Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Taylor-Made Design of Phenoxyfuranone-Type Strigolactone Mimic

Strigolactones are a class of plant hormones that inhibit axillary bud outgrowth and are released from plant roots to act as a rhizosphere communication signal. The Orobanchaceae parasitic plant Striga hermonthica perceives strigolactone as its germination signal, indicating host presence. After germination, the Striga plant parasitises the host plant and suppresses host growth by draining photosynthetic products, water and other essential nutrients. Because of this way of life, this parasite threatens crop production in sub-Saharan Africa with infestation in crop fields and crop devastation. Crop protection in such areas is among the most concerning problems to be dealt with as immediately as possible. With respect to crop protection from Striga, many strigolactone agonists have been developed and used in research to reveal Striga biology, and have contributed to development of crop protection methods. However, an effective method has yet to be found. In a previous study, we reported debranones as a group of strigolactone mimics that inhibit axillary buds outgrowth with moderate stimulation activity for Striga germination. Debranones would be accessible because they are simply synthesized from commercially available phenols and bromo butenolide. Taking this advantage of debranones for Striga research, we tried to find the debranones stimulating Striga seed germination. To modulate functional selectivity and to enhance germination inducing activity of debranones, we studied structure–activity relationships. We investigated effects of substituent position and functional group on debranone activity and selectivity as a strigolactone mimic. As a result, we improved stimulation activity of debranones for Striga seed germination by chemical modification, and demonstrated the pharmacophore of debranones for selective modulation of distinct strigolactone responses.
Stock Price Reaction to News: The Joint Effect of Tone and Attention on Momentum

ABSTRACT The authors find that the market's underreaction to good news is a driver of Gutierrez and Kelly's [2008] weekly momentum returns. By employing a dataset of 10.1 million news items in 4 regions (the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Asia Pacific), they find that stocks having important and positive news exhibit stronger return continuation. The study findings suggest that investors in international markets have similar underreaction to the same news characteristics.
Special issue on big data networking-challenges and applications

Big data is more than a matter of size; it is an emerging paradigm of data of very large size (volume) and fast in/out (velocity), from various sources (variety), and of high value for knowledge extraction and decision making. Technological advances in data gathering have led to a rapid proliferation of big data in diverse areas such as remote sensing, medicine, the Internet, and social sectors. Such data brings opportunities and challenges to scientists and engineers. In order for us to make use of this massive amount of data, new data management and computational approaches are needed to permit scientists and engineers to analyze the data in (nearly) real time, often in a distributed or streaming manner. Various technologies are being discussed, and some have been realized, to support the handling of big data. In addition, big dataset cannot be stored in one location, and massively parallel processing databases and scalable storage systems are being designed to store the large datasets. What is more, big data generates an industry of supporting architectures; many cloud computing platforms and frameworks are developed to handle the big data operations, such as MapReduce. To deal with different properties of big data, different algorithms also need to be developed. Overall, big data is an opportunity to find insights in new and emerging types of data and content, to make models more agile, and to answer questions that were previously considered beyond our reach. The purpose of this special is to highlight some recent advancement to address such challenges in the big data era.
Similarity coefficient of collaborative filtering based on contribution of neighbors

Collaborative filtering is one of the most popular recommendation techniques which makes recommendations to a user based on other users with similar tastes (i.e. neighbors) to the target user. Although most of existing similarity measure between users are symmetry, a user with less uncommonly rated items is able to provide more accurate recommendation to another user. Therefore, the contribution on the recommendation of a user to another may be different. In this study, a similarity coefficient is proposed to measure measures the contribution of a user on recommendation. Experiments suggests that our coefficient improves the existing similarity measures to provide more appropriate recommendation than the original ones.
Long-Range Correlations in the Diffuse Seismic Coda

The late seismic coda may contain coherent information about the elastic response of Earth. We computed the correlations of the seismic codas of 101 distant earthquakes recorded at stations that were tens of kilometers apart. By stacking cross-correlation functions of codas, we found a low-frequency coherent part in the diffuse field. The extracted pulses have the polarization characteristics and group velocities expected for Rayleigh and Love waves. The set of cross-correlations has the symmetries of the surface-wave part of the Green tensor. This seismological example shows that diffuse waves produced by distant sources are sufficient to retrieve direct waves between two perfectly located points of observation. Because it relies on general properties of diffuse waves, this result has potential applications in other fields.
Fractional Order System and H∞: A Literature Survey

We present here a detailed survey of H-infinity H∞ norm computation for a commensurate Fractional Order System (FOS). First, H∞ norm definition is given for FOS and then Hamiltonian matrix of a FOS is computed. One method based on this Hamiltonian matrix is then proposed to compute the FOS H∞ norm which is based on a dichotomy algorithm. Keywords: FOC- fractional order system; H∞ -h-infinity commensurate-corresponding in size or degree; in proportion.Hamiltonian matrix- In mathematics, a Hamiltonian matrix is a 2n-by-2n matrix A such that JA is symmetric, where J is the skew-symmetric matrix.Riemann-Liouville integral- In mathematics, the Riemann- Liouville integral associates with a real function ƒ : R → R another function I α ƒ of the same kind for each value of the parameter α > 0.
Adapting content presentation and control to player personality in videogames

In this paper, we present a first step towards a personality based framework for adapting videogame content to the player, in which the game infers a player's type from his behaviour, then selects how content is managed and presented to the player based on the inferred player type. This paper focuses on the later aspect. We detail how we assessed (offline) the player's Myers-Briggs personality type through a questionnaire, inferred his player type based on the Demographic Game Design model (conqueror, manager, wanderer, and participant), and propose how player type can enhance the player's experience by informing the game on three distinct aspects: difficulty management, presentation and depth of control over certain aspects of the game. To evaluate our approach, we developed a videogame, Grim Business, asked players of different types to play under different conditions and evaluated the experience using a questionnaire based on the GameFlow model. Our results suggest that player immersion, and consequently enjoyment, is higher when the game adapts to the player type.
CD44‐positive cells are responsible for gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells

Accumulating evidence suggests that tumors are composed of a heterogeneous cell population with a small subset of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that sustain tumor formation and growth. Recently, there have been efforts to explain drug resistance of cancer cells based on the concept of CSCs having an intrinsic detoxifying mechanism. In the present study, to investigate the role of CSCs in acquiring chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer, gemcitabine‐resistant cells were established by exposure to serially escalated doses of gemcitabine in HPAC and CFPAC‐1 cells. Gemcitabine‐resistant cells were more tumorigenic in vitro and in vivo, and had greater sphere‐forming activity than parental cells. After high‐dose gemcitabine treatment to eliminate most of the cells, CD44+ cells proliferated and reconstituted the population of resistant cells. CD44+CD24+ESA+ cells remained as a small subset in the resistant cell population. Among ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which are known as the mechanism of drug resistance in CSCs, ABCB1 (MDR1) was significantly augmented during the acquisition of drug resistance. ABC transporter inhibitor verapamil resensitized the resistant cells to gemcitabine in a dose‐dependent manner and RNA interference of CD44 inhibited the clonogenic activity of resistant cells. In human pancreatic cancer samples, CD44 expression was correlated with histologic grade and the patients with CD44‐positive tumors showed poor prognosis. These data indicate that cancer stem‐like cells were expanded during the acquisition of gemcitabine resistance and in therapeutic application, targeted therapy against the CD44 or ABC transporter inhibitors could be applied to overcome drug resistance in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. © 2009 UICC
Rapid ambulation after coronary angiography via femoral artery access: a prospective study of 1,000 patients.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a 90-minute bed rest protocol for patients undergoing elective 6 Fr coronary angiography via the femoral artery. BACKGROUND Following cardiac catheterization, reducing the period of immobilization has beneficial effects on patient comfort. Previously, immobilization times of up to 2 hours have been shown to be safe. METHODS One-thousand consecutive patients undergoing elective daytime coronary angiography were studied. We used a novel protocol with a commercially available compression device to mobilize patients after only 90 minutes of bed rest. RESULTS Of 1,000 patients, 1 had a minor bleed that was successfully treated with manual pressure followed by a pressure dressing. Two patients developed pseudoaneurysms, 1 of whom required a transfusion. No other patients required a transfusion or experienced hemodynamic instability. Thirteen patients had delayed discharge, most commonly due to a delay in obtaining ultrasound scans to exclude pseudoaneurysm. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that early mobilization (90 minutes) is feasible and safe for patients undergoing elective coronary angiography performed via the right femoral artery.
Aspirin is associated with an increased risk of subdural hematoma in normal-pressure hydrocephalus patients following shunt implantation.

OBJECT In this paper the authors investigate whether shunt-treated patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus receiving aspirin therapy are at increased risk of developing subdural hematoma (SDH). METHODS Records from 80 consecutive patients who had undergone implantation of a cerebrospinal fluid shunt for the treatment of normal-pressure hydrocephalus were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Eleven cases of symptomatic SDH occurred, all among patients receiving aspirin or clopidogrel. The 5-year survival estimate was 0.3 (p < 0.0001) for users of aspirin and the hazard ratio was 12.8 (95% CI 3.1-53). CONCLUSIONS Patients on an aspirin therapy regimen have a markedly increased risk of SDH after a shunt has been implanted for the treatment of normal-pressure hydrocephalus. Users of clopidogrel may have an even greater risk.
Energy efficient delay tolerant network routing protocols: A comparative study

One of the prominent problems of the Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs) is the high delay occurring in the message delivery. As there is absence of complete path from source to destination in the network, these networks are often susceptible to high delays. In DTNs, one of the primary objective is to establish end-to-end communication path between the nodes in the heterogeneous environment e Factors such as discharge of batteries and link failure lead to frequent disconnection in these networks. The amount of energy dissipated in the network is highly dependent on the message routing and node mobility. Therefore, developing an energy efficient routing protocol is a key issue in DTNs. A plethora of routing algorithms for DTNs is developed, but only few of them take energy constraint into consideration. The challenge to maintain the high reliability of network in the presence of frequent topology changes in DTNs has garnered immense interest from the researchers to further explore the area. This article reviews the some of the state-of-the-art routing protocols of the DTNs. We have also compared the performance of these algorithms in the light of energy consumption.
Molecular Mapping of Reduced Plant Height Gene Rht24 in Bread Wheat

Height is an important trait related to plant architecture and yield potential in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). We previously identified a major quantitative trait locus QPH.caas-6A flanked by simple sequence repeat markers Xbarc103 and Xwmc256 that reduced height by 8.0–10.4%. Here QPH.caas-6A, designated as Rht24, was confirmed using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a Jingdong 8/Aikang 58 cross. The target sequences of Xbarc103 and Xwmc256 were used as queries to BLAST against International Wheat Genome Sequence Consortium database and hit a super scaffold of approximately 208 Mb. Based on gene annotation of the scaffold, three gene-specific markers were developed to genotype the RILs, and Rht24 was narrowed to a 1.85 cM interval between TaAP2 and TaFAR. In addition, three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers linked to Rht24 were identified from SNP chip-based screening in combination with bulked segregant analysis. The allelic efficacy of Rht24 was validated in 242 elite wheat varieties using TaAP2 and TaFAR markers. These showed a significant association between genotypes and plant height. Rht24 reduced plant height by an average of 6.0–7.9 cm across environments and were significantly associated with an increased TGW of 2.0–3.4 g. The findings indicate that Rht24 is a common dwarfing gene in wheat breeding, and TaAP2 and TaFAR can be used for marker-assisted selection.
Functional transfer of eukaryotic expression plasmids to mammalian cells by Listeria monocytogenes: a mechanistic approach

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common monogenic disorders in the caucasian population. Gene therapy for CF is principally feasible and bacterial transfer systems might provide novel possibilities for therapy. However, transfection efficiencies are low and need to be improved. Thus, more detailed understanding of the DNA transfer mechanism is necessary to systematically eliminate these restrictions.
Optimized daily scheduling of wind-pumped hydro plants for a day-ahead electricity market system

This paper presents a new approach for optimal daily scheduling of hybrid wind-pump storage hydro (WPSH) facility owned by an independent power producer (IPP). WPSH system has been considered as a participant of a day-ahead electricity market and mathematical formulation has been developed accordingly. The aim of developed formulation is to maximize the profit to the WPSH owner. The usefulness of the developed mathematical formulation has been tested on a test system and the solution has been obtained by Linear Programming technique using Primal-Dual Interior-Point method.
Sedentary behaviors in fifth-grade boys and girls: where, with whom, and why?

BACKGROUND An understanding of the context surrounding screen- and non-screen-based sedentary behavior would facilitate efforts to reduce children's overall sedentary behavior. This study examined the prevalence of specific types of sedentary behavior in children, the social and physical contexts surrounding these behaviors, and differences by gender. METHODS Participants included 686 fifth graders participating in the Transitions and Activity Changes in Kids Study (TRACK). The Physical Activity Choices instrument measured child participation in seven sedentary behaviors, the social (i.e., with whom) and physical (i.e., where) contexts, and perceptions (i.e., why) of those behaviors. Analysis included mixed-model regression adjusted for race/ethnicity, BMI, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS Children participated in both screen- and non-screen-based sedentary behaviors at very high frequencies. The most popular activities included watching television or videos, listening to music, playing video games (boys only), and talking on the phone or texting (girls only). Children engaged in sedentary behaviors most often at home, at school, or in their neighborhood. In general, the patterns of social context for the behaviors were similar for boys and girls, with the exception of video game playing. Girls perceived listening to music and talking on the phone or texting to be more fun than boys; children did not differ in their other perceptions (i.e., how much choice or how important) of the behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Multi-level interventions that target reducing sedentary behavior in the home, neighborhood, and school context may be most effective; however, the approach needed will likely differ by gender.
Greater antibody responses to an eleven valent mixed carrier diphtheria- or tetanus-conjugated pneumococcal vaccine in Filipino than in Finnish or Israeli infants

Background. Antibody responses to pneumococcal conjugate vaccines may vary when administered in different populations or epidemiologic settings. Understanding the causes and significance of this variation could help to determine the number of doses and timing required for protection against pneumococcal diseases in each country. Methods. This report compares antibody responses to aluminum-adjuvanted and nonadjuvanted mixed carrier 11-valent diphtheria- or tetanus-conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (11-PncTD) formulations when given at 6, 10 and 14 weeks and 9 months of age to Filipino infants (n = 51) and at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months of age to Finnish (n = 127) and Israeli (n = 124) infants. The study populations differ in their natural exposure to pneumococcus and risk factors for pneumococcal carriage and disease. Results. Filipino and Israeli infants had slightly but significantly higher prevaccination geometric mean concentration (GMC) of antibodies than did the Finnish infants. After three doses of aluminum-adjuvanted 11-PncTD vaccine, the Filipino infants had 1.8 to 6.7 and 1.5 to 5.0 times higher GMC than the Finnish and Israeli infants, respectively, against pneumococcal serotypes conjugated to tetanus protein. The GMC of serotypes conjugated to diphtheria toxoid was 1.3 to 3.0 and 0.7 to 2.0 times the GMC in Finnish and Israeli infants, respectively. The nonadjuvanted vaccine formulation induced generally lower GMCs. Conclusions. The antibody responses to the tetanus-conjugated polysaccharides were considerably higher in the Filipino than in the Finnish or Israeli infants. This may be a result of several factors including the priming effect of tetanus toxoid given to pregnant women, early pneumococcal nasopharyngeal acquisition and genetic differences among populations.
Spreading dynamics and wetting transition of cellular aggregates

We study the spreading of spheroidal aggregates of cells, expressing a tunable level of E-cadherin molecules, on glass substrates decorated with mixed fibronectin and polyethylene glycol. We observe the contact area by optical interferometry and the profile by side-view microscopy. We find a universal law of aggregate spreading at short times, which we interpret through an analogy with the spreading of viscoelastic droplets. At long times, we observe either partial wetting or complete wetting, with a precursor film of cells spreading around the aggregate with two possible states. In strongly cohesive aggregates this film is a cellular monolayer in the liquid state, whereas in weakly cohesive aggregates, cells escape from the aggregate, forming a 2D gas. The escape of isolated cells is a physical mechanism that appears also to be present in the progression of a noninvasive tumor into a metastatic malignant carcinoma, known as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Effect of histidine on autotaxin activity in experimentally induced liver fibrosis

The aim of this study was to explain whether serum autotaxin (ATX) activity might be a target for regulation of liver fibrosis and to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects of histidine in thioacetamide (TAA)–induced liver fibrosis in rats. This study was carried out on 100 Wistar Albino rats, classified into five groups, each containing 20 rats: Group I (control group), Group II: rats were given histidine intraperitoneally, Group III: rats were injected intraperitoneally with TAA, Group IV: rats were injected with L‐histidine together with TAA, and Group V: rats were injected with TAA for 1 month then treated with intraperitoneal injection of L‐histidine for another month. At the end of experiment, blood and liver were collected for determination of some liver enzymes, plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), serum ATX activity, and liver tissue hydroxyproline. Thioacetamide treatment caused significant increases in liver enzymes, ATX activities, and liver hydroxyproline, but a significant decrease in plasma's TAC. Upon treatment with histidine, a significant decrease in liver enzymes, ATX activities, and liver hydroxyproline was observed with a significant increase in plasma TAC in Group IV and a significant decrease in Group V. Histidine as an antioxidant has a protective effect on TAA‐induced liver fibrosis; it is beneficial in rats not only by inhibition of collagen synthesis and increasing TAC but also by inhibition of ATX activities thus reducing its capacity to produce lysophosphatidic acid, which has a role in liver fibrosis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:143–150, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20370
Human T lymphotropic virus type I antibody patterns: evidence of difference by age and risk group.

Detection of human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) antibody was assessed on 368 sera from subjects with different clinical features and from different parts of the world. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay for purified p24 antibodies (p24-RIA) used as screening tests agreed in 88.7% of the sera. The results from 247 selected sera were compared with western blot (WB). WB was reactive in sera five to 25 times more dilute than the last positive ELISA or p24-RIA, but different WB batches varied in sensitivity. ELISA was more sensitive than p24-RIA, and p24-RIA was more specific than ELISA. Indeterminate WB interpretations were common (25.5%). Most seropositive intravenous drug abusers had unusually strong p24 bands by WB. Among healthy individuals, positive WB reactivity increased with age, whereas indeterminate reactivity declined (P = .034). Thus, more-sensitive and -specific HTLV-I antibody tests are needed.
Increased expression of Ob‐Rb and its relationship with the overexpression of TGF‐β1 and the stage of fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Abstract: Aims: The main aim of this study was to examine the relationship of the leptin system in steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The study also analysed the pathogenic role of the leptin system in the development of hepatic fibrosis and its relation with the TGF‐β1 system.