Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Document skew detection based on the fractal and least squares method

In this paper, a simple and robust algorithm is presented to detect skew in a totally unconstrained document. It can discover the skew angle not only in the whole page of document but also in different document blocks which have their different skew angles. This method consists of four major phases, namely: (a) skew detection and correction for whole page; (b) segmentation of document into blocks; (c) identification of skewed text blocks, and (d) skew detection and correction for the skewed text blocks. To detect the skew in a document, the saw-tooth algorithm and least squares method are used. To segment a document into blocks, the fractal approach is applied. Promising experimental results are also provided to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Identification of a New Fatty Acid Synthesis-Transport Machinery at the Peroxisomal Membrane*

Background: Dysfunction of the peroxisomal ABC transporter ALDP and elevated very long chain fatty acids are the hallmark of X-ALD. Results: Peroxisomal ABC transporters interact with proteins functioning in fatty acid synthesis and activation. Conclusion: We identified a new fatty acid synthesis-transport machinery adapted to different chain lengths and metabolic conditions. Significance: This machinery extends the knowledge on peroxisomal β-oxidation and X-ALD pathogenesis. The neurodegenerative disease X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of very long chain fatty acids. Mutations in the gene encoding the peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette half-transporter, adrenoleukodystrophy protein (ALDP), are the primary cause of X-ALD. To gain a better understanding of ALDP dysfunction, we searched for interaction partners of ALDP and identified binary interactions to proteins with functions in fatty acid synthesis (ACLY, FASN, and ACC) and activation (FATP4), constituting a thus far unknown fatty acid synthesis-transport machinery at the cytoplasmic side of the peroxisomal membrane. This machinery adds to the knowledge of the complex mechanisms of peroxisomal fatty acid metabolism at a molecular level and elucidates potential epigenetic mechanisms as regulatory processes in the pathogenesis and thus the clinical course of X-ALD.
Effect of Surface Spinal Stimulation (SSS) on H-reflex in Normal Individuals

Electrical Stimulation is a technique that uses electrical currents to activate nerves innervating muscles and is primarily used to restore functions in people with disabilities. Surface Spinal Stimulation (SSS) is a form of electrical stimulation, and is used to influence the activity of nerve root fibers under the Para vertebral muscle through the surface electrodes applied over the skin of Para vertebral muscles (Wang et al, 2000). SSS is the process of stimulating the spinal cord with various electrical currents in order to produce stimulation and reduction in spasticity at the corresponding level of body segment. Spinal cord electrical stimulation is used in cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis in reducing spasticity in the majority of subjects along with improvement in bladder function, respiratory function, volitional control; active and passive movement and mood state with carry over effects lasting from 30 minutes to 24 hours (Hazelwood et al, 1994). The H-reflex (Hoffmann reflex) is a reflectory reaction of muscles after electrical stimulation of sensory fibers (Ia afferents stemming from muscle spindles) in their innervating nerves (for example, those located behind the knee). The Hreflex test is performed using an electric stimulator, which gives usually a squarewave current of short duration and small amplitude (higher stimulations might involve alpha fibers, causing an F-wave, compromising the results), and an EMG set, to record the muscle response. That Abstract
Overcoming resistance to conventional drugs in Ewing sarcoma and identification of molecular predictors of outcome.

PURPOSE The improvement of Ewing sarcoma (EWS) therapy is currently linked to the discovery of strategies to select patients with poor and good prognosis and of modified treatment regimens. In this study, we analyzed the molecular factors governing EWS response to chemotherapy to identify genetic signatures to be used for risk-adapted therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Microarray technology was used for profiling 30 primary tumors and seven metastases of patients who were classified according to event-free survival. For selected genes, real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied in 42 EWS primary tumors as validation assay. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test was used to evaluate in vitro drug sensitivity. RESULTS We identified molecular signatures that reflect tumor resistance to chemotherapy. Annotation analysis was applied to reveal the biologic functions that critically influenced clinical outcome. The prognostic relevance of glutathione metabolism pathway was validated. The expression of MGST1, the microsomal glutathione S-transferase (GST), was found to clearly predict EWS prognosis. MGST1 expression was associated with doxorubicin chemosensitivity. This prompted us to assess the in vitro effectiveness of 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX), a new anticancer agent that efficiently inhibits GST enzymes. Six cell lines were found to be sensitive to this new drug. CONCLUSION Classification of EWS patients into high- and low-risk groups is feasible with restricted molecular signatures that may have practical value at diagnosis for selecting patients with EWS who are unresponsive to current treatments. Glutathione metabolism pathway emerged as one of the most significantly altered prognosis-associated pathway. NBDHEX is proposed as a new potential therapeutic possibility.
Iterative uniform-cost search of active antenna group selection for generalised spatial modulation

In generalised spatial modulation (GenSM) systems, the total number of active antenna groups is always not a power of two, which leaves room for designing an active antenna group (AAG) selection algorithm to achieve the constellation shaping gain and to improve the symbol error rate (SER). In this paper, based on uniform-cost search, a novel iterative AAG selection algorithm for GenSM systems is proposed with channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT). Based on the principle of minimum Euclidean distance maximization, the proposed algorithm reduces the computational complexity while maintaining the global optimality in improving SER comparing with exhaustive search algorithm. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to verify the global optimality in SER performance and favorable reduction in computational complexity striked by the proposed AAG selection algorithm.
Power oscillation damping controller for the power system with high wind power penetration level

This paper addresses the impact of high wind power penetration level on damping of the electromechanical modes of oscillation and design of a power oscillation damping (POD) controller for doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind farm. An auxiliary control loop has been added to rotor side converter (RSC) in the form of cascade control with outer active/reactive power control and inner rotor current control loops. It is shown that this residue-based POD controller significantly improves the inter-area oscillation damping. The validity and effectiveness of the proposed controller are demonstrated on four-machine two-area test system that combines conventional synchronous generators and wind farms using simulations. Numerical results including modal analysis and time domain simulation are presented to illustrate the capabilities and contributions of the proposed controller to network dynamic performance. The main contributions of this paper are (i) the determination of the dominant interarea oscillations of the power systems, (ii) design of reduced order controllers for power damping oscillations, and (iii) increased renewable energy penetration with enhanced stability.
Adhesive Properties of YapV and Paralogous Autotransporter Proteins of Yersinia pestis

ABSTRACT Yersinia pestis is the causative agent of plague. This bacterium evolved from an ancestral enteroinvasive Yersinia pseudotuberculosis strain by gene loss and acquisition of new genes, allowing it to use fleas as transmission vectors. Infection frequently leads to a rapidly lethal outcome in humans, a variety of rodents, and cats. This study focuses on the Y. pestis KIM yapV gene and its product, recognized as an autotransporter protein by its typical sequence, outer membrane localization, and amino-terminal surface exposure. Comparison of Yersinia genomes revealed that DNA encoding YapV or each of three individual paralogous proteins (YapK, YapJ, and YapX) was present as a gene or pseudogene in a strain-specific manner and only in Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis. YapV acted as an adhesin for alveolar epithelial cells and specific extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, as shown with recombinant Escherichia coli, Y. pestis, or purified passenger domains. Like YapV, YapK and YapJ demonstrated adhesive properties, suggesting that their previously related in vivo activity is due to their capacity to modulate binding properties of Y. pestis in its hosts, in conjunction with other adhesins. A differential host-specific type of binding to ECM proteins by YapV, YapK, and YapJ suggested that these proteins participate in broadening the host range of Y. pestis. A phylogenic tree including 36 Y. pestis strains highlighted an association between the gene profile for the four paralogous proteins and the geographic location of the corresponding isolated strains, suggesting an evolutionary adaption of Y. pestis to specific local animal hosts or reservoirs.
Hexakis{[1-(dimethylamino)propylidene]oxidanium} bis(dodecamolybdophosphate) N,N-dimethylpropionamide pentasolvate

In the asymmetric unit of the title salt, (C5H12NO)6[PMo12O40]2·5C5H11NO, there are two independent α-Keggin-type [PMo12O40]3− polyoxidoanions, which show characteristic features with respect to bond lengths and angles. One of the [CH3CH2C(=OH)N(CH3)2]+ cations is hydrogen bonded to the neighboring polyoxidoanion through a C=O—H⋯Obridge hydrogen bond. The organic molecules and the remaining organic cations form [(C5H11NO)2H]+ molecule–cation pairs, two of which lie about inversion centers, through O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.
Plasmonic Au islands on polymer nanopillars

The refractive index sensitivity of localized surface plasmon resonance sensors can be improved by placing the plasmonic metal particles on pillars instead of on a planar substrate. In this paper, a simple and versatile colloidal lithography method for the fabrication of plasmonic Au islands on top of polymer nanopillars is described. The pillar height is controlled by varying the thickness of the initial polymer film. An increased pillar height results in a blue shift of the absorption spectrum of the Au islands. This is explained by a decreased effective refractive index around the islands. For pillars higher than approximately 40 nm no further blue shift is observed, in agreement with the decay length of the electromagnetic field around the islands. Pillar-supported Au islands were also fabricated on a flexible foil, demonstrating the potential of the method described here for the fabrication of flexible plasmonic substrates. Benefits and limitations of the method and of using polymers as the pillar material are discussed.
Measurement of fully symmetric four-port device using two-port network analyzer

Focusing on characterizing fully symmetric four-port devices using a two-port vector network analyzer (VNA), the authors formulate a new method of measurement in this paper. The device under test (DUT), is embedded in two probe pads and two auxiliary terminations for one to perform on-board measurement using two ground-signal-ground (GSG) probes and a two-port VNA. The DUT is a 30 GHz substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) Riblet short-slot hybrid with microstrip-to-waveguide transitions, and is fabricated on Rogers RO4003 reg substrate with 8 mil thickness. By taking advantage of the thru-reflection-line (TRL) calibration technique and the new method, the four-port scattering matrix (S-matrix) of DUT is reconstructed.
Cone topography and spectral sensitivity in two potentially trichromatic marsupials, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) and quenda (Isoodon obesulus)

The potential for trichromacy in mammals, thought to be unique to primates, was recently discovered in two Australian marsupials. Whether the presence of three cone types, sensitive to short- (SWS), medium- (MWS) and long- (LWS) wavelengths, occurs across all marsupials remains unknown. Here, we have investigated the presence, distribution and spectral sensitivity of cone types in two further species, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) and quenda (Isoodon obesulus). Immunohistochemistry revealed that SWS cones in the quokka are concentrated in dorso-temporal retina, while in the quenda, two peaks were identified in naso-ventral and dorso-temporal retina. In both species, MWS/LWS cone spatial distributions matched those of retinal ganglion cells. Microspectrophotometry (MSP) confirmed that MWS and LWS cones are spectrally distinct, with mean wavelengths of maximum absorbance at 502 and 538 nm in the quokka, and at 509 and 551 nm, in the quenda. Although small SWS cone outer segments precluded MSP measurements, molecular analysis identified substitutions at key sites, accounting for a spectral shift from ultraviolet in the quenda to violet in the quokka. The presence of three cone types, along with previous findings in the fat-tailed dunnart and honey possum, suggests that three spectrally distinct cone types are a feature spanning the marsupials.
Predicting hypnotic susceptibility by a self-report phenomenological state instrument.

Abstract In an attempt to predict hypnotic susceptibility (as measured by the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, HGSHS), the phenomenological experiences of an hypnotic induction (HI) procedure and a baseline comparison condition (eyes closed, EC, sitting quietly) were assessed. After each experience the subjects (n = 217) completed the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI), a self-report phenomenological state instrument, dealing with that condition. Step-wise multiple regression and discriminant analyses were then performed on the data using the subject's HGSHS score as the dependent variable and the PCI (sub)dimensions as the independent variables. Regression analyses that held up under cross-validation during HI suggest that the PCI may be an appropriate instrument for predicting susceptibility. The possible clinical usefulness of this approach is discussed.
Metacommunities in river networks: The importance of network structure and connectivity on patterns and processes

1. Rivers are spatially organised into hierarchic dendritic networks. This unique physical structure and the associated directionality of physical flows set them apart from most other environments by regulating the dispersal of resident biota and therefore the distribution of biodiversity. 2. The aim of this special issue is to highlight the importance of the river network on structuring biodiversity, particularly through metacommunity dynamics and associated dispersal processes. 3. The issue covers a wide range of topics, including disease spread, nutrient uptake, trophic dynamics, effects of anthropogenic stressors and the joint roles of dispersal and environmental filtering. Contributions employ a broad range of approaches, including field and laboratory experiments, modelling, population genetics and conceptual synthesis. 4. Although these studies represent just a sample of the research that is being per- formed on biodiversity and metacommunity dynamics in river networks, several important findings have emerged; a common theme being that the structure of the network and spatial dynamics clearly influence the dynamics of populations and communities, and their functions. By taking a broad taxonomic focus (from diatoms and protists to fish), and spanning a large geographic gradient (from the tropics to the subarctic), this special issue provides a broad look at the dynamics that occur in river networks relating to their unique makeup. We hope that this selection of studies spurs additional research on these interesting, globally impor- tant, yet severely threatened ecological systems.
Upper trunk fat assessment and its relationship with metabolic and biochemical variables and body fat in polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND Fat accumulation in the upper region of the body is common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is associated with metabolic complications. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between trunk circumference, metabolic indicators, and abdominal and visceral fat in obese PCOS women. METHODS The weight, fat mass, and subcutaneous arm fat (SAF) of 30 obese PCOS women and 15 healthy controls matched for age and body mass index were evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Trunk (TrC), neck (NC) and hip circumferences were measured, and the trunk/hip (Tr/H) ratio was determined. Total abdominal fat (TAF), visceral fat (VF) and trunk fat (TrF) were determined by computed tomography. Biochemical evaluation included glycaemia, insulinaemia, testosterone and lipid profile, insulin resistance (IR) was assessed by the QUICKI index. RESULTS In the PCOS group, there were positive correlations between NC and TAF (r = 0.49, P < 0.0006), TrC and VF (r = 0.62, P = 0.01), and NC and VF (r = 0.70, P < 0.0002). There was good correlation between TrC and TrF (r = 0.69, P = 0.003). TrF correlated with triglycerides levels positively (r = 0.44, P = 0.02). Women with PCOS and IR had a larger quantity of VF and TrF, but a smaller amount of SAF. Within the PCOS group, women with Tr/H ratio above the median had higher basal insulin levels and lower QUICKI indices compared to women presenting a Tr/H ratio below the median. CONCLUSIONS TrC is associated with important metabolic variables in PCOS, proving to be a valuable and innovative tool for assessment of body adiposity distribution in obese PCOS women.
A SHEPWM modulation strategy of APF to reduce current harmonics for high speed PM generator

High speed permanent magnet generator driven by micro-turbine has been widely investigated since it has small size, high efficiency and power density. The output high frequency AC power of the high speed PM generator needs to be converted into the AC power with constant frequency and voltage using AC/DC/AC converter. In order to reduce the current harmonics of high speed generator produced by the AC/DC rectifier, the structure and control strategy of a combined PWM inverter/active power filter (APF) are introduced in this paper. The converter is first utilized as a PWM inverter to drive the generator for the micro-turbine starting, and then operates as an APF during the normal power conversion. The special harmonic elimination PWM (SHEPWM) strategy is adopted due to the maximum switching frequency limitation. The simulation results show the feasibility of the proposed design structure and control strategy.
Channel estimation for interference mitigation in millimeter-wave multi-cell beamspace MIMO systems

This paper deals with the inter-cell interference (ICI) mitigation in the channel estimation process of millimeter-wave multi-cell beamspace multiple-input multiple-output systems. The known channel estimation approaches cannot distinguish the ICI channels and the in-cell channels. In contrast, the in-cell channels and the ICI channels are estimated together and distinguished with the beam information in this paper. In addition, the beamspace channels are estimated with small error by utilizing the asymptotic property of the beamspace channels. As a result, the ICI can be efficiently suppressed. Performance analysis and numerical results show that the proposed approach outperforms the existing channel estimation approaches.
Cloning of an Epithelial Chloride Channel from Bovine Trachea (*)

We have isolated and cloned a novel epithelial Cl channel protein from a bovine tracheal cDNA expression library using an antibody probe. The antibody (αp38) was raised against a 38-kDa component of a homopolymeric protein that behaves as a Ca/calmodulin kinase II-, DIDS-, and dithiothreitol (DTT)-sensitive, anion-selective channel when incorporated into planar lipid bilayers. The full-length cDNA is 3001 base pairs long and codes for a 903-amino acid protein. The clone does not show any significant homology to any other previously reported Cl channel sequence. Northern analysis of bovine tracheal mRNA with a cDNA probe corresponding to the cloned sequence revealed a band at 3.1 kilobases, suggesting that close to the full-length sequence has been cloned. The full-length open reading frame (2712 base pairs) has been expressed in Xenopus oocytes and in mammalian COS-7 cells. In oocytes, expression of the clone was associated with the appearance of a novel DIDS-, and DTT-sensitive, anion-selective conductance that was outwardly rectified and exhibited a reversal potential close to 0 mV. Whole-cell patch clamp studies in COS-7 cells transfected with the clone identified an ionomycin-, and DTT-sensitive chloride conductance that was not apparent in mock-transfected or control cells. In vitro translation studies have shown that the primary transcript codes for a protein migrating at 140 kDa under reduced conditions, significantly larger than the polypeptide recognized by αp38. We therefore suggest that either the 140-kDa translated product is a prepro form of the 38-kDa subunit of the previously identified bovine tracheal anion channel and that the primary transcript is post-translationally cleaved to yield the final product, or that the cloned channel and the previously identified bovine tracheal anion channel protein share an epitope that is recognized by the αp38 antibody.
Postprandial insulin assay as the earliest biomarker for diagnosing pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk

Currently, approximately one in eleven US adults have diabetes, and more than one in three are pre-diabetic.1 Additionally, it is estimated that approximately two in five US adults will develop diabetes, with most of these cases being type 2 diabetes (T2D). 2 According to data (2011–2012) recently published by Menke et al , 3 14.3% of US adults (over 20 years of age) were diabetic (9.1% were diagnosed as being diabetic, 5.2% having undiagnosed diabetes) and 38% were pre-diabetic, totalling 52.3% of US adults having pre-diabetes or diabetes.The burden of undiagnosed diabetes seems to have increased in parallel to the above estimates. Among people with diabetes, more than one-third went undiagnosed overall (36.4% (95% CI 30.5% to 42.7%)). Additionally, this burden was even higher among non-Hispanic Asian participants (50.9%; P = 0.004) and Hispanic participants (49.0%; P = 0.02). 3 In view of this, it can be concluded that using fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or A1c may not be the most effective early screening tool for T2D. Thus, incorporating fasting insulin and especially insulin assay after an OGTT as enhanced screening methods may help to increase the ability to detect diabetes and pre-diabetes, allowing earlier intervention to prevent diabetic complications. ### Kraft patterns Hyperinsulinaemia is thought to be aetiological in hypertension, obesity, atherosclerosis, microvascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, idiopathic peripheral neuropathy and certain cancers,4 5 and is associated with idiopathic tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss.6 A key research paper published in 1975 by Dr Joseph R Kraft comprised 3650 patients who were randomly referred for glucose tolerance testing.7 Dr Kraft described five different insulin patterns in response to a 100 g glucose load administered over 3–5 hours with insulin levels assessed at baseline, 30, 60, 120, and at minimum, 180 min. Further 240 and 300 min insulin levels were also considered in certain instances. Pattern I …