Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trunk muscle fatigue during a back extension task in standing.

There is some evidence that the fatiguing characteristics during isometric back extension tasks may assist in identifying differences between individuals with and without low back pain (LBP). During these tasks, especially in standing, other abdominal trunk muscles are also active. The abdominal trunk muscles acting across multiple segments of the lumbar spine function in isolation or in synergy to create flexion torques. It is suggested that co-activation patterns of the trunk muscles are able to control the axis of rotation of the extension torque and also provide multi-segmental stability of the spine. The purpose of this study was to examine the fatigue responses in 4 asymptomatic individuals to a sustained isometric extension task of the trunk muscles evaluating the shifts in the median frequency of the electromyographic (EMG) signal. This study suggests that in asymptomatic subjects, the more superficial abdominal muscles (External Oblique and Rectus Abdominis) increased in activity as the test progressed. There was large inter-individual variation in both amplitude and median frequency changes. Rectus abdominis and the back extensors demonstrated characteristics of fatigue during the task. Studies to test for any characteristic trends in whether specific trunk muscles fatigue in standing is a feature in chronic LBP, invites a formal investigation.
Resolution enhancement by time-multiplexed acquisition of sub-pixel shifted images employing a Spatial Light Modulator

We present an opto-electronic sub-pixel shifting method for resolution enhancement in monochromatic imaging. It is based on a Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) in the Fourier domain of a 4f-configuration. The SLM is used to modulate the incident light with the transfer function of a lateral subpixel shift. Therefore, a set of laterally shifted representations of the wave field incident on the 4f-setup can be generated in the corresponding camera domain. By numerically combining these images a high resolution image can be calculated. The use of an SLM as a wave field shifting device promises fast and flexible subpixel shifting with a high reproducibility. Exemplarily the method will be introduced for the case of monochromatic imaging, although it can easily be adopted to holography, phase shifting interferometry or other optical measurement techniques. The theoretical analysis includes modeling of the sampling process and the resolution enhancement approach as well as the effects associated with using an SLM as the shifting device. Furthermore the technical limits arising from the pixel pitch and pixel size of the sensor and the SLM are investigated. Finally the feasibility of the presented method is verified experimentally.
Myocardin Enhances Smad 3-Mediated Transforming Growth Factor-1 Signaling in a CArG Box – Independent Manner Smad-Binding Element Is an Important cis Element for SM 22 Transcription In Vivo

Transforming growth factor (TGF)1 is an important cytokine involved in various diseases. However, the molecular mechanism whereby TGF1 signaling modulates the regulatory network for smooth muscle gene transcription remains largely unknown. To address this question, we previously identified a Smad-binding element (SBE) in the SM22 promoter as one of the TGF1 response elements. Here, we show that mutation of the SBE reduces the activation potential of a SM22 promoter in transgenic mice during embryogenesis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays reveal that TGF1 induces Smad3 binding to the SM22 promoter in vivo. A multimerized SBE promoter responsive to TGF1 signaling is highly activated by Smad3 but not by the closely related Smad2. Intriguingly, myocardin (Myocd), a known CArG box–dependent serum response factor coactivator, participates in Smad3-mediated TGF1 signaling and synergistically stimulates Smad3-induced SBE promoter activity independent of the CArG box; no such synergy is seen with Smad2. Importantly, Myocd cooperates with Smad3 to activate the wild-type SM22 , SM myosin heavy chain, and SM -actin promoters; they also activate the CArG box–mutated SM22 promoter as well as the CArG box–independent aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein promoter. Immunopreciptiation assays reveal that Myocd and Smad3 directly interact both in vitro and in vivo. Mutagenesis studies indicate that the C-terminal transactivation domains of Myocd and Smad3 are required for their functional synergy. These results reveal a novel regulatory mechanism whereby Myocd participates in TGF1 signal pathway through direct interaction with Smad3, which binds to the SBEs. This is the first demonstration that Myocd can act as a transcriptional coactivator of the smooth muscle regulatory network in a CArG box–independent manner. (Circ Res. 2005;97:983-991.)
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA): Clinical Significance and Utility in Cancer Shaped By Emerging Technologies

Precision oncology is predicated upon the ability to detect specific actionable genomic alterations and to monitor their adaptive evolution during treatment to counter resistance. Because of spatial and temporal heterogeneity and comorbidities associated with obtaining tumor tissues, especially in the case of metastatic disease, traditional methods for tumor sampling are impractical for this application. Known to be present in the blood of cancer patients for decades, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is beginning to inform on tumor genetics, tumor burden, and mechanisms of progression and drug resistance. This substrate is amenable for inexpensive noninvasive testing and thus presents a viable approach to serial sampling for screening and monitoring tumor progression. The fragmentation, low yield, and variable admixture of normal DNA present formidable technical challenges for realization of this potential. This review summarizes the history of cfDNA discovery, its biological properties, and explores emerging technologies for clinically relevant sequence-based analysis of cfDNA in cancer patients. Molecular barcoding (or Unique Molecular Identifier, UMI)-based methods currently appear to offer an optimal balance between sensitivity, flexibility, and cost and constitute a promising approach for clinically relevant assays for near real-time monitoring of treatment-induced mutational adaptations to guide evidence-based precision oncology. Mol Cancer Res; 14(10); 898–908. ©2016 AACR.
The effect of normoxic or hypobaric hypoxic endurance training on the hypoxic ventilatory response.

Cross-sectional studies in endurance athletes have demonstrated a diminished hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) compared with mountaineers or sedentary controls. Conversely, short-term altitude acclimatization may increase the HVR. The longitudinal effect of training, either at sea level or altitude, on HVR has not been previously reported. We therefore studied 21 untrained men and women before and after 5 wk of cycle ergometer training at either sea level or 2,500 m. HVR was determined using the steady-state method (16). Minute ventilation (VE) was measured with a Tissot spirometer during the last minute of 5 min breathing room air, 8% and 12% O2, administered in random order. CO2 was added at the mouth in an effort to maintain end-tidal CO2 at baseline levels. Oxyhemoglobin saturation was measured directly from arterial blood with a hemoximeter (OSM 3). HVR was defined as the positive slope of the line relating VE to O2 saturation in l.min-1%-1. One group of subjects trained at sea level at 70% maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max; N = 7). A second group trained at 2,500 m in a hypobaric chamber, at the same relative exercise intensity (i.e., 70% altitude VO2max) or same absolute intensity (same power output) as group 1 (N = 14). Both groups trained on a bicycle ergometer for 45 min.d-1, 5 d.wk-1 for 5 wk. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Parameterisable floating-point operations on FPGA

The paper presents a group of IEEE 754-style floating-point units targeted at Xilinx VirtexII FPGA. Special features of the technology are taken advantage of to produce optimised components. Pipelined designs are given that show the latency of /spl sim/100 MHz single-precision components. Non-pipelined reference designs are included for future comparison purposes.
Robust sliding mode control for nonlinear uncertain discrete-time systems

This paper deals with robust sliding mode control for nonlinear uncertain discrete-time systems. The dynamics of a such system are approximated by a model including two parts: the first one is a linear uncertain expression and the second part is a nonlinear static term assimilated to an additive perturbation. Then, a robust sliding mode control is synthesized basing on this model. Finally, two simulation examples are presented to show the validity of the proposed control design.
Study of the relationship between Capital Structure and free cash flows with financial performance of companies listed on Tehran Stock Exchange

The composition and capital structure and its relationship with shareholder wealth is basically, one of the major challenges of financial managers, although the liabilities has the tax advantage, but causes an increase in interest expense and financial risk that finally reduces the stock returns and shareholder value. On the other hand the aim of management is the cash to maximize shareholder wealth by limiting the level of cash in the company. The main objective of this research is the “study of the relationship between Capital Structure and free cash flows with financial performance of companies” that in this regard, the capital structure (financial leverage) and free cash flow as independent variables and the rate of return on assets, the rate of annual stock return and economic value added as dependent variables and the size of company as a control variable, related to 130 manufacturing company accepted in Tehran Stock Exchange during the years 2009 to 2013 were studied. The statistical methods used in this studyis Correlation analysis method through multiple regression by panel data using software is Eviwes7. After explanation of research hypotheses and analyzing the results of the calculations were determined that financial leverage (independent variable) has a significant inverse relationship with the rate of return on assets, the rate of annual stock return and the economic value added (dependent variables) company size (controlled variable) . Also there is a significant and direct correlation between free cash flows (independent variable) with the rate of return on assets, the rate of annual stock return and economic value added (dependent variables) and Company size (control variable).
Study on Load Balancing Techniques in Ant colony Optimization for Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing has become interesting area among the IT industries. It is a collection of interconnected virtual machines as to serve pay per use model as per the demand and requirements of the users. The main aim of cloud computing is to provide efficient resources to each cloud user who are participating in the network. Cloud computing have various challenges like data sharing, load balancing, information retrieval, security etc. This attempt focuses on load balancing factor for cloud computing by using Ant Colony Optimization. Load Balancing is used to distribute the heavy workload among nodes to all other nodes in cloud environment. It is very helpful for cloud users to achieve proper resource utilization and also maintain fault tolerance using different algorithms like Min Max algorithm, ACO algorithm. In this paper, brief review an introduction of ACO algorithm for cloud computing is presented. Further this paper focuses on load balancing techniques algorithms and also discusses its architecture in depth. This paper would be beneficial for researchers of the domain.
CHAIN AFFILIATION, STORE PRESTIGE AND SHOPPING CENTER RENTS

This study aims at testing whether, and to what extent, chain affiliation within regional and super-regional shopping centers affects store rent levels. The rent impact of chain affiliation is assessed in interaction with store prestige. The research rests on a database of 1,367 retail leases running over the 2000-2003 period in eleven regional and super- regional shopping centres located in Montreal and Quebec City, Canada. Findings suggest that, when compared with independent and local chain-affiliated stores selling low-end goods, middle and high-end goods chain stores operating at upper levels of affiliation are charged a rent premium. Such a profit-sharing scheme between major, high-end chain stores and mall owners, it is argued, will occur under a regulatory environment which limits the local supply of top retail space.
Analisis Keamanan Protokol Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Terhadap Proses Sniffing di Jaringan

Development of information technology, especially in the field of computer network allows the exchange of information faster and more complex and the data that is exchanged can vary. Security of data on communication in the network is a major thing. Secure socket layer (SSL) is the solution to the problem, but further research on the security of the SSL protocol transactions should be done to determine the extent of SSL can secure the data on the network. When the computer sends data across the network, the data is transmitted in packets. Sniffing is a technique of monitoring of every packet traversing the network. Security threat presented by sniffers is their ability to capture all incoming and outgoing packets through the network, which includes the passwords, usernames and other sensitive issues. Packet sniffer captures the data addressed to other devices, which will then be stored for later analysis later. Sniffing can also be used by system administrators to monitor the network and solve problems in the network.
Globular Adiponectin Activates Nuclear Factor-κB and Activating Protein-1 and Enhances Angiotensin II–Induced Proliferation in Cardiac Fibroblasts

Adiponectin is present in the serum as a trimer, hexamer, or high–molecular weight form. A proteolytic cleavage product of adiponectin, known as globular adiponectin (gAd), also circulates in human plasma. The biological activities of these isoforms are not well characterized. Pressure overload in adiponectin-deficient mice results in enhanced concentric cardiac hypertrophy and increased mortality, suggesting that adiponectin inhibits hypertrophic signaling in the myocardium. Therefore, we examined whether gAd exerts the same effects on myocardium signaling. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activating protein-1 (AP-1) activation were examined using cardiac fibroblasts prepared from the ventricles of 1- to 2-day-old Wistar rats and grown in culture. gAd activated NF-κB and enhanced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced NF-κB activity. gAd also activated AP-1 and enhanced angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced AP-1 activity. gAd induced mRNA expression of c-fos and c-jun and activated extracellular signal–regulated kinase. Thus, gAd enhanced Ang II–induced DNA and collagen synthesis. Antibodies against adiponectin receptor (AdipoR)1 and AdipoR2 elicit activation of NF-κB or AP-1, two redox-sensitive transcription factors. Thus, rather than having an antihypertrophic effect, gAd might contribute to the activation of myocardium signaling, leading to myocardial hypertrophy.
In-house communication support system utilizing social network

Almost all companies are now utilizing computer networks to support a speedier and more effective in-house information-sharing and communication. However, existing systems are unable to support to enhance communications between users. Therefore, in our research, we implemented an in-house communication support system that integrates the "information propagation model" and "discussion forums. " The former is proposed to realize word-of-mouth communication in a social network, while the latter is where users are allocated and discussions are carried out. By applying the system in a real company, we found our system has an effect to enhance communication in the real world and human relations.
Influence of Etching-Induced Surface Damage on Device Performance With Consideration of Minority Carriers Within Diffusion Length From Depletion Edge

The influence of etching-induced damage outside the depletion edge on the electrical characteristics of device is investigated using p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor structure with 2.5-nm SiO2 dielectrics. It is found that surface defects act as generation centers when minority carrier concentration is below equilibrium, leading to the increase of diffusion current injecting into depletion region. The saturation current in inversion region is an order larger for damage located at 5 μm from the gate edge than that for damage free. On the contrary, the defects act as recombination centers when given light illumination. The saturation current in inversion region under illumination is reduced to one-fifth by etching-induced traps located at 5 μm from the gate edge with respect to that without etching due to the reduction of diffusion current. A semiempirical current model based on the lateral diffusion current due to the modulation of minority carrier concentration outside the depletion edge is in great agreement with the experimental results by quantitative simulation. The model is applicable to devices involving etching process or surface issues, especially for those in the submicrometer regime.
EEG Classification Approach Based on the Extreme Learning Machine and Wavelet Transform

Automatic detection and classification of electroencephalogram (EEG) epileptic activity aid diagnosis and relieve the heavy workload of doctors. This article presents a new EEG classification approach based on the extreme learning machine (ELM) and wavelet transform (WT). First, the WT is used to extract useful features when certain scales cover abnormal components of the EEG. Second, the ELM algorithm is used to train a single hidden layer of feedforward neural network (SLFN) features. Finally, the SLFN is tested with interictal and ictal EEGs. The experiments demonstrated that the proposed approach achieved a satisfactory classification rate of 99.25% for interictal and ictal EEGs.
Precoded Single Carrier Data Transmission with Orthogonal Frequency Domain Multiplexing Pilots

A transmission scheme of orthogonally multiplexing pilots in frequency domain with single carrier data signal is proposed in this paper. In this scheme, information-bearing data symbols are modulated in time domain using a simple precode linear transformation, and multiplexed with pilot symbols in frequency domain. The proposed single carrier transmitter has lower complexity and the transmitted signal has lower peak to average power ratio (PAPR) than that of OFDM. In addition, same channel estimation algorithms for OFDM can be applied to the proposed single carrier transmission system due to the similar orthogonal multiplexing of pilot and data symbols in frequency domain. Equalizers based on MMSE and zero-forcing criteria are also presented. Receiver performance is analyzed and compared with OFDM using numerical examples.
T cell‐mediated xenograft rejection: Specific tolerance is probably required for long term xenograft survival

Abstract: T cell‐mediated mechanisms of xenograft rejection appear resistant to standard immunosuppression protocols used to prevent allograft rejection and, consequently, higher doses of immunosuppressive drugs are required to promote xenograft compared to allograft survival. Evidence from recent studies suggests that porcine xenografts may be especially immunogenic in humans because of a prominent and vigorous indirect xenoresponse and because of the ability of porcine endothelium to activate human T cells. This has led to an anxiety that systemic immunosuppressives, used as the mainstay of therapy for clinical xenotransplantation, may not allow the long‐term survival of porcine organs transplanted into human recipients. This article will review the biology of T cell xenoresponses, present the case for the development of novel graft‐specific immunosuppressive regimes in clinical xenotransplantation, and review recent experimental progress in this area.
A randomised trial of two methods of issuing prenatal test results: the ARIA (Amniocentesis Results: Investigation of Anxiety) trial.

BACKGROUND Many pregnant women experience anxiety while waiting for the results of diagnostic tests. Policies and practices intended to reduce this anxiety require evaluation. OBJECTIVES To test the following two hypotheses: * That giving amniocentesis results out on a fixed date alters maternal anxiety during the waiting period, compared with a policy of telling parents that the result will be issued "when available" (i.e. variable date). * That issuing early results from a rapid molecular test alters maternal anxiety during the waiting period, compared with not receiving any results prior to the karyotype. The effects of the two interventions on anxiety 1 month after receiving karyotype results were also examined. DESIGN A multicentre, randomised, controlled, open fixed sample, 2 x 2 factorial design trial, with equal randomisation. SETTING The prenatal diagnosis clinics in 12 hospitals in England offering amniocentesis as a diagnostic test for Down's syndrome. SAMPLE Two hundred and twenty-six women who had had an amniocentesis were randomised between June 2002 and July 2004. Eight women with abnormal results or test failure were excluded post-randomisation. INTERVENTIONS Issuing karyotype results on a prespecified fixed date, rather than issuing them as soon as they became available. Issuing karyotype results alone, or subsequent to issuing results from a rapid molecular test for the most common chromosomal abnormalities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Average anxiety during the waiting period, calculated using daily scores from the short version of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Anxiety 1 month after receiving karyotype results, measured using the short form STAI. RESULTS Issuing early results from a partial but rapid test reduced maternal anxiety by a clinically significant amount during the waiting period (mean daily score 12.5 versus 14.8; scale score difference -2.36, 95% CI -1.2, -3.6), compared with receiving only the full karyotype results. There was no evidence that giving out karyotype results on a fixed or on a variable date altered maternal anxiety during the waiting period (mean daily score 13.2 versus 14.2; scale score difference -1.02, 95% CI -2.2, 0.2). One month after receiving normal karyotype results, anxiety was low in all groups, but women who had been given rapid test results tended to be more anxious than those who had not (mean single day score 9.2 versus 8.3; mean scale score difference 0.95, 95% CI -0.03, 1.9). This small to moderate effect did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS Rapid testing was a beneficial addition to karyotyping, at least in the short term. This does not necessarily imply that early results would be preferred to comprehensive ones if women had to choose between them. Because there are no clear advantages in anxiety terms of issuing karyotype results as soon as they become available, or on a fixed date, women could be given a choice between them.