Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Opening of Small and Intermediate Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels Induces Relaxation Mainly Mediated by Nitric-Oxide Release in Large Arteries and Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor in Small Arteries from Rat

This study was designed to investigate whether calcium-activated potassium channels of small (SKCa or KCa2) and intermediate (IKCa or KCa3.1) conductance activated by 6,7-dichloro-1H-indole-2,3-dione 3-oxime (NS309) are involved in both nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-type relaxation in large and small rat mesenteric arteries. Segments of rat superior and small mesenteric arteries were mounted in myographs for functional studies. NO was recorded using NO microsensors. SKCa and IKCa channel currents and mRNA expression were investigated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and calcium concentrations were investigated in both HUVECs and mesenteric arterial endothelial cells. In both superior (∼1093 μm) and small mesenteric (∼300 μm) arteries, NS309 evoked endothelium- and concentration-dependent relaxations. In superior mesenteric arteries, NS309 relaxations and NO release were inhibited by both NG,NG-asymmetric dimethyl-l-arginine (ADMA) (300 μM), an inhibitor of NO synthase, and apamin (0.5 μM) plus 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethyl]-1H-pyrazole (TRAM-34) (1 μM), blockers of SKCa and IKCa channels, respectively. In small mesenteric arteries, NS309 relaxations were reduced slightly by ADMA, whereas apamin plus an IKCa channel blocker almost abolished relaxation. Iberiotoxin did not change NS309 relaxation. HUVECs expressed mRNA for SKCa and IKCa channels, and NS309 induced increases in calcium, outward current, and NO release that were blocked by apamin and TRAM-34 or charybdotoxin. These findings suggest that opening of SKCa and IKCa channels leads to endothelium-dependent relaxation that is mediated mainly by NO in large mesenteric arteries and by EDHF-type relaxation in small mesenteric arteries. NS309-induced calcium influx appears to contribute to the formation of NO.
Copy Number Variation Analysis in Single-Suture Craniosynostosis: Multiple Rare Variants Including RUNX2 Duplication in Two Cousins With Metopic Craniosynostosis

Little is known about genes that underlie isolated single‐suture craniosynostosis. In this study, we hypothesize that rare copy number variants (CNV) in patients with isolated single‐suture craniosynostosis contain genes important for cranial development. Using whole genome array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), we evaluated DNA from 186 individuals with single‐suture craniosynostosis for submicroscopic deletions and duplications. We identified a 1.1 Mb duplication encompassing RUNX2 in two affected cousins with metopic synostosis and hypodontia. Given that RUNX2 is required as a master switch for osteoblast differentiation and interacts with TWIST1, mutations in which also cause craniosynostosis, we conclude that the duplication in this family is pathogenic, albeit with reduced penetrance. In addition, we find that a total of 7.5% of individuals with single‐suture synostosis in our series have at least one rare deletion or duplication that contains genes and that has not been previously reported in unaffected individuals. The genes within and disrupted by CNVs in this cohort are potential novel candidate genes for craniosynostosis. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
150 Years of temperature-related excess mortality in the Netherlands

Even in present-day high-income countries, there is a lot of evidence of a high degree of vulnerability of the population to both high and low outdoor temperatures. The magnitude of temperature-related mortality is strongly related to a wide variety of social, economic, and behavioural factors. To gain insight into the changing impact of cold and heat on mortality, we analyze Dutch individual death records in relation to daily temperature for the period 1855-2006 for one of the 11 Dutch provinces. Making use of negative binomial regression analysis, we study whether the effect of temperature varied by age, sex, and social class, and analyze the changes in the vulnerability to temperature fluctuations.
Ant Colony Optimization Algorithms with Local Search for the Dynamic Vehicle Routing Problem

This report demonstrates the use of eﬀective local search to improve the performance of simple Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithms as applied to an extension of the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) known as the Dynamic Vehicle Routing Problem (DVRP). The static VRP presents all orders a priori , however the DVRP requires scheduling to begin without a complete knowledge of all customer’s locations, demands, and/or times. In recent years, much focus has been given to the study of meta-heuristics for use in solving static VRPs. Currently, however, emphasis is being put on DVRPs as they present a better model with real-life applicability and challenges. The approach taken in this paper is to model the DVRP as a series of static VRPs, and solve each one by applying the ACO meta-heuristic. Three simple instantiations of the ACO meta-heuristic are used, namely, the Ant System (AS), the Ant Colony System (ACS), and the MAX-MIN Ant System (MMAS). In order to make these simple algorithms eﬀective in such a diﬃcult problem space, they are augmented with an insertion based local search, as well as a greedy step-based route scheduler. The algorithms are shown to outperform the only published ant-based algorithm for the DVRP model presented here, as well as achieve 4 new best known results using publicly available benchmark problem instances.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Zinc Metalloprotease-1 Elicits Tuberculosis-Specific Humoral Immune Response Independent of Mycobacterial Load in Pulmonary and Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients

Conventionally, facultative intracellular pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the tuberculosis (TB) causing bacilli in human is cleared by cell-mediated immunity (CMI) with CD4+ T cells playing instrumental role in protective immunity, while antibody-mediated immunity (AMI) is considered non-protective. This longstanding convention has been challenged with recent evidences of increased susceptibility of hosts with compromised AMI and monoclonal antibodies conferring passive protection against TB and other intracellular pathogens. Therefore, novel approaches toward vaccine development include strategies aiming at induction of humoral response along with CMI. This necessitates the identification of mycobacterial proteins with properties of immunomodulation and strong immunogenicity. In this study, we determined the immunogenic potential of M. tuberculosis Zinc metalloprotease-1 (Zmp1), a secretory protein essential for intracellular survival and pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis. We observed that Zmp1 was secreted by in vitro grown M. tuberculosis under granuloma-like stress conditions (acidic, oxidative, iron deficiency, and nutrient deprivation) and generated Th2 cytokine microenvironment upon exogenous treatment of peripheral blood mononulear cells PBMCs with recombinant Zmp1 (rZmp1). This was supported by recording specific and robust humoral response in TB patients in a cohort of 295. The anti-Zmp1 titers were significantly higher in TB patients (n = 121) as against healthy control (n = 62), household contacts (n = 89) and non-specific infection controls (n = 23). A significant observation of the study is the presence of equally high titers of anti-Zmp1 antibodies in a range of patients with high bacilli load (sputum bacilli load of 300+ per mL) to paucibacillary smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases. This clearly indicated the potential of Zmp1 to evoke an effective humoral response independent of mycobacterial load. Such mycobacterial proteins can be explored as antigen candidates for prime-boost vaccination strategies or extrapolated as markers for disease detection and progression.
Applications of the theory of clumps

The paper describes how the need for automatic aids to classification arose in a manual experiment in information retrieval. It goes on to discuss the problems of automatic classification in general, and to consider various methods that have been proposed. The definition of a particular kind of class, or "clump," is then put forward. Some programming techniques are indicated, and the paper concludes with a discussion of the difficulties of adequately evaluating the results of any automatic classification procedure.
Subband-Based Blind Signal Processing for Source Separation in Convolutive Mixtures of Speech

This paper describes a highly practical blind signal separation (BSS) scheme operating on subband domain data to blindly segregate convolutive mixtures of speech. The proposed method relies on spatiotemporal separation carried out in the time domain by using a multichannel blind deconvolution (MBD) algorithm that enforces separation by entropy maximization through the popular natural gradient algorithm (NGA). Numerical experiments with binaural impulse responses affirm the validity and illustrate the practical appeal of the presented technique even for difficult speech separation setups.
Quasielastic He atom scattering from surfaces: a stochastic description of the dynamics of interacting adsorbates

The study of diffusion and low-frequency vibrational motions of particles on metal surfaces is of paramount importance; it provides valuable information on the nature of the adsorbate–substrate and substrate–substrate interactions. In particular, the experimental broadening observed in the diffusive peak with increasing coverage is usually interpreted in terms of a dipole–dipole-like interaction among adsorbates via extensive molecular dynamics calculations within the Langevin framework. Here we present an alternative way to interpret this broadening by means of a purely stochastic description, namely the interacting single-adsorbate approximation, where two noise sources are considered: (1) a Gaussian white noise accounting for the surface friction and temperature, and (2) a white shot noise replacing the interaction potential between adsorbates. Standard Langevin numerical simulations for flat and corrugated surfaces (with a separable potential) illustrate the dynamics of Na atoms on a Cu(100) surface which fit fairly well to the analytical expressions issued from simple models (free particle and anharmonic oscillator) when the Gaussian approximation is assumed. A similar broadening is also expected for the frustrated translational mode peaks.
Stochastic stability analysis and control of networked control systems with randomly varying long time-delays

This paper mainly studies stability and optimal control for networked control systems with the real-time setup of time-driven sensor, event-driven controller and actuator, and with the assumption that network-induced delay is no longer than certain known times of sampling period. The modeling of this class of networked control systems is given. Then, preliminary stochastic stability analysis of it is presented. Finally, based on stochastic optimal control theory an LQG control scheme is provided. Much work needs to be continued for future research.
The Effects of Monetary-Policy Shocks on Real Wages: A Multi-Country Investigation The Effects of Monetary-Policy Shocks on Real Wages: A Multi-Country Investigationv

This paper assesses the plausibility of popular models of the monetary transmission mechanism for the G7 countries. For this purpose, flexible structural vector autoregressions are used to relaxe the restrictions behind the traditional identifying schemes of monetary-policy shocks and their effects on macroececonomic variables, and in particular, on real wages. The estimates reveal that expansionary monetary-policy shocks produce declines of real wages for Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. This is consistent with sticky-wage models and suggests that labor-market frictions constitute prime features of these economies. In constrast, positive monetary-policy shocks yield increases of real wages for Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States. This is consistent with sticky-price models and limited-participation models, so that goods-market frictions and/or financialmarket frictions seem important characteristics of these economies. Finally, the standard identifying restrictions are often statistically rejected and produce severe distortions of real-wage responses.
PERMEABILITY OF TEXTILE REINFORCEMENTS: SIMULATION; INFLUENCE OF SHEAR, NESTING AND BOUNDARY CONDITIONS; VALIDATION

SUMMARY: A fast an accurate simulation tool for the permeability of textiles is presented, based on a finite difference discretisation of the Stokes equations. Results for single layer, multi layer and sheared models are discussed. The influence of intra-yarn flow and periodic respectively wall boundary conditions are considered. Simulated permeability values are compared with experimental data. For the creation of the textile model the WiseTex software is used, which implements a generalised description of internal structure of textile reinforcements on the unit cell level. A finite difference Navier-Stokes solver, NaSt3DGP, was developed at the Institute for Numerical Simulation at the University of Bonn. The flow solver employs a Chorin projection on a staggered grid for the solution of the Navier-Stokes. In the staggered grid approach, the pressure is discretised at the centre of the cells, while the velocities are discretised on the edges. This discretisation leads to a strong coupling between pressure and velocities, and therefore avoids the occurrence of unphysical oscillations in the pressure. The experimental validation is performed with a highly automated central injection rig PIERS.
Labor heterogeneity, inequality and institutional change

US earnings inequality has increased dramatically since the 1970s, and the prospect of a reversal depends on what caused the trend. The standard explanation emphasizes skill-biased technical change. This paper briefly considers some aggregation issues and then proceeds to outline two alternative perspectives . power biased technical change and the effects of induced mismatch in the labor market . and their implications. JEL Categories: J31, J41, O33
Implementation of method for dynamic noise visualisation into educational process

Dynamic noise visualization represents ideal tool for clear and concise presentation of events not recordable with human eye and its implementation into educational process. Visualization is the right tool for students, that allows them to easily and effectively understand complex issues. This process of implementation is granted by modern instrumentation in conjunction with information technology. The „acoustic camera“ is a measurement tool which joined the field of acoustics a few years ago. This technology analyses the actual sound scene, which consists of a superposition of different sound sources, into a visual sound map. The basic principle relies on accurate calculation of the specific runtime delays of acoustic sound emissions radiating from several sources to the individual microphones of an array. An acoustic map of the local sound pressure distribution at a given distance will be calculated using the acoustic data of all simultaneously recorded microphone channels
Stability of self-concept in schizophrenia.

This study was to investigate the stability of self-concept in nonchronic, nonparanoid schizophrenics. Self-Concept, Health-Concept, and Food-Preference questionnaires were administered to 84 Ss. Schizophrenics and controls were divided into failure and nonfailure groups (N = 21 per group). Test-retest method with failure or neutral condition immediately preceding the 2nd testing showed schizophrenics (N = 42) more variable for self-concept but not for food or health responses. Failure significantly increased self-concept variability for schizophrenics but not for controls. Schizophrenia appears to have a self-concept disorder component which manifests itself through inconsistent self-descriptions. It is suggested that some schizophrenic symptomatology may reflect efforts to establish a stable, if unrealistic, concept of self.
Blood-pool MR contrast material for detection and characterization of focal hepatic lesions: initial clinical experience with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (AMI-227).

OBJECTIVE AMI-227 is an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide colloid known to enhance tissue T1 and T2 relaxation rates. Animal studies show that AMI-227 has an estimated blood half-life of more than 200 min. In this study, we evaluated the clinical utility of AMI-227 as an MR contrast agent for detection and characterization of focal hepatic lesions, with MR imaging done while the contrast agent is in the intravascular space (blood-pool phase). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Twenty-two patients with known or suspected focal hepatic masses underwent T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging of the liver at 1.5 T before and immediately after drip infusion of AMI-227 at doses of 0.8, 1.1, or 1.7 mg Fe/kg. Unenhanced and contrast-enhanced images were analyzed qualitatively (lesion detection and tissue characterization) and quantitatively (lesion-liver contrast-to-noise ratio). RESULTS AMI-227 enhanced signal in normal liver and blood vessels on T1-weighted images and decreased signal in these tissues on T2-weighted images. Qualitatively and quantitatively, lesion-liver contrast was increased for solid tumors (non-cyst and nonhemangioma) at all three doses (p < .02) on both T1- and T2-weighted images. Differentiation between blood vessels and small lesions was easier on contrast-enhanced images, which allowed increased confidence in excluding lesions. Unique enhancement patterns were noted for hemangiomas, solid tumors, and cysts. CONCLUSION Initial clinical experience suggests that AMI-227 is a useful contrast agent for detection and characterization of focal hepatic lesions.
Phospholipid-anchored and transmembrane versions of either decay- accelerating factor or membrane cofactor protein show equal efficiency in protection from complement-mediated cell damage

Decay-accelerating factor (DAF) is a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein that protects cells from complement- mediated damage by regulation of the C3 convertase. To investigate the role of the GPI anchor in the function of DAF, the cDNA encoding human DAF was expressed by transfection in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Testing of these DAF transfectants in an antibody plus human complement- mediated cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that DAF protects these cells from cytotoxicity, and that the level of protection increases with expression of surface DAF. A cDNA construct encoding a transmembrane version of DAF (DAF-TM) protects CHO transfectants from cytotoxicity with equal efficiency to DAF. This DAF-TM construct used the TM and cytoplasmic domains of membrane cofactor protein (MCP); an alternate TM version of DAF constructed with the TM and cytoplasmic domains of HLA- B44 showed equivalent protection. The protection from cytotoxicity involved a decrease in the deposition of C3 on the cell, consistent with the effect of DAF on the C3 convertase. A second pair of anchor variants, MCP and a GPI-anchored construct, MCP-PI, were also equivalent in their complement protection. The equivalent function of GPI-anchored and TM versions of a protein was not expected based on the hypothesized increased lateral mobility of GPI-anchored proteins, which should confer a functional advantage in contacting ligand, in this case, C3b or C4b, on the cell surface. These data suggest either that GPI-anchored and TM versions of a protein have equal lateral mobility in the membrane, or else that increased lateral mobility is not advantageous to DAF or MCP in carrying out their complement inhibitory roles. Furthermore, DAF and MCP demonstrated approximately equal protection of cells from complement-mediated cytotoxicity, suggesting that DAF and MCP provide overlapping levels of protection to cells against damage mediated by the complement system.
EVIDENCE OF MODULARITY FROM PRIMATE ERRORS DURING TASK LEARNING

The last two decades have seen a great deal of theorising and speculation about the modular nature of human intelligence, as well as a rise in use of modular architectures in artificial intelligence. Nevertheless, whether such models of natural intelligence are well supported is still an issue of debate. In this paper, I propose that the most important criteria for modularity is specialised representations. I present a modular model of primate learning of the transitive inference task, and propose an extension to this model which would explain task-learning results in other domains. I also briefly relate this work to both neuroscience and established AI learning architectures.
Integrating GSTRBAC spatial constraints in X-GTRBAC

In today's pervasive computing environment, access control exploiting spatial and temporal constraints has become imperative for information security. This paper suggests a framework to extend X-GTRBAC to include Generalized Spatio Temporal Role Based Access Control (GSTRBAC) spatial constraint construction and enforcement. This allows X-GTRBAC to exploit topological relationship between locations and provides it with formalism to construct rich spatial constraints. The extension provides X-GTRBAC with spatial role enabling, spatial role activation, spatial user role assignment and spatial role permission assignment capability. Since X-GTRBAC can be deployed across a variety of environments, such as web or heterogeneous, our contribution regarding spatial extension of X-GTRBAC could extend the use of spatial contextual parameters in these areas efficiently.
OntRel: An Ontology Indexer to Store OWL-DL Ontologies and Its Instances

Ontology is one of the most important components of a semantic based information system which provides context to the document. Ontology enables us to capture the semantics of documents. To interpret information and perform reasoning we require storing Ontologies in a way that is correct, consistent, scalable and efficient to retrieve. RDBMS (Relational Database Management Systems) is the most efficient and reliable Data Structure in terms of storage and retrieval. One of the ways is to store Ontologies in RDBMS. OWL is used to represent ontologies. To store OWL documents in RDBMS multiple techniques have been proposed, but they either deal with single ontology or they do not store complete semantics expressed in OWL ontologies which compromise the correct retrieval of the data. Some of the techniques are not really scalable, as the ontology is dynamic and extensible where as the RDBMS schema is not dynamically extensible. So, there is a need to preserve the dynamic OWL documents in the Relational structure in such a way that no data or relationship is lost and advantages of RDBMS are also gained. This paper addresses the issue of storing multiple OWL ontologies in an RDBMS in a way that is correct, consistent, scalable and efficient to retrieve. A relational schema, with the name of OntRel, has been proposed along with a set of rules to populate database from OWL documents. OntRel has been implemented and tested and available as on the web for open use. Finally, we have compared the Load time, Query performance and completeness of OntRel with other indexing techniques using Lehigh University Benchmark (LUBM) and University Ontology Benchmark (UOBM).