Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cloud Computing for Providing Electronic Service for Skin Health

This paper proposes a new software for separation of skin lesion based on cloud computing. The objective of this system is to provide electronic services for initial dermatologic detections based on electronic function principles accessible at all times, all spaces, while being accurate, fast and low cost applicable by observing the security and confidentiality principles. The conducted assessments regarding the accuracy of the system’s detections, applicability and user satisfaction indicate success with 89% in detection accuracy and 89% user satisfaction with respect to the systems usability, accessibility, easiness, response time and detection accuracy. The response time of the server in operation in the (3 G) mobile phones is 5.45 seconds which is acceptable and appropriate as far as medical diagnosis is concerned. 
The Design of a Self-Localization Estimation Method for Indoor Mobile Robots using an Improved SURF Algorithm

We present an improved self-localization estimation algorithm in this paper. The algorithm uses a modified SURF method to extract the interest points, using it to extract the orientation and a descriptor of the interest point in order to lessen the computation time. A robot using this method can estimate its indoor self-localization according to matched interest points. A number of intermediate results will also be discussed. The intermediate results show that the displacement method could correctly match the interest points in two images. Keywords-Ceiling Key Point Extraction; SURF (Speeded-Up Robust Features); DSP (Digital Signal Processor).
Design of Firing Impulse Simulator and Analysis of Its Key Research and Development Technologies

A key technology problem with respect to approval testing is that of simulating firing impulse in large calibre weapon systems without firing live ammunition with many problems as high cost, strict environmental conditions, large numbers of staffing, wide test field, etc. There are two main methods in use at present: the first method is to carry out numerical simulation of gun firing dynamics with modelling and simulation (MS the second method is to conduct hardware-in-the-loop simulation test with firing impulse simulator (FIS). The latter types of methods generate impulse effect to simulate gun live firing from power sources of gunpowder, gas, or liquid. FIS with gunpowder or gas as power source take on problems as low control precision, complicated operating process, and poor safety. In this paper, a FIS which transfer test data via CAN (Control Area Net) bus was designed and developed. System composition and working principle are introduced based on analyzing features of similar products, where key technologies as counter-recoil analysis, mass and speed choice of pounding head, system safety design are studied with emphasis. The research results indicate that FIS can be used as an effective supplementary to live firing in approval test of weapon system.
Effective Basemetal Hedging: The Optimal Hedge Ratio and Hedging Horizon

This study investigates optimal hedge ratios in all base metal markets. Using recent hedging computation techniques, we find that 1) the short-run optimal hedging ratio is increasing in hedging horizon, 2) that the long-term horizon limit to the optimal hedging ratio is not converging to one but is slightly higher for most of these markets, and 3) that hedging effectiveness is also increasing in hedging horizon. When hedging with futures in these markets, one should hedge long-term at about 6 to 8 weeks with a slightly greater than one hedge ratio. These results are of interest to many purchasing departments and other commodity hedgers.
Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis by Virulent Treponema pallidum

Ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) synthesis by virulent Treponema pallidum was monitored by incorporation of [3H]uridine into trichloroacetic acid-precipitable counts and examination of radiolabeled rRNA on polyacrylamide gels. Verification that rRNA synthesis originated with T. pallidum was based upon co-electrophoresis with Escherichia coli rRNA, proportionate reductions in the amount of rRNA synthesized when numbers of treponemes were decreased, and inclusion of appropriate animal cell controls. The rate of treponemal rRNA synthesis was greater at temperatures of 37 and 39°C than at 33°C; rRNA synthesis was inhibited at 4 and 42°C and was effectively inhibited by actinomycin D. Kinetic experiments indicated that the majority of rRNA synthesis occurred early after extraction of treponemes from infected rabbit testicular tissue. Polyacrylamide gel profiles demonstrated the capacity of virulent T. pallidum to synthesize and process RNA to 23s, 16s, and 4 to 5s classes. Although motility of T. pallidum appeared unaffected during longer periods of incubation, pulselabeling experiments confirmed significant reductions in the rate of rRNA synthesis. When the effect of various environmental conditions upon rRNA synthesis was investigated, optimal synthesis was found to occur in an atmosphere of 20% oxygen whereas virtually no synthesis was observed under anaerobic or low-oxygen conditions.
POLYMORPHISM IN STEROID 11-BETA-HYDROXYLASE GENE EFFECTS ON MILK FAT CONTENT IN SAHIWAL CATTLE

Genetic improvements of livestock is mainly depends on selective breeding of animal with its superior phenotypes. Identification and use of molecular markers for production and economical traits has been ensured the better health and productivity of cattle. Cytochrome P450, family 11, subfamily b, polypeptide 1 (CYP11B1) gene is a candidate affecting milk composition traits as adjacently located to marker ILSTS039 that has been linked with milk yield and milk component. The current study was performed to characterize the CYP11B1 gene in Sahiwal cattle. The overall sequence variation across the CYP11B1 locus is high and total thirteen variations were observed in Sahiwal cattle. Association test was executed against all variations obeying Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) and found non-significant except g.1305935 (T401M) that was found associated with milk fat percentage in Sahiwal cattle population. It is illustrated that CYP11B1 gene has an influential dairy potentials in cattle can also be incorporated into genetic evaluation.
Corporate Taxation and the Cross-Section of Stock Returns

I study the effects of corporate income taxes on a firm’s cost of equity capital. I show theoretically that taxes increase the riskiness of a firm’s after-tax cash flows. The effect arises from the asymmetric treatment of gains and losses in the tax code and applies to both levered and unlevered firms. The main prediction of the model is that firms with lower tax shields have higher expected stock returns. In the data, I use a firm’s average tax rate as a proxy for the size of its tax shields. Consistent with the model, I show that firms that pay high average tax rates have higher expected stock returns than firms with low average tax rates. This finding is a robust feature of the data that is not explained by other firm characteristics or industry effects. ∗The latest version of this paper is available at alexschiller.weebly. com/research. †Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15209, USA. E-mail: aschiller@cmu.edu. I am extremely grateful to the members of my dissertation committee, Brent Glover, Burton Hollifield, Nicolas Petrosky-Nadeau, and Chris Telmer for their invaluable advice and guidance. I also thank Andrew Bird, Lars-Alexander Kuehn, Thomas Ruchti, David Schreindorfer, Chester Spatt, as well as participants of the seminar and macro-finance workshop at Carnegie Mellon Univerisity for valuable comments. All remaining errors are my own.
Alternate Neuromuscular Target Selection Single Muscle Fibers in Drosophila following

The Drosophila embryonic and larval body wall consists of a simple array of segmental muscle fibers, innervated in a precise manner by identified neurons. During development motoneurons were forced to find alternate targets following the selective deletion of a single muscle fiber, the pleural internal oblique #5. We used backfills, intracellular dyefills, and immunocytochemistry in embryos and larvae to characterize the normal motoneurons to the fiber. Deleting the fiber using either a genetic or laser lesioning method yielded essentially the same result. In nearly half the cases examined, an ectopically placed neuromuscular projection was found on either of two neighboring muscle fibers, with one favored eight times more than the other. The ectopic projection derived from the nerve branch that normally supplied the deleted muscle fiber 5. Motoneuronal endings on undeleted muscle fibers elsewhere in the body wall had normal morphology. The ectopically placed motor terminals accumulated glutamate in normally sized synaptic boutons, beneath which transmitter sensitivity was localized. The number of boutons and branches at the ectopic endings did not differ significantly from those on intact muscle fiber 5s. Also, the native motoneurons did not alter their arborization sizes in response to a supernumerary ectopically placed contact. While the orientation of the individual ectopically placed branches was variable, the ectopic endings occupied a predictable site on the surrogate muscle fibers. The results suggest that Drosophila motoneurons can project to body wall destinations in the absence of their muscle fiber targets, and that alternate muscle fibers are selected by their proximity. The muscle fibers will support apparently stable and functional supernumerary motor endings on ectopic sites, and these inputs do not significantly influence the behavior of the native motoneurons. The data suggest that Drosophila motoneurons may behave autonomously when making synapses, and that competition does not play a major role in the matching of motoneuron to muscle fiber.
siRNA Suppression of NEDD9 Inhibits Proliferation and Enhances Apoptosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most lethal of all genitourinary malignancies. NEDD9/HEF1/Cas-L is a member of the Cas protein family and is known as a biomarker in multiple cancer types. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that NEDD9 was upregulated in RCC tissue and cell lines. Immunohistochemical analysis and quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed low expression of NEDD9 in normal renal tissues and high expression in RCC tissues. In addition, in vitro experiments show that expression of NEDD9 was upregulated in RCC cell lines. Through MTT assay, we observed that NEDD9 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed that NEDD9 downregulation induced apoptosis. Together, our data suggest that abnormal NEDD9 protein expression may be a marker for RCC, and NEDD9 knockdown suppresses cell growth.
Three-Dimensional Human Head Phantom With Realistic Electrical Properties and Anatomy

An anatomically realistic human head phantom as a potential mean of experimentally validating microwave-based head imaging systems and other prominent applications is reported. Using an MRI-derived model, the phantom is 3-D-printed using a laser sintering material to represent the external tissue layers starting from the skull. The skull cavity is filled with the help of 3-D-printed molds with tissue-mimicking mixtures that are formed using low-cost ingredients. The included tissues are gray matter, white matter, Dura, CSF, eye, cerebellum, spinal cord, and blood. Our measurements indicate that the properties of the fabricated tissues are stable with time and agree with the real properties with less than 5% variation across the band 0.5-4 GHz, which is widely utilized in various imaging and mobile applications.
Modification of development by the CFTR gene in utero.

The in utero infection of rats at 16-17 days gestation with a recombinant adenovirus carrying the human cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (cftr) gene resulted in altered lung development and morphology. These structural alterations prompted an evaluation of concurrent functional changes in the cftr-treated lung. CFTR protein could be detected in treated lungs for up to 30 days postinfection, although it was not detected in the intestines at this time. Increased levels of secreted glycoconjugates and lipids were found in lungs treated in utero with human cftr and large vacuoles containing glycoconjugates were detected within cells of the intestines. The scope and durability of these changes suggested that in utero cftr treatment influenced the activity of secretory cells in the developing lung. Altered secretory products in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients are thought to be associated with increased susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. We challenged 3-month-old rats (treated in utero with the human cftr gene) with a lethal, intratrachial dose of this bacteria. Rats treated with cftr exhibited enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas infection when compared to controls. These animals displayed little or no associated inflammatory response. No evidence of the adenovirus transgene was detectable at the time of P. aeruginosa inoculation, indicating that continuous ectopic expression of hcftr was not required for enhanced protection. These data demonstrate that in utero, cftr expression influenced the development and function of cells involved in the primary host defense against bacterial infection in the lung.
Exposure to lambda-cyhalothrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, increases reactive oxygen species production and induces genotoxicity in rat peripheral blood

Lambda-cyhalothrin (LTC) is a synthetic pyrethroid with a broad spectrum of insecticidal and acaricidal activities used to control a wide range of insect pests in a variety of applications. However, there is little known about its adverse effects, in particular those related to its genotoxicity in humans. To elucidate the genotoxicity mechanisms of LTC, the micronuclei (MN) frequencies, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), erythrocyte osmotic fragility, nitrite (NO) formation, protein carbonyl (PCO) levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) production were evaluated for a period of 7, 14 and 21 days. Our results show that exposure rat to LTC (1/10DL50 = 6.23 mg/kg) for a period of 7, 14 and 21 days induced a noticeable genotoxic effect in rat peripheral blood evidenced by a significant increase in the frequency of MN only at day 21 of treatment. Significant differences between the two groups were observed in erythrocyte osmotic fragility. Further, a significant (p < 0.01) increase in ROS contents, NO formation, PCO levels and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes were observed at different times of treatments, suggesting the implication of oxidative stress in its toxicity. These results confirm the genotoxic and the pro-oxidant effects of LTC in rat peripheral blood.
Intraplaque Hemorrhage in Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy

Plaque hemorrhage, inflammation and microvessel density are key determinants of plaque vulnerability in native coronary atherosclerosis (ATS). This study investigates the role of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) and its relation with inflammation and microvessels in cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in posttransplanted patients. Seventy coronary plaques were obtained from 12 patients who died because of CAV. For each patient we collected both native heart and the allograft, at the time of transplantation and autopsy, respectively. Intralesion inflammation, microvessels and IPH were assessed semi‐quantitatively. IPH was observed in 21/35 (60%) CAV lesions and in 8/35 (22.9%) native ATS plaques, with a strong association between fibrocellular lesions and IPH (p = 0.0142). Microvessels were detected in 26/35 (74.3%) of CAV lesions with perivascular leakage as sign of endothelial damage in 18/26 (69.2%). IPH was strongly associated with microvessels (p < 0.0001). Inflammation was present in 31/35 (88.6%) of CAV lesions. CAV IPH+ lesions were characterized by presence of both fresh and old hemorrhage in 12/21 (57.1%). IPH, associated with microvessel damage and inflammation, is an important feature of CAV. Fresh and old intralesion hemorrhage suggests ongoing remodeling processes promoting the lesion progression and vulnerability.
EFFECT OF SPECTINOMYCIN ON ISOLATED SMOOTH AND CARDIAC MUSCLES AND NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTIONS

The pharmacodynamic effects of spectinomycin on smooth muscles were investigated in isolated organs (gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, uterine and tracheal smooth muscles). As the effect of graded increased concentrations of spectinomycin on isolated smooth muscles showed inhibitory effect. Spectinomycin in the tested concentrations produced a dose-dependent negative inotropic effect on isolated rabbit's heart and guinea pig's auricles. Spectinomycin in all tested concentrations did not induce any effects on the isolated guinea pig's tracheal chain and rabbit's aortic strips. Neuromuscular blockade effect of spectinomycin was investigated on isolated frog's gastrocnemius muscles and rectus abdominis muscle preparations. It was concluded that, spectinomycin directly inhibited smooth muscles of gastrointestinal tract and depressed those of uterus in various stages of sex cycle as well as cardiac muscle. Spectinomycin might act directly to induce neuromuscular blockade. It was concluded that spectinomycin scarcely any pharmacological properties which might be lead to severe adverse reaction in clinical use.
Neural Processing of Long Lasting Sequences of Temporal Codes - Model of Artificial Neural Network based on a Spike Timing-dependant Learning Rule

It has been demonstrated, that spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) learning rule can be applied to train neuron to become selective to a spatiotemporal spike pattern. In this paper, we propose a model of neural network that is capable of memorizing prolonged sequences of different spike patterns and learn aggregated data in a larger temporal window.
An overview of methods to increase the power handling capability of single stage AC-DC converters

Single stage power factor correction converters provide a power dense and economic way for interfacing telecom systems to the utility grid. However, they face several efficiency and component stress issues that limit their applicability to low power applications. This paper reviews the methods used to improve the efficiency and power handling capabilities of single stage power factor correction converters.
Functional Analysis of Aquaporin-1 Deficient Red Cells

The aquaporin-1 (AQP1) water transport protein contains a polymorphism corresponding to the Colton red blood cell antigens. To define the fraction of membrane water permeability mediated by AQP1, red cells were obtained from human kindreds with the rare Colton-null phenotype. Homozygosity or heterozygosity for deletion of exon I in AQP1 correlated with total or partial deficiency of AQP1 protein. Homozygote red cell morphology appeared normal, but clinical laboratory studies revealed slightly reduced red cell life span in vivo; deformability studies revealed a slight reduction in membrane surface area. Diffusional water permeability (P) was measured under isotonic conditions by pulsed field gradient NMR. Osmotic water permeability (P) was measured by change in light scattering after rapid exposure of red cells to increased extracellular osmolality. AQP1 contributes 64% (P = 1.5 × 10 cm/s) of the total diffusional water permeability pathway, and lipid permeation apparently comprises 23%. In contrast, AQP1 contributes >85% (P = 19 × 10 cm/s) of the total osmotic water permeability pathway, and lipid permeation apparently comprises only 10%. The ratio of AQP1-mediated P to P predicts the length of the aqueous pore to be 36 Å.
Cross‐Context Benefit Transfer: A Bayesian Search for Information Pools

Commodity equivalence and population similarity are two widely accepted paradigms for the valid transfer of welfare estimates across resource valuation contexts. We argue that strict adherence to these rules may leave relevant information untapped, and propose a Bayesian model search algorithm that examines the probabilities with which two or more sub-sets of meta-data, each corresponding to a different combination of commodity and population, share common value distributions. Using a large meta-data set of willingness-to-pay for diverse outdoor activities across various regions of the United States as an example, we find strong potential for contexts that would not traditionally be considered as transfer candidates to form information pools. Exploiting these commonalities leads to substantial efficiency gains for benefit estimates.
A preliminary report on the effectiveness of trunk targeting in achieving independent sitting balance in children with cerebral palsy

Objective: To assess the potential of Targeted Training in initiating or accelerating improved movement control of the trunk and hip joints in children with cerebral palsy so that independent sitting balance without specialized seating could be achieved. Design: Six single case studies. Setting: Assessment and review were undertaken in a specialized centre with intervention in the subjects' home or school. Subjects: Children between the ages of two years five months and seven years five months (mean four years seven months) with an established diagnosis of cerebral palsy. None had independent sitting balance at the start of the study. Intervention: Targeted Training using specialized equipment was directed at the appropriate few joints of the trunk as determined by initial testing and progressed when control at those joints had become automatic. The equipment provided support and challenged control learning. Periods of no intervention and placebo intervention, when the equipment was inappropriately set up, were also used. Two of the children ceased their traditional physiotherapy input while Targeted Training or placebo training took place. Main outcome measure: A new test was devised and validated to determine the most caudal extent of control of the vertical posture. In addition, a functional test of independent sitting balance was defined. Results: All six children showed an increase in movement control and all gained independent sitting balance within 12–25 weeks (mean 16 weeks). This was irrespective of the continuation or cessation of traditional physiotherapy. Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest that Targeted Training may be an effective means of promoting movement control and functional ability. Confirmation of these findings by other investigators would be of value.
Tetracycline-Regulatable System To Tightly Control Gene Expression in the Pathogenic Fungus Candida albicans

ABSTRACT Conventional tools for elucidating gene function are relatively scarce in Candida albicans, the most prevalent human fungal pathogen. To this end, we developed a convenient system to control gene expression in C. albicans by the tetracycline-regulatable (TR) promoters. When the sea pansy Renilla reniformisluciferase gene (RLUC1) was placed under the control of this system, doxycycline (DOX) inhibited the luciferase activity almost completely. In the absence of DOX, the RLUC1 gene was induced to express luciferase at a level 400- to 1,000-fold higher than that in the presence of DOX. The same results were obtained in hypha-forming cells. The replacement ofN-myristoyltransferase or translation elongation factor 3 promoters with TR promoters conferred a DOX-dependent growth defect in culture media. Furthermore, all the mice infected with these mutants, which are still virulent, survived following DOX administration. Consistently, we observed that the number of these mutant cells recovered from the mouse kidneys was significantly reduced following DOX administration. Thus, this system is useful for investigating gene functions, since this system is able to function in both in vitro and in vivo settings.