Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling of activated sludge transient behavior induced by regulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism

An experimental protocol to evaluate the structured biomass model proposed by Lavallée (Lavallée, Lessard, and Vanrolleghem, J Environ Eng Sci 2005;4:517–532) is presented. The protocol was devised to induce transient behavior and characterize the evolution of several internal biomass components. The proposed model is based on biochemical principles, and was fitted to the collected data. In these experiments, it was observed that filling the storage capacity of cells leads to special transient behavior, including a temporarily reduced metabolic activity. The model‐based interpretation of the results showed that the observed transient behavior can be explained by cross‐regulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Hence, according to an extensive literature review, the cross‐regulation of carbon and nitrogen can be used to model some observed transient behaviors and regulation of the storage process in activated sludge. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 2011
Two-Way Synchronization for Coordinated Multicell Retrodirective Downlink Beamforming

Coordinated multicell downlink transmission has recently been proposed as a technique that can enable spectrally efficient communication in cellular networks. By coordinating downlink transmissions, the base stations in a cellular system can transmit such that signals from multiple base stations arrive coherently at a mobile. One approach to coordinated multicell downlink transmission is to have the mobiles estimate the downlink channel state information (CSI) and feed the CSI back to the base stations for precoding. This paper proposes a different approach based on retrodirectivity and channel reciprocity. The primary advantage of this approach is that there is no need for CSI estimation or feedback by the mobiles. A tradeoff, however, is that the base stations must be synchronized to within a small fraction of a carrier period. A new two-way base station synchronization protocol is proposed to facilitate coordinated multicell coherent retrodirective downlink transmission techniques. An analysis of the statistical properties of the estimation errors in the two-way synchronization protocol and the resulting power gain of a multicell retrodirective downlink beamformer using this protocol is provided. Numerical examples are also presented characterizing the performance of multicell retrodirective downlink beamforming in a system using two-way base station synchronization. The numerical results demonstrate that near-ideal multicell downlink beamforming performance can be achieved with low synchronization overhead.
Creating Small Subgraphs in Achlioptas Processes With Growing Parameter

We study the problem of creating a copy of some fixed graph H in the Achlioptas process on n vertices with parameter r, where $r=r(n)$ is a growing function of n. We prove general upper and lower bounds on the threshold of this problem, and derive exact threshold functions for the case where H is a tree, a cycle, or the complete graph on four vertices.
Strict avalanche criterion over finite fields

Boolean functions which satisfy the Strict Avalanche Criterion (SAC) play an important role in the art of information security. In this paper, we extend the concept of SAC to finite fields GF(p). A necessary and sufficient condition is given by using spectral analysis. Also, based on an interesting permutation polynomial theorem, we prove various facts about (n – 1)-th order SAC functions on GF(p). We also construct many such functions.
Drum Transcription in Polyphonic Music Using Non-Negative Matrix Factorisation

We present a system that is based on the non-negative matrix factorisation (NMF) algorithm and is able to transcribe drum onset events in polyphonic music. The magnitude spectrogram representation of the input music is divided by the NMF algorithm into source spectra and corresponding time-varying gains. Each of these source components is classified as a drum instrument or non-drum sound and a peak-picking algorithm determines the onset times.
A Fast Dynamical Evolutionary Algorithm for Multi-objective Mechanical Component Design

-In this paper, a fast dynamical multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (DMOEA) based of the principle of the minimal free energy in thermodynamics, was developed to solve mechanical component design problems. Its performance was compared with the ε -constraint method and NSGA-II proposed by Deb et al. Simulation results show that the proposed evolutionary approach produces excellent solutions for mechanical component design problems. Key-Words: -multi-objective optimization, evolutionary algorithm, mechanical component design.
Multiobjective Decision Making Policies and Coordination Mechanisms in Hierarchical Organizations: Results of an Agent-Based Simulation

This paper analyses how different coordination modes and different multiobjective decision making approaches interfere with each other in hierarchical organizations. The investigation is based on an agent-based simulation. We apply a modified NK-model in which we map multiobjective decision making as adaptive walk on multiple performance landscapes, whereby each landscape represents one objective. We find that the impact of the coordination mode on the performance and the speed of performance improvement is critically affected by the selected multiobjective decision making approach. In certain setups, the performances achieved with the more complex multiobjective decision making approaches turn out to be less sensitive to the coordination mode than the performances achieved with the less complex multiobjective decision making approaches. Furthermore, we present results on the impact of the nature of interactions among decisions on the achieved performance in multiobjective setups. Our results give guidance on how to control the performance contribution of objectives to overall performance and answer the question how effective certain multiobjective decision making approaches perform under certain circumstances (coordination mode and interdependencies among decisions).
Extinction of Ig genes expression in myeloma x fibroblast somatic cell hybrids is accompanied by repression of the oct‐2 gene encoding a B‐cell specific transcription factor.

In most instances, fusion of differentiated cell types with fibroblasts has resulted in the extinction of differentiation‐specific traits of the nonfibroblast parental cell. To explore the genetic basis of this phenomenon, we have used a series of somatic cell hybrids between myeloma cells and fibroblasts. Previous findings show that in these hybrids expression of the immunoglobulin (Ig) genes was extinguished at the transcriptional level. Our present results show that NF‐kappa B transcription factor, known to be critical for kappa‐chain enhancer activity, is present although in a lower amount, in the nucleus and in the cytosolic fraction of most of these hybrids (probably attached to the previously postulated I‐kappa B inhibitor). In contrast, the expression of the NF‐A2/OTF‐2 transcription factor encoded by the oct‐2 gene, which binds to the octameric motif located in the Ig promoters and heavy chain gene enhancer, is extinguished at the transcriptional level. Our data thus suggest that extinction of Ig genes expression occurs via an indirect mechanism in which a fibroblast factor suppresses transcription factor(s) which are critical for Ig transcription.
Firm Innovation, Productivity, and Trade

Firm innovation effort, productivity, and export propensity are found to be positively correlated with one another. Two alternative explanations have been offered for this — innovation increases productivity and more productive firms self-select into exporting or, alternatively, exporting increases learning and innovation, which in turn affects productivity. We use differences in timing implied by these hypotheses to disentangle their importance in a representative panel of Spanish manufacturing firms from 1990-1999. Innovation effort and exporting are allowed to affect estimated firm productivity dynamics. Firms forecast own productivity from past production experience and previous innovation and exporting. Productivity levels and dynamics are identified using errors in the firms’ productivity forecasts. Then estimates of the forecastable component of productivity are related to firm innovation and export decisions.
In‐plane permeability determination for simulation of liquid composite molding of complex shapes

Process simulation forms an important part of the design loop for parts manufactured by liquid composite molding. Critical to this is the determination of accurate permeability data. While constitutive models and test methods for determination of in-plane permeability of mats and fabrics exist, these do not take account of the effects of changes in fiber architecture during preform manufacture. The deformation behavior of mats and fabrics is reviewed, leading to fiber architecture predictions based upon deformed geometry. Existing models are applied to estimate the distribution of in-plane permeabilities within the preform based upon the predicted fiber architecture. The predictions are compared with test results for pre-stretched and pre-sheared reinforcements, and the method is demonstrated for two prototype automotive parts.
Taste cells of the gut and gastrointestinal chemosensation.

Humans consciously perceive only five distinct tastes: bitter, sweet, umami [the savory taste of monosodium glutamate (MSG)], salty, and sour. Taste cells of the tongue utilize G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), the heterotrimeric G-protein gustducin, and downstream signaling cascades to detect bitter, sweet, and umami compounds. The mechanisms of salty and sour taste transduction are less certain but may utilize the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), polycystic kidney disease (PKD) channels, transient receptor potential channel M5 (Trpm5), or other ion channels. Sugars, such as glucose and fructose, and non-caloric sweeteners, such as sucralose, activate the tongue’s heterodimeric T1R2+T1R3 sweet receptor, whereas MSG and other savory amino acids are detected by the T1R1+T1R3 heterodimer. Toxic plant alkaloids, such as strychnine and other bitter compounds, activate one or more of approximately thirty divergent T2R bitter receptors.
Anterior Cervical Decompression and Arthrodesis for the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy. Two to Seventeen-Year Follow-up*

We reviewed the cases of 108 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who had been managed with anterior decompression and arthrodesis at our institution. Operative treatment consisted of anterior discectomy, partial corpectomy, or subtotal corpectomy at one level or more, followed by placement of autogenous bone graft from the iliac crest or the fibula. At the latest follow-up examination, thirty-eight of the eighty-two patients who had had a preoperative gait abnormality had a normal gait, thirty-three had an improvement in gait, six had no change, four had improvement and later deterioration, and one had a worse gait abnormality. Of the eighty-seven patients who had had a preoperative motor deficit, fifty-four had complete recovery; twenty-six, partial recovery; six, no change; and one had a worse deficit. The average grade according to the system of Nurick improved from 2.4 preoperatively to 1.2 (range, 0.0 to 5.0) postoperatively. A pseudarthrosis developed in sixteen patients, thirteen of whom had had a multilevel discectomy. Only one of thirty-eight arthrodeses that had been performed with use of a fibular strut graft was followed by a non-union. An unsatisfactory outcome with respect to pain was significantly associated with pseudarthrosis (p < 0.001). The development of complications other than non-union was associated with a history of one previous operative procedure or more (p = 0.005). Recurrent myelopathy was rare, but when it occurred it was associated with a pseudarthrosis or stenosis at a new level. The strongest predictive factor for recovery from myelopathy was the severity of the myelopathy before the operative intervention—that is, better preoperative neurological function was associated with a better neurological outcome. Anterior decompression and arthrodesis with autogenous bone-grafting can be performed safely, and is associated with a high rate of neurological recovery, functional improvement, and pain relief, in patients who have cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
State-of-the-art biobased food packaging materials

Publisher Summary Bio-based food packaging materials have been defined as ‘materials derived from renewable sources'. The development of bio-based packaging materials is predicated on a widely held belief that such materials will have lower environmental impacts than existing petroleum-derived materials. Biodegradable polymers constitute a loosely defined family of polymers that are designed to be degraded by biological agents. Despite considerable research and development, the use of the newer bio-based packaging materials for the packaging of food remains limited. Polylactic Acid (PLA) can be made into films, co-extruded into laminates, thermoformed and injection stretch blow molded into bottles. A major application to date has been as food service containers. PLA products are fully compostable in commercial composting facilities. Provided that production costs can be reduced, PLA is expected to find packaging applications in areas such as candy twist wraps, coatings for paperboard beverage cartons, plastic film wraps for foods, blister packs, and plastic windows in boxes. The challenge for the successful use of biodegradable polymer products in food packaging is achieving the desired shelf-life followed by efficient biodegradation after disposal. Premature biodegradation and insect infestation must be avoided. In addition, it is imperative that biodegradable plastics do not contaminate the recycling stream for non-biodegradable, petroleum-derived plastics.
Beneficial Effect of Voluntary Exercise on Experimental Colitis in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet: The Role of Irisin, Adiponectin and Proinflammatory Biomarkers

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders exhibited by two major phenotypic forms: Crohn‘s disease and ulcerative colitis. Although the aetiology of IBD is unknown, several factors coming from the adipose tissue and skeletal muscles, such as cytokines, adipokines and myokines, were suggested in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis; however, it has not been extensively studied whether voluntary exercise can ameliorate that disorder. We explored the effect of moderate exercise (i.e., voluntary wheel running) on the disease activity index (DAI), colonic blood flow (CBF), plasma irisin and adiponectin levels and real-time PCR expression of proinflammatory markers in mesenteric fat in mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis fed a high-fat diet (HFD) compared to those on a standard chow diet (SD). Macroscopic and microscopic colitis in sedentary SD mice was accompanied by a significant fall in CBF, some increase in colonic tissue weight and a significant increase in the plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and IL-13 (p < 0.05). In sedentary HFD mice, colonic lesions were aggravated, colonic tissue weight increased and the plasma TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, IL-1β and leptin levels significantly increased. Simultaneously, a significant decrease in the plasma irisin and adiponectin levels was observed in comparison with SD mice (p < 0.05). Exercise significantly decreased macroscopic and microscopic colitis, substantially increased CBF and attenuated the plasma TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, IL-1β and leptin levels while raising the plasma irisin and the plasma and WAT concentrations of adiponectin in HFD mice (p < 0.05). We conclude that: (1) experimental colitis is exacerbated in HFD mice, possibly due to a fall in colonic microcirculation and an increase in the plasma and mesenteric fat content of proinflammatory biomarkers; and (2) voluntary physical activity can attenuate the severity of colonic damage in mice fed a HFD through the release of protective irisin and restoration of plasma adiponectin.
Electrocardiographic characteristics of atrioventricular block induced by tilt testing.

AIMS The electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics of atrioventricular (AV) block during reflex syncope may be unique due to the presence of hypervagotonia. The aim of the present study was to define the ECG characteristics of the AV block induced by neurocardiogenic reflex provoked by tilt testing (TT). METHODS AND RESULTS A series of 31 patients with presumed vasovagal syncope and AV block provoked by TT was studied. The duration of PP and PR interval, AV block grade and type, concomitant arrhythmias, and timing of the AV block occurrence were assessed. The AV block occurred at TT termination in 26 patients, in the recovery in 4 patients, and in both periods in 1 patient. Atrioventricular block was preceded by sinus slowing, and sinus rhythm during AV block was slow and instable. Mobitz I, 2:1 second-degree AV block, and advanced second-degree AV block were recognized in 35.5, 48.4, and 67.8% of patients, respectively. Third-degree AV block was diagnosed in 41.9% of patients. Twenty-one patients had at least two AV block forms. The most prevalent concomitant arrhythmia was junctional escape rhythm (61.3%). CONCLUSION (i) The occurrence of the AV block during neurocardiogenic reaction induced by TT is always preceded by sinus rhythm slowing and usually by PR interval prolongation. (ii) The AV block provoked by TT usually occurs at TT termination, but may occur even in the recovery period in a supine position. Sometimes the AV block may be present both at TT termination and during the recovery period.
Role of Double-Negative Regulatory T Cells in Long-Term Cardiac Xenograft Survival1

A novel subset of CD3+CD4−CD8− (double negative; DN) regulatory T cells has recently been shown to induce donor-specific skin allograft acceptance following donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI). In this study, we investigated the effect of DLI on rat to mouse cardiac xenotransplant survival and the ability of DN T cells to regulate xenoreactive T cells. B6 mice were given either DLI from Lewis rats, a short course of depleting anti-CD4 mAb, both DLI and anti-CD4 treatment together, or left untreated. DLI alone did not prolong graft survival when compared with untreated controls. Although anti-CD4-depleting mAb alone significantly prolonged graft survival, grafts were eventually rejected by all recipients. However, the combination of DLI and anti-CD4 treatment induced permanent cardiac xenograft survival. We demonstrate that recipients given both DLI and anti-CD4 treatment had a significant increase in the total number of DN T cells in their spleens when compared with all other treatment groups. Furthermore, DN T cells harvested from the spleens of DLI plus anti-CD4-treated mice could dose-dependently inhibit the proliferation of syngeneic antidonor T cells. Suppression mediated by these DN T cells was specific for antidonor T cells as T cells stimulated by third-party Ags were not suppressed. These results demonstrate for the first time that a combination of pretransplant DLI and anti-CD4-depleting mAb can induce permanent survival of rat to mouse cardiac xenografts and that DN T regulatory cells play an important role in preventing long-term concordant xenograft rejection through the specific suppression of antidonor T cells.
Body Weight Status and Dietary Intakes of Urban Malay Primary School Children: Evidence from the Family Diet Study

Malaysia is experiencing a rise in the prevalence of childhood obesity. Evidence for the relationship between dietary intake and body weight among Malaysian children is limited, with the impact of energy intake misreporting rarely being considered. This paper describes the dietary intakes of urban Malay children in comparison to national recommendations and by weight status. This cross-sectional Family Diet Study (n = 236) was conducted in five national primary schools in Malaysia (August 2013–October 2014). Data on socio-demographics, anthropometrics, 24-h dietary recalls, and food habits were collected from Malay families, consisting of a child aged 8 to 12 years and their main caregiver(s). Multivariable analyses were used to assess dietary intake-body weight relationships. The plausibility of energy intake was determined using the Black and Cole method. Approximately three in 10 Malay children were found to be overweight or obese. The majority reported dietary intakes less than national recommendations. Children with obesity had the lowest energy intakes relative to body weight (kcal/kg) compared to children in other weight categories (F = 36.21, p < 0.001). A positive moderate correlation between energy intake and weight status was identified (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) after excluding energy intake mis-reporters (n = 95), highlighting the need for the validation of dietary assessment in obesity-related dietary research in Malaysia.
A Role for Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT1 (PIAS1) in Lipogenic Regulation through SUMOylation-independent Suppression of Liver X Receptors*

Background: PIAS proteins are implicated in the regulation of many transcription factors through distinct mechanisms. It remains largely unknown whether PIAS proteins exert metabolic actions. Results: PIAS1 repressed LXR-dependent up-regulation of lipogenic genes in a SUMOylation-independent manner. Conclusion: PIAS1 could act as a lipogenic regulator by negatively modulating LXRs. Significance: These findings reveal a regulatory role for PIAS proteins in lipid metabolism. Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear receptors that function to modulate lipid metabolism as well as immune and inflammatory responses. Upon activation by their ligands, LXRs up-regulate a spectrum of gene transcription programs involved in cholesterol and fatty acid homeostasis. However, the mechanisms by which LXR-mediated transcriptional activation is regulated remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that PIAS1, a member of the protein inhibitor of the activated STAT family of proteins with small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) E3 ligase activity, acts to suppress LXR ligand-dependent transcriptional activation of the lipogenic program in hepatocytes. We found that liver mRNA expression levels of Pias1 and Pias3 were inversely associated with those of genes involved in lipogenesis in mouse models with diet-induced or genetic obesity. Overexpression of PIAS1 in primary hepatocytes resulted in a reduction of LXR ligand-induced fatty acid synthesis and suppression of the expression of lipogenic genes, including Srebp1c and Fas. Moreover, PIAS1 was able to interact with LXRβ and repress its transcriptional activity upon ligand stimulation, which did not require PIAS1-promoted SUMO modification of LXRβ. In addition, PIAS1 could also interact with PGC-1β and attenuate its association with LXRβ, blunting the ability of PGC-1β to co-activate LXRβ. Importantly, PIAS1 impaired LXRβ binding to its target DNA sequence. Taken together, our results suggest that PIAS1 may serve as a lipogenic regulator by negatively modulating LXRs in a SUMOylation-independent manner.
[Quality analysis of the primary semen samples from 512 donors].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the semen quality of the donors. METHODS The semen parameters of the primary samples of 512 donors were examined following the World Health Organization (WHO) guide and computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA, product by Harmilton Thorne) system. RESULTS Of the 246 (246/512, 48%) donors with potential fertility, only 146 (146/512, 28.5%) came up to the semen standard set by the Chinese Ministry of Health, while 266 (266/512, 52%) were below the WHO reference values of semen parameters. CONCLUSION Repeat semen analyses may increase the success rate in screening semen donors. The semen quality of the donors suggests that it is necessary to pay more attention to male reproductive health.