Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring protein aggregation and self‐propagation using lattice models: Phase diagram and kinetics

Many seemingly unrelated neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyloid and prion diseases, are associated with propagating fibrils whose structures are dramatically different from the native states of the corresponding monomers. This observation, along with the experimental demonstration that any protein can aggregate to form either fibrils or amorphous structures (inclusion bodies) under appropriate external conditions, suggest that there must be general principles that govern aggregation mechanisms. To probe generic aspects of prion‐like behavior we use the model of Harrison, Chan, Prusiner, and Cohen. In this model, aggregation of a structure, that is conformationally distinct from the native state of the monomer, occurs by three parallel routes. Kinetic partitioning, which leads to parallel assembly pathways, occurs early in the aggregation process. In all pathways transient unfolding precedes polymerization and self‐propagation. Chain polymerization is consistent with templated assembly, with the dimer being the minimal nucleus. The kinetic effciency of Rn−1 + G → Rn (R is the aggregation prone state and G is either U, the unfolded state, or N, the native state of the monomer) is increased when polymerization occurs in the presence of a “seed” (a dimer). These results support the seeded nucleated‐polymerization model of fibril formation in amyloid peptides. To probe generic aspects of aggregation in two‐state proteins, we use lattice models with side chains. The phase diagram in the (T,C) plane (T is the temperature and C is the polypeptide concentration) reveals a bewildering array of “phases” or structures. Explicit computations for dimers show that there are at least six phases including ordered structures and amorphous aggregates. In the ordered region of the phase diagram there are three distinct structures. We find ordered dimers (OD) in which each monomer is in the folded state and the interaction between the monomers occurs via a well‐defined interface. In the domain‐swapped structures a certain fraction of intrachain contacts are replaced by interchain contacts. In the parallel dimers the interface is stabilized by favorable intermolecular hydrophobic interactions. The kinetics of folding to OD shows that aggregation proceeds directly from U in a dynamically cooperative manner without populating partially structured intermediates. These results support the experimental observation that ordered aggregation in the two‐state folders U1A and CI2 takes place from U. The contrasting aggregation processes in the two models suggest that there are several distinct mechanisms for polymerization that depend not only on the polypeptide sequence but also on external conditions (such as C, T, pH, and salt concentration).
Primary embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the kidney in an adult：A case report

Primary rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of the kidney is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor with an aggressive clinical course. Adult renal RMS is typically a pleomorphic histologic subtype and only a few cases have ever been reported. We herein present a new case of renal RMS of the embryonal histologic subtype in a 26-year-old woman.
Hemispheric control of eye movements. II. Quantitative analysis of smooth pursuit in a hemispherectomy patient.

The quantitative analysis of the smooth pursuit eye movements in a patient who had a left hemispherectomy 11 years previously showed that although the remaining right hemisphere could generate normal pursuit to the right, leftward pursuit was always slower than the target velocity and required corrective saccades. The number of saccades was greatest at lower target speeds and decreased at higher target speeds but the average amplitude of saccades increased monotonically with target velocity. The proportion of the pursuit attempt accomplished by saccades was always about 80%, and the velocity gain of the pursuit system was 0.24 to 0.34.
Modeling greenhouse humidity by means of NNARMAX and principal component analysis

This paper is concerned with how far a combination of auto regressive moving average model with external input and neural network (NNARMAX) can ameliorate the modeling performance for the inside humidity of an unheated, naturally ventilated greenhouse in autumn under east-central China conditions. The environmental factors influencing the inside humidity, including outside air temperature and humidity, wind speed and direction, solar radiation, inside air temperature, are all collected as data samples. First, through grey relational analysis, the wind speed which has the least correlation degree with the output is omitted. Second, through principal component analysis (PCA) of the other input data samples, 3 principal components are extracted which are taken as the input of NNARMAX model. At last, a comparison of the modeling performances is made between the NNARMAX model and the other 4 models, and the NNARMAX model outperforms the other 4 models as indicated by the simulation results and the goodness of fit.
Recent Developments of Artificial Intelligent Controllers for IPM Motor Drive Applications

This paper investigates the state of the art work on intelligent controllers for interior permanent magnet motor (IPM) motor drive applications. Particular attention is paid for fuzzy logic, neural network, and neuro-fuzzy controllers. In many applications, especially in controlling nonlinear, time varying, and ill defined systems artificial intelligent controllers (AICs) have been proved to be superior in design and performance when compared to the conventional controllers. A survey on the design, development and implementation of AICs for interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) is provided in this paper. Thus, this paper provides useful information for researcher and practicing engineers about the application of artificial intelligent controller for IPMSM drives.
A comparative analysis of graphical interaction and logistic regression modelling: Self-care and coping with a chronic illness in later life

Quantitative research especially in the social, but also in the biological sciences has been limited by the availability and applicability of analytic techniques that elaborate interactions among behaviours, treatment effects, and mediating variables. This gap has been filled by a newly developed statistical technique, known as graphical interaction modelling. The merit of graphical models for analyzing highly structured data is explored in this paper by an empirical study on coping with a chronic condition as a function of interrelationships between three sets of factors. These include background factors, illness context factors and four self--care practices. Based on a graphical chain model, the direct and indirect dependencies are revealed and discussed in comparison to the results obtained from a simple logistic regression model ignoring possible interaction effects. Both techniques are introduced from a more tutorial point of view instead of going far into technical details.
Earnings Volatility and Earnings Predictability

Survey evidence indicates widely held managerial beliefs that earnings volatility is negatively related to earnings predictability. In addition, existing research suggests that earnings volatility is determined by economic and accounting factors, and both of these factors reduce earnings predictability. We find that the consideration of earnings volatility brings substantial improvements in the prediction of both short- and long-term earnings. Conditioning on volatility information also allows one to identify systematic errors in analyst forecasts, which implies that analysts do not fully understand the implications of earnings volatility for earnings predictability.
Evaluation of the comparative effect of tetracaine on central corneal thickness measured by a contact and noncontact pachymeter.

PURPOSE To compare the effect of tetracaine 1% on central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements obtained by the ultrasound pachymetry (USP) and Topcon SP-3000P specular microscope. METHODS In the following sequence, SP-3000P before anesthesia, USP before anesthesia, SP-3000P 10 mins after anesthesia, USP 10 mins after anesthesia, CCT measurements were obtained from 100 randomly selected eyes of 50 oculo-visually young adults in 2 measurement sessions. RESULTS The CCT before instilling anesthetic did not vary significantly in each technique within session (P>0.05) and between sessions (P>0.05). Baseline CCT measurements obtained by the USP were significantly (P<0.0001) higher than that of SP-3000P by about 28 μm and 29 μm in sessions 1 and 2, respectively. A small but statistically insignificant increase in CCT (P>0.05) was observed 10 mins after instilling one drop of 1% tetracaine in both sessions of SP-3000P, whereas a statistically significant increase (P<0.05) in CCT in both sessions of USP was observed. The precision of the effects of anesthesia in the USP for sessions 1 and 2 was±15 μm and±31 μm, and in SP-3000P sessions 1 and 2, respectively, was±16 μm and±13 μm. CONCLUSION Topical anesthetic might have an effect on CCT measurements made with the ultrasound pachymeter. Such an effect could be due to instability of the tear film caused by the anesthetic, and this effect was not measurable with the SP-3000P suggesting that the difference in the principles of operation of both pachymetry devices might play a significant role in the detection of changes in CCT induced by topical anesthetic and the difference in CCT measurements observed between techniques.
Linear Machine Solution to Point Location Problem

Linear machine has been recently proposed as an elegant solution for solving the point location problem arising in multi-parametric programming (mp-P) based online optimization. Linear machine associates a linear discriminant function with each polytopic region in the parametric space. The solution to the point location problem is then obtained by simply evaluating these discriminant functions and finding their maximum value. In this technical note, we rigorously establish the correctness of the linear machine generation procedure and identify a necessary condition for existence of linear machine. A modified procedure, involving systematic subdivision of the parametric space, is proposed when this condition is not satisfied. Analysis of complexity and storage requirements, along with computational experiments on a large sized example, indicate that linear machine can be an efficient tool for solving the point location problem.
Loss of myostatin attenuates severity of muscular dystrophy in mdx mice

Myostatin, a transforming growth factor–β family member, is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting myostatin in settings of muscle degeneration, we crossed myostatin null mutant mice with mdx mice, a model for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. Mdx mice lacking myostatin were stronger and more muscular than their mdx counterparts. Diaphragm muscle showed less fibrosis and fatty remodeling, suggesting improved muscle regeneration.
Comparison of Canadian versus United States emergency department visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation.

INTRODUCTION Despite the frequency of emergency department (ED) visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, little is known about practice variation in EDs. OBJECTIVES To examine the differences between Canadian and United States (US) COPD patients, and the ED management they receive. METHODS A prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted involving 29 EDs in the US and Canada. Using a standard protocol, consecutive ED patients with COPD exacerbations were interviewed, their charts reviewed and a two-week telephone follow-up completed. Comparisons between Canadian and US patients, as well as their treatment and outcomes, were made. Predictors of antibiotic use were determined by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Of 584 patients who had physician-diagnosed COPD, 397 (68%) were enrolled. Of these, 63 patients (16%) were from Canada. Canadians were older (73 years versus 69 years; P=0.002), more often white (97% versus 65%; P<0.001), less educated (P=0.003) and more commonly insured (P<0.001) than the US patients. US patients more commonly used the ED for their usual COPD medications (17% versus 3%; P=0.005). Although Canadian patients had fewer pack-years of smoking (45 pack-years versus 53 pack-years; P=0.001), current COPD medications and comorbidities were similar. At ED presentation, Canadian patients were more often hypoxic and symptomatic. ED treatment with inhaled beta-agonists (approximately 90%) and systemic corticosteroids (approximately 65%) were similar; Canadians received more antibiotics (46% versus 25%; P<0.001) and other treatments (29% versus 11%; P=0.002). Admission rates were similar in both countries (approximately 65%), although Canadian patients remained in the ED longer than the US patients (10 h versus 5 h, respectively; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Overall, patients with acute COPD in Canada and the US appear to have similar history, ED treatment and outcomes; however, Canadian patients are older and receive more aggressive treatment in the ED. In both countries, the prolonged length of stay and high admission rate contribute to the ED overcrowding crisis facing EDs.
Windfarm System Protection Using Peer-to-Peer Communications

Windfarm electrical systems present some unique challenges for protection. The grid tie and wind turbine generators provide multiple sources of fault currents to be considered. Collector feeders become isolated ungrounded systems during faults due to separation from the centralized collector bus reference ground. Ground faults on feeders will result in unfaulted phase voltages rising to line levels. In addition, severe transient overvoltages can be produced, which can degrade insulation, resulting in eventual equipment failure. This paper reviews the overall requirements for comprehensive windfarm protection. It also focuses on the particular problem of feeder ground faults. A novel, yet simple solution is presented that makes use of peer-to-peer (GOOSE) messaging via the IEC 61850 protocol. The characteristics of the GOOSE message are discussed with respect to speed and reliability and communications architecture is presented. The performance of the resulting protection scheme is quantified
Préservation de la vie privée. Recherche de motifs séquentiels dans des bases de données distribuées

Extracting knowledge without disclosing any individual or sensitive information is a new challenging problem for the data mining community. In this paper, we present a new algorithm PRIPSEP (privacy preserving sequential patterns) for the mining of sequential patterns from distributed databases while preserving privacy. We prove that our architecture and protocols employed by our algorithm are secure.
The effects of varying configuration in the composite task support an attentional account of holistic processing

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Food availability and the rising obesity prevalence in Malaysia

It is estimated that more than 1.1 billion adults and 115 million children worldwide are overweight. In Malaysia, the second and third National Health and Morbidity Surveys in 1996 and 2006 respectively reported a three-fold increase in obesity prevalence among adults, surging from 4.4% to 14% over the 10-year period. Evidence of rising childhood obesity has also emerged. The aim of this article is to gather evidence from food availability data for an insight into population shifts in dietary patterns that may help explain the rising obesity in this country. The nutrition transition was delineated in conjunction with the epidemiologic transition in order to explain the convergence of dietary practices, and the high prevalence of obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases worldwide. The Food Balance Sheets for Malaysia from 1967 to 2007 were used to provide estimates and trends for the availability of foods and calories. Evidence is generated that indicate at least two major upward shifts in the dietary patterns in Malaysia in the past 4 decades. These shifts have led to the rising availability of calories from animal products, and from sugar and sweeteners. These major dietary shifts, together with increased sedentariness, constitute core public health challenges faced in addressing the country's obesity and non- communicable diseases (NCD) conundrum.
Scheduling M2M traffic over LTE uplink of a dense small cells network

We present an approach to schedule Long Term Evolution (LTE) uplink (UL) Machine to Machine (M2M) traffic in a densely deployed heterogeneous network, over the lamp posts of a big boulevard for smart city applications. The small cells operate with frequency reuse 1 and Inter-Cell Interference (ICI) is a critical issue to manage. We consider a Release 9 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) compliant scenario, where Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) is selected as the multiple access scheme, which requires that all Resource Block (RB)s allocated to a single user have to be contiguous in frequency within each time slot. This adjacency constraint limits the flexibility of the Frequency-Domain Packet Scheduling (FDPS) and Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (ICIC), when trying to maximize the scheduling objectives, and this is sufficient to make the problem NP-hard. We aim to solve an optimization problem, taking into account criteria such as the maximization of the overall throughput, the minimization of the radio resource usage, and the minimization of ICI. This can be modelled through a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and solved through a heuristic implementable in the standards. We present simulation results in a 3GPP compliant network simulator, which support the effectivity of our algorithm, for different M2M applications, with respect to state of the art approaches.
Tooth microstructure tracks the pace of human life-history evolution.

A number of fundamental milestones define the pace at which animals develop, mature, reproduce and age. These include the length of gestation, the age at weaning and at sexual maturity, the number of offspring produced over a lifetime and the length of life itself. Because a time-scale for dental development can be retrieved from the internal structure of teeth and many of these life-history variables tend to be highly correlated, we can discover more than might be imagined about fossil primates and more, in particular, about fossil hominids and our own evolutionary history. Some insights into the evolutionary processes underlying changes in dental development are emerging from a better understanding of the mechanisms controlling enamel and dentine formation. Our own 18–20-year period of growth and development probably evolved quite recently after ca 17 million years of a more ape-like life-history profile.
Activation of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases in equine laminitis

Samples of connective tissue obtained from the hoof of six laminitic and eight non-laminitic adult horses were analysed zymographically to investigate whether connective tissue matrix metalloproteinases are activated or induced during laminitis. The activity of matrix metalloproteinases was substantially greater in the tissues from the laminitic horses than in the tissues from the non-laminitic horses. A comparison of the collagenolytic activity in the laminitic and control tissues showed that collagenolytic activities corresponding to the 92 kDa (P<0.001), 72 kDa (P<0.01) and 66 kDa (P<0.01) bands were induced in the laminitic tissues.
THE CURRENT STATE OF THERAPY FOR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION*

Over the past decade, treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration has evolved from overall retinal ablation to more targeted and retinal-sparing therapy, beginning with the advent of photodynamic therapy and continuing with the development of inhibitors to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This article summarizes the key clinical trials with photodynamic and antiVEGF therapies to provide insight into and a framework around which we can choose the optimal treatments (including dosing) for our patients. Our patients now have more choices than ever with a greater chance of not only avoiding vision loss but also perhaps regaining some visual function in a proportion of patients. Ongoing and future studies should help us to answer the questions of optimal dosing and which patient characteristics may predict better outcomes. (Adv Stud Ophthalmol. 2007;4(5):121-126)
Experimental spectroscopic studies of metals with electron, ion, and optical techniques

In this thesis, different spectroscopic methods are used for studying metals. Electron spectroscopy is applied for the study of binding energy shifts between atomic vapor and solid metals. Photoionization and Auger decay of high temperature aluminum vapors are investigated. Ionization of atomic chromium metal vapor by light absorption is studied with synchrotron radiation and time-of-flight ion mass spectroscopy. Optical spectroscopy is used for studying light emission from electric arc furnace plasma in experimental apparatuses developed during this work. Experimental techniques and sample preparation methods are presented.
A community-centric access control scheme for Online Social Networks

Online Social Network facilitate its users to form groups for sharing their personal information, interests and activities with their friends, relatives and others. Such type of information disclosure can cause problems for people in terms of security. Access of different group members is controlled in Online Social Networks to minimize such security risks to personal information and user resources. Researchers have used social network actor-relationship graph to control the access based on relationship type, trust and attributes. This paper discusses available techniques in CBAC, ABAC and ReBAC to provide security to social network data and objects. A community-centric access control model using brokerage roles, attributes, and trust techniques is presented with its formal description.
Extending Simulation of Asynchronous Spiking Neural P Systems in P-Lingua

Spiking neural P systems (SN P systems for short) are a class of neural-like computing models in the framework of membrane computing. Inspired by the neurophysiological structure of the brain, SN P systems have been extended in various ways. PLingua is a standard language for the definition of P systems, where pLinguaCore library provides particular implementations of parsers and simulators for the models specified in PLingua. A support for simulating SN P systems in PLingua was introduced recently and soon expanded to cover further features of these systems. In this paper, we present an extension of PLingua related to asynchronous SN P systems, in order to incorporate simulation capabilities for limited asynchronous SN P systems and asynchronous SN P systems with local synchronization.