Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The PETfold and PETcofold web servers for intra- and intermolecular structures of multiple RNA sequences

The function of non-coding RNA genes largely depends on their secondary structure and the interaction with other molecules. Thus, an accurate prediction of secondary structure and RNA–RNA interaction is essential for the understanding of biological roles and pathways associated with a specific RNA gene. We present web servers to analyze multiple RNA sequences for common RNA structure and for RNA interaction sites. The web servers are based on the recent PET (Probabilistic Evolutionary and Thermodynamic) models PETfold and PETcofold, but add user friendly features ranging from a graphical layer to interactive usage of the predictors. Additionally, the web servers provide direct access to annotated RNA alignments, such as the Rfam 10.0 database and multiple alignments of 16 vertebrate genomes with human. The web servers are freely available at: http://rth.dk/resources/petfold/
Capacitor based SneakPath compensation circuit for transistor-less ReRAM architectures

With the arrival of crosspoint based memories on the consumer market, high-density resistive memories could be introduced as flash memories replacement or as storage class memory. However, transistor-Less Resistive memory architectures using 1Selector-1resistance bitcells suffer from performances loss due to sneaking current through unselected bitcells. Beyond the back end of line selector design, circuit design solutions have to be pushed in order to improve precision during programming steps. In this paper we propose a novel capacitor based 2-steps SneakPath compensation circuit for transistor-less architectures of resistive memories. Compared to standard SneakPath compensation circuits, it ensures up to 20× of area improvement and more than 3× reduction of the variability effects for a 28nm CMOS node.
OFLoad: An OpenFlow-Based Dynamic Load Balancing Strategy for Datacenter Networks

The latest tremendous growth in the Internet traffic has determined the entry into a new era of mega-data centers meant to deal with this explosion of data traffic. However, this big data with its dynamically changing traffic patterns and flows might result in degradations of the application performance eventually affecting the network operators’ revenue. In this context, there is a need for an intelligent and efficient network management system that makes the best use of the available bisection bandwidth abundance to achieve high utilization and performance. This paper proposes OFLoad, an OpenFlow-based dynamic load balancing strategy for data center networks that enables the efficient use of the network resources capacity. A real experimental prototype is built and the proposed solution is compared against other solutions from the literature in terms of load-balancing. The aim of OFLoad is to enable the instant configuration of the network by making the best use of the available resources at the lowest cost and complexity.
The role of threat on Afrikaner attitude towards affirmative action and its beneficiaries

_______________________________________________________________________________________ Confidential Prepared for GIBS Page i November 2010 Abstract The research aimed to identify the level of threat currently experienced by Afrikaners, and their attitudes towards policies of affirmative action and the beneficiaries of these policies. Integrated threat theory was used in conjunction with social identity theory to identify current attitudes, and to investigate whether different attitudes existed between groups within the Afrikaner group. Data was collected from a representative sample via questionnaires. Research findings show that Afrikaners feel extremely threatened. Afrikaner negativity is focused directly on the policies of affirmative action rather than the beneficiaries of these policies. It was evident that Afrikaner males feel more threatened than Afrikaner females. Young Afrikaners attitudes are consistently the most negative of all Afrikaner groups; this was unexpected as this group of individuals has spent the majority of their young lives in a democratic South Africa. It is evident that a lot of work is still required to insure that the injustices of the past be adequately addressed. It is of critical importance that affirmative action be implemented with consideration to all groups of people and to understand the effect it has on those groups being negatively affected by it. All South Africans need to be responsible and recognise that the manner in which policy is implemented, has far greater influence than just the expected outcome of such policies. © University of Pretoria
Coupling of functional connectivity and regional cerebral blood flow reveals a physiological basis for network hubs of the human brain

Human brain functional networks contain a few densely connected hubs that play a vital role in transferring information across regions during resting and task states. However, the relationship of these functional hubs to measures of brain physiology, such as regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), remains incompletely understood. Here, we used functional MRI data of blood-oxygenation-level–dependent and arterial-spin–labeling perfusion contrasts to investigate the relationship between functional connectivity strength (FCS) and rCBF during resting and an N-back working-memory task. During resting state, functional brain hubs with higher FCS were identified, primarily in the default-mode, insula, and visual regions. The FCS showed a striking spatial correlation with rCBF, and the correlation was stronger in the default-mode network (DMN; including medial frontal-parietal cortices) and executive control network (ECN; including lateral frontal-parietal cortices) compared with visual and sensorimotor networks. Moreover, the relationship was connection–distance dependent; i.e., rCBF correlated stronger with long-range hubs than short-range ones. It is notable that several DMN and ECN regions exhibited higher rCBF per unit connectivity strength (rCBF/FCS ratio); whereas, this index was lower in posterior visual areas. During the working-memory experiment, both FCS–rCBF coupling and rCBF/FCS ratio were modulated by task load in the ECN and/or DMN regions. Finally, task-induced changes of FCS and rCBF in the lateral-parietal lobe positively correlated with behavioral performance. Together, our results indicate a tight coupling between blood supply and brain functional topology during rest and its modulation in response to task demands, which may shed light on the physiological basis of human brain functional connectome.
Scattering center estimation of HRRP via atomic norm minimization

As the one-dimensional projection of the echoes from scattering centers on a target along the radar line-of-sight, high range resolution profile (HRRP) has drawn great attention to automatic target recognition (ATR). Normally, features are extracted based on the strong scattering centers of HRRP. In recent years, several scattering center estimation methods have been proposed, such as Prony and orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP). Prony needs the number of scattering centers a priori and is sensitive to noise. Due to discretization, OMP may lead to the off-grid effect. In this paper, we propose to estimate the scattering centers via atomic norm minimization (ANM). Similar to OMP, ANM is a sparsity based approach, but the signal is modelled in continuous space, thus alleviating the basis mismatch. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that ANM achieves higher accuracy in terms of both position and amplitude compared with OMP.
Targeting Consumers Who Care about Future Generations

Generativity, as an adult's preoccupation with the well-being of future generations, is a well-studied concept in the social psychology literature. However, to this day, little is known about this concept within a consumer context. This article presents two studies that aimed to better understand the attitudes and behaviors of generative consumers. A first study was conducted to develop a more appropriate measure of generativity for consumer situations. It produced a two-factor consumer generativity scale of six items, one factor of which measures the motivation for symbolic immortality (agentic generativity) whereas the other factor measures the motivation to be useful (communal generativity). The second study showed the predictive validity of the new scale. Highly generative consumers have more favorable attitudes toward ads and products that are generatively positioned. Generative consumers intend to buy products positioned as generative. In addition, the second study presents some sociodemographic characteristics of generative consumers. This research presents a valid and parsimonious scale of consumer generativity, and demonstrates the relevance of using a generative positioning strategy when targeting highly generative consumers.
Emerging drugs to treat alcoholism

Importance of the field: Alcoholism is a widespread disorder with substantial mortality and negative treatment outcomes. To date, few medications have been found to reduce relapse rates or drinking in alcohol-dependent patients. Areas covered in this review: This review focuses on drugs that have been clinically tested for the treatment of alcohol dependence in clinical trials, pilot trials or which are considered to have a clinical perspective. For this purpose, a detailed Medline search was conducted on this issue. Although the neurochemical basis of alcoholism and the neuronal circuitry mediating its psychotropic effects have been explored in great detail in recent years, few drugs have emerged for the treatment of alcohol dependence, also because pharmaceutical companies have only a limited interest in this area of research. Acamprosate and the opioid antagonist naltrexone have been found to be effective, although data are mixed. A depot formula of naltrexone and the alternate opioid antagonist nalmefene have been studied in clinical trials and will presumably be introduced in the markets soon. Other emerging drugs are topiramate, novel acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) inhibitors, baclofen, a combination therapy of gababentin and flumazenil and drugs targeting the cortitropin-releasing factor/neuropeptide Y mediated stress axis. What the reader will gain: Insights on the neurochemical basis of alcohol dependence and possible targets of medications. Take home message: Acamprosate, naltrexone and the ALDH inhibitor disulfiram are proven medications for the treatment of alcohol dependence with modest efficacy. Novel alternate medications, a depot formulation of the opioid antagonist naltrexone and another oral opioid antagonist, nalmefene, are available now with good evidence for clinical efficacy. Novel ALDH inhibitors, antiepileptic drugs such as topiramate and drugs targeting the stress axis are currently among the most promising emerging drugs.
The impact of values and learning approaches on achievement: Do gender and academic discipline make a difference.

This paper presents results from a longitudinal study of sojourner students which was conducted at an international university in Germany from 2004 to 2007. The study followed one cohort of undergraduate students from the first week of their studies to graduation from their Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. Participants completed three questionnaires at the beginning of each year: the Portrait Value Questionnaire (PVQ) (Schwartz et al. 2001), the Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ) (Biggs 1987), and the Student Background Questionnaire (Matthews, Lietz & Darmawan 2007). Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to examine how personal values influenced students’ learning approaches (achieving, deep, or surface) and how these, in turn, impacted upon students’ academic achievement. Furthermore, it was examined how robust these relationships were once gender and discipline area (i.e. Social Sciences or Natural Sciences) were included in the models and whether or not they changed over time. First, results showed differences in term of which personal values were related to the three learning approaches and a certain consistency of these relationships at the beginning, the middle and the end of students’ undergraduate studies. Second, whereas the deep and achieving learning approaches resulted in higher achievement students who displayed more characteristics of the surface learning approach showed lower achievement. Finally, analyses using data from all three occasions showed that while some differences emerged as regards the specific personal values related to the different learning approaches, the positive impact of the achieving and the deep approach on achievement, the higher performance of female students and the predominant absence of effects of academic discipline on learning approaches or achievement were the same over the three-year period.
COSTO DE TRANSACCIÓN Y CADENA DE PRODUCCIÓN FORESTAL EN LA LADERA ORIENTAL DEL VOLCÁN COFRE DE PEROTE, VERACRUZ

En este articulo se presenta una descripcion etnografica sobre diversos factores presentes en las dinamicas de conservacion y cambio en el uso de suelos, predominantemente forestales, en la ladera oriente del Cofre de Perote, Veracruz, desde una perspectiva historica. Su cubierta forestal ha sido objeto de polemicas y conflictos. En algunos espacios se ha responsabilizado a los campesinos de la deforestacion, y en respuesta, diversos actores han ejercido presion para imponer regimenes de sanciones mas estrictas, aduciendo el impacto de estos procesos en el clima de las ciudades cercanas y en la recarga de mantos acuiferos. Por medio del trabajo etnografico sugiero la necesidad de entender la diversidad de agentes, con sus propias logicas y objetivos, que intervienen en el uso y la conservacion del recurso forestal. Desde este angulo, la preservacion del bosque demanda mas que una vigilancia estricta para mejorar sus condiciones de aprovechamiento.
A predictive framework for retrieving the best answer

In a question answering (QA) system, each user interaction with the system is different and since there are a variety of arguably correct answers to complex questions, identifying factors for improving the quality of the retrieved answer is difficult. This research aims to develop a framework that identifies predictive variables for the best quality answer in a QA system. It was found that accuracy, completeness and relevance were predictors of best answer. We believe that these findings can serve to guide future developments in the answer extraction modules in the QA systems.
Information Systems and Health Care XI: Public Health Knowledge Management Architecture Design: A Case Study

This paper presents the results of a case study based on the creation of a knowledge management program architecture in the public health domain. Data were gathered in the study using the program logic model as a framework for conducting a series of six focus groups. Results illustrate major elements and branches of the final design with commentary on the knowledge management implications of outcomes of this design effort. The methodology used provides an artifact in the form of an information requirement process that may be suited to other contexts. Discussion of findings focuses on six themes regarding knowledge management systems, particularly in the public health context and during the design process.
Why do people switch mobile platforms? The moderating role of habit

Purpose Smartphones have become a critical medium by which people remain in contact with family, friends, and colleagues. A variety of factors have contributed to the rapid prevalence of smartphones. The most influential factor is definitely the mobile platform or mobile operating system (OS). The purpose of this paper is to employ a theoretical framework based on an information systems success model and a theory values to examine the factors that affect smartphone users’ switching mobile OSs. Habit is regarded as a moderating variable to construct an integrated research model which helps researchers unveil the puzzle of users’ switching mobile OSs. Design/methodology/approach The proposed model was empirically evaluated using survey data collected from 424 users on their perceptions of smartphones. A structural equation modeling was used to assess the relationships of the research model. Findings The results of the study have shown that users consider the perceived switching value and satisfaction arising from their behaviors when deciding whether to switch to another mobile OS. Quality characteristics, including information quality, system quality, and service quality, are the key factors determining people’s perceived switching value and satisfaction. The participants of the study were grouped by degree of habit. The effect on satisfaction was not significant in the high-habit subgroup. Nevertheless, it has been found that the influence of the perceived switching value was stronger in the low-habit subgroup than in the high-habit subgroup. Originality/value This study contributes to a theoretical understanding of factors that explain users’ intention to switch mobile OSs.
0.5V image processor with 563 GOPS/W SIMD and 32bit CPU using high voltage clock distribution (HVCD) and adaptive frequency scaling (AFS) with 40nm CMOS

A 0.5V, 10MHz, 9mW image processor with 320 processing element (PE) SIMD and a 32bit CPU has been developed using 40-nm CMOS. High voltage clock distribution (HVCD) reduces the number of excessive hold buffers required in a 0.5-V logic circuit design, thereby reducing the area, delay, and energy of the SIMD by 14 %, 13%, and 6%, respectively. The 0.5-V SIMD with HVCD achieves an energy efficiency of 563 GOPS/W (= 4.26mW at 7.5MHz), the highest yet reported for near-threshold SIMD. In addition, adaptive frequency scaling (AFS), used to mitigate the impact of the ripple of a buck converters, increases average clock frequency by 33%.
Biomarkers of Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Cognitive Function among Elderly in the United States (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: 2001-2002)

Recent studies report a link between common environmental exposures, such as particulate matter air pollution and tobacco smoke, and decline in cognitive function. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a selected group of chemicals present in particulate matter and tobacco smoke, and measures of cognitive performance among elderly in the general population. This cross-sectional analysis involved data from 454 individuals aged 60 years and older from the 2001–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The association between PAH exposures (as measured by urinary biomarkers) and cognitive function (digit symbol substitution test (DSST)) was assessed using multiple linear regression analyses. After adjusting for age, socio-economic status and diabetes we observed a negative association between urinary 1-hydroxypyrene, the gold standard of PAH exposure biomarkers, and DSST score. A one percent increase in urinary 1-hydroxypyrene resulted in approximately a 1.8 percent poorer performance on the digit symbol substitution test. Our findings are consistent with previous publications and further suggest that PAHs, at least in part may be responsible for the adverse cognitive effects linked to tobacco smoke and particulate matter air pollution.
Spin diffusion measurements : spin echoes in the presence of a time-dependent field gradient

A derivation is given of the effect of a time‐dependent magnetic field gradient on the spin‐echo experiment, particularly in the presence of spin diffusion. There are several reasons for preferring certain kinds of time‐dependent magnetic field gradients to the more usual steady gradient. If the gradient is reduced during the rf pulses, H1 need not be particularly large; if the gradient is small at the time of the echo, the echo will be broad and its amplitude easy to measure. Both of these relaxations of restrictions on the measurement of diffusion coefficients by the spin‐echo technique serve to extend its range of applicability. Furthermore, a pulsed gradient can be recommended when it is critical to define the precise time period over which diffusion is being measured.The theoretical expression derived has been verified experimentally for several choices of time dependent magnetic field gradient. An apparatus is described suitable for the production of pulsed gradients with amplitudes as large as 100 .
Synthesis and Biological Evaluations of 1,2‐Diaryl Pyrroles as Analogues of Combretastatin A‐4

A series of novel 1,2‐diaryl pyrroles as analogues of combretastatin A‐4 (CA‐4, 1a) were synthesized and evaluated for their antitumour potential against three cancer cell lines. Most compounds exhibited growth inhibition against all of the cancer cell lines. Compound 7q not only exhibited prominent antitumour efficacy with IC50 values of 0.390 μm in SGC‐7901, 0.070 μm in HT‐1080 and 0.045 μm in KB cell lines but also showed low activity with IC50 values of 30.08 μm in normal L929 cell line. Moreover, compound 7q inhibited tubulin polymerization into microtubules and caused microtubule destabilization. A molecular docking study of 7q was performed to determine its binding mode at the colchicine site in the tubulin dimer.
Prevalence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae is higher in aorta and coronary artery than in carotid artery of coronary artery disease patients

Jha HC, Srivastava P, Divya A, Prasad J, Mittal A. Prevalence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae is higher in aorta and coronary artery than in carotid artery of coronary artery disease patients. APMIS 2009; 117: 905–11.
Identification of Critical Regions in Human SAMHD1 Required for Nuclear Localization and Vpx-Mediated Degradation

The sterile alpha motif (SAM) and HD domain-containing protein-1 (SAMHD1) inhibits the infection of resting CD4+ T cells and myeloid cells by human and related simian immunodeficiency viruses (HIV and SIV). Vpx inactivates SAMHD1 by promoting its proteasome-dependent degradation through an interaction with CRL4 (DCAF1) E3 ubiquitin ligase and the C-terminal region of SAMHD1. However, the determinants in SAMHD1 that are required for Vpx-mediated degradation have not been well characterized. SAMHD1 contains a classical nuclear localization signal (NLS), and NLS point mutants are cytoplasmic and resistant to Vpx-mediated degradation. Here, we demonstrate that NLS-mutant SAMHD1 K11A can be rescued by wild-type SAMHD1, restoring its nuclear localization; consequently, SAMHD1 K11A became sensitive to Vpx-mediated degradation in the presence of wild-type SAMHD1. Surprisingly, deletion of N-terminal regions of SAMHD1, including the classical NLS, generated mutant SAMHD1 proteins that were again sensitive to Vpx-mediated degradation. Unlike SAMHD1 K11A, these deletion mutants could be detected in the nucleus. Interestingly, NLS-defective SAMHD1 could still bind to karyopherin-β1 and other nuclear proteins. We also determined that the linker region between the SAM and HD domain and the HD domain itself is important for Vpx-mediated degradation but not Vpx interaction. Thus, SAMHD1 contains an additional nuclear targeting mechanism in addition to the classical NLS. Our data indicate that multiple regions in SAMHD1 are critical for Vpx-mediated nuclear degradation and that association with Vpx is not sufficient for Vpx-mediated degradation of SAMHD1. Since the linker region and HD domain may be involved in SAMHD1 multimerization, our results suggest that SAMHD1 multimerization may be required for Vpx-mediation degradation.