Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An efficient algorithm for calculating the worst-case delay due to crosstalk

Analyzing the effect of crosstalk on delay is critical for high performance circuits. The major bottleneck in performing crosstalk-induced delay analysis is the high computational cost of simulating the coupled interconnect and the nonlinear drivers. We propose an efficient iterative algorithm that avoids time-consuming nonlinear driver simulations and performs node-specific crosstalk delay analysis. The proposed algorithm has been tested over circuits in two deep submicron technologies with varying driver sizes, interconnect parasitics, signal transition times and it has been found to predict the worst-case delay to within 10% of the actual delay.
Evolving Classifiers for Protein Nuclear Localisation using Genetic Programming

Being able to predict the location of a protein in the cell is one of the steps toward knowing its role and activity. With that information one could also conclude possible effects on the organism carrying those proteins. The number of putative, unclassified proteins is constantly growing due to the continuous genome sequencing projects. Hence, the need for fast and cheap methods to classify proteins beside the classical in vivo/vitro experimental approaches is more actual than ever. Here we present a system of classifiers to predict if a protein is nuclear or not. Genetic programming was used to evolve classifiers according to three grammatical strategies with increased complexity. The classifiers were then combined using majority voting into a final classifying system called NucPred and made available as a free web service. Artificiell evolution av proteinklassificerare med genetisk programmering
Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Tissue Inhibitor during Viral Encephalitis

ABSTRACT Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in remodeling the extracellular matrix and facilitate entry of inflammatory cells into tissues. Infection of the murine central nervous system (CNS) with a neurotropic coronavirus induces encephalitis associated with increased levels of mRNA encoding MMP-3 and MMP-12. Whereas virus-induced MMP-3 expression was restricted to CNS resident astrocytes, MMP-12 mRNA was expressed by both inflammatory cells and CNS resident cells. Immunosuppression increased both MMP-3 and MMP-12 mRNA levels in CNS resident cells, suggesting that the presence of virus rather than inflammation induced protease up-regulation. MMP activity is partially regulated by a small family of genes encoding tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs); among the TIMPs, only TIMP-1 mRNA expression increased in the CNS following coronavirus infection. During inflammation TIMP-1 mRNA was most prominently expressed by infiltrating cells. By contrast, in the immunosuppressed host TIMP-1 mRNA was expressed by CNS resident cells. Analysis of cytokine and chemokine mRNA induction within the infected CNS of healthy and immunocompromised mice suggested a possible correlation between increased viral replication and increased levels of beta interferon, MMP-3, MMP-12, and TIMP-1 mRNA. CD4+ T cells which localize to the perivascular and subarachnoid spaces were identified as the primary source of TIMP-1 protein. By contrast, protein expression was undetectable in astrocytes or CD8+ T cells, the primary antiviral effectors that localize to the CNS parenchyma in response to infection. These data suggest that in contrast to the results seen with MMPs, inhibition of protease activity via TIMP-1 expression correlates with the differential tissue distribution of T-cell subsets during acute coronavirus-induced encephalitis.
Axiomatic quantification of multidimensional image resolution

We generalize the axiomatic quantification of one-dimensional (1-D) image resolution to the multidimensional case. The imaging system of interest is characterized by a nonnegative spatially invariant point spread function. The axioms extended from the 1-D counterparts include nonnegativity, continuity, translation invariance, rotation invariance, luminance invariance, homogeneous scaling, and serial combination properties. It is proved that the only resolution measure consistent with the axioms is proportional to the square root of the trace of the covariance matrix of the point spread function.
Conformational variability of the intracellular domain of Drosophila Notch and its interaction with Suppressor of Hairless

The Notch receptor is the central element in an evolutionarily conserved signal transduction pathway that controls cell fates in metazoans. Receptor–ligand interactions trigger a cascade of proteolytic events that release the entire Notch intracellular domain (NICD) from the membrane, permitting its translocation into the nucleus and participation in a transcriptionally active complex. Using electron microscopy, we examined the structure of NICD and its interaction with the DNA-binding effector of Notch signaling, Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)]. In conjunction with biochemical analyses, we found that Drosophila NICD is monomeric and exists in two primary conformational states, only one of which can bind Su(H). Furthermore, we show that changes in divalent cation concentrations lead to NICD self-association, which seems to be mediated by the polyglutamine-containing, opa-repeat region of NICD. Our study suggests that conformational modulation of NICD may define a mechanism of Notch pathway control.
The Effect of Lipid Environment and Retinoids on the ATPase Activity of ABCR, the Photoreceptor ABC Transporter Responsible for Stargardt Macular Dystrophy*

ABCR is a photoreceptor-specific ATP-binding cassette transporter that has been linked to various retinal diseases, including Stargardt macular dystrophy, and implicated in retinal transport across rod outer segment (ROS) membranes. We have examined the ATPase and GTPase activity of detergent-solubilized and reconstituted ABCR. 3-[(3-Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid-solubilized ABCR had ATPase and GTPase activity (K m ∼75 μm;V max ∼ 200 nmol/min/mg) that was stimulated 1.5–2-fold by all-trans-retinal and dependent on phospholipid and dithiothreitol. The K m for ATP decreased to ∼25 μm after reconstitution, whereas theV max was strongly dependent on the lipid used for reconstitution. ABCR reconstituted in ROS phospholipid had aV max for basal and retinal activated ATPase activity that was 4–6 times higher than for ABCR in soybean or brain phospholipid. This enhanced activity was mainly due to the high phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) content of ROS membranes. PE was also required for retinoid-stimulated ATPase activity. ATPase activity of ABCR was stimulated by the addition ofN-retinylidene-PE but not the reduced derivative, retinyl-PE. ABCR expressed in COS-1 cells also exhibited retinal-stimulated ATPase activity similar to that of the native protein. These results support the view that ABCR is an active retinoid transporter, the nucleotidase activity of which is strongly influenced by its lipid environment.
A preliminary evaluation of a recombinant circumsporozoite protein vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. RTS,S Malaria Vaccine Evaluation Group.

BACKGROUND The candidate vaccines against malaria are poorly immunogenic and thus have been ineffective in preventing infection. We developed a vaccine based on the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium falciparum that incorporates adjuvants selected to enhance the immune response. METHODS The antigen consists of a hybrid in which the circumsporozoite protein fused to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is expressed together with unfused HBsAg. We evaluated three formulations of this antigen in an unblinded trial in 46 subjects who had never been exposed to malaria. RESULTS Two of the vaccine formulations were highly immunogenic. Four subjects had adverse systemic reactions that may have resulted from the intensity of the immune response after the second dose, which led us to reduce the third dose. Twenty-two vaccinated subjects and six unimmunized controls underwent a challenge consisting of bites from mosquitoes infected with P. falciparum. Malaria developed in all six control subjects, seven of eight subjects who received vaccine 1, and five of seven subjects who received vaccine 2. In contrast, only one of seven subjects who received vaccine 3 became infected (relative risk of infection, 0.14; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.02 to 0.88; P<0.005). CONCLUSIONS A recombinant vaccine based on fusion of the circumsporozoite protein and HBsAg plus a potent adjuvant can protect against experimental challenge with P. falciparum sporozoites. After additional studies of protective immunity and the vaccination schedule, field trials are indicated for this new vaccine against P. falciparum malaria.
Immunomodulatory effect of human adipose tissue‐derived adult stem cells: comparison with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Like mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow (BM‐MSCs), adipose tissue‐derived adult stem cells (ADAS cells) can differentiate into several lineages and present therapeutical potential for repairing damaged tissues. The use of allogenic stem cells can enlarge their therapeutical interest, provided that the grafted cells could be tolerated. We investigate here, for the first time, the immunosuppressive properties of ADAS cells compared with the well‐characterized immunosuppressive properties of BM‐MSCs. ADAS cells did not provoke in vitro alloreactivity of incompatible lymphocytes and, moreover, suppressed mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogens. The impairment of inhibition when ADAS cells and BM‐MSCs were separated from lymphocytes by a permeable membrane suggests that cell contact is required for a full inhibitory effect. Hepatocyte growth factor is secreted by both stem cells but, similar to interleukin‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), the levels of which were undetectable in supernatants of MLR inhibited by ADAS cells or BM‐MSCs, it did not seem implicated in the stem cell suppressive effect. These findings support that ADAS cells share immunosuppressive properties with BM‐MSCs. Therefore, ADAS cell‐based reconstructive therapy could employ allogenic cells and because of their immunosuppressive properties, ADAS cells could be an alternative source to BM‐MSCs to treat allogenic conflicts.
Rare earth element ore grade estimation of mineralized drill core from hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy

The mineralogy of rare earth element deposits is critical in understanding their petrogenesis and has significant implications for their economic viability, which is determined by more than ore grade alone. Rapid determination of relative ore modal mineralogy for these deposit types by hyperspectral reflectance spectroscopy would provide immediate feedback on the tenor, type and relevance of mineralization. This research builds upon mineralogical characterization and reflectance spectroscopy studies in the visible to short wave infrared region (VNIR and SWIR) of important rare earth element ore minerals (e.g., bastnaesite, monazite, xenotime, eudialyte) and provides preliminary interpretations of REE-mineralized drill core using hyperspectral imagery. The diagnostic absorptions caused by f-orbital electrons also allows for simple ore grade approximation of selected lanthanides. Training and subsequent validation of hyperspectral-based results is achieved through conventional geochemical assays, and modal mineralogy determined by Rietveld refinement of powder x-ray diffraction experiments.
The Effects of Endurance Training and Gallic Acid on BDNF and TNF-a in Male Rats with Alzheimer

Background: In the present study, the effects of endurance training and chronic administration of Gallic acid (GA) on hippocampal level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in trimethyltin (TMT)-induced hippocampal degeneration as a model of Alzheimer’s disease were investigated. Methods: 70 male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly assigned to 7 groups: 1.control, 2.TMT, 3.TMT+GA50, 4.TMT+GA100, 5.TMT+Ex, 6.TMT+Ex+GA50, 7.TMT+Ex+GA100. For induction of Alzheimer's disease, the rats in groups 2-7 were injected with single dose of TMT (8 mg/kg), intra-peritonealy (i.p.). Rats in the groups 5, 6 and 7 carried out an 8-week exercise program on a motorized treadmill (15-20 m/min, 0% inclination for 15-30 min/day, 5 days/week). In addition, the groups 3 and 6 were treated by 50 mg /kg and groups 4 and 7 are administered 100 mg/ kg of Gallic acid for 2 weeks. Then, the hippocampal level of BDNF and TNF-α was performed for all groups by Elisa. Results: The findings of present study showed that the hippocampal level of BDNF in all test groups are significantly higher than TMT group (p≤0.05) and the hippocampal level of TNF-a in all test groups is significantly less than the TMT group (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Endurance exercises training, chronic administration of GA and co-treatment with training and GA consumption specially, having sufficient neurotrophic and immune modulator effects in male rats with Alzheimer. Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Endurance training, Gallic acid, BDNF, TNF-a, hippocampus
Evaluación psicológica para protocolo de trasplante de células hematopoyéticas en adolescentes Psychological assessment for hematopoyetic cells transplant protocol in adolescents

All patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation could have different types of emotional responses either adaptive or maladaptive, influenced by social, cultural and personal factors in addition to the trasplantation process itself. Therefore, it is important to have psychological assessment to evaluate the patient's emotional condition, particularly in adolescent patients. The psychological evaluation includes a clinical assessment, interviews and psychological tests to explore intellectual ability, affective processes and vulnerability to stress, social support system (real and perceived), family and family functioning, personal coping mechanisms, personological resources, attitude toward the transplantation, emotional condition, and disorders of the conative sphere. These tools make possible a standardized assessment of the patients’ psychological condition and may be important to asses if the patient is suitable for the trasplantion procedure, as well as to establish therapeutic guidelines for the pre-and post-transplantion psychological treatment.
Improved red-response in thin film a-Si:H solar cells with soft-imprinted plasmonic back reflectors

The impact of controlled nanopatterning on the Ag back contact of an n-i-p a-Si:H solar cell was investigated experimentally and through electromagnetic simulation. Compared to a similar reference cell with a flat back contact, we demonstrate an efficiency increase from 4.5% to 6.2%, with a 26% increase in short circuit current density. Spectral response measurements show the majority of the improvement between 600 and 800 nm, with no reduction in photocurrent at wavelengths shorter than 600 nm. Optimization of the pattern aspect ratio using electromagnetic simulation predicts absorption enhancements over 50% at 660 nm.
Fixation Biases towards the Index Finger in Almost-Natural Grasping

We use visual information to guide our grasping movements. When grasping an object with a precision grip, the two digits need to reach two different positions more or less simultaneously, but the eyes can only be directed to one position at a time. Several studies that have examined eye movements in grasping have found that people tend to direct their gaze near where their index finger will contact the object. Here we aimed at better understanding why people do so by asking participants to lift an object off a horizontal surface. They were to grasp the object with a precision grip while movements of their hand, eye and head were recorded. We confirmed that people tend to look closer to positions that a digit needs to reach more accurately. Moreover, we show that where they look as they reach for the object depends on where they were looking before, presumably because they try to minimize the time during which the eyes are moving so fast that no new visual information is acquired. Most importantly, we confirmed that people have a bias to direct gaze towards the index finger’s contact point rather than towards that of the thumb. In our study, this cannot be explained by the index finger contacting the object before the thumb. Instead, it appears to be because the index finger moves to a position that is hidden behind the object that is grasped, probably making this the place at which one is most likely to encounter unexpected problems that would benefit from visual guidance. However, this cannot explain the bias that was found in previous studies, where neither contact point was hidden, so it cannot be the only explanation for the bias.
Effect of blood's velocity on blood resistivity

Blood resistivity is an important quantity which value influences the results of various methods used in the study of heart and circulation. In this paper, the relationship between blood resistivity and velocity of blood flow was evaluated and analyzed based upon a probe using six-ring electrodes and a circulatory model. The experimental results indicated that the change in blood resistivity was only /spl plusmn/1.1% when the velocity of blood flow changed from 2.83 cm/s to 40 cm/s and it rose to 23% when the velocity was lower than 2.83 cm/s.
Criticism and Theory

OST OF THE ESSAYS in this issue are exercises in "theory," variously conceived, but generally used in a way that pushes readers and spectators very much into the background. The plan (one sees this especially in the contributions of Todorov and Brooke-Rose) is to bypass criticism and its evaluative categories by conceiving art works as objects, data on which a classifying science of literary forms can be built, with a view of predicting developments or retrodicting origins. Much could be said about this aim and about these examples of its pursuit. It could be argued that scientizing is a principal source of the situation in which serious literature is written for academic theorists and readership becomes cultist. But I shall begin instead by injecting into the debate a conception of theory that does not bypass criticism. I take a text from Todorov: genres, he says, are horizons of expectations for readers and models of writing for authors. Not, notice, the concepts of a scientific classification of objects, as Todorov otherwise dreams of, but the foci of critical awareness and judgment. Criticism (continuing to expound on Todorov's text) is the clarification of readers' expectations or authors' intentions. The critic, to borrow Locke's celebrated term, is an underlaborer, serving the primary activities of creation and appreciation. And theory, on this view, is more reflective criticism, occasioned by the emergence of new authorial aims or devices, and by changing audiences or modes of dissemination. At such moments of crisis the critic loses his bearings; his assumptions are called into question and need to be brought to the surface. So my comments here will be shaped by this conception of audiencelinked criticism and criticism-linked theory. I begin with puzzles raised for me by the question, as applied to Renaissance and seventeenth-century art, "describe or narrate? " In Svetlana Alpers' paper these concepts function in a critical way, or at least a way that bears, reflectively, on the critical function. Thus a somewhat extended discussion may prove to be a useful propadeutic to a commentary on criticism and theory. In the Renaissance, Alpers says, the goal of painting is to tell a story. This aesthetic surfaces, for example, in Alpers' quotations from Vasari, who finds Giorgione incomprehensible. Giorgione's figures, though conveying features and fabric with startling fidelity, do not depict actions that Vasari, at least, can identify. The next generation, too, Alpers observes, is dominated by painters-Rembrandt and Velazquez-who have allowed a passion to describe to divert them from the narrative aim. Alpers sees this as anticipating in some sense the conscious abandonment of storytelling in the painting of the nineteenth century, and
Trading Population for Productivity: Theory and Evidence

This research argues that the differential effect of international trade on the demand for human capital across countries has been a major determinant of the distribution of income and population across the globe. In developed countries the gains from trade have been directed towards investment in education and growth in income per capita, whereas a significant portion of these gains in less developed economies have been channeled towards population growth. Cross-country regressions establish that indeed trade has positive effects on fertility and negative effects on education in non-OECD economies, while inducing fertility decline and human capital formation in OECD economies.
The Use of Algorithms in Assessing and Managing Persistent Pain in Older Adults

OverviewAs the U.S. population ages, nurses will care for increasing numbers of older adults, most of whom suffer from at least one chronic illness. The persistent pain associated with many chronic illnesses can have detrimental effects on patients' functioning and quality of life. Algorithms developed from evidence-based clinical practice guidelines are tools that can facilitate the application of research to practice. This article introduces readers to the use of algorithms in guiding the assessment and management of persistent pain in older adults, and provides an illustrative case study. Keywordsalgorithm, clinical decision making, clinical practice guidelines, evidence-based practice, nursing judgment, older adults, pain
Simple and Accurate Analytical Model of Planar Grids and High-Impedance Surfaces Comprising Metal Strips or Patches

Simple analytical formulas are introduced for the grid impedance of electrically dense arrays of square patches and for the surface impedance of high-impedance surfaces based on the dense arrays of metal strips or square patches over ground planes. Emphasis is on the oblique-incidence excitation. The approach is based on the known analytical models for strip grids combined with the approximate Babinet principle for planar grids located at a dielectric interface. Analytical expressions for the surface impedance and reflection coefficient resulting from our analysis are thoroughly verified by full-wave simulations and compared with available data in open literature for particular cases. The results can be used in the design of various antennas and microwave or millimeter wave devices which use artificial impedance surfaces and artificial magnetic conductors (reflect-array antennas, tunable phase shifters, etc.), as well as for the derivation of accurate higher-order impedance boundary conditions for artificial (high-) impedance surfaces. As an example, the propagation properties of surface waves along the high-impedance surfaces are studied.
Racial Disparities in Corneal Transplantation Rates, Complications, and Outcomes

ABSTRACT Corneal transplantation is a common type of tissue transplantation that aims to improve vision or relieve pain. Given the immune privilege of the cornea, the primary graft often has a high success rate, approaching 90%. Despite the good overall outcome of corneal transplantation in various studies, the individual graft survival rate varies, depending on the preoperative diagnosis and donor and recipient factors. Race and ethnicity have been shown to be important in other types of organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to review the available ophthalmic literature regarding any differences in rates and outcomes of corneal transplantation based on ethnicity and race. A small body of evidence suggests that race might be an important risk factor for graft rejection and graft failure. More robust studies are needed to clarify these associations.