Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficient erasure correcting codes

We introduce a simple erasure recovery algorithm for codes derived from cascades of sparse bipartite graphs and analyze the algorithm by analyzing a corresponding discrete-time random process. As a result, we obtain a simple criterion involving the fractions of nodes of different degrees on both sides of the graph which is necessary and sufficient for the decoding process to finish successfully with high probability. By carefully designing these graphs we can construct for any given rate R and any given real number /spl epsiv/ a family of linear codes of rate R which can be encoded in time proportional to ln(1//spl epsiv/) times their block length n. Furthermore, a codeword can be recovered with high probability from a portion of its entries of length (1+/spl epsiv/)Rn or more. The recovery algorithm also runs in time proportional to n ln(1//spl epsiv/). Our algorithms have been implemented and work well in practice; various implementation issues are discussed.
Significance of Vascular Endothelial Cell Growth Factor Up-Regulation Mediated via a Chymase-Angiotensin-Dependent Pathway during Angiogenesis in Hamster Sponge Granulomas

Chymase is a serine protease responsible for local production of angiotensin (Ang) II from its precursor Ang I in several species, including humans, dogs, and hamsters. We have previously reported that chymase facilitates angiogenesis in sponge granulation tissues via local production of Ang II. Herein, we report the significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) up-regulation mediated by Ang II during angiogenesis in hamster sponge granulomas. Treatment of granulation tissues with an anti-VEGF neutralizing antibody or antisense oligomers against VEGF mRNA significantly reduced Ang II-induced angiogenesis, supporting a significant role for VEGF during angiogenesis. In cultured fibroblasts prepared from granulation tissues, VEGF mRNA was up-regulated in response to Ang II within 2 h and this enhanced expression was abolished in the presence of an Ang II type 1 receptor-selective antagonist, an inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB activation, or an activator protein-1 inhibitor. To study the significance of local production of Ang II by chymase, we examined the effects of chymostatin on in vivo angiogenesis. We found that chymostatin markedly inhibited both up-regulation of VEGF mRNA and angiogenesis in granulation tissues treated by compound 48/80 or basic fibroblast growth factor. Our results suggest that Ang II directly acts on fibroblasts in granulation tissue to up-regulate VEGF mRNA and thereby induce angiogenesis. Furthermore, a chymase-Ang II-VEGF pathway may operate in granulation tissue as the primary mediator of angiogenesis.
Rapid Estimation of Astaxanthin and the Carotenoid-to-Chlorophyll Ratio in the Green Microalga Chromochloris zofingiensis Using Flow Cytometry

The green microalga Chromochloris zofingiensis can accumulate significant amounts of valuable carotenoids, mainly natural astaxanthin, a product with applications in functional food, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and with potential therapeutic value in cardiovascular and neurological diseases. To optimize the production of astaxanthin, it is essential to monitor the content of astaxanthin in algal cells during cultivation. The widely used HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) method for quantitative astaxanthin determination is time-consuming and laborious. In the present work, we present a method using flow cytometry (FCM) for in vivo determination of the astaxanthin content and the carotenoid-to-chlorophyll ratio (Car/Chl) in mixotrophic C. zofingiensis. The method is based on the assessment of fluorescent characteristics of cellular pigments. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of living cells was determined by FCM to monitor pigment formation based on the correlation between MFI detected in particular channels (FL1: 533 ± 15 nm; FL2: 585 ± 20 nm; FL3: >670 nm) and pigment content in algal cells. Through correlation and regression analysis, a linear relationship was observed between MFI in FL2 (band-pass filter, emission at 585 nm in FCM) and astaxanthin content (in HPLC) and applied for predicting astaxanthin content. With similar procedures, the relationships between MFI in different channels and Car/Chl ratio in mixotrophic C. zofingiensis were also determined. Car/Chl ratios could be estimated by the ratios of MFI (FL1/FL3, FL2/FL3). FCM is thus a highly efficient and feasible method for rapid estimation of astaxanthin content in the green microalga C. zofingiensis. The rapid FCM method is complementary to the current HPLC method, especially for rapid evaluation and prediction of astaxanthin formation as it is required during the high-throughput culture in the laboratory and mass cultivation in industry.
Sensitivity Analysis of Convection of the 24 May 2002 IHOP Case Using Very Large Ensembles

Abstract This paper introduces the use of very large ensembles for detailed sensitivity analysis and applies this technique to study the sensitivity of model forecast rainfall to initial boundary layer and soil moisture fields for a particular case from the International H2O Project (IHOP_2002) field program. In total, an aggregate ensemble of over 12 000 mesoscale model forecasts are made, with each forecast having different perturbations of boundary layer moisture, boundary layer wind, or soil moisture. Sensitivity fields are constructed from this ensemble, producing detailed sensitivity fields of defined forecast functions to initial perturbations. This work is based on mesoscale model forecasts of convection of the 24 May 2002 IHOP case, which saw convective initiation along a dryline in western Texas as well as precipitation along a cold front. The large ensemble technique proves to be highly sensitive, and both significant and subtle connections between model state variables are revealed. A number o.
Demonstration of calcium uptake and release by sea urchin egg cortical endoplasmic reticulum

The calcium indicator dye fluo-3/AM was loaded into the ER of isolated cortices of unfertilized eggs of the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata. Development of the fluorescent signal took from 8 to 40 min and usually required 1 mM ATP. The signal decreased to a minimum level within 30 s after perfusion with 1 microM InsP3 and increased within 5 min when InsP3 was replaced with 1 mM ATP. Also, the fluorescence signal was lowered rapidly by perfusion with 10 microM A23187 or 10 microM ionomycin. These findings demonstrate that the cortical ER is a site of ATP-dependent calcium sequestration and InsP3-induced calcium release. A light-induced wave of calcium release, traveling between 0.7 and 2.8 microns/s (average speed 1.4 microns/s, N = 8), was sometimes observed during time lapse recordings; it may therefore be possible to use the isolated cortex preparation to investigate the postfertilization calcium wave.
High-intensity UV laser inscription of fibre Bragg gratings and comparison with other fabrication techniques

Using high-intensity (around 200 GW/cm2) femtosecond 264 nm laser light and phase mask technique, Bragg grating inscription in a range of different photosensitive and standard telecom fibres (both H2-free and H2-loaded) was studied. The dependencies of the induced refractive index modulation versus the incident fluence were compared with similar dependencies for gratings fabricated by other existing methods. It was shown that at high-intensity UV laser irradiation, two-quantum photoreactions occur in the irradiated fibre core, which results in a significant photosensitivity enhancement of the investigated fibres in comparison with conventional low-intensity 248 nm exposure (by 6-128 times, depending on fibre type and irradiation intensity).
Theory of mind in frontotemporal dementia

Abstract Patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) exhibit marked changes in social and emotional functioning including lack of empathy, disinhibition, altered emotional reactivity, apathy and lack of insight. These changes are believed to be dependent on progressive frontal and temporal lobe degeneration. In this review, we discuss the nature of defective theory of mind and empathy in this group and relate it to regional dysfunction in the orbitofrontal and medial prefrontal cortex, based on evidence from several recent studies. The role of executive ability and co-existing emotional deficits are also considered.
Factors Associated With Transitional Shifts in College Students' Physical Activity Behavior

The Transtheoretical Model (Prochaska & Marcus, 1994) has been widely used as a framework for understanding exercise behavior change. The purpose of this study was to clarify equivocal research findings reported for model predictions when examining stage movement over time rather than static stages and to provide some evidence of the construct validity of transitional stages. Participants were female (n = 285) and male (n = 243) undergraduates (M age = 19.9 years, SD = 2.7) who completed previously validated questionnaires twice, separated by 9 weeks, that assessed stage of change, exercise behavior, processes of change, pros and cons of exercise, and exercise self-efficacy. Participants were classified into one of five transitional shift groups based on their responses at baseline and follow up: (a) stable sedentary, (b) stable active, (c) activity adopters, (d) activity relapsers, and (e) perpetual preparers. Results of a 5 (group) x 2 (time) repeated measures (RM) analysis of variance (ANOVA) examining exercise behavior revealed a significant interaction (p < .001) and supported transitional stage classification, with activity adopters and stable actives increasing exercise over time and relapsers decreasing activity. Separate 5 (group) x 2 (time) RM ANOVAs examining model constructs revealed no significant interaction for cognitive processes of change; however, activity adopters and stable actives reported significant (p < .01) increases in the use of behavioral processes over time, while only the activity relapsers and perpetual preparers reported decreases. Activity relapsers also reported significant (p < .05) decreases in the pros of exercise. No significant interactions were found for the cons of exercise behavior. Unlike findings reported in cross-sectional studies, increases in self-efficacy did not accompany increases in exercise stage. The findings strongly support examination of stage movement classifications rather than static stages, as these transitions provide greater insight into the mechanisms of exercise behavior change.
A comparative study of time-frequency representations for fault detection in wind turbine

To reduce the cost of wind energy, minimization and prediction of maintenance operations in wind turbine is of key importance. In variable speed turbine generator, advanced signal processing tools are required to detect and diagnose the generator faults from the stator current. To detect a fault in non-stationary conditions, previous studies have investigated the use of time-frequency techniques such as the Spectrogram, the Wavelet transform, the Wigner-Ville representation and the Hilbert-Huang transform. In this paper, these techniques are presented and compared for broken-rotor bar detection in squirrel-cage generators. The comparison is based on several criteria such as the computational complexity, the readability of the representation and the easiness of interpretation.
Treatment Effects of Removable Functional Appliances in Pre-Pubertal and Pubertal Class II Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Studies

Background Treatment effects of removable functional appliances in Class II malocclusion patients according to the pre-pubertal or pubertal growth phase has yet to be clarified. Objectives To assess and compare skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of removable functional appliances in Class II malocclusion treatment between pre-pubertal and pubertal patients. Search methods Literature survey using the Medline, SCOPUS, LILACS and SciELO databases, the Cochrane Library from inception to May 31, 2015. A manual search was also performed. Selection criteria Randomised (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials with a matched untreated control group. No restrictions were set regarding the type of removable appliance whenever used alone. Data collection and analysis For the meta-analysis, cephalometric parameters on the supplementary mandibular growth were the main outcomes, with other cephalometric parameters considered as secondary outcomes. Risk of bias in individual and across studies were evaluated along with sensitivity analysis for low quality studies. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals for annualised changes were computed according to a random model. Differences between pre-pubertal and pubertal patients were assessed by subgroup analyses. GRADE assessment was performed for the main outcomes. Results Twelve articles (but only 3 RCTs) were included accounting for 8 pre-pubertal and 7 pubertal groups. Overall supplementary total mandibular length and mandibular ramus height were 0.95 mm (0.38, 1.51) and 0.00 mm (-0.52, 0.53) for pre-pubertal patients and 2.91 mm (2.04, 3.79) and 2.18 mm (1.51, 2.86) for pubertal patients, respectively. The subgroup difference was significant for both parameters (p<0.001). No maxillary growth restrain or increase in facial divergence was seen in either subgroup. The GRADE assessment was low for the pre-pubertal patients, and generally moderate for the pubertal patients. Conclusions Taking into account the limited quality and heterogeneity of the included studies, functional treatment by removable appliances may be effective in treating Class II malocclusion with clinically relevant skeletal effects if performed during the pubertal growth phase.
Nichtinvasive Blutdruckmessung mit High-Definition-Oscillometry-Technik bei Pferden mit Herzerkrankungen

Zusammenfassung Gegenstand und Ziel: Ein mit High-Definition-Oscillometry-Technik (HDO) arbeitendes nichtinvasives Blutdruckmessgerät wurde beim Pferd in Bezug auf seine Akzeptanz und Praktikabilität untersucht. Zudem sollte überprüft werden, ob dieses Gerät messbare Blutdruckunterschiede zwischen herzgesunden und herzkranken Pferden und zu unterschiedlichen Tageszeiten liefert. Material und Methode: Das Probandengut umfasste 60 Pferde im Alter von 4–31 Jahren. Bei allen Pferden erfolgten neben einer klinischen und elektrokardiographischen Untersuchung eine echokardiographische Untersuchung mit Bestimmung des Herzminutenvolumens, nichtinvasive Blutdruckmessungen an der A. coccygealis sowie Dopplermessungen an der Arteria digitalis palmaris lateralis. Dokumentiert wurden der systolische (SAP) und diastolische arterielle Blutdruck (DAP) sowie der mittlere arterielle Blutdruck (MAP). 30 Pferde waren herzgesund und 30 Pferde wiesen unterschiedliche Herzerkrankungen auf (Mitral-, Aortenklappeninsuffizienz und Vorhofflimmern). Bei 18 herzkranken und 18 herzgesunden Pferden fand die Blutdruckmessung zweimal täglich, morgens und abends, statt. Zudem wurde bei drei Pferden mit Vorhofflimmern der Blutdruck vor und nach erfolgreicher Therapie bestimmt. Ergebnisse: Die Blutdruckwerte gesunder Pferde betrugen: SAP 118 (± 21) mmHg, DAP 70 (± 19) mmHg und MAP 87 (± 19) mmHg. Im Vergleich zu den Blutdruckwerten aller herzkranken Pferde ergaben sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede. Pferde mit einer Aortenklappeninsuffizienz wiesen jedoch einen tendenziell höheren SAP auf als Pferde mit Vorhofflimmern (p = 0,05). Bezüglich der diurnalen Rhythmik des Blutdrucks wurde bei den gesunden Pferden ein geringgradiger Anstieg des SAP bei der Messung am Abend festgestellt. Schlussfolgerung: Das HDO-Gerät ermöglicht eine komplikationslose, indirekte Blutdruckmessung, die aussagekräftige Messwerte liefert. Allerdings eignet sich die Blutdruckmessung nicht für die Beurteilung oder für Verlaufskontrollen einer Herzerkrankung beim Pferd.
Cell‐specific Localization of Oestrogen Receptor beta (ESR2) mRNA within Various Bovine Ovarian Cell Types Using In situ Hybridization

The localization of oestrogen receptor beta (ESR2) mRNA, in this article denominated as (ERβ) mRNA, was examined using in situ hybridization in the ovaries of randomly selected cows, irrespective of the cycle stage of the animals. A 602‐bp fragment of ERβ mRNA was cloned, sequenced and digoxigenin (DIG)‐labelled. Semi‐quantitative evaluation showed that the scores for ERβ mRNA were moderate to high in the follicle cells of both primordial and primary follicles, but lower in granulosa cells of secondary follicles. In vital tertiary follicles, the total ERβ mRNA expression was low but varied between the different animals. In both obliterative and cystic atretic follicles, high to moderate ERβ mRNA scores were noticed in the granulosa cells. The stroma cells surrounding primordial and primary follicles and the theca cells of secondary follicles showed moderate ERβ mRNA levels, whereas the ERβ mRNA score in theca interna and theca externa cells of vital tertiary follicles was distinctly higher. In the theca cells of atretic follicles the score was even higher. Cells of corpora hemorrhagica and corpora lutea had moderate ERβ mRNA scores, while higher scores were seen in cells of corpora albicantia. Cells of the surface epithelium had a moderate score for ERβ mRNA, whereas cells of the tunica albuginea and deep stroma showed high ERβ mRNA scores. The present findings have clearly established a cell‐specific localization of ERβ mRNA in several cell types in the bovine ovary.
Do Powerful Politicians Cause Corporate Downsizing?

This paper employs a new empirical approach for identifying the impact of government spending on the private sector. Our key innovation is to use changes in congressional committee chairmanships as a source of exogenous variation in state-level federal expenditures. We show that fiscal spending shocks appear to significantly dampen corporate investment activity. This retrenchment occurs within large and small states and is most pronounced among geographically concentrated firms. The effects are economically meaningful, and the mechanism—entirely distinct from interest rate and tax channels—suggests new considerations in assessing the impact of government spending on private-sector economic activity.
Production, Characterization, and Use of Monoclonal Antibodies Against gp51 Protein to Diagnose Bovine Leukemia Virus Infection

Abstract Enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) is a retroviral infection that causes persistent lymphocytosis and lymphosarcoma in cattle. The economic importance of infection by bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is due to several factors, including losses in exportation, treatment of secondary infection, and reduction in dairy production. To facilitate the development of a national test that is sensitive, simple, and applicable on a large scale, this work aimed to produce and characterize monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against gp51 protein from BLV for use in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Two hundred seventy-four hybridomas were generated, from which 37 were mAbs secretory clones screened by indirect ELISA. The specificity of the mAbs generated against gp51 was verified by Western blot analysis, and the isotypes were characterized for isotyping in IgG1 and IgM. To evaluate the test, 250 sera were tested by agar gel immunodiffusion and mAb-ELISA. The values obtained for the mAb-ELISA test were 95% sensitivity and 90% specificity.
Blocking Na 1 /H 1 exchange reduces [Na 1 ] i and [Ca 2 1 ] i load after ischemia and improves function in intact hearts

and Stowe. Blocking Na 1 /H 1 exchange reduces [Na 1 ] i and [Ca 2 1 ] i load after ischemia and improves function in intact hearts. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 281: H2398–H2409, 2001. —We determined in intact hearts whether inhibition of Na 1 /H 1 exchange (NHE) decreases intracellular Na 1 and Ca 2 1 during ischemia and reperfusion, improves function during reperfusion, and reduces infarct size. Guinea pig isolated hearts were perfused with Krebs-Ringer solution at 37°C. Left ventricular (LV) free wall intracellular Na 1 concentration ([Na 1 ] i ) and intracellular Ca 2 1 concentration ([Ca 2 1 ] i ) were measured using ﬂuorescence dyes. Hearts were exposed to 30 min of ischemia with or without 10 m M of benzamide (BIIB-513), a selective NHE-1 inhibitor, infused for 10 min just before ischemia or for 10 min immediately on reperfusion. At 2 min of reperfusion, BIIB-513 given before ischemia decreased peak increases in [Na 1 ] i and [Ca 2 1 ] i , respectively, from 2.5 and 2.3 times (controls) to 1.6 and 1.3 times preischemia values. At 30 min of reperfusion, BIIB-513 increased systolic-diastolic LV pressure (LVP) from 49 6 2% (controls) to 80 6 2% of preischemia values. BIIB-513 reduced ventricular ﬁbrillation by 54% and reduced infarct size from 64 6 1% to 20 6 3%. First derivative of the LVP, O 2 consumption, and cardiac efﬁciency were also improved by BIIB-513. Similar results were obtained with BIIB-513 given on reperfusion. These data show that Na 1 loading is a marker of reperfusion injury in intact hearts in that inhibiting NHE reduces Na 1 and Ca 2 1 loading during reperfusion while improving function. These results clearly implicate the ionic basis by which inhibiting NHE protects the guinea pig intact heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury. ANOVA and Stu-dent-Newman-Keuls means comparison tests. Signiﬁcance of incidence of VF was analyzed by Fisher’s exact test. Series A results (Na experiments) were not directly compared with series B or C results (Ca experiments) but had identical protocols except for the ﬂuorescent dye utilized. Differences among means were considered statistically signiﬁcant when P # 0.05.
Dopamine D1/D5 Receptor Modulates State-Dependent Switching of Soma-Dendritic Ca2+ Potentials via Differential Protein Kinase A and C Activation in Rat Prefrontal Cortical Neurons

To determine the nature of dopamine modulation of dendritic Ca2+ signaling in layers V-VI prefrontal cortex (PFC) neurons, whole-cell Ca2+ potentials were evoked after blockade of Na+ and K+ channels. Soma-dendritic Ca2+ spikes evoked by suprathreshold depolarizing pulses, which could be terminated by superimposed brief intrasomatic hyperpolarizing pulses, are blocked by the L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist nimodipine (1 μm). The D1/D5 receptor agonist dihydrexidine (DHX) (0.01-10 μm; 5 min) or R-(+)SKF81291 (10 μm) induced a prolonged (>30 min) dose-dependent peak suppression of these Ca2+ spikes. This effect was dependent on [Ca2+]i- and protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent mechanisms because [Ca2+]i chelation by BAPTA or inhibition of PKC by bisindolymaleimide (BiM1), but not inhibition of [Ca2+]i release with heparin or Xestospongin C, prevented the D1-mediated suppression of Ca2+ spikes. Depolarizing pulses subthreshold to activating a Ca2+ spike evoked a nimodipine-sensitive Ca2+ “hump” potential. D1/D5 stimulation induced an N-[2-((o-bromocinamyl)amino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (H-89)- or internal PKA inhibitory peptide[5-24]-sensitive (PKA-dependent) transient (∼7 min) potentiation of the hump potential to full Ca2+ spike firing. Furthermore, application of DHX in the presence of the PKC inhibitor BiM1 or internal PKC inhibitory peptide[19-36] resulted in persistent firing of full Ca2+ spike bursts, suggesting that a D1/D5-PKA mechanism switches subthreshold Ca2+ hump potential to fire full Ca2+ spikes, which are eventually turned off by a D1/D5-Ca2+-dependent PKC mechanism. This depolarizing state-dependent, D1/D5-activated, bi-directional switching of soma-dendritic L-type Ca2+ channels via PKA-dependent potentiation and PKC-dependent suppression may provide spatiotemporal regulation of synaptic integration and plasticity in PFC.