Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
References and Notes Materials and Methods Text Figs. S1 and S2 Table S1 References Mechanisms of Adaptation in a Predator-prey Arms Race: Ttx-resistant Sodium Channels

the probability that a channel will open in the burst mode by increasing the energetic favor-ability of the activation transition. We next computed action potentials using simulated S1102 or Y1102 channels. The subtle changes in gating did not alter action potentials (Fig. 3). However, when we simulated a concentration-dependent block of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium currents (I Kr), a common side effect of many medications and hypokalemia, our computations predicted that Y1102 would induce action potential prolongation and early afterde-polarizations (EADs). EADs are a cellular trigger for ventricular tachycardia (15). Thus, computational analyses indicated that Y1102 increased the likelihood of QT prolongation, EADs, and arrhythmia in response to drugs (or drugs coupled with hypokalemia) (fig. S2) that inhibit cardiac repolarization. We conclude that Y1102, a common SCN5A variant in Africans and African Amer-icans, causes a small but inherent and chronic risk of acquired arrhythmia. The key to therapy is prevention. The identification of a common variant that causes a subtle increase in the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias will facilitate prevention through rapid identification of populations at risk. We estimate that 4.6 million African Americans carry Y1102 (16). Most of these individuals will never have an arrhythmia because the effect of Y1102 is subtle. However , in the setting of additional acquired risk factors, particularly common factors such as medications, hypokalemia, or structural heart disease, these individuals are at increased risk. Successful strategies for prevention, including avoidance of certain medications (17–19), maintenance of a normal serum potassium concentration (20), and beta-blocker therapy (21), are available. Additional, longitudinal studies will be required to confirm the predictive utility of Y1102. 22. We thank all individuals and family members who participated in this study, and M. H. Lehmann, S. Merida, and T. A. Hospers for help with patient ascertainment; we also thank A. Populations of the garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis have evolved geographically variable resistance to tetrodotoxin (TTX) in a coevolutionary arms race with their toxic prey, newts of the genus Taricha. Here, we identify a physiological mechanism, the expression of T TX-resistant sodium channels in skeletal muscle , responsible for adaptive diversification in whole-animal resistance. Both individual and population differences in the ability of skeletal muscle fibers to function in the presence of T TX correlate closely with whole-animal measures of T TX resistance. Demonstration of individual variation in an essential physiological function responsible for the adaptive differences among populations is …
Procedural learning eliminates specific slowing down of response selection in patients with idiopathic Parkinson syndrome

Patients with idiopathic Parkinson syndrome and normally aged controls participated in a psychological refractory period experiment. Two tasks were presented on each trial: auditory discrimination of high versus low tones, followed by visual classification of letters versus their mirror images. Speeded responses to both tasks were required. Stimulus onset asynchrony between the tasks was varied (short vs. long). Both groups showed equal response times overall, but patients were slower on the second task in the short stimulus onset asynchrony condition. This effect was eliminated with practice. The results were interpreted in terms of reduced capacity for cognitive processes involving decision making as a secondary symptom of the Parkinson syndrome.
Probabilistic Agent-Based Model of Electric Vehicle Charging Demand to Analyse the Impact on Distribution Networks

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have seen significant growth in sales recently and it is not clear how power systems will support the charging of a great number of vehicles. This paper proposes a methodology which allows the aggregated EV charging demand to be determined. The methodology applied to obtain the model is based on an agent-based approach to calculate the EV charging demand in a certain area. This model simulates each EV driver to consider its EV model characteristics, mobility needs, and charging processes required to reach its destination. This methodology also permits to consider social and economic variables. Furthermore, the model is stochastic, in order to consider the random pattern of some variables. The model is applied to Barcelona’s (Spain) mobility pattern and uses the 37-node IEEE test feeder adapted to common distribution grid characteristics from Barcelona. The corresponding grid impact is analyzed in terms of voltage drop and four charging strategies are compared. The case study indicates that the variability in scenarios without control is relevant, but not in scenarios with control. Moreover, the voltages do not reach the minimum voltage allowed, but the MV/LV substations could exceed their capacities. Finally, it is determined that all EVs can charge during the valley without any negative effect on the distribution grid. In conclusion, it is determined that the methodology presented allows the EV charging demand to be calculated, considering different variables, to obtain better accuracy in the results.
Fractal noise maps reveal human brain activity: a key for unbiased fMRI analysis

Brain metabolism is controlled by complex regulation mechanisms. As part of their nature many complex systems show scaling behavior in their timeseries data. Corresponding scaling exponents can sometimes be used to characterize these systems. Here we present maps of scaling exponents derived from BOLD functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data, and show that they reveal activation patterns in the human brain with very high precision. In contrast to standard model-based analysis we use no prior knowledge on the experimental stimulation paradigm for extracting activation patterns from fMRI timeseries. We demonstrate that mental activity is one-to-one related to large fractal exponents, or equivalently, to temporally highly correlated processes.
Imaging properties of small-pixel spectroscopic x-ray detectors based on cadmium telluride sensors

Spectroscopic x-ray imaging by means of photon counting detectors has received growing interest during the past years. Critical to the image quality of such devices is their pixel pitch and the sensor material employed. This paper describes the imaging properties of Medipix2 MXR multi-chip assemblies bump bonded to 1 mm thick CdTe sensors. Two systems were investigated with pixel pitches of 110 and 165 μm, which are in the order of the mean free path lengths of the characteristic x-rays produced in their sensors. Peak widths were found to be almost constant across the energy range of 10 to 60 keV, with values of 2.3 and 2.2 keV (FWHM) for the two pixel pitches. The average number of pixels responding to a single incoming photon are about 1.85 and 1.45 at 60 keV, amounting to detective quantum efficiencies of 0.77 and 0.84 at a spatial frequency of zero. Energy selective CT acquisitions are presented, and the two pixel pitches' abilities to discriminate between iodine and gadolinium contrast agents are examined. It is shown that the choice of the pixel pitch translates into a minimum contrast agent concentration for which material discrimination is still possible. We finally investigate saturation effects at high x-ray fluxes and conclude with the finding that higher maximum count rates come at the cost of a reduced energy resolution.
Designing Small World Simulations: Experiences and Developments

Managing an important change process within an organization or community. Introducing innovations in an educational institution. Helping a group of diverse and distributed professionals to collaborate effectively. These are a few examples of complex challenges that managers and decision makers are increasingly faced with, and for which an in-depth understanding of the underlying psychological, cognitive and social dynamics of collaboration is required. SmallWorld Simulations (SWS) represent a promising approach to address such challenges through advanced learning technologies that support immersive, simulation-based collaborative learning experiences. This paper offers an overview of the key design principles underlying SWS, and of current research and developments in this area
The prosthetic Conga: towards an Actively Controlled Hybrid Musical Instrument

The prosthetic conga is a hybrid instrument that is played and heard in the regular way, but with a resonant behaviour that can be manipulated in the virtual domain. This realised via sound reinforcement with a loudspeaker inside the conga, and sensing the membrane vibration. While sounding the instrument in this way is relatively simple, achieving precise control over the resonance properties of the hybrid instrument via active control poses a number of technical challenges. This paper discusses these challenges, as well as some of the implications for performance and composition.
Decisões entre pesquisas quali e quanti sob a perspectiva de mecanismos causais

A escolha por metodos quali ou quanti e tradicionalmente mediada pelo debate entre paradigmas de construcao de conhecimento. Geralmente, os livros-texto em metodologia de pesquisa associam os metodos quali ao paradigma construtivista-fenomenologico, enquanto os metodos quanti sao em geral associados a pretensoes positivistas. Esse artigo explora o processo de decisao entre metodologias sob a perspectiva dos mecanismos causais, que vem sendo desenvolvidos sob multiplas orientacoes. Buscamos aprofundar a discussao sobre as implicacoes da escolha de um determinado metodo (quali, quanti ou misto), examinando suas possiveis aplicacoes nas ciencias sociais.
Metalevel Interval Arithmetic and Verifiable Constraint Solving

CLIP is an implementation of CLP(Intervals) which has been designed to be verifiably correct in the sense that the answers it returns are mathematically correct solutions to the underlying arithmetic constraints. This fundamental design criteria affects many aspects of the implementation from the input and output of decimal constants to the design of the interval arithmetic libraries and the constraint solving algorithms. In particular, to enhance verifiability, CLIP employs the simplest model of constraint solving in which constraints are decomposed into sets of primitive constraints which are then solved using a library of primitive constraint contractors. This approach results in a simple constraint solver whose correctness is relatively straightforward to verify, but the solver is only able to solve relatively simple constraints. In this paper, we present the syntax, semantics, and implementation of CLIP, and we show how to use metalevel techniques to enhance the power of the CLIP constraint solver while preserving the simple structure of the system. In particular, we demonstrate that several of the box-narrowing algorithms from the Newton and Numerica systems can be easily implemented in CLIP. The principal advantages of this approach are (1) the resulting solvers are relatively easy to prove correct, (2) new solvers can be rapidly prototyped since the code is more concise and declarative than for imperative languages, and (3) contractors can be implemented directly from mathematical formulae without having to first prove results about interval arithmetic operators. Finally, the source code for the system is publicly available, which is a clear prerequisite for public, independent verifiability.
The Effects of Progesterone on Glial Cell Line-derived Neurotrophic Factor Secretion from C6 Glioma Cells

Objective(s) Progesterone is a steroid hormone whose biology has been greatly studied within the confines of reproductive function. In recent years, the neuroprotective effects of progesterone have attracted growing interest. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), is a neurotrophic factor which plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of distinct sets of central and peripheral neurons. In the present study, we investigated the potential implication of GDNF in the neuroprotective action of progesterone. Materials and Methods Cultured rat C6 glioma cells were treated with progesterone (100 nm, 1 µM, and 10 µM) or its vehicle. After 24, 36, 48 and 72 hr, GDNF protein levels were measured in the cell-conditioned media and cell lysates using a GDNF ELISA kit. Cell numbers were determined by a cell-counting assay kit. Results Forty-eight hr treatment with progesterone (10 µM) resulted in a significant elevation of GDNF secretion from C6 glioma cells that remained elevated up to 72 hr. The intracellular content of GDNF and cell numbers were not affected by progesterone treatment. Conclusion Stimulation of GDNF release from glial cells appears as a potential mechanism through which progesterone exerts its neuroprotective effects.
Cefepime MIC as a Predictor of the Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Type in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Taiwan

To guide selection of carbapenems or fourth-generation cephalosporins as therapy, 110 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with extended-spectrum β-lactamases from Taiwan were characterized by phenotypic (MICs), molecular, and chemical methods. MIC patterns of ceftazidime and cefepime clearly differentiate strains treatable by cefepime and those capable of efficiently hydrolyzing available cephalosporins (CTX-M series and SHV-types). Continued use of cefepime appears to be a treatment option in cases for which MIC results are available and interpreted by the criteria presented.
Participation in Cross-country Skiing in Finland under Climate Change: Application of Multiple Hierarchy Stratification Perspective

Abstract In Finland, cross-country skiing is part of the cultural heritage and an important leisure activity. However, its future is uncertain as, according to climate scenarios, southern Finland will be on the boundary of the winter snow cover. Behavioral responses to change raise the question of who will give up skiing and who will be able to continue the activity in a changed climate. In analyzing skiing participation and frequency, this study extends the multiple hierarchy stratification perspective (MHSP) by showing that the socio-demographic variables gender, age, socioeconomic status and living environment have an interaction effect. The results also indicate that female gender, a lower socioeconomic status and an urban living environment are associated with a higher sensitivity to climate change.
Efficient Clustering Algorithm for Large Data Set

The concept-drift phenomenon is used for outlier detection or data labeling, which plays a vital role in detection of outlier. But in that there is a disadvantage which is of reclustering when drift occurred. In this connection two scanning operations are required, one for the drifting and another for the reclustering of sliding window. It is necessary to investigate the principal of clustering to design efficient algorithms to minimize the disk I/O and minimizing the number of scanning operations. In this paper, to overcome the problems of scanning operations and also it is extended to the categorical data where as in literature the leader algorithm for the numerical domain and sequence of data set. The main objective of the idea of clustering the outliers based on the leader algorithm instead of reclustering the entire sliding window /data set by calculating the threshold with the average method and maximal resemblance of leaders. This is more efficient than using reclustering the sliding window.
BMAL1 and CLOCK, Two Essential Components of the Circadian Clock, Are Involved in Glucose Homeostasis

Circadian timing is generated through a unique series of autoregulatory interactions termed the molecular clock. Behavioral rhythms subject to the molecular clock are well characterized. We demonstrate a role for Bmal1 and Clock in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Inactivation of the known clock components Bmal1 (Mop3) and Clock suppress the diurnal variation in glucose and triglycerides. Gluconeogenesis is abolished by deletion of Bmal1 and is depressed in Clock mutants, but the counterregulatory response of corticosterone and glucagon to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia is retained. Furthermore, a high-fat diet modulates carbohydrate metabolism by amplifying circadian variation in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and mutation of Clock restores the chow-fed phenotype. Bmal1 and Clock, genes that function in the core molecular clock, exert profound control over recovery from insulin-induced hypoglycaemia. Furthermore, asynchronous dietary cues may modify glucose homeostasis via their interactions with peripheral molecular clocks.
Cocycle knot invariants from quandle modules and generalized quandle homology

Three new knot invariants are defined using cocycles of the generalized quandle homology theory that was proposed by Andruskiewitsch and Grana. We specialize that theory to the case when there is a group action on the coefficients. First, quandle modules are used to generalize Burau representations and Alexander modules for classical knots. Second, 2-cocycles valued in non-abelian groups are used in a way similar to Hopf algebra invariants of classical knots. These invariants are shown to be of quantum type. Third, cocycles with group actions on coefficient groups are used to define quandle cocycle invariants for both classical knots and knotted surfaces. Concrete computational methods are provided and used to prove non-invertibility for a large family of knotted surfaces. In the classical case, the invariant can detect the chirality of 3-colorable knots in a number of cases.
Real-time Stage 1 Sleep Detection and Warning System Using a Low-Cost EEG Headset

3 Acknowledgements I would like to thank my committee chair Dr. Samhita Rhodes for her assistance and direction in my research and thesis. I would also like to thank Dr. Dr. Paul Fishback for being willing to participate in my thesis committee. All of their input helped improve the depth of my research and quality this thesis. I would also like to thank my wife, Jen Van Hal, for giving me the time to devote to this thesis and for helping and supporting me every step of the way. Abstract The goal of this thesis is to design and test a real-time Stage 1 sleep detection and warning system using a low-cost single dry-sensor EEG headset. Such a system would allow aircraft pilots or truck drivers to receive an auditory warning when they are beginning to fall asleep. The device designed in this study records a single EEG signal and filters it into low Alpha (7. frequency bands. When the EEG transitions to match that of Stage 1 sleep for a short period of time, the device produces an audible alarm. The system proved 81% effective at detecting sleep in a small sample group. All failures were due to false alarms. Compared to tradition sleep scoring, this device predicted and responded to the onset of drowsiness preceding stage 1 sleep.
Simulation-based Evaluation of Spectrum Opportunities in UMTS Cellular Networks

A scenario based on an UMTS TDD opportunistic cellular system that operates over UMTS FDD licensed cellular networks is considered. Therefore we develop a simulation tool that addresses the goal of analysis and assessment of UMTS TDD opportunistic radio system in a coexistence environment with UMTS FDD primary cellular networks. The communication presents the scenario considered, the main features of the tool, discusses and proposes metrics to evaluate the communication opportunities in UMTS FDD primary cellular networks, and presents numerical simulation results. These show that a moderate number of UMTS TDD available frequencies and a reasonable UMTS TDD opportunistic radio transmission power will allow the deployment of UMTS TDD opportunistic radio networks in a coexistence environment with existing licensed systems.
Short-term impact of sugar consumption on hunger and ad libitum food intake in young women

The hypothesis of this study was that greater sugar consumption at breakfast promotes a stronger sensation of hunger and a later increase in energy consumption. The objective was to assess the relation between sugar consumption in a meal and the subsequent sensations of hunger and ad libitum food consumption. Sixteen women consumed a breakfast accompanied by 2 drinks sweetened ad libitum with sugar. After 3 h, a lunch was offered to evaluate ad libitum food consumption. During the period from breakfast to lunch, hunger sensations were evaluated at 30 min intervals. Women were divided according to the median amount of sugar used to sweeten the breakfast drinks (20 g). The group who consumed sugar above the median showed a greater hunger sensation in the preprandial period, and a greater ad libitum intake at lunch (390 ± 130 g × 256 ± 67 g, P = 0.002), compared to the group who had a lower sugar consumption. The amount of sugar consumed at breakfast was correlated positively with the sensation of preprandial hunger and food intake at lunch. We concluded that foods with a high glycemic index can modulate the appetite within a short period of time.
Fake View Analytics in Online Video Services

Online video-on-demand (VoD) services invariably maintain a view count for each video they serve, and it has become an important currency for various stakeholders, from viewers, to content owners, advertizers, and the online service providers themselves. There is often significant financial incentive to use a robot (or a botnet) to artificially create fake views. How can we detect the fake views? Can we detect them (and stop them) efficiently? What is the extent of fake views with current VoD service providers? These are the questions we study in this paper. We develop some algorithms and show their effectiveness for this problem.
A comparison by simulation and by measurement of the substrate noise generated by CMOS, CSL, and CBL digital circuits

Current-steering logic (CSL) and current-balanced logic (CBL) are logic families that have been proposed with the objective of reducing the substrate noise in mixed-signal integrated circuits. These two families are compared here with conventional CMOS by simulation, using a substrate model extracted from the layouts, and also by measurements on a test chip. With small, low-power cells, noise reduction of CSL and CBL with respect to CMOS is only marginal; the same result is obtained with large, high-power (buffer) cells, if the supply wire inductance is very low. For large cells with typical wire bonding supply inductance (of the order of 10 nH), CBL cells provide significant noise reduction and are more effective than CSL cells; these become even noisier than CMOS cells for large inductance values. The results here, considering the real substrate noise, are more reliable than previous evaluations considering only the amplitude of the supply current spikes.