Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlated reduction of velocity of shortening and the rate of energy utilization in mouse fast-twitch muscle during a continuous tetanus

Isometric tetani of slow-twitch soleus and fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of the mouse were studied at 20 degrees C. The total energy cost for 3- and 9-s isometric tetani was measured as a function of length above L0 and partitioned into a filament overlap-dependent fraction and a smaller filament overlap-independent fraction. In both muscles, the rate of filament overlap-independent energy cost did not change with tetanic duration. In the EDL, but not in the soleus, the rate of filament overlap-dependent energy utilization was greater in a 3-s tetanus than in a 9-s tetanus. The force-velocity relationships were studied after 3 and 9 s of isometric tetanus. In the soleus, Vmax was 2 fiber lengths/s and was not dependent on the duration of isometric tetanus. In contrast, in the EDL, Vmas decreased from 5.9 fiber lengths/s at 3 s to 3.9 fiber lengths/s at 9 s. The velocity of unloaded shortening (Vus) was examined by the slack test method as a function of the duration of isometric tetanus duration over the range of 1-15 s. In the soleus, Vus did not change, whereas in the EDL, Vus declined progressively from 6.4 to 3.2 fiber lengths/s after an isometric tetanus of increasing duration from 1 to 15 s. These results cannot exclude the hypothesis that in a maintained tetanus there is a decrease in the intrinsic cross- bridge turnover rate in the fast-twitch EDL, but not in the slow-twitch soleus muscle.
P2P Mixing and Unlinkable Bitcoin Transactions

Starting with Dining Cryptographers networks (DC-nets), several peer-to-peer (P2P) anonymous communication protocols have been proposed. However, despite their strong anonymity guarantees, none of them have been employed in practice so far: Most protocols fail to simultaneously address the crucial problems of slot collisions and disruption by malicious peers, while the remaining ones handle f malicious peers with O(f) communication rounds. We conceptualize these P2P anonymous communication protocols as P2P mixing, and present a novel P2P mixing protocol, DiceMix, that needs only four communication rounds in the best case, and 4 + 2f rounds in the worst case with f malicious peers. As every individual malicious peer can force a restart of a P2P mixing protocol by simply omitting his messages, we find DiceMix with its worst-case complexity of O(f) rounds to be an optimal P2P mixing solution. On the application side, we employ DiceMix to improve anonymity in crypto-currencies such as Bitcoin. The public verifiability of their pseudonymous transactions through publicly available ledgers (or blockchains) makes these systems highly vulnerable to a variety of linkability and deanonymization attacks. We use DiceMix to define CoinShuffle++, a coin mixing protocol that enables pseudonymous peers to perform unlinkable transactions in a manner fully compatible with the current Bitcoin system. Moreover, we demonstrate the efficiency of our protocols with a proof-of-concept implementation. In our evaluation, DiceMix requires less than eight seconds to mix 50 messages (160 bits, i.e., Bitcoin addresses), while the best protocol in the literature requires almost three minutes in the same setting. Finally, we present a deanonymization attack on existing P2P mixing protocols that guarantee termination in the presence of disruptive peers. We generalize the attack to demonstrate that no P2P mixing protocol simultaneously supports arbitrary input messages, provides anonymity, and terminates in the presence of disruptive peers. DiceMix resists this attack by requiring fresh input messages, e.g., cryptographic keys never used before.
Knowledge base population and visualization using an ontology based on semantic roles

This paper extracts facts using "micro-reading" of text in contrast to approaches that extract common-sense knowledge using "macro-reading" methods. Our goal is to extract detailed facts about events from natural language using a predicate-centered view of events (who did what to whom, when and how). We exploit semantic role labels in order to create a novel predicate-centric ontology for entities in our knowledge base. This allows users to find uncommon facts easily. To this end, we tightly couple our knowledge base and ontology to an information visualization system that can be used to explore and navigate events extracted from a large natural language text collection. We use our methodology to create a web-based visual browser of history events in Wikipedia.
Stochastic Segmentation Trees for Multiple Ground Truths

A strong machine learning system should aim to produce the full range of valid interpretations rather than a single mode in tasks involving inherent ambiguity. This is particularly true for image segmentation, in which there are many sensible ways to partition an image into regions. We formulate a tree-structured probabilistic model, the stochastic segmentation tree , that represents a distribution over segmentations of a given image. We train this model by optimizing a novel objective that quantiﬁes the degree of match between statistics of the model and ground truth segmentations. Our method allows learning of both the parameters in the tree and the structure itself. We demonstrate on two datasets, including the challenging Berkeley Segmentation Dataset, that our model is able to successfully capture the range of ground truths and to produce novel plausible segmentations beyond those found in the data.
An FPGA-Based Dynamically Reconfigurable Platform: From Concept to Realization

Dynamically reconfigurable FPGA-based systems offer a new kind of flexibility such as on-demand computing, self-adaption and self-optimization capabilities by restructuring the hardware at run-time. Using partial dynamic reconfiguration allows the main system to run uninterrupted during the reconfiguration process in addition to the reduced time for the reconfiguration process. However, existing FPGA-based platforms are hampered by physical restrictions limiting the practicability of partial reconfiguration. This led us to the concept of the Erlangen slot machine architecture in order to eliminate the physical and technical constraints
RAPID-SELEX for RNA Aptamers

Aptamers are high-affinity ligands selected from DNA or RNA libraries via SELEX, a repetitive in vitro process of sequential selection and amplification steps. RNA SELEX is more complicated than DNA SELEX because of the additional transcription and reverse transcription steps. Here, we report a new selection scheme, RAPID-SELEX (RNA Aptamer Isolation via Dual-cycles SELEX), that simplifies this process by systematically skipping unnecessary amplification steps. Using affinity microcolumns, we were able to complete a multiplex selection for protein targets, CHK2 and UBLCP1, in a third of the time required for analogous selections using a conventional SELEX approach. High-throughput sequencing of the enriched pools from both RAPID and SELEX revealed many identical candidate aptamers from the starting pool of 5×1015 sequences. For CHK2, the same sequence was preferentially enriched in both selections as the top candidate and was found to bind to its respective target. These results demonstrate the efficiency and, most importantly, the robustness of our selection scheme. RAPID provides a generalized approach that can be used with any selection technology to accelerate the rate of aptamer discovery, without compromising selection performance.
Analysis of Tetracyclines in Medicated Feed for Food Animal Production by HPLC-MS/MS

The use of medicated feed is a common practice in animal food production to improve animal health. Tetracyclines and β-Lactams are the groups that are most frequently added to this type of feed. The measurement of the concentration of the analytes in these types of samples is sometimes due to the matrix characteristic, and manufacturers are demanding fast, precise and reproducible methods. A rapid confirmatory method based on a simple extraction protocol using acidified methanol and followed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer for the quantification of four tetracyclines in feed is presented. Validation was performed following the guidelines of Decision 2002/657/EC. Results indicated that the four tetracyclines can be identified and quantified in a concentration range between 50 and 500 mg/kg with recoveries between 84% and 109% and RSD for precision under reproducible conditions between 12% and 16%. Satisfactory results were also obtained with interlaboratory studies and by comparing the method with an HPLC-Fluorescent method.
Dynamic Deployment of Services for Service-Based Mobile Ecosystem

Mobile devices are widely accepted as a convergence machine which provides both cell phone capability and a lightweight computing capability. However, mobile devices have a major drawback of limited computing power and resources such as main memory and battery life. Service-based mobile applications are emerged as an efficient solution to overcome this limitation of mobile devices. On the other hand, with the advent of more powerful mobile devices, mobile devices are actively participating as computer nodes and performing enterprise functionality. In this paper, we present a practical framework for dynamically deploying services. With the ever increasing computing power of mobile devices, we project that mobile devices can also be used as computer nodes deploying services. A number of benefits for deploying services on mobile devices existed. In this paper, we define an ecosystem for service-based mobile computing, and present techniques for deploying services on station nodes and mobile nodes, which are challenging problems. By applying dynamical deployment of services on both station and mobile nodes, the overall quality of the ecosystem can be consistently maintained.
Diffusion Dynamics with Changing Network Composition

We analyze information diffusion using empirical data that tracks online communication around two instances of mass political mobilization that took place in Spain in 2011 and 2012. We also analyze protest-related communications during the year that elapsed between those protests. We compare the global properties of the topological and dynamic networks through which communication took place, as well as local changes in network composition. We show that changes in network structure underlie aggregated differences on how information diffused: an increase in network hierarchy is accompanied by a reduction in the average size of cascades. The increasing hierarchy affects not only the underlying communication topology but also the more dynamic structure of information exchange; the increase is especially noticeable amongst certain categories of nodes (or users). Our findings suggest that the relationship between the structure of networks and their
Development of the 19 X‐STR loci multiplex system and genetic analysis of a Zhejiang Han population in China

The 19 X‐STRs multiplex system is a PCR‐based amplification kit that facilitates simultaneous amplification of 19 X‐chromosomal STR loci (i.e. DXS7423, DXS10148, DXS10159, DXS6809, DXS7424, DXS8378, DXS10164, DXS10162, DXS7132, DXS10079, DXS6789, DXS101, DXS10103,DXS10101, HPTRB, DXS10075, DXS10074, DXS10135, and DXS10134). Eleven loci were extensively used in an Investigator Qiagen Argus X‐12 (DXS7423, DXS10148, DXS8378, DXS10162, DXS7132, DXS10079, DXS10103, DXS10101, HPTRB, DXS10074, and DXS10135). In this research, the multiplex system was tested for detection sensitivity, DNA mixtures, inhibitor tolerance and species specificity; SWGDAM Validation Guidelines – Approved December 2012 were followed for the human fluorescent STR multiplex PCR reagent. Samples from 181 unrelated Zhejiang Han individuals (121 males and 60 females) were typed using this multiplex system. The results show that this 19X‐STRs multiplex system is a robust and reliable amplification means to facilitate forensic and human identification testing.
Graphene/Si‐Quantum‐Dot Heterojunction Diodes Showing High Photosensitivity Compatible with Quantum Confinement Effect

Graphene/Si quantum dot (QD) heterojunction diodes are reported for the first time. The photoresponse, very sensitive to variations in the size of the QDs as well as in the doping concentration of graphene and consistent with the quantum-confinement effect, is remarkably enhanced in the near-ultraviolet range compared to commercially available bulk-Si photodetectors. The photoresponse proves to be dominated by the carriertunneling mechanism.
Model compression as constrained optimization, with application to neural nets

Theorem 1 (for the QP Q ( w , Θ ; µ ) ). Given a positive increasing sequence ( µ k ) → ∞ , a nonnegative sequence ( τ k ) → 0 , and a starting point ( w 0 , Θ 0 ) , suppose the QP method ﬁnds an approximate minimizer ( w k , Θ k ) of Q ( w k , Θ k ; µ k ) that satisﬁes k∇ w , Θ Q ( w k , Θ k ; µ k ) k ≤ τ k for k = 1 , 2 , . Then, lim k →∞ (cid:0) ( w k , Θ k ) (cid:1) = ( w ∗ , Θ ∗ ) , which is a KKT point for the constrained problem, and its Lagrange multiplier vector has elements λ ∗ i = lim k →∞ (cid:0) − µ k ( w ki − ∆ ( Θ ki )) (cid:1) , i = 1 , . , P .
Efficient rendering of local subsurface scattering

A novel approach is presented to efficiently render local subsurface scattering effects. We introduce an important sampling scheme for a practical subsurface scattering model. It leads to a simple and efficient rendering algorithm, which operates in image-space, and which is even amenable for implementation on graphics hardware. We demonstrate the applicability of our technique to the problem of skin rendering, for which the subsurface transport of light typically remains local. Our implementation shows that plausible images can be rendered interactively using hardware acceleration.
Noninvasive determination of language lateralization by functional transcranial Doppler sonography: a comparison with the Wada test.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Functional transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (fTCD) can assess event-related changes in cerebral blood flow velocities and, by comparison between sides, can provide a measure of hemispheric perfusional lateralization. It is easily applicable, insensitive to movement artifacts, and can be used in patients with less than perfect cooperation. In the present study we investigated the validity of fTCD in determining the hemispheric dominance for language by direct comparison of fTCD with intracarotid amobarbital anesthesia (Wada test). METHODS fTCD and the Wada test were performed in 19 patients evaluated for epilepsy surgery. By the Wada test, 13 patients were classified as left-hemisphere dominant and 6 as right-hemisphere dominant for language. fTCD was based on the continuous bilateral measurements of blood flow velocities in the middle cerebral arteries and event-related averaging during a cued word generation task previously shown to activate lateralized language areas in normal adults. RESULTS In 4 patients fTCD assessment was not possible because of lack of an acoustic temporal bone window. In the remaining 15 candidates, determination of language dominance was concordant with the Wada test in every case. Moreover, the correlation of the lateralization measures from both procedures was highly significant (r=.92, P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS This strong correlation validates fTCD as a noninvasive and practical tool for the determination of language lateralization that can be applied for clinical and investigative purposes.
State and Jurisdictional Eligibility Definitions for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Under IDEA

A major challenge to state and jurisdictional policy makers in implementing the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, Part C under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA, 2004), continues to be determining definitions of developmental delay and criteria of eligibility for services to young children, birth through 2 years of age, and their families. Under Part C, participating states and jurisdictions must provide services to two groups of children: those who are experiencing developmental delays, and those who have a diagnosed mental or physical condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay. In addition, states may choose to serve children who are at risk of experiencing a substantial developmental delay if early intervention services are not provided. (See Table 1 on page 2 for the statutory language relating to eligibility of infants and toddlers under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. Please note that as of June, 2006, federal regulations for this reauthorization have not been proposed. However, there were no substantive changes in the law in this area that would suggest regulatory changes. When the regulations are available this paper will be revised accordingly.) The task of defining the eligible population has been a challenge for states. Eligibility criteria influence the numbers and types of children needing or receiving services, the types of services provided, and ultimately the cost of the early intervention system. Over the years, several states have revised their definitions: some have narrowed their eligibility criteria and others have expanded them. Soon after the creation of the Early Intervention Program under IDEA, many states were interested in serving children at risk, but fears of highly increased numbers of eligible children and, therefore, highly increased costs, reduced the number of states that included children at risk in their eligibility definition. Several states that are not serving children at risk under their definition indicate that they will monitor the development of these children and refer them for early intervention services as delays are manifested.
Near-infrared spectrum discriminant analysis based on information extraction by using the elastic net

Elastic net method combines the merits of ridge regression and Lasso method. It reduces model prediction error by variable selection while not over-shrinking regression coefficients. In this paper, we take advantages of the elastic net's good properties of variable selection and simultaneous parameter estimation to select the important principal components, then establish discriminant model and apply it to near-infrared spectroscopy quantitative analysis. In the real data set analysis, 103 rhubarb samples were randomly split into two groups, one is viewed as training set which contains 35 samples, another group is considered as testing set which contains 68 samples. All of the samples' protein contents are measured by the national standard Kjeldahl method and the data were called chemical values. In order to testify feasibility and stability of the method, the training set and testing set were conducted random split and analyzed for ten times, respectively. According to these predicting results, the maximum number of false positives was 10, the minimum number of false positives is 5, and average false positive rate is 11.76%. These results showed a significant improvement compared to the results which derived by using ordinary principal component method directly.
Evaluation of matrix microsampling methods for therapeutic drug candidate quantification in discovery-stage rodent pharmacokinetic studies.

BACKGROUND AMG 517 or 1-aminobenzotriazole were quantified by LC-MS/MS from low blood/plasma volumes for rat pharmacokinetic (PK) characterization in order to qualify manual/automated dried blood spot (DBS) sampling and plasma separation capillary sampling. In addition, mouse serial automated blood sampling was compared with standard composite sampling. MATERIALS & METHODS AMG 517 or 1-aminobenzotriazole was administered to rats or mice and multiple microsampling techniques were used to obtain blood or plasma. RESULTS PK parameters derived from DBS and whole blood-obtained drug concentrations were within 7% for manual DBS and 20% for automated DBS. Plasma PK parameters derived from capillary or standard plasma-obtained drug concentrations differed by 6%. Plasma PK parameters obtained from serial automated blood sampling or manual composite sampling were within 20%. CONCLUSION Collectively, these results suggest that the microsampling applications that were investigated are attractive approaches for quantifying drug candidates in low matrix volumes that can be successfully employed within discovery-stage rodent PK studies.
Optimal Flow Models for Multiscan Data Association

Multiscan data association can significantly enhance tracking performance in critical radar surveillance scenarios involving multiple targets, low detection probability, high false alarm probability, evasive target maneuvers, and finite radar resolution. Unfortunately, however, this approach is affected by the curse of dimensionality which hinders its real-time application for tracking problems with short scan periods and/or a high number of scans of the association logics and/or many measurements per scan. It is shown here how the formulation of the multiscan association as a multi-commodity or single-commodity flow optimization problem allows a relaxation of the association problem which, on one hand, provides close-to-optimal association performance and, on the other hand, implies a significant reduction of the computational load.
Self-rated health of the educated and uneducated classes in Jamaica

Background: Education provides choices, opportunities, access to resources and it is associated with an increased likelihood of higher income. Does this holds true in developing nations like Jamaica, and does the educated class experience greater self-rated health status than the uneducated classes? Aims: The current study will identify the socio-demographic correlates of self-rated health status of Jamaicans, examine the effects of these variables, explore self-rated health status and self-reported diagnosed recurring illness among the educated and uneducated classes, compute mean income among the different educational types, and determine whether a significant statistical correlation exists between the different educational cohorts. Materials and Methods: The current study utilised the data set of Jamaica Survey Living Conditions which is a cross-sectional survey. It is a national probability survey, and data were collected across the 14 parishes of the island. Stratified random sampling techniques were used to draw the sample. Results: Self-rated health statuses of respondents are correlated with age, income, crowding, sex, marital status, area of residence, and self-reported illness (es) – χ2 = 1,568.4, P < 0.001. Respondents with tertiary level educations were most likely to be classified in the wealthiest 20% (53.4%) and there was no significant statistical difference between their health status and the lower educated classes. Conclusion: There is a need for a public health care campaign that is specifically geared towards the educated classes as their educational achievement is not translating itself into better health care-seeking behaviour and health status than the uneducated classes.