Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Localization of the (1,3)β-D-glucan synthase catalytic subunit homologue Bgs1p/Cps1p from fission yeast suggests that it is involved in septation, polarized growth, mating, spore wall formation and spore germination

Schizosaccharomyces pombe Bgs1p/Cps1p has been identified as a putative (1,3)β-D-glucan synthase (GS) catalytic subunit with a possible function during cytokinesis and polarized growth. To study this possibility, double mutants of cps1-12 and cdc septation mutants were made. The double mutants displayed several hypersensitive phenotypes and altered actin distribution. Epistasis analysis showed mutations prior to septum synthesis were dominant over cps1-12, while cps1-12 was dominant over the end of septation mutant cdc16-116, suggesting Bgs1p is involved in septum cell-wall (1,3)β-D-glucan synthesis at cytokinesis. We have studied the in vivo physiological localization of Bgs1p in a bgs1Δ strain containing a functional GFP-bgs1+ gene (integrated single copy and expressed under its own promoter). During vegetative growth, Bgs1p always localizes to the growing zones: one or both ends during cell growth and contractile ring and septum during cytokinesis. Bgs1p localization in cdc septation mutants indicates that Bgs1p needs the medial ring and septation initiation network (SIN) proteins to localize properly with the rest of septation components. Bgs1p localization in the actin mutant cps8-188 shows it depends on actin localization. In addition, Bgs1p remains polarized in the mislocalized growing poles and septa of tea1-1 and tea2-1 mutants. During the meiotic process of the life cycle, Bgs1p localizes to the mating projection, to the cell-to-cell contact zone during cell fusion and to the neck area during zygote formation. Also, Bgs1p localization suggests that it collaborates in forespore and spore wall synthesis. During spore germination, Bgs1p localizes first around the spore during isotropic growth, then to the zone of polarized growth and finally, to the medial ring and septum. At the end of spore-cell division, the Bgs1p displacement to the old end occurs only in the new cell. All these data show that Bgs1p is localized to the areas of polarized cell wall growth and so we propose that it might be involved in synthesizing the lineal (1,3)β-D-glucan of the primary septum, as well as a similar lineal (1,3)β-D-glucan when other processes of cell wall growth or repair are needed.
Risk for breast cancer development determined by mammographic parenchymal pattern

A classification of risk for developing breast cancer has been devised based solely on the appearance of the breast parenchyma by mammography. Four groups of patients were isolated. The study encompassed a five‐year period and was done by reviewing the mammograms of all women over the age of 30 who had been examined at Hutzel Hospital, Detroit. The average time of followup would be approximately 21/2 years. Four groups had an incidence of developing breast cancer of 0.1, 0.4, 1.7, and 2.2. These parenchymal patterns are described and criteria for their identification are given.
A Method for Registration of 3-D Shapes

The authors describe a general-purpose, representation-independent method for the accurate and computationally efficient registration of 3-D shapes including free-form curves and surfaces. The method handles the full six degrees of freedom and is based on the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm, which requires only a procedure to find the closest point on a geometric entity to a given point. The ICP algorithm always converges monotonically to the nearest local minimum of a mean-square distance metric, and the rate of convergence is rapid during the first few iterations. Therefore, given an adequate set of initial rotations and translations for a particular class of objects with a certain level of 'shape complexity', one can globally minimize the mean-square distance metric over all six degrees of freedom by testing each initial registration. One important application of this method is to register sensed data from unfixtured rigid objects with an ideal geometric model, prior to shape inspection. Experimental results show the capabilities of the registration algorithm on point sets, curves, and surfaces. >
A novel 13 base pair insertion in the sonic hedgehog ZRS limb enhancer (ZRS/LMBR1) causes preaxial polydactyly with triphalangeal thumb

Mutations in the Sonic hedgehog limb enhancer, the zone of polarizing activity regulatory sequence (ZRS, located within the gene LMBR1), commonly called the ZRS), cause limb malformations. In humans, three classes of mutations have been proposed based on the limb phenotype; single base changes throughout the region cause preaxial polydactyly (PPD), single base changes at one specific site cause Werner mesomelic syndrome, and large duplications cause polysyndactyly. This study presents a novel mutation—a small insertion. In a Swedish family with autosomal‐dominant PPD, we found a 13 base pair insertion within the ZRS, NG_009240. 1:g. 106934_106935insTAAGGAAGTGATT (traditional nomenclature: ZRS603ins13). Computational transcription factor‐binding site predictions suggest that this insertion creates new binding sites and a mouse enhancer assay shows that this insertion causes ectopic gene expression. This study is the first to discover a small insertion in an enhancer that causes a human limb malformation and suggests a potential mechanism that could explain the ectopic expression caused by this mutation. Hum Mutat 33:1063–1066, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Farm owners’ reluctance to embrace family succession and the implications for extension: the case of family farms in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Purpose: Despite the benefits of early planning for business succession, and plan implementation, many owners/managers fail to act expeditiously. Factors such as a reluctance to accept ageing, a concern over the risks involved and inappropriate objectives may be causative. This research moves towards explaining this reluctance and, consequently, suggesting ways to reduce the problem. Design/approach/methodology: Using the literature outlining the variables associated with succession, a hypothesis using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) is developed to explain the differences between planned and actual asset transfer (using a structural equation model of the TPB). Data to explore the problem and test the model were obtained from a postal survey of 2300 New Zealand farms (36% response). Findings: The results show manager attitudes related to their personality and objectives are the main causes of reluctance. The financial benefits from successful succession also need determining to provide incentives. Practical applications: Support systems are required to modify farmer attitudes and consequently reduce the reluctance. Originality/value: This work presents one of the first attempts to quantify and systems model (using the TPB) the succession process in a rural setting, and provides clear conclusions on reducing succession reluctance. Theoretical implications: Farming is controlled by humans reinforcing that farm studies must include the personal aspects of the decision-makers.
128 × 128 silicon photonic MEMS switch package using glass interposer and pitch reducing fibre array

We design and fabricate the packaging of 128 × 128 silicon photonic MEMS switch device using through glass via (TGV) interposer and pitch reducing fibre array. The switch device contains 16384 MEMS switch cells and 272 grating couplers spaced at 63.5 μm in a compact footprint of 17.4 mm × 16 mm. The apodised grating couplers designed for 1300 nm have an insertion loss of 2.5 dB/facet at 10° coupling angle. The 0.5 mm thick glass interposer contains 512 electrical vias while the pitch reducing optical coupling array is polished to 40° for planar coupling.
A new approach to kinematic feature extraction from the human right ventricle for classification of hypertension: a feasibility study

This work presents a novel approach to analyze the function of the human right ventricle (RV) by deriving kinematic features of the relative change in shape throughout the cardiac cycle. The approach is anatomically consistent, allows direct comparison across populations of individuals, and potentially provides new metrics to improve the diagnosis and understanding of cardiovascular diseases such as pulmonary hypertension (PH). The details of the approach are presented, which includes a variation of harmonic topological mapping and proper orthogonal decomposition techniques, with particular focus on their applicability with respect to untagged cardiac imaging data. Results are shown for the decomposition of a collection of clinically obtained human RV endocardial surfaces segmented from cardiac computed tomography imaging into the fundamental shape change features for individuals both with and without PH. The features are shown to be consistent and converging towards intrinsically physiological components for the heart, and may potentially represent a new set of features for classifying the progressive change in RV function caused by PH, particularly in comparison to traditional clinical metrics.
Ethnic Pride and Cardiovascular Health Among Mexican American Adults Along the U.S.-Mexico Border

This study addressed the association between items from the General Acculturation Index (GAI) and cardiovascular health. Specifically, we assessed whether ethnic pride was associated with health outcomes after controlling for items regarding language, place where the childhood was spent, and ethnic interaction. The study was a cross-sectional analysis of demographic and clinical data from a border population of Mexican American adults (n = 316) at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Outcomes included smoking and diabetes status, Framingham risk, and metabolic syndrome. Ethnic pride was associated with lower diabetes prevalence, lower Framingham risk, and fewer risk factors for metabolic syndrome but was not associated with smoking status. Ethnic pride was not associated with the other acculturation items of the GAI. Among an at-risk border population, ethnic pride functioned independently of other acculturation indicators. Ethnic pride may act as a protective factor for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and CVD risk status.
In Vitro Reconstitution of PHO5 Promoter Chromatin Remodeling Points to a Role for Activator-Nucleosome Competition In Vivo

ABSTRACT The yeast PHO5 promoter is a classical model for studying the role of chromatin in gene regulation. To enable biochemical dissection of the mechanism leading to PHO5 activation, we reconstituted the process in vitro. Positioned nucleosomes corresponding to the repressed PHO5 promoter state were assembled using a yeast extract-based in vitro system. Addition of the transactivator Pho4 yielded an extensive DNase I-hypersensitive site resembling induced PHO5 promoter chromatin. Importantly, this remodeling was energy dependent. In contrast, little or no chromatin remodeling was detected at the PHO8 or PHO84 promoter in this in vitro system. Only the PHO5 promoter harbors a high-affinity intranucleosomal Pho4 binding site (UASp) where Pho4 binding can compete with nucleosome formation, prompting us to test the importance of such competition for chromatin remodeling by analysis of UASp mutants in vivo. Indeed, the intranucleosomal location of the UASp element was critical, but not essential, for complete remodeling at the PHO5 promoter in vivo. Further, binding of just the Gal4 DNA binding domain to an intranucleosomal site could increase PHO5 promoter opening. These data establish an auxiliary role for DNA binding competition between Pho4 and histones in PHO5 promoter chromatin remodeling in vivo.
Posterior subluxations of the medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartments

We report for the first time the abnormal increases in posterior subluxation of the medial and lateral tibial plateaus after sectioning the posterolateral structures and posterior cruciate ligament. We applied specific forces and moments to the knees of seven cadaveric whole lower limbs and measured the position of the tibia at which the ligaments and the geometry of the joint limited motion. Removal of only the posterolateral structures resulted in an average increase in posterior translation of the lateral tibial plateau of 8.0 mm (range, 5.7 to 10.6) at 30° of flexion over the intact state (P < 0.01), but no significant increase at 90° of flexion (mean, 2.7 mm). Knees with underlying physiologic cruciate ligament laxity (high anterior/posterior displacement in the intact knee) had the greatest lateral tibial plateau subluxation (P < 0.01). There was no abnormal posterior translation of the medial tibial plateau. After sectioning the poste rior cruciate ligament and the posterolateral structures, statistically significant increases in posterior translation of both the medial and lateral tibial plateaus occurred at 30° and 90° of flexion (P < 0.01). The increase in posterior translation of the lateral tibial plateau over the intact state averaged 17.8 and 23.5 mm at 30° and 90° of flexion, respectively; for the medial tibial plateau this increase averaged 7.6 and 12.3 mm at 30° and 90° of flexion, respectively. The diagnosis of abnormal tibiofemoral rotatory sub luxations requires knowledge of the anteroposterior direction and magnitude of each tibial plateau under both low flexion and high flexion knee angle positions.
A new sliding-mode like nonlinear controller for overhead cranes with smooth control inputs

In this paper, a novel sliding-mode-like nonlinear controller is proposed for overhead cranes, which successfully addresses the problem of simultaneously regulating the trolley position and eliminating the payload swing. To be specific, we first transform the original crane model into a quasi-linear form without making any approximations. An elaborately designed manifold is introduced subsequently. Then a novel nonlinear controller is designed to keep the system state on the manifold. Finally, some further analysis is presented to show that as long as some initial conditions are satisfied, the state variables will converge to the desired equilibrium point quasi exponentially fast when they are on the manifold. Lyapunov techniques are utilized to guarantee the performance of the closed-loop system. Furthermore, both simulation results and hardware experiments are subsequently provided to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed controller.
Synthesis , crystal structure and antibacterial activity of a Mn ( III )-Co ( III ) cocrystallized Schiff base complex

A heterobimetallic 1:1 cocrystal, [Mn(L)Cl][Co(L)Cl]·2H2O (1), where H2L = 2,2'-[propane-1,2-diylbis(nitriloeth1-yl-1-ylidene)]diphenol, have been obtained by the reaction of equimolar amounts of MnCl2, CoCl2 and the tetradentate Schiff base ligand (H2L) in acetone. The complex has been characterized by microanalytical, spectroscopic, thermogravimetric, single crystal X-ray diffraction and other physicochemical studies. Structural studies reveal that 1 comprises two mononuclear units, one of Mn(III) and other of Co(III), both assuming distorted tetragonal pyramidal geometries. The isostructural complex units in 1 and the adduct water molecules are held together by weak intermolecular H-bonding to constitute fascinating supramolecular network in its solid state. The antibacterial activity of the complex has been tested against some Gram(+) and Gram() bacteria.
Empirical Study of Graph Properties with Particular Interest Towards Random Graphs

This paper is an empirical study mainly of graph properties for various graphs including both deterministic graphs, those with a set structure, and random graphs. The main properties that are analyzed are graph diameter, radius, the eccentricity distribution, and the degree of the graph. The goal is to see if random graphs models are ideal for networks which seek to minimize network traffic and still keep the distance between nodes small.
Domain Wall Architecture in Tetragonal Ferroelectric Thin Films

Non-Ising-like 180° ferroelectric domain wall architecture and domain distribution in tetragonal PbZrx Ti1-x O3 thin films are probed using a combination of optical second harmonic generation and scanning transmission electron microscopy. In the remnant state, a specific nonlinear optical signature of tilted 180° domain walls corresponding to a mixed Ising-Néel-type rotation of polarization across the wall is shown.
Investigating Mobile Devices Integration in Higher Education in Cyprus: Faculty Perspectives

Mobile devices are everywhere and mobile learning has emerged as a potential educational environment; however it is relatively new to Cyprus educational system. The purpose of this research work is to assess and determine the readiness; and evaluate the viability of integrating mobile technology in Cyprus higher education level. To address the above, a mixed method approach is employed making use of quantitative and qualitative data from faculty members working in three private universities in Cyprus. Faculty reactions were mixed with some of them seeing the benefits for mobile learning while others have doubts. The results summarize the technological and pedagogical aspects to be considered prior integrating mobile devices. Additionally, the study supports that one of the major barriers to educators is the lack of understanding regarding mobile devices integration in the teaching and learning process. Finally, there is a need to develop well-defined and well-structured requirements for mobile integration in the classroom.
Intermarriage and Socioeconomic Integration

Previous studies show that immigrants to the United States married to natives earn higher wages than immigrants married to other immigrants. Using data from the 1980 to 2000 U.S. censuses and the 2005 to 2010 American Community Surveys, we show that these wage premiums have increased over time. Our evidence suggests that the trends are unlikely to be explained by changes in the attributes of immigrants who tend to marry natives but might instead be a result of changes in how these attributes are rewarded in the labor market. Because immigrants married to natives tend to have more schooling, part of the increasing premium can be explained by increases in the value of a college education. We find, however, that even when allowing the value of education and English-speaking ability to vary, intermarriage wage premiums have increased over time. We believe these patterns might be driven by changes in technology and globalization, which have made communication and management skills more highly rewarded in the U.S. labor market.
The Molybdate-Responsive Escherichia coli ModE Transcriptional Regulator Coordinates Periplasmic Nitrate Reductase (napFDAGHBC) Operon Expression with Nitrate and Molybdate Availability

ABSTRACT Expression of the Escherichia coli napFDAGHBC operon (also known as aeg46.5), which encodes the periplasmic molybdoenzyme for nitrate reduction, is increased in response to anaerobiosis and further stimulated by the addition of nitrate or to a lesser extent by nitrite to the cell culture medium. These changes are mediated by the transcription factors Fnr and NarP, respectively. Utilizing a napF-lacZ operon fusion, we demonstrate that napF gene expression is impaired in strain defective for the molybdate-responsive ModE transcription factor. This control abrogates nitrate- or nitrite-dependent induction during anaerobiosis. Gel shift and DNase I footprinting analyses establish that ModE binds to the napF promoter with an apparent Kd of about 35 nM at a position centered at −133.5 relative to the start of napF transcription. Although the ModE binding site sequence is similar to other E. coli ModE binding sites, the location is atypical, because it is not centered near the start of transcription. Introduction of point mutations in the ModE recognition site severely reduced or abolished ModE binding in vitro and conferred a modE phenotype (i.e., loss of molybdate-responsive gene expression) in vivo. In contrast, deletion of the upstream ModE region site rendered napF expression independent of modE. These findings indicate the involvement of an additional transcription factor to help coordinate nitrate- and molybdate-dependent napF expression by the Fnr, NarP, NarL, and ModE proteins. The upstream ModE regulatory site functions to override nitrate control of napF gene expression when the essential enzyme component, molybdate, is limiting in the cell environment.
Development of a University Undergraduate Course Sequence About the Extension System

Many undergraduates are interested in community-based programming, but at most land-grants undergraduates have little contact with Extension. This article describes a grant project that developed two undergraduate courses about Extension and community-based, experiential education. The academic-year course incorporates lecture, discussion, guest speakers, and hands-on activities. The summer-session course takes students to visit program sites in operation. In outcome evaluations, students gained significantly in their understanding of land-grants, Extension, and community programming, and gained confidence in working collaboratively, among other findings. Recommendations note that the success of similar courses requires involvement of county Extension personnel and balancing of several key factors.
Emission of a metallic infrared emitter with hexagonal holes lattice structure

The unique emission of a metallic infrared (IR) emitter with hexagonal holes lattice structure has been reported in this paper. The emission spectrum of the IR emitter shows a strong narrow-band emission in middle infrared range. Though the positions of peaks of the emission and transmission spectra are almost coincide with each other, the transmission spectrum show sharper coupled effects than the emission spectrum and the strongest peak of the two spectrums is different. The coupled effect was analyzed in detail by the surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) coupled dispersion model and the localized surface plasmon (LSP) theory. We found that the unique coupled effect is mainly depended on the excitation process of the LSP modes. The thermal image of the emitter shows that the substrate emission also has important interference in the emission spectrum.
Association of Health Sciences Reasoning Test Scores With Academic and Experiential Performance

Objectives. To assess the association of scores on the Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT) with academic and experiential performance in a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum. Methods. The HSRT was administered to 329 first-year (P1) PharmD students. Performance on the HSRT and its subscales was compared with academic performance in 29 courses throughout the curriculum and with performance in advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs). Results. Significant positive correlations were found between course grades in 8 courses and HSRT overall scores. All significant correlations were accounted for by pharmaceutical care laboratory courses, therapeutics courses, and a law and ethics course. Conclusion. There was a lack of moderate to strong correlation between HSRT scores and academic and experiential performance. The usefulness of the HSRT as a tool for predicting student success may be limited.