Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors Mediate Inducible Defense in the Water Flea Daphnia pulex

Phenotypic plasticity is the ability held in many organisms to produce different phenotypes with a given genome in response to environmental stimuli, such as temperature, nutrition and various biological interactions. It seems likely that environmental signals induce a variety of mechanistic responses that influence ontogenetic processes. Inducible defenses, in which prey animals alter their morphology, behavior and/or other traits to help protect against direct or latent predation threats, are among the most striking examples of phenotypic plasticity. The freshwater microcrustacean Daphnia pulex forms tooth-like defensive structures, “neckteeth,” in response to chemical cues or signals, referred to as “kairomones,” in this case released from phantom midge larvae, a predator of D. pulex. To identify factors involved in the reception and/or transmission of a kairomone, we used microarray analysis to identify genes up-regulated following a short period of exposure to the midge kairomone. In addition to identifying differentially expressed genes of unknown function, we also found significant up-regulation of genes encoding ionotropic glutamate receptors, which are known to be involved in neurotransmission in many animal species. Specific antagonists of these receptors strongly inhibit the formation of neckteeth in D. pulex, although agonists did not induce neckteeth by themselves, indicating that ionotropic glutamate receptors are necessary but not sufficient for early steps of neckteeth formation in D. pulex. Moreover, using co-exposure of D. pulex to antagonists and juvenile hormone (JH), which physiologically mediates neckteeth formation, we found evidence suggesting that the inhibitory effect of antagonists is not due to direct inhibition of JH synthesis/secretion. Our findings not only provide a candidate molecule required for the inducible defense response in D. pulex, but also will contribute to the understanding of complex mechanisms underlying the recognition of environmental changes, which form the basis of phenotypic plasticity.
Comprehensive Survey of Common Genetic Variation at the Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Locus and Relations to Circulating Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Levels

Background—Using a linkage disequilibrium (LD)–based approach, we sought to comprehensively define common genetic variation at the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) locus and relate common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes to plasma PAI-1 levels. Methods and Results—In reference pedigrees, we defined LD structure across a 50-kb genomic segment spanning the PAI-1 locus via a dense SNP map (1 SNP every 2 kb). Eighteen sequence variants that capture underlying common genetic variation were genotyped in 1328 unrelated Framingham Heart Study participants who had plasma PAI-1 antigen levels measured. Regression analyses were used to examine associations of individual SNPs and of inferred haplotypes with multivariable-adjusted PAI-1 levels. Two genetic variants, SNP rs2227631 and the 4G/5G polymorphism, were strongly associated (P<0.0001) with PAI-1 levels. SNP rs2227631 is in tight LD (D′=0.97, r2=0.78) with the 4G/5G polymorphism, which makes it difficult to distinguish which of these 2 polymorphisms is responsible for the association with PAI-1 levels. In stepwise analysis considering all polymorphisms tested, 3 SNPs, rs2227631 (or the correlated 4G/5G polymorphism), rs6465787, and rs2227674, each explained 2.5%, 1%, and 1%, respectively, of the residual variance in multivariable-adjusted PAI-1 levels (stepwise P<0.0001, P=0.04, and P=0.03, respectively). A single common haplotype, at 50% frequency among Framingham Heart Study participants, was strongly associated with higher PAI-1 levels (haplotype-specific P=0.00001). The susceptibility haplotype harbors the minor alleles of SNP rs2227631 and the 4G/5G polymorphism. Conclusions—Three sequence variants at the PAI-1 locus, in sum, explain ≈5% of the residual variance in multivariable-adjusted PAI-1 levels. For quantitative cardiovascular traits such as circulating biomarkers, defining LD structure in a candidate gene followed by association analyses with both SNPs and haplotypes is an effective approach to localize common susceptibility alleles.
Baroreceptor Reflex Control of Arterial Hemodynamics in the Dog

The regional differentiation of carotid sinus control of arterial pressure-flow relationships was studied in chloralose-anesthetized dogs. Simultaneous pressure-flow measurements were made in the ascending aorta, the celiac artery, the cranial mesenteric artery, the renal artery, and the femoral artery. The carotid sinuses were bilaterally isolated and perfused with pulsatile pressure. The open-loop reflex gain was not symmetrical about and was maximum at pressures below the closed-loop operating point pressure. Changes in both peripheral resistance and cardiac output contributed significantly to the open-loop gain, with the former predominating. Aortic impedance for frequencies above 3 Hz was at a minimum at the closed-loop operating point and increased for both higher and lower values of carotid sinus pressure. For the frequency range from 3 to 9 Hz, regional impedance in all of the beds varied inversely with carotid sinus pressure. The sensitivity of the various beds to changes in carotid sinus pressure around the operating point increased in the order celiac < mesenteric < renal < femoral. Following vagotomy, operating point values of regional resistance and sensitivity were significantly increased. This fact suggests that the aortic arch receptors exert a significant influence on regional vascular impedances at operating point pressures. The fraction of cardiac output in the celiac, mesenteric, and renal beds was nearly independent of carotid sinus pressure before and after vagotomy, but that in the femoral bed increased with carotid sinus pressure. These results demonstrate the nonuniform nature of carotid sinus and aortic arch baroreceptor control of regional blood flow.
Approach to the patient with peripheral arterial disease.

How best to approach a patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can be an intimidating and confusing task. There are few disease processes as variable in location, presentation, and severity as those seen in the vasculopath. There are many etiologies to be considered simultaneously. Ironically, it is the variability of PAD that provides an opportunity to extract a comprehensive and tightly integrated history and physical examination that is nearly unparalleled in medicine. Similarly, there are few disease processes that offer the opportunity to impact so many aspects of the patient, literally from head to toe. This article, part of a series on PAD, focuses on the initial assessment and evaluation of the PAD, with pathophysiology, genetics, and treatment addressed in accompanying articles. Each patient with PAD is unique (Table 1). Even though the pathophysiology, risk factors, location, and eventual treatment options for a patient often prove routine, the manner in which the patient presents is anything but predictable.1 We have all had the experience of taking a well-structured history (Table 2) from a textbook patient, presented to an attending physician or a colleague, and then watched and listened in disbelief as the confirmatory history is nothing at all similar to what was heard 15 minutes earlier. Unfortunately, patients do not often read the textbook. As demonstrated by McDermott and colleagues,2 the discomfort caused by PAD is more often atypical than typical. Descriptions such as “tired,” “giving way,” “sore,” and “hurts” are offered more often than “cramp. ” This forces the healthcare provider to meticulously clarify the location, quality, and circumstances of the discomfort. It is not unusual that a patient reports ≥2 types and locations of discomfort. Careful consideration for pain from both orthopedic and neurogenic sources must be taken. Each symptom should be individually addressed and clarified. These …
Diversity versus channel knowledge at finite block-length

We study the maximal achievable rate R*(n, ∈) for a given block-length n and block error probability o over Rayleigh block-fading channels in the noncoherent setting and in the finite block-length regime. Our results show that for a given block-length and error probability, R*(n, ∈) is not monotonic in the channel's coherence time, but there exists a rate maximizing coherence time that optimally trades between diversity and cost of estimating the channel.
An Improved Model for Prediction of the Dynamics of Lightning Channel Corona Sheath

We consider dynamics of the lightning-channel corona sheath that is implicitly specified by lumped-current-source lightning return-stroke models. Two slightly different corona models for prediction of charge motion in the corona sheath are proposed. Both models can be viewed as generalizations of the model proposed by Maslowski and Rakov (2006) [2] and are in agreement with measurements of the horizontal (radial) electric field component made in the immediate vicinity of triggered lightning channel.
CARBON FRP CONFINED CONCRETE ELEMENTS UNDER AXIAL LOAD

The use of FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) reinforcement is growing as the deterioration of old structures, the corrosion problems and the need for rehabilitation and strengthening of existing structures (especially in high seismic regions) becomes urgent. Carbon FRP material has been proved to be more efficient than other composites when applied to concrete columns as an external reinforcement. Due to its enhanced durability characteristics compared to glass or aramid and additionally due to its relatively high E-modulus, carbon FRP shows a higher confining performance. The behavior of 22 cylindrical 200 mm x 320 mm specimens (height to diameter ratio: 1.6) that are externally wrapped by carbon FRP sheets in low volumetric ratios (0.23% - 0.7%) is presented. The specimens are subjected under axial monotonic load until their failure. Carbon FRP confinement, even in low volumetric ratios, seems to considerably increase strength and especially ductility of concrete. The measured absorbed energy of the composite system points out that the energy absorption capacity of concrete is significantly enhanced when concrete is confined by carbon FRP sheet. For the covering abstract see ITRD E123557.
Behavioural and Physiological Effects of Finely Balanced Decision-Making in Chickens

In humans, more difficult decisions result in behavioural and physiological changes suggestive of increased arousal, but little is known about the effect of decision difficulty in other species. A difficult decision can have a number of characteristics; we aimed to monitor how finely balanced decisions, compared to unbalanced ones, affected the behaviour and physiology of chickens. An unbalanced decision was one in which the two options were of unequal net value (1 (Q1) vs. 6 (Q6) pieces of sweetcorn with no cost associated with either option); a finely balanced decision was one in which the options were of equal net value (i.e. hens were "indifferent" to both options). To identify hens' indifference, a titration procedure was used in which a cost (electromagnetic weight on an access door) was applied to the Q6 option, to find the individual point at which hens chose this option approximately equally to Q1 via a non-weighted door. We then compared behavioural and physiological indicators of arousal (head movements, latency to choose, heart-rate variability and surface body temperature) when chickens made decisions that were unbalanced or finely balanced. Significant physiological (heart-rate variability) and behavioural (latency to pen) differences were found between the finely balanced and balanced conditions, but these were likely to be artefacts of the greater time and effort required to push through the weighted doors. No other behavioural and physiological measures were significantly different between the decision categories. We suggest that more information is needed on when best to monitor likely changes in arousal during decision-making and that future studies should consider decisions defined as difficult in other ways.
Behavioral Economics: Past, Present, Future

Behavioral economics increases the explanatory power of economics by providing it with more realistic psychological foundations. This book consists of representative recent articles in behavioral economics. This chapter is intended to provide an introduction to the approach and methods of behavioral economics, and to some of its major findings, applications, and promising new directions. It also seeks to fill some unavoidable gaps in the chapters’ coverage of topics.
Mechanical property evaluation of woven coir and woven coir–glass fiber-reinforced polyester composites

The fiber that serves as a reinforcement in reinforced composites may be artificial or natural. Past studies show that artificial fibers such as glass, carbon, etc., have been generally used in fiber-reinforced composites. Although glass and other synthetic fiber-reinforced composites possess high specific strength, their fields of application are very limited because of their inherent higher cost of production and low biodegradability. In this study, woven coir and woven coir–glass fiber-reinforced polyester composites were developed and their mechanical properties were evaluated. Scanning electron micrographs of fractured surfaces were used for qualitative evaluations of the interfacial properties of woven coir and woven coir–glass hybrid polyester composites. The results indicated that the properties of woven coir composites can be considerably improved by incorporation of glass plies.
Larval rearing environment affects several post-copulatory traits in Drosophila melanogaster

In Drosophila melanogaster, accessory gland proteins (Acps) that a male transfers during mating affect his reproductive success by altering the female's behaviour and physiology. To test the role of male condition in the expression of Acps, we manipulated the pre-adult environment and examined adult males for relative transcript abundance of nine Acps, and for post-copulatory traits that Acps influence. Larval culture density had no effect on any measured trait. Larval nutrient availability impacted the number of sperm transferred and stored, the male's ability to induce refractoriness in his mate, but relative transcript abundance of only a single Acp (Acp36DE). Reduced male body size due to low yeast levels affected sperm competition. Our data indicate that some female-mediated post-copulatory traits (induced refractoriness and sperm transfer and storage) might be influenced by the male's developmental environment, but relative expression of most Acps and some traits they influence (P1′) are not.
A biped locomotion strategy for the quadruped robot Sony ERS-210

We describe the design and implementation of a biped locomotion strategy for the robot Sony ERS-210 (AIBO). Being designed for quadruped gaits, this robot has several limitations which make biped locomotion a challenging task, such as passive feet, a high barycenter in the erect posture, and relatively weak actuators. We have therefore chosen to fully exploit the double support phase, in which the robot has both feet on the ground, in order to achieve the correct take-off conditions for performing the single support phase. During the latter, the mechanism motion is essentially uncontrolled but can be predicted and planned using a simple equivalent mechanical system. Both simulation and experimental results show the positive outcome of our study.
Relationships between Plasmodium falciparum infection and morbidity in a highly endemic area

A total of 736 outpatients diagnosed as having malaria using clinical criteria at a health centre in a highly endemic area of Papua New Guinea were investigated parasitologically. Plasmodium falciparum-attributable fractions were determined using a logistic regression model to compare parasite densities in cases with those of healthy individuals in community surveys. Thirty-seven percent of presumptive cases were found to have raised P. falciparum parasitaemia. This corresponds to an average reporting rate for the population of 0·53 attributable episodes per annum. Whilst the maximum prevalence of parasitaemia in the community was in children aged 5–9 years, the maximum age-specific incidence of attributable cases at the outpatient clinic was 2 cases per annum in the 2- to 4-year-old age group. The procedure for estimating attributable fractions makes it possible to compare morbidity rates between age groups, and to examine how the relationship between morbidity risk and parasite density changes with age, without diagnosing individual episodes. The average tolerance of parasites in an age group was measured by considering the level of parasitaemia associated with a given risk of malaria-attributable morbidity. In contrast to anti-parasite immunity, tolerance of parasites declines with age since at parasite isodensity the probability of being symptomatic increases with age.
Learning with Inadequate and Incorrect Supervision

Practically, we are often in the dilemma that the labeled data at hand are inadequate to train a reliable classifier, and more seriously, some of these labeled data may be mistakenly labeled due to the various human factors. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel semi-supervised learning paradigm that can handle both label insufficiency and label inaccuracy. To address label insufficiency, we use a graph to bridge the data points so that the label information can be propagated from the scarce labeled examples to unlabeled examples along the graph edges. To address label inaccuracy, Graph Trend Filtering (GTF) and Smooth Eigenbase Pursuit (SEP) are adopted to filter out the initial noisy labels. GTF penalizes the l_0 norm of label difference between connected examples in the graph and exhibits better local adaptivity than the traditional l_2 norm-based Laplacian smoother. SEP reconstructs the correct labels by emphasizing the leading eigenvectors of Laplacian matrix associated with small eigenvalues, as these eigenvectors reflect real label smoothness and carry rich class separation cues. We term our algorithm as "Semi-supervised learning under Inadequate and Incorrect Supervision" (SIIS). Thorough experimental results on image classification, text categorization, and speech recognition demonstrate that our SIIS is effective in label error correction, leading to superior performance to the state-of-the-art methods in the presence of label noise and label scarcity.
The Photosynthetic Reaction Center from the Purple Bacterium Rhodopseudomonas viridis

The history and methods of membrane protein crystallization are described. The solution of the structure of the photosynthetic reaction center from the bacterium Rhodopseudomonas viridis is described, and the structure of this membrane protein complex is correlated with its function as a light-driven electron pump across the photosynthetic membrane. Conclusions about the structure of the photosystem II reaction center from plants are drawn, and aspects of membrane protein structure are discussed.
Sperm morphological defects related to environment, lifestyle and medical history of 1001 male partners of pregnant women from four European cities.

BACKGROUND Recently, differences in semen quality have been found among the partners of pregnant women from four European cities: Turku, Copenhagen, Edinburgh and Paris. METHODS During this study, slides from the four centres were subjected to a centralized assessment of sperm morphology. The percentages of sperm defects were recorded using a multiple-entry classification enabling the calculation of the multiple anomalies index (MAI), which is the mean number of anomalies per abnormal sperm. The relationships between various sperm abnormalities and self-reported data on medical history, lifestyle and occupational factors were examined. RESULTS Significant differences in the MAI and most of the sperm defects were found between the four cities, and more abnormalities were found in spring than in winter. An increase in some sperm abnormalities was related to medical treatment of the mother during pregnancy, higher birthweight and previous treatment for cryptorchidism. Significant variations of several sperm defects were related to stress, weekly working time, occupational posture and metal welding, suggesting directions for further exposure studies. CONCLUSION The present study indicated that the detailed assessment of sperm abnormalities is a useful biomarker of the effect of various external factors which may qualitatively affect human spermatogenesis.
A zero-watermarking algorithm for text documents based on structural components

Advances in communication technologies have made it easier to distribute and communicate information effectively. The world has become a global village with the advent of the Internet. Besides getting the benefits of information technology, the world faces threats of violations of copyright, digital counterfeiting, privacy and plagiarism. These issues have been addressed for image, audio and video by researchers in the past, but the protection of copyright for plain text has been neglected. In this paper, we have proposed a novel zero-watermarking algorithm for authentication and copyright protection of text documents. The algorithm is robust against content-preserving modifications and at the same time, is capable of detecting malicious tampering. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm against random tampering attacks by calculating normalized absolute error of original and extracted watermark. The results are also compared to recent work in this domain.
To camelcase or under_score

Naming conventions are generally adopted in an effort to improve program comprehension. Two of the most popular conventions are alternatives for composing multi-word identifiers: the use of underscores and the use of camel casing. While most programmers have a personal opinion as to which style is better, empirical study forms a more appropriate basis for choosing between them. The central hypothesis considered herein is that identifier style affects the speed and accuracy of manipulating programs. An empirical study of 135 programmers and non-programmers was conducted to better understand the impact of identifier style on code readability. The experiment builds on past work of others who study how readers of natural language perform such tasks. Results indicate that camel casing leads to higher accuracy among all subjects regardless of training, and those trained in camel casing are able to recognize identifiers in the camel case style faster than identifiers in the underscore style.
Real Time Network Policy Checking Using Header Space Analysis

Network state may change rapidly in response to customer demands, load conditions or configuration changes. But the network must also ensure correctness conditions such as isolating tenants from each other and from critical services. Existing policy checkers cannot verify compliance in real time because of the need to collect "state" from the entire network and the time it takes to analyze this state. SDNs provide an opportunity in this respect as they provide a logically centralized view from which every proposed change can be checked for compliance with policy. But there remains the need for a fast compliance checker. Our paper introduces a real time policy checking tool called NetPlumber based on Header Space Analysis (HSA) [8]. Unlike HSA, however, NetPlumber incrementally checks for compliance of state changes, using a novel set of conceptual tools that maintain a dependency graph between rules. While NetPlumber is a natural fit for SDNs, its abstract intermediate form is conceptually applicable to conventional networks as well. We have tested NetPlumber on Google's SDN, the Stanford backbone and Internet 2. With NetPlumber, checking the compliance of a typical rule update against a single policy on these networks takes 50-500µs on average.