Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of simian virus 40 T antigen with the nuclear matrix of infected and transformed monkey cells

The subnuclear distribution of simian virus 40 large T antigen within nuclei of transformed Cos and C6 monkey cells was examined. Cos cells express wild-type T antigen but lack viral sequences required for DNA replication, whereas C6 cells contain a functional viral origin but express a replication-defective mutant T antigen which is unable to bind specifically to viral DNA. Discrete subpopulations of T antigen were isolated from the soluble nucleoplasm, chromatin, and nuclear matrix of both cell lines. Although only a small quantity (2 to 12%) of the total nuclear T antigen from Cos cells was associated with the nuclear matrix, a high proportion (25 to 50%) of C6 T antigen was bound to this structure. Results obtained from lytically infected monkey cells showed that early in infection, before viral replication was initiated, a higher proportion (22%) of T antigen was found associated with the nuclear matrix compared with amounts found associated with this structure later in infection (5 to 8%). These results suggest that an increased association of T antigen with this structure is not correlated with viral replication. T antigen isolated from the C6 nuclear matrix was more highly phosphorylated than was soluble C6 T antigen and was capable of binding to the host p53 protein. C6 DNA contains three mutations: two corresponding to N-terminal changes at amino acid positions 30 and 51 and a third located internally at amino acid position 153. By analysis of the subnuclear distribution of T antigen from rat cells transformed by C6 submutant T antigens, it was determined that one or both of the mutations at the NH2 terminus are responsible for the increased quantity of C6 T antigen associated with the nuclear matrix. These results suggest that neither a functional viral DNA replication origin nor the origin binding property of T antigen is required for association of this protein with the nuclear matrix.
Gene‐ or region‐based analysis of genome‐wide association studies

With rapid advances in genotyping technologies in recent years and the growing number of available markers, genome‐wide association studies are emerging as promising approaches for the study of complex diseases and traits. However, there are several challenges with analysis and interpretation of such data. First, there is a massive multiple testing problem, due to the large number of markers that need to be analyzed, leading to an increased risk of false positives and decreased ability for association studies to detect truly associated markers. In particular, the ability to detect modest genetic effects can be severely compromised. Second, a genetic association of a given single‐nucleotide polymorphism as determined by univariate statistical analyses does not typically explain biologically interesting features, and often requires subsequent interpretation using a higher unit, such as a gene or region, for example, as defined by haplotype blocks. Third, missing genotypes in the data set and other data quality issues can pose challenges when comparisons across platforms and replications are planned. Finally, depending on the type of univariate analysis, computational burden can arise as the number of markers continues to grow into the millions. One way to deal with these and related challenges is to consider higher units for the analysis, such as genes or regions. This article summarizes analytical methods and strategies that have been proposed and applied by Group 16 to two genome‐wide association data sets made available through the Genetic Analysis Workshop 16. Genet. Epidemiol. 33 (Suppl. 1):S105–S110, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Double‐inducible gene activation system for caspase 3 and 9 in epidermis

Expression of genes with tight and precise temporal and spatial control is desired in a wide variety of applications ranging from cultured cells and transgenic animals to gene therapy. While current inducible systems, such as RU486 and chemical inducers of dimerization (CID), have improved earlier inducible models (Gossen et al., 1995 , Science. 268:1766–1769; Wang et al., 1994 , Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 91:8180–8184), no single system is perfect at present. One potential drawback of these systems is leakage of transgene expression, causing limitations of each system. We have developed an inducible model containing both RU486 and CID systems, which in addition to inducing caspase activation, has potential applicability specifically to other genes encoding proteins that require a dimerization event for activation. This Double‐Inducible Gene Activation System generates two barriers for the target gene expression and protein activation thereby minimizing leakage. genesis 45:194–199, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two-Dimensional Analysis of Electrokinetically Driven Out-of-Plane Vortices in a Microchannel Liquid Flow Using Patterned Surface Charge

The technology developed for photolithographically patterning the electric surface charge to be negative, positive, or neutral enables the realization of complex liquid flows even in straight and uniform microchannels with extremely small Reynolds number. A theoretical model to analyze a steady incompressible electrokinetically driven two-dimensional liquid flow in a microchannel with an inhomogeneous surface charge under externally applied electric field is derived. The flow field is obtained analytically by solving the biharmonic equation with the Helmholtz-Smoluchowski slip boundary condition using the Fourier series expansion method. The model has been applied to study three basic out-of-plane vortical flow fields: single vortex and a train of corotating and a series of counterrotating vortex pairs. For model verification, the solution for the single vortex has been tested against numerical computations based on the full Navier-Stokes equations revealing the dominant control parameters. Two interesting phenomena have been observed in out-of-plane multivortex dynamics: merging of corotating vortices and splitting of counterrotating vortices. The criteria for the onset of both phenomena are discussed
Endothelin type A receptor antagonist normalizes blood pressure in rats exposed to eucapnic intermittent hypoxia.

We have reported that eucapnic intermittent hypoxia (E-IH) causes systemic hypertension, elevates plasma endothelin 1 (ET-1) levels, and augments vascular reactivity to ET-1 and that a nonspecific ET-1 receptor antagonist acutely lowers blood pressure in E-IH-exposed rats. However, the effect of chronic ET-1 receptor inhibition has not been evaluated, and the ET receptor subtype mediating the vascular effects has not been established. We hypothesized that E-IH causes systemic hypertension through the increased ET-1 activation of vascular ET type A (ET(A)) receptors. We found that mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased after 14 days of 7 h/day E-IH exposure (109 +/- 2 to 137 +/- 4 mmHg; P < 0.005) but did not change in sham-exposed rats. The ET(A) receptor antagonist BQ-123 (10 to 1,000 nmol/kg iv) acutely decreased MAP dose dependently in conscious E-IH but not sham rats, and continuous infusion of BQ-123 (100 nmol.kg(-1). day(-1) sc for 14 days) prevented E-IH-induced increases in MAP. ET-1-induced constriction was augmented in small mesenteric arteries from rats exposed 14 days to E-IH compared with those from sham rats. Constriction was blocked by the ET(A) receptor antagonist BQ-123 (10 microM) but not by the ET type B (ET(B)) receptor antagonist BQ-788 (100 microM). ET(A) receptor mRNA content was greater in renal medulla and coronary arteries from E-IH rats. ET(B) receptor mRNA was not different in any tissues examined, whereas ET-1 mRNA was increased in the heart and in the renal medulla. Thus augmented ET-1-dependent vasoconstriction via vascular ET(A) receptors appears to elevate blood pressure in E-IH-exposed rats.
A differential detection scheme for transmit diversity

We present a transmission scheme for exploiting diversity given by two transmit antennas when neither the transmitter nor the receiver has access to channel state information. The new detection scheme can use PSK constellations and encoding is simple. At the receiver, decoding is achieved with low decoding complexity. The transmission provides full spatial diversity and requires no channel state side information at the receiver. The scheme can be thought as the extension of differential detection schemes to two transmit antennas.
Performance Evaluation of a Bufferless OBS/OPS Network With 1 + 1 Path Protection

In optical burst/packet switched (OBS/OPS) networks, bursts/packets may be dropped because of equipment failures. A widely used mechanism to protect a connection from a single-trunk-failure event is 1 + 1 path protection. We consider a bufferless OBS/OPS network with two types of users: 1) premium (that receive 1 + 1 protection service) and 2) regular (that do not receive such a service). We propose a fast and accurate approximation to evaluate the performance of such OBS/OPS network. The accuracy and scalability of the approximation and the effect of the proportion of the premium users in the network are discussed.
Feature extraction from ECG signals using wavelet transforms for disease diagnostics

This paper deals with a modified combined wavelet transform technique that has been developed to analyse multilead electrocardiogram signals for cardiac disease diagnostics. Two wavelets have been used, i.e. a quadratic spline wavelet (QSWT) for QRS detection and the Daubechies six coefficient (DU6) wavelet for P and T detection. After detecting the fundamental electrocardiogram waves, the desired electrocardiogram parameters for disease diagnostics are extracted. The software has been validated by extensive testing using the CSE DS-3 database and the MIT/BIH database. A procedure has been evolved using electrocardiogram parameters with a point scoring system for diagnosis of cardiac diseases, namely tachycardia, bradycardia left ventricular hypertrophy, and right ventricular hypertrophy. As the diagnostic results are not yet disclosed by the CSE group, two alternate diagnostic criteria have been used to check the diagnostic authenticity of the test results. The consistency and reliability of the identified and measured parameters were confirmed when both the diagnostic criteria gave the same results
The design of an autonomous parallel parking neuro-fuzzy controller for a car-like mobile robot

The paper presents an autonomous parallel parking neuro-fuzzy controller for a car-like mobile robot. Three ultrasonic sensors are mounted in the front left corner of the car to obtain the parking environmental information and a compass sensor is mounted in the centre position of the car to measure the posture of the car. Through the proposed mechanism, one of the three ultrasonic sensors and the compass sensor are used to decide on the turning angle. Fifth-order polynomial reference paths starting from three different points to the same goal point have been used to generate the training data set. The fuzzy controller has been identified by subtractive clustering algorithm and trained by the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems. The simulation results show that the proposed approach can successfully determine the motion direction at each sampling time without knowing the parking lot dimension, based on the direct sensors readings.
Volumetric analysis of root fillings using spiral computed tomography: an in vitro study.

AIM To analyse volumetrically using spiral computed tomography (SCT) the efficacy of various techniques to fill root canals. METHODOLOGY Root canals in 40 maxillary central incisors were instrumented with K-files to size 60 and the volume of the canal measured using SCT. The teeth were divided into four groups of 10 each and root filled by lateral compaction, Thermafil, Obtura II and System B techniques, respectively. AH plus was used as sealer with all techniques. The filled volume in each canal was measured using SCT and the percentage of obturated volume (POV) was calculated. The data were statistically analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS The four groups were comparable in canal volume. The overall POV was 80.4%, 93.3%, 84.8% and 93.7% for lateral compaction, Thermafil, Obtura II and System B, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The greatest POV was obtained with System B and Thermafil. Voids were seen in all root fillings.
Single-unit artificial intervertebral disc.

OBJECT The authors describe a new type of artificial disc called a single-unit artificial disc (SUAD). It is a single-unit disc without components, and there is no fixation system with which to maintain it in the disc space. It is theorized that its shape, hardness, and surface consistency, together with the compressive force exerted by the body's axial load, should be adequate to maintain the position of the disc in the disc space. In this paper the authors present their results of the kinematic tests in which the stability and integrity of the SUADs was tested. METHODS Panorobot was used for kinematic test fixture for fatigue testing for different types of SUAD. The test was performed after placing the disc between the C-5 and C-6 vertebral bodies (VBs) obtained from a cadaver. Eight pounds of weight was placed on the top of the container housing the C-5 VB to account for the weight of the head. The robot performed the following movements: 1) flexion-extension, 4.7 degrees each; 2) lateral left-right bending, +/- 2.1 degrees; and 3) coupled rotation, +/- 3.8 degrees. Two flat discs (FDs) of 85 durometer (D), four 30D FD, two recess-edged discs (REDs) of 85D, and four custom-designed discs (CDDs) (custom molded to the disc space) of 30D were tested. None of the discs showed cracks or breakage at the end of the study. After 1 million cycles of excursions all 85D and 30D FD, and both 85D REDs showed weight loss. The 30D CDDs showed minimal weight gain at 1 million cycles. One of the CDDs, tested up to 5 million cycles, did lose weight at 5 million cycles. One 85D FD was extruded after 0.2 million cycles and one 85D RED rotated within the disc space. All other discs maintained their position in the disc space. Dimensional changes were minimal. Scanning electron microscopy of particles collected from one 30D CDD sample after 1 million cycles showed rough irregular granular particles 1 to 600 microm in diameter. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that a 30D SUAD can maintain its position in the disc space without any anchoring device. Furthermore, at 1 million cycles of testing of 30 D SUAD, FDs did as well as the CDDs. This may be because softer discs mold to changes in dimension of the disc space. In addition the softer discs tend to wear less than the harder ones. Further fatigue study of 10 million cycles is needed to determine long-term efficacy, and the effects of wear on particles surrounding the joints need to be studied.
Up-on Fashion: A Trend Forecasting System on Customer Behavior

Fashion industry has significantly evolved, particularly over the past few decades forming a considerable impact on customers. In times of economic instability, it’s more important to forecast accurate, well informed trends. The purpose of this research is to investigate the fashion trend variations in reference to customer behavior in clothes and footwear shopping to help fashion retailers and brands build commercially successful and inspiring product ranges. According to the experiences gathered from the salespersons of fashion stores, each time a customer goes into a fitting room, a percentage of items carried in will be left out and only a few will be selected. The fashion industry is required to consider how the customers think, feel so that it helps the fashion stores in order to sell appropriate products, at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner. Since the trend directions are underpinned with social and cultural attributes, it is more important to collect and analyze this information into a workable state. In this study the relationship between number of fittings and number of left outs based on the color, size, shape and the brand will be researched in order to forecast the seasonal trends and the number of sales in the next term. The end product or the software to be developed will be ultimately beneficial to the store management, consumers and to the entire fashion industry. Keywords—Data Mining, RFID, Fast Fashion, Time Series, Sales in the next term, Consumer Behavior with Fashion
The CES-2-related transcription factor E4BP4 is an intrinsic regulator of motoneuron growth and survival

The regulation of neuronal growth and survival during development requires interplay between extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Among the latter, transcription factors play a key role. In the nematode, the transcription factor CES-2 predisposes neurosecretory motoneurons to death, whereas E4BP4 (NFIL3), one of its vertebrate homologs, regulates survival of pro-B lymphocytes. We show that E4BP4 is expressed by embryonic rat and chicken motoneurons in vivo, with levels being highest in neurons that survive the period of naturally occurring cell death. Overexpression of E4BP4 by electroporation of purified motoneurons in culture protected them almost completely against cell death triggered by removal of neurotrophic factors or activation of death receptors. Moreover, E4BP4 strongly enhanced neuronal cell size and axonal growth. Axons of motoneurons transfected with E4BP4 were 3.5-fold longer than control neurons grown on laminin; this effect required the activity of PI3 kinase. In vivo, overexpression of E4BP4 in chicken embryos reduced the number of dying motoneurons by 45%. Our results define E4BP4 as a novel intrinsic regulator of motoneuron growth and survival. Pathways regulated by E4BP4 are of potential interest both for understanding neuromuscular development and for promoting neuronal survival and regeneration in pathological situations.
Thermal conditions at the bed of the Laurentide ice sheet in Maine during deglaciation: implications for esker formation

The University of Maine Ice Sheet Model was used to study basal conditions during retreat of the Laurentide ice sheet in Maine. Within 150 km of the margin, basal melt rates average ∼5 mm a−1 during retreat. They decline over the next 100 km, so areas of frozen bed develop in northern Maine during retreat. By integrating the melt rate over the drainage area typically subtended by an esker, we obtained a discharge at the margin of ~1.2 m3 s-1. While such a discharge could have moved the material in the Katahdin esker, it was likely too low to build the esker in the time available. Additional water from the glacier surface was required. Temperature gradients in the basal ice increase rapidly with distance from the margin. By conducting upward into the ice all of the additional viscous heat produced by any perturbation that increases the depth of flow in a flat conduit in a distributed drainage system, these gradients inhibit the formation of sharply arched conduits in which an esker can form. This may explain why eskers commonly seem to form near the margin and are typically segmented, with later segments overlapping onto earlier ones.
Multiple target tracking and multiple frequency line tracking using hidden Markov models

The authors consider the application of hidden Markov models (HMMs) to the problem of multitarget tracking-specifically, to the problem of tracking multiple frequency lines. The idea of a mixed track is introduced, a multitrack Viterbi algorithm is described and a detailed analysis of the underlying Markov model is presented. Simulations show that in some cases, it is possible to avoid data association and directly compute the maximum a posteriori mixed track. Some practical aspects of the algorithm are discussed and simulation results, presented. >
SSR-BC: A Noval MAC Protocol for Mobile Ad Hoc Network

This paper proposes a novel MAC protocol named SSR-BC for mobile ad hoc network. The idea of collision resolution signaling protocol is adopted for medium sharing in our protocol. The modified CRS can arbitrate contentions locally and avoid hidden terminals problem. Since CRS produces a limited subset of surviving nodes across the network, power control schemes is introduced to improve spatial reuse. The main idea is that RTS/CTS handshake takes place at the maximum power and the SBT/DATA/ACK exchange takes place at the minimum power required for communication. SSR-BC supports both unicast and multicast. We implement SSR-BC in OPNET environment and study the parameters that impact its performance. Our preliminary simulation results demonstrate that our protocol achieve high throughput (about 220% of IEEE 802.11) in dense ad hoc network
TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF PLASMA DETERMINED AS FERROUS REDUCING ABILITY OF PLASMA IN PATIENTS WITH COPD.

The aim of the current study was to adapt a method for assessment of total antioxidant capacity of plasma by measuring the ferrous reducing activity of plasma (FRAP method), to determine factors affecting FRAP levels in patients with COPD and in control individuals, and to elucidate the possible effect of FRAP on lung function. Methods: The plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was evaluated in 80 patients with COPD and in 20 non-affected control individuals by FRAP assay. Results: The plasma TAC of patients was significantly lower (0.936 mmol/l Fe 2+ ) than that of controls (1.110 mmol/l Fe 2+ ). When considered the smoking habits, we found that FRAP levels were significantly lower in patients who were current or ex-smokers compared to those who had never smoked (p=0.030). There was also a tendency for decrease of FRAP levels in patients with advance COPD stage (GOLD IV) than in those with GOLD II or III COPD, as well as in patients with earlier onset of the disease (<65 years). The FRAP levels negatively correlated with the body mass index, as this correlation was more notable in females, both patients and controls. Conclusions: The current results suggest the presence of systemic oxidative stress in COPD and confirm the role of smoking in its aggravation. The overweight might contribute to the deterioration of total antioxidant capacity of plasma especially in women, both with COPD and unaffected once.
DIBR based view synthesis for free-viewpoint television

We propose an effective virtual view synthesis approach, which utilizes the technology of depth-image-based rendering (DIBR). In our scheme, two reference color images and their associated depth maps are used to generate the arbitrary virtual viewpoint. Firstly, the main and auxiliary viewpoint images are warped to the virtual viewpoint. After that, the cracks and error points are removed to enhance the image quality. Then, we complement the disocclusions of the virtual viewpoint image warped from the main viewpoint with the help of the auxiliary viewpoint. In order to reduce the color incontinuity of the virtual view, the brightness of the two reference viewpoint images are adjusted. Finally, the holes are filled by the depth-assistance asymmetric dilation inpainting method. Simulations show that the view synthesis approach is effective and reliable in both of subjective and objective evaluations.