Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The minCD locus of Bacillus subtilis lacks the minE determinant that provides topological specificity to cell division

A key event of the sporulation process in Bacillus subtilis is the asymmetric cell division that divides the developing cell into two unequal compartments. To examine the function of vegetative cell division genes in this developmental division, we isolated and characterized the B. subtilis counterpart to the Escherichia coli minicell operon minB, which governs correct placement of the division septum. Starting from the closely linked spo/VFlocus, we used walking methods to isolate the region of the B. subtilis chromosome proximate to the divlVB minicell locus. DNA sequence analysis found two open reading frames whose predicted products had significant identity to the E. coli MinC cell division inhibitor and the MinD ATPase activator of MinC, and disruption of minCD function generated a minicell phenotype in B. subtilis. Notably, no homologue to the E. coli MinE topological specificity element was found in the B. subtilis minCD region. The B. subtilis min genes were part of an operon transcribed from a major promoter more than 2.5 kb upstream from minC. An internal promoter immediately upstream from minC was dependent on RNA polymerase containing sigma‐H and was active at the onset of sporulation. However, neither minCnor minD function was absolutely required for sporulation and, by implication, for asymmetric septum formation.
The generational cohort effect in the context of responsible consumption

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the generational cohort effect on responsible consumer behavior. Based on the theory of planned behavior and the generational cohort theory, the authors test the impact of perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE), media exposure (ME), the social group influence of family and peers and self-identity on the intention of Generation X and Generation Y to purchase environmentally responsible products. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected from 1,870 respondents in France. Based on the factor scores from a confirmatory factor analysis, the authors tested for interaction effects by employing regression and path analyses. A two-group structural model evaluated the strength of each cohort’s direct effects and the significant differences between the groups. Findings The results reveal a generational (cohort) effect on the relationship between PCE and ME and the intention to purchase environmentally responsible products. Research limitations/implications The convenience sample shows bias toward younger people, especially students. In addition, some latent variables show low AVE scores, probably due to scale interpretation differences. By measuring purchase intention, the study disregards the actual behavior of consumers. Practical implications To increase consumers’ personal involvement in responsible purchasing behaviors, marketers could cater to the social desirability side of Gen Y by emphasizing products that express community values; on the other hand, marketers could appeal to the PCE of Gen X by providing more information and convincing them that their actions matter. Social implications The efficiency of awareness and promotional campaigns for environmentally responsible products will be enhanced when marketers employ segmentation based on generational cohorts. Originality/value The study contributes to a better understanding of responsible consumer behavior by identifying generational cohort differences.
Self-glucosylation of glycogenin, the initiator of glycogen biosynthesis, involves an inter-subunit reaction.

Glycogenin is a dimeric self-glucosylating protein involved in the initiation phase of glycogen biosynthesis. As an enzyme, glycogenin has the unusual property of transferring glucose residues from UDP-glucose to itself, forming an alpha-1,4-glycan of around 10 residues attached to Tyr194. Whether this self-glucosylation reaction is inter- or intramolecular has been debated. We used site-directed mutagenesis of recombinant rabbit muscle glycogenin-1 to address this question. Mutation of highly conserved Lys85 to Gln generated a glycogenin mutant (K85Q) that had only 1-2% of the self-glucosylating activity of wild-type enzyme. Consistent with previous work, mutation of Tyr194 to Phe in a GST-fusion protein yielded a mutant, Y194F, that was catalytically active but incapable of self-glucosylation. The Y194F mutant was able to glucosylate the K85Q mutant. However, there was an initial lag in the self-glucosylation reaction that was abolished by preincubation of the two mutant proteins. The interaction between glycogenin subunits was relatively weak, with a dissociation constant inferred from kinetic experiments of around 2 microM. We propose a model for the glucosylation of K85Q by Y194F in which mixing of the proteins is followed by rate-limiting formation of a species containing both subunit types. The results provide the most direct evidence to date that the self-glucosylation of glycogenin involves an inter-subunit reaction.
Zero‐Inflated Poisson and Binomial Regression with Random Effects: A Case Study

Summary. In a 1992 Technometrics paper, Lambert (1992, 34, 1–14) described zero‐inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression, a class of models for count data with excess zeros. In a ZIP model, a count response variable is assumed to be distributed as a mixture of a Poisson(λ) distribution and a distribution with point mass of one at zero, with mixing probability p. Both p and λ are allowed to depend on covariates through canonical link generalized linear models. In this paper, we adapt Lambert's methodology to an upper bounded count situation, thereby obtaining a zero‐inflated binomial (ZIP) model. In addition, we add to the flexibility of these fixed effects models by incorporating random effects so that, e.g., the within‐subject correlation and between‐subject heterogeneity typical of repeated measures data can be accommodated. We motivate, develop, and illustrate the methods described here with an example from horticulture, where both upper bounded count (binomial‐type) and unbounded count (Poisson‐type) data with excess zeros were collected in a repeated measures designed experiment.
Identification of regulatory regions of the putative tumor suppressor gene DMBT1.

The lack of expression of the putative tumor suppressor gene DMBT1 has been described in gliomas, lung carcinomas, and other malignancies. To investigate the mechanisms regulating DMBT1 expression we have screened a human genomic library with a 5' cDNA probe and identified a fragment of approximately 3 kb upstream of the proposed coding sequence of DMBT1. This fragment contains subregions that may up- or down-regulate the expression of a reporter gene. These findings may help to elucidate the mechanisms regulating the alternative splicing and the tissue specific expression of DMBT1.
Exact Maximum Power Point Tracking of Grid-Connected Partially Shaded PV Source Using Current Compensation Concept

Under partially shaded conditions, series connection of photovoltaic (PV) modules results in the flow of lowest current in the string corresponding to the most shaded module, reducing the overall power output. Power output can be maximized by incorporating module-level “distributed” maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) wherein the current of each module is compensated by regulating its voltage at the respective maximum power point (MPP) value by connecting a dc-dc converter in parallel. Existing current compensation schemes are either too complex or inaccurate. This paper proposes a novel DMPPT scheme using current compensation, which is simple to implement and yet provides an accurate compensation, resulting in exact maximum power point tracking (MPPT). In the proposed scheme, each PV module is resonated through a special arrangement in the shunt-connected flyback dc-dc converter. The secondary-side diode in the flyback converter is replaced by a power mosfet with an antiparallel diode. The converter operates in two modes: resonant MPPT mode and normal flyback mode. An intelligent controller tracks the MPP of the modules while they resonate. An output switch decouples the PV source from the grid momentarily, while the MPP is tracked. All the results of this work, including experimental validation, are presented.
Isolated Anterior Talofibular Ligament Broström Repair for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

Background: Lateral ankle sprains may result in pain and disability in the short term, decreased sport activity and early retirement from sports in the mid term, and secondary injuries and development of early osteoarthritis to the ankle in the long term. Hypothesis: This combined approach to chronic lateral instability and intra-articular lesions of the ankle is safe and in the long term maintains mechanical stability, functional ability, and a good level of sport activity. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We present the long-term outcomes of 42 athletes who underwent ankle arthroscopy and anterior talofibular Broström repair for management of chronic lateral ankle instability. We assessed in all patients preoperative and postoperative anterior drawer test and side-to-side differences, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Kaikkonen grading scales. Patients were asked about return to sport and level of activity. Patients were also assessed for development of degenerative changes to the ankle, and preoperative versus postoperative findings were compared. Results: Thirty-eight patients were reviewed at an average of 8.7 years (range, 5-13 years) after surgery; 4 patients were lost to follow-up. At the last follow-up, patients were significantly improved for ankle laxity, AOFAS scores, and Kaikkonen scales. The mean AOFAS score improved from 51 (range, 32-71) to 90 (range, 67-100), and the mean Kaikkonen score improved from 45 (range, 30-70) to 90 (range, 65-100). According to outcome criteria set preoperatively, there were 8 failures by the AOFAS score and 9 by the Kaikkonen score. Twenty-two (58%) patients practiced sport at the preinjury level, 6 (16%) had changed to lower levels but were still active in less demanding sports (cycling and tennis), and 10 (26%) had abandoned active sport participation although they still were physically active. Six of these patients did not feel safe with their ankle because of the occurrence of new episodes of ankle instability. Of the 27 patients who had no evidence of degenerative changes preoperatively, 8 patients (30%) had radiographic signs of degenerative changes (5 grade I and 3 grade II) of the ankle; 4 of the 11 patients (11%) with preexisting grade I changes remained unchanged, and 7 patients (18%) had progressed to grade II. No correlation was found between osteoarthritis and status of sport activity (P = .72). Conclusion: Combined Broström repair and ankle arthroscopy are safe and allow most patients to return to preinjury daily and sport activities.
Essays on environmental and development economics

This thesis comprises four empirical essays on environmental and development economics. In the first chapter, we examine to what extent individual and contextual level factors influence individuals to contribute financially to prevent environmental pollution. We find that rich people, individuals with higher education, as well as those who possess post-materialist values are more likely to be concerned about environmental pollution. We also observe the country in which individuals live matter in their willingness to contribute. More precisely, we find democracy and government stability reduce individuals’ intention to donate to prevent environmental damage mainly in developed countries. The second chapter deals with the relation between economic growth and environmental degradation by focusing on the issue of whether the inverted U-shaped relation exist. The study discloses no evidence for the U-shaped relation. However, the empirical result points toward a non-linear relationship between environmental degradation and economic growth, that is, emissions tend to rise rapidly in the early stages with economic growth, and then emissions continue to increase but a lower rate in the later stages. The third chapter investigates the long-run as well as the causal relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in a group of Sub-Saharan Africa. The result discovers the existence of a long-run equilibrium relationship between clean energy consumption and economic growth. Furthermore, the short-run and the long-run dynamics indicate unidirectional Granger causality running from clean energy consumption to economic growth without any feedback effects. The last chapter of this thesis concerns with convergence of emissions across Canadian provinces. The study determines convergence clubs better characterizes Canadian’s emissions. In other words, we detect the existence of segmentation in emissions across Canadian provinces.
Complete amino acid sequences of the heavy and light chain variable regions from two A/J mouse antigen nonbinding monoclonal antibodies bearing the predominant p-azophenyl arsonate idiotype.

The immune response to p-azophenyl arsonate (Ars) in A/J mice is dominated by a cross-reactive idiotype (CRI or IdCR). IdCR+ hybridoma proteins 1F6 and 3D10 produced in a single mouse by immunization with a monoclonal anti-IdCR antibody did not bind Ars [Wysocki, L. , & Sato, V. (1981) Eur. J. Immunol. 11, 832-839]. The preservation of idiotype coupled with lack of antigen binding in the same molecules provoked an examination of their primary structures in order to localize sites involved in binding to antigen and to anti-idiotypes. The VH sequence of antibody 3D10 was determined by Edman degradation of intact chains and fragments generated by CNBr, hydroxylamine, and o-iodosobenzoic acid cleavage, by trypsin and V8 protease digestion, and by sequence analysis of mRNA. The 1F6 VH sequence was reported previously [Smith, J. A. , & Margolies, M. N. (1984) Biochemistry 23, 4726-4732]. The VL sequences of 1F6 and 3D10 were determined by Edman degradation of intact chains and peptides generated by cleavage with o-iodosobenzoic acid and digestion with trypsin and chymotrypsin. Both 1F6 and 3D10 are encoded by the same VH, VK, D, and JK gene segments as are IdCR+ Ars-binding antibodies. However, 1F6 and 3D10 employ the JH4 gene segment rather than JH2. Antibodies 1F6 and 3D10 share several somatic mutations, suggesting a common clonal origin, but manifest individual mutations as well. By comparison with Ars-binding IdCR+ molecules, the substitutions in 1F6 and 3D10 likely responsible for the lack of Ars binding are localized to the heavy chain D-JH junction and/or to a substitution in light chain CDR 3.
The views and outcomes of consenting and non-consenting patients receiving ECT

Background. Current mental health legislation in the UK makes provision for the use of certain treatments in severely ill patients who are unable, or unwilling, to give informed consent. Under the terms of this legislation, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used, usually to treat severely depressed patients. A number of organizations have challenged this practice, stating that ECT should only be given with fully informed consent: it has been implied that patients receiving compulsory ECT (given without the patient's consent, under the terms of mental health legislation) find the treatment damaging and unhelpful. Methods. A series of 150 patients receiving ECT in Aberdeen was studied. A proportion of the series (approximately 7%) received compulsory ECT. The views and treatment outcomes of compulsory patients were compared with those of patients giving informed consent for treatment. Results. More than 80% of patients in both consenting and compulsory groups considered ECT to have helped them. Clinical outcome did not differ between the groups. Patients' views showed marked concordance with independent medical evaluation of outcome. Conclusions. Outcome following ECT in non-consenting patients is equivalent to that seen in consenting patients whether rated by the patients themselves or by clinicians. Overall outcome is good, with more than 80% of patients benefiting from treatment. A ban on compulsory ECT would deny the access of seriously ill patients to an effective and acceptable treatment.
The Effect of Teachers’ Perceptions on the Role of Technology in Assessment: the Case of Macau

Technology is shaping the process and outcome of educational assessment. This paper explores how teachers and pre-service teachers view the role of technology in educational assessment. Participants in the study were students taking an educational evaluation course taught in a public university in Macau. Students’ views were collected through open-ended questions. Content analysis of students’ responses was categorised using the framework of assessment for learning and assessment of learning. It was found that teachers envisaged the role of technology to be more on the assessment of learning. Results suggested that educators should provide learning experiences to make teachers aware of the uses of technology for instructional purposes.
UI-RI Hybrid Lookup Table Method With High Linearity and High-Speed Convergence Performance for FPGA-Based Space Solar Array Simulator

Most existing high-power solar array simulators are suitable for simulating solar array energy sources in terrestrial applications. However, they are not sufficiently fast for spacecraft power-system testing using terrestrial testing applications. This paper proposes a UI-RI hybrid lookup table method with high linearity and high-speed convergence performance, which outperforms the traditional single UI lookup table method by employing a field-programmable gate array digital I–V outer loop. The proposed method overcomes the difficulty in guaranteeing stable output characteristics of the current output-type space solar array simulator (SSAS) because of the nonlinear I–V curves and slow convergence speed to the target operating point of the latter. The new lookup method is applied to a 2.4-kW hardware power platform of SSAS, and the SSAS can quickly respond to a load step between the short-circuit and open-circuit (OC) states, which is the harshest working condition, using the UI-RI hybrid lookup table method with a shunt switching frequency of 2 kHz. It can also quickly respond to a load step between the OC and rated-load states using a series-switching frequency of 10 kHz. The experimental data-point distribution trajectory of the switching process shows a greater tendency to converge to the designed I–V curve compared with the single UI lookup table method.
Design of smart lock system for doors with special features using bluetooth technology

Nowadays the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has developed that almost all aspects in human's life utilize IoT technology to increase the quality of life. Lock system is one of those aspects that has been impacted by the massive development of IoT, for example lock system that can be opened or closed by entering the password or by gadget to control it. The main component of smart home concept lays on the door, so the door lock system becomes an interesting topic to discuss. The paper presents a design of lock system for operating door without a control to open or lock it that brings a comfort and can be applied effectively. Besides, the lock system can be used for all kinds of human's physical condition. The system uses bluetooth technology with low power and is available on almost all gadgets. The design of the system is also completed with special feature to increase the security and the comfort of the users. The lock system indirectly supports the program of United Convention of Right People with Disabilities.
Significance of loss of heterozygosity of the RB1 gene during tumour progression in well‐differentiated liposarcomas

Tumour progression can be investigated in liposarcomas showing a transition from a low‐grade well‐differentiated (WD) to a high‐grade dedifferentiated (DD) variant. As RB1 gene alterations are common defects in sarcomas, this study examined the frequency of RB1 loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in a group of 14 well‐differentiated liposarcomas (WDLs) and 17 well‐differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcomas (WD/DDLs), using a microdissection approach (PALM laser pressure catapulting) that allows the two histological components to be separated for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. In addition, RB1 protein expression and the Mib1 proliferation index were determined by immunohistochemistry and interphase FISH was performed with an RB1 probe at 13q14. By the use of four intragenic polymorphic RB1 markers (introns 1, 17, 20, and 25) for PCR, allelic losses were found only in the DD parts, but never in the pure WDLs or in the WD components of the WD/DDLs investigated. Furthermore, DD areas characterized by a heterogeneous RB1 protein expression pattern (35–65% immunopositivity), as compared with 90–100% RB1 positivity in WD areas, showed a marked increase in Mib1 proliferation index (19.6% versus 1.8% in WD areas; p<0.001). Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) detected a higher RB1‐LOH rate in the DD components of WD/DDLs. Considering the different detection sensitivities of the three methodologies, it is concluded that loss of RB1 function already begins in the WDL, and that the tumour cell population with RB1‐LOH starts prevailing in the tumour mass during progression of a WDL. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing Smart Cities with different modeling approaches

Smart cities have attracted an extensive and increasing interest from both science and industry with an increasing number of international examples emerging from across the world. However, despite the significant role that smart cities can play to deal with recent urban challenges, the concept has been criticized for being influenced by vendor hype. There are various attempts to conceptualize smart cities and various benchmarking methods have been developed to evaluate their impact. In this paper the modelling and benchmarking approaches are systematically compared. There are six common dimensions among the approaches, namely people, government, economy, mobility, environment and living. This paper utilizes existing smart city analysis models in order to review three representative smart city cases and useful outcomes are extrapolated from this comparison.
Assessment as Reflexive Practice: A Grounded Model for Making Evidence-Based Decisions in Student Affairs

Email rydera@uncw.edu Abstract Assessment to improve student learning and program effectiveness is an essential skill for student affairs practitioners. Empirical findings from a content analysis of the Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Practitioners (ACPA & NASPA, 2010) shed important light on reflexivity as a foundational aspect of assessment. Based on these findings, we present a conceptual model that positions assessment and reflexivity at the center of student affairs practice and offer concrete recommendations for reflexive student affairs assessment.