Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of growth conditions on biofilm formation by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

Biofilm formation is an important virulence trait of many bacterial pathogens. It has been reported in the literature that only two of the reference strains of the swine pathogen Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, representing serotypes 5b and 11, were able to form biofilm in vitro. In this study, we compared biofilm formation by the serotype 1 reference strain S4074 of A. pleuropneumoniae grown in five different culture media. We observed that strain S4074 of A. pleuropneumoniae is able to form biofilms after growth in one of the culture conditions tested brain heart infusion (BHI medium, supplier B). Confocal laser scanning microscopy using a fluorescent probe specific to the poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PGA) polysaccharide further confirmed biofilm formation. In accordance, biofilm formation was susceptible to dispersin B, a PGA hydrolase. Transcriptional profiles of A. pleuropneumoniae S4074 following growth in BHI-B, which allowed a robust biofilm formation, and in BHI-A, in which only a slight biofilm formation was observed, were compared. Genes such as tadC, tadD, genes with homology to autotransporter adhesins as well as genes pgaABC involved in PGA biosynthesis and genes involved in zinc transport were up-regulated after growth in BHI-B. Interestingly, biofilm formation was inhibited by zinc, which was found to be more present in BHI-A (no or slight biofilm) than in BHI-B. We also observed biofilm formation in reference strains representing serotypes 3, 4, 5a, 12 and 14 as well as in 20 of the 37 fresh field isolates tested. Our data indicate that A. pleuropneumoniae has the ability to form biofilms under appropriate growth conditions and transition from a biofilm-positive to a biofilm-negative phenotype was reversible. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae / biofilm / growth condition / transcriptomic
Carbon source-dependent synthesis of SecB, a cytosolic chaperone involved in protein translocation across Escherichia coli membranes

SecB is a cytosolic chaperone involved in protein translocation across cytoplasmic membranes in Escherichia coli. It has been shown to be required for efficient translocation of a subset of precursor proteins but is not essential for cell viability. This study investigated whether synthesis of SecB is growth rate dependent. Interestingly, the total amount of SecB synthesized in the cells was relatively small. Moreover, the levels of SecB were found to be carbon source dependent since more SecB was produced in cells grown in glycerol media than in cells grown in glucose media, regardless of the growth rate. This is in contrast to the other Sec proteins, whose synthesis is growth rate dependent and not related to glucose as a carbon source. In addition, cyclic AMP (cAMP) partially relieves the lower levels of SecB observed in glucose medium, a compensatory effect that depends on the presence of both cya and crp gene products. Thus, the glucose-dependent synthesis of SecB may be related to the cAMP-cAMP receptor protein complex-mediated activation.
Improvisation and agile project management: a comparative consideration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine two aspects of the increasing body of research in the field of project management, namely improvisational working and agile project management (APM). Design/methodology/approach – This is a comparative paper, considering the extant literature on improvisational working within projects and APM. The paper is essentially conceptual, and concludes with a comparative table of constructs, and their segregation into components and outputs. The growth in the recognition of improvisation as a useful addition to the armoury of the project manager stems from the shift that is taking place within the body of project knowledge generally, in that historically the greater proportion of the project management literature has been the epitome of planning in the prescriptive mode, but that a shift has taken place over the last decade or so towards a more behavioural, and as a result of this, a less structured and more improvisational focus. The second area of scrutiny within .
Lifted Markov Chains for Fast Linear Computation

We consider design of fast and robust iterative algorithm for distributed linear computation based on classical linear update method. The design of such an algorithm involves finding transition matrix P of a Markov chain on network graph G with fast mixing time and small size (number of non-zero entries in P). We present a novel method, which we call pseudo-lifting to construct such a desirable P starting from a given matrix Q (say, that obtained by Metropolis-Hastings rule). Under thus constructed P, the total distributed operations for linear computation is Õ ((|E|+ Dn)D), where D is the diameter of G, and n is the number of nodes. This construction works for any graph and does not utilize any structural graph properties. Next, we present a hierarchical construction that cleverly utilizes the geometry of the graph to obtain P with much smaller computation cost. Specifically, for graphs with doubling dimension ρ, it takes Õ ( D2n1− 1 1+ρ ) total operations. Our results imply an explicit construction of a Markov chain with fastest possible mixing time, of order of the graph diameter, on any graph using the pseudo-lifting – this should be of interest in its own right.
Multicarrier Communication for Underwater Acoustic Channel

In past decades, there has been a growing interest in the discussion and study of using underwater acoustic channel as the physical layer for communication systems, ranging from point-to-point communications to underwater multicarrier modulation networks. A series of review papers were already available to provide a history of the development of the field until the end of the last decade. In this paper, we attempt to provide an overview of the key developments, both theoretical and applied, in the particular topics regarding multicarrier communication for underwater acoustic communication such as the channel and Doppler shift estimation, video and image transmission throw multicarrier techniques, etc. This paper also includes acoustic propagation properties in seawater and underwater acoustic channel representation.
Performance Analysis of Energy Regeneration System of Electric Vehicle with Two Wheels under the Mode of Constant Braking Torque

A comprehensive performance analysis is crucial for advance a system to a practical level. This paper presents the performance analysis of energy regeneration system (ERS) of electric vehicle (EV) with two wheels under the model of constant braking torque (CBT). For this, a boost equivalent circuit for main power case (MPC) of ERS is obtained firstly, and then a large signal time domain average model of MPC, which constitutes the complete model of ERS along with the other three parts: system dynamics model, permanent dc motor driving system model and system performance calculation model, is given here. During modeling ERS, a new method based on state forecast viewer is proposed to identify the state (CCM or DCM) of the MPC. As a nonlinear system, the large signal time domain model of ERS can't be transferred to frequency domain model and implemented in MATLAB/Simulink directly, a method of dividing the system into a slow variable system and a fast variable system is introduced. By running this simulation model, several important performances of ERS are obtained efficiently.
Full-Wave Design Considering Slot Admittance in 2-D Waveguide Slot Arrays with Perfect Input Matching

A novel design technique for two-dimensional (2-D) waveguide slot arrays is proposed in this paper that combines a full-wave method of moments (MoM) analysis and an equivalent circuit with the explicit restraint of input matching. The admittance and slot spacing are determined first in an equivalent circuit to realize the desired distribution of power dissipation and phase, with the explicit restraint of input matching. Secondly by applying a full-wave MoM analysis to the finite 2-D array, slot parameters are iteratively determined to realize the active admittance designed above where slot mutual coupling and wall thickness are fully taken into account. The admittance, treated as the key parameter in the equivalent circuit corresponds to the power dissipation of the slots but not to the slot voltage, which is directly synthesized from the radiation pattern. The initial value of the power dissipation is assumed to be proportional to the square of the amplitude of the desired slot voltage. This assumption leads to a feedback procedure, because the resultant slot voltage distribution generally differs from the desired ones due to the effect of non-uniformity in the characteristic impedance on slot apertures. This slot voltage error is used to renew the initial distribution of power dissipation in the equivalent circuit. Generally, only one feedback cycle is needed. Two 24×27-element arrays with uniform and Taylor distributions were designed and fabricated at 25.3GHz. The measured overall reflections for both antennas were suppressed below -18dB over the 24.3-26.3GHz frequency range. High aperture efficiencies of 86.8% and 55.1% were realized for the antennas with uniform and Taylor distributions, the latter of which has very low sidelobes below -33dB in both the E- and H-planes.
Time-Dependent Response of Field Emission by Single Carbon Nanotubes

This paper investigates the field emission behavior by single carbon nanotubes. The DC current vs. voltage characteristics are measured for four different tubes, as well as for another sealed tube, which has a tungsten tip. Nonlinear least squares regressions of these data are used to determine Fowler-Nordheim parameters, and the work functions and the radii of the emitting tips in all five tubes are calculated. The time-dependent field emission current is measured and the magnitudes of the increase in the DC current are determined. Laser irradiation caused an increase in the DC current of 5.2% with the carbon nanotubes and 0.19% with the tungsten tip
Analysis of Retweeting Behavior Using Topic Models

Social networks are nowadays a constant presence in our lives and increasingly have a role in important social and commercial phenomena. Microblogging services such as Twitter appear to play an important role in the process of information dissemination on the Internet making it possible for messages to spread virally in a matter of minutes. In this research work we study the mechanism of re-broadcasting (called “retweeting”) information on Twitter; specifically we use Latent Dirichlet Allocation to analyze users and messages in terms of the topics that compose their text bodies and by means of ANOVA we are able to show that the topical distance between users and messages is shorter for tweets that are retweeted than for those that are not. Using Decision Tree learning we build several models in order to assess the accuracy and usefulness of our topic-based model of retweeting. Our results show that our topic-based model slightly outperforms a baseline prediction measure, so we conclude that such model is indeed a valid option to consider for predicting retweet behavior with possibilities open for improvement.
Control of Gene Expression by Triple Helix‐Forming Oligonucleotides. The Antigene Strategy a

Oligonucleotides can be used to control gene expression according to several strategies. In the antisense approach the oligonucleotide is targeted to a messenger RNA, thereby inhibiting translation, or to a viral RNA (or single-stranded DNA) where it can control RNA or DNA replication or reverse transcription. An oligodeoxynucleotide is able to induce cleavage of the target RNA via activation of an endogenous RNase H. An oligoribonucleotide may also induce catalytic cleavage of RNA in the absence of any protein (ribozyme). Antisense RNAs and ribozymes can be synthesized within cells via genetic constructs. In the sense approach the oligonucleotide is used to bind a protein: a single-stranded oligoribonucleotide can be used to trap viral proteins, such as tat and rev from HIV; a double-stranded oligonucleotide can act as a trap for a transactivating factor involved in the control of transcription. In the antigene strategy the oligonucleotide binds to a specific sequence of DNA, thereby forming a triple helix that may inhibit transcription of the target gene. This review presents the latest developments of this new strategy to control gene expression. Reviews of the other strategies are presented elsewhere. '. 2
A Verilog-A based semiclassical model for dual gated graphene field-effect transistor

In this paper, a Verilog-A based semiclassical model of dual gate graphene field effect transistor with gapless large-area graphene channels has been presented. Here we have adopted a quasi analytical modeling approach based on Boltzmann transport equation. The explicit expression of drain to source current has been derived. The small signal parameters like drain conductance and transconductance have been derived. Our model shows good agreement with experimental data in literatures. A Verilog-A code has been developed for this model and we have designed a single ended frequency doubler in Cadence Design environment using this Verilog-A model.
The unhealthy lifestyle of people with schizophrenia

Background. Schizophrenia has a high natural mortality of a largely environmental aetiology. There is, however, little research about possible risk factors. This study measured the diet, cigarette and alcohol use, exercise and obesity of a cohort of people with schizophrenia and compared results to general population rates. Methods. Semi-structured interview using validated research instruments on 102 middle-aged subjects with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, living in the community. Results were compared to general population norms using standard statistical tests. Results. The subjects ate a diet higher in fat and lower in fibre than the general population. They took little exercise but were not significantly more obese. They smoked heavily but drank less alcohol. Most differences remained significant after controlling for social class. Conclusions. People with schizophrenia have an unhealthy lifestyle, which probably contributes to the excess mortality of the disease. They are therefore an appropriate target group for health promotion interventions.
Hypothalamic bHLH transcription factors are novel candidates in the regulation of energy balance

The basic helix–loop–helix transcription factors, neurological basic‐helix–loop–helix‐2 (Nhlh‐2), neurogenic differentiation‐1 (NeuroD‐1) and single minded‐1 (Sim‐1) could have roles in energy balance regulation, although supporting evidence is inconclusive. This study in mice provides further evidence that Nhlh‐2 and NeuroD‐1 are involved in energy balance regulation. In situ hybridization was used to study the expression of the genes in relation to physiological status and genetic background within hypothalamic nuclei that are involved in energy balance regulation. These studies show reduced expression of Nhlh‐2 mRNA in the arcuate (ARC) nucleus and NeuroD‐1 mRNA in the paraventricular (PVN) nucleus in obese ob/ob and 24 h food‐deprived mice relative to respective controls, suggesting regulation by leptin. Interestingly, Nhlh‐2 mRNA expression is reduced in obese db/db mice, whereas NeuroD‐1 remains unchanged, suggesting different mechanisms of regulation by leptin of these two genes. To study the role of leptin in the regulation of these genes, leptin was injected intraperitoneally in obese ob/ob mice and mRNA expression evaluated after 1 h or 4 h, or after twice‐daily injection for 7 days. None of these regimes restored Nhlh‐2 or NeuroD‐1 to wild‐type mRNA levels. These latter data suggest either that the regulation of the Nhlh‐2 and NeuroD‐1 genes by leptin is indirect or that the apparent leptin insensitivity of the gene expression reflects a developmental deficit that is a consequence of the phenotype of the obese ob/ob mice. The relationship between Nhlh‐2 and candidate energy balance‐related genes was studied by dual in situ hybridization. Nhlh‐2 mRNA was coexpressed in a subpopulation (30%) of ARC neurons expressing pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA, suggesting a potential functional relationship.
A comparison of continuous femoral nerve block and periarticular local infiltration analgesia in the management of early period pain developing after total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the effects of 24-h continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) and periarticular infiltration analgesia (PIA) on postoperative pain and functional results in the first 6 weeks after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS Sixty patients who underwent unilateral TKA were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A received CFNB and Group B received PIA. Each patient received 0.25% levobupivacaine and 1:100,000 epinephrine as infiltration to the posterior capsule. A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device was used for all patients, and 24-h tramadol usage by patients was recorded. We measured maximum range of motion (ROM), pain using a visual analog scale (VAS), 2-min walk test (2MWT), and the scores of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Society Score (KSS). RESULTS Compared with Group B, Group A had lower postoperative opioid usage (p<0.05), less pain at rest (p<0.05), less pain with passive motion (p<0.05), less pain with movement and after active movement (p<0.05), and superior passive and active ROM (p<0.05). Group A also had better 2MWT results at 24 and 48 h after surgery (p<0.05), and superior WOMAC and KSS results at 6 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION As long as it is applied with infiltration analgesia to the posterior capsule, CFNB is an effective and safe analgesia method resulting in better postoperative patient comfort and greater ROM. Furthermore, it produces better results in the early postoperative period with a favorable side effect profile.
Life expectancy of monozygotic and dizygotic twins.

White male twins from the NAS-NRC twin sample, who were born in the U.S. between 1917 and 1927 and served in the military, are used to estimate variability in hazard functions for those twins who died during the period 1974-1990. Roughly the same number of MZ and DZ twins died during this period, but their death rates are similar. DZ twins exhibit greater within-pair variation. Using hazard and other analyses, the only statistically significant variables are found to be being a DZ twin (in level equations), date of birth, and, sometimes, wife's religious preference. Variables not significant for level or within-pair equations, include own religion, parental education, working overtime frequently, and number of children. The greater variation in life expectancy of DZ twins is hardly surprising and may say something about the lack of comparability in phenotype variance of DZ twins, which in turn may be worrying.
Hydrolyticmicroneedles as Transdermal Drug Delivery System

We developed hydrolytic microneedles as a transdermal drug delivery system to overcome the shortcomings of existing microneedle-systems: long-term stay of broken needles in the skin and high cost for safe disposal of used needles. The present microneedles spontaneously dissolve by hydrolysis in human skin as well as in the (boiled) water. We verified their basic utility through experiments.
Selenopeptide Analogs of EETI‐II Retain Potent Trypsin Inhibitory Activities

Three‐disulfide‐bridged Ecballium elaterium trypsin inhibitor II (EETI‐II) is a 28‐residue peptide that belongs to the squash family of canonical trypsin inhibitors. Herein, we report synthesis and biological activity of three EETI‐II analogs. In each of analog, a pair of cysteine residues forming a native disulfide bridge was individually replaced by a pair of selenocysteine residues. All selenopeptide analogs were chemically synthesized using the Fmoc protocol and subsequently folded in the presence of oxidized and reduced glutathione. The analogs containing a diselenide bridge displayed association constants with trypsin that ranged from 2.6 × 109 to 5.1 × 109 [M−1]. Our results suggest that the selenopeptide analogs retained low nanomolar inhibitory potencies, and only the diselenide bridge adjacent to the inhibitory binding loop weakened the interactions with trypsin by approximately fivefold. We discuss these findings in the context of a broader use of selenopeptide analogs as proxies to study cysteine‐rich peptides.
Widely tunable mid-infrared wavelength converters based on chalcogenide microwires

We demonstrate all-fiber and widely tunable mid-infrared wavelength converters using As2Se3 microwires cladded with fluorine-based Cyclic Transparent Optical Polymer. Normal dispersion parametric processes are utilized to achieve far-detuned wavelength conversion of 49.3 THz, representing the largest frequency shift reported in soft glass materials.
PHARA: a Personal Health Augmented Reality Assistant to Support Decision-Making at Grocery Stores

Poor diet and physical inactivity are important factors that contribute to the obesity outbreak. erefore, healthy eating habits are crucial for physical well-being. In this paper, we present the concept design and an early stage evaluation of PHARA, a personal health augmented reality assistant that recommends healthy and similar products to people in their everyday lives. We evaluated a content-based recommender system in a desktop environment (n = 15) to measure the perceived quality, as well as behavioral intentions of users. In addition, we evaluated the user interface and measured participants’ perceptions of usefulness and ease of use. Whereas perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are good, more work is required towards improving the accuracy and diversity of recommendations.
Genetics of the relB locus in Escherichia coli

A mutant of Escherichia coli with a delayed relaxed phenotype very similar to that of a previously described relB mutant has been obtained using a new selection procedure. The mutation giving rise to this phenotype has been shown to map at 34.5 min and to be 12% cotransducible with man. It is recessive, revertible, and most likely an allele of the relB gene.
Herceptin: From the Bench to the Clinic

Polypeptide growth factors play important roles in both normal and pathological development of the breast. Such growth factors promote cell proliferation, motility, and invasiveness of epithelial cells in vitro, properties required for tumor invasiveness and metastasis. Experimental evidence suggests that estrogens stimulate breast proliferation in hormone-dependent cells by upregulating an autocrine stimulatory loop involving epidermal growth factor receptor related tyrosine kinases (EGFR, erbB-2) (1,2). The erbB-2 oncogene product has been shown to be expressed in approximately 25–30% of breast cancer patients and has been correlated with poor prognosis and unfavorable survival rate (3,4). Frequently, patients whose tumors overexpress erbB-2 receptors do not respond well to conventional therapies, emphasizing the need for more aggressive therapies (5–7). Although the exact role of erbB-2 in tumor development has yet to be elucidated, tyrosine kinase mediated signal transduction appears to play an important role in breast cancer progression and metastasis.