Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiobjective lot scheduling and dynamic OHT routing in a 300-mm wafer fab

In this paper, we solve two problems in a 300-mm wafer fabrication facility (fab). Firstly, for the lot scheduling problem, we propose a multi-objective genetic programming based rule generator (MOGPRG) to evolve useful dispatching rules, which can provide near-optimal lot schedules concerning multiple objectives. Secondly, the overhead hoist transports (OHT) routing problem is considered. As the modern automated material handling system (AMHS) is capable of doing tool-to-tool direct delivery, the congestion of OHTs may happen more often than the past. To deal with the traffic congestion in AMHS, a dynamic routing method is proposed to find the near-shortest and less-congested path for the OHT to travel along. It can reduce the traffic congestion and achieve fast lot delivery by adapting to the dynamic traffic environment. The proposed MOGPRG is integrated with the dynamic routing method to improve two fab performance metrics: mean cycle time and tardy rate. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed MOGPRG and dynamic routing method.
Joint data and channel estimation using blind trellis search techniques

A novel method of maximum likelihood sequence estimation is proposed for data that are transmitted over unknown linear channels. This procedure does not require a startup sequence for estimating the channel impulse response. Rather, the data and the channel are simultaneously estimated. It is implemented without any loss of optimality by a trellis search algorithm which searches for the best data sequence from among a number of hypothesized trellises which are constructed from the observed sequence. The number of states in each trellis and the number of trellises grow exponentially with the channel memory. A suboptimal trellis search algorithm is proposed whose complexity at best is slightly higher than that of the adaptive Viterbi algorithm operating with a known channel response. A simplified channel estimation algorithm when the number of data alphabets is greater than 2 is also proposed. Fast convergence of the algorithm in estimating the channel is demonstrated for binary pulse amplitude modulation over a variety of channels. Convergence over a wide range of SNR occurs within 100 symbols. The channel estimation algorithm for multi-level signals converges within 500-1000 symbols. We finally present an application of this algorithm to the problem of sequence estimation in the presence of rapidly time-varying intersymbol interference. The algorithm provides reliable zero-delay decisions which results in a better channel tracking algorithm when compared to previously proposed schemes. >
Scheduling hybrid workflows using extended look-ahead approach in utility grid

A workflow represents a complex activity that is often modeled by a directed acyclic graph (DAG) in which each vertex is a task and each directed edge represents both precedence and communication. Recently, Hybrid DAG has emerged as a new model. In this model, unlike the traditional DAG model, tasks can also interact during their executions. Hybrid workflows that are composed of tasks and super-tasks can be modeled using hybrid DAGs. With respect to scheduling workflows to run on the Grid, Lookahead is an important list-based algorithm. To assign a processor to a task, it predicts the status of the system after the children of this task are scheduled and then makes the final decision on this task. One source of sometimes low performance of Lookahead is that unscheduled parents of these children are not given higher priority over the corresponding children's tasks. In this paper, we have proposed the Extended Lookahead algorithm in which this deficiency of Lookahead is removed. In next step, the Extended Lookahead, HEFT, and Lookahead approaches are modified such that they are able to schedule hybrid workflows that will be executed in the utility Grid. The experimental comparison results show that the performance of the new approach is improved compared to both HEFT and Lookahead.
Análise biliométrica da produção científica docente do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação Especial da UFSCar: 1998-2003.

O presente estudo tem como objetivo geral realizar uma analise bibliometrica da producao cientifica dos docentes do PPGEEs/UFSCar. Esta pesquisa que pode ser enquadrada na area de estudos sobre a producao cientifica, constitui-se em uma contribuicao da area de Ciencia da Informacao para a area de Educacao Especial, na medida em que se propoe nao so a analisar a producao cientifica de seu corpo docente, como tambem em resgatar a atuacao deste Programa de Pos-Graduacao como instituicao que se dedica ao ensino e pesquisa na area de Educacao Especial. O universo da pesquisa constitui-se de 22 docentes que estiveram vinculados ao Programa no periodo de 1998 a 2003. O Curriculo Lattes disponivel na Plataforma Lattes, foi utilizado como fonte de pesquisa para recuperacao da producao cientifica associada a cada docente. Foram levantadas as informacoes contidas na Producao Bibliografica da Plataforma Lattes. A partir desse levantamento de publicacoes, optou-se por analisar os artigos publicados em periodicos, uma vez que este tipo de publicacao contem informacoes mais atualizadas sobre as diferentes areas de pesquisa cientifica. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados utilizando-se ferramentas automatizadas para tratamento e analise bibliometrica e indicaram os seguintes aspectos com relacao a publicacao de artigos cientificos dos pesquisadores: Os artigos cientificos publicados representam 7.6% do total de producao cientifica no periodo estudado; entre 1998 e 2003 houve um crescimento de 9,1% de publicacoes de artigos cientificos; existe parceria de publicacoes dos docentes do PPGEEs com os outros integrantes do Programa, com docentes da mesma Linha de Pesquisa, com docentes de Linhas de Pesquisa diferentes e com autores externos ao PPGEEs; a maioria das publicacoes e realizada em parceria entre 2 ou mais autores; a tematica mais abordada nos artigos publicados foi Habilidade Social ; na regiao sudeste encontra-se o maior numero de periodicos nos quais os artigos foram publicados; existe parceria de publicacoes com autores do exterior, o que demonstra a internacionalizacao do PPGEEs; a maioria dos artigos cientificos foram classificados na area de conhecimento Educacao Especial e no setor de atividade Educacao . Embora saibamos que o Programa de Educacao Especial esta enquadrado na area de Ciencias Humanas, mais especificamente na area de Educacao, devemos sempre lembrar que se trata de uma area multidisciplinar que possui fronteiras com outras areas do conhecimento, o que pode ser observado com os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa. O grupo de docentes estudado carrega consigo sua area de formacao ou de pesquisa, dai a explicacao para as oscilacoes encontradas, tanto da produtividade individual, como nos periodicos escolhidos para a publicacao ou tematicas estudadas.
A Comprehensive Mutational Analysis of the Arabidopsis Resistance Protein RPW8.2 Reveals Key Amino Acids for Defense Activation and Protein Targeting[W]

Mutational analyses of host-pathogen interface-localized Arabidopsis resistance protein RPW8.2 reveal three amino acids to be important in regulating defense function of RPW8.2 and two basic residue-enriched motifs to be critical for targeting RPW8.2 to the extrahaustorial membrane induced in epidermal cells by the powdery mildew fungus. The Arabidopsis thaliana RESISTANCE TO POWDERY MILDEW8.2 (RPW8.2) protein is specifically targeted to the extrahaustorial membrane (EHM) encasing the haustorium, or fungal feeding structure, where RPW8.2 activates broad-spectrum resistance against powdery mildew pathogens. How RPW8.2 activates defenses at a precise subcellular locale is not known. Here, we report a comprehensive mutational analysis in which more than 100 RPW8.2 mutants were functionally evaluated for their defense and trafficking properties. We show that three amino acid residues (i.e., threonine-64, valine-68, and aspartic acid-116) are critical for RPW8.2-mediated cell death and resistance to powdery mildew (Golovinomyces cichoracearum UCSC1). Also, we reveal that two arginine (R)– or lysine (K)–enriched short motifs (i.e., R/K-R/K-x-R/K) make up the likely core EHM-targeting signals, which, together with the N-terminal transmembrane domain, define a minimal sequence of 60 amino acids that is necessary and sufficient for EHM localization. In addition, some RPW8.2 mutants localize to the nucleus and/or to a potentially novel membrane that wraps around plastids or plastid-derived stromules. Results from this study not only reveal critical amino acid elements in RPW8.2 that enable haustorium-targeted trafficking and defense, but also provide evidence for the existence of a specific, EHM-oriented membrane trafficking pathway in leaf epidermal cells invaded by powdery mildew.
Mat1 Inhibits Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ-Mediated Adipocyte Differentiation

ABSTRACT Mammalian Cdk7, cyclin H, and Mat1 form the kinase submodule of transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) and have been considered ubiquitously expressed elements of the transcriptional machinery. Here we found that Mat1 and Cdk7 levels are undetectable in adipose tissues in vivo and downregulated during adipogenesis, where activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) acts as a critical differentiation switch. Using both Mat1−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts and Cdk7 knockdown approaches, we show that the Cdk7 complex is an inhibitor of adipogenesis and is required for inactivation of PPARγ through the phosphorylation of PPARγ-S112. The results demonstrate that the Cdk7 submodule of TFIIH acts as a physiological roadblock to adipogenesis by inhibiting PPARγ activity. The observation that components of TFIIH are absent from transcriptionally active adipose tissue prompts a reevaluation of the ubiquitous nature of basal transcription factors in mammalian tissues.
Protein structure--based drug design.

Design cycles will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in drug discovery in the coming years, as the amount of structural information on protein targets continues to rise. However, the traditional method of drug discovery, based upon random screening and systematic modification of leads by medicinal chemistry techniques, will probably not be abandoned completely because it has a potentially important advantage over more structure-based methods--namely, leads identified in this way are unlikely to show a close resemblance to the natural ligand or substrate. They may, therefore, have advantages in terms of patent novelty, selectivity, or pharmacokinetic profile. However, such leads could then serve as the basis for structure-based, rational modification programs, in which their interactions with target receptors are defined (as we have described) and improved molecules are designed. A final important point to be made about structure-based design in drug discovery is that, while it can be of great use in the initial process of identifying ligands with improved affinity and selectivity in vitro, it can usually say very little about other essential aspects of the drug discovery process, e.g. the need to achieve an adequate pharmacokinetic profile and low toxicity in vivo. This observation reminds us that drug design is a multidisciplinary process, involving molecular biologists, biochemists, pharmacologists, organic chemists, crystallographers, and others. In order to be effective, therefore, structure-based design must be properly integrated into the overall discovery effort.
The Source, Flow Rates, and Hydrochemical Evolution of Groundwater in an Alluvial Fan of Qilian Mountain, Northwest China

Major ions and selected environmental tracers (D, 18O, 3H and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)) were employed to determine the source, flow rates, and hydrochemical evolution of groundwater in an alluvial fan along the front of the Qilian Mountains, which serves as an important groundwater reservoir in northwest China. Temporal and spatial variations in ion concentrations were limited near the upper portion of the alluvial fan. However, groundwater quality deteriorated along the flow path as concentrations of Mg2+, Na+, SO 4 2−, and Cl− increased toward the fan toe and into the center of the valley. The relative abundance of the major cations and anions also changed down-fan from Ca2+ to Na+ and Mg2+, and from HCO 3 − to SO 4 2− and Cl−, respectively. Isotopic data suggests that precipitation within the Qilian Mountains, which recharged the alluvial deposits near the mountain front, was the primary source of groundwater. Apparent groundwater ages determined by CFCs varied from 23 to 40 years, and in general, increased in age from south to north (down-fan). It is concluded that groundwater in the study area was recharged by the Qilian Mountains, flowed through the alluvial fan from south to north, and was subsequently discharged several decades later from springs located along the toe of the fan, after which it re-entered the Shule River.
Characterizing the phenotype of multiple sclerosis–associated depression in comparison with idiopathic major depression

Background: Depression is a common co-morbidity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). While somatic symptoms of MS correlate with depression levels, it is unclear whether the clinical presentation of MS-associated depression differs from patients with “idiopathic” major depressive disorder (MDD). Objective: To compare the clinical phenotype of depression among MS and idiopathic MDD patients. Methods: Mean relative contribution of individual Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) items was evaluated among n = 139 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and n = 85 MDD patients without somatic illness. Next, comparisons were repeated in n = 38 MS with clinically relevant depressive symptoms (BDI-II > 19) and n = 38 MDD patients matched for sex, age, and depression severity. Finally, the underlying construct of depression was compared across groups using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: Comparisons on a whole-group level produced the expected differences along somatic/non-somatic symptoms. However, when appropriately controlling for depression severity, age, and sex, only four items contributed differentially to BDI-II total scores in MS versus MDD. CFA suggested that the underlying depression construct is essentially identical in both groups. Conclusion: The clinical phenotype of “idiopathic” MDD and MS-associated depression appears similar when adequately examined. The relevance of these findings for psychotherapeutic approaches for MS-associated depression should be explored in future studies.
Performance evaluation of transmission system for 8K Super Hi-Vision satellite broadcasting

We developed a new transmission system for 8K Super Hi-Vision satellite broadcasting in Japan. This system has a transmission capacity of over 100 Mbps in a single 34.5MHz satellite transponder. The key technical feature of the new system are lowering roll-off factor to 0.03 and using 16APSK and LDPC code with a coding rate of 7/9. To confirm the transmission performance in a satellite channel, we conducted indoor transmission tests and transmission tests using Japanese communication and broadcasting satellites. This paper shows the transmission performance of this system and similar performance was obtained in indoor-transmission and satellite-transmission tests.
Correlation between LDL-cholesterol and C-reactive protein among an apparently healthy population in the city of Athens

Background: The atherogenic LDL is an impor-tant generative cause for the endothelial dys-function and the configuration of the athero-sclerotic lesions. CRP is a sensitive marker of inflammation on the vascular wall, but also seems to participate in the atheromatic process. The correlation between LDL and CRP could form valuable guidelines for the initiation of a treatment with statins for individuals with an increased risk of ischemic incidents. Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate a pos-sible correlation between LDL and CRP in an important number of apparently healthy indi-viduals. Methods: The study material consisted of the test results of 260 male and 484 female adults with normal LDL levels who were clini-cally healthy. The correlation between the LDL and the CRP values of this group was investi-gated in this group and CRP was compared with the respective values of a group of 60 male and 204 female adults with elevated LDL levels. Re-sults: It was ascertained that there is not a sta-tistically important correlation between LDL and CRP values in all groups (men, women, total) of the population with normal LDL levels. Addi-tionally, the CRP mean values were not statisti-cally different between the individuals with normal and raised LDL. Conclusion: A number of causes are incriminated for the results. More studies are definitely needed for the confirma-tion of the results, particularly if the findings could lead to the formation of guidelines for the application of a treatment in people with normal LDL levels but increased CRP levels.
Remodelling of ionic currents in hypertrophied and failing hearts of transgenic mice overexpressing calsequestrin

1 Overexpression of cardiac calsequestrin (CSQ) impairs Ca2+ signalling in murine myocytes, leading to marked cardiac hypertrophy. Here we report on contractile, histological and electrophysiological changes accompanying the development of cardiac hypertrophy and failure in CSQ‐overexpressing mice. 2 CSQ mice developed contractile dysfunction after 60 days of age, with only 40% survival at 6 months. Four‐ to 6‐month‐old CSQ mice revealed biventricular dilatation, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, patchy interstitial fibrosis and tissue calcifications. 3 Cardiac hypertrophy of CSQ mice was accompanied by progressive P‐R and Q‐T interval prolongation, conduction blocks, 2‐fold prolongation of the ventricular action potential and increased cellular membrane capacitance. 4 Remodelling of ionic currents included marked reduction of both density and absolute magnitude of transient outward (Ito) and inward rectifying (IK1) K+ currents. The density, but not the absolute magnitude, of basal and isoproterenol (isoprenaline)‐stimulated Ca2+ current (ICa) was decreased by 42% and the inactivation kinetics of ICa were significantly slowed. Na+ current density was suppressed by 50%, but its steady‐state activation and inactivation were shifted to more positive potentials. The density of Na+‐Ca2+ exchange current was increased by 35%. 5 In CSQ but not in control myocytes dialysed with cAMP, isoproterenol continued to enhance ICa. This apparent lower responsiveness of ICa to cAMP could be reversed by the non‐hydrolysable cAMP analogue 8‐Br‐cAMP or the phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX, suggesting high phosphodiesterase activity of CSQ myocytes. 6 In young CSQ mice (< 60 days) with compensated cardiac hypertrophy, only Ito was significantly suppressed. All other currents remained relatively intact. 7 An increase in cardiac Ca2+‐storage capability by overexpression of CSQ results in a dilated cardiomyopathy with tissue fibrosis, calcifications, impaired β‐adrenergic signalling and progressive remodelling of ionic currents. The extent of the changes in ionic currents was age dependent.
Developmental toxicity of treated municipal wastewater effluent on Bombina orientalis (Amphibia: Anura) embryos

Amphibian populations have been decreasing in urban freshwater systems in Korea. To elucidate the biological safety of treated wastewater effluent (TWE) in the Tancheon basin, the capital area of Korea, a 7‐d–exposure Bombina orientalis embryo developmental toxicity assay was examined during the breeding season. In March, there were no significant differences in embryonic survival or malformation among the water samples. In July, following monsoon precipitation, embryonic lethality in TWE was significantly higher than in the upstream water sample. Malformation in TWE and TWE‐mixed waters was significantly higher than in the control and upstream water samples. Tail muscle height of tadpoles also significantly decreased in TWE and TWE‐mixed waters. Heavy metals were not detected in any samples. Total nitrogen, total phosphorous, and chemical oxygen demand in TWE markedly increased together with a decrease in dissolved oxygen in July. The increase in organic and inorganic loading following precipitation could have made TWE and TWE‐mixed water not suitable for embryonic development. Though being managed based on physicochemical criteria, the water quality of TWE may not be sufficient to assure normal development of amphibian embryos. An amphibian developmental toxicity assay would be helpful for the water‐quality management of TWE and urban freshwater systems in Korea. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:954–961. © 2014 SETAC
The murein-lipoprotein linkage in the cell wall of Escherichia coli.

After digestion of the murein-lipoprotein complex (rigid layer) of the E. coli cell wall with lysozyme the solubilized lipoprotein contained 2 disaccharide units of the murein per 1 lipoprotein molecule. From purely enzymatic degradation of the murein-lipoprotein complex with pronase and lysozyme the peptide GlcNAc-MurNAc-l-Ala-d-Glu-Dpm-Lys-Arg was isolated, where MurNAc =N-acetyl-muramic acid and Dpm =meso-2,6-diaminopimelic acid. The missing d-alanine in this repeating unit of the murein is replaced by the lysyl-arginine dipeptide of the lipoprotein. The lipoprotein molecules are therefore linked to the carboxyl group of the optical l-center of the diaminopimelic acid of the murein.
ANTIULCER ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC ROOT EXTRACT OF BALIOSPERMUM MONTANUM IN ETHANOL AND INDOMETHACIN INDUCED ULCER MODELS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antiulcer activity of standardized methanolic extract of Baliospermum montanum root and to find out the possible mechanism of this activity. The root extract was evaluated in ethanol and Indomethacin induced ulcer model separately. The ulcer healing effect was studied in wistar albino rats by scoring the ulcer index. The biochemical parameters like reduced Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Nitrates and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were individually studied for both the models at a dose level of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. The preliminary phytochemical studies show identification of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and terpenoids. The ulcer index study revealed that the ulcer was reduced significantly in both the models. The biochemical study suggested a marked increase in level of GSH, SOD and Nitrates and decreased lipid peroxidation after the administration of the extract at both dose levels. The result indicated that the extract may exhibited the antiulcer activity due to antioxidant action as it reduced the oxidative stress and consequently improved the integrity of gastric mucosa and enhances the generation of nitric oxide and mucus.