Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactions of Aryloxyphenoxypropionic Acids with Sensitive and Resistant Acetyl-Coenzyme A Carboxylase by Homology Modeling and Molecular Dynamic Simulations

Acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) has been identified as one of the most important targets of herbicides. In the present study, we constructed homology models of the carboxyl-transferase (CT) domain of ACCase from sensitive and resistant foxtail and used these models as templates to study the molecular mechanism of herbicide resistance and stereochemistry-activity relationships of aryloxyphenoxypropionates (APPs). In the homology modeling structures, the dimer of the CT domain was formed by the side-to-side arrangement of the two monomers, in such a way that the N domain of one molecule is placed next to the C domain of the other. The dimeric association of sensitive foxtail CT was found to differ from that of resistant foxtail CT, and the spatial orientation of two key residues, Leu-695 and Ile-695, in these dimers also differed. The mutation of Ile to Leu may perturb the conformation of the dimeric interface, which may account for the molecular mechanism of herbicide resistance. Further docking analysis indicated that the binding model of high-active compounds is similar to that in the crystal structure of the enzyme-ligand complex. The different spatial orientations of ester groups of the isomers of APPs may explain the stereochemistry-activity relationship. Ser-698 formed a H-bonding interaction with all of the docked ligands, while Tyr-728 formed a pi-pi stacking interaction with some of the APPs. These findings may enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanism of herbicide resistance and stereochemistry-activity relationships, which may provide a new starting point for the identification of more potent inhibitors against both sensitive and resistant ACCase.
Exploiting ECC redundancy to minimize crosstalk impact

Signal integrity in high-speed bus designs is put at risk by crosstalk-related-bus delays. This article provides a comprehensive study of the usefulness of error-correcting code (ECC) redundancy in reducing such delays. It shows that dual Rail codes perform better at this task than Hamming codes. We analyze the impact of different ECCs on crosstalk-induced-bus delays (CIBD). We investigate the possibility of exploiting the information redundancy previously necessary to limit CIBD, thus reducing the consequent risk of a system's incorrect operation.
Automatic quality enhancement and nerve fibre layer artefacts removal in retina fundus images by off axis imaging

Retinal fundus images acquired with non-mydriatic digital fundus cameras are a versatile tool for the diagnosis of various retinal diseases. Even with relative ease of use, the images produced sometimes suffer from reflectance artefacts mainly due to the nerve fibre layer (NFL) or camera lens related reflections. We propose a technique that employs multiple fundus images to obtain a single higher quality image without these reflectance artefacts, which also compensates for a sub-optimal illumination. The removal of bright artefacts, can have great benefits for the reduction of false positives in the detection of retinal lesions by automatic systems or manual inspection. The fundus images are acquired by changing the stare point of the patient but keeping the camera fixed. Between each shot, the apparent shape and position of all the retinal structures that do not exhibit isotropic reflectance (e.g. bright artefacts) change. This physical effect is exploited by our algorithm.
Randomized Block Krylov Methods for Stronger and Faster Approximate Singular Value Decomposition

Since being analyzed by Rokhlin, Szlam, and Tygert and popularized by Halko, Martinsson, and Tropp, randomized Simultaneous Power Iteration has become the method of choice for approximate singular value decomposition. It is more accurate than simpler sketching algorithms, yet still converges quickly for any matrix, independently of singular value gaps. After $\tilde{O}(1/\epsilon)$ iterations, it gives a low-rank approximation within $(1+\epsilon)$ of optimal for spectral norm error. We give the first provable runtime improvement on Simultaneous Iteration: a simple randomized block Krylov method, closely related to the classic Block Lanczos algorithm, gives the same guarantees in just $\tilde{O}(1/\sqrt{\epsilon})$ iterations and performs substantially better experimentally. Despite their long history, our analysis is the first of a Krylov subspace method that does not depend on singular value gaps, which are unreliable in practice. Furthermore, while it is a simple accuracy benchmark, even $(1+\epsilon)$ error for spectral norm low-rank approximation does not imply that an algorithm returns high quality principal components, a major issue for data applications. We address this problem for the first time by showing that both Block Krylov Iteration and a minor modification of Simultaneous Iteration give nearly optimal PCA for any matrix. This result further justifies their strength over non-iterative sketching methods. Finally, we give insight beyond the worst case, justifying why both algorithms can run much faster in practice than predicted. We clarify how simple techniques can take advantage of common matrix properties to significantly improve runtime.
A support vector machine based sub-band CQI feedback compression scheme for 3GPP LTE systems

Contemporary wireless communication standards, such as the long term evolution (LTE) standard, exploit several techniques, including link adaptation and frequency selective scheduling (FSS), to offer high data rate services. The efficacy of these techniques rely on the evolved Node B (eNB) having accurate channel state information through the use of a high signaling overhead process whereby channel quality indicator (CQI) feedback reports are sent by the user equipment (UE) to the eNB. In this work, we exploit a machine learning technique to address this problem and propose a novel sub-band CQI feedback compression scheme based on support vector machines to reduce this signaling overhead. The proposed compression scheme was implemented and tested in an LTE system level simulator and has shown efficacy with an overall CQI feedback signaling reduction of up to 88.7% whilst maintaining stable sector throughput, when compared to the standard third generation partnership project (3GPP) CQI feedback mechanism.
Comparison of Cotinine Levels in Pregnant Women While Smoking and When Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Background: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) helps smokers quit smoking, but trials indicate that there is no evidence that it is effective during pregnancy. As metabolism increases during pregnancy, NRT may deliver insufficient nicotine to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. There is mixed evidence as to what levels of cotinine are reached from nicotine exposure during pregnancy while using NRT compared with smoking. Methods: We analyzed data on 33 pregnant participants from the NRT arm of a randomized control trial who had stopped smoking and were still using 15mg/16hr nicotine patches 1 month after quitting. Salivary cotinine levels when smoking at baseline were compared with levels on NRT at 1 month using the Wilcoxon test. Results: Cotinine levels were a median of 98.5ng/ml while smoking and 62.8ng/ml while using NRT and remaining abstinent (p = .045). Participants with the highest cotinine measurements when smoking also tended to have the steepest reduction in cotinine levels while using NRT. This was most noticeable among participants with baseline cotinine levels more than 150ng/ml (n = 9) who had a greater reduction in median cotinine levels (median difference −134.8ng /ml [95% CI = −144.5 to −125.9]) than those with a baseline cotinine level under 150ng/ml (n = 24; median difference −27.9ng/ml [95% CI = −49.35 to −1.75]). Conclusions: In a pragmatic trial that replicated clinical practice, cotinine levels generated using NRT during pregnancy were lower than levels achieved from smoking. Although the sample size of this study was small, our findings are significant and are consistent with the hypothesis that NRT patches deliver an inadequate dose of nicotine to aid smoking cessation during pregnancy.
Dopamine Does Not Appear to Affect Mental Rotation in Parkinson’s Disease

Objective Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often have deficits with mental rotation (MR). The neuropathological factors underlying these deficits, however, remain to be elucidated. One hypothesis suggests that dopamine depletion in nigro-striatal systems adversely influences MR. Another hypothesis suggests that deterioration of cortical (fronto-temporo-parietal basal ganglia) networks that mediate this function are responsible for this deficit. The goal of this study was to test the dopamine hypothesis by determining if dopamine abstinence negatively influences MR performance. Methods Thirty three non-demented right-handed individuals with PD were assess for their ability to perform a pencil and paper MR test while “on” and “off” dopaminergic medications. Dopamine abstinence followed the typical overnight withdrawal procedures. Results No differences in mental rotation abilities were found between “on” and “off” dopaminergic medications. Conclusions These results suggest that other neuropathological factors, such as cortical-basal ganglia neurodegeneration, or dysfunction of other neurotransmitters systems, might account for these cognitive deficits and future research will have to test these alternative hypotheses.
Production , Manufacturing and Logistics Optimal pricing and inventory policies : Centralized and decentralized decision making

The paper studies an optimal control problem of pricing and inventory replenishment in a system with serial inventories. Consumer demand for a specific product at a retail outlet depends on price as well as the in-store stock of the product. The hypothesis is that for certain consumer products, a large volume of displayed goods leads consumers to buy more than if the stock is small. In addition to the stock that is on display in the store, there is an inventory of the product in a central warehouse. First we consider a setup in which management of the two stocks is decentralized such that pricing decisions are made by the store manager who also decides on the level of in-store inventory. The warehouse manager makes the replenishment decisions concerning the stock in the warehouse. Next we study the problem where stock management and pricing decisions are centralized. Optimal trajectories for inventories, replenishment rates, and retail price are derived by using phase diagrams and a formal synthesizing procedure. 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
β-Cells with Relative Low HIMP1 Overexpression Levels in a Transgenic Mouse Line Enhance Basal Insulin Production and Hypoxia/Hypoglycemia Tolerance

Rodent pancreatic β-cells that naturally lack hypoglycemia/hypoxia inducible mitochondrial protein 1 (HIMP1) are susceptible to hypoglycemia and hypoxia influences. A linkage between the hypoglycemia/hypoxia susceptibility and the lack of HIMP1 is suggested in a recent study using transformed β-cells lines. To further illuminate this linkage, we applied mouse insulin 1 gene promoter (MIP) to control HIMP1-a isoform cDNA and have generated three lines (L1 to L3) of heterozygous HIMP1 transgenic (Tg) mice by breeding of three founders with C57BL/6J mice. In HIMP1-Tg mice/islets, we performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunoblot, histology, and physiology studies to investigate HIMP1 overexpression and its link to β-cell function/survival and body glucose homeostasis. We found that the HIMP1 level increased steadily in β-cells of L1 to L3 heterozygous HIMP1-Tg mice. HIMP1 overexpression at relatively lower levels in L1 heterozygotes results in a negligible decline in blood glucose concentrations and an insignificant elevation in blood insulin levels, while HIMP1 overexpression at higher levels are toxic, causing hyperglycemia in L2/3 heterozygotes. Follow-up studies in 5–30-week-old L1 heterozygous mice/islets found that HIMP1 overexpression at relatively lower levels in β-cells has enhanced basal insulin biosynthesis, basal insulin secretion, and tolerances to low oxygen/glucose influences. The findings enforced the linkage between the hypoglycemia/hypoxia susceptibility and the lack of HIMP1 in β-cells, and show a potential value of HIMP1 overexpression at relatively lower levels in modulating β-cell function and survival.
Uniform Emulsion‐Templated Silica Beads with High Pore Volume and Hierarchical Porosity

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Preemptive analgesia effects of ketamine in patients undergoing surgery. A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE To evaluate the preemptive analgesia effects of ketamine for postoperative pain. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involved in ketamine for preemptive analgesic up to March 2013. The relative risk (RR) or mean difference (MD) as well as the confounding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by the Revman 5.0 software. RESULTS A total of five studies including 266 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, ketamine could reduce the postoperative morphine consumption and significantly prolong the time to first analgesic (p < 0.00001, MD = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.56 to 1.26). However, there was no significant difference in indicators of nausea and vomiting (p = 0.87, RR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.67 to 1.60), surgical time (p = 0.41, MD = -2.13, 95% CI: -7.21 to 2.95) and anesthetic time (p = 0.53, MD = -1.54, 95% CI: -6.34 to -3.26) between ketamine and control group. CONCLUSIONS Ketamine was able to accomplish some preemptive analgesic effects of reducing postoperative morphine consumption and prolonging the time to first analgesic. Meanwhile, ketamine was as safe as physiological saline in side effects of nausea and vomiting.
Overview of current therapeutic approaches for pulmonary hypertension

There have been tremendous strides in the management of pulmonary hypertension over the past 20 years with the introduction of targeted medical therapies and overall improvements in surgical treatment options and general supportive care. Furthermore, recent data shows that the survival of those with pulmonary arterial hypertension is improving. While there has been tremendous progress, much work remains to be done in improving the care of those with secondary forms of pulmonary hypertension, who constitute the majority of patients with this disorder, and in the optimal treatment approach in those with pulmonary arterial hypertension. This article will review general and targeted medical treatment, along with surgical interventions, of those with pulmonary hypertension.
Functionally conformed free class I heavy chains exist on the surface of beta 2 microglobulin negative cells

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) can recognize antigenic peptides bound in a groove formed by the alpha 1 and alpha 2 domains of the heterodimeric major histocompatibility complex class I molecule. Proper assembly, transport, and stability of functional class I molecules is thought to require beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2m), the light chain of the class I heterodimer. We show here that the requirement for beta 2m is not absolute. beta 2m- cells can be stained by the Db alpha 1 domain- specific B22-249.1 monoclonal antibody, which detects a conformation- dependent epitope. Furthermore, beta 2m- Con A blast target cells can be lysed by alloreactive CTL, even in serum-free conditions. Contrary to previous reports, the expression of low levels of conformed Db heavy (H) chains is a property to both normal and transformed beta 2m- cells. Finally, we present evidence that a subset of properly conformed H chains, free of beta 2m, may have almost equal representation on beta 2m+ and beta 2m- cells.
UPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Valsartan & Hydrochlorothiazide in Drug Products

A new, simple, precise and stability-indicating UPLC (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of anti-hypertensive drug Valsartan (VAL) and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in combined dosage forms. The method was developed using Kromasil eternity C-18 column (50 mm×2.1 mm, 3.5 μm) with isocratic elution. Triethylamine buffer (0.1% v/v) and methanol (75:25 v/v) were used as mobile phase with 0.6 mL min-1 flow rate at room temperature. The detection wavelength was fixed at 225 nm; the run time was within 2 min. The method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy and reproducibility. Calibration plots were linear over the range of 7-13 μg/ml for HCTZ and 56-104 μg/ml for VAL. Recovery was in the range of 98-102% with the relative standard deviation of less than 2% for both drugs. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification for the valsartan were found to be 0.8 and 2.4 μg/ml respectively and for hydrochlorothiazide 0.12 and 0.36 μg/ml respectively. The proposed method was also suitable for determination of VAL & HCTZ in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Latent Semantic Indexing Based on Factor Analysis

The main purpose of this paper is to propose a novel latent semantic indexing (LSI), statistical approach to simultaneously mapping documents and terms into a latent semantic space. This approach can index documents more effectively than the vector space model (VSM). Latent semantic indexing (LSI), which is based on singular value decomposition (SVD), and probabilistic latent semantic indexing (PLSI) have already been proposed to overcome problems in document indexing, but critical problems remain. In contrast to LSI and PLSI, our method uses a more meaningful, robust statistical model based on factor analysis and information theory. As a result, this model can solve the remaining critical problems in LSI and PLSI. Experimental results with a test collection showed that our method is superior to LSI and PLSI from the viewpoints of information retrieval and classification. We also propose a new term weighting method based on entropy.
Visualization of Mechanics Problems based on Natural Language Processing

In The ability to visualize our thoughts has always fascinated us. Even more intriguing is the subject of making a computer able to visualize those thoughts, just by understanding the human language. In this paper, a text to scene generation system is proposed for the educational domain where a basic Newtonian physics problem is conveyed to the system in natural language and the scene depicting the problem is generated and displayed to the user. The paper describes the implementation of the system as well as the results obtained. It is based on the integration of advances in NLP and computer graphics technology to generate a virtual environment. It makes it easier for students to visualize the problems and also helps teachers in explaining better. General Terms Your general terms must be any term which can be used for general classification of the submitted material such as Pattern Recognition, Security, Algorithms et. al.
Atrial fibrillation produced by prolonged rapid atrial pacing is associated with heterogeneous changes in atrial sympathetic innervation.

BACKGROUND Structural and electrophysiological changes of the atria occur with prolonged rapid rates; however, the effects of sustained atrial fibrillation (AF) on autonomic innervation of the atria are unknown. We hypothesized that electrophysiological remodeling from rapid atrial rates is accompanied by altered atrial autonomic innervation. METHODS AND RESULTS Six dogs (paced group) underwent atrial pacing at 600 bpm; 9 dogs (control animals) were not paced. All paced dogs developed sustained AF by week 4 of pacing. All 15 animals underwent positron emission tomography imaging of the atria with [C-11] hydroxyephedrine (HED) to label sympathetic nerve terminals. HED retention in the atria was significantly greater in paced dogs compared with control animals (P=0.03). Tissue samples from the atrial appendages had a greater concentration of norepinephrine in paced animals than in control animals (P=0.01). The coefficient of variation of HED retention was also greater in paced animals (P=0.05) and was greater in the right atrium than in the left atrium (P=0.004). Epicardial activation maps of AF were obtained in the paced animals at baseline and with autonomic manipulation. Mean AF cycle length was longer in the right atrium (109.2+/-5 ms) than in the left atrium (85.8+/-5.5 ms) at baseline (P=0.005). AF cycle length did not vary significantly from baseline (97.6+/-13.4 ms) with stellate stimulation (100.5+/-6 ms) but lengthened with propranolol (107.5+/-6.1 ms, P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Rapid rates of AF produce a heterogeneous increase in atrial sympathetic innervation. These changes parallel disparate effects of rapid pacing-induced AF on atrial electrophysiology.
Active Learning for Statistical Phrase-based Machine Translation

Statistical machine translation (SMT) models need large bilingual corpora for training, which are unavailable for some language pairs. This paper provides the first serious experimental study of active learning for SMT. We use active learning to improve the quality of a phrase-based SMT system, and show significant improvements in translation compared to a random sentence selection baseline, when test and training data are taken from the same or different domains. Experimental results are shown in a simulated setting using three language pairs, and in a realistic situation for Bangla-English, a language pair with limited translation resources.
Ontology-based Organizational Memory for e-learning

e-learning leads to evolutions in the way of designing a course. Diffused through the web, the course content cannot be the direct transcription of a face to face course content. A course can be seen as an organization in which different actors are involved. These actors produce documents, information and knowledge that they often share. We present in this paper an ontology-based document-driven memory which is particularly adapted to an e-learning situation. The utility of a shared memory is reinforced in this kind of situation, because the interactions do not usually occur in the same place and in the same time. First we precise our conception of e-learning and we analyze actors needs. Then we present the main features of our learning organizational memory and we focus on the ontologies on which it is based. We consider two kinds of ontologies: the first one is generic and concerns the domain of training; the second one is related to the application domain and is specific to a particular training program. We present our approach for building these ontologies and we show how they can be merged. Finally we describe the learning memory and the prototype we realized for two course units proposed in our universities.