Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sequencing of a 35·71 kb DNA segment on the right arm of yeast chromosome XV reveals regions of similarity to chromosomes I and XIII

In a shotgun approach we sequenced the cosmid pEOA284 containing a fragment derived from the right arm of chromosome XV of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. An analysis of the sequence revealed that it contained open reading frames (ORFs) corresponding to the known genes SLY41, SPS4, COT1, FAA1, PMT3, PRO2 and MYO2. Of the 18 unknown ORFs, five are contained totally within, and two, O6105 and O6163, partially overlap other ORFs. ORF O6116 and O6139 have putative introns. Regions of similarity with chromosomes I and XIII have been uncovered. Interestingly, most of the paired ORFs encode proteins of the same gene family. The relatedness of these ORFs suggests gene duplication. The sequence has been entered into the public data libraries under Accession Number X90565.
Audio Signal Processing for Activity Recognition of Construction Heavy Equipment

Action recognition and tracking of construction heavy equipment is the first step for benchmarking and analyzing the performance of individual machines and evaluating the productivity of a jobsite as a whole. Aside from direct observations, the current approaches for automatically recognizing and tracking various actions of construction heavy equipment includes: 1) using active sensors such as RFID tags, GPS and accelerometers or 2) computer vision-based activity analysis (processing images or videos). In this paper, we present a novel audio-based approach for activity recognition of construction heavy equipment. Construction machines often produce distinct sound patterns while performing certain activities and it is possible to extract useful information by recording and processing those audio files at construction jobsites. The proposed audiobased framework begins with recording generated sound patterns of construction equipment using commercially available audio recorders. The recorded signal is then fed into a signal enhancement algorithm to reduce background noise commonly found at construction jobsites. The modified audio signal is then converted into a time-frequency representation using the Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT). A Support Vector Machine (SVM) is then trained to differentiate between the acoustic patterns of the various activities of each machine. The processed audio signal is then finally divided and classified into various activities using a window filtering approach and by setting proper thresholds. We implemented the presented audio-based system at several jobsites as case studies and the results illustrate the efficiency of the system in automatically recognizing various actions of construction heavy equipment. Keywords– Audio signals; Construction; Heavy equipment; Activity recognition; Short-Time Fourier Transform
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 upregulation reduces oxidative DNA damage and protects hippocampal neurons from ischemic injury.

AIMS Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) is a multifunctional enzyme that participates in base-excision repair of oxidative DNA damage and in the redox activation of transcription factors. We tested the hypothesis that APE1 upregulation protects neuronal structure and function against transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI). RESULTS Upregulation of APE1 by low-dose proton irradiation (PI) or by transgene overexpression protected hippocampal CA1 neurons against tGCI-induced cell loss and reduced apurinic/apyrimidinic sites and DNA fragmentation. Conversely, APE1 knockdown attenuated the protection afforded by PI and ischemic preconditioning. APE1 overexpression inhibited the DNA damage response, as evidenced by lower phospho-histone H2A and p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis levels. APE1 overexpression also partially rescued dendritic spines and attenuated the decrease in field excitatory postsynaptic potentials in hippocampal CA1. Presynaptic and postsynaptic markers were reduced after tGCI, and this effect was blunted in APE1 transgenics. The Morris water maze test revealed that APE1 protected against learning and memory deficits for at least 27 days post-injury. Animals expressing DNA repair-disabled mutant APE1 (D210A) exhibited more DNA damage than wild-type controls and were not protected against tGCI-induced cell loss. INNOVATION This is the first study that thoroughly characterizes structural and functional protection against ischemia after APE1 upregulation by measuring synaptic markers, electrophysiological function, and long-term neurological deficits in vivo. Furthermore, disabling the DNA repair activity of APE1 was found to abrogate its protective impact. CONCLUSION APE1 upregulation, either endogenously or through transgene overexpression, protects DNA, neuronal structures, synaptic function, and behavioral output from ischemic injury.
Learning a Double Dummy Bridge Solver

Contract Bridge is a interesting area for AI research. One of the outstanding areas involves improving the cardplay, which starts with 52 cards uniformly distributed between 4 players. This is an imperfect information scenario where only 26 of the cards’ locations are known, with a large branching factor, so the state space of all possible plays to evaluate is about 2.5× 10, which is far too large to cover. Instead, after reaching some depth, a heuristic function must be quickly applied to estimate the value of the the current state. Double Dummy Solvers are a class of such functions that operate on a perfect information scenario.
Clinical Utility of Interferon Gamma Assay in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

Newly developed assays that measure the production of cellular interferon gamma are useful diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and may potentially replace or complement the tuberculin skin test in some circumstances. Importantly, interferon gamma release assays are more specific than tuberculin skin tests. Unfortunately the tests do not differentiate between active or latent infection. In addition, immunocompromised patients are more likely to have indeterminate results. The current interferon gamma release assays test approved in the United States is costly and requires drawing blood and processing within 12 hours of collection. This study discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks in patients, including those who are immunocompromised.
ΔTj control of switching power devices at thermal boundaries via physics-based loss manipulation

To optimize the lifetime of switching power semiconductors, this paper presents improvements in the performance and coordination of a control system to regulate power device junction temperature, Tj, and its change during power cycles, ΔTj. This research proposes a ΔTj control law which closes a control loop on the rate of change state, Tj, and subsequently introduces active thermal capacitance and conductance to the closed-loop thermal system dynamics. Also proposed in this paper is a supervisory state machine which ensures thermal control interrupts nominal system-level control only when temperature bounds are exceeded, and coordinates smooth transitions as Tj(k) or ΔTj (k) approach their respective boundaries. Experimental evaluation of the proposed control methods illustrates well damped Tj (k) and ΔTj (k) responses and gradual adjustment of the manipulated inputs switching frequency and duty ratio. The paper also provides models to decouple the cross-coupling of manipulated inputs, allowing independent manipulation of conduction and switching losses.
An Image Interpolation Scheme Combined with Artificial Neural Network

Due to some inner and outer reasons of image system, images obtained by some sensors will be degraded unavoidably. The main purpose of this paper is to present an efficient image interpolation scheme to improve the resolution and quality of images. The scheme is realized by combining Bezier surface interpolation with an artificial neural network (ANN). Theoretically, the hybrid rapid algorithm has more advantages than other interpolation algorithm. Moreover, the algorithm has been demonstrated to improve efficiently the image resolution with example applications and their results.
Unique Features of Nuclear mRNA Poly(A) Signals and Alternative Polyadenylation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

To understand nuclear mRNA polyadenylation mechanisms in the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, we generated a data set of 16,952 in silico-verified poly(A) sites from EST sequencing traces based on Chlamydomonas Genome Assembly v.3. 1. Analysis of this data set revealed a unique and complex polyadenylation signal profile that is setting Chlamydomonas apart from other organisms. In contrast to the high-AU content in the 3′-UTRs of other organisms, Chlamydomonas shows a high-guanylate content that transits to high-cytidylate around the poly(A) site. The average length of the 3′-UTR is 595 nucleotides (nt), significantly longer than that of Arabidopsis and rice. The dominant poly(A) signal, UGUAA, was found in 52% of the near-upstream elements, and its occurrence may be positively correlated with higher gene expression levels. The UGUAA signal also exists in Arabidopsis and in some mammalian genes but mainly in the far-upstream elements, suggesting a shift in function. The C-rich region after poly(A) sites with unique signal elements is a characteristic downstream element that is lacking in higher plants. We also found a high level of alternative polyadenylation in the Chlamydomonas genome, with a range of up to 33% of the 4057 genes analyzed having at least two unique poly(A) sites and ∼1% of these genes having poly(A) sites residing in predicted coding sequences, introns, and 5′-UTRs. These potentially contribute to transcriptome diversity and gene expression regulation.
Decision Support System Using Social Intelligence

The main motto of this research work is to model a natural language processing toolkit to extrapolate users' opinion or sentiment analysis for delving of feedback with regard to a product, person or thing using the means of social media interactions. A mechanism behind the data gathering using social networking sites is done with the natural language processing and imparting them to a natural language model for observation. It has become critical for enterprises to unlock customer sentiment embedded in the huge amount of social media data so that they can quickly respond to complaints and improve their product quality. Thus the proposed methodology will gather user comments from social networking sites apply natural language processing technique to analyse the sentiments that will assist in decision making of the organisation. We will also be checking the validity of the result obtained comparing the results obtained by polls survey and by natural language model.
The relationship between normal lung sounds, age, and gender.

Auscultation is one of the most important noninvasive and feasible methods for the detection of lung diseases. Systematic changes in breathing sounds with increasing age are of diagnostic importance. To investigate these changes, we recorded lung sounds taken from four locations in the posterior thorax of 162 subjects, together with airflow. The data were analyzed according to age, sex, and smoking habit. In order to describe the power spectrum of the lung sounds, we calculated mean and median frequency, frequency with the highest power, and a ratio (Q) of relative power of the two frequency bands of 330 to 600 Hz and 60 to 330 Hz. Linear regression analysis was used as a measurement of age-dependence of these variables. Significant differences in Q were found in men versus women (p < 0.05), but not in smokers versus nonsmokers. Within the groups, a small but significant correlation existed between Q and age (r(2) </= 0.1, p < 0.05). For both men and women, a slight increase of the relative power in the frequency band of 330 to 600 Hz was recorded with increasing age. However, on the basis of large individual variations, these small changes (DeltaQ approximately 5%, SD(Q) >/= +/- 5%) have no clinical significance and need not to be considered in the automatic detection of lung diseases by analyzing lung sounds.
Seizure prediction by non‐linear time series analysis of brain electrical activity

Brain electrical activity of 16 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, recorded intracranially during seizure‐free intervals as well as during transitions to the seizure state, was analysed using methods derived from the theory of non‐linear dynamics. Long‐lasting and marked changes towards low‐dimensional system states were found to occur specifically up to 25 min prior to epileptic seizures and allow to predict the occurrence of individual seizures in time. These findings reflect a continuous increase in the degree of synchronicity, and thus open a window for the study of mechanisms generating seizures in humans. This offers new possibilities for therapeutic interventions.
Internet vs mobile banking: comparing customer value perceptions

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to explore and compare customer value perceptions in internet and mobile banking. The purpose especially is to compare customer perceived value and value creation between internet and mobile bill paying service.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative in‐depth interviewing design was applied in order to ascertain the factors that create value perceptions in fund transfer service via personal computer and mobile phone. Means‐end approach and laddering interviewing technique was used in order to reveal how different value creating factors are hierarchically structured and related to each other.Findings – The results indicate that customer value perceptions in banking actions differ between internet and mobile channels. The findings suggest that efficiency, convenience and safety are salient in determining the differences in customer value perceptions between internet and mobile banking.Research limitations/implications – The findings of the qualitative study, being more .
Resetting capacity limitations revealed by long-lasting elimination of attentional blink through training

As with other cognitive phenomena that are based upon the capacity limitations of visual processing, it is thought that attentional blink (AB) cannot be eliminated, even after extensive training. We report in this paper that just 1 h of specific attentional training can completely eliminate AB, and that this effect is robust enough to persist for a few months after training. Results of subsequent behavioral and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments indicate that this learning effect is associated with improvements in temporal resolution, which are mainly due to processing in the prefrontal areas. Contrary to prior wisdom, we conclude that capacity limitations can be overcome by short-term training.
Cardiorespiratory consequences of sleep apnoea syndrome in patients with massive obesity

Assessment of cardiorespiratory consequences of sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) is difficult owing to confounding factors, especially obesity, that are strongly associated with SAS. This study was designed to assess the cardiorespiratory consequences of SAS by comparing the results of a comprehensive cardiorespiratory evaluation in apnoeic and nonapnoeic patients with massive obesity. In a retrospective chart-review study, we studied 60 patients with massive obesity defined by a body mass index (BMI) >40 kg·m-2, presenting no chronic respiratory disease, who underwent an extensive assessment of cardiorespiratory consequences of obesity, including overnight polysomnography, lung function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, evaluation of vascular risk factors, myocardial scintigraphy with dipyridamole stress-test, isotopic ventriculography, Doppler echocardiography and Holter electrocardiogram recording. SAS defined by an apnoea + hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥10 was diagnosed in 42% of patients (25 out of 60). Mean±sd AHI of SAS-positive (SAS+) patients was 38±24. Age, BMI, ventilatory function parameters, prevalence of smoking history and diabetes mellitus did not differ significantly in SAS+ versus SAS-negative (SAS-) groups. The following complications were observed more frequently in SAS+ than in SAS- patients: daytime hypoxaemia (35 vs 9%, p<0.02), pulmonary arterial hypertension (36 vs 7%, p<0.05) and increased interventricular septal thickness (50 vs 15%, p<0.03). No association was found between SAS on the one hand and systemic arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, left ventricular dysfunction and nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias on the other. Nocturnal apnoeas in massive obesity may thus be associated with moderate daytime hypoxaemia, mild pulmonary arterial hypertension and moderate left ventricular hypertrophy, but not with severe cardiorespiratory complications.
Normalized SI Correction for Hue-Preserving Color Image Enhancement

We examine the issue of color distortion after enhancement in this study and proposed an algorithm named normalized SI correction to correct intensity and saturation components based on their relationship. Unlike previous research, this paper wants to emphasize on a general correction method suitable for different kind of enhancement. We start with a general introduction to the HSV color space. Next, we go deep into the relationship between intensity and saturation. Based on the relationship we conclude, we propose our algorithm in detail and test the algorithm with different kind of images. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can correct the color distortion caused by the enhancement without reducing the visual effect and it is especially useful for images with rich colors and local high component values.
Oxygen Sensing via the Ethylene Response Transcription Factor RAP2.12 Affects Plant Metabolism and Performance under Both Normoxia and Hypoxia1[OPEN]

Oxygen-regulated stability of the ERF-VII transcription factor RAP2.12 regulates central metabolic processes to sustain growth, development, and anoxia responses. Subgroup-VII-ethylene-response-factor (ERF-VII) transcription factors are involved in the regulation of hypoxic gene expression and regulated by proteasome-mediated proteolysis via the oxygen-dependent branch of the N-end-rule pathway. While research into ERF-VII mainly focused on their role to regulate anoxic gene expression, little is known on the impact of this oxygen-sensing system in regulating plant metabolism and growth. By comparing Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants overexpressing N-end-rule-sensitive and insensitive forms of the ERF-VII-factor RAP2.12, we provide evidence that oxygen-dependent RAP2.12 stability regulates central metabolic processes to sustain growth, development, and anoxic resistance of plants. (1) Under normoxia, overexpression of N-end-rule-insensitive Δ13RAP2.12 led to increased activities of fermentative enzymes and increased accumulation of fermentation products, which were accompanied by decreased adenylate energy states and starch levels, and impaired plant growth and development, indicating a role of oxygen-regulated RAP2.12 degradation to prevent aerobic fermentation. (2) In Δ13RAP2.12-overexpressing plants, decreased carbohydrate reserves also led to a decrease in anoxic resistance, which was prevented by external Suc supply. (3) Overexpression of Δ13RAP2.12 led to decreased respiration rates, changes in the levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, and accumulation of a large number of amino acids, including Ala and γ-amino butyric acid, indicating a role of oxygen-regulated RAP2.12 abundance in controlling the flux-modus of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. (4) The increase in amino acids was accompanied by increased levels of immune-regulatory metabolites. These results show that oxygen-sensing, mediating RAP2.12 degradation is indispensable to optimize metabolic performance, plant growth, and development under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.
CALL FOR PAPERS Integrative and Translational Physiology: Inﬂammation and Immunity in Organ System Physiology Increased fat deposition in injured skeletal muscle is regulated by sex-speciﬁc hormones

Increased fat deposition in injured skeletal muscle is regulated by sex-speciﬁc hormones. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 302: R331–R339, 2012. differences in skeletal muscle regeneration are controversial; compari-sons of regenerative events between sexes have not been rigorously deﬁned in severe injury models. We comprehensively quantiﬁed inﬂammation and muscle regeneration between sexes and manipu-lated sex-speciﬁc hormones to determine effects on regeneration. Cardiotoxin injury was induced in intact, castrated and ovariectomized female and male mice; ovariectomized mice were replaced with low- or high-dose 17- (cid:1) estradiol (E 2 ) or progesterone (P4). Extent of injury was comparable between intact mice, but females were more efﬁcient in removal of necrotic debris, despite similar tissue levels of inﬂammatory cells and chemokines. Myoﬁber size during regeneration was equivalent between intact mice and after castration or ovariectomy (OVX) but was decreased ( P (cid:2) 0.001) in ovariectomized mice with high-dose E 2 replacement. Intermuscular adipocytes were absent in uninjured muscle, whereas adipocyte area was increased among regenerated myoﬁbers in all groups. Interestingly, intermuscular fat was greater ( P (cid:3) 0.03) in intact females at day 14 compared with intact males. Furthermore, castration increased ( P (cid:3) 0.01) and OVX decreased adipocyte accumulation. After OVX, E 2 , but not P4, replacement decreased ( P (cid:1) 0.03) fat accumulation. In conclusion, sex-dependent differences in regeneration consisted of more efﬁcient removal of necrosis and increased fat deposition in females with similar injury, inﬂammation, and regenerated myoﬁber size; high-dose E 2 decreased myoﬁber size and fat deposition. Adipocyte accu- mulation in regenerating muscle was inﬂuenced by sex-speciﬁc hormones. Recovery following muscle injury was different between males and females, and sex-speciﬁc hormones contributed to these differences, suggesting that sex-speciﬁc treatments could be beneﬁcial after injury.
Characterization and Stabilisation of Biochars Obtained from Empty Fruit Bunch, Wood, and Rice Husk

Agricultural production in Malaysia has been continually growing. Most of the agricultural waste has been discarded or burnt on land; however, these agricultural wastes can serve as a feedstock for biochar production, which contributes an insignificant net amount of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere after soil incorporation. Three kinds of primary biochar were used in this study: empty fruit bunch biochar (EFB), wood biochar (WB), and rice husk biochar (RHB). EFB and WB were produced by slow pyrolysis, whereas RHB was produced by gasification. This study aimed to understand how pyrolysis technologies of native feedstocks impact the chemical characteristics and short-term soil stability of biochar. The kinetic parameters of C-mineralization suggested a tri-phasic C-mineralization process (labile, unstable, and recalcitrant carbon). The estimates indicated the existence of a very labile C-fraction in RHB with a very small decay constant K3. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction showed the three phases of the biochar, from the microcrystalline C of the labile fraction to the largely amorphous intermediate C of the unstable fraction, and lastly the formation of turbostratic crystallite C in the recalcitrant fraction. It has been concluded that RHB had a higher degree of aromaticity and greater stability, and therefore should be more recalcitrant to biological and chemical degradation.