Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiac overexpression of alcohol dehydrogenase exacerbates cardiac contractile dysfunction, lipid peroxidation, and protein damage after chronic ethanol ingestion.

BACKGROUND Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is manifested as ventricular dysfunction, although its specific toxic mechanism remains obscure. This study was designed to examine the impact of enhanced acetaldehyde exposure on cardiac function via cardiac-specific overexpression of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) after alcohol intake. METHODS ADH transgenic and wild-type FVB mice were placed on a 4% alcohol or control diet for 8 weeks. Mechanical and intracellular Ca2+ properties were evaluated in cardiac myocytes. Levels of acetaldehyde, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonyl formation were determined. RESULTS FVB and ADH mice consuming ethanol exhibited elevated blood ethanol/acetaldehyde, cardiac acetaldehyde, and cardiac hypertrophy compared with non-ethanol-consuming mice. However, the levels of cardiac acetaldehyde and hypertrophy were significantly greater in ADH ethanol-fed mice than FVB ethanol-fed mice. ADH transgene itself did not affect mechanical and intracellular Ca2+ properties with the exception of reduced resting intracellular Ca2+ and Ca2+ re-sequestration at low pace frequency. Myocytes from ethanol-fed mice showed significantly depressed peak shortening, velocity of shortening/relengthening, rise of intracellular Ca2+ transients, and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ load associated with similar duration of shortening/relengthening compared with myocytes from control mice. Strikingly, the ethanol-induced mechanical and intracellular Ca2+ defects were exacerbated in ADH myocytes compared with the FVB group except velocity of shortening/relengthening. The lipid peroxidation end products malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl formation were significantly elevated in both livers and hearts after chronic ethanol consumption, with the cardiac lipid and protein damage being exaggerated by ADH transgene. CONCLUSION These data suggest that increased cardiac acetaldehyde exposure due to ADH transgene may play an important role in cardiac contractile dysfunctions associated with lipid and protein damage after alcohol intake.
Vulnerability Prediction Models: A Case Study on the Linux Kernel

To assist the vulnerability identification process, researchers proposed prediction models that highlight (for inspection) the most likely to be vulnerable parts of a system. In this paper we aim at making a reliable replication and comparison of the main vulnerability prediction models. Thus, we seek for determining their effectiveness, i.e., their ability to distinguish between vulnerable and non-vulnerable components, in the context of the Linux Kernel, under different scenarios. To achieve the above-mentioned aims, we mined vulnerabilities reported in the National Vulnerability Database and created a large dataset with all vulnerable components of Linux from 2005 to 2016. Based on this, we then built and evaluated the prediction models. We observe that an approach based on the header files included and on function calls performs best when aiming at future vulnerabilities, while text mining is the best technique when aiming at random instances. We also found that models based on code metrics perform poorly. We show that in the context of the Linux kernel, vulnerability prediction models can be superior to random selection and relatively precise. Thus, we conclude that practitioners have a valuable tool for prioritizing their security inspection efforts.
Omega-k Algorithm for Airborne Forward-Looking Bistatic Spotlight SAR Imaging

For flexibility and cost reduction, the forward-looking bistatic spotlight synthetic aperture radar (FL-BSSAR) which uses the side-looking transmitter and the forward-looking receiver has been studied recently. For the FL-BSSAR imaging, we introduce a modified omega-k algorithm. Specifically, using rotation and shifting of the receiver path and resampling of the transmitter path, we convert the FL-BSSAR into the side-looking BSSAR. Then, we modify the matched filter and Stolt interpolation using the principle of the stationary phase to obtain the SAR image. Simulation results show that the modified omega-k algorithm enhances the image quality.
Adaptation in Sexuals vs. Asexuals: Clonal Interference and the Fisher-Muller Model

Fisher and Muller's theory that recombination speeds adaptation by eliminating competition among beneficial mutations has proved a popular explanation for the advantage of sex. Recent theoretical studies have attempted to quantify the speed of adaptation under the Fisher-Muller model, partly in an attempt to understand the role of “clonal interference” in microbial experimental evolution. We reexamine adaptation in sexuals vs. asexuals, using a model of DNA sequence evolution. In this model, a modest number of sites can mutate to beneficial alleles and the fitness effects of these mutations are unequal. We study (1) transition probabilities to different beneficial mutations; (2) waiting times to the first and the last substitutions of beneficial mutations; and (3) trajectories of mean fitness through time. We find that some of these statistics are surprisingly similar between sexuals and asexuals. These results highlight the importance of the choice of substitution model in assessing the Fisher-Muller advantage of sex.
Evaluation of the accuracy of 3 transfer techniques for implant-supported prostheses with multiple abutments.

PURPOSE This study evaluated the deformation of a metallic framework connected to 15 stone casts fabricated using 3 transfer techniques to determine the most accurate impression procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five stone casts were made from polyether impressions of an epoxy resin master model for each transfer technique. Group 1 samples were created by the direct splinted technique (square transfer copings splinted with carbon steel pins and autopolymerizing acrylic resin, custom tray); group 2 samples were made by the direct nonsplinted technique (square transfer copings, custom tray); and group 3 samples were fabricated using the indirect technique (tapered transfer copings, custom tray). Sixteen strain gauges were fixed on the framework to measure the degree of framework deformation for each stone cast. Pairs of strain gauges placed opposite each other constituted 1 channel to read deformation (half Wheatstone bridge). Deformation readings were collected at the 4 segments between abutments in 4 directions (anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior). Deformation data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the Tukey test at the . 05 and . 01 levels of significance. RESULTS Group 1 samples allowed the most accurate reproduction of analog position compared to the samples made using the other techniques. No significant difference was found between the direct nonsplinted (group 2) and indirect (group 3) techniques. DISCUSSION Although some studies have evaluated transfer techniques with similar methodology, this study demonstrated the most suitable strain gauge setup to record framework deformations in all directions and simultaneously offset the effects of temperature variation. CONCLUSIONS The direct splinted technique was the most accurate transfer method for multiple abutments compared to direct nonsplinted and indirect techniques.
Anatomical and Ultrastructural Study of the Electrophysiological Atrioventricular Node of the Rabbit

The structure of the tissue forming the atrioventricular node of the rabbit heart was studied with the light and the electron microscope. The observations were correlated and compared with the electrophysiological properties of the region. A technique was developed which allows identification of tissue examined by microscopy with that examined using microelectrode techniques to within 0.5 mm. Although the cells which form the connecting neck between the atrial tissue and the His bundle are basically muscle cells, their development has led to tissue structure different from that of the remaining myocardium. This tissue often displayed structural characteristics similar to those observed in pathological skeletal and cardiac muscle. Variation in the abundance of “tight” intercellular junctions in the region of the node were noted. The possible significance of the morphological characteristics in terms of electrical impulse transmission is discussed, and some tentative suggestions are made concerning the mechanisms by which the slow impulse conduction is effected in this region.
Secure cloud auditing over encrypted data

Cloud computing is a popular technology which permits storing and accessing data over Internet instead of storing it on local machine's hard drive. Cloud enables users to store their data on cloud without fearing about its accuracy and reliability. However storing data on cloud imposes certain security challenges. Outsourcing data in cloud result in data owners losing physical control over their data. Certain Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) may operate dishonestly with the cloud users' data, they may sneak the data from cloud and sell it to third parties in order to earn profit. Thus even though outsourcing data on cloud is inexpensive and reduces long duration storage and maintenance complexity, there is least assurance of data integrity, privacy, security and availability on cloud servers. A number of solutions have been recommended to solve the security issues in cloud. This paper focuses on the integrity verification strategy for outsourced data. The proposed scheme combines the encrypting mechanism along with integrity verification strategy. The encrypting scheme used here is public key cryptographic algorithm like ElGamal and SHA-256 hash function is employed for ensuring data storage correctness on untrusted server.
Analysis of Irregular Multiconductor Transmission Line Structures with External Electromagnetic Field

Some irregular multiconductor transmission line (MTL) structures on printed circuit board (PCB) with external electromagnetic (EM) field are analyzed using EM topology and BLT (Baum, Liu, Tesche) equation. By introducing nodes and tubes, MTL structures can be accurately described using EM topology. Based on these topology models, the frequency-domain responses of the MTL structures in the presence of external electromagnetic field are obtained using BLT equation. To validate this application, the results are compared with those using EM simulation software, and they are in good agreement.
Do Anionic Phospholipids Serve as Cofactors or Second Messengers for the Regulation of Activity of Cloned ATP-Sensitive K+ Channels?

Abstract— The regulation of ion channels by anionic phospholipids is currently very topical. An outstanding issue is whether phosphatidylinositol 4,5-diphosphate and related species act as true second messengers in signaling or behave in a manner analogous to an enzymatic cofactor. This question is especially pertinent regarding ATP-sensitive K+ channels in smooth muscle, for which there is substantial literature supporting inhibitory regulation by hormones. In this study, we have examined regulation of the potential cloned equivalents of the smooth muscle ATP-sensitive K+ channel (SUR2B/Kir6.1 and SUR2B/Kir6.2). We find that both can be inhibited via the Gq/11-coupled muscarinic M3 receptor but that the pathways by which this occurs are different. Our data show that SUR2B/Kir6.1 is inhibited by protein kinase C and binds anionic phospholipids with high affinity, such that potential physiological fluctuations in their levels do not influence channel activity. In contrast, Kir6.2 is not regulated by protein kinase C but binds anionic phospholipids with low affinity. In this case, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-diphosphate and related species have the potential to act as second messengers in signaling. Thus, Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 are regulated by distinct inhibitory mechanisms.
The Draft Genome Sequence of Sphingomonas paucimobilis Strain HER1398 (Proteobacteria), Host to the Giant PAU Phage, Indicates That It Is a Member of the Genus Sphingobacterium (Bacteroidetes)

ABSTRACT The draft genome sequence of Sphingomonas paucimobilis host index number (HER) 1398, host of the giant PAU phage isolated from silk moths (Bombyx mori), indicates that this isolate belongs within the genus Sphingobacterium. We suggest that Sphingomonas paucimobilis strain HER1398 be reclassified as Sphingobacterium paucimobilis strain HER1398.
Genome Sequence of Borrelia chilensis VA1, a South American Member of the Lyme Borreliosis Group

ABSTRACT Borrelia chilensis strain VA1 is a recently described South American member of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex from Chile. Whole-genome sequencing analysis determined its linear chromosome and plasmids lp54 and cp26, confirmed its membership in the Lyme borreliosis group, and will open new research avenues regarding its pathogenic potential.
A Hybrid Stochastic/Deterministic Unit Commitment Based on Projected Disjunctive MILP Reformulation

This letter presents a new expression of the chance constraint, representing ramping and operating reserve, in the context of the mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulation for solving the hybrid stochastic/deterministic unit commitment (SDUC) problem. Based on projected disjunctive programming, the nonlinear chance constraint is converted into a set of linear constraints that has a more compact size. Numerical simulations highlight the primacy of the proposed MILP-SDUC reformulation as compared with other formulation approaches.
Expression and immunohistochemical localization of leptin receptor in human periapical granuloma.

AIM To investigate the expression and immunohistochemical localization of leptin receptor (LEPR) in human periapical granulomas. METHODOLOGY Periapical inflammatory lesions were obtained from extracted human teeth and teeth which underwent periapical surgery. After their histopathological categorization as periapical granulomas (n = 20), they were examined by immunohistochemistry using human LEPR monoclonal antibodies. LEPR mRNA expression was also determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and the amount of LEPR protein was analysed by immunoblot. RESULTS All granuloma samples expressed LEPR. Amongst inflammatory cells, only macrophages showed expression of LEPR. Western blot analysis revealed the presence in the samples of a protein with apparent molecular weight of ~120 kDa, corresponding to the estimated molecular weight of LEPR. The qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated the expression of LEPR mRNA, corresponding the size of the amplified fragment (338 bp), assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis, to that of LEPR mRNA. CONCLUSIONS Human periapical granulomas express LEPR. In periapical granulomas, only macrophages showed expression of LEPR. This finding suggests that leptin can play a role in inflammatory and immune periapical responses.
Short-term episodic memory encoding in the human brain: a MEG and EEG study

Short-term memory encoding of visual patterns in the human brain refers to the formation of neural codes which can be used further in a wide range of working memory processes. In our present study reported in this paper, multichannel whole-head magnetoencephalogram and electroencephalogram were recorded from human subjects during performance of continuous 1-back comparison short-term memory tasks with pictorial stimuli. Estimation of the temporal dynamics of this process and source localization of the involved brain cortical generators was based on distributed inverse algorithms applied to the computed visual event-related fields (ERFs) and potentials (ERPs). The major time-domain electromagnetic responses related to the short-term episodic memory encoding of the presented single stimuli were estimated to start 300 ms after stimulus onset and continued until the disappearance of the stimuli. Source estimation showed a significant activation in the left inferior medial temporal lobe related to intentional encoding processes.
Impacts of Operational Variability and Uncertainty on Distributed Generation Investment Planning: A Comprehensive Sensitivity Analysis

This paper presents a comprehensive sensitivity analysis to identify the uncertain parameters which significantly influence the decision-making process in distributed generation (DG) investments and quantify their degree of influence. To perform the analysis, a DG investment planning model is formulated as a novel multistage and multiscenario optimization problem. Moreover, to ensure tractability and make use of exact solution methods, the entire problem is kept as a mixed-integer linear programming optimization. A real-world distribution network system is used to carry out the analysis. The results of the analysis generally show that uncertainty as well as operational variability of the considered parameters have meaningful impacts on investment decisions of DG. The degree of influence varies from one parameter to another. But, in general, ignoring or inadequately considering uncertainty and variability in model parameters has a quantifiable cost. Hence, the analysis made in this paper can be very useful to identify the most relevant model parameters that need special attention in planning practices.
Large‐eddy simulation of the diurnal cycle of shallow cumulus convection over land

Large‐eddy simulations of the development of shallow cumulus convection over land are presented. Many characteristics of the cumulus layer previously found in simulations of quasi‐steady convection over the sea are found to be reproduced in this more strongly forced, unsteady case. Furthermore, the results are shown to be encouragingly robust, with similar results obtained with eight independent models, and also across a range of numerical resolutions. The datasets produced are already being used in the development and evaluation of parametrizations used in numerical weather‐prediction and climate models. © Royal Meteorological Society, 2002. A. R. Brown's, A. P. Lock's and M. K. MacVean's contributions are Crown copyright.
Key factors on software reuse of e-Government common framework

Over the last few decades, software reuse has been stressed as a key factor for the developers to improve the productivity and the quality of information systems. However, some drawbacks of a vendor-dependent proprietary framework from major SI companies can also be formed in e-Government systems. This paper is differentiated from other prior studies in that it involves field experimental research to find out key managerial factors on the reusable component in the public sector. The result of this paper shows that the reuse of common components has a relatively high correlation on the type of agencies, project period and the size of agencies, budget volume and business domain affects the reuse without any distinction. In addition, this paper shows the key factors on the managerial perspective, with more future research needed for the technical and political factors to verify reuse factors.
Risk analysis for intraoperative liver surgery

Hepatic vessel structure is very important to ensure the blood supply of the liver tissue. Therefore the knowledge of the hepatic vessel system is indispensable in liver surgery planning, for example before performing a liver resection. The purpose of this paper is to present an easy to use and fast method concerning hepatic vessel segmentation and risk analysis, which is intended to be applicable in clinical routine.
Understanding the Evolution of Information Systems Research from the Perspective of Co-Authorship Network: a Comprehensive Data Analysis from 1993 to 2012

Based on the articles published in three top journals in the field of information systems (MISQ, ISR and JMIS) from 1993 to 2012, we conduct a research of the structure, characteristics and development trend of co-authorship network through scientometrics and social network analysis approaches. We gain a number of insights after synthetical analysis. In the last two decades the whole co-authorship network density in information systems faces a tendency of decrease. The co-authorship network presents properties of “small world”. The number of articles published by scholars and institutions in the three elite journals all display a ‘long tail’ phenomenon. The field of information systems has a stable development in the biggest component, and has not yet went into a mature and steady stage. Quite a lot of outstanding scholars and educational resources came from USA, Canada and Hong Kong, and USA has held eight institutions of the top ten. The ranking of an entire institution can be influenced by even one or two authors, indicating that outcome from one level might propagate to the next level.
Robust H/sub /spl infin// control for uncertain discrete-time-delay fuzzy systems via output feedback controllers

This work investigates the problem of robust output feedback H/sub /spl infin// control for a class of uncertain discrete-time fuzzy systems with time delays. The state-space Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model with time delays and norm-bounded parameter uncertainties is adopted. The purpose is the design of a full-order fuzzy dynamic output feedback controller which ensures the robust asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system and guarantees an H/sub /spl infin// norm bound constraint on disturbance attenuation for all admissible uncertainties. In terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), a sufficient condition for the solvability of this problem is presented. Explicit expressions of a desired output feedback controller are proposed when the given LMIs are feasible. The effectiveness and the applicability of the proposed design approach are demonstrated by applying this to the problem of robust H/sub /spl infin// control for a class of uncertain nonlinear discrete delay systems.
Collaboration in the Absence of Communication

On a software development project many people collaborate to build a product contributing different pieces of the final product. Often people on a development team will work in parallel, either on different parts or on the same parts of the product, and follow processes to co-ordinate their work with other people on the team. When teams are distributed this co-ordination becomes more difficult since there are obstacles to direct and immediate communication caused by the distribution of people in distance or time. This often gives rise to changes and contributions that are conflicting or do not work properly right away. In this case study, we investigate problems in different co-ordination processes and analyse how little and what type of communication is needed for good co-ordination in different situations. We suggest configuration management tool supported processes that can make it easier to co-ordinate contributions in the absence of easy communication.
Decentralized receding horizon control using communication bandwidth allocation

The decentralized receding horizon control (DRHC) of a team of cooperative vehicles with limited communication bandwidth is considered. It is well known that the more communication the better stability and performance properties of the cooperative vehicles; however, in reality the available communication is often limited. This motivates our research to develop a new algorithm for efficient usage of available communication capacity so that the teaming behavior is optimized. The proposed algorithm uses a bandwidth allocation method; the key idea is to reduce the overall mismatch between predicted and actual plans of each neighbor by efficient communication bandwidth allocation.
Norm induced QMF banks design using LMI constraints

This paper presents constrained /spl lscr/ /sub 2/ norm and L/sub /spl infin// norm optimal QMF banks designs. Both methods cast the design problems as a linear objective function minimization problem subject to linear matrix inequality (LMI) constraints, which are solved by semidefinite programming. The LMI constraints are shown to be convex. Consequently, the designed QMF banks are globally optimal with respect to the objective function.