Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Importance of Extranuclear Estrogen Receptor-α and Membrane G Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor in Pancreatic Islet Survival

OBJECTIVE We showed that 17β-estradiol (E2) favors pancreatic β-cell survival via the estrogen receptor-α (ERα) in mice. E2 activates nuclear estrogen receptors via an estrogen response element (ERE). E2 also activates nongenomic signals via an extranuclear form of ERα and the G protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). We studied the contribution of estrogen receptors to islet survival. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used mice and islets deficient in estrogen receptor-α (αERKO−/−), estrogen receptor-β (βERKO−/−), estrogen receptor-α and estrogen receptor-β (αβERKO−/−), and GPER (GPERKO−/−); a mouse lacking ERα binding to the ERE; and human islets. These mice and islets were studied in combination with receptor-specific pharmacological probes. RESULTS We show that ERα protection of islet survival is ERE independent and that E2 favors islet survival through extranuclear and membrane estrogen receptor signaling. We show that ERβ plays a minor cytoprotective role compared to ERα. Accordingly, βERKO−/− mice are mildly predisposed to streptozotocin-induced islet apoptosis. However, combined elimination of ERα and ERβ in mice does not synergize to provoke islet apoptosis. In αβERKO−/− mice and their islets, E2 partially prevents apoptosis suggesting that an alternative pathway compensates for ERα/ERβ deficiency. We find that E2 protection of islet survival is reproduced by a membrane-impermeant E2 formulation and a selective GPER agonist. Accordingly, GPERKO−/− mice are susceptible to streptozotocin-induced insulin deficiency. CONCLUSIONS E2 protects β-cell survival through ERα and ERβ via ERE-independent, extra-nuclear mechanisms, as well as GPER-dependent mechanisms. The present study adds a novel dimension to estrogen biology in β-cells and identifies GPER as a target to protect islet survival.
Interpreting Farmers’ Perceptions of Risks and Benefits Concerning Wastewater Reuse for Irrigation: A Case Study in Emilia-Romagna (Italy)

Water recycling is becoming progressively more important as the need for Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) is increasing to ensure a transition towards a more sustainable use for water. Perceptions and public acceptance of water reuse are recognised as paramount factors for the successful introduction of wastewater reuse projects, regardless of the strength of scientific evidence in their favour. This article analyses perceptions of risks and benefits of using treated wastewater for irrigation purposes in agriculture when dealing with different crops. Data from an original farmer survey are analysed through descriptive statistics and a classification tree approach. The study reveals limited knowledge of wastewater treatment, yet a good level of openness towards the reuse of wastewater for irrigation. A lower risk perception and a higher acceptance level are mainly explained by positive expectations with regard to the environmental characteristics of effluent water, higher education, and specific cropping choices. Enhancing information availability is also found to positively affect social acceptance. The ease of converting current water-management practices to the new water source explains the perceived benefits of reusing water.
Conformal non-relativistic hydrodynamics from gravity

We show that the recently constructed holographic duals of conformal non-relativistic theories behave hydrodynamically at long distances, and construct the gravitational dual of fluid flows in a long-wavelength approximation. We compute the thermal conductivity of the holographic conformal non-relativistic fluid. The corresponding Prandtl number is equal to one.
The Effect of Lesions of the Insular Cortex on Instrumental Conditioning: Evidence for a Role in Incentive Memory

In three experiments, we assessed the effect of lesions aimed at the gustatory region of the insular cortex on instrumental conditioning in rats. In experiment 1, the lesion had no effect on the acquisition of either lever pressing or chain pulling in food-deprived rats whether these actions earned food pellets or a maltodextrin solution. The lesion did, however, attenuate the impact of outcome devaluation, induced by sensory-specific satiety, on instrumental performance but only when assessed in an extinction test. This effect was not secondary to an impairment in instrumental learning; in experiment 2, no evidence was found to suggest that the lesioned rats differed from shams in their ability to encode the specific action-outcome contingencies to which they were exposed during training. In experiment 3, however, lesioned rats were found to be insensitive to the impact of an incentive learning treatment conducted when they were undeprived; although, again, this deficit was confined to a test conducted in extinction. These results are consistent with the view that, in instrumental conditioning, the gustatory region of the insular cortex is involved in encoding the taste of food outcomes in memory and, hence, in encoding the incentive value assigned to these outcomes on the basis of prevailing motivational conditions.
Evolution of an online social aggregation network: an empirical study

Many factors such as the tendency of individuals to develop relationships based on mutual acquaintances, proximity, common interests, or combinations thereof, are known to contribute toward evolution of social networks. In this paper, we analyze an evolving online social aggregator FriendFeed, which collates content generated by participating individuals on a variety of Web 2.0 services and allows easy dissemination of the aggregated content to other participants of the aggregator. Analyzing data collected between September 2008 and May 2009, we find that although preferential attachment captures the evolution of the network, its influence varies significantly based on how long ago a user joined the service. In particular, preferential attachment does not appear to apply to new entrants of the FriendFeed service. Analysis suggests that proximity bias plays an important role in link formation. We study the influence of common foci and find that individuals have a greater affinity toward those with similar interests.
Fully Embedded Coding of Triangle Meshes

An algorithm for triangle mesh compression is presented. Any mesh topology can be coded. Vertex coordinates and mesh connectivity are simultaneously coded with increasing level-ofdetail. The bit stream can be sequentially decoded and vertex accuracy and mesh resolution gradually re ned. The embedded code allows progressive transmission of triangle meshes and continuous decoding of 3D geometry. Coding performance is validated on a number of standard geometry data sets. The measurements show that mesh topology is coded with less than 7 bits per triangle, and vertex positions are accurately reconstructed from 60 bits per vertex. Images document the perceptive quality of rendering results from meshes of reduced resolution.
MRST: A New Technique For Information Summarization

summarization is defined as " The process of concisely restating the essential ideas of a text or passage, and synthesizing the ideas into an overarching, idea ". There is an increasing need of coming up with ideas that can perfectly generate summaries as there is large repository of data present online but to get to the right information is indeed very difficult. In order to achieve this task many summarizing techniques have been devised such as LEAD, MEAD and RANDOM. The paper proposes a new technique for information summarization that basically combines the rhetorical structure theory with the MEAD summarizer system as Mead is based totally based on mathematical calculation and lack a knowledge base Rhetorical Structure Theory is used to overcome this weakness and in the end the new summarizer system is evaluated against the original MEAD summarizer system exploit mainly two areas of information that are Financial Articles and Medline abstracts. In theory MRST should be better than Mead but in practice Mead came ahead of MRST and that's merely because of one reason and that is there is no true parser that completely implements the Rhetorical Structure Theory. The results show that Mead produces successful summaries 75% time for both short and long documents. Incase of MRST it produces successful summaries for short documents 70% of the time and for long documents it produces successful summaries 65% of the time, as the size of the document increases the performance of MRST deteriorate. The main finding of the work is if we could come up with a parser that comprehensively implement the rhetorical structure theory then we would be able to come up the summarizer system that would be better then MEAD.
Polymorphism in the Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) Gene Is Associated with Activity-Impulsivity in German Shepherd Dogs

We investigated the association between repeat polymorphism in intron 4 of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene and two personality traits, activity-impulsivity and inattention, in German Shepherd Dogs. The behaviour of 104 dogs was characterized by two instruments: (1) the previously validated Dog-Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (Dog-ADHD RS) filled in by the dog owners and (2) the newly developed Activity-impulsivity Behavioural Scale (AIBS) containing four subtests, scored by the experimenters. Internal consistency, inter-observer reliability, test-retest reliability and convergent validity were demonstrated for AIBS. Dogs possessing at least one short allele were proved to be more active-impulsive by both instruments, compared to dogs carrying two copies of the long allele (activity-impulsivity scale of Dog-ADHD RS: p = 0.007; AIBS: p = 0.023). The results have some potential to support human studies; however, further research should reveal the molecular function of the TH gene variants, and look for the effect in more breeds.
Logical De nability on In nite Traces Werner Ebinger and Anca

The main results of the present paper are the equivalence of deenability by monadic second-order logic and recognizability for real trace languages, and that rst-order deenable, star-free, and aperiodic real trace languages form the same class of languages. This generalizes results on innnite words and on nite traces to innnite traces. It closes an important gap in the diierent characterizations of recognizable languages of innnite traces.
A Novel Ontology-Based Method to Represent and Classify Failure Modes of Sensors

It is generally recognized that sensors play important roles in modern control systems and failure modes of sensors are key points for safety and reliability analysis of such systems. Failure modes rely only on specific components rather than the system architecture, and therefore could be reused in different analysis. In this paper, we present a novel ontology-based method to represent and classify failure modes of sensors, so that they could be reused effectively and sufficiently. The principle and essence of the method are described in details appending a demonstration illustrating how to construct a concrete ontology with the method. Furthermore, the retrieve method based on semantic similarity is introduced. Additionally, a free software tool is developed for the method. The method and the tool could both be used in other fields with similar scenarios. Copyright © 2013 IFSA.
Efficient design for transistor level and function

This paper proposes a new design of 2T AND gate. All the designs are compared with respect to the transistor count, power consumption, temperature sustain ability, noise immunity and parasitic capacitance in order to prove the superiority of proposed design over existing designs. The pre layout simulation has been carried out on BSIM3v3 90nm technology and post layout simulation has been performed on 0.5submicron technology using Tanner EDA tool.
Collaborative editing for improved usefulness and usability of transcript-enhanced webcasts

One challenge in facilitating skimming or browsing through archives of on-line recordings of webcast lectures is the lack of text transcripts of the recorded lecture. Ideally, transcripts would be obtainable through Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR). However, current ASR systems can only deliver, in realistic lecture conditions, a Word Error Rate of around 45% -- above the accepted threshold of 25%. In this paper, we present the iterative design of a webcast extension that engages users to collaborate in a wiki-like manner on editing the ASR-produced imperfect transcripts, and show that this is a feasible solution for improving the quality of lecture transcripts. We also present the findings of a field study carried out in a real lecture environment investigating how students use and edit the transcripts.
An Ontology Artifact for Information Systems Sentiment Analysis

As companies and organizations increasingly rely on on-line, user-supplied data to obtain valuable insights into their operations, sentiment analysis of textual data has proven to be a most valuable resource. To understand how sentiment analysis can be used effectively, it is important to identify what types of sentiment analysis could be employed during the analysis of a given situation. This research proposes an Information Systems Sentiment Ontology, the purpose of which is to provide a basis for mining and understanding sentiment, specifically from text provided by customers as online content. The Information Systems Sentiment Ontology is developed by analyzing the literature on emotion, sentiment analysis, and ontology development and from prior research on online forum analysis. A traditional design science approach is followed to the ontology development. Details on the creation and application of the ontology artifact are provided.
On the Relation of OSTBC and Code Rate One QSTBC: Average Rate, BER, and Coding Gain

Recently, the statistical properties of the equivalent channel representation of a multiple-input-multiple output (MIMO) system employing code rate one quasi-orthogonal space-time block codes (QSTBC), which are constructed by using orthogonal space-time block codes (OSTBC) as building elements, was characterized. Based on these characterizations we analyze the average rate (or mean mutual information), the bit-error-rate performance, and the coding gain achieved with QSTBC for any number of receive and nT=2n, n ges 2 transmit antennas. First, we study constellation rotation using a systematic approach in order to maximize the coding gain and to achieve full diversity QSTBC. Moreover, we present an upper bound on the coding gain. We derive a lower and upper bound on the BER-performance for QSTBC. Furthermore, we analyze the average rate achievable with QSTBC in case of an uninformed transmitter and also the case, in which the transmitter knows the mean channel matrix whereas the receiver has perfect CSI. Along with the analysis, we compare all the results of these performance measures with the results achieved with OSTBC, revealing important connections between OSTBC and QSTBC. For example, the coding gain of a QSTBC is upper bounded by the coding gain of the underlying OSTBC. Also, the BER of a QSTBC for nT transmit and nR receive antennas is tightly lower bounded by the BER of a full-diversity providing intersymbol-interference free system. In addition to that, we show that gains in terms of average rate by using a QSTBC (and, thus, with higher nT) instead of the underlying OSTBC are only attainable, if the available channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT) is utilized. Finally, we illustrate our theoretical results using numerical simulations.
Synergistic Effect of Some Entomopathogenic Fungi and Synthetic Pesticides, Against Two Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Spider mites are emerging as major pests in many field crops including cotton in Pakistan. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of some strains of entomopathogenic fungi viz., Metarhizium anisopliae, Paecilomycis fumosoroseus (Pf) and Verticillium lecanii on two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, a pest on cotton during summer 2010. Three concentrations i.e., 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 and 1x 10 8 conidia mL -1 of each fungal strain were used against eggs and adult females of mites. All tested fungal isolates were pathogenic to both the eggs and adult females. The mortality in adult females increased with increase in conidial concentration while the % hatching in eggs decreased with increase in conidial concentration. The most virulent isolate against adult females was Pf (n32) with lowest LC50 value (9.1 × 10 4 conidia/ml on 8 th day post treatment) and LT50 value (4.58 days at 1 × 10 8 conidia mL -1 ) followed by V17 isolate with LC50 value (1.7 × 10 6 conidia mL -1 ) and LT50 value (5.45 days at 1 × 10 8 conidia mL -1 ). Combined treatment of cotton with Pf (n32) and chlorfenapyr, an insecticide, proved best combination causing more than 90% mortality.The results indicated that P. fumosoroseus strains have potential as microbial control agent against T. urticae in Pakistan.
Detecting and Localising Multiple 3D Objects: A Fast and Scalable Approach

Object detection in complex and cluttered environments is central to a number of robotic and cognitive computing tasks. This work presents a generic, scalable and fast framework for concurrently searching multiple rigid textureminimal objects using 2D image edgelet constellations. The method is also extended to exploit depth information for better clutter removal. Scalability is achieved by using indexing of a database of edgelet configurations shared among objects, and speed efficiency is obtained through the use of fixed paths which make the search tractable. The technique can handle levels of clutter of up to 70% of the edge pixels when operating within a few tens of milliseconds, and can give good detection rates. By aligning our detection within 3D point clouds, segmentation and object pose estimation within a cluttered scene is possible. Results of experiments on the challenging case of multiple texture-minimal objects demonstrate good performance and scalability in the presence of partial occlusions and viewpoint changes.
Symptom Experienced Three Years after Liver Transplantation under Immunosuppression in Adults

Background & Aims Immunosuppression-related symptom experience has not been covered thoroughly in long-term liver transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to assess the symptom experience of immunosuppressive therapy three years after liver transplantation and to correlate it with adherence to medications and sociodemographic or disease-related characteristics. Methods This study included 94 liver transplant recipients who had survived for more than 3 years after liver transplantation. Symptom experience was measured by the 59-Item Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress Scale (MTSOSD-59R) at the outpatient visits. Adherence to immunosuppressive drugs was assessed using the Basel Assessment of Adherence with Immunosuppressive Medication Scale (BAASIS). Results Itching, concentration or memory problems, and fatigue were the three most frequent or most distressing symptoms. Factors significantly associated with a higher level of symptom frequency and distress were 3- to 5-year time cohort (i.e., time post-transplantation), and younger age. At the item level, concentration or memory problems were the most frequent and distressing symptoms in the 3- to 5-year time cohort. Itching was the most frequent and distressing symptom in the 5- to 9-year time cohort. Finally, relationship was found between symptom experience and nonadherence to immunosuppressive drugs. Conclusions Symptoms related to physical complaints or impairments were more often perceived and more distressing for liver transplant recipients 3 years after transplantation. Furthermore, the 3- to 5-year time cohort and younger age were associated with a higher degree of perceived symptom occurrence and symptom distress. Finally, recipients who perceived higher levels of symptom frequency and symptom distress reported higher levels of nonadherence.
Patterns and dynamics of rapid local adaptation and sex in varying habitat types in rotifers

Local adaptation is an important principle in a world of environmental change and might be critical for species persistence. We tested the hypothesis that replicated populations can attain rapid local adaptation under two varying laboratory environments. Clonal subpopulations of the cyclically parthenogenetic rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus were allowed to adapt to two varying harsh and a benign environment: a high-salt, a food-limited environment and untreated culture medium (no salt addition, high food). In contrast to most previous studies, we re-adjusted rotifer density to a fixed value (two individuals per ml) every 3–4 days of unrestricted population growth, instead of exchanging a fixed proportion of the culture medium. Thus our dilution regime specifically selected for high population growth during the entire experiment and it allowed us to continuously track changes in fitness (i.e., maximum population growth under the prevailing conditions) in each population. After 56 days (43 asexual and eight sexual generations) of selection, the populations in the harsh environments showed a significant increase in fitness over time relative to the beginning compared to the population in untreated culture medium. Furthermore, the high-salt population exhibited a significantly elevated ratio of sexual offspring from the start of the experiment, which suggested that this environment either triggered higher rates of sex or that the untreated medium and the food-limited environment suppressed sex. In a following assay of local adaptation we measured population fitness under “local” versus “foreign” conditions (populations adapted to this environment compared to those of the other environment) for both harsh habitats. We found significantly higher fitness values for the local populations (on average, a 38% higher fitness) compared to the foreign populations. Overall, local adaptation was formed rapidly and it seemed to be more pronounced in the high-salt treatment.
Execution of Superoxide-Induced Cell Death by the Proapoptotic Bcl-2-Related Proteins Bid and Bak

ABSTRACT Ethanol intoxication stimulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines, increases the formation of reactive oxygen species, and induces mitochondrial impairment. However, information is limited as to the exact sequence and components involved in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity. Acute ethanol exposure enhances mitochondrial superoxide (O2.−) production and impairs mitochondrial Ca2+ handling. In turn, O2. − facilitates cytochrome c release and mitochondrial membrane potential loss that is not dependent upon H2O2 and divalent cations and requires Bak in a Bax-independent fashion. Furthermore, triggering of Bak's proapoptotic activity requires the cytosolic presence of Bid, a BH3-only protein that is processed by the initiator caspase-2. Together, these studies identify an O2. −-driven, caspase-initiated apoptotic pathway that selectively involves the Bcl-2 family proteins Bid and Bak. This pathway manifests itself during chronic ethanol consumption in aged animals and identifies caspase-2, Bid, and Bak as essential mediators of O2. −-induced apoptosis that may prove effective targets for the development of therapeutics to treat alcoholic liver disease.