Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estrogen-receptor-α exchange and chromatin dynamics are ligand- and domain-dependent

We report a mammalian-based promoter chromosomal array system developed for single-cell studies of transcription-factor function. Designed after the prolactin promoter-enhancer, it allows for the direct visualization of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and/or Pit-1 interactions at a physiologically regulated transcription locus. ERα- and ligand-dependent cofactor recruitment, large-scale chromatin modifications and transcriptional activity identified a distinct fingerprint of responses for each condition. Ligand-dependent transcription (more than threefold activation compared with vehicle, or complete repression by mRNA fluorescent in situ hybridization) at the array correlated with its state of condensation, which was assayed using a novel high throughput microscopy approach. In support of the nuclear receptor hit-and-run model, photobleaching studies provided direct evidence of very transient ER-array interactions, and revealed ligand-dependent changes in koff. ERα-truncation mutants indicated that helix-12 and interactions with co-regulators influenced both large-scale chromatin modeling and photobleaching recovery times. These data also showed that the ERα DNA-binding domain was insufficient for array targeting. Collectively, quantitative observations from this physiologically relevant biosensor suggest stochastic-based dynamics influence gene regulation at the promoter level.
The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Anxiety and Affective Brain Function

Author(s): Goldstein, Andrea Nicole | Advisor(s): Walker, Matthew P | Abstract: Recent evidence suggests there is an intimate and causal relationship between sleep and anxiety. Despite such progress, several unknowns remain. For example which factors predispose some individuals to be vulnerable to the anxiogenic impact of sleep loss while others appear to be resilient have yet to be identified. Furthermore, whether trait-anxiety, in turn, predicts the sensitivity of individuals to amplified emotional brain reactivity associated with a lack of sleep is similarly unknown. Moreover, little is currently known about the embodied interplay between peripheral and central nervous system mechanisms leading to such abnormalities of affective processing caused by sleep deprivation. Characterizing these mechanisms is necessary not only to gain a deeper understanding of the pathophysiological pathways underlying the condition of anxiety, but also for developing effective treatments for the amelioration of anxiety as well as guiding public health policy aimed at anxiety disorder prevention. Targeting these unanswered questions, this thesis combines functional and structural MRI techniques, together with high-density EEG recordings, to test the overarching hypothesis that sleep deprivation leads to dysregulation of the extended-limbic system contributing to, and interacting with, the state of anxiety. Three specific predictions emerged from this overarching hypothesis and were tested in separate experiments. First, experiment 1 confirms the hypothesis that structural brain morphology in a network of limbic brain regions predicts vulnerability to the anxiogenic impact of sleep deprivation, and that sex moderates this interaction. Second, experiment 2 provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that trait anxiety determines the degree to which sleep deprivation amplifies limbic brain reactivity during the anticipation of potentially aversive emotional experiences. Finally, results from experiment 3 affirms the prediction that, beyond central limbic brain changes, sleep deprivation additionally dysregulates peripheral, autonomic cardiac signaling in response to affective stimuli as well as decouples the normally inter-related association between central brain and peripheral nervous systems. Collectively, these results help characterize a framework in which sleep deprivation contributes to anxiety symptomology through impairments in affective processing by both the central (limbic) and peripheral (autonomic) nervous system functioning. Moreover, these data suggest that the co-morbid features of sleep disruption and altered limbic as well as autonomic function commonly reported across anxiety disorders may be causally related. Considering the continued decreases in sleep time across society and the high prevalence of anxiety disorders, these findings have significant therapeutic, clinical and public health ramifications.
LINEAR PREDICTION FROM SUBBANDS FOR LOSSLESS AUDIOCOMPRESSIONCiprian

In this paper we propose the use of subband predictors in the prediction stage of adaptive context based loss-less audio coding. The original wideband audio signal is rst decomposed in subbands, linear prediction is then performed in each subband, possibly using different predictor orders, and nally the predicted values are transformed back to time domain. We take as a pilot signal decomposition the modulated lapped transform (MLT) and introduce several subband prediction algorithms, diiering in the way the subband predictions are transferred back to time domain. Experimental results compare the entropy of prediction errors for the cases of subband prediction and fullband prediction.
Selection on attainment? Local authorities, pupil backgrounds, attainment and grammar school opportunities

ABSTRACT This paper uses the National Pupil Database to explore how grammar school opportunities vary among pupil groups, and how grammar school opportunities correlate with the Local Authorities (LAs), pupil backgrounds and attainment. The results show that grammar school admission is relatively fair, based on its selection criterion, but there is no evidence that grammar schools can promote social mobility by providing more opportunities for disadvantaged pupils, which is the major claim supporting their expansion. Snapshots of grammar school opportunities in each LA, and the probability of attending grammar schools for four pupil subgroups, are examined. Then logistic regression models controlling for pupil backgrounds and attainment are created. Findings reveal that the varied proportion of grammar school places in each LA leads to unbalanced grammar school opportunities between them, making the difficulty of attending grammar schools diverse. The difference in grammar school opportunities between LAs has benefited a group of pupils moving outside their home LAs for secondary education, usually from more advantaged families. In LAs selecting more than 20% of their pupils into grammar schools, pupils eligible for free school meals, pupils with special educational needs, native English speakers and white pupils are less likely to go to grammar schools, while those from richer areas, from minority ethnic groups and those younger within a year group have higher chances when controlled for prior attainment. The difference in grammar school opportunities between social groups is largely the stratification of early-age attainment, and is unlikely the result of deliberately biased selection process.
Combining observational and experimental data to find heterogeneous treatment effects

Every design choice will have different effects on different units. However traditional A/B tests are often underpowered to identify these heterogeneous effects. This is especially true when the set of unit-level attributes is high-dimensional and our priors are weak about which particular covariates are important. However, there are often observational data sets available that are orders of magnitude larger. We propose a method to combine these two data sources to estimate heterogeneous treatment effects. First, we use observational time series data to estimate a mapping from covariates to unit-level effects. These estimates are likely biased but under some conditions the bias preserves unit-level relative rank orderings. If these conditions hold, we only need sufficient experimental data to identify a monotonic, one-dimensional transformation from observationally predicted treatment effects to real treatment effects. This reduces power demands greatly and makes the detection of heterogeneous effects much easier. As an application, we show how our method can be used to improve Facebook page recommendations.
Evaluation of a novel type of imaging probe based on a recombinant bivalent mini-antibody construct for detection of CD44v6-expressing squamous cell carcinoma

We have developed the CD44v6-targeting human bivalent antibody fragment AbD19384, an engineered recombinant human bivalent Fab antibody formed via dimerization of dHLX (synthetic double helix loop helix motif) domains, for potential use in antibody-based molecular imaging of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck region. This is a unique construct that has, to the best of our knowledge, never been assessed for molecular imaging in vivo before. The objective of the present study was to evaluate for the first time the in vitro and in vivo binding properties of radio-iodinated AbD19384, and to assess its utility as a targeting agent for molecular imaging of CD44v6-expressing tumors. Antigen specificity and binding properties were assessed in vitro. In vivo specificity and biodistribution of 125I-AbD19384 were next evaluated in tumor-bearing mice using a dual-tumor setup. Finally, AbD19384 was labeled with 124I, and its imaging properties were assessed by small animal PET/CT in tumor bearing mice, and compared with 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG). In vitro studies demonstrated CD44v6-specific binding with slow off-rate for AbD19384. A favorable biodis-tribution profile was seen in vivo, with tumor-specific uptake. Small animal PET/CT images of 124I-AbD19384 supported the results through clearly visible high CD44v6-expressing tumors and faintly visible low expressing tumors, with superior imaging properties compared to 18F-FDG. Tumor-to-blood ratios increased with time for the conjugate (assessed up to 72 h p.i.), although 48 h p.i. proved best for imaging. Biodistribution and small-animal PET studies demonstrated that the recombinant Fab-dHLX construct AbD19384 is a promising tracer for imaging of CD44v6 antigen expression in vivo, with the future aim to be used for individualized diagnosis and early detection of squamous cell carcinomas in the head and neck region. Furthermore, this proof-of-concept research established the feasibility of using recombinant Fab-dHLX constructs for in vivo imaging of tumor biomarkers.
Cosmic String Loops and Gravitational Radiation

Understanding of the signatures of cosmic string networks is limited by a large uncertainty in the sizes at which cosmic string loops form. We review cosmic string network evolution, and the gravitational signatures, with emphasis on this uncertainty. We then review a recent analytic model of cosmic string networks. In combination with recent simulations, this suggests that 90% of the string goes into very small loops, at the gravitational radiation scale, and 10% into loops near the Hubble scale. We discuss cosmic string signatures in such a scenario, and the `inverse problem' of determining the microscopic cosmic string properties from observations.
Ultrasonic Assisted Optimal Oil Extraction of Prunus Arminica Seeds: an Approach towards the Production of Bioactive and Nutritional Oil

Bioactive and nutritional enrich Prunus arminica oil was extracted first time with ultrasonic assisted procedure. Process was optimized by central composite model based on independent variables :solvent seed ratio, sonic power and three levels. Time, temperature and particle size were the dependent variables. Actual and predicted yields differences <1, multiple regression 0.941 showed the adequacy of the model. The sonic power 300W and 10/1mL g -1 solvent seed ratio were found significant variables according to P value. The results of the yield 54.0%, dominancy of oleic acid, scanning microscopic images of seeds, IC 50 value 25. 1µg µL -1 and the inhibition against gram positive and negative microorganisms revealed the ultrasonic extraction technique more efficient compared to Soxhlet extraction with 51.73% yield and 27. 4µg µL -1 IC 50 . 10mL g -1 solvent, 300W sonication, 50 o C and 30min makes the extraction cost effective and environment friendly and can step ahead to replace conventional methods for edible oils commercial production.
A Highly Conserved, Small LTR Retrotransposon that Preferentially Targets Genes in Grass Genomes

LTR retrotransposons are often the most abundant components of plant genomes and can impact gene and genome evolution. Most reported LTR retrotransposons are large elements (>4 kb) and are most often found in heterochromatic (gene poor) regions. We report the smallest LTR retrotransposon found to date, only 292 bp. The element is found in rice, maize, sorghum and other grass genomes, which indicates that it was present in the ancestor of grass species, at least 50–80 MYA. Estimated insertion times, comparisons between sequenced rice lines, and mRNA data indicate that this element may still be active in some genomes. Unlike other LTR retrotransposons, the small LTR retrotransposons (SMARTs) are distributed throughout the genomes and are often located within or near genes with insertion patterns similar to MITEs (miniature inverted repeat transposable elements). Our data suggests that insertions of SMARTs into or near genes can, in a few instances, alter both gene structures and gene expression. Further evidence for a role in regulating gene expression, SMART-specific small RNAs (sRNAs) were identified that may be involved in gene regulation. Thus, SMARTs may have played an important role in genome evolution and genic innovation and may provide a valuable tool for gene tagging systems in grass.
Three Years of TRMM Precipitation Features. Part I: Radar, Radiometric, and Lightning Characteristics

Abstract During its first three years, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite observed nearly six million precipitation features. The population of precipitation features is sorted by lightning flash rate, minimum brightness temperature, maximum radar reflectivity, areal extent, and volumetric rainfall. For each of these characteristics, essentially describing the convective intensity or the size of the features, the population is broken into categories consisting of the top 0.001%, top 0.01%, top 0.1%, top 1%, top 2.4%, and remaining 97.6%. The set of “weakest/smallest” features composes 97.6% of the population because that fraction does not have detected lightning, with a minimum detectable flash rate of 0.7 flashes (fl) min−1. The greatest observed flash rate is 1351 fl min−1; the lowest brightness temperatures are 42 K (85 GHz) and 69 K (37 GHz). The largest precipitation feature covers 335 000 km2, and the greatest rainfall from an individual precipitation feature exceeds 2 × 1012 k.
Crafting messages to promote water conservation: Using time‐framed messages to boost conservation actions in the United States and China

Correspondence Jie Zhuang, Department of Communication Studies, Texas Christian University, 2805 S. University Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76129. Email: jie.zhuang@tcu.edu Abstract Grounded in construal-level theory (CLT), this experiment examines how messages with different temporal frames (i.e., presentvs. future-framed) influence individuals’ perceptions of, and reactions to, water conservation. One hundred ninety-three participants, 99 from China and 94 from the United States, participated in this study. Results indicated that a present-framed message results in more positive attitudes toward water conservation than the future-framed message. Participants who scored higher on individual future-time orientation show stronger behavioral intention to conserve water than participants who scored lower. A significant interaction between temporal message framing and country emerged such that the future-framed message resulted in greater behavioral intention for Chinese participants than their U.S. counterparts whereas the present-framed message did not differentially influence Chinese and U.S. participants. Implications of findings for theory-building and application are discussed.
Effect of job insecurity, anxiety and personal resources on job satisfaction among casino employees in macau: a moderated mediation analysis

ABSTRACT This study examined if anxiety mediates the relationship between job insecurity and job dissatisfaction by using affective events theory. The moderating effect of psychological capital and perceived employability on the hypothesized mediation effect of anxiety was also investigated. A convenient sample of 1,014 full-time casino and hotel employees in Macau, China, was recruited for a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Research hypotheses were tested using SPSS Process Marco. As hypothesized, anxiety mediated the relationship between job insecurity and job dissatisfaction. Moderated mediation analyses showed that psychological capital and perceived employability moderated the hypothesized mediation effect, which was observed only when these personal resources were low. This study integrated the affective state in understanding the impact of job insecurity and provided empirical evidence on the role of personal resources in mitigating the impact of job insecurity. The findings present implications for developing effective management strategies and practices to manage job insecurity issues.
Development of behaviorally based rating scales

This paper describes an attempt to discover the major dimensions of job behavior and to develop instruments to measure performance along these dimensions for individuals employed in three basic jobs: systems analysts (SAs), programmer analysts (PAs), and computer operators (COs). The work was performed for a large midwest computer manufacturer which employs approximately 3,000 Electronic Data Processing (EDP) personnel in the United States.
A New Method For Galaxy Cluster Detection. I. The Algorithm

Numerous methods for finding clusters at moderate to high redshifts have been proposed in recent years, at wavelengths ranging from radio to X-rays. In this paper we describe a new method for detecting clusters in two-band optical/near-IR imaging data. The method relies upon the observation that all rich clusters, at all redshifts observed so far, appear to have a red sequence of early-type galaxies. The emerging picture is that all rich clusters contain a core population of passively evolving elliptical galaxies that are coeval and formed at high redshifts. The proposed search method exploits this strong empirical fact by using the red sequence as a direct indicator of overdensity. The fundamental advantage of this approach is that with appropriate filters, cluster elliptical galaxies at a given redshift are redder than all normal galaxies at lower redshifts. A simple color cut thus virtually eliminates all foreground contamination, even at significant redshifts. In this paper, one of a series of two, we describe the underlying assumptions and basic techniques of the method in detail and contrast the method with those used by other authors. We provide a brief demonstration of the effectiveness of the technique using a real photometric sample with redshift data, and from this we conclude that the method offers a powerful yet simple way of identify galaxy clusters. We find that the method can reliably detect structures to masses as small as groups with velocity dispersions of only ∼300 km s-1, with redshifts for all detected structures estimated to an accuracy of ∼10%.
Website Fingerprinting at Internet Scale

The website fingerprinting attack aims to identify the content (i.e., a webpage accessed by a client) of encrypted and anonymized connections by observing patterns of data flows such as packet size and direction. This attack can be performed by a local passive eavesdropper – one of the weakest adversaries in the attacker model of anonymization networks such as Tor. In this paper, we present a novel website fingerprinting attack. Based on a simple and comprehensible idea, our approach outperforms all state-of-the-art methods in terms of classification accuracy while being computationally dramatically more efficient. In order to evaluate the severity of the website fingerprinting attack in reality, we collected the most representative dataset that has ever been built, where we avoid simplified assumptions made in the related work regarding selection and type of webpages and the size of the universe. Using this data, we explore the practical limits of website fingerprinting at Internet scale. Although our novel approach is by orders of magnitude computationally more efficient and superior in terms of detection accuracy, for the first time we show that no existing method – including our own – scales when applied in realistic settings. With our analysis, we explore neglected aspects of the attack and investigate the realistic probability of success for different strategies a real-world adversary may follow.
HET0016, a Selective Inhibitor of 20-HETE Synthesis, Decreases Pro-Angiogenic Factors and Inhibits Growth of Triple Negative Breast Cancer in Mice

A selective inhibitor of 20-HETE synthesis, HET0016, has been reported to inhibit angiogenesis. 20-HETE has been known as a second mitogenic messenger of angiogenesis inducing growth factors. HET0016 effects were analyzed on MDA-MB-231 derived breast cancer in mouse and in vitro cell line. MDA-MB-231 tumor cells were implanted in animals’ right flank and randomly assigned to early (1 and 2), starting treatments on day 0, or delayed groups (3 and 4) on day 8 after implantation of tumor. Animals received HET0016 (10 mg/kg) treatment via intraperitoneal injection for 5 days/week for either 3 or 4 weeks. Control group received vehicle treatment. Tumor sizes were measured on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 and the animals were euthanized on day 22 and 29. Proteins were extracted from the whole tumor and from cells treated with 10 µM HET0016 for 4 and 24 hrs. Protein array kits of 20 different cytokines/factors were used. ELISA was performed to observe the HIF-1α and MMP-2 protein expression. Other markers were confirmed by IHC. HET0016 significantly inhibited tumor growth in all treatment groups at all-time points compared to control (p<0.05). Tumor growth was completely inhibited on three of ten animals on early treatment group. Treatment groups showed significantly lower expression of pro-angiogenic factors compared to control at 21 days; however, there was no significant difference in HIF-1α expression after treatments. Similar results were found in vitro at 24 hrs of HET0016 treatment. After 28 days, significant increase of angiogenin, angiopoietin-1/2, EGF-R and IGF-1 pro-angiogenic factors were found (p<0.05) compared to control, as well as an higher intensity of all factors were found when compared to that of 21 day’s data, suggesting a treatment resistance. HET0016 inhibited tumor growth by reducing expression of different set of pro-angiogenic factors; however, a resistance to treatment seemed to happen after 21 days.