Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal heterogeneities are localized to the right ventricular outflow tract in a heterozygotic Scn 5 a mouse model

Martin CA, Grace AA, Huang CL. Spatial and temporal heterogeneities are localized to the right ventricular outflow tract in a heterozygotic Scn5a mouse model. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 300: H605–H616, 2011. First published November 19, 2010; doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00824. 2010. —Ventricular tachycardia (VT) in Brugada Syndrome patients often originates in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). We explore the physiological basis for this observation using murine whole heart preparations. Ventricular bipolar electrograms and monophasic action potentials were recorded from seven epicardial positions in Langendorff-perfused wild-type and Scn5a / hearts. VT first appeared in the RVOT, implicating it as an arrhythmogenic focus in Scn5a / hearts. RVOTs showed the greatest heterogeneity in refractory periods, response latencies, and action potential durations, and the most fractionated electrograms. However, incidences of concordant alternans in dynamic pacing protocol recordings were unaffected by the Scn5a / mutation or pharmacological intervention. Conversely, particularly at the RVOT, Scn5a / hearts showed earlier and more frequent transitions into discordant alternans. This was accentuated by flecainide, but reduced by quinidine, in parallel with their respective proand anti-arrhythmic effects. Discordant alternans preceded all episodes of VT. The RVOT of Scn5a / hearts also showed steeper restitution curves, with the diastolic interval at which the gradient equaled one strongly correlating with the diastolic interval at which discordant alternans commenced. We attribute the arrhythmic tendency within the RVOT to the greater spatial heterogeneities in baseline electrophysiological properties. These, in turn, give rise to a tendency to drive concordant alternans phenomena into an arrhythmogenic discordant alternans. Our findings may contribute to future work investigating possible pharmacological treatments for a disease in which the current mainstay of treatment is implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation.
Implementation of a WAP-based telemedicine system for patient monitoring

Many parties have already demonstrated telemedicine applications that use cellular phones and the Internet. A current trend in telecommunication is the convergence of wireless communication and computer network technologies, and the emergence of wireless application protocol (WAP) devices is an example. Since WAP will also be a common feature found in future mobile communication devices, it is worthwhile to investigate its use in telemedicine. This paper describes the implementation and experiences with a WAP-based telemedicine system for patient-monitoring that has been developed in our laboratory. It utilizes WAP devices as mobile access terminals for general inquiry and patient-monitoring services. Authorized users can browse the patients' general data, monitored blood pressure (BP), and electrocardiogram (ECG) on WAP devices in store-and-forward mode. The applications, written in wireless markup language (WML), WMLScript, and Perl, resided in a content server. A MySQL relational database system was set up to store the BP readings, ECG data, patient records, clinic and hospital information, and doctors' appointments with patients. A wireless ECG subsystem was built for recording ambulatory ECG in an indoor environment and for storing ECG data into the database. For testing, a WAP phone compliant with WAP 1.1 was used at GSM 1800 MHz by circuit-switched data (CSD) to connect to the content server through a WAP gateway, which was provided by a mobile phone service provider in Hong Kong. Data were successfully retrieved from the database and displayed on the WAP phone. The system shows how WAP can be feasible in remote patient-monitoring and patient data retrieval.
On Modeling and Forecasting Time Series of Smooth Curves

We consider modeling a time series of smooth curves and develop methods for forecasting such curves and dynamically updating the forecasts. The research problem is motivated by efficient operations management of telephone customer service centers, where forecasts of daily call arrival rate profiles are needed for service agent staffing and scheduling purposes. Our methodology has three components: dimension reduction through a smooth factor model, time series modeling and forecasting of the factor scores, and dynamic updating using penalized least squares. The proposed methods are illustrated via the motivating application and two simulation studies.
A new approach to recursive mirror filters with a special application in subband coding of images

A novel method for applying recursive mirror filters (RMF) in applications where infinite delay can be tolerated is presented. This type of situation can be found in several circumstances, but the method has its main applications in a technique of subband coding of images which was presented by J.W. Woods and S.D. O'Neill (ibid., vol.ASSP-34, p.1278-88, Oct. 1986). In image coding, a delay is only a shift in a spatial coordinate. The present method has looser filter constraints than previous recursive quadrature mirror filter (QMF) techniques, but may in certain applications require a large memory. Contrary to earlier recursive-QMF techniques, this approach leads to a linear phase characteristic, a property that is vital in image coding. >
Query-through-drilldown: data-oriented extensional queries

Traditional database query formulation is intensional: at the level of schemas, table and column names. Previous work has shown that filters can be created using a query paradigm focused on interaction with data tables. This paper presents a technique, Query-through-Drilldown, to enable join formulation in a data-oriented paradigm. Instead of formulating joins at the level of schemas, the user drills down through tables of data and the query is implicitly created based on the user's actions. Query-through-Drilldown has been applied to a large relational database, but similar techniques could be applied to semi-structured data or semantic web ontologies.
A proof engine approach to solving combinational design automation problems

There are many approaches available for solving combinational design automation problems encoded as tautology or satisfiability checks. Unfortunately there exists no single analysis that gives adequate performance for all problems of interest, and it is therefore critical to be able to combine approaches. In this paper, we present a proof engine framework where individual analyses are viewed as strategies-functions between different proof states. By defining our proof engine in such a way that we can compose strategies to form new, more powerful, strategies we achieve synergistic effects between the individual methods. The resulting framework has enabled us to develop a small set of powerful composite default strategies. We describe several strategies and their interplay; one of the strategies, variable instantiation, is new. The strength of our approach is demonstrated with experimental results showing that our default strategies can achieve up to several magnitudes of speed-up compared to BDD-based techniques and search-based satisfiability solvers such as ZCHAFF.
Towards a Context-Aware Relational Model

In traditional databases and information systems the number of users is more or less known and their background is to a great extent homogeneous. In distributed and heterogeneous environments however such as the Web, users do not apply the same conventions when interpreting data due to different backgrounds, knowledge or culture. Interpreting and managing data according to the context is a topic not explored in its full potential in these new environments. In this work we present the Context Relational model (CR model), a model that extends the relational model to argue also about context. The interesting part of this approach is that context is treated as first-class citizen at the level of database models and query languages. This is due to the fact that an attribute may not exist under some contexts or that the attribute may have different values under different contexts. Apart from the model description this work presents also a set of basic operations which extend relational algebra so as to take context into account.
Environmental governance and implications of small-scale logging: the case of the indigenous groups in the Ampiyacu Basin in the northeastern Peruvian Amazon

Small-scale logging by indigenous people in Amazonia remains little studied despite the importance of this activity to forest communities and its relevance to the implementation of conservation initiatives. Previous studies in the region have given an overview of small-scale logging and the role of local institutions in the management of timber resources. This study provides insight into the local institutions that govern the use of timber resources and the timber extraction practices of indigenous communities in
Shear Bond Strength of MDP-Containing Self-Adhesive Resin Cement and Y-TZP Ceramics: Effect of Phosphate Monomer-Containing Primers

Purpose. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different phosphate monomer-containing primers on the shear bond strength between yttria-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics and MDP-containing self-adhesive resin cement. Materials and Methods. Y-TZP ceramic surfaces were ground flat with #600-grit SiC paper and divided into six groups (n = 10). They were treated as follows: untreated (control), Metal/Zirconia Primer, Z-PRIME Plus, air abrasion, Metal/Zirconia Primer with air abrasion, and Z-PRIME Plus with air abrasion. MDP-containing self-adhesive resin cement was applied to the surface-treated Y-TZP specimens. After thermocycling, a shear bond strength test was performed. The surfaces of the Y-TZP specimens were analyzed under a scanning electron microscope. The bond strength values were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and the Student–Newman–Keuls multiple comparison test (P < 0.05). Results. The Z-PRIME Plus treatment combined with air abrasion produced the highest bond strength, followed by Z-PRIME Plus application, Metal/Zirconia Primer combined with air abrasion, air abrasion alone, and, lastly, Metal/Zirconia Primer application. The control group yielded the lowest results (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The application of MDP-containing primer resulted in increased bond strength between Y-TZP ceramics and MDP-containing self-adhesive resin cements.
The Earned Income Tax Credit and the Labor Supply of Married Couples

Over 18 million taxpayers are projected to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in tax year 1997, at a total cost to the federal government of about 25 billion dollars. The EITC is refundable, so that any amount of the credit exceeding the family's tax liability is returned in the form of a cash refund. Advocates of the credit argue that this redistribution occurs with much less distortion to labor supply than that caused by other elements of the welfare system. This popular view that the credit is unlikely to hold among married couples. Theory suggests that primary earners (typically men) would increase labor force participation, but secondary earners would reduce their labor supply in response to an EITC. We study the labor supply response of married couples to several EITC expansions between 1984 and 1996. While our primary interest is the response to changes in the budget set induced by the EITC, our estimation strategy takes account of budget set changes caused by federal tax policy, and by cross-sectional variation in wages, income, and family size. We use both quasi-experimental and reduced form labor supply models to estimate the impact of EITC induced tax changes. The results suggest that EITC expansions between 1984 and 1996 increased married men's labor force participation only slightly but reduced married women's labor force participation by over a full percentage point. Overall, the evidence suggests that family labor supply and pre-tax family earnings fell among married couples. Our results imply that the EITC is effectively subsidizing married mothers to stay at home, and therefore have implications for the design of the program.
Complement Regulatory Molecules on Human Myelin and Glial Cells: Differential Expression Affects the Deposition of Activated Complement Proteins

Abstract: The expression of decay‐accelerating factor CD55, membrane cofactor protein CD46, and CD59 was studied on Schwann cells cultured from human sural nerve and myelin membranes prepared from human cauda equina and spinal cord. These proteins are regulatory membrane molecules of the complement system. CD55 and CD46 are inhibitors of C3 and C5 convertases and CD59 inhibits C8 and C9 incorporation into C5b‐9 complex and C9‐C9 polymerization. The presence of these proteins was assessed by using antibodies to each of the proteins by fluorescent microscopy, fluorescence‐activated cell sorter analysis, and also sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blot analysis. Schwann cells in culture expressed CD55, CD46, and CD59. It is interesting that only CD59 was detected on myelin from both central and peripheral nerve tissue. The ability of these proteins to limit C3 peptide deposition and C9 polymerization in myelin was studied by western blot analysis. C3b deposition was readily detected on antibody‐sensitized myelin incubated with normal human serum used as a source of complement but not with EDTA‐treated or heat‐inactivated serum. C3b deposition was not affected by anti‐CD55 antibody. On the other hand, poly‐C9 formation in myelin, which was maximum when 50% normal human serum was used, was increased four‐ to fivefold when myelin was preincubated with anti‐CD59. Our data suggest that complement activation on myelin is down‐regulated at the step of the assembly of terminal complement complexes, including C5b‐9, due to the presence of CD59.
High-quality graphene via microwave reduction of solution-exfoliated graphene oxide

Efficient exfoliation of graphite in solutions to obtain high-quality graphene flakes is desirable for printable electronics, catalysis, energy storage, and composites. Graphite oxide with large lateral dimensions has an exfoliation yield of ~100%, but it has not been possible to completely remove the oxygen functional groups so that the reduced form of graphene oxide (GO; reduced form: rGO) remains a highly disordered material. Here we report a simple, rapid method to reduce GO into pristine graphene using 1- to 2-second pulses of microwaves. The desirable structural properties are translated into mobility values of >1000 square centimeters per volt per second in field-effect transistors with microwave-reduced GO (MW-rGO) as the channel material and into particularly high activity for MW-rGO catalyst support toward oxygen evolution reactions.
A Deep Learning Based 6 Degree-of-Freedom Localization Method for Endoscopic Capsule Robots

We present a robust deep learning based 6 degrees-of-freedom (DoF) localization system for endoscopic capsule robots. Our system mainly focuses on localization of endoscopic capsule robots inside the GI tract using only visual information captured by a mono camera integrated to the robot. The proposed system is a 23-layer deep convolutional neural network (CNN) that is capable to estimate the pose of the robot in real time using a standard CPU. The dataset for the evaluation of the system was recorded inside a surgical human stomach model with realistic surface texture, softness, and surface liquid properties so that the pre-trained CNN architecture can be transferred confidently into a real endoscopic scenario. An average error of 7:1% and 3:4% for translation and rotation has been obtained, respectively. The results accomplished from the experiments demonstrate that a CNN pre-trained with raw 2D endoscopic images performs accurately inside the GI tract and is robust to various challenges posed by reflection distortions, lens imperfections, vignetting, noise, motion blur, low resolution, and lack of unique landmarks to track.
Anisotropy and Crystal Structure of the Cocos Plate

Seismic studies in two locations on the Cocos Plate, southeast and northwest of the Tehuantepec Ridge, have shown that there is significant anisotropy with the high-velocity direction northeast-southwest and that there is a generally shallow mantle in this area of relatively shallow water and low heat flow. The mantle depth is uniformly about 8 to 8-1/2 km deep between the Clipperton fracture zone and the Guerrero Fracture Zone at 13.5°N. At this point it drops to about 9-1/2 km depth.
Modeling and Analysis of Parasitic Resistance in Double-Gate FinFETs

A comprehensive model is presented to analyze the three-dimensional (3-D) source-drain (S/D) resistance of undoped double-gated FinFETs of wide and narrow S/D width. The model incorporates the contribution of spreading, sheet, and contact resistances. The spreading resistance is modeled using a standard two-dimensional (2-D) model generalized to 3-D. The contact resistance is modeled by generalizing the one-dimensional (1-D) transmission line model to 2-D and 3-D with appropriate boundary conditions. The model is compared with the S/D resistance determined from 3-D device simulations and experimental data. We show excellent agreement between our model, the simulations, and experimental data.
GSK1120212 (JTP-74057) Is an Inhibitor of MEK Activity and Activation with Favorable Pharmacokinetic Properties for Sustained In Vivo Pathway Inhibition

Purpose: Despite their preclinical promise, previous MEK inhibitors have shown little benefit for patients. This likely reflects the narrow therapeutic window for MEK inhibitors due to the essential role of the P42/44 MAPK pathway in many nontumor tissues. GSK1120212 is a potent and selective allosteric inhibitor of the MEK1 and MEK2 (MEK1/2) enzymes with promising antitumor activity in a phase I clinical trial (ASCO 2010). Our studies characterize GSK1120212' enzymatic, cellular, and in vivo activities, describing its unusually long circulating half-life. Experimental Design: Enzymatic studies were conducted to determine GSK1120212 inhibition of recombinant MEK, following or preceding RAF kinase activation. Cellular studies examined GSK1120212 inhibition of ERK1 and 2 phosphorylation (p-ERK1/2) as well as MEK1/2 phosphorylation and activation. Further studies explored the sensitivity of cancer cell lines, and drug pharmacokinetics and efficacy in multiple tumor xenograft models. Results: In enzymatic and cellular studies, GSK1120212 inhibits MEK1/2 kinase activity and prevents Raf-dependent MEK phosphorylation (S217 for MEK1), producing prolonged p-ERK1/2 inhibition. Potent cell growth inhibition was evident in most tumor lines with mutant BRAF or Ras. In xenografted tumor models, GSK1120212 orally dosed once daily had a long circulating half-life and sustained suppression of p-ERK1/2 for more than 24 hours; GSK1120212 also reduced tumor Ki67, increased p27Kip1/CDKN1B, and caused tumor growth inhibition in multiple tumor models. The largest antitumor effect was among tumors harboring mutant BRAF or Ras. Conclusions: GSK1120212 combines high potency, selectivity, and long circulating half-life, offering promise for successfully targeting the narrow therapeutic window anticipated for clinical MEK inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res; 17(5); 989–1000. ©2011 AACR.
A general model of how fire emissions and chemistry produce African/oceanic plumes (O3, CO, PAN, smoke) in TRACE A

A full-chemistry simulation of the Great African Plume gives one example of a broad conceptual model of the intercontinental pollution of the tropical middle troposphere by lofted biomass burning plumes. This two-dimensional idealization “calibrated” by carbon monoxide distributions links conventional estimates of burning emissions to oceanic concentrations of pollutants. This paper makes use of GRACES, a modular photochemical simulation system, in two forms. The results of the chemically intensive two-dimensional form, using idealized winds, mixing, deposition, and rainout, match the general concentration patterns of a three-dimensional GRACES model study of CO during the TRACE A/SAFARI period of October 1992 (reported separately). The study highlights the importance of simulating the vertical and diurnal variation of the planetary boundary layer and cloud activity. These correlate temporally with the intensity of tropical agricultural burning. We emphasize one situation, the drift northward and eastward of pollution into the interocean convergence region, where it rises by small-scale motions and rides out westward in the lower midtroposphere (<5 km). These effects help set in place large strata of enhanced CO, ozone, and other pollution over the equatorial Atlantic Ocean. Overall, our comparisons of simulations with the TRACE A data on the cycling of CO, NOx, and O3 in the tropical atmosphere suggest substantial agreement of current emission estimates and atmospheric concentrations. In certain regions, ozone is simulated slightly below observed levels. The striking major disagreements are in NOy, (total reactive nitrogen) and HNO3, which are intimately related to CO and O3; this suggests that current theory omits at least one fundamental process.
A Hybrid-Control Approach to the Parking Problem of a Wheeled Vehicle Using Limited View-Angle Visual Feedback

In this paper we consider the mobile robot parking problem, i.e., the stabilization of a wheeled vehicle to a given position and orientation, using only visual feedback from low-cost cameras. We take into account the practically most relevant problem of keeping the tracked features in sight of the camera while maneuvering to park the vehicle. This constraint, often neglected in the literature, combines with the non-holonomic nature of the vehicle kinematics in a challenging controller design problem. We provide an effective solution to such a problem by using a combination of previous results on non-smooth control synthesis and recently developed hybrid control techniques. Simulations and experimental results on a laboratory vehicle are reported, showing the practicality of the proposed approach.