Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DNA and RNA binding by the Wilms' tumour gene 1 (WT1) protein +KTS and −KTS isoforms—From initial observations to recent global genomic analyses

The Wilms' tumour gene 1 protein (WT1) is a zinc finger transcription factor found indispensable for foetal development. WT1 has also been implicated in the development of tumours in several organ systems, including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Four main WT1 isoforms come from 2 alternative splice events. One alternative splice results in the inclusion or exclusion of 3 amino acids, KTS, between zinc fingers 3 and 4 in the WT1 protein. The KTS insert has been extensively investigated due to the functional implications for DNA and RNA binding. In this review, we provide an overview of the research into the isoforms containing or lacking the KTS insert in leukaemic cells, as well as the research into the binding patterns of the WT1 −KTS and +KTS isoforms to DNA and RNA. Finally, we connect the results of the DNA binding research to the ChIP‐CHIP and ChIP‐Seq investigations into the global genomic binding of the WT1 protein that have recently been performed.
A Method for Comparing Multivariate Time Series with Different Dimensions

In many situations it is desirable to compare dynamical systems based on their behavior. Similarity of behavior often implies similarity of internal mechanisms or dependency on common extrinsic factors. While there are widely used methods for comparing univariate time series, most dynamical systems are characterized by multivariate time series. Yet, comparison of multivariate time series has been limited to cases where they share a common dimensionality. A semi-metric is a distance function that has the properties of non-negativity, symmetry and reflexivity, but not sub-additivity. Here we develop a semi-metric – SMETS – that can be used for comparing groups of time series that may have different dimensions. To demonstrate its utility, the method is applied to dynamic models of biochemical networks and to portfolios of shares. The former is an example of a case where the dependencies between system variables are known, while in the latter the system is treated (and behaves) as a black box.
Distributed Decision Through Self-Synchronizing Sensor Networks in the Presence of Propagation Delays and Asymmetric Channels

In this paper we propose and analyze a distributed algorithm for achieving globally optimal decisions, either estimation or detection, through a self-synchronization mechanism among linearly coupled integrators initialized with local measurements. We model the interaction among the nodes as a directed graph with weights (possibly) dependent on the radio channels, and we pose special attention to the effect of the propagation delay occurring in the exchange of data among sensors, as a function of the network geometry. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions for the proposed system to reach a consensus on globally optimal decision statistics. One of the major results proved in this work is that a consensus is reached with exponential convergence speed for any bounded delay condition if and only if the directed graph is quasi-strongly connected. We provide a closed form expression for the global consensus, showing that the effect of delays is, in general, the introduction of a bias in the final decision. Finally, we exploit our closed form expression to devise a double-step consensus mechanism able to provide an unbiased estimate with minimum extra complexity, without the need to know or estimate the channel parameters.
Exploring the relationship of family goals and scores on standardized measures in children with cerebral palsy, using the ICF-CY

Aim: To explore the relationships of family selected goals and scores on standardized measures using the ICF-CY as a classification system. Methods: Goal attainment scaling (GAS)-goals (n = 110) of 22 children, 11 girls, 1–6 years, bilateral or unilateral cerebral palsy, GMFCS I-IV and MACS I–IV were linked to the ICF-CY. The children had participated in goal-directed therapy during 12 weeks. GAS-goals, baseline assessments and change scores from PEDI and GMFM-66 were used to explore the relationships. Results: All GAS-goals were classified in the Activity and Participation domain within ICF-CY. The number of GAS-goals correlated to baseline scores in PEDI and GMFM-66. The change scores in PEDI and GMFM-66 correlated to goal attainment in the Mobility and the Self-Care chapter. Conclusions: The family goals were reflected in standardized measures. The combined use of standardized and individual measures offers a possibility to explore the focus in therapy and the impact in children with cerebral palsy.
A Decision Support Framework for the Choice of Languages and Methods for the Design of Real Time Embedded Systems

The choice of methods or design languages is a crucial phase in the development of systems and software, also for real time and embedded systems. An open question that remains in the design of these types of systems is to build a method, or to choose one among those existing, capable to cover the life cycle of a project, and particularly the development phases. This article contributes to answer the question, by proposing an approach based on a multi-criteria comparative study, of few languages and methods dedicated to the design of real time and embedded systems. The underlying objective of this work is to present to designers a wide range of approaches, and elements that can guide their choices. In order to reach this goal, we propose different comparison criteria. Each criterion is divided into sub-criteria, so that the designers can refine their choices according to the qualities they prefer and wish to have in the method or language. We also define a rating scale which is used to assess the retained languages and methods. The scores obtained from this assessment are presented in tables, one table per criterion, followed by a summary table giving the overall scores. Graphics built from these tables are provided and intend to facilitate the judgement and thus the choice of the designers.
A model of nonlinear evolution and saturation of the turbulent MHD dynamo

The growth and saturation of magnetic field in conducting turbulent media with large magnetic Prandtl numbers are investigated. This regime is very common in low-density hot astrophysical plasmas. During the early (kinematic) stage, weak magnetic fluctuations grow exponentially and concentrate at the resistive scale, which lies far below the hydrodynamic viscous scale. The evolution becomes nonlinear when the magnetic energy is comparable to the kinetic energy of the viscous-scale eddies. A physical picture of the ensuing nonlinear evolution of the MHD dynamo is proposed. Phenomenological considerations are supplemented with a simple Fokker-Planck model of the nonlinear evolution of the magnetic-energy spectrum. It is found that, while the shift of the bulk of the magnetic energy from the subviscous scales to the velocity scales may be possible, it occurs very slowly - at the resistive, rather than dynamical, timescale (for galaxies, this means that the generation of large-scale magnetic fields cannot be explained by this mechanism). The role of Alfvénic motions and the implications for the fully developed isotropic MHD turbulence are discussed.
Misdirection – Past, Present, and the Future

Misdirection refers to the magician’s ability to manipulate people’s attention, thoughts, and memory. It has been argued that some of the techniques used by magicians to orchestrate people’s attention and awareness may provide valuable insights into human cognition. In this paper we review the scientific, as well as some of the magic literature on misdirection. We focus on four main points: (1) the magician’s concept of misdirection, (2) the paradigms used to study misdirection scientifically, (3) review of the current scientific findings, and (4) future directions.
Motor Cortex Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

Motor Cortex Stimulation (MCS) is less efficacious than Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease. However, it might be proposed to patients excluded from DBS or unresponsive to DBS. Ten patients with advanced PD underwent unilateral MCS contralaterally to the worst clinical side. A plate electrode was positioned over the motor cortex in the epidural space through single burr hole after identification of the area with neuronavigation and neurophysiological tests. Clinical assessment was performed by total UPDRS, UPDRS III total, UPDRS III-items 27–31, UPDRS IV, and UPDRS II before implantation in off-medication and on-medication states and after surgery at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months in on-medication/on-stimulation and off-medication/on-stimulation states. We assessed changes of quality of life, throughout the Parkinson's disease quality of life scale (PDQoL-39), and the dose of anti-Parkinson's disease medications, throughout the Ldopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD). During off-medication state, we observed moderate and transitory reduction of total UPDRS and UPDRS total scores and significant and long-lasting improvement in UPDRS III items 27–31 score for axial symptoms. There was marked reduction of UPDRS IV score and LEDD. PDQL-39 improvement was also significant. No important complications and adverse events occurred.
Extracting complex optical properties of ultra-thin conductors using time-domain THz spectroscopy

We use terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) in reflection geometry to investigate the complex optical properties of ultra-thin (i.e., <; 10 nm) conductors from 0.3 to 3 THz. We discuss the advantages of this approach, and report complex optical properties of graphene and a 9 nm Ti thin-film.
Painful ophthalmoplegia from metastatic nonproducing parathyroid carcinoma: case study and review of the literature.

Parathyroid carcinoma is an uncommon malignancy. Of the fewer than 400 cases reported, most have been cases of producing parathyroid carcinoma with accompanying hypercalcemia. Only 13 patients with nonproducing parathyroid carcinoma have been described. Nine of these 13 patients had metastatic disease. We report a patient with i.c. metastasis. Distal metastases of producing parathyroid carcinoma are treated surgically to prolong survival and prevent complications of hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia. One half of the patients with producing parathyroid carcinoma die within 5 years, mostly because of the complications of hypercalcemia. Nonproducing parathyroid carcinoma compares unfavorably with producing parathyroid carcinoma in terms of tumor progression and prognosis. Few data on choice of therapy in nonproducing parathyroid carcinoma are available. We treated our patient with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Treatment was followed by an unexpectedly prolonged survival of 31 months after diagnosis of metastatic disease.
New thermodynamic Bethe ansatz equations without strings.

We present a computational framework not based on the string hypothesis for the thermodynamics of statistical and quantum field theory models solvable by the Bethe ansatz. In the cases of the XXZ Heisenberg chain and the sine-Gordon quantum field theory we derive a single nonlinear integral equation which determines the free energy (or ground-state scaling function). Our approach is very effective at high temperature, and correctly reproduces the low-temperature central charge and the analytic structure of the corrections
When growth models are not universal: evidence from marine invertebrates

The accumulation of body mass, as growth, is fundamental to all organisms. Being able to understand which model(s) best describe this growth trajectory, both empirically and ultimately mechanistically, is an important challenge. A variety of equations have been proposed to describe growth during ontogeny. Recently, the West Brown Enquist (WBE) equation, formulated as part of the metabolic theory of ecology, has been proposed as a universal model of growth. This equation has the advantage of having a biological basis, but its ability to describe invertebrate growth patterns has not been well tested against other, more simple models. In this study, we collected data for 58 species of marine invertebrate from 15 different taxa. The data were fitted to three growth models (power, exponential and WBE), and their abilities were examined using an information theoretic approach. Using Akaike information criteria, we found changes in mass through time to fit an exponential equation form best (in approx. 73% of cases). The WBE model predominantly overestimates body size in early ontogeny and underestimates it in later ontogeny; it was the best fit in approximately 14% of cases. The exponential model described growth well in nine taxa, whereas the WBE described growth well in one of the 15 taxa, the Amphipoda. Although the WBE has the advantage of being developed with an underlying proximate mechanism, it provides a poor fit to the majority of marine invertebrates examined here, including species with determinate and indeterminate growth types. In the original formulation of the WBE model, it was tested almost exclusively against vertebrates, to which it fitted well; the model does not however appear to be universal given its poor ability to describe growth in benthic or pelagic marine invertebrates.
Investigations into the high power limitations of semiconductor laser diodes

The increasing use of high power lasers in industry, medicine and the home means that a comprehensive understanding of the limitations into reaching higher powers is essential. Commercially grown 980nm devices are often thought to be `ideal', however measurements indicate that they have a super-linear temperature dependence resulting in a low characteristic temperature, To = 120K ('ideal' device To = 300K around room temperature, RT). Below -250K, measurements of the carrier density dependence of the current shows that the threshold current is dominated by radiative recombination. This radiative current was extrapolated to RT, where it was found that 17% of the total threshold current is nonradiative. A small temperature variation of the internal quantum efficiency, i 1j, internal loss, a; and differential quantum efficiency, rid, (T1, -1100K around RT), are all indicative of negligible carrier leakage out of the quantum well, whilst measurements of indirect Xminima leakage indicate that only -0.2% of Jth is associated with carrier leakage at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. It can therefore be concluded that electron leakage is small at RT. The experimentally measured activation energy of the non-radiative current is 168 meV, which is in good agreement with the calculated values of the two main direct Auger processes. We can therefore conclude that at room temperature, 17% of the total threshold current is due to Auger recombination and hence the resulting low To. Devices containing a Short-period Super Lattice, SSL, were also examined for evidence of carrier leakage, and it was found that whilst the SSL reduces indirect carrier leakage, even at higher temperatures, that such leakage is not responsible for the measured low To which is consistent with the non-SSL results. Investigations into catastrophic optical damage, COD, on commercially grown 980nm devices were undertaken. By utilising new techniques developed at the University of Surrey, we measured the facet temperature and power output as a function of increasing current for three fixed temperatures (22 °C, 45 °C and 65 °C). The rise in facet temperature is almost identical for all three temperatures as a function of power, indicating that power output is the main influence on facet temperature. The pressure dependence of COD was investigated, and a strong inverse correlation between the power at COD and optical mode size perpendicular to the junction was found.
Measuring dactylitis in clinical trials: which is the best instrument to use?

OBJECTIVE Until recently there were no validated tools to assess and measure dactylitis, but a quasi-objective measure of dactylitis (the Leeds Dactylitis Index, LDI, and a simplified version, the LDI basic) has now been developed. We undertook an open-label observational trial to test the responsiveness of the LDI and other measures previously used in clinical trials. METHODS Twenty-eight patients with a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (as defined by the new ClASsification criteria for Psoriatic ARthritis, CASPAR) and active disease including new-onset dactylitis were enrolled. The patients underwent clinical assessment at baseline, 2 weeks, and 1, 3 and 6 months after change of disease modifying therapy, usually to methotrexate. Comparator dactylitis tools were taken from the literature and denoted IMPACT1 (Infliximab Multinational Psoriatic Arthritis Controlled Trial), Clegg, and Salvarani. RESULTS All 5 measures of dactylitis showed significant change from baseline and a large effect size (effect sizes first to last clinic visit: LDI 0.99, LDI basic 0.9, IMPACT1 1.63, Clegg 0.77, Salvarani 1.27). The correlation with clinical measures was strongest for the IMPACT1 score, but all the indices except Clegg had a significant positive relationship with tender joint counts, swollen joint counts, Disease Activity Score 28, and patient and physician global measures. When considering the 5 measures of dactylitis within the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology [Clinical Trials] filter, the LDI and the LDI basic showed the best overall fit for the domains of truth, discrimination, and feasibility. CONCLUSION With the important points in its development examined, the LDI is now ready to be used in larger randomized controlled trials both as an outcome measure and to allow further assessment of its utility.
[Perceptions of Portuguese teachers about sex education].

OBJECTIVE To assess perceptions and attitudes regarding sex education among middle and high school teachers in Portugal. METHODS A study comprising 371 middle and high school teachers, both female and male, was conducted in Portugal in February and March 2006. Data was collected through snowball technique. The questionnaire was made up of two parts: the first collected data on demographics, career, religious background and training and experience in sex education; the second part presented three measures related to sex education, one assessed attitudes, another importance given to sex education, and the third the grade at which respondents believed sex education topics should be taught. The analysis of differences between gender, trained and untrained teachers in sex education, and experienced and non-experienced teachers in teaching sex education was carried out using ANOVA. RESULTS Overall, teachers showed a fairly straightforward attitude towards sex education and assessed it as moderately/highly important. Body image was found to be the only topic that should be introduced in the 5th and 6th grades. Female teachers [F(1;366)=7.772;p=. 006], trained teachers [F(1;351)=8.030; p=. 005] and experienced teachers in teaching sex education [F(1;356)=30.836;p=. 000] showed a more positive attitude towards sex education (M=39.5; 40.4; 41.3; respectively). Only trained teachers assessed its teaching as highly important [F(1;351)=5.436;p=. 020]; and female teachers believed it should be introduced earlier [F(1;370)=5.412;p=0.021]. CONCLUSIONS In general, teachers favor sex education in school. The fact that most topics of sex education are only taught in the 5th-6th or 7th-9th grades may have serious consequences since sex education has to be introduced before students engage in sexual behaviors.
Developing and Evaluating a Target-Background Similarity Metric for Camouflage Detection

Background Measurement of camouflage performance is of fundamental importance for military stealth applications. The goal of camouflage assessment algorithms is to automatically assess the effect of camouflage in agreement with human detection responses. In a previous study, we found that the Universal Image Quality Index (UIQI) correlated well with the psychophysical measures, and it could be a potentially camouflage assessment tool. Methodology In this study, we want to quantify the camouflage similarity index and psychophysical results. We compare several image quality indexes for computational evaluation of camouflage effectiveness, and present the results of an extensive human visual experiment conducted to evaluate the performance of several camouflage assessment algorithms and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of these algorithms. Significance The experimental data demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach, and the correlation coefficient result of the UIQI was higher than those of other methods. This approach was highly correlated with the human target-searching results. It also showed that this method is an objective and effective camouflage performance evaluation method because it considers the human visual system and image structure, which makes it consistent with the subjective evaluation results.
There is more to salt than just a pinch of sodium.

See related article, pp 836–843 Much of what human life is about is water (60% of body mass) and a handful of solutes. Of the latter, main cations include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and the anions include chloride, bicarbonate, phosphate and organic anions, and proteins. The concentrations of sodium (135–145 mmol/L) and chloride (95–106 mmol/L) predominate in serum and constitute the bulk of serum’s osmolarity. In the course of evolution, complex regulatory mechanisms developed to keep the osmolarity (≈280 mosm/L) and thus amount of water at desired level. With it came the role of main solutes and their regulatory mechanisms (ie, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system [RAAS]) in the regulation of blood pressure. Numerous studies demonstrated the role of sodium-based mechanisms in water homeostasis and blood pressure regulation. Recently, several well-designed studies showed that the level of ingested sodium correlated with the level of blood pressure or cardiovascular risk, and that the relationship is likely to assume a J-curve shape in population of patients with cardiovascular involvement or diabetes mellitus.1 However, experimental studies performed over several decades pointed to the possibility that the form of ingested or infused sodium is of importance. Both in animal models and in human studies, Kurtz and Morris2 and then Luft et al3 were among those who showed that blood pressure elevated when sodium chloride was ingested or infused, but not when the salt used was sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate. These and other similar studies led to the consideration of chloride as a possible factor in the regulation of blood pressure. Paradoxically, different picture arose when researchers related …
Stochastic Glitch Estimation and Path Balancing for Statistical Optimization

Statistical power optimization using the probabilistic delay model is introduced in this paper. We propose a new method for power optimization that uses path balancing based on stochastic estimation of glitch in statistical static timing analysis (SSTA). The proposed method estimates the probability of glitch occurrence using tightness probability of each node in timing graph. In addition, we propose efficient gate sizing technique for glitch reduction using accurate calculation of sizing effect in delay considering probability of glitch occurrence. The efficiency of the proposed method has been verified on ISCAS 85 benchmark circuits with 0.16 mum model parameters. Experimental results show up to 8.6% of accuracy improvement in glitch estimation and 9.5% of optimization improvement.