Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cryptic fragment from fibronectin's III1 module localizes to lipid rafts and stimulates cell growth and contractility

The interaction of cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM) form of fibronectin (FN) triggers changes in growth, migration, and cytoskeletal organization that differ from those generated by soluble FN. As cells deposit and remodel their FN matrix, the exposure of new epitopes may serve to initiate responses unique to matrix FN. To determine whether a matricryptic site within the III1 module of FN modulates cell growth or cytoskeletal organization, a recombinant FN with properties of matrix FN was constructed by directly linking the cryptic, heparin-binding COOH-terminal fragment of III1 (III1H) to the integrin-binding III8–10 modules (glutathione-S-transferase [GST]–III1H,8–10). GST–III1H,8–10 specifically stimulated increases in cell growth and contractility; integrin ligation alone was ineffective. A construct lacking the integrin-binding domain (GST–III1H,2–4) retained the ability to stimulate cell contraction, but was unable to stimulate cell growth. Both GST–III1H,2–4 and matrix FN colocalized with caveolin and fractionated with low-density membrane complexes by a mechanism that required heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Disruption of caveolae inhibited the FN- and III1H-mediated increases in cell contraction and growth. These data suggest that a portion of ECM FN partitions into lipid rafts and differentially regulates cytoskeletal organization and growth, in part, through the exposure of a neoepitope within the conformationally labile III1 module.
Hiding Quiet Solutions in Random Constraint Satisfaction Problems

We study constraint satisfaction problems on the so-called planted random ensemble. We show that for a certain class of problems, e.g., graph coloring, many of the properties of the usual random ensemble are quantitatively identical in the planted random ensemble. We study the structural phase transitions and the easy-hard-easy pattern in the average computational complexity. We also discuss the finite temperature phase diagram, finding a close connection with the liquid-glass-solid phenomenology.
Phase Estimation for Coherent Optical OFDM

Phase estimation is one of the enabling functionalities in coherent optical orthogonal frequency-division-multiplexing (CO-OFDM) receivers. In this letter, we compare pilot-aided and data-aided phase estimation methods for a CO-OFDM transmission experiment at 8 Gb/s over 1000-km standard single-mode fiber without optical dispersion compensation. We also show that as few as five subcarriers are sufficient for pilot-aided phase estimation
Postoperative posterior lumbar muscle changes and their relationship to segmental motion preservation or restriction: a randomized prospective study.

OBJECTIVE To date, it remains unclear whether the preservation of segmental motion by total disc replacement (TDR) or motion restriction by stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) have an influence on postoperative degeneration of the posterior paraspinal muscles or the associated clinical results. Therefore, the purpose of the present prospective randomized study was to evaluate the clinical parameters and 3D quantitative radiological changes in the paraspinal muscles of the lumbar spine in surgically treated segments and superior adjacent segments after ALIF and TDR. METHODS A total of 50 patients with chronic low-back pain caused by single-level intervertebral disc degeneration (Pfirrmann Grade ≥ III) and/or osteochondrosis (Modic Type ≤ 2) without symptomatic facet joint degeneration (Fujiwara Grade ≤ 2, infiltration test) of the segments L4-5 or L5-S1 were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups. Twenty-five patients were treated with a stand-alone ALIF and the remaining 25 patients underwent TDR. For ALIF and TDR, a retroperitoneal approach was used. At 1 week and at 12 months after surgery, CT was used to analyze paraspinal lumbar muscle tissue volume and relative fat content. Residual muscle tissue volume at 12 months and change in the relative fat content were compared between the groups. In addition, clinical parameters (visual analog scale [VAS] for low-back pain and Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] Questionnaire Version 2 for function) were compared. RESULTS Compared with 1 week after surgery, the radiological analysis at 12 months revealed a small decrease in the posterior muscle volume (the mean decrease was < 2.5%), along with a small increase in the relative fat content (the mean increase was < 1.9%), in both groups at the index and superior adjacent segments. At the adjacent segment, the ALIF group presented significantly less muscle tissue volume atrophy and a smaller increase in fat content compared with the TDR group. At final follow-up, the clinical parameters related to pain and function were significantly improved in both groups compared with 1 week postsurgery, but there were no differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Motion restriction via stand-alone ALIF and motion preservation via TDR both present small changes in the posterior lumbar paraspinal muscles with regard to volume atrophy or fatty degeneration at the index and superior adjacent segments. Therefore, although the clinical outcome was not affected by the observed muscular changes, the authors concluded that the expected negative influence of motion restriction on the posterior muscles compared with motion preservation does not occur on a clinically relevant level.
Plant Methods Protocol: Streamlined Sub-protocols for Floral-dip Transformation and Selection of Transformants in Arabidopsis Thaliana

Generating and identifying transformants is essential for many studies of gene function. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a revolutionary protocol termed floral dip is now the most widely used transformation method. Although robust, it involves a number of relatively time-consuming and laborious steps, including manipulating an Agrobacterium tumefaciens culture and aseptic procedures for the selection of plant lines harboring antibiotic-selection markers. Furthermore, where multiple transgenes are to be introduced, achieving this by sequential transformations over multiple generations adds significantly to the time required. To circumvent these bottlenecks, we have developed three streamlined sub-protocols. First, we find that A. thaliana can be transformed by dipping directly into an A. tumefaciens culture supplemented with surfactant, eliminating the need for media exchange to a buffered solution. Next, we illustrate that A. thaliana lines possessing a double-transformation event can be readily generated by simply by floral-dipping into a mixture of two A. tumefaciens cultures harboring distinct transformation vectors. Finally, we report an alternative method of transformant selection on chromatography sand that does not require surface sterilization of seeds. These sub-protocols, which can be used separately or in combination, save time and money, and reduce the possibility of contamination.
Identifying a missing link between participation and satisfaction : The mediating role of procedural justice perceptions

This study examined the mediating role of procedural justice in the relationship between participation and satisfaction. The study design used 3 possible goal-setting methods-assigned, self-set, and participative. A total of 235 undergraduate students participated in 3 trials of a class scheduling task. Structural equation modeling of the predicted model showed that perceived participation affected satisfaction through effects on the perceived fairness of participation in decision-making procedures. Tests of an alternative model further supported the hypothesized relationship. The results suggested that perceived justice may be responsible, at least in part, for participation effects on satisfaction and may provide an explanation for inconsistencies in prior participation studies.
Relationship between awareness and middle latency auditory evoked responses during surgical anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND Some studies support the view that meaningful auditory input can be processed by the brain during apparent surgical anaesthesia. Consequently, patients may be able to remember some information implicitly after anaesthesia as well through a 'dream-like process' (subconscious awareness). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of subconscious awareness during anaesthesia and to examine its relationship to the mid-latency auditory evoked responses (MLAERs). METHODS We studied 40 patients, ASA I-II, undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. General anaesthesia was induced with thiopental 5 mg kg(-1), fentanyl 3 micro g kg(-1), and vecuronium 0.08 mg kg(-1). For the maintenance of anaesthesia, patients were randomly assigned to one of four anaesthetic regimen groups: sevoflurane+air in oxygen 40%; sevoflurane+nitrous oxide 60%; isoflurane+air in oxygen 40%; and isoflurane+nitrous oxide 60%. MLAERs were recorded before anaesthesia, at 1 MAC of inhaled anaesthetic and then 30 min after awakening. An audiotape with one of four stories was played immediately after intraoperative MLAER recording. Explicit and implicit memory was assessed 24 h after awakening. RESULTS None of the patients had explicit recall. One of the patients from the isoflurane-air group showed implicit memory of listening to the audiotape. A dream-like process, in which they remembered implicitly the story played during anaesthesia, occurred in one of the patients from the sevoflurane-nitrous oxide group. In the patients with subconscious awareness, MLAERs were similar to that of the awake state with a Pa latency increase of less than 8.87. When there was a marked increase in Pa latency during anaesthesia, no subconscious awareness was observed. No statistically significant differences were found between Pa latency before and after anaesthesia. CONCLUSIONS MLAERs may help to predict subconscious cerebral processing of auditory inputs during anaesthesia.
Broadband near-field nonlinear Raman spectroscopy and nanoscopy

We develop nonlinear optical spectroscopy for nanoscale chemical identification based on femtosecond light sources. The idea is based on our previously developed tip-enhanced spectroscopy. Combining the femtosecond light sources with a metallic tip generates a highly localized and intense electric field at the tip end that can be used as a nanoscale light source for variety of spectroscopy. However, the femtosecond pulse has a broadband spectrum, which often limits the spectral resolution, and moreover the shorter pulse duration results also in the higher nonresonant background generations (e.g. four-wave mixing, self phase modulation, etc) that also limits the sensitivity particularly when probing a nanoscale volume. In this contribution, we introduce several solutions for both spectral resolution and sensitivity issues. In addition to the development of the spectroscopic techniques, it is essential to develop non-optical feedback scheme for tip-sample distance control when using the broadband light source. We report it as well.
Personal preference and quality of reach in healthy adult women.

OBJECTIVE A common practice in occupational therapy is to have clients choose an object that they prefer to be used during treatment. This practice assumes that a preference for chosen items will hold greater meaning and result in higher quality of movement. Little research has been conducted that specifically addresses the effect that preference has on quality of movement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to contribute to the knowledge by determining whether preference affects quality of movement. METHOD Forty-three healthy right-hand-dominant adult women between the ages of 18 and 60 years in Northwest Ohio engaged in this study. Each participant rank-ordered 15 magazines from most preferred to least preferred. The participant then reached for her most preferred, neutrally preferred, and least preferred magazines. RESULTS When participants reached for the neutrally preferred magazines, movement time was significantly slower and movement units were significantly greater (less smooth) than when they reached for a magazine perceived as being the least preferred (p < .017). No differences were found between the three conditions in terms of displacement, peak velocity, or percentage of time to peak velocity, nor between the most preferred and the other two preferences. CONCLUSION This study has shown that preference may not be an influential factor when performing simple reaches for magazines. Although there was a difference between the neutrally preferred and least preferred conditions, the goal when reaching during the neutrally preferred condition may have been different (i.e., to glean more information from the magazine cover) than when reaching in the least preferred condition (e.g., to reach for and discard the magazine as quickly as possible). These results reflect the complexity involved in the formation of meaning, of which preference is a part. Further exploration of individual preferences as well as personal goal formation and their impact on success in occupations of daily living is needed.
Pituitary adenoma , therapeutic approach and surgical results

Objectives: Pituitary adenoma represents the most frequent tumour encountered in the sellar region. We have proposed to review the principles of diagnosis and treatments and to analyze their standard protocol of approaching pituitary lesions. Material and method: We have retrospectively analyzed the cases of pituitary adenoma between Jan 2006 and Dec 2010, we studied presenting symptoms, hormonal status, local extension, surgical approach, tumor histology, type of resection, tumor volume, cavernous sinus invasion, surgical corridors, recurrence rate, intra operative and postoperative complications Results: 72 patients were included in the study, with no significant difference between sexes, the pathology was dominated by pituitary macro adenomas in 47 cases, regarding the hormonal status 51.3% were non secreting pituitary adenomas, the rate of operability in our series was 65.2%, the surgical indication has been given mainly by the hormonal status and involvement of the optic apparatus which in our series was 51%, the invasion of the cavernous sinus has been appreciated according the Knosp criteria (7) and grade 3 and 4 was present in 44% of the cases. The most used surgical approach was the pterional approach in 83% and the remaining 17% by the transsphenoidal approach. The most frequent surgical corridor was represented by the prechiasmatic route in 54%, gross total resection was achieved in 51%. The most frequent postoperative complication encountered in our series was represented from systemic complication the meningitis 13%, as for endocrine complication it was represented by transitory diabetes insipidus in 23.4% and SIADH in 4.2% (2 cases). The follow up at 3 months showed no cases of early recurrence, from the group of patient with STR 6 were sent to radiotherapy. The follow up at 1 year has comprised 3 deaths, 3 cases of hydrocephalus treated with ventriculoperitoneal derivation, 19 cases were with no imagistic or clinical symptoms of tumour and 22 presented with imagistic evidence of stable residual tumour with no clinical symptoms. Conclusions: The main surgical indication in pituitary adenomas is represented by the secreting hormonal status of the patient (excepting prolactin secreting tumours) and the impairment of the vision. The most frequent surgical approach was represented by the transcranial (pterional) approach due to the large dimensions and invasiveness of the tumours presented in our series but also the 466 D. Rotariu et al Pituitary adenoma surgical team preference (in the absence of intracranial endoscopy at those times).
Anionic sites in the glomerular basement membrane. In vivo and in vitro localization to the laminae rarae by cationic probes

Cationized ferritin (CF) of narrow pI range (7.3-7.5) and the basic dye ruthenium red (RR) have been used as cationic probes to partially characterize anionic sites previously demonstrated in the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). When CF was given i.v. to normal rats and the left kidney was fixed by perfusion 15 min thereafter, clusters of CF molecules were found throughout the lamina rara interna (LRI), lamina rara externa (LRE), and mesangial matrix distributed at regular (approximately 60 nm) intervals. When kidneys were perfused with aldehyde fixative containing RR, small (20 nm) RR-stained particles were seen in the same locations distributed with the same 60 nm repeating pattern, forming a quasiregular, lattice-like arrangement. Fine (approximately 3 nm) filaments connected the sites and extended between them and the membranes of adjoining endothelial and epithelial cells. When CF was given i.v. followed by perfusion with RR in situ, both probes localized to the same sites. CF remained firmly bound after prolonged perfusion with 0.1-0.2 M KCl or NaCl. It was displaced by perfusion with buffers of high ionic strength (0.4-0.5 M KCl) or pH (less than 3.0 or greater than 10.0). CF also bound (clustered at approximately 60 nm intervals) to isolated GBM's, and binding was lost when such isolated GBM's were treated with buffers of high ionic strength or pH. These experiments demonstrate the existence of a quasi- regular, lattice-like network of anionic sites in the LRI and LRE and the mesangial matrix. The sites are demonstrable in vivo (by CF binding), in fixed kidneys (by RR staining), and in isolated GBM's (by CF binding). The results obtained with CF show that the binding of CF (and probably also RR) to the laminae rarae is electrostatic in nature since it is displaced by treatment with buffers of high ionic strength or pH. With RR the sites resemble in morphology and staining properties the proteoglycan particles found in connective tissue matrices and in association with basement membranes in several other locations.
Churchmanship and Personal Happiness: A Study among Rural Anglican Clergy

Abstract The Church of England embraces several contrasting theological and cultural streams or ‘churchmanships’. These include one shaped by its Catholic roots (Anglo-Catholic) which contrasts sharply with the stream shaped by its Reformed roots (evangelical). Other groups within the Church of England today are conservatives, whose theological and cultural outlooks contrast with those of the liberal stream, and the charismatic stream with its non-charismatic counterpart. Between these contrasting pairs of theological and cultural streams stands the Broad Church or Middle Way. In a pioneering study, found that clergy shaped within the evangelical stream experienced lower levels of psychological well-being than clergy shaped within the Anglo-Catholic stream, and it was hypothesised that evangelical clergy may experience a greater sense of alienation from the predominantly secular culture that tends to characterise the context of their ministry. The present study tests the Francis and Randall hypothesis among a sample of 658 rural Church of England clergy. It was found that clergy ministering in rural areas who embrace a liberal theology experience higher levels of psychological well-being than do clergy of a conservative conviction, but that there was no significant difference between levels of subjective well-being for the other two pairs of contrasting theological streams.
Bridging the Gap: probationer educational psychologists' use of computer-mediated conferencing

Twelve educational psychologists in training on the M.Sc. course at the University of Strathclyde were provided with e-mail and on-line computer conferencing facilities with the aim of developing critical thinking and transferable information technology skills. A follow-up 6 months after the end of the course revealed that the use of computer-mediated conferencing increased the amount of and improved the structure of exchanges between educational psychologists in training, which helped them to bridge the gap between the course and the commencement of their probationary period. The findings from this case study highlight the importance of computer-mediated conferencing for the training of educational psychologists. The implications for educational psychology services are also discussed.
Advancing AI Voice Synthesis: Integrating Emotional Expression in Multi-Speaker Voice Generation

Advancements in text-to-speech (TTS) synthesis have primarily focused on natural speech and speech intelligibility, but integrating nuanced emotional expressiveness and speaker variability remains a challenge, especially in dynamic environments such as customer service and in assistive speech technologies. This paper introduces a direct text input approach over conventional phoneme-first methods, such as FastSpeech, enhancing user experience. We integrate the extended Geneva Minimalistic Acoustic Parameter Set (eGeMAPS) along with pitch, energy, and duration in the variance adaptor of the FastSpeech 2 model to deepen the emotional expressiveness of speech. In this paper, we propose a Multi-speaker Emotional Text-to-speech Synthesis System (METTS) which allows users to input desired text, select from various speaker voices, and choose emotional tones ranging from happiness to sadness, surprise, neutrality, and anger. Unique to METTS is the feature that allows users to integrate personal voice datasets, making it highly customizable. We assess speech quality and naturalness with the NISQA model, achieving a 3.72 ± 0.78 MOS score for multi-speaker evaluation and 4.09±0.65 for individual speaker voices. The paper details METTS's architecture, enhancements to FastSpeech2, and methods for embedding emotional and speaker variations.
Misleading Messengers? Interpreting Baculovirus Transcriptional Array Profiles

In three recent papers, one published last year in the Journal of Virology by Jiang et al. ([6][1]) and earlier studies by Yamagishi et al. in 2003 ([11][2]) and Iwanaga et al. in 2004 ([5][3]), RNA was isolated from insect cells infected with the prototypical baculovirus Autographa californica
Gregarious Settlement in Cypris Larvae : the Effects of Cyprid Age and Assay Duration

Gregarious behaviour of marine larvae is perhaps most clearly associated with finding a suitable habitat in a changeable or restricted environment, or with finding other conspecifics with which to mate. Prior work has shown that in settlement assays using cypris larvae of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite, gregarious interactions significantly affected the interpretation of experiments testing the activity of organic settlement promoters and inhibitors. Other studies have also shown effects of cyprid age and pheromone concentration on settlement behaviour. However, the effects of interactions between gregariousness and these two factors are not known. The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that i) as cyprids age the effects of gregariousness become less apparent, and ii) as the duration of the experiment increases gregarious effects become more apparent, using cypris larvae of B. amphitrite and Balanus improvisus. Three age classes of cyprids were used at six densities in a fully factorial design. For B. improvisus cyprids significant gregarious effects occurred between 3 or more larvae, and although larval age and experiment duration had significant main effects, there were no interactions between these important factors and gregariousness. For B. amphitrite cyprids significant gregarious effects also occurred with ⩾ 3 larvae per well, though this effect was strongly dependent upon experiment duration. B. amphitrite cyprid sensitivity to conspecific cues does not change with age, although increasing experiment duration and age interact to increase settlement. Differences between species may be due to different thresholds to conspecific larval cues, or B. improvisus cyprids release much more larval temporary adhesive during exploration.