Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nuclear accumulation of Smad complexes occurs only after the midblastula transition in Xenopus

Activin and the Nodal-related proteins induce mesendodermal tissues during Xenopus development. These signals act through specific receptors to cause the phosphorylation, at their carboxyl termini, of Smad2 and Smad3. The phosphorylated Smad proteins form heteromeric complexes with Smad4 and translocate into the nucleus to activate the transcription, after the midblastula transition, of target genes such as Xbra and goosecoid (gsc). In this paper we use bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) to study complex formation between Smad proteins both in vivo and in response to exogenous proteins. The technique has allowed us to detect Smad2-Smad4 heteromeric interactions during normal Xenopus development and Smad2 and Smad4 homo- and heteromers in isolated Xenopus blastomeres. Smad2-Smad2 and Smad2-Smad4 complexes accumulate rapidly in the nuclei of responding cells following Activin treatment, whereas Smad4 homomeric complexes remain cytoplasmic. When cells divide, Smad2-Smad4 complexes associate with chromatin, even in the absence of ligand. Our observation that Smad2-Smad4 complexes accumulate in the nucleus only after the midblastula transition, irrespective of the stage at which cells were treated with Activin, may shed light on the mechanisms of developmental timing.
Using eye tracking to test for individual differences in attention to attractive faces

We assessed individual differences in visual attention toward faces in relation to their attractiveness via saccadic reaction times. Motivated by the aim to understand individual differences in attention to faces, we tested three hypotheses: (a) Attractive faces hold or capture attention more effectively than less attractive faces; (b) men show a stronger bias toward attractive opposite-sex faces than women; and (c) blue-eyed men show a stronger bias toward blue-eyed than brown-eyed feminine faces. The latter test was included because prior research suggested a high effect size. Our data supported hypotheses (a) and (b) but not (c). By conducting separate tests for disengagement of attention and attention capture, we found that individual differences exist at distinct stages of attentional processing but these differences are of varying robustness and importance. In our conclusion, we also advocate the use of linear mixed effects models as the most appropriate statistical approach for studying inter-individual differences in visual attention with naturalistic stimuli.
Walking economy is predictably determined by speed, grade, and gravitational load.

The metabolic energy that human walking requires can vary by more than 10-fold, depending on the speed, surface gradient, and load carried. Although the mechanical factors determining economy are generally considered to be numerous and complex, we tested a minimum mechanics hypothesis that only three variables are needed for broad, accurate prediction: speed, surface grade, and total gravitational load. We first measured steady-state rates of oxygen uptake in 20 healthy adult subjects during unloaded treadmill trials from 0.4 to 1.6 m/s on six gradients: -6, -3, 0, 3, 6, and 9°. Next, we tested a second set of 20 subjects under three torso-loading conditions (no-load, +18, and +31% body weight) at speeds from 0.6 to 1.4 m/s on the same six gradients. Metabolic rates spanned a 14-fold range from supine rest to the greatest single-trial walking mean (3.1 ± 0.1 to 43.3 ± 0.5 ml O2·kg-body-1·min-1, respectively). As theorized, the walking portion (V̇o2-walk = V̇o2-gross - V̇o2-supine-rest) of the body's gross metabolic rate increased in direct proportion to load and largely in accordance with support force requirements across both speed and grade. Consequently, a single minimum-mechanics equation was derived from the data of 10 unloaded-condition subjects to predict the pooled mass-specific economy (V̇o2-gross, ml O2·kg-body + load-1·min-1) of all the remaining loaded and unloaded trials combined (n = 1,412 trials from 90 speed/grade/load conditions). The accuracy of prediction achieved (r2 = 0.99, SEE = 1.06 ml O2·kg-1·min-1) leads us to conclude that human walking economy is predictably determined by the minimum mechanical requirements present across a broad range of conditions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Introduced is a "minimum mechanics" model that predicts human walking economy across a broad range of conditions from only three variables: speed, surface grade, and body-plus-load mass. The derivation/validation data set includes steady-state loaded and unloaded walking trials (n = 3,414) that span a fourfold range of walking speeds on each of six different surface gradients (-6 to +9°). The accuracy of our minimum mechanics model (r2 = 0.99; SEE = 1.06 ml O2·kg-1·min-1) appreciably exceeds that of currently used standards.
Design and Analysis of Optical Flow-Switched Networks

In our previous work [Chan, ldquoOptical flow switching,rdquo in BROADNETS 2006, pp. 1-8; Weichenberg, ldquoCost-efficient optical network architectures,rdquo in ECOC 2006, pp. 1-2; Weichenberg, ldquoOn the throughput-cost tradeoff of multi-tiered optical network architectures,rdquo GLOBECOM '06, pp. 1-6], we presented optical flow switching (OFS) as a key enabler of scalable future optical networks. We now address the design and analysis of OFS networks in a more comprehensive fashion. The contributions of this work, in particular, are in providing partial answers to the questions of how OFS networks can be implemented, how well they perform, and how their economics compare with those of other architectures. With respect to implementation, we present a sensible scheduling algorithm for inter-metropolitan-area-network (inter-MAN) OFS communication. Our performance study builds upon our work in IEEE J. Sel. Areas Commun. , vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 84-101, 2007 and Weichenberg, ldquoPerformance analysis of optical flow switching,rdquo presented at the IEEE International Conference on Communications, Dresden, Germany, June 14-18, 2009, and includes a comparative capacity analysis for the wide area, as well as an analytical approximation of the throughput-delay trade-off offered by OFS for inter-MAN communication. Last, with regard to the economics of OFS, we extend our previous work from ECOC 2006 and GLOBECOM '06 in carrying out an optimized throughput-cost comparison of OFS with other prominent candidate architectures. Our conclusions indicate that OFS offers a significant advantage over other architectures in economic scalability. In particular, for sufficiently heavy traffic, OFS handles large transactions at far lower cost than other optical network architectures. In light of the increasing importance of large transactions to communication networks, we conclude that OFS may be crucial to the future viability of optical networking.
Hidradenitis suppurativa and pediatric Crohn disease.

C rohn disease (CD) is a lifelong, chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract; however, CD is a systemic disorder, associated with numerous extraintestinal manifestations including the skin (1). Common dermatologic manifestations of CD include pyoderma gangrenosum, erythema nodosum, and pyostomatitis vegetans; however, there is a paucity of literature on the association of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in CD (1). HS, better known as acne inversa, is a chronic inflammatory follicular occlusive disease affecting the skin bearing apocrine sweat glands. HS predominantly affects the axilla and the anogenital regions, although it can occur at various other sites (2). We have performed a retrospective chart review at a single, tertiary pediatric inflammatory bowel disease referral center and identified 7 cases of HS associated with CD. Interestingly, all the cases of HS occurred in females of African American descent. We describe the clinical presentation and medical and surgical outcomes of HS associated with CD. Seven subjects were diagnosed as having HS in our pediatric CD population of 380 patients. Table 1 describes the demographics, clinical manifestations, and treatment responses with tumor necro-
RESPIRATION BY CULTIVATED ASTROCYTES AND NEURONS FROM THE CEREBRAL HEMISPHERES

‐Rates of oxygen uptake were measured in chick and/or rat astrocytes and neuronal cells cultivated for 2–4 weeks in Falcon flasks or Rose chambers. All the preparations were found to have respiratory rates between 0.4 and 0.8 × 10−5μl/h O2 per cell. Based upon measurements of cell diameters these values were recalculated to about 570 μmol/g wet wt. for the neuronal cells and 130 μmol/g wet wt. for the glial cells. The results are compared with previous data of oxygen uptake by neurons and glial cells separated by other procedures.
Approximation Algorithms for the Mobile Piercing Set Problem with Applications to Clustering in Ad-Hoc Networks

The main contributions of this paper are two-fold. First, we present a simple, general framework for obtaining efficient constant-factor approximation algorithms for the mobile piercing set (MPS) problem on unit-disks for standard metrics in fixed dimension vector spaces. More specifically, we provide low constant approximations for L1 and L∞ norms on a d-dimensional space, for any fixed d>0, and for the L2 norm on two- and three-dimensional spaces. Our framework provides a family of fully-distributed and decentralized algorithms, which adapt (asymptotically) optimally to the mobility of disks, at the expense of a low degradation on the best known approximation factors of the respective centralized algorithms: Our algorithms take O(1) time to update the piercing set maintained, per movement of a disk. We also present a family of fully-distributed algorithms for the MPS problem which either match or improve the best known approximation bounds of centralized algorithms for the respective norms and space dimensions.Second, we show how the proposed algorithms can be directly applied to provide theoretical performance analyses for two popular 1-hop clustering algorithms in ad-hoc networks: the lowest-id algorithm and the Least Cluster Change (LCC) algorithm. More specifically, we formally prove that the LCC algorithm adapts in constant time to the mobility of the network nodes, and minimizes (up to low constant factors) the number of 1-hop clusters maintained. While there is a vast literature on simulation results for the LCC and the lowest-id algorithms, these had not been formally analyzed prior to this work.We also present an O(log n)-approximation algorithm for the mobile piercing set problem for nonuniform disks (i.e., disks that may have different radii), with constant update time.
Crystal structure of the third KH domain of human poly(C)-binding protein-2 in complex with a C-rich strand of human telomeric DNA at 1.6 Å resolution

KH (hnRNP K homology) domains, consisting of ∼70 amino acid residues, are present in a variety of nucleic-acid-binding proteins. Among these are poly(C)-binding proteins (PCBPs), which are important regulators of mRNA stability and posttranscriptional regulation in general. All PCBPs contain three different KH domains and recognize poly(C)-sequences with high affinity and specificity. To reveal the molecular basis of poly(C)-sequence recognition, we have determined the crystal structure, at 1.6 Å resolution, of PCBP2 KH3 domain in complex with a 7-nt DNA sequence (5′-AACCCTA-3′) corresponding to one repeat of the C-rich strand of human telomeric DNA. The domain assumes a type-I KH fold in a βααββα configuration. The protein–DNA interface could be studied in unprecedented detail and is made up of a series of direct and water-mediated hydrogen bonds between the protein and the DNA, revealing an especially dense network involving several structural water molecules for the last 2 nt in the core recognition sequence. Unlike published KH domain structures, the protein crystallizes without protein–protein contacts, yielding new insights into the dimerization properties of different KH domains. A nucleotide platform, an interesting feature found in some RNA molecules, was identified, evidently for the first time in DNA.
Pursed lips breathing improves ventilation in myotonic muscular dystrophy.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of pursed lips breathing on ventilation, chest wall mechanics, and abdominal muscle recruitment in myotonic muscular dystrophy (MMD). DESIGN Before-after trial. SETTING University hospital pulmonary function laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Eleven subjects with MMD and 13 normal controls. INTERVENTION Pursed lips breathing. OUTCOME MEASURES Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the transversus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and rectus abdominis was recorded with simultaneous measures of gastric pressure, abdominal plethysmography, and oxygen saturation. Self-reported sensations of dyspnea, respiratory effort, and fatigue were recorded at the end of each trial. RESULTS Pursed lips breathing and deep breathing led to increased tidal volume, increased minute ventilation, increased oxygen saturation, reduced respiratory rate, and reduced endexpiratory lung volume. Dyspnea, respiratory effort, and fatigue increased slightly with pursed lips breathing. EMG activity of the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles increased in MMD only and was associated with an increase in gastric pressure. CONCLUSIONS Pursed lips breathing and deep breathing are effective and easily employed strategies that significantly improve tidal volume and oxygen saturation in subjects with MMD. Abdominal muscle recruitment does not explain the ventilatory improvements, but reduced end-expiratory lung volume may increase the elastic recoil of the chest wall. Further clinical studies are needed to ascertain if the ventilatory improvements with pursed lips breathing and deep breathing improve pulmonary outcomes in MMD.
Rac1-Regulated Endothelial Radiation Response Stimulates Extravasation and Metastasis That Can Be Blocked by HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Radiotherapy (RT) plays a key role in cancer treatment. Although the benefit of ionizing radiation (IR) is well established, some findings raise the possibility that irradiation of the primary tumor not only triggers a killing response but also increases the metastatic potential of surviving tumor cells. Here we addressed the question of whether irradiation of normal cells outside of the primary tumor augments metastasis by stimulating the extravasation of circulating tumor cells. We show that IR exposure of human endothelial cells (EC), tumor cells (TC) or both increases TC-EC adhesion in vitro. IR-stimulated TC-EC adhesion was blocked by the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin. Glycyrrhizic acid from liquorice root, which acts as a Sialyl-Lewis X mimetic drug, and the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 also reduced TC-EC adhesion. To examine the in vivo relevance of these findings, tumorigenic cells were injected into the tail vein of immunodeficient mice followed by total body irradiation (TBI). The data obtained show that TBI dramatically enhances tumor cell extravasation and lung metastasis. This pro-metastatic radiation effect was blocked by pre-treating mice with lovastatin, glycyrrhizic acid or NSC23766. TBI of mice prior to tumor cell transplantation also stimulated metastasis, which was again blocked by lovastatin. The data point to a pro-metastatic trans-effect of RT, which likely rests on the endothelial radiation response promoting the extravasation of circulating tumor cells. Administration of the widely used lipid-lowering drug lovastatin prior to irradiation counteracts this process, likely by suppressing Rac1-regulated E-selectin expression following irradiation. The data support the concern that radiation exposure might increase the extravasation of circulating tumor cells and recommend co-administration of lipid-lowering drugs to avoid this adverse effect of ionizing radiation.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling and Genetic Algorithm Optimization for Cadmium Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Reduced Graphene Oxide-Supported Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron (nZVI/rGO) Composites

Reduced graphene oxide-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI/rGO) composites were synthesized in the present study by chemical deposition method and were then characterized by various methods, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The nZVI/rGO composites prepared were utilized for Cd(II) removal from aqueous solutions in batch mode at different initial Cd(II) concentrations, initial pH values, contact times, and operating temperatures. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network hybridized with genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) were used for modeling the removal efficiency of Cd(II) and optimizing the four removal process variables. The average values of prediction errors for the RSM and ANN-GA models were 6.47% and 1.08%. Although both models were proven to be reliable in terms of predicting the removal efficiency of Cd(II), the ANN-GA model was found to be more accurate than the RSM model. In addition, experimental data were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherms. It was found that the Cd(II) adsorption was best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm. Examination on thermodynamic parameters revealed that the removal process was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Furthermore, the pseudo-second-order model can better describe the kinetics of Cd(II) removal with a good R2 value than the pseudo-first-order model.
Elastic properties of continental carbonates: From controlling factors to an applicable model for acoustic-velocity predictions

We have provided new insights into the controlling factors of elastic properties in continental carbonate rocks and introduced an applicable model for acoustic-velocity predictions in such a medium. Petrophysical properties (porosity, permeability, P- and S-wave velocities) from laboratory measurements have been coupled with thin-section observations and characterizations, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. A major achievement is the establishment of the link between the mineralogical composition and the P- and S-wave velocity dispersion at a given porosity. This reflects the subtle interplay between physicochemical and biological precipitation of continental carbonates, which can also be associated with a strong influence of detrital mineralogical inputs. The result is a mineralogical commixture, coupled to a wide array of pore types inherited from the strong ability of carbonate rocks to undergo diagenetic alteration. The proposed model takes into account the elastic moduli of the minerals, porosity, and pore shape, and it is based on the effective medium theory. We have considered the case in which the medium contained randomly oriented pores with different aspect ratios. Overall, the fit between the predicted trends and the experimental data is fairly good, especially for calcite and quartz matrix mineralogy. The results are even better when considering mineralogy inferred from XRD data, although in some case, and despite the aspect ratio variation in both simulations, the model fails to accurately predict the P-wave velocities. This probably means that another factor is at stake beside mineralogy. This can be explained by the limitation of the effective medium approach, which oversimplifies the reality and fails to account for the variability of some aspect ratio from one inclusion to another.
Regional macular light sensitivity changes in myopic Chinese adults: an MP1 study.

PURPOSE To investigate the variation of macular light sensitivity (MLS) in myopic Chinese adults by using microperimetry. METHODS MLS was recorded with the MP1 microperimeter (Nidek Technologies, Padova, Italy) in eyes affected by various degrees of myopia. Subjects were divided into group A (18-30 years) and group B (31-60 years). Subjects in both age groups were further divided based on refractive status: (1) high myopia (spherical equivalent, SE<-6.00 D); (2) low to moderate myopia (-6.00 D<or=SE<or=-1.00 D); and (3) no myopia (-1.00 D<SE<or=+0.50). All patients had corrected visual acuity greater than 20/20. The macular area covered by the MP1 grid contains nine areas. MLS was quantified in each part and correlated with the refractive data. RESULTS MLS correlated significantly with SE or axial length (AL). Average MLS of the outer ring, total macula, and superior quadrant significantly decreased in the high and the low to moderate myopia eyes (both P<0.05) in both age groups. MLS in the temporal, inferior, and nasal quadrants decreased in the high myopia eyes, but not in the low to moderate myopia eyes, except in the temporal quadrant in group A and in the nasal quadrant in group B. CONCLUSIONS Axial myopia was associated with reduced total and quadrant-specific MLS, particularly in the superior quadrant. These findings emphasize functional differences in the macula between high, low to moderate, and no myopia. Any evaluation of MLS by MP1 microperimetry in the macula should be interpreted in the context of the degree of refractive error and the region of measurement.
Affect Detection: An Interdisciplinary Review of Models, Methods, and Their Applications

This survey describes recent progress in the field of Affective Computing (AC), with a focus on affect detection. Although many AC researchers have traditionally attempted to remain agnostic to the different emotion theories proposed by psychologists, the affective technologies being developed are rife with theoretical assumptions that impact their effectiveness. Hence, an informed and integrated examination of emotion theories from multiple areas will need to become part of computing practice if truly effective real-world systems are to be achieved. This survey discusses theoretical perspectives that view emotions as expressions, embodiments, outcomes of cognitive appraisal, social constructs, products of neural circuitry, and psychological interpretations of basic feelings. It provides meta-analyses on existing reviews of affect detection systems that focus on traditional affect detection modalities like physiology, face, and voice, and also reviews emerging research on more novel channels such as text, body language, and complex multimodal systems. This survey explicitly explores the multidisciplinary foundation that underlies all AC applications by describing how AC researchers have incorporated psychological theories of emotion and how these theories affect research questions, methods, results, and their interpretations. In this way, models and methods can be compared, and emerging insights from various disciplines can be more expertly integrated.