Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Congestion pricing in a road and rail network with heterogeneous values of time and schedule delay

We analyse congestion pricing in a road and rail network, where the two modes are imperfect substitutes. On the road there is bottleneck congestion; in each train there is crowding congestion. We model two dimensions of preference heterogeneity; these two dimensions have opposite effects on the welfare impact of congestion pricing and lead to different distributional effects. The distributional effects also differ between road and rail. On the road, pricing is generally more beneficial with a higher value of time or schedule delay. In the train, pricing has no distributional effects or is less beneficial with a higher value.
High-Visibility Photonic Crystal Fiber Interferometer as Multifunctional Sensor

A photonic crystal fiber (PCF) interferometer that exhibits record fringe contrast (∼40 dB) is demonstrated along with its sensing applications. The device operates in reflection mode and consists of a centimeter-long segment of properly selected PCF fusion spliced to single mode optical fibers. Two identical collapsed zones in the PCF combined with its modal properties allow high-visibility interference patterns. The interferometer is suitable for refractometric and liquid level sensing. The measuring refractive index range goes from 1.33 to 1.43 and the maximum resolution is ∼1.6 × 10−5.
Algorithms for clustering expressed sequence tags: the wcd tool

Understanding which genes are active, and when and why, is an important question for molecular biology. Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) are a technology used to explore the transcriptome (a record of this gene activity). ESTs are short fragments of DNA created in the laboratory from mRNA extracted from a cell. The key computational step in their processing is clustering: putting all ESTs associated from the same RNA
Organic Deep Ultraviolet Photodetector With Response Peak Focusing on 270 nm Using the Acceptor BAlq

An organic deep ultraviolet (DUV) photodetector (PD) with a response peak at 270 nm was fabricated. NPB and BAlq were employed as electron donor and acceptor, respectively, and polymer PEDOT:PSS was used as the transparent anode. The peak response of 0.14 A/W under illumination of 270-nm light with an intensity of 1.35 mW/cm<sup>2</sup> and a detectivity of 8.26×10<sup>11</sup> cmHz<sup>1/2</sup>W<sup>-1</sup> at -12 V were achieved, and the corresponding quantum efficiency η reaches 64.3%. The PDs exhibit a low dark current of 8.97×10<sup>-8</sup> A/cm<sup>2</sup>, and the photo-to-dark current ratio is about 2.1×10<sup>3</sup> at -12 V. The realization of DUV detection is attributed to the strong absorption of shorter UV wavelengths of acceptor BAlq and high transmittance of PEDOT:PSS anode in DUV region. The mechanism of harvesting high performance is also discussed in detail.
Sensorless vector control of super high speed turbo compressor

The goal of this paper is to control 118,000r/min turbo compressor driven by 12 kW, 2 pole surface mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SMPMSM) in a position sensorless mode. PLL-type observer is adopted for the angle and the speed estimation because of its simplicity and easy implementation. The analysis of the observer is described, and based on that analysis, the observer gains are set. Also, the experimental results to verify the analysis are shown.
Napkin sketch: handheld mixed reality 3D sketching

This paper describes, Napkin Sketch, a 3D sketching interface which attempts to support sketch-based artistic expression in 3D, mimicking some of the qualities of conventional sketching media and tools both in terms of physical properties and interaction experience. A portable tablet PC is used as the sketching platform, and handheld mixed reality techniques are employed to allow 3D sketches to be created on top of a physical napkin. Intuitive manipulation and navigation within the 3D design space is achieved by visually tracking the tablet PC with a camera and mixed reality markers. For artistic expression using sketch input, we improve upon the projective 3D sketching approach with a one stroke sketch plane definition technique. This coupled with the hardware setup produces a natural and fluid sketching experience.
Protection of Human Podocytes from Shiga Toxin 2-Induced Phosphorylation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases and Apoptosis by Human Serum Amyloid P Component

ABSTRACT Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is mainly induced by Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2)-producing Escherichia coli. Proteinuria can occur in the early phase of the disease, and its persistence determines the renal prognosis. Stx2 may injure podocytes and induce proteinuria. Human serum amyloid P component (SAP), a member of the pentraxin family, has been shown to protect against Stx2-induced lethality in mice in vivo, presumably by specific binding to the toxin. We therefore tested the hypothesis that SAP can protect against Stx2-induced injury of human podocytes. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying podocyte injury in HUS-associated proteinuria, we assessed Stx2-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and apoptosis in immortalized human podocytes and evaluated the impact of SAP on Stx2-induced damage. Human podocytes express Stx2-binding globotriaosylceramide 3. Stx2 applied to cultured podocytes was internalized and then activated p38α MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), important signaling steps in cell differentiation and apoptosis. Stx2 also activated caspase 3, resulting in an increased level of apoptosis. Coincubation of podocytes with SAP and Stx2 mitigated the effects of Stx2 and induced upregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl2. These data suggest that podocytes are a target of Stx2 and that SAP protects podocytes against Stx2-induced injury. SAP may therefore be a useful therapeutic option.
Topological mapping of the P1-adhesin of Mycoplasma pneumoniae with adherence-inhibiting monoclonal antibodies.

Five adherence-inhibiting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were used for topological mapping of the binding sites of the 169 kDa membrane-integrated adhesin of Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Antibody binding sites were characterized using overlapping synthetic octapeptides. Three regions of the protein seem to be involved in adherence: the N-terminal region [N-reg, epitopes beginning at amino acid (aa) 1 to aa 14 and aa 231 to aa 238, respectively]; a domain (D1) approximately in the middle of the molecule (beginning at aa 851 to aa 858 and aa 921 to aa 928); and a domain (D2) closer to the C-terminus (beginning at aa 1303 to aa 1310, aa 1391 to aa 1398 and aa 1407 to aa 1414). Each of the mAbs P1.26 and P1.62 reacted with two primary amino acid sequences. Both antibodies bound to the D1 region, but mAb P1.62 showed additional binding to a sequence (aa 231 to aa 238) near the N-terminus, and mAb P1.26 reacted with a second epitope in the D2 domain (aa 1303 to aa 1310). Such dual binding by the two antibodies suggests that in the native protein the epitopes are composed of two sequences which are located on two different sites of the molecule (D1/N-reg and D1/D2, respectively). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Only Incumbent Raters in O*Net? Oh Yes! Oh No!

Recent evaluation of the US Department of Labor's Occupational Information Network (O*NET) suggested that ratings from occupational analysts could be replaced by data imputed from incumbents' ratings. This study evaluates the viability of imputing job descriptor data, usually provided by analysts (ability ratings), using regression‐weighted incumbent task ratings. This study also uses (O*NET) databases to compare a series of possible strategies for imputing task, ability, and skill data on the basis of either incumbent or analyst ratings. Findings do not provide clear support for the superiority of using one data source over another when imputing ratings. Imputed and existing ratings are shown not to be equivalent based on variance explained statistics and comparisons of factor structures, indicating that both sources provide unique information.
Ecological Zones Rather Than Molecular Forms Predict Genetic Differentiation in the Malaria Vector Anopheles gambiae s.s. in Ghana

The malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae s.s. is rapidly becoming a model for studies on the evolution of reproductive isolation. Debate has centered on the taxonomic status of two forms (denoted M and S) within the nominal taxon identified by point mutations in the X-linked rDNA region. Evidence is accumulating that there are significant barriers to gene flow between these forms, but that the barriers are not complete throughout the entire range of their distribution. We sampled populations from across Ghana and southern Burkina Faso, West Africa, from areas where the molecular forms occurred in both sympatry and allopatry. Neither Bayesian clustering methods nor FST-based analysis of microsatellite data found differentiation between the M and S molecular forms, but revealed strong differentiation among different ecological zones, irrespective of M/S status and with no detectable effect of geographical distance. Although no M/S hybrids were found in the samples, admixture analysis detected evidence of contemporary interform gene flow, arguably most pronounced in southern Ghana where forms occur sympatrically. Thus, in the sampled area of West Africa, lack of differentiation between M and S forms likely reflects substantial introgression, and ecological barriers appear to be of greater importance in restricting gene flow.
Decision making in visual search : a dual-modelling approach to examine the influences of attentional templates in response time distributions

The remarkable ability of human search inspires computer vision algorithms that have influenced our life. The algorithms often automatically reach an optimal decision upon finishing analysing stimulus information. This is not how human search works. One missing puzzle psychophysical studies have yet to answer is how a search decision is reached. This thesis addressed this question, using descriptive models to examine response time (RT) distributions and cognitive process models to reveal the hidden information. The thesis focused on those search paradigms, guided (Wolfe, 2007a) by an attentional template (Duncan & Humphreys, 1989), because not until recent years, relevant techniques become more accessible to apply the pioneering approach of dual-modelling. The thesis compared RT distributions and cognitive processes when observers were guided by different attentional templates to search for a target. The first search paradigm was to discriminate 2 from 5. Study 2 varied the working memory strengths in templates, and they were represented differently (null, abstract vs. concrete) in Study 3. The findings suggest attentional templates selectively influence different parts of a search decision and RT distributions, depending on how a template is represented, whether il is strengthened or weakened by the conditions, and whether it is concrete or abstract.
G Protein-Coupled Receptor Heteromerization: A Role in Allosteric Modulation of Ligand Binding

It is becoming increasingly recognized that G protein-coupled receptors physically interact. These interactions may provide a mechanism for allosteric modulation of receptor function. In this study, we examined this possibility by using an established model system of a receptor heteromer consisting of μ and δ opioid receptors. We examined the effect of a number of μ receptor ligands on the binding equilibrium and association and dissociation kinetics of a radiolabeled δ receptor agonist, [3H]deltorphin II. We also examined the effect of δ receptor ligands on the binding equilibrium and association and dissociation kinetics of a radiolabeled μ receptor agonist, [3H][d-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]-enkephalin ([3H]DAMGO). We show that μ receptor ligands are capable of allosterically enhancing δ receptor radioligand binding and vice versa. Thus, there is strong positive cooperativity between the two receptor units with remarkable consequences for ligand pharmacology. We find that the data can be simulated by adapting an allosteric receptor model previously developed for small molecules, suggesting that the ligand-occupied protomers function as allosteric modulators of the partner receptor's activity.
Initiation of Meiotic Recombination in Mammals

Meiotic recombination is initiated by the induction of programmed DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). DSB repair promotes homologous interactions and pairing and leads to the formation of crossovers (COs), which are required for the proper reductional segregation at the first meiotic division. In mammals, several hundred DSBs are generated at the beginning of meiotic prophase by the catalytic activity of SPO11. Currently it is not well understood how the frequency and timing of DSB formation and their localization are regulated. Several approaches in humans and mice have provided an extensive description of the localization of initiation events based on CO mapping, leading to the identification and characterization of preferred sites (hotspots) of initiation. This review presents the current knowledge about the proteins known to be involved in this process, the sites where initiation takes place, and the factors that control hotspot localization.
================================================================= Global Proteome and Phospho-proteome Analysis of Merlin-deficient Meningioma and Schwannoma Identifies Pdlim2 as a Novel Therapeutic Target

Loss or mutation of the tumour suppressor Merlin predisposes individuals to develop multiple nervous system tumours, including schwannomas and meningiomas, sporadically or as part of the autosomal dominant inherited condition Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2). These tumours display largely low grade features but their presence can lead to significant morbidity. Surgery and radiotherapy remain the only treatment options despite years of research, therefore an effective therapeutic is required. Unbiased omics studies have become pivotal in the identification of differentially expressed genes and proteins that may act as drug targets or biomarkers. Here we analysed the proteome and phospho-proteome of these genetically defined tumours using primary human tumour cells to identify upregulated/activated proteins and/or pathways. We identified over 2000 proteins in comparative experiments between Merlin-deficient schwannoma and meningioma compared to human Schwann and meningeal cells respectively. Using functional enrichment analysis we highlighted several dysregulated pathways and Gene Ontology terms. We identified several proteins and phospho-proteins that are more highly expressed in tumours compared to controls. Among proteins jointly dysregulated in both tumours we focused in particular on PDZ and LIM domain protein 2 (PDLIM2) and validated its overexpression in several tumour samples, while not detecting it in normal cells. We showed that shRNA mediated knockdown of PDLIM2 in both primary meningioma and schwannoma leads to significant reductions in cellular proliferation. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive assessment of the NF2-related meningioma and schwannoma proteome and phospho-proteome. Taken together, our data highlight several commonly deregulated factors, and indicate that PDLIM2 may represent a novel, common target for meningioma and schwannoma.
How I diagnose meniscal tears on knee MRI.

OBJECTIVE The goal of this article is to summarize the literature about the diagnosis of meniscal tears on MRI including the normal appearance of the meniscus and the appearance of the various types of meniscal tears. In addition, I discuss my experience with the causes of errors in the MR diagnosis of meniscal abnormalities and the nuances of meniscal abnormalities that can mimic a meniscal tear. CONCLUSION MRI is a highly accurate imaging method for diagnosing meniscal tears. To avoid errors in diagnosing meniscal tears, those interpreting MR examinations of the knee need to be aware of the attachments of the menisci and the normal variations in meniscal anatomy that may resemble a meniscal tear. In addition, by being aware of the patterns of meniscal tears, it is easier to diagnose the less common tears.
Personal Health Records Success: Why Google Health Failed and What Does that Mean for Microsoft HealthVault?

Five years of experimenting with Personal Health Records has not yielded the results that big companies like Google and Microsoft expected. Whereas Google pulled the plug on its product offering, Microsoft struggles to reach sufficient critical mass. This study adopts a user perspective (51 interviews) in conjunction with grounded theory, to offer explanations why Google Health failed and predictions relative to Microsoft's ability to reach a tipping point with respect to product/service viability. Noteworthy, vendors ignore relevance, or perceived usefulness when designing PHRs. Moreover, low trust and high risks do not bode well for long-term success, with the widely used information systems success models often neglecting the latter two critical dimensions.
THE USEFULNESS OF SYSTEMIC FUNCTIONAL GRAMMAR AND ITS IMPACT ON STUDENTS’ COMMUNICATIVE SKILLS IN ESL CONTEXT

As globalization spreads investigation of the teaching of English grammar in the ESL/EFL context is of critical interest to learners. This comparative study examined the place of grammar in the ESL context; described the kind of grammar that is used by teachers to design teaching activities in ESL classes; and discusses the implications for English grammar teaching with regards to the investigator‟s own experiences. Data was collected by recording observations of teaching methods during ESL Cookery lessons, using a notebook and pen. The two teachers of the class were also interviewed. The results showed that the chosen grammatical teaching strategies were effective in this classroom in that they engaged students in interactive and contextual learning.
Anomalous thermal expansion of PrBCO compounds revisited at low temperatures

The low-temperature variations of the thermal expansion coefficient α(T) of a non-superconducting PrBa<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6+x</sub> ceramic in two states of oxygenation, x = 0.44 and 0.95 are reanalyzed using the α(T)/T and a(T)/T<sup>2</sup> versus T representations. Below the Neel temperature TN of the Pr antiferromagnetic ordering which increases respectively from 9 to 14 K, two anomalies are observed. The first one is located at T2 ~ 6-7 and 9-10 K respectively, whereas the second one occurs independently of x near T<sub>cr</sub>(x) ~ 4-5 K. The results are discussed and compared with earlier experimental and theoretical studies.
Proanthocyanidin Synthesis and Expression of Genes Encoding Leucoanthocyanidin Reductase and Anthocyanidin Reductase in Developing Grape Berries and Grapevine Leaves1[w]

Proanthocyanidins (PAs), also called condensed tannins, can protect plants against herbivores and are important quality components of many fruits. Two enzymes, leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR) and anthocyanidin reductase (ANR), can produce the flavan-3-ol monomers required for formation of PA polymers. We isolated and functionally characterized genes encoding both enzymes from grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv Shiraz). ANR was encoded by a single gene, but we found two highly related genes encoding LAR. We measured PA content and expression of genes encoding ANR, LAR, and leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase in grape berries during development and in grapevine leaves, which accumulated PA throughout leaf expansion. Grape flowers had high levels of PA, and accumulation continued in skin and seeds from fruit set until the onset of ripening. VvANR was expressed throughout early flower and berry development, with expression increasing after fertilization. It was expressed in berry skin and seeds until the onset of ripening, and in expanding leaves. The genes encoding LAR were expressed in developing fruit, particularly in seeds, but had low expression in leaves. The two LAR genes had different patterns of expression in skin and seeds. During grape ripening, PA levels decreased in both skin and seeds, and expression of genes encoding ANR and LAR were no longer detected. The results indicate that PA accumulation occurs early in grape development and is completed when ripening starts. Both ANR and LAR contribute to PA synthesis in fruit, and the tissue and temporal-specific regulation of the genes encoding ANR and LAR determines PA accumulation and composition during grape berry development.
Chronic but Not Acute Hydrocortisone Treatment Shifts the Response to an Orthostatic Challenge towards Parasympathetic Activity

Adrenocortical steroid hormones play a major role in the regulation of both action and metabolism of catecholamines. However, there is limited information on the effect of prolonged increase in plasma steroid hormone concentration on the sympathetic nervous system, which is the main source of norepinephrine. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design, we examined 20 male healthy volunteers after acute administration of 40 mg hydrocortisone or matching placebo as well as after a 1-week treatment with this steroid (daily dose, 40 mg) or placebo. Sympathetic nervous system activity was assessed by determination of overnight urinary norepinephrine and epinephrine secretion and by analysis of short-time heart rate variability (HRV) measures in the frequency domain. The low-frequency (LF) component of the HRV spectrum was considered to reflect both sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation and the high-frequency (HF) band vagal activity. HRV testing included the response to a mild cardiovascular challenge, orthostasis. After 1 subject had been excluded because of incompliance with the study medication, the data of 19 subjects were used for further analyses. Prolonged hydrocortisone treatment was associated with a significant shift of relative power from the LF to the HF band in the upright position, resulting in a significant decrease in the LF/HF ratio (placebo 6.77 ± 3.35 and hydrocortisone 4.72 ± 3.27; p < 0.05). No differences between groups were observed after acute steroid administration or after prolonged treatment in the supine position. Neither acute nor chronic hydrocortisone treatment resulted in significant changes in the overnight urinary catecholamine secretion. Our data suggest that prolonged but not acute hydrocortisone administration shifts the autonomic response to an orthostatic challenge towards parasympathetic activity.
Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Salmonella Strains Isolated from Humans, Cattle, Pigs, and Chickens in The Netherlands from 1984 to 2001

ABSTRACT We monitored antimicrobial susceptibility data for Salmonella strains isolated from humans, cattle, pigs, and chickens in The Netherlands from 1984 to 2001 in order to provide insight into the dynamics of resistance over time. The strains were tested for their susceptibilities to seven antimicrobial agents by the agar diffusion method. Resistance was most common in Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium. Among the strains from humans, pigs, and chickens, it was found that the level of resistance of serovar Typhimurium strains to tetracycline, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole increased from 1984 to 2001. This increase could be attributed to the emergence of multidrug-resistant serovar Typhimurium DT 104. Among the strains from cattle, it was found that the level of resistance of serovar Typhimurium strains, which was already very high in the 1980s, declined during the study period to the same levels as those for the strains from the other species from 1996 to 2001. Serovar Enteritidis isolates remained susceptible during the entire survey period. Among serovar Paratyphi B variation Java strains isolated from chickens, resistance to furazolidone, flumequine, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and ampicillin emerged, although furazolidone was not used after 1990. Together, the data indicate that the levels and patterns of resistance differed considerably between Salmonella serovars isolated from one host species.