Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphoinositide kinase, diacylglycerol kinase, and phospholipase C activities associated to the cytoskeleton: effect of epidermal growth factor

In this paper we demonstrate that cytoskeletons isolated from A431 cells have associated with them high activities of several kinases involved in inositol lipid metabolism, such as phosphatidylinositol kinase, phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase, and diacylglycerol kinase. In addition also phospholipase C activity was detected on isolated cytoskeletons. Controlled extraction of the cytoskeletons followed by in vitro polymerization of actin demonstrated an association of the kinases to the actin filament system consisting of actin and a number of actin-binding proteins. The cytoskeleton- associated lipid kinase activities were significantly increased upon treatment of intact cells with EGF. These data suggest that the association of the phosphoinositide kinases, diacylglycerol kinase, phospholipase C, and also the EGF receptor to the cytoskeleton may play a role in the efficient signal transduction induced by EGF, by providing a matrix for the various components involved in signal transduction.
A Practical Approach for Extracting Tree Models in Forest Environments Based on Equirectangular Projections of Terrestrial Laser Scans

Extracting 3D tree models based on terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds is a challenging task as trees are complex objects. Current TLS devices acquire high-density data that allow a detailed reconstruction of the tree topology. However, in dense forests a fully automatic reconstruction of trees is often limited by occlusion, wind influences and co-registration issues. In this paper, a semi-automatic method for extracting branching and stem structure based on equirectangular projections (range and intensity maps) is presented. The digitization of branches and stems is based on 2D maps, which enables simple navigation and raster processing. The modeling is performed for each viewpoint individually instead of using a registered point cloud. Previously reconstructed 2D-skeletons are transformed between the maps. Therefore, wind influences, orientation imperfections of scans and data gaps can be overcome. The method is applied to a TLS dataset acquired in a forest in Germany. In total 34 scans were carried out within a managed forest to measure approximately 90 spruce trees with minimal occlusions. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the presented approach to extract tree models with a high completeness and correctness and provide an excellent input for further modeling applications.
Selection on male sex pheromone composition contributes to butterfly reproductive isolation

Selection can facilitate diversification by inducing character displacement in mate choice traits that reduce the probability of maladaptive mating between lineages. Although reproductive character displacement (RCD) has been demonstrated in two-taxa case studies, the frequency of this process in nature is still debated. Moreover, studies have focused primarily on visual and acoustic traits, despite the fact that chemical communication is probably the most common means of species recognition. Here, we showed in a large, mostly sympatric, butterfly genus, a strong pattern of recurrent RCD for predicted male sex pheromone composition, but not for visual mate choice traits. Our results suggest that RCD is not anecdotal, and that selection for divergence in male sex pheromone composition contributed to reproductive isolation within the Bicyclus genus. We propose that selection may target olfactory mate choice traits as a more common sensory modality to ensure reproductive isolation among diverging lineages than previously envisaged.
APP Overexpression Causes Aβ-Independent Neuronal Death through Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway

Abstract Accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in the brain is a central hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is thought to be the cause of the observed neurodegeneration. Many animal models have been generated that overproduce Aβ yet do not exhibit clear neuronal loss, questioning this Aβ hypothesis. We previously developed an in vivo mouse model that expresses a humanized amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) showing robust apoptosis and olfactory dysfunction by 3 weeks of age, which is consistent with early OSN loss and smell deficits, as observed in AD patients. Here we show, by deleting the β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) in two distinct transgenic mouse models, that hAPP-induced apoptosis of OSNs is Aβ independent and remains cell autonomous. In addition, we reveal that the intrinsic apoptosis pathway is responsible for hAPP-induced OSN death, as marked by mitochondrial damage and caspase-9 activation. Given that hAPP expression causes OSN apoptosis despite the absence of BACE1, we propose that Aβ is not the sole cause of hAPP-induced neurodegeneration and that the early loss of olfactory function in AD may be based on a cell-autonomous mechanism, which could mark an early phase of AD, prior to Aβ accumulation. Thus, the olfactory system could serve as an important new platform to study the development of AD, providing unique insight for both early diagnosis and intervention.
Comparison of P-I and I-P controller by using Ziegler-Nichols tuning method for speed control of DC motor

In this paper we use Ziegler-Nichols tuning method for tuning of a Proportional-Integral (P-I) and Integral-Proportional (I-P) controller for a DC motor to control its speed. P-I controller is the most common controller used for speed control of D.C motor. However P-I controller has some disadvantages like high overshoots and sensitivity to controller gains. Therefore to overcome these disadvantages, I-P controller has been implemented for speed control of DC motor. The overshoots in I-P are 30.4% less of P-I controller overshoots. In this work both P-I and I-P controllers are implemented in MATLAB (Simulink) and compare the performance of these two controllers on the basis of their transient response.
A Case of Acute Myocardial Infarction due to Left Main Trunk Occlusion Complicated With Aortic Dissection as Diagnosed by Intravascular Ultrasound

A 52-year-old man was transferred to our hospital with a sudden onset of severe chest pains. His electrocardiogram revealed ST-segment elevation suggestive of acute myocardial infarction. Emergency coronary angiography showed subtotal occlusion of left main trunk (LMT) with delayed coronary flow. Because intravascular ultrasound revealed a large intimal flap, we diagnosed aortic dissection involving the LMT. After stenting of the LMT, the patient underwent surgical repair of the aortic dissection. Although it is difficult to obtain a correct diagnosis of aortic dissection complicated with myocardial ischemia, we succeeded in diagnosing this rare condition by use of a intravascular ultrasound.
Rule-driven component composition for embedded systems

We present in this paper an approach to c rrect-byconstruction software composition based on the use of nonfunctional properties of the involved components and a set of constraints and design rules using those properties. We focus on the domain of software for embedded devices although most of the concepts presented can also be extended to component-based software development in general. We believe that software development for embedded devices would benefit a lot from the component-based approach. However, software for embedded devices usually has to fulfill much stronger reliability and correctness requirements than conventional software. This calls for appropriate techniques and approaches to ensure the correctness of the software being built. We propose using first order predicate logic to check statically verifiable properties design rules. Furthermore, support is provided for the specification of contracts which will be dynamically checked.
A New Calibration Model and Method of Camera Lens Distortion

Lens distortion is one of the main factors affecting camera calibration. In this paper, a new model of camera lens distortion is presented, according to which lens distortion is governed by the coefficients of radial distortion and a transform from ideal image plane to real sensing array plane. The transform is determined by two angular parameters describing the pose and two linear parameters locating the position of the sensing array plane. Compared with the conventional ones, the new model has fewer parameters to be calibrated and more explicit physical meaning. Calibration method of the new model is also proposed. Experiments show that calibration results from the new model and method can correct lens distortion better than conventional ones
Examining the direct and indirect effects of multiple family transitions

In American culture the values of family and individualism are both highly respected, and yet fundamentally at odds with one another (Cherlin, 2009). The contrasting values can be seen in many facets of Americans’ daily lives, particularly in the ways Americans form and restructure families. Multiple family transitions, defined as more than one change to the family structure including, but not limited to, new cohabiting partners, marriage, divorce, terminations of nonmarital cohabiting relationships, and remarriage (Elder, 1991; Ruschena, Prior, Sanson, & Smart, 2005), have become a normative part of the American family, and yet the family literature is relatively sparse on the effects of multiple family transitions, with notable exceptions (e.g., Cooper, McLanahan, Meadows, & Brooks-Gunn, 2009; Fomby & Cherlin, 2007; Osborne, Berger, & Magnuson, 2012). The focus of this study is to examine the direct and indirect effects of multiple family transitions on maternal mental health and subsequently, children’s behavioral and academic outcomes. Data from the first five waves of the Fragile Families and Child Well-being Study (FFCW) was used to test multiple path models between multiple family transitions and maternal well-being and children’s outcomes. The FFCW data collection began in 1998 with a cohort of 4898 children born in large U.S. cities who were more likely to be in families at risk of experiencing transitions and experiencing poverty (FFCW). Results indicated that multiple family transitions both directly and indirectly influence children’s externalizing behaviors through maternal depressive symptoms, but not maternal parenting stress. Children’s internalizing behaviors were indirectly, but not directly, influenced by multiple family transitions through maternal depressive symptoms but not through maternal parenting stress. Children’s verbal skills were negatively associated with multiple family transitions. Results underscore the significance of understanding the processes families experience as they navigate multiple family transitions and highlight the potential importance of mental health supports for parents and children during and after multiple family transitions.
Image-based visual servo control of aerial robotic systems using linear image features

An image-based "eye-in-hand" visual servo-control design is proposed for underactuated rigid-body dynamics. The dynamic model considered is motivated by recent work on vertical takeoff and landing aerial robotic vehicles. The task considered is that of tracking parallel linear visual features. The proposed design exploits the geometry of the task considered and passivity-like properties of rigid-body dynamics to derive a control Lyapunov function using backstepping techniques.
Examining University Leadership Preparation: An Analysis of Program Attributes and Practices

This study uses data from the Initiative for Systemic Program Improvement through Research in Educational Leadership (INSPIRE) Preparation Program Features Survey to respond to national critiques of university-based principal preparation programs. The findings provide insight into the program content and relevancy, personnel, and content delivery of 97 principal preparation programs affiliated with the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA). We found that UCEA institutions align their curriculum and assessment designs to national standards, actively engage in formalized partnerships with districts, engage their candidates in a variety of assessment practices for formative and summative purposes, and work to offer coursework that bridges classroom assignments to field-based experiences.
Associations of child emotion recognition with interparental conflict and shy child temperament traits

Severe early adversity, such as maltreatment and neglect, has been associated with alterations in children’s recognition of emotion. We sought to build on such findings by testing whether children’s exposure to interparental conflict, a much less severe form of adversity, is also associated with children’s emotion recognition. Further, we sought to examine the role of temperamental shyness in these associations. We presented 99 9- to 11-year-olds (56 males) with photographs of actors posing as a couple portraying interpersonal anger, happiness, and neutrality, and children classified the emotions in the photos. Children reported on interparental conflict, and their mothers reported on children’s shyness. Children’s perceptions of threat regarding interparental conflict interacted with trial type (angry, happy, neutral) to predict accuracy; greater threat perceptions predicted less accuracy for neutral expressions, a relatively ambiguous stimulus type. Additionally, shyness interacted with children’s threat perceptions. At low levels of shyness, low levels of threat perceptions predicted high accuracy, whereas high threat, high shyness, and their combination predicted poorer accuracy. Results suggest the significance of interparental conflict in altering children’s emotion recognition and of shyness in strengthening such adaptations. These findings suggest that even forms of adversity that are less severe than maltreatment and neglect have substantial implications for emotion processing, particularly for children with shy traits.
The incidence of autism in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1976-1997: results from a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of autism among children in Olmsted County, Minnesota. DESIGN Through the Rochester Epidemiology Project, all inpatient and outpatient diagnoses are indexed for computerized retrieval. This computerized diagnostic index was used to identify children with any developmental disorder. A glossary of symptoms of autism was used to review medical and school records of these children for symptoms consistent with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for autistic disorder. SETTING Olmsted County, Minnesota. Subjects All residents of Olmsted County 21 years or younger between 1976 and 1997. Main Outcome Measure The incidence of research-identified autism based on DSM-IV criteria for autistic disorder. RESULTS The age-adjusted incidence of research-identified autism was 5.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.4-9.5) per 100 000 children from 1980 to 1983 and 44.9 (95% confidence interval, 32.9-56.9) from 1995 to 1997 (8.2-fold increase). This increase was confined to children younger than 10 years who were born after 1987. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of research-identified autism increased in Olmsted County from 1976 to 1997, with the increase occurring among young children after the introduction of broader, more precise diagnostic criteria, increased availability of services, and increased awareness of autism. Although it is possible that unidentified environmental factors have contributed to an increase in autism, the timing of the increase suggests that it may be due to improved awareness, changes in diagnostic criteria, and availability of services, leading to identification of previously unrecognized young children with autism.
An Improved Euler Spiral Algorithm for Shape Completion

The shape completion problem refers to the interruption, e.g. by occlusion, of the geometric continuation of boundaries of objects. It is important to use a single visually pleasing curve segment to smoothly fill a gap, even though the gap may not be filled in a curvature continuous manner. Recently an algorithm for doing so using an Euler spiral segment was presented; the algorithm depends on initially fitting a biarc. An improved algorithm, which does not depend on first fitting a biarc, is now presented.
Longitudinal Predictors of Relationship Dissolution Among Same-Sex and Heterosexual Couples

Although divorce is relatively common, there is little research on long-term predictors of relationship dissolution among heterosexual married couples, and even less on same-sex couples. The present study examined longitudinal predictors of relationship dissolution among male–male couples, female–female couples, and heterosexual married couples over a 12-year period. Women in same-sex relationships were more likely to have dissolved their relationship than were men in same-sex couples and heterosexual married couples. There were no differences in dissolution rates between same-sex couples who had legalized their relationship and those who had not. Being in a shorter relationship, reporting lower relationship quality, and having had sex outside the relationship predicted dissolution; other factors predicted dissolution among same-sex female and heterosexual couples but not male–male couples.
Noninvasive in vivo structural and vascular imaging of human oral tissues with spectral domain optical coherence tomography

A spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) system and an oral imaging probe have been developed to visualize the microstructural morphology and microvasculature in the human oral cavity. Structural OCT images of ex vivo pig oral tissues with the histology of the same sites were acquired and compared for correlations. Structural in vivo OCT images of healthy human tissue as well as a pathologic site (ulcer) were obtained and analyzed based on the results of the ex vivo pig study, drawing on the similarity between human and swine oral tissues. In vivo Doppler and speckle variance OCT images of the oral cavity in human volunteers were also acquired, to demonstrate the feasibility of microvascular imaging of healthy and pathologic (scar) oral tissue.
Businesswomen’s choice of professional dress: Model development for dress perception

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between businesswomen’s choice of professional dress and four dress perception variables (ie comfort, employment orientation, appearance labor, availability of professional dress). The choice of professional dress is viewed along the fashion continuum, which ranges from “classic dress” to “innovative dress. ” A model was developed based on systems theory, and variables were selected from previous research that relate to an individual’s perception of and attitude toward their professional dress as well as an individual’s population characteristics. Data were collected via an online survey managed by a marketing research company. Results of the multiple regression analysis and mean comparisons testing indicated significant relationships between businesswomen’s choice of professional dress and comfort, appearance labor (ie effort devoted to attire), and availability of professional dress (ie limited store availability) as well as age and education. Based on the findings, academic and practical suggestions as well as recommendations for future research were provided.
Contention-conscious transaction ordering in multiprocessor DSP systems

This paper explores the problem of efficiently ordering interprocessor communication (IPC) operations in statically scheduled multiprocessors for iterative dataflow graphs. In most digital signal processing (DSP) applications, the throughput of the system is significantly affected by communication costs. By explicitly modeling these costs within an effective graph-theoretic analysis framework, we show that ordered transaction schedules can significantly outperform self-timed schedules even when synchronization costs are low. However, we also show that when communication latencies are nonnegligible, finding an optimal transaction order given a static schedule is an NP-complete problem, and that this intractability holds both under iterative and noniterative execution. We develop new heuristics for finding efficient transaction orders, and perform an extensive experimental comparison to gauge the performance of these heuristics.
Great expectations: changing social, spatial and emotional understandings of the companion animal–human relationship

Abstract This paper examines the changing social, legal, spatial and emotional understandings of the companion animal–human relationship in Britain during the late twentieth and early twenty-first century, based upon in-depth interviews with pet owners and professionals involved in the pet industry. This period has seen rapid change in attitudes and practices towards companion animals, bringing benefits for both animal health and welfare, but also increasing social, emotional and financial expectations. Animals have become increasingly integrated into the human home and family, whilst simultaneously subject to increasing control of their behaviour and movements in public space. Such changes have brought a culture of ‘responsible’ pet ownership in which both animals and humans are subject to constant surveillance of their own and others pet-keeping practices. Such expectations are constantly changing and contested, with notions of human identity and status increasingly defined through human–animal relationships. These processes are ongoing and new forms of responsibility are continually evolving, providing new means for caretakers to express their love and care for their animal companions.
A Journey of Bounty Hunters: Analyzing the Influence of Reward Systems on StackOverflow Question Response Times

Question and Answering (Q&A) platforms are an important source for information and a first place to go when searching for help. Q&A sites, like StackOverflow (SO), use reward systems to incentivize users to answer fast and accurately. In this paper we study and predict the response time for those questions on StackOverflow, that benefit from an additional incentive through so called bounties. Shaped by different motivations and rules these questions perform unlike regular questions. As our key finding we note that topic related factors provide a much stronger evidence than previously found factors for these questions. Finally, we compare models based on these features predicting the response time in the context of bounty questions.
Quantitative study of the fixed threshold model for the regulation of division of labour in insect societies

A simple model of regulation of division of labour in insect societies is introduced and studied. Individuals are assumed to respond to task-related stimuli with response thresholds. When the intensity of a particular stimulus exceeds an individual’s response threshold, the individual engages in task performance with high probability, and successful task performance reduces the intensity of the stimulus. If individuals belonging to different (physical or behavioural) castes have different response thresholds, and if thresholds are assumed to remain fixed over the timescales of experiments, this model can account for some observations on ant species of Pheidole (Wilson 1984).