Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deposition of inhaled aerosols.

The development of theoretical models and the experimental studies that have been done describe the deposition of aerosols in the respiratory tract as a function of particle size and respiration patterns. Descriptions of the anatomical structure of the respiratory tract, air flows, and the physical behavior of airborne particles illustrate the basis of the various models of inhaled particle deposition. Particle density, shape, hygroscopicity, and pathology influence particle deposition, and the particle size distribution and deposition site of the inhaled aerosol influence the resultant biological response.
Prospective Evaluation of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake in Postischemic Myocardium by Simultaneous Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Prognostic Marker of Functional Outcome

Background—The immune system orchestrates the repair of infarcted myocardium. Imaging of the cellular inflammatory response by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging in the heart has been demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies. However, the clinical relevance of post-MI 18F-FDG uptake in the heart has not been elucidated. The objective of this study was to explore the value of 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging in patients after acute myocardial infarction as a biosignal for left ventricular functional outcome. Methods and Results—We prospectively enrolled 49 patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction and performed 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging 5 days after percutaneous coronary intervention and follow-up cardiac magnetic resonance imaging after 6 to 9 months. In a subset of patients, 99mTc-sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography was performed with tracer injection before revascularization. Cellular innate immune response was analyzed at multiple time points. Segmental comparison of 18F-FDG-uptake and late gadolinium enhancement showed substantial overlap (&kgr;=0.66), whereas quantitative analysis demonstrated that 18F-FDG extent exceeded late gadolinium enhancement extent (33.2±16.2% left ventricular myocardium versus 20.4±10.6% left ventricular myocardium, P<0.0001) and corresponded to the area at risk (r=0.87, P<0.0001). The peripheral blood count of CD14high/CD16+ monocytes correlated with the infarction size and 18F-FDG signal extent (r=0.53, P<0.002 and r=0.42, P<0.02, respectively). 18F-FDG uptake in the infarcted myocardium was highest in areas with transmural scar, and the standardized uptake valuemean was associated with left ventricular functional outcome independent of infarct size (&Dgr; ejection fraction: P<0.04, &Dgr; end-diastolic volume: P<0.02, &Dgr; end-systolic volume: P<0.005). Conclusions—In this study, the intensity of 18F-FDG uptake in the myocardium after acute myocardial infarction correlated inversely with functional outcome at 6 months. Thus, 18F-FDG uptake in infarcted myocardium may represent a novel biosignal of myocardial injury.
Size and treewidth bounds for conjunctive queries

This paper provides new worst-case bounds for the size and treewith of the result Q(D) of a conjunctive query Q to a database D. We derive bounds for the result size |Q(D)| in terms of structural properties of Q, both in the absence and in the presence of keys and functional dependencies. These bounds are based on a novel "coloring" of the query variables that associates a coloring number C(Q) to each query Q. Using this coloring number, we derive tight bounds for the size of Q(D) in case (i) no functional dependencies or keys are specified, and (ii) simple (one-attribute) keys are given. These results generalize recent size-bounds for join queries obtained by Atserias, Grohe, and Marx (FOCS 2008). An extension of our coloring technique also gives a lower bound for |Q(D)| in the general setting of a query with arbitrary functional dependencies. Our new coloring scheme also allows us to precisely characterize (both in the absence of keys and with simple keys) the treewidth-preserving queries--the queries for which the output treewidth is bounded by a function of the input treewidth. Finally we characterize the queries that preserve the sparsity of the input in the general setting with arbitrary functional dependencies.
Learning and acting in unknown and uncertain worlds

This dissertation addresses the problem of learning to act in an unknown and uncertain world. This is a difficult problem. Even if a world model is available, an assumption not made here, it is known to be intractable to learn an optimal policy for controlling behaviour (Littman 1996). Assuming no world model is known leads to two approaches: model-free learning, which attempts to learn to act without a model of the environment, and model learning, which attempts to learn a model of the environment from interactions with the world. Most earlier approaches make a priori assumptions about the complexity of the model or policy required, the upshot of which is that a fixed amount of memory is available to the agent. It is well known that in a noisy environment, the type assumed within, an environment specific amount of memory is required to act optimally. Fixing the capacity of memory before any interactions have occurred is thus a limiting assumption. The theme of this dissertation is that representing multiple policies or environment models of varying size enables us to address this problem. Both model-free learning and model learning are investigated. For the former, I present a policy search method (usable with a wide range of algorithms) that maintains a population of policies of varying size. By sharing information between policies I show that it can learn near optimal policies for a variety of challenging problems, and that performance is significantly improved over using the same amount of computation without information sharing. I investigate two approaches to model learning. The first is a variational Bayesian method for learning POMDPs. I show that it achieves superior results to the Bayes-adaptive algorithm (Ross, Chaib-draa and Pineau 2007) using their experimental setup. However, this experimental setup makes strong assumptions about prior information, and I show that weakening these assumptions leads to poor performance. I then address model learning for a simpler model, a topological map. I develop a novel non-parametric Bayesian map that sets no limit of the model size, and show experimentally that maps can be learned from robot data with weak prior knowledge.
Enhanced stability and activity of cellulase in an ionic liquid and the effect of pretreatment on cellulose hydrolysis

We discuss the hydrolysis of cellulose using a pure cellulase: endo‐1,4‐β‐D‐glucanase (EG) from the fungus, Aspergillus niger, in buffer, the pure ionic liquid (IL), tris‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐methylammonium methylsulfate (HEMA), and various mixtures of the two at different temperatures. Steady‐state fluorescence and absorbance studies were performed to monitor the stability and activity of EG using cellulose azure as the substrate. EG attains its highest activity at 45°C in buffer and denatures at ∼55°C. On the other hand, HEMA imparts substantial stability to the enzyme, permitting the activity to peak at 75°C. The relative roles of temperature, viscosity, pH, polarity, and the constituent ions of the ILs on the hydrolysis reaction are examined. It is demonstrated that pretreatment of cellulose with ILs such as BMIM Cl, MIM Cl, and HEMA results in more rapid conversion to glucose than hydrolysis with cellulose that is not pretreated. The percent conversion to glucose from pretreated cellulose is increased when the temperature is increased from 45 to 60°C. Two different ILs are used to increase the efficiency of cellulose conversion to glucose. Cellulose is pretreated with BMIM Cl. Subsequent hydrolysis of the pretreated cellulose in 10–20% solutions of HEMA in buffer provides higher yields of glucose at 60°C. Finally, to our knowledge, this is the first study dealing with a pure endoglucanase from commercial A. niger. This enzyme not only shows higher tolerance to ILs, such as HEMA, but also has enhanced thermostability in the presence of the IL. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:434–443. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evolution of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain

In recent years a great deal of biochemical and genetic research has focused on the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit (RPB1) of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II. This strongly conserved domain of tandemly repeated heptapeptides has been linked functionally to important steps in the initiation and processing of mRNA transcripts in both animals and fungi. Although they are absolutely required for viability in these organisms, C-terminal tandem repeats do not occur in RPB1 sequences from diverse eukaryotic taxa. Here we present phylogenetic analyses of RPB1 sequences showing that canonical CTD heptads are strongly conserved in only a subset of eukaryotic groups, all apparently descended from a single common ancestor. Moreover, eukaryotic groups in which the most complex patterns of ontogenetic development occur are descended from this CTD-containing ancestor. Consistent with the results of genetic and biochemical investigations of CTD function, these analyses suggest that the enhanced control over RNA polymerase II transcription conveyed by acquired CTD/protein interactions was an important step in the evolution of intricate patterns of gene expression that are a hallmark of large, developmentally complex eukaryotic organisms.
A Dual-Side Controlled Inductive Power Transfer System Optimized for Large Coupling Factor Variations and Partial Load

In this study, a 3-kW inductive power transfer system is investigated, specifically intended for contactless vehicle charging. A series-series-compensated topology with dual-side power control and a corresponding control strategy is proposed to significantly increase the overall efficiency, especially for systems with large coupling factor variations and in partial load mode. The topology, which is closely related to the dual-active bridge converter, enables the dual-side power control without adding additional dc/dc converters to the system, and thus keeping the additional hardware effort minimal. A detailed analysis of the proposed topology is provided, and the benefits of the dual-side control are demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally. A hardware prototype is built and a peak dc-to-dc efficiency of 95.8% at 100 mm air gap and a minimal efficiency of 92.1% at 170 mm air gap is measured, including the power electronic components. The partial load efficiency at 500 W output power is still as high as 90.6% at 135 mm air gap. Overall, the proposed topology provides a practical method to overcome the main drawback of most single-side controlled inductive power transfer systems, which is a significant efficiency drop outside the nominal operating point.
Key steps in unconventional secretion of fibroblast growth factor 2 reconstituted with purified components

FGF2 is secreted from cells by an unconventional secretory pathway. This process is mediated by direct translocation across the plasma membrane. Here, we define the minimal molecular machinery required for FGF2 membrane translocation in a fully reconstituted inside-out vesicle system. FGF2 membrane translocation is thermodynamically driven by PI(4,5)P2-induced membrane insertion of FGF2 oligomers. The latter serve as dynamic translocation intermediates of FGF2 with a subunit number in the range of 8-12 FGF2 molecules. Vectorial translocation of FGF2 across the membrane is governed by sequential and mutually exclusive interactions with PI(4,5)P2 and heparan sulfates on opposing sides of the membrane. Based on atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we propose a mechanism that drives PI(4,5)P2 dependent oligomerization of FGF2. Our combined findings establish a novel type of self-sustained protein translocation across membranes revealing the molecular basis of the unconventional secretory pathway of FGF2. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.28985. 001
The cerebral circulation and metabolism in hyperthyroidism and myxedema.

In vitro studies (1-5) of the effect of variations in the functional activity of the thyroid gland upon cerebral metabolism have yielded conflicting results; some investigators have found the oxygen consumption of the brain to be increased in ex-perimental hyperthyroidism, and diminished after thyroidectomy; others have not been able to demonstrate a change in the oxygen uptake of brain slices of either hyper- or hypothyroid animals.
Towards Virtual Networks for Virtual Machine Grid Computing

Virtual machines can greatly simplify wide-area distributed computing by lowering the level of abstraction to the benefit of both resource providers and users. Networking, however, can be a challenge because remote sites are loath to provide connectivity to any machine attached to the site network by outsiders. In response, we have developed a simple and efficient layer two virtual network tool that in effect connects the virtual machine to the home network of the user, making the connectivity problem identical to that faced by the user when connecting any new machine to his own network. We describe this tool and evaluate its performance in LAN and WAN environments. Next, we describe our plans to enhance it to become an adaptive virtual network that will dynamically modify its topology and routing rules in response to the offered traffic load of the virtual machines it supports and to the load of the underlying network. We formalize the adaptation problem induced by this scheme and take initial steps to solving it. The virtual network will also be able to use underlying resource reservation mechanisms on behalf of virtual machines. Both adaptation and reservation will work with existing, unmodified applications and operating systems.
New Carcharhiniform Sharks (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii) from the Early to Middle Eocene of Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula

ABSTRACT Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula, is known for its wealth of fossil remains. This island provides one of the richest fossiliferous Paleogene sequences in the world. Chondrichthyans seemingly dominate this Eocene marine fauna and offer a rare insight into high-latitude faunas during the Palaeogene. So far, only a few isolated teeth of carcharhinid sharks have been reported from Seymour Island. Bulk sampling in the well-exposed La Meseta and Submeseta formations yielded new and abundant chondrichthyan material, including numerous teeth of carcharhinid and triakid sharks. Here, we present a reevaluation of the previously described carcharhinid remains and a description of new taxa: Meridiogaleus cristatus, gen. et sp. nov., Kallodentis rythistemma, gen. et sp. nov., Abdounia richteri, sp. nov., and Abdounia mesetae, sp. nov. The carcharhiniforms Mustelus sp. and Galeorhinus sp. are reported based on rare material, whereas teeth previously assigned to Scoliodon represent a nomen dubium.
Enhanced therapeutic efficacy of budesonide in experimental colitis with enzyme/pH dual-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles

Current colon-targeted drug-delivery approaches for colitis therapy often utilize single pH-triggered systems, which are less reliable due to the variation of gut pH in individuals and in disease conditions. Herein, we prepared budesonide-loaded dual-sensitive nanoparticles using enzyme-sensitive azo-polyurethane and pH-sensitive methacrylate copolymer for the treatment of colitis. The therapeutic potential of the enzyme/pH dual-sensitive nanoparticles was evaluated using a rat colitis model and compared to single pH-triggered nanoparticles. Clinical activity scores, colon/body weight ratios, myeloperoxidase activity, and proinflammatory cytokine levels were markedly decreased by dual-sensitive nanoparticles compared to single pH-triggered nanoparticles and budesonide solution. Moreover, dual-sensitive nanoparticles accumulated selectively in inflamed segments of the colon. In addition, dual-sensitive nanoparticle plasma concentrations were lower than single pH-triggered nanoparticles, and no noticeable in vitro or in vivo toxicity was observed. Our results demonstrate that enzyme/pH dual-sensitive nanoparticles are an effective and safe colon-targeted delivery system for colitis therapy.
A shifting paradigm: histone deacetylases and transcriptional activation

Transcriptional repression and silencing have been strongly associated with hypoacetylation of histones. Accordingly, histone deacetylases, which remove acetyl groups from histones, have been shown to participate in mechanisms of transcriptional repression. Therefore, current models of the role of acetylation in transcriptional regulation focus on the acetylation status of histones and designate histone acetyltransferases, which add acetyl groups to histones, as transcriptional coactivators and histone deacetylases as corepressors. In recent years, an accumulation of studies have shown that these enzymes also target non‐histone proteins and that histone deacetylases have clear roles as coactivators at a variety of genes, some of which are key regulators of cell growth and survival. This review summarizes the evidence for histone deacetylases as coactivators and provides models of coactivation mechanisms, some of which integrate roles of acetylated histones and non‐histone proteins in transcription. BioEssays 30:15–24, 2008. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Digging Deep into the Layers of CNNs: In Search of How CNNs Achieve View Invariance

This paper is focused on studying the view-manifold structure in the feature spaces implied by the different layers of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). There are several questions that this paper aims to answer: Does the learned CNN representation achieve viewpoint invariance? How does it achieve viewpoint invariance? Is it achieved by collapsing the view manifolds, or separating them while preserving them? At which layer is view invariance achieved? How can the structure of the view manifold at each layer of a deep convolutional neural network be quantified experimentally? How does fine-tuning of a pre-trained CNN on a multi-view dataset affect the representation at each layer of the network? In order to answer these questions we propose a methodology to quantify the deformation and degeneracy of view manifolds in CNN layers. We apply this methodology and report interesting results in this paper that answer the aforementioned questions.
Exploring Gender Differences on General and Specific Computer Self-Efficacy in Mobile Learning Adoption

Reasons for contradictory findings regarding the gender moderate effect on computer self-efficacy in the adoption of e-learning/mobile learning are limited. Recognizing the multilevel nature of the computer self-efficacy (CSE), this study attempts to explore gender differences in the adoption of mobile learning, by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with general and specific CSE. Data collected from 137 university students were tested against the research model using the structural equation modeling approach. The results suggest that there are significant gender differences in perceptions of general CSE, perceived ease of use, and behavioral intention to use but no significant differences in specific CSE, perceived usefulness. Additionally, the findings reveal that specific CSE is more salient than general CSE in influencing perceived ease of use, while general CSE seems to be the salient factor on perceived usefulness for both female and male combined. Moreover, general CSE was salient to determine the behavioral intention to use indirectly for female despite lower perception of general CSE than male's, and specific CSE exhibited stronger indirect effect on behavioral intention to use than general CSE for female despite similar perception of specific CSE as males'. These findings provide important implications for mobile learning adoption and usage.
Non-isotropic regularization of the correspondence space in stereo-vision

The correspondence problem in stereo vision is notoriously difficult. In many approaches a noisy solution is extracted from the correspondence space. Various sophisticated regularization techniques are applied then on this noisy solution. We study here the possibility to denoise the correspondence/correlation space before extracting the solution, by a non-linear and non-isotropic scheme. We show that this method preserves edges (depth discontinuities) well and overcomes some of the problems encountered in previous approaches.
Charge carrier recombination channels in the low-temperature phase of organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite thin films

The optoelectronic properties of the mixed hybrid lead halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3−xClx have been subject to numerous recent studies related to its extraordinary capabilities as an absorber material in thin film solar cells. While the greatest part of the current research concentrates on the behavior of the perovskite at room temperature, the observed influence of phonon-coupling and excitonic effects on charge carrier dynamics suggests that low-temperature phenomena can give valuable additional insights into the underlying physics. Here, we present a temperature-dependent study of optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) emission of vapor-deposited CH3NH3PbI3−xClx exploring the nature of recombination channels in the room- and the low-temperature phase of the material. On cooling, we identify an up-shift of the absorption onset by about 0.1 eV at about 100 K, which is likely to correspond to the known tetragonal-to-orthorhombic transition of the pure halide CH3NH3PbI3. With further decreasing temperature, a second PL emission peak emerges in addition to the peak from the room-temperature phase. The transition on heating is found to occur at about 140 K, i.e., revealing significant hysteresis in the system. While PL decay lifetimes are found to be independent of temperature above the transition, significantly accelerated recombination is observed in the low-temperature phase. Our data suggest that small inclusions of domains adopting the room-temperature phase are responsible for this behavior rather than a spontaneous increase in the intrinsic rate constants. These observations show that even sparse lower-energy sites can have a strong impact on material performance, acting as charge recombination centres that may detrimentally affect photovoltaic performance but that may also prove useful for optoelectronic applications such as lasing by enhancing population inversion.
Stereotaxical Infusion of Rotenone: A Reliable Rodent Model for Parkinson's Disease

A clinically-related animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD) may enable the elucidation of the etiology of the disease and assist the development of medications. However, none of the current neurotoxin-based models recapitulates the main clinical features of the disease or the pathological hallmarks, such as dopamine (DA) neuron specificity of degeneration and Lewy body formation, which limits the use of these models in PD research. To overcome these limitations, we developed a rat model by stereotaxically (ST) infusing small doses of the mitochondrial complex-I inhibitor, rotenone, into two brain sites: the right ventral tegmental area and the substantia nigra. Four weeks after ST rotenone administration, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in the infusion side decreased by 43.7%, in contrast to a 75.8% decrease observed in rats treated systemically with rotenone (SYS). The rotenone infusion also reduced the DA content, the glutathione and superoxide dismutase activities, and induced alpha-synuclein expression, when compared to the contralateral side. This ST model displays neither peripheral toxicity or mortality and has a high success rate. This rotenone-based ST model thus recapitulates the slow and specific loss of DA neurons and better mimics the clinical features of idiopathic PD, representing a reliable and more clinically-related model for PD research.