Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pilin Antigenic Variation Occurs Independently of the RecBCD Pathway in Neisseria gonorrhoeae

ABSTRACT Type IV pilus expression has been strongly implicated in the virulence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea. In Neisseria, these pili undergo frequent antigenic variation (Av), which is presumed to allow reinfection of high-risk groups. Pilin Av is the result of RecA-mediated recombination events between the gene encoding the major pilin subunit (pilE) and multiple silent pilin locus (pilS) copies, utilizing a RecF-like recombination pathway. The role of RecBCD in pilin Av has been controversial. Previous studies measuring pilin Av in recB and recD mutants in two independent strains of N. gonorrhoeae (MS11 and FA1090) by indirect methods yielded conflicting results. In addition, these two laboratory strains have been suggested to express very different DNA repair capabilities. We show that the FA1090 and MS11 parental strains have similar abilities to repair DNA damage via UV-induced DNA damage, nalidixic acid-induced double-strand breaks, and methyl methanesulfonate-induced alkylation and that RecB and RecD are involved in the repair of these lesions. To test the role of the RecBCD pathway in pilin Av, the rate and frequency of pilin Av were directly measured by sequencing the pilE locus in randomly selected piliated progeny of both MS11 and FA1090 in recB and recD mutants. Our results definitively show that recB and recD mutants undergo pilin Av at rates similar to those of the parents in both strain backgrounds, demonstrating that efficient pilin Av is neither enhanced nor inhibited by the RecBCD complex.
Segmenting Chinese Backpackers by Travel Motivations

School of Management, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaABSTRACTThis study examined travel motivations of Chinese backpackers and classiﬁed Chinese backpackers according to their travel motivations andrelated demographics. The study identiﬁed four motivation factors driving Chinese backpacker travels: social interaction, self-actualization,destination experience and escape and relaxation. K-means cluster analysis further identiﬁed three distinct Chinese backpacker segments withdifferenttravelmotivations:self-actualizers,destinationexperiencers andsocialseekers.ExplanationsanddiscussionswithinthebackgroundofChina’s ongoing tremendous social and economic transformation are also provided. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing a Value Management Capability: A Literature Study and Exploratory Case Study

The present research identifies and defines value management practices that can help to accommodate and organize IS investments in order to secure and maximize their value-creating potential. Drawing on the resource-based view, we developed a conceptual model organizing 25 unique practices as part of three distinct competences (structural, process, and relational) that are integrated and mobilized through an overarching Value Management Capability. Findings are based on a literature review and exploratory case study.
The relationship between total quality management practices and their effects on bank’s technical efficiency

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between total quality management (TQM) practices and banks’ technical efficiency. Design/methodology/approach – A survey questionnaire was constructed to measure TQM practices and quantitative data were collected to measure banks’ technical efficiency. The respondents were required to indicate their degree of implementation of quality management practices in the survey instrument. Organizational performance was indicated by quantitatively measuring banks’ technical efficiency using data envelopment methodology. Findings – The study found that there is a relationship between TQM practices and organizational performance, as measured by banks’ technical efficiency. Furthermore, the TQM practices of human resources management and technical systems would appear to be important practices in impacting banks’ technical efficiency. Research limitations/implications – This study only considered commercial banks registered in the first market of .
Economic Education in U.S. High Schools

The teaching of economics at the high school level is vital for increasing basic economic literacy. This assessment of high school economics in the United States covers seven topics: enrollments in courses; course content; the testing of students; achievement in economics courses; economics instruction in related courses; teacher preparation for economics instruction; and the contributions from organizations and economists. Significant improvements are found in the teaching, content, and testing of high school economics over the past two decades, but more work is needed because a formal course in economics is taken by less than half of high school graduates.
A Novel Algorithm Based on Polynomial Approximations for an Efficient Error Compensation of Magnetic Analog Encoders in PMSMs for EVs

This paper presents a novel algorithm based on polynomial approximations (PAs) for an efficient error compensation of magnetic analog encoders (MAEs) in permanent-magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) intended for electric vehicle (EV) propulsion. The proposed PA algorithm requires a negligible memory space compared to a very high-resolution look-up table (LUT). The use of polynomials allows compensating every possible input rotor position without carrying out an interpolation or a rounding to the nearest quantized value. The PA algorithm has been implemented to work in real time on a TM4 EV drive controlling an 80 kW PMSM. The performance of the algorithm has been validated at 6000 and 9000 r/min under +85 and ±55 Nm of torque, respectively. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) effects have been minimized using a type-2 phase-locked loop (PLL). The proposed PA algorithm assisted with the PLL is capable of reducing the total position error to a range as small as ±0.2°. The combination of these two algorithms is a promising solution for compensating the position error in quadrature analog encoders. The experimental results obtained with the 80 kW PMSM demonstrate the feasibility of low-cost MAEs for achieving high-performance field-oriented control (FOC) of PMSMs in EV drives.
Laryngotracheal reconstruction in canines: fixation of autologous costochondral grafts using polylactic and polyglycolic acid miniplates.

OBJECTIVE To examine the feasibility of a new method of laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) that uses a bioabsorbable plating system consisting of polylactic and polyglycolic acid and provides some advantages over currently used methods. DESIGN AND INTERVENTIONS Anterior subglottic stenosis was created in 10 beagles that then underwent LTR using an autologous costochondral graft. External laryngotracheal framework and cartilage grafts were secured using a sheet and screws made from a copolymer composed of polylactic and polyglycolic acid. Animals were humanely killed at 40, 60, and 90 days, and specimens were submitted for pathological examination. Histologic analysis included evaluation for inflammatory reaction, polylactic and polyglycolic acid incorporation into cartilage, cartilage necrosis, cartilage remodeling, and graft epithelialization. RESULTS All animals underwent LTR after creation of a subglottic stenosis without episodes of airway compromise. After LTR, all airways were returned to prestenosis diameter without significant complication, and all animals were immediately extubated after surgery without difficulty. After the animals were killed, distraction of the stenotic cricoid area was demonstrated in 100% of the cases. Significant necrosis was noted in 2 of 10 grafts grossly; however, histologic analysis demonstrated significant areas of viable cartilage, areas of cartilage remodeling, and good epithelialization despite graft necrosis. Complete epithelialization of grafts was noted in the other 8 specimens. CONCLUSIONS Using a canine model, we demonstrated a bioabsorbable plating system that offers an effective method for LTR. This model has the advantages of providing external support to the operated laryngeal and tracheal framework, elimination of the difficulties of suture placement, and potential future failure while offering rigid external fixation of a cartilage graft.
Democracy promotion as external governance?

In supporting democratic norms in third countries the European Union (EU) uses network more than hierarchical modes of governance. The exception is where the adoption of internal modes is set as a condition for countries to join the Union. In other cases, limited bargaining power and complex domestic political structures in third countries militate against the use of hierarchy in democracy support policies. Geostrategic concerns over stability represent part of the causal dynamics of these two variables. There is some correlation between governance mode and effectiveness, but this is less strong than the role played by domestic politics in determining impact. The latter help to explain a breach between rule selection and application: EU governance rules are often transferred without significant impact on third country political dynamics.
Complementary filter design on the Special Euclidean group SE(3)

This paper considers the problem of obtaining high quality pose estimation (position and orientation) from a combination of low cost sensors, such as an inertial measurement unit and vision sensor. A non-linear complementary filter is proposed that evolves on the Special Euclidean Group SE(3). Exponential stability of the filter is proved. Simulation results are presented to illustrate simplicity and demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach. Experimental results reinforce the convergence of the filter.
First Mover Advantages in Central and Eastern Europe

SUMMARY Businesses entering early into new markets are believed to attain crucial competitive advantages over later entrants. However, this contention receives only mixed support in the empirical literature, in part because performance is measured in different ways. We reexamine the performance difference between early movers and followers entering new geographical markets based on a sample of foreign entrants in Poland, Hungary and Lithuania. We contrast market share with two other measures of firm performance that are based on the managers' perception of their own performance relative to their own prior expectations and relative to industry standards. We find that market share is strongly related to order of entry, but we did not find a positive relationship between order of entry and perceived performance. We found general support for early mover advantages in Hungary and Poland but a strongly negative relationship for Lithuania, suggesting that early entry is a trade off between risk and return.
Sub-1-V Supply Self-Adaptive CMOS Image Sensor Cell With 86-dB Dynamic Range

This letter presents a high dynamic range CMOS active pixel structure operating at a sub-1-V supply voltage, which is implemented using a standard 0.18-mum CMOS logic process. In order to improve the output voltage swing range and associated pixel dynamic range at a low supply voltage, a pMOS reset structure is incorporated into the pixel structure along with a photogate pixel structure based on the self-adaptive photosensing operation. At a low supply voltage of 0.9 V, the new pixel provides an output voltage swing range of 0.41 V and a high dynamic range of 86 dB, which is the highest among the reported pixel structures up to date operating at sub-1-V
Altered heart rate variability depend on the characteristics of coronary lesions in stable angina pectoris

Objective: Dysfunction of cardiac autonomic nerve system is considered as one of risk factors for coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been used to study the correlation between damage of coronary artery and dysfunction of autonomic nervous system. We hypothesize the correlation between damage of coronary artery and dysfunction of autonomic nervous system by HRV among subjects with stable angina. Methods: A 236 subjects who diagnosed as stable angina pectoris by elective coronary angiography, were divided into two groups by Gensini score system (GS):GS≤32 (GS1) and GS2>32 (GS2). Subgroups were divided based on location of stenosis lesions and the number of coronary artery disease. 86 subjects suspicious with stable angina pectoris with normal coronary angiography were selected as the control group. All subjects were received 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram and the result of time-domain HRV was analyzed (SDNN, SDANN, SDNNind, RMSSD, PNN50). Results: Compared with control group, SDNN, SDNNind and RMSSD lower in GS1, and SDNN, SDANN, SDNNind, RMSSD, PNN50 lower in GS2; ccompared with GS1, SDNN was lower in GS2. Compared with control group, SDNN in one-vessel, SDNN, SDANN in two-vessel diseased and in three-vessel diseased were lower, and compared with two-vessel diseased, SDNN, SDANN lower in three-vessel diseased. Compared with right-coronary artery diseased, SDNN and SDANN in left-coronary artery diseased group were lower, while compared with lesions in left circumflex, SDNN in lesions in left anterior descending artery lower. Conclusion: HRV may be play a crucial role in estimating the correlation between damage of coronary artery and dysfunction of autonomic nerve system.
The 1987 USA National CAPD Registry report.

The National CAPD Registry has noted encouraging trends in CAPD therapy in the U.S. Recently, trained patients have reported lower peritonitis rates, fewer days hospitalized for dialysis-related events, and lower probability of developing a first episode of a complication. If accumulating experience, better patient selection, and new technologic developments further these trends, then the relatively high transfer rates should begin to decrease since many transfers are related to peritonitis and other complications. The Registry's observations suggest that CAPD is an evolving therapy and that as complication rates and transfer rates decrease, CAPD may play an even greater role in the treatment of patients with end-stage renal disease.
Adaptive Bayesian Object Tracking with Histograms of Dense Local Image Descriptors

Dense local image descriptors like SIFT are fruitful for capturing salient information about image, shown to be successful in various image-related tasks when formed in bag-of-words representation (i.e., histograms). In this paper we consider to utilize these dense local descriptors in the object tracking problem. A notable aspect of our tracker is that instead of adopting a point estimate for the target model, we account for uncertainty in data noise and model incompleteness by maintaining a distribution over plausible candidate models within the Bayesian framework. The target model is also updated adaptively by the principled Bayesian posterior inference, which admits a closed form within our Dirichlet prior modeling. With empirical evaluations on some video datasets, the proposed method is shown to yield more accurate tracking than baseline histogram-based trackers with the same types of features, often being superior to the appearance-based (visual) trackers.
Design analysis of an MPI human functional brain scanner

MPI’s high sensitivity makes it a promising modality for imaging brain function. Functional contrast is proposed based on blood SPION concentration changes due to Cerebral Blood Volume (CBV) increases during activation, a mechanism utilized in fMRI studies. MPI offers the potential for a direct and more sensitive measure of SPION concentration, and thus CBV, than fMRI. As such, fMPI could surpass fMRI in sensitivity, enhancing the scientific and clinical value of functional imaging. As human-sized MPI systems have not been attempted, we assess the technical challenges of scaling MPI from rodent to human brain. We use a full-system MPI simulator to test arbitrary hardware designs and encoding practices, and we examine tradeoffs imposed by constraints that arise when scaling to human size as well as safety constraints (PNS and central nervous system stimulation) not considered in animal scanners, thereby estimating spatial resolutions and sensitivities achievable with current technology. Using a projection FFL MPI system, we examine coil hardware options and their implications for sensitivity and spatial resolution. We estimate that an fMPI brain scanner is feasible, although with reduced sensitivity (20×) and spatial resolution (5×) compared to existing rodent systems. Nonetheless, it retains sufficient sensitivity and spatial resolution to make it an attractive future instrument for studying the human brain; additional technical innovations can result in further improvements.
The role of microtubules in the regulation of proteoglycan synthesis in chondrocytes under hydrostatic pressure.

Chondrocytes of the articular cartilage sense mechanical factors associated with joint loading, such as hydrostatic pressure, and maintain the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix by regulating the metabolism of proteoglycans (PGs) and collagens. Intermittent hydrostatic pressure stimulates, while continuous high hydrostatic pressure inhibits, the biosynthesis of PGs. High continuous hydrostatic pressure also changes the structure of cytoskeleton and Golgi complex in cultured chondrocytes. Using microtubule (MT)-affecting drugs nocodazole and taxol as tools we examined whether MTs are involved in the regulation of PG synthesis in pressurized primary chondrocyte monolayer cultures. Disruption of the microtubular array by nocodazole inhibited [(35)S]sulfate incorporation by 39-48%, while MT stabilization by taxol caused maximally a 17% inhibition. Continuous hydrostatic pressure further decreased the synthesis by 34-42% in nocodazole-treated cultures. This suggests that high pressure exerts its inhibitory effect through mechanisms independent of MTs. On the other hand, nocodazole and taxol both prevented the stimulation of PG synthesis by cyclic 0. 5 Hz, 5 MPa hydrostatic pressure. The drugs did not affect the structural and functional properties of the PGs, and none of the treatments significantly affected cell viability, as indicated by the high level of PG synthesis 24-48 h after the release of drugs and/or high hydrostatic pressure. Our data on two-dimensional chondrocyte cultures indicate that inhibition of PG synthesis by continuous high hydrostatic pressure does not interfere with the MT-dependent vesicle traffic, while the stimulation of synthesis by cyclic pressure does not occur if the dynamic nature of MTs is disturbed by nocodazole. Similar phenomena may operate in cartilage matrix embedded chondrocytes.
The relationship of tissue localization, distribution and turnover to feeding after intraperitoneal 125I-leptin administration to ob/ob and db/db mice.

Brain and whole body localization and distribution of 125I-leptin was determined after intraperitoneal administration to ob/ob and db/db mice, and was compared to inhibition of food intake. Food intake was not significantly inhibited at3 hours post-injection, but was decreased significantly at 6 h (p < 0.0007) and 24 h (p < 0.02) in ob/ob mice, times at which > 97 % of the radioactive dose was found in the urine. The highest concentrations of 125I-leptin at all time-points were found in the serum, liver and kidneys. These findings were verified by whole body autoradiography. Virtually no 125I-leptin was found in the CNS at later timepoints in either ob/ob or db/db mice. Coronal sectioning of entire brains from ob/ob and db/db mice revealed 125I radioactivity localized to the choroid plexus and in the ventricular space, but not in other CNS regions. No differences in localization, accumulation, or clearance of 125I-leptin in ob/ob vs. db/db mice were found in any of the tissues studied. The present studies demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of leptin on food intake in the ob/ob mouse persists for up to 24 hours after a single dose, despite the complete degradation and elimination of the labeled leptin during the first several hours after injection.
Epidural abscess caused by Mycobacterium abscessus

Summary Background: Mycobacterium abscessus is a member of the Rapidly Growing Mycobacterium (RGM). The incidence of Mycobacterium abscessus infections has steadily been increasing over the last decade. We report the case of an epidural abscess caused by Mycobacterium abscessus. RGM’s have infrequently been reported as spinal infections and we found no prior cases reporting M. abscessus as the definitive etiologic agent of an epidural abscess. Case Report: A 50 year old female presented with significant back pain and was found to have an epidural abscess by magnetic resonance imaging. The abscess was drained via needle. Initial cultures were negative for bacterial pathogens, and the patient was discharged to a skilled nursing facility for empiric antibiotic treatment. Eventually the culture grew Mycobacterium abscessus. The patient had unfortunately left the nursing facility and was lost to follow up. Conclusions: Mycobacterium abscessus is an increasingly recognized pathogen with particular risk factors that physicians should be aware of. Central nervous system infections are rare, but do occur. Treatment is difficult, though multiple antibiotic regimens have been reported successful. Surgical debridement is often needed.
Now, let's make it really complex (complicated): A systematic review of the complexities of projects

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to operations management (OM) practice contingency research by describing the complexity of projects. Complexity is recognised as a key independent (contingent) variable that impacts on many subsequent decisions in the practice of managing projects.Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a systematic review of relevant literature and synthesises an integrated framework for assessing the complexities of managing projects.Findings – This framework comprises five dimensions of complexity – structural, uncertainty, dynamics, pace and socio‐political complexity. These five dimensions present individuals and organisations with choices about how they respond to each type of complexity, in terms of business case, strategic choice, process choice, managerial capacity and competencies.Originality/value – The contribution of this paper is to provide a clarification to the epistemology of complexity, to demonstrate complexity as a lived experience for pro.
Environmental Tax Reform and the Double Dividend: A Meta-Analytical Performance Assessment

In this paper, we offer a meta-analytical synthesis of recent (simulation) studies on environmental tax reform (ETR). The studies considered here look at both environmental effects (e.g., reduction in CO2 emission) and economic effects (e.g. employment gains) consequent upon such a tax reform. The existing statistical results from the literature mainly suggest that the tax type, the recycling policy and the economic model used in the simulations significantly influence the chance that a ‘double dividend’ effect can be obtained. These empirical results are, however, not entirely conclusive regarding the question of which combination of policies and models will lead to a higher double dividend. This issue is investigated in our study by a quantitative meta-analytic approach. Our meta-analytic statistical experiment demonstrates that the total effect of a tax-and-recycle policy has a significant influence on the economic variables (second dividend), when employment is used. It is also shown that different definitions of the double dividend contribute in determining the success of ETR, in particular since the effects on GDP are less clear than for employment. These findings should be taken into consideration when deploying an ETR in a policy context, in order to prevent a situation where ETR is rejected or accepted solely due to characteristics of one simulation study rather than through a wide set of results from different studies.