Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Operator controlled device-to-device communications in LTE-advanced networks

This article studies direct communications between user equipments in the LTE-advanced cellular networks. Different from traditional device-to-device communication technologies such as Bluetooth and WiFi-direct, the operator controls the communication process to provide better user experience and make profit accordingly. The related usage cases and business models are analyzed. Some technical considerations are discussed, and a resource allocation and data transmission procedure is provided.
Developmental origin and identity of song system neurons born during vocal learning in songbirds

New neurons are added to the forebrain song control regions high vocal center (HVC) and Area X of juvenile songbirds but the identity and site of origin of these cells have not been fully characterized. We used oncoretroviral vectors to genetically label neuronal progenitors in different regions of the zebra finch lateral ventricle. A region corresponding to the mammalian medial and lateral ganglionic eminences generated medium spiny neurons found in Area X and in the striatum surrounding Area X, and at least two classes of interneurons found in HVC. In addition, our experiments indicate that the HVC projection neurons that project into nucleus robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA) are born locally from the ventricular region immediately dorsal to HVC. The ability to genetically target neuron subpopulations that give rise to different song system cell types provides a tool for specific genetic manipulations of these cell types. In addition, our results suggest striking similarities between neurogenesis in the embryonic mammalian brain and in the brain of the juvenile songbird and provide further evidence for the existence of conserved cell types in the forebrain for birds and mammals. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:202–214, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of concentration on the structure of isothermally-annealed CuZr metallic glasses

ABSTRACT To clarify the influence of isothermal annealing on CuxZr100-x (x = 36, 44, 50, 56, and 64) metallic glasses, the annealing process was conducted using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The local structure is analysed by means of the radial distribution functions, Voronoi tessellation and the nearest-neighbour correlation index, Cij. The results show that Cu-centered < 0 0 12 0 > and Zr-centered < 0 0 12 4 > dramatically increases after an isothermal annealing treatment and presents a strong tendency of being the nearest neighbour with each other, as the Cu concentration is over 50%. These two kinds of clusters are formed the Cu2Zr Laves phase which can be directly observed in the Cu-rich glasses.
Chemical stresses fail to mimic the unfolded protein response resulting from luminal load with unfolded polypeptides

The stress sensors ATF6, IRE1, and PERK monitor deviations from homeostatic conditions in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a protein biogenesis compartment of eukaryotic cells. Their activation elicits unfolded protein responses (UPR) to re-establish proteostasis. UPR have been extensively investigated in cells exposed to chemicals that activate ER stress sensors by perturbing calcium, N-glycans, or redox homeostasis. Cell responses to variations in luminal load with unfolded proteins are, in contrast, poorly characterized. Here, we compared gene and protein expression profiles in HEK293 cells challenged with ER stress–inducing drugs or expressing model polypeptides. Drug titration to limit up-regulation of the endogenous ER stress reporters heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 5 (BiP/HSPA5) and homocysteine-inducible ER protein with ubiquitin-like domain 1 (HERP/HERPUD1) to levels comparable with luminal accumulation of unfolded proteins substantially reduced the amplitude of both transcriptional and translational responses. However, these drug-induced changes remained pleiotropic and failed to recapitulate responses to ER load with unfolded proteins. These required unfolded protein association with BiP and induced a much smaller subset of genes participating in a chaperone complex that binds unfolded peptide chains. In conclusion, UPR resulting from ER load with unfolded proteins proceed via a well-defined and fine-tuned pathway, whereas even mild chemical stresses caused by compounds often used to stimulate UPR induce cellular responses largely unrelated to the UPR or ER-mediated protein secretion.
From Shortage to Surge: A Developmental Switch in Hippocampal–Prefrontal Coupling in a Gene–Environment Model of Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Cognitive deficits represent a major burden of neuropsychiatric disorders and result in part from abnormal communication within hippocampal–prefrontal circuits. While it has been hypothesized that this network dysfunction arises during development, long before the first clinical symptoms, experimental evidence is still missing. Here, we show that pre-juvenile mice mimicking genetic and environmental risk factors of disease (dual-hit GE mice) have poorer recognition memory that correlates with augmented coupling by synchrony and stronger directed interactions between prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The network dysfunction emerges already during neonatal development, yet it initially consists in a diminished hippocampal theta drive and consequently, a weaker and disorganized entrainment of local prefrontal circuits in discontinuous oscillatory activity in dual-hit GE mice when compared with controls. Thus, impaired maturation of functional communication within hippocampal–prefrontal networks switching from hypo- to hyper-coupling may represent a mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of cognitive deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Identification of Candida albicans regulatory genes governing mucosal infection

The fungus Candida albicans thrives on a variety of human mucosae, yet the fungal determinants that contribute to fitness on these surfaces remain underexplored. Here, by screening a collection of C. albicans deletion strains in a mouse model of oral infection (oropharyngeal candidiasis), we identify several novel regulatory genes that modulate the fitness of the fungus in this locale. We investigate in detail the interplay between the host mucosa and one of the identified mutants and establish that the C. albicans transcription regulator CUP9 is a key determinant of mucosal colonisation. Deletion of cup9 resulted in the formation of more foci of colonisation and heightened persistence in infected tongues. Furthermore, the cup9 mutant produced longer and denser filaments in the oral mucosa without eliciting an enhanced local immune response. Consistent with its role in oral colonisation, we show that CUP9's top target of regulation is a major effector of Candida's adherence to buccal cells. Finally, we establish that CUP9 also governs the interplay of the fungus with vaginal epithelial cells and has a role in vaginal infections, another common mucosal disease associated with Candida. Thus, our findings reveal a mechanism whereby C. albicans can regulate proliferation on mucosal surfaces.
An adaptive approach for elephant flow detection with the rapidly changing traffic in data center network

Software‐defined network, which separates control plane from the underlying physical devices, has the advantages of global visibility and high flexibility. Among the most typical applications in software‐defined network, there is significant interest on classifying flows, especially for elephant flow detection. Previous studies show that detecting and rerouting elephant flows (flows that transfer significant amount of data) effectively can lead to a 113% improvement in aggregate throughput compared with the traditional routing. However, the threshold of the existing detection approach was preconfigured without the consideration of the rapidly changing traffic in data center networks. This phenomenon could cause high detection error rate. To address this problem, we propose an adaptive approach for elephant flow detection, which could efficiently identify elephant flows with low latency and low overhead. Particularly, to meet the demands of the traffic characteristics in data center networks, dynamical traffic learning algorithm is adopted to configure the threshold value real timely and dynamically. Numerical results and experimental tests show that the mean error rate of detection is only 4.61% and the maximum number of packet‐in messages is minimum compared to other methods.
1.2% Rosuvastatin Versus 1.2% Atorvastatin Gel Local Drug Delivery and Redelivery in Treatment of Intrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are an important group of hypolipidemic drugs that are able to modulate inflammation and alveolar bone loss. Rosuvastatin (RSV) and atorvastatin (ATV) are known to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption and have been proposed to have osteostimulative properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 1.2% RSV and 1.2% ATV gel local drug delivery (LDD) and redelivery systems, in addition to scaling and root planing (SRP), for the treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). METHODS A total of 90 individuals with 90 IBDs was randomly allocated to treatment with SRP followed by LDD of 1.2% RSV, 1.2% ATV, or placebo gel. Clinical and radiographic parameters, including plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and IBD depth, were recorded at baseline and 6 and 9 months. RESULTS All three groups showed significant reduction in PI and mSBI at all intervals. Mean mSBI and PD reductions, CAL gain, and IBD depth reduction with statin drugs were significantly greater than with placebo gel LDD. Improvements in these parameters were significantly greater with RSV LDD than ATV or placebo gels at 6 and 9 months. CONCLUSION LDD of 1.2% RSV results in significantly greater clinico-radiographic improvement than 1.2% ATV or placebo gels as adjunct to mechanical periodontal therapy.
A Scientific Look at the Design of Aesthetically and Emotionally Engaging Interactive Entertainment Experiences

The interactive entertainment industry has become a multi-billion dollar industry with revenues overcoming those of the movie industry (ESA, 2009). Beyond the demand for high fidelity graphics or stylized imagery, participants in these environments have come to expect certain aesthetic and artistic qualities that engage them at a very deep emotional level. These qualities pertain to the visual aesthetic, dramatic structure, pacing, and sensory systems embedded within the experience. All these qualities are carefully crafted by the creator of the interactive experience to evoke affect. In this book chapter, we will attempt to discuss the design techniques developed by artists to craft such emotionally engaging experiences. In addition, we take a scientific approach whereby we discuss case studies of the use of these design techniques and experiments that attempt to validate their use in stimulating emotions.
Are Adolescents with Internet Addiction Prone to Aggressive Behavior? The Mediating Effect of Clinical Comorbidities on the Predictability of Aggression in Adolescents with Internet Addiction

Previous studies have reported associations between aggression and Internet addiction disorder (IAD), which has also been linked with anxiety, depression, and impulsiveness. However, the causal relationship between aggression and IAD has thus far not been clearly demonstrated. This study was designed to (a) examine the association between aggression and IAD and (b) investigate the mediating effects of anxiety, depression, and impulsivity in cases in which IAD predicts aggression or aggression predicts IAD. A total of 714 middle school students in Seoul, South Korea, were asked to provide demographic information and complete the Young's Internet Addiction Test (Y-IAT), the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Conners-Wells Adolescent Self-Report Scale. Three groups were identified based on the Y-IAT: the usual user group (n=487, 68.2%), the high-risk group (n=191, 26.8%), and the Internet addiction group (n=13, 1.8%). The data revealed a linear association between aggression and IAD such that one variable could be predicted by the other. According to the path analysis, the clinical scales (BAI, BDI, and CASS) had partial or full mediating effects on the ability of aggression to predict IAD, but the clinical scales had no mediating effect on the ability of IAD to predict aggression. The current findings suggest that adolescents with IAD seem to have more aggressive dispositions than do normal adolescents. If more aggressive individuals are clinically prone to Internet addiction, early psychiatric intervention may contribute to the prevention of IAD.
A DISK-BASED DYNAMICAL CONSTRAINT ON THE MASS OF THE YOUNG BINARY DQ TAU

We present new Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of CO J = 2−1 line emission from the DQ Tau circumbinary disk. These data are used to tomographically reconstruct the Keplerian disk velocity field in a forward-modeling inference framework, and thereby provide a dynamical constraint on the mass of the DQ Tau binary of M * = 1.27 − 0.27 + 0.46 M ⊙ ? > . Those results are compared with an updated and improved orbital solution for this double-lined system based on long-term monitoring of its stellar radial velocities. Both of these independent dynamical constraints on the binary mass are in excellent agreement: taken together, they demonstrate that the DQ Tau system mass is 1.21 ± 0.26 M⊙ and that the disk and binary orbital planes are aligned within 3° (at 3σ confidence). The predictions of various theoretical models for pre-main-sequence stellar evolution are also consistent with these masses, though more detailed comparisons are difficult due to lingering uncertainties regarding the photospheric properties of the individual components. DQ Tau is the third, nearly equal-mass, double-lined spectroscopic binary with a circumbinary disk that has been dynamically “weighed” with these two independent techniques: all show consistent results, validating the overall accuracy of the disk-based approach and demonstrating that it can be robustly applied to large samples of young, single stars as ALMA ramps up to operations at full capacity.
A Noise-Power-Area Optimized Biosensing Front End for Wireless Body Sensor Nodes and Medical Implantable Devices

In this paper, we present a noise, power, and area efficient biosensing front-end application specified integrated circuit (ASIC) for the next-generation wireless body sensor nodes and implantable devices. We identify the key design parameter tradeoffs in the biomedical recording systems and carry out a thorough analysis and optimization to maximize them. Based on our analysis and optimization of the front end, we propose a design methodology for the recording channel that is applicable to various biomedical applications. The ASIC is implemented in a 0.18-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> CMOS process to validate our optimization methodology. The ASIC is reconfigurable to accommodate various biopotentials with the high-pass and low-pass cutoff frequencies being 0.5–300 Hz and 150 Hz–10 kHz, respectively. The low-pass cutoff is provided by an ultralow power <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$G_{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${C}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> low-pass filter, which also acts as an antialiasing filter for the switching-optimized 10-b successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The analog front end (AFE) gain is also programmable from 38 to 72 dB. A comprehensive power management unit provides the power supply, multiple reference voltages, and bias currents to the entire chip. The AFE and ADC dissipate only <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$5.74~\mu \text{W}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and 306 nW from the on-chip regulators, respectively. The measured input-referred noise is <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2.98~\mu \text{V}_{{\text {rms}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, resulting in the noise efficiency factor and power efficiency factor equals 2.6 and 9.46, respectively. The active area of the AFE is 0.0228 mm<sup>2</sup>. We verify the chip functionality in a number of <italic>in vivo</italic> and <italic>ex vivo</italic> biological experiments.
Expression and dimerization of the rat activin subunits C and E: evidence for the formation of novel activin dimers

Activins are cytokines of the transforming growth factor β family, which plays a central role in the determination of cell fate and the regulation of tissue balance. Family members are composed of two subunits and this dimerization is critical for liganding their cognate receptors and execution of proper functions. In the current study we focused on the localization of activin βA, βB, βC and βE subunits in the adult rat and analyzed the composition of putative activin β dimers. By dissecting tissue distribution of various activins, we found that the liver, in particular the hepatocytes, is the major source for activin βC and βE transcripts, since other tissues almost failed to express these isoforms. In sharp contrast, the emergence of activin βA and βB appeared ubiquitous. Using a highly selective proteome approach, we were able to identify homoas well as heterodimers of individual activin subunits, indicating a high redundancy of ligand composition. Certainly, this broad potential to homoand heterodimerize has to be considered in future studies on activin function. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology (2002) 28, 137–148
Low-impedance Baseline Values Predict Severe Esophagitis

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine whether esophageal baseline impedance (BI) values in children could be predictive of esophagitis. Materials and Methods: Multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) tracings of children 3 to 17 years of age suspected of having gastroesophageal reflux and esophagitis, who had also undergone upper endoscopy with multiple esophageal biopsies, were reviewed. Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis were excluded. Esophagitis was assessed by macroscopic and microscopic parameters. Esophageal histology was reported by 2 blinded independent pathologists unaware of the MII results. Mean BI was automatically calculated in the different MII channels (ch) by the specific software without removing any episode of increased/decreased BI. BI results were plotted against macroscopic and histological scores for each channel. Results: Tracings of 87 children, 53 boys, were evaluated. Mean age was 7.4 years: 45 had histologic esophagitis, 8 macroscopic. Histologic mild esophagitis (grade 1) was observed in 30, and 15 had moderate to severe esophagitis (grade 2–3). Ten had grade 3 esophagitis. Eight had macroscopic esophagitis as well. Results: in channel 6 of the MII, all 10 patients with grade 3 esophagitis and the 8 with macroscopic esophagitis had a BI <900 &OHgr;/s (positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 100%), whereas none of those having a biopsy score of 0 to 2 or no endoscopic evidence of esophagitis had a mean BI below 2000 &OHgr;/s. Conclusions: The evaluation of the BI measured in channel 6 gave us 100% prediction of grade 3 and macroscopic esophagitis. BI on channel 6 may be useful to predict severe esophageal mucosa inflammation and could potentially be used for follow-up evaluation, rather than repeating an upper endoscopy. In addition, it would seem that grade 3 esophagitis even in the absence of macroscopic esophagitis affects the integrity of the esophageal epithelium.
Symmetry‐Directed Self‐Assembly of a Tetrahedral Protein Cage Mediated by de Novo‐Designed Coiled Coils

The organization of proteins into new hierarchical forms is an important challenge in synthetic biology. However, engineering new interactions between protein subunits is technically challenging and typically requires extensive redesign of protein–protein interfaces. We have developed a conceptually simple approach, based on symmetry principles, that uses short coiled‐coil domains to assemble proteins into higher‐order structures. Here, we demonstrate the assembly of a trimeric enzyme into a well‐defined tetrahedral cage. This was achieved by genetically fusing a trimeric coiled‐coil domain to its C terminus through a flexible polyglycine linker sequence. The linker length and coiled‐coil strength were the only parameters that needed to be optimized to obtain a high yield of correctly assembled protein cages.
Conserved Surface Residues on the Feline Calicivirus Capsid Are Essential for Interaction with Its Receptor Feline Junctional Adhesion Molecule A (fJAM-A)

ABSTRACT Host cell surface receptors are required for attachment, binding, entry, and infection by nonenveloped viruses. Receptor binding can induce conformational changes in the viral capsid and/or the receptor that couple binding with downstream events in the virus life cycle (intracellular signaling, endocytosis and trafficking, and membrane penetration). Virus-receptor interactions also influence viral spread and pathogenicity. The interaction between feline calicivirus (FCV) and its receptor, feline junctional adhesion molecule A (fJAM-A), on host cells is required for infection and induces irreversible, inactivating conformational changes in the capsid of some viral strains. Cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of FCV bound to fJAM-A showed several possible virus-receptor interactions. However, the specific residues on the viral capsid required for binding are not known. Capsid residues that may be involved in postbinding events have been implicated by isolation of soluble receptor-resistant (srr) mutants in which changes in the capsid protein sequence change the capacity of such srr mutants to be inactivated upon incubation with soluble fJAM-A. To clarify which residues on the surface of FCV are required for its interaction with fJAM-A and to potentially identify residues required for postreceptor binding events, we used the existing atomic-resolution structures of FCV and the FCV-fJAM-A cryo-EM structures to select 14 capsid residues for mutation and preparation of recombinant viral capsids. Using this approach, we identified residues on the FCV capsid that are required for fJAM-A binding and other residues that are not required for binding but are required for infection that are likely important for subsequent postbinding events. IMPORTANCE Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common cause of mild upper respiratory disease in cats. Some FCV isolates can cause virulent systemic disease. The genetic determinants of virulence for FCV are unknown. We previously found that virulent FCV isolates have faster in vitro growth kinetics than less virulent isolates. Differences in viral growth in vitro may correlate with differences in virulence. Here, we investigated the roles of specific FCV capsid residues on the receptor-virus interaction and viral growth in vitro. We show that the capsid protein genes of the virulent FCV-5 isolate determine its faster in vitro growth kinetics compared to those of the nonvirulent FCV-Urbana infectious clone. We also identified residues on the capsid VP1 protein that are important for receptor binding or for steps subsequent to receptor binding. Our data provide further insight into the specific molecular interactions between fJAM-A and the FCV capsid that regulate binding and infectious entry.