Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Calculations of the driving force of electromigration in hcp metals: Zn, Cd, Mg.

Using a pseudopotential, weak-scattering formalism we calculate the driving force for electromigration by the vacancy mechanism in the hcp metals Zn, Cd, and Mg. The general formula is evaluated in a succession of approximate models to illustrate the influence of different physical effects. The final results are compared both with the experimental data and with a previous evaluation for Zn. Our form factors, which have been fit to low-temperature data and then scaled to account for volume changes near the melting point, yield an effective valence for the wind force of about twice the experimental value and only in qualitative agreement with the observed anisotropy. Possible resolutions are discussed.
XLID: Cross-Layer Intrusion Detection System for Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) consist of sensor nodes deployed in a field to collect information about surrounding environment. Their distributed nature, multi-hop data forwarding, and open wireless medium are the factors that make WSNs highly vulnerable to security attacks at various levels. WSNs are particularly vulnerable to various attacks at different layers of the protocol stack. Many Intrusion Detection System (IDS) have been proposed to secure WSNs, but all these systems operate on a single layer of OSI model. This research developed a new IDS based on cross layer interaction between Network, and Mac layers of OSI model. This new Cross-Layer IDS (XLID) is checked against other traditional (non-cross-layered) IDS that are based on single layer protocol. For this purpose, a simulator was built specifically for simulating the proposed approach. XLID showed its superiority in terms of number of detected intruders, power consumption, and throughput, over other non-cross-layered IDS. Based on the results XLID enhanced the intrusion detection rate by 42% on average, 75% higher throughput to base station, and a 23% reduction of power consumption compared to non-cross-layered IDS. Moreover, the total energy saved during simulation time ranges from 25% up to 45% compared to non-cross-layered IDS. Findings pointed out that, the detection rate at Network layer
Dual T-S fuzzy model identification with improved cooperative PSO

In this paper, an approach of identification with dual T-S fuzzy models is presented. The model proposed is based on dual T-S different in structure. The main contribution is that dual T-S fuzzy models can be constructed automatically with linear and nonlinear parts to approximate the optimal structure, and control factors are introduce to determine which T-S fuzzy model play more important role to achieve the optimal structure and parameters. The key problem is to select the control factors reasonably and identify the parameters. Firstly, To cope with the structure problem,an approach of automatically extracting fuzzy rules is exploited to achieve the optimal structure. In the identification, the fuzzy C-mean clustering based on kernel function is utilized to partition the data space and extract a set of fuzzy rules. Then, improved cooperative particle swarm optimization algorithm (ICPSO) is put forward to apply in the optimization of the parameters. The ICPSO is proposed to enhance the search the space and it employs several sub-swarms to search the space and useful information is exchange among them during the iteration process, which make the identification of dual T-S more efficient. The simulation example shows the efficacy of the proposed method.
Review of exhaled nitric oxide in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The up-regulation of nitric oxide (NO) by inflammatory cytokines and mediators in central and peripheral airway sites can be easily monitored in exhaled air (FENO). It is now possible to estimate the predominant airway site of increased FENO i.e. large versus peripheral airway/alveoli, and its potential pathologic and physiologic role in obstructive lung disease. In asthma, six double-blind, randomized, controlled algorithm trials have reported only equivocal benefits of add-on measurements of FENO to usual clinical guideline management including spirometry. Significant design issues, as emphasized by Gibson, may exist. However, meta-analysis of these six studies (Petsky et al 2012 Thorax 67 199–208) concluded that routine serial measurements of FENO for clinical asthma management does not appear warranted. In COPD including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, despite significant expiratory airflow limitation, when clinically stable as well as during exacerbation, FENO, j′awNO and CANO may all be normal or increased. Furthermore, the role of add-on monitoring of exhaled NO to GOLD management guidelines is less clear because of the absence of conclusive doubleblind, randomized, control trial studies concerning potential clinical benefits in the management of COPD.
Characterization of site-directed mutants in the lac permease of Escherichia coli. 2. Glutamate-325 replacements.

lac permease with Ala in place of Glu325 was solubilized from the membrane, purified, and reconstituted into proteoliposomes. The reconstituted molecule is completely unable to catalyze lactose/H+ symport but catalyzes exchange and counterflow at least as well as wild-type permease. In addition, Ala325 permease catalyzes downhill lactose influx without concomitant H+ translocation and binds p-nitrophenyl alpha-D-galactopyranoside with a KD only slightly higher than that of wild-type permease. Studies with right-side-out membrane vesicles demonstrate that replacement of Glu325 with Gln, His, Val, Cys, or Trp results in behavior similar to that observed with Ala in place of Glu325. On the other hand, permease with Asp in place of Glu325 catalyzes lactose/H+ symport about 20% as well as wild-type permease. The results indicate that an acidic residue at position 325 is essential for lactose/H+ symport and that hydrogen bonding at this position is insufficient. Taken together with previous results and those presented in the following paper [Lee, J. A. , Püttner, I. B. , & Kaback, H. R. (1989) Biochemistry (third paper of three in this issue)], the findings are consistent with the idea that Arg302, His322, and Glu325 may be components of a H+ relay system that plays an important role in the coupled translocation of lactose and H+.
Effects of Cardiac Overexpression of the Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor on Remodeling and Dysfunction in Mice Post–Myocardial Infarction

The activation of angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) has been considered cardioprotective. However, there are controversial findings regarding the role of overexpressing AT2R in the heart. Using transgenic mice with different levels of AT2R gene overexpression in the heart (1, 4, or 9 copies of the AT2R transgene: Tg1, Tg4, or Tg9), we studied the effect of AT2R overexpression on left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction post–myocardial infarction (MI). Tg1, Tg4, Tg9, and their wild-type littermates were divided into (1) sham MI, (2) MI plus vehicle, and (3) MI plus AT2R antagonist. Treatments were started 4 weeks after MI and continued for 8 weeks. AT2R protein and mRNA expression in the heart was significantly increased in transgenic mice, and the increase positively correlated with copies of the transgene. AT1R protein and mRNA expression remained unchanged in Tg1 and Tg4 but slightly increased in Tg9 mice. Systolic blood pressure and cardiac phenotypes did not differ among strains under basal conditions. MI caused myocardial hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis, ventricular dilatation, and dysfunction associated with increased protein expression of Nox2 and transforming growth factor &bgr;1. These pathological responses were diminished in Tg1 and Tg4 mice. Moreover, the protective effects of AT2R were abolished by AT2R antagonist and also absent in Tg9 mice. We thus conclude that whether overexpression of AT2R is beneficial or detrimental to the heart is largely dependent on expression levels and possibly via regulations of Nox2 and transforming growth factor &bgr;1 signaling pathways.
A 79 GHz dynamic frequency divider in SiGe bipolar technology

Conventional static frequency dividers use master-slave flipflops to achieve frequency division. They allow broadband operation down to DC as long as the slew rate of the input signal is high enough. Their upper frequency, however, is Limited by the gate delay /spl tau//sub D/ to a value of approximately 1/(2 /spl tau//sub D/). Significantly higher operating frequencies can be achieved by dynamic frequency dividers. The limited bandwidth of dynamic dividers is a drawback but poses no problem in many applications which require divider operation only in a specific frequency range. Dynamic dividers manufactured in III-V-technologies and, recently, in SiGe technology achieve maximum operating frequencies of 60 GHz to 75 GHz. However, most of these circuits operate over relatively narrow bandwidths of less than one octave. This regenerative frequency divider exploits the high-speed potential of SiGe technologies to combine high maximum frequency with operation over wide frequency range.
Significance of Plk1 regulation by miR‐100 in human nasopharyngeal cancer

Polo‐like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a critical regulator of many stages of mitosis; increasing evidence indicates that Plk1 overexpression correlates with poor clinical outcome, yet its mechanism of regulation remains unknown. Hence, a detailed evaluation was undertaken of Plk1 expression in human nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), the cellular effects of targeting Plk1 using siRNA in combination with ionizing radiation (RT) and potential upstream microRNAs (miRs) that might regulate Plk1 expression. Using immunohistochemistry, Plk1 was observed to be overexpressed in 28 of 40 (70%) primary NPC biopsies, which in turn was associated with a higher likelihood of recurrence (p = 0.018). SiPlk1 significantly inhibited Plk1 mRNA and protein expression, and decreased Cdc25c levels in NPC cell lines. This depletion resulted in cytotoxicity of C666‐1 cells, enhanced by the addition of RT, mediated by G2/M arrest, increased DNA double‐strand breaks, apoptosis, and caspase activation. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that the G2/M arrest was associated with aberrant spindle formation, leading to mitotic arrest. In vivo, transfection of C666‐1 cells and systemic delivery of siPlk1 decreased tumour growth. MicroRNA‐100 (miR‐100) was predicted to target Plk1 mRNA, which was indeed underexpressed in C666‐1 cells, inversely correlating with Plk1 expression. Using luciferase constructs containing the 3′‐UTR of Plk1 sequence, we document that miR‐100 can directly target Plk1. Hence, our data demonstrate for the first time that underexpressed miR‐100 leads to Plk1 overexpression, which in turn contributes to NPC progression. Targeting Plk1 will cause mitotic catastrophe, with significant cytotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo, underscoring the important therapeutic opportunity of Plk1 in NPC.
4-Formyl-2-nitrophenyl 3-nitro-2-methylbenzoate

In the title formyl nitro aryl benzoate derivative, C15H10N2O7, the benzene rings form a dihedral angle of 4.96 (3)°. The mean plane of the central ester group, C—O—C–(=O)—C (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0484 Å), is twisted away from the formyl nitro aryl and benzoate rings by 46.61 (5) and 49.93 (5)°, respectively. In the crystal, the molecules are packed forming C—H⋯O interactions in chains which propagate along [010]. Edge-fused R 3 3(15) rings are generated along this direction.
Mineral metabolism management in Canadian peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Abnormal mineral metabolism is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Therefore, the goal of this study was to compare a) mineral metabolism control among a cohort of Canadian peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients to K/DOQI-defined targets and b) the effect of different treatment strategies on mineral metabolism parameters. METHODS We looked at a cohort of 317 Canadian PD patients from 9 clinics that used the PhotoGraph™ software program which tracks mineral metabolism management. Serum phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) values were collected for the patients. Data were categorized and analyzed by the type of phosphate binder prescribed, vitamin D use, and dosing and reimbursement criteria for the phosphate binder, sevelamer. RESULTS The majority of patients achieved K/DOQI-set targets for serum P. Patients who resided in Quebec (QC), which had greater access to sevelamer, had lower mean concentrations of P and Ca, were less likely to take Ca-based phosphate binders (CBBs) exclusively and were exposed to less exogenous Ca than in Ontario (ON). CONCLUSION Availability of the phosphate binder sevelamer and reduced doses of elemental Ca were associated with more mineral metabolism parameters within suggested target ranges. Further studies that focus on patient outcomes are warranted.
tRNA Modification by GidA/MnmE Is Necessary for Streptococcus pyogenes Virulence: a New Strategy To Make Live Attenuated Strains

ABSTRACT Studies directed at vaccine development and mucosal immunity against Streptococcus pyogenes would benefit from the availability of live attenuated strains. Our approach for production of candidate live attenuated strains was to identify mutations that did not alter growth in vitro and did not alter the overall complement of virulence factors produced but did result in reduced levels of expression of multiple secreted virulence factors. A global reduction but not elimination of expression would likely lead to attenuation while maximizing the number of antigenic targets available for stimulation of immunity. Adaptation of Tn5-based transposome mutagenesis to S. pyogenes with initial screening for reduced expression of the SpeB protease resulted in identification of mutations in gidA, which encodes an enzyme involved in tRNA modification. Reduced SpeB expression was due to delayed onset of speB transcription resulting from reduced translation efficiency of the message for RopB, a transcriptional activator. Overall, GidA− mutants had a nearly normal global transcription profile but expressed significantly reduced levels of multiple virulence factors due to impaired translation efficiencies. A translation defect was supported by the observation that mutants lacking MnmE, which functions in the same tRNA modification pathway as GidA, phenocopied GidA deficiency. The mutants stimulated a cytokine response in cultured macrophages identical to that in the wild type, with the exception of reduced levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-23. Significantly, GidA− mutants were highly attenuated in the murine ulcer model of soft tissue infection. These characteristics suggest that GidA pathway tRNA modification mutants are attractive candidates for further evaluation as live attenuated strains.
The assessment of caspase activation during apoptosis of malignant cells in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

In this study we analysed caspase activation in peripheral blood and bone marrow cells of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) exposed to apoptosis both spontaneous and induced via external and internal pathway. We used the method based on detection of activated caspases with FAM-VADFMK that is the fluorochrome labelled inhibitor of caspases and flow cytometry technique. We detected the higher rate of apoptosis induced by mitochondrial way in comparison to receptor one that may suggest dominance of this mechanism in B-CLL. We also observed the higher rate of spontaneous and mitochondrial-induced apoptosis in peripheral blood in comparison to bone marrow indicating the differences in apoptosis process depending on cell environment.
Precise Vehicle Speed Measurement Based on a Hierarchical Homographic Transform Estimation for Law Enforcement Applications

Today, computer vision is used in different applications for intelligent transportation systems like: traffic surveillance, driver assistance, law enforcement etc. Amongst these applications, we are concentrating on speed measurement for law enforcement. In law enforcement applications, the presence of the license plate in the scene is a presupposition and metric parameters like vehicle’s speed are to be estimated with a high degree of precision. The novelty of this paper is to propose a new precise, practical and fast procedure, with hierarchical architecture, to estimate the homraphic transform of the license plate and using this transform to estimate the vehicle’s speed. The proposed method uses the RANSAC algorithm to improve the robustness of the estimation. Hence, it is possible to replace the peripheral equipment with vision based systems, or in conjunction with these peripherals, it is possible to improve the accuracy and reliability of the system. Results of experiments on different datasets, with different specifications, show that the proposed method can be used in law enforcement applications to measure the vehicle’s speed. key words: feature extraction, RANSAC estimator, license plate, speed measurement, law enforcement
Spatial Contouring of Risk: A Tool for Environmental Epidemiology

The possible elevation of disease rates in the proximity of site-specific environmental hazards is much investigated. Single-site studies are subject to problems of reporting bias and statistical power, and multisite studies to heterogeneity of exposure. Both types of studies usually use concentric circular regions centered on a site as a surrogate for defining the exposed and unexposed populations. This approach does not take into account the actual spatial pattern of toxicant dispersion or the spatial pattern associated with the population, and so much useful information is wasted. We report a kernel density technique to map risk contours for disease, which is not influenced by the coordinates of any putative environmental hazard and which could be married to actual spatial exposure patterns.
Variations on the Gambler ’ s Ruin Problem

This paper covers the history and solution to the Gambler’s Ruin Problem, and then explores the odds for each player to win in three variations on the problem: the attrition variation, a variation in which one player has an infinite number of points, and a three player variation, in which two players play against a “house” player.
Arabic Information Retrieval: A Relevancy Assessment Survey

The paper presents a research in Arabic Information Retrieval (IR). It surveys the impact of statistical and morphological analysis of Arabic text in improving Arabic IR relevancy. We investigated the contributions of Stemming, Indexing, Query Expansion, Text Summarization (TS), Text Translation, and Named Entity Recognition (NER) in enhancing the relevancy of Arabic IR. Our survey emphasizing on the quantitative relevancy measurements provided in the surveyed publications. The paper shows that the researchers achieved significant enhancements especially in building accurate stemmers, with accuracy reaches 97%, and in measuring the impact of different indexing strategies. Query expansion and Text Translation showed positive relevancy effect. However, other tasks such as NER and TS still need more research to realize their impact on Arabic IR.
Neutrophil Degranulation Induced by Haemophilus ducreyi

Abstract Haemophilus ducreyi is the causative bacterium of genital ulcers, which are collectively known as chancroid. Little is known about the cytotoxicity of H. ducreyi. The virulent strains are relatively resistant to phagocytosis and apoptosis by neutrophils. Therefore, experiments were designed to examine whether neutrophil degranulation caused by H. ducrey would provide insights into the virulence mechanisms through which cellular damage is affected by the organism. Clinical isolates of eight strains of H. ducreyi and the culture strain type CIP542 (Collection Institute Pasteur) were incubated with neutrophils harvested from human donor blood. The release by the organism of lysosomal enzymes from intracellular granules of neutrophils was indicative of degranulation. The results showed that H. ducreyi triggered the release of lysosomal enzymes from human neutrophils, and that the magnitude of the release was dependent both on the ratio of bacteria to neutrophils and the duration of incubation. In vitro experiments involving HeLa cells were designed to determine the manner in which H. ducreyi initiated the process of degranulation. The morphological changes associated with degranulation were visualized by confocal and transmission electron microscopy. This is the first report that describes degranulation of neutrophils induced by H. ducreyi which causes chancroid infection.
Exact bounds for lengths of reductions in typed λ-calculus

Abstract We determine the exact bounds for the length of an arbitrary reduction sequence of a term in the typed λ-calculus with β-, ξ- and η-conversion. There will be two essentially different classifications, one depending on the height and the degree of the term and the other depending on the length and the degree of the term.
Microbiology and cytokine levels around healthy dental implants and teeth.

BACKGROUND Elicitation of the relationship of periodontopathogens and pro-inflammatory cytokines to bone resorption and formation is significant to a growing body of research known as osteoimmunology. It is essential that clinically healthy peri-implant and periodontal sites are studied to contribute comparison data for investigations that are addressing diseased sites. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to describe levels of selected pro-inflammatory cytokines in clinically healthy peri-implant and periodontal sites, and to examine whether cytokine levels may be related to specific bacterial/viral pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven subjects (mean age 56.2 +/- 10) participated in the study. Subgingival microbial samples were cultured for periodontopathic bacteria. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were analyzed by nested polymerase chain reaction for Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and were tested for the quantification of Interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-12p70 using flow cytometry (FACS). Findings for microbiota composition and cytokine levels were compared between implants and teeth (chi square, Kruskall-Wallis, Mann-Whitney; p < or = .05). RESULTS Both the frequency (%) and levels (%) of periodontopathic bacteria were higher around teeth than implants. The concentration (picogram per milliliter) of cytokines was more prominent around implants than teeth, reaching nearly twofold differences in some instances. Cytokine levels were higher when the sites analyzed were positive for any bacteria tested. HCMV was not detected. CONCLUSIONS Pro-inflammatory cytokine production was unrelated to heavy bacterial challenge. Nevertheless, when periodontopathic bacteria were detected by culture, cytokine levels were increased around both implants and teeth. Studies are needed to investigate the pro-inflammatory cytokines (especially IL-1beta and TNF-alpha) produced in spite of minimal bacterial accumulation.