Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of free radicals on Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger: a computer modeling

The aim of this work was to analyze the contribution of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger in the generation of afterdepolarizations in a single cell by simulating the effects of free radicals in the context of ischemia-reperfusion, using a modified version of Luo and Rudy II action potential model (LRd model). To simulate the effects of ischemia three conditions were considered: hyperkalemia, acidosis and hypoxia. Simulations were run as long as steady state of all parameters of the model were reached, and then the availability of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger current (INaCa) was varied. The generation of delayed after-depolarizations (DADs) depends on the extra cellular potassium concentration, [K+]o, and on the availability of INaCa. DADs observed during reperfusion period appeared when just a percent of INaCa was used.
The Etiology and Evolution of Fetal Brain Injury

The nine months of intrauterine life are a continuum during which a series of situations and events can occur that result in abnormalities of normal brain growth or injury to the developing brain of the fetus. Genetic mutations and hereditary syndromes can predispose the fetus to intrauterine death, mortality in early life, and various degrees and combinations of brain injury and neurological deficits. Structural brain injury occurs due to a number of well defined and some relatively obscure causes. Premature delivery puts the fetus at risk of complications during birth and in the early days of life that can compromise the brain. Such infants have systems that are physiologically too immature to function normally, making them dependent on a range of care entities many of which are known to have risks associated with their use. The end result especially when prematurity is of extreme degree, is a significant incidence of cognitive and motor deficits. Maternal infection is increasingly recognized to precipitate premature labour and produce inflammatory by-products that cross the placenta and increase the vulnerability of the fetus to brain injury. (Gotsch et al, 2007; Kendall & Peebles 2005; Mercer 2004) Various pathologies related to the placenta also compromise the well being of the fetus. Impaired fetal growth secondary to placental insufficiency is associated with a reduction in the number of brain cells formed by the time the infant is born; growth retarded infants are at increased risk of hypoxic stress and hypoxic ischemic brain injury due to failure of placental blood flow, gas exchange and fetal oxygen delivery. Suboptimal nutrition also poses the risk of hypoglycaemic brain injury immediately after birth. Post mature infants are at risk from placental failure, hypoxic ischaemic injury and birth trauma. Infants conceived with in-vitro fertilization are at increased risk of neurological disability, especially cerebral palsy. (Stromberg et al 2002) Stroke is a significant cause of neurodevelopmental morbidity in newborn infants that can result in permanent sequelae and may be underreported. (Ozduman et al 2004) The overall incidence of cerebral palsy has not been reduced significantly in spite of advances in obstetric care, and CP remains a significant cause for motor deficits and cognitive disability that become evident in early life and result in permanent disability.
Is Global Asymptotic Cloning State Estimation?

We investigate the asymptotic relationship between quantum cloning and quantum estimation from the global point of view where all the copies produced by the cloner are considered jointly. For an N-to-M cloner, we consider the overall fidelity between the state of the M output systems and the state of M ideal copies, and we ask whether the optimal fidelity is attained by a measure and-prepare protocol in the limit M -> \infty. In order to gain intuition into the general problem, we analyze two concrete examples: i) cloning qubit states on the equator of the Bloch sphere and ii) cloning two-qubit maximally entangled states. In the first case, we show that the optimal measure-and-prepare fidelity converges to the fidelity of the optimal cloner in the limit M -> \infty. In the second case, we restrict our attention to economical covariant cloners, and again, we exhibit a measure-and-prepare protocol that achieves asymptotically the optimal fidelity. Quite counterintuitively, in both cases the optimal states that have to be prepared in order to maximize the overall fidelity are not product states corresponding to M identical copies, but instead suitable M-partite entangled states.
A Coarse Classifier Construction Method from a Large Number of Basic Recognizers for On-line Recognition of Handwritten Japanese Characters

This paper describes a method for constructing the most efficient and robust coarse classifier from a large number of basic recognizers which are obtained by different parameters of feature extraction, different discriminant methods or functions, and so on. The architecture of the coarse classification is a sequential cascade of basic recognizers and reduces the candidates after each basic recognizer. Genetic algorithm determines the best cascade with the best speed and highest performance. The method is applied for on-line handwritten Japanese characters recognition. We produced 201 basic recognizers of MQDF, 21 basic recognizers of Euclidian distance and 21 basic recognizers of the LSS method by changing parameters. From these basic recognizers we have obtained a rather simple 2 stages cascade with the result that the whole recognition time was reduced to 24.5% while keeping classification and recognition rates.
High quality ultra-thin TiO/sub 2//Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ gate dielectric for giga scale MOS technology

This paper presents the study of physical and electrical properties of ultra-thin (2.0-3.0 nm EOT) TiO/sub 2//Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ stack gate dielectrics for future giga scale MOS technology. Both layers of the dielectric stack are deposited by the jet vapor deposition (JVD) process. Our experimental data indicate that the leakage current in the TiO/sub 2//Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ stack is substantially (several decades) lower than that in single oxide layer of the same equivalent oxide thickness (EOT). These films also exhibit excellent interface quality, dielectric reliability, and MOSFET transistor performance comparable to that of thermal oxide.
Visual Attention and Goal Pursuit

Mindset theory suggests that a deliberative mindset entails openness to information in one’s environment, whereas an implemental mindset entails filtering of information. We hypothesized that this open- versus closed-mindedness influences individuals’ breadth of visual attention. In Studies 1 and 2, we induced an implemental or deliberative mindset, and measured breadth of attention using participants’ length estimates of x-winged Müller-Lyer figures. Both studies demonstrate a narrower breadth of attention in the implemental mindset than in the deliberative mindset. In Study 3, we manipulated participants’ mindsets and measured the breadth of attention by tracking eye movements during scene perception. Implemental mindset participants focused on foreground objects, whereas deliberative mindset participants attended more evenly to the entire scene. Our findings imply that deliberative versus implemental mindsets already operate at the level of visual attention.
Fabrication and Performance of  $\hbox{TiO}_{2}$-Ceramic-Based Metamaterials for Terahertz Frequency Range

A two-dimensional dielectric metamaterial composed of a TiO2 cube array is fabricated, and its performance is characterized in the terahertz region. The effective electromagnetic parameters are retrieved from the complex transmission and reflection coefficients of the sample, obtained using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The retrieved parameters show negative permeability and permittivity at around 0.28 and 0.38 THz, respectively. We also show via simulations that negative refractive index metamaterials can be realized by combining two sets of TiO2 cubes of appropriate sizes. We also propose and fabricate composite structures made of TiO2 spheres and a metal mesh to obtain a negative refractive index. The observed transmission band is attributed to the negative refractive index. TiO2 is a promising material for fabricating negative refractive index metamaterials for the terahertz frequency region.
Multiharmonic Generator for Large-Signal-Network-Analyzer Verification

Since S-parameters were first used to describe linear microwave circuits in the 1960s, circuit designers, software developers, and instrument manufacturers have gradually come to an agreement on this blackbox representation, resulting in significant advancements in modeling, simulation, and measurement. As a mathematical language of high-frequency signal transmission and scattering, S-parameter stands for a unified form of the linear characteristics of microwave networks in the frequency domain. Subsequently, the vector network analyzer (VNA) was invented as the principal instrument to measure S-parameters and characterize the linear behavior of devices and components, including small-signal active circuits.
Defending against distributed denial-of-service attacks with max-min fair server-centric router throttles

Our work targets a network architecture and accompanying algorithms for countering distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks directed at an Internet server. The basic mechanism is for a server under stress to install a router throttle at selected upstream routers. The throttle can be the leaky-bucket rate at which a router can forward packets destined for the server. Hence, before aggressive packets can converge to overwhelm the server, participating routers proactively regulate the contributing packet rates to more moderate levels, thus forestalling an impending attack. In allocating the server capacity among the routers, we propose a notion of level-k max-min fairness. We first present a control-theoretic model to evaluate algorithm convergence under a variety of system parameters. In addition, we present packet network simulation results using a realistic global network topology, and various models of good user and attacker distributions and behavior. Using a generator model of web requests parameterized by empirical data, we also evaluate the impact of throttling in protecting user access to a web server. First, for aggressive attackers, the throttle mechanism is highly effective in preferentially dropping attacker traffic over good user traffic. In particular, level-k max-min fairness gives better good-user protection than recursive pushback of max-min fair rate limits proposed in the literature. Second, throttling can regulate the experienced server load to below its design limit - in the presence of user dynamics - so that the server can remain operational during a DDoS attack. Lastly, we present implementation results of our prototype on a Pentium III/866 MHz machine. The results show that router throttling has low deployment overhead in time and memory.
Visual Cortical Inhibitory Function in Migraine is not Generally Impaired

A robust, visual masking test that was developed to be feasible with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to examine the visual cortical inhibitory function in migraine patients with visual aura at both psychophysical and cortical levels. The study showed that the decreased visibility of a visual target was associated with a reduction in cortical activation in the primary visual cortex. The suppression of the transient on-response and after-discharge of neurons to the target was most likely to be responsible for reducing cortical activation, rendering the target less visible or invisible. The migraine patients were equally susceptible to visual masking and showed no difference in cortical activation when compared with age- and sex-matched non-headache controls, demonstrating that visual cortical inhibitory function was not impaired under the experimental conditions. Although these results are not in conflict with the general cortical hyperexcitability theory in migraine, they provide evidence to show the limitation to the theory.
Precision of diffuse 21-cm lensing

We study the limits of accuracy for weak lensing maps of dark matter using diffuse 21-cm radiation from the pre-reionization epoch using simulations. We improve on previous 'optimal' quadratic lensing estimators by using shear and convergence instead of deflection angles. This is a generalization of the deflection estimator, and is more optimal for non-Gaussian sources. The cross-power spectrum of shear and convergence is an unbiased estimator of lensing power spectrum which does not require knowledge of the source four-point function. We find that non-Gaussianity provides a limit to the accuracy of weak lensing reconstruction, even if instrumental noise is reduced to zero. The best reconstruction result is equivalent to Gaussian sources with effective independent cell of side length 2.0 h -1 Mpc. Using a source full map from z = 10 to 20, this limiting sensitivity allows mapping of dark matter at a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 1 out to l ≤ 6000, which is better than any other proposed technique for large-area weak lensing mapping.
Modeling and analysis of reversible shape memory adaptive panels

The aim of this article is to model and analyze reversible shape adaptive panels integrated with one-way shape memory alloy actuators and to examine the effects of martensite variants reorientation. A robust three-dimensional macroscopic model is implemented to simulate shape memory effect, pseudo-elasticity, and ferro-elasticity features of shape memory alloys. The shape memory alloy constitutive model provides analytical closed-form solutions for self-accommodation and martensite reorientation mechanisms while proposing an iterative solution scheme for martensite transformation or orientation assuming an exponential form for transformation kinetics. The finite element formulations are derived based on the first-order shear deformation theory considering the modified Sanders shell assumptions and including geometrical nonlinearity in the von Kármán sense. An iterative incremental procedure on the basis of the elastic-predictor inelastic-corrector return mapping algorithm is introduced to solve the coupled governing equations of equilibrium with both material and geometrical nonlinearities. The numerical illustrations emphasize the feasibility of reversible shape adaptive panels integrated with thermally activated pre-strained one-way shape memory alloy ribbons or layers. Effects of martensite reorientation, pre-strain, temperature, arrangement, and dimension of shape memory alloys as well as of thermal cycles are investigated, and their implications on the performances of reversible shape adaptive spherical panels are highlighted, and pertinent conclusions are outlined.
Regulation of thalamocortical axon branching by BDNF and synaptic vesicle cycling

During development, axons form branches in response to extracellular molecules. Little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we investigate how neurotrophin-induced axon branching is related to synaptic vesicle cycling for thalamocortical axons. The exogenous application of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) markedly increased axon branching in thalamocortical co-cultures, while removal of endogenous BDNF reduced branching. Over-expression of a C-terminal fragment of AP180 that inhibits clathrin-mediated endocytosis affected the laminar distribution and the number of branch points. A dominant-negative synaptotagmin mutant that selectively targets synaptic vesicle cycling, strongly suppressed axon branching. Moreover, axons expressing the mutant synaptotagmin were resistant to the branch-promoting effect of BDNF. These results suggest that synaptic vesicle cycling might regulate BDNF induced branching during the development of the axonal arbor.
The rendezvous technique involving insertion of a guidewire in a percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage tube for biliary access in a case of difficult biliary cannulation

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic method and treatment approach for biliary diseases. However, biliary cannulation can be difficult in some cases. We performed ERCP in a 97-year-old woman with abdominal pain resulting from acute cholangitis caused by choledocholithiasis and observed difficult biliary cannulation. Eventually, the patient was successfully treated with the rendezvous technique. We could not cannulate the biliary duct during ERCP twice. Therefore, we placed a percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) tube without intrahepatic dilation. The rendezvous technique was performed using the PTGBD tube. The patient did not experience pancreatitis or perforation.
Load identification and management framework for private households

This paper describes a framework for the identification of household appliances based on a measured aggregated load profile. Device activation and deactivation events are detected by a set of non-intrusive algorithms collected in the software structure. These detections are then matched to a database of load values. The result which is basically a detection probability in combination with consumption data of the device, is displayed to the customer as energy feedback. This motivates users to apply energy-saving measures, or in combination with an home automation system appliances can be turned off automatically. Another concept is to implement more intelligence directly into the devices. Such smart appliances communicate with an energy management gateway and plan their activation autonomous. For the proof of concept a simulator for smart home appliances was developed and integrated into a demonstration setup. Finally the discussed results suggest that disaggregated energy feedback in combination with smart home appliances is a feasible approach in order to using the available energy in a more efficient way.
Risk of subsequent in situ and invasive breast cancer in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive ductal carcinoma in situ.

BACKGROUND To assess the prognostic role of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). PATIENTS AND METHODS We identified patients with HER2-positive DCIS among a population of 1667 cases, prospectively diagnosed and surgically treated at the European Institute of Oncology from 1996 to 2008. Rates of subsequent DCIS or invasive cancer in HER2-positive disease were estimated. We evaluated Cumulative Incidence of In Situ Breast Cancer Recurrence (isBCR), INvasive Breast Cancer Recurrence (IBCR) and any Breast Cancer Recurrence (BCR). isBCR, IBCR and BCR were defined as the time from surgery to breast cancer recurrence as first event (in situ, invasive or both, respectively) or last visit in case of no events. RESULTS We identified 560 (33.5%) patients with HER2-positive DCIS. The median follow-up was 7.6 years (interquartile range 5.9-9.5). We observed 422 events out of 1667 patients, with 141 in situ recurrences, 201 invasive recurrences and 80 other events (64 second primaries and 16 deaths). The 10-year isBCR proportions were 11.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.0% to 15.4%] in the HER2-positive group and 8.8% (95% CI 6.9% to 11.0%) in the HER2-negative group (Gray test, P = 0.010). At multivariable analysis, the adjusted risk of isBCR was higher in the HER2-positive group than in the HER2-negative group [hazard ratio (HR) HER2 positive versus negative: 1.59 (95% CI 1.06-2.39)]. We observed significant differences both in BCR and isBCR for patients treated by quadrantectomy without radiotherapy versus patients treated with radiotherapy [adjusted HR HER2 positive versus negative: 1.53 (95% CI 1.07-2.18) and adjusted HR HER2 positive versus negative: 2.18 (95% CI 2.18-3.69), respectively]. CONCLUSION HER2 overexpression predicts an increased risk of isBCR. Radiotherapy reduces local failure rates in HER2-positive DCIS.
The RNA-binding protein hnRNPA2 regulates β-catenin protein expression and is overexpressed in prostate cancer

Introduction The RNA-binding protein hnRNPA2 (HNRNPA2B1) is upregulated in cancer, where it controls alternative pre-mRNA splicing of cancer-relevant genes. Cytoplasmic hnRNPA2 is reported in aggressive cancers, but is functionally uncharacterized. We explored the role of hnRNPA2 in prostate cancer (PCa). Methods: hnRNPA2 function/localization/expression in PCa was determined using biochemical approaches (colony forming/proliferation/luciferase reporter assays/flow cytometry/immunohistocytochemistry). Binding of hnRNPA2 within cancer-relevant 3′-UTR mRNAs was identified by bioinformatics. Results: RNAi-mediated knockdown of hnRNPA2 reduced colony forming and proliferation, while hnRNPA2 overexpression increased proliferation of PCa cells. Nuclear hnRNPA2 is overexpressed in high-grade clinical PCa, and is also observed in the cytoplasm in some cases. Ectopic expression of a predominantly cytoplasmic variant hnRNPA2-ΔRGG also increased PCa cell proliferation, suggesting that cytoplasmic hnRNPA2 may also be functionally relevant in PCa. Consistent with its known cytoplasmic roles, hnRNPA2 was associated with 3′-UTR mRNAs of several cancer-relevant mRNAs including β-catenin (CTNNB1). Both wild-type hnRNPA2 and hnRNPA2-ΔRGG act on CTNNB1 3′-UTR mRNA, increasing endogenous CTNNB1 mRNA expression and β-catenin protein expression and nuclear localization. Conclusion: Nuclear and cytoplasmic hnRNPA2 are present in PCa and appear to be functionally important. Cytoplasmic hnRNPA2 may affect the cancer cell phenotype through 3′-UTR mRNA-mediated regulation of β-catenin expression and other cancer-relevant genes.
Identification of a mouse Lactobacillus johnsonii strain with deconjugase activity against the FXR antagonist T-β-MCA

Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity against the bile acid tauro-beta-muricholic acid (T-β-MCA) was recently reported to mediate host bile acid, glucose, and lipid homeostasis via the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling pathway. An earlier study correlated decreased Lactobacillus abundance in the cecum with increased concentrations of intestinal T-β-MCA, an FXR antagonist. While several studies have characterized BSHs in lactobacilli, deconjugation of T-β-MCA remains poorly characterized among members of this genus, and therefore it was unclear what strain(s) were responsible for this activity. Here, a strain of L. johnsonii with robust BSH activity against T-β-MCA in vitro was isolated from the cecum of a C57BL/6J mouse. A screening assay performed on a collection of 14 Lactobacillus strains from nine different species identified BSH substrate specificity for T-β-MCA only in two of three L. johnsonii strains. Genomic analysis of the two strains with this BSH activity revealed the presence of three bsh genes that are homologous to bsh genes in the previously sequenced human-associated strain L. johnsonii NCC533. Heterologous expression of several bsh genes in E. coli followed by enzymatic assays revealed broad differences in substrate specificity even among closely related bsh homologs, and suggests that the phylogeny of these enzymes does not closely correlate with substrate specificity. Predictive modeling allowed us to propose a potential mechanism driving differences in BSH activity for T-β-MCA in these homologs. Our data suggests that L. johnsonii regulates T-β-MCA levels in the mouse intestinal environment, and that this species may play a central role in FXR signaling in the mouse.