Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Virus and siderophore-mediated transfer of available Fe between heterotrophic bacteria: characterization using an Fe-specific bioreporter

Although marine chemists can accurately quantify both the concentration of dissolved iron (Fe) and the high-affinity organic ligands which complex Fe in surface waters, tools to character- ize the relative bioavailability of such organically bound Fe complexes remain unavailable. In this study, we compared the bioavailability of Fe released from the lysis of the heterotrophic bacterium Vibrio natriegens PWH3a to that of Fe complexed to synthetic chelators (EDTA) and siderophores (including the trihydroxamate desferrioxamine B (DFB) and 2 catecholates isolated from Fe-limited heterotrophic bacterial cultures) using a heterotrophic bioluminescent reporter of Fe availability (Pseudomonas putida FeLux). Using the bioluminescent response of P. putida FeLux, we were able to rank the Fe sources tested here in a decreasing order of bioavailability: lysates > Fe-homologous catecholate (from a P. putida FeLux culture) ~ Fe-exogenous catecholate (from V. natriegens culture) > inorganic Fe (FeCl3, 15 nM) ~ Fe(III)' from EDTA-buffered treatment (pFe 18.12) > Fe:DFB, where pFe is -log (Fe 3+ ). Combined with estimates of Fe assimilation of 55 Fe-labeled lysates, our data further demonstrate that organic Fe complexes released during virus-mediated cell lysis are ca. 1000 times more bioavailable and efficiently assimilated by bacterial cells than Fe(III)'. Our results validate the utilization of P. putida FeLux as a bioreporter of Fe-bioavailability and also support the assumption that virus activity plays a crucial role in the regeneration of biologically available Fe complexes in surface seawater.
Compact planar quasi-elliptic balanced filter with extended upper-stopband and high CM suppression

In this paper, a compact third-order balanced filter with quasi-elliptic function response is synthesized based on mixed electric and magnetic(EM) coupled stepped-impedance resonators(SIRs). The filter has enhanced differential-mode(DM) transmission response since two DM transmission zeros(TZs) are generated on both sides of the passband. Existence of these two TZs is investigated by the mixed EM coupling while one more TZ is introduced by the length of feedline. The three-pole balanced filter is then designed and synthesized according to the extracted coupling coefficient and external quality. Finally, simulation results of the proposed filter show good performances such as extended DM upper-stopband rejection, high common-mode(CM) suppression and compact size.
RASSF10 is an epigenetically inactivated tumor suppressor and independent prognostic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma

Methylation of the Ras-association domain family 10 (RASSF10) promoter region correlates with clinicopathological characteristics and poor prognosis in several human cancers. Here, we examined RASSF10 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its role in hepatocarcinogenesis. RASSF10 mRNA and protein levels were downregulated in both HCC cell lines and patient tissue samples. In patient tissues, low RASSF10 levels correlated with hepatocirrhosis, poor tumor differentiation, tumor thrombus and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, and were indicative of increased tumor recurrence and reduced patient survival. Low RASSF10 expression was associated with promoter hypermethylation, which was in turn associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and aflatoxin B1 exposure, but not DNA methyltransferase expression. Overexpression of RASSF10 in HCC cell lines suppressed cell growth and colony formation, and induced apoptosis by up- or down-regulating specific Bcl-2 family proteins. RASSF10 overexpression increased pro-apoptotic Bax and Bad levels, but decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl expression. Overexpression also inhibited tumor formation in nude mice and reduced cell migration and invasion by inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. RASSF10 knockdown promoted cell growth. Our results show that RASSF10 is frequently hypermethylated and down-regulated in HCC and can potentially serve as a useful biomarker predictive of HCC patient prognosis.
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)/NT-proBNP and renal function: is the controversy over?

A decade ago, controversy surrounded the observation of increased cardiac troponin concentrations in asymptomatic renal disease patients, with one assay claiming better specificity and another better prognostic potential. This controversy is largely resolved now, with availability of more outcome data, improved low-end sensitivity of the assays, and a general recognition that renal disease was only one cause, albeit an important one, of myocardial injury in the absence of an acute coronary syndrome (1). It should come as little surprise, then, that soon after the introduction of commercial assays for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)1 and amino-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) and the publication of seminal studies for their diagnostic application in patients presenting with dyspnea of uncertain etiology, there has been much debate over the interpretation and significance of these tests in patients with impaired renal function (2)(3). Chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, is a common condition with multiple etiologies that affects an estimated 8.3 million Americans and is found in 33% to 56% of patients with heart failure (4). The use of either BNP or NT-proBNP to diagnose decompensated heart failure in dyspnea patients with concomitant moderate renal disease (eGFR 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m2) is generally accepted clinically. When comparing the diagnostic accuracy of these tests in individuals with and without impaired renal function, only mildly diminished accuracy is observed in renal disease, as long as a modestly increased optimal cutoff is used for BNP or age-specific cutoffs for NT-proBNP (5)(6). The caveat is that concentrations of BNP and NT-proBNP are typically increased to a much greater extent (NT-proBNP more so than BNP) in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with CKD than in those with normal renal function. There is controversy regarding to …
Comparative Politics

Reforming the United Nations has been a perennial exercise in futility. How to make the Security Council more representative, how to increase the effectiveness of the General Assembly and how to justify the use of force have all been topics of discussion over the last two decades, none of which have resulted in any consensus. In the lead-up to the 2005 World Summit it appeared, finally, that the political momentum and impetus for reform existed. It is this period of time that Spencer Zifcak examines, combining extensive interviews with his intimate knowledge of the practices and process of diplomatic negotiations. The chapters focus on reform of the Security Council and the General Assembly as well as Use of Force, the creation of the Human Rights Council, combating terrorism and the Responsibility to Protect. The underlying theme running throughout is Zifcak’s thesis that ‘the most significant political cleavage bearing upon the successes and failures . to engage in root and branch reform of the UN was the division of perspective that existed, and still exists, between the nations of the North and the South’ (pp. 163–4). Zifcak combines an account of the negotiations with often candid interviews of senior diplomats.Throughout, the North–South theme remains central but not overbearing. Zifcak gives an account of how the differing interests for reform clashed, leading to watereddown proposals and in most instances a smouldering stalemate. Although Zifcak’s book makes compelling reading, the idea of the North–South divide is somewhat confused. According to Zifcak the ‘global North’ is the developed world juxtaposed against the developing ‘global South’. The categorisation is then primarily economic rather than an ideological–political distinction.Yet, for example, with regard to Security Council reform, China, part of the G77, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the ‘global South’ is a Permanent Security Council Member (P5). Its interests in Council reform coincide squarely with those of the US and other P5 members of the ‘global North’. It is an oversimplification to juxtapose the developing–developed, North and South. Member states’ interests are thematically based, where interpretation and historically contingent factors are fundamental to member states’ aims and objectives. Although, in part, the underlying thesis is somewhat questionable, of which Zifcak is clearly aware, this is a fascinating account of a pivotal moment in time for the UN and global governance. Recommended as an example of an erudite text, written in a concise and accessible manner, anyone interested in the UN, global governance and international relations as a whole would do well to add Zifcak’s contribution to their reading list.
Analysis of an adaptive rate convolutionally coded multicarrier DS/CDMA system

The analysis of an adaptive rate convolutionally coded multicarrier direct sequence code division multiple-access (DS/CDMA) system is considered. In order to accommodate a number of coding rates easily and make the encoder and decoder structure simple, we use the rate-compatible punctured convolutional (RCPC) code. We obtain data throughputs at several coding rates, and choose the coding rate that has the highest data throughput in the signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SINR) sense. To achieve maximum data throughput, a rate adaptive system is proposed based on the channel state information (the SINR estimate). The SINR estimate is obtained by the soft decision Viterbi decoding metric. We show that the proposed rate adaptive convolutionally coded multicarrier DS/CDMA system can enhance the spectral efficiency and provide frequency diversity.
Multiple-UUV approach for enhancing connectivity in underwater ad-hoc sensor networks

Underwater sensor networks typically comprise of sensor nodes that are deployed in sufficiently large numbers for data collection, monitoring and surveillance. The acquired data is relayed by the sensors over multihop wireless acoustic communications links to sinks and collection points. While the sensors are generally static, the adverse channel and harsh environmental conditions increase the chances of link breakages due to fading and ambient noise. Our proposed scheme utilizes multiple underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs, e.g. seabed crawlers) to enhance connectivity. The UUVs patrol the areas where connectivity is likely to be poor to overcome temporal interference and if necessary deploy more sensors to repair the breaks in connectivity. In the event that network becomes partitioned, the UUVs can also serve as local sinks to the sensors in the isolated partitions, and ferry the data from the isolated sensors to the nearest connected part of the network.
A new approach for MAS Development Joined with Semantic Web

A new approach was presented for MAS development under the Semantic Web circumstances which was named MDJSW (MAS Development Joined with Semantic Web). According to this method, the usage of Semantic Web standards for describing the knowledge structure isolates domain knowledge modeling from system architecture to support iterative and parallel development. Furthermore, OWL and SWRL language are employed as the beliefs of multi-agents, thus the content-encoding transmission and development of interaction protocol are simplified, and the knowledge-base could be modified without modifying the code. A TT&C (Telemetry Tracking and Control) scheme design and verification prototype system named TTCMAS was developed using MDJSW for the space TT&C ship.
Successful treatment of cardiac electrical storm in dilated cardiomyopathy using esmolol: A case report

The present study reports a case of electrical storm occurring in a 43-year-old woman with dilated cardiomyopathy. The patient suffered from a cardiac electrical storm, with 98 episodes of ventricular tachycardia rapidly degenerating to ventricular fibrillation in hospital. The patient was converted with a total of 120 defibrillations. Recurrent ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation was initiated by premature ventricular beats. The patient did not respond to the use of amiodaronum. However, the administration of esmolol stabilized the patient's heart rhythm. A moderate dose of the β-blocker esmolol, administered as an 0.5-mg intravenous bolus injection followed by an infusion at a rate of 0.15 mg/kg/min, inhibited the recurrence of ventricular fibrillation and normalized the electrocardiographic pattern. The results suggest that esmolol may be able to improve the survival rate of patients with electrical storm in dilated cardiomyopathy and should be considered as a primary therapy in the management of cardiac electrical storms.
ROBUST SOLVER OF A SYSTEM OF NONLINEAR EQUATIONS

1.Motivation and basic ideas The most frequent form of modelling physical events is based on parametric approach. The properties of the system are characterized by a vector of parameters p = (p1,p2,.pm), the response of the system is characterized by a data vector d = (d1,d2,.,dn). The vectors p fill up the vector space P with the dimension m, the vectors d fill up the vector space D with the dimension n and both vector spaces are related by forward mapping
Supplier Encroachment under Asymmetric Information

Prior literature has shown that, for a symmetric information setting, supplier encroachment into a reseller's market can mitigate double marginalization and benefit both the supplier and the reseller. This paper extends the investigation of supplier encroachment to the environment where the reseller might be better informed than the supplier. We find that the launch of the supplier's direct channel can result in costly signaling behavior on the part of the reseller, in which he reduces his order quantity when the market size is small. Such a downward order distortion can amplify double marginalization. As a result, in addition to the “win--win” and “win--lose” outcomes for the supplier and the reseller, supplier encroachment can also lead to “lose--lose” and “lose--win” outcomes, particularly when the reseller has a significant efficiency advantage in the selling process and the prior probability of a large market is low. We further explore the implications of those findings for information management in supply chains. Complementing the conventional understanding, we show that with the ability to encroach, the supplier may prefer to sell to either a better informed or an uninformed reseller in different scenarios. On the other hand, as a result of a supplier developing encroachment capability, a reseller either may choose not to develop an advanced informational capability or may become more willing to find a means of credibly sharing his information. This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
A Survey on Skeletons in Digital Image Processing

An image is digitized to convert it to a form which can be stored in a computer's memory or on some form of storage media such as a hard disk or CD-ROM. Once the image has been digitized, it can be operated upon by various image processing operations like enhancement, restoration, reconstruction, compression. An image defined in the "real world" is considered to be a function of two real variables, for example, a(x,y) with a as the amplitude (e.g. brightness) of the image at the real coordinate position (x,y). An image may be considered to contain sub-images sometimes referred to as regions-of-interest, ROIs, or simply regions. This concept reflects the fact that images frequently contain collections of objects each of which can be the basis for a region. In a sophisticated image processing system it should be possible to apply specific image processing operations to selected regions. Thus one part of an image (region) might be processed to suppress motion blur while another part might be processed to improve color rendition. For performing image processing operations ,the basic structure called skeleton is much more essential and highly adaptive tool. Skeletons are important shape descriptors in object representation and recognition. A skeleton that captures essential topology and shape information of the object in a simple form is extremely useful in solving various problems such as character recognition, 3D model matching and retrieval, and medical image analysis. Medical imaging systems. Due to its compact shape representation, image skeleton has been studied for a long time in computer vision, pattern recognition, and optical character recognition. It is a powerful tool for intermediate representation for a number of geometric operations on solid models. Many image processing applications depend on the skeletons.
An invariant T cell receptor alpha chain is used by a unique subset of major histocompatibility complex class I-specific CD4+ and CD4-8- T cells in mice and humans

The mouse thymus contains a mature T cell subset that is distinguishable from the mainstream thymocytes by several characteristics. It is restricted in its usage of T cell receptor (TCR) V beta genes to V beta 8, V beta 7, and V beta 2. Its surface phenotype is that of activated/memory cells. It carries the natural killer NK1.1 surface marker. Furthermore, though it consists entirely of CD4+ and CD4-8- cells, its selection in the thymus depends solely upon major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression by cells of hematopoietic origin. Forced persistence of CD8, in fact, imparts negative selection. Here, we have studied the TCR repertoire of this subset and found that, whereas the beta chain V-D-J junctions are quite variable, a single invariant alpha chain V alpha 14-J281 is used by a majority of the TCRs. This surprisingly restricted usage of the V alpha 14-J281 alpha chain is dependent on MHC class I expression, but independent of the MHC haplotype. In humans, a similar unusual population including CD4-8- cells can also be found that uses a strikingly homologous, invariant alpha chain V alpha 24-JQ. Thus, this unique V alpha-J alpha combination has been conserved in both species, conferring specificity to some shared nonpolymorphic MHC class I/peptide self-ligand(s). This implies that the T cell subset that it defines has a specialized and important role, perhaps related to its unique ability to secrete a large set of lymphokines including interleukin 4, upon primary stimulation in vitro and in vivo.
Detection, tracking and event localization of jet stream features in 4-D atmospheric data

Abstract. We introduce a novel algorithm for the efficient detection and tracking of features in spatiotemporal atmospheric data, as well as for the precise localization of the occurring genesis, lysis, merging and splitting events. The algorithm works on data given on a four-dimensional structured grid. Feature selection and clustering are based on adjustable local and global criteria, feature tracking is predominantly based on spatial overlaps of the feature's full volumes. The resulting 3-D features and the identified correspondences between features of consecutive time steps are represented as the nodes and edges of a directed acyclic graph, the event graph. Merging and splitting events appear in the event graph as nodes with multiple incoming or outgoing edges, respectively. The precise localization of the splitting events is based on a search for all grid points inside the initial 3-D feature that have a similar distance to two successive 3-D features of the next time step. The merging event is localized analogously, operating backward in time. As a first application of our method we present a climatology of upper-tropospheric jet streams and their events, based on four-dimensional wind speed data from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analyses. We compare our results with a climatology from a previous study, investigate the statistical distribution of the merging and splitting events, and illustrate the meteorological significance of the jet splitting events with a case study. A brief outlook is given on additional potential applications of the 4-D data segmentation technique.
Adenovirus nephritis and obstructive uropathy in a renal transplant recipient: case report and literature review

We report an unusual case of adenoviral nephritis in a 45-year-old woman who presented with fever, gross haematuria, acute kidney injury and obstructive uropathy 17 months following renal transplantation. Adenoviral nephritis was confirmed with immunohistochemistry. We identified 10 other published cases of adenoviral nephritis proven by immunohistochemistry. Obstructive uropathy has been reported only once before in a renal transplant recipient with adenoviral nephritis. Contrary to other reports, this case series shows that renal function may not always recover to baseline following the acute adenoviral disease. Adenoviral nephritis should be considered in the renal transplant patient with fever, haematuria, acute kidney injury and hydronephrosis in both the early and late post-transplant periods.
Implementing RAID-3 on cloud storage for EMR system

The demand of storage space for electronic medical records is an issue for patient record digitalization. Mass storage and reliability of the cloud system do offer one solution for electronic medical records. However, cloud computing has significant implications for the privacy of patient information as well as for the confidentiality of hospitals. In this paper we present a new method of storing electronic medical records distributed at two different clouds and a local site using RAID-3 algorithm. By RAID-3, the segmented data stored at each cloud is meaningless and cannot be used alone. This will enhance the security of data then protect the privacy of patients. A prototype is implemented. Using 332K medical data as a benchmark to upload, in average, it takes 1.94 seconds and 3.69 seconds for the cloud storages, respectively.
On Evolutionary Optimization with Approximate Fitness Functions

The evaluation of the quality of solutions is usually very time-consuming in design optimization. Therefore, time-efficient approximate models can be particularly beneficial for the evaluation when evolutionary algorithms are applied. In this paper, the convergence property of an evolution strategy (ES) with neural network based fitness evaluations is investigated. It is found that the evolutionary algorithm will converge incorrectly if the approximate model has false optima. To address this problem, two strategies to control the evolution process are introduced. In addition, methods to eliminate false minima in neural network training are proposed. The effectiveness of the methods are shown with simulation studies on the Ackley function and the Rosenbrock function.
Optimization of a rail to rail low voltage CCII for active filter applications

In this paper, we deal with an ultra Low voltage Rail to Rail high performance second generation current conveyor (CCII). An optimum transistor sizing was done applying a C++ software. The proposed circuit is able to operate at low voltage supply (plusmn 0.75TV). First, a frequency characterization of the optimized CCII is presented; PSPICE simulation for a 0.35mum CMOS technology show that best performances are obtained with the improved configuration. The current and voltage bandwidths are respectively 1.4834GHz and 2.035GHz, and the parasitic resistance at port X has a value of 87.65Omega for a control voltage of 0.35V. Then, these performances and the low power consumption are quite satisfactory for most RF applications: This CCII was used to realize a new current-mode Programmable Biquad filter and a Universal filter. PSPICE simulation results are included to demonstrate the results.