Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HMOX1 Gene Promoter Polymorphism is Not Associated with Coronary Artery Disease in Koreans

Background The heme oxygenase-1 gene (HMOX1) promoter polymorphisms modulate its transcription in response to oxidative stress. This study screened for HMOX1 polymorphisms and investigated the association between HMOX1 polymorphisms and coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Korean population. Methods The study population consisted of patients with CAD with obstructive lesions (n=110), CAD with minimal or no lesions (n=40), and controls (n=107). Thirty-nine patients with CAD with obstructive lesions underwent follow-up coronary angiography after six months for the presence of restenosis. The 5'-flanking region containing (GT)n repeats of the HMOX1 gene was analyzed by PCR. Results The numbers of (GT)n repeats in the HMOX1 promoter showed a bimodal distribution. The alleles were divided into two subclasses, S25 and L25, depending on whether there were less than or equal to and more than 25 (GT)n repeats, respectively. The allele and genotype frequencies among groups were statistically not different. More subjects in the S25-carrier group had the low risk levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) for the CAD than those in the non-S25 carrier group (P=0.034). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the genotypes of (GT)n repeats were not related to CAD status. The restenosis group in the coronary angiography follow-up did not show any significant difference in HMOX1 genotype frequency. Conclusions The HMOX1 genotypes were not found to be associated with CAD, but the short allele carrier group contained more individuals with hsCRP values reflecting low risk of cardiovascular disease in the Korean population.
HEAT AND MOISTURE PRODUCTION OF POULTRY AND THEIR HOUSING SYSTEMS: BROILERS

Heat and moisture production rates (HP, MP) of modern broiler chickens (Cobb strain males) raised on litter in commercial production housing were determined from extensive environmental and production data of 20 house–flocks. The flock size was 18,800 birds, with a typical growth period of 56 days. Regression equations were established that predict total, sensible and latent HP of the broiler houses over common ranges of body mass (0.4 to 3.2 kg), house temperature (20 to 32  C), relative humidity (30–80%), and photoperiod (light or dark). Specific total HP rate from this study was up to 31% higher than found elsewhere at 0.4 kg body mass, and the difference diminished as mass approached 2.3 kg. Modern broiler houses have reduced MP that presumably resulted from use of nipple drinkers as opposed to trough drinkers on which most of the literature data were based. The new HP and MP data are expected to enhance efficient design and operation of modern broiler housing ventilation systems. The results further confirm the need to systematically update literature HP and MP data for engineering practices.
WiBeaM:Wireless Bearing Monitoring System

Sensor nodes combined with MEMS sensors can form a complete replacement for the existing cumbersome predictive maintenance systems. We have designed a system that can be used to monitor the bearing conditions of induction motors. The system called as WiBeaM (wireless bearing monitoring system) forms a network of sensor nodes that sense the vibration on motors and transmit the same to a central base station, this data is further analyzed through signal processing for defect diagnosis. We have used cheap off the shelf components to realise a real world application at a very low cost. Considering the low cost and the ease of deployment, our application is one of its kind in the domain. The solution has been implemented on Moteiv's Tmote-Sky nodes using ADXL105 accelerometer from Analog devices.The solution includes an application layer, transport layer for reliable data transfer and a MAC protocol for low power consumption. The challenges in the implementation span from the hardware to software. The aim was to select a cheap yet efficient sensor that could be compatible with the sensor node and build a software that can automat the otherwise cumbersome process of bearing monitoring. Whilst developing the application we have found that by proper selection of transmit power of the radio, single hop wireless transmission is more power efficient than the multihop. In sum, we have proved the viability of machinery vibration monitoring with wireless network technology by conducting testbed trials.
Direct Effects of Calmodulin on NMDA Receptor Single-Channel Gating in Rat Hippocampal Granule Cells

NMDA receptors are glutamate-sensitive ion channel receptors that mediate excitatory synaptic transmission and are widely implicated in synaptic plasticity and integration of synaptic activity in the CNS. This is in part attributable to the high calcium permeability of the ion channel, which allows receptor activation to influence the intracellular calcium concentration and also the slow time course of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic currents. NMDA receptor activity is also regulated by the intracellular calcium concentration through activation of various calcium-dependent proteins, including calmodulin, calcineurin, protein kinase C, and α-actinin-2. Here, we have shown that calmodulin reduces the duration of native NMDA receptor single-channel openings from 3.5 ± 0.6 msec to 1.71 ± 0.2 msec in agreement with previous studies on recombinant NMDA receptors (Ehlers et al., 1996). NMDA receptor single-channel amplitudes and shut times were not affected. However, calmodulin reduced the duration of groups of channel openings called superclusters, which determine the slow time course of synaptic currents, from 121 ± 25.4 msec to 60.4 ± 11.6 msec. In addition, total open time, number of channel openings, and charge transfer per supercluster were all reduced by calmodulin. A 68% decrease in charge transfer per supercluster suggests that calmodulin activation will significantly reduce calcium influx during synaptic transmission. These results suggest that calmodulin-dependent inhibition of NMDA receptors will reduce the amplitude and time course of excitatory synaptic currents and thus affect synaptic plasticity and integration of synaptic activity in the CNS.
ORBITS OF A FIXED-POINT SUBGROUP OF THE SYMPLECTIC GROUP ON PARTIAL FLAG VARIETIES OF TYPE A

In this paper we compute the orbits of the symplectic group Sp2n on partial flag varieties GL2n/P and on partial flag varieties enhanced by a vector space, C ×GL2n/P . This extends analogous results proved by Matsuki on full flags. The general technique used in this paper is to take the orbits in the full flag case and determine which orbits remain distinct when the full flag variety GL2n/B is projected down to the partial flag variety GL2n/P . The recent discovery of a connection between abstract algebra and the classical combinatorial Robinson-Schensted (RS) correspondence has sparked research on related algebraic structures and relationships to new combinatorial bijections, such as the RobinsonSchensted-Knuth (RSK) correspondence, the “mirabolic” RSK correspondence, and the “exotic” RS correspondence. We conjecture an exotic RSK correspondence between the orbits described in this paper and semistandard bi-tableaux, which would yield an extension to the exotic RS correspondence found in a paper of Henderson and Trapa.
Synchronization of ice core records via atmospheric gases

Abstract. To interpret new high resolution climate records it becomes more and more important to know about the succession of climate events. Such knowledge is hard to get especially when dealing with different types of climate archives. Even for ice cores a direct synchronization between ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica has not been possible so far due to the lack of time markers occurring in both hemispheres. Fortunately, variations in the time series of global gas records can be used as indirect time markers. Here we discuss in detail the steps that are necessary to synchronize ice cores via global gas records exemplified on the synchronization of the EPICA ice core from Dronning Maud Land to a Greenland record from North GRIP.
Dynamic Proofs of Retrievability for Coded Cloud Storage Systems

Cloud storage allows users to store their data in a remote server to get rid of expensive local storage and management costs and then access data of interest anytime anywhere. A number of solutions have been proposed to tackle the verification of remote data integrity and retrievability in cloud storage systems. Most of existing schemes, however, do not support efficient data dynamics and/or suffer from security vulnerabilities when involving dynamic data operations. In this paper, we propose a dynamic proof of retrievability scheme supporting public auditability and communication-efficient recovery from data corruptions. To this end, we split up the data into data blocks and encode each data block individually using outer code and inner code before outsourcing so that i) an update inside any data block only affects a few codeword symbols and ii) communication-efficient data repair for a breakdown server can be achieved and communication overhead for small data corruptions within a server can be eliminated. Based on the encoded data blocks, we utilize rb23Tree to enforce the data sequence for dynamic operations, preventing the cloud service provider from manipulating data block to pass the integrity check in the dynamic scenario. Formal security analysis and extensive experimental evaluations are conducted, showing that the proposed scheme is practical for use in cloud storage systems.
Globally Altered Structural Brain Network Topology in Grapheme-Color Synesthesia

Synesthesia is a perceptual phenomenon in which stimuli in one particular modality elicit a sensation within the same or another sensory modality (e.g., specific graphemes evoke the perception of particular colors). Grapheme-color synesthesia (GCS) has been proposed to arise from abnormal local cross-activation between grapheme and color areas because of their hyperconnectivity. Recently published studies did not confirm such a hyperconnectivity, although morphometric alterations were found in occipitotemporal, parietal, and frontal regions of synesthetes. We used magnetic resonance imaging surface-based morphometry and graph-theoretical network analyses to investigate the topology of structural brain networks in 24 synesthetes and 24 nonsynesthetes. Connectivity matrices were derived from region-wise cortical thickness correlations of 2366 different cortical parcellations across the whole cortex and from 154 more common brain divisions as well. Compared with nonsynesthetes, synesthetes revealed a globally altered structural network topology as reflected by reduced small-worldness, increased clustering, increased degree, and decreased betweenness centrality. Connectivity of the fusiform gyrus (FuG) and intraparietal sulcus (IPS) was changed as well. Hierarchical modularity analysis revealed increased intramodular and intermodular connectivity of the IPS in GCS. However, connectivity differences in the FuG and IPS showed a low specificity because of global changes. We provide first evidence that GCS is rooted in a reduced small-world network organization that is driven by increased clustering suggesting global hyperconnectivity within the synesthetes' brain. Connectivity alterations were widespread and not restricted to the FuG and IPS. Therefore, synesthetic experience might be only one phenotypic manifestation of the globally altered network architecture in GCS.
Combined Inhibition of PLCγ-1 and c-Src Abrogates Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Mediated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Invasion

Purpose: Mortality from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is usually associated with locoregional invasion of the tumor into vital organs, including the airway. Understanding the signaling mechanisms that abrogate HNSCC invasion may reveal novel therapeutic targets for intervention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of combined inhibition of c-Src and PLCγ-1 in the abrogation of HNSCC invasion. Experimental Design: PLCγ-1 and c-Src inhibition was achieved by a combination of small molecule inhibitors and dominant negative approaches. The effect of inhibition of PLCγ-1 and c-Src on invasion of HNSCC cells was assessed in an in vitro Matrigel-coated transwell invasion assay. In addition, the immunoprecipitation reactions and in silico database mining was used to examine the interactions between PLCγ-1 and c-Src. Results: Here, we show that inhibition of PLCγ-1 or c-Src with the PLC inhibitor U73122 or the Src family inhibitor AZD0530 or using dominant-negative constructs attenuated epidermal growth factor (EGF)–stimulated HNSCC invasion. Furthermore, EGF stimulation increased the association between PLCγ-1 and c-Src in HNSCC cells. Combined inhibition of PLCγ-1 and c-Src resulted in further attenuation of HNSCC cell invasion in vitro. Conclusions: These cumulative results suggest that PLCγ-1 and c-Src activation contribute to HNSCC invasion downstream of EGF receptor and that targeting these pathways may be a novel strategy to prevent tumor invasion in HNSCC.
Premotor cortex neurons in macaques: activity before distal and proximal forelimb movements

Single unit activity was examined in the premotor cortex of three awake, behaving macaque monkeys. Premotor cortex (PM) neurons were found to be active in association with a movement involving specifically the distal forelimb. Other PM neurons were active in relation to more proximal forelimb movements. The spatial distribution of neurons related to distal movements differed from that of neurons related to proximal forelimb movements, the former being focused at a postarcuate region near the genu of the arcuate sulcus and the latter being shifted more posteromedially. The distal movement was triggered by one of the three sensory signals: visual, auditory, and vibrotactile. Of 190 PM neurons related to the distal forelimb movements, 123 (65%) showed similar premovement activity changes irrespective of the modality of the triggering signal. However, a number of neurons (35%) responded preferentially to one or two of the three signals. The modality-specific activity before movements distinguishes PM from the caudally adjacent primary motor cortex.
Quiet Sun magnetic fields from space-borne observations: simulating Hinode's case

We examine whether or not it is possible to derive the field strength distribution of quiet Sun internetwork regions from very high spatial resolution polarimetric observations in the visible. In particular, we consider the case of the spectropolarimeter attached to the Solar Optical Telescope aboard Hinode. Radiative magneto-convection simulations are used to synthesize the four Stokes profiles of the \ion{Fe}{1} 630.2 nm lines. Once the profiles are degraded to a spatial resolution of 0\farcs32 and added noise, we infer the atmospheric parameters by means of Milne-Eddington inversions. The comparison of the derived values with the real ones indicates that the visible lines yield correct internetwork field strengths and magnetic fluxes, with uncertainties smaller than $\sim$150 G, when a stray light contamination factor is included in the inversion. Contrary to the results of ground-based observations at 1\arcsec, weak fields are retrieved wherever the field is weak in the simulation.
SOLUTION OF THE HURWITZ PROBLEM FOR LAURENT POLYNOMIALS

We investigate the following existence problem for rational functions: for a given collection Π of partitions of a number n to define whether there exists a rational function f of degree n for which Π is the branch datum. An important particular case when the answer is known is the one when the collection Π contains a partition consisting of a single element (in this case, the corresponding rational function is equivalent to a polynomial). In this paper, we provide a solution in the case when Π contains a partition consisting of two elements.
Tax Evasion Through Trade Intermediation: Evidence from Chinese Exporters

Many production firms use intermediary trading firms to export indirectly. This paper uses Chinese export data at the transaction level to investigate the tax evasion motive through indirect trade. The paper provides strong evidence that, under China's partial export value-added tax rebate policy, production firms can effectively evade value-added taxes by underreporting their selling prices to domestic intermediary trading firms, especially when they sell differentiated products. Even for a moderate level of underreporting, the revenue loss is close to one billion U.S. dollars. The paper also finds that such underreporting behavior through domestic intermediaries may be associated with cross-border evasion through underreporting export values to foreign partners. In addition, the results indicate that the evasion motive is stronger for larger transactions.
Immunopathogenic and Neurological Mechanisms of Canine Distemper Virus

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), which is a member of the Morbillivirus genus, Paramyxoviridae family. Animals that most commonly suffer from this disease belong to the Canidae family; however, the spectrum of natural hosts for CDV also includes several other families of the order Carnivora. The infectious disease presents worldwide distribution and maintains a high incidence and high levels of lethality, despite the availability of effective vaccines, and no specific treatment. CDV infection in dogs is characterized by the presentation of systemic and/or neurological courses, and viral persistence in some organs, including the central nervous system (CNS) and lymphoid tissues. An elucidation of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in canine distemper disease will lead to a better understanding of the injuries and clinical manifestations caused by CDV. Ultimately, further insight about this disease will enable the improvement of diagnostic methods as well as therapeutic studies.
The competence of germinal vesicle oocytes is unrelated to nuclear chromatin configuration and strictly depends on cytoplasmic quantity and quality in the cat model.

BACKGROUND Chromatin configuration of the germinal vesicle (GV) and quality of the cytoplasm are critical factors in achieving oocyte meiotic and developmental capacity during folliculogenesis. Besides gaining new insights into the timing and cellular mechanisms associated with the acquisition and regulation of GV oocyte competence, the domestic cat model was used to examine (i) the relation between GV chromatin configuration and oocyte functionality during folliculogenesis and (ii) the role of the cytoplasmic environment on the GV competence and stability. METHODS Structural and functional properties of GV oocytes were characterized after isolation from different follicle stages of non-stimulated cat ovaries. GV transfers, artificial chromatin compaction and oocyte vitrification were used to demonstrate the respective roles of GV and cytoplasm on the oocyte functionality. RESULTS GVs acquired the intrinsic capability to resume meiosis during the pre-antral follicle stage, whereas the capacity to support embryo development occurred while the antrum started to form. Chromatin configuration of the GV did not undergo extensive modification during the acquisition of competence or during the arrest of transcriptional activity at the large antral follicle stage. However, the quality and quantity of the cytoplasm regulated and enhanced GV functionality. This finding also held for GVs transferred from incompetent or subpar oocytes into the cytoplasm of good quality oocytes or when chromatin was artificially modified or vitrified. CONCLUSIONS The cat model provides a new insight into GV oocyte structure and function during folliculogenesis while challenging current concepts about oocyte quality criteria based on the GV morphology. This suggests alternative evaluative approaches for oocytes from other species too, including humans. Cat GVs also appear competent at an early follicle stage and are resilient to perturbations which designate this organelle as an attractive target for developing novel fertility preservation tactics.
Genetic Diversity of a Novel Oil Crop, Camellia brevistyla, Revealed by ISSR DNA Markers

Department of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 111, Taiwan Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 111, Taiwan Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan NTT Institute of Hi-Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
A Comparison of Three Methods of Mendelian Randomization when the Genetic Instrument, the Risk Factor and the Outcome Are All Binary

The method of instrumental variable (referred to as Mendelian randomization when the instrument is a genetic variant) has been initially developed to infer on a causal effect of a risk factor on some outcome of interest in a linear model. Adapting this method to nonlinear models, however, is known to be problematic. In this paper, we consider the simple case when the genetic instrument, the risk factor, and the outcome are all binary. We compare via simulations the usual two-stages estimate of a causal odds-ratio and its adjusted version with a recently proposed estimate in the context of a clinical trial with noncompliance. In contrast to the former two, we confirm that the latter is (under some conditions) a valid estimate of a causal odds-ratio defined in the subpopulation of compliers, and we propose its use in the context of Mendelian randomization. By analogy with a clinical trial with noncompliance, compliers are those individuals for whom the presence/absence of the risk factor X is determined by the presence/absence of the genetic variant Z (i.e., for whom we would observe X = Z whatever the alleles randomly received at conception). We also recall and illustrate the huge variability of instrumental variable estimates when the instrument is weak (i.e., with a low percentage of compliers, as is typically the case with genetic instruments for which this proportion is frequently smaller than 10%) where the inter-quartile range of our simulated estimates was up to 18 times higher compared to a conventional (e.g., intention-to-treat) approach. We thus conclude that the need to find stronger instruments is probably as important as the need to develop a methodology allowing to consistently estimate a causal odds-ratio.
University ’ s repository of research publications and other research outputs The attention-grammar interface : eye-gaze cues structural choice in children and adults

Copyright and Moral Rights for the articles on this site are retained by the individual authors and/or other copyright owners. For more information on Open Research Online's data policy on reuse of materials please consult the policies page. Abstract We investigated whether children (3-and 4-year-olds) and adults can use the active passive alternation – essentially a choice of subject– in a way that is consistent with the eye-gaze of the speaker. Previous work suggests the function of the subject position can be grounded in attentional mechanisms (Tomlin, 1995; 1997). Eye-gaze is one powerful source of directing attention that we know adults and young children are sensitive to; furthermore, we know adults are more likely to look at the subject of their sentence than any other character We demonstrate that older children and adults are able to use speaker-gaze to choose a felicitous subject when describing a scene with both agent-focused and patient focused cues. Integrating attentional and grammatical information in this way allows children to limit the degrees of freedom on what the function of certain linguistic constructions might be.