Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Site‐specific cross‐linking analyses reveal an asymmetric protein distribution for a box C/D snoRNP

Methylation of the ribose 2′‐hydroxyl, the most widespread modification of ribosomal and splicesomal RNAs, is guided by the box C/D class of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). Box C/D small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins (snoRNPs) contain four core proteins: fibrillarin, Nop56, Nop58 and 15.5 kDa. We constructed U25 snoRNAs containing a single photoactivatable 4‐thiouridine at each U position within the conserved box C/D and C′/D′ motifs. Proteins assembled on the snoRNA after injection into Xenopus oocyte nuclei were identified by cross‐linking, and reconstituted particles characterized by functional rescue and mutational analyses. Our data argue that box C/D snoRNPs are asymmetric, with the C′ box contacting Nop56 and fibrillarin, the C box interacting with Nop58, and the D and D′ boxes contacting fibrillarin. No cross‐link to 15.5 kDa was detected; its binding is disrupted by 4‐thiouridine substitution in position 1 of the C box. Repositioning the guide sequence of U25 upstream of box D instead of D′ revealed that both C/D motifs have the potential to function as guide centers, but, surprisingly, there was no alteration in protein cross‐linking.
Routability-driven white space allocation for fixed-die standard-cell placement

The use of white space in fixed-die standard-cell placement is an effective way to improve routability. In this paper, we present a white space allocation approach that dynamically assigns white space according to the congestion distribution of the placement. In the top-down placement flow, white space is assigned to congested regions using smooth allocating functions. A post-allocation optimization step is taken to further improve placement quality. Experimental results show that the proposed allocation approach, combined with a multilevel placement flow, significantly improves placement routability and layout quality. A set of approaches for white space allocation has been presented and compared in this paper. All of them are based on routability-driven methods. However, these approaches vary in the allocation function and allocation aggressiveness. All the placement results are investigated by feeding them into a widely used industrial router (Warp Route of Cadence). Comparisons have been made between: 1) placement with or without white space allocation; 2) different white space allocation approaches; and 3) our placement flow, industrial placement tool, and the other state-of-the-art academic placement tool.
Segmentation of vasculature for intravital microscopy using bridging vessel snake

Robustly segmenting vessels even with less sharp boundary is important for achieving accurate biological analysis of blood vessels regulation within organs such as liver. This process is crucial for microvaculature reconstruction which is necessary for red blood cells flow distribution regulation analysis. The vessels with sharp edges are often used during manual analysis skewing the data toward a certain group of vessels. In this paper, we propose bridging vessel snake (BVS) for segmenting a network of vessels (especially ones with less sharp boundary) in intravital microscopy images. Our method enables segmentation of vessels with varying diameter while imposing the structure of vessels by utilizing a ribbon snake and adding energies of width and region. The initialization achieved by the skeletonization is used to segment mostly sharper vessels. The "bridges" between the segmentation of sharper (thus higher confidence) vessels are used for hypothesizing less sharp vessels. A preliminary evaluation against a manual ground truth using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve reveals that the algorithm was able to improve the area under ROC curve up to 20% on the vessels with lower sharpness and achieve the area under a ROC in all ground truthed vessels of 0.90
Treating the Psychological Sequelae of Proactive Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault: Knowledge Building Through Systematic Case Based Research

Background: Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) has emerged as a distinct category of sexual victimization and precipitates posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies have examined the distinct psychological aspects of PTSD caused by DFSA. Gauntlett-Gilbert, Keegan and Petrak (2004) represent a notable exception and draw on cases, from their clinical experience, treated using Ehlers and Clarks' (2000) cognitive therapy (CT). Aims: This paper aims to further develop and refine clinical knowledge on CT for PTSD arising from DFSA and advance the findings of Gauntlett-Gilbert et al. (2004). Method: Systematic case based research was used to investigate the applicability of CT for PTSD related to DFSA. Three survivors were treated with CT within the South African context. Results: The case series corroborated existing findings but also documented the presence of somatic and visual intrusions among survivors with partial or complete amnesia for rape and illustrated the utility of imagery interventions in targeting intrusions. The study highlighted the role of physical paralysis in DFSA in compounding helplessness/powerlessness and the necessity of enhancing physical agency and building social support. Conclusion: Distinctive aspects of PTSD related to DFSA can be effectively treated by adapting CT to suit this population group.
Status of the GaAs metal&#8212;oxide&#8212;semiconductor technology

A review of recent and current work on GaAs insulated-gate technology is presented. First, various techniques for the formation of heteromorphic and homomorphic dielectrics are outlined and some important aspects of properties of these dielectrics are reviewed. Second, MOSFET structures, fabrication procedures, and microwave performance are described. Third, the application of GaAs MOSFET's to digital integrated circuits is summarized.
Use of ICT and Develepoment of Tourism Sector in Albania

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is increasingly playing an important role in developing a competitive economy based on knowledge and innovation. Use of ICT enables the provision of a higher quality of citizen’s life; it helps ease and efficiency of business processes and increase the efficiency and transformation of management. The use of ICT in different sectors of the Albanian economy has begun to be realized rapidly, improving economic and financial performance and expanding the range of services that are offered to users. ICT has been used massively also a sector which in Albania brings an important impact on GDP it is the tourism sector, however, it is noted that the use of ICT in this sector is at levels lower than in other countries of Europe as well as the region. The use of ICT and the Internet in the tourism sector in the world but also in Albania has enabled the creation of a new business environment, the global distribution of information as a very important element for the tourism sector and the creation of new channels of distribution, transforming the tourism sector globally. The tourism sector in Albania, which is competing strongly from neighboring countries after the period of its establishment and strengthening, currently faces the challenge of the massive use of ICT in the provision of information and the enhancement of services for its clients. The purpose of this paper is to evidence the level of use of ICT in the tourism sector in Albania, and based on analysis of data collected, presents recommendations on the use of ICT in the sector, aimed at increasing performance, expanding services and improving the quality of services provided to customers.
COMPARING STUDENTS ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCES IN A INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP BUSINESS PLAN

The aim of this study is to compare the achievement of students’ entrepreneurial competences when developing a business plan, depending on whether this is developed individually or in group. In order to analyse these effects we present an empirical study to know the role played by business plans and teamwork in achieving entrepreneurial competences. We will conduct the analysis from the point of view of the perception of student’s achievement of competences and from the point of view of the real achievement of these skills. In this sense, we use data obtained from assessment rubrics and questionnaires distributed among 254 students of the Bachelor in Business Administration at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC). The questionnaires measure the students’ perception of competences achievement, while the assessment rubrics measure the students’ real competences achievement according to their grades. To sum up, we can point out that teamwork involves a greater perception and a greater achievement of entrepreneurial skills when they are developed through a business plan. We must therefore encourage teamwork skills among students as they generate positive results in terms of entrepreneurial skills.
Distribution and Speciation Analysis of Heavy Metal Elements in Urumqi Urban Soils

A selective sequential extraction method developed by Tessier et al was used to study the speciation of heavy metal elements, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb, in soils taken from six different functional areas in Urumqi. The results showed that the contents of Pb, Zn, Cr, and Cu were significantly above their average background values, as high as 3.6 times, 2.3 times, 2.1 times, and 1.9 times, respectively. In urban soils, Pb existed mainly as residual fraction and Fe-Mn oxides, accounted for 45.4% and 38.9% totally. Cr and Zn elements were mostly in residual fraction as 94.9% and 52.7%, respectively. In the soil of Industrial Area, Cu element dominated as organic form of 58.2% among the four elements. In other functional areas, Cu contents reached the highest proportion of 71.7% ~ 78.7% in residual fraction. The activity of the heavy metal elements in soil was assessed by the activation of the elements. The activation sequence was obtained as Pb > Zn > Cu > Cr. It indicates that the Pb and Zn contents in Urumqi urban soils have potential ecological risks, and should be in strict control.
Sub-GHz Resolution Photonic Spectral Processor and Its System Applications

A record performance metric waveguide grating router (WGR) design with a 200 GHz free spectral range (FSR) capable of resolving sub-GHz resolution spectral features is developed for a fine resolution photonic spectral processor (PSP). The WGR's FSR was designed to support subchannel add/drop from a superchannel of 1 Tb/s capacity. Due to fabrication imperfections, we introduce phase corrections to the light beams emerging from the 250 waveguides of the WGR output using a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) phase spatial light modulator (SLM) placed in an imaging configuration. A second LCoS SLM is located at the Fourier plane, for arbitrary spectral amplitude and phase manipulations. The PSP is utilized in multiple system transmission experiments, such as flexible spectral shaping and subcarrier drop demultiplexing with sub-GHz spectral resolution.
Lightning observations at Tokyo Skytree

Observation of lightning hitting Tokyo Skytree, a 634-m high freestanding broadcasting tower, started in February 2012. In 2012 and 2013, current waveforms associated with 24 lightning flashes have been obtained by specially designed wide-band Rogowski coils installed at a height of 497m. The ratio of upward lightning is quite different in 2012 and 2013. In addition to these, we have observed development of upward connecting leaders started from the top of Tokyo Skytree with a high-speed camera.
Analysis of Fin-Line Discontinuities

Various discontinuities in the slot width of fin-lines are accurately analysed. These include a step in the slot width, an inductive notch, a small capacitive strip, and a longitudinal stripe for mounting a semiconductor diode. Equivalent circuits are derived and related to the geometrical parameters. The results can directly be applied to a design of impedance transforming and filter networks.
Adsorption and desorption of dinitrotoluene on activated carbon.

The adsorption of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) in aqueous solution by two commercial activated carbons and desorption of DNT from these adsorbents by solvent extraction were studied. Both carbons proved to be excellent adsorbents for the removal of DNT from aqueous solution. The solvents tested for extracting the adsorbed DNT were water, acetone, methanol, and mixtures involving these solvents. Acetone and methanol are both effective solvents for the removal of DNT from spent carbons, while acetone is the most effective solvent on removal of chemicals (produced during the adsorption) other than DNT. Analysis of the solvent extracts revealed that in the solution, besides DNT, at least six other chemicals were present. Four of the chemicals were identified as 2,4-dinitrobenzyl alcohol, 2,4-dinitrobenzaldehyde, 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid, and 2,4-dinitrobenzoate. The presence of these compounds suggests that after DNT absorption chemical reactions, such as oxidation, occurred.
Association Between Age at Onset of Schizophrenia and Age at Menarche.

INTRODUCTION Increasing evidence from clinical practice, as well as from epidemiological and basic research shows that there are gender differences in clinical features of schizophrenia, and this may be related to estrogens. There may be a relationship between earlier puberty and later onset of the disease, because of the protective effects of estrogens in women with schizophrenia. In this study, our aim was to analyze the correlation between age of menarche and age of onset of schizophrenia and to investigate the protective effects of estrogens in schizophrenia. METHOD In this study, we included 289 patients who were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Those with mental deficiency or organic brain disorders were excluded from the study. All subjects were given a socio-demographic form to determine their personal information, age at menarche, age at first odd behavior, age at onset of the disease and first hospitalization. Data on factors which may affect the association between age at onset of schizophrenia and age at menarche such as family history, head or birth trauma etc. were recorded on the information form. RESULTS We found out that age at menarche was negatively associated with age at first odd behavior and age at first psychotic symptoms. CONCLUSION Our study verifies the protective effects of estrogens and shows that the earlier puberty may be the cause of later onset of schizophrenia. A gender-sensitive approach in psychiatry improves our understanding of mental illness and our therapeutic strategies.
Post-bronchodilator spirometry reference values in adults and implications for disease management.

RATIONALE International guidelines promote the use of post-bronchodilator spirometry values in the definition and severity classification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, post-bronchodilator reference values have not yet been developed. OBJECTIVES To derive reference values for post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC, and to compare these reference values with locally derived and existing pre-bronchodilator reference values. METHODS Based on a random sample of a general adult population, 2,235 subjects (70% of invited subjects) performed spirometry with reversibility testing. A reference population of healthy never-smokers constituted 23% of the study population (n=515). Reference values for median and lower-limit-of-normal pre- and post-bronchodilator lung function and bronchodilator response were modeled using quantile regression analyses. MAIN RESULTS The reference population had equal proportions of men and women in the age range 26-82 yr. Both FEV1 and FVC decreased with age and increased with height. FEV1/FVC decreased with age, although this trend was not statistically significant for men after bronchodilatation. Linear models gave the best overall fit. Lower-limit-of-normal post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC exceeded 0.7 for both sexes. Post-bronchodilator prediction equations gave higher predicted FEV1 and FEV1/FVC than both locally derived and existing pre-bronchodilator equations. The bronchodilator response decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS The present study is the first to develop reference values for post-bronchodilator lung function. Post-bronchodilator prediction equations can facilitate better management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by avoiding falsely high FEV1% predicted with a subsequent underestimation of disease severity.
PRDM16 (1p36) translocations define a distinct entity of myeloid malignancies with poor prognosis but may also occur in lymphoid malignancies

The PRDM16 (1p36) gene is rearranged in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with t(1;3)(p36;q21), sharing characteristics with AML and MDS with MECOM (3q26.2) translocations. We used fluorescence in situ hybridization to study 39 haematological malignancies with translocations involving PRDM16 to assess the precise breakpoint on 1p36 and the identity of the partner locus. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in selected cases in order to confirm the partner locus. PRDM16 expression studies were performed on bone marrow samples of patients, normal controls and CD34+ cells using TaqMan real‐time quantitative PCR. PRDM16 was rearranged with the RPN1 (3q21) locus in 30 cases and with other loci in nine cases. The diagnosis was AML or MDS in most cases, except for two cases of lymphoid proliferation. We identified novel translocation partners of PRDM16, including the transcription factors ETV6 and IKZF1. Translocations involving PRDM16 lead to its overexpression irrespective of the consequence of the rearrangement (fusion gene or promoter swap). Survival data suggest that patients with AML/MDS and PRDM16 translocations have a poor prognosis despite a simple karyotype and a median age of 65 years. There seems to be an over‐representation of late‐onset therapy‐related myeloid malignancies.
The Bluejay Genome Browser

The Bluejay genome browser is a stand‐alone visualization tool for the multi‐scale viewing of annotated genomes and other genomic elements. Bluejay allows users to customize display features to suit their needs, and produces publication‐quality graphics. Bluejay provides a multitude of ways to interrelate biological data at the genome scale. Users can load gene expression data into a genome display for expression visualization in context. Multiple genomes can be compared concurrently, including time series expression data, based on Gene Ontology labels. External, context‐sensitive biological Web Services are linked to the displayed genomic elements ad hoc for in‐depth genomic data analysis and interpretation. Users can mark multiple points of interest in a genome by creating waypoints, and exploit them for easy navigation of single or multiple genomes. Using this comprehensive visual environment, users can study a gene not just in relation to its genome, but also its transcriptome and evolutionary origins. Written in Java, Bluejay is platform‐independent and is freely available from http://bluejay.ucalgary. ca. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 37:10.9. 1‐10.9. 23. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Studies on Water in Barnacle Muscle Fibres II. Role of ions and Organic Solutes in Swelling of Chemically-skinned Fibres

Single muscle fibres from the giant barnacle, Balanus nubilis , were chemically skinned (2% Tween 20), then equilibrated for 40 h in salt solutions ranging in ionic strength from 0·025 to 0·6M at pH 7·0. The water content of the fibres and the net charge on the myofilaments increased with increasing salt concentration. Cation accumulation in the fibres was about equal to anion exclusion at all salt concentrations. When an organic solute (trimethylamine oxide, glycine, alanine, serine, proline, or glycerol) in the concentration range from 0·1 to 0·6 M was added to the salt solution, cation accumulation increased and water content decreased. Myofilament architecture was disrupted when the fibres were equilibrated in high salt (> 0·4 M) solutions and preserved when 0·5 M-triethylamine oxide was also added. The results are consistent with the view that organic solutes enhance the association between the fixed charge sites and their counterions. This hypothesis is examined quantitatively using the Oosawa relationship between the volume and the counterion association for cylindrical polyelectrolytes. The results illustrate that organic solutes can influence fibre volume in a way other than through osmo-regulation.
Chiral Aryloxyalkylamines: Selective 5‐HT1B/1D Activation and Analgesic Activity

A series of chiral 2,3‐dichlorophenoxy and 1‐naphthyloxy alkylamines were synthesized, and their binding affinities towards 5‐HT1D and h5‐HT1B receptors were evaluated. In the naphthyloxy series, the (R)‐prolinol derivative was the most selective 5‐HT1D ligand, while (S)‐N‐methyl‐2‐(1‐naphthyloxy)propan‐1‐amine showed the highest selectivity for h5‐HT1B. Both compounds performed as 5‐HT1D agonists in the isolated guinea pig assay and showed higher analgesic activity than both sumatriptan and the achiral analogue 20 b in the mouse hot‐plate test. Neither ligand displayed any affinity for nicotinic ACh receptors present in mouse brain membranes, thus indicating that their analgesic activity does not arise through interaction with these receptors.
Analytics for Detection of Money Laundering

ABSTRACT Money Laundering (ML) is a serious problem for the economies and financial institutions around the world. Financial institutions get used by organized criminals and terrorists as vehicles of large-scale money laundering, which presents the institutions with challenges of regulatory compliance, maintaining financial security, preserving goodwill and reputation and avoiding operational risks like liquidity crunch and lawsuits. Hence prevention, detection and control of ML are crucial for the financial security and risk management of financial institutions. In this paper, we begin with an overview of the problem of ML, discuss some commonly used methods of ML, study a real life example where one of the premier banks was fined for insufficient AML controls, look at challenges faced by banks and financial institutions, discuss the analytic techniques which can be used for detection of ML and Money Laundering Detection Program. Further this paper reports the results of experimentation done on two ML patterns to determine the effectiveness of the RRS and angle based outlier detection algorithms and show that the algorithms are reasonably accurate in detecting ML accounts.
Symbolic algebra for the calculation of the series and parallel resistances in PV module model

In this paper a symbolic analysis of the equations that allow to calculate the values of the series and parallel resistances appearing in the single diode model of a photovoltaic module is presented. Such a model requires the identification of five values, that are the photo-induced current, the diode ideality factor and saturation current, the series and parallel resistances. This calculation can be done on the basis of the few data taken from the module data sheet or by using a fitting process starting from experimental measurements. In this paper the first case is considered: it allows to identify the parameters' values in the standard test conditions and requires a solution of a non linear system of equations. In this paper the problem is afforded by using symbolic calculations only: the main result is the explicit expressions giving the values of all the five parameters. The explicit formulas allow to avoid the convergence problems that are typical of the methods based on the solution of a non linear system of equations. Nonetheless, the values obtained by using the proposed procedure can be used as guess solution for a more accurate calculation.