Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The steady‐state level of mRNA from the Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility locus in Brassica cybrids is determined post‐transcriptionally by its 3′ region

We have investigated the control of the expression of three different configurations of the mitochondrial gene orf138, whose expression is correlated with Ogura cytoplasmic male‐sterility in rapeseed cybrids. These configurations, termed Nco2.5/13S, Nco2.7/13F and Bam4.8/18S, specific to the 13S (sterile), 13F (fertile) and 18S (sterile) cybrids respectively, have the same 5′ regions but different 3′ regions. The orf138 transcript from Bam4.8/18S is 10‐fold more abundant than the one from Nco2.5/13S, while no orf138 transcript from Nco2.7/13F accumulates. However, transcriptional activity measurements show that the rate of transcription is equivalent for the three configurations. These results strongly suggest that the steady‐state level of mRNA from the orf138 locus is determined post‐transcriptionally, most likely by its 3′ region. To determine the role of these 3′ regions, we have established an in vitro decay and processing system. In the presence of rapeseed mitochondrial lysate, synthetic RNAs corresponding to the 3′ region of the Nco2.7/13F transcript are, as expected, less stable than RNAs corresponding to the 3′ regions of the Nco2.5/13S and Bam4.8/18S transcripts. We have also observed in vitro processing of synthetic RNAs at the sites corresponding to the 3′ ends of the natural mRNAs from Nco2.5/13S and Bam4.8/18S. Further analysis of the role of these 3′ regions in in vitro RNA stability should help us to better understand post‐transcriptional control in plant mitochondria.
Effects of Neonatal Undernutrition and Binaural Ear Occlusion on Neuronal Development of the Superior Olivary Complex of Rats

Golgi-Cox-impregnated neurons of the superior olivary complex were investigated in control, binaural ear-occluded control, undernourished, and binaural ear-occluded undernourished Wistar rats of 12, 20, and 30 days of age. In neonatally undernourished and binaural ear-occluded animals, a significant reduction in the number of dendrites and dendritic intersections in the medial trapezoid body neurons was observed. Inconsistent effects upon the dendritic arbor lateral superior olivary cells were also detected. Control and undernourished rats with binaural ear occlusion exhibited a significant increase in the dendritic arbor measurements of lateral superior olivary neurons as compared with the cells of the medial trapezoid body. The cytoarchitectonic imbalance between the modulatory efferent control of these systems and the sensory auditory input to the cochlea may be important for the integration of complex auditory physiological phenomena.
Vegetarian Eco-feminist Consciousness in Carol Ann Duffy’s Poetry

This paper discusses vegetarian eco-feminist consciousness in Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry by close analysis of two poems, namely “The Dolphins” and “A Healthy Diet” from her poem collection Standing Female Nude . The former is a dramatic monologue of a dolphin, which is exploited by people, and the latter is a dramatic monologue of an omnipotent observer in a restaurant. Both poems criticized the species-ism, and together, they showed the poet’s vegetarian eco-feminist consciousness. A close reading of the two poems from the eco-feminist perspective helps the reader understand why Carol Ann Duffy is honored as the first woman poet laureate in British history, and better understand vegetarian eco-feminism and its influence in British society. Keywords: eco-feminism; consciousness, species-ism, vegetarian, animal, diet
Partial volume estimation of brain cortex from MRI using topology-corrected segmentation

In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), accuracy of brain structures quantification may be affected by the partial volume (PV) effect. PV is due to the limited spatial resolution of MRI compared to the size of anatomical structures. When considering the cortex, measurements can be even more difficult as it spans only a few voxels. In tight sulci areas, where the two banks of the cortex are in contact, voxels may be misclassified. The aim of this work is to propose a new PV classification-estimation method which integrates a mechanism for correcting sulci delineation using topology preserving operators after a maximum a posteriori classification. Additionally, we improved the estimation of mixed voxels fractional content by adaptively estimating pure tissue intensity means. Accuracy and precision were assessed using simulated and real MR data and comparison with other existing approaches demonstrated the benefits of our method. Significant improvements in GM classification were brought by the topology correction. The root mean squared error diminished by 6.3% (p ≪ 0.01) on simulated data. The reproducibility error decreased by 9.6% (p ≪ 0.001) and the similarity measure (Jaccard) increased by 3.4% on real data. Furthermore, compared with manually-guided expert segmentations the similarity measure was improved by 12.0% (p ≪ 0.001).
The Leech lattice and the Golay code: bounded-distance decoding and multilevel constructions

Multilevel constructions of the binary Golay code and the Leech lattice are described. Both constructions are based upon the projection of the Golay code and the Leech lattice onto the (6,3,4) hexacode over GF(4). However, unlike the previously reported constructions, the new multilevel constructions make the three levels independent by way of using a different set of coset representatives for one of the quaternary coordinates. Based upon the multilevel structure of the Golay code and the Leech lattice, efficient bounded-distance decoding algorithms are devised. The bounded-distance decoder for the binary Golay code requires at most 431 operations. As compared to 651 operations for the best known maximum-likelihood decoder. Efficient bounded-distance decoding of the Leech lattice is achieved by means of partitioning it into four cosets of Q/sub 24/, beyond the conventional partition into two H/sub 24/ cosets. The complexity of the resulting decoder is only 953 real operations on the average and 1007 operations in the worst case, as compared to about 3600 operations for the best known in maximum-likelihood decoder. It is shown that the proposed algorithms decode correctly at least up to the guaranteed error-correction radius of the maximum-likelihood decoder. Thus, the loss in coding-gain is due primarily to an increase in the effective error-coefficient, which is calculated exactly for both algorithms. Furthermore, the performance of the Leech lattice decoder on the AWGN channel is evaluated experimentally by means of a comprehensive computer simulation. The results show a loss in coding-gain of less than 0.1 dB relative to the maximum-likelihood decoder for BER ranging from 10/sup -1/ to 10/sup -7/. >
Co‐occurrence of ADHD and low IQ has genetic origins

Previous studies show that the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and lower intelligence quotient (IQ) covary in children. We investigated the aetiology of this association in a large population‐based sample of 5‐year‐old twins. The twins were individually assessed on an IQ test, and data on ADHD symptoms were obtained from mother interviews and teacher ratings. Confirming previous studies, the phenotypic correlation between ADHD symptom scores and IQ was −0.3 and, in a categorical analysis, children with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV) ADHD research diagnosis obtained IQ scores nine points lower, on average, than comparison children. We show here that the co‐occurrence of ADHD and lower IQ has genetic origins: 86% of the association between ADHD symptom scores and IQ, and 100% of the association between ADHD diagnosis and IQ, was accounted for by genetic influences that are shared by ADHD and IQ. Some candidate genes for ADHD could also contribute to variation in IQ or vice versa. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finding Time-Critical Responses for Information Seeking in Social Media

Social media is being increasingly used to request information and help in situations like natural disasters, where time is a critical commodity. However, generic social media platforms are not explicitly designed for timely information seeking, making it difficult for users to obtain prompt responses. Algorithms to ensure prompt responders for questions in social media have to understand the factors affecting their response time. In this paper, we draw from sociological studies on information seeking and organizational behavior to model the future availability and past response behavior of the candidate responders. We integrate these criteria with their interests to identify users who can provide timely and relevant responses to questions posted in social media. We propose a learning algorithm to derive optimal rankings of responders for a given question. We present questions posted on Twitter as a form of information seeking activity in social media. Our experiments demonstrate that the proposed framework is useful in identifying timely and relevant responders for questions in social media.
Strained tunnel FETs with record ION: first demonstration of ETSOI TFETs with SiGe channel and RSD

We present for the first time Tunnel FETs obtained with a FDSOI CMOS process flow featuring High-K Metal Gate, ultrathin body compressively strained Si<sub>1-x</sub>Ge<sub>x</sub> (x from 0 to 30%) based channels, and Si<sub>0.7</sub>Ge<sub>0.3</sub> Raised SD. We analyse the tunnelling improvements due to the different technological injection boosters: ultrathin body & EOT, strain, low band gap source, and low temperature SD anneal. For the first time, TFETs with large ON current (up to 428μA/μm) are demonstrated (with >;x1000 I<sub>ON</sub> gain vs. SOI).
The surface diffusion flow for immersed hypersurfaces

We show existence and uniqueness of classical solutions for the motion of immersed hypersurfaces driven by surface diusion. If the initial surface is embedded and close to a sphere, we prove that the solution exists globally and converges exponentially fast to a sphere. Furthermore, we provide numerical simulations showing the creation of singularities for immersed curves.
Intelligent Adaptive Law for Missile Guidance Using Fuzzy Neural Networks

In this paper, an adaptive fuzzy neural network (FNN) controller is proposed for missile guidance. The objective is for one defending missile (DM) to intercept an attacking missile (AM) in air battle scenario. The adaptive FNN controller is adopted to force the DM toward the AM under the existence of disturbance, and a monitoring controller is also designed to reduce the error between FNN controller and ideal controller. In comparison with the other multi-layered neural network controller, the proposed adaptive FNN controller which combines the fuzzy rules with the neural network can be easily designed. The weighting factors of our new FNN controller are activated to dispatch the DM toward the AM. Using the Lyapunov constraints, the weighting factors for the proposed FNN controller are updated to guarantee the stability of the path planning system. In our illustrated examples, the systematic battle environment is constructed. From the simulation results, the proposed adaptive FNN controller is capable of performing missile guidance, and it also shows that the computation load of our proposed approach is much less than that of using cerebellar model articulation controller (CMAC).
Small Deletion Variants Have Stable Breakpoints Commonly Associated with Alu Elements

Copy number variants (CNVs) contribute significantly to human genomic variation, with over 5000 loci reported, covering more than 18% of the euchromatic human genome. Little is known, however, about the origin and stability of variants of different size and complexity. We investigated the breakpoints of 20 small, common deletions, representing a subset of those originally identified by array CGH, using Agilent microarrays, in 50 healthy French Caucasian subjects. By sequencing PCR products amplified using primers designed to span the deleted regions, we determined the exact size and genomic position of the deletions in all affected samples. For each deletion studied, all individuals carrying the deletion share identical upstream and downstream breakpoints at the sequence level, suggesting that the deletion event occurred just once and later became common in the population. This is supported by linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis, which has revealed that most of the deletions studied are in moderate to strong LD with surrounding SNPs, and have conserved long-range haplotypes. Analysis of the sequences flanking the deletion breakpoints revealed an enrichment of microhomology at the breakpoint junctions. More significantly, we found an enrichment of Alu repeat elements, the overwhelming majority of which intersected deletion breakpoints at their poly-A tails. We found no enrichment of LINE elements or segmental duplications, in contrast to other reports. Sequence analysis revealed enrichment of a conserved motif in the sequences surrounding the deletion breakpoints, although whether this motif has any mechanistic role in the formation of some deletions has yet to be determined. Considered together with existing information on more complex inherited variant regions, and reports of de novo variants associated with autism, these data support the presence of different subgroups of CNV in the genome which may have originated through different mechanisms.
Microwave Imaging under Oblique Illumination

Microwave imaging based on inverse scattering problem has been attracting many interests in the microwave society. Among some major technical challenges, the ill-posed, multi-dimensional inversion algorithm and the complicated measurement setup are critical ones that prevent it from practical applications. In this paper, we experimentally investigate the performance of the subspace-based optimization method (SOM) for two-dimensional objects when it was applied to a setup designed for oblique incidence. Analytical, simulation, and experimental results show that, for 2D objects, neglecting the cross-polarization scattering will not cause a notable loss of information. Our method can be potentially used in practical imaging applications for 2D-like objects, such as human limbs.
Learning to Abstain from Binary Prediction

A binary classifier capable of abstaining from making a label prediction has two goals in tension: minimizing errors, and avoiding abstaining unnecessarily often. In this work, we exactly characterize the best achievable tradeoff between these two goals in a general semi-supervised setting, given an ensemble of predictors of varying competence as well as unlabeled data on which we wish to predict or abstain. We give an algorithm for learning a classifier in this setting which trades off its errors with abstentions in a minimax optimal manner, is as efficient as linear learning and prediction, and is demonstrably practical. Our analysis extends to a large class of loss functions and other scenarios, including ensembles comprised of specialists that can themselves abstain.
Use of Cefoxitin-Based Selective Broth for Improved Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT A cefoxitin-based selective broth was evaluated for its efficiency in detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by the use of laboratory reference strains, clinical isolates of different clones, and clinical samples. The cefoxitin-based broth was proved to be more sensitive and rapid for the detection of MRSA strains, especially heterogeneously resistant strains, than the oxacillin-based broth.
Postpartum Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease in the Modern Era

To describe the clinical features of individuals hospitalized for postpartum invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection, a retrospective, population-based study of hospitalized patients in the state of Florida was conducted. Cases of postpartum invasive GAS infection (occurring within 42 days of delivery) were compared to women with other manifestations of invasive GAS disease with respect to their age at the time of admission. Four cases of postpartum invasive GAS infection were detected in this population, yielding a prevalence of 1.6% (4/257) of postpartum disease in this invasive GAS infection database. Patients presented a median of 4 days (mean of 9 days) after delivery with signs and symptoms of infection. Three cases were complicated by bacteremia and one patient had streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Each patient received multiple antibiotics and survived. No patients received intravenous immunoglobulin. For comparison, a secondary retrospective investigation of a large hospital discharge dataset obtained from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration was assessed for patients with puerperal GAS infections. This method yielded an additional three cases, whose clinical and demographic characteristics were summarized. These data highlight that postpartum invasive GAS infection continues to complicate pregnancy, though the frequency has decreased markedly over the past century.
Sequence boundaries are impedance contrasts: Core-seismic-log integration of Oligocene–Miocene sequences, New Jersey shallow shelf

Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 313 continuously cored uppermost Eocene to Miocene sequences on the New Jersey shallow shelf (Sites M27, M28, and M29). Previously, 15 Miocene (ca. 23–13 Ma) seismic sequence boundaries were recognized on several generations of multichannel seismic profiles using criteria of onlap, downlap, erosional truncation, and toplap. We independently recognize sequence boundaries in the cores and logs based on an integrated study of core surfaces, lithostratigraphy and process sedimentology (grain size, mineralogy, facies, and paleoenvironments), facies successions, stacking patterns, benthic foraminiferal water depths, downhole logs, core gamma logs, and chronostratigraphic ages. We use a velocity-depth function to predict the depths of seismic sequence boundaries that were tested by comparison with major core surfaces, downhole and core logs, and synthetic seismograms. Using sonic velocity (core and downhole), core density, and synthetic seismograms, we show that sequence boundaries correspond with acoustic impedance contrasts, although other stratal surfaces (e.g., maximum flooding and transgressive surfaces) also produce reflections. Core data are sufficient to link seismic sequence boundaries to impedance contrasts in 9 of 12 instances at Site M27, 6 of 11 instances at Site M28, and 8 of 14 instances at Site M29. Oligocene sequences have minimal lithologic and seismic expression due to deep-water locations on clinoform bottomsets. Miocene sequences (ca. 23–13 Ma) were sampled across several unconformity clinothems (prograding units) on topset, foreset, and bottomset locations. Excellent recovery allows core-seismic integration that confirms the hypothesis that unconformities are a primary source of impedance contrasts. Our core-seismic-log correlations predict that key seismic surfaces observed in other subsurface investigations without core and/or well logs are stratal surfaces with sequence stratigraphic significance.
Mating systems and the evolutionary transition between haploidy and diploidy

Abstract According to the ‘masking hypothesis’, diploids gain an immediate fitness advantage over haploids because diploids, with two copies of every gene, are better able to survive the effects of deleterious recessive mutations. Masking in diploids is, however, a double-edged sword: it allows mutations to persist over time. In contrast, deleterious mutations are revealed in haploid individuals and are more rapidly eliminated by selection, creating genetic associations that are favourable to haploidy. We model various mating schemes and show that assortative mating, selfing, and apomixis maintain the genetic associations that favour haploidy. These results suggest that a correlation should exist between mating system and ploidy level, with outcrossing favouring diploid life cycles and inbreeding or asexual reproduction favouring haploid life cycles. This prediction can be tested in groups, such as the Chlorophyta, with extensive variation both in life cycle and in reproductive system. Confirming or rejecting this prediction in natural populations would constitute the first empirical test of the masking hypothesis as a force shaping the evolution of life cycles.
A critical literature review on primary blast thorax injury and their outcomes

ABSTRACT Since World War II, researchers have been interested in exploring the injury mechanisms involved in primary blast on the thorax by using animal model surrogates. These studies were mostly concerned with the finding of the lung injury threshold, the relationship between the physical components of the air blast wave, and the biological response. Studies have also been conducted to investigate the effect of repeated blast exposures on the injury outcome threshold. This has led to several injury criteria, such as the Bowen curves based on pressure history’s characteristics or the Axelsson Chest Wall Velocity Predictor that used measurement from the mammals’ chest wall. This article aims at doing a critical literature review of this specific topic.
Colonic J-Pouch-Anal Anastomosis for Rectal Cancer

AbstractPURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to review the different aspects of the colonic J-pouch reconstruction with special focus on functional results and complications METHODS: A MEDLINE search from 1965 to the present with manual search for older articles was used as the basis of this review. RESULTS: Rectal reconstruction using a colonic J-pouch-anal anastomosis after excision of extraperitoneal cancers can be performed with acceptable morbidity and good functional results. CONCLUSIONS: Among the different methods of rectal reconstruction now available after total rectal resection for cancer, the colonic J-pouch may be the optimal choice.
Thiomers and thiomer-based nanoparticles in protein and DNA drug delivery

Introduction: Thanks to advances in biotechnology, more and more highly efficient protein- and DNA-based drugs have been developed. Unfortunately, these kinds of drugs underlie poor non-parental bioavailability. To overcome hindrances like low mucosal permeability and enzymatic degradation polymeric excipients are utilized as drug carrier whereat thiolated excipients showed several promising qualities in comparison to the analogical unmodified polymer. Areas covered: The article deals with the comparatively easy modification of well-established polymers like chitosan or poly(acrylates) to synthesize thiomers. Further, the recently developed “next generation” thiomers e.g. preactivated or S-protected thiomers are introduced. Designative properties like mucoadhesion, uptake and permeation enhancement, efflux pump inhibition and protection against enzymatic degradation will be discussed and differences between first and next generation thiomers will be pointed out. Additionally, nanoparticles prepared with thiomers will be dealt with regarding to protein and DNA drug delivery as thiomers seem to be a promising approach to avoid parenteral application. Expert opinion: Properties of thiomers per se and results of in vivo studies carried out so far for peptide and DNA drugs demonstrate their potential as multifunctional excipients. However, further investigations and optimizations have to be done before establishing a carrier system ready for clinical approval.