Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design, construction, and characterization of a second‐generation DARPin library with reduced hydrophobicity

Designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) are well‐established binding molecules based on a highly stable nonantibody scaffold. Building on 13 crystal structures of DARPin‐target complexes and stability measurements of DARPin mutants, we have generated a new DARPin library containing an extended randomized surface. To counteract the enrichment of unspecific hydrophobic binders during selections against difficult targets containing hydrophobic surfaces such as membrane proteins, the frequency of apolar residues at diversified positions was drastically reduced and substituted by an increased number of tyrosines. Ribosome display selections against two human caspases and membrane transporter AcrB yielded highly enriched pools of unique and strong DARPin binders which were mainly monomeric. We noted a prominent enrichment of tryptophan residues during binder selections. A crystal structure of a representative of this library in complex with caspase‐7 visualizes the key roles of both tryptophans and tyrosines in providing target contacts. These aromatic and polar side chains thus substitute the apolar residues valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, and phenylalanine of the original DARPins. Our work describes biophysical and structural analyses required to extend existing binder scaffolds and simplifies an existing protocol for the assembly of highly diverse synthetic binder libraries.
Three-feature based automatic lane detection algorithm (TFALDA) for autonomous driving

TFALDA is a lane detection algorithm which is simple, robust, and efficient, thus suitable for real-time processing in cluttered road environments without a priori knowledge of them. Out of the many possible lane boundary candidates, the best one is chosen as the one at a minimum distance from the previous lane vector according to a weighted distance metric in which each feature is assigned a different weight. An evolutionary algorithm then finds the optimal weights that minimize the misclassification rate. The proposed algorithm was successfully applied to a series of road following experiments using the PRV (Postech Research Vehicle) II.
A Review on ECG based Human Authentication

Biometric systems are mostly used for human identification and authentication. Recent developments have shown that for person identification ECG can be used as more powerful tool as it give more reliable and accurate results even in abnormal cases than other biometric characteristics. Credential based authentication methods (e.g., passwords, PINs, certificates) are not well-suited for remote healthcare as patients could give credentials to someone else. Furthermore, one-time authentication using trait-based biometrics (e.g., face, fingerprints, and iris) or credentials do not cover the entire monitoring period and may lead to unauthorized post-authentication use. In this paper various techniques previously proposed in literature for feature extraction and a comparative study to predict the accuracy of overall system is being discussed. Keywords-ECG; Feature extracted; ECG fiducial method; ECG non-fiducial method; Classification; identification; LDA (linear discriminant analysis); PCA (principal component analysis); WT (wavelet transformation)
Corporate Decision Making with Self-Organizing Patent Maps Labeled by Technical Terms and AHP

In this paper, we propose an approach for corporate decision making with self-organizing patent maps labeled by technical terms and AHP. First, we select the patent area of interest and collect pertinent patent documents in text format. Second, we extract keywords by text mining to transform patent documents into feature vectors of the companies. Third, we input the feature matrix of technical terms and company names into self-organizing maps to create patent maps labeled by the technical terms. Then, we consider several corporate strategies utilizing the patent maps and make a decision with AHP. We apply our approach to two patent areas (information home appliance and 3D image) to show examples of corporate decision making.
In Situ Measurement Technique for Simultaneous Detection of K, KCl, and KOH Vapors Released during Combustion of Solid Biomass Fuel in a Single Particle Reactor

A quantitative and simultaneous measurement of K, KCl, and KOH vapors from a burning fuel sample combusted in a single particle reactor was performed using collinear photofragmentation and atomic absorption spectroscopy (CPFAAS) with a time resolution of 0.2 s. The previously presented CPFAAS technique was extended in this work to cover two consecutive fragmentation pulses for the photofragmentation of KCl and KOH. The spectral overlapping of the fragmentation spectra of KCl and KOH is discussed, and a linear equation system for the correction of the spectral interference is introduced. The detection limits for KCl, KOH, and K with the presented measurement arrangement and with 1 cm sample length were 0.5, 0.1, and 0.001 parts per million, respectively. The experimental setup was applied to analyze K, KCl, and KOH release from 10 mg spruce bark samples combusted at the temperatures of 850, 950, and 1050 °C with 10% of O2. The combustion experiments provided data on the form of K vapors and their release during different combustion phases and at different temperatures. The measured release histories agreed with earlier studies of K release. The simultaneous direct measurement of atomic K, KCl, and KOH will help in the impact of both the form of K in the biomass and fuel variables, such as particle size, on the release of K from biomass fuels.
Predicting Vehicle Crashworthiness: Validation of Computer Models for Functional and Hierarchical Data

The CRASH computer model simulates the effect of a vehicle colliding against different barrier types. If it accurately represents real vehicle crashworthiness, the computer model can be of great value in various aspects of vehicle design, such as the setting of timing of air bag releases. The goal of this study is to address the problem of validating the computer model for such design goals, based on utilizing computer model runs and experimental data from real crashes. This task is complicated by the fact that (i) the output of this model consists of smooth functional data, and (ii) certain types of collision have very limited data. We address problem (i) by extending existing Gaussian process-based methodology developed for models that produce real-valued output, and resort to Bayesian hierarchical modeling to attack problem (ii). Additionally, we show how to formally test if the computer model reproduces reality. Supplemental materials for the article are available online.
Sponge-mediated nitrification in tropical benthic communities

We examined changes In the levels of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) during incubation experiments with 4 conspicuous sponge species from Caribbean coral reefs, mangroves, or seagrass beds (Chondrilla nucula, ? Pseudaxinella zeai, Oligoceras violacea, Plakortis halichondroides). DIN accumulation in the incubation water was detected for all the species, but no significant DIN concentration changes were detected in the control experiments (seawater alone). NO< accumulated during all the experiments with 0. rfiolacea (170 to 580 nmol g.' h-'), while NO-, accumulated during most experiments with ? P. zeal (0 to 1033 nmol g.' h-'), C. nucula (360 to 2650 nmol g.' h-'), and P. hallchondroides (0 to 320 nmol g.' h' ) . These are the highest reported weight-spec~fic production rates of oxidized nitrogen fl-om benthic communitics The highest values are associated with the 3 species that possess cyanobacterlal endosymbionts. Potential NO1 efflux rates by 2 of the species, assuming 10Of"> area1 coverage, yielded values (21 1 to 396 mm01 m ' d.' for ? P. zeal and 242 to 413 mm01 m-' d ' for C. nucula) 2 to 4 orders of magnitude hlgher than the most active benthic nitnfication rates yct reported from the tropics. Extrapolating from incubation data (550 to 1030 nmol g' h-' and biomass estimates (440 g m-2) , the environmental NO.: efflux rate of ? P zeai on the Fore Reef at the Barrier Reef off Carrie Bow Cay. Bel17t. 15.8 to 10.9 mm01 m-2 d-! ) surpasses considerably the highest benthic nitrification rates reported previously (unconsolidated reef sediments: 1.68 mm01 m-' d l ) . These results strongly suggest that sponge-mediated nitrification is not uncommon in tropical marine benthic communities, and might constitute a large input of oxidized nitrogen into those habitats in which sponges abound. Our results reinforce the notion that sponges harbor and nourish microbial organisms with metabolisms that are important to the productivity and nutrlent cycling in shallow benthic tropical communities. K E Y WORDS Nitrification Sponge associations . DIN fluxes Benthic processes
Generic Model of MMC-VSC-HVDC for Interaction Study With AC Power System

This paper presents a generic rms model of voltage source converter (VSC) in modular multilevel converter (MMC) topology for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) application. The generic rms model is suitable for stability analysis of a MMC-VSC-HVDC interconnected to ac power system. Based on the rms model, a linearized model for analytical model analysis is also developed and described. The parameters of the generic rms model are identified via an established averaged EMT model. The dynamic performance of the proposed generic model is tested in both time and frequency domain analysis using a typical high-voltage transmission system.
Improved pose estimation for texture planes using multiple vanishing points

Vanishing point locations play a critical role in determining the perspective orientation of textured planes. However, if only a single vanishing point is available then the problem is undetermined. The tilt direction must be computed using supplementary information such as the texture gradient. In this payer we describe a method for multiple vanishing point and, hence complete perspective pose estimation, detection which obviates the need to compute the texture gradient. The method is based on local spectral analysis. It exploits the fact that spectral orientation is uniform along lines that radiate from vanishing points on the image place. We demonstrate that the method provides accurate pose angle estimates, even when the slant angle is large.
Exercise, Osteoporosis, and Bone Geometry

Exercise is commonly recommended in the prevention and management of osteoporosis. The most common method to monitor bone mass and its response to interventions is bone densitometry. While closely associated with risk of fracture, densitometry-derived areal bone mineral density (aBMD) does not provide a reliable indication of bone geometry or morphological adaptation to stimuli. In fact, the effects of exercise interventions on aBMD are frequently modest, and may not fully represent the benefit of exercise to bone. Animal models suggest that mechanical loading indeed influences bone geometry and thus strength. Such an effect in humans has the potential to reduce osteoporotic fracture. The aim of the current narrative review is to provide an overview of what is known about the effects of exercise on bone geometry, with a focus on relevance to osteoporosis.
The membrane skeleton – A distinct structure that regulates the function of cells

It has long been known that the red blood cell contains a membrane skeleton that stabilizes the plasma membrane, determines its shape, and regulates the lateral distribution of the membrane glyco‐proteins to which it is attached. The way in which these functions are regulated in other cells has not been understood. It has now been shown that platelets also contain a membrane skeleton. In contrast to the membrane skeleton of the red blood cell, the platelet membrane skeleton has actin‐binding protein, not spectrin, as a major component. The platelet membrane skeleton regulates the same cellular functions as the red blood cell membrane skeleton. Other cells may contain a membrane skeleton that is critical to their viability and normal functioning.
Identifying Experts in Information Systems for System Evaluations

This research-in-progress paper reports preliminary findings of a study that is designed to identify characteristics of an expert in the discipline of Information Systems (IS). The paper delivers a formative research model to depict characteristics of an expert with three additive constructs, using concepts derived from psychology, knowledge management and social-behaviour research. The paper then explores the formation and application ‘expertise’ using four investigative questions in the context of System Evaluations. Data have been gathered from 220 respondents representing three medium sized companies in India, using the SAP Enterprise Resource Planning system. The paper summarizes planned data analyses in construct validation, model testing and model application. A validated construct of expertise of IS will have a wide range of implications for research and practice.
Identification of heteromolecular binding sites in transcription factors Sp1 and TAF4 using high‐resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

The expression of eukaryotic genes is precisely controlled by interactions between general transcriptional factors and promoter‐specific transcriptional activators. The fourth element of TATA‐box binding protein‐associated factor (TAF4), an essential subunit of the general transcription factor TFIID, serves as a coactivator for various promoter‐specific transcriptional regulators. Interactions between TAF4 and site‐specific transcriptional activators, such as Sp1, are important for regulating the expression levels of genes of interest. However, only limited information is available on the molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions between these transcriptional regulatory proteins. We herein analyzed the interaction between the transcriptional factors Sp1 and TAF4 using high‐resolution solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We found that four glutamine‐rich (Q‐rich) regions in TAF4 were largely disordered under nearly physiological conditions. Among them, the first Q‐rich region in TAF4 was essential for the interaction with another Q‐rich region in the Sp1 molecule, most of which was largely disordered. The residues responsible for this interaction were specific and highly localized in a defined region within a range of 20–30 residues. Nevertheless, a detailed analysis of 13C‐chemical shift values suggested that no significant conformational change occurred upon binding. These results indicate a prominent and exceptional binding mode for intrinsically disordered proteins other than the well‐accepted concept of “coupled folding and binding. ”
Real‐Time Concurrent Linked List Construction on the GPU

We introduce a method to dynamically construct highly concurrent linked lists on modern graphics processors. Once constructed, these data structures can be used to implement a host of algorithms useful in creating complex rendering effects in real time. We present a straightforward way to create these linked lists using generic atomic operations available in APIs such as OpenGL 4.0 and DirectX 11. We also describe several possible applications of our algorithm. One example uses per‐pixel linked lists for order‐independent transparency; as a consequence, we are able to directly implement fully programmable blending, which frees developers from the restrictions imposed by current graphics APIs. The second uses linked lists to implement real‐time indirect shadows.
A tonographic study of water loading in rabbits.

Following orogastric intubation, varying volumes of tap water from 50 ml to 200 ml were administered to normal rabbits and the offspring of glaucomatous rabbits. Tonography was performed 15, 30, and 60 minutes following water loading. Significant elevation of the intraocular pressure and decrease in the outflow facility occurred 15 minutes after water loading, and were still present after 30 minutes. These changes in pressure and outflow facility were considerably decreased after one hour. The offspring of two glaucomatous parents showed a greater pressure elevation and fall in the outflow facility than did the normal rabbits or offspring of one glaucomatous rabbit. This was correlated with a lower initial facility of outflow in these animals.
Prognostic significance of heart rate variability in post-myocardial infarction patients in the fibrinolytic era. The GISSI-2 results. Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell' Infarto Miocardico.

BACKGROUND Studies performed before the introduction of fibrinolysis showed that a low heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with higher mortality in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. We evaluated whether HRV adds information relevant to risk stratification in patients treated with fibrinolysis as well. METHODS AND RESULTS From 24-hour ECG recordings obtained at discharge in patients treated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator or streptokinase, we measured several time-domain indexes of HRV: standard deviation (SDNN), root-mean-square of successive differences (RMSSD), and number of RR interval increases > 50 ms ("NN50+"). The prognostic value of HRV for total and cardiovascular mortality was assessed. Of 567 patients with valid recordings, 52 (9.1%) died during the 1000 days of follow-up, 44 (7.8%) of cardiovascular causes. All indexes of low HRV were able to identify patients (16% to 18% of total population) with a higher total mortality (20.8% to 24.2% versus 6.0% to 6.8%, depending on index used). The independent predictive value of low HRV was confirmed by the adjusted analysis with the following relative risks: NN50+, 3.5 (95% CI, 1.9 to 6.7); SDNN, 3.0 (95% CI, 1.55 to 5.9); and RMSSD, 2.8 (95% CI, 1.5 to 5.3). Advanced age, previous MI, Killip class at entry, and use of digitalis were also independent predictors. Similar data were obtained for cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS Time-domain indexes of HRV retain their independent prognostic significance even in post-MI patients of all ages treated with fibrinolysis.
Removal of Vena Caval Filter at 224 Days

Patients at risk of pulmonary embolism usually receive anticoagulants, which are contraindicated in trauma victims. A woman with extensive deep venous thrombosis after a vehicle accident had a nitinol Recovery Filter inserted prophylactically. After her recovery, she requested filter removal because of her intention to become pregnant. The filter was removed percutaneously without difficulty 224 days after implantation.
Do epicardial electrogram and monophasic action potential techniques reflect similar electrical activity?

The authors tested whether: (1) epicardial monophasic action potential (MAP) and electrogram (EG) record different signals during the same tachyarrhythmia (TA); (2) the correlation between close and far bipolar signals is similar in TAs. Different TAs were induced in isolated perfused feline hearts. Two bipolar (close sites) epicardial EG and two MAP electrodes were attached to the left ventricle (10 mm apart). Bipolar EG electrodes were also attached to the right ventricle (far EG). 30" recordings were sampled at 200 Hz per channel. Coherence spectrum analysis (CSA) (scale 0-1) was used to assess correlation between electrical activity signals. The results (n=33) showed that mean CSA value was higher in MAP vs. close bipolar EG signals (0.6/spl plusmn/0.24 vs 0.54/spl plusmn/0.2 respectively) (p<0.04), due to high MAP prevalence on CSA>0.6. Lower CSA values were obtained with far (0.48/spl plusmn/0.21) vs. close EG sites (p<0.08). It is concluded that electrical activity during TA is displayed differently by MAP and EG. This is associated with the difference in correlation between close and far sites.
Sexual problems in young patients with Parkinson's disease

The purpose of this study was to describe sexual function in a representative group of young patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Twenty‐five patients (15 men, 10 women; agerange 36‐56 yrs) participated in a structured interview on sexual function. Forty percent of the men and 70% of the women reported changed libido while 33.4% of the men and 80% of the women experienced changed sexual activity after onset of PD. A tendency to changes in libido and sexual function was seen with increasing time of treatment and advanced Hoehn‐Yahr stages. It is concluded that changes in libido and sexual function occur more frequently than previously reported, especially in women, and more attention should be paid to these problems.
Effects of stray capacitances on high voltage current transformers

This paper evaluates the effect of stray capacitances between primary and secondary windings on current transformers (CT) used in high voltage networks. Ground potential at all windings is the typical configuration during laboratory calibration. However, in service, the primary winding is at high voltage potential. The variation of current errors between both working conditions is evaluated for a set of CTs. A calibration system was developed that measures the transformer errors under nominal voltage operation, and experimental results on different type of transformers are presented.
Selection of a time-varying Volterra model using multiple hypothesis testing

We consider the system identification problem using a time-varying quadratic Volterra model. To enable identification a set of known basis sequences are used in the model to approximate the time-variation of the true system. To reduce the number of parameters in the model we wish to determine which individual sequences are significant in this approximation. Multiple hypothesis testing procedures are employed to select significant sequences. The tests include the Bonferroni test, Holm's (1979) sequentially rejective Bonferroni test, and Hommel's (1988) extension to Simes' (1986) procedure [5].
Chromosomal instability and APC gene mutations in human sporadic colorectal adenomas

The mechanisms by which adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene mutations contribute to colorectal tumourigenesis and progression are still not fully understood. Using in vitro mouse embryonic stem cells, APC mutations have been proposed to dysregulate the interactions between kinetochores and microtubules during mitosis, leading to chromosomal instability (CIN) and aneuploidy. A link between APC mutations and aneuploidy in vivo among human sporadic colorectal adenomas has not been reported previously and was therefore investigated in the present series of 61 adenomas. Multi‐parameter flow cytometry, based on scattering and fluorescence from the DNA‐specific 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole‐2‐hydrochloride (DAPI) dye, which separates epithelial from stromal lymphocyte nuclei, was used to evaluate the DNA index (DI) and to sort epithelial nuclei. Additionally, DNA extracted from these sorted nuclei was used to analyse APC mutations by DNA sequencing. Aneuploidy was present in 20 of 61 adenomas (33%), with 15 of these 20 cases (75%) having a near‐diploid DI (DI different from 1 and less than 1.3). APC mutations were detected in 19 adenomas (31%): 12 were within or downstream of the mutation cluster region (MCR), roughly defined by codons 1200–1500, and seven were upstream of the MCR. Overall, the prevalence of aneuploidy in APC wild‐type and mutated adenomas was 26% and 47%, respectively, and no statistically significant association was found between APC status and DI (p = 0.142). However, when APC mutations were subdivided into two groups, ie occurring within/downstream of the MCR and upstream of the MCR, the association of APC mutations within and downstream of the MCR with aneuploidy was statistically significant (p = 0.017). In conclusion, the present data suggest that the type of APC mutation may play a role in the origin of CIN in vivo in human sporadic colorectal adenomas and that APC mutations within and downstream of the MCR, and large‐scale chromosomal alterations, may co‐operate in the progression of a subgroup of adenomas. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.