Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Rhizobium tianshanense sp. nov., a moderately and slowly growing root nodule bacterium isolated from an arid saline environment in Xinjiang, People's Republic of China.

We performed a numerical analysis of 148 phenotypic characteristics of 20 strains of root nodule bacteria isolated from an arid saline desert soil in the Xinjiang region of northwestern People's Republic of China and compared these organisms with 28 Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium strains obtained from different regions of the People's Republic of China and from other countries, including nine type strains of different species. All of the strains examined clustered into two groups at a similarity level of more than 63%. Group I included all of the previously described Rhizobium species and was divided into eight subgroups, which corresponded to previously described Rhizobium species, at a similarity level of more than 82%. Group II was divided into the following three subgroups at a similarity level of more than 80% Bradyrhizobium japonicum, a cluster containing 17 moderately and slowly growing strains isolated in the Xinjiang region, and a small subgroup containing three fast-growing strains. The generation times of the moderately and slowly growing strains were 5 to 15 h, and these organisms produced acid in medium containing mannitol. The DNA G+C contents of the members of this group ranged from 59 to 63 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments revealed that the levels of DNA homology among all of the moderately and slowly growing strains obtained from Xinjiang were more than 70% and that the levels of DNA homology between representative strains of this group and the type strains of all previously described species of root- and stem-nodulating bacteria were low. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Beyond multiplayer games: Engaging cognitive virtual partners in collaborative decision-making and problem-solving situations

As more and more sophisticated artificial decision-making tools are developed, we see a natural progression from something a human may use, to engaging with virtual partners collaboratively. In this paper we define a computer game architecture that enables engagement of human and virtual partners in collaborative decision-making processes. The architecture of such a computer game is then demonstrated by engaging human and virtual partners in a Tender Assessment process.
Automatic location and removal of video logos

Most commercial television channels utilize video logos, which can be considered as a form of a visible watermark, as a declaration of intellectual property ownership. They are also used as a symbol of authorization to rebroadcast when original logos are used in conjunction with newer logos. An unfortunate side effect of such logos is the concomitant decrease in the viewing pleasure. In this paper, we utilize the temporal correlation of the video frames in order to detect and remove the video logos. In the video logo detection part, as an initial step, the logo boundary box is first located by utilizing a distance threshold of video frames and is further refined by employing a comparison of edge lengths. Second, our proposed Bayesian classifier framework locates fragments of logos called logo-lets. In this framework, we systematically integrate the prior knowledge about the location of the video logos and their intrinsic local features in order to achieve a robust detection result. In our logo removal part, after marking the logo region, a matching technique is employed to find the best replacement patch for the marked region within that video shot. This technique is found to be useful for small logos. Furthermore, we extend the image inpainting technique to videos. Unlike the use of two-dimensional gradients in the image inpainting technique, we inpaint the logo region of video frames by using three-dimensional gradients exploiting the temporal correlations in video. The advantage of this algorithm is that the inpainted regions are consistent with the surrounding texture and hence the result is perceptually pleasing. We present the results of our implementation and demonstrate the utility of our method for logos removal.
On the Throughput of Nonpersistent Elastic Sessions onan Internet Link with Small Propagation

Recent works on modeling web traac, engineering an Internet backbone, and providing quality of service in the Internet ((12, 6, 2, 5]) use the realistic model that the number of active le transfers on an Internet link vary randomly with time. In this paper we investigate the use of the M/G/1 Processor Sharing (PS) model to study the performance of TCP controlled nonpersistent sessions sharing a small propagation delay Internet link. For the PS model we deene and relate various throughput measures: session average throughput, mean le size divided by the mean transfer time, and the time average bandwidth share per session. For the latter measure there is an explicit formula which is insensitive to the distribution of the le sizes. We use simulations to study how well the time average bandwidth share obtained from the PS model captures the session average throughput performance of TCP controlled nonpersistent sessions with both heavy and light tailed le size distributions. We focus on transfers over a single, low propagation delay link (e.g., campus area or metro area). Our results show that even for the complex case of nonpersistent TCP controlled sessions, the simple formula for the average bandwidth share works remarkably well for predicting the average session throughput. This formula can be used to dimension the link bandwidth given the average ooered load.
A 1Gb/s Optical Transceiver Array Chipset for Automotive Wired Interconnects

A 4-channel 1Gb/s optical transceiver chipset is realized in a 0.18-mum standard CMOS technology for the wired networks in automotive vehicles. The transmitter (LD driver) operates for 1-Gb/s LVDS/CML signals with AMC and APC loops. The output optical eye-diagrams demonstrate 0.2UI jitter characteristics with max. 80mApp modulation currents for 1-Gb/s 211 $1 input PRBS. Meanwhile, the receiver (TIA) demonstrates 76.6dBOmega transimpedance gain, 724MHz bandwidth for 6pF input capacitance, -18dBm optical sensitivity for BER of 10-12, and 90mW power dissipation from a single 3.3V power supply
Hidden symmetries and arithmetic manifolds

Let M be a closed, locally symmetric Riemannian manifold of nonpositivecurvature with no local torus factors; for example take Mto be a hyperbolicmanifold. Equivalently, M= K\G/Γ where Gis a semisimple Lie group andΓ is a cocompact lattice in G. For simplicity, we will always assume thatΓ is irreducible, or equivalently that M is not ﬁnitely covered by a smoothproduct; we will also assume for simplicity that dim(M) >2.Let g
Circumventing Antivector Immunity by Using Adenovirus-Infected Blood Cells for Repeated Application of Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccines: Proof of Concept in Rhesus Macaques

ABSTRACT Adenovirus has been extensively exploited as a vector platform for delivering vaccines. However, preexisting antiadenovirus immunity is the major stumbling block for application of adenovirus-vectored vaccines. In this study, we found that freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), mostly CD14+ cells, from adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5)-seropositive primates (humans and rhesus macaques) can be efficiently infected with Ad5 in vitro. On the basis of this observation, a novel strategy based on adenoviral vector-infected PBMC (AVIP) immunization was explored to circumvent antivector immunity. Autologous infusion of Ad5-SIVgag-infected PBMCs elicited a strong Gag-specific cellular immune response but induced weaker Ad5-neutralizing antibody (NAb) in Ad5-seronegative macaques than in macaques intramuscularly injected with Ad5-SIVgag. Moreover, Ad5-seropositive macaques receiving multiple AVIP immunizations with Ad5-SIVenv, Ad5-SIVgag, and Ad5-SIVpol vaccines elicited escalated Env-, Gag-, and Pol-specific immune responses after each immunization that were significantly greater than those in macaques intramuscularly injected with these Ad5-SIV vaccines. After challenged intravenously with a highly pathogenic SIVmac239 virus, macaques receiving AVIP immunization demonstrated a significant reduction in viral load at both the peak time and set-point period compared with macaques without Ad5-SIV vaccines. Our study warranted further research and development of the AVIP immunization as a platform for repeated applications of adenovirus-vectored vaccines.
Interruptions and Geographic Challenges to Nurses' Cognitive Workload

The cognitive workload of nurses needs to be protected from interruptions as much as possible to prevent untoward patient outcomes. In this study, the type and frequency of work interruptions for nurses in medical-surgical units in a midwestern tertiary care medical center were identified. In addition, nurses' travel patterns were observed and recorded as they provided care. The intent was to identify methods for reducing interruptions and improving nurses' cognitive work efficiency.
Developing Rapport and Therapeutic Alliance During Telemental Health Sessions with Children and Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe the special considerations for building rapport and establishing a therapeutic alliance when conducting mental health evaluations for children and adolescents via videoconferencing. METHODS The authors review the literature and describe their experience in conducting mental health evaluations, developing rapport, and establishing a therapeutic alliance during telemental health practice. RESULTS Clinical need and shortages of clinicians with expertise in evaluating mental conditions for children and adolescents in underserved communities have stimulated the rapid expansion of telemental health programs while the research base continues to develop. The emerging evidence base and clinical experience suggest that teleclinicians can, and do, build rapport and establish a therapeutic alliance during telemental health sessions with youth and families. Families may be more accepting of telemental health approaches than clinicians. The impact that technology, equipment, site staff, community supports, cultural identification, and teleclinicians' characteristics have on building rapport and establishing a therapeutic alliance should be considered when establishing a telemental health service. Staff at the patient site and referring providers have a valuable role in supporting the therapeutic alliance between telemental health providers and their patients, and ultimately supporting the success of a telemental health program. CONCLUSIONS Teleclinicians are creative in transcending the videoconferencing technology to evaluate patients using guideline-based care. Further research is needed to determine how clinicians build rapport and establish a therapeutic alliance during telemental health sessions, and whether the therapeutic alliance is associated with the accuracy of evaluation and outcomes.
Optimizing Functional Accuracy of TMS in Cognitive Studies: A Comparison of Methods

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a tool for inducing transient disruptions of neural activity noninvasively in conscious human volunteers. In recent years, the investigative domain of TMS has expanded and now encompasses causal structure–function relationships across the whole gamut of cognitive functions and associated cortical brain regions. Consequently, the importance of how to determine the target stimulation site has increased and a number of alternative methods have emerged. Comparison across studies is precluded because different studies necessarily use different tasks, sites, TMS conditions, and have different goals. Here, therefore, we systematically compare four commonly used TMS coil positioning approaches by using them to induce behavioral change in a single cognitive study. Specifically, we investigated the behavioral impact of right parietal TMS during a number comparison task, while basing TMS localization either on (i) individual fMRI-guided TMS neuronavigation, (ii) individual MRI-guided TMS neuronavigation, (iii) group functional Talairach coordinates, or (iv) 10–20 EEG position P4. We quantified the exact behavioral effects induced by TMS using each approach, calculated the standardized experimental effect sizes, and conducted a statistical power analysis in order to calculate the optimal sample size required to reveal statistical significance. Our findings revealed a systematic difference between the four approaches, with the individual fMRI-guided TMS neuronavigation yielding the strongest and the P4 stimulation approach yielding the smallest behavioral effect size. Accordingly, power analyses revealed that although in the fMRI-guided neuronavigation approach five participants were sufficient to reveal a significant behavioral effect, the number of necessary participants increased to n = 9 when employing MRI-guided neuronavigation, to n = 13 in case of TMS based on group Talairach coordinates, and to n = 47 when applying TMS over P4. We discuss these graded effect size differences in light of the revealed interindividual variances in the actual target stimulation site within and between approaches.
Coevolutionary robotics

We address the fundamental issue of fully automated design (FAD) and construction of inexpensive robots and their controllers. Rather than seek an intelligent general purpose robot-the humanoid robot ubiquitous in today's research as the long term goal-we are developing the information technology that can design and fabricate special-purpose mechanisms and controllers to achieve specific short-term objectives. These robots will be constructed from reusable sensors, effectors, and computers held together with materials custom "printed" by rapid prototyping (RP) equipment. By releasing the goal of designing software controllers for EXISTING machines in favor of the automated co-design of software and hardware together we will be replicating the principles used by biology in the creation of complex groups of animals adapted to specific environments.
Interleukin-6 is a potent myeloma-cell growth factor in patients with aggressive multiple myeloma.

It has recently been demonstrated that interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a potent myeloma-cell growth factor in the majority of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Using an anti-bromodeoxyuridine monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to specifically count myeloma cells in the S-phase (ie, labeling index, LI), we demonstrate that the IL-6 responsiveness of myeloma cells in vitro is directly correlated with their LI in vivo. Myeloma cells from all 13 patients with high LIs in vivo (greater than or equal to 1%) responded in vitro to IL-6, the strongest response occurring in cells from five patients with plasma-cell leukemia. In contrast, the cells of only two of eight patients with low myeloma-cell LIs in vivo (less than 1%) responded to IL-6 in vitro. After seven days of culturing with 1,000 U/mL recombinant IL-6 (rIL-6), the median LI value in the first group of patients (in vivo LI greater than or equal to 1%) was 11%, ie 11 times higher (P less than .01) than the median LI value (1%) in the second group of patients (in vivo LI less than 1%). Thus, the in vitro IL-6 responsiveness of myeloma cells is directly related to their in vivo proliferative status, and hence to the severity of the disease.
INCORPORATION OF PHENYLALANINE AS A SINGLE UNIT INTO RAT BRAIN PROTEIN: RECIPROCAL INHIBITION BY PHENYLALANINE AND TYROSINE OF THEIR RESPECTIVE INCORPORATIONS

Abstract— Of seven amino acids studied, glutamic acid and phenylalanine were incorporated in highest amounts into the hot‐TCA‐insoluble material of the 100,000 g supernatant fraction of rat brain homogenate. The system for incorporation of phenylalanine was RNase‐insensitive and required ATP (apparent Km= 0.64 mm), KC1 (apparent Km= 14 mm) and MgCl2 (optimal concentration range 4‐15 mm). The apparent Km for phenylalanine was 2.9 mm. [14C]Phenylalanine did not undergo modification before incorporation. Tyrosine and phenylalanine inhibited the incorporation, respectively, of [14C]phenylalanine and [14C]tyrosine when incubated simultaneously or successively. The Km and Kt (3.3 mm) values for phenylalanine in the incorporation reaction and as inhibitor of the incorporation of [14C]tyrosine were similar. We suggest that both the enzyme and the acceptor for the incorporation of these two amino acids are the same. [14C]Phenylalanine and [14C]tyrosine entered into COOH‐terminal positions in the reactions described. Brain exhibited a 25‐ to 100‐fold higher capacity to incorporate phenylalanine than that of liver, kidney or thyroid. The acceptor capacity in rat brain rapidly decreased from day 5 to day 15 of postnatal age and then slowly until age 150 days.
The diagnostic accuracy of urinary [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] for acute kidney injury in adults

Introduction: Early diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a challenge. Recently, [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7], which is a combination of urine tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), has been identified as a potential biomarker of AKI. We performed this meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of urinary [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] for AKI in adult patients. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from database inception to March 2017. Two authors independently screened articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and assessed the methodological quality of each included study using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 criteria. Review Manager and STATA were used for all statistical analyses. Results: Nine studies (n = 1886) satisfied the inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses demonstrated that urinary [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] exhibited fair diagnostic accuracy for AKI (sensitivity [SEN] 0.83 [95% CI 0.75–0.89], specificity [SPE] 0.72 [95% CI 0.56–0.84], and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic [SROC] curve 0.86 [95% CI 0.82–0.88]) and AKI stage ≥ 2 (according to the 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes [KDIGO] 2012 classification system; SEN 0.92 [95% CI 0.81–0.96], SPE 0.63 [95% CI 0.49–0.74], and area under the SROC curve 0.88 [95% CI 0.85–0.91]) in adult patients. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that urinary [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] may be a reliable biomarker for the early detection of AKI. However, given the significant heterogeneity among the included studies, clinicians should be aware of the utility and limitations of this biomarker in clinical practice. Additional high-quality studies examining a larger sample of patients are required.
Global spread of hypoxia in freshwater ecosystems during the last three centuries is caused by rising local human pressure

The spread of hypoxia is a threat to aquatic ecosystem functions and services as well as to biodiversity. However, sparse long‐term monitoring of lake ecosystems has prevented reconstruction of global hypoxia dynamics while inhibiting investigations into its causes and assessing the resilience capacity of these systems. This study compiles the onset and duration of hypoxia recorded in sediments of 365 lakes worldwide since AD 1700, showing that lacustrine hypoxia started spreading before AD 1900, 70 years prior to hypoxia in coastal zones. This study also shows that the increase of human activities and nutrient release is leading to hypoxia onset. No correlations were found with changes in precipitation or temperature. There is no evidence for a post‐1980s return to well‐oxygenated lacustrine conditions in industrialized countries despite the implementation of restoration programs. The apparent establishment of stable hypoxic conditions prior to AD 1900 highlights the challenges of a growing nutrient demand, accompanied by increasing global nutrient emissions of our industrialized societies, and climate change.
Protective Role of Urinary Trypsin Inhibitor in Acute Lung Injury Induced by Lipopolysaccharide

Urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI), a serine protease inhibitor, has been widely used as a drug for patients with acute inflammatory disorders such as disseminated intravascular coagulation, shock, and pancreatitis. However, direct contribution of UTI to inflammatory diseases has not been established. The present study analyzed acute inflammatory lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in UTI-deficient (–/–) mice and corresponding wild-type (WT) mice. UTI (–/–) and WT mice were treated intratracheally with vehicle or LPS (125 μg/kg). The cellular profile of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung water content, histology, and expression of proinflammatory molecules in the lung were evaluated. After LPS challenge, both genotypes of mice revealed neutrophilic lung inflammation and pulmonary edema. UTI (–/–) mice, however, showed more prominent infiltration of inflammatory cells and edema than WT mice. After LPS challenge in both genotypes of mice, the lung levels of mRNA and/or protein expression of interleukin-1β, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, keratinocyte chemoattractant, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were elevated in both groups, but to a greater extent in UTI (–/–) mice than in WT mice. These results suggest that UTI protects against acute lung injury induced by bacterial endotoxin, at least partly, through the inhibition of the enhanced local expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and ICAM-1.
Employment and Welfare Effects of Short-Time Work in Germany

We study the employment and welfare effects of short-time work in Germany during the recession between 2008 and 2010. Using a unique matched employer-employee data set that contains the universe of workers and employers for the metropolitan area of Nuremberg, we document the intensive and extensive margin of short-time work. We then develop and estimate an equilibrium search model in which worker-firm matches are subject to productivity shocks that differ in expected duration. After observing the realization of productivity, a worker-firm match decides whether to work full-time, lay off the worker, or use short-time work. Employed workers accumulate human capital whereas unemployed workers’ human capital depreciates. Laid off workers can be recalled by their previous employers. We find that for every four workers on short-time work, one job was saved during the recession.
Ib-jo-bzzel) G-ao-ig*- Title: toward an Integrated Mathematical Model of Seafloor Hydro-thermal Systems Involving Fracture Mechanics,chemistry, and the Evolution of Crustal Permeability

Worked for more than 160 Hours: No Contribution to Project: Jean-Claude Roegiers is not a Co-PI on this project. He is at another school (The University of Oklahoma) and his name is probably kept because this award was transfered from Oklahoma to Georgia Tech. Transfer documentation does not show Jean-Claude Roegiers and he has no involment in this project. Other Collaborators or Contacts This project represents a close collaborative effort with Dr. Robert Lowell in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Tech. He is a PI of project OCE-9529954 entitled 'Towards an integrated mathematical model of seafloor hydrothermal systems: emphasis on the magma-hydrothermal interface, upflow zones and temporal variability'. This project has exactly the same title and is run in the close cooperation with Dr. Lowell.