Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Recessive Epigenetic swellmap Mutation Affects the Expression of Two Step II Splicing Factors Required for the Transcription of the Cell Proliferation Gene STRUWWELPETER and for the Timing of Cell Cycle Arrest in the Arabidopsis Leaf

Generally, cell division can be uncoupled from multicellular development, but more recent evidence suggests that cell cycle progression and arrest is coupled to organogenesis and growth. We describe a recessive mutant, swellmap (smp), with reduced organ size and cell number. This defect is partially compensated for by an increase in final cell size. The mutation causes a precocious arrest of cell proliferation in the organ primordium and possibly reduces the rate of cell division there. The mutation proved to be an epigenetic mutation (renamed smpepi) that defined a single locus, SMP1, but affected the expression of both SMP1 and a second very similar gene, SMP2. Both genes encode CCHC zinc finger proteins with similarities to step II splicing factors involved in 3′ splice site selection. Genetic knockouts demonstrate that the genes are functionally redundant and essential. SMP1 expression is associated with regions of cell proliferation. Overexpression of SMP1 produced an increase in organ cell number and a partial decrease in cell expansion. The smpepi mutation does not affect expression of eukaryotic cell cycle regulator genes CYCD3;1 and CDC2A but affects expression of the cell proliferation gene STRUWWELPETER (SWP) whose protein has similarities to Med150/Rgr1-like subunits of the Mediator complex required for transcriptional activation. Introduction of SWP cDNA into smpepi plants fully restored them to wild-type, but the expression of both SMP1 and SMP2 were also restored in these lines, suggesting a physical interaction among the three proteins and/or genes. We propose that step II splicing factors and a transcriptional Mediator-like complex are involved in the timing of cell cycle arrest during leaf development.
The Release of Cytochrome c from Mitochondria during Apoptosis of NGF-deprived Sympathetic Neurons Is a Reversible Event

During apoptosis induced by various stimuli, cytochrome c is released from mitochondria into the cytosol where it participates in caspase activation. This process has been proposed to be an irreversible consequence of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, which leads to mitochondrial swelling and rupture of the outer mitochondrial membrane. Here we present data demonstrating that NGF-deprived sympathetic neurons protected from apoptosis by caspase inhibitors possess mitochondria which, though depleted of cytochrome c and reduced in size, remained structurally intact as viewed by electron microscopy. After re-exposure of neurons to NGF, mitochondria recovered their normal size and their cytochrome c content, by a process requiring de novo protein synthesis. Altogether, these data suggest that depletion of cytochrome c from mitochondria is a controlled process compatible with function recovery. The ability of sympathetic neurons to recover fully from trophic factor deprivation provided irreversible caspase inhibitors have been present during the insult period, has therapeutical implications for a number of acute neuropathologies.
Experimental studies of the viscous boundary layer properties in turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection

We report high-resolution measurements of the properties of the velocity boundary layer in turbulent thermal convection using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique and measurements of the temperature profiles and the thermal boundary layer. Both velocity and temperature measurements were made near the lower conducting plate of a rectangular convection cell using water as the convecting fluid, with the Rayleigh number Ra varying from 109 to 1010 and the Prandtl number Pr fixed at 4.3. From the measured profiles of the horizontal velocity we obtain the viscous boundary layer thickness δυ. It is found that δυ follows the classical Blasius-like laminar boundary layer in the present range of Ra, and it scales with the Reynolds number Re as δυ/H = 0.64Re−0.50±0.03 (where H is the cell height). While the measured viscous shear stress and Reynolds shear stress show that the boundary layer is laminar for Ra < 2.0 × 1010, two independent extrapolations, one based on velocity measurements and the other on velocity and temperature measurements, both indicate that the boundary layer will become turbulent at Ra ~ 1013. Just above the thermal boundary layer but within the mixing zone, the measured temperature r.m.s. profiles σT(z) are found to follow either a power law or a logarithmic behaviour. The power-law fitting may be slightly favoured and its exponent is found to depend on Ra and varies from −0.6 to −0.77, which is much larger than the classical value of −1/3. In the same region, the measured profiles of the r.m.s. vertical velocity σw(z) exhibit a much smaller scaling range and are also consistent with either a power-law or a logarithmic behaviour. The Reynolds number dependence of several wall quantities is also measured directly. These are the wall shear stress τw ~ Re1.55, the viscous sublayer δw ~ Re−0.91, the friction velocity uτ ~ Re0.80, and the skin-friction coefficient cf ~ Re−0.34. All of these scaling properties are very close to those predicted for a classical Blasius-type laminar boundary layer, except that of cf. Similar to classical shear flows, a viscous sublayer is also found to exist in the present system despite the presence of a nested thermal boundary layer. However, velocity profiles normalized by wall units exhibit no obvious logarithmic region, which is likely to be a result of the very limited distance between the edge of the viscous sublayer and the position of the maximum velocity. Compared to traditional shear flows, the peak position of the wall-unit-normalized r.m.s. profiles is found to be closer to the plate (at z+ = z/δw ≃ 5). Our overall conclusion is that a Blasius-type laminar boundary condition is a good approximation for the velocity boundary layer in turbulent thermal convection for the present range of Rayleigh number and Prandtl number.
Characteristics of pressure-based input for mobile devices

We conducted a series of user studies to understand and clarify the fundamental characteristics of pressure in user interfaces for mobile devices. We seek to provide insight to clarify a longstanding discussion on mapping functions for pressure input. Previous literature is conflicted about the correct transfer function to optimize user performance. Our study results suggest that the discrepancy can be explained by different signal conditioning circuitry and with improved signal conditioning the user-performed precision relationship is linear. We also explore the effects of hand pose when applying pressure to a mobile device from the front, the back, or simultaneously from both sides in a pinching movement. Our results indicate that grasping type input outperforms single-sided input and is competitive with pressure input against solid surfaces. Finally we provide an initial exploration of non-visual multimodal feedback, motivated by the desire for eyes-free use of mobile devices. The findings suggest that non-visual pressure input can be executed without degradation in selection time but suffers from accuracy problems.
Inferring Mechanics of Web Censorship Around the World

While mechanics of Web censorship in China are well studied, those of other countries are less understood. Through a combination of personal contacts and Planet-Lab nodes, we conduct experiments to explore the mechanics of Web censorship in 11 countries around the world, including China. Our work provides insights into the diversity of modus operandi of censors around the world and can guide future work on censorship evasion.
Global genomic and transcriptomic analysis of human pancreatic islets reveals novel genes influencing glucose metabolism

Significance We provide a comprehensive catalog of novel genetic variants influencing gene expression and metabolic phenotypes in human pancreatic islets. The data also show that the path from genetic variation (SNP) to gene expression is more complex than hitherto often assumed, and that we need to consider that genetic variation can also influence function of a gene by influencing exon usage or splice isoforms (sQTL), allelic imbalance, RNA editing, and expression of noncoding RNAs, which in turn can influence expression of target genes. Genetic variation can modulate gene expression, and thereby phenotypic variation and susceptibility to complex diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here we harnessed the potential of DNA and RNA sequencing in human pancreatic islets from 89 deceased donors to identify genes of potential importance in the pathogenesis of T2D. We present a catalog of genetic variants regulating gene expression (eQTL) and exon use (sQTL), including many long noncoding RNAs, which are enriched in known T2D-associated loci. Of 35 eQTL genes, whose expression differed between normoglycemic and hyperglycemic individuals, siRNA of tetraspanin 33 (TSPAN33), 5′-nucleotidase, ecto (NT5E), transmembrane emp24 protein transport domain containing 6 (TMED6), and p21 protein activated kinase 7 (PAK7) in INS1 cells resulted in reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In addition, we provide a genome-wide catalog of allelic expression imbalance, which is also enriched in known T2D-associated loci. Notably, allelic imbalance in paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3) was associated with its promoter methylation and T2D status. Finally, RNA editing events were less common in islets than previously suggested in other tissues. Taken together, this study provides new insights into the complexity of gene regulation in human pancreatic islets and better understanding of how genetic variation can influence glucose metabolism.
Theoretical analysis of transient wave propagation in the band gap of phononic system

Phononic system composed of periodical elastic structures exhibit band gap phenomenon, and all elastic wave cannot propagate within the band gap. In this article, we consider one-dimensional binary materials which are periodically arranged as a 20-layered medium instead of infinite layered system for phononic system. The layered medium with finite dimension is subjected to a uniformly distributed sinusoidal loading at the upper surface, and the bottom surface is assumed to be traction free. The transient wave propagation in the 20-layered medium is analyzed by Laplace transform technique. The analytical solutions are presented in the transform domain and the numerical Laplace inversion (Durbin`s formula) is performed to obtain the transient response in time domain. The numerical results show that when a sinusoidal loading with a specific frequency within band gap is applied, stress response will be significantly decayed if the receiver is away from the source. However, when a sinusoidal force with frequency is out of band gap, the attenuation of the stress response is not obvious as that in the band gap.
Reducing the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Child Care and Changing Provider Practices: Lessons Learned From a Demonstration Project

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to evaluate, through an American Academy of Pediatrics demonstration project, the effectiveness of a curriculum and train-the-trainer model in changing child care providers' behaviors regarding safe infant sleep practices. METHODS. Participating licensed child care centers and family child care homes were assigned randomly to intervention and control groups. Observers performed an initial unannounced visit to each site, to watch infants being placed for sleep, to inventory sleep policies, and to administer questionnaires to center staff members. Trainers then used the American Academy of Pediatrics curriculum in educational sessions at intervention sites. Three months later, observers conducted a follow-up observation at each site, and staff members completed a questionnaire about logistic barriers encountered in implementation of safe sleep recommendations. RESULTS. A total of 264 programs and 1212 providers completed the study; the care of 1993 infants was observed. Provider awareness of the American Academy of Pediatrics infant supine sleep position recommendation increased from 59.7% (both groups) to 64.8% (control) and 80.5% (intervention). Exclusive use of the supine position in programs increased from 65.0% to 70.4% (control) and 87.8% (intervention). Observed supine placement increased from 51.0% to 57.1% (control) and 62.1% (intervention). CONCLUSIONS. A sudden infant death syndrome risk reduction curriculum using a train-the-trainer model is effective in improving the knowledge and practices of child care providers. Perceived parental objections, provider skepticism about the benefits of supine positioning, and lack of program policies and training opportunities are important barriers to implementation of safe sleep policies. Continued education of parents, expanded training efforts, and statewide regulations, mandates, and monitoring are critical to ongoing efforts to decrease further the risk of sudden infant death syndrome in child care.
Sexuality of People with Spinal Cord Injury: Knowledge, Difficulties and Adaptation

Expressing sexuality is an important part of life, whether the person has a spinal cord injury (SCI) or not. This study investigated the sexual activity before and after SCI, the difficulties, and adjustments made by these people in relation to their sexuality. This is a qualitative study conducted with 14 people with SCI through semi-structured interviews, which we analyzed in light of pertinent literature and organized into three themes: sexual activity before and after SCI; difficulties in performing sexual activities; and adjustments in sexual activity after SCI. We conclude that, although there may be many difficulties, with the partner’s support they can get sexual satisfaction and adapt to the new reality. Nonetheless, it is necessary and essential that the patient receive guidance about the possible changes and adaptive methods, and nurses can play a critical role in this process.
Second Order Mixed Mode Quadrature Oscillator using DVCCs and Grounded Components

A new mixed-mode second order quadrature oscillator using two differential voltage current conveyors as active elements, two grounded capacitors and two grounded resistors each is proposed. The circuit provides several current and voltage outputs simultaneously. The circuit has low active and passive sensitivities. Non-ideal and parasitic study of the proposed circuit is also included. PSPICE simulation results are given to validate the proposed circuit.
Properties of Concrete with Different Percentange of the Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as Partial Cement Replacement

The use of pozzolanic material from waste product as partial cement replacement in concrete contribute to reduce the environmental, economic problem through their waste and as well enhance the strength and properties of concrete. Rice husk ash (RHA) is one of the industrial waste that suitably used as a cement replacement due to its pozzolanic properties which can enhance the properties of concrete. In this study, the workability, compressive strength and water absorption of the concrete containg RHA is investigating. The chemical content of RHA also investigated by using X-ray Fluorescence Test (XRF). The different RHA percentage of 5%, 15% and 25% were used in this study with burning temperature 650°C. The concrete cube of size 100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm were prepared and cured for 7, 14 and 28 days. Based on result, it was concluded that the optimum RHA replacement for cement in this report was 5 %, which provided the highest compressive strength at 28 days.
Compatibility and mechanical properties of maleicanhydride modified the wood plastic composite

Wood plastic composite, known as green composite, combines natural vegetable fibers and plastic and thus acquires the properties of both. In this study, coir was subject to alkali treatment to eliminate pectin, hemicelluloses, fat and impurities. Alkali treatment reduces the weight of coir and the greater the concentration and longer the alkali treatment time, the greater is the loss of coir fibers. This study uses coir fibers and polypropylene to make wood plastic composite. Alkali treatment can increase the mechanical property of the resulting wood plastic composite. In particular, the optimum parameters of the treatment are 17.5 wt% for 1 h. As is demonstrated by scanning electron microscope images, methylmaleic anhydride-graft-polypropylene improves the interface binding force between the coir and polypropylene.
The iterative adaptive approach in medical ultrasound imaging

Many medical ultrasound imaging systems are based on sweeping the image plane with a set of narrow beams. Usually, the returning echo from each of these beams is used to form one or a few azimuthal image samples. We model, for each radial distance, jointly the full azimuthal scanline. The model consists of the amplitudes of a set of densely placed potential reflectors (or scatterers), cf. sparse signal representation. To fit the model, we apply the iterative adaptive approach (IAA) on data formed by a sequenced time delay and phase shift. The performance of the IAA in combination with our time-delayed and phase-shifted data are studied on both simulated data of scenes consisting of point targets and hollow cyst-like structures, and recorded ultrasound phantom data from a specially adapted commercially available scanner. The results show that the proposed IAA is more capable of resolving point targets and gives better defined and more geometrically correct cyst-like structures in speckle images compared with the conventional delay-and-sum (DAS) approach. Compared with a Capon beamformer, the IAA showed an improved rendering of cyst-like structures and a similar point-target resolvability. Unlike the Capon beamformer, the IAA has no user parameters and seems unaffected by signal cancellation. The disadvantage of the IAA is a high computational load.
Validation Study of a CT-Based Weighted Rating Scale for Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Disease in Patients with Mild Cognitive Deterioration

Objectives: Subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD) is frequently associated with cognitive impairment. Rating scales to grade cerebrovascular disease are available, but their sensitivity to the clinical features of mild SIVD is unclear. The aim of the study is to devise and validate a computed tomography (CT)-based visual rating scale sensitive to SIVD in patients with mild cognitive deterioration. Methods: Subjects were 122 consecutive outpatients of a memory clinic (mean age ± SD 77 ± 8 years, 71% females, mean ± SD score of mental state exam 22 ± 3, 61% with clinical dementia rating of 0.5 and 39% of 1). Diffuse leukoaraiosis, fuzzy and patchy lesions, and lacunes were assessed on ordinary CT films and weights were computed based on clinical indicators of SIVD. A continuous score and an ordinal class (0–3) with higher values indicating higher vascular damage were derived. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients for intra- and interrater reliability of the subcortical vascular score and class ranged from 0.84 to 0.88. Convergent validity versus the scale of Wahlund et al. was good (Spearman’s correlation coefficient between 0.53 and 0.73, p < 0.0005). Known-group validity was assessed versus clinical diagnoses of degenerative (mild cognitive impairment determined by Petersen et al. and NINCDS-ADRDA probable Alzheimer’s disease; n = 58), mixed (possible Alzheimer’s disease with cerebrovascular disease; n = 21), and vascular cognitive impairment (criteria of Erkinjuntti et al. for subcortical vascular dementia and cognitive impairment; n = 43). Patients with degenerative cognitive impairment were more often in the lower subcortical vascular classes (43% in class 0, 43% in class 1, 14% in class 2, and 0% in class 3), while patients with mixed (0, 24, 24, and 52%) and vascular cognitive impairment were in increasingly higher subcortical vascular classes (0, 12, 35, 53%; p < 0.00005). Criterion-related validity was assessed versus clinical indicators of cerebrovascular disease. Hypertension, platelet aggregation inhibitor use, balance, gait, and bradykinesia increased linearly with increasing subcortical vascular class (p for trend <0.02). Conclusions: This rating scale is valid and sensitive to capture different degrees of SIVD associated with mild cognitive deterioration.
Association of Prenatal Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants with Obesity and Cardiometabolic Traits in Early Childhood: The Rhea Mother–Child Cohort (Crete, Greece)

Background Prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may increase risk of obesity later in life. Objective We examined the relation of in utero POPs exposure to offspring obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors at 4 years of age in the Rhea mother–child cohort in Crete, Greece (n = 689). Methods We determined concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in first-trimester maternal serum. We measured child weight, height, waist circumference, skinfold thicknesses, blood pressure (BP), blood levels of lipids, C-reactive protein, and adipokines at 4 years of age. Childhood obesity was defined using age- and sex-specific cut points for body mass index (BMI) as recommended by the International Obesity Task Force. Results On multivariable regression analyses, a 10-fold increase in HCB was associated with a higher BMI z-score (adjusted β = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.86), obesity [relative risk (RR) = 8.14; 95% CI: 1.85, 35.81], abdominal obesity (RR = 3.49; 95% CI: 1.08, 11.28), greater sum of skinfold thickness (β = 7.71 mm; 95% CI: 2.04, 13.39), and higher systolic BP (β = 4.34 mmHg; 95% CI: 0.63, 8.05) at 4 years of age. Prenatal DDE exposure was associated with higher BMI z-score (β = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.5), abdominal obesity (RR = 3.76; 95% CI: 1.70, 8.30), and higher diastolic BP (β = 1.79 mmHg; 95% CI: 0.13, 3.46). PCBs were not significantly associated with offspring obesity or cardiometabolic risk factors. Conclusions Prenatal exposure to DDE and HCB was associated with excess adiposity and higher blood pressure levels in early childhood. Citation Vafeiadi M, Georgiou V, Chalkiadaki G, Rantakokko P, Kiviranta H, Karachaliou M, Fthenou E, Venihaki M, Sarri K, Vassilaki M, Kyrtopoulos SA, Oken E, Kogevinas M, Chatzi L. 2015. Association of prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants with obesity and cardiometabolic traits in early childhood: the Rhea mother–child cohort (Crete, Greece). Environ Health Perspect 123:1015–1021; http://dx.doi. org/10.1289/ehp.1409062