Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis PYR/PYL/RCAR Receptors Play a Major Role in Quantitative Regulation of Stomatal Aperture and Transcriptional Response to Abscisic Acid[C][W]

A mutant lacking six abscisic acid (ABA) receptors and ABA-mediated activation of SnRK2.2/2.3/2.6 kinases shows an extreme ABA-insensitive phenotype, even though other branches for ABA perception remain functional. ABA perception through PYR/PYL/RCAR receptors plays a major role in regulating seed germination and establishment, vegetative and reproductive growth, stomatal aperture, and transcriptional response to ABA. Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key hormone for plant growth, development, and stress adaptation. Perception of ABA through four types of receptors has been reported. We show here that impairment of ABA perception through the PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE1 (PYR1)/PYR1-LIKE (PYL)/REGULATORY COMPONENTS OF ABA RECEPTORS (RCAR) branch reduces vegetative growth and seed production and leads to a severe open stomata and ABA-insensitive phenotype, even though other branches for ABA perception remain functional. An Arabidopsis thaliana sextuple mutant impaired in six PYR/PYL receptors, namely PYR1, PYL1, PYL2, PYL4, PYL5, and PYL8, was able to germinate and grow even on 100 μM ABA. Whole-rosette stomatal conductance (Gst) measurements revealed that leaf transpiration in the sextuple pyr/pyl mutant was higher than in the ABA-deficient aba3-1 or ABA-insensitive snrk2.6 mutants. The gradually increasing Gst values of plants lacking three, four, five, and six PYR/PYLs indicate quantitative regulation of stomatal aperture by this family of receptors. The sextuple mutant lacked ABA-mediated activation of SnRK2s, and ABA-responsive gene expression was dramatically impaired as was reported in snrk2.2/2.3/2.6. In summary, these results show that ABA perception by PYR/PYLs plays a major role in regulation of seed germination and establishment, basal ABA signaling required for vegetative and reproductive growth, stomatal aperture, and transcriptional response to the hormone.
Three Novel CYP11B1 Mutations in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to Steroid 11Beta-Hydroxylase Deficiency in a Moroccan Population

Background/Aims: Steroid 11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11OHD), the second cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), accounts only for 5% of all CAH. To date, only 51 different mutations have been reported with poor clinical and biological data. Most of them could be considered as private mutations except one, p.R448H, identified especially in Moroccan Jews but also in Caucasian patients. As two other CYP11B1 mutations have a high incidence in Tunisian patients, we report from another Maghreb population the clinical, follow-up and molecular genetics of 5 Moroccan patients with classical 11OHD. Methods: Patients belonging to 3 families were recruited on clinical data. The diagnosis was confirmed by 11-deoxycortisol determination. Sequencing of the CYP11B1 gene and molecular modeling were performed. Results: Clinical, hormonal and follow-up data were consistent with a severe form of 11OHD. Gender reassignment and evolution of hypertension were discussed. Three novel mutations, p.Ala259Asp, p.Gly446Val and IVS5+2T>G were identified. As each patient was homozygous for one mutation, we could deduce from their phenotype and our modeling studies that the p.Gly446Val mutation was more severe than p.Ala259Asp. Conclusion: This study shows a good correlation between phenotype and genotype. Each CYP11B1 mutation is new and private, contrasting with the high incidence of two Tunisian mutations.
New records of Cantharellus species from the northwestern Himalayas of India

This study investigated several collections of the genus Cantharellus (Cantharellaceae) from the northwestern Himalayas, India, on the basis of morphology and molecular data. Phylogenetic relationships and species limits were investigated by using nuclear ribosomal large subunit sequences (LSU). We recognized 13 species: Cantharellus appalachiensis Petersen, C. cibarius Fries, C. lateritius (Berk) Singer, C. miniatescens Heinem, C. minor Peck, C. pseudoformosus and seven species, C. applanatus sp. nov., C. elongatipes sp. nov., C. fibrillosus sp. nov., C. himalayensis sp. nov., C. indicus sp. nov., C. natarajanii sp. nov., and C. umbonatus sp. nov., as new to science. All these species are described and their taxonomy and ecology are discussed. In addition, a key is provided to all the recognized species. The phylogenetic analysis recovered 10 major supported clades of Cantharellus species.
Poly‐l‐lactic acid: consultation on the injection techniques

Objectives When poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA) was first introduced (marketed as New‐Fill™), incorrect injection technique was largely responsible for the manifestation of device‐related adverse events in the form of subcutaneous papules and areas of induration. Now marketed as Sculptra®, widespread clinical experience with injectable PLLA has resulted in a wealth of information on product reconstitution and correct injection technique. The injection techniques for the optimal use of injectable PLLA are detailed here.
Antecedents and consequences of boys' depression and aggression : Family and school linkages

This study, conducted with 246 mothers and sons, examined the influences of change in marital conflict and mother-son aggression on boys' aggression and depression and how boys' aggression and depression contributed to their being disliked by their peers. There was also interest in how boys' family and peer experiences contributed to their subsequent behavior. Boys who experienced increases in marital conflict were more depressed, whereas boys who experienced negative interactions with their mothers were more aggressive. Boys who were either depressed or aggressive were more disliked by their peers, and being disliked was associated with aggressive behavior subsequently. However, being depressed appeared to attenuate the negative effect of being disliked by one's peers. The association between boys' earlier aggression and their subsequent aggression with their peers was mediated by dislike by their peers.
A Vision-Based Self-Tuning Fuzzy Controller for Fillet Weld Seam Tracking

In this paper, an intelligent seam-tracking system is developed for fillet weld workpiece. Structured light vision is employed to detect the deviation of the welding torch. Two stripe lines are formed on the surface of the fillet weld workpiece by the structured laser light. Their intercepts are selected as the image feature, which can result in an approximately uncoupled relationship between the image feature and the movement of adjustment mechanism. A two-step feature-extraction method is designed to robustly detect the two lines in image. In order to get a favorable tracking precision in the welding process, a new self-tuning fuzzy controller is designed. Its input and output scaling factors are tuned according to its active working region. Moreover, a supervisory level is introduced into the control system to limit the output pulses in order to guarantee steady and safe tracking. Finally, experiments are well conducted to verify the performance of the proposed system and methods.
The Hydroxyl at Position C1 of Genipin Is the Active Inhibitory Group that Affects Mitochondrial Uncoupling Protein 2 in Panc-1 Cells

Genipin (GNP) effectively inhibits uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), which regulates the leakage of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane. UCP2 inhibition may induce pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell death by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. In this study, the hydroxyls at positions C10 (10-OH) and C1 (1-OH) of GNP were hypothesized to be the active groups that cause these inhibitory effects. Four GNP derivatives in which the hydroxyl at position C10 or C1 was replaced with other chemical groups were synthesized and isolated. Differences in the inhibitory effects of GNP and its four derivatives on pancreatic carcinoma cell (Panc-1) proliferation were assessed. The effects of GNP and its derivatives on apoptosis, UCP2 inhibition and ROS production were also studied to explore the relationship between GNP’s activity and its structure. The derivatives with 1-OH substitutions, geniposide (1-GNP1) and 1-ethyl-genipin (1-GNP2) lacked cytotoxic effects, while the other derivatives that retained 1-OH, 10-piv-genipin (10-GNP1) and 10-acetic acid-genipin (10-GNP2) exerted biological effects similar to those of GNP, even in the absence of 10-OH. Thus, 1-OH is the key functional group in the structure of GNP that is responsible for GNP’s apoptotic effects. These cytotoxic effects involve the induction of Panc-1 cell apoptosis through UCP2 inhibition and subsequent ROS production.
Opposite Orientations of a Transcription Factor Heterodimer Bind DNA Cooperatively with Interaction Partners but Have Different Effects on Interferon-β Gene Transcription*

Background: Nucleoprotein complexes are frequently assumed to adopt a unique configuration. Results: ATF2-Jun heterodimers bound the interferon-β enhancer in two opposite orientations in association with IRF3 and HMGI. Opposite heterodimer orientations exhibited the same cooperativity of ATF2-Jun-IRF3-HMGI complex formation, but had distinct transcriptional activities. Conclusion: ATF2-Jun heterodimer orientation did not affect binding cooperativity, but affected transcriptional activity. Significance: Changes in transcription complex configuration can regulate transcriptional activity. ATF2-Jun, IRF3, and HMGI recognize a composite regulatory element within the interferon-β enhancer (IFNb). Cooperative ATF2-Jun-IRF3 complex formation at IFNb has been proposed to require a fixed orientation of ATF2-Jun binding. Our results show that ATF2-Jun heterodimers bound IFNb in both orientations alone and in association with IRF3 and HMGI. Two sets of symmetrically located amino acid residues in ATF2 and Jun facilitated the interactions between heterodimers bound in opposite orientations and IRF3 at IFNb. IRF3 and HMGI bound IFNb in association with both orientations of ATF2-Jun heterodimers with the same cooperativity. ATF2-Jun heterodimers that bound IFNb in opposite orientations in vitro had different effects on interferon-β gene transcription when they were co-expressed with IRF3 in cultured cells. These heterodimers had different transcriptional activities at different endogenous genes. Different regions of ATF2 and Jun mediated their orientation-dependent transcriptional activities at different genes. These studies revealed that cooperative DNA binding does not require a unique nucleoprotein complex configuration, and that transcription factor complexes that bind the same enhancer in different configurations can have different transcriptional activities.
Cognition, Affect, and the Prediction of Social Attitudes

Multicomponent models of attitude (e.g., Eagly & Chaiken, 1993; Zanna & Rempel, 1988) postulate that attitudes are summary evaluations based on cognitive, affective, and behavioral information. In this chapter, we describe research we have conducted that has used this model to study the role of cognitive and affective information in guiding attitudes. This research has revealed that both cognitive and affective information are uniquely important in the prediction of social attitudes, but that there are differences across individuals in the degree to which they possess attitudes that are consistent with the evaluative implications of their beliefs and feelings. We also describe research that addressed questions such as the relation between individual differences in attitude structure and attitude change, and the role of value-based cognitions in understanding intergroup evaluations. We conclude by discussing questions for future research.
Mitigation of harmonics in drilling rigs using shunt active power filters

Harmonics and low power factor are major concerns in modern industry. Even though several solutions are available, mitigating these problems in already established heavy industries is still a challenge. On-shore oil rigs are one such case where the problem becomes unique because of the extreme operating conditions and limited space. This paper presents a case study of mitigating the harmonic problem in on-shore oil rigs operating in deserts. It is proposed to use multiple shunt active power filters. One or more shunt active filters may go out of operation but the drives continue to run without filters resulting in distortion of voltage. The active filters which are in operations should work under distorted voltage conditions. Operation of shunt active power filter under distorted voltages is demonstrated both through simulation and experiments.
Semantic fusion of live Web content: System design and implementation experiences

Conventional Web search models are ineffective at providing quick and comprehensive answers to questions related to live content such as real-time data or temporal relationships between actors. Semantic data fusion techniques have the potential to provide a more suitable abstraction model for efficient search on this type of data. However, myriad architectural and technical implementation challenges arise when trying to implement a working system. This paper summarizes our efforts and experiences at implementing a functional semantic fusion system for live content from the Web. Besides semantic data fusion techniques, we make extensive use of natural language processing, semantic Web technologies and Bayesian statistics to render the system a self-contained framework acting directly between Web resources of interest and end-user search applications. We first present the semantic fusion architecture design that we have developed. We have implemented this architecture and tested its effectiveness using real-world live data from the Web over multiple weeks. We then report about our major experiences and lessons-learned of this experiment.
Mesenchymal Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling Is Required for Normal Pancreas Development

OBJECTIVE Pancreas organogenesis is orchestrated by interactions between the epithelium and the mesenchyme, but these interactions are not completely understood. Here we investigated a role for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling within the pancreas mesenchyme and found it to be required for the normal development of the mesenchyme as well as for the pancreatic epithelium. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed active BMP signaling by immunostaining for phospho-Smad1,5,8 and tested whether pancreas development was affected by BMP inhibition after expression of Noggin and dominant negative BMP receptors in chicken and mouse pancreas. RESULTS Endogenous BMP signaling is confined to the mesenchyme in the early pancreas and inhibition of BMP signaling results in severe pancreatic hypoplasia with reduced epithelial branching. Notably, we also observed an excessive endocrine differentiation when mesenchymal BMP signaling is blocked, presumably secondary to defective mesenchyme to epithelium signaling. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that BMP signaling plays a previously unsuspected role in the mesenchyme, required for normal development of the mesenchyme as well as for the epithelium.
Dilemmatic spaces in educational contexts – towards a conceptual framework for dilemmas in teachers work

In this conceptual article, we argue that there is a need for a more elaborated theoretical perspective when discussing dilemmas in teachers’ work. Thus, we introduce the conceptual frame of dilemmatic space in educational settings and argue that introducing and analytically using the conceptual frame in an educational context offers a potential to elucidate and deepen the understanding of the complexity of teachers’ everyday work practices. Traditional ways of looking at dilemmas infer that they are related to specific situations in which people react to conflicting values, obligations or commitments and where there is often no right way to act. However, the idea of a dilemmatic space offers a more complex understanding of dilemmas and their positioning and relations. Instead of being regarded as specific events or situations, dilemmas are considered as ever-present in people’s living space, as in a dilemmatic space. As space is seen as a relational category wherein one object is related to another or others, the spatial dimensions of dilemmatic space highlight the dynamics of dilemmas and dilemmatic spaces. These dynamics are important to recognise, for instance, in relation to the changeable boundaries of the space or issues that conjure up the dilemmas at an individual and social level. These changing conditions of values, decisions, responsibilities and authority change the rules for relations, negotiations and positioning, and thereby the boundaries of the dilemmatic space and the dilemmas themselves. In this article, the theoretical base for the idea of dilemmatic space is elaborated on and connected to conditions for teachers’ work. Some conclusions are that new concepts force us to challenge pre-conceptions and involve us in new kinds of sense-making processes. As such, the conceptual frame of dilemmatic space offers a broad theoretical framework with which to conceptualise dilemmas and the complexity of educational contexts.
A Theory of Vulnerability-based Morality

The recent introduction of the concepts of tenderness, vulnerability, and parental care in the field of moral emotions has brought us closer to an understanding of the underlying mechanisms, but has not yet resulted in a systematic evolutionary and proximate analysis. Applying such an analysis, the present article proposes a hypothetical care mechanism that produces different motivational states or moral emotions (e.g., tenderness, sympathy, guilt, moral anger) in response to individuals perceived as vulnerable. The mechanism consists of a care system automatically triggered by vulnerability cues, a system for defense and aggression, and a process of causally attributing changes in the vulnerable object’s well-being. The mechanism may also be useful in explaining moral responses in domains other than harm prevention.
Low back pain as a predictor of long-term work disability

Aim: To investigate low back pain (LBP), with and without other musculoskeletal pains, as a predictor of long-term work disability. Method: A four-year prospective study was conducted. All inhabitants in the municipality of Ullensaker, Norway, born in 1928-30, 1938-40, 1948-50, 1958-60 and 1968-70, received a mailed questionnaire in 1990 and 1994. The present study comprised the 1,788 responders who were working in 1990. Of these, 1426 (80%) returned the questionnaire four years later. The main outcome measure was long-term work disability (>eight weeks) in 1994. Results: LBP in 1990 predicted long-term work disability in 1994 (odds ratio (OR) = 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI)= 1.39- 2.74 ) . Localized LBP however, did not predict long-term work disability, while LBP accompanied by widespread pain did (OR= 3.52, 95% CI = 1.09- 11.37) , also after adjustments for demographic, lifestyle, and work-related factors. Other predictors of long-term work disability were high age, sick leave last year, heavy lifting in the job, poor sleep quality and smoking. Conclusion: LBP in persons with widespread musculoskeletal pain predicted long-term work disability, while localized LBP did not.
Writer identification using edge-based directional features

This paper evaluates the performance of edge-based directionalprobability distributions as features in writer identificationin comparison to a number of non-angular features.It is noted that the joint probability distribution of theangle combination of two "hinged" edge fragments outperformsall other individual features. Combining features mayimprove the performance. Limitations of the method pertainto the amount of handwritten material needed in orderto obtain reliable distribution estimates. The global featurestreated in this study are sensitive to major style variation(upper- vs lower case), slant, and forged styles, whichnecessitates the use of other features in realistic forensicwriter identification procedures.
Banking Reform in the Lower Mekong Countries

This paper reviews recent banking reform efforts in the lower Mekong countries (LMCs), comprising Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Vietnam. Linked by close economic and cultural ties, the three LMCs face the dual challenge of economic development and transition to market-based economies. Two-tier banking systems were formally introduced in the late 1980s. However, state-owned banks with weak balance sheets continue to dominate the banking systems of Vietnam and Lao P.D. R. Cambodia's main challenge is to reconstruct a banking system after decades of civil strife. Based on progress made and brief cross-country comparisons, the paper identifies key challenges and options for further reform.
Reading Alphabet Books in Kindergarten: Effects of Instructional Emphasis and Media Practice

Abstract This study compared literacy learning for kindergartners as 12 teachers read 10 popular alphabet books aloud, emphasizing meanings or phonemes, and used centers for independent practice with an alphabet book on audiotape or CD-ROM over a period of four weeks. Researchers taught half the teachers to read the books with an emphasis on phonemes represented by the letters and the other half to focus on meanings of words as the books were read. Within each meaning- or phoneme-emphasis group, teachers had students work with one of the alphabet books, Dr. Seuss's ABC, in a computer center with an animated CD-ROM, or in a listening center with an audiotape and print copy. A total of 152 kindergartners completed pre- and posttests measuring knowledge of vocabulary in the alphabet books, letter names, phonetic cue reading, and phoneme identities. Results for phoneme identities indicated a significant interaction between type of instructional emphasis and media practice. An emphasis on phonemes combined with practice reading the alphabet book while listening to the text on audiotape was significantly more effective than other treatment combinations. Statistically significant improvements from pre- to posttests on all measures suggested that alphabet books are useful materials for beginning literacy instruction.
In Vivo Radionuclide Generators for Diagnostics and Therapy

In vivo radionuclide generators make complex combinations of physical and chemical properties available for medical diagnostics and therapy. Perhaps the best-known in vivo generator is 212Pb/212Bi, which takes advantage of the extended half-life of 212Pb to execute a targeted delivery of the therapeutic short-lived α-emitter 212Bi. Often, as in the case of 81Rb/81Kr, chemical changes resulting from the transmutation of the parent are relied upon for diagnostic value. In other instances such as with extended alpha decay chains, chemical changes may lead to unwanted consequences. This article reviews some common and not-so-common in vivo generators with the purpose of understanding their value in medicine and medical research. This is currently relevant in light of a recent push for alpha emitters in targeted therapies, which often come with extended decay chains.