Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of total systemic arterial compliance in humans.

Systemic arterial compliance, a major component of aortic input impedance, was determined in 10 patients with congestive heart failure secondary to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and 11 age-matched control subjects found free of detectable cardiovascular disease. Total arterial compliance was determined from high-fidelity ascending aortic pressure and velocity recordings using 1) the traditional monoexponential aortic diastolic pressure decay and 2) the direct solution of the equation, which describes the three-element windkessel model of the arterial system. Resting values for total arterial compliance (x10(-3) cm5/dyn) derived from method 1 were significantly correlated with compliance derived from method 2 (r = 0.89, P less than 0.01). However, method 1 values (control mean 1.15 +/- 0.27, heart failure mean 1.18 +/- 0.54) were consistently and significantly lower (P less than 0.001) than method 2 values (control mean 1.59 +/- 0.50, heart failure mean 1.38 +/- 0.60). Resting total arterial compliance in heart-failure patients was not significantly different from control subjects. Total arterial compliance did not significantly change with exercise in either group despite increases in arterial pressure. However, nitroprusside administration in the heart-failure group increased total arterial compliance both at rest and on exercise compared with the unmedicated state. These different methodological approaches to the estimation of total arterial compliance in humans resulted in significantly different absolute values for compliance, although both methods provided concordant results with respect to the response of arterial compliance to physiological and pharmacological interventions. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cross-Layer Random Access and Channel Assignment for Uplink Broadband Wireless System

Multi-carrier OFDM-CDMA has a range of advantages that make it ideal for high data rate wireless access system. In this paper, a cross-layer multi-service random access and channel assignment approach is proposed for the uplink communication of the mm wavelength multi-carrier OFDM-CDMA BWA system. The OFDM-CDMA solution and the iterative interference cancellation and detection are applied at the system's physical layer to support multi-user multi-service capabilities and to improve the robustness against the flat and frequency selective fading. The proposed scheme grants the uplink random access connections and allocates the radio resources to the active multiservice subscriber stations by using the cooperation between base station and subscriber stations, as well as the diversities in spreading codes, subcarriers, time in OFDM symbols, and time division multiplex. A MAC protocol and its connection and channel assignment procedures are described. Numeric simulations of the uplink BWA system with the proposed random access and channel assignment scheme are carried out to evaluate the system's performance.
para-Aminosalicylic Acid Is a Prodrug Targeting Dihydrofolate Reductase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis♦

Background: PAS is an antimycobacterial whose mechanism(s) of action remains elusive. Results: PAS is incorporated into the folate pathway by DHPS-DHFS, generating an anti-metabolite. DHFS and RibD are associated with PAS resistance. Conclusion: Hydroxyl dihydrofolate inhibits DHFR. folC and ribD are drug target genes for identification of clinical PAS resistance. Significance: Metabolite analog incorporation into essential biosynthetic pathways is promising for developing antibacterials. para-Aminosalicylic acid (PAS) is one of the antimycobacterial drugs currently used for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Although it has been in clinical use for over 60 years, its mechanism(s) of action remains elusive. Here we report that PAS is a prodrug targeting dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) through an unusual and novel mechanism of action. We provide evidences that PAS is incorporated into the folate pathway by dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) and dihydrofolate synthase (DHFS) to generate a hydroxyl dihydrofolate antimetabolite, which in turn inhibits DHFR enzymatic activity. Interestingly, PAS is recognized by DHPS as efficiently as its natural substrate para-amino benzoic acid. Chemical inhibition of DHPS or mutation in DHFS prevents the formation of the antimetabolite, thereby conferring resistance to PAS. In addition, we identified a bifunctional enzyme (riboflavin biosynthesis protein (RibD)), a putative functional analog of DHFR in a knock-out strain. This finding is further supported by the identification of PAS-resistant clinical isolates encoding a RibD overexpression mutation displaying cross-resistance to genuine DHFR inhibitors. Our findings reveal that a metabolite of PAS inhibits DHFR in the folate pathway. RibD was shown to act as a functional analog of DHFR, and as for DHFS, both were shown to be associated in PAS resistance in laboratory strains and clinical isolates.
Nucleic Acids Research

ABSIRACT Programs have been developed that will accurately display restriction enzyme maps, open translational reading frames and the results of specific searches on a high resolution graphics terminal (Retrographics VT640). Many of our earlier programs have been upgraded to allow online access to GENBANK, the NIH data bank of DNA sequences and also to deal with sequences of any length. Progress has also been made in the automation of the DNA assembly programs.
Wireless scheduling with power control

We consider the scheduling of arbitrary wireless links in the physical model of interference to minimize the time for satisfying all requests. We study here the combined problem of scheduling and power control, where we seek both an assignment of power settings and a partition of the links so that each set satisfies the signal-to-interference-plus-noise (SINR) constraints. We give an algorithm that attains an approximation ratio of O(log n ċ log log Δ), where n is the number of links and Δ is the ratio between the longest and the shortest link length. Under the natural assumption that lengths are represented in binary, this gives the first approximation ratio that is polylogarithmic in the size of the input. The algorithm has the desirable property of using an oblivious power assignment, where the power assigned to a sender depends only on the length of the link. We give evidence that this dependence on Δ is unavoidable, showing that any reasonably behaving oblivious power assignment results in a Ω(log log Δ)-approximation. These results hold also for the (weighted) capacity problem of finding a maximum (weighted) subset of links that can be scheduled in a single time slot. In addition, we obtain improved approximation for a bidirectional variant of the scheduling problem, give partial answers to questions about the utility of graphs for modeling physical interference, and generalize the setting from the standard 2-dimensional Euclidean plane to doubling metrics. Finally, we explore the utility of graph models in capturing wireless interference.
A Dynamic and Self-Adaptive Network Security Policy Realization Mechanism

Using high-level security policy rules to regulate low-level system, the security management system with a high level of expansibility and flexibility was made. For purpose of managing network security policy duly and flexibly in the complex network environment, and resolving its issue efficiency, a dynamic and self-adaptive security policy realization mechanism is proposed. The accident monitor and policy life-cycle are put forward, and the impact of safety equipment or user requests, such as system resources found on the flow control can be calculated automatically. The system can independently carry out a dynamic, flexible and real-time to adjust and control in the network environment and security needs change. The distribution model is given to response policy request rapidly, take the appropriate policy dissemination methods, and reduce PDP computing tasks, system resource consumption, which introduces the concepts of issue affecting factors, security domain addresses allocation, etc. Expression and making ways of the structure-dissimilarity policy faced on attribute characters and operation are analyzed emphatically. The effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithms is proved by experiments.
Renal deterioration in myelodysplastic children: urodynamic evaluation and clinical correlates.

PURPOSE We determined which factors portend a higher risk of renal deterioration in the myelodysplastic child, and evaluated the sensitivity and predictive value. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical history, imaging studies and urodynamics of 90 children with spinal dysraphism. Median patient age at initial evaluation was 3 months and average followup ranged between 2 and 25 years (average 11). We evaluated the relation of urodynamic parameters and sex to upper tract changes and the resolution of these changes. RESULTS Statistically significant relationships were identified between the urodynamic parameters of leak point pressure, compliance and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, and renal deterioration but not with resolution of deterioration. Boys and girls did not demonstrate a significant difference among urodynamic parameters. Female patients had a higher incidence of reflux and parenchymal loss. CONCLUSIONS With knowledge of the inherent sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of urodynamic parameters, selective use of urodynamics will assist in identifying patients at risk of renal deterioration. Female patients with reflux are at greatest risk of parenchymal loss. We advocate early institution of intermittent catheterization in patients identified as high risk for deterioration by urodynamics.
Biology and mechano‐response of tendon cells: Progress overview and perspectives

In this review, we summarize the group discussions on Cell Biology & Mechanics from the 2014 ORS/ISMMS New Frontiers in Tendon Research Conference. The major discussion topics included: (1) the biology of tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) and the potential of stem cell‐based tendon therapy using TSPCs and other types of stem cells, namely, embryonic and/or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), (2) the biological concept and potential impact of cellular senescence on tendon aging, tendon injury repair and the development of degenerative disease, and (3) the effects of tendon cells' mechano‐response on tendon cell fate and metabolism. For each topic, a brief overview is presented which summarizes the major points discussed by the group participants. The focus of the discussions ranged from current research progress, challenges and opportunities, to future directions on these topics. In the preparation of this manuscript, authors consulted relevant references as a part of their efforts to present an accurate view on the topics discussed. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:785–792, 2015.
Hipikat: recommending pertinent software development artifacts

A newcomer to a software project must typically come up-to-speed on a large, varied amount of information about the project before becoming productive. Assimilating this information in the open-source context is difficult because a newcomer cannot rely on the mentoring approach that is commonly used in traditional software developments. To help a newcomer to an open-source project become productive faster, we propose Hipikat, a tool that forms an implicit group memory from the information stored in a project's archives, and that recommends artifacts from the archives that are relevant to a task that a newcomer is trying to perform. To investigate this approach, we have instantiated the Hipikat tool for the Eclipse open-source project. In this paper we describe the Hipikat tool, we report on a qualitative study conducted with a Hipikat mock-up on a medium-sized in-house project, and we report on a case study in which Hipikat recommendations were evaluated for a task on Eclipse.
A methodology for estimating time-of-day variations in the size of a population exposed to risk.

Consequence models for the risk assessment of man-made or natural disasters do not ordinarily take into account time-of-day variations in the size of the exposed population. Residential census population statistics are used instead. This paper proposes and illustrates a methodology for using metropolitan travel survey data to estimate the variations in question. Variations are computed from the Washington, D.C. area sample survey statistics on the number of trips taken in and out of different census tracts throughout each workday. Four principal patterns of population variation are identified, corresponding to four types of land use: commercial, residential, shopping/entertainment, and mixed use. Some general implications for consequence analysis are discussed.
Application of Lorentz force eddy current testing and eddy current testing on moving nonmagnetic conductors

Lorentz force eddy current testing is a novel nondestructive testing technique which can be applied preferably to the identification of internal defects in non-ferromagnetic moving conductors. This paper describes the comparison of this new technique with well-known eddy current testing. Measurements and numerical simulations have been done for both techniques for artificial subsurface defects in a test specimen made of Aluminum alloy moving with constant velocity.
The effect of a low-calorie diet with and without fenfluramine on the glucose tolerance and insulin secretion of obese maturity-onset diabetics

Glucose tolerance and insulin secretion have been measured in twenty-three obese maturity-onset diabetics (twelve high-insulin secretors and eleven lowor normal-insulin secretors) on first presentation and after 10 weeks on a low-calorie diet. There was a significant improvement in glucose tolerance alone, when the results were compared with those from diabetics not on any form of treatment. Thereafter nine of these subjects (five high-insulin secretors and four low- or normal-insulin secretors) continued on the dietary therapy alone, and eleven of the remaining fourteen subjects (six high-insulin secretors and five low- or normal-insulin secretors) continued on the low-calorie diet with the addition of fenfluramine, and their glucose tolerance and insulin secretion were measured again after a further 10 weeks. The remaining three subjects were no longer studied. The nine subjects continuing on the diet alone showed maintenance of the improvement in glucose tolerance achieved during the first 10-week period with no significant change in insulin secretion. The eleven subjects placed on fenfluramine in addition to the diet also showed maintenance of the improvement in glucose tolerance achieved during the first 10-week period with a significant decrease in insulin secretion in the six high-insulin secreting subjects and no significant change in insulin secretion in the five lowor normal-secretors.
A Natural Language Processing based Web Mining System for Social Media Analysis

Social Media Monitoring and Analysis are the new trends in technology business. The challenge is to extract correct information from free-form texts of social media communication. Natural Language Processing methods are sometimes used in social media monitoring to improve accuracy in extracting information. This paper discusses a web mining system that is based on Natural Language Processing to analyze social media information. In that process, this research examines Natural Language methods that are important for such analysis. Then the traditional web mining steps are discussed along with proposed use of Natural Language Processing methods.
Invited Talk: Thermal Energy Harvesting with Thermo Life

The continuous miniaturization and reduction of power consumption in modern electronic devices enables and demands the employment of alternative energy sources. Primary batteries as well-established energy sources are excessive in weight and size, and limit the lifespan and autonomy of electronic devices because of the need of replacement, making them unsuitable in systems with limited accessibility or in microsensor networks with a high quantity of powered devices. These facts have lead to worldwide research in the field of energy harvesting devices in the last few years. The thermoelectric converter Thermo Lifereg is a unique, small and compact energy source for micro electronic and sensor systems wherever a temperature difference exists in any environment. The thermal energy harvester is capable of producing an output power of a few 10 to 100 muW and voltages in the volt-range from small temperature gradients of only a few Kelvin
Fire history differences in adjacent Jeffrey pine and upper montane forests in the eastern Sierra Nevada

Fire history and forest structural characteristics of adjacent Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) and upper montane forests was investigated in the eastern Sierra Nevada at the University of California Valentine Natural Reserve. Jeffrey pine forests had lower canopy cover, higher amounts of fine fuels, and higher shrub cover when compared to upper montane forest that were dominated by red fir (Abies magnifica). Fire dates were determined using standard dendrochronolgy techniques from fire-scarred Jeffrey pine, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. murrayana), red f ir, and western white pine (Pinus monticola) trees, snags, stumps, and downed logs. Fires were recorded from 1745 to 1889 and mean fire return intervals were 9 and 24.7 years for the Jeffrey pine and upper montane forest types, respectively. The median fire return interval was 9.0 years for Jeffrey pine and 24.0 years for upper montane forests. Significant differences were found in mean fire intervals and fire history distributions between the two similarly sized fire history plots even though they were only separated by approximately 100 m. This study suggests that fire regimes can vary over very fine spatial scales. Differences in fire regimes are likely due to differences in fuel beds and fire behavior.
Repressor forms of the enhancer-binding protein NrtC: some fail in coupling ATP hydrolysis to open complex formation by sigma 54-holoenzyme.

NtrC (nitrogen regulatory protein C) is a bacterial enhancer-binding protein that activates transcription by catalyzing isomerization of closed complexes between sigma54-holoenzyme and a promoter to open complexes. To catalyze this reaction, NtrC must be phosphorylated and form an appropriate oligomer so that it can hydrolyze ATP. NtrC can also repress transcription by sigma70-holoenzyme. In this paper we characterize "repressor" mutant forms of NtrC from Salmonella typhimurium, forms that have lost the ability to activate transcription by sigma54-holoenzyme (in vitro activity at least 1000-fold lower than wild-type) but retain the ability to repress transcription by sigma70-holoenzyme. The amino acid substitutions in NtrCrepressor proteins that were obtained by classical genetic techniques alter residues in the central domain of the protein, the domain directly responsible for transcriptional activation. Commensurate with this, phosphorylation and the autophosphatase activities of NtrCrepressor proteins, which are functions of the amino-terminal regulatory domain of NtrC, are normal. In addition, these proteins have essentially normal DNA-binding, which is a function of the C-terminal region of NtrC and bind cooperatively to enhancers. (The NtrC(G219K) protein has "improved" DNA-binding, which is discussed. ) We previously presented evidence that several NtrCrepressor proteins have impaired ATPase activity. We now show that two other repressor proteins, NtrC(A216V) and NtrC(A220T), have as much ATPase activity as wild-type NtrC when they are phosphorylated and bound to an enhancer and that they have considerably more activity than an unphosphorylated NtrC(constitutive) protein, which is capable of activating transcription. These results demonstrate that NtrC(A216V) and NtrC(A220T) fail in a function of the central domain other than ATPase activity. Although they may fail in contact with sigma54-holoenzyme per se, the fact that alanine is the amino acid normally found at these positions leads us to speculate that these proteins fail in coupling energy to a change in conformation of the polymerase.
The mechanisms of irreversible enzyme inactivation at 100C.

The mechanism of irreversible thermoinactivation of an enzyme has been quantitatively elucidated in the pH range relevant to enzymatic catalysis. The processes causing irreversible inactivation of hen egg-white lysozyme at 100 degrees C are deamidation of asparagine residues, hydrolysis of peptide bonds at aspartic acid residues. , destruction of disulfide bonds, and formation of incorrect (scrambled) structures; their relative contributions depend of the pH.
Human Cortical Object Recognition from a Visual Motion Flowfield

Moving dots can evoke a percept of the spatial structure of a three-dimensional object in the absence of other visual cues. This phenomenon, called structure from motion (SFM), suggests that the motion flowfield represented in the dorsal stream can form the basis of object recognition performed in the ventral stream. SFM processing is likely to contribute to object perception whenever there is relative motion between the observer and the object viewed. Here we investigate the motion flowfield component of object recognition with functional magnetic resonance imaging. Our SFM stimuli encoded face surfaces and random three-dimensional control shapes with matched curvature properties. We used two different types of an SFM stimulus with the dots either fixed to the surface of the object or moving on it. Despite the radically different encoding of surface structure in the two types of SFM, both elicited strong surface percepts and involved the same network of cortical regions. From early visual areas, this network extends dorsally into the human motion complex and parietal regions and ventrally into object-related cortex. The SFM stimuli elicited a face-selective response in the fusiform face area. The human motion complex appears to have a central role in SFM object recognition, not merely representing the motion flowfield but also the surface structure of the motion-defined object. The motion complex and a region in the intraparietal sulcus reflected the motion state of the SFM-implicit object, responding more strongly when the implicit object was in motion than when it was stationary.
Multi-view Video Coding via Dense Depth Estimation

A geometry-based multi-view video coding (MVC) method is proposed. In order to utilize the spatial redundancies between multiple views, the scene geometry is estimated as dense depth maps. The dense depth estimation problem is modeled by using a Markov random field (MRF) and solved via the belief propagation algorithm. Relying on these depth maps of the scene, novel view estimates of the intermediate views of the multi-view set is obtained with a 3D warping algorithm, which also performs hole-filling in the occlusion regions. The proposed MVC method, based on H.264 standard, encodes a number of reference views in a standard manner, whereas the residuals of the novel view predictions are encoded separately. The proposed MVC method is compared against simulcast coding of each view, yielding better rate-distortion performance, especially at lower bitrates.