Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photosynthetic efficiency of Chlorella sorokiniana in a turbulently mixed short light‐path photobioreactor

To be able to study the effect of mixing as well as any other parameter on productivity of algal cultures, we designed a lab‐scale photobioreactor in which a short light path (SLP) of (12 mm) is combined with controlled mixing and aeration. Mixing is provided by rotating an inner tube in the cylindrical cultivation vessel creating Taylor vortex flow and as such mixing can be uncoupled from aeration. Gas exchange is monitored on‐line to gain insight in growth and productivity. The maximal productivity, hence photosynthetic efficiency, of Chlorella sorokiniana cultures at high light intensities (1,500 μmol m−1 s−1) was investigated in this Taylor vortex flow SLP photobioreactor. We performed duplicate batch experiments at three different mixing rates: 70, 110, and 140 rpm, all in the turbulent Taylor vortex flow regime. For the mixing rate of 140 rpm, we calculated a quantum requirement for oxygen evolution of 21.2 mol PAR photons per mol O2 and a yield of biomass on light energy of 0.8 g biomass per mol PAR photons. The maximal photosynthetic efficiency was found at relatively low biomass densities (2.3 g L−1) at which light was just attenuated before reaching the rear of the culture. When increasing the mixing rate twofold, we only found a small increase in productivity. On the basis of these results, we conclude that the maximal productivity and photosynthetic efficiency for C. sorokiniana can be found at that biomass concentration where no significant dark zone can develop and that the influence of mixing‐induced light/dark fluctuations is marginal. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 2010
Measuring Quality of Interaction Between Leaders and Members

The paper reports the development of a scale to measure the quality of interaction between leaders and members in line with the leader member exchange/vertical dyad linkage theorization of Dansereau, Graen, and Haga (1979, incorporating the suggestions of Dienesch and Liden (1986). Construct definitions were developed and items were generated and evaluated for content validity. A varimax rotated factor analysis of the data yielded only 2 of the proposed 3 factors-perceived contribution and affect. The two subscales documented factor stability and high reliability coefficients. Within- and between-groups analysis found support for dyadic nature of interaction. The implications of the results are discussed and conclusions are drawn about the new scale.
Online iterative learning control of zero-moment point for biped walking stabilization

Biped walking control based on simplified models relies much on online feedback stabilizers to compensate the zero-moment point (ZMP) error which partially comes from the model inconsistency of pattern generation. Inspired by the fact that human improves the performance by practicing a task for multiple times, this paper presents an online learning control framework for improving the robustness during the dominant repetitive phases of walking. The key idea is to learn a compensative feedforward ZMP term from previous ZMP error trajectories in order to achieve better ZMP tracking. Based on the iterative learning control theory, the learning process is conducted online continuously with minimal iteration of two footsteps, which can practically run in parallel with state-of-the-art walking controllers. A varying forgetting factor is designed to reduce the influence of the landing impact. Convergence of the learning control algorithm and improved ZMP tracking performance is verified both in dynamics simulation and experiment on the DLR humanoid robot TORO.
I N F O R M a T I O N R E T R I E V a L F O R S O C I a L M E D I a Conversation Retrieval for Microblogging Sites

In this article we introduce a novel search paradigm for microblogging sites resulting from the intersection of Information Retrieval and Social Network Analysis (SNA). This approach is based on a formal model of on-line conversations and a set of ranking measures including SNA centrality metrics, time-related conversational metrics and other specific features of current microblogging sites. The ranking approach has been compared to other methods and tested on two well known social network sites (Twitter and Friendfeed) showing that the inclusion of SNA metrics in the ranking function and the usage of a model of conversation can improve the results of search tasks.
D-4079-1 1 Market Growth as Influenced by Capital Investment ∗

The manager, by evolving the policies that guide decision making, designs a corporate system. Such systems have a feedback loop structure that determines the growth and stability of the enterprise. The complexity of these systems usually precludes intuitive determination of how a policy change will affect the total system. A simulation model of the feedback structure and policies allows one to try policy changes to see how the system reacts. But to build such a model, one should be guided by principles of System structure that help one to interrelate the diverse observations that arise from any real system.
Eclampsia II. Clinical Significance of Laboratory Findings

Sixty-seven cases of eclampsia were managed between August 1977 and July 1980. Routinely acquired laboratory tests of these cases have been analyzed. In addition, the group of patients with eclampsia was compared with a group of 24 healthy pregnant women. There was no significant difference in platelet count, serum fibrinogen, and bilirubin values. The activated partial thromboplastin time was abnormal in 42% of patients with eclampsia. There was no clinical evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation in any patient. Patients with eclampsia had abnormalities of lactic dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, uric acid, BUN, and creatinine. However, in any individual patient there was no single test of great clinical usefulness and no test predictive of maternal or fetal outcome. At present the authors recommend complete blood count (including blood smear and platelet count), clot observation, and serum creatinine tests. Liver function tests are reserved for the patient with upper abdominal pain. Additional tests are recommended if the diagnosis of eclampsia is questionable or if an additional disease process is suspected.
Kidney regeneration by non‐platelet RNA‐containing particle‐derived cells

We found a group of non‐platelet RNA‐containing particles (NPRCPs) in human umbilical cord blood. These particles can aggregate, fuse and become non‐nucleated cells when cocultured with nucleated cells in vitro. The non‐nucleated cells further differentiate into nucleated cells expressing octamer binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4). The NPRCPs are approximately 1–5 μm in diameter, have a thin bilayer membrane, contain short RNAs and microRNAs and express OCT4, sex‐determining region Y 2 (SOX2) and DEAD box polypeptide 4 (DDX4). To confirm the function of NPRCPs in vivo, we examined the effects of tail vein‐injected green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labelled NPRCPs on mouse kidneys damaged by prior ischaemia and reperfusion from Day 1 to Week 6. Within 1 day of injection of NPRCPs, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry revealed a large number of extravasated NPRCPs in the renal calyces, damaged glomeruli and duct tubules. During the course of regeneration, NPRCPs fused into large, non‐nucleated cellular structures that further became large nucleated cells to regenerate multicellular kidney tubules. In addition, many NPRCPs became tiny nucleated cellular structures that further differentiated into interstitial cells in connective tissue. The extravasated NPRCPs also arranged themselves into non‐cell glomerular structures before further regenerating into nucleated cells of the glomerulus. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that, via different patterns of differentiation, NPRCP‐derived cells can regenerate mouse kidney tissue damaged by ischaemia.
Framing the population debate: a comparison of source and news frames in the Philippines

This study compares frames constructed by two sides of the Philippine population management debate with media frames of the issue. Analysis was conducted through neural network analysis with the CatPac computer program. On the one hand, supporters of the policy use a ‘development frame’ which defines population as a problem borne out of people having large families; it is argued that unchecked population growth negatively impacts on development outcomes such as education and income. In the development frame, the proposed solution is to institute a population management policy that promotes family planning (contraceptive use) to help Filipinos achieve their desired family size. Opponents on the other hand use two frames, one which equates the policies with abortion, and another which argues that such policies will lead to a degradation of moral values. Results delineate the competing frames from both sides and show that the media frame reflects both views, but that the discourse is presented as conflict.
Situations and Evidence for Identity Using Dempster-Shafer Theory

We present a computational framework for identity based on Barwise and Devlin’s situation theory. We present an example with constellations of situations identifying an individual to create what we call id-situations, where id-actions are performed, along with supporting situations. We use Semantic Web standards to represent and reason about the situations in our example. We show how to represent the strength of the evidence, within the situations, as a measure of the support for judgments reached in the id-situation. To measure evidence of an identity from the supporting situations, we use the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence. We enhance DempsterShafer theory in two ways to leverage the information available in a constellation of situations. One way exploits the structure within the situations, and the other way interprets the information-relationships in terms of argument schemes.
Projectable classifiers for multi-view object class recognition

We propose a multi-view object class modeling framework based on a simplified camera model and surfels (defined by a location and normal direction in a normalized 3D coordinate system) that mediate coarse correspondences between different views. Weak classifiers are learnt relative to the reference frames provided by the surfels. We describe a weak classifier that uses contour information when its corresponding surfel projects to a contour element in the image and color information when the face of the surfel is visible in the image. We emphasize that these weak classifiers can possibly take many different forms and use many different image features. Weak classifiers are combined using AdaBoost. We evaluate the method on a public dataset [8], showing promising results on categorization, recognition/ detection, pose estimation and image synthesis.
On the Techniques for Data Clustering with Numerical Constraints

In this paper, the attributes employed to model the constraints are called constraint attributes and those attributes involved in the objective function to be optimized are called cost-optimal attributes. The constrained clustering considered is conducted in such a way that the objective function of cost-optimal attributes is optimized subject to the condition that the imposed constraint is satisfied. Explicitly, we address the problem of constrained clustering with numerical constraints, in which the constraint attribute values of any two data items in the same cluster are required to be within the corresponding constraint range. We devise an effective and efficient algorithm with complete-link to solve this clustering problem. It is noted that due to the intrinsic nature of the numerical constrained clustering, there is an order dependency on the process of attaining the clustering, which in many cases degrades the clustering results. In view of this, we devise a progressive constraint relaxation technique to remedy this drawback and improve the overall performance of clustering results. Explicitly, by using a smaller (tighter) constraint range in earlier iterations of merge, we will have more room to relax the constraint and seek for better solutions in subsequent iterations. It is empirically shown that the progressive constraint relaxation technique is able to improve not only the execution efficiency but also the clustering quality.
Race/Ethnic Disparity and Correlates of Substance Abuse Service Utilization and Juvenile Justice Involvement Among Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders

ABSTRACT This study examines correlates of level of specialty alcohol/drug services care and juvenile justice system involvement for adolescents with substance use disorders. Participants were 420 adolescents 13-18 years of age randomly sampled from all youths active in at least one of five youth sectors of care in San Diego County, California. Adolescents were assessed using structured diagnostic interviews including the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-IV and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Substance Abuse Module. Analyses examined effects of age, sex, race/ethnicity, mental health disorders, functional impairment, and type and number of substance use disorders in relation to specialty and non-specialty services. Non-Caucasian youths were less likely to receive the least restrictive services and more likely to be found in juvenile justice settings. A number of SUDs (substance use disorders) were positively associated with outpatient, residential, and JJ (juvenile justice) services. Marijuana use disorder was positively associated and stimulant use disorder negatively associated with use of outpatient services. Ethnic disparities exist in relation to restrictiveness of specialty care and juvenile justice system involvement. Type of substance use disorder is also differentially associated with specialty care. Standardized assessment and treatment planning should be implemented across youth sectors of care in order to decrease racial/ethnic disparities and allow for appropriate services for youths with substance use disorders.
miR-101 is down-regulated in glioblastoma resulting in EZH2-induced proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor with dismal prognosis. GBM patients have a median survival of less than 2 years. GBM is characterized by fast cell proliferation, infiltrative migration, and by the induction of angiogenesis. MicroRNAs and polycomb group (PcG) proteins have emerged as important regulators of gene expression. Methods: Here we determined that miR-101 is down-regulated in GBM, resulting in overexpression of the miR-101 target PcG protein EZH2, a histone methyltransferase affecting gene expression profiles in an epigenetic manner. Results: Inhibition of EZH2 in vitro by pre-miR-101, EZH2 siRNA, or small molecule DZNep, attenuated GBM cell growth, migration/invasion, and GBM-induced endothelial tubule formation. In addition, for each biological process we identified ontology-associated transcripts that significantly correlate with EZH2 expression. Inhibition of EZH2 in vivo by systemic DZNep administration in a U87-Fluc-mCherry GBM xenograft mouse imaging model resulted in reduced tumor growth. Conclusion: Our results indicate that EZH2 has a versatile function in GBM progression and that its overexpression is at least partly due to decreased miR-101 expression. Inhibition of EZH2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy to target GBM proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.
Ca2+-Permeable AMPA/Kainate and NMDA Channels: High Rate of Ca2+ Influx Underlies Potent Induction of Injury

Neurodegeneration may occur secondary to glutamate-triggered Ca2+ influx through any of three routes: NMDA channels, voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (VSCC), and Ca2+-permeable AMPA/kainate channels (Ca-A/K). This study aims to examine Ca2+ ion dynamics in the generation of excitotoxic injury by correlating the relative amounts of45Ca2+ that flow into cortical neurons through each of these routes over a 10 min epoch (“10 min Ca2+loads;” a measure of influx rate), with resultant levels of intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and subsequent injury. Neurons possessing Ca-A/K make up a small subset (∼13%) of cortical neurons in culture, which can be identified by a histochemical stain based on kainate-stimulated Co2+ uptake (Co2+(+) neurons) and which are unusually vulnerable to AMPA/kainate receptor-mediated injury. Initial studies using brief kainate exposures (to selectively destroy Co2+(+) neurons) along with kainate-triggered 45Ca2+ influx measurements suggested that kainate causes rapid Ca2+influx into Co2+(+) neurons (comparable to that caused by NMDA). Influx through both Ca-A/K and NMDA channels increased proportionately with extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that these channels have high Ca2+ permeability. When cultures were subjected to exposures that gave similar 10 min Ca2+ loads through different routes, comparable levels of injury were observed, suggesting that net intracellular Ca2+ accumulation is a critical determinant of injury. However, the relationship between [Ca2+]i and influx was less direct: although exposures that gave the lowest or highest 10 min Ca2+ loads showed correspondingly lower or higher mean [Ca2+]i responses, there appears to be a wide range of exposures over which individual neuronal differences and sequestration/buffering mechanisms obscure [Ca2+]i as a reflection of influx rate.
Beta‐2 Receptor Antagonists for Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials in Animal Models

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled trials was undertaken to assess the effects of beta‐2 receptor antagonists in animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Database and reference list searches were performed to identify eligible studies. Outcome data were extracted on functional status, as measured by the grip test or neurological severity score (NSS), and cerebral edema, as measured by brain water content (BWC). Data were pooled using the random‐effects model. Seventeen controlled trials involving 817 animals were identified. Overall methodological quality was poor. Results from the grip test suggest that the treatment group maintained grip for a longer period than the control group; pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) = 8.28 (95% CI 5.78–10.78). The treatment group was found to have a lower NSS (i.e., better neurological function); pooled WMD =−3.28 (95% CI −4.72 to −1.85). Analysis of the cerebral edema data showed that the treatment group had a lower BWC than the control; pooled WMD =−0.42 (95% CI −0.59 to −0.26). There was evidence of statistical heterogeneity between comparisons for all outcomes. Evidence for small study effects was found for the grip test and BWC outcomes. The evidence from animal models of TBI suggests that beta‐2 receptor antagonists can improve functional outcome and lessen cerebral edema. However, the poor methodological quality of the included studies and presence of small study effects may have influenced these findings.
Duplicated Sequence Motif in the Long Terminal Repeat of Maedi-Visna Virus Extends Cell Tropism and Is Associated with Neurovirulence

ABSTRACT Maedi-visna virus (MVV) is a lentivirus of sheep causing chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs (maedi) and the nervous system (visna). We have previously shown that a duplicated sequence in the long terminal repeat (LTR) of MVV is a determinant of cell tropism. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of a CAAAT sequence from either one of the repeats resulted in poor virus growth in sheep choroid plexus cells. A duplication in the LTR encompassing the CAAAT sequence was found in four neurological field cases that were sequenced, but no duplication was present in the LTRs from seven maedi cases; one maedi isolate was mixed. These results indicate that the duplication in the LTR is associated with neurovirulence.
IRobot: Teaching the Basics of Artificial Intelligence in High Schools

Profound knowledge about Artificial Intelligence (AI) will become increasingly important for careers in science and engineering. Therefore an innovative educational project teaching fundamental concepts of AI at high school level will be presented in this paper. We developed an AI-course covering major topics (problem solving, search, planning, graphs, datastructures, automata, agent systems, machine learning) which comprises both theoretical and hands-on components. A pilot project was conducted and empirically evaluated. Results of the evaluation show that the participating pupils have become familiar with those concepts and the various topics addressed. Results and lessons learned from this project form the basis for further projects in different schools which intend to integrate AI in future secondary science education.
Autosomal Dominant Canine Malignant Hyperthermia Is Caused by a Mutation in the Gene Encoding the Skeletal Muscle Calcium Release Channel (RYR1)

BackgroundMalignant hyperthermia (MH) is an inherited disorder of skeletal muscle characterized by hypercarbia, rhabdomyolysis, generalized skeletal muscle contracture, cardiac dysrhythmia, and renal failure, that develops on exposure to succinylcholine or volatile anesthetic agents. All swine and up to 50% of human MH events are thought to be associated with mutations in the calcium release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, also known as the ryanodine receptor (RYR1). Events resembling MH have been reported in other species, but none have undergone genetic investigation to date. MethodsTo determine the molecular basis of canine MH, a breeding colony was established with a male, mixed-breed, MH-susceptible (MHS) dog that survived an in vivo halothane–succinylcholine challenge. He was mated to three unaffected females to produce four litters and back-crossed to an affected daughter to produce one litter. One of his MHS sons was mated to an unaffected female to produce an additional litter. Forty-seven dogs were phenotyped with an in vitro contracture test and diagnosed as MHS or MH normal based on the North American in vitro contracture test protocol. Nine microsatellite markers in the vicinity of RYR1 on canine chromosome 1 (CFA01) were tested for linkage to the MHS phenotype. Mutational analysis in two MHS and two MH-normal dogs was performed with direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products and of cloned fragments that represent frequently mutated human RYR1 regions. A restriction fragment length polymorphism was chosen to detect the candidate mutation in the pedigree at large. ResultsPedigree inspection revealed that MHS in this colony is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. FH2294, the marker closest to RYR1, is linked to MHS at a &thgr; = 0.03 with a LOD score of 9.24. A T1640C mutation gives rise to an alanine for valine substitution of amino acid 547 in the RYR1 protein, generating a maximum LOD score of 12.29 at &thgr; = 0.00. All dogs diagnosed as MHS by in vitro contracture test were heterozygous for the mutation, and all MH-normal dogs were homozygous for the T1640 allele. ConclusionsThese results indicate that autosomal dominant canine MH is caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the skeletal muscle calcium release channel and that the MHS trait in this pedigree of mixed-breed dogs is in perfect cosegregation with the RYR1 V547A mutation.