Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Farnesylation Directs AtIPT 3 Subcellular Localization and Modulates Cytokinin Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis 1 [ OA ]

Cytokinins regulate cell division and differentiation as well as a number of other processes implicated in plant development. The first step of cytokinin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is catalyzed by adenosine phosphate-isopentenyltransferases (AtIPT). The enzymes are localized in plastids or the cytoplasm where they utilize the intermediate dimethylallyldiphosphate from the methylerythritolphosphate or mevalonic acid pathways. However, the regulatory mechanisms linking AtIPT activity and cytokinin biosynthesis with cytokinin homeostasis and isoprenoid synthesis are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that expression of AtIPT3, one member of the adenosine AtIPT protein family in Arabidopsis, increased the production of specific isopentenyl-type cytokinins. Moreover, AtIPT3 is a substrate of the protein farnesyl transferase, and AtIPT3 farnesylation directed the localization of the protein in the nucleus/cytoplasm, whereas the nonfarnesylated protein was located in the plastids. AtIPT3 gain-of-function mutant analysis indicated that the different subcellular localization of the farnesylated protein and the nonfarnesylated protein was closely correlated with either isopentenyl-type or zeatin-type cytokinin biosynthesis. In addition, mutation of the farnesyl acceptor cysteine-333 of AtIPT3 abolishes cytokinin production, suggesting that cysteine-333 has a dual and essential role for AtIPT3 farnesylation and catalytic activity.
Synthesis and characterization of soluble low‐bandgap oligothiophene‐[all]‐S,S‐dioxides‐based conjugated oligomers and polymers

The synthesis and characterization of a new family of soluble oligothiophene-S,S-dioxides and their use as build- ing blocks to form polythiophene-S,S-dioxides via microwave- assisted Stille coupling polymerization are described. Incorpo- ration of the sulfone group into the polythiophene backbone leads to narrowing of the polymer bandgap, and while the energies of both Frontier orbitals in polythiophene-S,S-diox- ide are lower with respect to polythiophenes, this tendency is considerably stronger for the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital than for the highest occupied molecular orbital, result- ing in greater electron-accepting ability. V C 2011 Wiley Periodi- cals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 49: 1933-1941, 2011
Evaluation of Semantic Dependency Labeling Across Domains

One of the key concerns in computational semantics is to construct a domain independent semantic representation which captures the richness of natural language, yet can be quickly customized to a specific domain for practical applications. We propose to use generic semantic frames defined in FrameNet, a domain-independent semantic resource, as an intermediate semantic representation for language understanding in dialog systems. In this paper we: (a) outline a novel method for FrameNet-style semantic dependency labeling that builds on a syntactic dependency parse; and (b) compare the accuracy of domain-adapted and generic approaches to semantic parsing for dialog tasks, using a frame-annotated corpus of human-computer dialogs in an airline reservation domain.
Estimation of Genotypic and Phenotypic Coefficients Variation of Yield and its Contributing Characters of Brassica rapa L .

A research was conducted by using twenty one (21) F populations derived from inter-varietal crosses 9 of Brassica rapa L. Path co-efficient analysis revealed that plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of siliqua per plant, seeds per siliqua and siliqua length had a positive direct effect on yield per plant and days to 50% flowering, number of secondary branches per plant and thousand seed weight had a negative direct effect on yield per plant.Correlation study revealed that yield per plant had a significant positive association with plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of siliqua per plant, seeds per siliqua and siliqua length (genotypic or phenotypic level). Based on the variability study, some F plants that 9 showed high heritability for short duration and yield contributing characters were selected from some of the cross combinations of the intervarital crosses of Brassica rapa for further selection.
Dynamic range optimization by local contrast correction and histogram image analysis

The original dynamic range of a scene is generally constrained into the smaller dynamic range of the acquisition system. This results in the difficulty to design a global tone correction that permits to discriminate both shadow and highlight details. In this work we present a local contrast correction algorithm that allows for simultaneous shadow and highlight adjustments, starting from a simple pixel-wise "gamma" correction, piloted by image statistics analysis
Functional characterization of roles of GalR and GalS as regulators of the gal regulon

An isorepressor of the gal regulon in Escherichia coli, GalS, has been purified to homogeneity. In vitro DNase I protection experiments indicated that among operators of the gal regulon, GalS binds most strongly to the external operator of the mgl operon, which encodes the high-affinity beta-methylgalactoside galactose transport system, and with less affinity to the operators controlling expression of the gal operon, which codes for enzymes of galactose metabolism. GalS has even less affinity for the external operator of galP, which codes for galactose permease, the major low-affinity galactose transporter in the cell. This order of affinities is the reverse of that of GalR, which binds most strongly to the operator of galP and most weakly to that of mgl. Our results also show that GalS, like its homolog, GalR, is a dimeric protein which in binding to the bipartite operators of the gal operon selectively represses its P1 promoter. Consistent with the fact that GalR is the exclusive regulator of the low-affinity galactose transporter, galactose permease, and that the major role of GalS is in regulating expression of the high-affinity galactose transporter encoded by the mgl operon, we found that the DNA binding of GalS is 15-fold more sensitive than that of GalR to galactose.
Design and Analysis of an Approximate 2 D Convolver

This paper proposes a two-dimensional (2D) convolver in which both approximate circuitand algorithm-level techniques are utilized in the design. Truncation is used as circuit techniques, while bit-width reduction is utilized at the algorithm level. These different techniques are related to the configuration of the convolver by which its operation can be configured to meet different and often contrasting figures of merit. Circuit-level simulation (using HSPICE) and an extensive evaluation of different error metrics, generic metrics such as the mean error distance (MED) and the peak signal noise ratio (PSNR) for image convolution are performed. A detailed error analysis is also presented to substantiate the simulation results. Convolution for image processing (Gaussian smoothing) is treated in detail to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The design, the analysis and the simulation results show that the approximate techniques utilized in the inexact convolver can operate in synergy. Keywords— Approximate design, approximate computing, convolver, image processing, error
Temperature profile in a liquid–vapour interface near the critical point

Thanks to an expansion with respect to densities of energy, mass and entropy, we discuss the concept of thermocapillary fluid for inhomogeneous fluids. The non-convex state law valid for homogeneous fluids is modified by adding terms taking account of the gradients of these densities. This seems more realistic than Cahn and Hilliard’s model which uses a density expansion in mass-density gradient only. Indeed, through liquid–vapour interfaces, realistic potentials in molecular theories show that entropy density and temperature do not vary with the mass density as it would do in bulk phases. In this paper, we prove using a rescaling process near the critical point, that liquid–vapour interfaces behave essentially in the same way as in Cahn and Hilliard’s model.
Biodiversity Monitoring in Changing Tropical Forests: A Review of Approaches and New Opportunities

Tropical forests host at least two-thirds of the world’s flora and fauna diversity and store 25% of the terrestrial above and belowground carbon. However, biodiversity decline due to deforestation and forest degradation of tropical forest is increasing at an alarming rate. Biodiversity dynamics due to natural and anthropogenic disturbances are mainly monitored using established field survey approaches. However, such approaches appear to fall short at addressing complex disturbance factors and responses. We argue that the integration of state-of-the-art monitoring approaches can improve the detection of subtle biodiversity disturbances and responses in changing tropical forests, which are often data-poor. We assess the state-of-the-art technologies used to monitor biodiversity dynamics of changing tropical forests, and how their potential integration can increase the detail and accuracy of biodiversity monitoring. Moreover, the relevance of these biodiversity monitoring techniques in support of the UNCBD Aichi targets was explored using the Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) as a framework. Our review indicates that although established field surveys were generally the dominant monitoring systems employed, the temporal trend of monitoring approaches indicates the increasing application of remote sensing and in -situ sensors in detecting disturbances related to agricultural activities, logging, hunting and infrastructure. The relevance of new technologies (i.e., remote sensing, in situ sensors, and DNA barcoding) in operationalising EBVs (especially towards the ecosystem structure, ecosystem function, and species population classes) and the Aichi targets has been assessed. Remote sensing application is limited for EBV classes such as genetic composition and species traits but was found most suitable for ecosystem structure class. The complementarity of remote sensing and emerging technologies were shown in relation to EBV candidates such as species distribution, net primary productivity, and habitat structure. We also developed a framework based on the primary biodiversity attributes, which indicated the potential of integration between monitoring approaches. In situ sensors are suitable to help measure biodiversity composition, while approaches based on remote sensing are powerful for addressing structural and functional biodiversity attributes. We conclude that, synergy between the recent biodiversity monitoring approaches is important and possible. However, testing the suitability of monitoring methods across scales, integrating heterogeneous monitoring technologies, setting up metadata standards, and making interpolation and/or extrapolation from observation at different scales is still required to design a robust biodiversity monitoring system that can contribute to effective conservation measures.
Isolation of Flower-inducing and Flower-inhibitory Factors from Aphid Honeydew.

The aphid Dactynotus ambrosiae Thomas has been allowed to feed on vegetative or flowering plants of the short-day plant Xanthium strumarium L. , and the honeydew which they produce is extracted and tested for an effect on flowering using the long-day plant Lemna gibba L. , strain G3 for the bioassay. One zone of flower-inducing activity and at least two zones of flower-inhibitory activity are consistently obtained from the honeydew extracts. The levels of flower-inducing and flower-inhibitory activity are not demonstrably different in vegetative and flowering honeydew. The honeydew extracts are inactive on Xanthium but do give some flower induction with the short-day plant Lemna perpusilla Torr. , strain 6746. The flower-inducing activity is clearly of plant origin and is present in the phloem since the same active material can be obtained from vegetative or flowering Xanthium by methanol extraction, and honeydew produced by aphids feeding on a chemically defined synthetic diet is completely without flower-inducing activity. This is the first report of successful flower induction in the long-day plant L. gibba G3 by some means other than long-day treatment.
High Job Demands, Job Strain, and Iso-Strain Are Risk Factors for Sick Leave due to Mental Disorders: A Prospective Swedish Twin Study With a 5-Year Follow-Up

Objective: To investigate whether psychosocial work environment and health behaviors are risk factors for sick leave due to mental disorders, and whether familial confounding (genetics and shared environment) explains the associations. Methods: Respondents (n = 11,729), given to complete a questionnaire in 2004 to 2006, were followed up approximately 5 years for sick leave spells due to mental disorders, using national registry data. Data were analyzed using logistic regression, and conditional logistic regression for twin pairs discordant for sick leave (cotwin control). Results: High job demands, job strain, and iso-strain were independent risk factors for sick leave due to mental disorders. Familial factors seem to be of importance in the associations between job support, smoking, a combination of unhealthy behaviors and sick leave. Conclusions: Improving the psychosocial work environment may be effective in preventing sick leave due to mental disorders.
LITTLE EVIDENCE FOR SYMPATRIC SPECIATION IN ISLAND BIRDS

It has been suggested that the presence of sister species in small circumscribed areas, such as isolated lakes or islands, might imply that these species originated sympatrically. To investigate this possibility in birds, we searched for endemic, congeneric species on isolated islands in the ocean. Among 46 islands and small archipelagos chosen because they contain at least one species of endemic land bird, we identified seven pairs of endemic congeners (excluding flightless rails). Of these seven, only four pairs are potentially sister species and thus possible candidates for sympatric speciation. However, three of these four pairs have always been considered the results of double invasion from a mainland source (in two of these cases, molecular‐phylogenetic work has either confirmed a double invasion or is ambiguous). The one remaining pair may have speciated allopatrically on a small archipelago. Additional phylogenetic studies are required to understand these cases, and our results should also be considered in light of the large number of island‐bird extinctions in historic time. We conclude that, at present, there is little evidence for sympatric speciation in island birds.
Reconstruction-based Set-valued Observer - A New Perspective for Fault Detection within Uncertain Systems

This paper presents an extension of a particular type of observer called the Set-valued Observer; this kind of observer is very well suited for uncertain fault detection. But some limitations restrict its use. Indeed, all the sensors are needed to observe the state and as a consequence this method does not allow fault detection when some sensor information is not available. Other work has focused on the well-known Luenberger Observer applied to uncertain systems; but once again, this option is limited. Indeed, it is difficult to converge the algorithm because of the wrapping effect induced by recursivity. Here a new approach is proposed combining the power of the two algorithms. The Luenberger Observer coupled with the SetValued Observer allows us to reconstruct the states without divergence. This combination is a substantial contribution for fault detection within uncertain systems.
Drivers of supply chain integration and the role of organizational culture: Empirical evidence from Indonesia

Purpose – Supply chain integration (SCI) is a set of practices driven by many factors and circumstances. The purpose of this paper is to examine firms’ internal and external drivers of SCI, evaluate the impact of the integration on firm performance, and further investigate the moderating role of organizational culture in strengthening the relationships between firms’ drivers and SCI. Design/methodology/approach – For the purpose of this study, manufacturing firms were identified as the focal firms in supply chains, and thus data were collected through a survey of 223 Indonesian-based manufacturing firms. Two informants from each firm became the respondents. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Findings – This study confirmed the positive relationship between SCI and firm performance. The results also indicated that internal driver, or specifically firms’ customer orientation (CO), triggered the initiation of SCI. Organizational culture, in terms of external focus, positively influenc.
Metabolomics and livestock genomics: Insights into a phenotyping frontier and its applications in animal breeding

Implications Metabolomics is the emerging field of metabolome analysis that identify, quantify, and characterize a large number of metabolites in biological samples (e.g., milk, plasma, and serum), providing interesting insights into the so called intermediate phenotypes that lie in the middle between the genomic space (or level) and the final or external phenotypes, that in livestock might be production traits such as growth rate, milk production, fat deposition, and other economic relevant traits. • Metabolomics applied to animal breeding might become a cornerstone of the “next generation phenotyping” approaches that are needed to refine and improve trait description and, in turn, to improve prediction of the breeding values of the animals to cope with traditional and new objectives of the selection programs. • Integration of metabolomics with livestock genomics has been presented in just few studies with promising perspectives. • Genome-wide association studies with metabotypes (mGWAS) described thus far in cattle and pigs have linked genomic variability with metabotype levels in relevant biofluids. • Network reconstruction methodologies based on systems genetics concepts have been applied to disentangle the complexity of metabolomics information and linking metabolomics with other omics data. • New and conventional traits and related genetic architecture could be better defined using metabotypes opening opportunities for novel applications in animal breeding.
Using a cross‐model loadings plot to identify protein spots causing 2‐DE gels to become outliers in PCA

The multivariate method PCA is an exploratory tool often used to get an overview of multivariate data, such as the quantified spot volumes of digitized 2‐DE gels. PCA can reveal hidden structures present in the data, and thus enables identification of potential outliers and clustering. Based on PCA, we here present an approach for identification of protein spots causing 2‐DE gels to become outliers. The approach can potentially obviate analytical exclusion of entire 2‐DE gels.
Limitations of performance of a missile homing system

This paper would investigate fundamental limitations on the dynamic performance of a missile homing system. A linearized model of a proportional navigation guidance and control loop is shown in the block diagram below. This linear time-varying system is investigated in the paper. An important factor in the design of control systems is time-domain response to external inputs. Recent theoretical work on linear time-invariant system limitations is extended to linear time-varying systems, and is applied to the problem of determining the smallest miss distance achievable using a controller in the loop. This is formulated as a convex minimization problem. Application is made to the effect of hard limits on allowable missile acceleration on the final miss distance.
Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Provides Equivalent Survival to Open Esophagectomy: An Analysis of the National Cancer Database.

The use of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is increasing despite limited evidence to support its efficacy. We compared overall survival and perioperative mortality for MIE vs open esophagectomy (OE). We queried the National Cancer Database for all patients having esophagectomy as the primary procedure for primary squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma from 2010 through 2012. A propensity score analysis was performed. Postoperative pathology and quality, as well as overall patient survival outcomes, were compared between OE and MIE. The use of MIE increased from 26.9% in 2010 to 36.3% in 2012 (P < 0.001). Of 3032 patients (2050 OE and 982 MIE) who were identified, propensity score matching (1:1) yielded 977 patients in each group. Mean lymph nodes examined were higher in the MIE group (16.3 vs 14.5, P < 0.001). However, final pathologic nodal stage was not significantly different in the matched sample. There was also no difference in pathologic upstaging or margin status between the groups. All other postoperative variables were equivalent, including an average length of stay of 14 days, unplanned readmission rate of 6.5%, and 30-day and 90-day mortality rates of 3% and 7%, respectively. There was no survival difference, with a median survival of 48.7 months for OE and 46.6 months for MIE (Kaplan-Meier analysis, P = 0.376). During the 3-year period analyzed, there were no significant differences in postoperative outcomes and quality metrics between OE and MIE. Although short-term outcomes are limited in the National Cancer Database, MIE appears to have equivalent oncological outcomes and survival when compared with the open approach.
Use of Aminoglycosides in Critically Ill Patients: Individualization of Dosage Using Bayesian Statistics and Pharmacokinetic Principles

Dosage prediction methods for optimization of aminoglycoside therapy were evaluated in 19 critically ill patients. Two different three-point methods and a novel Bayesian method were used. The predictive accuracy and precision of all tested methods were clinically satisfactory. The time needed for the necessary calculations was 10–15 min. After administration of predicted dosages. 90% of the observed peak and trough aminoglycoside serum concentrations fell within the therapeutic range. Without systematic use of these prediction methods, only 40% of tobramycin peak serum concentrations and 80% of trough serum concentrations were within the therapeutic range. Daily dosage adjustments particularly in patients with rapid changes of aminoglycoside clearance are greatly facilitated by use of these prediction methods. These findings suggest that all of the dosage prediction methods tested are well suited for optimization of aminoglycoside dosage regimens.
CTX-M-3 Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase in a Shigella sonnei Clinical Isolate: First Report from Turkey

A Shigella sonnei strain resistant to cefotaxime and aztreonam (but not ceftazidime) was isolated from the stool sample of a 7-y-old outpatient. Double disk synergy test, isoelectric focusing, polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis confirmed that the isolate produced CTX-M-3, an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). This is the first report from Turkey of Shigella spp. producing an ESBL, and of CTX-M type enzyme.
A Test of the Design Rules in Health Care

This paper presents a field research study involving application of the first three design Rules-in-Use of Toyota Production System in a health care setting, which like many other health care organizations resembles a broken system. Qualitative research is used to collect the data and a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches are used to analyze the data. A regression model reveals a significant association between proper application of the rules and outcomes of process improvement efforts. The results confirm that with some refinement, the Rules-inUse are transportable to health care and may provide an answer to health care’s systemic issues.