Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of the Early Phases of Plant Gravitropism

Gravitropism is directed growth of a plant or plant organ in response to gravity and can be divided into the following temporal sequence: perception, transduction, and response. This article is a review of the research on the early events of gravitropism (i.e., phenomena associated with the perception and transduction phases). The two major hypotheses for graviperception are the protoplast-pressure and starch-statolith models. While most researchers support the concept of statoliths, there are suggestions that plants have multiple mechanisms of perception. Evidence supports the hypothesis that the actin cytoskeleton is involved in graviperception/ transduction, but the details of these mechanisms remain elusive. A number of recent developments, such as increased use of the molecular genetic approach, magnetophoresis, and laser ablation, have facilitated research in graviperception and have allowed for refinement of the current models. In addition, the entire continuum of acceleration forces from hypo- to hyper-gravity have been useful in studying perception mechanisms. Future interdisciplinary molecular approaches and the availability of sophisticated laboratories on the International Space Station should help to develop new insights into mechanisms of gravitropism in plants.
Robust battery fuel gauge algorithm development, part 0: Normalized OCV modeling approach

The open circuit voltage (OCV) characterization of Li-ion batteries as it applies to battery fuel gauging (BFG) in portable applications is considered in this paper. Accurate knowledge of the nonlinear relationship between the OCV and the state of charge (SOC) is required for adaptive SOC tracking during battery usage. BFG in portable applications requires this OCV-SOC characterization to be defined with a minimum number of parameters. With the help of OCV characterization data collected from 34 battery cells each at 16 different temperatures ranging from -25°C to 50°C, we present a novel normalized OCV modeling approach that dramatically reduces the number of OCV-SOC parameters and as a result simplifies and generalizes the BFG across temperatures and aging.
Renal Complications of Diabetes Mellitus

svm hlood pressure was 165/90 it had risen now to 205/105. Apart from the usual Was^t0mS diabetes, she complained of ankle swelling and shortness of breath. She in ^at anc* was therefore given a low calorie diet which caused her to lose 14 lb. jje^ei? ht; her urine became sugar-free, and her blood sugar fell to normal levels, tetr Urinary infection was due to Bacillus coli which was sensitive to sulphonamides, in ua? ^cyline> chloramphenicol and streptomycin; and granular casts were also noted
Can Patients Be Part of the Solution? Views on Their Role in Preventing Medical Errors

Patients have the potential to play an important role in preventing medical errors. Yet little is known about how to effectively engage patients in this role as a “vigilant partner” in care. Respondents were asked to assess the perceived effectiveness of fourteen recommended actions for preventing medical errors. The findings indicate that most of the actions are viewed as effective. However, respondents also indicate that they are unlikely to engage in many of the recommended actions. Having a greater sense of self-efficacy in being able to prevent medical errors is significantly linked with a greater reported likelihood of engaging in preventive action.
The Influence of Self-Determination in Physical Education on Leisure-Time Physical Activity Behavior

Using a multitheory approach, this study was designed to investigate the influence of urban adolescents' perceived autonomy and competence in physical education on their physical activity intentions and behaviors during leisure time. A transcontextual model was hypothesized and tested. Urban adolescents (N = 653, ages 11–15 years) completed questionnaires assessing relevant psychological constructs and moderate to vigorous physical activity and then had their cardiorespiratory fitness assessed with the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) test. Based on our structural equation modeling analyses and fit indexes, the trans-contextual model adequately fit the data. We concluded that the two theoretical frameworks—SDT and theory of planned behavior—can be integrated to provide an enhanced understanding of the influence of physical education on leisure-time physical activity. The results revealed that perceived autonomy and competence in physical education are interrelated and function as a whole for enhancing leisure-time physically active intentions and behavior.
GPU-based matrix multiplication methods for social networks analysis

A matrix multiplication is a building block for social networks analysis. Recently, there have been various methods proposed for GPU-based matrix multiplications. NVIDIA, one of major manufacturers of GPUs, has also proposed various matrix multiplication methods based on GPUs. In this paper, we introduce the methods, and evaluate their performance via extensive experiments using synthetic and real-world datasets. Our results would help practitioners choose the best one for analyzing real-world social networks.
Circulating MicroRNAs as Biomarkers and Potential Paracrine Mediators of Cardiovascular Disease

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) comprise a class of small, noncoding RNAs that control expression of complementary target mRNAs. Dysregulation of intracellular miRNA expression has been described in various diseases, including a number of cardiovascular conditions. Functional studies have shown a role for miRNAs in cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy, angiogenesis, and heart failure.1,–,3 These findings suggest a new therapeutic entry point for cardiac disease and illustrate the broad therapeutic potential of miRNA modulation. Initial reports have detected circulating extracellular miRNAs in the serum/plasma of patients with cancer.4 Despite the existence of RNases, miRNAs remain stable in serum and other body fluids. One explanation is the inclusion of miRNAs into lipid or lipoprotein complexes such as exosomes5 or microvesicles.6 Subsequently, altered concentrations of miRNAs have been found in patients with various cardiovascular diseases. Here, we review the current knowledge about circulating miRNAs during coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction, and heart failure (Table). A further new and exciting function of circulating miRNAs in the cardiovascular system may be their potential to serve as paracrine signaling molecules.7 The detection of circulating miRNAs in serum/plasma8,9 suggests that miRNAs may fulfill biological functions outside the cell and serve as potential biomarkers for diseases. Circulating miRNAs are protected from RNase-dependent degradation by several mechanisms, including their inclusion in microvesicles, exosomes, and apoptotic bodies as well as through the formation of protein-miRNA complexes resistant to degradation (Figure). In addition, circulating miRNAs are quite stable even after multiple freeze-thaw cycles.8 Recent studies have shown that miRNAs are actively secreted in microvesicles or exosomes from different cell types.6,10 Despite the current knowledge about the existence of circulating miRNAs and the intercellular transfer of miRNAs from donor …
Learning to Translate with Multiple Objectives

We introduce an approach to optimize a machine translation (MT) system on multiple metrics simultaneously. Different metrics (e.g. BLEU, TER) focus on different aspects of translation quality; our multi-objective approach leverages these diverse aspects to improve overall quality. Our approach is based on the theory of Pareto Optimality. It is simple to implement on top of existing single-objective optimization methods (e.g. MERT, PRO) and outperforms ad hoc alternatives based on linear-combination of metrics. We also discuss the issue of metric tunability and show that our Pareto approach is more effective in incorporating new metrics from MT evaluation for MT optimization.
The first-mover advantage in scientific publication

Mathematical models of the scientific citation process predict a strong “first-mover” effect under which the first papers in a field will, essentially regardless of content, receive citations at a rate enormously higher than papers published later. Moreover papers are expected to retain this advantage in perpetuity —they should receive more citations indefinitely, no matter how many other papers are published after them. We test this conjecture against data from a selection of fields and in several cases find a first-mover effect of a magnitude similar to that predicted by the theory. Were we wearing our cynical hat today, we might say that the scientist who wants to become famous is better off —by a wide margin— writing a modest paper in next year's hottest field than an outstanding paper in this year's. On the other hand, there are some later-published papers, albeit only a small fraction, that buck the trend and attract significantly more citations than theory predicts. We suggest that papers of this kind, though they often receive relatively few citations overall, are probably worthy of our attention.
Synthesis of Layer‐Tunable Graphene: A Combined Kinetic Implantation and Thermal Ejection Approach

Layer‐tunable graphene has attracted broad interest for its potentials in nanoelectronics applications. However, synthesis of layer‐tunable graphene by using traditional chemical vapor deposition method still remains a great challenge due to the complex experimental parameters and the carbon precipitation process. Herein, by performing ion implantation into a Ni/Cu bilayer substrate, the number of graphene layers, especially single or double layer, can be controlled precisely by adjusting the carbon ion implant fluence. The growth mechanism of the layer‐tunable graphene is revealed by monitoring the growth process, it is observed that the entire implanted carbon atoms can be expelled toward the substrate surface and thus graphene with designed layer number can be obtained. Such a growth mechanism is further confirmed by theoretical calculations. The proposed approach for the synthesis of layer‐tunable graphene offers more flexibility in the experimental conditions. Being a core technology in microelectronics processing, ion implantation can be readily implemented in production lines and is expected to expedite the application of graphene to nanoelectronics.
GPU-assisted positive mean value coordinates for mesh deformations

In this paper we introduce positive mean value coordinates (PMVC) for mesh deformation. Following the observations of Joshi et al. [JMD*07] we show the advantage of having positive coordinates. The control points of the deformation are the vertices of a "cage" enclosing the deformed mesh. To define positive mean value coordinates for a given vertex, the visible portion of the cage is integrated over a sphere. Unlike MVC [JSW05], PMVC are computed numerically. We show how the PMVC integral can be efficiently computed with graphics hardware. While the properties of PMVC are similar to those of Harmonic coordinates [JMD*07], the setup time of the PMVC is only of a few seconds for typical meshes with 30K vertices. This speed-up renders the new coordinates practical and easy to use.
Hydrogel microspheres for the treatment of tumours

Embolic materials for the treatment of hypervasularised tumours are often non-degradable hydrogels. In this thesis alginate hydrogel microspheres were synthesised and tested as a potential biodegradable embolic agent. Degradation and compressibility were shown in vitro to be dependent on the mannuronic acid to L-guluronic acid ratio, which was attributed to the affinity of calcium to bind to the different alginate monomers. The microspheres were shown to be deliverable and compatible with non-ionic radiopaque contrast media.
Anti-tumor cytotoxic potential and effect on human bone marrow GM-CFU of human LAK cells generated in response to various cytokines.

The effects of various recombinant cytokines i.e. IL-1 alpha, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and GM-CSF used either alone or in combination with IL-2, were investigated in this study. First, their capacity to induce killer cells from human PBL was examined by evaluating the degree of killing of human NK-sensitive K562 or NK-resistant Daudi cells. Second the effects of these cytokines, LAK cells (at 1/1, 2/1, 4/1 ratio LAK effectors/bone marrow cell targets) and of the supernatants from washed killer cell cultures, were examined on the colony forming ability of human bone marrow for GM-CFU in vitro. Various degrees of NK activity against K562 was observed in PBL stimulated with the cytokines, whereas LAK activity was found only with IL-2 alone. Culture of PBL with IL-2 + IL-1 alpha or IL-2 + IL-6 or IL-2 + GM-CSF resulted in the highest LAK killing. However, addition of TNF-alpha, or IFN-gamma to IL-2 in cultures resulted in a significant suppression of LAK cell activity. Addition of IL-1 alpha, IL-2, IL-3, and IL-4 to BM cultures had little or no effect on day 14 GM-CFU, whereas addition of IL-6 and GM-CSF resulted in a stimulatory effect. LAK cells induced with IL-2 alone had no significant suppressive effects on GM-CFU. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Distributed Wavelength Assignment Algorithm for Optical Bursts in WDM Networks

We present a distributed wavelength assignment algorithm named Priority-based Wavelength Assignment (PWA) for the contention resolution problem in buffer-less burst optical networks without wavelength conversion capability. Simulation results show that the PWA can effectively reduce the blocking probability and increase the performance of burst optical networks compared to previous algorithms such as random assignment.
A blended population approach to cooperative coevolution for decomposition of complex problems

Cooperative coevolutionary architectures provide a framework for solving complex problems by decomposing them into constituent subproblems, solving the subproblems, and then reintegrating the solutions. This paper presents a blended cooperative coevolution model which offers advantages over traditional evolutionary algorithms and currently-used cooperative coevolutionary architectures.
Application of Antibody Array Technology in the Analysis of Urinary Cytokine Profiles in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Aims: Emerging evidence suggests that the urinary excretion of cytokines is associated with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, detection of urinary cytokines in high throughput is still a problem in clinical practice. In this cross-sectional study, we applied a novel proteomic technology, antibody array, to analyze urinary cytokine profiles in patients with CKD. Methods: A total of 10 subjects including 7 CKD patients and 3 normal controls were studied. These patients with CKD were divided into two groups according to the levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): group A (eGFR ≧80 ml/min/1.73 m2, n = 3) and group B (eGFR ≤40 ml/min/1.73 m2, n = 4). Urine samples taken from age and gender-matched healthy volunteers (n = 3) served as control. Differential excretion of urinary cytokines was determined by human cytokine antibody array (Raybiotech, Norcross, Ga., USA). A 2-fold change in spot intensity compared to controls was considered as significant. In order to check the reliability of the data obtained by antibody array, urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) 1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: A total of 15 cytokines varied significantly in urinary samples obtained from patients with CKD compared with normal controls. It was shown that the levels of MCP-1, RANTES, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1, TNF-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), E-selectin, Fas, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, interleukin 2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and transforming growth factor β in patients with CKD at stage 1–2 (group A) were 2- to 5-fold higher than those in normal controls, while the excretion of MCP-1, RANTES, TIMP-1, TNF-α and VEGF was further increased in the patients with renal insufficiency (group B). However, a lower excretion of urinary vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and platelet-derived growth factor was found in patients with CKD compared with normal controls. Impressively, the urinary MMP-9 excretion was 492-fold higher in group A and 198-fold higher in group B than that in normal controls. The levels of MCP-1 and TNF-α correlated well with the relative n-fold change seen in the antibody array experiments. The rank correlation coefficients (r values) were 0.976 (p < 0.001) and 0.939 (p < 0.001) for MCP-1and TNF-α, respectively. Conclusion: Antibody array could serve as a fast, high-throughput and sensitive tool for detecting the excretion of urinary cytokines. Our study is the first to provide an important information regarding the utility of antibody array in evaluating the role of cytokines in the initiation and progression of CKD.
Involvement of zinc in the regulation of pHi, motility, and acrosome reactions in sea urchin sperm

When sperm of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus or Lytechinus pictus are diluted into seawater, motility is initiated; and when exposed to egg jelly, an acrosome reaction is induced. In the presence of a variety of structurally different metal chelators (0.1-1 mM EDTA, EGTA, phenanthroline, dipyridyl, cysteine, or dithiothreitol), motility initiation is delayed and the acrosome reaction is inhibited. Of the metals detected in the sperm of these two species, very low levels of Zn+2 (0.1 microM free Zn+2) uniquely prevent this chelator inhibition. L. pictus sperm concentrate 65Zn+2 from seawater, and EDTA removes 50% of the accumulated 65Zn+2 by 5 min. Since both sperm motility and acrosome reactions are in part regulated by intracellular pH (pHi), the effect of chelators on the sperm pHi was examined by using the fluorescent pH sensitive probe, 9-aminoacridine, EDTA depresses sperm pHi in both species, and 0.1 microM free Zn+2 reverses this pHi depression. When sperm are diluted into media that contain chelators, both NH4Cl and monensin (a Na+/H+ ionophore) increase the sperm pHi and reverse the chelator inhibition of sperm motility and acrosome reactions. The results of this study are consistent with the involvement of a trace metal (probably zinc) in the pHi regulation of sea urchin sperm and indicate a likely mechanism for the previously observed effects of chelators on sperm motility and acrosome reactions.
Pb-Free Solder: New Materials Considerations for Microelectronics Processing

A single printed circuit board includes thousands, sometimes even hundreds of thousands, of solder joints. The failure of even a single solder joint is usually enough to compromise the functionality of an electronic device or system. PbSn solder had been the standard ma te rial for these joints until various regulations around the world began to limit Pb use. SnAgCu and related alloys are quickly replacing PbSn, but much still needs to be understood and controlled. None of the paradigms for understanding the mechanical response of PbSn alloys is applicable to lead-free alloys. Much of the surprising behavior of SnAgCu solder arises from the complex and fascinating nature of its solidification behavior. In this ar ticle, the impact of solidification on the microstruc ture and therefore the mechanical properties of these solder joints will be addressed in the context of microelectronics proc essing. The need for better simulations of SnAgCu solder behavior will also be examined. Notably, modelers will have to account for a variety of new parameter dependencies not previously considered.
Faster Algorithms for Constructing a Galois Lattice, Enumerating All Maximal Bipartite Cliques and Closed Frequent Sets

In this paper, we give a fast algorithm for constructing a Galois lattice of a binary relation. When the binary relation is represented as a bipartite graph, each vertex of the lattice (called a concept) corresponds to a maximal bipartite clique of the bipartite graph. Thus, our algorithm also enumerates all maximal bipartite cliques. Further, our algorithm can be naturally modified to compute only large concepts that are known as closed frequent sets in data mining. The running time of our algorithm depends on the lattice structure and is faster than all other existing algorithms for these problems. Let B denote the set of all concepts, and L = be the corresponding lattice. For a concept C ∈ B, a descendant D = (ext(D), int(D)) of C is called an upper descendant of C if there exists i ∈ int(D) such that for any descendant E ≺ C with i ∈ int(E), ext(E) ⊆ ext(D). Denote the set of upper descendants of C by UC . For most of concepts, UC consists of all successors of C only. The running time of our algorithm is O( ∑ C∈B ∑ a∈ext(C) |{D ∈ UG(C) : a ∈ ext(D)}|) where G(C) is a predecessor of C.
The Calcium Sensor Calcineurin B-Like 9 Modulates Abscisic Acid Sensitivity and Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis

Calcium plays a pivotal role in plant responses to several stimuli, including pathogens, abiotic stresses, and hormones. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying calcium functions are poorly understood. It is hypothesized that calcium serves as second messenger and, in many cases, requires intracellular protein sensors to transduce the signal further downstream in the pathways. The calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs) represent a unique family of calcium sensors in plant cells. Here, we report our analysis of the CBL9 member of this gene family. Expression of CBL9 was inducible by multiple stress signals and abscisic acid (ABA) in young seedlings. When CBL9 gene function was disrupted in Arabidopsis thaliana plants, the responses to ABA were drastically altered. The mutant plants became hypersensitive to ABA in the early developmental stages, including seed germination and post-germination seedling growth. In addition, seed germination in the mutant also showed increased sensitivity to inhibition by osmotic stress conditions produced by high concentrations of salt and mannitol. Further analyses indicated that increased stress sensitivity in the mutant may be a result of both ABA hypersensitivity and increased accumulation of ABA under the stress conditions. The cbl9 mutant plants showed enhanced expression of genes involved in ABA signaling, such as ABA-INSENSITIVE 4 and 5. This study has identified a calcium sensor as a common element in the ABA signaling and stress-induced ABA biosynthesis pathways.