Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterning of plant cell wall deposition by cortical microtubules

Plant cells are surrounded by cell walls. Cell walls provide strength to protect and shape the cells they surround. Structural strength is particularly important in the water conducting tissue of the xylem. Water and nutrient transport is driven by water evaporation at the leaves, generating a negative pressure in the tubular xylem vessels. Patterned cell wall reinforcements are deposited during the development of these cells that function in counteracting the negative pressure. The cell wall reinforcements are deposited in a diverse number of patterns. Secondary cell wall thickenings in the form of rings and spirals provide physical strength, while allowing elongation of the surrounding tissue in the newly grown plant parts. Plant cell walls consist of a mixture of polysaccharides, forming an intricate network with cellulose microfibrils as the main load-bearing component. The cortical microtubule array dictates the direction and location of newly polymerised cellulose microfibrils in primary cell wall deposition. In this thesis, I focus on understanding if and how microtubule dynamics control the patterning of secondary cell wall position. Which self-organizing properties of microtubules change to generate a microtubule pattern and how is this pattern translated to a patterned cell wall deposition during protoxylem formation? We measured the microtubule dynamicity parameters growth velocity, shrink velocity, rescue rate and catastrophe rate which are important for the self-organizational capability of the microtubule array. We show that the rescue and catastrophe rate increases in the microtubule gap area compared to the microtubule band area. Via stochastic computer simulations we show that a 2-fold increase of the catastrophe rate is sufficient to generate microtubule bands and gaps. Furthermore we investigate if gravity is a factor able to influence the reorganization of the microtubule array during protoxylem formation. Altogether, the results indicate that local changes in the rescue and catastrophe rate are responsible for the generation of microtubule bands and gaps over time during protoxylem formation.
rgument form and spokesperson type : The recommendation trategy of virtual salespersons

A recommendation agent (RA) at a Webstore is believed to replace the functions of communicating and facilitating purchases for which conventional salespersons are responsible in traditional stores. Seeing the RA as a virtual salesperson, this study proposed a model to demonstrate the online persuasion process between RAs and customers. Specifically, by integrating Toulmin’s model of argumentation with the spokesperson strategy from marketing theory, this study developed a model illustrating that Webstore managers may be able to manipulate the argument form and spokesperson type used in RAs’ recommendations to strengthen customers’ online purchase intentions through influencing their perceived argument quality and source credibility. Based on data derived from 270 subjects who participated in a 3 × 3 laboratory experiment, findings supported five out of six hypotheses. This study has broadened the scope of RA studies by utilizing different theoretical foundations other than the trust-assuring issues that were widely discussed in the past. Findings were able to provide crucial practical implications for re m both scholars and Websto
Treatment with insulin glargine (Lantus®) increases the proliferative potency of the serum of patients with type-1 diabetes: a pilot study on MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Context and objective: Insulin glargine (Lantus®) stimulates growth of MCF-7 cells stronger than human insulin. We investigated if serum from diabetic patients treated with glargine versus human insulin may display a similar effect. Methods: Pairs of serum samples from 31 C-peptide negative type-1 diabetic patients were investigated. In cross-over fashion, 23 patients were treated with glargine plus rapid-acting insulin analogues, and similar doses of human NPH and rapid-acting insulin. For comparison, eight patients were treated with insulin detemir (Levemir®) and human NPH. MCF-7 cells were incubated with 10% serum and proliferation was assessed after 72 hours. Results: Serum containing insulin glargine was 1.11(95% CI 1.05–1.18) fold more mitogenic than human insulin-containing serum (p < 0.005); mitogenicity of serum containing detemir was 0.99(95% CI 0.98–1.02) fold that of human insulin-containing serum. Conclusion: The serum of diabetic patients was slightly stronger mitogenic when using glargine as compared to human insulin or detemir for treatment.
Evolutionary perspectives on human height variation

Human height is a highly variable trait, both within and between populations, has a high heritability, and influences the manner in which people behave and are treated in society. Although we know much about human height, this information has rarely been brought together in a comprehensive, systematic fashion. Here, we present a synthetic review of the literature on human height from an explicit evolutionary perspective, addressing its phylogenetic history, development, and environmental and genetic influences on growth and stature. In addition to presenting evidence to suggest the past action of natural selection on human height, we also assess the evidence that natural and sexual selection continues to act on height in contemporary populations. Although there is clear evidence to suggest that selection acts on height, mainly through life‐history processes but perhaps also directly, it is also apparent that methodological factors reduce the confidence with which such inferences can be drawn, and there remain surprising gaps in our knowledge. The inability to draw firm conclusions about the adaptiveness of such a highly visible and easily measured trait suggests we should show an appropriate degree of caution when dealing with other human traits in evolutionary perspective.
Correlation of invasive and non-invasive blood pressure: A must for management

A 74-year-old male (43 kg, ASA status II)) patient was posted for parotid gland excision. The patient’s medical history was significant for chronic obstructive lung disease. He had fair effort tolerance (New York Heart Association-II). All pre-operative investigations were normal except for moderate obstruction in spirometry and typical hyperinflation features in chest X-ray. His physical examination and airway assessment were unremarkable.
Detection of Leptospira DNA in urine and presence of specific antibodies in outdoor cats in Germany

Objectives Clinical manifestation of infection with Leptospira species in cats is rare. Nevertheless, cats can develop specific antibodies against the spirochetes after infection. In Canada, Taiwan and the USA it was recently demonstrated that naturally infected cats can also shed DNA from pathogenic Leptospira species in their urine, but the zoonotic potential of infected cats is still unclear. The objective of this study was to demonstrate if outdoor cats in Germany shed DNA from pathogenic Leptospira species in their urine. As a second aim, antibody prevalence was determined. Methods Two hundred and fifteen outdoor cats were prospectively recruited. Urine samples were tested by real-time PCR targeting the lipL32 gene of pathogenic Leptospira species. Antibody titres against eight serovars (Australis, Autumnalis, Bratislava, Canicola, Copenhageni, Grippotyphosa, Pomona, Saxkoebing) belonging to seven serogroups (Australis, Autumnalis, Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona, Sejroe) were determined by microscopic agglutination test. Results Urine samples from 7/215 cats (3.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9−5.7) were PCR-positive. Specific antibodies were detected in 35/195 cats (17.9%; 95% CI: 12.5−23.3) with titres ranging from 1:100 to 1:6400. Australis, Bratislava and Grippotyphosa were the most common serovars. Conclusions and relevance Outdoor cats in Germany can shed DNA from pathogenic Leptospira species. Therefore, outdoor cats should be considered as a possible source of infection for dogs or humans. Further studies are needed to determine the role of Leptospira species as a cause of disease in cats.
Complex patterns of hybridization between exotic and native North American poplar species.

UNLABELLED PREMISE OF THE STUDY Poplars and their hybrids are seen as important candidates for bioenergy initiatives. However, many concerns have been raised about large-scale plantations of new poplar cultivars. The deployment of such plants with novel traits brings the risk of potential spread of novel genome regions (including exotic genes, transgenes, or other heritable modifications) into natural populations of related species. The possibility of introgression is especially high in poplars because reproductive barriers between species are weak. Knowledge of the frequency of hybridization between cultivated trees and natural populations is one important step in the risk-assessment process. • METHODS We studied the rate of spontaneous hybridization from two sexually mature poplar plantations into adjacent natural populations of Populus deltoides and P. balsamifera. The two plantations, both in eastern Canada, contain many different complex hybrid clones with components from exotic species, mostly P. nigra, P. trichocarpa, and P. maximowiczii. We analyzed 12 species-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms from six different genes in 5373 offspring sampled from the natural populations. • RESULTS Contributions from all three exotics were found in the offspring, confirming low reproductive barriers among poplar species in these sections. The frequency of hybrid offspring varied among pollen donors, recipient populations, and years. • CONCLUSIONS The remarkably high rate of hybridization that was found in the smallest natural population sampled suggests that small peripheral populations carry a higher risk of introgression. These results could be used as a starting point for developing regulatory guidelines for the introduction of plants with novel traits.
Evidence for breast cancer as an integral part of lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome, an autosomal dominant cancer predisposition caused by mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, mainly mainly mutL homolog 1, OMIM 120436 (MLH1) and mutS homolog 2, OMIM 609309 (MSH2), encompasses a tumor spectrum including primarily gastrointestinal, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. This study aimed at clarifying the heavily debated issue of breast cancer being part of Lynch syndrome. Detailed clinical data on cancer occurrence in Swiss female MLH1/MSH2 mutation carriers were gathered, all available breast cancer specimens assessed for molecular evidence for MMR deficiency (i.e., microsatellite instability (MSI), MMR protein expression, and somatic (epi)genetic MMR gene alterations) and compiled with the scarce molecular data available from the literature. Seventy unrelated Swiss Lynch syndrome families were investigated comprising 632 female family members at risk of which 92 were genetically verified mutation carriers (52 MLH1 and 40 MSH2). On contrast to endometrial and ovarian cancer, which occurred significantly more often and at younger age in MLH1/MSH2 mutation carriers (median 50.5 and 49.0 years; P < 0.00001), overall cumulative breast cancer incidence closely mirrored the one in the Swiss population (56.5 years). Six (85.7%) of seven breast cancer specimens available for molecular investigations displayed the hallmarks of MMR deficiency. Combined with data from the literature, MSI was present in 26 (70.3%) of 37 and altered MMR protein expression in 16 (72.7%) of 22 breast cancer specimens from MLH1/MSH2 mutation carriers. These findings, thus, provide strong molecular evidence for a pivotal role of MMR deficiency in breast cancer development in Lynch syndrome. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A general soft robot module driven by twisted and coiled actuators

Soft robots usually have soft structures and multiple degrees of freedom, and they are capable of large deformations and safe human–machine interactions. But unlike rigid robots which can be easily assembled from multitudinous general components, the fabrications of soft robots are more difficult. This work presents a general soft robot module that can be assembled into a great variety of soft robots. This module can bend in any direction and the bending angle can be controlled easily and accurately; it has a bar-like soft body made from silicone, and the bending deformation is actuated by multiple twisted and coiled actuators (TCAs) that are uniformly distributed around the soft body. The cost of the module is very low since the silicone is very cheap and TCAs are also very cheap as that they can be easily fabricated from polymer fibers such as fishing lines and sewing threads. A prototype was made, and an angle control system was established to control the bending posture of the module precisely. To verify the versatility of the module, a two-finger soft manipulator assembled by the module was made and its grabbing ability was tested.
Understanding teleworkers' technostress and its influence on job satisfaction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a theoretical model that predicts a teleworker’s job satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach By drawing on the technostress model and job characteristics theory, this study proposed a theoretical model. The proposed model was tested through a survey of 258 teleworkers from two global IT companies that have adopted telework programs. Findings The results show that technology and job characteristics jointly induce teleworkers’ technostress, which in turn reduces their job satisfaction. The results also indicate that the manner in which technology and job characteristics influence teleworkers’ technostress varies depending on the intensity of teleworking (IOT). Interestingly, this study finds that teleworkers with a low IOT are more vulnerable to technostress than those with a high IOT. Research limitations/implications By discussing the magnitude of the different factors that determine teleworkers’ technostress and job satisfaction, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of teleworkers’ challenges. The study provides insights and prescriptive guidelines that will help managers and companies develop strategies to maximize the benefits of teleworking implementation. Practical implications This study provides insights and prescriptive guidelines for managers or companies to develop strategies to maximize the benefits of teleworking implementation. Originality/value This paper is one of the first to develop and empirically test an integrated model of technostress and job characteristics. The paper outlines relevant research avenues for researchers investigating remote work and virtual collaboration.
The role of microbial amyloid in neurodegeneration

It has become apparent that the intestinal microbiota orchestrates important aspects of our metabolism, immunity, and development. Recent work has demonstrated that the microbiota also influences brain function in healthy and diseased individuals. Of great interest are reports that intestinal bacteria play a role in the pathogenic cascade of both Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases. These neurodegenerative disorders both involve misfolding of endogenous proteins that spreads from one region of the body to another in a manner analogous to prions. The mechanisms of how the microbiota influences or is correlated with disease require elaboration. Microbial proteins or metabolites may influence neurodegeneration through the promotion of amyloid formation by human proteins or by enhancing inflammatory responses to endogenous neuronal amyloids. We review the current knowledge concerning bacterial amyloids and their potential to influence cerebral amyloid aggregation and neuroinflammation. We propose the term “mapranosis” to describe the process of microbiota-associated proteopathy and neuroinflammation. The study of amyloid proteins made by the microbiota and their influence on health and disease is in its infancy. This is a promising area for therapeutic intervention because there are many ways to alter our microbial partners and their products, including amyloid proteins.
Biosynthesis and regulation of terpenoid indole alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus

Catharanthus roseus produces a wide range of terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIA). Many of them, such as vinblastine and vincristine, have significant bioactivity. They are valuable chemotherapy drugs used in combination with other drugs to treat lymphoma and leukemia. The TIA biosynthetic pathway has been investigated for many years, for scientific interest and for their potential in manufacturing applications, to fulfill the market demand. In this review, the progress and perspective of C. roseus TIA biosynthesis and its regulating enzymes are described. In addition, the culture condition, hormones, signaling molecules, precursor feeding on the accumulation of TIA, and gene expression are also evaluated and discussed.
Depressive Symptom Inventory Suicidality Subscale: Optimal Cut Points for Clinical and Non-Clinical Samples.

Suicide is a major cause of death in adulthood and specifically in patients suffering from mental illnesses. The Depressive Symptom Inventory Suicidality Subscale (DSI-SS) is widely used to detect and prevent suicidal ideation. The aim of the present study was to determine optimal cut points for the DSI-SS in different populations. We analysed the data of one population-based sample (n = 532), one outpatient sample (n = 180) and one inpatient sample (n = 244). Internal consistency, convergent validity and optimal cut points according to receiver operating characteristics were calculated. In all samples, we found excellent item-total correlations and internal consistencies for the DSI-SS. Zero-order correlations between the DSI-SS and theoretically related constructs showed positive correlation coefficients, ranging from 0.50 to 0.67. The DSI-SS differentiated well between patients with and without suicide attempts in the population-based sample, but less so in the inpatient sample and only marginally in the outpatient sample. A bootstrapping analysis showed some variability in the cut points that emerged as optimal, but there was no overlap between the different samples. The specific cut points that we identified may be used to improve the diagnostic utility of the DSI-SS and the chance to detect suicidal ideation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE We developed cut points for the Depressive Symptom Inventory Suicidality Subscale, to improve the early and valid detection of suicidal ideation by this measure. The cut points that were identified as optimal varied between the samples. The cut points differentiated well in a non-clinical sample, but less well in outpatient and inpatient samples.
Theory in rural health.

OBJECTIVE This paper offers theories to explain persistent rural health challenges and describes their application to rural health and research. METHODS Review of theories from several disciplines. FINDINGS Key issues in rural health are poorer health status and access to health care, staff shortages, relationship-based health provision and the role of health services in community sustainability. These could be fruitfully addressed by applying theory and findings around social determinants of health, economic sociology, the role of culture and capitals approaches to measuring assets. In particular, the concept of rural health might be a barrier to progressing knowledge; and relational approaches, common in geography, offer a more useful conceptual framework for studying health and place. CONCLUSIONS To move beyond its current stage, rural health needs to look to other disciplines' theories and ideas; particularly, it needs a more contemporary understanding of what place means so that health status and service provision can be improved by more thoughtful research.
In-plane elastic wave propagation in aluminum honeycomb cores fabricated by bonding corrugated sheets

Aluminum honeycomb cores are widely used in sandwich structures due to their high stiffness-to-weight ratios and very low densities. However, owing to their porous architecture, honeycomb cores are inherently week and are susceptible to damage due to inadvertent or improper loadings on their encompassing sandwich structure. This damage can potentially lead to the failure of the sandwich structure, and therefore it should be detected and evaluated, preferably using nondestructive methods. Common nondestructive techniques have limited effectiveness in inspecting aluminum honeycombs due to their porous structure and dispersive properties. Since honeycombs are less dispersive at sub-ultrasound frequencies, inspecting them using low and sub-ultrasound frequencies has been introduced lately as a promising alternative to ultrasound inspection. However, this approach requires a priori knowledge of the wave propagation characteristics in the inspected material, which is not readily available for most commercially available aluminum honeycombs, especially the ones manufactured by joining thin corrugated sheets. Thus, this work utilizes finite element computations to assess the low frequency wave propagation characteristics (i.e. phase velocity and dispersive properties) in commercially available aluminum honeycombs made by bonding thin corrugated sheets. Results illustrate that the dispersive behavior and acoustic anisotropy of the studied honeycombs are more significant at higher porosities and high frequencies as well as identify the frequencies below which honeycombs exhibit their least dispersive acoustic behavior.
A hybrid method for Chinese address segmentation

ABSTRACT Chinese address segmentation is a serious challenge in geographic information system geocoding. Most previous studies have relied on predefined gazetteers without considering the information contained by a raw address corpus. In this paper, a hybrid method employing both rule-based and statistical methods is proposed for Chinese address segmentation without a predefined gazetteer. This approach utilizes statistical methods to extract address information from a raw address corpus and a rule-based method to segment Chinese addresses. Two typical statistical methods and their combinations with rule-based methods are compared with the hybrid method in an experiment involving approximately 460,000 address items in Shenzhen City, China. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method achieves an F-score of over 0.8, which is better than those of existing methods, thus validating the proposed method.