Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence for ternary complex formation by histone H1, DNA, and liposomes.

Using three different donor-acceptor pairs for resonance energy transfer, interactions in systems composed of histone H1, liposomes, and DNA were investigated. While weak attachment of H1 to phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes was observed, the inclusion of phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), or phosphatidic acid (PA) strongly enhanced the membrane association of H1, the extent of binding increasing with the content of the acidic lipid. Increasing the content of the negatively charged lipid also made the membrane attachment of H1 less susceptible to dissociation by NaCl, thus indicating, in keeping with our previous studies, that protonation of the acidic lipid is an important factor. Whereas DNA binds to sphingosine-containing cationic liposomes, these vesicles did not bind H1. Instead, H1 effectively competed with sphingosine for binding with DNA. In systems comprising DNA, liposomes, and H1, the interactions were clearly dependent on the liposome composition. While moderately acidic liposomes (PS content < 30 mol%) seemed to form ternary complexes with DNA and H1, strongly acidic liposomes (PS content > 30 mol %) competed with DNA for binding H1, partly removing the histone from the nucleic acid. The tendency to form ternary complexes also seemed to depend on the type of the acidic lipid. Possible physiological consequences of the interactions detected in these simple model systems are discussed.
Mutagenesis of the Tra1 core region of RK2 by using Tn5: identification of plasmid-specific transfer genes

The conjugation system of the IncP alpha plasmid RK2/RP4 is encoded by transfer regions designated Tra1, Tra2, and Tra3. The Tra1 core region, cloned on plasmid pDG4 delta 22, consists of the origin of transfer (oriT) and 2.6 kilobases of flanking DNA providing IncP alpha plasmid-specific functions that allow pDG4 delta 22 to be mobilized by the heterologous IncP beta plasmid R751. Tn5 insertions in pDG4 delta 22 define a minimal 2.2-kilobase region required for plasmid-specific transfer of oriT. The Tra1 core contains the traJ and traK genes as well as an 18-kilodalton open reading frame downstream of traJ. The traJ and traK genes were shown to be required for transfer by complementation of inserts within these genes. Genetic evidence for the role of the 18-kilodalton open reading frame in transfer was obtained, although this protein has not been detected in cell lysates. These studies indicate that at least three transfer proteins are involved in plasmid-specific interactions at oriT.
Intrusion Detection System Modeling

Database management system (DBMS) controls and manages the data to eliminate data redundancy and to ensure data integrity, consistency and availability, among other features. Even though DBMS vendors continue to offer greater automation and simplicity in managing databases, the need for intrusion database modeling and management practices have not been considered. Our research focuses on not only anomaly detection but also intrusion database management through planning and best practice adoption to improve operational efficiency, lower costs, privacy and security
Vibration suppression in 2- and 3-mass system based on the feedback of imperfect derivative of the estimated torsional torque

In this paper, a new vibration-suppression control method for 2- and 3-mass system is proposed, which uses imperfect derivative feedback of the estimated torsional torque. This controller consists of three simple elements: the disturbance observer, the imperfect derivative filter, and the feedback gain. By adequately adjusting this feedback gain, the damping factor of original flexible system can be controlled so that the vibration caused by the mechanical resonance can be effectively suppressed. Due to the simplicity of the proposed controller, it can be easily applied to various flexible systems with other regulators. The combination of this method with P&I regulator shows good performances in vibration suppression and disturbance rejection which are shown in both simulations and experiments.
High Throughput Detection of Bluetongue Virus by a New Real-Time Fluorogenic Reverse Transcription—Polymerase Chain Reaction: Application on Clinical Samples from Current Mediterranean Outbreaks

A real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was developed for the detection of bluetongue virus (BTV) in blood samples. A combination of primers specific for a highly conserved region in RNA segment 5 (based on Mediterranean BTV sequences) and a DNA probe bound to 5′-Taq nuclease-3′ minor groove binder (TaqMan© MGB) was used to detect a range of isolates. This real-time RT-PCR assay could detect 5.4 × 10−3 tissue culture infectious doses (TCID50) of virus per milliliter of sample, which was comparable to our current BTV diagnostic nested RT-PCR assay. The assay detected all recent Mediterranean isolates (including serotypes 2, 4, and 16), BTV vaccine strains for serotypes 2 and 4, and 15 out of the 24 BTV reference strains available (all serotypes), but did not detect the related orbiviruses epizootic hemorrhagic disease and African horse sickness viruses. Following assay evaluation, the ability of this assay to identify BTV in recent isolates (2003, 2004) from ovine and bovine samples from an epizootic outbreak in Spain was also tested. Minor nucleotide changes (detected by sequencing viral genomes) within the probe-binding region were found to have a profound effect on virus detection. This assay has the benefits of being fast and simple, and the 96-well format enables large-scale epidemiological screening for BTV, especially when combined with a high-throughput nucleic acid extraction method.
Large Dynamic Covariance Matrices

Second moments of asset returns are important for risk management and portfolio selection. The problem of estimating second moments can be approached from two angles: time series and the cross-section. In time series, the key is to account for conditional heteroscedasticity; a favored model is Dynamic Conditional Correlation (DCC), derived from the ARCH/GARCH family started by Engle (1982). In the cross-section, the key is to correct in-sample biases of sample covariance matrix eigenvalues; a favored model is nonlinear shrinkage, derived from Random Matrix Theory (RMT). The present article marries these two strands of literature to deliver improved estimation of large dynamic covariance matrices. Supplementary material for this article is available online.
Optimization in large graphs: Toward a better future?

Finding groups of connected individuals in large graphs with tens of thousands or more nodes has received considerable attention in academic research. In this paper, we analyze three main issues with respect to the recent influx of papers on community detection in (large) graphs, highlight the specific problems with the current research avenues, and propose a first step towards a better approach. First, in spite of the strong interest in community detection, a strong conceptual and theoretical foundation of connectedness in large graphs is missing. Yet, it is crucial to be able to determine the specific feats that we aim to analyze in large networks, to avoid a purely black-or-white view. Second, in literature commonly employed (meta)heuristic frameworks are applied for the large graph problems. Currently, it is, however, unclear whether these techniques are even viable options, and what the added value of the constituting parts is. Additionally, the manner in which different algorithms are compared is also ambiguous. Finally, no analyses of the impact of data parameters on the reported clusters is done. Nonetheless, it would be interesting to evaluate which characteristics lead to which type of communities and what their effect is on computational difficulty.
Assessment of PDMS Technology in a MIMO Antenna Array

This letter assesses the use of a flexible multilayered polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate in a multiple-input- multiple-output (MIMO) antenna array for WLAN applications at 5.8 GHz. The use of the innovative polymer-based PDMS technology features favorable mechanical properties such as flexibility, water/dust resistance, and optical transparency. Besides that, PDMS also has a relatively low loss tangent. All these properties are very relevant for future (wearable) WLAN MIMO antennas. The proposed 2 × 4 antenna array and its rear ground plane are embedded in a multilayered PDMS substrate and fed by two 50Ω coaxial ports. It is found that the multilayered PDMS substrate may yield a design with excellent MIMO parameters. The mutual coupling is better than -30 dB, the envelope correlation coefficient (ρ) is in the order of 0.001, and the efficiency is 72%. A high gain of 11.5 dB is achieved.
An investigation on user communication behavior in an interactive whiteboard technology environment

Interactivity is the key characteristic in interactive whiteboard technology (IWT). This study aims to provide a better understanding of communication behavior in IWT. This research's objective is to investigate the effects of the interactivity level on a user's attitude and intention toward the use of IWT. As a result, we cite the technology acceptance model (TAM) to support this research. Specifically speaking, our test consisted of system characteristics (interactivity) and extrinsic motivation (TAM), in an integrated theoretical framework of IWT behavior. A survey of 340 elementary school students found strong support for the model. We used the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the measurement model, and applied structure equation modeling to access the empirical strength of the relationships in the proposed framework. Overall, the conclusions were placed into two categories: methodological and theoretical. On the methodological front, we demonstrate the development of a reliable and valid measure that captures a critical construct to understand IWT behaviors. On the theoretical front, the results reveal that attitude and behavioral intention are directly/indirectly affected by interactivity, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness.
Strong blue photoluminescence from single-crystalline bismuth oxychloride nanoplates

Single-crystalline bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) nanoplates with in-plane sizes of 200–500 nm and a thickness of 15–25 nm are synthesized by a simple solution route. Strong blue photoluminescence centred at 455 nm (∼2.72 eV) with very high quantum yields (ΦPL∼0.4) has been observed at room temperature, representing the first report of strong room temperature photoluminescence from bismuth oxyhalide nanomaterials. It is envisaged that bismuth oxychloride could join the family of non-cadmium based high-efficiency emitters; it has promising applications in various fields, especially in light emitting diodes, lasers and solar cells.
I-Home: Intelligent Home Controlling and Monitoring System using Cloud and Android

In this paper we will be discussing about a low cost and flexible home control and monitoring system using cloud networking for accessing and controlling devices and home appliances remotely using Android based Smart phone app. The framework of the monitoring system is based on combination of pervasive distributed sensing units and information system for data aggregation, interpretation and context awareness. Results are interesting as the reliability of sensing information transmission through the proposed integrated networking architecture is about 89%. The prototype was tested to generate real-time graphical information instead of test bed scenario.
Transient thermal analysis of packaged SiC SBDs for high temperature operation

SiC power devices have high temperature operation capability compared to Si power devices. The thermal characteristics of packaged SiC devices are important for thermal management in high temperature range. This study investigates thermal characteristics of a packaged SiC device for high temperature operation. The transient and steady state thermal resistances of the packaged SiC SBDs are measured using JESD51-1 standard. In addition, the numerical thermal simulation of the packaged SiC SBDs using finite difference method (FDM) are carried out considering nonlinear thermal properties of package materials. In the current research, the thermal resistance of the packaged SiC SBD increases by about 10% in the temperature rise from 27°C to 250°C.
Differentiating sex offences: a behaviorally based thematic classification of stranger rapes.

It is hypothesized that stranger rape victim statements will reveal a scale of violation experienced by the victim, ranging from personal violation, through to physical violation, and finally, at the most extreme level, sexual violation. It is also hypothesized that offences can be differentiated in terms of one of four themes: hostile, controlling, stealing, or involving. To test these hypotheses, crime scene data from 112 rapes were analyzed by the multi-dimensional scaling procedure Smallest Space Analysis. The results provide empirical support for a composite model of rape consisting of four behavioral themes as different expressions of various intensities of violation. The results also suggest that stranger rapes may be less about power and control than about hostility and pseudo-intimacy. The proposed model has implications for the classification of rape, the investigation of sexual crimes, and the treatment of victims.
CHAINED LIGHTNING, PART II: NEUROSURGICAL PRINCIPLES, RADIOSURGICAL TECHNOLOGY, AND THE MANIPULATION OF ENERGY BEAM DELIVERY

THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE in the radiosurgical treatment of neurological conditions is the delivery of energy to a lesion with minimal injury to surrounding structures. The development of radiosurgical techniques from Leksell's original design has focused on the refinement of various methodologies to achieve energy containment within a target. This article is the second in a series reviewing the evolution of radiosurgical instruments with respect to issues of energy beam generation and delivery for improved conformal therapy.Continuing with concepts introduced in an earlier article, this article examines specific aspects of beam delivery and the emergence of stereotactic radiosurgery as a measure for focusing energy beams within a target volume. The application of stereotactic principles and devices to gamma ray and linear accelerator-based energy sources provides the methodology by which energy beams are generated and targeted precisely in a focal lesion. Advanced technological systems are reviewed, including fixed beams, dynamic radiosurgery, multileaf collimation, beam shaping, and robotics as various approaches for manipulating beam delivery. Radiosurgical instruments are also compared with regard to mechanics, geometry, and dosimetry. Finally, new radiosurgical designs currently on the horizon are introduced. In exploring the complex history of radiosurgery, it is evident that the discovery and rediscovery of ideas invariably leads to the development of innovative technology for the next generation.
Use of a water-vapour permeable polyurethane film (omiderm®) in the non-surgical treatment of aplasia cutis congenita

Aplasia cutis congenita is characterised by congenital absence of all layers of skin, and most commonly affects the scalp. It is often associated with absence of the bone and dura underlining the defective scalp. In this report, we present the result of use of a water-vapour permeable polyurethane film (Omiderm®) together with absorbant fine mesh gauze impregnated with 3% bismuth tribromophenate (Xeroform®) in the treatment of a cranial defect in a newborn baby of low birth weight, who could not be operated on because of associated medical problems.
Application of electrostatic undulators for acceleration of intense ion beams

Questions of ion beam interactions with RF and electrostatic fields in a linear undulator accelerator (lineondutron) with the plane undulator are considered. It is shown that in a lineondutron simultaneous acceleration of oppositely charged particles with the identical charge-to-mass ratio may essentially increase the overall beam intensity up to a few amperes. The main accelerator characteristics are the following: an average acceleration rate of 0.55 MeV/m; a capture coefficient of 0.8; a transversal acceptance approximately=0.1 cm-mrad; RF and electrostatic field amplitudes of 180 kV/cm and 65 kV/cm, respectively; and a minimum half-size of the ribbon aperture of about 4 mm. <<ETX>>
Notice of RetractionAn experimental study of messy genetic algorithm on HIFF problem

A messy genetic algorithm (mGA), speculated by David Goldberg in 1989, is regarded as one of the most efficient method on those problems with Building Blocks (BB). While Hierarchical-if-and-only-if (HIFF) test problem is the basic example of a hierarchically consistent building-block problem. As it features hierarchical BB structure with multiple optima, HIFF test problem becomes the hardest test function for GA. This paper addresses the problem of HIFF based on messy genetic algorithm, which is a class of iterative optimization algorithm that makes use of a local search template, adaptive representation, and a decision theoretic sampling strategy and finally, conclusion is drawn and a short discussion is given.
Advances in Subcritical Hydro‐/Solvothermal Processing of Graphene Materials

Many promising graphene‐based materials are kept away from mainstream applications due to problems of scalability and environmental concerns in their processing. Hydro‐/solvothermal techniques overwhelmingly satisfy both the aforementioned criteria, and have matured as alternatives to wet‐chemical methods with advances made over the past few decades. The insolubility of graphene in many solvents poses considerable difficulties in their processing. In this context hydro‐/solvothermal techniques present an ideal opportunity for processing of graphenic materials with their versatility in manipulating the physical and thermodynamic properties of the solvent. The flexibility in hydro‐/solvothermal techniques for manipulation of solvent composition, temperature and pressure provides numerous handles to manipulate graphene‐based materials during synthesis. This review provides a comprehensive look at the subcritical hydro‐/solvothermal synthesis of graphene‐based functional materials and their applications. Several key synthetic strategies governing the morphology and properties of the products such as temperature, pressure, and solvent effects are elaborated. Advances in the synthesis, doping, and functionalization of graphene in hydro‐/solvothermal media are highlighted together with our perspectives in the field.
Abnormal motor cortex excitability during linguistic tasks in adductor‐type spasmodic dysphonia

In healthy subjects (HS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) applied during ‘linguistic’ tasks discloses excitability changes in the dominant hemisphere primary motor cortex (M1). We investigated ‘linguistic’ task‐related cortical excitability modulation in patients with adductor‐type spasmodic dysphonia (ASD), a speech‐related focal dystonia. We studied 10 ASD patients and 10 HS. Speech examination included voice cepstral analysis. We investigated the dominant/non‐dominant M1 excitability at baseline, during ‘linguistic’ (reading aloud/silent reading/producing simple phonation) and ‘non‐linguistic’ tasks (looking at non‐letter strings/producing oral movements). Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the contralateral hand muscles. We measured the cortical silent period (CSP) length and tested MEPs in HS and patients performing the ‘linguistic’ tasks with different voice intensities. We also examined MEPs in HS and ASD during hand‐related ‘action‐verb’ observation. Patients were studied under and not‐under botulinum neurotoxin‐type A (BoNT‐A). In HS, TMS over the dominant M1 elicited larger MEPs during ‘reading aloud’ than during the other ‘linguistic’/‘non‐linguistic’ tasks. Conversely, in ASD, TMS over the dominant M1 elicited increased‐amplitude MEPs during ‘reading aloud’ and ‘syllabic phonation’ tasks. CSP length was shorter in ASD than in HS and remained unchanged in both groups performing ‘linguistic’/‘non‐linguistic’ tasks. In HS and ASD, ‘linguistic’ task‐related excitability changes were present regardless of the different voice intensities. During hand‐related ‘action‐verb’ observation, MEPs decreased in HS, whereas in ASD they increased. In ASD, BoNT‐A improved speech, as demonstrated by cepstral analysis and restored the TMS abnormalities. ASD reflects dominant hemisphere excitability changes related to ‘linguistic’ tasks; BoNT‐A returns these excitability changes to normal.
Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity of the IMP Dehydrogenase Inhibitor VX-497: a Comparison with Ribavirin and Demonstration of Antiviral Additivity with Alpha Interferon

ABSTRACT The enzyme IMP dehydrogenase (IMPDH) catalyzes an essential step in the de novo biosynthesis of guanine nucleotides, namely, the conversion of IMP to XMP. The major event occurring in cells exposed to competitive IMPDH inhibitors such as ribavirin or uncompetitive inhibitors such as mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a depletion of the intracellular GTP and dGTP pools. Ribavirin is approved as an inhaled antiviral agent for treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and orally, in combination with alpha interferon (IFN-α), for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. VX-497 is a potent, reversible uncompetitive IMPDH inhibitor which is structurally unrelated to other known IMPDH inhibitors. Studies were performed to compare VX-497 and ribavirin in terms of their cytotoxicities and their efficacies against a variety of viruses. They included DNA viruses (hepatitis B virus [HBV], human cytomegalovirus [HCMV], and herpes simplex virus type 1 [HSV-1]) and RNA viruses (respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], parainfluenza-3 virus, bovine viral diarrhea virus, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus [VEEV], dengue virus, yellow fever virus, coxsackie B3 virus, encephalomyocarditis virus [EMCV], and influenza A virus). VX-497 was 17- to 186-fold more potent than ribavirin against HBV, HCMV, RSV, HSV-1, parainfluenza-3 virus, EMCV, and VEEV infections in cultured cells. The therapeutic index of VX-497 was significantly better than that of ribavirin for HBV and HCMV (14- and 39-fold, respectively). Finally, the antiviral effect of VX-497 in combination with IFN-α was compared to that of ribavirin with IFN-α in the EMCV replication system. Both VX-497 and ribavirin demonstrated additivity when coapplied with IFN-α, with VX-497 again being the more potent in this combination. These data are supportive of the hypothesis that VX-497, like ribavirin, is a broad-spectrum antiviral agent.