Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aminobacterium thunnarium sp. nov., a mesophilic, amino acid-degrading bacterium isolated from an anaerobic sludge digester, pertaining to the phylum Synergistetes.

A new Gram-staining-positive, non-sporulating, mesophilic, amino acid-degrading anaerobic bacterium, designated strain OTA 102(T), was isolated from an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor treating wastewater from cooking tuna. The cells were curved rods (0.6-2.5×0.5 µm) and occurred singly or in pairs. The strain was motile by means of one lateral flagellum. Strain OTA 102(T) grew at temperatures between 30 and 45 °C (optimum 40 °C), between pH 6.0 and 8.4 (optimum pH 7.2) and NaCl concentrations between 1 and 5 % (optimum 2 %, w/v). Strain OTA 102(T) required yeast extract for growth. Serine, threonine, glycine, cysteine, citrate, fumarate, α-ketoglutarate and pyruvate were fermented. When co-cultured with Methanobacterium formicicum as the hydrogen scavenger, strain OTA 102(T) oxidized alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, aspartate, tyrosine, methionine, histidine and asparagine. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain OTA 102(T) was 41.7 mol%. The main fatty acid was iso-C15 : 0. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain OTA 102(T) was related to Aminobacterium colombiense and Aminobacterium mobile (95.5 and 95.2 % similarity, respectively), of the phylum Synergistetes. On the basis of phylogenetic, genetic and physiological characteristics, strain OTA 102(T) is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Aminobacterium, Aminobacterium thunnarium sp. nov. The type strain is OTA 102(T) ( = DSM 27500(T) = JCM 19320(T)).
The time to measure positional information: maternal Hunchback is required for the synchrony of the Bicoid transcriptional response at the onset of zygotic transcription

It is widely accepted that morphogenetic gradients determine cell identity by concentration-dependent activation of target genes. How precise is each step in the gene expression process that acts downstream of morphogens, however, remains unclear. The Bicoid morphogen is a transcription factor directly activating its target genes and provides thus a simple system to address this issue in a quantitative manner. Recent studies indicate that the Bicoid gradient is precisely established in Drosophila embryos after eight nuclear divisions (cycle 9) and that target protein expression is specified five divisions later (cycle 14), with a precision that corresponds to a relative difference of Bicoid concentration of 10%. To understand how such precision was achieved, we directly analyzed nascent transcripts of the hunchback target gene at their site of synthesis. Most anterior nuclei in cycle 11 interphasic embryos exhibit efficient biallelic transcription of hunchback and this synchronous expression is specified within a 10% difference of Bicoid concentration. The fast diffusion of Bcd-EGFP (7.7 μm2/s) that we captured by fluorescent correlation spectroscopy in the nucleus is consistent with this robust expression at cycle 11. However, given the interruption of transcription during mitosis, it remains too slow to be consistent with precise de novo reading of Bicoid concentration at each interphase, suggesting the existence of a memorization process that recalls this information from earlier cycles. The two anterior maternal morphogens, Bicoid and Hunchback, contribute differently to this early response: whereas Bicoid provides dose-dependent positional information along the axis, maternal Hunchback is required for the synchrony of the response and is therefore likely to be involved in this memorization process.
An investigation of the teaching of Greek as an additional language in the mainstream classroom : case studies of four junior secondary classrooms in two mainstream schools

2 Acknowledgements . 3 List of Tables . 11 List of Figures . 13 List of Pictures . 13 List of Appendices . 14 List of Electronic Appendices . 16 Chapter 1: Introduction . 18 1.0. Background . 18 1.1. The terminology . 20 1.2. Aims of the thesis . 22 1.3. Outline of the thesis . 24 Chapter 2: Greek as an Additional Language in Junior Secondary Schools . 26 2.0. Introduction . 26 2.1. Linguistic diversity in Greek junior secondary schools . 26 2.2. Greek educational policies on minority education . 34 2.2.1. Description and critique of ̳cross-cultural schools‘ . 35 2.2.2. Description and critique of integration and support classes . 37 2.2.3. European-funded projects . 40 2.2.4. Brief comments . 47 2.3. GAL teaching in the mainstream classroom . 49 2.3. 1. Policy stance underlying Greek mainstream classrooms . 50 2.3. 2. Conceptualisation of GAL through curriculum subjects in the mainstream classroom . 53 2.3. 3. Reconsideration of the conceptualisation of GAL . 59 2.4. The role and education of Greek language teachers . 62
Strain gauge factor and TCR of sputter deposited Pt thin films up to 850°C

A novel, custom built measurement setup for the temperature dependent characterization of thin films under ambient and controlled gas atmosphere in respect to their electro-mechanical performance is presented. The strain gauge factor of platinum thin films (thickness: 1 mum) is determined at temperatures ranging from room temperature up to 850degC on aluminum oxide samples designed to provide a constant strain value along their axis.
Endometriosis-associated malignant transformation in abdominal surgical scar

Background: Endometriosis-associated malignant transformation in abdominal surgical scar (EAMTAS) is a very rare and aggressive phenomenon. Our current article aims to provide a clinical overview, focusing on risk factors affecting survival. Methods: We performed a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic review based on prior reviews and case reports regarding the phenomenon published as abstracts in English, from January 1980 to November 2016. Overall, we identified 47 cases, and we included another case from our institution. We further contacted previous investigators to receive updated follow-up regarding their patients. We analyzed the data, focusing on risk factors that might affect overall survival. Results: All the patients reported in the literature had a uterine surgery, mainly caesarean section. The median time-lag from first surgery to the diagnosis of cancer was about 19 years. Clear-cell carcinoma (CCC) was the most prevalent histology (67%), followed by endometrioid adenocarcinoma (15%). Most of the patients were treated by extensive surgery and chemotherapy and/or radiation. Overall 5 years survival was about 40%. Median overall survival was 42 months (95% confidence interval of [18.7, 65.3]). Although our review is currently the largest in the literature, we cannot draw any statistical significant results due to the limited number of patients reported. According to univariate Cox-regression models, a tendency toward worse prognosis was shown for 3-year disease-free survival clear cell histologic-type (P = .169), and tumor diameter ≥8 cm in nonclear-cell histology, 18 months postdiagnosis (P = .06). Conclusion: EAMTAS is a rare and aggressive disease. It is mostly related to cesarean section scars and is diagnosed many years postsurgery. Clear-cell histology tends to endure from the worse prognosis. The treatment is mainly extensive surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
LDL receptor mutation genotype and vascular disease phenotype in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia

Patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) caused by receptor‐negative, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene mutations have higher concentrations of LDL‐cholesterol in plasma and earlier onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than patients homozygous for receptor‐defective, LDL receptor mutations. In contrast, it is uncertain whether the severity of atherosclerotic disease differs in heterozygous FH caused by receptor‐negative and receptor‐defective mutations. The present authors investigated the influence of LDL receptor mutation type on the clinical phenotype in 31 patients with heterozygous FH caused by the receptor‐negative, Trp23‐stop mutation and in 31 patients heterozygous for the receptor defective Trp66‐Gly mutation. Untreated levels of plasma LDL‐cholesterol and calculated cholesterol‐years score did not differ significantly between the two groups of patients. Detection of vascular disease was based on two approaches: (1) measurement of coronary calcification by spiral computed tomography (CT) scanning; and (2) ultrasonic measurement of carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT). Age was significantly correlated to the presence of coronary calcification, but controlling for relevant cofactors, there was no evidence that the receptor‐negative mutation caused more calcification than the receptor‐defective mutation. Furthermore, carotid IMT was significantly influenced by plasma concentrations of Lp(a) and triglycerides, as well as by age, sex and smoking status, but again, there was no statistically significant effect of LDL receptor gene mutational type. The similarity in vascular phenotypes was probably caused by a similar life‐long burden of LDL‐cholesterol in the two groups of patients.
EAM Integrated SOA for low-pattern dependence and chirp compensation

A low-pattern-dependent-and-chirp-compensated data transmission is demonstrated from monolithic integration of EAM and SOA. By reversed saturation behaviors between EAM and SOA, clear 10Gbit/s eye diagram with 0.6 GHz chirp-compensation and enhanced signal-to-noise ratio is realized.
Dissociation of the CD4 downregulation and viral infectivity enhancement functions of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Nef

Recent evidence indicates that the nef gene of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 augments rather than inhibits viral replication in both cell culture and in vivo models. In addition, nef alters various normal cellular processes, including the display of CD4 on the cell surface. However, it remains unknown whether the enhancement of infectivity and the downregulation of CD4 represent linked or independent biologic properties of this single protein. In the present studies, mutational analyses were performed to define structure-function relationships within the Nef protein that mediate these effects. To assess the functional consequences of these mutations, sensitive and reliable assays were developed to quantitate the viral infectivity enhancement and CD4 downregulation functions of Nef. The results indicate that membrane-targeting sequences at the N terminus of Nef are important for both functions of Nef, while certain other conserved regions are dispensable for both functions. A conserved proline-X-X repeat segment in the central core of the protein, which is reminiscent of an SH3-binding domain, is critical for the enhancement of infectivity function but is dispensable for CD4 downregulation. However, the downregulation of CD4 by Nef appears to involve a two-step process requiring the initial dissociation of p56lck from CD4 to permit engagement of the endocytic apparatus by CD4. Together, these findings demonstrate that the infectivity enhancement and CD4 downregulation activities of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Nef can be dissociated. Thus, these processes may be independent of one another in the viral replication cycle.
Sulfated Derivatives of Escherichia coli K5 Capsular Polysaccharide Are Potent Inhibitors of Human Cytomegalovirus

ABSTRACT To date, there are few drugs licensed for the treatment of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections, most of which target the viral DNA polymerase and suffer from many drawbacks. Thus, there is still a strong need for new anti-HCMV compounds with novel mechanisms of action. In this study, we investigated the anti-HCMV activity of chemically sulfated derivatives of Escherichia coli K5 capsular polysaccharide. These compounds are structurally related to cellular heparan sulfate and have been previously shown to be effective against some enveloped and nonenveloped viruses. We demonstrated that two derivatives, i.e., K5-N,OS(H) and K5-N,OS(L), are able to prevent cell infection by different strains of HCMV at concentrations in the nanomolar range while having no significant cytotoxicity. Studies performed to elucidate the mechanism of action of their anti-HCMV activity revealed that these compounds do not interact with either the host cell or the viral particle but need a virus-cell interaction to exert antiviral effects. Furthermore, these K5 derivatives were able to inhibit the attachment step of HCMV infection, as well as the viral cell-to-cell spread. Since the mode of inhibition of these compounds appears to differ from that of the available anti-HCMV drugs, sulfated K5 derivatives could represent the basis for the development of a novel class of potent anti-HCMV compounds. Interestingly, our studies highlight that small variations of the K5 derivatives structure can modulate the selectivity and potency of their activities against different viruses, including viruses belonging to the same family.
Comparation of PI and Neural Fuzzy based closed loop control methods for permanent magnet synchronous motor fed by matrix converter

Permanent magnet synchronous machines are used in many industrial applications today. In particular, depending on the developments in magnetic materials, permanent magnet synchronous motors rapidly developing in recent years have found themselves a widespread coverage in applications because of their outstanding features. When the research in the literature is surveyed, it is observed that the vector control of electrical machines is done by means of various methods. One of the most common applications of artificial intelligence used in the analysis of electrical machines is Neuro-Fuzzy, a combination of Fuzzy Logic and Neural Network. In this paper, the vector control of PMSM fed by a matrix converter is modeled and simulated by using PI controllers and Neuro-Fuzzy, one of the intelligent methods. Waveforms derived from the simulation of the vector control of PMSM fed by a matrix converter were examined comparatively for PI and Neurofuzzy controllers.
A Method for Generating Correlated Taps in Stochastic Vehicle-to-Vehicle Channel Models

Most of the existing channel models are based on the assumption of wide sense stationary uncorrelated scattering (WSSUS) properties, which are not suitable for time-varying vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) channels. A method for generating correlated taps in stochastic V2V channel model is proposed in this paper, which represents the non-WSSUS properties adequately. With the method for generating correlated taps, the proposed tapped delay line channel model is correlated both in the amplitude part and the phase part. In the model, the amplitude statistics follows the Weibull distribution, and the phase statistics follows the linear function of uniform distribution, which are more accurate to represent the fading properties of V2V channel. Furthermore, simulation results show that the proposed model can generate correlated V2V channel with arbitrary amplitude and phase correlation coefficients accurately.
Corticosterone-activated mineralocorticoid receptor contributes to salt-induced sympathoexcitation in pressure overload mice

Abstract We previously reported that pressure overload (PO) activates the hypothalamic mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). Moreover, salt intake further activates the hypothalamic MR and AT1R, resulting in salt-induced sympathoexcitation. However, the mechanism underlying this pathway activation in response to a high salt intake remains unknown. Although the role of aldosterone is extensively examined as a ligand for MR, corticosterone is able to bind to MR. Therefore, we hypothesized that corticosterone contributes to salt-induced sympathoexcitation in PO-mice. Four weeks after aortic banding to produce PO-mice, or a sham operation for controls, the mice were fed a high-salt diet for an additional 4 weeks. Compared to Sham-mice, the expression levels of hypothalamic MR, serum glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (a marker of MR activity) and AT1R increased in PO-mice. Salt intake further increased the expression levels of these proteins only in PO-mice with the increases in sympathetic activity evaluated on the basis of the excretion of 24-h urinary norepinephrine excretion. Bilateral adrenalectomy or the intraperitoneal infusion of metyrapone, a corticosterone synthase inhibitor, attenuated salt-induced sympathoexcitation via inhibition of the hypothalamic MR and AT1R activity. These adrenalectomy-induced alterations disappeared after corticosterone replacement therapy. We also found decreased expression levels of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, suggesting that corticosterone is apt to bind to MR. These results indicate that salt intake in PO-mice causes sympathoexcitation via, at least in part, corticosterone-induced MR and AT1R activation in the hypothalamus.
Innovative Features of the First Physician Assistant Examinations

Abstract As the National Board of Medical Examiners began the process of implementing certification for the physician assistant (PA) in 1972, the developers faced a quandary. The occupation was not well defined; there was no agreed upon common body of knowledge. The committee undertook a “role delineation” study to determine the tasks and skills expected of the assistant in the management of common illness. Ultimately, 300 items were identified, on which the examination would be based. Despite some reservations, this unique examination was administered in December 1973. The outcome was reassuring. The ability of the PA to perform a competent physical examination was deemed of paramount importance. The project director developed a sequence of machine-scorable checklists on which an observer was expected to record a candidate's performance. Field trials affirmed reliability among observers. The examination revealed a remarkable ability to identify those who were unable to perform adequately. This component was administered in 1974, and by 1977 had evolved into a test of the candidate's ability to examine a patient in response to a clinical vignette. The technique may be viewed as a prelude to current testing of clinical skills using “standardized patients. ” By 1976, it was becoming clear that students in PA programs had become more qualified than earlier candidates; moreover, the examination appeared more difficult. Consistency of a passing standard from year to year was questioned. For the first time in medical testing, psychometric techniques to anchor a passing score were implemented. These processes, innovative at the time, have now become universal.
Evolution of consumer information preferences with market maturity in solar PV adoption

Residential adoption of solar photovoltaics (PV) is spreading rapidly, supported by policy initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels. Potential adopters navigate increasingly complex decision-making landscapes in their path to adoption. Much is known about the individual-level drivers of solar PV diffusion that steer adopters through this process, but relatively little is known about the evolution of these drivers as solar PV markets mature. By understanding the evolution of emerging solar PV markets over time, stakeholders in the diffusion of solar PV can increase policy effectiveness and reduce costs. This analysis uses survey data to compare two adjacent markets across a range of relevant characteristics, then models changes in the importance of local vs cosmopolitan information sources by combining theory relating market maturity to adopter behavior with event-history techniques. In younger markets, earlier, innovative adoptions that are tied to a preference for cosmopolitan information sources are more prevalent than expected, suggesting a frustrated demand for solar PV that segues into adoptions fueled by local information preferences contemporary with similar adoptions in older markets. The analysis concludes with policy recommendations to leverage changing consumer information preferences as markets mature.
Cooperative stabilization of Escherichia coli ribonuclease HI by insertion of Gly-80b and Gly-77-->Ala substitution.

The insertion of a Gly residue (designated as Gly-80b) between the C-cap of the alpha II-helix (Gln-80) and the N-cap of the alpha III-helix (Trp-81) in Escherichia coli ribonuclease HI enhances the protein stability by 0.4 kcal/mol in delta G (Kimura, S., Nakamura, H., Hashimoto, T., Oobatake, M., & Kanaya, S. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 21535-21542). Another mutation within the alpha II-helix, Gly-77-->Ala, reduces the stability by 0.9 kcal/mol. Simultaneous introduction of these mutations enhances the stability by 0.8 kcal/mol, indicating that the effects of these mutations are cooperative and not simply independent. We determined the crystal structures of these three mutant proteins (G80b-, A77-, and A77/G80b-RNase H) to investigate this cooperative mechanism of the protein stabilization. The structures revealed that the inserted Gly-80b assumes a left-handed helical conformation in both the G80b- and the A77/G80b-RNase H. This inserted glycine residue allows the formation of a "paperclip", which is a common motif at the C-termini of alpha-helices. Accompanying the formation of the paperclip motif, two intrahelical hydrogen bonds are formed between the backbone atoms (O78-N80b and O80b-N84). The stabilization caused by the insertion of Gly-80b can be ascribed to the formation of these hydrogen bonds. The Gly-77-->Ala substitution destabilizes the protein due to the deformed packing interactions in the hydrophobic core around Ala-77 and the stress in the wedged indole ring of Trp-81. These effects are alleviated by the insertion of Gly-80b, which relaxes the backbone structure. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Marriage and Employment Participation with Wage Bargaining in Search Equilibrium.

The empirical literature addressing links between the labor and the marriage markets is numerous and varied. Despite this, the theoretical (equilibrium) literature that explicitly links the two markets is less developed, particularly so with frictional markets. We build an equilibrium search model where married couples make joint decisions on home production and labor market participation. We then analyze the implications of our results for a frictional marriage market allowing us to consider the interaction between both markets. A worker´s bargaining position reflects their own productivity, and also the employment status and conditions of their spouse. We find that couples with very different productivities have different strategies regarding labor market participation. In symmetric couples, the partners behave symmetrically. Workers get better job offers when their spouses are employed, and in some equilibria a person may search for transitory jobs with the sole purpose of raising the long-term wages of their spouse. In some cases, firms unilaterally increase a worker’s wage in order to reduce turnover, by ensuring that the spouse stays at home. Whether firms follow that strategy or not may be a matter of multiple equilibria, depending on parameter values. All this provides an additional explanation for wage and search behavior heterogeneity of similar workers and/or couples.