Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fine filaments on the outside of the exosporium of Bacillus anthracis spores

Recently, P. Gerhardt and E. Ribi (J. Bacteriol. 88:1774, 1964) reported that the exosporium of the spore of Bacillus cereus consisted of a nap of hairlike projections and a basal membrane. Similar structures were also seen in B. anthracis spores. This paper reports the ultrastructures of both resting and germinating spores of B. anthracis, particularly the presence of the nap, as revealed by electron microscopy. B. anthracis AKASHI was used throughout this study. The organism was cultured on meat extract-agar at 37 C for 1 week. Spore crops were harvested and suspended in distilled water. The suspension was centrifuged at 1,500 x g for 5 min to separate vegetative cells and sporangial remnants. The spores collected by centrifugation from the supernatant fraction were washed several times with distilled water. Germination took place in a medium containing 0.5% adenosine, 0.5% L-alanine, 1 % yeast extract, and 1% Casamino Acids (pH 7.2). After incubation at 37 C for either 30 or 150 min, the cultures were prefixed with 2% cold osmic acid for 30 min. The germinating spores were harvested by centrifugation and embedded in an agar block. The block containing the specimen was refixed with 1 % buffered osmic acid for 18 hr at 3 C, dehydrated in alcohol, embedded in Epon 812, and sectioned with a LKB ultrotome. The sections stained with lead citrate and uranyl acetate were examined with a Hitachi 1 B electron microscope. A nap of fine filamentous structures was clearly seen on the outside of the exosporium (Fig. 1, 3, and 4). These filaments were about 720 A in length and 100 A in diameter (Fig. 2). The micrographs show the filaments coming from the basal membrane of the exosporium. As shown in Fig. 1, the resting spore had a wide space between the exosporium and the spore coat consisting of two osmiophilic thin membranes. The cortex was thick and consisted of the electronopaque and the electron-dense layers. As A. Ryter (Ann. Inst. Pasteur 108:40, 1965) suggested, the dense layer in the cortex seemed to be the cortex material. The spore membrane (alias spore wall) did not show a clear structure. In the germinating spores, the aforementioned space became narrower as the core developed (Fig. 3 and 4). The thickness of the cortex was reduced, and a thin membranous layer became visible (Fig. 3). Therefore, there were three thin membranes (two membranes of the spore coat and a newly appeared membranous layer) in the space between the exosporium and the spore membrane in the germinating spores (Fig. 3 and 4). These were clearly shown in the "shell" from which a young vegetative cell had slipped out (Fig. 4). In some cells, the structures which were called "inclusions" by P. Gerhardt and E. Ribi (J. Bacteriol. 88: 1774, 1964) were found in the space between the exosporium and the spore coat (Fig. 3). The fine structure of the inclusion resembles that of the spore coat seen in the same figure. At the late stage of germination (Fig. 4 and 5), the spore membrane became thicker and more osmiophilic, and showed the appearance of the cell wall of the young vegetative cell (Fig. 5).
A Novel Electrode-Induced Strain Engineering for High Performance SOI FinFET utilizing Si (1hannel for Both N and PMOSFETs

If Si (110) channel can be used for both nMOS and pMOS FinFET, the implementation of FinFET can be simplified significantly. Electron mobility degradation at Si(110) channel of finFET has been one of the major barriers in this path. We report a creative method to improve electron and hole mobilities using a novel metal electrode induced-strain engineering, which also features the effective workfunction tuning of single metal electrode on high-k dielectric. Compared to planar SOI devices, our optimized SOI FinFETs with metal/high-k stack showed high field mobility for a (110)/lang110rang nMOSFETs, which increased almost two times. By optimizing the workfunction and the strain effect, we achieved an Ion of 930 muA/mum and 680muA/mum for nMOSFETs and pMOSFETs without implementing any other stress engineering process
Security design analysis

Risk has always motivated security in general terms; both assurance and IT governance approaches to security begin with a focus on risk, but the connection between risk and technical security is soon lost. As a result it is usually impossible to quantify the value of security features, or give metrics for the value of a security design compared to alternatives. This thesis describes the Security Design Analysis Framework (SeDAn), which relates a system design to its security environment (security goals, organisations, users, and attackers), allowing the connection between systematic risk and security requirements to be maintained and analysed. SeDAn innovations include: modelling the flexible relationships between organisations, assets and security goals in emerging networked systems; security requirements that constrain service behaviour; and the decomposition of systematic risk to sub-systems, allowing implementers to relate components of a system to their organisational and physical context. The framework also provides quality metrics for complete protection strategies, including: the value of security requirements in terms of risk; the degree of trust, or assurance, required of system components; and the balance between security and functional liveness. The effectiveness of SeDAn is demonstrated in practical tooling and a substantial industrial case-study. The proof-of-concept tool is capable of managing security requirements, and supporting the analysis of realistic systems. It is also able to exchange models with proprietary UML design tools, and hence integrate with standard engineering environments. The case study demonstrates the whole process of risk analysis and security design for a realistic industrial system, which includes a collaborative workflow between several companies (each with different assets and security concerns), distributed databases and queries, and specialised security goals. In summary, this thesis demonstrates the feasibility of a new security analysis and design framework, which maintains the vital connection between the requirements for security controls and systematic risks.
Folded Cavity-Backed Crossed-Slot Antenna

A folded, cavity-backed crossed-slot antenna is proposed for antenna miniaturization. The cavity dimensions of a conventional cavity-backed crossed-slot antenna are about a half-guided-wavelength along each side, which is unsuitable in many applications like a handheld device or body area network (BAN). To reduce the size of the cavity, a folded cavity is proposed in this letter. The center plate that divides the cavity into the upper cavity and the lower cavity increases the effective length inside the cavity. Compared to the conventional cavity-backed crossed-slot antenna, a 72.8% size reduction can be achieved using the proposed structure. The proposed antenna also has circular polarization and wideband characteristics, which are the main advantages of a cavity-backed crossed-slot antenna. The proposed technique is especially useful for reducing the lateral dimensions of the cavity.
Cultural Influences On The Adoption Of Electronic Commerce: Initial Results From Japan And The United States

This study adopts a research model based on Diffusion of Innovation Theory, online trust, and national culture. It explores the impact of culture on perceptions of and intentions to adopt electronic commerce. This study adopts a research model based on Diffusion of Innovation theory, online trust, and national culture to address the basic questions: Does national culture play a role in coloring consumer perceptions of EC innovation characteristics and does culture influence how these perceptions shape consumers" intentions to adopt EC? Comparisons are drawn between consumers in two distinct national cultures, Japan and the United States. This paper presents a brief summary of the research background and research model, propositions, and preliminary results.
Digital Literacy for Health: The Promise of Health 2.0

This paper outlines and challenges expectations and promises regarding the potential of the internet and Web 2.0 for empowering patients and citizens. It focuses on literacies required to make a meaningful (to the individual) use of these technologies for health and health care related purposes. The author briefly discusses how these should be taught and concludes that these literacies, including digital literacy and health literacy, are complex and challenging to many while the empowering claims are over-stated. Traditional sources of information and advice will remain essential to maintaining quality of health care.
Exploration of customer horizons to measure understanding of netchains

The importance of a market orientation as the basis for meeting customer expectations is well known in marketing. In applying this concept to networks or netchains, the concept “customer horizon” is proposed to measure the ability to name or identify downstream customers and their requirements. A case study of five organizations in a netchain is examined to determine each company's customer horizon in terms of “breadth” and “length”. Based on the findings, it is suggested that companies can choose between alternative configurations of customer horizons. It is argued that it may be important to watch out for narrow and short customer horizons – especially when customer satisfaction is low, end consumer requirements are changing and/or these changes are not being communicated upstream to suppliers.
Reliability of System Identification Techniques to Assess Standing Balance in Healthy Elderly

Objectives System identification techniques have the potential to assess the contribution of the underlying systems involved in standing balance by applying well-known disturbances. We investigated the reliability of standing balance parameters obtained with multivariate closed loop system identification techniques. Methods In twelve healthy elderly balance tests were performed twice a day during three days. Body sway was measured during two minutes of standing with eyes closed and the Balance test Room (BalRoom) was used to apply four disturbances simultaneously: two sensory disturbances, to the proprioceptive and the visual system, and two mechanical disturbances applied at the leg and trunk segment. Using system identification techniques, sensitivity functions of the sensory disturbances and the neuromuscular controller were estimated. Based on the generalizability theory (G theory), systematic errors and sources of variability were assessed using linear mixed models and reliability was assessed by computing indexes of dependability (ID), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). Results A systematic error was found between the first and second trial in the sensitivity functions. No systematic error was found in the neuromuscular controller and body sway. The reliability of 15 of 25 parameters and body sway were moderate to excellent when the results of two trials on three days were averaged. To reach an excellent reliability on one day in 7 out of 25 parameters, it was predicted that at least seven trials must be averaged. Conclusion This study shows that system identification techniques are a promising method to assess the underlying systems involved in standing balance in elderly. However, most of the parameters do not appear to be reliable unless a large number of trials are collected across multiple days. To reach an excellent reliability in one third of the parameters, a training session for participants is needed and at least seven trials of two minutes must be performed on one day.
Evaluating Logistical Chain In Slovenian Companies

The current market situation, followed by fast growing globalization‘s effects has been constantly searching for new approaches in modeling and managing transport -logistics chains. These are approaches where all determinants for efficient and effect ive management of ever complex supply chains have been properly set and exploited. This paper focuses on logistics performance of industrial firms in the Slovenian market. Our research explored the current attitudes of managers in the logistic industry. Specifically, we examined their perception of different characteristics of a logistics provider and their evaluation in the process of outsourcing. There are few logistics functions that have been outsourced. Outsourcing is a dynamic process that should evolve with changes in the company's business needs, internal capabilit ies, and competitive environment. The authors will intend to answer the following question in the research: Which indicators do customers use to evaluate their suppliers? It would be ected that in purchase decision processes, customers give strong consideration to the resourcs and the competence of the supplier as criteria to provide higher quality and more reliable and efficient transportation of goods. Therefore, the service provider must ensure complete execution of all logistics and related activities.
Proteins that bind A-type lamins: integrating isolated clues

What do such diverse molecules as DNA, actin, retinoblastoma protein and protein kinase Cα all have in common? They and additional partners bind `A-type' lamins, which form stable filaments in animal cell nuclei. Mutations in A-type lamins cause a bewildering range of tissue-specific diseases, termed `laminopathies', including Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy and the devastating Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, which mimics premature aging. Considered individually and collectively, partners for A-type lamins form four loose groups: architectural partners, chromatin partners, gene-regulatory partners and signaling partners. We describe 16 partners in detail, summarize their binding sites in A-type lamins, and sketch portraits of ternary complexes and functional pathways that might depend on lamins in vivo. On the basis of our limited current knowledge, we propose lamin-associated complexes with multiple components relevant to nuclear structure (e.g. emerin, nesprin 1α, actin) or signaling and gene regulation (e.g. LAP2α, retinoblastoma, E2F-DP heterodimers, genes) as `food for thought'. Testing these ideas will deepen our understanding of nuclear function and human disease.
Pengaruh Intellectual Capital Terhadap Kinerja Keuangan Pada Bank Pembangunan Daerah di Indonesia

ABSTRACT This research to determine the influence of intellectual capital of financial performance on Regional Development Bank in Indonesian. The independent variable in this research is the intellectual capital as measured by VAIC TM and the dependent variable is financial performance as measured by Return On Assets (ROA), BOPO, Asset Turn Over (ATO) and Growth (GR). The obtained of data from18 Regional Development Bank publisher a complete the financial of reports for 5-year periods, it starting from 2008 until 2012. This research uses The Pulic Model (Value Added Intellectual Capital Coefficient-VAIC TM ) as the efficiency measure of intellectual capital component. The method used is descriptive analysis and simple regression analysis with use SPSS for windows to process. The result show that intellectual capital (VAIC TM ) has a positive and not significant to financial performance regional development bank, except BOPO and GR, intellectual capital (VAIC TM ) has a positive and not significant to financial performance regional development bank in the coming period, except BOPO and intellectual capital growth (ROGIC) has a positive and not significant to financial performance regional development bank except BOPO and GR. Keywords : intellectual capital, VAIC TM , Return On Assets (ROA), BOPO, Assets Turn Over (ATO), Growth (GR), ROGIC
Management of Product Architecture Modularity for Mass Customization: Modeling and Theoretical Considerations

This paper examines the management of product architecture modularity for mass customization. Product architecture modularity is concerned with system decomposition, the selection of components and how they are linked with each other without compromising system integrity. The goal of mass customization is to produce customized goods at low cost. It has enabled many companies to penetrate new markets and capture customers whose personal needs were not met by standard products and services. Mass customization is enabled through modular product architectures, from which a wide variety of products can be configured and assembled. In order to understand the implications of product architecture modularity for mass customization, the "modularization function" is explored by applying and simulating it to a hypothetical system. Based on this exercise and sources from the literature, a new model is introduced. Furthermore, theoretical and engineering management implications are also discussed
Protective effects of delapril combined with indapamide or hydrochlorothiazide in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats: a comparative dose-response analysis.

In previous articles, we have shown that the combination of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor delapril (12 mg/kg/day) and the diuretic indapamide (1 mg/kg/ day) was able to prolong the life span significantly in salt-loaded stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRsp). Because this finding was partly dependent on the antagonism of salt-loading effects by pharmacologic induction of diuresis, which prevented any increase in blood pressure values, we decided to evaluate whether lower doses of the combination could be equally protective without changing the progression of hypertension. Thus, we studied several treatments with progressively lower doses of delapril (6, 3, or 1.5 mg/kg/day) combined with indapamide (0.5, 0.25, or 0.125 mg/kg/day) or hydrochlorothiazide (2.5, 1.25, or 0.625 mg/kg/day) in salt-loaded SHRsp. Salt-loaded untreated animals were considered to be the control group. In agreement with previous experiments, control rats reached 50% mortality approximately 7 weeks after the beginning of salt loading. The combination of delapril and hydrochlorothiazide at the two lowest doses was not able to delay animal death significantly, whereas treatment with delapril and indapamide at the lowest dose was effective (50% survival rate, 15 weeks). The groups treated with the highest dose of delapril and hydrochlorothiazide or with the intermediate or highest dose of delapril and indapamide did not reach 50% mortality by the end of the experiment, at 44 weeks of treatment (i.e., when animals reached age 1 year). Only the highest delapril and indapamide doses were able to increase diuresis, but for a relatively short period. None of the treatments was able to lower or control blood pressure levels adequately. Therefore, blood pressure levels by themselves were not predictive of rat mortality. In contrast, the maximal value of proteinuria in the weeks preceding death was inversely correlated with the survival time. In conclusion, this study shows that low doses of an ACE inhibitor in combination with a diuretic can be effectively protective in a model of severe hypertension, independent of any change in blood pressure levels.
The worth of product placement in successful films : an event study analysis

Abstract As a result of the diminishing effectiveness of broadcast advertising, firms are increasingly turning to product placements in films and television to promote their products. A growing stream of product placement research has conducted surveys of consumer and practitioner views on the practice and experiments to gauge product placement's impact on brand awareness, attitudes, and purchase intent. However, there is no evidence of whether firms' investments in film product placements are worthwhile. The event study of 126 product placements in successful films during 2002 reveals a mean cumulative abnormal return of . 89% during the film's opening, indicating that product placement in a successful film is associated with positive movements in firm stock prices. Cross-sectional analysis of the returns offers new insight into how product, film, and execution factors influence the placement's worth. The authors find that placement abnormal returns are enhanced by tie-in advertising and brand equity but .
Neurotrophin‐3 and TrkC are expressed in the outflow tract of the developing chicken heart

Transcripts encoding trkC and full‐length (catalytic) TrkC receptors were detected in the outflow tract of the chicken heart during early development (stage 17; embryonic day [E] 2.5) before the start of septation. Expression of trkC mRNA persisted through early septation (stage 25, E4.5–E5) but was no longer evident by the end of septation (stage 34, E8). Neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) mRNA was also shown to be present in the outflow tract throughout cardiac development. Quail–chick chimeras were used to confirm that cardiac neural crest cells were not present in the outflow tract at stage 17 (E2.5). Our results show that NT‐3 interacts with cells in the outflow tract that are not of neural crest origin. This finding indicates that, in addition to effects on neural crest cells, NT‐3 may be important for cardiac development due to its interaction with cells in the outflow tract such as those arising from the secondary heart field. Developmental Dynamics 230:767–772, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Downlink Transmit Beamforming for Multiuser-MIMO System

In multiuser multiple input multiple output (MUMIMO) downlink, the presence of multiuser cause the co-channel interference (CCI). The co-channel interference should be suppressed at the transmitter by the space precoding. Precoding is required to overcome it. The specifically challenge is to design transmit beamforming vectors for each user. Signal to leakage plus noise ratio (SLNR) method is one of robust beamformer in multiuser MIMO communications. Based on numerical results in this work, SLNR method significantly outperforms zeroforcing (ZF) method. In this work, we considered the performance system including sum rate performance, bit error rate (BER) performance, outage performance and variation modulation performance. BER Performance at 10, the system equipped with 4 transmit antennas and 3 receive antennas that the SLNR method produces a better performance about ± 1.5 dB than ZF method. In addition, SLNR method produces ± 6.5 b/s/Hz (sum rate) while ZF method yields ± 5.2 bps/Hz(sum rate) at SNR=10 dB. Outage performance, SLNR method gives a better performance than ZF performance, it means SLNR more power saving than ZF. Modulation performance, SLNR yields a better performance than ZF both lower level modulation and higher level modulation. Furthermore, SLNR does not enforce a limitation on the number transmit antennas. Keywords— Beamforming ,BER, Sum Rate, ZF,SLNR, Outage, Modulation .
An FPGA implementation of the fast gradient method for solving the Model Predictive Pulse Pattern Control problem

The computational complexity of Model Predictive Pulse Pattern Control (MP3C) and its real-time requirements have so far limited the deployment of this optimisation-based control method for power electronic systems. In this paper, we present an FPGA implementation, which uses the Fast Gradient Method for solving the quadratic program underlying MP3C. The proposed method can solve the control problem in less than the required 25 μs with sufficient accuracy.