Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Surprising Features of the TEAD4‐Vgll1 Protein–Protein Interaction

The Hippo signaling pathway, which controls organ size in animals, is altered in various human cancers. The TEAD transcription factors, the most downstream elements in this pathway, are regulated by different cofactors, such as the Vgll (vestigial‐like) proteins. Having studied the interaction between Vgll1‐derived peptides and human TEAD4, we show that, although it lacks a key secondary structure element required for tight binding by two other TEAD cofactors (YAP and TAZ), Vgll1‐derived peptides bind to TEAD with nanomolar affinity. We identify a β‐strand:loop:α‐helix motif as the minimal Vgll binding site. Finally, we reveal an unexpected difference between mouse and human Vgll1‐derived peptides.
INTRAVITREAL DICLOFENAC VERSUS INTRAVITREAL TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE IN THE TREATMENT OF DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal diclofenac versus intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Methods: Thirty-two eyes with diffuse diabetic macular edema were randomly allocated to intravitreal injection of 4 mg/0.1 mL of triamcinolone (Group 1: N = 16) or 500 μg/0.1 mL of diclofenac (Group 2: N = 16). Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and central macular thickness were recorded and compared between the 2 groups up to 12 weeks. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant reduction in central macular thickness (triamcinolone: P = 0.02 and diclofenac: P = 0.01), without statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. Visual improvement was significant only in triamcinolone group (P = 0.05). However, the 2 groups showed no statistically significant difference in mean visual acuity or mean line improvement. Transient elevation of intraocular pressure occurred in 12.5% of the triamcinolone group. Diclofenac group showed statistically significant reduced intraocular pressure (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Intravitreal diclofenac is effective in the treatment of diffuse diabetic macular edema up to 12 weeks. Intravitreal triamcinolone and diclofenac appear to have comparable therapeutic effects on retinal thickness. The degree of visual improvement is higher with triamcinolone.
A simple method to improve adenoma detection rate during colonoscopy: altering patient position.

BACKGROUND Colonoscopy is currently considered to be the gold standard method for detecting and removing adenomatous polyps. However, tandem colonoscopy studies reveal a pooled polyp miss rate of 22%. OBJECTIVE A prospective randomized trial was conducted to assess whether alteration of patient position during colonoscopy withdrawal increases the adenoma detection rate (ADR). METHOD The study group included 120 patients who presented for elective colonoscopic examination. After reaching the cecum, patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to examination in either the left lateral position or other positions (left lateral position for the cecum, ascending colon and hepatic flexure; supine for transverse colon; and supine and right lateral position for splenic flexure, descending and sigmoid colon) first. Examination of the colon was performed segment by segment. The size, morphology and location of all polyps were recorded. Polyps were removed immediately after examination of a colon segment when all positions were completed. ADR and polyp detection rates (PDR) were calculated. RESULTS A total of 102 patients completed the study. Examination in the left lateral position revealed 66 polyps in 31 patients (PDR 30.3%) and 42 adenomas in 24 patients (ADR 23.5%). PDR increased to 43.1% (81 polyps in 44 patients) and the ADR to 33.3% (53 adenomas in 34 patients) after the colon was examined in the additional positions (P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). The increase in the number of adenomas detected was statistically significant in the transverse and sigmoid colon. The addition of position changes led to a 9.8% increase in the ADR in the transverse colon, splenic flexure, and descending and sigmoid colon. The frequency of surveillance interval was shortened in nine (8.8%) patients after examination of the colon in dynamic positions. CONCLUSION Alteration of patient position during colonoscopy withdrawal is a simple and effective method to improve ADR.
Assessing quality of volunteer crowdsourcing contributions: lessons from the Cropland Capture game

Volunteered geographic information (VGI) is the assembly of spatial information based on public input. While VGI has proliferated in recent years, assessing the quality of volunteer-contributed data has proven challenging, leading some to question the efficiency of such programs. In this paper, we compare several quality metrics for individual volunteers’ contributions. The data were the product of the ‘Cropland Capture’ game, in which several thousand volunteers assessed 165,000 images for the presence of cropland over the course of 6 months. We compared agreement between volunteer ratings and an image's majority classification with volunteer self-agreement on repeated images and expert evaluations. We also examined the impact of experience and learning on performance. Volunteer self-agreement was nearly always higher than agreement with majority classifications, and much greater than agreement with expert validations although these metrics were all positively correlated. Volunteer quality showed a broad trend toward improvement with experience, but the highest accuracies were achieved by a handful of moderately active contributors, not the most active volunteers. Our results emphasize the importance of a universal set of expert-validated tasks as a gold standard for evaluating VGI quality.
Pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics during exercise in subclinical hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) have lower exercise tolerance, but the impact on oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics is unknown. This study evaluated VO2 kinetics during and after a constant load submaximal exercise in SCH. METHODS The study included 19 women with SCH (thyrotropin (TSH)=6.87±2.88 μIU/mL, free thyroxine (fT4)=0.97±0.15 ng/dL) and 19 controls (TSH=2.29±0.86 μIU/mL, T4=0.99±0.11 ng/dL) aged between 20 and 55 years. Ergospirometry exercise testing was performed for six minutes with a constant load of 50 W, followed by six minutes of passive recovery. The VO2 kinetics was quantified by the mean response time (MRT), which is the exponential time constant and approximates the time needed to reach 63% of change in VO2 (ΔVO2). The O2 deficit-energy supplied by anaerobic metabolism at the onset of exercise-and O2 debit-extra energy demand during the recovery period-were calculated by the formula MRT×ΔVO2. Values are mean±standard deviation. RESULTS In the rest-exercise transition, patients with SCH showed slower VO2 kinetics (MRT=47±8 sec vs. 40±6 sec, p=0.004) and a higher oxygen deficit (580±102 mL vs. 477±95 mL, p=0.003) than controls respectively. In the exercise-recovery transition, patients with SCH also showed slower VO2 kinetics (MRT=54±6 sec vs. 44±6 sec, p=0.001) and a higher oxygen debit (679±105 mL vs. 572±104 mL, p=0.003). The VO2 kinetics showed a significant correlation with TSH (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that women with SCH have the slowest VO2 kinetics in the onset and recovery of a constant-load submaximal exercise and highlights that this impairment is already manifest in the early stage of the disease.
Fuzzy universal model approximator for distributed solar collector field control

This paper deals with the control of concentrating parabolic solar collectors by forcing the outlet oil temperature to track a set reference. A fuzzy universal approximate model is introduced in order to accurately reproduce the behavior of the system dynamics. The proposed model is a low order state space representation derived from the partial differential equation describing the oil temperature evolution using fuzzy transform theory. The resulting set of ordinary differential equations simplifies the system analysis and the control law design and is suitable for real time control implementation. Simulation results show good performance of the proposed model.
Fixing Device for a Planar Object by Incorporating Jamming Transition Phenomenon and a Suction Unit

This paper presents a versatile method to install a smallmachining robot onto a planar or slightly curved object. Normally, gripping tools provide a rigid connection between a robot and a target. However, if there is no graspable area on the target, the gripper cannot perform well. To overcome this problem, we proposed a deformable device that works as a universal suction pad and that can hold an ungraspable target by utilizing the jamming transition phenomenon. We determined the effect of the type of grains on the jamming transition phenomenon in terms of stability under jammed conditions. By comparing the four types of grains, we found that the tetrahedral-shaped grains performed the best. Subsequently, we evaluated the performance of the device. The suction force was 166-N when the proposed device was affixed to a curved target. Next, we evaluated the stiffness of the device. The average deformations of the device were 0.10 mm, 0.35 mm, and 0.04 mm, respectively, when 50-N downward vertical, horizontal, and upward vertical directional loads were applied to the device, which was affixed to the curved target.The results suggest that the proposed device performed well in affixing a robot onto a target.
Spanning Trees with Many Leaves

A connected graph having large minimum vertex degree must have a spanning tree with many leaves. In particular, let $l( n,k )$ be the maximum integer m such that every connected n-vertex graph with minimum degree at least k has a spanning tree with at least m leaves. Then $l( n,3 )\geqq n/4 + 2, l( n,4 )\geqq ( 2n + 8 )/5,$ and $l( n,k )\leqq n - 3\lfloor n/( k + 1 ) \rfloor + 2$ for all k. The lower bounds are proved by an algorithm that constructs a spanning tree with at least the desired number of leaves. Finally, $l( n,k )\geqq ( 1 - b \ln k/k )n$ for large k, again proved algorithmically, where b is any constant exceeding 2.5.
Product Sound Design: Intentional and Consequential Sounds

In our daily life we are immersed in sounds that are generated by products. If one were to ask someone to name sounds produced by products, often sounds are mentioned that alarm or inform us (e.g., microwave oven beeps, telephone rings etc.). These are the sounds of which we are consciously aware. However, many sounds subconsciously play an important role in our interaction with a product. One hears if the battery of a toothbrush runs out of power; one hears the power of a vacuum cleaner and one hears if the bag is full; etc. Although these are all functional aspects, sound also plays a role in our aesthetic, quality, and emotional experi‐ ence of products. For example, one hears if the sound of a car door evokes a sense of quality. Car manufacturers have acoustical engineers to make sure that a slammed door will evoke this sense of quality. Sound quality and its relation to perception have been studied to some extent (e.g., Blauert & Jekosch, 1997; Bodden, 2000; Lyon, 2003). Often, these methodologies cover only one aspect of the design or evaluative process. Here we present a systematic approach to the inclusion of sound in the design process and its use as an essential aspect of controlling the quality of design and as a means of educating designers (and students) about the constit‐ uent parts of a product.
A User Interface Concept for Context-Aware Recommender Systems

A context-aware recommender system incorporates the knowledge of different contextual factors - such as time or weather information - to improve the item suggestions made to a user. While this provides great benefit to users, it might be hard for them to grasp why certain items are relevant, given the complexity of a context-aware recommender. In this paper, we propose, implement and evaluate a user interface concept that seeks to tackle this challenge. We show how popularity graphs can be used to inform the user about the relevance of items in different contexts and how users perceive different contextual factors given our concept. A user study with 14 participants demonstrates that our concept is valid and appreciated by users.
Interaktive Lernobjekte in einem mobilen Einsatzumfeld

Kooperationsund Interaktionaspekte spielen besonders innerhalb mobiler e-Learning Szenerien eine wichtige Rolle. Der Wunsch nach Mobilität verstärkt das Bedürfnis nach innovativen Computer Supported Cooperative Learning (CSCL) Anwendungen, stellt jedoch hohe technische Anforderungen an die Architekturen moderner Lernsysteme. Gängige, webbasierte Lösungen können die Anspüche an mobile Lernumgebungen nicht vollständig erfüllen. Mit dem Fokus auf interaktiven Lernobjekten, stellen wir in dieser Arbeit ein Konzept für eine Architektur vor, die sich besonders für den Einsatz in einem mobilen Lernszenario eignet.
State Transition Matrix for an HMM based underwater target classifier

The problem of identification of noise sources in the ocean is of prime importance because of its diverse practical applications. Hidden Markov Models provide an effective architecture for the classification of underwater noise sources. A technique for the estimation of State Transition Matrix for a twenty state Hidden Markov Model for the classification of noise sources in the ocean is presented in this paper. The results of classification studies using the noise data waveforms of certain marine species, utilising the state transition matrix approach is also presented.
Action of k-strophanthin on potassium leakage from frog sartorius muscle.

The potassium loss of frog sartorius muscle into potassium-free Ringer, which is exchanged regularly, was measured with a flame photometer. The resting muscle loses significantly more potassium when strophanthin 10-5 is added to the Ringer, and the loss is still higher in DNP 0.2 mM. There is no difference of potassium loss between a muscle in DNP and a muscle in DNP plus strophanthin. A muscle twitching at a rate of 30 per minute loses more potassium than the resting muscle. The loss is not significantly increased by strophanthin 10-5, but is higher in DNP 0.2 mM. Adding strophanthin to the muscle twitching in DNP reduces the overall potassium loss significantly, when compared to the loss in DNP alone. Arguments are advanced in favor of the hypothesis that strophanthin blocks the sodium-potassium-pump in resting muscle, but has an additional retarding effect on potassium outflow during the falling phase of an action potential in the twitching muscle.
A multimedia tennis instruction system: tracking and classifying swing motions

Advances in data acquisition, human computer interface, and artificial intelligence have enabled the development of e-learning systems for educational and instructional purposes. Sport instruction, in particular, is a very attractive domain for computer-based learning as compared to the traditional human coaching approach, potentially saving space, time, and cost. A tennis instruction system has been designed and developed. In order to have a practical sport instructional system, motion-sensed input data must be accurately captured, cleansed, clustered, and classified, before further processing can be performed. This work presents the tennis instruction prototype and the issues associated with motion capture and identification.
Energy efficient cognitive radio network based on multiband sensing and spectrum sharing

The authors consider the problem of energy consumption in a multiband cognitive radio network, in which a secondary user can sense multiple frequency bands authorised to the primary user (PU) before it decides to access some frequency bands and keep the interference introduced to the PU under a certain threshold. The sensing time and power allocation need to be designed carefully to reduce the energy consumption. Therefore they identify the optimal sensing time and accessing power to minimise the energy consumption of the cognitive radio that simultaneously senses and accesses multiple bands under the multiband sensing-based spectrum sharing scheme. To obtain the optimal solution, they transform the original problem formulated as the ratio of two functions into another parametric formulation. The interference power is considered as one of constraints in the author's scheme in order to protect the PU. The algorithm of optimal sensing time and power allocation is proposed for the multiband cognitive radio system. Furthermore, they discuss the effect of channel number, interference power and gain estimation of channels on energy consumption and optimal sensing time and validate their schemes and analysis by simulation results.
Effects of CB1 cannabinoid receptor modulating compounds on the hyperkinesia induced by high‐dose levodopa in the reserpine‐treated rat model of Parkinson's disease

The present study was designed to determine the potential of CB1 cannabinoid receptor modulating compounds in the treatment of L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐dopa)–induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease. In the reserpine‐treated rat model of parkinsonism, administration of a high dose of L‐dopa (150 mg/kg) but not of Cl‐APB (0.5 mg/kg) or quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg) produced a hyperkinetic state characterised by an increase in horizontal and vertical activity, which likely represent correlates of antiparkinsonian and dyskinetic activity, respectively. Injection of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716 (0.1–3 mg/kg) reduced the increase in vertical activity elicited by L‐dopa without affecting the increase in horizontal activity. Injection of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212‐2 (0.1–3 mg/kg) reduced the L‐dopa–induced increase in vertical activity and, at the highest dose only (3 mg/kg), also reduced horizontal activity elicited by L‐dopa. WIN55,212‐2 (1 mg/kg) reduced motor activity induced by both the D1 receptor agonist Cl‐APB (0.5 mg/kg) and the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg) in the reserpine‐treated rat. SR141716 (1 mg/kg) had no effects on motor activity induced by Cl‐APB (0.5 mg/kg) nor quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg) in the reserpine‐treated rat. Injection of the inhibitor of endocannabinoid transport AM404 (0.1–1 mg/kg) did not affect the increase in horizontal or vertical activity elicited by L‐dopa (150 mg/kg) in the reserpine‐treated rat. The data suggest that both CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonists and agonists can modulate the behavioural effects of L‐dopa and may be useful for the treatment of the dyskinesia associated with long‐term L‐dopa treatment of Parkinson's disease. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Private dental coverage: who has it and how does it influence dental visits and expenditures?

BACKGROUND Dental insurance has had a significant impact on dentistry and dental care use. Dental insurance coverage may influence people's decisions to use dental care. During 1996, 42.9 percent of all dental expenditures were paid by private dental insurance. METHODS The focus of this analysis is on private dental coverage, use and expenditures for the U.S. civilian community-based population during 1996. The authors provide national estimates for the population with private dental coverage, the population with a dental visit, mean number of dental visits per year and mean total expenditures for several socioeconomic and demographic categories during 1996, using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, or MEPS, data. RESULTS Poor and low-income people were less likely to have private dental coverage than were people with higher incomes. People without coverage at all income levels were less likely to report a dental visit than were people with coverage. When they controlled for coverage, the authors found that education at any income level did not appear to affect the likelihood of people's having multiple visits or higher expenditures. CONCLUSION People with private coverage are more likely to visit a dentist, have a greater number of visits and have higher expenditures than are those without coverage. Private dental insurance coverage, however, is not the only determinant of dental care use. MEPS data also show that other factors play key roles. Comprehensive strategies designed to improve dental care use should keep each of these determinants in mind. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS While dentists may have a limited ability to influence people to seek care initially, they may be in a better position to influence the amount of care patients obtain, thereby helping make sure that patients receive the care that they need and want.
Congestion Managed Multicast Routing in Wireless Mesh Network

To provide broad band connectivity to the mobile users and to build a self-structured network, where it is not possible to have wired network, “Wireless Mesh Networks” are the most vital suitable technology. Routing in Wireless Mesh Networks is a multi-objective nonlinear optimization problem with some constraints. We explore multicast routing for least-cost, delay-sensitive and congestion-sensitive in optimizing the routing in Wireless mesh networks (WMNs). In this work different parameters are associated like edge cost, edge delay and edge congestion. The aim is to create a tree traversing which the set of target nodes are spanned, so as to make the cost and congestion to be minimum with a bounded delay over the path between every pair of source and destination. Since searching optimal routing satisfying multi constraints concurrently is an NP complete problem, we have presented a competent estimated algorithm certified with experimental results, which shows that the performance of presented algorithm is nearly optimum.
Control of walking robots based on manipulation of the zero moment point

In this paper, a new application of the ZMP (Zero Moment Point) control law is presented. The objective of this control method is to obtain a smooth and soft motion based on a real-time control. In the controller, the ZMP is treated as an actuating signal. The coordinates of the robot body are fed back to obtain its position. The proposed control method was applied on two different biped robots, and its validity is verified experimentally.
A Cell Cycle-Specific Requirement for the XRCC1 BRCT II Domain during Mammalian DNA Strand Break Repair

ABSTRACT XRCC1 protein is essential for viability in mammals and is required for efficient DNA single-strand break repair and genetic stability following DNA base damage. We report here that XRCC1-dependent strand break repair in G1 phase of the cell cycle is abolished by mutations created within the XRCC1 BRCT domain that interact with DNA ligase III. In contrast, XRCC1-dependent DNA strand break repair in S phase is largely unaffected by these mutations. These data describe a cell cycle-specific role for a BRCT domain, and we conclude that the XRCC1-DNA ligase III complex is required for DNA strand break repair in G1 phase of the cell cycle but is dispensable for this process in S phase. The S-phase DNA repair process can remove both strand breaks induced in S phase and those that persist from G1 and can in part compensate for lack of repair in G1. This process correlates with the appearance of XRCC1 nuclear foci that colocalize with Rad51 and may thus function in concert with homologous recombination.