Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ORF6 Gene Is Essential in Viral Lytic Replication

Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is associated with Kaposis's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman's disease. KSHV encodes at least 8 open reading frames (ORFs) that play important roles in its lytic DNA replication. Among which, ORF6 of KSHV encodes an ssDNA binding protein that has been proved to participate in origin-dependent DNA replication in transient assays. To define further the function of ORF6 in the virus life cycle, we constructed a recombinant virus genome with a large deletion within the ORF6 locus by using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) system. Stable 293T cells carrying the BAC36 (wild type) and BACΔ6 genomes were generated. When monolayers of 293T-BAC36 and 293T-BACΔ6 cells were induced with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and sodium butyrate, infectious virus was detected from the 293T-BAC36 cell supernatants only and not from the 293T- BACΔ6 cell supernatants. DNA synthesis was defective in 293T-BACΔ6 cells. Expression of ORF6 in trans in BACΔ6-containing cells was able to rescue both defects. Our results provide genetic evidence that ORF6 is essential for KSHV lytic replication. The stable 293T cells carrying the BAC36 and BACΔ6 genomes could be used as tools to investigate the detailed functions of ORF6 in the lytic replication of KSHV.
Mechanical properties determination of AM components

Characterisation of engineering materials and components is a crucial part for design and save service life utilization. Due to components processing technologies and exploitation conditions local properties can significantly vary from location to location over larger components as well as over small material volumes with gradual material changes such as welds, coatings or additively manufactured parts. The current paper is dealing with local properties characterisation for additively manufacture (AM) components by micro tensile test (M-TT). Components produced by additive manufacturing techniques yield properties variation in dependence of the considered location within the component regarding to direction in relation to deposition process. Properties vary over the thickness, length, angle or contacts with the supporting structures necessary for a successful components production by additive manufacturing techniques. The properties differences are mainly related to varying heating/reheating and cooling conditions at various locations of usually very complex parts produced mainly by these technologies. The standard testing procedures fail to characterize such local properties of complex shaped objects due to large size requirements on specimens. Therefore, new techniques have to be established for such detailed local characterizations. Results of miniaturized tensile tests application for local properties and orientations are shown here.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is defined as a hematologic disorder, characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia without a clinically apparent cause. The major causes of accelerated platelet consumption include immune thrombocytopenia, decreased bone marrow production, and increased splenic sequestration. The clinical presentation may be acute with severe bleeding, or insidious with slow development with mild or no symptoms. The initial laboratory tests useful at the first visit to predict future diagnosis were erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antibodies, reticulated platelets, plasma thrombopoietin level. Treatment should be restricted to those patients with moderate or severe thrombocytopenia who are bleeding or at risk of bleeding. We present a case report on ITP with clinical presentation, diagnosis and management.
Lifestyle modification to improve blood pressure control in individuals with diabetes: is physician advice effective?

OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of physician advice on hypertension-related lifestyle modification in individuals with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data on adults with one or more physician visit in the 1998 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were analyzed (diabetes, n = 1609; no diabetes, n = 19672). The proportion with hypertension who received physician advice to lose weight, increase physical activity, or take antihypertensive medications and the proportion who reported adhering to advice were compared by diabetes status. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with receipt of physician advice and adherence to advice by diabetes status controlling for covariates. Then, logistic regression was also used to determine the extent to which patient adherence among people with diabetes differed by age, sex, and race/ethnicity, controlling for other covariates. STATA statistical software was used for all analyses to account for the complex survey design of NHIS. RESULTS Controlling for covariates, individuals with diabetes were more likely to receive advice (odds ratio [OR] 1.94 for weight loss, 1.99 for exercise, and 2.16 for medications). Adherence was more likely in individuals with diabetes (OR 1.40 for losing weight and 2.16 for taking medications). Adherence in people with diabetes did not differ by sex or race/ethnicity. Subjects 18-44 years old were least likely to report losing weight (OR 0.15) or taking medications (0.31) compared with subjects >or=65 years old. CONCLUSIONS Physician advice appears effective at changing hypertension-related lifestyles in people with diabetes regardless of sex or race/ethnicity. However, advice on increasing physical activity does not seem as effective.
Model based image interpretation with application to facial expression recognition

The interaction between humans and computers lacks intuition; mostly it is restricted to traditional input and output devices. Therefore, integrating interpersonal interaction mechanisms will abolish this shortcoming. The proposed algorithms robustly localize facial features, seamlessly track them through image sequences, and determine features for facial expression interpretation. The general research statement of this thesis is that model-based techniques have great potential to interpret images. Unfortunately, remaining challenges, such as the initial model parameterization, still forms major obstacles for a comprehensive application in real-world scenarios. In order to tackle this, we consider the objective function as the most important component involved. We propose a methodology that learns highly robust objective functions from annotated example images. This procedure lays the foundation for a general application of model-based image interpretation, because it is easy to use and does not require computer vision expertise.
Reconstruction of chaotic dynamics using a noise-robust embedding method

In this article, we discuss the reconstruction of chaotic dynamics in a partial observation situation. As a function approximator, we employ a normalized Gaussian network (NGnet), which is trained by an on-line EM algorithm. In order to deal with the partial observation, we propose a new embedding method based on smoothing filters, which is called integral embedding. The NGnet is trained to learn the dynamical system in the integral coordinate space. Experimental results show that the trained NGnet is able to reproduce a chaotic attractor that well approximates the complexity and instability of the original chaotic attractor, even when the data involve large noise. In comparison with our previous method using delay coordinate embedding, this new method is more robust to noise and faster in learning.
A distributed algorithm for gathering many fat mobile robots in the plane

We revisit the problem of gathering autonomous robots in the plane. In particular, we consider non-transparent unit-disc robots (i.e., fat) in an asynchronous setting with vision as the only means of coordination and robots only make local decisions. We use a state-machine representation to formulate the gathering problem and develop a distributed algorithm that solves the problem for any number of fat robots. The main idea behind the algorithm is to enforce the robots to reach a configuration in which all the following hold: (i) The robots' centers form a convex hull in which all robots are on the convex hull's boundary; (ii) Each robot can see all other robots; (iii) The configuration is connected: every robot touches another robot and all robots form together a connected formation. We show that starting from any initial configuration, the fat robots eventually reach such a configuration and terminate yielding a solution to the gathering problem.
Segmentation of Magnetic Resonance Brain Images Using Edge and Region Cooperation Characterization of Stroke Lesions

A single-phase, reversible induction motor, comprising two cylindrical rotors disposed side by side on the same axis of rotation, the rotors being composed of laminated iron cores and provided with grooves of the same number disposed in parallel with the shaft and on respective surfaces of the cylindrical rotors at regular intervals; two two-pole field systems respectively composed of laminated iron cores and surrounding the rotors, and coils for exciting the field systems, respectively, the field systems and the coils being arranged so that the directions of passage through the rotors of magnetic fluxes emanating therefrom be perpendicular to each other; and a switching circuit for reversing the phase of a single-phase alternating current supplied to one of the coils. Conductors of a magnetically permeable material are fixedly secured to all the grooves of one of the rotors but electrically isolated from the rotor iron core. Conductors of a non-magnetically-permeable material are fixedly secured to all the grooves of the other rotor but electrically isolated from the rotor iron core. Corresponding conductors of the two rotors are interconnected at one ends for each groove and connected at the other ends to respective conductor rings for common connection use.
Gene Transfers of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-B, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-D Have No Effects on Atherosclerosis in Hypercholesterolemic Low-Density Lipoprotein-Receptor/Apolipoprotein B48-Deficient Mice

Background—The role of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) in large arteries has been proposed to be either vasculoprotective or proatherogenic. Because VEGF family members are used for human therapy, it is important to know whether they could enhance atherogenesis. We tested the effects of the members of the VEGF gene family on atherogenesis in LDL-receptor/apolipoprotein (apo) B48 double-knockout (LDLR/apoB48) mice using systemic adenoviral gene transfer. Methods and Results—Six groups of LDLR/apoB48-deficient mice (n=110) were kept 3 months on a Western-type diet. After 6 weeks of diet, mice were injected via tail vein with recombinant adenoviruses expressing VEGF-A, -B, -C, or -D or LacZ (1×109 PFU) or rhVEGF-A protein (2 &mgr;g/kg) and euthanized 6 weeks later. Also, older mice (n=36) were injected after 4 months on the diet and euthanized 6 weeks later (total time on the diet, 22 weeks) to evaluate the effects of gene transfers on the development of more mature lesions. Aortas were analyzed for the presence of macroscopic lesions, cross-sectional lesion areas, neovascularization, and cellular composition of the lesions. All groups had equivalent plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Gene transfers with recombinant adenoviruses or administration of rhVEGF-A protein had no statistically significant effects on en face atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta, cross-sectional lesion area, neovascularization, or cellular composition of the lesions. Conclusions—This study shows no proatherogenic effects of adenovirus-mediated gene transfers of VEGF-A, -B, -C, or -D in the LDLR/apoB48-deficient hypercholesterolemic mice, in which lipoprotein profile and atherosclerosis closely resemble those in human disease.
Virtual Bone Surgery Using a Haptic Robot

e a-Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, E-mail: arbab@modares.ac. ir, mogaddam@modares.ac. ir. b-Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, E-mail: nahvi@kntu.ac. ir. c-Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, USA, E-mail: mahvash@bu.edu. d-Bionics and Cognitive Science Center, Monash University, Victoria, Australia, E-mail: barry.richardson@arts.monash. edu.au. A R T I C L E I N F O
Prognostic Factors for the Development of Biochemical Recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in Western countries and is associated with a considerable risk of mortality. Biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy is a relatively common finding, affecting approximately 25% of cases. The aim of our paper was to identify factors that can predict the occurrence of biochemical recurrence, so the patient can be properly counselled pre- and postoperatively. Medline review of the literatures was done followed by a group discussion on the chosen publications and their valuable influence. Preoperative serum total PSA and clinical stage, together with prostatectomy Gleason grade, tumour volume, and perineural and vascular invasions, were the most important variables found to influence outcome.
Asthma Caused by Peracetic Acid‐Hydrogen Peroxide Mixture

Thorough preventive measures against potential patient infections caused by endoscopic material has become a priority in hospitals and has pushed hospital care personnel to use increasingly more powerful disinfectant products with much longer contact periods, which has been responsible for a deterioration in their health. Among chemical disinfectants, formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde were the most widely used for reducing microbial contamination responsible for infectious accidents following invasive endoscopies. At present, oxidizing agents such as PA-HP, have replaced them but are known to be ineffective for the prion inactivation cycle and to have toxic effects on patients, nursing staff and the environment. PA-HP is officially recommended with respective concentrations of 0.08% and 1% for best sterilization of germs responsible for infections and on biofilm (organic polymer sticking to a surface). Occupational asthma has been documented in nurses exposed to solvents such as formaldehyde but has not yet been described in workers exposed to PA-HP. We report the cases of two subjects who developed cough, wheezing and shortness of breath after being exposed to PA-HP vapors.
Infiltration Casting and In Situ Fabrication of NbC Particulates – Reinforced Iron Matrix Composites

Niobium carbide (NbC) particulates -reinforced iron matrix composites were prepared by in- situ fabrication method combining an infiltration casting with a subsequent heat treatment. The microstructure and wear-resistance of NbC particulate-reinforced iron matrix composites were studied using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and wear testing. The results indicate that at 1172 °C for 3 hours NbC particulate-reinforced iron matrix composites were fabricated, and the size of NbC reinforcement was 0.3–3.5 μm. The relative wear resistance of the composites was 5.4 times higher than that of gray cast iron under a 20 N load. This was achieved at 22 % NbC volume fraction. Wear of the composites manifests as grooves, broken carbide particulates and some micro-cracks.
An Enhanced Access Reservation Protocol With a Partial Preamble Transmission Mechanism in NB-IoT Systems

We propose an enhanced access reservation protocol (ARP) with a partial preamble transmission mechanism for the narrow band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems. The proposed ARP can enhance the ARP performance by mitigating the occurrence of preamble collisions, while being compatible with the conventional NB-IoT ARP. We provide an analytical model that captures the performance of the proposed ARP in terms of false alarm, misdetection, and collision probabilities. Moreover, we investigate a tradeoff between the misdetection and the collision probabilities, and optimize the proposed ARP according to the system loads. The results show that the proposed ARP outperforms the conventional NB-IoT ARP, in particular, at heavier system loads.
Air Pollution Exposure During Pregnancy, Ultrasound Measures of Fetal Growth, and Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Air pollution exposure during pregnancy might have trimester-specific effects on fetal growth. Objective: We prospectively evaluated the associations of maternal air pollution exposure with fetal growth characteristics and adverse birth outcomes in 7,772 subjects in the Netherlands. Methods: Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < 10 μm (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels were estimated using dispersion modeling at the home address. Fetal head circumference, length, and weight were estimated in each trimester by ultrasound. Information on birth outcomes was obtained from medical records. Results: In cross-sectional analyses, NO2 levels were inversely associated with fetal femur length in the second and third trimester, and PM10 and NO2 levels both were associated with smaller fetal head circumference in the third trimester [–0.18 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI): –0.24, –0.12 mm; and –0.12 mm, 95% CI: –0.17, –0.06 mm per 1-μg/m3 increase in PM10 and NO2, respectively]. Average PM10 and NO2 levels during pregnancy were not associated with head circumference and length at birth or neonatally, but were inversely associated with birth weight (–3.6 g, 95% CI: –6.7, –0.4 g; and –3.4 g, 95% CI: –6.2, –0.6 g, respectively). Longitudinal analyses showed similar patterns for head circumference and weight, but no associations with length. The third and fourth quartiles of PM10 exposure were associated with preterm birth [odds ratio (OR) = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.89; and OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 0.96, 1.79, relative to the first quartile]. The third quartile of PM10 exposure, but not the fourth, was associated with small size for gestational age at birth (SGA) (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.90). No consistent associations were observed for NO2 levels and adverse birth outcomes. Conclusions: Results suggest that maternal air pollution exposure is inversely associated with fetal growth during the second and third trimester and with weight at birth. PM10 exposure was positively associated with preterm birth and SGA.
Implementing an Append-Only Interface for Semiconductor Storage

Solid-state disks are currently based on NAND flash and expose a standard disk interface. To accommodate limitations of the medium, solid-state disk implementations avoid rewriting data in place, instead exposing a logical remapping of the physical storage. We present an alternative way to use flash storage, where an “append"I interface is exposed directly to software. We motivate how an append interface could be used by a database system. We describe bit rot and space reclamation in direct-attached logstructured storage and give details of how to implement the interface in a custom controller. We then show how to make append operations idempotent, including how to create a fuzzy pointer to a page that has not yet been appended (and therefore whose address is not yet known), how to detect holes in the append sequence, and how to scale out read operations. 1 The Case for a Log-Structured Database Most database systems store data persistently in two representations, a database and a log. These representations are based in large part on the behavior of hard disk drives, namely, that they are much faster at reading and writing pages sequentially than reading and writing them randomly. The database stores related pages contiguously so they can be read quickly to process a query. Writes are written sequentially to the log in the order they execute to enable high transaction rates. Inexpensive, high-performance, non-volatile semiconductor storage, notably NAND flash, has very different behavior than hard disks. This makes it worthwhile to consider other storage interfaces than that of hard disks and other data representations than the combination of a database and log. Unlike hard disks, semiconductor storage is not much faster at sequential operations than at random operations, so there is little performance benefit from laying data out on contiguous pages. However, semiconductor storage offers enormously more random read and write operations per second per gigabyte (GB) than hard drives. For example, a single 4GB flash chip can perform on the order of 10,000 random 4KB reads per second or 5,000 random writes per second. So, in a shared storage server cluster with adequate I/O bandwidth, 1TB of flash can support several million random reads per second and could process those requests in parallel across physical chips. This compares to about 200 random reads for a terabyte of hard drive capacity. However, per gigabyte, the raw flash chips are more than ten times the price of hard drives. Copyright 2010 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. However, permission to reprint/republish this material for advertising or promotional purposes or for creating new collective works for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or to reuse any copyrighted component of this work in other works must be obtained from the IEEE. Bulletin of the IEEE Computer Society Technical Committee on Data Engineering
Integrated architecture exploration workflow: A NoC-based case study

Compute-intensive applications can greatly benefit from the flexibility of NoC-based heterogeneous multi-core platforms. However, mapping applications on such MPSoC is becoming increasingly complex and requires integrated design flows. We conducted a case study to evaluate the benefits of an integrated design flow for the mapping space exploration of a real telecommunication application on a NoC-based heterogeneous platform. Thanks to the flow, we simulated several virtual platforms and several mappings of our application on each. This approach drastically lowers the required skills and the time needed for design space exploration. An improvement of several weeks have been observed.
Many Heads are Better than One: Local Community Detection by the Multi-walker Chain

Local community detection (or local clustering) is of fundamental importance in large network analysis. Random walk based methods have been routinely used in this task. Most existing random walk methods are based on the single-walker model. However, without any guidance, a single-walker may not be adequate to effectively capture the local cluster. In this paper, we study a multi-walker chain (MWC) model, which allows multiple walkers to explore the network. Each walker is influenced (or pulled back) by all other walkers when deciding the next steps. This helps the walkers to stay as a group and within the cluster. We introduce two measures based on the mean and standard deviation of the visiting probabilities of the walkers. These measures not only can accurately identify the local cluster, but also help detect the cluster center and boundary, which cannot be achieved by the existing single-walker methods. We provide rigorous theoretical foundation for MWC, and devise efficient algorithms to compute it. Extensive experimental results on a variety of real-world networks demonstrate that MWC outperforms the state-of-the-art local community detection methods by a large margin.