Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Topical and intraluminal Carolina Rinse Solution in p44/42 and p38 MAP kinase activation profile in rabbit jejunum after ischemia and reperfusion.

The effects of topical and intraluminal Carolina Rinse Solution (CRS) in p44/42 (ERK 1/2) and p38 MAPK activation profile, in rabbit jejunum after ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), were investigated in this study. Fifteen New Zealand rabbits were allocated in three groups: Sham-operated (A), Ischemia and reperfusion (B) and CRS (C). Groups B and C were subjected to one hour of ischemia and two hours of reperfusion. In group C, ten minutes prior to reperfusion, the bowel lumen was filled with CRS, and the segment was immersed in CRS until reperfusion onset. Ischemia and reperfusion stimulated the phosphorylation of the p44/42 MAPK and p38 MAPK pathways in some layers of jejunum. Progressive activation of p44/42 MAPK was chiefly localized in the crypts of Lieberkuhn, circular and longitudinal muscle layers, whereas p38 MAPK was prominently activated in myenteric plexus and both muscle layers. The results of this research indicate that the chosen model of topical and intraluminal CRS does not interfere in p44/42 and p38 MAPK activation profile in rabbit jejunum subjected to I/R.
Validation of Solar Occultation for Ice Experiment (SOFIE) nitric oxide measurements

Abstract. Nitric oxide (NO) measurements from the Solar Occultation for Ice Experiment (SOFIE) are validated through detailed uncertainty analysis and comparisons with independent observations. SOFIE was compared with coincident satellite measurements from the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) – Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) instrument and the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) instrument. The comparisons indicate mean differences of less than ∼50 % for altitudes from roughly 50 to 105 km for SOFIE spacecraft sunrise and 50 to 140 km for SOFIE sunsets. Comparisons of NO time series show a high degree of correlation between SOFIE and both ACE and MIPAS for altitudes below ∼130 km, indicating that measured NO variability in time is robust. SOFIE uncertainties increase below ∼80 km due to interfering H2O absorption and signal correction uncertainties, which are larger for spacecraft sunrise compared to sunset. These errors are sufficiently large in sunrises that reliable NO measurements are infrequent below ∼80 km.
Comparisons of diffusive and viscous contributions to transport coefficients of light gases in single-walled carbon nanotubes

We examine here the relative importance of different contributions to transport of light gases in single walled carbon nanotubes, using methane and hydrogen as examples. Transport coefficients at 298 K are determined using molecular dynamics simulation with atomistic models of the nanotube wall, from which the diffusive and viscous contributions are resolved using a recent approach that provides an explicit expression for the latter. We also exploit an exact theory for the transport of Lennard-Jones fluids at low density considering diffuse reflection at the tube wall, thereby permitting the estimation of Maxwell coefficients for the wall reflection. It is found that reflection from the carbon nanotube wall is nearly specular, as a result of which slip flow dominates, and the viscous contribution is small in comparison, even for a tube as large as 8.1 nm in diameter. The reflection coefficient for hydrogen is 3–6 times as large as that for methane in tubes of 1.36 nm diameter, indicating less specular reflection for hydrogen and greater sensitivity to atomic detail of the surface. This reconciles results showing that transport coefficients for hydrogen and methane, obtained in simulation, are comparable in tubes of this size. With increase in adsorbate density, the reflection coefficient increases, suggesting that adsorbate interactions near the wall serve to roughen the local potential energy landscape perceived by fluid molecules.
Balancing Between Exploration and Exploitation in ACO

In order to balance the preference of the artificial entities towards exploration or exploitation (in their transition rule), a novel technique is proposed for replacing the random function used by the classical Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithms for solving the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). The proposed Beta Distribution function (B), or random:betavariate(a; b) has the proven capability (depicted through test-runs) of influencing the algorithm’s solution quality and convergence speed. Consequently, this paper will introduce in the related work section the classical ACO algorithm, with a focus on the transition rule used for choosing the next node in the problem’s associated graph, followed by the related work on this topic, and it will continue with the introduction of the B function which will be presented both from a theoretical and practical perspective in relation with the scope: balancing between exploration and exploitation in order to improve the performance of the ACO algorithm for the TSP. The paper concludes that the B-EAS has the ability to find better solution than EAS for a set of benchmarks from the TSPLib library.
The SLUGGS survey: globular cluster kinematics in a ‘double sigma’ galaxy – NGC 4473

NGC 4473 is a so--called double sigma (2$\sigma$) galaxy, i.e. a galaxy with rare, double peaks in its 2D stellar velocity dispersion. Here, we present the globular cluster (GC) kinematics in NGC 4473 out to $\sim10\,R_e$ (effective radii) using data from combined HST/ACS and Subaru/Suprime--Cam imaging and Keck/DEIMOS spectroscopy. We find that the 2$\sigma$ nature of NGC 4473 persists up to 3 $R_e$, though it becomes misaligned to the photometric major axis. We also observe a significant offset between the stellar and GC rotation amplitudes. This offset can be understood as a co--addition of counter--rotating stars producing little net stellar rotation. We identify a sharp radial transition in the GC kinematics at $\sim4\,R_e$ suggesting a well defined kinematically distinct halo. In the inner region ($ 4\,R_e$), the red GCs rotate in an opposite direction compared to the inner region red GCs, along the photometric major axis, while the blue GCs rotate along an axis intermediate between the major and minor photometric axes. We also find a kinematically distinct population of very red GCs in the inner region with elevated rotation amplitude and velocity dispersion. The multiple kinematic components in NGC 4473 highlight the complex formation and evolutionary history of this 2$\sigma$ galaxy, as well as a distinct transition between the inner and outer components.
What Do You Look for in a Prospective Date? Reexamining the Preferences of Men and Women Who Differ in Self-Monitoring Propensities

Males and females who differed in self-monitoring propensities indicated their preferences for an evening date by ranking the desirability of nine opposite-sex targets who were varied in attractiveness and personality. In contrast to past research, criteria used to evaluate dating partners were not influenced by participants' self-monitoring propensities. Results provided little evidence that dating orientations of high and low self-monitors vary systematically when partners are selected from a broad, representative array of alternatives. Consistent with past research, men weighed attractiveness cues more heavily than did women; women attached more weight to dispositional information than men did. Yet, internal analyses revealed that the dating orientations of male and female participants were really more similar than different: Both the looks and the character of prospective dating partners were highly salient to men and women, who were most interested in dating individuals who maximized total outcomes across both dimensions.
Democratising the Family and the State? The Case of Family Group Conferences in Child Welfare

This article discusses the potential of family group conferences to act as a liberating intervention for families traditionally controlled by the state welfare system. Family group conferences are interventions designed to remove control of decision making from professionals and allow family groups to make decisions about the welfare of one or more of their members. Using data from a qualitative evaluation of family group conferences in Wales, this article examines ‘imposed empowerment’ and social control, and the feasibility of treating ‘the family’ as a unit for state intervention. The authors propose that the family group conference approach not only has the potential to shift the balance of power between the state and client families, but that it may have the potential to democratise decision making within families. However, it is also noted that such interventions can be seen to be maintaining social control through subtle and possibly unintentional means. The article engages with sociological research and theory on democracy in the family.
The Phillips Curve is Back? Using Panel Data to Analyze the Relationship between Unemployment and Inflation in an Open Economy

Expanding on an approach suggested by Ashenfelter (1984), we extend the Phillips curve to an open economy and exploit panel data to estimate the textbook 'expectations augmented' Phillips curve with a market-based and observable measure of inflation expectations. We develop this measure using assumptions common in economic analysis of open economies. Using quarterly data from 9 OECD countries and the simplest econometric specification, we estimate the Phillips curve with the same functional form for the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Our analysis suggests that although changing expectations played a role in creating the empirical failure of the Phillips Curve in the 1970s, supply shocks were at least as important.
Parametric imaging of Dynamic Vascular Patterns of Focal Liver Lesions in contrast-enhanced ultrasound

The differentiation between benign and malignant Focal Liver Lesions (FLL) plays an important role in diagnosis and therapeutic planning of liver diseases. This differentiation, based on characterization, relies on the observation of the Dynamic Vascular Patterns (DVP) of FLL with respect to surrounding healthy parenchyma, and may be observed during contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging after a bolus injection. For instance, a hemangioma (i.e. a benign FLL) exhibits a hyper-enhanced signature over time, whereas a metastasis (i.e. a malignant FLL) usually presents hyper-enhanced foci during the arterial phase and becomes hypo-enhanced afterwards. The objective of this work was to develop a new parametric imaging technique, aimed at mapping the DVP signatures into a single image called DVP parametric image, conceived as a diagnostic aid tool for characterizing FLL types. The DVP parametric images were the object of a clinical assessment. The resulting sensitivity and specificity were 97% and 91%, respectively.
Pituitary-gonadal function in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)

Twenty-four children (12 males) age 8.5 to 19.2 yr. were studied following LHRH stimulation, and HCG stimulation in boys. Additional tests of germ cell and corpus luteal function were perfomed in post-pubertal boys and girls respectively. Standard anti-leukaemic therapy had been discontinued for a median period of 3.1 yr. in 17 children at the study time. In most instances, prepubertal children showed appropriate LH and FSH responses and in boys, appropriate testosterone increments. Post-pubertal boys had normal Leydig cell function, but evidence of germ cell damage based on seminal analysis. Post-menarchal girls had regular menses and the use of salivary progesterone profiles throughout complete menstrual cycles indicated normal ovulation in some girls. Increasing time in remission from ALL may show recovery of endocrine dysfunction and this can be monitored in post-menarchal girls with ease, utilizing the simple and non-invasive technique of home salivary progesterone profiling.
School Participation in Rural India

This paper presents an analysis of the determinant of school participation in rural north India, based on a recent household survey which includes detailed information on school characteristics. School participation especially among girls, responds to a wide range of variables, including parental education and motivation, social background, dependency ratios, work opportunities, village development, teacher posting , teacher regularity and mid-day meals. The remarkable lead achieved by the state of Himachal Pradesh is fully accounted for by these variables. School quality matters, but it is not related in a simply way to specific inputs.
The Effect of Price on Coupon Redemption: A Case Study of Florida Orange Juice Industry Coupon Programs

The distribution of coupons offering customers a reduction in the regular purchase price has become an important element of the marketing strategy for many consumer package goods and services. The distribution of manufacturers' cents-off coupons has increased from an estimated 35.7 billion coupons in 1975, to 90.6 billion coupons in 1980, representing an increase of more than 150 percent. In addition, there has been an upward trend in percent of households using coupons, from 65 percent in 1975, to 76 percent in 1980. More than 95 percent of the coupon users bought food items with them in 1980 (A. C. Nielsen Company).
Populus nigra L. establishment and fluvial landform construction: biogeomorphic dynamics within a channelized river

Populations of the riparian pioneer species Populus nigra L. which establish on alluvial bars within river channels modulate sediment dynamics and fluvial landforms. Dense cohorts of P. nigra have colonized gravel point bars along the channelized River Garonne, France, during the last 20 years and have enhanced the vertical, lateral and longitudinal development of the bars. For this period, the geomorphic characteristics of two wooded point bars on this laterally stable river are closely linked to the spatial distribution and intensity of establishment and resistance of different cohorts of P. nigra. Furthermore, P. nigra colonization dynamics were controlled by engineer effects of this same species. This relationship is illustrated by a significant correlation between key geomorphic and biological variables measured in situ and characterized with a set of four aerial photographs taken between 2000 and 2010. The development of wooded point bars, which are discrete biogeomorphic units, over the studied period, appear to result from a specific biogeomorphic positive feedback of matter aggregation and vegetation establishment related to sediment trapping and stabilization by pioneer engineer plants. We propose a conceptual model of biogeomorphic unit construction for channelized, lateral stable rivers. We consider the resultant biogeomorphic units as functional from an ecological point of view because P. nigra enhances at the cohort scale (i) its own inherent capacity to resist hydrogeomorphic disturbances, and (ii) its resilience capacity as a result of successful colonization, especially downstream of mature poplar stands. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Canale di Comunicazione Traverso in Portus: the Roman sea harbour under river influence (Tiber delta, Italy)

Portus was Rome’s maritime port during the Roman Empire. In AD 42, the harbour location was selected about 3 km north of Ostia, along the Tyrrhenian coast, on the margin of the Tiber River. Portus and its maritime facade are well known, however the fluvial aspects of Portus are poorly documented. How did Roman engineers preserve a continuous waterway from the basins of Portus to the Tiber River without accelerating siltation inside the harbour? Were their choices efficient? The present Canale di Comunicazione Traverso is the only canal attested to link the Tiber River and the harbour basins. The objective of this work is to analyse the Canale Traverso sediments infill in order to establish the role of this canal in relation to the infill deposits of the harbour basins and to define the functions of the canal. This study is based primarily on a reinterpretation of the available archaeological data, as well as mainly on sedimentological analysis and the interpretation of the Passega diagram. A Passega diagram is presented for understanding the deposit processes for the harbour environments at the entrance to the Trajanic basin (TR-XIV). This diagram is compared to the Passega diagram of the Canale Traverso (CT-1) which is characterised by a stronger influence of the Tiber River. This study concludes that the Canale Traverso was a canal that was well protected from the influence of the Tiber River, with the exception of occasional flooding. Also, this paper presents the patterns of sedimentation at Portus and allows us to define the use of the canal and the maintenance procedures.
Smart Charging of PEVs Penetrating Into Residential Distribution Systems

This paper presents a novel modeling framework for the analysis of Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) charging in unbalanced, residential, distribution systems. A Smart Distribution Power Flow (SDPF) framework is proposed to determine the controlled or smart charging schedules and hence address the shortcomings of uncontrolled charging. The effect of peak-demand constraint imposed by the Local Distribution Company (LDC) is also studied within the SDPF framework for the smart charging scenarios. Uncontrolled versus smart charging schemes are compared for various scenarios, from both the customer's and the LDC's perspective. Various objective functions, such as energy drawn by the LDC, total feeder losses, total cost of energy drawn by LDC and total cost of PEV charging are considered. Studies are carried out considering two sample systems i.e., the IEEE 13-node test feeder and a real distribution feeder. Analyses are also presented considering a probabilistic representation of the initial state of charge (SOC) and start time of charging for various scenarios to take into account the difference in customers' driving patterns. The results show that uncontrolled charging of PEVs results in increased peak demand, low node voltage levels, and increased feeder current magnitudes. On the other hand, the SDPF framework provides very satisfactory operating schedules for the overall system including smart PEV charging.
Gender Differences in Rough and Tumble Play Behaviors

I conducted 10 one-hour observations in a Kindergarten classroom to determine if there were gender differences in the types of Rough and Tumble play (RTP) that children engaged in. Previous research reported that (a) boys were more likely than girls to engage in RTP, (b) boys were more likely than girls to engage in solitary forms of RTP, (c) girls were more likely than boys to engage in collaborative forms of RTP, and (d) boys were more likely than girls to engage in aggressive forms of RTP. My findings were similar to those of previous research. I found that boys participated in RTP more than girls and the forms of RTP engaged in by boys were more aggressive. I also found that boys engaged in more solitary RTP than girls, although both boys and girls engaged in more solitary than collaborative RTP. Unlike previous research findings, boys and girls in my study engaged in similar rates of collaborative RTP. I also found that the presence of one particular girl influenced the occurrence of collaborative mixed-gender RTP, which I refer to as the "Amber Effect. " The influence of one player on the likelihood of RTP occurring has not been reported in previous research. Pseudonyms are used throughout this article to maintain the confidentiality of the site and participants in this study.
Blacks and Hispanics in urban America: similar patterns of residential segregation?

Studies of residential segregation of Blacks and Hispanics in United States' metropolitan areas over recent decades have suggested a convergence between the two groups, as Black segregation levels declined somewhat, whilst those for Hispanics have increased substantially. The latter has been associated with the rapid and very substantial growth in the Hispanic population. To some considerable extent, those changes have been taking place in different parts of the US. Many of the metropolitan areas experiencing major increases in their Hispanic populations contain relatively few Blacks; and the changes have varied considerably across the country. So are similar processes in operation? Are the same characteristics associated with high levels of segregation for each ethnic group? Regression analyses of data for 1980 and 2000, and for changes between those two dates, suggest that they are: that the size of a minority group – both absolute and as a percentage of the metropolitan population – is significantly linked to segregation levels and changes in them. There is clear convergence taking place, reflecting increasing segregation among recently-arrived Hispanics and some desegregation among Blacks. This is consistent with general models of residential segregation, even if they are occurring in different parts of the country. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Does the State Destroy Incentives in Innovation Financing?

We investigate the effect of state subsidy on the behavior of entrepreneur and venture capitalist in a double moral hazard and fixed investment model under positive externalities. We infer that investment subsidy and success fee improve the incentives, ease credit rationing, hence boost private financing, which explains the popularity of hybrid venture capital systems. The main disadvantage of these systems is, however, that the entrepreneur is encouraged to minimize his/her own capital investment and to ask for the maximal state subsidy available. It may happen that public sources go to entrepreneurs capable to finance their projects privately, so state subsidies increase state deficit (and private profits) without any effects on public welfare leaving other important areas underfinanced. We also prove that state guarantee definitely creates perverse incentives, hence it is not recommended in our model.