Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A small plasmid, pCA2.4, from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 encodes a rep protein and replicates by a rolling circle mechanism

Different cryptic plasmids are widely distributed in many strains of cyanobacteria. A small cryptic plasmid, pCA2.4, from Synechocystis strain PCC 6803 was completely sequenced, and its replication mode was determined. pCA2.4 contained 2,378 bp and encoded a replication (Rep) protein, designated RepA. An analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed that RepA of pCA2.4 has significant homology with Rep proteins of pKYM from Shigella sonnei, a pUB110 plasmid family from gram-positive bacteria, and with a protein corresponding to an open reading frame in a Nostoc plasmid and open reading frame C of Plectonema plasmid pRF1. pKYM and pUB110 family plasmids replicate by a rolling circle mechanism in which a Rep protein nicks the origin of replication to allow the generation of a single-stranded plasmid as a replication intermediate. RepA encoded by pC2.4 was expressed in Escherichia coli cells harboring a vector, pCRP336, containing the entire repA gene. The observed molecular weight of RepA was consistent with the value of 39,200 calculated from its deduced amino acid sequence, as was the N-terminal sequence analysis done through the 12th residue. Single-stranded plasmid DNA of pCA2.4 that was specifically degraded by S1 nuclease was detected in Synechocystis cells by Southern hybridization. These observations suggest that pCA2.4 replicates by a rolling circle mechanism in Synechocystis cells.
Depth-based 3D hand pose tracking

In this paper, we propose two new approaches using the Convolution Neural Network (CNN) and the Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) for tracking 3D hand poses. The first approach is a detection based algorithm while the second is a data driven method. Our first contribution is a new tracking-by-detection strategy extending the CNN based single frame detection method to a multiple frame tracking approach by taking into account prediction history using RNN. Our second contribution is the use of RNN to simulate the fitting of a 3D model to the input data. It helps to relax the need of a carefully designed fitting function and optimization algorithm. With such strategies, we show that our tracking frameworks can automatically correct the fail detection made in previous frames due to occlusions. Our proposed method is evaluated on two public hand datasets, i.e. NYU and ICVL, and compared against other recent hand tracking methods. Experimental results show that our approaches achieve the state-of-the-art accuracy and efficiency in the challenging problem of 3D hand pose estimation.
The effect of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) gel 3% in decreasing hair thickness in idiopathic mild to moderate hirsutism, A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND Hirsutism is a common symptom presenting to primary care endocrinologists, gynecologists, and dermatologists. Management is usually a long and troublesome process. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of fennel topical gel on mild to moderate idiopathic hirsutism. METHODS The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out from 2009 to 2011, in Sari, Iran. Forty four women with mild to moderate idiopathic hirsutism were randomly divided to case and control groups, each group included 22 cases. The case group received fennel gel 3% and the control group received placebo. The effect of fennel gel 3% was defined as reduction of thickness of facial hair in micrometer by microscope in comparison with placebo. Measurements were performed at zero time and 24 weeks after treatment. This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial (www.irct.ir) with registration number 138901213672N1. RESULTS The mean age of patients was 26.9±6.7 and 25.6±4.3 years in case and control groups, respectively. Hair thickness was similar between the two groups before intervention. The hair thickness reduced from 97.9±31.5 to 75.6±26.7 micron in patients receiving fennel gel after 24 weeks (P<0.001). Four patients complained of itching (3 in case group) and 4 patients complained of irritation and itching (3 in case group). However, this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION The study indicated that fennel gel 3% is effective in decreasing hair thickness in women with idiopathic mild to moderate hirsutism.
Improving battery charging performance by using sinusoidal current charging with the minimum AC impedance frequency

This paper aims to explore the optimal charging frequency of the LiFePO4 battery by the analysis of the AC impedance. The experiments show that the optimal charging frequency is at the minimum AC impedance frequency ƒZmin. In such a condition, the LiFePO4 battery charging time and charging efficiency are improved about 5.6% and 6.8%, respectively. In addition, the increased temperature of the battery can be slowed down about 6.3°C, the aging phenomenon of the LiFePO4 battery can be reduced, and then the battery life cycle can be prolonged.
AR Feels “Softer” than VR: Haptic Perception of Stiffness in Augmented versus Virtual Reality

Does it feel the same when you touch an object in Augmented Reality (AR) or in Virtual Reality (VR)? In this paper we study and compare the haptic perception of stiffness of a virtual object in two situations: (1) a purely virtual environment versus (2) a real and augmented environment. We have designed an experimental setup based on a Microsoft HoloLens and a haptic force-feedback device, enabling to press a virtual piston, and compare its stiffness successively in either Augmented Reality (the virtual piston is surrounded by several real objects all located inside a cardboard box) or in Virtual Reality (the same virtual piston is displayed in a fully virtual scene composed of the same other objects). We have conducted a psychophysical experiment with 12 participants. Our results show a surprising bias in perception between the two conditions. The virtual piston is on average perceived stiffer in the VR condition compared to the AR condition. For instance, when the piston had the same stiffness in AR and VR, participants would select the VR piston as the stiffer one in 60% of cases. This suggests a psychological effect as if objects in AR would feel “softer” than in pure VR. Taken together, our results open new perspectives on perception in AR versus VR, and pave the way to future studies aiming at characterizing potential perceptual biases.
Importance Sampling and the Cyclic Approach

The method of importance sampling is widely used for efficient rare-event simulation of stochastic systems. This method involves simulating the system under a new distribution that accentuates the probability along the most likely paths to the rare event. Traditionally, insights from large deviations theory are used to identify the distribution emphasizing these most likely paths. In this paper we develop an intuitive cyclic approach for selecting such a distribution. The key idea is to select a distribution under which the event of interest is no longer rare and the probability of occurrence of a cycle in any sample path remains equal to the original probability of that cycle. We show that only an exponentially twisted distribution can satisfy this equiprobable cycle condition. Using this approach we provide an elementary derivation of the asymptotically optimal change of measure for level crossing probability for Markov-additive processes. To demonstrate its ease of use for more complex stochastic systems, we apply it to determine the asymptotically optimal change of measure for estimating buffer overflow probability of a single-server queue subject to server interruptions.
Power Allocation for MMSE Feedback Precoder on Multi-Antenna Broadcast Channels

In this paper, we study the minimum-mean-squared- error feedback precoder (MMSE-FBP) for the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) Gaussian broadcast channel (BC). It has recently been shown that MMSE-FBP can achieve higher sum capacity than zero-forcing and MMSE precoders, however, it still leaves a gap to the MIMO BC sum capacity. We propose two new schemes involving dynamic power allocation among users. These new schemes build on top of the MMSE-FBP structure and are able to achieve the MIMO BC sum capacity. We also discuss how our new schemes compare with an existing one and demonstrate how the transmitter and receivers can be simplified if the system is operating in mid to high SNR region.
A portable network traffic analyzer

Embedded system is known for its limitation in terms of processing power, memory, and power consumption. Incorporating solution into an embedded system, which requires optimum usage of these limitation, is thus a challenge. The aim of this study is to see how Embedded Linux could cope with those limitations in producing reliable embedded web-based traffic monitoring system. The approach to the study is to adopt a low-end embedded Linux platform and develop a network traffic monitoring system which runs on the platform. Among the functionalities incorporated include capturing and storing network packet information into files, analyzing data statistically and displaying minimal statistical data as well as sending data files through TCP/IP connection to the web based monitoring system. This paper will describe the architectural design and implementation of the network monitoring system. Interesting enough the system proved to be competent, where it manages to provide useful reliable information within its limitation.
Port isolation enhancement of a dual polarized rectangular dielectric resonator antenna

In this paper isolation enhancement of a dual polarized dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is explored by feed modification. At first, we have designed a dual polarized DRA employing two orthogonal microstrip lines directly underneath the DRA to couple the energy from microstrip lines to DRA. Port isolation of −21 dB has been noticed at resonant frequency of 6.55 GHz for this configuration. To improve the port isolation, we have made microstrip to probe transition at the side of the DRA. For this modified configuration port isolation of −27 dB has been observed. The probes can be considered as a vertical electric current source. The probes should be placed in such a way, maximum energy couples from probes to the DRA. The proposed antenna offers peak gain of 6 dBi at the resonant frequency.
Characterization of Growth Hormone Resistance in Experimental and Ulcerative Colitis

Growth hormone (GH) resistance may develop as a consequence of inflammation during conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, encompassing ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the specific role of the GH–insulin growth factor (IGF)-1-axis and/or the functional consequences of GH resistance in this condition are unclear. In situ hybridization targeting the GH receptor (GHR) and relevant transcriptional analyses were performed in patients with UC and in IL-10 knock-out mice with piroxicam accelerated colitis (PAC). Using cultured primary epithelial cells, the effects of inflammation on the molecular mechanisms governing GH resistance was verified. Also, the therapeutic potential of GH on mucosal healing was tested in the PAC model. Inflammation induced intestinal GH resistance in UC and experimental colitis by down-regulating GHR expression and up-regulating suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins. These effects are driven by pro-inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6) as confirmed using primary epithelial cells. Treatment of experimental colitis with GH increased IGF-1 and body weight of the mice, but had no effects on colonic inflammation or mucosal healing. The high transcriptional similarity between UC and experimental colitis accentuates the formation of intestinal GH resistance during inflammation. Inflammation-induced GH resistance not only impairs general growth but induces a state of local resistance, which potentially impairs the actions of GH on mucosal healing during colitis when using long-acting GH therapy.
Sources of Health Insurance and Characteristics of the Uninsured: Analysis of the March 2000 Current Population Survey

This Issue Brief provides summary data on the insured and uninsured populations in the nation and in each state. It discusses the characteristics most closely related to an individual's health insurance status. Based on EBRI estimates from the March 2000 Current Population Survey (CPS), it represents 1999 data--the most recent available. In 1999, for the first time since at least 1987, the percentage of Americans with health insurance increased: 82.5 percent of nonelderly Americans (under age 65) were covered by some form of health insurance, up from 81.6 percent in 1998. The percentage of nonelderly Americans without health insurance coverage declined from 18.4 percent in 1998 to 17.5 percent in 1999. The main reason for the decline in the number of uninsured Americans is the strong economy and low unemployment. Between 1998 and 1999, the percentage of nonelderly Americans covered by employment-based health insurance increased from 64.9 percent to 65.8 percent, continuing a longer-term trend that started between 1993 and 1994. In 1999, 34.1 million Americans received health insurance from public programs, and an additional 15.8 million purchased it directly from an insurer. Twenty-five million Americans participated in the Medicaid program, and 6.5 million received their health insurance through the Tricare and CHAMPVA programs and other government programs designed to provide coverage for retired military members and their families. Despite expansions in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP), public health insurance coverage did not increase overall between 1998 and 1999. The percentage of nonelderly Americans covered by Medicaid and other government-sponsored health insurance coverage did not change between 1998 and 1999, though some children benefited from expansions in government-funded programs. The percentage of children in families just above the poverty level without health insurance coverage declined dramatically, from 27.2 percent uninsured in 1998 to 19.7 percent uninsured in 1999. Some of the decline can be attributed to expansions in Medicaid and S-CHIP, but it appears that expansions in employment-based health insurance and individually purchased coverage had an even larger effect than expansion of S-CHIP. Even though the number and percentage of uninsured declined substantially between 1998 and 1999, more than 42 million Americans remain uninsured. As long as the economy is strong and unemployment is low, employment-based health insurance coverage will expand and the uninsured will decline gradually. If the economy continues to soften or comes close to a recession, the number of uninsured would easily and quickly start to increase again as unemployment rises. Should a severe downturn in the economy occur, causing the uninsured to represent 25 percent of the nonelderly population, 63 million Americans would be uninsured.
Induction of HSP70 gene expression by the antiproliferative prostaglandin PGA2: a growth-dependent response mediated by activation of heat shock transcription factor

Prostaglandins (PG) of the A series are potent inhibitors of cell proliferation. Recently, it was shown that PGA2-induced growth arrest was associated with the increased synthesis of stress proteins encoded by the HSP70 gene family. In this study, we have examined the molecular basis for this increases HSP70 expression. Northern (RNA) blot analysis and nuclear run-on assays demonstrated that induction of high levels of HSP70 mRNA results from an increase in the rate of transcription. High-level induction is specific to the HSP70 family of heat shock proteins and is rapid, reversible, dose dependent, and specific for PGs capable of growth-arresting HeLa cells. In addition, the response was found to be highly dependent on the growth state of the cells, as induction occurs in growing but not in confluent nongrowing cell populations. Induction is dependent on the activation of heat shock factor. Cycloheximide pretreatment, which inhibits the antiproliferative effects of PGA2, prevents activation of the heat shock factor and induction of HSP70 mRNA by PGA2. These results support a role for HSP70 in mediating the antiproliferative effects of PGA2.
Hedonic Price Models for Dynamic Markets

The price of a product depends on its characteristics and will vary in dynamic markets. The model describes a processing firm that bids in an auction for a heterogeneous and perishable input. The reduced form of this model is estimated as an expanded random parameter model that combines a nonlinear hedonic bid function and inverse input demand functions for characteristics. The model was estimated by using 289,405 transactions from the Icelandic fish auctions. Total catch and gut ratio were the main determinants of marginal prices of characteristics, while the price of cod mainly depended on size, gutting and storage.
Finite Element/Infinite Element Method for Acoustic Scattering Problem

The acoustic scattering problem is solved and an example is calculated using the finite element/infinite element method. Firstly, the surface velocity is obtained by the incidence acoustic wave and the characteristic of structure. Then the surface pressure is solved using the finite element/infinite element method. Lastly, the frequency of the incidence acoustic wave changes for the error of this method. This problem can be solved by finite element/infinite element method efficiently. Furthermore, the solving error is relatively low in a large frequency range.
Feature selection for intrusion detection system

Intrusion detection is an important task for network operators in today’s Internet. Traditional network intrusion detection systems rely on either specialized signatures of previously seen attacks, or on labeled traffic datasets that are expensive and difficult to reproduce for user-profiling to hunt out network attacks. Machine learning methods could be used in this area since they could get knowledge from signatures or as normal-operation profiles. However, there is usually a large volume of data in intrusion detection systems, for both features and instances. Feature selection can be used to optimize the classifiers used to identify attacks by removing redundant or irrelevant features while improving the quality. In this thesis, six feature selection algorithms are developed, and their application to intrusion detection is evaluated. They are: Cascading Fuzzy C Means Clustering and C4.5 Decision Tree Classification Algorithm, New Evidence Accumulation Ensemble with Hierarchical Clustering Algorithm, Modified Mutual Information-based Feature Selection Algorithm, Mutual Information-based Feature Grouping Algorithm, Feature Grouping by Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering Algorithm, and Online Streaming Feature Selection Algorithm. All algorithms are evaluated on the KDD 99 dataset, the most widely used data set for the evaluation of anomaly detection methods, and are compared with other algorithms. The potential application of these algorithms beyond intrusion detection is also examined and discussed.
Components of Customer Retention Strategy in Mobile Telephone Industry in Malaysia: Structural Equation Modeling (Sem)

This paper seeks to confirm underlying components of Customer Retention Strategy in mobile phone services. The study adopted structural equation modeling to analyze the factors that constitute customer retention strategy. The study utilized 250 valid questionnaires administered to respondents at the International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Random sampling with the basic criteria of respondents being 18 years and above using mobile phone services was adopted. The respondents included University staff academic and non-academic, students of various levels ranging from bachelor’s, through master’s and doctor of philosophy in various faculties and departments. The study found out that relational investment, solidarity, customer trust and satisfaction are key components of Customer Retention Strategy.
Early life exposure to cigarette smoke and depressive symptoms among women in midlife.

INTRODUCTION Active cigarette smoking has consistently been associated with depression, but little is known about the association between other cigarette smoke exposures, particularly in early life, and depression. We investigated whether exposures to maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSP) and childhood secondhand smoke (SHS) are associated with depressive symptoms in midlife. METHODS Pregnant mothers were enrolled and were provided data on maternal smoking and other parental characteristics. Female offspring were followed through age 7 years and again in midlife (age range = 38-44 years), when they provided data on smoking history, SHS across the life course, and current depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). RESULTS Participants exposed to MSP had a higher risk for depression (risk ratio [RR] = 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08, 3.09) than those without MSP exposure. Relative to those with no MSP and no childhood SHS exposures, participants with MSP and childhood SHS had more than twice the risk of depressive symptoms (RR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.07, 5.41). Further adjustment for adult factors, particularly current smoking, substantially reduced these associations (e.g., MSP vs. no MSP exposure: RR = 1.36 [95% CI = 0.75, 2.45]). CONCLUSIONS Early life exposure to cigarette smoke is associated with increased risk for depression in midlife, with the association largely mediated by active smoking. These findings support a role for early life cigarette exposures in shaping smoking and depression risks in later life, and they provide some support for the direction of smoke exposure influence on depression.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells: Linking Inflammation and Cancer 1

Many cancer immunotherapies developed in experimental animals have been tested in clinical trials. Although some have shown modest clinical effects, most have not been effective. Recent studies have identified myeloid-origin cells that are potent suppressors of tumor immunity and therefore a significant impediment to cancer immunotherapy. “Myeloid-derived suppressor cells” (MDSC) accumulate in the blood, lymph nodes, and bone marrow and at tumor sites in most patients and experimental animals with cancer and inhibit both adaptive and innate immunity. MDSC are induced by tumor-secreted and host-secreted factors, many of which are proinflammatory molecules. The induction of MDSC by proinflammatory mediators led to the hypothesis that inflammation promotes the accumulation of MDSC that down-regulate immune surveillance and antitumor immunity, thereby facilitating tumor growth. This article reviews the characterization and suppressive mechanisms used by MDSC to block tumor immunity and describes the mechanisms by which inflammation promotes tumor progression through the induction of MDSC.