Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phase advance in moderately sleepy and alert normals.

Phase advanced sleep (by 4 hours) was studied in 28 healthy, normal men and women, aged 21-50 years, without nocturnal sleep or daytime sleepiness complaints. Eleven subjects (6 men and 5 women) with moderately short (< or = 10 minutes) average daily sleep latencies on the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) were compared to 17 (11 men and 6 women) with relatively long (> or = 12 minutes) latencies. Nocturnal sleep on both a baseline and a shift night differed between the groups. The moderately "sleepy" group had shorter sleep latencies and less wakefulness during sleep than the moderately "alert" group. The phase advanced sleep schedule reduced sleep efficiency in both groups, but the moderately sleepy group showed a lessened effect of the shift. Additionally, sleep efficiency was reduced in the moderately sleepy group only during the first 2 hours of the sleep period, while sleep efficiency was uniformly disturbed in the moderately alert group throughout the night during the phase advance.
Analysis of Dissimilatory Sulfite Reductase and 16S rRNA Gene Fragments from Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Sites of the Suiyo Seamount, Izu-Bonin Arc, Western Pacific

ABSTRACT This study describes the occurrence of unique dissimilatory sulfite reductase (DSR) genes at a depth of 1,380 m from the deep-sea hydrothermal vent field at the Suiyo Seamount, Izu-Bonin Arc, Western Pacific, Japan. The DSR genes were obtained from microbes that grew in a catheter-type in situ growth chamber deployed for 3 days on a vent and from the effluent water of drilled holes at 5°C and natural vent fluids at 7°C. DSR clones SUIYOdsr-A and SUIYOdsr-B were not closely related to cultivated species or environmental clones. Moreover, samples of microbial communities were examined by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of the 16S rRNA gene. The sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene fragments obtained from the vent catheter after a 3-day incubation revealed the occurrence of bacterial DGGE bands affiliated with the Aquificae and γ- and ε-Proteobacteria as well as the occurrence of archaeal phylotypes affiliated with the Thermococcales and of a unique archaeon sequence that clustered with “Nanoarchaeota. ” The DGGE bands obtained from drilled holes and natural vent fluids from 7 to 300°C were affiliated with the δ-Proteobacteria, genus Thiomicrospira, and Pelodictyon. The dominant DGGE bands retrieved from the effluent water of casing pipes at 3 and 4°C were closely related to phylotypes obtained from the Arctic Ocean. Our results suggest the presence of microorganisms corresponding to a unique DSR lineage not detected previously from other geothermal environments.
Diversity Multiplexing Tradeoff of the Half-duplex Slow Fading Multiple Access Channel based on Generalized Quantize-and-Forward Scheme

This paper investigates the Diversity Multiplexing Tradeoff (DMT) of the generalized quantize-and-forward (GQF) relaying scheme over the slow fading half-duplex multiple-access relay channel (HD-MARC). The compress-and-forward (CF) scheme has been shown to achieve the optimal DMT when the channel state information (CSI) of the relay-destination link is available at the relay. However, having the CSI of relay-destination link at relay is not always possible due to the practical considerations of the wireless system. In contrast, in this work, the DMT of the GQF scheme is derived without relay-destination link CSI at the relay. It is shown that even without knowledge of relay-destination CSI, the GQF scheme achieves the same DMT, achievable by CF scheme with full knowledge of CSI.
Mechanical properties of Al/Al 2 O 3 and Al/B 4 C composites

Mechanical properties of Al/Al2O3 and Al/B4C composites prepared through powder metallurgy are estimated up to 50% Al2O3 and 35% B4C weight fractions using micromechanics models and experiments. The experimental Young\'s modulus up to 0.40 weight fraction of ceramic is found to lie closely between Ravichandran\'s/Hashin-Shtrikman lower/upper bounds, and close to self consistent method/Miller and Lannutti method/modified rule of mixture/fuzzy logic method single value predictions. Measured Poisson\'s ratio lies between rule of mixture/Ravichandran lower and upper bound/modified Ravichandran upper bounds. Experimental Charpy energy lies between Hopkin-chamis method/equivalent charpy energy/Ravichandran lower limit up to 20%, and close to the reciprocal rule of mixture for higher Al2O3 content. Rockwell hardness (RB) and Micro-hardness of Al/Al2O3 are closer to modified rule of mixture predictions.
Fitness Profiling in Soccer: Physical and Physiologic Characteristics of Elite Players

Sporis, G, Jukic, I, Ostojic, SM, and Milanovic, D. Fitness profiling in soccer: physical and physiologic characteristics of elite players. J Strength Cond Res 23(7): 1947-1953, 2009-The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether players in different positional roles have a different physical and physiologic profile. For the purpose of this study, physiologic measurements were taken of 270 soccer players during the precompetitive period of 2005/06 and the precompetitive period of 2006/07. According to the positional roles, players were categorized as defenders (n = 80), midfielders (n = 80), attackers (n = 80), and goalkeepers (n = 30). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was use to determinate differences between team positions. Goalkeepers are the tallest and the heaviest players in the team. They are also the slowest players in the team when sprinting ability over 10 and 20 meters is required. Attackers were the quickest players in the team when looking at sprint values over 5, 10, and 20 meters. There were statistically significant differences between attacker and defenders when measuring vertical jump height by squat jump. Goalkeepers were able to perform better on explosive power tests (squat jump and countermovement jump) than players in the field. Midfielders had statistically significant superior values of relative oxygen consumption, maximal heart rate, maximal running speed, and blood lactate than defenders and attackers. Defenders had more body fat than attackers and midfielders (p < 0.05). Coaches are able to use this information to determine which type of profile is needed for a specific position. It is obvious that players in different positions have different physical and physiologic profiles. Experienced coaches can use this information in the process of designing a training program to maximize the fitness development of soccer players with one purpose only, to achieve success in soccer.
Tumor Associated Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Show Higher Immunosuppressive and Angiogenic Properties Compared to Adipose Derived MSCs.

BACKGROUND Differentiation, migratory properties and availability of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC) have become an important part of biomedical research. However, the functional heterogeneity of cells derived from different tissues has hampered providing definitive phenotypic markers for these cells. OBJECTIVE To characterize and compare the phenotype and cytokines of adipose derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) and tumoral-MSCs (T-MSCs) isolated from mammary tumors of BALB/c mice. METHODS Immunophenotyping and in vitro differentiation tests were used for MSC characterization. Cytokine and enzyme profiles were assessed using ELISA and Real-time PCR, respectively. RESULTS T-MSCs expressed significantly higher levels of HLA-DR (p=0.04). Higher levels of PGE2 and COX-2 enzyme were also observed in T-MSCs (p=0.07 and p=0.00, respectively). Additionally, T-MSCs expressed higher levels of iNOS and MMP9 (p=0.01 and p=0.01, respectively). T-MSCs were also able to induce higher levels of proliferation and migration of HUVEC endothelial cells in wound scratch assay compared to AD-MSCs (p=0.015). CONCLUSION Functional differences showed by the surface markers of MSCs, cytokine and enzyme production indicate the effect of different microenvironments on MSCs phenotype and function.
Local Image Descriptor using VQ-SIFT for Image Retrieval

— In this paper, we present local image descriptor using VQ-SIFT for more effective and efficient image retrieval. Instead of SIFT's weighted orientation histograms, we apply vector quantization (VQ) histogram as an alternate representation for SIFT features. Experimental results show that SIFT features using VQ-based local descriptors can achieve better image retrieval accuracy than the conventional algorithm while the computational cost is significantly reduced.
A Bayesian Generative Approach to Shape from Shading

Inferring shape from shading is a well-studied yet unresolved problem. Here, we develop a novel approach to the problem by using Bayesian inference on a generative model of shape and image formation. Using the Church probabilistic language [7], we model shape as a mixture of Gaussian perturbations to a heightfield, and we model image formation as a noisy rendering process. With this generative model, we iteratively search for the maximum a posteriori (MAP) heightfield using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Thus, shape is inferred through a recognition-by-synthesis loop, in which we iteratively propose candidate shapes and assess how well they match our target. This approach has the potential to overcome many of the shortcomings of previous shape-from-shading algorithms, which have suffered from sticky local minima, tackedon priors, sensitivity to noise, and limited flexibility and extensibility. Unlike most previous approaches, we are able to solve for an entire posterior distribution, thereby overstepping local minima; we recognize the problem as intrinsically probabilistic, and are thus able to incorporate priors in a principled way; we incorporate uncertainty directly into our model, and consequently our inference is robust to noise; and our generative approach is arbitrarily extensible and has potential to become automatically adaptable.
The effect of multiwall carbon nanotube additions on the thermo-mechanical, electrical, and morphological properties of gelatin–polyvinyl alcohol blend nanocomposite

A highly stable and uniform dispersion of multiwall carbon nanotubes in aqueous solution was achieved to prepare multiwall carbon nanotubes/gelatin–polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites with varying multiwall carbon nanotubes content using solution casting. Optical microscopic images confirmed the homogenous dispersion and distribution of multiwall carbon nanotubes in solution and polymer matrix. The tensile strength and tensile modulus of the composite containing 1% multiwall carbon nanotubes (wt/wt) were found to increase by 128.1 and 284.8% compared to that of the gelatin–polyvinyl alcohol blend. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed an increase in the storage modulus and a decrease in the loss factor (tan delta) for the composite. Electrical properties exhibited a typical percolation behavior when a small amount of multiwall carbon nanotubes (0.1 wt%) was loaded. X-ray diffraction showed that incorporation of multiwall carbon nanotubes increased the crystallinity. Scanning electron microscopy also showed a homogeneous distribution of multiwall carbon nanotubes in the composite matrix. The nanocomposites were further characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermo-gravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry.
Tunable Double-Layer EBG Structures and Application to Antenna Isolation

A novel electronically tunable two-layer slot-patch one-dimensional electromagnetic band-gap (EBG) structure with significantly simplified biasing network is presented. The proposed structure consists of apertures (slots or slits) etched off a metallic ground, and a varactor-loaded patch printed on a thin dielectric substrate, placed on top of each aperture. The apertures are initially designed using microstrip line excitation and a stop-band is produced in the S21 response. Tuning of the stop-band is achieved by changing the voltage applied to the varactors which are electrically isolated from the metallic ground, resulting in a simple biasing configuration. As a practical application, the proposed tunable EBG structures are employed in the common ground plane of two closely spaced printed monopole antennas, significantly reducing the mutual coupling between them. Simulation results and measurements of fabricated prototypes are presented.
The role of Fis1p–Mdv1p interactions in mitochondrial fission complex assembly

Mitochondrial division requires coordinated interactions among Fis1p, Mdv1p, and the Dnm1p GTPase, which assemble into fission complexes on the outer mitochondrial membrane. The integral outer membrane protein Fis1p contains a cytoplasmic domain consisting of a tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR)–like fold and a short NH2-terminal helix. Although it is known that the cytoplasmic domain is necessary for assembly of Mdv1p and Dnm1p into fission complexes, the molecular details of this assembly are not clear. In this study, we provide new evidence that the Fis1p–Mdv1p interaction is direct. Furthermore, we show that conditional mutations in the Fis1p TPR-like domain cause fission complex assembly defects that are suppressed by mutations in the Mdv1p-predicted coiled coil. We also define separable functions for the Fis1p NH2-terminal arm and TPR-like fold. These studies suggest that the concave binding surface of the Fis1p TPR-like fold interacts with Mdv1p during mitochondrial fission and that Mdv1p facilitates Dnm1p recruitment into functional fission complexes.
Indexing Semistructured Data

This paper describes techniques for building and exploiting indexes on semistructured data: data that may not have a fixed schema and that may be irregular or incomplete. We first present a general framework for indexing values in the presence of automatic type coercion. Then based on Lore, a DBMS for semistructured data, we introduce four types of indexes and illustrate how they are used during query processing. Our techniques and indexing structures are fully implemented and integrated into the Lore prototype.
Research on Channel Estimation Algorithm in 60GHz System Based on 802.15.3c Standard

GHz communication occupies huge transmission bandwidth and presents a diffuse multipath transmission characteristic, so there is a certain complexity in channel estimation. This paper using actual 60GHz-HSI-OFDM system model and realistic 60GHz channel model, presents the estimation scheme based on training sequence and pilot signal respectively. 60GHz channel usually belongs to time-invariant channel, while in reality, each frame may last several hundred milliseconds. So channel status may change during this time. The OFDM data symbols in each frame using the channel estimated value by the training sequence may appear deviation, which led to a decline in system performance. This moment the pilot subcarriers are designed to estimate channel. But because the number of pilot subcarriers is only 16, the estimation precision may be inadequate. To solve this problem, this paper proposes pilot subcarriers jointing null subcarriers, guard subcarriers to estimate the channel information and improves the estimated precision. Meanwhile, in order to improve the poor estimation performance when using pilot subcarriers, compressed sensing (CS) technology is introduced to 60GHz channel estimation. The simulation results show that CS algorithm could get better performance than LS and DFT algorithm when using OFDM subcarriers to estimate channel information. Finally the best subcarriers estimated solution is proposed for 60GHz LOS and NLOS channels respectively by analysis.
Organismal stress, telomeres and life histories

Most organisms, including ourselves, are exposed to environmental stressors at various points during life, and responses to such stressors have been optimised by evolution to give the best fitness outcomes. It is expected that environmental change will substantially increase long-term stress exposure in many animal groups in the coming decades. A major challenge for biologists is to understand and predict how this will influence individuals, populations and ecosystems, and over what time scale such effects will occur. This requires a multi-disciplinary approach, combining studies of mechanisms with studies of fitness consequences for individuals and their descendants. In this review, I discuss the positive and negative fitness consequences of responses to stressful environments, particularly during early life, and with an emphasis on studies in birds. As many of the mechanisms underlying stress responses are highly conserved across the vertebrate groups, the findings from these studies have general applicability when interpreted in a life history context. One important route that has recently been identified whereby chronic stress exposure can affect health and longevity over long time frames is via effects on telomere dynamics. Much of this work has so far been done on humans, and is correlational in nature, but studies on other taxa, and experimental work, are increasing. I summarise the relevant aspects of vertebrate telomere biology and critically appraise our current knowledge with a view to pointing out important future research directions for our understanding of how stress exposure influences life histories.
On indexed data broadcast

We consider the problem of efficient information retrieval in asymmetric communication environments where multiple clients with limited resources retrieve information from a powerful server who periodically broadcasts its information repository over a communication medium. The cost of a retrieving client consists of two components: (a) access time, defined as the total amount of time spent by a client in retrieving the information of interest, and (b) tuning time, defined as the time spent by the client in actively listening to the communication medium, measuring a certain efficiency in resource usage. A probability distribution is associated with the data items in the broadcast, representing the likelihood of a data item's being requested at any point of time. The problem of indexed data broadcast is to schedule the data items interleaved with certain indexing information in the broadcast so as to minimize simultaneously the mean access time and the mean tuning time. Prior work on this problem thus far has focused only on some special cases. In this paper we study the indexed data broadcast problem in its full generality and design a broadcast scheme that achieves a mean access time of at most (1.5+? ) times the optimal and a mean tuning time bounded by O(logn).
Near‐terminus axonal structure and function following rat sciatic nerve regeneration through a collagen‐GAG matrix in a ten‐millimeter gap

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the regenerated axon structure at near‐terminal locations in the peroneal and tibial branches 1 year following implantation of several tubular devices in a 10‐mm gap in the adult rat sciatic nerve and to determine the extent of recovery of selected sensory and motor functions. The devices were collagen and silicone tubes implanted alone or filled with a porous collagen‐glycosaminoglycan matrix. Intact contralateral nerves and autografts were used as controls. Nerves were retrieved at 30 and 60 weeks postoperatively for histological evaluation of the number and diameter of regenerated axons proximal and distal to the gap and in the tibial and peroneal nerve branches, near the termination point. Several functional evaluation methods were employed: gait analysis, pinch test, muscle circumference, and response to electrical stimulation. A notable finding was that the matrix‐filled collagen tube group had a significantly greater number of large‐diameter myelinated axons (≥6 μm in diameter) in the distal nerve branches than any other group, including the autograft group. These results were consistent with previously reported electrophysiological measurements that showed that the action potential amplitude for the A fibers in the matrix‐filled collagen tube group was greater than for the autograft control group. Functional testing revealed the existence of both sensory and motor recovery following peripheral nerve regeneration through all devices; however, the tests employed in this study did not show differences among the groups with regeneration. Electrical stimulation in vivo showed that threshold parameters to elicit muscle twitch were the same for reinnervating and control nerves. The investigation is of importance in showing for the first time the superiority of a specific fully resorbable off‐the‐shelf device over an autograft for bridging gaps in peripheral nerve, with respect to the near‐terminus axonal structure. J. Neurosci. Res. 60:666–677, 2000 © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective Laser Melting of Ti-45Nb Alloy

Ti-45Nb is one of the potential alloys that can be applied for biomedical applications as implants due to its low Young’s modulus. Ti-45Nb (wt.%) gas atomized powders were used to produce bulk samples by selective laser melting with three different parameter sets (energy inputs). A β-phase microstructure consisting of elliptical grains with an enriched edge of titanium was observed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. The mechanical properties of these samples were evaluated using hardness and compression tests, which suggested that the strength of the samples increases with increasing energy input within the range considered.
Ren sanus in corpore sano: the myth of the inexorable decline of renal function with senescence.

Dihydroxyvitamin D downregulation of TGFalpha/EGFR expression and growth signaling: a mechanism for the antiproliferative actions of the sterol in parathyroid hyperplasia of renal failure. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2004; 89–90: 507–511 27. Sato T, Tominaga Y, Ueki T et al. Total parathyroidectomy reduces elevated circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 in advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism. Am J Kidney Dis 2004; 44: 481–487 28. Fukagawa M et al. Kidney Int 2005; in press 29. Kazama JJ, Sato F, Omori K et al. Pretreatment serum FGF-23 levels predict the efficacy of calcitriol therapy in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. J Am Soc Nephrol 2004; 15: 282A
To Disclose or Not? An Analysis of Software User Behavior

This paper addresses the ongoing debate over disclosing information about software vulnerabilities through an open public forum. Using a game-theoretic approach, we show that full public disclosure may be an equilibrium strategy in a game played by rational loss-minimizing agents. We provide conditions under which full public disclosure of vulnerabilities is desirable from a social welfare standpoint. We analyze the effect of several vendor and product characteristics and the composition of the pool of software users on the decisions to disclose and on social welfare. We also examine models in which users may spend effort to develop a fix or threaten vendors to disclose after a grace period. We show that to the extent that users are able to develop fixes for discovered vulnerabilities without inordinate effort, welfare is further improved. This is more likely the more familiar users are with the details of software providing an argument for "open source" software.
Evolutionary Synthesis of Complex Structures

Synthesis, identification and control of the complex systems is usually extremely complicated. When classics methods are used, also some simplifications are done which leads to idealized solutions that are far away of reality. In the contrary, class of method based on evolutionary principles, is successfully used to solve this kind of problems with high level of precision. In this participation is discussed novelty method which has been successfully proved in the many of simulations. Typical examples like identification and synthesis of selected dynamical systems are discussed here.