Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transport of Bile Acids, Sulfated Steroids, Estradiol 17-β-d-Glucuronide, and Leukotriene C4 by Human Multidrug Resistance Protein 8 (ABCC11)

We previously determined that expression of human multidrug resistance protein (MRP) 8, a recently described member of the MRP family of ATP-binding cassette transporters, enhances cellular extrusion of cyclic nucleotides and confers resistance to nucleotide analogs (J Biol Chem 278:29509–29514, 2003). However, the in vitro transport characteristics of the pump have not been determined. In this study, the substrate selectivity and biochemical activity of MRP8 is investigated using membrane vesicles prepared from LLC-PK1 cells transfected with MRP8 expression vector. Expression of MRP8 is shown to stimulate the ATP-dependent uptake of a range of physiological and synthetic lipophilic anions, including the glutathione S-conjugates leukotriene C4 and dinitrophenyl S-glutathione, steroid sulfates such as dehydroepiandrosterone 3-sulfate (DHEAS) and estrone 3-sulfate, glucuronides such as estradiol 17-β-d-glucuronide (E217βG), the monoanionic bile acids glycocholate and taurocholate, and methotrexate. In addition, MRP8 is competent in the in vitro transport of cAMP and cGMP, in accord with the results of our previously reported cellular studies. DHEAS, E217βG, and methotrexate were transported with Km and Vmax values of 13.0 ± 0.8 μM and 34.9 ± 9.5 pmol/mg/min, 62.9 ± 12 μM and 62.0 ± 5.2 pmol/mg/min, and 957 ± 28 μM and 317 ± 17 pmol/mg/min, respectively. Based upon the stimulatory action of DHEAS on uptake of E217βG, the attenuation of this effect at high DHEAS concentrations and the lack of reciprocal promotion of DHEAS uptake by E217βG, a model involving nonreciprocal constructive interactions between some transport substrates is invoked. These results suggest that MRP8 participates in physiological processes involving bile acids, conjugated steroids, and cyclic nucleotides and indicate that the pump has complex interactions with its substrates.
Cluster, grid and cloud computing: A detailed comparison

Cloud computing is rapidly growing as an alternative to conventional computing. However, it is based on models like cluster computing, distributed computing, utility computing and grid computing in general. This paper presents an end-to-end comparison between Cluster Computing, Grid Computing and Cloud Computing, along with the challenges they face. This could help in better understanding these models and to know how they differ from its related concepts, all in one go. It also discusses the ongoing projects and different applications that use these computing models as a platform for execution. An insight into some of the tools which can be used in the three computing models to design and develop applications is given. This could help in bringing out the innovative ideas in the field and can be explored to the needs in the computing world.
The macroeconomic effects of fiscal policy

This thesis analyses the macroeconomic eff�ects of changes in �fiscal policy. Chapter 1 provides an overview. Chapter 2 estimates the macroeconomic e�ffects of tax changes in the United Kingdom. Identifi�cation is achieved by constructing an extensive new 'narrative' dataset of 'exogenous' tax changes in the post-war U.K. economy. Using this dataset I fi�nd that a 1 per cent cut in taxes increases GDP by 0.6 per cent on impact and by 2.5 per cent over three years. These �findings are remarkably similar to narrative-based estimates for the United States. Furthermore, 'exogenous' tax changes are shown to have contributed to major episodes in the U.K. post-war business cycle. The long appendix contains the detailed historical narrative and dataset. Chapter 3 estimates the endogenous feedback from output, debt and government spending to fi�scal instruments in the United States. The central innovation is to make direct use of narrative-measured tax shocks in a DSGE model estimated using Bayesian methods. I therefore assume the tax shocks are observable, rather than latent variables. I show that the feedback from debt to the �fiscal instruments is weaker than previously estimated and that the capital tax multiplier is higher. Moreover, the data are more consistent with a model with endogenous feedback than one with an exogenous �fiscal policy speci�fication. Chapter 4 examines the transmission mechanism of government spending shocks by constructing and estimating a DSGE model for the United States. I show that the endogenous response of di�fferent taxes and the strength of wealth eff�ect on labour supply play a powerful role. Given that there is little prior information on the strength of these mechanisms, I estimate the key parameters in the model. I show that this estimated model can match the empirical responses of key variables that are a challenge for many models of this type.
Energy efficient transceiver in wireless Network on Chip architectures

The emergent wireless Network-on-Chip (WiNoC) design paradigm has been proposed as a viable solution for addressing the scalability issues affecting the on-chip communication system in future manycores architectures. Within this scenario, the energy contribution of the buffers (both of the routers and radio-hubs) and the transceivers of the radio-hubs, account for a significant fraction of the total communication energy budget. In this paper, we propose a novel energy management scheme aimed at improving the energy efficiency of a WiNoC architecture based on the selective disabling of the power hungry modules that are predicted being not used during the forthcoming clock cycles. The proposed scheme, applied on different WiNoC topologies with different configurations and under different traffic scenarios, has shown interesting energy saving without any impact on the performance metrics and with a negligible impact on silicon area.
Veto Players and Policy Trade-Offs: An Intertemporal Approach to Study the Effects of Political Institutions on Policy

The capacity to sustain policies over time and the capacity to adjust policies in the face of changing circumstances are two desirable properties of policymaking systems. The veto player approach has suggested that polities with more veto players will have the capacity to sustain policies at the expense of the ability to change policy when necessary. This paper disputes that assertion from an intertemporal perspective, drawing from transaction cost economics and repeated game theory and showing that some countries might have both more credibility and more adaptability than others. More generally, the paper argues that, when studying the effects of political institutions on policy outcomes, a perspective of intertemporal politics might lead to predictions different from those emanating from more a-temporal approaches.
Focal Thalamic Degeneration from Ethanol and Thiamine Deficiency is Associated with Neuroimmune Gene Induction, Microglial Activation, and Lack of Monocarboxylic Acid Transporters

Background Wernicke's encephalopathy-Korsakoff syndrome (WE-KS) is common in alcoholics, caused by thiamine deficiency (TD; vitamin B1) and associated with lesions to the thalamus (THAL). Although TD alone can cause WE, the high incidence in alcoholism suggests that TD and ethanol (EtOH) interact. Methods Mice in control, TD, or EtOH groups alone or combined were studied after 5 or 10 days of treatment. THAL and entorhinal cortex (ENT) histochemistry and mRNA were assessed. Results Combined EtOH-TD treatment for 5 days (EtOH-TD5) showed activated microglia, proinflammatory gene induction and THAL neurodegeneration that was greater than that found with TD alone (TD5), whereas 10 days resulted in marked THAL degeneration and microglial-neuroimmune activation in both groups. In contrast, 10 days of TD did not cause ENT degeneration. Interestingly, in ENT, TD10 activated microglia and astrocytes more than EtOH-TD10. In THAL, multiple astrocytic markers were lost consistent with glial cell loss. TD blocks glucose metabolism more than acetate. Acetate derived from hepatic EtOH metabolism is transported by monocarboxylic acid transporters (MCT) into both neurons and astrocytes that use acetyl-CoA synthetase (AcCoAS) to generate cellular energy from acetate. MCT and AcCoAS expression in THAL is lower than ENT prompting the hypothesis that focal THAL degeneration is related to insufficient MCT and AcCoAS in THAL. To test this hypothesis, we administered glycerin triacetate (GTA) to increase blood acetate and found it protected the THAL from TD-induced degeneration. Conclusions Our findings suggest that EtOH potentiates TD-induced THAL degeneration through neuroimmune gene induction. The findings support the hypothesis that TD deficiency inhibits global glucose metabolism and that a reduced ability to process acetate for cellular energy results in THAL focal degeneration in alcoholics contributing to the high incidence of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome in alcoholism.
Exploring main memory design based on racetrack memory technology

Emerging non-volatile memories (NVMs), which include PC-RAM and STT-RAM, have been proposed to replace DRAM, mainly because they have better scalability and lower standby power. However, previous research has demonstrated that these NVMs cannot completely replace DRAM due to either lifetime/performance (PCRAM) or density (STT-RAM) issues. Recently, a new type of emerging NVM, called Racetrack Memory (RM), has attracted more and more attention of memory researchers because it has ultra-high density and fast access speed without the write cycle issue. However, there lacks research on how to leverage RM for main memory. To this end, we explore main memory design based on RM technology in both circuit and architecture levels. In the circuit level, we propose the structure of the RM based main memory and investigate different design parameters. In the architecture level, we design a simple and efficient shift-sense address mapping policy to reduce 95% shift operations for performance improvement and power saving. At the same time, we analyze the efficiency of existing optimization strategies for NVM main memory. Our experiments show that RM can outperform DRAM for main memory, in respect of density, performance, and energy efficiency.
Did Technology Shocks Cause the 1990-1991 Recession?

Real-business-cycle theory has been used to determine the statistical properties of aggregate fluctuations induced by technology shocks. The finding is that technology shocks have been an important contributor to fluctuations in the U.S. economy. For example, Finn E. Kydland and Prescott (1991) estimate that if the only impulses were technology shocks, the U.S. economy would have been 70 percent as volatile as it has been over the postwar period. In this paper we employ the theory to answer the question "Did technology shocks cause the 1990-1991 recession? " Answering this question requires the determination of the effects of technology shocks on the path of the economy. The procedure that we use to make this determination is as follows. First, we construct a model economy and calibrate it so that its steady-state matches actual 1987 values. Data for other years are used to determine the realizations of the shocks and the nature of the stochastic processes generating these shocks. Given these stochastic processes, the equilibrium decision rules for our calibrated economy are computed. We then construct the path for the economy implied by the model for the period 1984:1-1992:3. We set 1984:1 model values of the state variables equal to actual 1984:1 values and use the decision rules and the realized shocks to construct this path. Finally, we examine whether the model economy experiences a recession in 1991 as did the U.S. economy. Business cycles are variations in output per adult that are in large part accounted for by variation in the per-adult time allocated to market production. Figure 1 plots the time path of the per-adult labor input. During the 1983:1-1989:1 period there was a remarkable 12-percent increase in the labor input per adult. Beginning in 1990:2 there has been a decline of nearly 6 percent in this per-adult labor input. An unusual feature of the recovery subsequent to the 1990-1991 recession is that this labor-input variable has continued to decline well into the recovery. This unusual behavior leads to a related question, "Did technology shocks cause the slow recovery? " We found it necessary to modify the standard real-business-cycle model in four ways in order to answer the posed question. First, given the enormous changes in the relative prices of durables as depicted in Figure 2, we could not treat technology change as being neutral with respect to different types of final goods. Following John B. Long and Charles Plosser (1983) and Jeremy Greenwood et al. (1992) we consider multiple production sectors with technology change differing across sectors. Second, we assume that there is a technology employed within the household sector that produces a consumption flow from the stock of consumer durables. Third, we consider land to be a factor of production in addition to labor and capital. Our fourth modification is to introduce population growth.
State-variable public goods when relative consumption matters : a dynamic optimal taxation approach

This paper concerns the optimal provision of a state-variable public good, where the global climate is the prime example. The analysis is based on a two-type optimal income tax model with overlapping generations, where people care about their relative consumption. We consider both keeping-up-with-the-Joneses preferences (where people compare their own current consumption with others’ current consumption) and catching-up-with-the-Joneses preferences (where people compare their own current consumption with others’ past consumption). The extent to which the rule for public provision ought to be modified is shown to depend crucially on the preference elicitation format.
Genetic Linkage Mapping of Genomic Regions Conferring Tolerance to High Aluminum in Slash Pine

T. L. Kubisiak is Research Geneticist , USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Southern Institute of Forest Genetics, 23332 Highway 67, Saucier, MS 39574 USA. C. D. Nelson is Project Leader, International Paper Company, Southlands Experiment Forest , 719 Southlands Road, Bainbridge, GA 31717 USA. J. Nowak is Graduate Student and A. L. Friend is Associate Professor, Department of Forestry, Mississippi State University, Box 9681, Mississippi State, MS 39762-9681 USA. Address correspondence to T. L. Kubisiak at the above address. The authors would l ike to thank Clay D. Ware for his skil led technical assistance with the aluminum screening, and Kristel B. Davis and Glen N. Johnson for their skil led technical assistance with the polymerase chain reaction. This paper is Journal Article No. FOlOl of the Forest and Wildlife Research Centre, Mississippi State University.
The BPS Spectrum of N=2 SU(N) SYM and Parton Branes

We apply ideas that have appeared in the study of D-branes on Calabi-Yau compactifications to the derivation of the BPS spectrum of field theories. In particular, we identify an orbifold point whose fractional branes can be thought of as ``partons'' of the BPS spectrum of N=2 pure SU(N) SYM. We derive the BPS spectrum and lines of marginal stability branes near that orbifold, and compare our results with the spectrum of the field theories.
Predicting Maintenance Performance Using Object-Oriented Design Complexity Metrics

The Object-Oriented (OO) paradigm has become increasingly popular in recent years. Researchers agree that, although maintenance may turn out to be easier for OO systems, it is unlikely that the maintenance burden will completely disappear. One approach to controlling software maintenance costs is the utilization of software metrics during the development phase, to help identify potential problem areas. Many new metrics have been proposed for OO systems, but only a few of them have been validated. The purpose of this research is to empirically explore the validation of three existing OO design complexity metrics and, specifically, to assess their ability to predict maintenance time. This research reports the results of validating three metrics, Interaction Level (IL), Interface Size (IS), and Operation Argument Complexity (OAC). A controlled experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of design complexity (as measured by the above metrics) on maintenance time. Each of the three metrics by itself was found to be useful in the experiment in predicting maintenance performance.
Learning Curve Associated with Complications in Biportal Endoscopic Spinal Surgery: Challenges and Strategies

Study Design Descriptions of technical strategies to overcome pitfalls associated with early learning periods in biportal endoscopic spinal surgery (BESS). Purpose To introduce BESS for lumbar spinal diseases (LSDs) and to inform certain challenges to be overcome in mastering the technique. Overview of Literature BESS has shown superior benefits including excellent magnification, a wider range of view by dynamic handling of an endoscope and instruments. Clinical reports, however, have not yet been very revealing for its new introduction into minimally invasive spine surgery. Methods To evaluate the learning curve for BESS, the procedures for various LSDs by one surgeon were analyzed in the view of shortening of the operating times and reduction of complications. Reviewing of recorded procedures helped in finding the reasons and the implemented solutions. Results The 68 cases included 25 for lumbar disc herniation (LDH), 3 for revision for recurred LDH, 39 for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and 1 for synovial cyst. The operation time for the total cases averaged 83.7±33.6 minutes. According to diagnosis, it was 68.2±23.7 minutes for LDH. After the 14th case of LDH, it was nearly constant and close to the average time. One level of LSS needed 110.4±34.4 minutes. Prolonged operation times even in some later cases of LSS were mainly from struggling against blurred vision due to epidural bleeding. There were 7 cases of complications (10.3%) including 2 cases of dural tear, 1 case of root injury, and 4 cases of incomplete decompression on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. There was no case of symptomatic hematoma or wound infection. Conclusions BESS seemed to have a relatively short learning curve period. The overall complication rate in early learning period was 10.3%. These could be avoided by magnified regional views on an endoscope and a clear surgical field by controlling epidural bleeding.
Serum Cobalamin and Methylmalonic Acid Concentrations in Hyperthyroid Cats Before and After Radioiodine Treatment

Background Hyperthyroidism, the most common endocrine disorder in cats, has been associated with low serum cobalamin concentrations. Whether this is a functional cobalamin deficiency of clinical importance has not been assessed. Hypothesis/Objectives Cats with hyperthyroidism experience a functional cobalamin deficiency which correlates with their clinical catabolic state and is reversible with return of the euthyroid state. Animals Thirty‐nine client‐owned hyperthyroid cats. Methods Prospective observational study. Serum cobalamin, methylmalonic acid, and clinical scores were determined in each hyperthyroid cat at enrollment and when euthyroid (60 days after radioiodine treatment). Results Five of the 39 hyperthyroid cats (13%) had a low serum cobalamin concentration ranging from <150 to 290 ng/L. Serum cobalamin concentrations normalized to >350 ng/L in 2 of the hypocobalaminemic cats once euthyroid. None of the hyperthyroid/hypocobalaminemic cats had increased serum methylmalonic acid concentrations (175–601 nmol/L). In cats with clinical and biochemical hyperthyroidism, there was no correlation between serum cobalamin concentrations with total T4 concentration (P = .12) or clinical scores including body weight (P = .11) and BCS (P = .54). Conclusions and Clinical Importance In this population of hyperthyroid cats, the prevalence of hypocobalaminemia was low. Specifically, hyperthyroid cats, in which concurrent gastrointestinal disease is unlikely. Hypocobalaminemia is not a functional deficiency requiring supplementation in hyperthyroid cats without gastrointestinal disease.
Multiversion repeatable read isolation level: theory and practice

Concurrency control is the activity of synchronizing database operations by concurrently executing transactions on a shared database. We examine the problem of concurrency control when the database supports multiple versions of the data. Multiversion concurrency control is used in order to improve the level of achievable concurrency. The goal is to produce an execution that has the same effect as a serial one. We use the multiversion concurrency control theory to analyze histories produced by multiversion concurrency control methods. We show that using traditional repeatable read isolation level is inadequate and provide a new isolation level definition for multiversion repeatable read. We show that the new isolation level captures the essence of repeatable read isolation level in multiversioning systems.
The Internet and the Transformation of Public and Private

The Internet is attributed with enabling new forms of connection, with far-reaching consequences for democratic participation. Its interactivity allows diverse voices to be heard, and its global reach facilitates transnational communication. As well as mediating publicness in new ways, it is transforming boundaries between public and private. The paper reports empirical research that found no involvement in a Habermasian public sphere, but found a considerable breadth of activities that could be understood as performing cultural citizenship. Providing a critique of the literature on the domestication of ICTs, it is argued that 'private' is more complex than synonymous with 'the home', and that the home is less bounded than suggested by researchers in the domestication tradition. The Internet challenges the one-to-many model of the press and broadcasting, but also makes private space increasingly public and intensifies privatisation within the home.