on two microfinance institutions in Sri Lanka

This study investigates the impact of microfinance on poverty, socio-economic vulnerability of women, and the ability to form social capital through group-based micro loans. The study used four criteria to examine the impact of microfinance on poverty and vulnerability of women borrowers. The four criteria were access, creation and control over private resources; freedom of decision making at home; self-confidence on socioeconomic activities; and status in community and family. The study assumed that if these four variables have positively affected a woman, then she is empowered by microfinance received. The study used three logistic regression models and a women empowerment index to analyse women empowerment. The logistic results revealed that, the household income level before taking microcredit, age of the household head and markets availability for products have been significant in affecting women empowerment and reducing vulnerability. The disaggregated and overall Women Empowerment Indices (WEIs) clearly illustrate a considerable development after joining the Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs). The analysis found that if the woman owned the loan and acted as a conduit of credit, it had a positive and significant impact on her ability to make decisions at home. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences 2015 38(1): 51-61
AN ANALYTICAL AND EMPIRICAL MEASURE OF THE DEGREE OF CONSERVATISM

Active dried yeast is prepared using an osmotically active aqueous solution of a water soluble salt of magnesium or calcium in an initial salt treatment of the yeast cream. The resulting active dried yeast shows greater retention of activity in the final drying step than corresponding active dried yeasts obtained using osmotically active solutions of sodium and potassium salts in the same first step.
Risk factors for mortality in patients with leptospirosis during an epidemic in northern Kerala.

BACKGROUND Epidemic leptospirosis is increasingly being reported from northern Kerala during the monsoon months. We investigated the risk factors for mortality during the 2002 epidemic. METHODS Three hundred and forty patients suspected to have leptospirosis during the epidemic were studied by clinical examination, laboratory investigations and Leptospira serology (microscopic agglutination test). Two hundred and eighty-two seropositive cases were analysed for the clinical and laboratory profile, and risk factors for mortality using univariate and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Of the 282 seropositive cases, 58.9% were men. No significant association with occupational risk factors was seen; 62.9% had wounds on the feet. The majority had Weil syndrome with hepatic (69.8%) and renal (56.3%) involvement. Thrombocytopenia (65.8%) was common. Transient hyperglycaemia was observed in 10.3% of cases. Pulmonary haemorrhage (4.7%) and meningism (4.3%) were less common. Jaundice occurred in 46% of cases in the first week. The mortality rate was 6.03%. Hyperkalaemia (OR= 27.3), meningism (OR= 10.6), oliguria (OR=8.2), haemoptysis (OR= 5.4), bilirubin > 15 mg/dl (OR= 5.4), disorientation (OR=5), tachycardia (OR=4.1) and muscle tenderness (p=0.03) were the predictors of high mortality in univariate analysis. Only involvement of the lung and central nervous system were significant predictors of death in logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS Leptospirosis is no more a mere occupational hazard in Kerala. Early occurrence of complications such as hepatitis mandates caution in the primary care setting. Lung and central nervous system involvement are significant predictors of mortality.
MCI conversion to dementia and the APOE genotype

Objectives: To investigate whether the combination of fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) PET measures with the APOE genotype would improve prediction of the conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer disease (AD). Method: After 1 year, 8 of 37 patients with MCI converted to AD (22%). Differences in baseline regional glucose metabolic rate (rCMRglc) across groups were assessed on a voxel-based basis using a two-factor analysis of variance with outcome (converters [n = 8] vs nonconverters [n = 29]) and APOE genotype (E4 carriers [E4+] [n = 16] vs noncarriers [E4−] [n = 21]) as grouping factors. Results were considered significant at p < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons. Results: All converters showed reduced rCMRglc in the inferior parietal cortex (IPC) as compared with the nonconverters. Hypometabolism in AD-typical regions, that is, temporoparietal and posterior cingulate cortex, was found for the E4+ as compared with the E4− patients, with the E4+/converters (n = 5) having additional rCMRglc reductions within frontal areas, such as the anterior cingulate (ACC) and inferior frontal (IFC) cortex. For the whole MCI sample, IPC rCMRglc predicted conversion to AD with 84% overall diagnostic accuracy (p = 0.003). Moreover, ACC and IFC rCMRglc improved prediction for the E4+ group, yielding 100% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 94% accuracy (p < 0.0005), thus leading to an excellent discrimination. Conclusion: Fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose-PET measures may improve prediction of the conversion to Alzheimer disease, especially in combination with the APOE genotype.
Alterations in biomechanical properties and microstructure of colon wall in early-stage experimental colitis

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of early-stage dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mouse colitis on the biomechanical properties and microstructure of colon walls. In the present study, colitis was induced in 8-week-old mice by the oral administration of DSS, and then 10 control and 10 experimental colitis samples were harvested. Uniaxial tensile tests were performed to measure the ultimate tensile strength and ultimate stretches of colon tissues. In addition, histological investigations were performed to characterize changes in the microstructure of the colon wall following treatment. The results revealed that the ultimate tensile stresses were 232±33 and 183±25 kPa for the control and DSS groups, respectively (P=0.001). Ultimate stretches at rupture for the control and DSS groups were 1.43±0.04 and 1.51±0.06, respectively (P=0.006). However, there was no statistically significant difference in tissue stiffness between the two groups. Histological analysis demonstrated high numbers of inflammatory cells infiltrated into the stroma in the DSS group, leading to significant submucosa edema. Hyperplasia was also identified in the DSS-treated submucosa, causing a disorganized microstructure within the colon wall. Furthermore, a large number of collagen fibers in the DSS-treated muscular layer were disrupted, and fiber bundles were thinner when compared with the control group. In conclusion, early-stage experimental colitis alters the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of the colon walls, further contributing to tissue remodeling in the pathological process.
A Randomised Controlled Trial of Parecoxib, Celecoxib and Paracetamol as Adjuncts to Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia after Caesarean Delivery

The benefit of combining non-opioid analgesics with neuraxial opioids for analgesia after caesarean delivery has not been clearly established. Larger doses of paracetamol or cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors have not been evaluated. A randomised, double blind, double-dummy, parallel group placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among women having elective caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia, followed by pethidine patient-controlled epidural analgesia. Patients received placebos (group C); intravenous parecoxib 40 mg then oral celecoxib 400 mg at 12 hours (group PC); intravenous paracetamol 2 g then oral 1 g six-hourly (group PA); or these regimens combined (group PCPA). The primary outcome was 24-hour postoperative patient-controlled epidural pethidine use and the main secondary outcome was postoperative pain. One hundred and thirty-eight women were recruited but 27 subsequently met exclusion criteria, leaving 111 who were randomised, allocated and analysed by intention-to-treat (n=23, 30, 32 and 26 in groups C, PC, PA and PCPA respectively). There were no differences between groups for pethidine consumption, based on either intention-to-treat (median 365, 365, 405 and 360 mg in groups C, PC, PA and PCPA respectively, P=0.84) or per protocol analysis (17 major violations). Dynamic pain scores did not differ between groups but requirement for, and dose of, supplementary oral tramadol was least in group PCPA (incidence 23% versus 48%, 70% and 58% in groups C, PC and PA respectively, P=0.004). The addition of regular paracetamol, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors or both to pethidine patient-controlled epidural post-caesarean analgesia did not provide a pethidine dose-sparing effect during the first 24 hours.
An Implied Income Inequality Index Using L1 Norm Estimation of Lorenz Curve

Distribution of income is among the most important issues in welfare economics. Economic literature provides different ways to measure income inequality. Most common inequality indices provide information about the income distribution and analyze the inequality of income allocation without any reference to the amount of money needed to reduce the income inequality.In this paper, we design a model to estimate the Lorenz curve function parameters. By this approach, any census summary data can be used to measure the distribution of income. We also introduce a new fiscal-compensation-based index for reduction of the degree of inequality. Using this index, we show how much transfer payment is needed to achieve the desired distribution of income consistent with the perceived economic goals of the society.
Is Drinking Water in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, Safe for Infant Formula?

Objective: To survey knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding water use and infant feeding in the Koumassi District of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and to evaluate the microbiologic quality of source and stored drinking water. Design: Random‐cluster household survey. Methods: We randomly selected 20 clusters, each comprising six households with at least 1 child aged ≤3 years. In each household, we administered a questionnaire and collected source and stored drinking water samples and tested these for chlorine levels and for total coliform and fecal bacteria count (Escherichia coli). Results: Municipal water was used for drinking in 112 (93%) of 120 households, and in 99 (83%), it was stored for later use. By 1 month of age, 97 (90%) of 108 infants given drinking water were given stored water for drinking. In 8 (66%) of 12 house‐holds where children were receiving artificial feeding, formula was prepared from municipal water without additional treatment. Stored water had lower levels of free chlorine than source water (median of 0.05 versus 0.2 mg/dl; p < .001), and E. coli was detected in 36 (41%) of 87 stored water samples and 1 (1%) of 108 source water samples (p < .001). Conclusions: In the Koumassi District of Abidjan, where municipal water is widely available and of good quality, drinking water is stored in most households, is often contaminated with E. coli, and is given to children at a young age. If replacement feeding is to be more widely used to prevent postnatal transmission of HIV‐1, communities using stored water need interventions to make stored water safer.