Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A synonymous codon change alters the drug sensitivity of ΔF508 cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

Synonymous mutations, such as I507‐ATCÅATT, in deletion of Phe508 in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (ΔF508 CFTR), the most frequent disease‐associated mutant of CFTR, may affect protein biogenesis, structure, and function and contribute to an altered disease phenotype. Small‐molecule drugs are being developed to correct ΔF508 CFTR. To understand correction mechanisms and the consequences of synonymous mutations, we analyzed the effect of mechanistically distinct correctors, corrector 4a (C4) and lumacaftor (VX‐809), on I507‐ATT and I507‐ATC ΔF508 CFTR biogenesis and function. C4 stabilized I507‐ATT ΔF508 CFTR band B, but without considerable biochemical and functional correction. VX‐809 biochemically corrected ~10% of both of the variants, leading to stable, forskolin+3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (IBMX)‐activated whole‐cell currents in the presence of the corrector. Omitting VX‐809 during whole‐cell recordings led to a spontaneous decline of the currents, suggesting posttranslational stabilization by VX‐809. Treatment of cells with the C4+VX‐809 combination resulted in enhanced rescue and 2‐fold higher forskolin+IBMX‐activated currents of both I507‐ATT and I507‐ATC ΔF508 CFTR, compared with VX‐809 treatment alone. The lack of an effect of C4 on I507‐ATC ΔF508 CFTR, but its additive effect in combination with VX‐809, implies that C4 acted on VX‐809‐modified I507‐ATC ΔF508 CFTR. Our results suggest that binding of C4 and VX‐809 to ΔF508 CFTR is conformation specific and provide evidence that synonymous mutations can alter the drug sensitivity of proteins. —Bali, V. , Lazrak, A. , Guroji, P., Fu, L. , Matalon, S. , Bebok, Z. A synonymous codon change alters the drug sensitivity of ΔF508 cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. FASEB J. 30, 201‐213 (2016). www.fasebj. org
Fuzzy-weighted distance and its applications in pattern recognition and classification

The fuzzy-weighted distance presented shows that every feature of every sample has a different effect on distance in pattern recognition and classification. The difference is described by using the concept of feature odds defined by the authors, which is derived from fuzzy set theory and is determined by human thinking in object recognition. The reasonableness of the proposed distance is discussed. Experimental results are presented that show the advantages of this distance. <<ETX>>
Loop Transmission Aspects of ISDN Basic Access

The status of the formulation of standards for loop transmission to provide Basic Access in the North American loop plant is reviewed. The impact of loop plant bridged taps on performance is discussed, the reasons for preferring echo canceller technology over time compression multiplexing are reviewed, and issues involved in the specification of echo canceller requirements are discussed. This includes line code selection and receiver design, including linear and decision feedback equalizer design. Some of the possible methods of timing recovery are reviewed, and future directions for the evolution of Basic loop access are considered.
Fitness training for cardiorespiratory conditioning after traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND Cardiorespiratory deconditioning is a common sequelae after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Clinically, fitness training is implemented to address this impairment, however this intervention has not been subject to rigorous review. OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to evaluate whether fitness training improves cardiorespiratory fitness in people who have sustained a TBI. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched ten electronic databases (Cochrane Injuries Group Trials Register; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); EMBASE; PubMed (MEDLINE); CINAHL; AMED; SPORTDiscus; PsycINFO; PEDro and PsycBITE) and two clinical trials registers (TrialsCentral and Current Controlled Trials). The last search was August 2007. In addition we screened reference lists from included studies and contacted trialists to identify further studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled studies with TBI participants were eligible if they compared an exercise programme incorporating cardiorespiratory fitness training to usual care, a non-exercise intervention or no intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently screened the search output, extracted data and assessed quality. All trialists were contacted for additional information. Mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for continuous data and risk difference or odds ratio and 95% CI were calculated for dichotomous data. Data were pooled when there were sufficient studies with clinical and statistical homogeneity. MAIN RESULTS Six studies, incorporating 303 participants, were included. The participants were primarily males, in their mid thirties who had sustained a severe TBI. The studies were clinically diverse with regard to the interventions, time post-injury and the outcome measures used; therefore, the primary outcome could not be pooled. Three of the six studies indirectly assessed change in cardiorespiratory fitness after fitness training using the peak power output obtained during cycle ergometry (either at volitional fatigue or at a predetermined endpoint, that is, a percentage of predicted heart rate maximum). Cardiorespiratory fitness was improved after fitness training in one study (mean difference 59 watts, 95% CI 24 to 94), whilst there was no significant improvement in the other two studies. Four of the six studies had no drop-outs from their intervention group and no adverse events were reported in any study. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence to draw any definitive conclusions about the effects of fitness training on cardiorespiratory fitness. Whilst it appears to be a safe and accepted intervention for people with TBI, more adequately powered and well-designed studies are required to determine the effects across a range of outcome measures.
User interface design practice for the web in New Zealand

In a survey of 62 enterprises in New Zealand, including the six major universities, we were interested in finding out the state of industrial and educational practice with respect to the field of user interface design for the web. Our research revealed that usability issues seem to have taken a backseat to other kinds of development concerns. There is general lack of formal education, knowledge and skills in usability methods, processes and techniques amongst designers and developers. We also found that most universities in New Zealand offer one or two Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) courses within their information technology undergraduate degree programmes as electives. Conversely, our research shows that elsewhere internationally, HCI has become a major area of study especially where usability is a major industrial concern. We discuss the problem, its implications and possible remedies.
New Delay-Dependent Stabilization Criterion for Time-Delay Chaotic Systems

This paper deals with the problem of standard feedback control for a class of time-delay chaotic systems. A new delay-dependent condition for stabilization with less conservatism is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. In order to obtain a lower controller gain, an optimization algorithm is proposed which involves some constraints to restrict the size of gain matrix. A numerical example is provided to show that our method gives significant improvement over the existing ones.
Efficacy of flagellin gene typing for epidemiological studies of Campylobacter jejuni in poultry estimated by comparison with macrorestriction profiling

Thirty isolates of Campylobacter jejuni isolated from 29 different Danish broiler flocks were chosen for the evaluation of PCR‐Fla typing as a genotyping tool. Except for two isolates that originated from the same broiler flock, the isolates were clearly distinguishable on basis of their macrorestriction profiles using the restriction endonucleases SmaI and KpnI. PCR‐Fla typing of the 30 isolates yielded 16 distinct genotypes, whereas one isolate was untypeable by this method. The dominant PCR‐Fla type (1/1) was shared by eight isolates, and five additional Fla groups containing two or three isolates were obtained. The PCR‐Fla type of one isolate changed spontaneously after five subcultures, illustrating the relative plasticity of the gene locus. Comparison of MRPs within and between Fla‐types support the view that some PCR‐Fla types may be conserved within clonal lines. It is concluded that PCR‐Fla typing is useful as a genotyping tool in large‐scale epidemiological studies but that additional analyses with other methods are required to properly define interstrain relationships.
Sorafenib Functions to Potently Suppress RET Tyrosine Kinase Activity by Direct Enzymatic Inhibition and Promoting RET Lysosomal Degradation Independent of Proteasomal Targeting*

Germ line missense mutations in the RET (rearranged during transfection) oncogene are the cause of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2 (MEN2), but at present surgery is the only treatment available for MEN2 patients. In this study, the ability of Sorafenib (BAY 43-9006) to act as a RET inhibitor was investigated. Sorafenib inhibited the activity of purified recombinant kinase domain of wild type RET and RETV804M with IC50 values of 5.9 and 7.9 nm, respectively. Interestingly, these values were 6–7-fold lower than the IC50 for the inhibition of B-RAFV600E. In cell-based assays, Sorafenib inhibited the kinase activity and signaling of wild type and oncogenic RET in MEN2 tumor and established cell lines at a concentration between 15 and 150 nm. In contrast, inhibition of oncogenic B-RAF- or epidermal growth factor-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation required micromolar concentrations of Sorafenib demonstrating the high specificity of this drug in targeting RET. Moreover, prolonged exposure to Sorafenib resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation and RET protein degradation. Using lysosomal and proteasomal inhibitors, we demonstrate that Sorafenib induces RET lysosomal degradation independent of proteasomal targeting. Furthermore, we provide a structural model of the Sorafenib·RET complex in which Sorafenib binds to and induces the DFGout conformation of the RET kinase domain. These results strengthen the argument that Sorafenib may be effective in the treatment of MEN2 patients. In addition, because inhibition of RET is not impaired by mutation of the Val804 gatekeeper residue, MEN2 tumors may be less susceptible to acquired Sorafenib resistance.
Changes in vitamin biomarkers during a 2-year intervention trial involving increased fruit and vegetable consumption by free-living volunteers

Trials in free-living populations involving increased consumption of fruit and vegetables are difficult to monitor. We evaluated biomarkers for assessing fruit and vegetable intake and compliance in a 2-year trial. Postmenopausal women were randomised to 300 g additional fruit and vegetables per d (n 66), placebo (n 70) or potassium citrate (n 140). They completed dietary checklists (3-monthly) and food diaries or FFQ (yearly). We measured whole-blood folate, plasma vitamin C and homocysteine (yearly), serum vitamin E and carotenoids (at 12 months) and urinary vitamin K metabolites (yearly). Plasma vitamin C was associated with fruit and vegetable intake at baseline (r +0·31; P < 0·01), remaining significant only for the non-fruit and vegetable group at 12 months (r +0·43; P < 0·01). For the fruit and vegetable group, vitamin C increased by 5·9 μmol/l (P = 0·07) but was not significantly associated with fruit and vegetable intake; vitamin E, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were higher compared with the non-fruit and vegetable group (P < 0·05); and whole-blood folate and the urinary 5C-aglycone metabolite of vitamin K were associated with vegetable intake. For all participants plasma vitamin C increased with increasing fruit and vegetable intakes, reaching a plateau of 90–95 μmol/l at intakes>500 g/d, whereas whole-blood folate, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin continued to increase. Concentrations of vitamin C, folate and β-cryptoxanthin were lower and the 7C-aglycone metabolite of vitamin K higher, in smokers compared with non-smokers. Suitable markers for monitoring fruit and vegetable compliance include β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin. Plasma vitamin C and whole-blood folate may be suitable for monitoring intakes in populations but for monitoring compliance the former may be restricted to low intakes of fruit and vegetables and the latter to vegetable intake.
Transmission Line Modeling and Asymptotic Formulas for Periodic Leaky-Wave Antennas Scanning Through Broadside

It is shown, using three specific examples-a series fed patch (SFP) array, a phase reversal (PR) array and a composite right/left-handed (CRLH) antenna-that one-dimensional periodic leaky-wave antennas scanning through broadside build a class of leaky-wave antennas sharing qualitatively similar and quantitatively distinct dispersion and radiation characteristics. Based on an equivalent transmission line (TL) model using linearized series and shunt immittances to approximate the periodic (Bloch) antenna structure, asymptotic TL formulas for the characteristic propagation constant, impedance, energy, power and quality factor are derived for two fundamentally different near- and off-broadside radiation regimes. Based on these formulas, it is established that the total powers in the series and shunt elements are always equal at broadside, which constitutes one of the central results of this contribution. This equal power splitting implies a severe degradation of broadside radiation when only one of the two elements series or shunt efficiently contributes to radiation and the other is mainly dissipative. A condition for optimum broadside radiation is subsequently established and shown to be identical to the Heaviside condition for distortionless propagation in TL theory. Closed-form expressions are derived for the constitutive (LCRG) parameters of the TL model for the specific SFP, PR and CRLH antenna circuit models, and quantitative information on the validity range of the TL model is subsequently provided. Finally, full-wave simulation and measurement LCRG parameter extraction methods are proposed and validated.
The influence of dimensionality on the behavior of magnetic dipolar soft spheres: calculation of the pressure

We investigate the influence of dimensionality of a sample on the properties of magnetic dipolar soft spheres. Molecular dynamics simulations and diagram expansion are employed to analyze the pressure and microscopic structure of model monodisperse magnetic fluids in a bulk and in a monolayer. We found that, for a broad range of densities and dipolar interaction strengths, strong geometrical confinement weakens the influence of the dipole–dipole interaction on the pressure and, as a result, steric repulsion of dipolar particles provides the main contribution to the thermodynamic properties of ferrofluids in strong confinement.
Mandara Mountain basketry in continental context: significance for archaeologists

Basketry is worthy of archaeologists’ attention for its own sake and because variations in techniques and typology complement those evident in pottery, stone tools and other domains of material culture. In this paper I first focus on the basketry of the Mandara Mountains of Nigeria and Cameroon where both men and women make and use baskets but employ different techniques of manufacture. This class of material culture correlates with gender and ethnicity very differently than in other artefact classes. A survey of other studies of African basketry suggests that in any region at any one time gender and basketry technique are highly correlated, although there is variability both across space and through time. There is also variation in the extent to which African basketry is charged with symbolism. The examination of these techniques, raw materials, tools, workspace, uses and related objects reveals the complexity of ‘the world according to basketry’. It is a world to which recent approaches to material culture and technology can profitably be applied and into which archaeologists have more access than they perhaps suppose.
A Longitudinal Study on Dysgraphic Handwriting in Primary School

In an epidemiological study, the scripts of 121 Dutch primary-school children were evaluated annually, starting in Grade 2. The children were followed for 5 years. An evaluation scale for children's handwriting (the BHK scale) was used for rating the scripts on 13 characteristics and for measuring the speed of writing. Principal component analysis of the LONG matrix (in which the data collected on the five occasions are arranged beneath each other) yielded three clusters of items: (a) fine-motor ability, (b) structural performance, and (c) stylistic preference. It was found that the children with dysgraphic handwriting (10% scoring highest on the BHK quality items) had lower fine-motor ability and, in the higher grades, showed less preference for a personal style. Their structural performance also was poorer than that of the other writers. Children with and without dysgraphic handwriting did not differ in writing speed. Some implications of the study for handwriting instruction are discussed.
Evidence that the Elongation Factor TFIIS Plays a Role in Transcription Initiation at GAL1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT TFIIS is a transcription elongation factor that has been extensively studied biochemically. Although the in vitro mechanisms by which TFIIS stimulates RNA transcript cleavage and polymerase read-through have been well characterized, its in vivo roles remain unclear. To better understand TFIIS function in vivo, we have examined its role during Gal4-mediated activation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae GAL1 gene. Surprisingly, TFIIS is strongly associated with the GAL1 upstream activating sequence. In addition, TFIIS recruitment to Gal4-binding sites is dependent on Gal4, SAGA, and Mediator but not on RNA polymerase II (Pol II). The association of TFIIS is also necessary for the optimal recruitment of TATA-binding protein and Pol II to the GAL1 promoter. These results provide strong evidence that TFIIS plays an important role in the initiation of transcription at GAL1 in addition to its well-characterized roles in transcription elongation.
Cooperative transmission in poisson distributed wireless sensor networks: protocol and outage probability

We study cooperative wireless communications in the physical layer of a Poisson distributed wireless sensor network, where the spatial diversity of multiple relay nodes is utilized to improve the link performance. The tradeoff among network power consumption, spectral efficiency, outage probability, and sensor node density is discussed under the proposed cooperative transmission protocol for sensor networks (CTP-SN). CTP-SN is considered as a typical implementation of the two-phase cooperative transmission paradigm in wireless sensor networks. We derive an asymptotic upper bound for the capacity outage probability of CTP-SN. The bound is shown to be decreasing exponentially, when the sensor node density increases. Via the bound, we demonstrate that the cooperative protocol performs asymptotically much better than the non-cooperative direct transmission
The Impact of Customer Community Participation on Customer Behaviors: An Empirical Investigation

Many firms increasingly offer community venues to their customers to facilitate social interactions amongst them. Prior studies have shown that community participants have high engagement and loyalty toward the firm and provide useful feedback and referrals. However, it is not clear whether community participants are the firm's “fans” to begin with and self-select themselves into the community, or whether community participation leads to increased relational customer behaviors. In the current research, we employ data from a field experiment to help answer this question. The data come from a year-long study conducted by eBay Germany, and they reveal that a simple e-mail invitation significantly increased customer participation in the firm's community. Results also show that community participation had mixed effects on customers' likelihoods of participating in buying and selling behaviors. Community participation did not translate into increased behaviors, as would be commonly expected. Although there is no impact of participation on the number of bids placed or the revenue earned, there is a negative impact of participation on the number of listings and the amount spent. Together, these results suggest that the community participants become more selective and efficient sellers, and they also become more conservative in their spending on the items for which they bid. The results also show that customer community marketing programs may be targeted to a broader set of the firm's customers than just the fans.
Detection of retinal blood vessels and reduction of false microaneurysms for diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy affects the human eye and causes the blindness. For the efficient diagnosis of retinopathy accurate measurement (true vessel structure) of vessel diameter is required for estimating the types of vessels. True approximation of total number of microaneurysms is required for estimating the stages of diabetic retinopathy. This work presents an automated system for detection and prediction of diabetic retinopathy severity (based on stages) on retinal fundus image. The algorithm starts by preprocessing the image by spatial low pass filter and for feature extraction optimized Gabor filter is used. Further integrated approach of morphological operation erosion and extended minima transform is used for estimating true vessels structure. An approach of Skelotonization is also proposed for estimation of true vessel structure. Euclidian distance measure approach is applied for calculating the diameter of vessels at four discrete points in filtered image. Stages of diabetic retinopathy are classified based on calculated diameter.
Relation Between Low-Frequency Noise and Subgap Density of States in Amorphous InGaZnO Thin-Film Transistors

The relation between the low-frequency noise (LFN) and subgap density of states (DOS) of amorphous InGaZnO (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) is investigated by changing the postannealing temperature from 150°C to 300°C. It is found that the density of the tail states in the TFT annealed at 300°C (showing the lowest LFN) is prominently lower than those in the TFTs annealed at 250°C and 150°C. The densities of the tail states in the TFTs annealed at 250°C and 150°C (indicating similar LFN) are almost the same. In addition, it is clearly observed that the increased DOS of the a-IGZO TFT subjected to ac gate voltage stress results in a higher LFN compared with one without electrical stress. Hooge's parameters αH's are extracted to be ~4.5 × 10-3 (for the TFT annealed at 300°C) and ~1 × 10-2 (for the TFTs annealed at 25°C and 150°C as well as for the TFT annealed at 300°C after the application of electrical ac stress). Therefore, the role of an a-IGZO subgap DOS on a LFN characteristic seems to be originated from the generation-recombination noise-induced carrier number fluctuation (via trap centers in the DOS tail states) while its correlation with the carrier mobility fluctuation is not clear except for the slope close to -1 in the logarithmic curve with the normalized power spectral density versus the gate overdrive voltage.