Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Mechanism of Distinct Diurnal Variations of Renin-Angiotensin System in Aorta and Heart of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Diurnal variations in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 mRNA expression are different between the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, and between the aorta and the heart. To elucidate the mechanisms, we examined diurnal changes in the circulating renin-angiotensin system in the SHR and WKY rats. Diurnal variations in plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma angiotensin I, and aldosterone concentrations were similar between the SHR and WKY rats. On the other hand, plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) concentration in the SHR was lower than that in the WKY rats at most time points, but increased to the level of the WKY rats in the late light phase. Treatment with AT1 receptor antagonist candesartan increased plasma Ang II concentration except at ZT 8 and lessened its diurnal variation in the SHR. At the peak in plasma Ang II in the SHR, Ang II regulated genes such as transforming growth factor-β1 and p22phox were upregulated in the aorta. On the other hand, these genes were upregulated throughout the day in the heart of SHR. Candesartan treatment increased AT1a receptor mRNA expression in the heart but not in the aorta of SHR. These findings suggest that an AT1 receptor-mediated mechanism might cause a surge in plasma Ang II concentration at the late light phase in the SHR. Homologous down-regulation of AT1a receptor by Ang II may dampen the effect of a surge in plasma Ang II concentration in the heart of SHR.
Differential evolution algorithm with local search for capacitated vehicle routing problem

This paper presents an improved differential evolution algorithm with local search DELS for solving the capacitated vehicle routing problem CVRP. The CVRP is a classical vehicle routing problem with additional constraint where the capacity of the vehicle travelling on a specific route cannot exceed the maximum vehicle capacity. Local search procedures help to explore new search areas and refine the solutions found. The proposed algorithm is tested on CVRP instances described by Augerat et al. and Christofides and Eilon. The proposed DELS approach generate quality solutions for the benchmark problems tested and are comparable to the algorithms reported in the literature.
Impact of strategy, strength of the HRM system and HRM bundles on organizational performance

This study analyzes the impact of human resource management content and process on leading indicators of organizational performance – service quality, productivity, profitability, rate of innovation and product to market time, as well as perceived financial results, on a large sample of companies. The paper contributes with a new integration of several levels of analysis, from the corporate strategic level to the functional human resource management level, considering both content and process. Content refers to the specific practices adopted by a company, whereas process refers to the clarity and consistency of the messages sent to employees, regarding the HRM policies and practices, as well as performance expectations. The outcomes are also analyzed considering short-term organizational performance and financial results. The study uses a large sample of companies, from the Cranet-E survey, and employs structural equation modeling to test a general model. Strategic management orientation is found to contribute to stronger HR systems. Strength of the HRM system, a process variable that integrates the ‘meta-features’ of an HRM system and provides a common interpretation of organizational goals, has a strong positive impact on HRM content, specifically the functional flexibility and performance management bundles, and also a smaller but significant impact on short-term organizational performance. Finally, both the functional flexibility and the performance management bundles have a significant positive effect on perceived financial results.
Expression of a peptide inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1 increases phosphorylation and activity of CREB in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts

We have examined the activity and phosphorylation state of the cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element binding factor (CREB) in intact NIH 3T3 cells following microinjection of expression plasmids encoding regulatory proteins of type 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatases. Changes in CREB phosphorylation in the injected cells were monitored by indirect immunofluorescence using an affinity-purified antiserum (Ab5322) which specifically recognizes CREB phosphorylated at Ser-133, and changes in transcriptional activity of CREB were monitored by expression of a reporter gene regulated by cAMP. cAMP-stimulated phosphorylation in NIH 3T3 cells is normally transient, and as expected, after stimulation of cells with cell-permeable cAMP analogs, the level of phosphorylated CREB was found to initially increase and then return to a basal level within 4 h. Microinjection of an expression vector encoding a constitutively active form of inhibitor 1 (I-1), a PP1-specific inhibitor, by itself resulted in an apparent increase in phosphorylated CREB in unstimulated cells. Moreover, injection of the I-1 vector resulted in the prolonged appearance of phosphorylated CREB in cells after cAMP stimulation. In contrast, injection of a plasmid encoding simian virus 40 small t antigen, which interacts with PP2A to inhibit its activity towards several phosphoprotein substrates, had no effect on the phosphorylation state of CREB in stimulated or unstimulated NIH 3T3 cells. Consistent with these results, injection of the I-1 expression vector activated expression from a coinjected CRE-lacZ reporter plasmid, indicating that the increased phosphorylation of CREB also activated its transcriptional activity. These results provide further evidence for a role of a PP1 as the primary protein (Ser/Thr) phosphatase regulating the dephosphorylation of Ser-133 and thereby limiting the transcriptional activity of CREB.
Communication Trends in Internet of Things

The central hypothesis of Internet of Things is the term “connectivity”. The IoT devices are connected to the Internet through a wide variety of communication technologies. This chapter explains the various technologies involved in IoT connectivity. The diversity in communication raises the query of which one to choose for the proposed application. The key objective of the application needs to be defined very clearly. The application features such as the power requirement, data size, storage, security and battery life highly influence the decision of selecting one or more communication technology. Near Field Communication is a good choice for short-range communication, whereas Wi-Fi can be opted for a larger range of coverage. Though Bluetooth is required for higher data rate, it is power hungry, but ZigBee is suitable for low power devices. There involves always the tradeoff between the technologies and the requirements. This chapter emphasizes that the goal of the application required to be more precise to decide the winner of the IoT connectivity technology that suits for it.
FORECASTING CLOSING RETURNS OF BORSA ISTANBUL INDEX WITH MARKOV CHAIN PROCESS OF THE FUZZY STATES

Purpose- The estimation regarding to the exact daily price of the stock market index has always been a difficult task in the business sector. Therefore, there are numerous research studies carried out to predict the direction of stock price index movement. Methodology- Classical Markov chain model (MC) is commonly used for this prediction and it gives valuable signals about the movements of the closing returns of the stock market index . In this paper, we propose Markov Chain Model with Fuzzy States (MCFS) to predict the closing returns of Borsa Istanbul (BIST 100) index using triangular fuzzy numbers. We apply this method to hold the information while system moves between the extreme values of the states. Findings- With this study, we show that the use of MCFS for the selected period provides a higher forecasting accuracy to the investors compared to MC model. Conclusion- Markov chains of the fuzzy states defines a stochastic system more precisely than the classical Markov chains and it gives more sensitive future prediction opportunities. It can be used for estimating returns of individual common stocks and also for the other investment instruments.
SAT-based Reachability Checking for Timed Automata with Diagonal Constraints

This paper deals with the problemof checking reachability for timed automata with diagonal constraints. Such automata are needed in many applications e.g. to model scheduling problems. We introduce a new discretization for timed automata which enables SAT based reachability analysis for timed automata for which comparisons between two clocks are allowed. In our earlier papers SAT based reachability analysis was restricted to the so called diagonal-free timed automata, where only comparisons between clocks and constants are allowed.
The information contained in multiple sibling pairs

In a sibship of size s, s(s − 1)/2 sib pairs can be formed, but these pairs are statistically dependent when s > 2. This study examines how much independent information is obtained when all possible pairs are used to evaluate the sharing of genes identical by descent. A logarithmic measure of information, Σpilog2pi [Shannon, 1948], is used. The basic unit of information is the binomial “bit,” or the amount of information in the toss of a fair coin. It is shown that a single independent sib pair contains 1.5 bits. The complete sibship contains a total of 2s−3 + (1/2)s−1 bits, or (2s−3 + (1/2)s−1)/1.5 pair‐equivalents of information. The information is reduced if all sib genotypes do not occur with equal probability.
Co-designing Social Games with Children to Support Non Formal Learning

In non-formal settings, intrinsic motivation becomes a major issue to keep in mind when designing an educational game. To understand how to make motivating, entertaining and playful educational games, the Embodied Narratives technique has been used to co-design social games with children. This paper discusses the motivation of using this technique as well as some of the findings drawn from its application.
Fast incremental output feedback predictive control for multi-variables linear systems

An incremental control models-based fast output feedback predictive control strategy is presented for multi-variables discrete-time linear time-invariant systems. Firstly, combining control incremental models with state observer is used to predict the system outputs in the future. Then, incremental control actions are computed on-line by optimizing some given performance indexes, which leads to predictive control actions at the current time. Furthermore, the stair-like control method is introduced to decrease the computational complexity of the online optimization. This yields an output feedback predictive control law with light on-line computational load. Finally, a simulation example is employed to illustrate the effectiveness of the results proposed here.
Reflectivity enhanced refractive index sensor based on a fiber-integrated Fabry-Perot microresonator.

We discuss a fiber-integrated refractive index sensor with strongly improved detection performance. The resonator has been implemented by means of focused-ion beam milling of a step index fiber and shows a sensitivity of about 1. 15µm/RIU. Coating the resonator walls led to a strongly improved mirror reflectivity by a factor of about 26. Design rules for device optimization and a detailed mathematical analysis are discussed, revealing that the sensor operates as an optimized Fabry-Perot resonator. We also show that the performance of such kind of Fabry-Perot sensors is, in general, limited by the detection limit function - a quantity depending on the cavitiy's finesse and on the measurement capabilities used.
A PANOPTICS OF SENTIMENTAL ANALYSIS

Sentiment Analysis(SA) persist to be a most significant research problem due to its immense applications, recognise the sentiment orientation of terms of sentiment which is the sentiment analysis fundamental task. Sentiment Analysis is a computational treatment of opinions and subjectivity of text focuses on either short/long range syntactic or semantic dependencies. Nowadays decision making is very much impacted by the products and services reviews of the products/item, these review data can be used to define trends over time. Sentimental analysis of Text data available in different forms of blogs, twitters, Facebook and Linked-in offers information to assess perspective of services of people’s, products that are of their interest, items information in which they are having interested in purchasing. Locating document carrying positive/negative favourability and the information gained by the sentimental analysis supports in improving the services and products and in turn in decision making to add an augmented edge over their competitors in the business, it can also be used in cycle with effectual visualisations to calculate and track emotions. In this paper we present a comprehensive review of model and recent trend of research used in implementation of sentimental analysis.
Symbiotic Hydrogenase Activity in Bradyrhizobium sp. (Vigna) Increases Nitrogen Content in Vigna unguiculata Plants

ABSTRACT Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lupinus) and Bradyrhizobium sp. (Vigna) mutants in which hydrogenase (hup) activity was affected were constructed and analyzed. Vigna unguiculata plants inoculated with the Bradyrhizobium sp. (Vigna) hup mutant showed reduced nitrogenase activity and also a significant decrease in nitrogen content, suggesting a relevant contribution of hydrogenase activity to plant yield.
Laser Doppler and Laser Speckle Techniques for Blood Flow Measurement

Displayed special advantages on tissue blood perfusion. This paper explores the theoretical background of laser Doppler and speckle techniques. Four applications in measurement of tissue blood perfusion are introduced which are: laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) , laser Doppler perfusion monitor (LDPM) , laser Doppler perfusion imager (LDPI) , laser speckle contrast imaging . In this paper we will describe theses four techniques in brief separately and then we will compare them with each other and with other methods for assessment of microvascular blood perfusion. First, we will explain LDF technique in brief. Then basic principles and components of the LDPM and LDPI instrumentation are discussed. At the end laser speckle contrast imaging technique will be introduced. Some image examples are given to compare the commercialized laser Doppler technique and prototype laser Doppler contrast imager techniques.
TDAG8 activation inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption

Although the roles of acids in bone metabolism are well characterized, the function of proton‐sensing receptors in bone metabolism remains to be explored. In this study, we evaluated the role of proton‐sensing receptor T‐cell death‐associated gene 8 (TDAG8) in osteoclastic activity during bone loss after ovariectomy. Through observations of bone mineral content, we found that pathological bone resorption was significantly exacerbated in mice homozygous for a gene trap mutation in the Tdag8 gene. Furthermore, osteoclasts from the homozygous mutant mice resorbed calcium in vitro more than the osteoclasts from the heterozygous mice did. Impaired osteoclast formation under acidic conditions was ameliorated in cultures of bone marrow cells by Tdag8 gene mutation. Extracellular acidification changed the cell morphology of osteoclasts via the TDAG8‐Rho signaling pathway. These results suggest that the enhancement of TDAG8 function represents a new strategy for preventing bone resorption diseases, such as osteoporosis. —Hikiji, H. , Endo, D. , Horie, K. , Harayama, T. , Akahoshi, N. , Igarashi, H. , Kihara, Y. , Yanagida, K. , Takeda, J., Koji, T. , Shimizu, T. , Satoshi, I. TDAG8 activation inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption. FASEB J. 28, 871–879 (2014). www.fasebj. org
Effect of Human Resource Policies on Employees Performance: A Case Study Of Co-Operative Bank

iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . vi DEDICATION. vii LIST OF TABLES . x LIST OF FIGURES . xi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . xii CHAPTER ONE . 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION.1 1.1 Background of the Problem . 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem . 6 1.3 Purpose of the Study . 8 1.4 Research Questions . 8 1.5 Scope of the Study . 8 1.6 Significance of the Study . 8 1.7 Definition of Terms.9 1.8 Chapter Summary . 10 CHAPTER TWO . 12 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW . 12 2.
Opportunities and challenges of demand response in active distribution networks

In power systems, the installed generation capacity must exceed the annual peak demand, even though some capacity is kept idle most of the time. However, if it is uneconomical or not feasible to augment a sufficient capacity, the demand might exceed the available capacity. This mandates the system operator to shed the load in order to maintain security of the system. With the advent of advanced smart metering infrastructure, communication between system operator and end‐use customers makes it possible to adjust/curtail/shift the demand with respect to the state of the system. The response of the demand commonly termed as demand response (DR) can be attained either by incentive‐based or price‐based. With the help of DR, the renewable energy generation capacity can be increased by tuning the demand to match the variable and unpredictable power from renewable generation. It can also bring other benefits such as peak shaving, hosting capacity enhancement, and generation cost reduction. Furthermore, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and electric water heater can also be used as distributed storage resources to contribute to ancillary services, such as frequency/voltage regulation, peak‐shaving power or help to integrate fluctuating renewable resources. All these DR modes of operation need conventional regulatory frameworks and market design for capitalizing the available resources. Therefore, the objective of the study is to discuss the DR classification and their control strategies, DR role in microgrids and integration of renewable energy resources. Also, highlighted the opportunities and challenges along with the insights for the research scope associated with DR. WIREs Energy Environ 2018, 7:e271. doi: 10.1002/wene.271
A new white cell test which measures individual phagocyte function in a mixed leukocyte population. I. A neutrophil defect in acute myelocytic leukemia.

Abstract A new slide technique for examining the phagocytic and microbicidal capacity of human leukocytes is described. The technique permits evaluation of function of individual cell types within a mixed population of leukocytes. The method utilizes as little as 50 μl of blood and is based on the principle that viable intracellular bacteria incorporate 3 H-thymidine whereas dead or nonreplicating bacteria do not. Living bacteria within a phagocyte can be identified by autoradiography. Known leukocyte microbicidal defects, as well as a bactericidal defect in the mature neutrophils of some patients with acute myelocytic leukemia, are identified by this technique.
An examination of an e-authentication service as an intervention in e-mail risk perception

ABSTRACT In this article, we develop a three-stage study to examine the role of an e-mail authentication and identification service (eATS) intervention in affecting end-user e-mail risk perceptions. We deploy the eATS and find that it reduces users’ risk perception. Pre-intervention risk perception is found to be positively associated with user perception of the e-authentication service’s usefulness. Moreover, perceived usefulness of the service negatively relates to e-mail risk perception in the post-use stage. Finally, privacy concerns related to the e-authentication service dilute this relationship between usefulness of service and e-mail risk perception reduction.
The Geography of Host Country Knowledge Sourcing and Subsidiary Innovation Performance

We investigate the influence of the geography of host country knowledge sources developing different types of knowledge on the quality and generality of a foreign subsidiary innovation. We suggest that the quality of subsidiary innovation is greater when more familiar knowledge is sourced in distant host country locations. We also argue that the generality of subsidiary innovation is greater when less familiar knowledge is sourced from not too distant host country locations because the novel combination potential is limited when source and recipient are close together and codification becomes too complex when they are far apart. We test our arguments on a sample of US subsidiaries of the top European and Asian multinationals operating in the global semiconductor industry and find support for our arguments.
Meandered loop MIMO antenna with neutral line for USB dongle application

In the paper, the proposed design consists of two symmetrical meandered loop antennas with a neutral line of half-wave length long. By proper choosing the dimensions of the proposed design, a design of MIMO antennas with acceptable performances and isolation can be obtained. Form the results, acceptable radiation efficiency and gain, omni-directional radiation, available bandwidth used in WLAN 2.4 GHz, the isolation larger than 15dB are suitable for WLAN dongle applications.
Effects of a comprehensive fruit- and vegetable-promoting school-based intervention in three European countries: the Pro Children Study

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the Pro Children intervention on schoolchildren's fruit and vegetable (FV) intake after 1 and 2 years of follow-up. The intervention combined a FV curriculum with efforts to improve FV availability at schools and at home. Effects were examined in a group-randomised trial among 1472 10–11-year-old children from sixty-two schools in Norway, the Netherlands and Spain. FV intake was assessed by means of validated self-administered questionnaires completed before the intervention (September 2003), immediately after the first year of the intervention (May 2004) and 1 year later (May 2005). Data were analysed using multilevel linear regression analyses with age and sex as covariates. Significant intervention effects for FV intake were found at first follow-up in the total sample. The adjusted FV intake reported by the children from intervention schools was 20 % higher than FV intake reported by children from control schools. At 1 year later, a significant impact was only observed in Norway. Positive intervention effects on FV intake occurred both at school and outside school. We conclude that the Pro Children intervention is a promising means to promote European schoolchildren's FV intakes, but mainly fruit intake, in the short term. As shown in Norway, where the intervention was best implemented, the intervention might also result in longer-term effects. Further strategies need to be developed that can improve implementation, have an impact on vegetable intake and can secure sustained effects.
A programmable integrated digital controller for switching converters with dual-band switching and complex pole-zero compensation

The design of a 0.6-/spl mu/m CMOS programmable integrated digital PID controller for a buck converter is presented. Several novel features are implemented. These include: 1) a dual-band switching scheme for sampling the output voltage for better output resolution; 2) a dual-band switching PWM generator with a modified tapped delay line for area efficiency; 3) a VCO driving a counter to serve as an ADC; 4) a programmable PID compensator employing variable integration times for enhancing accuracy and stability; and 5) complex pole-zero cancellation in extending the bandwidth of the control loop. The converter is designed for variable output applications, and the fast digital loop achieves a tracking time of 50 /spl mu/s for a 1-V step change of the reference voltage. The converter switches at 1 MHz and attains a maximum efficiency of 90% when delivering a load of 125 mW.