Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Apolipoprotein E Alleles in a Scottish Healthy Newborn Population

The different alleles of the human apolipoprotein E polymorphism, ApoE Ε2, Ε3, Ε4, have important implications for systemic lipid metabolism, immunological function and for the brain in maintenance and in response to injury. Few studies have focussed on their role in early life. The ApoE alleles and genotypes were ascertained in the cord blood of 371 full-term and normal Scottish newborn infants using PCR methodology. The results were compared to previously published data for Scottish adults in late middle age. There was a marginally significant over-representation of Ε4 and under-representation of Ε3 alleles in healthy infants as compared with adults. Inspection of the individual genotypes confirms the over-representation of ApoE 4/4 and 2/4 with a reduction in ApoE 2/3 and 3/3 when compared with Scottish adults. Although these results may have occurred by chance, the ApoE Ε4 allele may confer an increased risk of premature death.
Steady State Droplet Deformation and Orientation during Bulk and Confined Shear Flow in Blends with One Viscoelastic Component: Experiments, Modeling and Simulations

The steady deformation and orientation of droplets in shear flow, both under bulk and confined conditions, is microscopically studied for blends with one viscoelastic phase and a viscosity ratio of 1.5. The experiments are performed with a Linkam shearing cell and a counter rotating setup, based on a Paar Physica MCR300. For bulk shear flow, it is shown that matrix viscoelasticity suppresses droplet deformation and promotes droplet orientation towards the flow direction. Interestingly, these effects saturate at Deborah numbers above 2. For ellipsoidal droplets, viscoelasticity of the droplet fluid hardly affects the droplet deformation and droplet orientation, even up to Deborah numbers as high as 16. When the droplet is confined between two plates, the droplet deformation and the orientation towards the flow direction increase with confinement ratio, as in fully Newtonian systems. At a Deborah number of 1, the effect of component viscoelasticity under confined conditions remains qualitatively the same as.
CAMA: A Predictable Cache-Aware Memory Allocator

General-purpose dynamic memory allocation algorithms strive for small memory fragmentation and good av\-er\-age-case response times. Hard real-time settings, in contrast, place different demands on dynamic memory allocators: worst-case response times are more important than av\-er\-age-case response times. Furthermore, predictable cache behavior is a prerequisite for timing analysis to derive tight bounds on a program's execution time. This paper proposes a novel algorithm that meets these demands. It guarantees constant response times, does not cause unpredictable cache pollution, and allocations are cache-set directed, i.e., allocated memory is guaranteed to be mapped to a given cache set. The latter two are necessary to enable a subsequent precise static cache analysis.
A Micro-Deposition Method by Using EDM

A new micro EDM method is described. First, the basic principles of micro EDD are analyzed and realized conditions are predicted. Then with an ordinary EDM shaping machine and electrode brass, steel and tungsten, a large number of experiments are carried out in air to obtain the effects of different processing parameters on micro EDD. A micro cylinder with 0.19mm in diameter and 7.35mm in height is formed on high-speed steel surface. By exchanging the polarities of electrode and workpiece the deposited material can be removed selectively, thus the reversible machining is realized. In the end, measurements show that the deposited material is compact and hardened, whose components depend on the tool electrode material although Zn in brass electrode is oxidized to ZnO.
Disparity map determination by multiple adaptive windows

The correspondence problem is one of main topics in stereo vision that, despites being studied for man y years, is still in progress. In this paper, we present a new method that computes the disparity map. Our method is local (i.e. only information gathered in the close neighborhood is used) and is based on image statistics. More specifically it combines multiple adaptive windows and local statistical measures in or der to optimize the quality of the computation of disparity maps. As the size of windows is critical for local methods, we propose an algorithm that modifies the size of windows surrounding the pixel of interest to capture enough information in regions with low texture energy. This process is base d on statistical measures (mean and horizontal/vertical ave rage deviation) taken in the windows of the original stereo images. In the last section we show that our method performs very well compared to other existing local methods.
Leptin Protects Host Cells from Entamoeba histolytica Cytotoxicity by a STAT3-Dependent Mechanism

ABSTRACT The adipocytokine leptin links nutritional status to immune function. Leptin signaling protects from amebiasis, but the molecular mechanism is not understood. We developed an in vitro model of ameba-host cell interaction to test the hypothesis that leptin prevents ameba-induced apoptosis in host epithelial cells. We demonstrated that activation of mammalian leptin signaling increased cellular resistance to amebic cytotoxicity, including caspase-3 activation. Exogenous expression of the leptin receptor conferred resistance in susceptible cells, and leptin stimulation enhanced protection. A series of leptin receptor signaling mutants showed that resistance to amebic cytotoxicity was dependent on activation of STAT3 but not the Src homology-2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase (SHP-2) or STAT5. A common polymorphism in the leptin receptor (Q223R) that increases susceptibility to amebiasis in humans and mice was found to increase susceptibility to amebic cytotoxicity in single cells. The Q223R polymorphism also decreased leptin-dependent STAT3 activation by 21% relative to that of the wild-type (WT) receptor (P = 0.035), consistent with a central role of STAT3 signaling in protection. A subset of genes uniquely regulated by STAT3 in response to leptin was identified. Most notable were the TRIB1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) genes, which have opposing roles in the regulation of apoptosis. Overall apoptotic genes were highly enriched in this gene set (P < 1E−05), supporting the hypothesis that leptin regulation of host apoptotic genes via STAT3 is responsible for protection. This is the first demonstration of a mammalian signaling pathway that restricts amebic pathogenesis and represents an important advance in our mechanistic understanding of how leptin links nutrition and susceptibility to infection.
Epoxy resin modified with in situ generated metal oxides by means of sol–gel process

Organic–inorganic hybrids were prepared with silica, zirconia, or titania in situ generated within epoxy resins based on bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and Jeffamine® by means of the aqueous sol–gel process. The morphology of the prepared hybrids varied from a particulate dispersed phase to a co-continuous morphology. Silica and zirconia filled epoxies were characterized by a significant increase in thermal stability, attributable to the high thermal stability of silica and zirconia phases. On the contrary, the introduction of titania induced a strong decrease in thermal stability of the epoxy/titania hybrids compared with the pure epoxy resin, attributable to metal-catalyzed oxidative decomposition mechanism in the polymer/titania composite. Hybrids were much more transparent than unfilled epoxy. The transmittance of silica- and titania-based hybrids showed a slight decrease by increasing the content of filler, while the transparency of zirconia-based hybrids was very high and almost constant independently by the nominal content of filler. The presence of in situ generated fillers significantly enhanced the scratch resistance of the epoxy resin as indicated by the marked increase of critical load for all the hybrids. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Joint power control and sub-channel allocation for co-channel OFDMA femtocells

Two-tier networks consisting of macrocell and femtocells are provided as a solution to increase capacity and improve indoor coverage of cellular networks. In two-tier networks, when the spectrum is shared by macrocell and all of femtocells, the cross-tier and co-tier interference should be taken into account. In this paper, we investigate the power control problem of minimizing the aggregate transmit power for macro-tier and the joint power control and sub-channel allocation problem of maximizing the total rate for femto-tier, both in uplink transmission, while the cross-tier and co-tier interference are both taken into account. Then, to solve these problems, we propose distributed sub-optimal algorithms for both macro and femto-tier. Finally, simulation results are presented to confirm out performance of our proposed algorithm and to compare with the existing algorithm.
Visualizing tags over time

We consider the problem of visualizing the evolution of tags within the Flickr (flickr.com) online image sharing community. Any user of the Flickr service may append a tag to any photo in the system. Over the past year, users have on average added over a million tags each week. Understanding the evolution of these tags over time is therefore a challenging task. We present a new approach based on a characterization of the most interesting tags associated with a sliding interval of time. An animation provided via Flash in a Web browser allows the user to observe and interact with the interesting tags as they evolve over time. New algorithms and data structures are required to support the efficient generation of this visualization. We combine a novel solution to an interval covering problem with extensions to previous work on score aggregation in order to create an efficient backend system capable of producing visualizations at arbitrary scales on this large dataset in real time.
In-Situ Electro-Charging for Friction Reduction and Wear Resistant Film Formation

A technique has been developed to form friction-reducing and antiwear films in-situ by means of an electric field applied between rubbing metal surfaces. Using this in-situ charging technique, the effectiveness of zinc organodithiophosphate (ZDP) additives as antiwear and friction reducing agents can be enhanced by electrochemical reactions which form surface coatings. The coatings formed on sliding surfaces compared with uncharged surfaces reduce friction by up to 35 percent. In addition, during the sliding process, the films formed on the surfaces are replenished and protect the rubbing surfaces from wear. A steel plate subjected to rubbing and in-situ charging for four hours had a smooth surface and a yellowish reaction film; the one without charging was rougher and no yellowish reaction film was formed. The improved tribological characteristics are attributed to an increase in the electrochemical reactivity of the ZDP-mineral oil blends and the formation of phosphate or sulfate films on the metal surf.
Potential of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for the Regeneration of the Tracheal Wall

Objectives Our previous studies focused on basic research and the clinical applications of an artificial trachea. However, the prefabricated artificial trachea cannot be utilized for pediatric airways, because the tracheal frame needs to expand as the child develops. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for the regeneration of the tracheal wall. Methods We cultured iPS cells in a 3-dimensional (3-D) scaffold in chondrocyte differentiation medium (bioengineered scaffold model), and the results were compared with those in a 3-D scaffold without iPS cells (control scaffold model). The 3-D scaffolds were implanted into tracheal defects in 8 nude rats. After 4 weeks, the regenerated tissue was histologically examined. Results Implanted iPS cells were confirmed to exist in all 5 rats implanted with bioengineered scaffolds. Cartilage-like tissue was observed in the regenerated tracheal wall in 2 of the 5 rats in the bioengineered scaffold model, but in none of the 3 rats in the control scaffold model. Conclusions Implanted iPS cells were confirmed to exist in the bioengineered scaffold. Cartilage-like tissue was regenerated in the tracheal defect. This study demonstrated the potential of iPS cells in the regeneration of the tracheal wall.
Acute myocardial infarction complicated by early onset of heart failure: safety and feasibility of interhospital transfer for coronary angioplasty. Subanalysis of Killip II-IV patients from the PRAGUE-1 study.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and safety of interhospital transfer (within up to 60 minutes) for primary/rescue coronary angioplasty of patients with myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by an early onset of acute heart failure (AHF) admitted to a community hospital without PCI facilities. DESIGN AND PATIENTS From the multicenter randomized PRAGUE-1 study, a subgroup of 66 patients with AMI complicated by AHF on the first presentation to the community hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Group A patients (n = 21) were treated on site in community hospitals using thrombolysis (streptokinase), group B patients (n = 20) were transported with thrombolytic infusion to a PCI center for coronary angioplasty, and group C patients (n = 25) were immediately transported to a PCI center for primary angioplasty without thrombolysis. RESULTS No patient died during transportation. One group B patient developed ventricular fibrillation during transfer. The time delay from the onset of chest pain to reperfusion was > 142 minutes, and 253 and 251 minutes in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Hospital stay (16 vs 11 vs 10 days, P = NS) was shorter in the angioplasty groups. Transported patients (groups B, C) displayed a significant decrease in heart failure progression within the first 24 hours after treatment (48% vs 15% vs 8%, P < 0.05). The combined end point, i.e., mortality + nonfatal reinfarction (43% vs 25% vs 8%, P < 0.05), was significantly less frequent in the coronary angioplasty group. CONCLUSIONS Interhospital transfer for coronary angioplasty of patients with AMI complicated by an early onset of AHF is feasible and safe. Transport for angioplasty may even reduce the risk of heart failure progression and improve clinical outcome compared to immediate thrombolysis in the nearest community hospital.
Breakdown voltage assessment of GaN HEMT devices through physics-based modeling

An extensive study is conducted to evaluate breakdown mechanisms in gallium nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistors (HEMT). A comprehensive physics-based model of a common HEMT provides the base comparison to conduct different material and geometric investigations. The variations are evaluated in a progression toward the optimal configuration: 1) varying the passivation material, 2) replacing the substrate material, 3) reducing the doping profile along the GaN and aluminum nitride (AlGaN) layers and 4) a field plate (FP) addition. The electric field distribution across the source, gate, and drain is analyzed for each case as well as their I-V curves until the breakdown voltage (BV). The best results are revealed under the FP case.
Asphalt pavement cracking: analysis of extraordinary life cycle variability in eastern and northeastern Ontario

This paper documents an investigation of the performance of 20 pavement contracts in eastern and northeastern Ontario, Canada. Eleven of these pavements showed little or no distress after 7–15 years in service. The remaining nine, aged between 7 and 13 years, all cracked prematurely and excessively. Creep testing of the recovered asphalt cements, according to an extended bending beam rheometer protocol, revealed that the long-life pavements were made with materials that suffered little from reversible ageing mechanisms during cold conditioning. Ductile failure testing in a double-edge notched tension test at 15°C revealed equally significant differentiation, with the superior performing materials possessing considerably higher strain tolerances. The newly developed methods were able to explain vast performance differences with 95% accuracy. This study further validates Ontario's interest in an improved asphalt cement grading approach and provides evidence that thin pavements can have long lives, provided the asphalt cement is selected properly.
Rapidly quenched Y–Pd–B–C borocarbides: Identification of the superconducting metastable phases

Rapidly quenched melt-spun ribbons of palladium-based borocarbides with large fractions of the superconducting phase ( T _ c > 20 K) have been obtained. Superconductivity in the Pd-based alloys seems to be metastable and exists only in the rapidly quenched state. Thus, while in the as-cast state the YPd_2B_2C ingot is found to be paramagnetic, the rapidly quenched ribbon superconducts and has a simple XRD pattern characteristic for a fcc lattice with a lattice parameter of 4.15 Å. A systematic study in an annealing sequence shows decay of the superconducting phase above 750 °C. The reduction in the integral intensities of XRD fcc peaks correlates well with the loss of the superconducting fraction on successive annealing. The recently reported tetragonal phase, attributed to the superconducting state in this system, is not found in any of our rapidly quenched samples. We present the phase diagrams indicating the optimum composition regimes for superconductivity in the Y–Ni–B–C and Y–Pd–B–C systems. From our magnetic data the values for the upper critical field H _ c 2(0), and the coherence length ξ(0) are estimated to be 10 Tesla and 57 Å, respectively, for the rapidly quenched YPd_2B_2C superconducting ribbons.
Direct Control of Cell Cycle Gene Expression by Proto-Oncogene Product ACTR, and Its Autoregulation Underlies Its Transforming Activity

ABSTRACT ACTR (also called AIB1 and SRC-3) was identified as a coactivator for nuclear receptors and is linked to multiple types of human cancer due to its frequent overexpression. However, the molecular mechanism of ACTR oncogenicity and its function independent of nuclear receptors remain to be defined. We demonstrate here that ACTR is required for both normal and malignant human cells to effectively enter S phase. RNA interference-mediated depletion and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays show that endogenous ACTR directly controls the expression of genes important for initiation of DNA replication, which include cdc6, cdc25A, MCM7, cyclin E, and Cdk2. Moreover, consistent with its critical role in cell cycle control, ACTR expression appears to be cell cycle regulated, which involves E2F. Interestingly, ACTR is recruited to its own promoter at the G1/S transition and activates its own expression, suggesting a positive feedback mechanism for ACTR action in the control of cell cycle progression and for its aberrant expression in cancers. Importantly, overexpression of ACTR alone transforms human mammary epithelial cells, which requires its association with E2F. These findings reveal a novel role for ACTR in cell cycle control and support the notion that the ability of aberrant ACTR to deregulate the cell cycle through E2F underlies its oncogenicity in human cancers.
Butyric Acid- and Dimethyl Disulfide-Assimilating Microorganisms in a Biofilter Treating Air Emissions from a Livestock Facility

ABSTRACT Biofiltration has proven an efficient tool for the elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ammonia from livestock facilities, thereby reducing nuisance odors and ammonia emissions to the local environment. The active microbial communities comprising these filter biofilms have not been well characterized. In this study, a trickle biofilter treating air from a pig facility was investigated and proved efficient in removing carboxylic acids (>70% reduction), mainly attributed to the primary filter section within which reduced organic sulfur compounds were also depleted (up to 50%). The secondary filter eliminated several aromatic compounds: phenol (81%), p-cresol (89%), 4-ethylphenol (68%), indole (48%), and skatole (69%). The active butyric acid degrading bacterial community of an air filter sample was identified by DNA stable-isotope probing (DNA-SIP) and microautoradiography, combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization (MAR-FISH). The predominant 16S rRNA gene sequences from a clone library derived from “heavy” DNA from [13C4]butyric acid incubations were Microbacterium, Gordonia, Dietzia, Rhodococcus, Propionibacterium, and Janibacter, all from the Actinobacteria. Actinobacteria were confirmed and quantified by MAR-FISH as being the major bacterial phylum assimilating butyric acid along with several Burkholderiales-related Betaproteobacteria. The active bacterial community assimilating dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) was characterized by DNA-SIP and MAR-FISH and found to be associated with the Actinobacteria, along with a few representatives of Flavobacteria and Sphingobacteria. Interestingly, ammonia-oxidizing Betaproteobacteria were also implicated in DMDS degradation, as were fungi. Thus, multiple isotope-based methods provided complementary data, enabling high-resolution identification and quantitative assessments of odor-eliminating Actinobacteria-dominated populations of these biofilter environments.
The polarity of myxobacterial gliding is regulated by direct interactions between the gliding motors and the Ras homolog MglA

Significance The bacterium Myxococcus xanthus moves on surfaces by directed gliding motility. MglA, a Ras family GTPase, regulates cell polarity in M. xanthus; However, little is known about how MglA establishes cell polarity during gliding, because gliding motors move simultaneously in opposite directions. We found that MglA interacts with the gliding motors directly and is localized in a decreasing intracellular gradient. Furthermore, the motors tend to reverse their moving direction at locations where the activity of MglA is high. Our data suggest that biased reversals along the MglA gradient make the motors moving toward the lagging cell poles less likely to reverse, generating stronger forward propulsion. Thus, bacterial cells, like eukaryotic cells, can use Ras homolog localization to establish cellular polarity. Gliding motility in Myxococcus xanthus is powered by flagella stator homologs that move in helical trajectories using proton motive force. The Frz chemosensory pathway regulates the cell polarity axis through MglA, a Ras family GTPase; however, little is known about how MglA establishes the polarity of gliding, because the gliding motors move simultaneously in opposite directions. Here we examined the localization and dynamics of MglA and gliding motors in high spatial and time resolution. We determined that MglA localizes not only at the cell poles, but also along the cell bodies, forming a decreasing concentration gradient toward the lagging cell pole. MglA directly interacts with the motor protein AglR, and the spatial distribution of AglR reversals is positively correlated with the MglA gradient. Thus, the motors moving toward lagging cell poles are less likely to reverse, generating stronger forward propulsion. MglB, the GTPase-activating protein of MglA, regulates motor reversal by maintaining the MglA gradient. Our results suggest a mechanism whereby bacteria use Ras family proteins to modulate cellular polarity.