Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene and erectile dysfunction risk: a meta‐analysis

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasingly recognized as a public health problem. Several studies have reported the influence of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene on ED susceptibility, but the results remain controversial. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta‐analysis was conducted using data published previously by other groups. A total of six case‐control studies, including 1039 cases and 927 controls, were selected. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by comparing the carriers of D‐allele with the wild homozygotes (ID + DD vs. II). Comparisons of other genetic models were also performed (ID + II vs. DD, DD vs. II, DI vs. II and D vs. I). In the overall analysis, no significant association between the polymorphism and ED risk was observed (OR=1.07, 95% CI = 0.84 − 1.37, p = 0.575 for ID + DD vs. II). In the subgroup analysis by ethnic, no significant association was detected among Asian, Latino and European for the comparison of ID + DD vs. II (Asian: OR=1.27, 95% CI = 0.89 − 1.81; Latino: OR=0.76, 95% CI = 0.46 − 1.27; European: OR=1.06, 95% CI = 0.67 − 1.66). Results from other comparative genetic models also indicated the lack of associations between this polymorphism and ED risk. In conclusion, this meta‐analysis indicates that the ACE I/D polymorphism might not contribute to the risk of ED.
Physiological assessment of isolated running does not directly replicate running capacity after triathlon-specific cycling

Abstract Triathlon running is affected by prior cycling and power output during triathlon cycling is variable in nature. We compared constant and triathlon-specific variable power cycling and their effect on subsequent submaximal running physiology. Nine well-trained male triathletes (age 24.6 ± 4.6 years, 4.5 ± 0.4 L · min−1; mean ± SD) performed a submaximal incremental run test, under three conditions: no prior exercise and after a 1 h cycling trial at 65% of maximal aerobic power with either a constant or a variable power profile. The variable power protocol involved multiple 10–90 s intermittent efforts at 40–140% maximal aerobic power. During cycling, pulmonary ventilation (22%, ±14%; mean; ±90% confidence limits), blood lactate (179%, ±48%) and rating of perceived exertion (7.3%, ±10.2%) were all substantially higher during variable than during constant power cycling. At the start of the run, blood lactate was 64%, ±61% higher after variable compared to constant power cycling, which decreased running velocity at 4 mM lactate threshold by 0.6, ±0.9 km · h−1. Physiological responses to incremental running are negatively affected by prior cycling and, to a greater extent, by variable compared to even-paced cycling. Testing and training of triathletes should account foe higher physiological cost of triathlon-specific cycling and its effect on subsequent running.
Proper Name Hypermnesia in an Autistic Subject

The case study of an autistic "savant" subject with person names hypermnesia is presented. NM's performance in memorizing person names is compared to that of normal controls, IQ-matched controls, and one overtrained control. The data show a selective hypermnesia for both the free recall of person names and the recognition of faces. Recall of common names and of biographical informations linked to faces is unremarkable. NM's hypermnesia is restricted to list learning as low performance is observed in face-name learning tasks. A comparison of the data with that of the overtrained control indicates that training is not responsible for NM's pattern of results. These findings, when combined with previous results involving proper names, demonstrate a double dissociation between proper names and other types of semantic and referential information. However, aspects of NM's performance pattern are more compatible with a network model of proper names than with a sequential model. We propose that the contextual regularity of proper names in ecological situations can be responsible for their high memorization by NM.
The effect of caffeine on glucose kinetics in humans – influence of adrenaline

While caffeine impedes insulin‐mediated glucose disposal in humans, its effect on endo‐genous glucose production (EGP) remains unknown. In addition, the mechanism involved in these effects is unclear, but may be due to the accompanying increase in adrenaline concentration. We studied the effect of caffeine on EGP and glucose infusion rates (GIR), and whether or not adrenaline can account for all of caffeine's effects. Subjects completed three isoglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamps (with 3‐[3H]glucose infusion) 30 min after ingesting: (1) placebo capsules (n= 12); (2) caffeine capsules (5 mg kg−1) (n= 12); and either (3) placebo plus a high‐dose adrenaline infusion (HAdr; adrenaline concentration, 1.2 nm; n= 8) or (4) placebo plus a low‐dose adrenaline infusion (LAdr; adrenaline concentration, 0.75 nm; n= 6). With caffeine, adrenaline increased to 0.6 nm but no effect on EGP was observed. While caffeine and HAdr decreased GIR by 13 (P < 0.05) and 34% (P < 0.05) versus the placebo, respectively, LAdr did not result in a significant reduction (5%) in GIR versus the placebo. Due to the fact that both caffeine and LAdr resulted in similar adrenaline concentrations, but resulted in different decreases in GIR, it is concluded that adrenaline alone does not account for the effects of caffeine and additional mechanisms must be involved.
HOMSTRAD: A database of protein structure alignments for homologous families

We describe a database of protein structure alignments for homologous families. The database HOMSTRAD presently contains 130 protein families and 590 aligned structures, which have been selected on the basis of quality of the X‐ray analysis and accuracy of the structure. For each family, the database provides a structure‐based alignment derived using COMPARER and annotated with JOY in a special format that represents the local structural environment of each amino acid residue. HOMSTRAD also provides a set of superposed atomic coordinates obtained using MNYFIT, which can be viewed with a graphical user interface or used for comparative modeling studies. The database is freely available on the World Wide Web at: http://www‐cryst. bioc. cam. ac. uk/homstrad/, with search facilities and links to other databases.
Four-channel SiGe transimpedance amplifier array for parallel optical interconnects

A four-channel transimpedance amplifier array is realized in a 0.8 /spl mu/m Si/SiGe HBT technology for parallel optical interconnect applications. Measured results demonstrate that each channel provides a bandwidth of 3.9 GHz, a transimpedance gain of 62 dB/spl Omega/, and an average noise current spectral density of 7.5 pA//spl radic/Hz. The array achieves less than -25 dB crosstalk between adjacent channels and dissipates 40 mW in total from /spl plusmn/2.5 V supply.
The LMS combined fuzzy algorithm for co-channel interference (CCI) transmission system

In recent years, many adaptive algorithms have been proposed for improving co-channel interference (CCI) problem. In this paper, we adopted the concepts of adaptive filter combined fuzzy logic algorithm with the amplitude-locked loop (ALL) separation system in order to improve the signal distortion interferences of co-channel and noise. The ALL system can be separated the dominant and the subdominant signal from each other. On the other hand, the perfect demodulated output signals of the ALL system is adopted the spectrum or frequency doubly. Using the proposed adaptation algorithm to calculate the optimal weight coefficient and minimize the value of mean-square error (MSE) under the channel signal-to-noise ratio (SNRc). Therefore, we addressed the adaptive fuzzy estimation model to overcome the disadvantages all about that before. Furthermore, from the simulated results of convergence time and the value of MSE, we found the performance of proposed adaptive filter algorithm with fuzzy methodology is better than adaptive LMS algorithm in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel case.
Exchange rate regime classifications and exchange rate variability

ABSTRACT It is well known that the exchange rate regime (ERR) declared to the IMF is often different from the actual regime. Several alternative schemes for de facto regime classification have been developed. In this article, we compare the ability of four popular schemes to track exchange rate variability (ERV). We find that the existing ERR classifications do not match well with the degree of ERV, especially for intermediate regimes. For instance, in the Levy-Yeyati and Sturzenegger (2003) coding, the intermediate regimes exhibit greater ERV than the floaters. On the other hand, for the Reinhart and Rogoff (2004) coding, the fixers show greater variability than some intermediates.
Cross layer architecture based mobile WSN routing protocol for inter-vehicular communication

Being a low cost, robust and decentralized network, Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has emerged as a dominant networking technology to serve an array of communication purposes. However, node mobility in traditional WSNs confines its effectiveness. Enabling mobile WSN can be vital for intervehicular communication systems. In this paper, a cross layer architecture based Network Condition Aware Geographical Routing Protocol (NCARP) has been proposed that introduces numerous novelties including Quality of Service (QoS) oriented service differentiation based resource scheduling, congestion awareness, dynamic neighborhood management, packet velocity estimation, dynamic link quality estimation, adaptive link adaptation etc. The proposed cross layer model has been applied over Network, MAC, and PHY layers of the WSN protocol stack. Unlike traditional approaches, the proactive node table manager strengthens optimal route decision mechanism, while dynamic buffer assessment based congestion avoidance and link quality based best forwarding node selection strengthens NCARP to deliver 97.64% of real time data (RTD) delivery, while ensuring minimal non-real time (NRT) data drop (2.82%) and deadline miss ratio (2.1%). Our proposed NCARP protocol has outperformed other existing protocol such as RPAR and overall results affirm that it can be a potential solution for mission critical data transmission in inter-vehicular communication systems.
Analysis of serial growth data

Human growth has been described qualitatively by several different mathematical formulations that have concentrated on the form of the central tendency and have largely neglected analysis of any short duration components of the experimental observations. The present work presents a mathematical model of human growth that aims to describe both the fluctuations of short duration as well as the central tendency as a series of discrete growth episodes. This Saltatory Model of growth provides a better quantitative description of human growth than the more traditional models and suggests that human growth is not a smooth continuous process, but is a series of intermittent, nonperiodic saltations. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spilling over Strain between Elders and Their Caregivers in Hong Kong

According to the dialectical model, the well-being of the older care recipient, the informal caregiver, and the professional care provider mutually affect each other. Particularly, the caregiver's strain can affect the care recipient's well-being both positively and negatively. Moreover, the task-specific model suggests that as social workers are responsible for maintaining elders' well-being, the workers' strain would be particularly influential on the elders' well-being. To clarify these dialectic relationships, the present study surveyed the three parties involved in home help or home care services in Hong Kong over two successive waves using a panel design. This study reveals the significant negative effect the professional care provider's earlier strain has on the elder's later well-being. Moreover, the social worker's earlier strain was particularly detrimental to the elder's later well-being. In contrast, the effect of the informal caregiver's earlier strain was not significant. Additionally, the elder's well-being had no significant impact on the strain of either the professional care provider or the informal caregiver. Findings of this study support the qualification of the dialectical model by the task-specific model to yield a model of channeled spillover. Accordingly, dialectical influence requires a channel to materialize the spillover effect.
Ideas and perspectives: Development of nascent autotrophic carbon fixation systems in various redox conditions of the fluid degassing on early Earth

Abstract. The origin and development of the primary autotrophic metabolism on early Earth were influenced by the two main regimes of degassing of the Earth – reducing (predominance CH4) and oxidative (CO2). Among the existing theories of the autotrophic origin of life in hydrothermal environments, CO2 is usually considered to be the carbon source for nascent autotrophic metabolism. However, the ancestral carbon used in metabolism may have been derived from CH4 if the outflow of magma fluid to the surface of the Earth consisted mainly of methane. In such an environment, the primary autotrophic metabolic systems had to be methanotrophic. Due to the absence of molecular oxygen in the Archean conditions, this metabolism would have been anaerobic; i.e., oxidation of methane must be realized by inorganic high-potential electron acceptors. In light of the primacy and prevalence of CH4-dependent metabolism in hydrothermal systems of the ancient Earth, we propose a model of carbon fixation where the methane is fixed or transformed in a sequence of reactions in an autocatalytic methane–fumarate cycle. Nitrogen oxides are thermodynamically the most favorable among possible oxidants of methane; however, even the activity of oxygen created by mineral buffers of iron in hydrothermal conditions is sufficient for methanotrophic acetogenesis. The hydrothermal system model is considered in the form of a phase diagram, which demonstrates the area of redox and P and T conditions favorable for the development of the primary methanotrophic metabolism.
Security analysis of routing protocol for MANET based on extended Rubin logic

One of the greatest obstacles to wide-spread deployment of MANET is security. Security of routing protocols for MANET is the emphasis of MANET security. However, it is difficult to design protocols that are immune to malicious attack, because good analysis techniques are lacking. Rubin logic is the first technique for specifying and analyzing nonmonotonic cryptographic protocols, though it is inadequate to analyze non-repudiation of protocols. Considered the property of routing protocols for MANET, extensions to Rubin logic are presented in this paper. A new local set as well as new actions and inference rules are introduced. The extended Rubin logic can be used to analyze non-repudiation of protocols. Taken example of ARAN, the security of routing protocol is analyzed by using the extended Rubin logic, which proves the method is valid.
Incidental patent foramen ovale in adult cardiac surgery: recent evidence and management options for the perioperative echocardiographer.

From the *Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ and the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Address reprint requests to John G. T. Augoustides, MD, FASE, FAHA, Cardiothoracic Section, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Dulles 680, HUP, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283. E-mail: yiandoc@hotmail.com © 2014 Published by Elsevier Inc. 1053-0770/2601-0001$36.00/0 http://dx.doi. org/10.1053/j.jvca. 2014.04. 030
Influence of 4 weeks of bovine colostrum supplementation on neutrophil and mucosal immune responses to prolonged cycling

Bovine colostrum (COL) has been advocated as a nutritional countermeasure to exercise‐induced immune dysfunction. The aims of this study were to identify the effects of 4 weeks of COL supplementation on neutrophil responses and mucosal immunity following prolonged exercise. In a randomized double‐blind, parallel group design, participants [age 28 ± 8 years; body mass 79 ± 7 kg; height 182 ± 6 cm; maximal oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 m a x ) 55 ± 9 mL/kg/min] were assigned to 20 g per day of COL (n = 10) or an isoenergetic/isomacronutrient placebo (PLA; n = 10) for 4 weeks. Venous blood and unstimulated saliva samples were obtained before and after 2.5 h of cycling at 15% Δ (∼55–60% V ˙ O 2 m a x ). A significantly greater formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl phenylalanine‐stimulated oxidative burst was observed in the COL group compared with PLA group (P < 0.05) and a trend toward a time × group interaction (P = 0.06). However, there was no effect of COL on leukocyte trafficking, phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate‐stimulated oxidative burst, bacterial‐stimulated neutrophil degranulation, salivary secretory IgA, lactoferrin or lysozyme (P > 0.05). These findings provide further evidence of the beneficial effects of COL on receptor‐mediated stimulation of neutrophil oxidative burst in a model of exercise‐induced immune dysfunction.
Hepatotoxic effect of cyclosporin A in the mitochondrial respiratory chain

Cyclosporin A (CyA), a potent immunosuppressant, was used to determine the hepatotoxic effect in long‐term treatments. Male Wistar rats were used in these experiments. They were given CyA chronically at doses used in patients for 120 days, and at doses of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg kg−1 day−1. These doses amount to CyA values in blood of 200 ± 24, 314 ± 40, 445 ± 33 and 598 ± 53 ng ml−1, respectively. A significant increase in glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) was found in the groups treated with 15 and 20 mg kg−1 day−1, which would point to mitochondria as the potential target of the toxic action of CyA. The mitochondrial respiratory chain of rat livers was studied in enzyme complexes I and II. Enzyme complex I was determined by spectrophotometry at 340 nm using NADH oxidase with the respirable substrate 10 mm NADH; enzyme complex II was determined by monitoring succinate dehydrogenase by oxymetry using the respirable substrate 10 mm succinate. The results show the inhibition of NADH oxidase in the groups treated with 10, 15 and 20 mg kg−1 day−1, an effect dependent both on time and on CyA concentration. Enzyme complex II showed a decrease in oxygen consumption. These findings were confirmed by histological studies (hematoxylin‐eosin technique).
A visual search engine for Bangladeshi laws

Browsing and finding relevant information for Bangladeshi laws is a challenge faced by all law students and researchers in Bangladesh, and by citizens who want to learn about any legal procedure. Some law archives in Bangladesh are digitized, but lack proper tools to organize the data meaningfully. We present a text visualization tool that utilizes machine learning techniques to make the searching of laws quicker and easier. Using Doc2Vec to layout law article nodes, link mining techniques to visualize relevant citation networks, and named entity recognition to quickly find relevant sections in long law articles, our tool provides a faster and better search experience to the users. Qualitative feedback from law researchers, students, and government officials show promise for visually intuitive search tools in the context of governmental, legal, and constitutional data in developing countries, where digitized data does not necessarily pave the way towards an easy access to information.
Patterns for service-oriented information exchange requirements

Service-Oriented Computing (SOC) is an emerging computing paradigm that supports loosely-coupled inter-enterprise interactions. SOC interactions are predominantly specified in a procedural manner that defines message sequences intermixing implementation with business requirements. In this paper we present a set of patterns concerning requirements of information exchange between participants engaging in service-oriented interactions. The patterns aim at explicating and elaborating the business requirements driving the interaction and separating them from implementation concerns.
Edge-Facilitated Wireless Distributed Computing Songze

We propose a framework for edge-facilitated wireless distributed computing, in which several mobile users that are connected to an access point collaborate for a distributed computing task. We characterize the minimum communication load, both in uplink (from users to the access point) and downlink (from access point to the users), required for distributed computing in this framework. In particular, we develop a communication scheme and a dataset placement strategy that induces a particular overlap of computations at the users, which can then be exploited for coding at both users and the access point to significantly reduce the communication load. We demonstrate that the reduction in communication load (compared to uncoded solutions) can scale linearly with the size of the network (i.e. the number of users), hence our proposed scheme can result in a “scalable” design for edge-facilitated wireless distributed computing (i.e., accommodating any number of users without incurring extra communication load). Furthermore, we establish the optimality of the proposed scheme by developing a tight information theoretic outer-bound, and demonstrate that the proposed scheme achieves the minimum uplink and downlink communication load simultaneously. We also generalize the results to a decentralized setting, in which a random and a priori unknown subset of users may participate in distributed computing at each time, and characterize the minimum communication load for uniformly random dataset placement at users.
Three-Dimensional Open-Ended Slot Antenna for Heart Failure Detection System Employing Differential Technique

The design of a folded open-ended slot antenna for an early-stage congestive heart failure (CHF) detection system operating at ultra-high frequency (UHF) is presented. The antenna is formed using a three-dimensional open-ended slot with a compact size of 0.24 λ0 × 0. 09λ0 × 0.04 λ0 (λ0 is the lowest operating frequency of the antenna), and a slotted microstrip feeder used to achieve wide operating bandwidth of 58% (550-1000 MHz). A CHF detection system is then built using the proposed antenna, a compact microwave sensor, and a differential detection technique. The main objective of such a system is to map the torso area searching for any fluid accumulation in the lungs as the main symptom of CHF. To that end, a pair of the proposed antenna is attached to an adjustable platform to vertically scan the torso. A differential detection technique is applied on the backscattered signals to map the scattering profile of the torso and detect any changes in the electrical properties of the lungs caused by fluid accumulation. A detection threshold is applied to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy cases. The obtained images have a pixel resolution of 0.1 cm in depth and 1 cm in height. The experimental results on an artificial torso indicate that the system can detect fluid differences as small as 4 mL, with a measurement error of less than 3%.