Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Small-molecule agonists and antagonists of F-box protein–substrate interactions in auxin perception and signaling

The regulation of gene expression by the hormone auxin is a crucial mechanism in plant development. We have shown that the Arabidopsis F-box protein TIR1 is a receptor for auxin, and our recent structural work has revealed the molecular mechanism of auxin perception. TIR1 is the substrate receptor of the ubiquitin–ligase complex SCFTIR1. Auxin binding enhances the interaction between TIR1 and its substrates, the Aux/IAA repressors, thereby promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of Aux/IAAs, altering the expression of hundreds of genes. TIR1 is the prototype of a new class of hormone receptor and the first example of an SCF ubiquitin-ligase modulated by a small molecule. Here, we describe the design, synthesis, and characterization of a series of auxin agonists and antagonists. We show these molecules are specific to TIR1-mediated events in Arabidopsis, and their mode of action in binding to TIR1 is confirmed by x-ray crystallographic analysis. Further, we demonstrate the utility of these probes for the analysis of TIR1-mediated auxin signaling in the moss Physcomitrella patens. Our work not only provides a useful tool for plant chemical biology but also demonstrates an example of a specific small-molecule inhibitor of F-box protein–substrate recruitment. Substrate recognition and subsequent ubiquitination by SCF-type ubiquitin ligases are central to many cellular processes in eukaryotes, and ubiquitin-ligase function is affected in several human diseases. Our work supports the idea that it may be possible to design small-molecule agents to modulate ubiquitin-ligase function therapeutically.
Developmental differences in effects of task pacing on implicit sequence learning

Although there is now substantial evidence that developmental change occurs in implicit learning abilities over the lifespan, disparate results exist regarding the specific developmental trajectory of implicit learning skills. One possible reason for discrepancies across implicit learning studies may be that younger children show an increased sensitivity to variations in implicit learning task procedures and demands relative to adults. Studies using serial-reaction time (SRT) tasks have suggested that in adults, measurements of implicit learning are robust across variations in task procedures. Most classic SRT tasks have used response-contingent pacing in which the participant's own reaction time determines the duration of each trial. However, recent paradigms with adults and children have used fixed trial pacing, which leads to alterations in both response and attention demands, accuracy feedback, perceived agency, and task motivation for participants. In the current study, we compared learning on fixed-paced and self-paced versions of a spatial sequence learning paradigm in 4-year-old children and adults. Results indicated that preschool-aged children showed reduced evidence of implicit sequence learning in comparison to adults, regardless of the SRT paradigm used. In addition, we found the preschoolers showed significantly greater learning when stimulus presentation was self-paced. These data provide evidence for developmental differences in implicit sequence learning that are dependent on specific task demands such as stimulus pacing, which may be related to developmental changes in the impact of broader constructs such as attention and task motivation on implicit learning.
Characteristics of the peanut chain in Europe - implications for peanut allergy.

BACKGROUND Peanuts are one of the main food allergens, occasionally responsible for life-threatening reactions. Thus, many studies have tried to fi nd a connection between peanut allergy prevalence and processes in the peanut chain that may contribute to the peanut allergenicity. To inform this discussion, this paper outlines experiences in peanut cultivation, trade and processing in Europe, focusing on four European countries with different peanut experiences (Poland, Bulgaria, Spain and the UK). MATERIAL AND METHOD Results here are based on documentary analysis and semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 32 experts involved in various stages of the peanut chain, including peanut farmers, processors, traders, food technologists and manufacturers. RESULTS A common peanut chain diagram has been drawn considering shelled and in-shell peanuts. The analysis of each stage of peanut processing has been made in accordance with this peanut chain schema. Thermal and mechanical processes are discussed alongside the resultant end peanut products available for European consumers. The paper also analyses the main trends of peanut trade in Europe. The results suggest that the majority of peanut products in Europe are roasted, implying enhanced exposure of the population to more allergenic peanuts. CONCLUSION The presented schema and related discussion bring together diverse aspects of peanut production, trade and processing. The main factor associated with the increased allergenicity of peanuts appears to be high temperature roasting. Frying and boiling are also thermal processes, but fried and boiled peanuts have been associated with reduce peanut allergenicity. Neither country of origin nor cultivar type appear to be related to differential peanut allergenicity. More research is needed as regards the impact of various additives, such as chocolate (which is also considered an allergen) on the allergenicity of peanut products. The use of peanuts in non-food products also needs more investigation.
Sensory processing abilities of children who have sustained traumatic brain injuries.

OBJECTIVE This study describes the sensory processing abilities of children ages 3-10 who sustained a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHOD We used a prospective, descriptive study design with convenience sampling of 20 children who were admitted to a pediatric neurosurgical unit. Caregivers provided information regarding their child's sensory processing abilities using the Sensory Profile (Dunn, 1999). We also collected demographic information related to the mechanism and severity of injury. Data were analyzed descriptively, and summary statistics were used to describe the Sensory Profiles of the children in comparison to normative data. RESULTS Proportionally more children with TBI than children in the normative sample demonstrated behaviors outside of the typical range in all sections of the Sensory Profile except for oral sensory processing. CONCLUSION These findings strongly support the need to include evaluation of sensory processing in any clinical assessment of children who have sustained TBI.
Yeast omnipotent supressor SUP1 (SUP45): nucleotide sequence of the wildtype and a mutant gene

The primary structures of the yeast recessive omnipotent suppressor gene SUP1 (SUP45) and one of its mutant alleles (sup1-ts36) was determined. The gene codes for a protein of 49 kD. The mutant protein differs from the wildtype form in one amino acid residue (Ser instead of Leu) in the N-terminal part. The codon usage differs significantly from that of yeast ribosomal protein genes. However, an upstream element resembling a conserved oligonucleotide in the region 5' to ribosomal protein genes in S. cerevisiae has been found. A DNA probe internal to the SUP1 gene does not exhibit detectable homology to genomic DNA neither from higher eucaryotes nor from eu- or archaebacteria. The hypothetical function of this protein in control of translational fidelity is discussed.
Making paperless work

Despite well documented advantages, attempts to go truly "paperless" seldom succeed. This is principally because computer-based paperless systems typically do not support all of the affordances of paper, nor the work process that have evolved with paper-based systems. We suggest that attention to users' work environments, activities and practices are critical to the success of paperless systems. This paper describes the development and effective utilization of a software tool for the paperless marking of student assignments which does not require users to compromise on established best practice. It includes a significant advance in the task management support.
Choice of Ownership Structure and Firm Performance: Evidence from Estonia

This article uses panel data for a representative sample of Estonian enterprises to analyse diverse issues related to the determinants of ownership structures and ownership changes after privatisation. A key focus is to determine whether ownership changes are related to economic efficiency. While employee-owned firms are found to be much more prone than other firms to switch ownership categories, often ‘employee-owned’ firms remain ‘insider-owned’ as ownership passes from current employees to managers and former employees. Logit analysis of the determinants of ownership structures and ownership changes provides mixed support for several hypotheses. As predicted: (i) wealth and resource constraints play a crucial role in the determination of ownership, with foreigners buying firms with the highest equity levels and insiders buying firms with the lowest equity valuations; (ii) risk aversion explains subsequent ownership changes, especially away from employee ownership; (iii) allocation of ownership depends on the pre-privatisation origin and location of the firm, and these factors also influence subsequent ownership changes. Our findings provide mixed support for the hypothesis that ownership changes are related to economic efficiency.
Subliminal Messages for Increasing Self-Esteem: Placebo Effect

Although experimental research has confirmed the capacity of the human cognitive system to process information that does not reach consciousness (unconscious perception), empirical evidence of the incidence of subliminal verbal messages included on audiotapes claiming to improve human resources and correct some behavioral problems is meager and inconsistent. Our study assesses the influence of “subliminal tapes” designed to increase self-esteem. Participants were randomly assigned to four experimental conditions. One group listened to a tape of music with supra- and subliminal messages; another listened to a tape of music with only subliminal messages; the third group's tape had only music, although the participants believed that it also included subliminal messages; a fourth (“waiting”) group heard no tapes, but filled in the same self-esteem scales. Participants in the first three groups filled in the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (Fitts, 1965) before and after listening to the tape for several days. All groups showed a similar pretest-posttest improvement in self-esteem (p ≤ .003), except for the waiting group, which did not improve (p = .311). This implies that only a placebo effect took place. Our data are not in accordance with those obtained by other authors. We comment upon the possible reasons for these discrepancies. Aunque la investigación experimental ha constatado la capacidad del sistema cognitivo humano para procesar información que no accede a la conciencia (percepción inconsciente), los datos empíricos sobre la incidencia de los mensajes verbales subliminales incluidos en cintas de audio, comercializadas para potenciar los recursos humanos y corregir algunos problemas conductuales, son muy escasos e inconsistentes. Nuestro estudio evalúa la influencia de “mensajes subliminales”, grabados en cinta, diseñados para mejorar la autoestima. Los sujetos fueron asignados aleatoriamente a cuatro condiciones experimentales. Un grupo escuchó una cinta con música y mensajes supra y subliminales; otro, una cinta con música y mensajes subliminales únicamente; en la tercera condición la cinta sólo contenía música, si bien los sujetos creían que también incluía mensajes subliminales; un cuarto grupo (“de espera”) fue sometido a las mismas mediciones de autoestima, pero no recibió la cinta. Los participantes de los tres primeros grupos completaron la Escala Tennessee de Autoconcepto (Fitts, 1965) antes y después de haber escuchado la cinta durante varios días. Todos los grupos mostraron una mejora similar entre el pretest y el postest de autoestima (p ≤ .003), salvo el de espera, que no mejoró (p = .311). Ello implica que únicamente tiene lugar efecto placebo. Nuestros datos contradicen los obtenidos por algunos otros autores. Se analizan las posibles razones de estas discrepancias.
Long‐term evolution of superficial optic disc drusen

Optic disc drusen (ODD) is hyaline deposits in the optic nerve head seen in 1–2% of the population. Long‐term evolution of ODD anatomy and visual field defects in ODD patients is a key factor for learning more about pathophysiology and prognosis of the condition. With a median follow‐up period of 56 years, this is the first study that evaluates superficial optic disc anatomy and visual fields in patients with ODD over a life span.
The relationship between knee extension strength and lower extremity functions in nursing home residents with dementia

Purpose: To assess the relationships between knee extension strengths and lower extremity functions in subjects with dementia and to predict lower extremity functions using knee extension strength. Methods: Fifty-four nursing home residents with dementia were enrolled in the study. The strength of the knee extensor was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. To predict lower extremity functions, subjects were classified into two groups: those who could dress their lower body, toilet, transfer to bed/toilet/shower and walk independently, and those who required assistance. Knee extension strength was compared between the two groups. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that the strength of the knee extensor muscles was a significant predictor of the ability to dress the lower body (odds ratio, 109.90; 95% CI, 7.60–1589.49), toileting (odds ratio, 18.29; 95% CI, 2.41–138.84), transferring to bed/toilet/shower (odds ratio, 39.70; 95% CI, 4.51–349.08), and gait performance (odds ratio, 12.77; 95% CI, 2.30–70.77). The curve of the negative and positive predictive values indicated that a cutoff score of 0.8 Nm/kg would provide the best balance for dressing the lower body and toileting; 1.2 Nm/kg for transferring to bed/toilet/shower; and 0.6 Nm/kg for gait performance. Conclusions: Knee extension strength was significantly related to the lower extremity functions in people with dementia. Moreover, threshold levels of strength existed that could predict lower extremity dysfunctions in people with dementia. Implications for Rehabilitation Knee extension strength is related to the lower extremity functions such as gait, toileting and dressing the lower body in people with dementia. Threshold levels of knee extension strength exist that can predict lower extremity dysfunctions in people with dementia. Resistance training based on knee extension strength is needed for prevention and improvement of strength and functional decline in people with dementia.
The Use of Twitter to Track Levels of Disease Activity and Public Concern in the U.S. during the Influenza A H1N1 Pandemic

Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its millions of users to send and read each other's “tweets,” or short, 140-character messages. The service has more than 190 million registered users and processes about 55 million tweets per day. Useful information about news and geopolitical events lies embedded in the Twitter stream, which embodies, in the aggregate, Twitter users' perspectives and reactions to current events. By virtue of sheer volume, content embedded in the Twitter stream may be useful for tracking or even forecasting behavior if it can be extracted in an efficient manner. In this study, we examine the use of information embedded in the Twitter stream to (1) track rapidly-evolving public sentiment with respect to H1N1 or swine flu, and (2) track and measure actual disease activity. We also show that Twitter can be used as a measure of public interest or concern about health-related events. Our results show that estimates of influenza-like illness derived from Twitter chatter accurately track reported disease levels.
Effects of yoga on physical characteristics on NCAA division I baseball athletes

Among baseball athletes, joint range of motion (ROM) is considered an important physical characteristic with respect to injury prevention and performance. Professional and intercollegiate programs employ various methods of flexibility training; however, to date, no literature exists with regard to the effect of a yoga-based training program. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a sport-specific yoga program among NCAA Division I intercollegiate baseball players. Subjects (N=30, age 19.42 ±1.37 years) were assessed for shoulder joint (SH), hamstring (HS), and groin (GR) ROM and subsequently followed a 12-week, 2x/week yoga intervention. Post-test results indicated significant improvements in SH and HS (p<0.05). Future investigations should evaluate the influence of longitudinal yoga interventions on injury incidence and specific performance parameters (e.g., speed, bat acceleration, pitching velocity) important to the game of baseball.
Open Cell Library in 15nm FreePDK Technology

This paper presents the 15nm FinFET-based Open Cell Library (OCL) and describes the challenges in the methodology while designing a standard cell library for such advanced technology node. The 15nm OCL is based on a generic predictive state-of-the-art technology node. The proposed cell library is intended to provide access to advanced technology node for universities and other research institutions, in order to design digital integrated circuits and also to develop cell-based design flows, EDA tools and associated algorithms. Developing a 15nm standard cell library brings out design challenges which are not present in previous technology nodes. Some of these challenges include double-patterning for both metal and poly layers, a very restrictive set of physical design rules, and the demand for lithography-friendly patterns. This paper discusses the development of the library considering the challenges associated with advanced technology nodes.
Hepatocyte growth factor is a mitogen for Schwann cells and is present in neurofibromas

To characterize mitogens that might contribute to Schwann cell proliferation during development or in tumors, we tested the ability of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to stimulate Schwann cell division in vitro. HGF is a potent mitogen for purified rat Schwann cells; DNA synthesis in rat Schwann cells was stimulated 20–40-fold by 3–10 ng/ml HGF. Rat Schwann cells express c-met mRNA, encoding the HGF receptor, but not HGF mRNA, implying that HGF might act as a paracrine Schwann cell growth factor. HGF-stimulated Schwann cell proliferation differs from that of previously described Schwann cell mitogens in that its activity is abolished by forskolin and is not inhibited or potentiated by addition of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) or fibroblast growth factor (FGF). HGF is probably not a component of the axonal signal thought to cause Schwann cell division during development, as anti-HGF neutralizing antibodies failed to block neuron-stimulated Schwann cell proliferation. In contrast, mitogenic activity present in normal human adult nerves and in neurofibromas from patients with type 1 neurofibromatosis analyzed in the absence of forskolin is largely inhibitable by anti-HGF. Thus, HGF is a novel mitogen for Schwann cells in vitro and it is present in Schwann cell tumors, suggesting a potential role for HGF after wounding of peripheral nerves or in tumor growth.
MODELING THE COOLING PERFORMANCE OF VORTEX TUBE USING A GENETIC ALGORITHM-BASED ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK

In this study, artificial neural networks have been used to model the effects of four important parameters consist of the ratio of the length to diameter, the ratio of the cold outlet diameter to the tube diameter, inlet pressure, and cold mass fraction on the cooling performance of counter flow vortex tube. In this approach, experimental data have been used to train and validate the neural network model with MATLAB software. Also, genetic algorithm has been used to find the optimal network architecture. In this model, temperature drop at the cold outlet has been considered as the cooling performance of the vortex tube. Based on experimental data, cooling performance of the vortex tube has been predicted by four inlet parameters. The results of this study indicate that the genetic algorithm-based artificial neural network model is capable of predicting the cooling performance of vortex tube in a wide operating range and with satisfactory precision.
Interest Inference via Structure-Constrained Multi-Source Multi-Task Learning

User interest inference from social networks is a fundamental problem to many applications. It usually exhibits dual-heterogeneities: a user's interests are complementarily and comprehensively reflected by multiple social networks; interests are inter-correlated in a nonuniform way rather than independent to each other. Although great success has been achieved by previous approaches, few of them consider these dual-heterogeneities simultaneously. In this work, we propose a structure-constrained multi-source multitask learning scheme to co-regularize the source consistency and the tree-guided task relatedness. Meanwhile, it is able to jointly learn the task-sharing and task-specific features. Comprehensive experiments on a real-world dataset validated our scheme. In addition, we have released our dataset to facilitate the research communities.
Predictors of delayed referral to a pediatric rheumatology center.

OBJECTIVE To report on referral patterns of primary physicians for children subsequently diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to identify predictors of delayed referral to a pediatric rheumatology center. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with JIA referred to a pediatric rheumatology center over a 15-year period was performed. Variables included age, sex, JIA subtype, the physician's subspecialty, and distance to the pediatric rheumatology center. Outcome parameters were the time to first presentation to a primary physician, the time to the first rheumatology visit, and the total time to referral. Putative predictors were evaluated by analysis of variance, resulting in regression models. RESULTS A total of 132 patients with JIA were included; 83 (63%) were female. The median age at the onset of symptoms was 4.5 years (range 1.0-15.8 years). Most frequently, children were referred by pediatricians (49.4%) or orthopedic surgeons (34.1%). The median time to first presentation was short at 10 days (range 0-1,610 days). In contrast, the median time to first rheumatology visit was 60 days (range 0.0-2,100.0 days), resulting in a long median total time to referral of 90 days (range 0.0-2,160.0 days). Statistically significant predictors for delayed referral were the primary physician's subspecialty (P = 0.016) and the distance to the pediatric rheumatology center (P = 0.001). Children living in remote areas or referred by orthopedic surgeons had the longest referral times. CONCLUSION Despite free access to health care in Germany, children with JIA are referred to pediatric rheumatology centers with significant delay. Educational interventions targeting primary physicians and orthopedic surgeons may contribute to earlier referral to pediatric rheumatology centers and improve outcome in patients with JIA.