Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of endothelium-dependent relaxations by phorbol myristate acetate in canine coronary arteries: role of a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein.

Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol esters inhibits the endothelium-dependent relaxations evoked by certain stimuli. The release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor can be evoked by a number of distinct subcellular processes, including activation of a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein. The aim of the present study was to determine whether or not the inhibitory effect of phorbol esters on endothelial function was associated with inhibition of the pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway. Rings of canine coronary artery were suspended for isometric tension recording in organ chambers filled with modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution, gassed with 95% O2-5% CO2 (37 degrees C). Treatment of arterial rings with pertussis toxin (100 ng/ml) or with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, 10(-8) M) inhibited the endothelium-dependent relaxations produced by UK 14,304, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, leukotriene C4 or by NaF, a direct activator of G-proteins, but did not affect the endothelium-dependent relaxations produced by bradykinin or by A23187. If the arterial rings were first treated with pertussis toxin, PMA (10(-8) M) no longer inhibited the endothelium-dependent relaxations to NaF. Increasing the concentration of PMA (to 3 X 10(-8) and 10(-7) M) caused inhibition of responses to bradykinin. At higher concentrations, PMA (3 X 10(-7) and 10(-6)) also inhibited the relaxations evoked by A23187. The endothelium-independent relaxations evoked by nitroglycerin were not affected by PMA (10(-8) to 10(-6)). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Monitoring leaf area of sugar beet using ERS-1 SAR data

Abstract This paper presents the results of field testing a radar model which relates leaf area index to radar backscatter for ERS-1 C-band VV polarization SAR data. Ground truth measurements of leaf area index and soil moisture content were made in selected sugar beet fields, with simultaneous acquisition of ERS-1 SAR image data. Radar backscatter coefficients were derived from the calibrated ERS-1 SAR data. The Leeuwen and Clevers expression of the water cloud model was fitted to determine the in situ relationship between radar back-scatter and leaf area index. The model can be inverted analytically to calculate leaf area index from radar backscatter. The results show considerable potential for the operational application of ERS-1 SAR data in crop monitoring.
Temperature dependent electron transport in amorphous oxide semiconductor thin film transistors

A temperature-dependent mobility model in amorphous oxide semiconductor (AOS) thin film transistors (TFTs) extracted from measurements of source-drain terminal currents at different gate voltages and temperatures is presented. At low gate voltages, trap-limited conduction prevails for a broad range of temperatures, whereas variable range hopping becomes dominant at lower temperatures. At high gate voltages and for all temperatures, percolation conduction comes into the picture. In all cases, the temperature-dependent mobility model obeys a universal power law as a function of gate voltage.
Trajectory knowledge for improving topology control in mobile ad-hoc networks

While most topology control protocols only address limited network mobility, we propose in this paper a quasi-localized topology control algorithm that considers mobility predictions in order to construct and maintain a power efficient topology without relying on periodic beacons. Indeed, a node is capable of extracting linear trajectories of its neighboring nodes based on their positions and velocities. Based on such information, a node obtains a local prediction of neighborhood evolution and can thereafter proactively adapt the topology without relying on periodic beacons. Maintenance is driven on a per-event basis. It is therefore only when a node changes course that messages are exchanged in order to adapt the structure. Our approach is able to create and keep a stable kinetic backbone at a linear message and time complexity. It also improves concurrent communications by providing a significant reduction on local power assignments, therefore reducing interferences, increasing battery life and improving the overall network lifespan.
Machiavel: Accessing the medium in mobile and dense WSN

Wireless sensor networks operate in constrained environments. In addition to the limitations in terms of energy, memory and computation, the use of mobile sensors has recently been contemplated. However, only a few medium access control protocols consider the dynamic of such scenarios. In this paper, we present potential problems that could arise with nowadays protocols operating in mobile environments. We particularly focus on the synchronization issues between fixed and mobile sensors, as well as congestion in dense networks. For that purpose, we introduce Machiavel, a new method to access the medium. Machiavel allows mobile sensors to capture the channel even in networks with high contention, while guaranteeing the synchronization with their peers. An evaluation by simulation demonstrates the benefits of our contribution compared to the B-MAC protocol.
Dynamic model and motion control analysis of three-link gymnastic robot on horizontal bar

Based on the observation of gymnast's swing-up movement, a simplified three-link horizontal bar robot is designed. With corresponding mathematic model developed, its dynamic characteristics are analyzed and simulation results are presented. From a general control perspective, an effective approach, that combines human simulated intelligent control method with Schema theory, and its feasibility are pointed out to obtain the planning motion control.
Modeling flow and transport in irrigation catchments: 2. Spatial application of subcatchment model

An alternative to spatial distribution is presented for physically based process modeling of catchment flow and solute transport. The approach is based on an integral relation for catchment streamflow which describes the accumulation through the stream network of the hillslope contributions. This relation is redefined from integration with respect to position along the stream to an integral that is with respect to the physical properties determining the hillslope flow and transport with probability distributions to represent the range of parameter values and areas associated with these. Since the integrand is now a relatively smooth function of the variables of integration, standard numerical integration can be used to evaluate the catchment totals. The assumptions allowing this redefinition are that hillslope hydrology is primarily determined by driving forces that are local to the hillslope and that catchment flow can be lumped in time so that streamflow routing is not required. The interpolation of the integrand involved in the numerical integration results in significant savings over physically based spatially distributed catchment flow and transport models. The methodology is tested through application to an irrigated catchment where model simulations of flow and transport were found to be in close agreement with those observed.
Prediction of a Required Log-reduction with Probability for Enterobacter 1 sakazakii during High Pressure Processing using a Survival / Death Interface 2 Model 3 4 Running title : Prediction of survival / death interface induced by HPP 5 6

4 Running title: Prediction of survival/death interface induced by HPP 5 6 Shige Koseki, Maki Matsubara, and Kazutaka Yamamoto 7 8 National Food Research Institute, 2-1-12, Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8642, Japan 9 10 Corresponding Author. 11 Mailing address: 2-1-12, Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8642, Japan. 12 Phone: +81-29-838-7152; Fax: +81-29-838-8122. 13 E-mail: koseki@affrc.go. jp (S. Koseki) 14 Copyright © 2009, American Society for Microbiology and/or the Listed Authors/Institutions. All Rights Reserved. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. doi:10.1128/AEM.02283-08 AEM Accepts, published online ahead of print on 6 February 2009
Extravasation of radiographic contrast is an independent predictor of death in primary intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hematomas that enlarge following presentation with primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are associated with increased mortality, but the mechanisms of hematoma enlargement are poorly understood. We interpreted the presence of contrast extravasation into the hematoma after CT angiography (CTA) as evidence of ongoing hemorrhage and sought to identify the clinical significance of contrast extravasation as well as factors associated with the risk of extravasation. METHODS We reviewed the clinical records and radiographic studies of all patients with intracranial hemorrhage undergoing CTA from 1994 to 1997. Only patients with primary ICH were included in this study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between clinical and radiological variables and the risk of hospital death or contrast extravasation. RESULTS Data were available for 113 patients. Contrast extravasation was seen in 46% of patients at the time of CTA, and the presence of contrast extravasation was associated with increased fatality: 63.5% versus 16.4% in patients without extravasation (P=0.011). There was a trend toward a shorter time (median+/-SD) from symptom onset to CTA in patients with extravasation (4.6+/-19 hours) than in patients with no evidence of extravasation (6.6+/-28 hours; P=0.065). Multivariate analysis revealed that hematoma size (P=0.022), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (P=0.016), extravasation of contrast (P=0.006), infratentorial ICH (P=0.014), and lack of surgery (P<0.001) were independently associated with hospital death. Variables independently associated with contrast extravasation were hematoma size (P=0.024), MABP >120 mm Hg (P=0.012), and GCS score of </=8 (P<0.005). CONCLUSIONS Contrast extravasation into the hematoma after ICH is associated with increased fatality. The risk of contrast extravasation is increased with extreme hypertension, depressed consciousness, and large hemorrhages. If contrast extravasation represents ongoing hemorrhage, the findings in this study may have implications for therapy of ICH, particularly with regard to blood pressure management.
Decadal time series of tropospheric abundance of N2O isotopomers and isotopologues in the Northern Hemisphere obtained by the long‐term observation at Hateruma Island, Japan

Decadal time series and short‐term temporal variations in mixing ratio of atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) and abundance of its isotopomers (14N15N16O and 15N14N16O) and isotopologue (14N14N18O) relative to 14N14N16O have been observed for the first time in the Northern Hemisphere at Hateruma Island (HAT), Japan during 1999–2010 by monthly air sampling. Results show that the bulk nitrogen isotope ratio δ15Nbulk decreased at the rate of −0.023 ± 0.006‰ yr−1, although the N2O mixing ratio increased at the rate of about 0.7 nmol mol−1 yr−1 (ppb yr−1) during the period. Isotope budget calculation with the δ15Nbulk trend supports the earlier estimates showing that the isotopically light sources such as agriculture and industry contribute to the increase of atmospheric N2O. However, the rate of decrease of δ15Nbulk is slightly smaller in magnitude than the rates obtained virtually for the 20th century from firn air in polar regions and surface air in the Southern Hemisphere (Tasmania and Antarctica), which suggests greater contribution of 15 N‐enriched N2O sources in recent years or in the extra‐polar Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, the oxygen isotope ratio (δ18O) and intramolecular 15N site preference (SP, difference between isotope ratios at central and terminal nitrogen atoms) of N2O showed no significant trends, contrary to previous reports. Results show that no significant seasonal variation exists in δ15Nbulk, δ18O, and SP of N2O at HAT in the past decade within the limits of our sampling frequency and analytical precision.
Two kinesins drive anterograde neuropeptide transport

Current anterograde transport models focus on one type of plus-end–directed kinesin for each type of cargo. This study shows that two anterograde motors, kinesin-1 and kinesin-3, both contribute to the transport of neuropeptide-filled vesicles in axons in vivo.
A Three-Terminal Ultracapacitor-Based Energy Storage and PFC Device for Regenerative Controlled Electric Drives

Most of modern controlled electric drive applications, such as lifts, cranes, and tooling machines, are characterized by a high ratio of the peak to average power. In addition, such applications have high demand for braking at the full rated power. In ordinary drives, the braking energy, which represents 30%-50% of the consumed energy, is dissipated on a brake resistor. Apart from this “energetic” issue, power supply interruption and the input current quality are two additional issues to be solved. A novel regenerative controlled electric drive based on an ultracapacitor as energy storage is presented in this paper. The ultracapacitor with an interface dc-dc converter is used to store and recover the braking energy. In addition, the dc-dc converter controls the rectifier current and reduces the drive input current total-harmonic-distortion factor down to 30%. Moreover, the dc bus voltage is boosted and controlled to be constant and ripple free regardless of the load and the mains voltage variation. In comparison to state-of-the-art solutions, the new solution has better performance regarding size, cost, and efficiency. The presented solution is theoretically analyzed and experimentally verified. The results are presented and discussed.
Further results on semisimple Hopf algebras of dimension p2q2

Let p, q be distinct prime numbers, and k an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0. Under certain restrictions on p, q, we discuss the structure of semisimple Hopf algebras of dimension p2q2. As an application, we obtain the structure theorems for semisimple Hopf algebras of dimension 9q2 over k. As a byproduct, we also prove that odd-dimensional semisimple Hopf algebras of dimension less than 600 are of Frobenius type.
A Fast Current-Based MPPT Technique Employing Sliding Mode Control

This paper introduces a novel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique aimed at maximizing the power produced by photovoltaic (PV) systems. The largest part of the MPPT approaches presented in the literature are based on the sensing of the PV generator voltage. On the contrary, in this paper, a current-based technique is proposed: the sensing of the current in the capacitor placed in parallel with the PV source is one of the innovative aspects of the proposal. A dual control technique based on an inner current loop plus an outer voltage loop allows to take profit of the fast current tracking capability of the inner current loop while the voltage loop benefits from the logarithmic dependency of the PV voltage on the irradiation level. The features of the proposed algorithm, particularly in terms of tracking of irradiation variations and disturbance rejection, are supported by theoretical analysis, simulations, and experimental results. The technique described in this paper is patent pending.
Secretory leucoprotease inhibitor binds to NF-κB binding sites in monocytes and inhibits p65 binding

Secretory leucoprotease inhibitor (SLPI) is a nonglycosylated protein produced by epithelial cells. In addition to its antiprotease activity, SLPI has been shown to exhibit antiinflammatory properties, including down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor α expression by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in macrophages and inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation in a rat model of acute lung injury. We have previously shown that SLPI can inhibit LPS-induced NF-κB activation in monocytic cells by inhibiting degradation of IκBα without affecting the LPS-induced phosphorylation and ubiquitination of IκBα. Here, we present evidence to show that upon incubation with peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs) and the U937 monocytic cell line, SLPI enters the cells, becoming rapidly localized to the cytoplasm and nucleus, and affects NF-κB activation by binding directly to NF-κB binding sites in a site-specific manner. SLPI can also prevent p65 interaction with the NF-κB consensus region at concentrations commensurate with the physiological nuclear levels of SLPI and p65. We also demonstrate the presence of SLPI in nuclear fractions of PBMs and alveolar macrophages from individuals with cystic fibrosis and community-acquired pneumonia. Therefore, SLPI inhibition of NF-κB activation is mediated, in part, by competitive binding to the NF-κB consensus-binding site.
Efficient fully 3-D iterative SPECT reconstruction with Monte Carlo-based scatter compensation

Quantitative accuracy of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images is highly dependent on the photon scatter model used for image reconstruction. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is the most general method for detailed modeling of scatter, but to date, fully three-dimensional (3-D) MCS-based statistical SPECT reconstruction approaches have not been realized, due to prohibitively long computation times and excessive computer memory requirements. MCS-based reconstruction has previously been restricted to two-dimensional approaches that are vastly inferior to fully 3-D reconstruction. Instead of MCS, scatter calculations based on simplified but less accurate models are sometimes incorporated in fully 3-D SPECT reconstruction algorithms. We developed a computationally efficient fully 3-D MCS-based reconstruction architecture by combining the following methods: 1) a dual matrix ordered subset (DM-OS) reconstruction algorithm to accelerate the reconstruction and avoid massive transition matrix precalculation and storage; 2) a stochastic photon transport calculation in MCS is combined with an analytic detector modeling step to reduce noise in the Monte Carlo (MC)-based reprojection after only a small number of photon histories have been tracked; and 3) the number of photon histories simulated is reduced by an order of magnitude in early iterations, or photon histories calculated in an early iteration are reused. For a 64/spl times/64/spl times/64 image array, the reconstruction time required for ten DM-OS iterations is approximately 30 min on a dual processor (AMD 1.4 GHz) PC, in which case the stochastic nature of MCS modeling is found to have a negligible effect on noise in reconstructions. Since MCS can calculate photon transport for any clinically used photon energy and patient attenuation distribution, the proposed methodology is expected to be useful for obtaining highly accurate quantitative SPECT images within clinically acceptable computation times.
Environmental Research and Public Health a Review of the Growth of the Fast Food Industry in China and Its Potential Impact on Obesity

The fast-food (FF) industry and obesity rates have rapidly increased in China. This study examined the FF industry growth in China, key factors contributing to the growth, and the association between FF consumption (FFC) and obesity. We collected related data from multiple sources and conducted analysis including linear regression analysis on the increase in FF revenue. It was found that FF industry in China is large, with over two million FF facilities. Its total revenue (in million US$) urbanization, busier lifestyle, speedy FF service, assurance of food safety, new brands and foods have stimulated demand for FF. Studies have linked FFC with obesity risk, including a few reporting a positive association between FFC and obesity in China. Rapid expansion of Western-style FF restaurants has also stimulated local FF industry growth. Government regulation and public health education need to address the health consequences of rapidly increasing FFC. Lessons learned in China will help other countries.
Origin of B-Cell Neoplasms in Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are associated with a number of B-cell neoplasms but the associations are selective in regard to the type of neoplasm and the conferred risks are variable. So far no mechanistic bases for these differential associations have been demonstrated. We speculate that developmental origin of B-cells might propose a mechanistic rationale for their carcinogenic response to autoimmune stimuli and tested the hypothesis on our previous studies on the risks of B-cell neoplasms after any of 33 ADs. We found that predominantly germinal center (GC)-derived B-cells showed multiple associations with ADs: diffuse large B cell lymphoma associated with 15 ADs, follicular lymphoma with 7 ADs and Hodgkin lymphoma with 11 ADs. Notably, these neoplasms shared significant associations with 5 ADs (immune thrombocytopenic purpura, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosis). By contrast, primarily non-GC neoplasms, acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and myeloma associated with 2 ADs only and mantle cell lymphoma with 1 AD. None of the neoplasms shared associated ADs. These data may suggest that autoimmune stimulation critically interferes with the rapid cell division, somatic hypermutation, class switch recombination and immunological selection of maturing B-cell in the GC and delivers damage contributing to transformation.
An Adaptive UEP_BTC_STBC System for Robust H. 264 Video Transmission

A new adaptive UEP_BTC_STBC scheme is proposed to guarantee the robust video transmission according to the channel conditions. This scheme enhanced STBC (space-time block coding) by concatenating BTC code (block turbo code), both the good error correcting capability of BTC and the concurrent large diversity gain characteristic of STBC can be achieved simultaneously. Furthermore, by employing different BTC codes together with different modulation approaches, the scheme is capable of adapting to channel conditions and maximize end-to-end QoS of video transmission. Simulation result shows that the proposed adaptive scheme achieved significant improvement in delivered video quality according to channel condition.
Photochemical production of carbonyl sulfide in seawater and its emission to the atmosphere

Carbonyl sulfide (COS) measurements in the surface waters of the temperate and subtropical North Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico showed COS to be supersaturated with respect to atmospheric equilibrium at almost all locations and times investigated. Its concentration follows a pronounced diel cycle which can be modeled using a simple equation which includes hydrolysis removal and photo-chemical production. The concentration and ocean/atmosphere flux of COS depends strongly on marine productivity, the highest levels being found in coastal and shelf waters. Analysis of presently available data yields an estimate of 13 Gmol yr-1 (0.41 Tg S(COS) yr−1) for the total flux of COS from the oceans to the atmosphere.