Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies of the pore-forming domain of a voltage-gated potassium channel protein.

Recent mutagenesis studies have identified a stretch of amino acid residues which form the ion-selective pore of the voltage-gated potassium channel. It has been suggested that this sequence of amino acids forms a beta-barrel structure making up the structure of the ion-selective pore [Hartman, H.A. , Kirsch, G.E. , Drewe, J.A. , Taglialatela, M. , Joho, R.H. and Brown, A.M. (1991) Science, 251, 942-944; Yellen, G. , Jurman, M.E. , Abramson, T. and MacKinnon, R. (1991) Science, 251, 939-942; Yool, A.J. and Schwarz, T.L. (1991) Nature, 349, 700-704]. We have synthesized a polypeptide corresponding to this amino acid sequence (residues 431-449 of the ShA potassium channel from Drosophila). A tetrameric version of this sequence was also synthesized by linking together four of these peptides onto a branching lysine core. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy have been used to investigate the structure of these peptides after their reconstitution into lyso phosphatidylcholine micelles and lipid bilayers composed of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine and dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol. The spectroscopic studies show that these peptides are predominantly alpha-helical in these lipid environments. When incorporated into planar lipid bilayers both peptides induce ion channel activity. Molecular modelling studies based upon the propensity of these peptides to form an alpha-helical secondary structure in a hydrophobic environment are described. These results are discussed in the light of recent mutagenesis and binding studies of the Drosophila Shaker potassium ion channel protein.
Mechanisms of nasal obstruction in sleep

Pathophysiological aspects of the nasal and pharyngeal airways are discussed with particular reference to breathing disorders in sleep. Hypotonus of dilator muscles in sleep permits the pharynx to comply with inspiratory pressures. If airflow resistances are increased by nasal disease, complete inspiratory obstructive closure of the pharynx and apnea can result from nasal breathing in sleeping subjects. Recumbency increases resistive swelling of inflamed nasal mucosa. Furthermore in patients with normal mucosa and unilateral nasal obstruction, contralateral recumbency induces contralateral obstruction which increases resistance to nasal breathing; and in either dorsal or lateral recumbency the congestive phase of the spontaneous nasal cycle acts in a similar way. Examples of breathing disorders in sleep and impaired quality of sleep in patients with obstructive mucosal disease and both bilateral and unilateral structural abnormalities arc cited.
Augmented Reality meets Deep Learning

The success of deep learning in computer vision is based on the availability of large annotated datasets. To lower the need for hand labeled images, virtually rendered 3D worlds have recently gained popularity. Unfortunately, creating realistic 3D content is challenging on its own and requires significant human effort. In this work, we propose an alternative paradigm which combines real and synthetic data for learning semantic instance segmentation models. Exploiting the fact that not all aspects of the scene are equally important for this task, we propose to augment real-world imagery with virtual objects of the target category. Capturing real-world images at large scale is easy and cheap, and directly provides real background appearances without the need for creating complex 3D models of the environment. We present an efficient procedure to augment these images with virtual objects. This allows us to create realistic composite images which exhibit both realistic background appearance as well as a large number of complex object arrangements. In contrast to modeling complete 3D environments, our data augmentation approach requires only a few user interactions in combination with 3D shapes of the target object category. We demonstrate the utility of the proposed approach for training a state-of-the-art high-capacity deep model for semantic instance segmentation. In particular, we consider the task of segmenting car instances on the KITTI dataset which we have annotated with pixel-accurate ground truth. Our experiments demonstrate that models trained on augmented imagery generalize better than those trained on synthetic data or models trained on limited amounts of annotated real data.
Square-free Strings Over Alphabet Lists

We solve an open problem that was posed in [GKM10]: Given an alphabet list L = L1, . , Ln, where |Li| = 3 and 0 ≤ i ≤ n, can we always find a square-free string, W = W1W2 . Wn, where Wi ∈ Li? We show that this is indeed the case. We do so using an “offending suffix” characterization of forced repetitions, and a counting, non-constructive, technique. We discuss future directions related to finding a constructive solution, namely a polytime algorithm for generating square-free words over such lists.
A High-Frequency Isolation (HFI) Charging DC Port Combining a Front-End Three-Level Converter with a Back-End LLC Resonant Converter

The high-frequency isolation (HFI) charging DC port can serve as the interface between unipolar/bipolar DC buses and electric vehicles (EVs) through the two-power-stage system structure that combines the front-end three-level converter with the back-end logical link control (LLC) resonant converter. The DC output voltage can be maintained within the desired voltage range by the front-end converter. The electrical isolation can be realized by the back-end LLC converter, which has the bus converter function. According to the three-level topology, the low-voltage rating power devices can be adapted for half-voltage stress of the total DC grid, and the PWM phase-shift control can double the equivalent switching frequency to greatly reduce the filter volume. LLC resonant converters have advance characteristics of inverter-side zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) and rectifier-side zero-current switching (ZCS). In particular, it can achieve better performance under quasi-resonant frequency mode. Additionally, the magnetizing current can be modified following different DC output voltages, which have the self-adaptation ZVS condition for decreasing the circulating current. Here, the principles of the proposed topology are analyzed in detail, and the design conditions of the three-level output filter and high-frequency isolation transformer are explored. Finally, a 20 kW prototype with the 760 V input and 200–500 V output are designed and tested. The experimental results are demonstrated to verify the validity and performance of this charging DC port system structure.
Host Species Restriction of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus through Its Receptor, Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4

ABSTRACT Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012. Recently, the MERS-CoV receptor dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) was identified and the specific interaction of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of MERS-CoV spike protein and DPP4 was determined by crystallography. Animal studies identified rhesus macaques but not hamsters, ferrets, or mice to be susceptible for MERS-CoV. Here, we investigated the role of DPP4 in this observed species tropism. Cell lines of human and nonhuman primate origin were permissive of MERS-CoV, whereas hamster, ferret, or mouse cell lines were not, despite the presence of DPP4. Expression of human DPP4 in nonsusceptible BHK and ferret cells enabled MERS-CoV replication, whereas expression of hamster or ferret DPP4 did not. Modeling the binding energies of MERS-CoV spike protein RBD to DPP4 of human (susceptible) or hamster (nonsusceptible) identified five amino acid residues involved in the DPP4-RBD interaction. Expression of hamster DPP4 containing the five human DPP4 amino acids rendered BHK cells susceptible to MERS-CoV, whereas expression of human DPP4 containing the five hamster DPP4 amino acids did not. Using the same approach, the potential of MERS-CoV to utilize the DPP4s of common Middle Eastern livestock was investigated. Modeling of the DPP4 and MERS-CoV RBD interaction predicted the ability of MERS-CoV to bind the DPP4s of camel, goat, cow, and sheep. Expression of the DPP4s of these species on BHK cells supported MERS-CoV replication. This suggests, together with the abundant DPP4 presence in the respiratory tract, that these species might be able to function as a MERS-CoV intermediate reservoir. IMPORTANCE The ongoing outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has caused 701 laboratory-confirmed cases to date, with 249 fatalities. Although bats and dromedary camels have been identified as potential MERS-CoV hosts, the virus has so far not been isolated from any species other than humans. The inability of MERS-CoV to infect commonly used animal models, such as hamster, mice, and ferrets, indicates the presence of a species barrier. We show that the MERS-CoV receptor DPP4 plays a pivotal role in the observed species tropism of MERS-CoV and subsequently identified the amino acids in DPP4 responsible for this restriction. Using a combined modeling and experimental approach, we predict that, based on the ability of MERS-CoV to utilize the DPP4 of common Middle East livestock species, such as camels, goats, sheep, and cows, these form a potential MERS-CoV intermediate host reservoir species.
Expression of proto‐oncogenes in mouse eggs and preimplantation embryos

The expression of several protooncogenes has been investigated in mouse eggs and preimplantation embryos using reverse transcription coupled to amplification of cDNAs by the polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The genes chosen for analysis included both cytoplasmic (c‐raf‐1, rasH, rasK, and rasN) and nuclear (c‐fos and c‐myc) proto‐oncogenes encoding proteins involved in the transduction of signals from protein‐tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors. Transcripts of the cytoplasmic proto‐oncogenes were detected both as maternal and embryonic mRNAs at levels (ca. 1,000 copies per egg or embryo) approximately comparable to their levels of transcription in somatic cells. Transcripts of c‐fos and c‐myc were also detected in both eggs and embryos, although at more variable levels: Maternal transcripts were present at very low levels (ca. 1–10 copies per egg) in growing oocytes and ovulated eggs; embryonic transcription of c‐myc increased, reaching mRNA levels of approximately 100–1,000 copies per embryo in four‐cell embryos, mórula, and blastocysts; in contrast the transcription of c‐fos remained at low, barely detectable levels throughout preimplantation development. Although the significance of the low levels of c‐fos mRNA is unclear, these results indicate that preimplantation embryos possess the basic intracellular signaling apparatus required to respond to polypeptide growth factors. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PENGARUH KOMPETENSI DAN INDEPENDENSI AUDITOR TERHADAP KUALITAS AUDIT (Pada Kantor Akuntan Publik di Wilayah Bandung )

Public Accountant has a responsibility to keep high audit quality. Competency and independency are among the factors which influence audit quality. This research tested the influence of auditor’s competency and independency on audit quality. Population in this research were auditors working at Public Accounting Firms in Bandung. The sample was taken using simple random sampling method, resulted in 62 respondents. Statistic tools used to test the hypothesis was multiple regression. The results of this research was that the value of the t test for competency variables was 2,909, which meant that competency partially influenced the audit quality. The t test for independency variables was 2,344, which meant that partially independency influenced the audit quality. The value of the F test was 6415, which meant that simultaneously the competency and independency influenced the audit quality. Further research could use more sample and different objects in order to get more results, which hopefully could be valuable for accountants in considering things related to audit quality. Keywords: competency; independency; audit quality.
Re-Sampled Based Mixed Surface Reconstruction Algorithm

A novel mixed surface reconstruction algorithm based on re-sample is proposed to improve the reconstructed feature quality and solve the problem of surface intersection. First, the local feature scale is employed to judge the sample density of initial sample point set, and consequently the redundant sample points are deleted. Meanwhile, the necessary sample points are plugged into the deficient feature areas. And then, the Delaunay triangulation algorithm is used to reconstruct the geometrical structure of re-sampled point set. At last, effective triangles are drawn out based on screw incrementing method to reconstruct the grid surface of the scattered point set. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is robust and effectively.
Evidence That the Yeast Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Has a Target Other Than the Anaphase Promoting Complex

The spindle assembly checkpoint monitors biorientation of chromosomes on the metaphase spindle and inhibits the Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC) specificity factor Cdc20. If APC-Cdc20 is the sole target of the spindle checkpoint, then cells lacking APC and its targets, B-type cyclin and securin, would lack spindle checkpoint function. We tested this hypothesis in yeast cells that are APC-null. Surprisingly, we find that such yeast cells are able to activate the spindle assembly checkpoint, delaying cell cycle progression in G2/M phase. These data suggest that the spindle checkpoint has a non-APC target that can restrain anaphase onset.
Organization of abilities and the development of intelligence.

Performances which are accepted as indicators of intelligence are interrelated in ways which indicate 2 broad factors. Each factor represents a kind of intelligence. The 1st, called crystallized intelligence, indicates the extent of acculturation as it determines human abilities. The other, called fluid intelligence, indicates a pattern of neuralphysiological and incidental learning influences. The 2 become independent as development proceeds from infancy to adulthood. Measures of fluid intelligence are the more sensitive indicators of brain malfunction; fluid intelligence declines with brain damage and aging in adulthood. Performances on ability tests involve processes in addition to those of intelligence. These are associated with sensory modality functions (visual, auditory, tactile processes), perhaps indicate endocrine functions (in speediness), represent “strategies or styles of performance (carefulness, speediness), and relate to motivation (need for achievement). Results in support of the theory are presented and evaluated. Some needed research is indicated.
The Political Economy of Capital Income and Profit Taxation in a Small Open Economy.

This paper considers the political economy of the mix of profit, investment and saving taxation in a small open economy where agents generally differ in their shares of profit and other income.In this setting, capital income taxation can have the dual role of financing government spending and of redistributing income.With majority voting, several different constellations of profit, investment and saving taxes can arise.The paper, for instance, can explain why distorting saving taxation exists, even if profits are not taxed to the fullest extent.Alternatively, saving may be subsidized, even if profit and investment are highly taxed.The role of the foreign ownership of domestic firms in explaining capital income taxation is examined for the two cases of majority voting and a representative agent.With majority voting, a higher foreign ownership may induce a shift towards higher profit
Screening of respiratory tract specimens for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by using the Gen-Probe Amplified Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Direct Test

A prospective 2-month trial involving 617 respiratory tract specimens was conducted to compare sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the newly developed Gen-Probe Amplified Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Direct Test kit (AMTDT; Gen-Probe, Inc., San Diego, Calif.) for the rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and of fluorescent acid-fast staining versus combined BACTEC 12B and solid-medium cultures as the "gold standard. " A total of 590 specimens were culture and AMTDT negative. Twenty-one (3.4%) cultures yielded M. tuberculosis. Of these, 15 (71.4%) were detected by AMTDT, whereas 6 (28.6%) were missed. M. tuberculosis did not grow in six (28.6%) of AMTDT-positive specimens derived from three patients under treatment for tuberculosis. AMTDT exhibited a sensitivity, a specificity, a negative predictive value, and a positive predictive value of 71.4, 99, 99, and 71.4%, respectively. In comparison, the same values for fluorescent microscopy were 66.7, 98.3, 98.8, and 58.3%, respectively. AMTDT was easy to perform and highly specific. However, a screening test would require an improved sensitivity and, when feasible, the implementation of an internal amplification control.
Bond Strength of White Mineral Trioxide Aggregate with and without Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate with Different Liquid-to-Powder Ratios

Introduction: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) can be used in the treatment of irritated vital pulp and repair of root perforations. However, the initial reaction of inflammatory cells to this material and also its setting time are not ideal. Studies have shown that disodium hydrogen phosphate (DHP), decreases the setting time of MTA, with no effect on its pH. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of DHP on push-out bond strength of MTA at different liquid-to-powder ratios. Methods and Materials: A total of 120 samples were prepared from the middle third of the roots of single-rooted teeth for evaluation of push-out bond strength. The push-out bond strength was measured in both groups after 72 h at different liquid-to-powder ratios, including 0.33:1, 0.5:1 and 0.6:1. Factorial ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post-hoc tests were used to compare the differences between the independent groups. Statistical significant was set at P<0.05. Results: The push-out bond strengths of pure MTA and MTA+DHP groups were 10.96±5.78 and 13.32±5.03, respectively. Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test revealed significant differences between the two groups. Furthermore, there were no interactive effect between material and the liquid: powder ratio. Conclusion: Incorporation of DHP into MTA resulted in an increase in push-out bond strength of MTA, and an increase in liquid-to-powder ratio resulted in a decrease in push-out bond strength.
Effect of company size on the occupational health and safety in construction

It is mandatory in all Australian jurisdictions for construction companies to provide a safe working environment for their workers and sub-contractors. Consequently, occupational health and safety (OHS) is a major issue for construction companies mainly due to the fear of prosecution. The introduction of zero tolerance by the Victorian government "WorkCover Authority" in 1999 provided increased legislative OHS standards for the construction industry. This has placed an increased burden on construction companies especially small firms that are not in a position of financial strength. This research is based on benchmarking study of OHS performance of 44 construction companies in Victoria, Australia. The results show that the size of the company is a major contributing factor to their OHS performance. Small companies employing less than 25 employees have comparatively low levels of OHS performance compared to larger firms. Company size is a limiting factor that impacts on the ability of small firms to implement comprehensive OHS plans. This research calls into question that notion that increasing legislative requirements will improve OHS outcomes.
Identification of Malnutrition in Critically Ill Patients via the Subjective Global Assessment Tool

We read with interest the article by Bector and colleagues, ‘‘Does the Subjective Global Assessment Predict Outcome in Critically Ill Medical Patients? ’’ We agree that identification of malnutrition and associated clinical outcomes in critically ill patients is important, but we would like to comment on the validity and feasibility of the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) tool in this setting. First, conducting an SGA on a patient involves gathering (1) current weight and height, (2) a history of weight, diet, and gastrointestinal and functional status, and (3) assessment of muscle and fat stores. The authors stated that the dietitian in their study utilized a variety of techniques to deal with some of the challenges associated with obtaining an appropriate history from a mechanically ventilated patient to complete the tool. This included obtaining a history from family members. Although we understand that it is possible to attain an estimated weight, height, and weight history from a family member, we question the accuracy of obtaining detailed information regarding a history of dietary intake and gastrointestinal and functional status using this method. Could the authors please comment on the percentage of data that was provided by family members and discuss how obtaining a history in this way might affect the reliability of their results? Furthermore, were these data confirmed by the patient(s) when/if they were awake and able to communicate? And to what extent did the third-party data match the patients’ later reporting? This has important implications for the application by others of the approach to use the SGA proposed by the authors. Second, as highlighted by the authors, critically ill patients experience large fluid shifts, making it extremely challenging to measure actual weight and body composition or to identify physical signs of muscle and/or fat wasting. Furthermore, weight loss is masked by fluid retention. Sheean et al measured skeletal muscle cross-sectional area via computed tomography (containing third lumbar area) in a group of respiratory failure patients where nutrition status was assessed by the SGA tool. In this study, patients classified as normally nourished using SGA were found to have low muscularity, indicating that the SGA failed to accurately detect muscle wasting. Bector and colleagues do not appear to have validated the physical examination for muscle and fat stores in edematous patients. Third, the reported associations between SGA category and clinical outcomes were not adjusted for potential confounders including severity of illness. This is important to demonstrate the independence of the observed association between malnutrition assessed by SGA and clinical outcomes. We suggest that given the concerns about the inability of the SGA to quantify changes in nutritional status in the intensive care setting, there is a critical need for the development of valid objective tools to assess nutritional status and measure changes in body composition over the typical time frame of an intensive care unit stay.