Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TDome: A Touch-Enabled 6DOF Interactive Device for Multi-Display Environments

The rapid evolution of multi-display environments (MDEs) has created a vacuum in need of novel input devices to optimize interaction in MDEs. In this paper, we propose TDome, a novel touch-enabled 6DOF input and output device to facilitate interactions in MDEs. TDome offers a private display as output, and multiple degrees of freedom as input by combining touch gestures on the display with physical rotation, roll and translation manipulations of the device. TDome allows versatile interactions that address major MDE tasks, which we illustrate through various proof-of-concept implementations: detect surrounding displays, select one display, transfer data across displays, reach distant displays and perform private interactions. We explore TDome's usability and suitability for MDEs through three user studies. First we explore combined physical+touch gestures from which we discard uncomfortable combinations. We experimentally validate their feasibility and come up with a set of 71 combined gestures that are comfortable and ensure a high success rate, i.e. that can be easily performed and efficiently detected. Finally, we collect user feedback to identify natural mappings between gestures and MDE interactions.
The “Puzzle” of Water Behavior at Low Temperature

Thermodynamic and transport properties of liquid water are not fully understood despite a large amount of research work both experimental and theoretical. The maximum of density and the enhanced anomalies observed at low temperatures are at the origin of several models that, in some cases, predict specific and unique behavior such as spinodal lines or critical points. We show that a careful analysis of the neutron quasi-elastic scattering data, both the incoherent spectra and the dynamic of the partials, is compatible with a polymer-like model, where the hydrogen bond dynamics explains the behavior of water in the non-accessible temperature region extending from −30° C to the glass transition.
Interval Homogeneity-Based Control for a Class of Nonlinear Systems With Unknown Power Drifts

This technical note considers the global stabilization problem for a class of nonlinear systems with unknown power (exponent) drifts. Based on the concept of interval homogeneity with monotone degrees, the allowable bounds of the unknown power drifts can be explicitly determined to guarantee the solvability of the problem. The technique of adding a power integrator is revamped based on a new Lyapunov function with interval parameters and is recursively employed to construct a global stabilizer for the nonlinear systems.
Direct Activation of Human Endothelial Cells by Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes

ABSTRACT Cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (PRBC) to endothelial cells causes severe clinical disease, presumably as a of result perfusion failure and tissue hypoxia. Cytoadherence to endothelial cells is increased by endothelial cell activation, which is believed to occur in a paracrine fashion by mediators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) released from macrophages that initially recognize PRBC. Here we provide evidence that PRBC directly stimulate human endothelial cells in the absence of macrophages, leading to increased expression of adhesion-promoting molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1. Endothelial cell stimulation by PRBC required direct physical contact for a short time (30 to 60 min) and was correlated with parasitemia. Gene expression profiling of endothelial cells stimulated by PRBC revealed increased expression levels of chemokine and adhesion molecule genes. PRBC-stimulated endothelial cells especially showed increased expression of molecules involved in parasite adhesion but failed to express molecules promoting leukocyte adhesion, such as E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, even after challenge with TNF-α. Collectively, our data suggest that stimulation of endothelial cells by PRBC may have two effects: prevention of parasite clearance through increased cytoadherence and attenuation of leukocyte binding to endothelial cells, thereby preventing deleterious immune reactivity.
Binding Properties of the Calcium-Activated F2 Isoform of Lethocerus Troponin C

While in most muscles contraction is triggered by calcium effluxes, insect flight muscles are also activated by mechanical stretch. We are interested in understanding the role that the troponin C protein, usually the calcium sensor, plays in stretch activation. In the flight muscles of Lethocerus, a giant water bug often used as a model system, there are two isoforms of TnC, F1 and F2, present in an approximately 10:1 ratio. F1 TnC is responsible for activating the muscle following a stretch, whereas F2 TnC produces a sustained contraction, the magnitude of which depends on the concentration of Ca2+ in the fiber. We have previously shown that F1 TnC binds only one Ca2+ ion in its C-terminal domain and that interaction with troponin H, the insect ortholog of troponin I, is insensitive to Ca2+. Here, we have studied the effect of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on the affinities of the interaction of F2 TnC with troponin H peptides. We show that the presence of two Ca2+ ions, one in each of the globular domains, increases the affinity for TnH by at least 1 order of magnitude. The N lobe has a lower affinity for Ca2+, but it is also sensitive to Mg2+. The C lobe is insensitive to Mg2+ as previously demonstrated by mutations of the individual EF-hands. The interaction with TnH seems also to have significant structural differences from that observed for the F1 TnC isoform. We discuss how our findings could account for stretch activation.
Comparative Gene Expression Profiling Identifies Common Molecular Signatures of NF-κB Activation in Canine and Human Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

We present the first comparison of global transcriptional changes in canine and human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), with particular reference to the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Microarray data generated from canine DLBCL and normal lymph nodes were used for differential expression, co-expression and pathway analyses, and compared with analysis of microarray data from human healthy and DLBCL lymph nodes. The comparisons at gene level were performed by mapping the probesets in canine microarrays to orthologous genes in humans and vice versa. A considerable number of differentially expressed genes between canine lymphoma and healthy lymph node samples were also found differentially expressed between human DLBCL and healthy lymph node samples. Principal component analysis using a literature-derived NF-κB target gene set mapped to orthologous canine array probesets and human array probesets clearly separated the healthy and cancer samples in both datasets. The analysis demonstrated that for both human and canine DLBCL there is activation of the NF-κB/p65 canonical pathway, indicating that canine lymphoma could be used as a model to study NF-κB-targeted therapeutics for human lymphoma. To validate this, tissue arrays were generated for canine and human NHL and immunohistochemistry was employed to assess NF-κB activation status. In addition, human and canine B-cell lymphoma lines were assessed for NF-κB activity and the effects of NF-κB inhibition.
Synthesis and release of an acetylcholine‐like compound by human myoblasts and myotubes.

1. Exogenously applied acetylcholine (ACh) is a modulator of human myoblast fusion. Using a chemiluminescent method, we examined whether an endogenous ACh‐like compound (ACh‐lc) was present in, and released by, pure human myogenic cells. 2. Single, freshly isolated satellite cells and proliferating myoblasts contained 15 and 0.5 fmol ACh‐lc, respectively. Cultured myotubes contained ACh‐lc as well. Also, ACh‐like immunoreactivity was detected in all myogenic cells. 3. Part of the ACh‐lc was synthesized by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), as indicated by the reduction of ACh‐lc content when bromoACh was present in the culture medium, and by direct measurements of ChAT activity. Also, ChAT‐like immunoreactivity was observed in all myogenic cells. 4. Myoblasts and myotubes released ACh‐lc spontaneously by a partially Ca(2+)‐dependent mechanism. 5. The application by microperfusion of medium conditioned beforehand by myoblasts (thus presumably containing ACh‐lc) onto a voltage‐clamped myotube induced inward currents resembling ACh‐induced currents in their kinetics, reversal potential, and sensitivity to nicotinic antagonists. 6. In vitro, the spontaneously released ACh‐lc promoted myoblast fusion but only in the presence of an anticholinesterase. 7. Our observations indicate that human myogenic cells synthesize and release an ACh‐lc and thereby promote the fusion process that occurs in muscle during growth or regeneration.
A theorem of the alternatives for the equation |Ax| − |B||x| = b

A theorem of the alternatives for the equation \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${|Ax|-|B||x|=b\ (A,B\in{\mathbb{R}}^{n\times n},\, b\in{\mathbb{R}}^n)}$$\end{document} is proved and several consequences are drawn. In particular, a class of matrices A, B is identified for which the equation has exactly 2n solutions for each positive right-hand side b.
Comparing the simplified and international autoimmune hepatitis group criteria in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although highly sensitive and specific, the revised International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) diagnostic criteria for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are cumbersome to use in clinical practice and rely upon a number of autoantibodies that are costly and are not widely available. The simplified scoring system for AIH attempts to rectify the complexity of the IAIHG criteria. To date, there have been few studies assessing the specificity of the simplified score for AIH when applied to patients with cholestatic liver diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the specificity of the simplified scoring system for AIH as compared to the revised IAIHG criteria in a large cohort of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). METHODS The patient population consisted of 147 patients enrolled in two prospective trials at the Mayo Clinic examining the use of ursodeoxycholic acid in PSC. All of the patients underwent baseline blood work (including standard serologic testing to exclude other liver diseases), liver biopsy, and cholangiogram to confirm PSC. Demographic, laboratory, and histologic data were extracted for each subject. Simplified and revised IAIHG scores were calculated for each subject and compared. RESULTS The simplified scoring system identified 2 patients with probable AIH and no patients with definite AIH. Comparatively, the revised IAIHG scoring system identified no patients with probable or definite AIH. CONCLUSION As with the revised IAIHG criteria, the simplified scoring system for AIH has excellent specificity when applied to a PSC population.
Association between Obesity and Atopy in Adults

Background/Aim: Previous literature on the association between obesity and atopy has been inconsistent. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between obesity and atopic sensitization in adults. Methods: The study included a total of 1,997 residents aged 18–79 years and was conducted in the town of Humboldt, Sask. , Canada in 2003. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were objectively measured. Allergy skin tests were conducted to determine atopic sensitization. Results: Overall, the prevalence of one or more positive skin tests for atopy was 33.3% among those with a BMI of at least 30.0, 28.2% among those with a BMI of 25.0–29.9 and 27.3% among those with a BMI of less than 25 (p = 0.003). The odds ratio for atopy among those with a BMI of at least 30.0 versus those with a BMI of less than 25.0 was 1.51 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.17, 1.95) after adjustment for sex, age, and other covariates. Stratified by sex, the adjusted odds ratios for obesity versus normal weight were 1.27 (95% CI: 0.73, 1.93) for men and 1.63 (95% CI: 1.18, 2.26) for women. WC was also significantly associated with the prevalence of atopy in both sexes after controlling for covariates. Conclusion: The data demonstrated a significant association between obesity, defined either by BMI or by WC, and atopy.
The Effects of Differences in State Drug Product Selection Laws on Pharmacists' Substitution Behavior

The objective of this project was to examine and quantify the effects of specific requirements of state drug product selection (DPS) laws on pharmacists' generic drug substitution practices. The specific requirements on which state laws differ included, for example, whether the law mandated or simply allowed DPS, whether some type of formulary was required, and whether pharmacists were required to pass on cost savings to consumers. Data on state DPS laws were found in the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy's annual Surveys of Pharmacy Law and by contacting state boards of pharmacy. Estimates of state substitution rates were provided by IMS, America. Multiple regression analysis was employed to estimate the effects of legal requirements on substitution rates. Results indicated that substitution was more prevalent in states that did not require additional record keeping and in those that did require patient consent prior to substitution. The relationship between formulary restrictions, requirements regarding the passing on of savings, and liability limiting laws and substitution rates differed significantly between those states that required a two-line prescription form and those allowing use of one-line forms. Three nonlegal variables—time the DPS law had been in effect, percent of generic prescribing in the state, and mean pharmacist age—were also associated with substitution rates.
Tropolone and its Derivatives as Inhibitors of the Helicase Activity of Hepatitis C Virus Nucleotide Triphosphatase/helicase

In this report, we demonstrate the interaction of the non-structural protein 3 (NS3) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with alkaloide tropolone (2-hydroxy-2,4,6-heptatriene-1-one) and its derivatives. The compounds were biochemically screened separately against the ATPase and helicase activities of HCV NS3. In the investigations presented, alkaloide tropolone and its derivatives significantly inhibited the helicase activity of the viral protein when using a DNA substrate, with 50% inhibitory concentration values within a low micromolar range. The results using the RNA substrate were unexpected — none of the tropolone derivatives excerted any modulating influence towards the unwinding activity. Surprisingly, no influence of the nucleoside triphosphatase (NTPase) turnover was observed. Evidence is presented confirming that these compounds do not act by blocking the NTP-binding site, but by occupying an additional allosteric regulatory site. Further mechanisms of action, particularly of some of the derivatives, are discussed.
A ‘cool’ way of improving the reliability of HPC machines

Soaring energy consumption, accompanied by declining reliability, together loom as the biggest hurdles for the next generation of supercomputers. Recent reports have expressed concern that reliability at exascale level could degrade to the point where failures become a norm rather than an exception. HPC researchers are focusing on improving existing fault tolerance protocols to address these concerns. Research on improving hardware reliability, i.e., machine component reliability, has also been making progress independently. In this paper, we try to bridge this gap and explore the potential of combining both software and hardware aspects towards improving reliability of HPC machines. Fault rates are known to double for every 10°C rise in core temperature. We leverage this notion to experimentally demonstrate the potential of restraining core temperatures and load balancing to achieve two-fold benefits: improving reliability of parallel machines and reducing total execution time required by applications. Our experimental results show that we can improve the reliability of a machine by a factor of 2.3 and reduce the execution time by 12%. In addition, our scheme can also reduce machine energy consumption by as much as 25%. For a 350K socket machine, regular checkpoint/restart fails to make progress (less than 1% efficiency), whereas our validated model predicts an efficiency of 20% by improving the machine reliability by a factor of up to 2.29.
Beamforming techniques for large-N aperture arrays

Beamforming is central to the processing function of all phased arrays and becomes particularly challenging with a large number of antenna element (e.g. >100,000). The ability to beamform efficiently with reasonable power requirements is discussed in this paper. Whilst the most appropriate beamforming technology will change over time due to semiconductor and processing developments, we present a hierarchical structure which is technology agnostic and describe both Radio-Frequency (RF) and digital hierarchical beamforming approaches. We present implementations of both RF and digital beamforming systems on two antenna array demonstrators, namely the Electronic Multi Beam Radio Astronomy ConcEpt (EMBRACE) and the dualpolarisation all-digital array (2-PAD). This paper will compare and contrast both digital and analogue implementations without considering the deep system design of these arrays.
A comparison study between ketamine and ketamine-promethazine combination for oral sedation in pediatric dental patients.

This study compared the incidence of vomiting and the sedative effectiveness of ketamine to a ketamine-prornethazine combination in pediatric dental patients. Twenty-two patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists' classification I physical status who were between the ages of 21 and 43 months were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group received 10 mg/kg of ketamine orally, whereas the experimental group received 10 mg/kg of ketamine and 1.1 mg/kg of promethazine orally. Nitrous oxide in oxygen was supplemented between 35 and 50%. Each patient received 1 or 2 quadrants of restoration by one operator. Heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were monitored and recorded during the treatment. Crying, alertness, movement, and overall general behavior were rated using the scale by Houpt et al. A dentist-anesthesiologist conducted the vital sign monitoring and behavioral assessment. Ketamine combined with promethazine eliminated the incidence of vomiting. A 2 x 2 chi-square contingency table showed a statistical difference between the 2 groups at P < . 05 (control group, 27%; experimental group, 0%). Ketamine alone yielded better sedations than the combined agents as shown by the Mann-Whitney U statistical analysis (P < .05). Ketamine and a ketamine-promethazine combination are effective in the sedation of pediatric dental patients.
Potential treatment options and future research to increase hepatitis C virus treatment response rate

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a liver-tropic blood-borne pathogen that affects more than 170 million people worldwide. Although acute infections are usually asymptomatic, up to 90% of HCV infections persist with the possibility of long-term consequences such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, steatosis, insulin resistance, or hepatocellular carcinoma. As such, HCV-associated liver disease is a major public health concern. Although the currently available standard of care therapy of pegylated interferon α plus ribavirin successfully treats infection in a subset of patients, the development of more effective, less toxic HCV antivirals is a health care imperative. This review not only discusses the limitations of the current HCV standard of care but also evaluates upcoming HCV treatment options and how current research elucidating the viral life cycle is facilitating the development of HCV-specific therapeutics that promise to greatly improve treatment response rates both before and after liver transplantation.
Interactive comment on “Definitions of climate and climate change under varying external conditions” by C. Werndl

relativized to regimes of changing conditions is already made explicit and incorporated into definitions of climate by Lovejoy, Schertzer and others. Thus, for example, Lovejoy notes that different periods may have different climatic distributions and that, for each relevant period, we need to define a climate state relative to which climate change occurs (Lovejoy 2013): Using the trichotomy weather, macroweather, climate, we can naturally define “climate states” as the averages over macroweather at the scales at which the variability is at its lowest (30 yrs) thus conveniently justifying the “climate normal” concept (and indeed nuancing it since 30 yrs is an average over different geographical locations and epochs). “Climate change” thus naturally refers to the change in climate normals at longer (climate) time scales.
Elevated Levels of the Mediator of Catabolic Bone Remodeling RANKL in the Bone Marrow Environment Link Chronic Heart Failure with Osteoporosis

Background—Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with a 4-fold increased risk for osteoporotic fractures. Therefore, we sought to identify the pathophysiological link between chronic heart failure and catabolic bone remodeling. Methods and Results—In a total cohort of 153 subjects (123 patients with CHF, 30 patients with coronary artery disease and preserved cardiac function) as well as mice with heart failure, bone marrow (BM) plasma levels of the catabolic receptor activator of NF-&kgr;B ligand (RANKL), and its antagonist, osteoprotegerin were measured. The osteoclast inducing activity of BM plasma was tested in cell culture. BM plasma levels of RANKL and of the ratio RANKL/osteoprotegerin were significantly elevated in patients with CHF. On multivariate regression analysis, parameters of severity and duration of heart failure were independent determinants of elevated BM plasma RANKL levels. BM plasma levels of RANKL were directly correlated with the systemic marker of bone turnover C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (r=0.6; P<0.001). Alterations in BM plasma levels of RANKL/osteoprotegerin were confirmed in a mouse model of postinfarction heart failure. Stimulation of human mesenchymal cells with BM plasma obtained from CHF patients increased the formation of osteoclasts, and this effect was blocked by the RANKL inhibition. Conclusions—CHF is associated with a profound and selective elevation of the bone resorption stimulating RANKL within the BM microenvironment. These data for the first time disclose a direct pathophysiological pathway linking CHF with catabolic bone remodeling associated with an increased osteoporotic fracture risk. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifiers: NCT 00289822, NCT 00284713, NCT 00326989, NCT 00962364.