Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Common Motif within the Negative Regulatory Regions of Multiple Factors Inhibits Their Transcriptional Synergy

ABSTRACT DNA regulatory elements frequently harbor multiple recognition sites for several transcriptional activators. The response mounted from such compound response elements is often more pronounced than the simple sum of effects observed at single binding sites. The determinants of such transcriptional synergy and its control, however, are poorly understood. Through a genetic approach, we have uncovered a novel protein motif that limits the transcriptional synergy of multiple DNA-binding regulators. Disruption of these conserved synergy control motifs (SC motifs) selectively increases activity at compound, but not single, response elements. Although isolated SC motifs do not regulate transcription when tethered to DNA, their transfer to an activator lacking them is sufficient to impose limits on synergy. Mechanistic analysis of the two SC motifs found in the glucocorticoid receptor N-terminal region reveals that they function irrespective of the arrangement of the receptor binding sites or their distance from the transcription start site. Proper function, however, requires the receptor's ligand-binding domain and an engaged dimer interface. Notably, the motifs are not functional in yeast and do not alter the effect of p160 coactivators, suggesting that they require other nonconserved components to operate. Many activators across multiple classes harbor seemingly unrelated negative regulatory regions. The presence of SC motifs within them, however, suggests a common function and identifies SC motifs as critical elements of a general mechanism to modulate higher-order interactions among transcriptional regulators.
Identification of CD20 C-Terminal Deletion Mutations Associated with Loss of CD20 Expression in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Purpose: Rituximab is commonly incorporated into CD20-positive B-cell lymphoma therapy to improve response and prognosis. With increasing use, resistance to rituximab is a continuing concern, but CD20 mutation as a cause of resistance has not previously been reported. Experimental Design: Freshly collected lymphoma cells from 50 patients with previously untreated or relapsed/resistant non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphomas (diffuse large B cell, n = 22; follicular, n = 7; mucosa associated lymphoid tissue, n = 16; chronic lymphocytic leukemia, n = 2; small lymphocytic lymphoma, n = 1; lymphoplasmacytic, n = 1; mantle cell lymphoma, n = 1) were assessed for CD20 expression by flow cytometry, and CD20 gene sequencing was done on extracted DNA. Results: CD20 mutations were found in 11 (22.0%) of 50 patients and could be grouped as C-terminal deletion (8.0%), early termination (10.0%), and extracellular domain (2.0%) or transmembrane domain (2.0%) mutations. The mean fluorescence intensity of CD20 on fresh lymphoma cells was significantly lower for the C-terminal deletion mutation [3.26; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.09-6.89] compared with wild type (30.8; 95% CI, 22.4-39.2; P < 0.05). In contrast, early termination mutations did not show significant differences in CD20 expression compared with wild type (19.5; 95% CI, 10.7-28.4; P > 0.05). Conclusions: It is possible that C-terminal deletion mutations of CD20 may be related to relapse/resistance after rituximab therapy. These mutations should be examined in patients showing progression of disease after partial remission.
The early responses of Arabidopsis thaliana cells to cadmium exposure explored by protein and metabolite profiling analyses

To get more insight into plant cell response to cadmium (Cd) stress, both proteomic and metabolomic “differential display” analyses were performed on Arabidopsis thaliana cells exposed to different concentrations of the toxic chemical. After a 24 h treatment, soluble proteins extracted from untreated and treated cells were separated by 2‐D‐PAGE and image analyses were performed to quantify and compare protein levels. Proteins up‐ and down‐regulated in response to Cd were identified by MS and mapped into specific metabolic pathways and cellular processes, highlighting probable activation of the carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur metabolic pathways. For some of these proteins, Northern blot and RT‐PCR analyses were performed to test transcript accumulation in response to Cd. In parallel, metabolite profiling analyses by LC coupled to ESI MS were initiated to better characterize the metabolic adaptation to the chemical stress. This study revealed that the main variation at the metabolite level came from the presence of six different families of phytochelatins, in A. thaliana cells treated with Cd, whose accumulation increases with Cd concentrations. Taken together these data provide an overview of the molecular and cellular changes elicited by Cd exposure.
Defendants' Characteristics of Attractiveness, Race, and Sex and Sentencing Decisions

This experiment examined several factors thought to be influential in jurors' decisions. Specifically, the attractiveness, race, and sex of the defendant were manipulated. It was hypothesized that for the same crime attractive defendants would be given lesser sentences than unattractive defendants, African-American defendants would be given more harsh sentences than Euro-American defendants, and female defendants would receive significantly lesser sentences than male defendants. A fictitious burglary case with an attached picture of one of eight possible defendants was given to 160 participants who were asked to read the case and recommend either 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 years' imprisonment as a sentence. All three hypotheses were supported. Possible reasons for these findings were discussed.
EVOLUTION OF THE RATE AND MODE OF STAR FORMATION IN GALAXIES SINCE z = 0.7

We present the star formation rate (SFR) and starburst fraction (SBF) for a sample of field galaxies from the Inamori-Magellan Areal Camera and Spectrograph Cluster Building Survey intermediate-redshift cluster survey. We use [O ii] and Spitzer 24 μm fluxes to measure SFRs, and 24 μm fluxes and Hδ absorption to measure SBFs, for both our sample and a present-epoch field sample from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and Spitzer Wide-area Infrared Extragalactic survey. We find a precipitous decline in the SFR since z = 1, in agreement with other studies, as well as a corresponding rapid decline in the fraction of galaxies undergoing long-duration moderate-amplitude starbursts. We suggest that the change in both the rate and mode of star formation could result from the strong decrease since z = 1 of gas available for star formation.
Family Formation in the Baltic Countries: A Transformation in the Legacy of state socialism

This article examines the transformation of nuptiality patterns in the Baltic countries since the late 1960s, in the context of long-term trends. The aim of the study is to compare the entry into first conjugal union in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and analyze the position of the Baltic countries in a broader European perspective. The analyses employ microdata from national surveys conducted in the framework of the European Family and Fertility Surveys program. Our main results on the timing and mode of union formation show that in Estonia and Latvia the shift from direct marriage to cohabitation started well before the fall of the state socialist regime, and followed a trajectory close to Scandinavian countries. In Lithuania, on the other hand, the change in the pattern of union formation has been much slower. The article discusses the factors underlying the observed similarities and dissimilarities in union formation.
Self-healing soft pneumatic robots

Soft robots manufactured out of self-healing polymers have the ability to repair macroscopic damage. Inspired by the compliance found in many organisms, soft robots are made almost entirely out of flexible, soft material, making them suitable for applications in uncertain, dynamic task environments, including safe human-robot interactions. Their intrinsic compliance absorbs shocks and protects them against mechanical impacts. However, the soft materials used for their construction are highly susceptible to damage, such as cuts and perforations caused by sharp objects present in the uncontrolled and unpredictable environments they operate in. In this research, we propose to construct soft robotics entirely out of self-healing elastomers. On the basis of healing capacities found in nature, these polymers are given the ability to heal microscopic and macroscopic damage. Diels-Alder polymers, being thermoreversible covalent networks, were used to develop three applications of self-healing soft pneumatic actuators (a soft gripper, a soft hand, and artificial muscles). Soft pneumatic actuators commonly experience perforations and leaks due to excessive pressures or wear during operation. All three prototypes were designed using finite element modeling and mechanically characterized. The manufacturing method of the actuators exploits the self-healing behavior of the materials, which can be recycled. Realistic macroscopic damage could be healed entirely using a mild heat treatment. At the location of the scar, no weak spots were created, and the full performance of the actuators was nearly completely recovered after healing.
Examining the raunch culture thesis through young Australian women's interpretations of contradictory discourses

According to a series of recent accounts, the sex industry is now a key facet of youth culture and sexualised imagery has infiltrated both the public imagination and the most private of practices. Unsurprisingly, there is greater concern over the implications of this new ‘raunch culture’ for young women, than young men. Rather than resisting, it is argued that young women are conforming en mass to soft-porn imagery and practices and in doing so, have lost touch with their own desires. To highlight some of the problems with these accounts, in this paper I draw on interview data from research into young Australian men and women's interpretations of sex and sexual risk. However, to pursue my key argument I focus only on the young women's accounts. Findings show that rather than being saturated in raunch culture, young women are exposed to multiple, often contradictory cultural discourses relating to gender and sex, which they differently incorporate, transform and sometimes reject as they construct sexual narratives. I conclude that the raunch culture literature is couched in a series of damaging generalisations which ignore youth diversity and position women as agents of their own oppression but not of their own desire.
Dynamic Lower Extremity Alignment in Children With Achondroplasia

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to analyze lower extremity dynamic malalignment during gait using a 3-dimensional kinematics and kinetics in 13 children (3-17 years old) with achondroplasia and to compare measurements of alignment and malrotation between gait, radiographic, and clinical measures. Gait analysis in the coronal plane showed a varus malalignment of the knee (19 ± 13 degrees) and variable tibial torsion abnormalities (13 [internal] ± 15.7 degrees). Radiographs also showed knee varus malalignment (16 ± 9 degrees); however, there was poor correlation with gait analysis measures (P > 0.05). In the sagittal plane, radiographs showed genu recurvatum deformity (23.5 ± 13.2 degrees), although the sagittal plane knee kinematics were normal. Kinetic analyses of the knee showed high internal knee valgus moments (external varus moments, 0.48 ± 0.25 N m/kg), which were significantly different from the normal population (P < 0.05). In conclusion, there is a 3-dimensional, complex, dynamic deformity of the lower extremity present in children with achondroplasia. We recommend a very careful assessment of the limb focusing on both the static and dynamic varus deformity and tibial torsion using a combination of radiographic, clinical, and gait analysis.
Emotional Construing: A Psychobiological Model

Abstract A psychobiological model of emotions is proposed based on Katz's (1984) “origin postulate” and his concept of “primitive constructs. ” Emotions are treated as phylogenetically available, evaluative sensorimotor constructs. It is proposed that this treatment of emotions falls within the range of convenience of Kelly's formulation of constructs. Phylogenetic arguments and neurophysiological findings are presented in support of a model of “primitive emotional constructs” grounded in the capacity to construct the fundamental distinctions of similarity and difference. Two sets of primitive emotional constructs are proposed. One set comprises emotions of difference, labeled as approach-avoidance and arousal-quiescence. The second set are emotions of similarity, labeled attachment-loss of attachment and intensity-quiescence. This model is discussed in terms of prototypical emotional experiences such as excitement (approach) and sadness (loss of attachment). Interrelations among personal identity, social .
Algorithms adapting to point contention

This article introduces the sieve, a novel building block that allows to adapt to the number of simultaneously active processes (the point contention) during the execution of an operation. We present an implementation of the sieve in which each sieve operation requires O(k log k) steps, where k is the point contention during the operation.The sieve is the cornerstone of the first wait-free algorithms that adapt to point contention using only read and write operations. Specifically, we present efficient algorithms for long-lived renaming, timestamping and collecting information.
Elastometry and Clinical Results After Bipolar Radiofrequency Treatment of Skin

BACKGROUND The healing process of a novel radiofrequency bipolar system was recently shown to produce a profound increase in collagen and elastin content. OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between subjective clinical improvement scores and changes in objective measures of mechanical skin properties. METHODS AND MATERIALS Elastometry measurements were made at baseline and 3 months after treatment. All patients received a treatment zone on the lower face. Patient assessments of results and physician ratings of wrinkle and skin laxity were collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Elastometry and clinical results were then compared. RESULTS Three months after treatment, elastometry measurements showed statistically significant improvement (5–12% decrease in Young's Modulus and 10–16% decrease in retraction time). The average improvement correlated to a 2.6‐year improvement in skin property. Physician scores at 3 months showed a statistically significant improvement of 1.42 grades on the Fitzpatrick scale for wrinkles and 0.66 grades on the Alexiades scale for skin laxity, increasing to 1.57 and 0.70 improvement, respectively, at 6 months. Eighty‐nine percent and 91% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up, respectively. CONCLUSION Elastometry data showed an average decrease in Young's Modulus and retraction time, both of which suggest that radiofrequency bipolar treatment resulted in more youthful skin. Better mechanical characteristics were consistent with improvements in wrinkles, laxity, and skin quality and appearance. Funding provided by Primaeva Medical, Inc. Drs. Willey, Kilmer, Newman, and Hantash serve on the advisory board of Primeava Medical. Drs. Berube and Renton and Mr. Krishna and Mr. McGill are employees of Primaeva Medical.
Why No Trade‐off between “Guns and Butter”? Armed Forces and Social Spending in the Advanced Industrial Democracies, 1960–19931

Studies of nations' military efforts and social well‐being are a staple of sociology, economics, and political science, but have produced ambiguous results. This article argues that the standard measure of military efforts—defense spending—inadequately captures the social and political impact of military preparedness. It instead suggests that military personnel policies impact social welfare efforts to the degree that they alter citizens' relationships to labor markets, directly provide social welfare benefits to military personnel, or create discursive obstacles to other groups seeking benefits. The results indicate that net of military spending, nations with relatively large armed forces make smaller social welfare efforts, while nations with conscription tend to spend more generously.
Procedure for the Isolation of Mutants of Bacillus subtilis with Defective Cytoplasmic Membranes

A procedure has been devised to isolate mutants of Bacillus subtilis with structurally defective membranes. The procedure used to screen for the mutants involved comparison of the stability of protoplasts of the mutant with those of the wild type in a medium of sufficient osmotic strength to stabilize wild-type protoplasts. Mutagenized cells were grown as clones on agar plates, and then replicated onto plates containing 0.5 m lactose, which is sufficient to stabilize wild-type protoplasts. The colonies on the lactose-containing plates were then treated with lysozyme to convert the cells to protoplasts. Colonies of wild-type protoplasts remained opaque; however, colonies of mutant protoplasts lysed and became clear. Twenty-nine osmotically fragile mutants were isolated in this manner; the membranes of several mutants were found to contain alterations in the composition of their proteins or lipids.
A Proposal of New Multifunctional Pressure Sensor Based on PVDF Films

In this paper, a new multifunctional pressure sensor based on polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) films is proposed. The proposed sensor consists of a pair of PVDF films with urethane gel. The electrical voltage (capacitance) and ultrasonic propagation time are simultaneously measured by a pair of PVDF films. In addition, the voltages generated on the PVDF film by the vibration and temperature change are also measured due to the piezoelectric and pyroelectric effects. When the object is loaded onto the proposed sensor, the pressure is measured by the change of propagation time because the thickness of the urethane gel changes. In addition, information about the object, such as the electrical properties and vibration and temperature change, is obtained by the measured capacitance and voltages. Therefore, it is possible to measure the pressure, the electrical property, temperature change, and vibration of the object with the proposed sensor. In this experiment, the fundamental properties of the proposed sensor-pressure (weight), electrical property, vibration, and temperature-were presented. As results, electrical voltage and propagation time were measured with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the 21% and 2% between 0 and 50 kg weights. Two types of vibrations-sinusoidal wave of 1 Hz and pulse wave of 1.2 Hz-were detected with the RSDs of 2% and 1%, respectively. In addition, the peak voltage generated by temperature change between 14°C and 40°C was approximately measured with the RSD of 26%.
Donation Behavior Toward In-Groups and Out-Groups: The Role of Gender and Moral Identity

We investigate how two important social identities--gender identity and moral identity--result in differential donations to in-groups and out-groups. Results from three studies indicate that moral identity importance tends to increase donations to out-groups (Iraq, Indonesia) and not to in-groups (London, New Orleans). However, this occurs only for consumers with a feminine gender identity. For consumers with a masculine gender identity, moral identity importance increases donations to the in-group but not the out-group. Inclusion of Other in the Self (IOS) mediates the moderating role of gender identity on the effect of moral identity on in-group and out-group donations.
Harmful supervision, a cause for alarm: Comment on Gray et al. (2001) and Nelson and Friedlander (2001).

The research presented by L. A. Gray, N. Ladany, J. A. Walker, and J. R. Ancis (2001) and by M. L. Nelson and M. L. Friedlander (2001) offers an important leap forward in understanding what contributes to problematic clinical supervision. First, to organize and extend this line of inquiry, the author proposes that a distinction be made between bad supervision (ineffective supervision that does not harm or traumatize the supervisee) and harmful supervision (supervision that harms or traumatizes the supervisee). Second, the author highlights the data from the 2 studies that were found most striking and disquieting (e.g., a sizable portion of the respondents experienced harmful supervision) and discusses the implications of these data. Third, the author offers 5 recommendations for research, practice, and the psychology profession.
Telework adoption, change management, and firm performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the contribution of human resource (HR) commitment practices to firm performance through the adoption of workplace practices that require the organisational climate created by HR commitment practices.Design/methodology/approach – The approach is a survey of 156 Spanish firms and statistical test of research hypotheses through structural equation modelling.Findings – The results indicate that the extent that employees have access to HR commitment practices and HR social benefits is positively related to the intensity of telework adoption. Firm performance is positively associated to the intensity of telework adoption, functional flexibility and internal numerical flexibility, and negatively related to external numerical flexibility. HR commitment practices impact directly and indirectly on different measures of firm performance.Research limitations/implications – Cross‐sectional, survey‐based data that cannot infer causality. Longitudinal and qualitative de.
Fortune Favors Fools: How Confidence Can Compensate for Competence in Learning

An important strategic challenge facing entrepreneurs and managers is the need to make choices across a set of policy alternatives (e.g., strategies, technologies, product designs), the merits of which are not initially well known. The efficacy of these choices is an increasing function of knowledge — competence that takes the form of accurate beliefs about the relative merits of the alternatives. Yet knowledge has a second, equally important but underexplored, dimension related to confidence in those beliefs. We examine confidence from a behavioral theory perspective that points to its role in learning processes, rather than a psychological perspective. We employ a formal computational model of learning where uncertainty may make any particular experience with an alternative misleading or unrepresentative. While our model is general in its applicability, we apply it to the case of an entrepreneur pursuing a particular market opportunity. Confidence acts to moderate an entrepreneur’s willingness to disregard feedback that conflicts with her beliefs. We find that there are conditions (e.g., high uncertainty) under which confidence in beliefs, rather than the accuracy of those beliefs, is the primary driver of the efficacy of entrepreneurial choice. One implication of this observation is that a less competent (less accurate) but more confident entrepreneur may outperform a highly competent entrepreneur lacking confidence in her accurate beliefs.