Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Roles of the N domain of the AAA+ Lon protease in substrate recognition, allosteric regulation and chaperone activity

Degron binding regulates the activities of the AAA+ Lon protease in addition to targeting proteins for degradation. The sul20 degron from the cell‐division inhibitor SulA is shown here to bind to the N domain of Escherichia coli Lon, and the recognition site is identified by cross‐linking and scanning for mutations that prevent sul20‐peptide binding. These N‐domain mutations limit the rates of proteolysis of model sul20‐tagged substrates and ATP hydrolysis by an allosteric mechanism. Lon inactivation of SulA in vivo requires binding to the N domain and robust ATP hydrolysis but does not require degradation or translocation into the proteolytic chamber. Lon‐mediated relief of proteotoxic stress and protein aggregation in vivo can also occur without degradation but is not dependent on robust ATP hydrolysis. In combination, these results demonstrate that Lon can function as a protease or a chaperone and reveal that some of its ATP‐dependent biological activities do not require translocation.
Approche psycho-sexuelle de l'interruption de grossesse

L’interruption de grossesse se trouve a l’interface de differentes problematiques complexes telles que le fonctionnement psychique, la capacite reproductive, le comportement sexuel, la relation de couple, la contraception et son echec, la planification des naissances et la grossesse. Il s’agit de problematiques de tres grande importance qui ont chacune une implication multidimensionnelle touchant toutes les societes, la politique, l’economie, l’ensemble de l'humanite. L'idee qui a motive et anime le developpement de cette ligne de recherche a ete celle d'investiguer la relation entre sexualite, interruption de grossesse et contraception en tenant compte des dynamiques psychologiques et sexologiques (psycho-sexuelles) qui l’animent.
Protein folding causes an arrest of preprotein translocation into mitochondria in vivo

With vital yeast cells, a hybrid protein consisting of the amino- terminal third of the precursor to cytochrome b2 and of the entire dihydrofolate reductase was arrested on the import pathway into mitochondria. Accumulation of the protein in the mitochondrial membranes was achieved by inducing a stable tertiary structure of the dihydrofolate reductase domain. Thereby, three salient features of mitochondrial protein uptake in vivo were demonstrated: its posttranslational character; the requirement for unfolding of precursors; and import through translocation contact sites. The permanent occupation of translocation sites by the fusion protein inhibited the import of other precursors; it did, however, not lead to leakage of mitochondrial ions, implying the existence of a channel that is sealed around the membrane spanning polypeptide segment.
Multiple FadD Acyl-CoA Synthetases Contribute to Differential Fatty Acid Degradation and Virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A close interconnection between nutrient metabolism and virulence factor expression contributes to the pathophysiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a successful pathogen. P. aeruginosa fatty acid (FA) degradation is complicated with multiple acyl-CoA synthetase homologs (FadDs) expressed in vivo in lung tissue during cystic fibrosis infections. The promoters of two genetically linked P. aeruginosa fadD genes (fadD1 and fadD2) were mapped and northern blot analysis indicated they could exist on two different transcripts. These FadDs contain ATP/AMP signature and FA-binding motifs highly homologous to those of the Escherichia coli FadD. Upon introduction into an E. coli fadD -/fadR - double mutant, both P. aeruginosa fadDs functionally complemented the E. coli fadD -/fadR - mutant, allowing degradation of different chain-length FAs. Chromosomal mutagenesis, growth analysis, induction studies, and determination of kinetic parameters suggested that FadD1 has a substrate preference for long-chain FAs while FadD2 prefers shorter-chain FAs. When compared to the wild type strain, the fadD2 mutant exhibited decreased production of lipase, protease, rhamnolipid and phospholipase, and retardation of both swimming and swarming motilities. Interestingly, fadD1 mutant showed only increased swarming motility. Growth analysis of the fadD mutants showed noticeable deficiencies in utilizing FAs and phosphatidylcholine (major components of lung surfactant) as the sole carbon source. This defect translated into decreased in vivo fitness of P. aeruginosa in a BALB/c mouse lung infection model, supporting the role of lipids as a significant nutrient source for this bacterium in vivo.
Investigation of the Reliability of Strength Training Intensity Determined on the Basis of One Repetition Maximum Strength Tests

In sports practice and science, the intensity control of strength training is frequently based on maximum strength, which is usually determined by the one repetition maximum (1-RM) strength test. However, conducting a 1-RM strength test is somewhat critical because of the high stress on the musculoskeletal system and the high injury risk, especially for sportspersons involved in recreational sport. Furthermore, studies suggest that the 1-RM is inadequate for intensity control. The standard practice of applying percentages of the 1-RM for the deduction of the intensity of strength training may lead to an over- or under exertion of the respective sportsperson. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reliability of determining strength training intensity on the basis of 1-RM strength tests. Twenty-six participants (25.9 ± 3.4 years, 181.2 ± 5.1 cm, 79.4 ± 8.7 kg), with at least one year experience in strength training, completed two study sessions with the exercise long dumbbell bench press. In session one, the 1-RM was determined. In session two, the maximal possible repetitions at 90 % 1-RM were raised. The results showed a relatively high spread of the maximal possible repetitions (CV: 36.2 %), which corresponded with the findings of previous studies. The maximal possible repetitions at a defined training intensity, deduced from the 1-RM, varies not only among several sportspersons, but also between different strength training exercises. Consequently, the 1-RM should not be the basis for intensity control in strength training. Alternatively, multiple repetition maximum (M-RM) strength tests should be used.
Low historical rates of cuckoldry in a Western European human population traced by Y-chromosome and genealogical data

Recent evidence suggests that seeking out extra-pair paternity (EPP) can be a viable alternative reproductive strategy for both males and females in many pair-bonded species, including humans. Accurate data on EPP rates in humans, however, are scant and mostly restricted to extant populations. Here, we provide the first large-scale, unbiased genetic study of historical EPP rates in a Western European human population based on combining Y-chromosomal data to infer genetic patrilineages with genealogical and surname data, which reflect known historical presumed paternity. Using two independent methods, we estimate that over the last few centuries, EPP rates in Flanders (Belgium) were only around 1–2% per generation. This figure is substantially lower than the 8–30% per generation reported in some behavioural studies on historical EPP rates, but comparable with the rates reported by other genetic studies of contemporary Western European populations. These results suggest that human EPP rates have not changed substantially during the last 400 years in Flanders and imply that legal genealogies rarely differ from the biological ones. This result has significant implications for a diverse set of fields, including human population genetics, historical demography, forensic science and human sociobiology.
The Diversity Algorithms of Timing Synchronization for MIMO-OFDM Systems in Mobile Environments

The maximum number diversity algorithms based on one preamble symbol for MIMO-OFDM systems timing synchronization in mobility environments is presented. The mathematical expression of timing synchronization error probability distribution function and probability density function in the MIMO-OFDM systems are derived for the diversity algorithms. The simulation results for MIMO-OFDM systems frame and symbol synchronization on high speed wireless multipath channel are given
Current Research : Noncommutative Representation Theory

Group actions are ubiquitous in mathematics. To understand a mathematical object, it is often helpful to understand its symmetries as expressed by a group. For example, a group acts on a ring by automorphisms (preserving its structure). Analogously, a Lie algebra acts on a ring by derivations. Unifying these two types of actions are Hopf algebras acting on rings. A Hopf algebra is not only an algebra, but also a coalgebra, and the notion of an action preserving the structure of a ring uses this property. The category of representations of a Hopf algebra is rich due to this extra structure: It is a tensor category. Those who study tensor categories and their many applications are led to study (quasi) Hopf algebras, and vice versa. Hopf algebras can behave quite differently from groups and Lie algebras. Their representations can have a noncommutative flavor (due to asymmetry in the tensor product), making them more challenging to study. I take a homological and geometric approach to the representation theory of Hopf algebras, expanding what is known for finite groups and more generally finite group schemes (equivalently, cocommutative Hopf algebras) to accommodate noncommutativity. My research program, which involves collaborations with many mathematicians including postdocs and graduate students, targets understanding of Hopf algebras, their categories of representations, algebras on which they act, and related structures such as smash or crossed products (i.e. rings built out of Hopf algebras and rings on which they act) and their deformations. My recent and current projects are aimed at such understanding and can be grouped into three areas as described below: support variety theory, cohomology of Hopf algebras, and algebraic deformations, Hopf actions, and Hochschild cohomology.
Automated Epileptic Seizure Detection in EEG Signals Using FastICA and Neural Network

Brain is one of the most vital organs of humans, controlling the coordination of human muscles and nerves. The transient and unexpected electrical disturbances of the brain results in an acute disease called Epileptic seizures. Epileptic seizures typically lead to an assortment of temporal changes in perception and behavior. A significant way for identifying and analyzing epileptic seizure activity in humans is by using Electroencephalogram (EEG) signal. In a significant number of cases, detection of the epileptic EEG signal is carried out manually by skilled professionals, who are small in number. This necessitates automated epileptic seizure detection using EEG signals. To add with, a number of researchers have presented automated computational methods for detecting epileptic seizures from EEG signals. In this article, we propose a novel and efficient approach for automatically detecting the presence of epileptic seizures in EEG signals. First, the input EEG signals are analyzed with the aid of Fast Independent Component Analysis (FastICA), a Statistical Signal Processing Technique, to obtain the components related to the detection of epileptic seizures. The BackPropagation Neural Network is trained with the obtained components for effective detection of epileptic seizures. The experimental results portray that the proposed approach efficiently detects the presence of epileptic seizure in EEG signals and also showed a reasonable accuracy in detection.
Substrate and Enzyme Characteristics that Limit Cellulose Hydrolysis

The ability and, consequently, the limitations of various microbial enzyme systems to completely hydrolyze the structural polysaccharides of plant cell walls has been the focus of an enormous amount of research over the years. As more and more of these extracellular enzymatic systems are being identified and characterized, clear similarities and differences are being elucidated. Although much has been learned concerning the structures, kinetics, catalytic action, and interactions of enzymes and their substrates, no single mechanism of total lignocellulosic saccharification has been established. The heterogeneous nature of the supramolecular structures of naturally occurring lignocellulosic matrices make it difficult to fully understand the interactions that occur between enzyme complexes and these substrates. However, it is apparent that the efficacy of enzymatic complexes to hydrolyze these substrates is inextricably linked to the innate structural characteristics of the substrate and/or the modifications that occur as saccharification proceeds. This present review is not intended to conclusively answer what factors control polysaccharide biodegradation, but to serve as an overview illustrating some of the potential enzymatic and structural limitations that invariably influence the complete hydrolysis of lignocellulosic polysaccharides.
Assessing conceptual representations of Ill-defined problems

This paper presents research findings related to the “Enhanced Evaluation of Learning in Complex Domains (DEEP)” (Spector & Koszalka, 2004) methodology for assessing how participants conceptualize ill-structured problems in biology using annotated concept maps. The methodology engages highly experienced (expert) and less experienced (novice) participants in creating annotated problem representations. The study addresses the lack of assessment methods to assess learning progress and relative level of expertise in complex domains. This paper addresses (1) differences between experts and novices, (2) learning in complex domains, and (3) rational for using annotated concept maps to assess learning in complex domains. Findings suggest that there are similarities in how experts think about ill-structured problems and these similarities are different than novices. These findings thus suggest that this methodology is useful in distinguishing relative levels of expertise in conceptualization of ill-structured problems in a biology context.
Nuevas modalidades de producción agrícola en un renovado contexto institucional: el caso argentino

Las reformas institucionales han sido propuestas como mecanismos para mejorar la asignacion de recursos, la eficiencia economica, el bienestar social y la distribucion de la renta. En la decada del 1990, uno de los cambios mas notables que ocurrieron en Argentina fue el desmantelamiento de las organizaciones publicas para regular el funcionamiento del sector agricola, dejando sustancialmente desprotegidas a las PyMES, lo cual afecto severamente su condicion de vida. En este trabajo se describen algunos elementos que ya estan disponibles para los agricultores, en el contexto de las actuales condiciones macroeconomicas imperantes en Argentina.
Patterns of empathy in online communication

This article presents an investigation of empathy within an online community for older people (SeniorNet). Qualitative content analysis of 400 messages from a discussion board about depression was used to determine how empathy is expressed and facilitated in online communication. Special emphasis was placed on determining the components of online empathy. A code scheme that we developed to analyse online empathy is also presented. The findings were compared to offline studies about empathy in order to investigate the influence that the mediating technology has on the phenomenon.
Algorithm animation using 3D interactive graphics

This report describes a variety of 3D interactive graphics techniques for visualizing programs. The third dimension provides an extra degree of freedom for conveying information, much as color adds to black-and-white images, animation adds to static images, and sound adds to silent animations. The examples in this report illustrate three fundamental uses of 3D: for providing additional information about objects that are intrinsically two-dimensional, for uniting multiple views, and for capturing a history of execution. The application of dynamic three-dimensional graphics to program visualization is largely unexplored. A videotape of these animations is available.
How to specify or identify the most accurate multispectral distance function for mathematical morphology?

We developed a distance-based formalism adapted to colour mathematical morphology. To extend the morphological operators to multispectral domain, a suitable distance function between two spectra has to be specified and selected. In order to compare the behaviour of different distance functions, we apply linear transformations on basic spectrum. Then we compare the impact of the distance function choice during morphological process on real spectral images.
How does the living-learning environment affect honors students' perception of self, others, and the institution?

Research supports a positive relationship between living-leaming communities and students’ academic accomplishments and personal development. Successful communities reflect the institution’s mission, and the institution’s purpose and goals are adapted for the student population the communities serve. Livingleaming communities provide a sense of belonging, which is critical for students to persist in college to realize their full personal and academic potential. With limited research concerning living-leaming communities and honors students, it is difficult to determine which characteristics of living-leaming communities positively affect honors students. This document examines the relationship between the living-leaming community (Niemeyer Living Center) and honors students at Grand Valley State University. The findings indicate honors students who participate in the Niemeyer Living Center perceive themselves to be more socially connected to their community and the campus, and are more involved in activities outside the classroom, than honors students living off-campus. The difference is less significant between honors students living in the Niemeyer Living Center and honors students living elsewhere on-campus.
Advanced SiGe BiCMOS and CMOS platforms for Optical and Millimeter-Wave Integrated Circuits

This paper presents the status of most advanced CMOS and BiCMOS technologies able to address very high-speed optical communications and millimeter-wave applications. The performance of active and passive devices available on bulk Si and high-resistivity SOI is reviewed and HF characteristics of state-of-the-art SiGe HBTs and MOSFETs are compared. The performance of building blocks designed in different CMOS and BiCMOS platforms are also presented. Finally, we conclude on the suitability of different Si technologies to address such high-frequency applications
Management of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia.

Symptoms of disturbed perception, thought content, mood, or behavior that frequently occur in patients with dementia are defined as the term "Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). " The behavioral symptoms of dementia include physical/verbal aggression, agitation, disinhibition, restlessness, wandering, culturally inappropriate behaviors, sexual disinhibition, and hoarding, and the psychological symptoms of dementia are anxiety, depressive mood, hallucinations and delusions, apathy, and misidentification syndrome. With the cognitive decline in Alzheimer's Dementia (AD), the frequency of neuropsychiatric symptoms increases. Apathy, depression, irritability, agitation, and anxiety are the most frequently detected neuropsychiatric symptoms of AD. In the mild stage of AD, affective symptoms are more likely to occur; agitated and psychotic behaviors are frequent in patients with moderately impaired cognitive function. When neuropsychiatric symptoms are first detected, medical conditions, such as delirium, infection, dehydration, diarrhea, and drug interactions, must be ruled out. The treatment of mild BPSD must be started with psychosocial approaches, such as behavioral management, caregiver education, and physical activity. Medications are indicated for BPSD symptoms that are refractory to non-pharmacological interventions or severe or jeopardizing the safety of a patient or others, often in conjunction with non-pharmacological interventions.
Self-organization of synchronous activity propagation in neuronal networks driven by local excitation

Many experimental and theoretical studies have suggested that the reliable propagation of synchronous neural activity is crucial for neural information processing. The propagation of synchronous firing activity in so-called synfire chains has been studied extensively in feed-forward networks of spiking neurons. However, it remains unclear how such neural activity could emerge in recurrent neuronal networks through synaptic plasticity. In this study, we investigate whether local excitation, i.e., neurons that fire at a higher frequency than the other, spontaneously active neurons in the network, can shape a network to allow for synchronous activity propagation. We use two-dimensional, locally connected and heterogeneous neuronal networks with spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP). We find that, in our model, local excitation drives profound network changes within seconds. In the emergent network, neural activity propagates synchronously through the network. This activity originates from the site of the local excitation and propagates through the network. The synchronous activity propagation persists, even when the local excitation is removed, since it derives from the synaptic weight matrix. Importantly, once this connectivity is established it remains stable even in the presence of spontaneous activity. Our results suggest that synfire-chain-like activity can emerge in a relatively simple way in realistic neural networks by locally exciting the desired origin of the neuronal sequence.
Hijacking Bitcoin: Large-scale Network Attacks on Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin is without a doubt the most successful cryptocurrency in circulation today, making it an extremely valuable target for attackers. Indeed, many studies have highlighted ways to compromise one or several Bitcoin nodes. In this paper, we take a different perspective and study the effect of large-scale network-level attacks such as the ones that may be launched by Autonomous Systems (ASes). We show that attacks that are commonly believed to be hard, such as isolating 50% of the mining power, are actually within the reach of anyone with access to a BGP-enabled network and hijacking less than 900 prefixes. Once on path, AS-level adversaries can then partition the Bitcoin network or delay block propagation significantly. The key factors that enable these attacks are the extreme centralization of Bitcoin, both from a routing and a mining perspective, along with the fact that Bitcoin messages are sent unencrypted, without integrity guarantees. We demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale attacks in practice against the deployed Bitcoin software and quantify their disruptive network-wide impact. The potential damage to Bitcoin is severe. By isolating a part of the network or delaying the propagation of blocks, network-level attackers can cause a significant amount of mining power to be wasted, leading to revenue losses and enabling a wide range of attacks such as double spending. We provide several suggestions on approaches to mitigate such attacks employing both short-term and long-term measures.
State of the Art in Distributed File Systems: Increasing Performance

Need of storing huge amounts of data has grown over the past years. The data should be stored for future reuse or for sharing among users. Data files can be stored on a local file system or on a distributed file system. A distributed file system provides many advantages such as reliability, scalability, security, etc. This paper shows new trends in these systems with a focus on increasing performance. These include the organization of data and metadata storage, usage of caching, and design of replication algorithms.