Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Receptor Properties and Features of Cytokinin Signaling

Cytokinins belong to one of the most important and well-known classes of plant hormones. Discovered over half a century ago, cytokinins have retained the attention of researchers due to the variety of the effects they have on the growth and development of vegetable organisms, their participation in a plant adaptation to external conditions, and the potential to be used in biotechnology, agriculture, medicine and even cosmetics. The molecular mechanism by which cytokinins function remained unknown for a long time. Things started to change only in the 21stcentury, after the discovery of the receptors for these phytohormones. It appeared that plants found ways to adapt a two-component signal transduction system borrowed from prokaryotic organisms for cytokinin signalling. This review covers the recent advances in research of the molecular basis for the perception and transduction of the cytokinin signal. Emphasis is placed on cytokinin receptors, their domain and three-dimensional structures, subcellular localization, signalling activity, effect of mutations, ligand-binding properties, and phylogeny.
The Role of Competitive Inhibition and Top-Down Feedback in Binding during Object Recognition

How does the brain bind together visual features that are processed concurrently by different neurons into a unified percept suitable for processes such as object recognition? Here, we describe how simple, commonly accepted principles of neural processing can interact over time to solve the brain’s binding problem. We focus on mechanisms of neural inhibition and top-down feedback. Specifically, we describe how inhibition creates competition among neural populations that code different features, effectively suppressing irrelevant information, and thus minimizing illusory conjunctions. Top-down feedback contributes to binding in a similar manner, but by reinforcing relevant features. Together, inhibition and top-down feedback contribute to a competitive environment that ensures only the most appropriate features are bound together. We demonstrate this overall proposal using a biologically realistic neural model of vision that processes features across a hierarchy of interconnected brain areas. Finally, we argue that temporal synchrony plays only a limited role in binding – it does not simultaneously bind multiple objects, but does aid in creating additional contrast between relevant and irrelevant features. Thus, our overall theory constitutes a solution to the binding problem that relies only on simple neural principles without any binding-specific processes.
Reading, dyslexia and the brain

Background: Neuroimaging offers unique opportunities for understanding the acquisition of reading by children and for unravelling the mystery of developmental dyslexia. Here, I provide a selective overview of recent neuroimaging studies, drawing out implications for education and the teaching of reading. Purpose: The different neuroimaging technologies available offer complementary techniques for revealing the biological basis of reading and dyslexia. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is most suited to localisation of function, and hence to investigating the neural networks that underpin efficient (or inefficient) reading. Electroencephalography (EEG) is sensitive to millisecond differences in timing, hence it is suited to studying the time course of processing; for example, it can reveal when networks relevant to phonology versus semantics are activated. Magnetic source imaging (MSI) gives information about both location in the brain and the time course of activation. I illustrate how each technology is most suited to answering particular questions about the core neural systems for reading, and how these systems interact, and what might go wrong in the dyslexic brain. Design and methods: Following a brief overview of behavioural studies of reading acquisition in different languages, selected neuroimaging studies of typical development are discussed and analysed. Those studies including the widest age ranges of children have been selected. Neuroimaging studies of developmental dyslexia are then reviewed, focusing on (a) the neural networks recruited for reading, (b) the time course of neural activation and (c) the neural effects of remediation. Representative studies using the different methodologies are selected. It is shown that studies converge in showing that the dyslexic brain is characterised by under-activation of the key neural networks for reading. Conclusions: Different neuroimaging methods can contribute different kinds of data relevant to key questions in education. The most informative studies with respect to causation will be longitudinal prospective studies, which are currently rare.
Risk factors for tooth loss in an adult population: a radiographic study.

AIM The aim of the present study was to estimate the incidence and identify risk factors for tooth loss during a 5-year period in a randomly selected Danish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS In 1997 and 2003, 473 randomly selected adults received a full-mouth radiographic examination. The total number of teeth was 12,444. For each tooth, the following information was recorded from the radiographs: marginal bone level, filling, crown, root canal post, root filling, apicectomy, periapical status and caries lesion. Unconditional and conditional logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for tooth loss. RESULTS During the study period, 107 teeth in 60 individuals were lost. On the individual level, reduced marginal bone level and apical periodontitis (AP) were highly associated with tooth loss. On the tooth level, a reduced marginal bone level, AP and apicectomy were strongly associated with tooth loss. Canines were not lost often, whereas tooth loss was more frequently observed in molars and premolars than in incisors. CONCLUSIONS A reduced marginal bone level and AP were associated with tooth loss over time. Furthermore, there was a higher risk of tooth loss in the posterior regions than in the anterior region.
The Differential Formation of the LINC-Mediated Perinuclear Actin Cap in Pluripotent and Somatic Cells

The actin filament cytoskeleton mediates cell motility and adhesion in somatic cells. However, whether the function and organization of the actin network are fundamentally different in pluripotent stem cells is unknown. Here we show that while conventional actin stress fibers at the basal surface of cells are present before and after onset of differentiation of mouse (mESCs) and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), actin stress fibers of the actin cap, which wrap around the nucleus, are completely absent from undifferentiated mESCs and hESCs and their formation strongly correlates with differentiation. Similarly, the perinuclear actin cap is absent from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), while it is organized in the parental lung fibroblasts from which these hiPSCs are derived and in a wide range of human somatic cells, including lung, embryonic, and foreskin fibroblasts and endothelial cells. During differentiation, the formation of the actin cap follows the expression and proper localization of nuclear lamin A/C and associated linkers of nucleus and cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes at the nuclear envelope, which physically couple the actin cap to the apical surface of the nucleus. The differentiation of hESCs is accompanied by the progressive formation of a perinuclear actin cap while induced pluripotency is accompanied by the specific elimination of the actin cap, and that, through lamin A/C and LINC complexes, this actin cap is involved in progressively shaping the nucleus of hESCs undergoing differentiation. While, the localization of lamin A/C at the nuclear envelope is required for perinuclear actin cap formation, it is not sufficient to control nuclear shape.
The Environment of Tycho: Possible Interaction with the Molecular Cloud

Tycho's supernova remnant (SNR), as one of the few historical SNRs, has been widely studied in various wave bands. Observations show evidence that Tycho is expanding in a medium with density gradient and possibly interacting with a dense ambient medium toward the northeast direction. From the FCRAO CO survey of the outer Galaxy, we have identified a patch of molecular clouds in this area and have conducted a follow-up observation with the Nobeyama 45 m radio telescope. The high-resolution (16'') Nobeyama data show that a large molecular cloud surrounds the SNR along the northeastern boundary. We suggest that Tycho's SNR and the molecular cloud are located in the Perseus arm and that the dense medium interacting with the SNR is possibly the molecular cloud. We also discuss the possible connection between the molecular cloud and the Balmer-dominated optical filaments and suggest that the preshock gas may be accelerated within the cosmic-ray and/or fast neutral precursor.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α Activation Induces Hepatic Steatosis, Suggesting an Adverse Effect

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic triglyceride accumulation, ranging from steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. NAFLD is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and is associated with metabolic syndrome. Antihyperlipidemic drugs are recommended as part of the treatment for NAFLD patients. Although fibrates activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), leading to the reduction of serum triglyceride levels, the effects of these drugs on NAFLD remain controversial. Clinical studies have reported that PPARα activation does not improve hepatic steatosis. In the present study, we focused on exploring the effect and mechanism of PPARα activation on hepatic triglyceride accumulation and hepatic steatosis. Male C57BL/6J mice, Pparα-null mice and HepG2 cells were treated with fenofibrate, one of the most commonly used fibrate drugs. Both low and high doses of fenofibrate were administered. Hepatic steatosis was detected through oil red O staining and electron microscopy. Notably, in fenofibrate-treated mice, the serum triglyceride levels were reduced and the hepatic triglyceride content was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Oil red O staining of liver sections demonstrated that fenofibrate-fed mice accumulated abundant neutral lipids. Fenofibrate also increased the intracellular triglyceride content in HepG2 cells. The expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and the key genes associated with lipogenesis were increased in fenofibrate-treated mouse livers and HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. However, the effect was strongly impaired in Pparα-null mice treated with fenofibrate. Fenofibrate treatment induced mature SREBP-1c expression via the direct binding of PPARα to the DR1 motif of the SREBP-1c gene. Taken together, these findings indicate the molecular mechanism by which PPARα activation increases liver triglyceride accumulation and suggest an adverse effect of fibrates on the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis.
Barriers to diabetes control from Syrian women's perspectives.

AIM Diabetes constitutes a major public health problem and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers to diabetes control of middle-aged Syrian women with type 2 diabetes. METHODS A qualitative approach was adopted using conventional content analysis of semi-structured interviews carried out with 12 women with type 2 diabetes in the diabetic center in Lattakia (Syria) between March 2010 and December 2010. The participants were recruited by the purposeful sampling method. RESULTS Three main themes emerged from the data analysis: (i) a poor patient-healthcare provider relationship; (ii) inadequate education; (iii) and psychosocial problems. The first theme had two subthemes: (i) relationship with doctors; and (ii) relationship with nurses. The second theme was without subthemes. The third theme consisted of six subthemes: (i) work and family responsibilities; (ii) motherhood role; (iii) lack of social support; (iv) anxiety; (v) depression; and (vi) low self-efficacy. CONCLUSION The findings support that effective relationships can be enhanced through active listening and by opening a free channel for the flow of ideas and information between patients and healthcare providers. Additionally, providers have an important role to play in learning to identify and manage the psychosocial problems that arise in living with diabetes, so that their patients can be supported in overcoming barriers to managing their diabetes more effectively.
Integrating Logic Synthesis, Technology Mapping, and Retiming

This paper presents a synthesis method that combines logic synthesis, technology mapping, and retiming into a single integrated flow. The proposed integrated method is applicable to both standard cell and FPGA designs. An efficient implementation is proposed using sequential And-Inverter Graphs. Experiments on a variety of industrial circuits from the IWLS 2005 benchmark set show an average reduction of the clock period of 25%, compared to the traditional mapping without retiming, and by 20%, compared to traditional mapping followed by retiming applied as a post-processing step.
Caenorhabditis elegans SID-2 is required for environmental RNA interference

In plants and in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, an RNAi signal can trigger gene silencing in cells distant from the site where silencing is initiated. In plants, this signal is known to be a form of dsRNA, and the signal is most likely a form of dsRNA in C. elegans as well. Furthermore, in C. elegans, dsRNA present in the environment or expressed in ingested bacteria is sufficient to trigger RNAi (environmental RNAi). Ingestion and soaking delivery of dsRNA has also been described for other invertebrates. Here we report the identification and characterization of SID-2, an intestinal luminal transmembrane protein required for environmental RNAi in C. elegans. SID-2, when expressed in the environmental RNAi defective species Caenorhabditis briggsae, confers environmental RNAi.
Gendered Races

Six studies explored the overlap between racial and gender stereotypes, and the consequences of this overlap for interracial dating, leadership selection, and athletic participation. Two initial studies captured the explicit and implicit gender content of racial stereotypes: Compared with the White stereotype, the Asian stereotype was more feminine, whereas the Black stereotype was more masculine. Study 3 found that heterosexual White men had a romantic preference for Asians over Blacks and that heterosexual White women had a romantic preference for Blacks over Asians; preferences for masculinity versus femininity mediated participants’ attraction to Blacks relative to Asians. The pattern of romantic preferences observed in Study 3 was replicated in Study 4, an analysis of the data on interracial marriages from the 2000 U.S. Census. Study 5 showed that Blacks were more likely and Asians less likely than Whites to be selected for a masculine leadership position. In Study 6, an analysis of college athletics showed that Blacks were more heavily represented in more masculine sports, relative to Asians. These studies demonstrate that the gender content of racial stereotypes has important real-world consequences.
Caches in WCET Analysis: Predictability - Competitiveness - Sensitivity

Embedded systems as they occur in application domains such as automotive, aeronautics, and industrial automation often have to satisfy hard real-time constraints. Safe and precise bounds on the worst-case execution time (WCET) of each task have to be derived. This thesis studies the influence of cache replacement policies on the precision and soundness of WCET analyses. We define and evaluate predictability metrics that capture how quickly may and must information can be obtained under a particular replacement policy. The metrics mark a limit on the precision of any cache analysis. We generalize the notion of competitiveness to that of relative competitiveness. Relative competitive ratios bound the performance of a policy relative to that of another policy. Constructing a quotient transition system enables us to automatically compute such competitive ratios. Competitive ratios of LRU relative to FIFO and MRU yield the first may cache analyses for the two policies. These analyses are optimal with respect to the predictability metrics. Measurement has been proposed as an alternative to static analysis in WCET analysis. To evaluate the soundness of measurement-based WCET analysis, we investigate how sensitive replacement policies are to the state they are starting in. Analysis reveals that for FIFO, MRU, and PLRU, measurement may yield WCET estimates that are dramatically wrong.
The Kontsevich integral and algebraic structures on the space of diagrams

This paper is part expository and part presentation of calculational results. The target space of the Kontsevich integral for knots is a space of diagrams; this space has various algebraic structures which are described here. These are utilized with Le's theorem on the behaviour of the Kontsevich integral under cabling and with the Melvin-Morton Theorem, to obtain, in the Kontsevich integral for torus knots, both an explicit expression up to degree five and the general coefficients of the wheel diagrams.
Scale-Rotation Invariant Pattern Entropy for Keypoint-Based Near-Duplicate Detection

Near-duplicate (ND) detection appears as a timely issue recently, being regarded as a powerful tool for various emerging applications. In the Web 2.0 environment particularly, the identification of near-duplicates enables the tasks such as copyright enforcement, news topic tracking, image and video search. In this paper, we describe an algorithm, namely Scale-Rotation invariant Pattern Entropy (SR-PE), for the detection of near-duplicates in large-scale video corpus. SR-PE is a novel pattern evaluation technique capable of measuring the spatial regularity of matching patterns formed by local keypoints. More importantly, the coherency of patterns and the perception of visual similarity, under the scenario that there could be multiple ND regions undergone arbitrary transformations, respectively, are carefully addressed through entropy measure. To demonstrate our work in large-scale dataset, a practical framework composed of three components: bag-of-words representation, local keypoint matching and SR-PE evaluation, is also proposed for the rapid detection of near-duplicates.
Cationic Dye–sensitized Degradation of Sodium Hyaluronate Through Photoinduced Electron Transfer in the Upper Excited State¶

Abstract The formation of ground-state complexes of methylene blue (MB) and thionine (TN) with sodium hyaluronate (NaHA) was clearly observed by means of absorption spectra in aqueous solution. Irradiation of the complexes using 313 nm light caused significant degradation of NaHA under oxygen and argon. However, the use of visible light over 400 nm, which gives the lowest excited singlet state of the cationic dyes, caused no degradation. MB and TN were more efficient sensitizers for the degradation of NaHA than rose bengal (RB), although RB is a more efficient singlet oxygen (1O2) sensitizer than the cationic dyes. Under similar conditions the polysaccharides with carboxyl groups, such as alginic acid and polygalacturonic acid, also photodecomposed. However, the polysaccharides without carboxyl groups, such as pullulan and methyl cellulose, did not. The irradiation of the polysaccharides in the presence of powdered titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst to generate the hydroxyl radical (·OH) in aerated aqueous solution caused the fragmentation of all the polymers. It was confirmed that methyl viologen, an electron-accepting sensitizer, formed a charge-transfer complex with NaHA, the irradiation of which caused the efficient degradation of NaHA. In the presence of β- and γ-cyclodextrins the MB- and TN-sensitized photodegradation of NaHA was markedly suppressed. This was probably due to the formation of the inclusion complexes comprising the cationic dyes and the cyclodextrins. On the basis of the results obtained we propose that the cationic dye–sensitized degradation of NaHA involves a photoinduced electron-transfer process between the upper excited dyes and the ground-state NaHA and that ·OH and 1O2 do not participate in the degradation.
Novel Insight into Neutrophil Immune Responses by Dry Mass Determination of Candida albicans Morphotypes

The common fungal pathogen Candida albicans has the ability to grow as a yeast or as a hypha and can alternate between these morphotypes. The overall biomass of both morphotypes increases with growth. However, only yeasts, but not hyphae, exist as discrete cellular entities. Multiplicity of infection (MOI) is a useful parameter to determine the initial inoculum of yeasts for in vitro infection assays. Since the amount of hyphae is difficult to quantify, comparable starting conditions in such assays cannot be determined accurately for yeasts and hyphae using MOI. To circumvent this problem, we have established a set of correlation coefficients to convert fungal metabolic activity and optical density to dry mass. Using these correlations, we were able to accurately compare ROS production and IL-8 release by polymorphonuclear neutrophils upon infection with equal dry mass amounts of yeast and hyphal morphotypes. Neutrophil responses depended on the initial form of infection, irrespective of C. albicans wild-type yeasts transforming to hyphal growth during the assay. Infection with a high mass of live C. albicans yeasts resulted in lower neutrophil ROS and this decrease stems from efficient ROS detoxification by C. albicans without directly affecting the phagocyte ROS machinery. Moreover, we show that dead C. albicans induces significantly less ROS and IL-8 release than live fungi, but thimerosal-killed C. albicans were still able to detoxify neutrophil ROS. Thus, the dry mass approach presented in this study reveals neutrophil responses to different amounts and morphotypes of C. albicans and serves as a template for studies that aim to identify morphotype-specific responses in a variety of immune cells.