Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Exhibits Directed Twitching Motility Up Phosphatidylethanolamine Gradients

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa translocates over solid surfaces by a type IV pilus-dependent form of multicellular motility known as twitching. We wondered whether cells utilize endogenous factors to organize twitching, and we purified from wild-type cells a lipid that caused directed movement. Wild-type P. aeruginosa, but not a pilJ pilus-deficient mutant, showed biased movement up gradients of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) established in agar. Activity was related to the fatty acid composition of the lipid, as two synthetic PE species, dilauroyl and dioleoyl PE, were capable of directing P. aeruginosa motility while many other species were inactive. P. aeruginosa PE did not contain either laurate or oleate, implying that the native attractant species contains different fatty acids. Uniform concentrations of PE increased cell velocity, suggesting that chemokinesis may be at least partly responsible for directed movement. We speculate that PE-directed twitching motility may be involved in biofilm formation and pathogenesis.
The KidsRoom: An example application using a deep perceptual interface

The KidsRoom is a perceptually-based interactive, narrative playspace for children constructed at the MIT Media Lab. The design of the application was motivated by the following goals: (1) to keep the focus of user action and interaction in the physical, as opposed to virtual, space; (2) to permit multiple, collaborating people to simultaneously engage in an interactive experience combining both real and virtual objects; (3) to use perceptual, computer-vision algorithms to identify activity in the space without requiring the participants to wear any special clothing or devices; (4) to use narrative to constrain the perceptual recognition, and to use perceptual recognition to allow participants to drive the narrative; (5) to create a truly \immersive" and interactive room environment.
Spectral Envelope Estimation and Representation for Sound Analysis-Synthesis

Spectral envelopes are very useful in sound analysis and synthesis because of their connection with production and perception models, and their ability to capture and to manipulate important properties of sound using easily understandable “musical” parameters. It is not easy, however, to estimate and represent them well, as several requirements must be fulfilled. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the estimation methods LPC, cepstrum, and discrete cepstrum, and evaluate the representations filter coefficients, sampled, break-point functions, splines, and formants. The proposed high-level approach to spectral envelope handling is followed in software developed at IRCAM, which makes some important applications of spectral envelopes in the domain of additive analysis–synthesis possible.
Approximate maximum likelihood delay estimation via orthogonal wavelet transform

A novel approximate maximum likelihood algorithm is proposed for estimating the time difference of arrival between signals received at two spatially separated sensors. Prior to cross correlation, one of the channel outputs is optimally weighted at different frequency bands with the use of an orthogonal wavelet transform. It composes an array of multirate filters and is a time-domain implementation of the generalized cross correlation method. However, it does not suffer from the performance degradation due to the errors inherent in spectral estimation obtained from finite length data and is computationally efficient. A simple decision rule is also provided to automatically determine the requisite levels of wavelet decomposition. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by comparing, with the direct cross correlator, the Eckart processor and the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) for different noise conditions and wavelet filter lengths.
Optimal Reciprocal Collision Avoidance for Multi-Agent Navigation

In this paper, we present a formal approach to reciprocal n-body collision avoidance, where multiple mobile robots need to avoid collisions with each other while moving in a common workspace. In our formulation, each robot acts fully independently, and does not communicate with other robots. Based on the definition of velocity obstacles [5], we derive sufficient conditions for collision-free motion by reducing the problem to solving a low-dimensional linear program. We test our approach on several dense and complex simulation scenarios involving thousands of robots and compute collis ionfree actions for all of them in only a few milliseconds. To thebest of our knowledge, this method is the first that can guarantee local collision-free motion for a large number of robots in a cluttered workspace.
Fundamental concepts of epigenetics for consideration in anesthesiology

Purpose of review Epigenetics dictate how the genetic blueprint is ultimately expressed and, therefore, is fundamental to our understanding of disease etiology and cellular responses and consequences to exposure of stimuli, such as anesthetics and perioperative stress. The goal of this review is to provide a concise overview of the fundamental concepts in epigenetics and discuss how epigenetics may be incorporated into research studies in anesthesiology. Recent findings Chemical modifications of DNA and core histone proteins are epigenetic marks that constitute the functional genome and are key to generating diverse cellular phenotypes from the same genotype. These modifications and the cellular machineries that regulate them are essential for maintaining tissue-specific and timing-specific expression profiles for normal functioning and can be altered in disease contexts, thus providing the molecular basis for the abnormalities. Similar to determining cellular identity within a person, epigenetic differences between individuals, including monozygotic twins, can account for disparate phenotypes in the absence of genetic variation in the genes of interest. Furthermore, epigenetic modifications are dynamic but heritable and, thus, are fitting for reinforcing adaptive phenotypes in response to external stimuli. Summary Epigenetic mechanisms underlie many human pathological conditions and impact clinical management in a variety of contexts. Although epigenetic research related to anesthesiology is sparse at the present, the full understanding of the mechanism of action of analgesics, interindividual variations in responses to anesthetics and consequences of exposure to anesthetic drugs will likely require the evaluation and integration of epigenetic information into current research paradigms.
`Hard Science': Gendered Constructions of Sexual Dysfunction in the `Viagra Age'

This article locates Viagra, as both a biotechnology and a cultural event, in relation to shifting and specifically gendered interpretations of sexual function and dysfunction. While the clinical and market success of Viagra has prompted biomedicine and its popularizers to speak of a `new age' in human sexual relations, and accord it causal agency in effecting social change, I suggest that we might profit by attending to the social claims that underlie such hyperbole. The story behind Viagra is a complex history of the manner in which sexual function has been constructed and reconstructed in relation to a range of distinctly modern phenomena, including the rationalization and medicalization of sexuality, the increased importance of expert systems and knowledges in managing everyday life, and the expansion of consumer culture. Conclusions suggest some ways that we might think about the `sexually dysfunctional' as yet another `strategic unity' consolidating various operations of knowledge and power.
A Normative Model of Work Team Effectiveness

Abstract : Descriptive research on group performance has produced neither a set of empirical generalizations sturdy enough to guide the design and management of work teams, nor interventions that reliably improve team effectiveness. As an alternative, a normative model of group effectiveness is proposed and discussed. The model identifies potentially manipulable aspects of the group and its context that are particularly potent in promoting team effectiveness, and organizes those factors to make them useful in diagnosing the strengths and weaknesses of task-performing teams. The final section of the paper explores the implications of the normative model, and outlines the beginnings of an action model for creating and maintaining effective work groups in organizations.
Monoclonal antibodies binding to the tail of Dictyostelium discoideum myosin: their effects on antiparallel and parallel assembly and actin- activated ATPase activity

Eight monoclonal antibodies that bind to specific sites on the tail of Dictyostelium discoideum myosin were tested for their effects on polymerization and ATPase activity. Two antibodies that bind close to the myosin heads inhibited actin activation of the ATPase either partially or completely, without having an effect on polymerization. Two other antibodies bind to sites within the distal portion of the tail that has been shown, by cleavage mapping, to be important for polymerization. One of these antibodies binds close to the sites of heavy chain phosphorylation which is known to regulate both myosin polymerization and actin-activated ATPase activity. Both antibodies showed strong inhibition of polymerization accompanied by complete inhibition of the actin-activated ATPase activity. A unique effect was obtained with an antibody that binds to the end of the myosin tail. This antibody prevented the formation of bipolar filaments. It caused myosin to assemble into unipolar filaments with heads at one end and the antibody molecules at the other. Only at concentrations higher than required for its effect on polymerization did this antibody show substantial inhibition of the actin-activated ATPase. These results indicate that, using a monoclonal antibody as a blocking agent, parallel assembly of myosin can be dissected out from antiparallel association, and that essentially normal actin-activated ATPase activity could be obtained after significant reductions in filament size.
THE FAMILY CIRCUMPLEX MODEL, FACES II, AND FACES III: OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS

The Family Circumplex Model and its self-report instruments, FACES II and FACES III, have been used in hundreds of research studies, which consistently find positive, linear relationships between one of its dimensions—cohesion or flexibility—and various family health outcomes. The number of studies in the disciplines of psychology, medicine, and psychiatry has grown to represent half of all studies conducted with FACES. This research provides strong support for a biopsychosocial approach to treatment, confirming that the social context of the family is useful to study and the family serves as an important resource for dealing with psychological disorders as well as physical illness. The Circumplex Model and its instruments show great promise for future research on family health behaviors and outcomes 1 An abbreviated version of this paper will appear as a chapter in the forthcoming Family Assessment Package (FAP), to be published by Life Innovations, Inc. The FAP will introduce FACES IV, which is designed to measure the dimensions of cohesion and flexibility in a curvilinear manner as originally proposed by the Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems. Family Circumplex Model ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Abstract .
Biochemical Characterization of the Small Heat Shock Protein IbpB from Escherichia coli*

Escherichia coli IbpB was overexpressed in a strain carrying a deletion in the chromosomalibp operon and purified by refolding. Under our experimental conditions, IbpB exhibited pronounced size heterogeneity. Basic oligomers, roughly spherical and approximately 15 nm in diameter, interacted to form larger particles in the 100–200-nm range, which themselves associated to yield loose aggregates of micrometer size. IbpB suppressed the thermal aggregation of model proteins in a concentration-dependent manner, and its CD spectrum was consistent with a mostly β-pleated secondary structure. Incubation at high temperatures led to a partial loss of secondary structure, the progressive exposure of tryptophan residues to the solvent, the dissociation of high molecular mass aggregates into ≈600-kDa oligomers, and an increase in surface hydrophobicity. Structural changes were reversible between 37 and 55 °C, and, up to 55 °C, hydrophobic sites were reburied upon cooling. IbpB exhibited a biphasic unfolding trend upon guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) treatment and underwent comparable conformational changes upon melting and during the first GdnHCl-induced transition. However, hydrophobicity decreased with increasing GdnHCl concentrations, suggesting that efficient exposure of structured hydrophobic sites involves denaturant-sensitive structural features. By contrast, IbpB hydrophobicity rose at high NaCl concentrations and increased further at high temperatures. Our results support a model in which temperature-driven conformational changes lead to the reversible exposure of normally shielded binding sites for nonnative proteins and suggest that both hydrophobicity and charge context may determine substrate binding to IbpB.
Product Design: Preference for Rounded versus Angular Design Elements

Two experiments tested whether a general relative preference for objects with rounded rather than angular form (Bar & Neta, 2006, 2007) can be applied in the context of the design of consumer products. Images of product packaging—a chocolate product (Experiment 1) and water and bleach bottles (Experiment 2)—were manipulated with regard to the shape of both contour and graphics. There was a preference for rounded designs that extended to self-report purchase likelihood—with additive effects of contour and graphics shape that could not be accounted for by design typicality or perceived ease of use.
Lambda Interferon (IFN-λ), a Type III IFN, Is Induced by Viruses and IFNs and Displays Potent Antiviral Activity against Select Virus Infections In Vivo

ABSTRACT Type III interferons (IFNs) (interleukin-28/29 or lambda interferon [IFN-λ]) are cytokines with IFN-like activities. Here we show that several classes of viruses induce expression of IFN-λ1 and -λ2/3 in similar patterns. The IFN-λs were—unlike alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β)—induced directly by stimulation with IFN-α or -λ, thus identifying type III IFNs as IFN-stimulated genes. In vitro assays revealed that IFN-λs have appreciable antiviral activity against encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) but limited activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), whereas IFN-α potently restricted both viruses. Using three murine models for generalized virus infections, we found that while recombinant IFN-α reduced the viral load after infection with EMCV, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), and HSV-2, treatment with recombinant IFN-λ in vivo did not affect viral load after infection with EMCV or LCMV but did reduce the hepatic viral titer of HSV-2. In a model for a localized HSV-2 infection, we further found that IFN-λ completely blocked virus replication in the vaginal mucosa and totally prevented development of disease, in contrast to IFN-α, which had a more modest antiviral activity. Finally, pretreatment with IFN-λ enhanced the levels of IFN-γ in serum after HSV-2 infection. Thus, type III IFNs are expressed in response to most viruses and display potent antiviral activity in vivo against select viruses. The discrepancy between the observed antiviral activity in vitro and in vivo may suggest that IFN-λ exerts a significant portion of its antiviral activity in vivo via stimulation of the immune system rather than through induction of the antiviral state.
The Current Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Asia

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been one of the commonly presented gastrointestinal disorders. It is of interest how commonly it presents in the society. Western studies indicated that most population-based IBS prevalences range 10%-15%. It is believed that IBS is prevalent in both East and West countries without a significant prevalence difference. Most recently, the Asia IBS prevalence has a higher trend in the affluent cities compared to South Asia. Since many Asia IBS prevalence studies have been published in the recent decade, we could compare the IBS prevalence data divided by various criteria in looking whether they were also comparable to this of West community. Summarized together, most Asia community IBS prevalences based on various criteria are usually within the range 1%-10% and are apparently lower than these of selected populations. Within the same population, the prevalence orders are first higher based on Manning criteria, then followed by Rome I criteria and finally reported in Rome II criteria. Overall, the median value of Asia IBS prevalences defined by various criteria ranges 6.5%-10.1%. With regard to gender difference, female predominance is usually found but not uniquely existed. For the IBS subtypes, the proportions of diarrhea predominant-IBS distribute widely from 0.8% to 74.0%, while constipation predominant-IBS proportion ranges 12%-77%. In conclusions, current Asia IBS prevalence is at least equal to the Western countries. Female predominant prevalence in Asia is common but not uniquely existed, while the proportions of IBS subtypes are too variable to find a rule.
Effects of Hispanic Ethnic Identification on Marital Roles in the Purchase Decision Process

The research reported in this article investigated the relationship between Hispanic ethnic identification and marital roles as couples proceed through the purchase decision process. Significant differences were found among the Hispanic ethnic identification groups in most of the decision stages for a variety of product categories, even after the effects of social class and length of marriage were removed. The findings of this study revealed a significant positive relationship between ethnic identification and husband dominance in decision making. However, because ethnic identification and product class interact with role specialization and relative influence in decision making, generalizations cannot be made about Hispanic marital roles in the decision-making process. Furthermore, the effect of ethnic identification on marital roles in decision making interacts with the phase of the purchase decision process. Copyright 1994 by the University of Chicago.
The effects of bulking, viscous and gel-forming dietary fibres on satiation

The objective was to determine the effects of dietary fibre with bulking, viscous and gel-forming properties on satiation, and to identify the underlying mechanisms. We conducted a randomised crossover study with 121 men and women. Subjects were healthy, non-restrained eaters, aged 18–50 years and with normal BMI (18·5–25 kg/m2). Test products were cookies containing either: no added fibre (control), cellulose (bulking, 5 g/100 g), guar gum (viscous, 1·25 g/100 g and 2·5 g/100 g) or alginate (gel forming, 2·5 g/100 g and 5 g/100 g). Physico-chemical properties of the test products were confirmed in simulated upper gastrointestinal conditions. In a cinema setting, ad libitum intake of the test products was measured concurrently with oral exposure time per cookie by video recording. In a separate study with ten subjects, 4 h gastric emptying rate of a fixed amount of test products was assessed by 13C breath tests. Ad libitum energy intake was 22 % lower for the product with 5 g/100 g alginate (3·1 (sd 1·6) MJ) compared to control (4·0 (sd 2·2) MJ, P< 0·001). Intake of the other four products did not differ from control. Oral exposure time for the product with 5 g/100 g alginate (2·3 (sd 1·9) min) was 48 % longer than for control (1·6 (sd 0·9) min, P= 0·01). Gastric emptying of the 5 g/100 g alginate product was faster compared to control (P< 0·05). We concluded that the addition of 5 g/100 g alginate (i.e. gel-forming fibre) to a low-fibre cookie results in earlier satiation. This effect might be due to an increased oral exposure time.
Telescope, a MOOCs initiative in Latin America: Infrastructure, best practices, completion and dropout analysis

This paper presents the Telescope project, initiated and hosted at Galileo University in Guatemala, which is an initiative for Latin American Region with the similar objective as Coursera or EdX. First it is presented and analyzes the current state of the MOOCs, showing real progress, the broader scope in the academic field and it's potential as a tool to support education. For Telescope, behavior of students, completion rates and drop-out will be detailed and analyzed, along with assessment approaches and communication methods from four different MOOC experiences given at The MOOCs 2013 experiences presented are from the following courses: Cloud based tools for education, Introduction to e-Learning, Medical Urgencies and Android development. With over 15,000 enrolled students, and learners from over 15 countries. Also, we will present result from drop out learners, from no shows to those who did not complete the whole course experience, presenting the main reasons for drop out: personal reasons, academic and other influencing factors such as course quality and interaction with the tutors, course contents, workload and time management; being the most cited reasons for dropout: personal and workload reasons such as not enough time, increase workload at the job, and also the academic workload was evaluated as too-high in some cases.
From Construct Validity to Theory Validation

Lee Cronbach once expressed the view that all roads lead to construct validity. In looking to clarify the consensus definition of validity, and its place in assessment, Newton (this issue) is also led to the troublesome idea of construct validity. To be sure, he addresses other validity issues, but in this commentary, I will restrict my attention to construct validity. I will suggest that efforts to clarify our understanding of a domain of interest by making definitions of key terms more precise is of limited value and that the essentially contested idea of construct validity should be thought of as centrally concerned with theory validation. This will lead to a brief consideration of some methods of theory validation.
Association between interleukin‐4 gene polymorphisms and intracerebral haemorrhage in Korean population

Interleukin‐4 (IL4) polymorphisms (rs2243250, rs2070874) were analysed in Korean patients with ischaemic stroke (IS) (n = 119) and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) (n = 79), and age‐matched controls (n =267, IS; n = 401, ICH) using direct sequencing. Both single nucleotide polymorphisms and their haplotypes were associated with ICH, but not IS.
A novel approach for intelligent crime pattern discovery and prediction

'Crime analysis plays a major part in crime prevention and safety of people in a country. The paper focuses on state based frequent crime pattern knowledge discovery and prevention. Our work concentrates on Finding frequent crimes state wise using FP Max a bottom up approach which uses linked lists for reduction of space complexity. The generated frequent crime sets of state will be undergone through knowledge discovery process. Correlation between the crime types is done to find the weightage factor of crime types to find crime intensity point. The crime intensity point of 29 states and 7 union territories are calculated according to the weightages derived from the correlation analysis. Later we classified the states as most dangerous, dangerous, moderate or safe based on their crime intensity point using Random forests classification technique. Prediction of crime intensity point for the state based on the responsible factors that contribute to a crime.