Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
To ARC or Not to ARC

Cache replacement algorithms have focused on managing caches that are in the datapath. In datapath caches, every cache miss results in a cache update. Cache updates are expensive because they induce cache insertion and cache eviction overheads which can be detrimental to both cache performance and cache device lifetime. Nondatapath caches, such as host-side flash caches, allow the flexibility of not having to update the cache on each miss. We propose the multi-modal adaptive replacement cache (mARC), a new cache replacement algorithm that extends the adaptive replacement cache (ARC) algorithm for non-datapath caches. Our initial trace-driven simulation experiments suggest that mARC improves the cache performance over ARC while significantly reducing the number of cache updates for two sets of storage I/O workloads from MSR Cambridge and FIU.
Kinetics of Nitrite Reduction and Peroxynitrite Formation by Ferrous Heme in Human Cystathionine β-Synthase*

Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) is a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the condensation of homocysteine with serine or with cysteine to form cystathionine and either water or hydrogen sulfide, respectively. Human CBS possesses a noncatalytic heme cofactor with cysteine and histidine as ligands, which in its oxidized state is relatively unreactive. Ferric CBS (Fe(III)-CBS) can be reduced by strong chemical and biochemical reductants to Fe(II)-CBS, which can bind carbon monoxide (CO) or nitric oxide (NO•), leading to inactive enzyme. Alternatively, Fe(II)-CBS can be reoxidized by O2 to Fe(III)-CBS, forming superoxide radical anion (O2̇̄). In this study, we describe the kinetics of nitrite (NO2−) reduction by Fe(II)-CBS to form Fe(II)NO•-CBS. The second order rate constant for the reaction of Fe(II)-CBS with nitrite was obtained at low dithionite concentrations. Reoxidation of Fe(II)NO•-CBS by O2 showed complex kinetic behavior and led to peroxynitrite (ONOO−) formation, which was detected using the fluorescent probe, coumarin boronic acid. Thus, in addition to being a potential source of superoxide radical, CBS constitutes a previously unrecognized source of NO• and peroxynitrite.
Outcome in severe irritable bowel syndrome with and without accompanying depressive, panic and neurasthenic disorders.

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome often leads to impaired functioning. AIMS To assess the contribution of psychiatric disorders to impaired outcome in severe irritable bowel syndrome. METHOD Patients with severe irritable bowel syndrome entering a psychological treatment trial (n=257) were interviewed using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry. Outcomes were number of days of restricted activity, role limitation (physical) score of the Short Form Health Survey and costs. RESULTS At baseline, depressive disorder (29% of patients), panic (12%) and neurasthenia (35%) were associated with impairment; number of psychiatric disorders was associated in a dose-response fashion (P=0.005). At follow-up, depressive disorder and neurasthenia were associated with role limitation score. Improved depression was associated with improved role functioning. CONCLUSIONS Depressive, panic and neurasthenic disorders contribute to poor outcomes in severe irritable bowel syndrome, and appropriate treatment should be available to these patients.
Twin-Slot Antenna Coupled NbN Hot Electron Bolometer Mixer at 2.5 THz

We demonstrate a quasi-optical NbN hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixer using a twin-slot antenna on a Si lens to couple terahertz radiation. The mixer shows a receiver noise temperature of 1150 K at 2.5 THz, which is expected based on a model that includes quantum noise. The measured direct response is understood by taking into account the main beam efficiency and the parasitic reactance due to the geometric change between bolometer and transmission line. The measured beam of the mixer is nearly collimated and has a Gaussian beam efficiency of 90% with side-lobes below -16 dB.
Effects of Exercise on Dexterity

As musicians occasionally report that their dextral facility is improved by recent exercise, it was hypothesized that manual dexterity would be influenced by a task requiring exertion. Before and after exertion on the Harvard Step Test, the experimental group's (n = 25) manual dexterity was tested on a grooved peg board. The control group's (n = 40) manual dexterity was measured before and after an inactive period. In both groups learning was significantly faster with the nondominant hand than with the dominant hand. Reasons why the hypothesis was not fully supported are discussed and suggestions for research noted.
On the wave operator for dissipative potentials with small imaginary part

We determine the range of the incoming wave operator for the pair of operators $(-\Delta, -\Delta + V_1(x) - i\epsilon V_2(x))$ on $L^2(\bR^n)$ under the conditions $n\ge 3$ and $0$ is a regular point of $-\Delta + V_1$, $V_2 \ge 0$ and $\epsilon >0$ is small enough. This implies that the dissipative scattering operator is bijective.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) of students’ understanding of vector subtraction

In this paper, we report on the impact that slight changes in question format have on student response to one‐dimensional vector subtraction tasks. We use Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) analysis to analyze students’ responses on six very similar questions which vary in context (physics or mathematics), vector alignment (both pointing to the right or opposed), and operation (left‐right subtraction or right‐left subtraction). Responses on all questions are generally correct and do not vary by instructional week or even by course. Context and specific operation do not show significant differences. Vector alignment is significantly different, indicating that perception or heuristic thinking is a bigger cause of failure than conceptual deficit. The emphasis in this paper is an introduction to likelihood estimation.
TssK Is a Trimeric Cytoplasmic Protein Interacting with Components of Both Phage-like and Membrane Anchoring Complexes of the Type VI Secretion System*

Background: The T6SS assembles from 13 proteins that form two sub-assemblies. Results: TssK is a cytoplasmic protein that interacts with Hcp, TssC, TssL, and TssA. Conclusion: The TssK complex is three-arm shaped and links the membrane and phage-like complexes in T6SS. Significance: The structural and functional characterization of TssK leads to a better understanding of T6SS assembly. The Type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a macromolecular machine that mediates bacteria-host or bacteria-bacteria interactions. The T6SS core apparatus assembles from 13 proteins that form two sub-assemblies: a phage-like complex and a trans-envelope complex. The Hcp, VgrG, TssE, and TssB/C subunits are structurally and functionally related to components of the tail of contractile bacteriophages. This phage-like structure is thought to be anchored to the membrane by a trans-envelope complex composed of the TssJ, TssL, and TssM proteins. However, how the two sub-complexes are connected remains unknown. Here we identify TssK, a protein that establishes contacts with the two T6SS sub-complexes through direct interactions with TssL, Hcp, and TssC. TssK is a cytoplasmic protein assembling trimers that display a three-armed shape, as revealed by TEM and SAXS analyses. Fluorescence microscopy experiments further demonstrate the requirement of TssK for sheath assembly. Our results suggest a central role for TssK by linking both complexes during T6SS assembly.
The H‐NS‐like protein StpA represses the RpoS (σ38) regulon during exponential growth of Salmonella Typhimurium

StpA is a paralogue of the nucleoid‐associated protein H‐NS that is conserved in a range of enteric bacteria and had no known function in Salmonella Typhimurium. We show that 5% of the Salmonella genome is regulated by StpA, which contrasts with the situation in Escherichia coli where deletion of stpA only had minor effects on gene expression. The StpA‐dependent genes of S. Typhimurium are a specific subset of the H‐NS regulon that are predominantly under the positive control of σ38 (RpoS), CRP‐cAMP and PhoP. Regulation by StpA varied with growth phase; StpA controlled σ38 levels at mid‐exponential phase by preventing inappropriate activation of σ38 during rapid bacterial growth. In contrast, StpA only activated the CRP‐cAMP regulon during late exponential phase. ChIP‐chip analysis revealed that StpA binds to PhoP‐dependent genes but not to most genes of the CRP‐cAMP and σ38 regulons. In fact, StpA indirectly regulates σ38‐dependent genes by enhancing σ38 turnover by repressing the anti‐adaptor protein rssC. We discovered that StpA is essential for the dynamic regulation of σ38 in response to increased glucose levels. Our findings identify StpA as a novel growth phase‐specific regulator that plays an important physiological role by linking σ38 levels to nutrient availability.
Ginsenosides Regulate PXR/NF-κB Signaling and Attenuate Dextran Sulfate Sodium–Induced Colitis

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) activation exhibits anti-inflammatory effects via repressing nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB); however, its overactivation may disrupt homeostasis of various enzymes and transporters. Here we found that ginsenosides restore PXR/NF-κB signaling in inflamed conditions without disrupting PXR function in normal conditions. The effects and mechanisms of ginsenosides in regulating PXR/NF-κB signals were determined both in vitro and in vivo. Ginsenosides significantly inhibited NF-κB activation and restored the expression of PXR target genes in tumor necrosis factor-α–stimulated LS174T cells. Despite not being PXR agonists, ginsenosides repressed NF-κB activation in a PXR-dependent manner. Ginsenosides significantly increased the physical association between PXR and the NF-κB p65 subunit and thereby decreased the nuclear translocation of p65. Ginsenoside Rb1 and compound K (CK) were major bioactive compounds in the regulating PXR/NF-κB signaling. Consistently, ginsenosides significantly attenuated dextran sulfate sodium–induced experimental colitis, which was associated with restored PXR/NF-κB signaling. This study indicates that ginsenosides may elicit anti-inflammatory effects via targeting PXR/NF-κB interaction without disrupting PXR function in healthy conditions. Ginsenoside Rb1 and CK may serve as leading compounds in the discovery of new drugs that target PXR/NF-κB interaction in therapy for inflammatory bowel disease.
Coronary calcification at electron-beam CT: effect of section thickness on calcium scoring in vitro and in vivo.

PURPOSE To compare the accuracy of electron-beam computed tomography (CT) with 3.0- and 1.5-mm section thickness for calcium quantification and the prevalence of coronary calcifications with each. MATERIALS AND METHODS Electron-beam CT images were acquired with nonoverlapping 1.5- and 3.0-mm section thickness. Scans were obtained in an anthropomorphic thorax phantom with calcium cylinders of different sizes and densities, as well as in 1,302 study participants. A calcified lesion was defined as a minimum of 2 pixels (area, 0.52 mm2) with a minimum attenuation of 130 HU. The calcified lesions were quantified by means of a volumetric method with isotropic interpolation. From the phantom scans, mean volume scores, SDs, and measurement variations were calculated. From the participant scans, median volume scores and interquartile ranges were calculated. Participants were classified in categories based on cutoff levels for volume score quartiles for the 1.5-mm scans. An intraclass correlation coefficient (kappa value) was calculated as a measure of correlation between categories. RESULTS In the phantom, deviations of calculated volumes from the true cylinder volumes and measurement variations were generally higher for the 3.0-mm protocol than for the 1.5-mm protocol. In the participants, the median volume score was 100 mm3 (interquartile range, 11-409 mm3) for the 3.0-mm protocol and 144 mm3 (interquartile range, 35-513 mm3) for the 1.5-mm protocol. Agreement between classifications of volume scores for the 1.5- and 3.0-mm scans was good (kappa = 0.62, P <.001). Compared with the quartile classification for the 1.5-mm scan, however, classifications for 370 (28%) participants were put in a different category with the 3.0-mm protocol. CONCLUSION In a phantom, electron-beam CT scans with 3.0-mm section thickness yield less accurate estimates of calcified volume than do 1.5-mm scans. Electron-beam CT protocols with thinner sections considerably affect classification of individuals on the basis of the amount of coronary calcification depicted.
Influence of proton pump inhibitors and VKORC1 mutations on CYP2C9‐mediated dose requirements of vitamin K antagonist therapy: a pilot study

Interindividual variations in dose requirements of oral vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are attributed to several factors, including genetic variant alleles of vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) and cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9), but also interaction with co‐medications. In this context, proton pump inhibitor (PPI)‐related alterations of VKA maintenance dose requirements have been published. The present investigation aimed to test for an interaction profile of oral VKA‐therapy and PPIs in relation to the CYP2C9 genotype. Median weekly stable VKA dose requirements over 1 year were recorded in 69 patients. Patients were genotyped for CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, VKORC1c. ‐1639G>A and VKORC1c.174‐136C>T and assessed for an association with PPI use and total VKA maintenance dose requirements. PPI users with CYP2C9 genetic variations required significantly lower weekly VKA maintenance doses than those with the wild‐type genotype (t‐test: P = 0·02). In contrast, in subjects without PPI use, the CYP2C9 genotype had no significant influence on oral VKA dose requirements. Further, the combined CYP2C9/VKORC1 genotype was a significant predictor for VKA dose requirements [linear regression: estimate: −1·47, standard error: 0·58 (P = 0·01)]. In conclusion, in carriers of CYP2C9 gene variations, the interference with the VKA metabolism is modified by PPI co‐medication and the VCKORC1 genotype. Preceding knowledge of the genetic profile and the awareness for potentially occurring severe over‐anticoagulation problems under PPI co‐medication could contribute to a safer and personalized VKA pharmacotherapy.
Human Nutrition and Metabolism Ingested Fat Oxidation Contributes 8 % of 24h Total Energy Expenditure in Moderately Obese Subjects 1 , 2

The role of ingested fat in the etiology of obesity is controversial. The aims of this study were to determine the contributions of ingested fat oxidation to: 1) 24-h total energy expenditure (TEE), and 2) substrate oxidation during acute stationary cycle exercises in adult humans. Healthy, moderately obese (n 18; BMI 31 1 kg/m) subjects (8 men; 10 women) were each studied in a whole-room calorimeter for 24 h. They were fed mixed meals (55, 30, and 15% as energy from carbohydrate, fat and protein, respectively) to maintain energy balance. Each subject performed 1255-kJ cycle exercises at 50% VO2max in the calorimeter. Study test meal fat was labeled with carbon-13 (C). Ingested fat oxidation was estimated from breath CO2 excretion and the subject’s chamber CO2 production. Total fat and carbohydrate oxidations were estimated from nonprotein respiratory quotient (NP-RQ) values. Endogenous fat oxidation was estimated as the difference between total fat and ingested fat oxidations. TEE was estimated from gas exchanges; 28 3% of ingested fat was oxidized and it provided 8 1% of 24-h TEE. During cycle exercises, ingested fat provided 50% of total fat oxidized and 13.0 2% of energy expended. Endogenous fat oxidation contributed 10.4 3% of energy expenditure during cycle exercises. This study extended to 24-h observations of previous studies that lasted 6–9 h on ingested fat oxidation in humans. Understanding the factors that promote ingested fat oxidation could lead to more effective obesity intervention programs. J. Nutr. 135: 2159–2165, 2005.
Distribution of GABA immunoreactivity in the cat retina: A light- and electron-microscopic study

Abstract The distribution of GABA-like immunoreactivity in the cat retina was studied through the use of preembedding immunocytochemistry for light microscopy and by postembedding immunogold techniques for electron microscopy. Staining was observed in both inner and outer plexiform layers. Approximately 30% of the somata in the amacrine portion of the inner nuclear layer were immunoreactive and included amacrine and interplexiform cells. Horizontal cells and a subpopulation of cone bipolar cells were also stained. In the ganglion cell layer, staining was observed in both small- and medium-sized neurons. GABA-labeled amacrine cells were presynaptic to somata of amacrine cells and to dendrites of amacrine, bipolar, and ganglion cells. Bipolar cells were a major target, receiving more than 60% of all labeled synapses in the inner plexiform layer. Many of these contacts were reciprocal synapses. These findings support a major role for GABA-labeled amacrines in providing feedback inhibition to bipolar cells in the inner retina.
Perspectives on treatment options for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis

Introduction: Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS) is a syndrome that is often refractory to drug treatment. The effects on specific syndromes are not currently available from the pre-marketing clinical development of new AEDs; this does not allow the prediction of whether new drugs will be more effective in the treatment of some patients. Areas covered: We have reviewed all the existing literature relevant to the understanding of a potential effectiveness in MTLE-HS patients for the latest AEDs, namely brivaracetam, eslicarbazepine, lacosamide, perampanel and retigabine also including the most relevant clinical data and a brief description of their pharmacological profile. Records were identified using predefined search criteria using electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, Cochrane Library Database of Systematic Reviews). Primary peer-reviewed articles published up to the 15 June 2015 were included. Expert opinion: All the drugs considered have the potential to be effective in the treatment of MTLE-HS; in fact, they possess proven efficacy in animal models; currently considered valuable tools for predicting drug efficacy in TLE. Furthermore, for some of these (e.g., lacosamide and eslicarbazepine) data are already available from post-marketing studies while brivaracetam acting on SV2A like levetiracetam might have the same potential effectiveness with the possibility to be more efficacious considering its ability to inhibit voltage gated sodium channels; finally, perampanel and retigabine are very effective drugs in animal models of TLE.
[Vitamin D intake in a representative sample of Spanish population aged 7-16 years. Differences in the contribution and in the food sources of the vitamin according to age].

BACKGROUND Vitamin D can play an important role in maintaining bone health and in the prevention of some diseases. Few foods are a natural source of vitamin D and these are not normally consumed, being the most common oily fish and yolk. AIM To analyze the intake and sources of vitamin D in schoolchildren aged 7-16 years. METHODS A representative sample of the Spanish population aged 7-16 years (n = 1,976) selected from ten Spanish provinces was studied. Dietary data were obtained by using a 3-day food record. The body weight and height were measured. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Mean vitamin D intake (1.63 (0.96-3.35) μg/day) was lower than the recommended intake (RI) in 85.4% of study participants and it was influenced by age (OR = 0.935; IC: 0.889-0.983; p < 0.01). The main sources of vitamin D were eggs (27.7%), followed by cereals (25.8%), fish (20.9%) and dairy products (12.7%). Additionally, it has been found that vitamin D RI can be adequately covered the greater the consumption of fish is (r = 0.734; p < 0.001). Thereby, an increase of one fish serving decreased a 72.5% the odds of not covering vitamin D RI. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D intake is lower than the recommended intake in a high percentage of the participants. Having into account that the contribution of vitamin D is mainly determined by fish, an increase in the consumption of this food group would be desirable. Young children merit special attention.
Characterization and classification of neonatal seizures

To characterize and classify neonatal seizures, we studied 349 neonates, using a portable, cribside EEG/ polygraphic/video monitoring system. We recorded 415 clinical seizures in 71 infants; 11 other infants had electrical seizure activity without clinical accompaniments. Each seizure was analyzed in terms of its clinical character and its relationship to the presence of EEG seizure activity. Focal clonic seizures, some forms of myoclonic seizures, and focal tonic seizures were consistently associated with electrical seizure activity. Most “subtle” seizures, all generalized tonic seizures, and some forms of myoclonic seizures were either not associated with EEG seizure activity or had an inconsistent relationship with such activity. Seizures that were consistently and coherently related to focal EEG seizure activity had a high correlation with focal brain lesions and a favorable short-term outcome. Seizures with no relationship or an inconsistent relationship to EEG seizure activity were correlated with diffuse processes such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and a poor short-term outcome. The clinical and background EEG features of infants whose seizures were not accompanied by EEG seizure activity suggest that these seizures may not be epileptic in character.
Trading Regeneration and Spectrum Utilization in Code-Rate Adaptive Flexi-Grid Networks

Introduced to improve the spectral efficiency, time-frequency packing technique allows the exploitation of different code rates, leading to different levels of spectral utilization and all-optical reach. To ensure quality of transmission of the optical signal, opto-electronic regeneration must be used to propagate the transmission beyond the maximum optical reach and can inherently offer conversion of spectrum and code rate. In this way, multiple code rates can be enabled in optical networks, leading to a flexible design in which spectrum utilization and regeneration can be properly optimized and traded. This paper addresses for the first time the joint problem of selecting the code rate, the regeneration nodes, the spectrum allocation and the route for the requested lightpaths in an optical network with a flexi-grid. A genetic algorithm is proposed that balances the contrasting objectives of minimizing the regeneration nodes and the spectrum utilization. Results show that when regeneration nodes are minimized, code-rate adaptation is able to reduce the regeneration nodes as well as the spectrum utilization with respect to rate-fixed optical networks. In general, a balance of the two contrasting objectives is preferred to achieve a low resource utilization.