Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flagellin Glycosylation Island in Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea and Its Role in Host Specificity

ABSTRACT The deduced amino acid sequences of the flagellins of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci and P. syringae pv. glycinea are identical; however, their abilities to induce a hypersensitive reaction are clearly different. The reason for the difference seems to depend on the posttranslational modification of the flagellins. To investigate the role of this posttranslational modification in the interactions between plants and bacterial pathogens, we isolated genes that are potentially involved in the posttranslational modification of flagellin in P. syringae pv. glycinea (glycosylation island); then defective mutants with mutations in these genes were generated. There are three open reading frames in the glycosylation island, designated orf1, orf2, and orf3. orf1 and orf2 encode putative glycosyltransferases, and mutants with defects in these open reading frames, Δorf1 and Δorf2, secreted nonglycosylated and slightly glycosylated flagellins, respectively. Inoculation tests performed with these mutants and original nonhost tobacco leaves revealed that Δorf1 and Δorf2 could grow on tobacco leaves and caused symptom-like changes. In contrast, these mutants failed to cause symptoms on original host soybean leaves. These data indicate that putative glycosyltransferases encoded in the flagellin glycosylation island are strongly involved in recognition by plants and could be the specific determinants of compatibility between phytopathogenic bacteria and plant species.
Guarding the Castle Keep: Teaching with the Fortress Metaphor

The computer security field is replete with metaphors - the original and most commonly used metaphor is the computer (or network) as a fortress, the walls of which must be guarded against potential breaches. This metaphor is useful, but like all metaphors, it is not precise. Understanding the differences, between the metaphor of a fortress and the realities of securing a system is crucial to students understanding the subtleties of computer security. We discuss the fortress metaphor as a pedagogical tool, both how it succeeds and how it fails to aid student understanding.
A Close Look into the Probablistic Concatenation Model for Corpus-based Speech Synthesis

We have proposed a novel probabilistic approach to concatenation modeling for corpus-based speech synthesis, where the goodness of concatenation for a unit is modeled using a conditional Gaussian probability density whose mean is de(cid:2)ned as a linear transform of the feature vector from the previous unit. This approach has shown its effectiveness through a subjective listening test. In this paper, we further investigate the characteristics of the proposed method by a objective evaluation and by observing the sequence of concatenation scores across an ut-terance. We also present the mathematical relationships of the proposed method with other approaches and show that it has a (cid:3)exible modeling power, having other approaches to concatenation scoring methods as special cases.
Translation and Validation of the Dutch Version of the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form

Background For knee-related surgery, there is a great demand for internationally useable subjective scoring systems. Before such measurements can be used, they should be translated and validated for the population they are used on. For the Dutch population, only the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Oxford 12 Questionnaire have been validated. However, these scores can only be used regarding osteoarthritis of the knee. In 2001, the International Knee Documentation Committee presented the Subjective Knee Form, which is a knee-specific rather than a disease-specific questionnaire. Study Design Cohort study (diagnosis/symptom prevalence); Level of evidence, 2. Methods The authors describe the translation procedure and validation of the Dutch Subjective Knee Form. After a forward backward translation protocol, the reliability, validity, and content validity were tested. The responses of 145 consecutive knee patients on 2 questionnaires containing the Short Form–36, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Oxford 12 Questionnaire score, a visual analog scale, and the Dutch International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form were used. Reliability was tested by measuring the test-retest reliability and internal consistency. Validity was tested by correlating the questionnaire to the other outcome measurements, and content validity was tested by measuring the floor and ceiling effects. Results The reliability proved excellent with an intraclass coefficient of 0.96 for test-retest. Internal consistency was strong (Cronbach [.alpha],. 92). The construct, convergent, and divergent validities were good. The content validity was good; no floor or ceiling effect occurred. Conclusion The validation procedure shows that the Dutch International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form is an excellent evaluation instrument for Dutch patients with knee-related injuries.
Process optimization for backward compatible reflow soldering

Due to the promotion of the globalization of environmental protection process, some high reliability requirements of electronic products have to be passive to the backward compatible soldering process. Compared to the traditional Sn-Pb soldering process and the current mature Pb-free soldering process, the backward compatible soldering process is faced with a smaller process window and a higher process implementation difficulty. In this paper, the technical characteristics of backward compatible reflow soldering process are studied, and the basic idea for process optimization is presented. In view of a typical product, based on the failure mechanism of product history and the present situation of reflow-soldering process, the design and implementation of the reflow soldering process optimization experiment is carried out, and the optimized process curve is obtained. The optimized results show that the quality and reliability of the optimized products meet the requirements of the product.
Low perfusion pressure during CPB may induce cerebral metabolic and ultrastructural changes

Background. Recently we reported on cerebral metabolic changes suggesting ischemia in piglets during nitroprusside-induced low-pressure CPB. We here investigated whether a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40–45 mmHg could provoke similar changes by a NO-independent intervention. Methods. Piglets underwent 60 minutes normothermic followed by 90 minutes hypothermic CPB. The LP-group (n=8) had MAP of 40–45 mmHg by phentolamine while the HP-group (n=8) had MAP of 60–80 mmHg by norepinephrine. Cerebral glucose, lactate, pyruvate and glycerol were determined. In the last two animals of each group, cerebral tissue was examined by electron microscopy. Results. Cerebral lactate was higher in the LP-group than the HP-group during normothermic CPB. Compared with baseline, cerebral glucose of the LP-group decreased whereas lactate/pyruvate-ratio, lactate and glycerol-concentrations increased during normothermic CPB. In the HP-group these parameters remained unchanged. Electron microscopy showed 31.2% and 8.3% altered mitochondria in the cortical micrographs taken from the LP- and the HP-group, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion. MAP below 45 mmHg during CPB was associated with cerebral biochemical and morphological changes consistent with anaerobic metabolism and subcellular injury.
Nonmyeloablative stem cell therapy enhances microcirculation and tissue regeneration in murine inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Reduced microcirculation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Stem cells or endothelial progenitor cells are thought to contribute to tissue regeneration through neoangiogenesis or vasculogenesis in ischemia- or inflammatory-related diseases. We therefore hypothesized that adult stem cells facilitate epithelial repair in IBD. METHODS Moderate-severe colitis in mice was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and 2.0 x 10(6) immortalized CD34(-) stem cells infused twice via the tail vein during an observation period of 35 days in a nonmyeloablative setting. RESULTS Here, we demonstrate that adult stem cells home to the damaged digestive tract in the large intestine and facilitate mucosal repair in moderate-severe colitis. Nonmyeloablative stem cell therapy resulted in increased survival in severe colitis (P < .0001). Moreover, clinical activity and histologic evaluation of the colitis severity score were reduced significantly in moderate (P = .0003 or P = .03) and severe (P < .0001 or P < .03) colitis after 35 days, in addition to the DSS-induced shortening of colon length (P = .002 and P < .0002). Genetically marked stem cells were detected predominantly in the submucosa of the damaged colon epithelium. Epithelial repair in experimental IBD was mediated either by induction of improved vasculogenesis or by the differentiation of the transplanted stem cells into endothelial cells, as demonstrated by the promotion of Tie2 activity in the infused cells at the site of the damaged mucosa. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that systemically administered adult stem cells respond to an adequate tissue lesion in murine IBD by enhancing microcirculation, resulting in accelerated tissue repair.
Identity, self, and personality: II. Glimpses through the autophotographic eye.

Subjects were 201 college students, who used R. C. Ziller's (1990) autophotographic method to answer the question who are you? Richness of self-depiction (i.e., creative and self-expressive vs. prosaic photo essays) and interpersonal connectedness of the self were examined. As expected, Openness to Experience from the 5-factor model predicted richness of photo essays. Among women, Neuroticism and Introversion also predicted richness. As expected, Extraversion and Agreeableness related to interpersonal orientations in photo essays. Intergenerational photos had especially salient meaning for personality. Three other predictions received support, bearing on such identity-relevant categories as alcohol use, religiosity, self-exhibition in bathing attire, and identification with one's school. Results are integrated with literature on interpersonal connectedness and the relation of creativity to personality.
4,4′-(Propane-1,3-diyl)dipyridinium tetrachloridonickelate(II)

The title compound, (C13H16N2)[NiCl4] or (H2bpp)·NiCl4 [bpp is 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane], is isostructural with its already reported Cu, Zn and Hg analogues. The structure consists of a doubly charged (H2bpp)2+ cation and a tetrahedral [NiCl4]2− dianion. Both pyridyl N atoms are protonated and form a (H2bpp)2+ cation which adopts an anti–anti conformation with a dihedral angle of 6.287 (7)° between the pyridyl rings. The two pyridyl N atoms are both involved in strong N—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, which link both units into a dimer.
Plasma Membrane Depolarization Induced by Abscisic Acid in Arabidopsis Suspension Cells Involves Reduction of Proton Pumping in Addition to Anion Channel Activation, Which Are Both Ca2+ Dependent

In Arabidopsis suspension cells a rapid plasma membrane depolarization is triggered by abscisic acid (ABA). Activation of anion channels was shown to be a component leading to this ABA-induced plasma membrane depolarization. Using experiments employing combined voltage clamping, continuous measurement of extracellular pH, we examined whether plasma membrane H+-ATPases could also be involved in the depolarization. We found that ABA causes simultaneously cell depolarization and medium alkalinization, the second effect being abolished when ABA is added in the presence of H+ pump inhibitors. Inhibition of the proton pump by ABA is thus a second component leading to the plasma membrane depolarization. The ABA-induced depolarization is therefore the result of two different processes: activation of anion channels and inhibition of H+-ATPases. These two processes are independent because impairing one did not suppress the depolarization. Both processes are however dependent on the [Ca2+]cyt increase induced by ABA since increase in [Ca2+]cyt enhanced anion channels and impaired H+-ATPases.
Single base‐pair substitutions at the translation initiation sites of human genes as a cause of inherited disease

A total of 405 unique single base‐pair substitutions, located within the ATG translation initiation codons (TICs) of 255 different genes, and reported to cause human genetic disease, were retrieved from the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD). Although these lesions comprised only 0.7% of coding sequence mutations in HGMD, they nevertheless were 3.4‐fold overrepresented as compared to other missense mutations. The distance between a TIC and the next downstream in‐frame ATG codon was significantly greater for genes harboring TIC mutations than for the remainder of genes in HGMD (control genes). This suggests that the absence of an alternative ATG codon in the vicinity of a TIC increases the likelihood that a given TIC mutation will come to clinical attention. An additional 42 single base‐pair substitutions in 37 different genes were identified in the vicinity of TICs (positions −6 to +4, comprising the so‐called “Kozak consensus sequence”). These substitutions were not evenly distributed, being significantly more abundant at position +4. Finally, contrary to our initial expectation, the match between the original TIC and the Kozak consensus sequence was significantly better (rather than worse) for genes harboring TIC mutations than for the HGMD control genes. Hum Mutat 32:1137–1143, 2011. ©2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Guaranteed cost control for discrete singular bilinear systems with time-delay

The guaranteed cost control problem for a class of discrete singular bilinear systems with time-delay is investigated. By means of generalized Lyapunov function and generalized Riccati inequality and linear matrix inequality, a sufficient condition on the existence of state feedback guaranteed cost controller is derived. By making use of the method of Norm-bounded, the bilinear items was manipulated ingeniously. we give a guaranteed cost controller design method which is expressed in the form of linear matrix inequality (LMI). Finally, an example is given to illustrate the validity of the obtained results.
Deletion of rpoB reveals a second distinct transcription system in plastids of higher plants.

The plastid genome in higher plants encodes subunits of an Escherichia coli‐like RNA polymerase which initiates transcription of plastid genes from sequences resembling E.coli sigma70‐type promoters. By deleting the gene for the essential beta subunit of the tobacco E.coli‐like RNA polymerase, we have established the existence of a second plastid transcription system which does not utilize E.coli‐like promoters. In contrast to the E.coli‐like RNA polymerase, the novel transcription machinery preferentially transcribes genetic system genes rather than photosynthetic genes. Although the mutant plants are photosynthetically defective, transcription by this polymerase is sufficient for plastid maintenance and plant development.
Knowledge acquisition for knowledge-based engineering systems

This paper is essentially concerned with the development of formal representations of knowledge required prior to the development of knowledge-based engineering systems (KBESs). Initially, the paper provides a brief introduction to knowledge-based systems (KBSs) and KBESs, stating the key commonalities and differences between the two, and presents the three main types of KBES. The paper then focuses upon knowledge acquisition, and specifically on the use of the MOKA methodology to support knowledge acquisition for KBES development. The paper critically considers the structure of MOKA with respect to workflow. This work concludes that the methodology has certain weaknesses which require addressing before it can reach its full potential as a knowledge acquisition methodology for the development of KBESs.
Comparability of the Rey-Osterrieth and Modified Taylor Complex Figures Using Total Scores, Completion Times, and Construct Validation

The Modified Taylor Complex Figure (MTCF) was developed as an alternate form for the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) to assess visuospatial abilities. The present study examines the comparability of the figures by comparing (a) total scores and completion times on copy and recall trials using a repeated-measures design and an incidental administration procedure, and (b) the pattern of relationships between each of the figures and a number of demographic, convergent, and discriminant measures in a sample of community-dwelling adults. Overall, the study supports the use of the MTCF as a comparable measure of visuospatial memory and construction to the ROCF.
Sorting Out Identities: An Educational Primer for Use with “Novel Tools for Genetic Manipulation of Follicle Stem Cells in the Drosophila Ovary Reveal an Integrin-Dependent Transition from Quiescence to Proliferation”

SUMMARY Organisms are made up of thousands of different cell types that must migrate, proliferate, and interact with each other to yield functional organ systems and ultimately a viable organism. A characteristic that distinguishes one cell type from another is the set of genes that it expresses. An article by Hartman et al. in the April 2015 issue of GENETICS identified methods to uniquely identify different cell populations during oogenesis, providing valuable tools for future studies. This Primer article provides background information on the Drosophila ovary as a system in which to study stem cell regulation, mechanisms for regulating gene expression, and the techniques used by Hartman et al. to identify specific cell populations and study their function. Related article in GENETICS: Hartman, T. R. , E. M. Ventresca, A. Hopkins, D. Zinshteyn, T. Singh et al., 2015 Novel Tools for Genetic Manipulation of Follicle Stem Cells in the Drosophila Ovary Reveal an Integrin-Dependent Transition from Quiescence to Proliferation. Genetics 199: 935–957.
Relative Replicative Fitness of Zidovudine-Resistant Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Isolates In Vitro

ABSTRACT Replication of mixtures of two or more human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) variants would be expected to result in the eventual selection of the fittest virus due to Darwinian competition among the variants. The relative proportions of known HIV-1 variants (which may differ only by a single nucleotide from a standard “wild-type” virus, HIV-1HXB2) in mixed viral cultures were quantified by analysis of automated sequence signals of reverse transcriptase PCR products. With this method, the relative levels of replicative fitness of several zidovudine (3′-azidothymidine)-resistant HIV-1HXB2 variants were estimated under controlled in vitro conditions by measuring the rate of change in the proportions of viral variants as they replicated in cell cultures both in the presence and in the absence of drug selection pressure. These variants were engineered to contain commonly observed zidovudine resistance mutations in the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (M41L, K70R, T215Y, and M41L+T215Y). In the absence of zidovudine, all variants tested displayed reduced replicative fitness compared to wild-type HIV-1HXB2. The order of relative fitness was wild type > K70R ≫ T215Y = M41L+T215Y > M41L. Mixed cultures in the presence of zidovudine showed a dose-dependent selection pressure against the wild-type virus which varied according to the resistance profile of each virus. The information gathered from this approach provides insight into competition among multiple HIV-1 variants, which likely occurs in vivo with drug selection pressure, and may be applicable in more complex mathematical models for predicting the emergence of HIV-1 variants after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy.
Spuriously low plasma propranolol concentrations resulting from blood collection methods

Spuriously low values of plasma propranolol concentrations resulted when one commercial brand of collection tube was used. The mechanism of this effect was established and was due to the presence of the stopper containing substances that reduced plasma propranolol binding and resulted in a redistribution of the drug in whole blood so that more was present in the cells and less in the plasma. A similar phenomenon was noted some years ago when a needle for intravenous infusion was used as an indwelling cannula. The mechanism in this case could not be established as in the interim the phenomenon was no longer detectable. Although it was established that these findings do not apply to all drugs, the data suggest that collection methods should be routinely checked at intervals unless separate venipuncture and all glass collection tubes are used.
Fast delineation and visualization of vessels in 3-D angiographic images

A method is presented which aids the clinician in obtaining quantitative measures and a three-dimensional (3-D) representation of vessels from 3-D angiographic data with a minimum of user interaction. Based on two user defined starting points, an iterative procedure tracks the central vessel axis. During the tracking process, the minimum diameter and a surface rendering of the vessels are computed, allowing for interactive inspection of the vasculature. Applications of the method to CTA, contrast enhanced (CE)-MRA and phase contrast (PC)-MRA images of the abdomen are shown. In all applications, a long stretch of vessels with varying width is tracked, delineated, and visualized, in less than 10 s on a standard clinical workstation.
Poor Health but Not Absent: Prevalence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Presenteeism

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of presenteeism, to develop and test a model of the relationship between workplace factors and presenteeism, and to assess the perceived influence of manager, coworkers, and self on presenteeism. Methods: We used survey data collected for 6309 employees from seven different organizations. Results: Nearly 60% of the sample reported presenteeism during a 3-month period. The model was supported, with presenteeism linking workplace factors and health outcomes to productivity, as predicted. The majority of participants (67%) indicated that the primary pressure to attend work while sick came from themselves. A substantial minority (20%) also indicated the manager as a source of pressure. Conclusions: Psychosocial workplace factors are predictive of presenteeism, and efforts to control them, including the use of more effective management, may impact presenteeism rates and the resulting levels of productivity.