Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioactivity of peptide analogs of the neutrophil chemoattractant, N-acetyl-proline-glycine-proline.

PURPOSE The release of N-acetyl-proline-glycine-proline (PGP), a chemoattractant resulting from direct alkaline hydrolysis of corneal proteins, is believed to be the initial trigger for neutrophil invasion into the alkali-injured cornea. The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to compare the activity of N-acetyl-PGP with the bioactivities of other similar synthetic peptides in an effort to uncover information about this chemoattractant molecule, and (2) to test these peptide analogs as potential antagonists of N-acetyl-PGP. METHODS The polarization assay was used to measure the potential chemotactic response of human neutrophils to peptides. Bioactivity was expressed as the peptide concentration required to produce 50% neutrophil polarization (EC50). Antagonist activity was expressed as the peptide concentration required to produce 50% inhibition (ID50) of polarization activated by N-acetyl-PGP. RESULTS Peptide bioactivities (EC50) were ranked as follows: APGPR (0.34 mM) > N-acetyl-PGP (0.5 mM) > N-(PGP)4-PGLG (3 mM) = t-Boc-PGP (3 mM) > N-acetyl-PG (3.4 mM) > N-methyl-PGP (15 mM) = PGP (15 mM) > peptides without detectable activity (t-Boc-PGP-OMe, N-acetyl-P, PG, PGG, GP, GG and gly-pro-hyp). Peptides with no detectable bioactivity were tested as potential antagonists of neutrophil polarization induced by N-acetyl-PGP. Gly-Pro-Hyp inhibited N-acetyl-PGP activation of polarization at 20 mM (ID50). No other synthetic peptide demonstrated a capacity for inhibition. CONCLUSIONS The minimum requirement to elicit bioactivity was the presence of PGP alone or derivatives of PG in which the N-terminal proline is blocked. Using this approach, active and inactive mimetic peptides of N-acetyl-PGP were produced. The most active peptide, APGPR, was equal to or slightly greater than N-acetyl-PGP, suggesting that more potent analogs might be designed. Gly-pro-hyp was the only inactive peptide analog to inhibit the chemoattractant.
An Energy-Efficient 32-bit Multiplier Architecture in 90-nm CMOS

This paper describes an energy-efficient 32-bit multiplier based on a modified Booth-encoding scheme in a 90-nm CMOS technology. Further power-performance and area comparisons are presented, between the proposed architecture and a conventional Wallace tree based multiplier. Simulation results shows 47 % better energy-efficiency at the same delay and 24% lower area compared to the conventional multiplier
LACTIC DEHYDROGENASE ISOZYMES AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION IN NORMAL TISSUES AND PLASMA AND IN DISEASE STATES *

The lactic dehydrogenases from each of a number of mammalian species have been resolved into several electrophoretically and/or chromatographically distinct, enzymatically active forms of isozymes.l-a Human and rabbit tissues were each found to contain five of these i~ozymes.4~~J~a Some tissues yielded only one isozyme while others contained two, three, four, or all five forms in characteristic proportions. No two tissues studied were found to have identical lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) isozyme patterns. These isozymes were found to differ from each other in several properties in a regular manner that could be correlated with their electrophoretic mobilities in starch gel.9J0 Normal human plasma was founda to have a characteristic distribution of LDH isozyme activities in which LDHz < LDHl < LDH3 < LDH6 < LDHl where the subscripts 1 to 5 refer to increasing electrophoretic mobilities. Myocardial infarction resulted in a marked increase in the proportion of LDH6, the isozyme present in heart muscle in highest concentration. The plasma isozyme pattern was found to be a more sensitive, specific, and lasting parameter of myocardial necrosis than the total serum or plasma enzyme activity. In this paper previously published data on the regular differences between rabbit LDH isozymes are reevaluated, and further evidence of uniform differences in their properties is presented. Experiments on the LDH isozyme distribution in rabbit plasma are described. Studies on the plasma LDH isozyme patterns of 300 normal persons and 500 hospital patients with a wide variety of diseases are also reported.
A self-organizing network system forming memory from nonstationary probability distributions

We propose an artificial neural system that forms memory by receiving input vectors obeying an unknown nonstationary probability density function (PDF). The system consists of a set of neural vector quantizer (NVQs), each of which can approximate nonstationary PDFs. Each NVQ exclusively learns a stationary piece of the nonstationary PDF and stores its approximated representation, where the nonstationary PDF consists of some stationary pieces. Experimental results show that the system has functions "memorization", "retention", and "recall" of information which is required in memory systems. The results also illustrate that the system receives inputs from a nonstationary PDF and stores statistical information by distributing it equally over the system. The system can also be used to model nonstationary phenomena. This ability is desirable for various applications, for example, process control, economical modeling, etc.
Straight versus tortuous retinal arteries in relation to blood pressure and genetics

Background/aims: To assess the relative influence of genetic and environmental factors on retinal arterial tortuosity and the association between tortuosity and various health indices in healthy young to middle-aged persons. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 57 monozygotic and 52 dizygotic same-sex healthy twin pairs, aged 20 to 46 years, who were characterised by determination of retinal vessel diameters, arterial blood pressure, blood glucose, body mass index, smoking habits and retinal arterial tortuosity, using a three-level grading scale (straight, wavy, tortuous). Heritability of retinal arterial tortuosity was estimated using structural equation modelling. Results: Of 218 subjects, 79 (36.2%) had straight retinal arteries, 110 (50.5%) had wavy arteries, and 29 (13.3%) had tortuous arteries. Heritability of tortuosity was 82% (CI95 64, 92%), with unshared environmental factors accounting for the remaining 18% (CI95 8, 36%). Increasing values of mean arterial blood pressure and body mass index were both associated with decreasing levels of retinal arterial tortuosity. Conclusion: There was a large variation in tortuosity of retinal arteries in these healthy subjects and the predominant determinant was genetic influence, accounting for 82% of the observed variation in tortuosity.
Digital image watermarking scheme in wavelet domain using chaotic encryption

The rapid growth of digital technology in today's era leads to threat of destroying authentication and copyright protection of owners, so in this paper a Discrete Wavelet Transform based digital image watermarking scheme is proposed. Features of logistic map are able to generate a chaotic image pattern with the help of which embedding and extraction of watermark is performed. The proposed scheme also shows robustness and perceptual invisibility to various attacks such as filtering, JPEG compression, noise etc. Quality of image is being evaluated with NC and PSNR, which shows that the proposed scheme performs better.
R-calculus: a logical approach for knowledge base maintenance

The concepts of maintenance sequence of a knowledge base and their limits are introduced. Some concepts used in maintenance of knowledge bases, such as new laws, user's rejections, and reconstructions of a base are defined; the related theorems are proposed. Some computational aspects of reconstructions are studied; an R-calculus is given to deduce a reconstruction when a base meets a rejection. Especially, an R-calculus for logic programming is provided and implemented to do it. Finally, the theory is compared with AGM's theory of belief revision. <<ETX>>
Bronchoscopic findings in children with non-cystic fibrosis chronic suppurative lung disease

Background: Published data on the frequency and types of flexible bronchoscopic airway appearances in children with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and chronic suppurative lung disease are unavailable. The aims of this study were to describe airway appearances and frequency of airway abnormalities and to relate these airway abnormalities to chest high resolution computed tomography (cHRCT) findings in a cohort of children with non-cystic fibrosis chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD). Methods: Indigenous children with non-cystic fibrosis CSLD (>4 months moist and/or productive cough) were prospectively identified and collected over a 2.5 year period at two paediatric centres. Their medical charts and bronchoscopic notes were retrospectively reviewed. Results: In all but one child the aetiology of the bronchiectasis was presumed to be following a respiratory infection. Thirty three of the 65 children with CSLD underwent bronchoscopy and five major types of airway findings were identified (mucosal abnormality/inflammation only, bronchomalacia, obliterative-like lesion, malacia/obliterative-like combination, and no macroscopic abnormality). The obliterative-like lesion, previously undescribed, was present in 16.7% of bronchiectatic lobes. Structural airway lesions (bronchomalacia and/or obliterative-like lesion) were present in 39.7% of children. These lesions, when present, corresponded to the site of abnormality on the cHRCT scan. Conclusions: Structural airway abnormality is commonly found in children with post-infectious bronchiectasis and a new bronchoscopic finding has been described. Airway abnormalities, when present, related to the same lobe abnormality on the cHRCT scan. How these airway abnormalities relate to aetiology, management strategy, and prognosis is unknown.
Interdisciplinary approach for improved esthetic results

This clinical report describes an interdisciplinary (orthodontic, prosthodontics and operative dentist) approach for the coordinated treatment of an adult patient diagnosed with severely mutilated dentition secondary to caries lesion warranting restorative procedures that was facilitated with orthodontic treatment. The patient's specific esthetic expectation for the anterior teeth and improved smile were successfully met through planned treatment, including orthodontic tooth movement, restoration and porcelain conversion crowns. Such coordinated interdisciplinary evaluations and treatment are necessary for improved esthetics.
Preliminary Examination of Psychometric Properties of the Korean Version of the Specific Interpersonal Trust Scale

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Specific Interpersonal Trust scale of Johnson-George and Swap in Korean samples as a part of the process of providing an exemplary tool for intercultural studies of trust. A translated version of the original scale was administered to 337 university students (157 males, 180 females) in Seoul, Korea. Data were subjected to a principal components analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis. In principal components analysis for the Korean sample (n = 167), three factors were identified and labeled: Overall Trust (Cronbach α=.89), Emotional Trust (Cronbach α = .88), and Reliableness (Cronbach α=.84). A confirmatory factor analysis (n=170) showed that the three-factor model was valid for the sample (χ2/df= 1.78, RMR=.06, RMSEA = .07, TLI=.92, CFI=.93). Internal consistency reliability and factorial validity were satisfactory in the case of the Korean sample. The Korean version of the Specific Interpersonal Trust Scale made good use of three factors of trust and appeared to be valid without sex differences, while the original scale distinguished the Males subscale from the Females subscale. Implications and limitations of this study were discussed.
Timing of definitive fixation of severe tibial plateau fractures with compartment syndrome does not have an effect on the rate of infection.

BACKGROUND Tibial plateau fractures with associated compartment syndrome are severe injuries with elevated infection rates. The objective of this article was to analyze whether there is an association between infection and the timing of definitive fracture fixation in relation to fasciotomy closure or coverage. METHODS Eighty-one tibial plateau fractures, complicated by compartment syndrome, were treated with four-compartment fasciotomies and definitive fracture fixation before, at, or after fasciotomy closure or coverage. RESULTS Thirty extremities were treated with definitive fixation before fasciotomy closure. Seven (23%) of these extremities developed an infection. Twenty-six extremities were treated with definitive internal fixation at the time of fasciotomy closure of which three (12%) developed an infection. Twenty-five extremities were treated definitively after fasciotomy closure of which four (16%) developed an infection. There was no significant difference in the rate of infection among the groups (p = 0.5012). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated no statistical difference in the rate of infection when tibial plateau fractures with four-compartment fasciotomies were treated with open reduction and internal fixation before fasciotomy closure, at fasciotomy closure, or after fasciotomy closure. Based on the data presented herein, it seems that definitive fracture treatment can be determined by the condition of patient and by surgeon preference and experience without exposing the patient to the additional risk of infection.
The effectiveness of Ponseti technique in the management of congenital club foot: A systematic review of the literature.

Objectives The general objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Ponseti method in the management of congenital talipes equino varus (club foot) Research questions What is the evidence of effectiveness of the Ponseti method versus other conservative treatments in the management of congenital talipes equinovarus (club foot)? Types of participants This review will include any study using the Ponseti method to children 0-2 years old with idiopathic clubfoot born full term. Children with co-existing pathologies and those who underwent surgical procedures prior to commencing of Ponseti treatment will be excluded. Types of interventions The Ponseti method is a very well defined technique involving a number of manipulations and serial application of casts which gradually corrects plantar flexion of the ankle, inversion of the heel and the adduction of the hind and forefoot. This review will consider studies that include the Ponseti technique as an intervention. Outcome measures Correction of the position of the foot measured by: range of motion, time required for correction (weeks), number of relapses, number of children sent for extensive surgery.
Tracing of Patients Lost to Follow-up and HIV Transmission: Mathematical Modeling Study Based on 2 Large ART Programs in Malawi

Objective:Treatment as prevention depends on retaining HIV-infected patients in care. We investigated the effect on HIV transmission of bringing patients lost to follow-up (LTFU) back into care. Design:Mathematical model. Methods:Stochastic mathematical model of cohorts of 1000 HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy, based on the data from 2 clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi. We calculated cohort viral load (sum of individual mean viral loads each year) and used a mathematical relationship between viral load and transmission probability to estimate the number of new HIV infections. We simulated 4 scenarios: “no LTFU” (all patients stay in care), “no tracing” (patients LTFU are not traced), “immediate tracing” (after missed clinic appointment), and “delayed tracing” (after 6 months). Results:About 440 of 1000 patients were LTFU over 5 years. Cohort viral loads (million copies/mL per 1000 patients) were 3.7 [95% prediction interval (PrI), 2.9–4.9] for no LTFU, 8.6 (95% PrI, 7.3–10.0) for no tracing, 7.7 (95% PrI, 6.2–9.1) for immediate, and 8.0 (95% PrI, 6.7–9.5) for delayed tracing. Comparing no LTFU with no tracing, the number of new infections increased from 33 (95% PrI, 29–38) to 54 (95% PrI, 47–60) per 1000 patients. Immediate tracing prevented 3.6 (95% PrI, −3.3 to 12.8) and delayed tracing 2.5 (95% PrI, −5.8 to 11.1) new infections per 1000. Immediate tracing was more efficient than delayed tracing: to 116 and 142 tracing efforts, respectively, were needed prevent 1 new infection. Conclusions:Tracing of patients LTFU enhances the preventive effect of antiretroviral therapy, but the number of transmissions prevented is small.
Modeling and  $\eta $ - $\alpha $ -Pareto Optimization of Inductive Power Transfer Coils for Electric Vehicles

This paper details the optimization of inductive power transfer (IPT) coil systems with respect to efficiency η and area-related power density α as required in electric vehicle applications. Based on analytical calculations and finite-element models, which are discussed and experimentally verified in detail, generally valid design guidelines for high-power IPT systems are derived, and the η-α-Pareto optimization of a scaled 5kW prototype system is presented. Experiments demonstrate a dc-to-dc conversion efficiency of more than 96.5% at a power density of 1.47kW/dm2 with coils of 210mm diameter/52mm air gap, including the losses in the resonant capacitors and the power converter. Field measurements validate the predicted stray field with a calculation error of less than 10%.
Contents Recommendation Scheme Considering Trust and Collaborative Filtering in Online Social Networks

With the development of smartphones and online social networks, the users are creating and sharing a large amount of content. Concurrently, there have been recommendation schemes for providing users with content that matches their preferences. In this paper, we present a content recommendation scheme that uses trust-based user filtering. To perform user filtering, the trust of a user is determined by analyzing user social activities, content usage, and social relationships. In addition, trust of the content is considered to decide the content recommendation priority order. To calculate the content trust, we analyze the expertise of the user and implicit activities. It is shown through performance evaluation that the proposed scheme outperforms the existing scheme.
Activated complex of L-cells and Rickettsia prowazekii with N-ethylmaleimide-insensitive phospholipase A

The interaction of large numbers of viable Rickettsia prowazekii cells with L-cells results in the expression of a phospholipase A activity with the concomitant release of free fatty acids and lysophosphatides from the phospholipids of the L-cell. About 50% of rickettsiae present in the suspension that was centrifuged onto an L-cell monolayer at 0 degree C to effect this interaction formed a tight L-cell-rickettsiae association from which the rickettsiae could not be removed by simple washing. Both the L-cell-rickettsiae association and the rickettsiae before association with L-cells interact with N-ethylmaleimide, so that the subsequent expression of the phospholipase A activity was inhibited (treatment of the L-cells with N-ethylmaleimide before centrifugation does not inhibit phospholipase activity). However, treatment of this association with 2,4-dinitrophenol and KCN caused much less inhibition of this phospholipase A activity than did treatment of the rickettsiae with these agents before centrifugation onto the L-cells. Incubation of the L-cell-rickettsiae association for a short time at 35 degrees C resulted in a very low level of free fatty acid formation and changed this association to an activated complex in which the phospholipase A activity was no longer sensitive to the inhibitory effects of N-ethylmaleimide. The characteristics of the association and activated complex were stable: after a 2-h incubation at 0 degrees C, the association and the activated complex retained both their basal phospholipase A activities and their characteristic responses to N-ethylmaleimide treatment. In scanning electron micrographs of the activated complexes, the rickettsiae that were initially attached were no longer visible after 45 min at 35 degrees C, and the surface of the L-cell appeared to have been etched away. These activated complexes provide a system in which modulators of the phospholipase A can be investigated without the confusion caused by the first-step receptor interaction between rickettsiae and their host cells.
Anonymous deduplication of encrypted data with proof of ownership in cloud storage

Cloud computing is viewed as the next generation architecture of IT companies. As promising as it is, cloud computing also brings forth many new security issues when users outsource sensitive data to cloud servers. To keep sensitive users' data confidential against untrusted servers, existing solutions usually apply cryptographic methods. With data encryption, the same file will become different from each other, thus deduplication which is widely adopted by cloud storage service providers meets some challenges. Current method to solve the problem is to make use of some information computed from the shared file to achieve deduplication of encrypted data, say convergent encryption. But this piece of information which is computable from the file via a deterministic public algorithm is not really meant to be secret. To this end, we propose a scheme to address the deduplication of encrypted data efficiently and securely with the help of ensuring the ownership of the shared file, encrypting data using keys at user's will and realizing the anonymous store through the digital credential. We achieve this aims through proof of ownership (POW), proxy re-encryption (PRE) and digital credential.
A study on the reliability of the circuit maintenance system-1B

The Circuit Maintenance System (CMS)-1B has been developed to provide operational, administrative, and data base support to the trunk maintenance areas of the No. 4 ESS. In this paper, we investigate the reliability of the CMS-1B under the most stringent situation where six No. 4 ESSs are supported simultaneously. Our study results indicate that, with its current hardware arrangements, software structure, and administrative procedure, the CMS-1B can meet the reliability objective. Furthermore, the reliability of the CMS-1B is insensitive to an incremental change of its operating characteristics pertaining to the above three categories. We also provide a field-of-use guideline whereby the reliability of the CMS-1B can best be upgraded, if necessary. This guideline can be used by each CMS1-B site to decide whether its maintenance contract meets the response time requirement or its disk drive system needs to be replaced by a more reliable counterpart.