Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of non-phosphorylatable S5A-L-plastin exerts phenotypes distinct from L-plastin deficiency during podosome formation and phagocytosis

Introduction: The actin cytoskeleton remodels to enable diverse processes essential to immunity, such as cell adhesion, migration and phagocytosis. A panoply of actin-binding proteins regulate these rapid rearrangements to induce actin-based shape changes and to generate force. L-plastin (LPL) is a leukocyte-specific, actin-bundling protein that is regulated in part by phosphorylation of the Ser-5 residue. LPL deficiency in macrophages impairs motility, but not phagocytosis; we recently found that expression of LPL in which the S5 residue is converted to a non-phosphorylatable alanine (S5A-LPL) resulted in diminished phagocytosis, but unimpaired motility. Methods: To provide mechanistic insight into these findings, we now compare the formation of podosomes (an adhesive structure) and phagosomes in alveolar macrophages derived from wild-type (WT), LPL-deficient, or S5A-LPL mice. Both podosomes and phagosomes require rapid remodeling of actin, and both are force-transmitting. Actin rearrangement, force generation, and signaling rely upon recruitment of many actin-binding proteins, including the adaptor protein vinculin and the integrin-associated kinase Pyk2. Prior work suggested that vinculin localization to podosomes was independent of LPL, while Pyk2 was displaced by LPL deficiency. We therefore chose to compare vinculin and Pyk2 co-localization with F-actin at sites of adhesion of phagocytosis in AMs derived from WT, S5A-LPL or LPL−/− mice, using Airyscan confocal microscopy. Results: As described previously, podosome stability was significantly disrupted by LPL deficiency. In contrast, LPL was dispensable for phagocytosis and was not recruited to phagosomes. Recruitment of vinculin to sites of phagocytosis was significantly enhanced in cells lacking LPL. Expression of S5A-LPL impeded phagocytosis, with reduced appearance of ingested bacteria-vinculin aggregates. Discussion: Our systematic analysis of the regulation of LPL during podosome vs. phagosome formation illuminates essential remodeling of actin during key immune processes.
The impact of calcium-rich diamond mining effluent on downstream cladoceran communities in softwater lakes of the Northwest Territories, Canada

Effluent from diamond mining operations rich in calcium (Ca) has transformed softwater tundra lakes in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Lakes downstream of the Dominion Diamond Corporation Ekati Mine have experienced marked changes in water chemistry and cladoceran community composition since establishment of the mine in 1998. The greatest changes have occurred at the sites closest to the effluent discharge, with [Ca] increasing from <1 to >30 mg·L−1 and corresponding increases in pH from <7 to >8. A split was identified in the cladoceran communities with Holopedium glacialis (a jelly-clad cladoceran tolerant of low [Ca]) generally dominating the cladoceran community at [Ca] < 2.5 mg·L−1, while in impacted lakes with [Ca] ≥ 2.5 mg·L−1, Daphnia longiremis and Daphnia middendorffiana (taxa with higher [Ca] requirements) were often dominant. In contrast, the three study lakes that did not receive mining effluent maintained stable and low [Ca] (mean [Ca] = 0.66 ± 0.06 mg·L−1 (SD)) throughout the monitoring period and have not experienced directional shifts in their cladoceran communities.
Closing the Gap: Identifying Self-Reported Quality of Life Differences Between Youth With and Without Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

This study measured quality of life (QOL) for transition-age youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and college youth without IDD. Transition-age youth with IDD (n = 19) and college youth without IDD (n = 30) were interviewed using the Quality of Life-Questionnaire (QOL-Q). One-way between-subjects analysis of variances (ANOVAs) and multivariable linear regression were used to explore differences between the groups and identify QOL predictors. Youth with IDD scored significantly lower on the QOL-Q than college youth without IDD. They scored lower in Independence, Community Integration, and Productivity; however, no significant difference was found in Satisfaction. Although studies have examined QOL for children, youth with autism spectrum disorder, and adults, additional research is needed on the factors that contribute to QOL among transition-age youth with IDD in order to improve the quality of their transition to adulthood.
Regulation of Local Translation, Synaptic Plasticity, and Cognitive Function by CNOT7

Local translation of mRNAs in dendrites is vital for synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. Tight regulation of this translation is key to preventing neurological disorders resulting from aberrant local translation. Here we find that CNOT7, the major deadenylase in eukaryotic cells, takes on the distinct role of regulating local translation in the hippocampus. Depletion of CNOT7 from cultured neurons affects the poly(A) state, localization, and translation of dendritic mRNAs while having little effect on the global neuronal mRNA population. Following synaptic activity, CNOT7 is rapidly degraded resulting in polyadenylation and a change in the localization of its target mRNAs. We find that this degradation of CNOT7 is essential for synaptic plasticity to occur as keeping CNOT7 levels high prevents these changes. This regulation of dendritic mRNAs by CNOT7 is necessary for normal neuronal function in vivo, as depletion of CNOT7 also disrupts learning and memory in mice. We utilized deep sequencing to identify the neuronal mRNAs whose poly(A) state is governed by CNOT7. Interestingly these mRNAs can be separated into two distinct populations: ones that gain a poly(A) tail following CNOT7 depletion and ones that surprisingly lose their poly(A) tail following CNOT7 depletion. These two populations are also distinct based on the lengths of their 3’ UTRs and their codon usage, suggesting that these key features may dictate how CNOT7 acts on its target mRNAs. This work reveals a central role for CNOT7 in the hippocampus where it governs local translation and higher cognitive function.
THE INTERLACING MAXIMS AS REFLECTED IN THE ENGLISH STUDENTS’ VERBAL COMMUNICATION

The current research serves to portray the interlacing maxims which are reflected in the English Department students’ verbal communication and to depict the politeness which is manifested in the realization of those maxims holistically on the basis of the existing context of speech. The research is designed in the descriptive- qualitative-interpretative by means of the interactive model. This model comprises three research lines, namely: data reduction, data display, and data conclusion/ verification. The data for the present research were gathered repeatedly up to they are exhausted. In terms of data reduction, it is carried out by decreasing the unnecessary utterances or by maintaining the utterances that confirm the graciousness. The utterances that confirm the maxims and graciousness are displayed for having the analysis. The analysis are verified several times up to the researchers come at the equal conclusion. Accordingly, the research engages a group (class) of students as the research participants and it reveals the sequence of maxims, i.e., (1) the Tact maxim, (2) the Generosity maxim, (3) the Approbation maxim (4) the Modesty maxim, and (5) the Agreement maxim conveyed in the diverse contexts by the English Department students at Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Jambi University.
Enhancing Students’ Mental Models of Chemical Equilibrium Through Argumentation within Model-based Learning

The purpose of this study is to investigate how students develop their mental models of chemical equilibrium through Argumentation within Model-based learning (AMBL). This qualitative research methodology draws upon a pre-post chemical equilibrium mental models survey, teacher’s logs, classroom observations, and students’ reflective diaries. The participants, purposively selected, were 29 grade 11 students. Data were analysed via qualitative methods, namely categorizing, comparing, and concluding. The research findings reveal that AMBL could develop students’ tentative mental models into scientific models, particularly on the topics of dynamic equilibrium and reversible reactions. Key ideas for enhancing students’ mental models include: providing students with opportunities to use evidence and justification in order to develop their mental models into scientific models; the suggested use of several media to represent particles at the microscopic level; and using driving questions to help students modify their models and link their understanding of both the macroscopic and microscopic levels through the modelling process. The study recommends the need for more emphasis on the role of argumentation in the modelling process. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19. 7.7
Influence of Environmental Factors on Activities of Bacterial Population Associated With Rhizospheric Soil of Wheat Crop

Aim: To study the effect of environmental factors on the activities of soil microbial population in the rhizospheric soil of wheat crop. Study Design: An agroclimatic study was carried out to study the effect of environmental alterations on the activity of soil bacteria in a multifactor climate change experiment in which wheat crop was grown under field conditions and under temperature gradient tunnel maintained at different and higher temperature. Attempt was made to screen high CO2 and high temperature tolerant diazotrophic bacteria from wheat rhizosphere. Place of Study: Department of Microbiology, PAU, Ludhiana. Methodology: Nitrogen fixing bacteria were isolated on Jensen’s medium using serial dilution spread plate technique. The bacterial isolates were characterized biochemically using standard techniques as described in Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology.The isolates were also assessed for their ability to produce indole acetic acid, siderophores production, ammonia excretion, qualitative phosphate solubilization and solubilization of phosphate by quantitative method. Results: A total of 21 different nitrogen fixing bacteria were isolated from rhizospheric soil samples of wheat crop grown under field conditions and under temperature gradient tunnel. Out of 21 isolates, 8 isolates were able to grow upto 20% concentration of CO2 and 7 isolates showed growth upto 60°C. Tolerance to high CO2 and high temperature was observed to more in the bacteria isolated from the rhizospheric soil of wheat crop grown under temperature gradient tunnel. Original Research Article Kaur and Gosal; BJECC, 7(3): 195-204, 2017; Article no.BJECC. 2017.015 196 Functional characterization of these isolates showed that the isolate WT5 had significantly higher IAA production (44.3 μg/ml) after 5 days of incubation in the medium supplemented with tryptophan. Among these 21 isolates, six were found to have P-solubilizing diazotrophic trait and five were found to show siderophore production on CAS agar plates. The amount of ammonia excretion was non-significant among the isolates and was in the range of 1.14-3.70 μg/ml. The isolate WF6 was found to be the best isolate in terms of the functional characteristics and tolerance to high CO2 and temperature levels. Conclusion: Results indicate that alterations in environmental factors may cause changes in activities of bacterial populations. These results illustrate the potential for complex community changes in terrestrial ecosystems under climate change scenarios that alter multiple factors simultaneously.
Output Feedback Control via Linear Extended State Observer for an Uncertain Manipulator with Output Constraints and Input Dead-Zone

This paper proposes an output feedback controller with a linear extended state observer (LESO) for an n-degree-of-freedom (n-DOF) manipulator under the presence of external disturbance, an input dead-zone, and time-varying output constraints. First, these issues are derived in mathematical equations accompanying an n-DOF manipulator. The proposed control is designed based on the backstepping technique with the barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) and a LESO. The LESO is used for estimating both the unmeasured states and the lumped uncertainties including the unknown frictions, external disturbances, and input dead-zone, in order to enhance the accuracy of the robotic manipulator. Additionally, the BLF helps to avoid violation of the output constraints. The stability and the output constraint satisfaction of the controlled manipulator are theoretically analyzed and proven by the Lyapunov theorem with a barrier Lyapunov function. Some comparative simulations are carried out on a 3-DOF planar manipulator. The simulation results prove the significant performance improvement of the proposed control over the previous methods.
Enhancing Transaction Security for Handling Accountability in Electronic Health Records

Electronic healthcare systems have received extensive attention during the last decade due to the advancement of digital technology. Using these systems in the healthcare industry can improve the quality of healthcare services tremendously. However, a major issue that needs to be concerned, when utilizing this kind of system, is accountability. Employments of electronic health records, the core of the systems, without accountability can be a big risk to both patients and service personals and, consequently, to the entire society. Accountability in electronic health records is essential to creating trust among parties. Many researchers have been introduced to the accountability protocol. However, most of them still lack some essential security property that is mutual authentication. This leads to both information traceability and nonrepudiation which are necessary for resolving any conflict that may arise. In this paper, we propose accountability protocol for electronic health records; the protocol employs both asymmetric and symmetric encryptions to ensure that the electronic health records are having confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and authorization. The accountability analysis and performance analysis show that the proposed protocol is more capable and effective than others. The novel aspect of this idea lies in the inclusion of certain forms of security that are necessary to protect the patient’s electronic health records. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed protocol consumes less cost, energy, and time compared with the existing protocols. A proof of concept of our protocol is also presented in this paper by using BAN logic, an automated security protocol proof tool named Scyther, and AVISPA
Sterile stamens do not enhance seed set in females of the cryptically dioecious Thalictrum macrostylum (Ranunculaceae)1

Abstract In cryptically dioecious species, at least one morph is functionally unisexual despite hermaphroditic morphology. In such species, sterile reproductive structures may indirectly increase fitness of the cryptic morph. This study manipulates pollination mode to investigate two hypotheses regarding the influence of sterile stamens on female fitness in the cryptically dioecious Thalictrum macrostylum. Pollination mode and the presence of pollen limitation in natural populations were also investigated. In two natural populations, pollen receipt on pistils was quantified in open-pollinated and pollinator-exclusion flowers with varying numbers of stamens. Seed set was quantified in additional open-pollinated flowers, a subset of which received supplemental pollen to test for pollen limitation. Females were not significantly insect pollinated at either site. Number of sterile stamens per flower was positively related to pollen receipt in open-pollinated flowers at one site, but had no influence on seed set at either site. In one population, seed set was significantly pollen limited, and high variance in seed set among pollen-addition flowers in both populations indicates that high pollen loads do not always increase seed set. In the wind-pollinated and cryptically dioecious Thalictrum macrostylum, sterile stamens in females do not appear to increase female fitness. Other explanations for the persistence of stamens and sterile pollen in females of T. macrostylum should be sought.
Tissue Engineering Approaches for the Treatment of Degenerated Intervertebral Discs

This dissertation describes novel tissue engineering approaches for the treatment of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Defects in the outer part of the IVD, the so-called annulus fibrosus (AF), cannot be restored using the current surgical methods. AF tissue cannot be regenerated using autologous AF cells, because of their limited availability and expansion capacity. We compared the potency of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) type 1 and type 3 to stimulate differentiation of adipose tissue derived-mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (AT-MSCs) towards an AF-like phenotype. We engineered AF tissue in vitro by seeding and stimulating AT-MSCs inside AF-mimetic polymer scaffolds. Several techniques to seed cells in the scaffolds were compared. Cells release membrane vesicles called extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs have gained interest as a biomimetic tool to induce lineage-specific differentiation of stem cells. We evaluated gene expression in AT-MSCs after exposure to EVs from activated monocytes or osteoclasts. Neither TGF-β 1 nor TGF-β3 increased matrix synthesis by AT-MSCs. Nevertheless, TGF-β3 supported cell proliferation and thereby matrix accumulation. Seeding of AT-MSCs into the scaffolds using fibrin gel resulted in superior cell distribution, proliferation and AF-like matrix production compared to other seeding strategies. The formed collagen was aligned into bundles within the pore channels of the scaffolds. Activated monocytes promoted the chemotaxis of immune cells by AT-MSCs via EVmediated signalling, showing the importance of EVs in controlling the function of the immune system. Monocyte-derived EVs upregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinases in AT-MSCs. The results show the potential of AT-MSCs as a multipotent cell source in tissue engineering applications for the treatment of degenerated IVDs. The extracellular matrix deposited in the cell-seeded scaffolds had a composition and structure similar to that in native AF tissue, demonstrating the high potential of this strategy in AF repair. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the mechanism by which EVs regulate the immune system and bone remodelling.
Spontaneous occurrence of micronuclei in developing microspores of Agave angustifolia Haw. cultivar “Lineño” and A. tequilana Weber cultivar “Azul” (Asparagales, Asparagaceae)

Abstract In this work, the origin of micronuclei production as well as microsporogenesis in Agave tequilana Weber cultivar “Azul” and A. angustifolia Haw. cultivar “Lineño” was studied. Both species showed a successive type of microsporogenesis; mainly tetragonal, although some decussate and linear tetrads were also found. Besides this, abnormal metaphase I was found, leading to multinucleated meiocytes containing micronuclei of different size. These micronuclei gave rise to different polyads, and therefore small pollen grains, mainly in A. tequilana “Azul”. The above-mentioned abnormalities did not affect A. angustifolia “Lineño” pollen viability, unlike A. tequilana “Azul”. The polyads reported here can be useful to explore novel agronomic traits with economical and industrial importance in the Agave genus.
Seismic and borehole-based mapping of the late Carboniferous succession in the Canonbie Coalfield, SW Scotland: evidence for a ‘broken’ Variscan foreland?

Local seismic and borehole-based mapping of the Carboniferous Pennine Coal Measures and Warwickshire Group successions in the Canonbie Coalfield (SW Scotland) provides evidence of repeated episodes of positive inversion, syn-depositional folding and unconformities. A Duckmantian (Westphalian B) episode of NE–SW transpression is recognized, based on onlapping seismic reflector geometries against NE-trending positive inversion structures and contemporaneous NNE-trending syn-depositional growth folding. The basin history thus revealed at Canonbie is at variance with generally accepted models in neighbouring northern England that imply subsidence was due to post-rift thermal subsidence during late Carboniferous times. A late Westphalian–Stephanian unconformity recognized within the Warwickshire Group succession signifies NW–SE, c. 10% local basin shortening during a time of major shortening in the late Carboniferous Variscan foreland, contradicting suggestions that maximum Variscan shortening had negligible impact on Carboniferous basins in northern Britain. Local inversion structures appear to have strongly influenced local late Westphalian–Stephanian depocentres. In this respect, the Variscan foreland at Canonbie may have resembled a ‘broken’ foreland system. Variations in crustal rheology, fault strength and orientation, and mid-crustal detachments are suggested to have played important roles in determining strain localization and the nature of Westphalian–Stephanian depocentres in the Canonbie Coalfield.
Neurocorrelates of the Mirror Neuron System in Children with Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

Activation of brain regions that make up the mirror neuron system (MNS) is thought to reflect processing and perceiving behavior, action, and intentionality of other organisms. Sensing and perceiving motor behavior in others is an important component of understanding and participating in social interactions. Children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) are diagnosed with serious medical, cognitive, and socio-emotional symptoms. Atypical development and function of the MNS may underpin some aspects of socio-emotional impairment and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like symptomology reported. This study of the MNS investigates differences in activation in the operculum, sensorimotor areas, and basal ganglia (BG) in children with 22q11.2DS compared to typically-developing (TD) controls. Twenty-nine children (22q11.2DS: n=15; TD: n=16) between ages 7-16 viewed videos of a human hand manipulating various household objects during a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. In Analysis 1, children with 22q11.2DS had less extensive brain activation than TD children in the operculum, sensorimotor areas, and BG. In Analysis 2, children with 22q11.2DS had the same results as Analysis 1 with the exception of sensorimotor areas not being highly active in either group. In both analyses, fMRI signal change from baseline to video did not differ significantly between groups. Processing efficiency in children with 22q11.2DS may be lower or more variable when compared to TD peers. This is the first study comparing children with 22q11.2DS to TD peers specifically looking at MNS activation within the operculum region to assess higher cognitive functioning, somatosensory cortex for sensory interpretation, and basal ganglia for gross motor activity. Future studies should compare brain activation between children with ASD and those with 22q11.2DS during an MNS task as the next step to further clarify the origin of ASD symptoms reported in this population. MIRROR NEURONS IN 22Q11.2DS 7