Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alveolar Epithelial Type I Cells Express β2-Adrenergic Receptors and G-protein Receptor Kinase 2

β2-Adrenergic agonists stimulate alveolar epithelial sodium (Na+) transport and lung fluid clearance. Alveolar type II (AT2) cells have been reported to express β2-adrenergic receptors (β2AR). Given the large surface area covered by alveolar type I (AT1) cells and their potential role in alveolar fluid removal, we were interested in learning if AT1 cells express β2AR as well. Because β2AR is potentially susceptible to desensitization by G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2), we also undertook localization of GRK2. β2AR and GRK2 expression was evaluated in whole lung, isolated alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), and AECs in primary culture, and was localized to specific AEC phenotypes by immunofluorescence techniques. β2AR is highly expressed in AT1 cells. β2AR mRNA increases with time in culture as AT2 cells transdifferentiate towards the AT1 cell phenotype. Immunoreactive GRK2 is seen in both AT1 and AT2 cells in similar amounts. These data suggest that both AT1 and AT2 cells may contribute to the increased alveolar Na+ and water clearance observed after exposure to β2 adrenergic agents. Both cell types also express GRK2, suggesting that both may undergo desensitization of β2AR with subsequent decline in the stimulatory effects of β2-adrenergic agonists over time.
Hepatic steatosis estimated microscopically versus digital image analysis

Evaluate in liver biopsies: (i) interobserver agreement of estimates of fat proportionate area (eFPA) and steatosis grading, (ii) the relationship between steatosis grades and measured fat proportionate area (mFPA, digital image analysis), (iii) the accuracy of eFPA, (iv) to present images to aid standardization and accuracy of eFPA.
Blue-Light- and Phosphorylation-Dependent Binding of a 14-3-3 Protein to Phototropins in Stomatal Guard Cells of Broad Bean1

Phototropins are blue-light (BL) receptor serine (Ser)/threonine kinases, and contain two light, oxygen, and voltage (LOV) domains, and are members of the PAS domain superfamily. They mediate phototropism, chloroplast movement, leaf expansion, and stomatal opening of higher plants in response to BL. In stomatal guard cells, genetic analysis has revealed that phototropins mediate activation of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase by phosphorylation and drive stomatal opening. However, biochemical evidence for the involvement of phototropins in the BL response of stomata is lacking. Using guard cell protoplasts, we showed that broad bean (Vicia faba) phototropins (Vfphots) were phosphorylated by BL, and that this phosphorylation of Vfphots reached to the maximum level earlier than that of the H+-ATPase. Phosphorylation of both Vfphots and H+-ATPase showed similar sensitivity to BL and were similarly suppressed by protein kinase and flavoprotein inhibitors. We found that a 14-3-3 protein was bound to Vfphots upon phosphorylation, and this binding occurred earlier than the H+-ATPase phosphorylation. Vfphots (Vfphot1a and Vfphot1b) were expressed in Escherichia coli, and phosphorylation sites were determined to be Ser-358 for Vfphot1a and Ser-344 for Vfphot1b, which are localized between LOV1 and LOV2. We conclude that Vfphots act as BL receptors in guard cells and that phosphorylation of a Ser residue between LOV1 and LOV2 and subsequent 14-3-3 protein binding are likely to be key steps of BL response in stomata. The binding of a 14-3-3 protein to Vfphot was found in etiolated seedlings and leaves in response to BL, suggesting that this event was common to phototropin-mediated responses.
Happiness as an intrinsic motivator in reinforcement learning

Reinforcement learning, a general and universally useful framework for learning from experience, has been broadly recognized as a critically important concept for understanding and shaping adaptive behavior, both in ethology and in artificial intelligence. A key component in reinforcement learning is the reward function, which, according to an emerging consensus, should be intrinsic to the learning agent and a matter of appraisal rather than a simple reflection of external outcomes. We describe an approach to intrinsically motivated reinforcement learning that involves various aspects of happiness, operationalized as dynamic estimates of well-being. In four experiments, in which simulated agents learned to explore and forage in simulated environments, we show that agents whose reward function properly balances momentary (hedonic) and longer-term (eudaimonic) well-being outperform agents equipped with standard fitness-oriented reward functions. Our findings suggest that happiness-based features can be useful in developing robust, general-purpose reward mechanisms for intrinsically motivated autonomous agents.
Public news flow in intraday component models for trading activity and volatility

Understanding the determinants of, and forecasting asset return volatility are crucial issues in many financial applications. Many earlier studies have considered the impact of trading activity and news arrivals on volatility. This paper develops a range of intraday component models for volatility and order flow that include the impact of news arrivals. Estimates of the conditional mean of order flow, taking into account news flow are included in models ofvolatility providing a superior in-sample fit. At a 1-minute frequency, it is found that first generating forecasts of order flow which are then included in forecasts of volatility leads to superior day-ahead forecasts of volatility. While including overnight news arrivals directly into models for volatility improves in-sample fit, this approach produces inferior forecasts.
Transcriptional Analysis of the Rubrerythrin and Superoxide Dismutase Genes of Clostridium perfringens

ABSTRACT We cloned and sequenced a 2.7-kb fragment of chromosomal DNA fromClostridium perfringens containing the superoxide dismutase-encoding gene, sod. Previously, rubrerythrin fromC. perfringens had been isolated and its gene (rbr) had been cloned (Y. Lehmann, L. Meile, and M. Teuber, J. Bacteriol. 178:7152–7158, 1996). Northern blot experiments revealed a length of approximately 800 bases for each transcript ofrbr and sod of C. perfringens. Thus, rbr and sod each represent a monocistronic operon. Their transcription start points were located by primer extension analyses. sod transcription was shown to depend on the growth phase, and it reached a maximum during the transition from log phase to stationary phase. Neither sodnor rbr transcription was influenced by oxidative stress.
TLR4/MyD88/PI3K interactions regulate TLR4 signaling

TLRs activate immune responses by sensing microbial structures such as bacterial LPS, viral RNA, and endogenous “danger” molecules released by damaged host cells. MyD88 is an adapter protein that mediates signal transduction for most TLRs and leads to activation of NF‐κB and MAPKs and production of proinflammatory cytokines. TLR4‐mediated signaling also leads to rapid activation of PI3K, one of a family of kinases involved in regulation of cell growth, apoptosis, and motility. LPS stimulates phosphorylation of Akt, a downstream target of PI3K, in wild‐type (WT) mouse macrophages. LPS‐induced phosphorylation of Akt serine 473 was blunted in MyD88−/− macrophages and was completely TLR4‐dependent. MyD88 and p85 were shown previously to co‐immunoprecipitate, and a YXXM motif within the Toll‐IL‐1 resistance (TIR) domain of MyD88 was suggested to be important for this interaction. To test this hypothesis, we compared expressed MyD88 variants with mutations within the YXXM motif or lacking the TIR domain or death domain and measured their capacities to bind PI3K p85, MyD88, and TLR4 by co‐immunoprecipitation analyses. The YXXM → YXXA mutant MyD88 bound more strongly to p85, TLR4, and WT MyD88 than the other variants, yet was significantly less active than WT MyD88, suggesting that sustained interaction of MyD88/PI3K with the TLR4 intracellular “signaling platform” negatively regulates signaling. We propose a hypothetical model in which sustained PI3K activity at the membrane limits the availability of the PI3K substrate, thereby negatively regulating signaling.
Complex behaviour and predictability of the European dry spell regimes

Abstract. The complex spatial and temporal characteristics of European dry spell lengths, DSL, (sequences of consecutive days with rainfall amount below a certain threshold) and their randomness and predictive instability are analysed from daily pluviometric series recorded at 267 rain gauges along the second half of the 20th century. DSL are obtained by considering four thresholds, R0, of 0.1, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mm/day. A proper quantification of the complexity, randomness and predictive instability of the different DSL regimes in Europe is achieved on the basis of fractal analyses and dynamic system theory, including the reconstruction theorem. First, the concept of lacunarity is applied to the series of daily rainfall, and the lacunarity curves are well fitted to Cantor and random Cantor sets. Second, the rescaled analysis reveals that randomness, persistence and anti-persistence are present on the European DSL series. Third, the complexity of the physical process governing the DSL series is quantified by the minimum number of nonlinear equations determined by the correlation dimension. And fourth, the loss of memory of the physical process, which is one of the reasons for the complex predictability, is characterized by the values of the Kolmogorov entropy, and the predictive instability is directly associated with positive Lyapunov exponents. In this way, new bases for a better prediction of DSLs in Europe, sometimes leading to drought episodes, are established. Concretely, three predictive strategies are proposed in Sect. 5. It is worth mentioning that the spatial distribution of all fractal parameters does not solely depend on latitude and longitude but also reflects the effects of orography, continental climate or vicinity to the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans and Mediterranean Sea.
Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Disease

This review, based on prospective epidemiological studies, indicates the existence of a dose-response relationship between physical activity and coronary heart disease (CHD), which is linear at least up to a certain level of activity. Leisure time physical activity is associated with about a 30-50% reduction in risk of CHD. The benefit of leisure-time physical activity is seen in both men and women, in middle-aged and older subjects and in men with established CHD. Several mechanisms, which could contribute to the protective effect of physical activity on CHD have been identified. Prospective studies suggest that physical activity is also associated with reduced risk of stroke. Overall, the evidence points to the benefit of continued regular moderate physical activity which does not need to be vigorous or sporting, and includes activities such as walking or gardening, readily attainable by large sections of the population. Current evidence supports the recommended guidelines of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week in both primary and secondary prevention of CHD.
Single Sensor Path Design for Best Emitter Localization via Convex Optimization

We consider the design of a single moving sensor trajectory for the purpose of optimally localizing a stationary emitter based on time-of-arrival measurements, which are deteriorated by oscillator instability. The localization error covariance matrix is predicted by the Cramér–Rao bound. In order to optimize the localization, we propose the minimization of the largest eigenvalue of the bound matrix, or, equivalently, the maximization of the smallest eigenvalue of the associated Fisher information matrix. Two different cases are discussed. In the first case, a pre-mission path design is considered where the path is optimized for locating an emitter in the vicinity of a postulated location. In the second case, the path is designed in real time, as the sensor moves, using measurements collected online. Using robust optimization methods, the best next way-point is chosen, considering the uncertainty in the emitter location. Constraints rising from speed and maneuvering limitations, and restricted regions are treated. Since these optimization problems are non-convex, we use semi-definite relaxation. We demonstrate that in many scenarios, the proposed algorithms yield near optimal results.
Epigenetic inactivation of microRNA gene hsa‐mir‐9‐1 in human breast cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a new class of small non‐coding RNAs regulating gene expression by inducing RNA degradation or interfering with translation. Aberrant miRNA expression has been described for several human malignancies and tumour suppressor functions have been ascribed to this new class of small regulatory RNAs. Accordingly, inactivation due to deletion or mutation has been found in human malignancies. Here, we describe the role of aberrant hypermethylation as an additional mechanism for miRNA gene inactivation in human breast cancer. Aberrant hypermethylation was shown for mir‐9‐1, mir‐124a3, mir‐148, mir‐152, and mir‐663 in 34–86% of cases in a series of 71 primary human breast cancer specimens. For comprehensive methylation analysis, combined bisulphite restriction analysis, bisulphite sequencing, and Pyrosequencing™ were employed. miRNA gene hypermethylation correlated strongly with methylation of known tumour suppressor genes (p = 0.003). After treatment of various breast cancer cell lines with the demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine, reduction of mir‐9‐1 gene methylation and concomitant reactivation of expression could be observed. For the mir‐9‐1 gene, which is already hypermethylated in pre‐invasive intraductal lesions, a good correlation between quantitative methylation level and reduction of expression could be demonstrated in a subset of primary human breast cancer specimen (r = 0.8). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that various microRNA genes are also affected by epigenetic inactivation due to aberrant hypermethylation and that this is an early and frequent event in breast cancer development. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous Spectrophotometric Estimation of Nitazoxanide and Ofloxacin in Tablets

Two simple, accurate and precise spectrophotometric methods have been developed for simultaneous determination of nitazoxanide and ofloxacin in tablets. Method I is Q-absorbance ratio method which involves Q-absorbance at isobestic point (306.25 nm) and max (347.5 nm) of nitazoxanide, while method II is two wavelength method, where 244.6 nm and 273.0 nm were selected as 1 and 2 for determination of nitazoxanide and 294.3 nm and 388.1 nm were selected as 3 and 4 for determination of ofloxacin. Both drugs obeyed the Beer's law in the concentration range 2-30 μg/ml,correlation coefficient (r2<1). Both methods were validated statistically and recovery studies were carried out to confirm the accuracy. Commercial tablet formulation was successfully analyzed using the developed methods.
The Diffusion of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Technology at Illinois Farmers’ Markets: Measuring the Perceived Attributes of the Innovation

ABSTRACT This study examined Illinois farmers’ market managers’ perception of the electronic benefit transfer system (EBT) using the theory of diffusion of innovation. The previous conversion of food stamps to EBT made it difficult for low-income populations to access fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets. Currently, 24% of farmers markets in the United States offer EBT services. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of EBT technology to better understand how these attributes were affecting the rate of its diffusion at Illinois farmers’ markets. Factor analysis revealed 5 factors explaining 74.74% of the variance. Complexity, relative advantage, and trialability were found to be significant predictors of EBT adoption. Farmers’ market managers may be more willing to adopt EBT when it is less complex, when they perceive it as better than the previous food stamps, and when they have a chance to try it before adopting.
Comparison of 40 and 60 milliliters of contrast in assessment of the carotid artery by computed tomography angiography

Background: Although fast acquisition of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) can make it possible to acquire sufficient early vascular enhancement using small volumes and high concentrations of contrast material (CM), there are still some problems with nephrotoxicity and costs related to CM. Purpose: To compare the qualitative and quantitative performance in cervicocranial CT angiography (CTA) using two different iodine volumes and concentrations of CM. Material and Methods: CTA ranging from the aortic arch (AA) to distal to the circle of Willis (cW) was performed on a 32-MDCT system. Fifty-eight patients were randomly divided into two groups: group A (29 patients) received 60 ml of 300 mg I/ml CM, and group B (the other 29 patients) received 40 ml of 370 mg I/ml CM. Time to peak arterial enhancement at cW (Tc) was calculated. As scan speed was 96.9 mm/s and injection rate was 4.0 ml/s, scanning delay was individually decided according to Tc and scan duration between AA and cW. Arterial attenuation along the z-axis at eight points in the carotid-cerebral artery and venous attenuation of the internal jugular vein (IJV) at carotid bifurcation were measured. Mean attenuation values were then quantitatively analyzed. Postprocessing images were qualitatively assessed. Results: Arterial attenuation profiles revealed maximum attenuation at the distal common carotid artery in both groups. Although there were no significant differences in mean arterial attenuation in group A versus group B (402±70 HU vs. 407±67 HU; P=0.78), venous attenuation of the IJV was lower in group B than in group A (114±57 HU vs. 224±81 HU; P<0.001). Although arterial images demonstrated no difference qualitatively between the two groups, the venous contamination of IVC was less prominent in group B. Conclusion: Although a different amount of CM was administered in both groups, quantitative and qualitative arterial images did not show significant differences between the two groups.
Effects of ionospheric scintillation on differential demodulation of GPS data

Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers that must operate under fading propagation conditions can use differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) and reference bits to reliably demodulate GPS data. The demodulation performance of such receivers is analyzed for nonfading and Rayleigh fading channels. Theoretical results derived here are compared with measured error rates taken during scintillation testing of a prototype GPS/DPSK receiver.
Molecular typing of Escherichia coli O157[ratio ]H7 (H−) isolates from cattle in Japan

A total of 77 Escherichia coli O157[ratio ]H7 (H−) isolates from cattle in Japan were investigated by molecular biological methods. Most of these isolates (43 isolates) possessed the stx2 gene, but not stx1. Fifteen bacteriophage types and 50 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles were observed. One isolate was indistinguishable from the human outbreak strain by these methods. This indicates that cattle must be considered as a possible source of human E. coli O157[ratio ]H7 infection in Japan.
First-person activity recognition with C3D features from optical flow images

This paper proposes new features extracted from images derived from optical flow, for first-person activity recognition. Features from convolutional neural network (CNN), which is designed for 2D images, attract attention from computer vision researchers due to its powerful discrimination capability, and recently a convolutional neural network for videos, called C3D (Convolutional 3D), was proposed. Generally CNN / C3D features are extracted directly from original images / videos with pre-trained convolutional neural network, since the network was trained with images / videos. In this paper, on the other hand, we propose the use of images derived from optical flow (we call this image as "optical flow image") as input images into the pre-trained neural network, based on the following reasons; (i) optical flow images give dynamic information which is useful for activity recognition, compared with original images, which give only static information, and (ii) the pre-trained network has chance to extract features with reasonable discrimination capability, since the network was trained with huge amount of images from big categories. We carry out experiments with a dataset named "DogCentric Activity Dataset", and we show the effectiveness of the extracted features.
Impact of Cu contacts on front-end performance: a projection towards 22nm node

In this paper, we investigate the impact of replacing tungsten (W) by a Cu-based contact module. Our experiments show that a 50% reduction in contact resistance can be obtained. This is attributed to both the choice of barrier as well as filling material. An increased drive current is measured on narrow transistors with single contacts. The intrinsic gate oxide reliability is not compromised. Results on demonstrator ring oscillator structures show how the parasitic contribution to the transistor series resistance will increasingly impact circuit delay and power dissipation upon scaling. Cu is presented as a viable solution to postpone these effects by at least one node
On the backward refinement in video coding

Nowadays, most of the video coding standards are based on the hybrid coding framework, whose information theoretic model was studied by Viswanathan and Berger more than ten years ago. The theoretic model, now known as the sequential coding model, abstracts consecutive frames as correlated random variables. Even the most efficient High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard can be roughly described by this sequential coding model. Searching for methods and algorithms which can improve the coding efficiency of HEVC is an attractive yet formidable task. In this paper, we propose a sequential coding model with backward refinement (BR). In this modified sequential coding model, after each frame is reconstructed, it can be backward refined by the frames encoded afterwards. Note that the proposed BR model does not depend on the coding tools and thus can be implemented on any current video coding standard. So, using this BR model, we can further improve the coding efficiency of any video coding standard, with only slight modification of the coding structure. Theoretical analysis is given on the performance of the BR model. We also propose a BR algorithm for the practical purpose, which is implemented on the HEVC standard. Experiment results show a maximum of 2.2% BD-rate saving compared with original HEVC codec.