Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Some triply-logarithmic parallel algorithms

It is established that several natural problems have triply logarithmic, or even faster, optimal parallel algorithms. These problems include: merging two sorted lists, where the values are drawn from a large, but restricted, domain on a CREW PRAM; finding all prefix minima, where the values are drawn from a restricted domain; and top-bottom global routing around a rectangle, a well-investigated problem in VLSI routing for which only highly involved serial algorithms were known. <<ETX>>
Microtubules in neurons as information carriers

Microtubules in neurons consist of highly dynamic regions as well as stable regions, some of which persist after bouts of severing as short mobile polymers. Concentrated at the plus ends of the highly dynamic regions are microtubule plus end tracking proteins called +TIPs that can interact with an array of other proteins and structures relevant to the plasticity of the neuron. It is also provocative to ponder that short mobile microtubules might similarly convey information with them as they transit within the neuron. Thus, beyond their known conventional functions in supporting neuronal architecture and organelle transport, microtubules may act as ‘information carriers’ in the neuron.
Spin squeezing and Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen entanglement of two bimodal condensates in state-dependent potentials

We propose and analyze a scheme to entangle the collective spin states of two spatially separated bimodal Bose-Einstein condensates. Using a four-mode approximation for the atomic field, we show that elastic collisions in a state-dependent potential simultaneously create spin-squeezing in each condensate and entangle the collective spins of the two condensates. We investigate mostly analytically the nonlocal quantum correlations that arise in this system at short times and show that Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) entanglement is generated between the condensates. At long times we point out macroscopic entangled states and explain their structure. The scheme can be implemented with condensates in state-dependent microwave potentials on an atom chip.
Plant growth, leaf photosynthesis, and nutrient‐use efficiency of citrus rootstocks decrease with phosphite supply

Some formulations of phosphite (Phi) have been recommended as a source of P nutrition for several crops including citrus even though there are known negative effects of Phi on plant growth. Changes in plant growth and metabolism after Phi application should be reflected in altered nutrient-use efficiency and leaf photosynthesis. We carried out a greenhouse study using seedlings of two contrasting citrus (Citrus spp.) rootstocks, Carrizo citrange (CC) and Smooth Flat Seville (SFS), growing in either aerated hydroponic culture or sterilized native sandy soil. Plants were subjected to four P treatments: No P (control, P0); 0.5 mM Pi (PO4-P); 0.25 mM Pi + 0.25 mM Phi (Pi + Phi), or 0.5 mM Phi (Phi). Photosynthetic characteristics, concentrations of total P (Pt) and soluble PO4-P or PO3-P in leaves and roots, and plant growth were evaluated after 80–83 d P treatments. Overall, the Pi plants had the highest Pt (total P) and total plant dry weight while the P0 plants had the lowest Pt but highest total root length and root-to-shoot ratio. Leaf chlorophyll (SPAD readings) and net assimilation of CO2 (ACO2) of the P0 and Phi plants were similarly lower than those of Pi and Pi + Phi plants. Growth responses of the Pi + Phi treatment were intermediate between the P i and Phi treatments. Although Phi increased P t and soluble-PO 4 -P concentration in leaves and roots above the P 0 treatment, this did not translate into increased plant growth. In fact, the Phi treatment had some phytotoxic symptoms, impaired Pand N-utilization efficiency for biomass production as well as lower nutrient-use efficiency in the photosynthetic process. Thus, these two rootstocks could not use Phi as a nutritional source of P.
Dss1 Interaction with Brh2 as a Regulatory Mechanism for Recombinational Repair

ABSTRACT Brh2, the BRCA2 ortholog in Ustilago maydis, enables recombinational repair of DNA by controlling Rad51 and is in turn regulated by Dss1. Interplay with Rad51 is conducted via the BRC element located in the N-terminal region of the protein and through an unrelated domain, CRE, at the C terminus. Mutation in either BRC or CRE severely reduces functional activity, but repair deficiency of the brh2 mutant can be complemented by expressing BRC and CRE on different molecules. This intermolecular complementation is dependent upon the presence of Dss1. Brh2 molecules associate through the region overlapping with the Dss1-interacting domain to form at least dimer-sized complexes, which in turn, can be dissociated by Dss1 to monomer. We propose that cooperation between BRC and CRE domains and the Dss1-provoked dissociation of Brh2 complexes are requisite features of Brh2's molecular mechanism.
CBLB613: A TLR 2/6 Agonist, Natural Lipopeptide of Mycoplasma arginini, as a Novel Radiation Countermeasure

To date, there are no safe and effective drugs available for protection against ionizing radiation damage. Therefore, a great need exists to identify and develop non-toxic agents that will be useful as radioprotectors or postirradiation therapies under a variety of operational scenarios. We have developed a new pharmacological agent, CBLB613 (a naturally occurring Mycoplasma-derived lipopeptide ligand for Toll-like receptor 2/6), as a novel radiation countermeasure. Using CD2F1 mice, we investigated CBLB613 for toxicity, immunogenicity, radioprotection, radiomitigation and pharmacokinetics. We also evaluated CBLB613 for its effects on cytokine induction and radiation-induced cytopenia in unirradiated and irradiated mice. The no-observable-adverse-effect level of CBLB613 was 1.79 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg for single and repeated doses, respectively. CBLB613 significantly protected mice against a lethal dose of 60Co γ radiation. The dose reduction factor of CBLB613 as a radioprotector was 1.25. CBLB613 also mitigated the effects of 60Co γ radiation on survival in mice. In both irradiated and unirradiated mice, the drug stimulated induction of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, keratinocyte-derived chemokine, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-1α. CBLB613 also reduced radiation-induced cytopenia and increased bone marrow cellularity in irradiated mice. Our immunogenicity study demonstrated that CBLB613 is not immunogenic in mice, indicating that it could be developed as a radioprotector and radiomitigator for humans against the potentially lethal effects of radiation exposure.
A truthing tool for generating a database of cursive words

There is a pressing need for very large collections of training data if cursive script recognition research is to become a commercial success. However, the construction and proofing of such databases is extremely laborious. This paper describes the use of a tool which facilitates this process, and which has enabled the authors to construct a useful collection of data which is available to the research community. The structure of the database is an important consideration in making it useful to other researchers, and this is described along with a range of access functions and tools.
Marketing as Management Concept

Research on marketing and the enriching practices proved more conclusively that marketing is not just a set of specific activities. Marketing is above all contemporary management logic. Moreover, in order for marketing to develop as a business function (one of the many functions carried out by organizations) it has to be developed in terms of marketing management logic. What is more, the current practice provides evidence that marketing is not a problem for organizations from a ‚technology‘ perspective. Marketing is a problem from a psychological perspective. This means that a significant part of the managers do not accept the idea for the swapping of function that is embodied in the marketing concept where consumer decisions and actions become an argument while the decisions and actions of the producers become a function. Marketing, seen as a new management concept where consumer behavior is the key factor while producer actions have become a function, has several focuses: target markets, needs, interests and coordination. These highlights not only define the marketing concept, but allow it to be distinguished from other management concepts. Highlights that derive from the marketing concept prompts the conclusion that the marketing management concept is possible when there are adequate conditions, i.e. an "environment" adequate to that contemporary management concept
Linear Current Control Scheme With Series Resonant Harmonic Compensator for Single-Phase Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Inverters

This paper deals with an important aspect in the operation of single-phase grid-connected photovoltaic inverters, i.e., injecting low harmonic current into the electrical grid. Specifically, we propose a linear current control scheme with a resonant harmonic compensator connected in series with a tracking regulator (the standard harmonic compensator location is in parallel with the tracking regulator). The series connection provides an efficient attenuation of the grid voltage background distortion, an accurate synchronization with the grid voltage, and a low computational time in relation to the standard control scheme. Experimental results from a digital signal processor-based laboratory prototype validate the features of the proposed control scheme.
Intracellular Trafficking of Potato Leafroll VirusMovement Protein in Transgenic Arabidopsis

Intracellular trafficking of viral movement proteins (MPs) in plants has mainly been studied using Tobacco mosaic virusMP30 (TMV MP30) as a model system. Because of the limitations of TMV MP30 expression in Arabidopsis thaliana, these studies have mostly been restricted to tobacco plants. Here we present data on the analysis of transgenic Arabidopsisplants expressing Potato leafroll virus17‐kDa movement protein (MP17) fused to green fluorescent protein. MP17 localizes to secondary branched plasmodesmata (PD) in source but not to simple PD in sink tissues, where MP17 is believed to be degraded by proteolysis. To unravel the intracellular transport path of MP17, we analyzed the relevance of the cytoskeleton and of the secretory pathway on MP17 targeting. To this end, a new incubation system for in vivoanalysis of immediate and long‐term responses of whole Arabidopsisplants to inhibitor treatments was established. Microscopic and histochemical analysis showed that MP17 is targeted to PD in an actin‐ and endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi‐dependent manner. In contrast, degradation of MP17 in sink tissues required intact microtubules and occurred at 26S proteasomes. Interestingly, inhibition of the 26S proteasome led to aggregation of MP17 in aggresome‐like structures. Formation of these structures could be inhibited by colchicine, as was shown for aggresomes in mammalian cells.
A Complex Composed of Tup1 and Ssn6 Represses Transcription in Vitro*

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Tup1 protein is a member of a family of WD repeat containing proteins that are involved in repression of transcription. Tup1, along with the Ssn6 protein, represses a wide variety of genes in yeast including cell type-specific and glucose-repressed genes. Tup1 and Ssn6 are recruited to these specific gene sets by interaction with sequence-specific DNA binding proteins. In this work, a protein complex containing Ssn6 and Tup1 was purified to determine its composition. The size of the complex is estimated to be 440 kDa. Tup1 and Ssn6, which are both phosphoproteins, are the only proteins present in stoichiometric amounts in the complex. We also demonstrate that this purified complex represses transcription in an in vitro assay.
Comparative effects of selected drug combinations on the growth of a human pancreatic carcinoma cell line (MIA PaCa-2).

The inhibitory effect of several drug combinations on the growth of the human pancreatic carcinoma cell line MIA PaCa-2 was studied in relation to drug-scheduling interval in vitro. All drug exposures were for 1 hour. The sequential exposure of cells to 1.5 X 10(-8) M vincristine (VCR) or vindesine (VDS) followed by 2 X 10(-8) M 1,2-dihydroxy-9,10-anthracenedione (DHAD) or 3 X 10(-7) M adriamycin (ADR) had at best an additive effect, demonstrated by isobologram analysis, when the two drugs were given 6 hours apart. Flow cytometry (FCM) analysis after exposure of the cells to the priming drug alone, i.e., VCR or VDS, showed an accumulation of cells in S-phase. The exposure of MIA PaCa-2 cells to 1.6 X 10(-5) M 5-fluorouracil (FUra) followed by 2 X 10(-8) M DHAD or 3 X 10(-7) M ADR had an additive (with DHAD) or synergistic (with ADR) effect when the two drugs were given simultaneously and a synergistic effect with either drug when they were given 2, 6, or 24 hours apart. FCM analysis after exposure to FUra alone showed a rapid S-phase accumulation appearing within 6 hours and increasing further after 24 hours. Sequential exposure of cells to 1.5 X 10(-8) M VCR and 1.6 X 10(-5) M FUra had a synergistic effect, regardless of the sequence or the time interval between the two drugs.
Human tumor xenografts and mouse models of human tumors: re-discovering the models

Background: Human tumor xenografts constitute the major efficacy and tumor biology models for cancer drug discovery. Gene expression and protein expression technologies have improved understanding of the malignant diseases represented by human tumor lines. Genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models of cancer are improving and allow assessment of immune system-mediated therapeutics. Objective: The current brief review discusses the status of human tumor xenografts, GEM models and normal tissue assays used in cancer drug discovery. Results: The Preclinical Pediatric Tumor Program consortium with 47 molecularly well-characterized pediatric tumor xenografts is leading the field. Individual laboratory studies show no correlation between culture and in vivo characteristics of some human tumor lines. The TRAMP and RIP1TAG2 GEM models have been used for efficacy studies. Recent GEM models often have two mutated genes leading to greater genetic instability. Host normal cells are important contributors in malignant disease. While convenient and frequent subcutaneous tumor implantation does not provide an optimal microenvironment for modeling clinical disease. Orthoptopic tumor implantation is gaining in use due to the availability of labeled tumor sub-lines and non-invasive imaging techniques. Conclusion: The science associated with human tumor xenografts and GEM cancer models is not static. The application of gene and protein expression technologies, the wider availability of non-invasive imaging and improved genetic engineering are allowing improved tumor modeling. However, as more is learned about current models, it is becoming clear that there is a shortage of models to cover the broad spectrum of human malignant disease.
A comparative study of performance in particle swarm optimization methods with reflection

In this paper, two kinds of Reflectance-Adjusting PSO (RAPSO) methods that improve the adjustment of the reflectance in the vector reflection PSO are proposed. One is RAPSO using the standard deviation of optimal evaluation values for the latest steps, called RAPSO-OE. The other is RAPSO using the standard deviation of particles' evaluation values in the present step, called RAPSO-PE. The proposed methods are compared with Simple PSO and Taper-off-Reflectance PSO (TRPSO). The validity is shown by benchmark tests, and the proposed method is applied to the optimization problem of electric power leveling systems in rolling mills. The simulation result shows that adjusting reflectance is effective for reducing search time, especially when the optimal solution exists in the edge of problem domain.
Effect of miR-34b overexpression on the radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND The miR-34 family, under-expressed in-non small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), are effectors of p53 activation upon irradiation of cells. We evaluated whether the miR-34b overexpression modulates the NSCLCs response to radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS NSCLC cell lines A549 with V-KI-RAS2 Kirsten Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) codon 12 mutation and with wild type p53, and H1299, not expressing p53, were irradiated after transfection with pre-miR-34b. Cell survival was assessed by clonogenic survival assays. The apoptosis and the cell cycle were evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS In the A549 cell line, overexpression of miR-34b significantly reduced cell survival at lower than 4 Gy radiation doses. There was a significant reduction in B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) expression but no significant differences were observed in the apoptotic cell population or the cycle profile. No significant effect was recorded in the H1299 irradiated cells. CONCLUSION In the p53 wild type, KRAS mutated NSCLC cells, the overexpression of miR-34b increases radiosensitivity at low doses of radiation.
Structural Insights into the Substrate Specificity of the Rhodopseudomonas palustris Protein Acetyltransferase RpPat

Background: RpPat acetylates many acyl-CoA synthetase enzymes. Results: RpPat does not acetylate RpMatB but can acetylate chimeric versions of it that differ from the wild-type enzyme in a loop region >20 Å away from the acetylated lysine. Conclusion: RpPat likely interacts with a large surface area of its substrates. Significance: RpPat substrates cannot be predicted by a short acetylation motif alone. Lysine acetylation is a post-translational modification that is important for the regulation of metabolism in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In bacteria, the best studied protein acetyltransferase is Pat. In the purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris, at least 10 AMP-forming acyl-CoA synthetase enzymes are acetylated by the Pat homologue RpPat. All bona fide RpPat substrates contain the conserved motif PX4GK. Here, we show that the presence of such a motif is necessary but not sufficient for recognition by RpPat. RpPat failed to acetylate the methylmalonyl-CoA synthetase of this bacterium (hereafter RpMatB) in vivo and in vitro, despite the homology of RpMatB to known RpPat substrates. We used RpMatB to identify structural determinants that are recognized by RpPat. To do this, we constructed a series of RpMatB chimeras that became substrates of RpPat. In such chimeras, a short region (11–25 residues) of RpMatB located >20 residues N-terminal to the acetylation site was replaced with the corresponding sequences from other AMP-forming acyl-CoA synthetases that were known RpPat substrates. Strikingly, the enzymatic activity of RpMatB chimeras was regulated by acetylation both in vitro and in vivo. Crystal structures of two of these chimeras showed that the major difference between them and wild-type RpMatB was within a loop region ∼23 Å from the acetylation site. On the basis of these results, we suggest that RpPat likely interacts with a relatively large surface of its substrates, in addition to the PX4GK motif, and that RpPat probably has relatively narrow substrate specificity.
Matching ERS scatterometer based soil moisture patterns with simulations of a conceptual dual layer hydrologic model over Austria

Abstract. This study compares ERS scatterometer top soil moisture observations with simulations of a dual layer conceptual hydrologic model. The comparison is performed for 148 Austrian catchments in the period 1991–2000. On average, about 5 to 7 scatterometer images per month with a mean spatial coverage of about 37% are available. The results indicate that the agreement between the two top soil moisture estimates changes with the season and the weight given to the scatterometer in hydrologic model calibration. The hydrologic model generally simulates larger top soil moisture values than are observed by the scatterometer. The differences tend to be smaller for lower altitudes and the winter season. The average correlation between the two estimates is more than 0.5 in the period from July to October, and about 0.2 in the winter months, depending on the period and calibration setting. Using both ERS scatterometer based soil moisture and runoff for model calibration provides more robust model parameters than using either of these two sources of information.
SIMPLE34: an improved and enhanced implementation for VAX and Sun computers of the SIMPLE algorithm for analysis of clustered repetitive motifs in nucleotide sequences

SIMPLE34 is an improved and enhanced version of SIMPLE for Vax and SunOS systems. It now provides a length-independent measure of the overall level of tri- and tetranucleotide motif clustering within nucleotide sequences and its significant deviation from random expectation. It now also provides information on tri- and tetranucleotide motifs showing higher levels of clustering than would be expected in random sequences. Sequence simplicity of test sequences can be judged with respect to random sequences generated on the basis of base composition, positional base composition or doublet frequency. These options can be used to investigate factors resulting in sequence simplicity.
Korean folk song retrieval using rhythm pattern classification

In content based music retrieval, approximate string matching approaches are frequently used. Though string matching algorithms effectively deal with the input fault tolerance of user query, they require much time to search the entire database. In this paper, we propose a Korean folk song retrieval method which efficiently search the database. A user query is searched in two steps, a coarse classification using rhythm pattern and an interval comparison based on approximate string matching. The experimental results show that the proposed method efficiently improve the retrieval time.
Needle aspiration cytology, immunocytochemistry, and electron microscopic study in a case of carcinoid of the male breast

The diagnosis of a primary carcinoid of breast in a 68‐yr‐old male was initially made from a sample of needle aspirate. The cytodiagnosis was supported by histochemical and immunocytochemical studies which showed positivity for argyrophilic granules by Grimelius stain and positive staining for chromogranin. A subsequent cell block of the aspirate and biopsy of the tumour confirmed the cytodiagnosis. Electron microscopic study of the material further demonstrated the presence of neurosecretory granules in the malignant cells. Mastectomy with axillary node dissection was performed and showed no residual or metastatic tumour. No primary tumour was found elsewhere. This case illustrates the importance of needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of carcinoid tumour which is very rare in the male breast.
Displacement or Complementary Effect?: An Assessment of Traditional and New Media Use Patterns among Elites in South-East Nigeria

In the face of the ongoing debates and discourses concerning the displacement and replacement effect of the new media on traditional media, this study analyzes the media consumption pattern among elites in South-East Nigeria under the framework of the Uses and Gratification approach, to determine if any similarities as observed in developed countries of the world will prevail in Nigeria. Survey research method was used with a sample of 478 elites drawn from government secretariats located in capitals of the five select states in South-east Nigeria. Findings show that respondents still largely utilize the traditional media for gratifying their various needs as opposed to the findings in other parts of the globe that suggest a seeming displacement and replacement effect of the traditional media by the new media. In the face of the displacement effect argument for developing countries such as Nigeria where the new media is still an evolving phenomenon, we therefore, conclude by projecting a rather complementary effect view based on the evidence that elites use and perceive the new media as an extension of the old media.