Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Climate and sea level variations in the Gulf of Lion : coupling stable and radiogenic isotopes proxies

De par sa position, le Golfe du Lion est un site ideal pour l’investigation des changements paleo-environnementaux et des processus affectant le depot sedimentaire. Les travaux anterieurs ont permis de mettre en evidence les impacts de la variabilite climatique et glacioeustatique sur l’organisation stratigraphique de la marge, mais egalement sur les exports terrestres de matiere organique.L’etude isotopique du carbone organique et de l’azote de la matiere organique dans les sediments du forage PRGL1-4 nous a permis de mettre en evidence de forts exports fluviaux lors des interstades survenus au cours des 200 000 derniers milles ans. La mise en regard de cette decouverte avec les enregistrements paleo-climatologiques terrestre et marin disponibles dans la region indique que ces forts exports fluviaux resultent d’une augmentation des precipitations le long de la bordure Nord Mediterraneenne. Grâce a la position dePRGL1-4, nous proposons que ces pluies soient le resultat d’une augmentation du passage de depressions Nord Atlantique dans le bassin Ouest Mediterraneen.Une caracterisation des isotopes du soufre preserves dans la pyrite sedimentaire a ete realisee. Les resultats obtenus ont permis de mettre en evidence une variation isotopique insoupconnee, l’une des plus grandes observees de nos jours, dont la cyclicite semble indiquer un fort controle climatique. Nous proposons deux mecanismes influencant le fractionnement isotopique: une modulation de l’activite bacterienne par le climat, et/ou (ii) une modulation locale liee la nature des sediments impliques dans la formation des pyrites en lien avec les variations eustatiques.
Prospects for Improving U.S. Patent Quality via Postgrant Opposition

The recent surge in U.S. patenting and the expansion of patentable subject matter has increased patent office backlogs and raised concerns that, in some cases, patents of insufficient quality or with inadequate search of prior art are being issued. At the same time, patent litigation and its costs are rising. This paper explores the potential of a postgrant review process modeled on the European opposition system to improve patent quality, reveal overlooked prior art, and reduce subsequent litigation. We argue that the welfare gains to such a system may be substantial.
Tensile failure of carbon fibers

Abstract: Carbon fibers are reviewed and discussed from the points of view of different categories of carbon fiber, their history, characteristics, performances, applications, environmental effects and future trends. Emphasis is given to polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fiber, which is the most widely used form of carbon fiber. Cellulose and pitch-based carbon fibers are also discussed and compared with PAN-based carbon fibers.
Embodied user interfaces for really direct manipulation

A major event in the history of human-computer interaction was the advent of the graphical user interface at Xerox PARC in the 1970s. The GUI was based on a bitmapped display, making the interface to the computer primarily a visual medium, along with a pointing device (typically a mouse), enabling the user to point to parts of the display. The GUI transformed HCI from communication in an arcane textual language to a visual and manipulative activity.
Characterizing a lumping heuristic for a Markov network reliability model

Network reliability models are plagued by large state spaces. When combinatorial models are inapplicable, Markov models are generally used to evaluate network reliability. Standard numerical methods of Markov chain solution are not applicable due to the size of the state space. Alternate solution methods through state space reduction by lumping or a solution by simulation are required. The authors characterize a lumping heuristic which derives a smaller Markov model from the original Markov reliability model for a network with an alternate-routing capability and link repair facility. In an empirical evaluation, this heuristic is seen to yield very good approximations: in all the experiments the reliability function obtained by solving the derived Markov chain using a standard Markov solver closely tracked the function obtained through simulation of the original Markov chain over a range of parameters. The theory of lumpability is used to investigate the characteristics of the heuristically constructed Markov chain.
Accelerated Diffusion Operators for Enhancing DW-MRI

High angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) is a MRI imaging technique that is able to better capture the intra-voxel diffusion pattern compared to its simpler predecessor diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). However, HARDI in general produces very noisy diffusion patterns due to the low SNR from the scanners at high b-values. Furthermore, it still exhibits limitations in areas where the diffusion pattern is asymmetrical (bifurcations, splaying fibers, etc.). To overcome these limitations, enhancement and denoising of the data based on context information is a crucial step. In order to achieve it, convolutions are performed in the coupled spatial and angular domain. Therefore the kernels applied become also HARDI data. However, these approaches have high computational complexity of an already complex HARDI data processing. In this work, we present an accelerated framework for HARDI data regularizaton and enhancement. The convolution operators are optimized by: pre-calculating the kernels, analysing kernels shape and utilizing look-up-tables. We provide an increase of speed, compared to previous brute force approaches of simpler kernels. These methods can be used as a preprocessing for tractography and lead to new ways for investigation of brain white matter.
3D-footprint: a database for the structural analysis of protein–DNA complexes

3D-footprint is a living database, updated and curated on a weekly basis, which provides estimates of binding specificity for all protein–DNA complexes available at the Protein Data Bank. The web interface allows the user to: (i) browse DNA-binding proteins by keyword; (ii) find proteins that recognize a similar DNA motif and (iii) BLAST similar DNA-binding proteins, highlighting interface residues in the resulting alignments. Each complex in the database is dissected to draw interface graphs and footprint logos, and two complementary algorithms are employed to characterize binding specificity. Moreover, oligonucleotide sequences extracted from literature abstracts are reported in order to show the range of variant sites bound by each protein and other related proteins. Benchmark experiments, including comparisons with expert-curated databases RegulonDB and TRANSFAC, support the quality of structure-based estimates of specificity. The relevant content of the database is available for download as flat files and it is also possible to use the 3D-footprint pipeline to analyze protein coordinates input by the user. 3D-footprint is available at http://floresta.eead. csic.es/3dfootprint with demo buttons and a comprehensive tutorial that illustrates the main uses of this resource.
Population heterogeneity in mutation rate increases mean fitness and the frequency of higher order mutants

Mutation rate is a crucial evolutionary parameter that has typically been treated as a constant in population genetic analyses. However, mutation rate is likely to vary among co-existing individuals within a population, due to genetic polymorphisms, heterogeneous environmental influences, and random physiological fluctuations. We explore the consequences of such mutation rate heterogeneity in a model allowing an arbitrary distribution of mutation rate among individuals, either with or without inheritance. We find that variation of mutation rate about the mean results in a higher probability of producing zero or many simultaneous mutations on a genome. Moreover, it increases the frequency of higher order mutants even under ongoing mutation and selection. We gain a quantitative understanding of how this frequency depends on moments of the mutation rate distribution and selection coefficients. In particular, in a two-locus model, heterogeneity leads to a relative increase in double mutant frequency proportional to the squared coefficient of variation of the mutation rate. Relative effect sizes increase with the number of loci. Finally, this clustering of deleterious mutations into fewer individuals results in a higher population mean fitness. Our results imply that mutation rate heterogeneity allows a population to maintain a higher level of adaptedness to its current environment, while simultaneously harboring greater genetic diversity in the standing variation, which could be crucial for future adaptation to a new environment. Our results also have implications for interpreting mutation rate estimates and mutant frequencies in data.
Emerging Novel Therapies for Heart Failure

Heart function fails when the organ is unable to pump blood at a rate proportional to the body's need for oxygen or when this function leads to elevated cardiac chamber filling pressures (cardiogenic pulmonary edema). Despite our sophisticated knowledge of heart failure, even so-called ejection fraction-preserved heart failure has high rates of mortality and morbidity. So, novel therapies are sorely needed. This review discusses current standard therapies for heart failure and launches an exploration into emerging novel treatments on the heels of recently-approved sacubitril and ivbradine. For example, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is protective of the heart, so in the absence of VIP, VIP knockout mice have dysregulation in key heart failure genes: 1) Force Generation and Propagation; 2) Energy Production and Regulation; 3) Ca+2 Cycling; 4) Transcriptional Regulators. VIP administration leads to coronary dilation in human subjects. In heart failure patients, VIP levels are elevated as a plausible endogenous protective effect. With the development of elastin polymers to stabilize VIP and prevent its degradation, VIP may therefore have a chance to satisfy the unmet need as a potential treatment for acute heart failure.
A Differential Digitally Controlled Crystal Oscillator With a 14-Bit Tuning Resolution and Sine Wave Outputs for Cellular Applications

This paper describes the design topologies and considerations of a differential sinusoidal-output digitally controlled crystal oscillator (DCXO) intended for use in cellular applications. The oscillator has a fine-tuning range of ±44 ppm, approximately 14 bits of resolution, and an average step size of 0.005 ppm. All signals connecting externally to I/O pins are sine waves for reducing noise, interference, and spurs couplings. The 26 MHz DCXO fabricated in 65 nm CMOS achieves a phase noise of -149.1 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset measured at the sine wave buffer output. The DCXO is capable of meeting the stringent phase noise requirements for IEEE 802.11n 5 GHz WLAN devices. A typical frequency pulling of 0.01 ppm due to turning on/off the sine wave buffer is measured. The DCXO dissipates 1.2 mA of current, whereas each sine wave output buffer draws 1.4 mA. The DXCO occupies a total silicon area of 0.15 mm2 .
Perspective on precision medicine in paediatric heart failure.

In 2015, President Obama launched the Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI), which introduced new funding to a method of research with the potential to study rare and complex diseases. Paediatric heart failure, a heterogeneous syndrome affecting approximately 1 in 100000 children, is one such condition in which precision medicine techniques may be applied with great benefit. Current heart failure therapies target downstream effects of heart failure rather than the underlying cause of heart failure. As such, they are often ineffective in paediatric heart failure, which is typically of primary (e.g. genetic) rather than secondary (e.g. acquired) aetiology. It is, therefore, important to develop therapies that can target the causes of heart failure in children with greater specificity thereby decreasing morbidity, mortality and burden of illness on both patients and their families. The benefits of co-ordinated research in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics and phenomics along with dietary, lifestyle and social factors have led to novel therapeutic and prognostic applications in other fields such as oncology. Applying such co-ordinated research efforts to heart failure constitutes an important step in advancing care and improving the lives of those affected.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in a national sample of female and male Vietnam veterans: risk factors, war-zone stressors, and resilience-recovery variables.

Relationships among pretrauma risk factors (e.g., family instability, childhood antisocial behavior), war-zone stressors (e.g., combat, perceived threat), posttrauma resilience-recovery variables (e.g., hardiness, social support), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity were examined. Data from a national sample of 432 female and 1,200 male veterans were analyzed using structural equation modeling. For both genders, direct links to PTSD from pretrauma, war-zone, and posttrauma variable categories were found; several direct associations between pretrauma and posttrauma variables were documented. Although war-zone stressors appeared preeminent for PTSD in men, posttrauma resilience-recovery variables were more salient for women. Researchers, policymakers, and clinicians are urged to take a broad view on trauma and its sequelae, especially regarding possible multiple exposures over time and the depletion and availability of important resources.
Send Orders of Reprints at Reprints@benthamscience.net T-cell Signaling in Hiv-1 Infection

HIV exploits the T-cell signaling network to gain access to downstream cellular components, which serves as effective tools to break the cellular barriers. Multiple host factors and their interaction with viral proteins contribute to the complexity of HIV-1 pathogenesis and disease progression. HIV-1 proteins gp120, Nef, Tat and Vpr alter the T-cell signaling pathways by activating multiple transcription factors including NF-B, Sp1 and AP-1. HIV-1 evades the immune system by developing a multi-pronged strategy. Additionally, HIV-1 encoded proteins influence the apoptosis in the host cell favoring or blocking T-cell apoptosis. Thus, T-cell signaling hijacked by viral proteins accounts for both viral persistence and immune suppression during HIV-1 infection. Here, we summarize past and present studies on HIV-1 T-cell signaling with special focus on the possible role of T cells in facilitating viral infection and pathogenesis.
Cannabinoids for control of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting: quantitative systematic review

Abstract Objective: To quantify the antiemetic efficacy and adverse effects of cannabis used for sickness induced by chemotherapy. Design: Systematic review. Data sources: Systematic search (Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, bibliographies), any language, to August 2000. Studies: 30 randomised comparisons of cannabis with placebo or antiemetics from which dichotomous data on efficacy and harm were available (1366 patients). Oral nabilone, oral dronabinol (tetrahydrocannabinol), and intramuscular levonantradol were tested. No cannabis was smoked. Follow up lasted 24 hours. Results: Cannabinoids were more effective antiemetics than prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, thiethylperazine, haloperidol, domperidone, or alizapride: relative risk 1.38 (95% confidence interval 1.18 to 1.62), number needed to treat 6 for complete control of nausea; 1.28 (1.08 to 1.51), NNT 8 for complete control of vomiting. Cannabinoids were not more effective in patients receiving very low or very high emetogenic chemotherapy. In crossover trials, patients preferred cannabinoids for future chemotherapy cycles: 2.39 (2.05 to 2.78), NNT 3. Some potentially beneficial side effects occurred more often with cannabinoids: “high” 10.6 (6.86 to 16.5), NNT 3; sedation or drowsiness 1.66 (1.46 to 1.89), NNT 5; euphoria 12.5 (3.00 to 52.1), NNT 7. Harmful side effects also occurred more often with cannabinoids: dizziness 2.97 (2.31 to 3.83), NNT 3; dysphoria or depression 8.06 (3.38 to 19.2), NNT 8; hallucinations 6.10 (2.41 to 15.4), NNT 17; paranoia 8.58 (6.38 to 11.5), NNT 20; and arterial hypotension 2.23 (1.75 to 2.83), NNT 7. Patients given cannabinoids were more likely to withdraw due to side effects 4.67 (3.07 to 7.09), NNT 11. Conclusions: In selected patients, the cannabinoids tested in these trials may be useful as mood enhancing adjuvants for controlling chemotherapy related sickness. Potentially serious adverse effects, even when taken short term orally or intramuscularly, are likely to limit their widespread use. What is already known on this topic Requests have been made for legalisation of cannabis (marijuana) for medical use Long term smoking of cannabis can have physical and neuropsychiatric adverse effects Cannabis may be useful in the control of chemotherapy related sickness What this study adds Oral nabilone and dronabinol and intramuscular levonantradol are superior to conventional antiemetics (such as prochlorperazine or metoclopramide) in chemotherapy Side effects are common with cannabinoids, and although some may be potentially beneficial (euphoria, “high,” sedation), others are harmful (dysphoria, depression, hallucinations) Many patients have a strong preference for cannabinoids
The Effect of Heparin-VEGF Multilayer on the Biocompatibility of Decellularized Aortic Valve with Platelet and Endothelial Progenitor Cells

The application of polyelectrolyte multilayer films is a new, versatile approach to surface modification of decellularized tissue, which has the potential to greatly enhance the functionality of engineered tissue constructs derived from decellularized organs. In the present study, we test the hypothesis that Heparin- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) multilayer film can not only act as an antithrombotic coating reagent, but also induce proliferation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) on the decellularized aortic heart valve. SEM demonstrated the adhesion and geometric deformation of platelets. The quantitative assay of platelet activation was determined by measuring the production of soluble P-selectin. Binding and subsequent release of heparin and VEGF from valve leaflets were assessed qualitatively by laser confocal scanning microscopy and quantitatively by ELISA methods. Human blood derived EPCs were cultured and the adhesion and growth of EPCs on the surface modified valvular scaffolds were assessed. The results showed that Heparin-VEGF multilayer film improved decellularized valve haemocompatibility with respect to a substantial reduction of platelet adhesion. Release of VEGF from the decellularized heart valve leaflets at physiological conditions was sustained over 5 days. In vitro biological tests demonstrated that EPCs achieved better adhesion, proliferation and migration on the coatings with Heparin-VEGF multilayer film. Combined, these results indicate that Heparin-VEGF multilayer film could be used to cover the decellularized porcine aortic valve to decrease platelet adhesion while exhibiting excellent EPCs biocompatibility.
Network Flow Modeling for Flexible Manufacturing Systems with Re-entrant Lines

A relaxed version of the process planning problem for flexible manufacturing systems/cells (FMS/FMC) and processing networks, such as flexible flow shops and general job shops, is formulated using a simple extension of multicommodity network flow problems. Our multistage multicommodity network formulation allows for simultaneous routing and resource allocation and also captures the case of re-entrant lines (recirculation). It can be used to perform rapid, albeit crude, explorations of the combinatorial space of possible configurations and failure scenarios. The technique can also provide bounds on the limits of system performance (eg: throughput, link usage, bottlenecks, etc). This can be used to guide the design of robust FMS architectures with high degree of redundancy in machines and routes, as demonstrated in numerical examples. Being a relaxation to the full discrete problem, our method could potentially be used as an admissible heuristic for pruning Al-based planning methods. We demonstrate our approach on a realistic industrial problem
Hypervisor-based prevention of persistent rootkits

Rootkits are prevalent in today's Internet. In particular, persistent rootkits pose a serious security threat because they reside in storage and survive system reboots. Using hypervisors is an attractive way to deal with rootkits, especially when the rootkits have kernel privileges, because hypervisors have higher privileges than OS kernels. However, most of the previous studies do not focus on prevention of persistent rootkits. This paper presents a hypervisor-based file protection scheme for preventing persistent rootkits from residing in storage. Based on security policies created in a secure environment, the hypervisor makes critical system files read-only and unmodifiable by rootkits even if they have kernel privileges. Our scheme is designed to significantly reduce the size of hypervisors when combined with the architecture of BitVisor, a thin hypervisor for enforcing I/O device security, thereby contributing to the reliability of hypervisors. Our hypervisor consists of only 37 kilo lines of code in total, and its overhead on Windows XP with a FAT32 file system is only 1.1% -- 14.0%.
40-Gb/s 2: 1 multiplexer and 1: 2 demultiplexer in 120-nm standard CMOS

We present an integrated 2:1 multiplexer and a companion 1:2 demultiplexer in CMOS. Both integrated circuits (ICs) operate up to a bit rate of 40 Gb/s. The 2:1 multiplexer features two in-phase data inputs which are achieved by a master-slave flip-flop and a master-slave-master flip-flop. Current-mode logic is used because of the higher speed compared to static CMOS and the robustness against common-mode disturbances. The multiplexer uses no output buffer and directly drives the 50-/spl Omega/ environment. An inductance connected in series to the output in combination with shunt peaking is used to enhance the bandwidth of the multiplexer. Fully symmetric on-chip inductors are used for peaking. The inductors are mutually coupled to save chip area. Lumped equivalent models of both peaking inductors allow optimization of the circuit. The ICs are fabricated in a 120-nm standard CMOS technology and use 1.5-V supply voltage. Measured eye diagrams of both ICs demonstrate their performance.
Mutually Beneficial Confluent Routing

We investigate a new multi-user routing problem: mutually beneficial confluent routing (MCR). In the MCR, every user has his/her own source and destination; confluences of user routes occur so that users can mutually benefit from travelling together on the confluences. The idea of gaining benefit from travelling together is valuable in various practical applications, such as ride sharing, delivery routing, and pedestrian navigation. We formulate the MCR as a new combinatorial optimization problem on road networks. The MCR is more general and complex than single vehicle routing problems, ride-sharing problems, and the Steiner tree problem. We propose exact and efficient algorithms for the MCR for the setting of two or three users. The setting is reasonable for various practical applications. The key ideas of our algorithms are to use “confluence patterns” of the optimal solutions and exploit the properties of geometric graphs. Experimental results obtained on large scale road networks reveal that our algorithms are sufficiently efficient.