Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endochondral growth in growth plates of three species at two anatomical locations modulated by mechanical compression and tension

Sustained mechanical loading alters longitudinal growth of bones, and this growth sensitivity to load has been implicated in progression of skeletal deformities during growth. The objective of this study was to quantify the relationship between altered growth and different magnitudes of sustained altered stress in a diverse set of nonhuman growth plates. The sensitivity of endochondral growth to differing magnitudes of sustained compression or distraction stress was measured in growth plates of three species of immature animals (rats, rabbits, calves) at two anatomical locations (caudal vertebra and proximal tibia) with two different ages of rats and rabbits. An external loading apparatus was applied for 8 days, and growth was measured as the distance between fluorescent markers administered 24 and 48 h prior to euthanasia. An apparently linear relationship between stress and percentage growth modulation (percent difference between loaded and control growth plates) was found, with distraction accelerating growth and compression slowing growth. The growth‐rate sensitivity to stress was between 9.2 and 23.9% per 0.1 MPa for different growth plates and averaged 17.1% per 0.1 MPa. The growth‐rate sensitivity to stress differed between vertebrae and the proximal tibia (15 and 18.6% per 0.1 MPa, respectively). The range of control growth rates of different growth plates was large (30 microns/day for rat vertebrae to 366 microns/day for rabbit proximal tibia). The relatively small differences in growth‐rate sensitivity to stress for a diverse set of growth plates suggest that these results might be generalized to other growth plates, including human. These data may be applicable to planning the management of progressive deformities in patients having residual growth. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1327–1334, 2006
Independent Current Control of Dual Parallel SRM Drive Using a Public Current Sensor

Switched reluctance motors (SRMs) have been considered a potential candidate for automotive applications due to its rare-earth-free feature and wide speed range. Conventionally, a current sensor is installed in each phase for the current regulation control, which will considerably add the cost and volume to multimotor drives. This paper proposes an independent current control technique for dual parallel SRM drives using only one current sensor. In order to identify the individual motor currents from the public current, a pulse injection scheme is developed accordingly. Two pulses are individually injected into the lower transistors of the dual converter in the excitation regions and the fixed current sampling points triggered by the injected pulse are presented for motor current identification. The independent current control for the dual SRM can be directly implemented by the public current sensing, although the motor parameters are different. The developed system requires only one current sensor without additional hardware or reduced system performance. The simulation and experimental results on parallel 750 W and 150 W three-phase 12/8 SRM drives are presented to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. With this scheme, the dual-motor drive can be more compact and cost effective for traction drive applications.
Hadron-hadron interaction in a string-flip model of quark confinement. II. Nucleon-nucleon interaction.

The string-flip model of quark confinement is extended and applied to two-baryon systems with color, spin, and flavor degrees of freedom. The model avoids a pathological color van der Waals force, unlike a conventional two-body quark-confining potential model. Resonating-group-method calculations of the N-N phase shifts are presented for several different color-dependent potentials. A realistic model with a short-range interquark potential and an effective meson-exchange interaction is proposed and found to reproduce /sup 1/S/sub 0/ N-N scattering data very well.
More than Motility: Salmonella Flagella Contribute to Overriding Friction and Facilitating Colony Hydration during Swarming

ABSTRACT We show in this study that Salmonella cells, which do not upregulate flagellar gene expression during swarming, also do not increase flagellar numbers per μm of cell length as determined by systematic counting of both flagellar filaments and hooks. Instead, doubling of the average length of a swarmer cell by suppression of cell division effectively doubles the number of flagella per cell. The highest agar concentration at which Salmonella cells swarmed increased from the normal 0.5% to 1%, either when flagella were overproduced or when expression of the FliL protein was enhanced in conjunction with stator proteins MotAB. We surmise that bacteria use the resulting increase in motor power to overcome the higher friction associated with harder agar. Higher flagellar numbers also suppress the swarming defect of mutants with changes in the chemotaxis pathway that were previously shown to be defective in hydrating their colonies. Here we show that the swarming defect of these mutants can also be suppressed by application of osmolytes to the surface of swarm agar. The “dry” colony morphology displayed by che mutants was also observed with other mutants that do not actively rotate their flagella. The flagellum/motor thus participates in two functions critical for swarming, enabling hydration and overriding surface friction. We consider some ideas for how the flagellum might help attract water to the agar surface, where there is no free water.
Polyadenylation of Escherichia coli transcripts plays an integral role in regulating intracellular levels of polynucleotide phosphorylase and RNase E

Polyadenylation in Escherichia coli has been implicated in the destabilization of a variety of transcripts. However, transiently increasing intracellular poly(A) levels has also been shown to stabilize the pnp and rne transcripts, leading to increased polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) and RNase E levels respectively. Here, we show that the half‐lives of both the pnp and rne transcripts are dependent on the intracellular level of polyadenylated transcripts. In addition, experiments using pnp–lacZ and rne–lacZ translational fusions demonstrate that the variations in transcript stability and protein levels arise from alterations in the autoregulation of both genes. Further support for this conclusion is provided by the fact that, in an rne mutant in which autoregulation is inactivated by deletion of most of the 5′ untranslated region, variations in the level of polyadenylated transcripts no longer affect RNase E protein expression. Of even more interest is the fact that the presence of a functional degradosome is essential for RNase E to detect increased levels of poly(A). Thus, it appears that polyadenylation of transcripts in E. coli serves as a sensing mechanism by which the cell adjusts the levels of both RNase E and PNPase.
CODV-Ig, a universal bispecific tetravalent and multifunctional immunoglobulin format for medical applications

ABSTRACT Bispecific immunoglobulins (Igs) typically contain at least two distinct variable domains (Fv) that bind to two different target proteins. They are conceived to facilitate clinical development of biotherapeutic agents for diseases where improved clinical outcome is obtained or expected by combination therapy compared to treatment by single agents. Almost all existing formats are linear in their concept and differ widely in drug-like and manufacture-related properties. To overcome their major limitations, we designed cross-over dual variable Ig-like proteins (CODV-Ig). Their design is akin to the design of circularly closed repeat architectures. Indeed, initial results showed that the traditional approach of utilizing (G4S)x linkers for biotherapeutics design does not identify functional CODV-Igs. Therefore, we applied an unprecedented molecular modeling strategy for linker design that consistently results in CODV-Igs with excellent biochemical and biophysical properties. CODV architecture results in a circular self-contained structure functioning as a self-supporting truss that maintains the parental antibody affinities for both antigens without positional effects. The format is universally suitable for therapeutic applications targeting both circulating and membrane-localized proteins. Due to the full functionality of the Fc domains, serum half-life extension as well as antibody- or complement-dependent cytotoxicity may support biological efficiency of CODV-Igs. We show that judicious choice in combination of epitopes and paratope orientations of bispecific biotherapeutics is anticipated to be critical for clinical outcome. Uniting the major advantages of alternative bispecific biotherapeutics, CODV-Igs are applicable in a wide range of disease areas for fast-track multi-parametric drug optimization.
A new dissection technique for approach to right-sided intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: anatomic study and use in three dogs.

OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility of indirect suture passage around the right portal vein for attenuation of right-sided intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IHPSS). STUDY DESIGN Anatomic study of cadavers and prospective evaluation of clinical cases. ANIMALS Nine canine cadavers (median weight, 20.5 kg) and 6 client-owned dogs suspected of having right-sided IHPSS. METHODS Silicone casts of the caudal vena cava and pre- and intrahepatic portal veins were made in fresh canine cadavers. A suture was passed dorsal to the portal vein above and below its bifurcation and pulled laterally so that it surrounded the right portal vein. The number and size of portal and caudal vena cava branches that interfered with the suture passage were recorded. Intra- and postoperative complications were evaluated in 3 dogs with right-sided IHPSS and 3 dogs suspected of having right-sided IHPSS that had right portal vein dissection and occlusion using this technique. RESULTS Suture passage and placement around the right portal vein were easily accomplished in all 9 specimens. A 1 mm branch from the dorsal surface of the right portal vein was included in the encircling ligature in 4 specimens. The dissection technique was used successfully in 3 dogs with right-sided IHPSS and 2 other clinical cases. The portal branch to the papillary process of the caudate lobe interfered with suture placement in 1 dog with a central IHPSS. CONCLUSIONS Indirect suture passage for ligation of the right portal vein can be successfully performed in normal dogs and dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Hemorrhage, vascular trauma, and surgery time may be reduced using this technique for attenuation of right-sided IHPSS.
Molecular Cloning and Heterologous Expression of a True Lipase in Pichia pastoris Isolated via a Metagenomic Approach

Lipases are important enzymes for various biotechnological applications. By using functional expression screening, lipZ03, a novel lipase gene, was isolated from a soil-derived metagenomic library. The gene was supposed to encode a protein of 617 amino acids with a C-terminal targeting signal region and four potential N-linked glycosylation sites. The protein sequence shared a conserved GXSXG motif (X represents any amino acid residue) with other microbial lipases. Gene lipZ03 was expressed in Pichia pastoris and the molecular weight was estimated to be approximately 65 kDa by electrophoresis. The optimum reaction temperature and pH value for LipZ03 was 50°C and 9.0, respectively. The enzyme was highly stable in the temperature range of 40–60°C and under alkaline conditions (pH 8–10). Lipolytic activity was significantly enhanced by Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions, but dramatically inhibited by Cu2+, Ni2+ and Hg2+ ions and EDTA. The purified enzyme preferentially hydrolyzed relatively long-chain triacylglycerols and was a true lipase rather than an esterase. Using a multi-stepwise methanol supply, the purified LipZ03 achieved a conversion yield of biodiesel production up to 74% after 36 h. Some interesting characteristics described here showed that the recombinant lipase may have potential to be a useful enzyme in industrial applications.
Social Stigma and Childbearing for Women Living With HIV/AIDS

As more women become infected with HIV, the issue of childbearing becomes increasingly salient. A more nuanced understanding of women’s situations is needed to provide high-quality and relevant services and support. We examined reproductive decision making among 20 women living with HIV through in-depth interviews. These women made decisions within situations of chaos, instability, and trauma, which often limited their ability to make truly informed choices about their lives and childbearing. Despite their HIV, many of the women wanted children, but experienced stigmatization related both to their HIV and to their decisions to have children. This stigmatization came from multiple sources, including health care providers, some of whom encouraged their patients to abort pregnancies because of their HIV. Participants, however, demonstrated resistance to stigmatization, through building supportive communities and developing trusting relationships with HIV providers. These results support the need for specialized HIV care for women of childbearing age.
Study of Sub-Pixel Classification Algorithms for High Dimensionality Data Set

In this work fuzzy set theory based as well as statistical learning algorithm have been studied at sub-pixel classification level. Here two Fuzzy set theory based classifiers, namely, Fuzzy c-Means (FCM) and Possibilistic c- Means (PCM) have been used in supervised modes. Support Vector Machines (SVMs) have been used in this study for density estimation as a statistical learning based sub-pixel classifier while using Mean Field (MF) method for learning. An in-house package SMIC (Sub-Pixel Multi-Spectral Image Classifier) was used and sensitivity of all the three algorithms (FCM, PCM and SVMs) has been checked for dimensionality data sets at 3 to 14 bands from ASTER data. The accuracy of sub-pixel classification outputs has been evaluated using Fuzzy Error Matrix (FERM). In contrast to FCM and PCM, SVM approach showed a clear increase in the accuracy with higher dimensionality data and clearly out performed other two approaches for sub-pixel classification.
Estimating the Structure of Rooms from a Single Fisheye Image

Most existing approaches to indoor scene understanding formulate the problem based on the pinhole camera geometry. Unfortunately, these approaches cannot be utilized well for an omni directional image. In this paper, we focus on the problem of estimating the spatial layout of rooms from a single fisheye image. Considering the wide field of view of fisheye cameras, we introduce a structure symmetrical rule which describes geometric constraints. A method is given to estimate and recover the preliminary spatial layout of room only from a collection of line segments extracted from a fisheye image. Then, an orientation map of structure is generated. Finally, we refine the spatial layout to obtain the main structure. The experiments demonstrate that our approach based on geometric reasoning can be used to estimate the structure of indoor scene from a single fisheye image.
VP7 and VP8* genetic characterization of group A rotavirus genotype G12P[8]: Emergence and spreading in the Eastern Brazilian coast in 2014

Group A rotavirus (RVA) genotype G12 is habitually associated with diarrhea disease (DD) in African children and recently its detection has increased worldwide. A total of 970 stool samples collected from individuals with DD in the Northeastern, Southeastern, and Southern Brazilian regions, Eastern coast, were analyzed and 321 (33%) were positive for RVA and of these, 241 (75%) genotyped as G12P[8]. The rate of RVA positivity was higher among children aged 5–10 years old (60%). All RVA infections observed in adults aged >21 years were G12P[8] (n = 27) showing that this genotype affected older age groups during the year of 2014 in Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis of VP7 and VP8* G12P[8] strains demonstrated an elevated similarity among Brazilian and G12‐III prototypes strains circulating worldwide recently, suggesting that this lineage is associated with the global spread of the G12 genotype, considered as the 6th most prevalent human RVA genotype nowadays; while other G12 lineages remain sporadically detected and usually detected in association with other P genotypes. VP8* analysis revealed that Brazilian strains belong to P[8]‐3 lineage, the single P[8] lineage presently detected in the country. No major nucleotide/amino acid disparities were observed among strains recovered from children and adults for VP7 and VP8* genes. These data are essential to support the surveillance studies, particularly in countries where the RVA vaccine was introduced in their National Immunization Program enabling identification of potential alterations in the epidemiological profile that can impact its efficacy in vaccination programs. J. Med. Virol. 89:64–70, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Online Tracking and Offline Recognition Using Scale Invariant Feature Transform

Object tracking, is a challenging problem. In order to meet real-time requirements, Low computational complexity is achieves using a unique feature statistical morphological skeleton, accuracy of localization, and noise robustness has been considered for both object tracking and recognition has been proposed. Previous work used only low level features for tracking framework. Tracking is performed by applying a proposed Scale Invariant Feature Transform to a set of observable quantities derived from the detected skeleton and other geometric characteristics of the moving object. Then unified approach of tracking and recognition can be established. High-level offline models corresponding to the recognized category are then adaptively selected and combined with the proposed online tracking models so as to achieve better tracking performance. Experimental result provides better result when compare with the existing work. Keywords— Object Recognition; Video Analysis; Visual Tracking; ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
p 53 facilitates pRb cleavage in IL-3-deprived cells : novel pro-apoptotic activity of p 53

In the interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent lymphoid cell line DA-1, functional p53 is required for efficient apoptosis in response to IL-3 withdrawal. Activation of p53 in these cells, by either DNA damage or p53 overexpression, results in a vital growth arrest in the presence of IL-3 and in accelerated apoptosis in its absence. Thus, IL-3 can control the choice between p53-dependent cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Here we report that the cross-talk between p53 and IL-3 involves joint control of pRb cleavage and degradation. Depletion of IL-3 results in caspase-mediated pRb cleavage, occurring preferentially within cells which express functional p53. Moreover, pRb can be cleaved efficiently by extracts prepared from DA-1 cells but not from their derivatives which lack p53 function. Inactivation of pRb through expression of the human papillomavirus (HPV) E7 oncogene overrides the effect of IL-3 in a p53-dependent manner. Our data suggest a novel role for p53 in the regulation of cell death and a novel mechanism for the cooperation between p53 and survival factor deprivation. Thus, p53 makes cells permissive to pRb cleavage, probably by controlling the potential activity of a pRb-cleaving caspase, whereas IL-3 withdrawal provides signals that turn on this potential activity and lead to the actual cleavage and subsequent degradation of pRb. Elimination of a presumptive anti-apoptotic effect of pRb may then facilitate conversion of p53-mediated growth arrest into apoptosis.
Poster: Deep Learning Enabled M2M Gateway for Network Optimization

Across application domains, M2M gateway should ideally provide various levels of network optimization. It can range from delaying transmissions from gateway to application server, change from push to pull mode, to stopping (re)-transmissions from devices to gateway. In this work, we propose a deep learning enabled M2M system to handle heterogeneous data sources for network optimization.
The Mediterranean Paradox for Susceptibility Factors in Coronary Heart Disease Extends to Genetics

The incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) shows a North to South gradient in Europe. We tested whether that gradient could be accounted for by the distribution of putative susceptibility genotypes. We correlated the published frequencies of susceptibility genotypes for the genes most often associated with CHD (ACE, AGT, APOE, F2, F5, MTHFR, PON1, and SERPINE1) with the incidence of the disease, controlling for the effects of smoking, systolic pressure, total cholesterol, and body‐mass index. In three polymorphisms a negative correlation between the incidence of CHD and the frequency of a suceptibility genotype was observed. For ACE this correlation was significantly negative even when discounting classical susceptibility factors. This suggests that some alleles described as susceptibility factors cannot account for disease incidence at the population level. A genetic component must be added to the “Mediterranean paradox”: genetic variants deemed to be risk factors for CHD show a geographical pattern uncorrelated with the disease incidence. This pattern can be understood from the history of populations which has shaped the genetic diversity of the European populations in North‐South clines, similar to what is observed for CHD incidence, which will tend to create spurious correlations with polymorphisms related, or not related, to the disease.
Enhanced switching activity balancing encoding schemes for uniform temperature distribution in on-chip buses

With technology scaling, power dissipation and localized heating in global and semi-global bus wires are becoming increasingly important. One way to mitigate these effects is to ensure uniform switching of bus wires. This prevents the unusual heating of some wires causing gradients, leading to various undesired effects. Thermal Spreading has shown to be a successful approach to bus temperature minimization. The idea at the basis of this technique is that of periodically permuting the routing of input bitstreams to the various bus lines, with the objective of temporally and spatially distributing the number of transitions over the entire bus. This prevents high switching activities from pertaining only to a few lines which causes an unnatural increase in temperature. In this paper, we propose new encoding schemes which improve the capability of the Thermal Spreading approach of balancing switching activities over the bus wires. The solutions we introduce are adaptive and dynamic in nature, as they select the bitstream and it's appropriate bus line based on online monitoring of actual bus traffic. This is possible thanks to some ad-hoc hardware unit running in parallel at the transmitting and receiving ends of the bus. Our experimental results show that, on average, the proposed encoding schemes improve the transition balancing capabilities of Thermal Spreading by a significant amount.
Don Quixote’s Countenance Before and After Losing His Teeth

The authors of this paper wish to draw attention to certain not-so-well-known aspects concerning the epithet “Knight of the Woeful Countenance”, by which Cervantes’ character Don Quixote is universally known. Cervantes used it to highlight the loss of his hero’s molars and incisors; thus, the reduced vertical dimension of his face, along with his sagging cheeks and deepened facial furrows, was the reason for his permanently sorrowful countenance. Luis Martínez, a professional illustrator following instructions from the authors of this paper, has recreated the face of Don Quixote as Miguel de Cervantes may well have imagined it for his celebrated character.