Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Sensitivity to Perceptual Learning in Children With Infantile Nystagmus.

Purpose To identify predictors of sensitivity to perceptual learning on a computerized, near-threshold letter discrimination task in children with infantile nystagmus (idiopathic IN: n = 18; oculocutaneous albinism accompanied by IN: n = 18). Methods Children were divided into two age-, acuity-, and diagnosis-matched training groups: a crowded (n = 18) and an uncrowded training group (n = 18). Training consisted of 10 sessions spread out over 5 weeks (grand total of 3500 trials). Baseline performance, age, diagnosis, training condition, and perceived pleasantness of training (training joy) were entered as linear regression predictors of training-induced changes on a single- and a crowded-letter task. Results An impressive 57% of the variability in improvements of single-letter visual acuity was explained by age, training condition, and training joy. Being older and training with uncrowded letters were associated with larger single-letter visual acuity improvements. More training joy was associated with a larger gain from the uncrowded training and a smaller gain from the crowded training. Fifty-six percent of the variability in crowded-letter task improvements was explained by baseline performance, age, diagnosis, and training condition. After regressing out the variability induced by training condition, baseline performance, and age, perceptual learning proved more effective for children with idiopathic IN than for children with albinism accompanied by IN. Training gains increased with poorer baseline performance in idiopaths, but not in children with albinism accompanied by IN. Conclusions Age and baseline performance, but not training joy, are important prognostic factors for the effect of perceptual learning in children with IN. However, their predictive value for achieving improvements in single-letter acuity and crowded letter acuity, respectively, differs between diagnostic subgroups and training condition. These findings may help with personalized treatment of individuals likely to benefit from perceptual learning.
The intrinsically disordered structural platform of the plant defence hub protein RPM1‐interacting protein 4 provides insights into its mode of action in the host‐pathogen interface and evolution of the nitrate‐induced domain protein family

Arabidopsis thaliana (At) RPM1‐interacting protein 4 (RIN4), targeted by many defence‐suppressing bacterial type III effectors and monitored by several resistance proteins, regulates plant immune responses to pathogen‐associated molecular patterns and type III effectors. Little is known about the overall protein structure of AtRIN4, especially in its unbound form, and the relevance of structure to its diverse biological functions. AtRIN4 contains two nitrate‐induced (NOI) domains and is a member of the NOI family. Using experimental and bioinformatic approaches, we demonstrate that the unbound AtRIN4 is intrinsically disordered under physiological conditions. The intrinsically disordered polypeptide chain of AtRIN4 is interspersed with molecular recognition features (MoRFs) and anchor‐identified long‐binding regions, potentially allowing it to undergo disorder‐to‐order transitions upon binding to partner(s). A poly‐l‐proline II structure, often responsible for protein recognition, is also identified in AtRIN4. By performing bioinformatics analyses on RIN4 homologues from different plant species and the NOI proteins from Arabidopsis, we infer the conservation of intrinsic disorder, MoRFs and long‐binding regions of AtRIN4 in other plant species and the NOI family. Intrinsic disorder and MoRFs could provide RIN4 proteins with the binding promiscuity and plasticity required to act as hubs in a pivotal position within plant defence signalling cascades.
A Versatile Viral System for Expression and Depletion of Proteins in Mammalian Cells

The ability to express or deplete proteins in living cells is crucial for the study of biological processes. Viral vectors are often useful to deliver DNA constructs to cells that are difficult to transfect by other methods. Lentiviruses have the additional advantage of being able to integrate into the genomes of non-dividing mammalian cells. However, existing viral expression systems generally require different vector backbones for expression of cDNA, small hairpin RNA (shRNA) or microRNA (miRNA) and provide limited drug selection markers. Furthermore, viral backbones are often recombinogenic in bacteria, complicating the generation and maintenance of desired clones. Here, we describe a collection of 59 vectors that comprise an integrated system for constitutive or inducible expression of cDNAs, shRNAs or miRNAs, and use a wide variety of drug selection markers. These vectors are based on the Gateway technology (Invitrogen) whereby the cDNA, shRNA or miRNA of interest is cloned into an Entry vector and then recombined into a Destination vector that carries the chosen viral backbone and drug selection marker. This recombination reaction generates the desired product with >95% efficiency and greatly reduces the frequency of unwanted recombination in bacteria. We generated Destination vectors for the production of both retroviruses and lentiviruses. Further, we characterized each vector for its viral titer production as well as its efficiency in expressing or depleting proteins of interest. We also generated multiple types of vectors for the production of fusion proteins and confirmed expression of each. We demonstrated the utility of these vectors in a variety of functional studies. First, we show that the FKBP12 Destabilization Domain system can be used to either express or deplete the protein of interest in mitotically-arrested cells. Also, we generate primary fibroblasts that can be induced to senesce in the presence or absence of DNA damage. Finally, we determined that both isoforms of the AT-Rich Interacting Domain 4B (ARID4B) protein could induce G1 arrest when overexpressed. As new technologies emerge, the vectors in this collection can be easily modified and adapted without the need for extensive recloning.
Amelioration of toxicity in neuronal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by hUPF1

Significance Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disorder inevitably resulting in paralysis and death. Mutations in genes encoding RNA binding proteins cause familial ALS, but wild-type (WT) versions of these proteins accumulate in sporadic disease. In this study, we identified and characterized human up-frameshift protein 1 (hUPF1) as a potent modifier of neurodegeneration in ALS models. hUPF1 dramatically reduced toxicity in primary mammalian neurons expressing WT and disease-associated mutant RNA binding proteins, demonstrating efficacy in familial and sporadic disease models, and verifying the existence of a conserved neurotoxic pathway targeted by hUPF1. The work has fundamental implications for ALS disease mechanisms and offers a novel perspective on effective therapies generalizable to both sporadic and familial disease. Over 30% of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exhibit cognitive deficits indicative of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), suggesting a common pathogenesis for both diseases. Consistent with this hypothesis, neuronal and glial inclusions rich in TDP43, an essential RNA-binding protein, are found in the majority of those with ALS and FTD, and mutations in TDP43 and a related RNA-binding protein, FUS, cause familial ALS and FTD. TDP43 and FUS affect the splicing of thousands of transcripts, in some cases triggering nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a highly conserved RNA degradation pathway. Here, we take advantage of a faithful primary neuronal model of ALS and FTD to investigate and characterize the role of human up-frameshift protein 1 (hUPF1), an RNA helicase and master regulator of NMD, in these disorders. We show that hUPF1 significantly protects mammalian neurons from both TDP43- and FUS-related toxicity. Expression of hUPF2, another essential component of NMD, also improves survival, whereas inhibiting NMD prevents rescue by hUPF1, suggesting that hUPF1 acts through NMD to enhance survival. These studies emphasize the importance of RNA metabolism in ALS and FTD, and identify a uniquely effective therapeutic strategy for these disorders.
Proving the correctness of heuristically optimized code

A system for proving that programs written in a high level language are correctly translated to a low level language is described. A primary use of the system is as a postoptimization step in code generation. The low level language programs need not be generated by a compiler and in fact could be hand coded. Examples of the usefulness of such a system are given. Some interesting results are the ability to handle programs that implement recursion by bypassing the start of the program, and the detection and pinpointing of a wide class of errors in the low level language programs. The examples demonstrate that optimization of the genre of this paper can result in substantially faster operation and the saving of memory in terms of program and stack sizes.
Intrusion detection based on the short sequence model

Computer intrusions are taking place everywhere, and have become a major concern for information security. Most intrusions to a computer system may result from illegitimate or irregular calls to the operating system, so analyzing the system-call sequences becomes an important and fundamental technique to detect potential intrusions. In this paper, we propose two algorithms, based on frequency patterns (FP) and tree patterns (TP) for intrusion detection respectively. FP employs a typical method of sequential mining based on frequency analysis, and uses a short sequence model to quickly find out frequent sequential patterns in the training system-call sequences. TP makes use of the technique of tree pattern mining, and can get a quality profile from the training system-call sequences of a given system. Experimental results show that FP has good performances in training and detecting intrusions from short system-call sequences, and TP can achieve a high detection precision in handling long sequences.
A Fast and Accurate Sparse Continuous Signal Reconstruction by Homotopy DCD with Non-Convex Regularization

In recent years, various applications regarding sparse continuous signal recovery such as source localization, radar imaging, communication channel estimation, etc., have been addressed from the perspective of compressive sensing (CS) theory. However, there are two major defects that need to be tackled when considering any practical utilization. The first issue is off-grid problem caused by the basis mismatch between arbitrary located unknowns and the pre-specified dictionary, which would make conventional CS reconstruction methods degrade considerably. The second important issue is the urgent demand for low-complexity algorithms, especially when faced with the requirement of real-time implementation. In this paper, to deal with these two problems, we have presented three fast and accurate sparse reconstruction algorithms, termed as HR-DCD, Hlog-DCD and Hlp-DCD, which are based on homotopy, dichotomous coordinate descent (DCD) iterations and non-convex regularizations, by combining with the grid refinement technique. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms and related analysis.
Benchmarking Textual Annotation Tools for the Semantic Web

This paper investigates the state of the art in automatic textual annotation tools, and examines the extent to which they are ready for use in the real world. We define some benchmarking criteria for measuring the usability of annotation tools, and examine those factors which are particularly important for a real user to be able to determine which is the most suitable tool for their use. We discuss factors such as usability, accessibility, interoperability and scalability, and evaluate a set of annotation tools according to these factors. Finally, we draw some conclusions about the current state of research in annotation and make some suggestions for the future.
A scalable latency-insensitive architecture for FPGA-accelerated semi-global matching in stereo vision applications

Semi-Global Matching (SGM) is a high-performance method for computing high-quality disparity maps from stereo camera images in machine vision applications. It is also suitable for direct hardware execution, e.g., in ASICs or reconfigurable logic devices. We present a highly parametrized FPGA implementation, scalable from simple low-resolution low-power use-cases, up to complex real-time full-HD multi-camera scenarios. By using a latency-insensitive design style, high-level synthesis from the Bluespec SystemVerilog next-generation hardware description language, and an automated design-space exploration flow, many implementation alternatives could be examined with high productivity. The use of the Threadpool Composer system-on-chip assembly tool allows the portable mapping of the SGM accelerator to different hardware platforms. The accelerator performance exceeds that of prior fixed-architecture approaches.
Dynamic Prediction Model of Mining Subsidence Based on Cellular Automata

Cellular Automata is a discrete dynamic model based on space-time, and is one of the effective methods to study complex systems. The CA, a new method applied to coal mining subsidence dynamic evolution model, provide a new idea for the prediction research of mining subsidence. Definition and basic theory of CA were introduced briefly. According to the particularity of the research in the field of mining subsidence, the definition of CA is extended. The model of dynamic evolution of mining subsidence is built on the CA. Then modeling method and the structure of model are elaborated, and the advantages of the CA are applied to coal mining subsidence prediction model is analyzed.
Właściwości termofizyczne otulin izolacyjno-egzotermicznych oznaczane metodą zagadnień odwrotnych

Celem badań była identyfikacja rzeczywistych parametrów termofizycznych materiałów izolacyjno-egzotermicznych występujących w postaci otulin do nadlewów. Przeprowadzono eksperymenty odlewania staliwa do formy, w której zastosowano otuliny wykonane z różnych materiałów izolacyjnych i egzotermicznych, a następnie wyzn aczono współczynniki termofizyczne tych materiałów stosując metody: energetycznej walidacji modelu symulacyjnego oraz rozwiązanie zagadnienia odwrotnego. Pierwsza metoda polega na wyznaczeniu średnich wartości zastępczych współczynników termofizycznych (, c, ). Druga metoda z równoległym zastosowaniem dynamicznej walidacji temperaturowej, umożliwia odtworzenie tych współczynników skorygowanych z uwagi na jednoczesne uwzględnienie źródeł ciepła w materiale egzotermicznym. Wykorzystano w tym celu system symulacyjny Calcosoft.
SOFTWARE VERIFICATION BASED ON TRANSFORMATION FROM PROCEDURAL PROGRAMS TO REWRITE SYSTEMS

In our research, taking advantage of methods for proving inductive theorems , we apply them to verification of procedural programs written in a subset of the C language with integer type. More precisely, we transform procedural programs to equivalent rewrite systems, and verify that the rewrite systems satisfy the specifications, using the inductionless induction method. In this paper, we briefly summarize the outline of our approach.
Analysis of 1-year Vertebral Fracture Risk Reduction Data in Treatments for Osteoporosis

One-year vertebral fracture risk reduction from clinical trials in adults with postmenopausal or glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is reviewed. Data were obtained by conducting a literature search of osteoporosis medications using the MEDLINE database, bibliographies of selected citations, and recent meeting abstracts. The methodologic quality of the trials was assessed using recently published criteria for ranking evidence. In prospective analyses, the 1-year risk of new morphometric vertebral fractures was reduced by risedronate 5 mg/d in two 3-year studies in postmenopausal women with prevalent vertebral fracture, and in two 1-year studies in patients with or at risk for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. The 1-year risk of clinical vertebral fractures was reduced by alendronate and raloxifene in post hoc analyses. Reduction of morphometrically identified vertebral fracture risk is a more stringent therapeutic goal than clinical vertebral fracture risk. Therefore, more weight should be given to data from studies that use the morphometry to assess vertebral fracture incidence.
Factor XIII Val34Leu and the risk of venous thromboembolism in factor V Leiden carriers

A mutation in factor XIII (Val34Leu) was reported to protect against venous thromboembolism. We evaluated the effect of Val34Leu on thrombotic risk in 352 factor V Leiden carriers who were first‐degree relatives of 132 thrombotic propositi carrying factor V Leiden. The total observation period was 2594 years in 92 Val34Leu carriers and 7444 years in 260 non‐carriers. The annual incidence of a first episode of venous thromboembolism was 0·31% in Val34Leu carriers and 0·44% in non‐carriers [relative risk (RR) for venous thromboembolism: 0·7, 95% CI 0·3–1·5]. Age‐specific RR for venous thromboembolism were (for Val34Leu carriers and non‐carriers respectively): 1·0 (95% CI 0·3–3·2) in the age group of 15–30 years, 0·4 (95% CI 0·05–3·0) in the age group of 30–45 years, 0·6 (95% CI 0·1–2·9) in the group aged 45–60 years and 0·5 (95% CI 0·06–4·5) in relatives older than 60 years. In conclusion, the impact of FXIII Val34Leu on the venous thromboembolic risk is modest, suggesting that screening for this mutation in factor V Leiden carriers is not justified.
3D structure of the C3bB complex provides insights into the activation and regulation of the complement alternative pathway convertase

Generation of the alternative pathway C3-convertase, the central amplification enzyme of the complement cascade, initiates by the binding of factor B (fB) to C3b to form the proconvertase, C3bB. C3bB is subsequently cleaved by factor D (fD) at a single site in fB, producing Ba and Bb fragments. Ba dissociates from the complex, while Bb remains bound to C3b, forming the active alternative pathway convertase, C3bBb. Using single-particle electron microscopy we have determined the 3-dimensional structures of the C3bB and the C3bBb complexes at ≈27Å resolution. The C3bB structure shows that fB undergoes a dramatic conformational change upon binding to C3b. However, the C3b-bound fB structure was easily interpreted after independently fitting the atomic structures of the isolated Bb and Ba fragments. Interestingly, the divalent cation-binding site in the von Willebrand type A domain in Bb faces the C345C domain of C3b, whereas the serine-protease domain of Bb points outwards. The structure also shows that the Ba fragment interacts with C3b separately from Bb at the level of the α′NT and CUB domains. Within this conformation, the long and flexible linker between Bb and Ba is likely exposed and accessible for cleavage by fD to form the active convertase, C3bBb. The architecture of the C3bB and C3bBb complexes reveals that C3b could promote cleavage and activation of fB by actively displacing the Ba domain from the von Willebrand type A domain in free fB. These structures provide a structural basis to understand fundamental aspects of the activation and regulation of the alternative pathway C3-convertase.
Tribological Properties of a Magnetorheological (MR) Fluid in a Finishing Process

This article examines the tribological properties of a magnetorheological (MR) fluid in a finishing process. The MR fluid under investigation contains about 85 wt% of micro-sized carbonyl iron (CI) particles and about 15 wt% of water and surfactant(s) compound. A semi-empirical material removal model is proposed for the description of the tribological behavior of the MR fluid in the finishing process by considering both the solid- and fluid-like characteristics of the fluid in a magnetic field. Additionally, Archard's theory and Amonton's law of friction are applied to the model, which is completed by experimental efforts to identify the relationship between the effective friction coefficient and the ratio of the interfacial particle velocity to the imposed pressure on the workpiece surface. It turns out that the effective friction coefficient has a linear relationship with this ratio. The validity of the proposed model is supported through material removal rate measurements. It is also shown that the proposed model is substantially different from the conventional Preston equation in that the material removal rate is not only a function of the product of the applied normal pressure and relative velocity, but it also strongly depends on the square of the relative velocity.
Investigation of Fibre Diameter Distribution in Non - Woven Textiles for Medical Applications in Melt-Blown Polyester Technology

Manufacturing non-wovens from fibre-grade polyesters by the melt-blown method from a polymer melt causes great technological problems. The structure of non-woven, its properties and characteristics are influenced by such parameters as the moisture of the polymer, the temperature of manufacturing at the separate zones of installation, the output and temperature of the air blowing out the melt, the take-up velocity of the non woven, the distance of the condenser from the spinning nozzle, and the thickness of the fibres received. As the non-wovens discussed are devoted to medical applications and filtration materials an appropriate spatial structure is an important parameter, and the smallest possible fibre thickness is required. The purpose of investigation was the optimisation of the process parameters and the obtaining of the thinnest possible fibres with optimum distribution of thickness, and optimum spatial structure. The manufacturing process allowed to obtain nonwovens which were characterised by the possibilities of shaping their structure in a wide range of parameters and with fibres of diameter from 2 μm to 14 μm. For the production of non-wovens of surface mass 110 g/m2, the air flows that allow to receive optimum fibre thickness in the determined conditions were assessed.
Impacts of projected precipitation changes on sugar beet yield in eastern England

Projected increasing temperatures and reduced summer rainfall in the United Kingdom pose a sustainability and food security challenge for the agricultural industry. This study investigates the potential impact of precipitation changes on eastern England sugar beet yield. Precipitation data over eastern England from weather stations (1971–2000) and a range of the 5th Phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) climate models (‘historical’ for 1971–2000; and Representative Concentration Pathways RCP45 and RCP85 for 2021–2050) were examined. A good agreement was found between the observations and the overlapping model grid cell. The study then investigated the impact of likely future rainfall changes on yield by applying controlled watering regimes informed by the CMIP5 projections to 150 sugar beet plants grown in a greenhouse, the use of CMIP5 projections in this way is a first. Watering regimes that represent ‘present day’ and ‘future’ precipitation characteristics were calculated: 0.46 L of water was applied every other day to each plant in the present day category; 0.39 L was applied every other day to each plant in the future category. This reflects the 16% reduction in future rainfall that was calculated from the climate models. Results from the greenhouse experiment showed a statistically significant (p < 0.01) reduction in soil moisture in the future category, which was related to a statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in mean tuber wet mass: a mean of 360 g for present day and 319 g for future. The results for dry mass were less significant (p = 0.11) but indicated a reduction in the future category (95.2 vs 88.2 g). These findings imply a potential yield reduction of 11% by 2050.