Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial calcium uptake

Calcium (Ca2+) uptake into the mitochondrial matrix is critically important to cellular function. As a regulator of matrix Ca2+ levels, this flux influences energy production and can initiate cell death. If large, this flux could potentially alter intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) signals. Despite years of study, fundamental disagreements on the extent and speed of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake still exist. Here, we review and quantitatively analyze mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake fluxes from different tissues and interpret the results with respect to the recently proposed mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) candidate. This quantitative analysis yields four clear results: (i) under physiological conditions, Ca2+ influx into the mitochondria via the MCU is small relative to other cytosolic Ca2+ extrusion pathways; (ii) single MCU conductance is ∼6–7 pS (105 mM [Ca2+]), and MCU flux appears to be modulated by [Ca2+]i, suggesting Ca2+ regulation of MCU open probability (PO); (iii) in the heart, two features are clear: the number of MCU channels per mitochondrion can be calculated, and MCU probability is low under normal conditions; and (iv) in skeletal muscle and liver cells, uptake per mitochondrion varies in magnitude but total uptake per cell still appears to be modest. Based on our analysis of available quantitative data, we conclude that although Ca2+ critically regulates mitochondrial function, the mitochondria do not act as a significant dynamic buffer of cytosolic Ca2+ under physiological conditions. Nevertheless, with prolonged (superphysiological) elevations of [Ca2+]i, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake can increase 10- to 1,000-fold and begin to shape [Ca2+]i dynamics.
Dependence of the maximal lactate steady state on the motor pattern of exercise

Background—Blood lactate concentration (BLC) can be used to monitor relative exercise intensity. The highest BLC representing an equilibrium between lactate production and elimination is termed maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). MLSS is used to discriminate qualitatively between continuous exercise, which is limited by stored energy, from other types of exercise terminated because of disturbance of cellular homoeostasis. Aim—To investigate the hypothesis that MLSS intraindividually depends on the mode of exercise. Methods—Six junior male rowers (16.5 (1.4) years, 181.7 (3.1) cm, 69.8 (3.3) kg) performed incremental and constant load tests on rowing and cycle ergometers. Measurements included BLC, sampled from the hyperaemic ear flap, heart rate, and oxygen uptake. MLSS was defined as the highest BLC that increased by no more than 1.0 mmol/l during the final 20 minutes of constant workload. Results—In all subjects, MLSS was lower (p≤0.05) during rowing (2.7 (0.6) mmol/l) than during cycling (4.5 (1.0) mmol/l). No differences between rowing and cycling were found with respect to MLSS heart rate (169.2 (9.3) v 172.3 (6.7) beats/min), MLSS workload (178.7 (29.8) v 205.0 (20.7) W), MLSS intensity expressed as a percentage (63.3 (6.6)% v 68.6 (3.8)%) of peak workload (280.8 (15.9) v 299.2 (28.4) W) or percentage (76.4 (3.4)% v 75.1 (3.0)%) of peak oxygen uptake (60.4 (3.4) v 57.2 (8.6) ml/kg/min). Conclusions—In rowing and cycling, the MLSS but not MLSS workload and MLSS intensity intraindividually depends on the motor pattern of exercise. MLSS seems to decrease with increasing mass of the primarily engaged muscle. This indicates that task specific levels of MLSS occur at distinct levels of power output per unit of primarily engaged muscle mass.
Psychobiological Effects of Prenatal Glucocorticoid Exposure in 10-Year-Old-Children

Background: Prenatal stress seems to have long-lasting effects on biological and psychological processes of the offspring. However, to date, there have been no studies investigating the effects of prenatal glucocorticoid exposure on psychological, endocrine, and autonomic responses to a standardized psychosocial stress test in children. Methods: A sample of 115 healthy, 10-year-old children was examined. The Glucocorticoids + Tocolytics group was characterized by tocolytic treatment of the mothers due to preterm labor (n = 43). In addition, the pregnant women received glucocorticoid treatment in order to accelerate fetal lung maturation in case of preterm birth. The first comparison group (Tocolytics) consisted of children whose mothers also experienced preterm labor, but did not receive glucocorticoid treatment (n = 35). In the second comparison group (CONTROL), children whose mothers had a complication-free pregnancy were assessed (n = 37). Psychological parameters (stress appraisal and mood) using self-report questionnaires as well as salivary cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, and heart rate were measured during a standardized psychosocial stress test (Trier Social Stress Test for Children). Results: Group comparisons revealed that a subscale of stress appraisal, control expectancies, significantly differed in children who were prenatally exposed to glucocorticoids as compared to both comparison groups (F = 4.889, p = 0.009). Furthermore, significant differences between the groups were revealed for salivary cortisol. With respect to overall stress appraisal and heart rate, trends toward significance were observed between the three groups. Conclusion: At the age of ten, those children who have been exposed to prenatal maternal glucocorticoids show changed psychobiological stress reactivity to a standardized psychosocial stress test as compared to control children.
Potential and Limitation of HLA-Based Banking of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells for Cell Therapy

Great hopes have been placed on human pluripotent stem (hPS) cells for therapy. Tissues or organs derived from hPS cells could be the best solution to cure many different human diseases, especially those who do not respond to standard medication or drugs, such as neurodegenerative diseases, heart failure, or diabetes. The origin of hPS is critical and the idea of creating a bank of well-characterized hPS cells has emerged, like the one that already exists for cord blood. However, the main obstacle in transplantation is the rejection of tissues or organ by the receiver, due to the three main immunological barriers: the human leukocyte antigen (HLA), the ABO blood group, and minor antigens. The problem could be circumvented by using autologous stem cells, like induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, derived directly from the patient. But iPS cells have limitations, especially regarding the disease of the recipient and possible difficulties to handle or prepare autologous iPS cells. Finally, reaching standards of good clinical or manufacturing practices could be challenging. That is why well-characterized and universal hPS cells could be a better solution. In this review, we will discuss the interest and the feasibility to establish hPS cells bank, as well as some economics and ethical issues.
Comparing Open and Sealed Bid Auctions: Theory and Evidence from Timber Auctions

We study entry and bidding patterns in sealed bid and open auctions with heterogeneous bidders. Using data from U.S. Forest Service timber auctions, we document a set of systematic effects of auction format: sealed bid auctions attract more small bidders, shift the allocation towards these bidders, and can also generate higher revenue. We propose a model, which extends the theory of private value auctions with heterogeneous bidders to capture participation decisions, that can account for these qualitative effects of auction format. We then calibrate the model using parameters estimated from the data and show that the model can explain the quantitative effects as well. Finally, we use the model to provide an assessment of bidder competitiveness, which has important consequences for auction choice.
Link spam detection based on mass estimation

Link spamming intends to mislead search engines and trigger an artificially high link-based ranking of specific target web pages. This paper introduces the concept of spam mass, a measure of the impact of link spamming on a page's ranking. We discuss how to estimate spam mass and how the estimates can help identifying pages that benefit significantly from link spamming. In our experiments on the host-level Yahoo! web graph we use spam mass estimates to successfully identify tens of thousands of instances of heavyweight link spamming.
Transfer Matrix method for computation of electron transmission through aperiodic MQW

This paper presents the Eigen values and corresponding Eigen functions for the electron states in an aperiodic and asymmetric Multiple Quantum Well structure. A faster, simpler, and accurate algorithm based on Transfer Matrix method has been introduced for solving time independent Schrödinger equation in the most general case of aperiodic and asymmetric MQW structure. The MQWs are aperiodic with varying well and barrier widths and asymmetric i.e., having different materials and effective masses for the different regions of the wells and barriers. Adjacent wells are coupled through the barriers. Effect of barrier width on the tunneling properties has also been investigated. The theoretical results are compared with experimental results of Giorgetta et all [1]. Results of the computation based on the general model agree well with experimental data.
Sédimentation et dynamique de comblement dans les lacs du Jura au cours des 15 derniers millénaires

Les processus sedimentaires et la dynamique de comblement des lacs jurassiens sont discutes a partir de l'analyse des depots qui s'y forment actuellement et de la stratigraphie de leurs remplissages tardiglaciaires et holocenes. Plusieurs lithofacies et differents types de concretions carbonatees sont reconnus de la rive a la zone profonde et conduisent a definir des sequences sedimentaires. Trois phases sont distinguees dans le comblement de ces cuvettes : la premiere est caracterisee par une sedimentation detritique allochtone, la seconde par une sedimentation carbonatee autochtone, et la troisieme par une sedimentation organique. La formation de la plate* forme littorale temoigne de la dynamique centripete de comblement. Enfin, les fluctuations du niveau de l'eau perturbent la distribution verticale et laterale des lithofacies et des concretions, entrainant la formation de sequences regressives et transgressees.
Role of Convective Entrainment in Spatial Distributions of and Temporal Variations in Precipitation over Tropical Oceans

AbstractThe authors demonstrate that an appropriate treatment of convective entrainment is essential for determining spatial distributions of and temporal variations in precipitation. Four numerical experiments are performed using atmospheric models with different entrainment characteristics: a control experiment (Ctl), a no-entrainment experiment (NoEnt), an original Arakawa–Schubert experiment (AS), and an AS experiment with a simple empirical suppression of convection depending on cloud-layer humidity (ASRH). The fractional entrainment rates of AS and ASRH are constant for each cloud type and are very small in the lower troposphere compared with those in the Ctl, in which half of the buoyancy-generated energy is consumed by entrainment. Spatial and temporal variations in the observed precipitation are satisfactorily reproduced in the Ctl, but their amplitudes are underestimated with a so-called double intertropical convergence zone bias in the NoEnt and AS. The spatial variation is larger in the Ctl be.
The role of flooding in morphological changes in the regulated Lower Ord River in tropical northwestern Australia

The discharge of the Lower Ord River has been regulated since 1972 when a second dam was built on this major river system. This previously ephemeral river, punctuated by peak wet season flows, is now characterized by permanent, regulated flows all year, and complex adjustments to the downstream channel morphology are evident. Geographic Information System techniques, combined with field surveys, reveal a series of interrelated adjustments in response to recent flooding. These include sedimentation, channel narrowing and vegetation encroachment, all of which have implications for sustainable management and are issues that have been managed by flushing flows in other rivers. The largest flood events since regulation occurred some 27 years after dam construction during consecutive wet seasons. These events have prompted an examination of the potential to ‚flush’︁ the post‐regulation Lower Ord channel to modify some of the channel changes that occurred in response to dam construction. A detailed geomorphic investigation of the Lower Ord river showed that that some of the features formed under low flows have been eradicated (partly or completely) by these large flood events, while others have withstood them. The modification of changes since dam construction varies according to a range of factors including reach position, extent of vegetation cover and local morphological variation. It is clear, however, that features not removed during floods may be considered quasi‐permanent, and therefore are likely to play an important role in the evolution of this regulated river. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposure Render: An Interactive Photo-Realistic Volume Rendering Framework

The field of volume visualization has undergone rapid development during the past years, both due to advances in suitable computing hardware and due to the increasing availability of large volume datasets. Recent work has focused on increasing the visual realism in Direct Volume Rendering (DVR) by integrating a number of visually plausible but often effect-specific rendering techniques, for instance modeling of light occlusion and depth of field. Besides yielding more attractive renderings, especially the more realistic lighting has a positive effect on perceptual tasks. Although these new rendering techniques yield impressive results, they exhibit limitations in terms of their exibility and their performance. Monte Carlo ray tracing (MCRT), coupled with physically based light transport, is the de-facto standard for synthesizing highly realistic images in the graphics domain, although usually not from volumetric data. Due to the stochastic sampling of MCRT algorithms, numerous effects can be achieved in a relatively straight-forward fashion. For this reason, we have developed a practical framework that applies MCRT techniques also to direct volume rendering (DVR). With this work, we demonstrate that a host of realistic effects, including physically based lighting, can be simulated in a generic and flexible fashion, leading to interactive DVR with improved realism. In the hope that this improved approach to DVR will see more use in practice, we have made available our framework under a permissive open source license.
Comamonas zonglianii sp. nov., isolated from phenol-contaminated soil.

A bacterial strain, designated BF-3(T), was isolated from phenol-contaminated soil and investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells were Gram-reaction-negative, non-sporulating, non-motile, short rods. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain BF-3(T) formed a monophyletic branch at the periphery of the evolutionary radiation occupied by the genus Comamonas; it showed highest sequence similarities to Comamonas aquatica LMG 2370(T) (96.8 %), C. nitrativorans DSM 13191(T) (96.4 %), C. odontotermitis LMG 23579(T) (96.4 %), C. kerstersii LMG 3475(T) (96.3 %), C. koreensis KCTC 12005(T) (96.1 %) and C. terrigena LMG 1253(T) (96.0 %). The major cellular fatty acids were C(16 : 0), C(18 : 1)/C(18 : 1)ω7c, C(17 : 0) cyclo and summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH). Based on the phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization, whole-cell fatty acid composition and biochemical characteristics, strain BF-3(T) was clearly distinct from type strains of other recognized species of the genus Comamonas and, as such, represents a novel species of the genus Comamonas, for which the name Comamonas zonglianii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BF-3(T) (=CCTCC AB 209170(T) =DSM 22523(T)).
New Uses of AbobotulinumtoxinA in Aesthetics

Abstract BotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) is now widely established for the main approved indication of reducing glabellar lines, and is also widely used off-label to improve the appearance of wrinkles and lines in other parts of the face. The number of aesthetic procedures continues to increase as the patient population becomes more diverse, in particular with increasing numbers of people of color and men. Further developments in treatment may continue to expand the audience for BoNT-A by making procedures more comfortable and by delivering a more natural, less static appearance. These may be achieved through use of combinations of BoNT-A with other aesthetic procedures, tailoring the dose of toxin to the patient’s muscle mass or by using novel injection and application techniques. Beyond amelioration of facial lines, encouraging results have been seen with the use of BoNT-A to improve the appearance of hypertrophic and keloid scars and even to prevent them. Studies have been conducted with scars in various parts of the body and further research is ongoing. Dermatological and other medical uses for BoNT-A are also active areas of research. Injections of BoNT-A have been shown to reduce signs and symptoms of acne, rosacea, and psoriasis, to reduce neuromuscular pain, and to bring about significant improvements in a number of rare diseases that are caused or exacerbated by hyperhidrosis. This paper reviews these new uses for BoNT-A, looking at the rationale for their use and discussing the results of published case studies and clinical trials. These areas have shown great promise to date, but more and larger clinical studies will be required before these treatments become a clinical reality. To this end details are also provided of clinical trials currently listed in the main clinical trials database to highlight research areas of particular interest.
Overview of the I-Way: Wide-Area Visual Supercomputing

This paper discusses the I-WAY project and provides an overview of the papers in this issue of IJSA. The I-WAY is an experimental environment for building distributed vir tual reality applications and for exploring issues of distrib uted wide-area resource management and scheduling. The goal of the I-WAY project is to enable researchers to use multiple internetworked supercomputers and ad vanced visualization systems to conduct very large scale computations. By connecting 12 ATM testbeds, 17 super computer centers, 5 virtual reality research sites, and over 60 applications groups, the I-WAY project has created an extremely diverse wide-area environment for exploring advanced applications. This environment has provided a glimpse of the future for advanced scientific and engineer ing computing.
A Laboratory Model of Exchange and Mixing between Western Boundary Layers and Subbasin Recirculation Gyres

Chaotic advection is suggested as a possible mechanism for fluid exchange and mixing among a western boundary current and subbasin recirculation gyres. Applications include the North Atlantic Deep Western Boundary Current and its adjacent mesoscale recirculation gyres. Visualization and quantification of certain aspects of chaotic advection in a laboratory analog are described. Depending on the strength of the forcing, recirculating fluid offshore of the western boundary layer may be contained in a single gyre (not favorable for chaotic advection) or twin gyre with a ‘‘figure-eight’’ geometry (favorable for chaotic advection). When time dependence is imposed on these steady flows by varying the forcing periodically, the resulting fluid exchange, stirring, and mixing is most dramatic in the case of the twin gyre. A template for these processes can be formed by highlighting certain material contours (invariant manifolds) using dye and other techniques. These objects can be used to identify blobs of fluid (turnstile lobes) that are carried into and out of the gyres. The associated transports and flushing times can be estimated. The preferential stirring and mixing in the twin-gyre case is quantified by calculating the effective diffusivity of the flow field based on snapshots of the dye fields at longer times. The experiment suggests how tracers in a western boundary current might be transported into and out of neighboring recirculations and where regions of strong zonal or meridional transport might occur.
Cleaning Up η Carinae: Detection of Ammonia in the Homunculus Nebula

We report the first detection of ammonia in the Homunculus Nebula around η Carinae, which is also the first detection of emission from a polyatomic molecule in this or any other luminous blue variable (LBV) nebula. Observations of the NH3 (J, K) = (3, 3) inversion transition made with the Australia Telescope Compact Array reveal emission at locations where infrared H2 emission had been detected previously, near the strongest dust emission in the core of the Homunculus. We also detect ammonia emission from the so-called strontium filament in the equatorial disk. The presence of NH3 around η Car hints that molecular shells around some Wolf-Rayet stars could have originated in prior LBV eruptions, rather than in cool red supergiant winds or the ambient interstellar medium. Combined with the lack of any CO detection, NH3 seems to suggest that the Homunculus is nitrogen-rich like the ionized ejecta around η Car. It also indicates that the Homunculus is a unique laboratory in which to study unusual molecule and dust chemistry, as well as their rapid formation in a nitrogen-rich environment around a hot star. We encourage future observations of other transitions like NH 3 (1, 1) and (2, 2), related molecules like N2H+, and renewed attempts to detect CO.
Alone versus In-a-group: A Comparative Analysis of Facial Affect Recognition

Automatic affect analysis and understanding has become a well established research area in the last two decades. Recent works have started moving from individual to group scenarios. However, little attention has been paid to comparing the affect expressed in individual and group settings. This paper presents a framework to investigate the differences in affect recognition models along arousal and valence dimensions in individual and group settings. We analyse how a model trained on data collected from an individual setting performs on test data collected from a group setting, and vice versa. A third model combining data from both individual and group settings is also investigated. A set of experiments is conducted to predict the affective states along both arousal and valence dimensions on two newly collected databases that contain sixteen participants watching affective movie stimuli in individual and group settings, respectively. The experimental results show that (1) the affect model trained with group data performs better on individual test data than the model trained with individual data tested on group data, indicating that facial behaviours expressed in a group setting capture more variation than in an individual setting; and (2) the combined model does not show better performance than the affect model trained with a specific type of data (i.e., individual or group), but proves a good compromise. These results indicate that in settings where multiple affect models trained with different types of data are not available, using the affect model trained with group data is a viable solution.