Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of K+ Flow by a Ring of Negative Charges in the Outer Pore of BKCa Channels. Part II

Neutralization of the aspartate near the selectivity filter in the GYGD pore sequence (D292N) of the voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ channel (MaxiK, BKCa) does not prevent conduction like the corresponding mutation in Shaker channel, but profoundly affects major biophysical properties of the channel (Haug, T., D. Sigg, S. Ciani, L. Toro, E. Stefani, and R. Olcese. 2004. J. Gen. Physiol. 124:173–184). Upon depolarizations, the D292N mutant elicited mostly gating current, followed by small or no ionic current, at voltages where the wild-type hSlo channel displayed robust ionic current. In fact, while the voltage dependence of the gating current was not significantly affected by the mutation, the overall activation curve was shifted by ∼20 mV toward more depolarized potentials. Several lines of evidence suggest that the mutation prevents population of certain open states that in the wild type lead to high open probability. The activation curves of WT and D292N can both be fitted to the sum of two Boltzmann distributions with identical slope factors and half activation potentials, just by changing their relative amplitudes. The steeper and more negative component of the activation curve was drastically reduced by the D292N mutation (from 0.65 to 0.30), suggesting that the population of open states that occurs early in the activation pathway is reduced. Furthermore, the slow component of the gating current, which has been suggested to reflect transitions from closed to open states, was greatly reduced in D292N channels. The D292N mutation also affected the limiting open probability: at 0 mV, the limiting open probability dropped from ∼0.5 for the wild-type channel to 0.06 in D292N (in 1 mM [Ca2+]i). In addition to these effects on gating charge and open probability, as already described in Part I, the D292N mutation introduces a ∼40% reduction of outward single channel conductance, as well as a strong outward rectification.
A phylogenetic revision of Penicillium sect. Exilicaulis, including nine new species from fynbos in South Africa

A survey of the fynbos biome in South Africa resulted in the isolation of 61 Penicillium species from Protea repens infructescences, air, and soil samples. Fourteen of these belong to Penicillium sect. Exilicaulis and therefore we considered it an opportunity to re-evaluate the taxonomy of the section. Phylogenetic comparisons of the ITS, β-tubulin, calmodulin and RPB2 gene regions of the 76 section Exilicaulis species, revealed 52 distinct species, including nine new species from fynbos. Morphological comparisons confirmed the novelty for most of these, however, new species closely related to P. rubefaciens did not show significant or consistent morphological differences and we thus placed a bias on phylogenetic data applying the Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition (GCPSR) concept. In this paper we describe the nine new species and update the accepted species list and resolve synonyms in the section. Importantly, we reveal that P. citreosulfuratum is the correct name for the clade previously considered to represent P. toxicarium fide Serra et al. (2008). The nine new species are: Penicillium atrolazulinum, P. consobrinum, P. cravenianum, P. hemitrachum, P. pagulum, P. repensicola, P. momoii, P. subturcoseum, and P. xanthomelinii spp. nov.
A QoS-enabled packet scheduling algorithm for IPSec multi-accelerator based systems

IPSec is a suite of protocols that adds security to communications at the IP level. Protocols within the IPSec suite make extensive use of cryptographic algorithms. Since these algorithms are computationally very intensive, some hardware acceleration is needed to support high throughput. In this paper we discuss a scheduling algorithm for distributing IPSec packet processing over the CPU with a software implementation of the cryptographic algorithms considered and multiple cryptographic accelerators. This algorithm also provides support for quality of service. High-level simulations and the related results are provided to show the properties of the algorithm. Some architectural improvements suitable to better exploit this scheduling algorithm are also presented
Correlated Equilibria in Voter Turnout Games

Communication is fundamental to elections. This paper extends canonical voter turnout models to include any form of communication, and characterizes the resulting set of correlated equilibria. In contrast to previous research, high-turnout equilibria exist in large electorates and uncertain environments. This difference arises because communication can be used to coordinate behavior in such a way that voters find it incentive compatible to always follow their signals past the communication stage. The equilibria have expected turnout of at least twice the size of the minority for a wide range of positive voting costs, and show intuitive comparative statics on turnout: it varies with the relative sizes of different groups, and decreases with the cost of voting. This research provides a general micro foundation for group-based theories of voter mobilization, or voting driven by communication on a network.
Mean Field Strategies Induce Unrealistic Non-Linearities in Calcium Puffs

Mean field models are often useful approximations to biological systems, but sometimes, they can yield misleading results. In this work, we compare mean field approaches with stochastic models of intracellular calcium release. In particular, we concentrate on calcium signals generated by the concerted opening of several clustered channels (calcium puffs). To this end we simulate calcium puffs numerically and then try to reproduce features of the resulting calcium distribution using mean field models were all the channels open and close simultaneously. We show that an unrealistic non-linear relationship between the current and the number of open channels is needed to reproduce the simulated puffs. Furthermore, a single channel current which is five times smaller than the one of the stochastic simulations is also needed. Our study sheds light on the importance of the stochastic kinetics of the calcium release channel activity to estimate the release fluxes.
What is the effect of real versus augmented models for the advancement of spatial ability based on haptic or visual learning style of entry-level engineering graphics students?

Huffman, Katie L. M. S. , Purdue University, December 2011. What is the Effect of Real Versus Augmented Models for the Advancement of Spatial Ability Based on Haptic or Visual Learning Style of Entry-Level Engineering Graphics Students? Major Professor: Dr. Craig L. Miller. This research study conducted during the Fall Semester of 2011 at Purdue University compared the use of augmented reality and real blocks instructional methods, for advancing spatial abilities in students of different learning styles (visual/haptic). This study implemented augmented reality and real models as visualization aids for first year engineering students enrolled in an entry level engineering graphics course. This thesis presents the significance of this research study, the research methodology, and the statistical findings. The results of the study conclude that there is no significant interaction between learning style of visual or haptic and instructional method of augmented reality or real blocks. This result infers that either instructional method would aid students in advancing visualization skills equally. This thesis suggests future studies and applications for the integration of both augmented and real models as visualization aids to advance the spatial abilities of introductory engineering students.
Deja Vu All Over Again: "A Comment on the Comment of Converse and Pierce

What is the "standing decision" rule that guides the French voter? Party or ideology? Converse and Pierce (1993), commenting on their 1986 volume, say that "the tilt of our diverse tests actually favored party. " Our tests point in the opposite direction, favoring ideology (Fleury and Lewis-Beck 1993). This disagreement is but a part of a larger debate in the literature on explanations of French electoral behavior. We hope, by reviewing key aspects of the disagreement, light will be cast on broader concerns. We begin with the modeling issue, then take up the matter of data and measures. We conclude with analysis of a newer, and perhaps better, data set from the 1988 elections. In that analysis, we offer a straightforward examination of the basic question: Are there more ideological identifiers or party identifiers in the French electorate? As shall be seen, there are many more ideological identifiers.
Latest Permian paleosols from Wapadsberg Pass, South Africa: Implications for Changhsingian climate

Terrestrial settings preceding the endPermian crisis are reported to trend toward increasingly dry and arid conditions, resulting in landscape change and a shift in fl architectures and regimes. Much of the latest Permian (Changhsingian) stratigraphic record in the Karoo Basin, South Africa, consists of paleosols, which record the physical conditions across time and space. Preboundary sequences at Wapadsberg Pass, Eastern Cape Province, provide insight into the climate regime that infl uenced paleosol formation at that time. A high-resolution sedimentological and geochemical study of two, stacked aggradational paleosols, in conjunction with stable isotope geochemical characterization of paleosol carbonate-cemented concretions over a 90 m section at this locality, demonstrates that these landscapes were predominantly wetland terrains without a demonstrable trend in increasing drying up to the Permian-Triassic boundary, as defi ned by vertebrates in the area. Two paleosols examined 70 m below the Permian-Triassic boundary are identifi ed as Protosols, and the former soil-air interface of each is marked by an autochthonous forestfl oor litter in which canopy leaves of Glossopteris and groundcover plants of Trizygia are preserved. Molecular weathering ratios (e.g., base loss, clayeyness, chemical index of alteration minus potassium [CIA–K], etc.) determined from these horizons are indicative of immature soil development under watersaturated conditions. Assuming that paleosol-matrix concentrations of trace elements are indicative of Permian soil-solution chemistries, high concentrations of Ni, Cu, Ba, and Cr may have been growth-stress factors that may account for the small glossopterid leaf size in the megafl oras, in contrast to current models that implicate stress in response to climate change. Stable isotope δ 18 O and δ 13 C values are presented for micritic and microspar (<20 μm) calcite cements from carbonate nodules collected at 15 horizons through a 90 m stratigraphic interval up to, and including, the Permian-Triassic boundary. These isotopic ratios exhibit dissimilar trends. No clear trend exists in δ 18 O (Peedee belemnite [PDB] values range from –14.7‰ to –21.8‰). In contrast, a trend exists in δ 13 C values, where carbonate cements almost certainly precipitated under well-drained conditions in an interval that is 60 m below the PermianTriassic boundary (–5.3‰), while δ 13 C values as low as –16.9‰, indicative of water-logged conditions, begin 90 m below and continue up to the Permian-Triassic boundary. Hence, no evidence is found for a preboundary trend toward increasing aridity at this locality. The fi rst estimates of the latest Permian atmospheric pCO2 from paleosols, based on coexisting calcite and organic matter δ 13 C values from paleosols that developed under well-drained conditions, provide a range of values from 900 to 1900, and 500 to 1300 ppmV, respectively, which are signifi cantly lower than the latest Early Permian, when terrestrial biome replacement is documented to have occurred.
Tolerance to Lung Allografts Cells That Mediate Type V Collagen-Induced Regulatory T high CD45RC+ Identifies the CD4 Differential Expression of Smad7 Transcripts

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) induced by oral tolerance may suppress immunity by production of TGF- (cid:2) that could also enhance Treg activity. However, all cells that are phenotypically Tregs in rats (CD4 (cid:1) CD45RC high -RC high ) may not have regulatory function. Because Smad7 expression in T cells is associated with inﬂammation and autoimmunity, then lack of Smad7 may identify those cells that function as Tregs. We reported that feeding type V collagen (col(V)) to WKY rats (RT1 l ) induces oral tolerance to lung allografts (F344-RT1 lvl ) by T cells that produce TGF- (cid:2) . The purpose of the current study was to identify the Tregs that mediate col(V)-induced tolerance, and determine Smad7 expression in these cells. RC high cells from tolerant rats were unresponsive to allogeneic stimulation and abrogated rejection after adoptive transfer. In contrast, CD4 (cid:1) CD45RC low (RC low ) cells from tolerant rats and RC high or RC low cells from normal rats or untreated allograft recipients proliferated vigorously in response to donor Ags, and did not suppress rejection after adoptive transfer. TGF- (cid:2) enhanced proliferation in response to col(V) presented to tolerant RC high , but not other cells. In contrast to other cells, only RC high cells from tolerant rats did not express Smad7. Collectively, these data show that the Tregs that mediate col(V)-induced tolerance to lung allografts do not express SMAD7
Polymeric silver(I) complexes of the multinucleating ligand 4,7-dihydro-5-methyl-7-oxo(1,2,4)triazolo(1,5-a)pyrimidine. Analogous hydrogen-bonded structures in the crystal and vapour phases of the ligand

X-Ray crystallography showed that the crystal structure of Hmtpo (4,7-dihydro-5-methyl-7-oxo[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine) is built up of hydrogen-bonded polymeric chains, whereas mass spectroscopy and solution 15 N NMR spectroscopy suggested the existence of a dimeric structure comprising eight-membered · · · H–N –C–N · · · H–N –C–N rings in less condensed phases. On the other hand, the reaction between the silver(I) salts AgX (X = NO 3 , ClO 4 or ½SO 4 ) and Hmtpo yielded polymeric complexes. The compounds have been structurally characterised by IR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The X-ray results show that the compounds containing the Hmtpo derivative in its neutral form comprise infinite one-dimensional chains, in which the ligand bridges the metal centres through N(1) and N(3) donor atoms. The presence of an additional soft and bulky ligand such as triphenylphosphine in [{AgX(µ-Hmtpo-κ 2 N 1 ,N 3 )(PPh 3 )} n ] (X = NO 3 or ClO 4 ) partially changes the tendency to form polymeric complexes, lengthening the Ag–N(1) bond distance by 0.35 A. Finally, deprotonation of Hmtpo results in an additional available coordination position at N(4), the ligand bridging three metal centres in [{Ag 3 (µ 3 -mtpo-κ 4 N 1 ,N 3 ,N 4 ,O 7 ) 2 (HSO 4 )(H 2 O) 2 ]·H 2 O} n ]. The new co-ordination mode results in the formation of eight-membered Ag–N–C–N–Ag–N–C–N rings, which give rise to short intermetallic contacts of 3.078(1) A. The structures of free Hmtpo in the solid state and the postulated vapour-phase structure are compared to those of linear co-ordinated silver(I) complexes.
Message in a Ballad

How is information about people conveyed through their preferences for certain kinds of music? Here we show that individuals use their music preferences to communicate information about their personalities to observers, and that observers can use such information to form impressions of others. Study 1 revealed that music was the most common topic in conversations among strangers given the task of getting acquainted. Why was talk about music so prevalent? Study 2 showed that (a) observers were able to form consensual and accurate impressions on the basis of targets' music preferences, (b) music preferences were related to targets' personalities, (c) the specific cues that observers used tended to be the ones that were valid, and (d) music preferences reveal information that is different from that obtained in other zero-acquaintance contexts. Discussion focuses on the mechanisms that may underlie the links between personality and music preferences.
Study of the Associations Between TT Virus Single and Mixed Infections With Leukemia

Background: The pathogenic association of Transfusion Transmitted Virus or Torque teno Virus (TT Virus) single and mixed infections with leukemia was under evaluation in these years but confront with controversies. This hypothesis is based on the higher prevalence of TT Virus infection in patients with leukemia compared with controls. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of TT Virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections in patients with leukemia and healthy controls. Patients and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 95 patients with leukemia and 100 healthy controls who were admitted to the Namazi Hospital affiliated to the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, were enrolled between years 2012 and 2013. Blood samples treated with EDTA were collected from each patient with leukemia and controls. The existence of TT Virus infection was analyzed using the semi-nested PCR method. The immunological prevalence of HBV and HCV infections were evaluated using HBs-Ag and HCV-Ab ELISA based protocols, respectively. Active CMV infection was also evaluated using an immunofluorescence method. Also risk factors of leukemia and viral infections were statistically analyzed in patients with leukemia. Results: The TT Virus infection was significantly found in 40 of 95 (42.1%) and 12 of 100 (12%) patients with leukemia and controls, respectively. The HBs-Ag and HCV-Ab were detected in 27 of 95 (28.4%) and 18 of 69 (26.1%) patients with leukemia but were not found in the controls. Active CMV infection was also found in 11 of 69 (16%) patients and none of the controls. Significant co-infection of TT Virus was found with HBV (15 of 40; 37.5%), HCV (14 of 40; 35%) and CMV (7 of 40; 17.5%) in patients with leukemia. Conclusions: Confirmation of the significantly higher frequency of TT Virus, HBV, HCV and CMV single infection and their co-infection in patients with leukemia compared with healthy controls, emphasizes the determinative role of TT Virus pathogenesis in clinical outcomes observed in patients with leukemia, which requires extensive evaluation by further studies.
The Production Function in Allocation and Growth: A Synthesis

High surface area alumina bodies for use as catalysts, catalyst carriers, and sorbents are made by controlled mixing of fine particle size platy boehmite alumina aggregates with a monobasic acid to produce non-pasty free-flowing particulate mass of aggregates of boehmite. This mass can then be formed by pressure into selected shapes such as rings, saddles, cylinders, solid, or hollow, or pellets, dried and fired to produce bodies of boehmite, gamma alumina, delta alumina, theta alumina or alpha alumina ranging in surface area of from 10 square meters per gram to greater than 300 square meters per gram. Catalytic metal can be included in the bodies by impregnation, before or after firing, or can be incorporated by inclusion in the aqueous acid treating solution.
In-service teachers’ perceptions towards classroom technology integration in Zambia: A pilot study

The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions towards integrating information and communication technologies (ICTs) in teaching and learning programs among in-service primary school teachers in Zambia. The study explored investigated 8 government primary schools in Lusaka province from which 10 teachers who participated in the study were drawn. The study was quantitative in nature owing to the fix interval questionnaires that were used. The results indicate that the majority of the teachers were optimistic about the use of ICTs in the teaching and learning setting. The results indicate that there was a strong, positive correlation between attitude and belief towards using ICTs in the teaching and learning process (r = .89, n= 10,p< .01), thus, there was evidence that teachers who had positive attitudes also had strong beliefs about the use of ICTs in the teaching and learning process. There was also strong agreement on the importance of “the use of ICTs in the teaching-learning process” and that “studying with ICTs makes teaching-learning process more enjoyable”. The teachers also confirmed the need to “participate in in-service training seminars about the use of ICTs “ as the strategy most strongly agreed upon. The results suggest that the teachers’ positive attitude towards ICTs integration in the teaching and learning process requires not only institutional and financial support, but also provision of access to computers, technical support and in-service teacher technology training.
Voice onset times and burst frequencies of four velar stop consonants in Gujarati.

Voice onset times (VOT) and burst frequencies of two aspirated (i.e., /kh/, /gh/) and two unaspirated (i.e., /k/, /g/) Gujarati velar stop consonants were investigated in an effort to provide characteristic acoustic information. Stop consonants in a monosyllabic vowel–consonant–vowel (VCV) production were obtained from eight native speakers of Gujarati. Differences in mean VOT and burst frequency as a function of voicing and aspiration were examined. A significant voicing by aspiration effect was found for VOT (p=0.026). The two voiced stops, while not significantly different from each other (p=0.278), had significantly shorter VOTs than voiceless stops. The aspirated /kh/ had a significantly longer VOT than the unaspirated /k/ (p=0.0013). With respect to burst frequency, voiced stops had significantly higher burst frequencies than voiceless stops (p=0.002). There was no significant difference between mean burst frequencies of aspirated and unaspirated stops (p=0.058).
Nonanticipative Rate Distortion Function and Filtering Theory: A weak Convergence Approach

In this paper the relation between nonanticipative rate distortion function (RDF) and Bayesian filtering theory is further investigated on general Polish spaces. The relation is established via an optimization on the space of conditional distributions of the so-called directed information subject to fidelity constraints. Existence of the optimal reproduction distribution of the nonanticipative RDF is shown using the topology of weak convergence of probability measures. Subsequently, we use the solution of the nonanticipative RDF to present the realization of a multidimensional partially observable source over a scalar Gaussian channel. We show that linear encoders are optimal, establishing joint source-channel coding in real-time.