Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bestrophin 1 – Phenotypes and Functional Aspects in Bestrophinopathies

Abstract This is to review the current state of knowledge on the functional and clinical aspects of bestrophin 1, a prominent member of a family of proteins involved in the control and properties of the light peak of the EOG. Initially human bestrophin 1 gene (BEST1) mutations were identified to underlie Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (VMD), a dominantly inherited, juvenile-onset form of macular degeneration. In the recent past the phenotypical spectrum of retinal disorders associated with BEST1 mutations has been extended and the term bestrophinopathies was coined. The physiological role of bestrophin 1 is still not completely understood but has been linked to the generation of a transepithelial chloride current by controlling voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCC). Dysfunction of bestrophin 1 may result in abnormal ion and fluid transport by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) disturbing and even disrupting direct interactions between the RPE and the photoreceptors.
SimpleScalar: An Infrastructure for Computer System Modeling

Designers can execute programs on software models to validate a proposed hardware design's performance and correctness, while programmers can use these models to develop and test software before the real hardware becomes available. Three critical requirements drive the implementation of a software model: performance, flexibility, and detail. Performance determines the amount of workload the model can exercise given the machine resources available for simulation. Flexibility indicates how well the model is structured to simplify modification, permitting design variants or even completely different designs to be modeled with ease. Detail defines the level of abstraction used to implement the model's components. The SimpleScalar tool set provides an infrastructure for simulation and architectural modeling. It can model a variety of platforms ranging from simple unpipelined processors to detailed dynamically scheduled microarchitectures with multiple-level memory hierarchies. SimpleScalar simulators reproduce computing device operations by executing all program instructions using an interpreter. The tool set's instruction interpreters also support several popular instruction sets, including Alpha, PPC, x86, and ARM.
Extending the Problem Frames Approach for Capturing Non-functional Requirements

The Problem Frames (PF) approach is a prospective tool for classifying, analyzing and structuring software development problems. However, it at current stage lacks a practical way to capture NFRs. This paper aims to extend the PF Approach for helping system analysts to capture non-functional requirements within the PF approach systematically. A new problem model and a model-guided process have been presented. NFRs specifications can be obtained according to that process. A case study shows the feasibility of this approach.
An improved simulation model for Nakagami-m fading channels for satellite positioning applications

This paper presents a simple and efficient simulation model for Nakagami-m fading channels. We first show, via measurement data, that the Nakagami-m distribution provides the best fit for the fading amplitudes of the satellite-to-indoor and satellite-tooutdoor channels. Therefore, finding a viable simulation model for Nakagami-m distribution is very important for the purpose of studying signal and link level positioning algorithms. We then extend a previously proposed method, namely the Beaulieu &al method, to a wider range of m-values, keeping a low computational effort. Theoretical results are validated via comparison with simulation-based curves, and the limits of the algorithm are discussed.
Overexpression of a Pathogenesis-Related Protein 10 Enhances Biotic and Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Rice

Pathogenesis-related proteins play multiple roles in plant development and biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Here, we characterize a rice defense related gene named “jasmonic acid inducible pathogenesis-related class 10” (JIOsPR10) to gain an insight into its functional properties. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed up-regulation of JIOsPR10 under salt and drought stress conditions. Constitutive over-expression JIOsPR10 in rice promoted shoot and root development in transgenic plants, however, their productivity was unaltered. Further experiments exhibited that the transgenic plants showed reduced susceptibility to rice blast fungus, and enhanced salt and drought stress tolerance as compared to the wild type. A comparative proteomic profiling of wild type and transgenic plants showed that overexpression of JIOsPR10 led to the differential modulation of several proteins mainly related with oxidative stresses, carbohydrate metabolism, and plant defense. Taken together, our findings suggest that JIOsPR10 plays important roles in biotic and abiotic stresses tolerance probably by activation of stress related proteins.
The influence of adaptogens on ultraweak biophoton emission: a pilot‐experiment

In the present study, the effect of plant adaptogens (Rhodiola rosea and ADAPT‐232) on human photon emission has been determined. In a randomized double blind placebo‐controlled study, 30 subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: one group (n = 10) taking placebo pills, one group (n = 10) taking Rhodiola rosea (SHR‐5) pills and one group (n = 10) taking ADAPT‐232 supplements (the latter being a fixed combination of the following three adaptogens: Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhodiola rosea and Schisandra chinensis). All subjects underwent measurements to determine ultra‐weak photon emission (UPE) of the dorsal side of their hands using a photon‐counting device, both before and after a week of taking the supplements. In addition, the experienced levels of stress and fatigue (tiredness) were evaluated. After 1 week of supplementation, the Rhodiola group showed a significant decrease (p = 0.027) in photon emission in comparison with the placebo group. Furthermore, after supplementation, a significant decrease (p = 0.049) concerning the experienced level of fatigue in the Rhodiola group was observed compared with the placebo group. No significant changes were observed between the ADAPT‐232 and the placebo group. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Permanent-Magnet Minimization in PM-Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motors for Wide Speed Range

This paper presents a technique to modify the rotor lamination of a permanent-magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motor, in order to reduce the magnet volume with no side effect on performance. A closed-form analysis, which is based on a lumped parameter model, points out that the magnet quantity can be minimized with a significant saving of material volume and cost. At a second stage, the risk of demagnetization is evaluated since the minimized magnets are thinner than the starting ones and work on lower load lines in their respective B-H planes. A feasible drawing is analytically defined, which is robust against demagnetization at overload, showing that the saving of magnet quantity depends on the maximum current overload and can be significant. The theoretical formulation is validated with finite-element analysis and experiments on a prototype machine.
Nodal signaling: developmental roles and regulation

Nodal-related ligands of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) superfamily play central roles in patterning the early embryo during the induction of mesoderm and endoderm and the specification of left-right asymmetry. Additional roles for this pathway in the maintenance of embryonic stem cell pluripotency and in carcinogenesis have been uncovered more recently. Consistent with its crucial developmental functions, Nodal signaling is tightly regulated by diverse mechanisms including the control of ligand processing, utilization of co-receptors, expression of soluble antagonists, as well as positive- and negative-feedback activities.
Habitat niche breadth predicts invasiveness in solitary ascidians

Abstract A major focus of invasion biology is understanding the traits associated with introduction success. Most studies assess these traits in the invaded region, while only few compare nonindigenous species to the pool of potential invaders in their native region. We focused on the niche breadth hypothesis, commonly evoked but seldom tested, which states that generalist species are more likely to become introduced as they are capable of thriving under a wide set of conditions. Based on the massive introduction of tropical species into the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal (Lessepsian migration), we defined ascidians in the Red Sea as the pool of potential invaders. We constructed unique settlement plates, each representing six different niches, to assess ascidian niche breadth, and deployed them in similar habitats in the native and invaded regions. For each species found on plates, we evaluated its abundance, relative abundance across successional stages, and niche breadth, and then compared (1) species in the Red Sea known to have been introduced into the Mediterranean (Lessepsian species) and those not known from the Mediterranean (non‐Lessepsian); and (2) nonindigenous and indigenous species in the Mediterranean. Lessepsian species identified on plates in the Red Sea demonstrated wider niche breadth than non‐Lessepsian species, supporting the niche breadth hypothesis within the native region. No differences were found between Lessepsian and non‐Lessepsian species in species abundance and successional stages. In the Mediterranean, nonindigenous species numerically dominated the settlement plates. This precluded robust comparisons of niche breadth between nonindigenous and indigenous species in the invaded region. In conclusion, using Red Sea ascidians as the pool of potential invaders, we found clear evidence supporting the niche breadth hypothesis in the native region. We suggest that such patterns may often be obscured when conducting trait‐based studies in the invaded regions alone. Our findings indicate that quantifying the niche breadth of species in their native regions will improve estimates of invasiveness potential.
Archaeal Transcription: Function of an Alternative Transcription Factor B from Pyrococcus furiosus

ABSTRACT The genome of the hyperthermophile archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus encodes two transcription factor B (TFB) paralogs, one of which (TFB1) was previously characterized in transcription initiation. The second TFB (TFB2) is unusual in that it lacks recognizable homology to the archaeal TFB/eukaryotic TFIIB B-finger motif. TFB2 functions poorly in promoter-dependent transcription initiation, but photochemical cross-linking experiments indicated that the orientation and occupancy of transcription complexes formed with TFB2 at the strong gdh promoter are similar to the orientation and occupancy of transcription complexes formed with TFB1. Initiation complexes formed by TFB2 display a promoter opening defect that can be bypassed with a preformed transcription bubble, suggesting a mechanism to explain the low TFB2 transcription activity. Domain swaps between TFB1 and TFB2 showed that the low activity of TFB2 is determined mainly by its N terminus. The low activity of TFB2 in promoter opening and transcription can be partially relieved by transcription factor E (TFE). The results indicate that the TFB N-terminal region, containing conserved Zn ribbon and B-finger motifs, is important in promoter opening and that TFE can compensate for defects in the N terminus through enhancement of promoter opening.
Analysis and Design of an Automatic-Current-Sharing Control Based on Average-Current Mode for Parallel Boost Converters

This paper presents an automatic-current-sharing control method based on average-current mode for parallel boost converters. With the proposed method, the second-order system of the external loop of boost converter is reduced to a first-order in low frequency, which makes the design of the control circuit easy and improves the dynamic response of parallel boost converters. This paper presents detail analysis and improved design guidelines for the proposed control system. The multi-module parallel number is limitless in theory. Two 40 V/120 V/4.2 A boost converters have been designed for parallel experiment, verifying the correctness of the theory analysis
Diversity of Channels Generated by Different Combinations of Epithelial Sodium Channel Subunits

The epithelial sodium channel is a multimeric protein formed by three homologous subunits: α, β, and γ; each subunit contains only two transmembrane domains. The level of expression of each of the subunits is markedly different in various Na+ absorbing epithelia raising the possibility that channels with different subunit composition can function in vivo. We have examined the functional properties of channels formed by the association of α with β and of α with γ in the Xenopus oocyte expression system using two-microelectrode voltage clamp and patch-clamp techniques. We found that αβ channels differ from αγ channels in the following functional properties: (a) αβ channels expressed larger Na+ than Li+ currents (INa+/ILi+ 1.2) whereas αγ channels expressed smaller Na+ than Li+ currents (INa+/ILi+ 0.55); (b) the Michaelis Menten constants (K m) of activation of current by increasing concentrations of external Na+ and Li+ of αβ channels were larger (K m > 180 mM) than those of αγ channels (K m of 35 and 50 mM, respectively); (c) single channel conductances of αβ channels (5.1 pS for Na+ and 4.2 pS for Li+) were smaller than those of αγ channels (6.5 pS for Na+ and 10.8 pS for Li+); (d) the half-inhibition constant (K i) of amiloride was 20-fold larger for αβ channels than for αγ channels whereas the K i of guanidinium was equal for both αβ and αγ. To identify the domains in the channel subunits involved in amiloride binding, we constructed several chimeras that contained the amino terminus of the γ subunit and the carboxy terminus of the β subunit. A stretch of 15 amino acids, immediately before the second transmembrane domain of the β subunit, was identified as the domain conferring lower amiloride affinity to the αβ channels. We provide evidence for the existence of two distinct binding sites for the amiloride molecule: one for the guanidium moiety and another for the pyrazine ring. At least two subunits α with β or γ contribute to these binding sites. Finally, we show that the most likely stoichiometry of αβ and αγ channels is 1α:1β and 1α:1γ, respectively.
Novel routes to liquid-based self-healing polymer systems

Inspired by the current state-of-the-art and the progressing advancements in the field of self-healing materials, this thesis addresses several novel routes to advance the concept of liquid-based self-healing polymer systems. This thesis presents the concept and characterisation of a one-component solvent-based healing mechanism for thermoplastic materials and in addition to the healing strategy, a new capsular architecture is proposed for the purpose of simultaneous release of two reactants at the same location. Other liquid container designs are investigated to enhance the liquid release upon fracture (also in the case of multiple healing events) and come with less scarification of the intrinsic material properties. Chapter 2 describes the theoretical and experimental evaluation of all the material system parameters that are significant in the performance of a one component solvent-induced selfhealing mechanism for thermoplastic materials. Parameters that are investigated include solvent sorption rates, solvent induced depression of Tg and polymer diffusion coefficients. In Chapter 3 autonomous solvent-induced self-healing mechanism for PMMA are presented and investigated. The self-healing of the mechanical properties is experimental validated for different solvents and capsule volume concentration as a function of the healing time. In Chapter 4 the capsule-composite thermoplastic self-healing material is characterised qualitatively and quantitatively by X-ray tomography using SEM-based and Synchrotron X-ray facilities. The techniques allow detailed investigation into the release volume and kinetics ofhealing-agent at the damaged site. Chapter 5 presents a novel microcapsular architecture, designed for the encapsulation of two individual liquids within a single microscopic structure. These binary microcapsules have a central liquid core and are peripherally decorated with the second liquid component, which is achieved by the synthesis and application of liquid-filled Pickering particles. Chapter 6 presents a numerical study into the influence of the microcapsule geometrical shape on the performance of a self-healing material. Classical spherical shapes are compared to cylindrical ones with varying degree of anisotropy and spatial orientation. In Chapter 7 production routes are evaluated to obtain anisotropic rod-like microcapsules. The investigated routes involve droplet deformation and encapsulation in shear and elongational flow, by usage of a modified ink-jet printing technique and by creation of stable anisotropic droplets in suspension using Pickering particles. In Chapter 8 the concept for a compartmented liquid-filled fibre is given, providing an alternative to the continuous capillaries and discrete spherical microcapsules currently applied in the field of self-healing. Control over the morphology allows production of fibres with different mechanical properties that are in the order of standard composite matrix materials and have slightly lower failure strains.
Automatic generation of diagnostic memory tests based on fault decomposition and output tracing

A novel approach to automatic generation of diagnostic memory tests based on fault decomposition and output tracing is described. Fault decomposition allows fault models that precisely describe the fault effects of a specific technology to be considered during test generation; therefore, overtesting of the memory-under-test is avoided. Output tracing of failing memory cells allows for distinguishing of all memory faults of the fault model. An extended greedy-based set-cover algorithm is utilized to generate the march tests that detect all basic fault effects and distinguish among them. The effectiveness of the generated tests is verified using simulation. Test generation time is on the order of a few seconds, while the lengths of the generated tests are only 1N to 3N higher than those of known optimal tests for the same fault models.
Locking and Reference Counting in the Mach Kernel

Coordination of independently executing threads of control within the operating system kernel is an important problem that must be addressed in the design of a multiprocessor operating system. The efficient coordination of operations is vital for avoiding performance bottlenecks without compromising system correctness. The Mach operating system achieves this coordination via carefully designed locking and reference counting techniques. This paper describes the design rationale for these techniques, and their use in the Mach operating system based on the experience of its implementors.
Micromechanics of Granular Media: A Fundamental Study of Interphase Systems

The interphase is a localized region adjacent to a manufactured inclusion that is surrounded by granular soil. These regions are ubiquitous in civil infrastructure and often are components of large-scale composite systems. The interphase region influences loaddeformation behavior of the entire composite system. However, mechanisms that control the mechanical behavior of the interphase region and, in turn, control the composite structure behavior, are not clearly understood. Few relationships exist for predicting interphase behavior from properties of granular materials and the inclusion surface that can be measured in the laboratory. A two dimensional discrete element model of a general interphase system was developed and validated against laboratory data. Numerical experiments are conducted with varying soil to inclusion relative geometry. A new micromechanics-based approach, which utilizes microscopic quantities to explain the mechanics of granular media from a continuum point view, is adopted to investigate the mechanisms that underlie the interphase behavior. It is shown that the grain to inclusion surface relative geometry controls the degree of granular media strength mobilization by controlling development of fabric and contact force anisotropy inside the interphase region. A unique bilinear relationship exists between the mobilized granular media strength and the principal direction of average contact force anisotropy at the interface between the particles touching the surface and the inclusion. These findings suggest the problem is one of contact and can not be solved using purely geometric correlations, as past research presumed. A fundamental mechanism of behavior, long sought in geomechanics problems, is presented. Publications resulting from this research are significant and original contributions to the geoengineering, material science, geophysics and granular physics literature.
The Role of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in the Routine Management of Children with Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus

We report a double-crossover study to assess the impact of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) on the glycemic control of children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) on a conventional therapeutic regimen. Sixteen children were assigned to one of two groups—group A, period 1 (wk 1–13): urine testing plus SMBG; period 2 (wk 14–26): urine testing only; group B, period 1: urine only; period 2: urine testing plus SMBG. Frequent telephone contact was maintained throughout to help optimize insulin dose adjustment. At the outset, the two groups were similar in age, diabetes duration, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (10.5 ± 0.6% and 9.5 ± 0.3% in groups A and B, respectively). No significant differences could be detected between the two groups at any stage of the study. There was, however, a trend toward lower mean blood glucose (MBG) concentration in both groups toward the end of the SMBG period. No complications of SMBG were noted, but compliance was a major problem in three children. SMBG confirmed symptoms of hypoglycemia in all children, and detected asymptomatic hypoglycemia (BG ≤ 40 mg/dl) in 11. Sixty-nine percent preferred SMBG to urine testing. We conclude that SMBG is an acceptable part of routine diabetes care in children. It is associated with very few complications and helps to confirm symptomatic hypoglycemia and detect asymptomatic hypoglycemia. However, the addition of SMBG to routine diabetes care does not necessarily lead to improved metabolic control.