Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protein Oxidation in Aging and Age‐Related Diseases

Abstract: Although different theories have been proposed to explain the aging process, it is generally agreed that there is a correlation between aging and the accumulation of oxidatively damaged proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Oxidatively modified proteins have been shown to increase as a function of age. Studies reveal an age‐related increase in the level of protein carbonyl content, oxidized methionine, protein hydrophobicity, and cross‐linked and glycated proteins as well as the accumulation of less active enzymes that are more susceptible to heat inactivation and proteolytic degredation. Factors that decelerate protein oxidation also increase the life span of animals and vice versa. Furthermore, a number of age‐related diseases have been shown to be associated with elevated levels of oxidatively modified proteins. The chemistry of reactive oxygen species‐mediated protein modification will be discussed. The accumulation of oxidatively modified proteins may reflect deficiencies in one or more parameters of a complex function that maintains a delicate balance between the presence of a multiplicity of prooxidants, antioxidants, and repair, replacement, or elimination of biologically damaged proteins.
Examining Biases in Measures of Firm Innovation

A challenge for applied studies of innovation is to find quality-adjusted and unbiased measures for the extent and type of innovative activity in firms. This paper considers, in the light of the uses for these measures, how well we expect these common indicators quantify innovative services and how well they actually correlate using data from a sample of 641 companies. The results suggest that while the correlations between indicators are positive, they are quite small. In addition, our findings show that compared with survey measures, the accounting and administrative measures have different biases with respect to firm size, industry sector and innovation type. This should be born in mind when using these measures to depict trends in innovative activity and reveal relationships between firm activities.
Towards Multimedia Contents Management System on Consumer Electronics Devices

The need for the efficient handling of digital multimedia contents has increased tremendously as both home and mobile CE (consumer electronics) devices are equipped with large embedded storage such as hard disks or flash memories and are capable of handling enormous amounts of multimedia data. This paper presents Mint, an efficient multimedia contents management system for CE devices. It provides novel intuitive browsing and search interfaces by arranging multimedia data for various metadata. The system consists of the metadata extractors and the metadata core that are applicable to diverse hardware platforms and operating systems. Being applied to several CE devices has proved the usefulness of the system, especially for such devices as the digital TVs, set-top boxes and mobile phones
Development of Mandarin monosyllabic speech test materials in China

In this study, monosyllabic Mandarin speech test materials (MSTMs) were developed for use in word recognition tests for speech audiometry in Chinese audiology clinics. Mandarin monosyllabic materials with high familiarity were designed with regard to phonological balance and recorded digitally with a male voice. Inter-list equivalence of difficulty was evaluated for a group of 60 subjects (aged 18–25 years) with normal hearing. Seven lists with 50 words each were found to be equivalent. These seven equivalent lists were used to measure performance-intensity (PI) functions for a group of 32 subjects with normal hearing and a group of 40 subjects with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss. The mean slope of PI function was found to be 4.1%/dB and 2.7%/dB, respectively. The seven lists of Mandarin monosyllabic materials were found to have sufficient reliability and validity to be used in clinical situations.
The Role of Financial Markets and Innovation in Productivity and Growth in Europe

The extended period of limited growth experienced until recently in many European countries raises the issue as to which policies could be most effective in improving their economic performance. This paper argues that further financial sector reforms may be a valuable complement to ongoing efforts to reform labour and product markets. There is a long-standing view in the economic literature that well-functioning financial systems allow economies to exploit the benefits of innovation in terms of productivity and growth. Moreover, measured productivity differentials between Europe and the United States seem to originate particularly in the financial sector and from sectors that are particularly dependent on external financing. Building on and summarising the existing literature, this paper first introduces a number of concepts that are important for financial sector analyses and policies. Second, it presents a selection of indicators describing the efficiency and development of the European financial system from the perspective of a variety of dimensions. Third, an attempt is made to estimate the extent to which greater financial efficiency might improve the allocation of productive capital in Europe. While in the recent past the research and policy debate in Europe has focused on fostering financial integration, the present paper puts the main emphasis on financial development or modernisation in the context of the finance and growth literature. The results suggest that there are a number of ways in which the financial market framework conditions in Europe can be improved to increase the contribution of the financial system to innovation, productivity and growth. The most robust conclusions can be drawn for certain aspects of corporate governance, the efficiency of legal systems in resolving conflicts in financial transactions and some structural features of European bank sectors. For example, econometric estimations indicate that improving these conditions is likely to increase the size of capital markets – a summary measure of overall financial development – and thereby enhance the speed with which the financial system helps to reallocate capital from declining sectors to sectors with good growth potentials. JEL Classification: G00, O16, O43, E61.
Pricing the Zero-Coupon Bond and its Fair Premium Under a Structural Credit Risk Model with Jumps

In this paper we consider a structural form credit risk model with jumps. We investigate the credit spread, the price, and the fair premium of the zero-coupon bond for the proposed model. The price and the fair premium of the bond are associated with the Laplace transform of default time and the firm's expected present market value at default. We give sufficient conditions under which the Laplace transform and the expected present market value of a firm at default are twice continuously differentiable. We derive closed-form expressions for them when the jumps have a hyperexponential distribution. Using the closed-form expressions, we obtain numerical solutions for the default probability, the credit spread, and the fair premium of the bond.
Mitochondrial Division Inhibitor 1 (mdivi-1) Protects Neurons against Excitotoxicity through the Modulation of Mitochondrial Function and Intracellular Ca2+ Signaling

Excessive dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1)-triggered mitochondrial fission contributes to apoptosis under pathological conditions and therefore it has emerged as a promising therapeutic target. Mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (mdivi-1) inhibits Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission and is neuroprotective in several models of brain ischemia and neurodegeneration. However, mdivi-1 also modulates mitochondrial function and oxidative stress independently of Drp1, and consequently the mechanisms through which it protects against neuronal injury are more complex than previously foreseen. In this study, we have analyzed the effects of mdivi-1 on mitochondrial dynamics, Ca2+ signaling, mitochondrial bioenergetics and cell viability during neuronal excitotoxicity in vitro. Time-lapse fluorescence microscopy revealed that mdivi-1 blocked NMDA-induced mitochondrial fission but not that triggered by sustained AMPA receptor activation, showing that mdivi-1 inhibits excitotoxic mitochondrial fragmentation in a source specific manner. Similarly, mdivi-1 strongly reduced NMDA-triggered necrotic-like neuronal death and, to a lesser extent, AMPA-induced toxicity. Interestingly, neuroprotection provided by mdivi-1 against NMDA, but not AMPA, correlated with a reduction in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) overload and calpain activation indicating additional cytoprotective mechanisms. Indeed, mdivi-1 depolarized mitochondrial membrane and depleted ER Ca2+ content, leading to attenuation of mitochondrial [Ca2+] increase and enhancement of the integrated stress response (ISR) during NMDA receptor activation. Finally, lentiviral knockdown of Drp1 did not rescue NMDA-induced mitochondrial fission and toxicity, indicating that neuroprotective activity of mdivi-1 is Drp1-independent. Together, these results suggest that mdivi-1 induces a Drp1-independent protective phenotype that prevents predominantly NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity through the modulation of mitochondrial function and intracellular Ca2+ signaling.
Use of polymeric membranes for purification of an E. coli expressed biotherapeutic protein

ABSTRACT Polymers have had a significant impact on the field of bioseparations in the past few decades. Most recently, membrane chromatography has emerged as an efficient alternative to the conventional packed-bed chromatography by eliminating the diffusion-related limitations associated with the traditional resin beads. In this article, we examine six membrane adsorbers for purification of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), an Escherichia coli-based biotherapeutic. These adsorbers differ either in their base matrix or in the surface chemistry. The role of interactions between the filter surfaces and the protein molecules in effecting these separations is the focus of the article.
Wireless power domino-resonator systems with noncoaxial axes and circular structures

In this paper, a general analysis on wireless power domino-resonator systems with noncoaxial axes is presented. The mathematical formulation established can in principle be used to analyze wireless resonator systems with various domino forms. In this study, it is used to analyze and evaluate wireless domino-resonator systems with circular structures because such structures have more than one main power flow paths and have not been analyzed previously. Based on the superposition method, individual power flow paths are analyzed and then their interactions are emerged and explained with vector diagrams. Unlike the resonator pair used by Tesla, it is demonstrated that optimization of the domino systems can be achieved under “nonresonance frequency” operation and optimal load conditions. The shift of the optimal frequency from the resonance frequency is due to the multiple power flow paths. The theoretical results have been favorably verified with practical measurements obtained from two circular systems.
Not So Cooperative Caching in Named Data Networking

This work designs and implements a Not So Cooperative Caching system for Information Centric Networking (ICN). We consider a network comprised of selfish nodes; each is with caching capability and an objective of reducing its own access cost by fetching data from its local cache or from neighboring caches. These nodes would cooperate in caching and sharing content if and only if they each benefit. The challenges are to determine what objects to cache at each node and to implement the system in the context of Named Data Networking (NDN), a large effort that exemplifies ICN. Our results include both a solution for the Not So Cooperative Caching problem and an NDN design and implementation. We evaluate our approach by deploying the system we developed on PlanetLab and show that it improves the content hit ratio by up to 13%.
A Meta Forecasting Methodology for Large Scale Inventory Systems with Intermittent Demand

This paper presents a meta-forecasting approach for recommending the most appropriate forecasting technique for an intermittent demand series based on a multinomial logistic regression classifier. The meta-forecaster is based on a mapping between a demand attribute space and the best forecasting technique. The demand attribute space is based on the estimates from the demand series of the following attributes: probability of non-zero demand after zero demand, probability of non-zero demand after non-zero demand, mean demand, demand variance, lag 1 correlation coefficient of the interval between non-zero demand and lag 1 correlation coefficient. Based on the mapping, the best forecasting technique for an unknown demand vector can be predicted. Given the demand series, the demand attributes are estimated and then the classifier is used to predict the best forecasting technique. After training, the classifier was tested. The results indicate an accuracy rate of 70.87% for the recommended best forecasting technique; and an 87.94%accuracy rate for the recommended top two forecasting techniques.
Per Hop Behaviors Based on Dynamic Packet State

This document proposes a family of Per Hop Behaviors (PHBs) based on Dynamic Packet State (DPS) in the context of the differentiated service architecture. With these PHBs, distributed algorithms can be devised to implement services with flexibility, utilization, and assurance levels similar to those that can be provided with per flow mechanisms. With Dynamic Packet State, each packet carries in its header, in addition to the PHB codepoint, some PHB-specific state. The state is initialized by the ingress node. Interior nodes process each incoming packet based on the state carried in the packet's header, updating both its internal state and the state in the packet's header before forwarding it to the next hop. By using DPS to coordinate actions of edge and interior nodes along the path traversed by a flow, distributed algorithms can be designed to approximate the behavior of a broad class of "stateful" networks using networks in which interior nodes do not maintain per flow state. We give examples of services that can be implemented by PHBs based on DPS. We also discuss several possible solutions for encoding Dynamic Packet State that have the minimum incompatibility with IPv4.
Superior thermal interface via vertically aligned carbon nanotubes grown on graphite foils

In an attempt to study the thermal transport at the interface between nanotubes and graphene, vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grown on graphite thin film substrates. A systematic cross-sectional probing of the materials’ morphology of the interface by scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed that an excellent bond existed between the nanotubes and the substrate along some fraction of interface. Imaging and electron diffraction analyses performed at the boundary reveal a polycrystalline interfacial structure. Compositional probing along the interface by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy revealed that there were no catalyst particles or other impurities present. The estimated interfacial thermal resistance of lower than 5–7.5 (mm^2K)/W suggests that this type of CNT/graphite interface could open up multiple routes toward the designing and development of advanced thermal interface materials for aerospace and nano-/microelectronics applications.
Precision of Ocular Response Analyzer

Purpose: To evaluate the repeatability of corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance measurements as well as the consistency of the four shots within each measurement using the ocular response analyzer (ORA, Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments, Depew, NY) and to generate a pool of data of a normal population. Methods: A total of 45 eyes from 45 healthy volunteers without ocular pathologies and normal visual acuity were enrolled in this study. A sequence of five consecutive measurements was performed with each patient with the ORA. The biomechanical properties of the cornea in terms of CH and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were recorded, as well as the Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) and cornea correlated IOP (IOPcc). The trend in each measurement sequence was analyzed and Cronbach’s α was derived for the repeatability. The average of four shots within each measurement was compared with the best signal value (BSV) provided by the internal data processing of the ORA. Results: Mean value for CH was 11.58 and BSV was 11.55. For CRF, mean value was 11.21 and BSV was 11.28. No significant difference was found between the average value and the BSV of one measurement (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found between the average value and the BSV of the five consecutive measurements, only IOPg showed a significant difference (p = 0.017), average value of IOPg is higher than BSV. Within a sequence of five measurements for each individual, the average values of the four shots per measurement for IOPg and IOPcc are decreasing by 1.19 and 1.05 mmHg on average. The repeatability test revealed good results for CH and CRF (all α are higher than 0.9). Conclusion: The ORA provides, beside intraocular pressure additional, information about the biomechanical properties of the cornea such as hysteresis and resistance. It proves to yield good repeatability for corneal hysteresis and resistance in normal subjects.
Risk Factors of Thrombosis of Pancreatic Graft: A Review

One of the most common diseases that can affect human beings is Diabetes Mellitus. To that, Pancreas transplantation is the best known treatment so far but it also has some limitations. One of the most common reasons for failure is Thrombosis of pancreatic graft after transplantation. This review paper offers a brief history of transplantation and summary of those factors which can cause thrombosis of a pancreatic graft. There are two major groups for these factors; a) pre transplantation and b) post transplantation risk factors. The existing literature on thrombosis of pancreatic graft highlights those critical factors which could be one of the causes for thrombosis in a pancreatic graft. Pre transplantation risk factors include age of donor and recipient, gender of recipient, medical history of donor and recipient, ABO identity, duration of cold ischemia, administration of steroids and liquid of conservation. On the other hand, post-operative factors for thrombosis of pancreatic graft include venous anastomosis, microcirculation of graft, post-operative Von willebrand factor, post-operative hyperinsulinemia and type of pancreas transplantation. This review offers guidelines for pancreas transplantation in the light of these pre transplantation and post transplantation risk factors, so that surgeons can reduce the risk of thrombosis in a pancreatic graft.
Effects of Laughing Training on Stress Levels in Thai Private Office Workers.

BACKGROUND Laughing is a kind of well known alternative medicine used to treat stressful persons or depressive patients to relax. The laughing program used in this study was initially designed by Thai psychiatrists. It consists of deep diaphragmatic breathing exercises, voice expression, facial expression exercises and aerobic exercises, which are expected to promote good health. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of the laughing training on stress levels in Thai private office workers. MATERIAL AND METHOD Thirty-eight subjects whose age 25-60 years were recruited to enroll in this program. They were randomly divided into two groups: 20 people for the experimental group and 18 persons for the control group. The experimental subjects participated in laughing program for 3 days/week, 60 minutes/day for 8 consecutive weeks. The program took place from June to July 2013. The level of stress was assessed using the Suanprung stress test-60 (SPST-60). The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test dependent and t-test independent with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS After they joined the laughing program, no significant difference was found in the mean scores of the level of stress between the control and experimental groups. However, the sensitivities to the arousal events in the experimental group had a tendency to decrease. CONCLUSION Laughing training may be used as a tool to promote better health. There was no significant difference in the stress levels after the program was ended except a decrement tendency in the sensitivities to the arousal events. For further study, duration and intensity of the course may be adjusted for a more effective training program.
Hybrid wavelength and sub-wavelength routed optical networks

Although wavelength routing has many advantages, it also has some inflexibilities. For one thing, the routing granularity is large, which could lead to waste of bandwidth when demand is fractional in the units of wavelengths. For another, full connectivity in a large network puts a serious stress on the number of wavelengths required in the network. To solve these problem, we propose a hybrid wavelength and sub-wavelength routing scheme, which provides, in addition to a set of dedicated wavelength channels where normal wavelength routing takes place, a pool of shared wavelength channels where sub-wavelength routing is performed. The hybrid scheme is designed to strike a right balance between the benefits of optical bypass and multiplexing gain. The problem involves optimal routing and traffic grooming in a mesh network. We formulated the problem in the hybrid scheme using integer linear programming, and studied its performance under different cost scenarios using a prototype network. Our result shows the hybrid scheme can invariably achieve lower total system cost, and is especially effective where the tension between the benefits of optical bypass and multiplexing gain is most intense. The proposed hybrid scheme provides a cost-effective and flexible way for network service providers to accommodate diverse customer bandwidth demand granularities, and offers a smooth migration path to integrate existing opaque network elements with newly introduced all-optical ones.