Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE STRUCTURE OF CLASSICAL BULGES AND PSEUDOBULGES: THE LINK BETWEEN PSEUDOBULGES AND SÉRSIC INDEX

In this paper, we study the properties of pseudobulges (bulges that appear similar to disk galaxies) and classical bulges (bulges which appear similar to E-type galaxies) in bulge-disk decompositions. We show that the distribution of bulge Sérsic indices, nb, is bimodal, and this bimodality correlates with the morphology of the bulge. Pseudobulges have nb ≲ 2 and classical bulges have nb ≳ 2 with little to no overlap. Also, pseudobulges do not follow the correlations of Sérsic index with structural parameters or the photometric projections of the fundamental plane in the same way that classical bulges and elliptical galaxies do. We find that pseudobulges are systematically flatter than classical bulges and thus more disk-like in both their morphology and shape. We do not find significant differences between different bulge morphologies which we are collectively calling pseudobulges (nuclear spirals, nuclear rings, nuclear bars, and nuclear patchiness); they appear to behave similarly in all parameter correlations. In the Sérsic index, flattening, and bulge-to-total ratio, the distinction appears to be between classical bulges and pseudobulges, not between different pseudobulge morphologies. The Sérsic index of the pseudobulges does not correlate with B/T, in contrast to classical bulges. Also, the half-light radius of the pseudobulge correlates with the scale length of the disk; this is not the case for classical bulges. The correlation of Sérsic index and scale lengths with bulge morphology suggests that secular evolution is creating pseudobulges with low-Sérsic index and that other processes (e.g., major mergers) are responsible for the higher Sérsic index in classical bulges and elliptical galaxies.
Scheduling malleable and nonmalleable parallel tasks

Walter Ludwig+ A malleable parallel task is one that can be executed on any number of processors, with its execution time being a function of the number of processors allotted to it. A nonmalleable parallel task is one that requires a specific number of processors. Given n independent parallel tasks and m identical processors, we consider the problem of scheduling these tasks to minimize makespan. We show that any algorithm for scheduling nonmalleable tasks can be extended to an algorithm for scheduling malleable tasks. The approximation factor of the new algorithm is identical to that of the original algorithm. Meanwhile, only an 0(mn) term is added to the running time. Thus we get the best known approximation factor of a polynomial-time algorithm for scheduling malleable parallel tasks, and the fastest running time in which that factor can be achieved. These results can be extended to specific parallel architectures, where not only the number of processors allotted to a task, but also their configuration is a factor. Furthermore, we provide an algorithm for scheduling malleable tasks on a linear array of processors. In this case the addresses of the processors assigned to each task must be contiguous. Our algorithm has an approximation factor of 2, under a natural assumption on the task execution times. In contrast, the best known approximation factor for nonmalleable tasks in this case is 2.5. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case where the best known approximation factor for malleable tasks is strictly less thanthat for nonmalleable tasks.
Inactivation viewed through single sodium channels

Recordings of the sodium current in tissue-cultured GH3 cells show that the rate of inactivation in whole cell and averaged single channel records is voltage dependent: tau h varied e-fold/approximately 26 mV. The source of this voltage dependence was investigated by examining the voltage dependence of individual rate constants, estimated by maximum likelihood analysis of single channel records, in a five-state kinetic model. The rate constant for inactivating from the open state, rather than closing, increased with depolarization, as did the probability that an open channel inactivates. The rate constant for closing from the open state had the opposite voltage dependence. Both rate constants contributed to the mean open time, which was not very voltage dependent. Both open time and burst duration were less than tau h for voltages up to -20 mV. The slowest time constant of activation, tau m, was measured from whole cell records, by fitting a single exponential either to tail currents or to activating currents in trypsin-treated cells, in which the inactivation was abolished. tau m was a bell-shaped function of voltage and had a voltage dependence similar to tau h at voltages more positive than -35 mV, but was smaller than tau h. At potentials more negative than about -10 mV, individual channels may open and close several times before inactivating. Therefore, averaged single channel records, which correspond with macroscopic current elicited by a depolarization, are best described by a convolution of the first latency density with the autocorrelation function rather than with 1 - (channel open time distribution). The voltage dependence of inactivation from the open state, in addition to that of the activation process, is a significant factor in determining the voltage dependence of macroscopic inactivation. Although the rates of activation and inactivation overlapped greatly, independent and coupled inactivation could not be statistically distinguished for two models examined. Although rates of activation affect the observed rate of inactivation at intermediate voltages, extrapolation of our estimates of rate constants suggests that at very depolarized voltages the activation process is so fast that it is an insignificant factor in the time course of inactivation. Prediction of gating currents shows that an inherently voltage-dependent inactivation process need not produce a conspicuous component in the gating current.
Gastrointestinal Intervention Ameliorates High Blood Pressure Through Antagonizing Overdrive of the Sympathetic Nerve in Hypertensive Patients and Rats

Background We investigated the hypothesis that the favorable effects of gastrointestinal (GI) intervention on hypertension (HTN) and cardiovascular (CV) disturbances are mediated by antagonizing overdrive of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Methods and Results Hypertensive patients with metabolic disturbances underwent laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery, and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) underwent RYGB or sham surgery. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), endothelium‐dependent flow‐mediated dilation, and anthropometric as well as laboratory parameters were measured at baseline and during follow‐up. Changes of BP and HR in response to cold stress, renal sympathetic nervous activity (RSNA), vasoconstriction induced by electrical field stimulation, microinjection of nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), and CV function and structure were examined in SHRs with or without surgery. Compared with baseline, BP and HR were significantly reduced in both hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes and rats. Impaired endothelial‐dependent vasodilatation and metabolic disturbances in hypertensive patients were also ameliorated after surgery. CV disturbances were reversed by surgery in SHRs. Under acute cold exposure, the variations in BP and HR were smaller in surgically treated SHRs, compared to sham SHRs. RSNA and vasoconstriction induced by perivascular nerve stimulation as well as NTS‐mediated changes of BP were decreased in surgically treated SHRs, compared to sham SHR. Weight loss did not affect BP and RSNA in sham SHRs. Conclusions GI intervention ameliorates HTN in both hypertensive patients and rats by inhibiting overdrive of the SNS. Therefore, targeting gastrointestine could be a novel strategy to treat HTN with metabolic disturbances.
Genetic admixture and heterosis may enhance the invasiveness of common ragweed

Biological invasions are often associated with multiple introductions and genetic admixture of previously isolated populations. In addition to enhanced evolutionary potential through increased genetic variation, admixed genotypes may benefit from heterosis, which could contribute to their increased performance and invasiveness. To deepen our understanding of the mechanisms and management strategies for biological invasions, we experimentally studied whether intraspecific admixture causes heterosis in common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) by comparing the performance of crosses (F1) between populations relative to crosses within these populations for each range (native, introduced) under different ecologically relevant conditions (control, drought, competition, simulated herbivory). Performance of admixed genotypes was highly variable, ranging from strong heterotic effects to weak outbreeding depression. Moreover, heterosis was not uniformly observed among between‐population crosses, but certain native population crosses showed considerable heterosis, especially under simulated herbivory. In contrast, heterosis was largely absent in crosses from the introduced range, possibly implying that these populations were already admixed and benefit little from further mixing. In conclusion, these results support the hypothesis that heterosis may contribute to biological invasions, and indicate the need to minimize new introductions of exotic species, even if they are already present in the introduced range.
Equivalence in logic-based argumentation

This paper investigates when two abstract logic-based argumentation systems are equivalent. It defines various equivalence criteria, investigates the links between them, and identifies cases where two systems are equivalent with respect to each of the proposed criteria. In particular, it shows that under some reasonable conditions on the logic underlying an argumentation system, the latter has an equivalent finite subsystem, called core. This core constitutes a threshold under which arguments of the system have not yet attained their final status and consequently adding a new argument may result in status change. From that threshold, the statuses of all arguments become stable.
Percolation on a Feynman Diagram

In a recent paper hep-lat/9704020 we investigated Potts models on ``thin'' random graphs -- generic Feynman diagrams, using the idea that such models may be expressed as the N --> 1 limit of a matrix model. The models displayed first order transitions for all q greater than 2, giving identical behaviour to the corresponding Bethe lattice. We use here one of the results of hep-lat/9704020 namely a general saddle point solution for a q state Potts model expressed as a function of q, to investigate some peculiar features of the percolative limit q -> 1 and compare the results with those on the Bethe lattice.
A cross-sectional study of irritable bowel syndrome in nurses in China: prevalence and associated psychological and lifestyle factors

The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and associated factors, especially psychological and lifestyle factors, in nurses in China have not been investigated previously. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of IBS in nurses, to evaluate whether factors, such as psychological disorders, are associated with IBS, and to determine whether psychological disorders can influence the severity of symptoms of IBS and quality of life (QOL). A cross-sectional study was conducted for Chinese nurses from November 2012 to February 2013. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires. The prevalence of IBS was 17.4%. The revised symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90-R) scores were significantly higher for nurses with IBS than for those without IBS (P<0.001), and no difference in scores between IBS subtypes was found (F=1.893, P=0.142). The scores of QOL for nurses with and without IBS were 77.18±21.93 and 88.44±11.89 (P<0.001), respectively. Psychological disorders did not show statistically significant correlations with severity of symptoms of IBS or QOL. Alcohol consumption, low level of exercise, and psychological disorders were risk factors for IBS. In summary, nurses in China show a high prevalence of IBS. Psychological disorders and some related lifestyle factors are probably responsible for the development of IBS in nurses.
Generation of Recombination Activating Gene-1-Deficient Neonatal Piglets: A Model of T and B Cell Deficient Severe Combined Immune Deficiency

Although severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) is a very important research model for mice and SCID mice are widely used, there are only few reports describing the SCID pig models. Therefore, additional research in this area is needed. In this study, we describe the generation of Recombination activating gene-1 (Rag-1)-deficient neonatal piglets in Duroc breed using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) with gene targeting and analysis using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and histology. We constructed porcine Rag-1 gene targeting vectors for the Exon 2 region and obtained heterozygous/homozygous Rag-1 knockout cell colonies using SCNT. We generated two Rag-1-deficient neonatal piglets and compared them with wild-type neonatal piglets. FACS analysis showed that Rag-1 disruption causes a lack of Immunoglobulin M-positive B cells and CD3-positive T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Consistent with FACS analysis, histological analysis revealed structural defects and an absence of mature lymphocytes in the spleen, mesenteric lymph node (MLNs), and thymus in Rag-1-deficient piglets. These results confirm that Rag-1 is necessary for the generation of lymphocytes in pigs, and Rag-1-deficient piglets exhibit a T and B cell deficient SCID (T-B-SCID) phenotype similar to that of rodents and humans. The T-B-SCID pigs with Rag-1 deficiency generated in this study could be a suitably versatile model for laboratory, translational, and biomedical research, including the development of a humanized model and assessment of pluripotent stem cells.
Early Postnatal Proteolipid Promoter-Expressing Progenitors Produce Multilineage Cells In Vivo

Proteolipid promoter (plp promoter) activity in the newborn mouse CNS is restricted to NG2-expressing oligodendroglial progenitor cells and oligodendrocytes. There are two populations of NG2 progenitors based on their plp promoter expression. Whereas the general population of NG2 progenitors has been shown to be multipotent in vitro and after transplantation, it is not known whether the subpopulation of plp promoter-expressing NG2 progenitors [i.e., plp promoter-expressing NG2 progenitors (PPEPs)] has the potential to generate multilineage cells during normal development in vivo. We addressed this issue by fate mapping Plp-Cre-ERT2/Rosa26-EYFP (PCE/R) double-transgenic mice, which carried an inducible Cre gene under the control of the plp promoter. Expression of the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) reporter gene in PPEPs was elicited by administering tamoxifen to postnatal day 7 PCE/R mice. We have demonstrated that early postnatal PPEPs, which had been thought to be restricted to the oligodendroglial lineage, also unexpectedly gave rise to a subset of immature, postmitotic, protoplasmic astrocytes in the gray matter of the spinal cord and ventral forebrain, but not in white matter. Furthermore, these PPEPs also gave rise to small numbers of immature, DCX (doublecortin)-negative neurons in the ventral forebrain, dorsal cerebral cortex, and hippocampus. EYFP-labeled representatives of each of these lineages survived to adulthood. These findings indicate that there are regional differences in the fates of neonatal PPEPs, which are multipotent in vivo, giving rise to oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and neurons.
Clinical Utility of Diagnostic Laboratory Tests in Dogs with Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Investigation in a Primary Care Hospital

Background Acute pancreatitis (AP) occurs frequently in dogs, but most previous studies examining the diagnosis of AP have used data from secondary care hospitals. Hypothesis/Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical utility of diagnostic laboratory tests in dogs with AP in a primary care hospital. Animals Sixty‐four dogs with clinical signs suggestive of AP diagnosed with nonpancreatic disease (NP) or AP. Methods Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, including diagnostic laboratory tests considered potentially useful in the diagnosis of AP. The diagnostic accuracy of amylase and FUJI DRI‐CHEM lipase (FDC lip) were investigated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC). In addition, we verified whether diagnostic laboratory tests were useful for evaluating duration of hospitalization and as biomarkers for monitoring recovery. Results Activities of amylase and FDC lip were significantly higher in the AP group than in the NP group (P = .001, P < .001, respectively). The sensitivity of FDP lip activity for diagnosing AP was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.7–100%); the specificity was 89.5% (95% CI, 66.9–98.7%). Area under the ROC curve for FDC lip activity was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.93–1). High alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was associated with extended duration of hospitalization (P = .04). A significant difference in C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentration before and 5 days after treatment was found (P = .001). Conclusions and clinical importance Measurement of FDC lip activity appears useful for diagnosing AP. High ALT activity might be associated with prolonged duration of hospitalization, and CRP might be useful as a biomarker for monitoring recovery from AP.
Mesurés de la fonction de sensibilité à la modulation spectrale pour deux observateurs normaux avec écrans cathodiques

We have measured the sensitivity of the human visual system to chromatic stimuli of single chromatic frequency, ranging from 0.2 to 8.2 cycles/400 nm, and for eight initial phases from 0◦ to 315◦. The optimal phase curves obtained for two observers show a CSF-type shape, with minima at certain frequencies which did not appear in previous computational predictions. The implications of a value of the cut-off frequency of somewhat less than 8 cycles/400 nm are also discussed.
State of the Art in Procedural Noise Functions

Procedural noise functions are widely used in Computer Graphics, from off-line rendering in movie production to interactive video games. The ability to add complex and intricate details at low memory and authoring cost is one of its main attractions. This state-of-the-art report is motivated by the inherent importance of noise in graphics, the widespread use of noise in industry, and the fact that many recent research developments justify the need for an up-to date survey. Our goal is to provide both a valuable entry point into the field of procedural noise functions, as well as a comprehensive view of the field to the informed reader. In this report, we cover procedural noise functions in all their aspects. We outline recent advances in research on this topic, discussing and comparing recent and well established methods. We first formally define procedural noise functions based on stochastic processes and then classify and review existing procedural noise functions. We discuss how procedural noise functions are used for modeling and how they are applied on surfaces. We then introduce analysis tools and apply them to evaluate and compare the major approaches to noise generation. We finally identify several directions for future work.
Calpain and Reactive Oxygen Species Targets Bax for Mitochondrial Permeabilisation and Caspase Activation in Zerumbone Induced Apoptosis

Fluorescent protein based signaling probes are emerging as valuable tools to study cell signaling because of their ability to provide spatio- temporal information in non invasive live cell mode. Previously, multiple fluorescent protein probes were employed to characterize key events of apoptosis in diverse experimental systems. We have employed a live cell image based approach to visualize the key events of apoptosis signaling induced by zerumbone, the active principle from ginger Zingiber zerumbet, in cancer cells that enabled us to analyze prominent apoptotic changes in a hierarchical manner with temporal resolution. Our studies substantiate that mitochondrial permeabilisation and cytochrome c dependent caspase activation dominate in zerumbone induced cell death. Bax activation, the essential and early event of cell death, is independently activated by reactive oxygen species as well as calpains. Zerumbone failed to induce apoptosis or mitochondrial permeabilisation in Bax knockout cells and over-expression of Bax enhanced cell death induced by zerumbone confirming the essential role of Bax for mitochondrial permeabilsation. Simultaneous inhibition of reactive oxygen species and calpain is required for preventing Bax activation and cell death. However, apoptosis induced by zerumbone was prevented in Bcl 2 and Bcl-XL over-expressing cells, whereas more protection was afforded by Bcl 2 specifically targeted to endoplasmic reticulum. Even though zerumbone treatment down-regulated survival proteins such as XIAP, Survivin and Akt, it failed to affect the pro-apoptotic proteins such as PUMA and BIM. Multiple normal diploid cell lines were employed to address cytotoxic activity of zerumbone and, in general, mammary epithelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells and smooth muscle cells were relatively resistant to zerumbone induced cell death with lesser ROS accumulation than cancer cells.
Population coding of orientation in the visual cortex of alert cats – an information theoretic analysis

We studied the encoding of stimulus orientation in the visual cortex of alert animals using information theory methods. Based on a labeled-line code, the encoding of orientation was mostly synergistic and only few pairs coded redundant. The synergy contributed about 20% of the information and was strongest for sites with distinct tuning curves. A recently proposed decomposition of synergy revealed that redundancy introduced by common tuning preferences is more than just compensated by noise correlations which mostly contributed synergistically. Based on a pooled response code, the contribution of noise correlations diminished resulting in a severe information loss. Thus, to operate economically, cortical neurons should either employ a labeled-line code or, if using pooled responses, be highly selective in choosing afferents.
Applying Data Mining to Customer Churn Prediction in an Internet Service Provider

A business incurs much higher charges when attempting to win new customers than to retain existing ones. As a result, much research has been invested into new ways of identifying those customers who have a high risk of churning. However, customer retention efforts have also been costing organizations large amounts of resources. Same is the situation in ISP industry in I.R. Iran. Exploiting the use of demographic, billing and usage data, this study tends to identify the best churn predictors on the one hand and evaluates the accuracy of different data mining techniques on the other. Clustering users as per their usage features and incorporating that cluster membership information in classification models is another aspect which has been addressed in this study.