Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Continuous Analysis in Extracorporeally Circulating Blood - A Rat Model Applying Flow-Through Ion-Selective Electrodes for the Measurement of Ca2+, K+, Na+ and pH

Abstract A rat model is introduced which enables investigations in anticoagulated blood with continuous measurements by a flow-through electrode system. In the present study, a potentiometric ion-selective electrode (ISE)-system was used for measuring Ca2+, K+, Na+ and pH in rats. The setup was adjusted to an extracorporeal blood-volume of 0.750 ml. This permits indirect measurements of the analytes via a dialysis membrane, with electrical separation of the ISE's and the animal. The flow-rates of blood and dialysis-solution were adjusted in such a way that water diffusing from the aqueous dialysis solution into the blood, across the dialysis membrane, does not alter the haematocrit. Polyethyleneglycol-hirudin was used for anticoagulation, since it was superior to heparin. The assembly enables continuous measurements in the living anaesthetized rat over a time period of at least 3 hours.
A novel vanilloid receptor-1 (VR-1) variant mammalian salt taste receptor.

An amiloride-insensitive (AI) salt taste receptor is the predominant transducer of Na+ taste in some mammalian species. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to characterize the AI-salt taste receptor. The AI-salt taste receptor in rat and mouse fungiform taste receptor cells (TRCs) was activated by the vanilloid receptor-1 (VR-1) agonists, resiniferatoxin (RTX), capsiacin (CAP) and elevated temperature (>38°), and was inhibited by the VR-1 antagonist, SB-366791 (Lyall et al., 2004). VR-1 knockout mice demonstrated no functional AI-salt taste receptor and no salt sensitivity to vanilloids and temperature. We conclude that the AI-salt taste receptor is derived from the VR-1 gene.
Object Detection and Measurement Using Stereo Vision

A method of detecting and measuring objects for the purpose of representing three-dimensional outdoor scenes, using data such as that obtained from stereo vision or from a scanning laser rangefinder, is described. Objects are approximated by ellipsoids. Segmentation of the objects from the background and from each other is done by finding the ground surface, forming a preliminary segmentation by clustering the points above the ground by more than a threshold, fitting ellipsoids to match these clusters and to avoid obscuring the other points, and adjusting the clusters according to the fits. The method is designed to produce results useful for obstacle avoidance and navigation in an exploring vehicle, such as a Mars rover. An example is given showing results obtained from a stereo pair of pictures of Mars from the Viking Lander.
Identification of MEDIATOR 16 as the Arabidopsis COBRA suppressor , MONGOOSE 1

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An integrated surveillance system using RFID and vision-tracking technologies

This paper proposes a new surveillance system that combines the advantages of vision and RFID technologies. The system consists of two major parts: 1 a tracking system that finds the target's position using RFID and vision methods, and then applies static and active cameras to obtain global information and local detailed features of the target; 2 a decision system that first recognises and records the events and then sends orders to other functions to commence further processing. A central data management is employed to allocate resources and assign target priority for the decision system. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed approach can work effectively for tracking the activities of invaders.
Relative contribution of the leukocyte molecules MO1, LFA‐1, and p150,95 (LeuM5) in adhesion of granulocytes and monocytes to vascular endothelium is tissue‐ and stimulus‐specific

Adhesion of human monocytes and granulocytes to vascular endothelium plays an important role in migration of these cells to inflammatory sites in tissues. A family of three human leukocyte heterodimeric surface molecules named Mo1, LFA‐1, and p150,95 (LeuM5) has been shown to mediate leukocyte adhesion to confluent monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVE). The relative contribution of each of the three molecules in leukocyte endothelial adhesion was studied using a variety of stimuli. Purified human granulocytes and monocytes were radiolabelled and incubated with HUVE for 45 minutes in a 37°C humidified 5% CO2 incubator in the presence or absence of subunit‐specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Adhesion was assessed by quantitation of endothelial cell‐associated radioactivity and confirmed by microscopic evaluation. MAbs directed against the alpha subunit of LFA‐1 as well as to the beta subunit common to all three antigens significantly inhibited unstimulated monocyte adhesion to HUVE. Small but significant inhibition was also observed using MAbs directed against Mo1a and p150. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)‐induced grranulocyte adhesion to HUVE was significantly inhibited by anti‐Mo1a and anti‐beta, but not by anti‐LFA‐1a or anti‐p150. When HUVE were prestimulated by recombinant IL‐1, a different pattern of antigen utilization by granulocytes was observed. MAbs directed against each of the three alpha subunits as well as the common beta subunit all inhibited granulocyte adhesion to HUVE. Furthermore the effect of the three anti‐alpha subunit MAbs on granulocyte‐HUVE adhesion was additive. These studies show that relative contribution of Mo1, LFA‐1, and p150,95 to leukocyte endothelial adhesion varies depending on the cell type and the stimulus used. These studies also reveal a novel role for p150,95 in promoting monocyte and granulocyte adhesion to HUVE.
Cardiovascular risk profile in Caribbean youth with diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of diabetes mellitus type on conventional and novel cardiovascular risk factors in patients, diagnosed with diabetes from two major referral hospitals in Jamaica, before age 25 years and with diabetes duration < 6 years. METHODS Participants were classified based on the presence of GAD-65 and IA-2 autoantibodies, C-peptide, leptin and clinical phenotype. Trained observers obtained anthropometric measurements and sitting blood pressure. Fasting blood was taken for glucose, A1c, lipids, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and lipoprotein profile. RESULTS Fifty-eight participants (21M; 37F age 20 +/- 8 [Mean +/- SD] years, diabetes duration 2.6 +/- 2 years) were enrolled. Thirty-six had Type 1 diabetes (T1D), thirteen Type 2 diabetes (T2D), six were not typed and three had lipoatrophic diabetes. Patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) were more obese with a higher systolic blood pressure but a lower A1c than those with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, LDL and HDL particle numbers were similar in patients with T1D and T2D. HDL-cholesterol and LDL and HDL particle sizes were lower in patients with T2D but differences were no longer significant after adjusting for BMI. CONCLUSIONS Risk factors for cardiovascular disease are common in patients with all forms of youth onset diabetes. Clinicians should therefore investigate these risk factors in their patients regardless of diabetes type.
Macrophages and Microglia in Central Nervous System Injury: Are They Helpful or Harmful?

Inflammation has been widely perceived as participating in the etiology of acute and chronic neurodegenerative conditions. Accordingly, in the context of traumatic injuries or chronic neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system (CNS), activated microglia have been viewed as detrimental and attempts have been made to treat both conditions by antiinflammatory therapy. Recent studies have suggested that microglia act as stand-by cells in the service of both the immune and the nervous systems. In the healthy CNS these cells are quiescent, but in the event of injury to axons or cell bodies they exercise their neural function by buffering harmful self-compounds and clearing debris from the damaged site, and their immune function by providing immune-related requirements for recovery. Proper regulation of the inflammatory (autoimmune) response to injury will arrest degeneration and promote regrowth, whereas inappropriate regulation will lead to ongoing degeneration. Regulation is achieved by the operation of a T cell–mediated response directed to abundant self-antigens residing in the damaged site. Since this immune-dependent mechanism was found to protect against glutamate toxicity (a major factor in neurodegenerative disorders), boosting of this response might constitute the basis for development of a therapeutic vaccination against neurodegenerative diseases, all of which exhibit similar pathways and patterns of progression.
Genetic engineering including superseding microinjection: new ways to make GM pigs

Galli C, Perota A, Brunetti D, Lagutina I, Lazzari G, Lucchini F. Genetic engineering including superseding microinjection: new ways to make GM pigs. Xenotransplantation 2010; 17: 397–410. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
The Art of Differentiating Computer Programs - An Introduction to Algorithmic Differentiation

This is the first entry-level book on algorithmic (also known as automatic) differentiation (AD), providing fundamental rules for the generation of first- and higher-order tangent-linear and adjoint code. The author covers the mathematical underpinnings as well as how to apply these observations to real-world numerical simulation programs. Readers will find many examples and exercises, including hints to solutions. Also included are the prototype AD tools dco and dcc for use with the examples and exercises. The derivative code compiler dcc provides first- and higher-order tangent-linear and adjoint modes for a limited subset of C/C++. In addition, readers will have access to a supplementary website containing sources of all software discussed in the book, additional exercises and comments on their solutions (growing over the coming years), links to other sites on AD, and errata. Audience: This book is intended for undergraduate and graduate students in computational science, engineering, and finance as well as applied mathematics and computer science. It will provide researchers and developers at all levels with an intuitive introduction to AD.
A comparative study of single-phase clocked latches using estimation criteria

The advantage of using single-phase clocked circuits in VLSI system design is well known. This class of circuits has the advantage of simple clock distribution, low area for clock routing, reduced clock skew, and high speed. However, it is difficult to compare the characteristics and performance of these circuits, because there are no clear evaluation criteria. Indeed, such criteria are related to the application context and may therefore be misleading when taken out of context. In this paper, we will present a set of criteria which will permit designers to choose the most appropriate circuit in a particular case and therefore, obtain useful results. The proposed criteria will reduce the simulation time and help designers to reach better solutions in less design time. <<ETX>>
Train Operation Traction Energy Calculation and Saving in Urban Rail Transit System

This paper introduced an algorithm which is used to calculate the traction energy consumption in urban rail transit system. The algorithm of traction energy consumption is based on the train speed regulation model recommended by the CBTC (communication-based train control) system. According to the train speed regulation model, ATC (Automatic Train Control) system calculates the train speed status continuously and then sends the current commands to train tracking/braking system. Then the relationship of the train speed status, traction energy and the regenerative braking energy can be established on the specified civil and vehicle situation. With the help of precise calculation of energy consumption, optimized strategy of energy saving can be built.
Inductive Charging Coupler With Assistive Coils

A wireless charging system contains a high-frequency power source, a wireless transformer/coupler, a rectifier, and the load. The wireless transformer/coupler is the key element of the wireless charging system, and the power source and the rectifier design are all dependent on its design. For a two coil type wireless transformer, the maximum efficiency is limited by the coupling coefficient, which rapidly decreases with increasing distance between the primary and secondary coils. The four coil system is widely used in low-power applications, where the maximum power transfer operating point is away from the maximum efficiency point. This paper proposes an inductive charging coupler with small assistive coils, where the high power and maximum efficiency regions overlap.
AFM study of 2D resonators based on Diamond-Like-Carbon

This paper focuses on the study of an ultrathin Diamond-Like-Carbon layer acting as the mobile part of 2D microresonators. To overcome the low electrical conductivity of amorphous carbon, DLC is used in combination with few nanometer-thick metal layers to manufacture 15 to 20 nm thick membranes suspended over 0.8 to 2.3 μm wide trenches. After a description of the experimental means performed on these samples, the measurements of resonance frequencies ranging from 30 MHz to 88 MHz are described. Furthermore, the experimental observation of 2D vibration modes is reported, which opens the path for the development of a new kind of devices.
Human-Aware Task Planning Under Uncertainty in Networked Robot Systems

—This paper presents an approach to task planning under uncertainty. The main goal is to attain optimal human-aware plans, by optimizing an accumulated discounted reward over a ﬁnite time horizon, computed using decision-theoretic methods, and executed by a Networked Robot System (NRS) in an indoor space. A NRS is a network of autonomous robots and other devices that must be capable of selecting and executing their own actions, in the presence of several events occurring in their surrounding environment. Events are detected with different levels of conﬁdence, due to uncertainty in sensing. Robot’s actions have different levels of uncertainty concerning their impact in the world. ROS packages are used to implement actions and perceptions of the NRS. To achieve planning under uncertainty, a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) is applied to a task. POMDPs are a mathematical framework for sequential decision-making in partially observable environments with Markovian transition models and additive rewards. The task developed corresponds to a prevention and safety action where the NRS should be capable of warning humans that they may be moving or staying at a restricted or dangerous location and should not be at that place. Experiments evidence that the model can be used to accomplish the objectives and that it is possible to perform human robot interaction in real world environments.
Robust estimation via stochastic approximation

It has been found that robust estimation of parameters may be obtained via recursive Robbins-Monro-type stochastic approximation (SA) algorithms. For the simple problem of estimating location, appropriate choices for the nonlinear transformation and gain constant of the algorithm lead to an asymptotically min-max robust estimator with respect to a family \mathcal{F} (y_p,p) of symmetrical distributions having the same mass p outside [-y_p,y_p], 0 . This estimator, referred to as the p -point estimator (PPE), has the additional striking property that the asymptotic variance is constant over the family \mathcal{F}(Y_p,p) . The PPE is also efficiency robust in large samples. Monte Carlo results indicate that small sample robustness may be obtained using both one-stage and two-stage procedures. The good small-sample results are obtained in the one-stage procedure by using an adaptive gain sequence, which is intuitively appealing as well as theoretically justifiable. Some possible extension of the SA approach are given for the problem of estimating a vector parameter. In addition, some aspects of the relationship between SA-type estimators and Huber's M -estimators are given.
An enhanced general fuzzy min-max neural network for classification

This paper proposes the enhanced general fuzzy min-max neural network (EGFM) classification model to perform supervised classification of data. The aim is to overcome a number of limitations of the general fuzzy min-max neural network (GFMM) and improve its classification performance. New hyperbox expansion, overlap and contraction rules proposed in enhanced fuzzy min-max (EFMM) neural network algorithm are used to improve the GFMM learning algorithm. The proposed EGFM classifier is mainly a merging of GFMM and EFMM classifiers to overcome some unidentified cases of hyperboxes overlap and consequent contraction problems in some regions. Accuracy and efficiency of EGFM classifier are evaluated using different standard datasets taken from UCI machine learning repository and the results are better than those from GFMM classifier.
Key to Trading Profits – Matching the Probability Distribution of a Contract with an Appropriate Mechanical Trading Strategy

Most research on technical trading strategies had centred only on testing the efficacy of common trading rules applied to various contracts. Other research on the implications of moments of distribution tends to concentrate on asset or portfolio valuation perspective as opposed to trading rules. Given the controversy surrounding the usefulness of mechanical trading strategies per se, this paper seeks to match the distribution of a contract with an appropriate trading rule to determine the profitability or lack thereof of such an approach. We tested this approach using Light Sweet Crude Oil futures for the period 1994 – 2008. On the whole, our results strongly support the approach employed. We also tested the results against the weak form EMH and found that there may be some non randomness in prices that one can exploit with the use of mechanical trading methods.
Maintenance of a microparasite infecting several host species: rabies in the Serengeti

SUMMARY Whether and how microparasites such as rabies persist in their host populations are among the fundamental questions of infectious disease epidemiology. Rabies is a fatal disease of all mammalian species, but not all mammalian species can maintain the infection as reservoirs. The approach to control depends on which of the affected species do act as reservoirs. Bringing together old and new data, we examine here the role of wild and domestic animals in maintaining rabies in the Serengeti region of Tanzania, presenting our findings in two parts. In Part I, we argue that domestic dogs are the likely reservoirs because: (1) rabies has been continuously present in the dog population since its (re)introduction in 1977, whilst (2) wildlife cases have been very rare over this period, despite intensive study of Serengeti carnivores; (3) outbreaks of rabies in wild canids (jackals) elsewhere in Africa (Zimbabwe) have followed, rather than preceded, outbreaks in the dog population; (4) all viruses isolated from wild carnivores in the Serengeti ecosystem (including the Kenyan Masai Mara) are antigenically and genetically indistinguishable from the typical domestic dog Strain; (5) dog rabies control in the Serengeti between 1958–77 apparently eliminated the disease from both dogs and wildlife. Having identified dogs as reservoirs, Part II explores some possible mechanisms of maintenance in dog populations. In theory, infection is more likely to be maintained at higher dog densities, and we provide evidence that rabies is maintained in one district with a dog density > 5/km2, but not in two other districts with densities < 1/km2. Because 5 dogs/km2 is much lower than the expected density required for persistence, we go on to investigate the role of atypical infections, showing: (1) from serology, that a substantial proportion of healthy dogs in the Serengeti have detectable serum levels of rabies-specific antibody; (2) from mathematical models that, whilst we cannot be sure what seropositivity means, persistence in low-density dog populations is more likely if seropositives are infectious carriers, rather than slow-incubators or immunes.
Cable-in-Conduit Dipoles to Enable a Future Hadron Collider

We report the development of a new approach to dipole technology, based upon cable-in-conduit conductor, that optimizes the cost and performance for a future ultimate-energy hadron collider. Optimization of cost for an ultimate-energy hadron collider is dominated by the strong dependence of magnet cost and synchrotron radiation power upon the dipole field strength. Assuming that the collider is built at a site with minimum tunnel cost, the projected total project cost is minimum for a ∼4 T dipole field. We present a novel option in which the double-ring of magnets is housed in a circular pipeline, submerged with neutral buoyancy at a depth ∼100 m in the sea. Such a collider inscribed in the Gulf of Mexico would provide hadron collisions at 500-TeV energy with a luminosity of 5 × 1035 cm−2s−1. We describe here the design of the dipole and of the pipeline cryostat that would contain it.
Determination of rumen microbial-nitrogen production in sheep: a comparison of urinary purine excretion with methods using 15N and purine bases as markers of microbial-nitrogen entering the duodenum

The present study compares estimates of rumen microbial-N production derived from duodenal flow measurements (15N and purine bases) with those from measurements of the urinary excretion of purine derivatives. Four Rasa Aragonesa ewes fitted with simple cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used. Four diets consisting of 550 g lucerne (Medicago sativa) hay/d as sole feed or supplemented with 220, 400 and 550 g rolled barley grain/d were given in a 4 x 4 random factorial arrangement. Duodenal digesta flows were determined by the dual-phase marker technique during continuous intraruminal infusions of Co-EDTA and Yb-acetate. Microbial contribution to the non-NH3N (NAN)flow was estimated from 15N enrichment and purines: N ratio in duodenal digesta and bacterial fractions isolated from the rumen content. Whole tract organic matter (OM) digestibility and duodenal flow of OM and NAN increased (P<0·001) with the level of barley supplementation. Digestible OM intake ranged from 19·0 to 42·7 g/kg metabolic weight (W0·75) and the duodenal flow of purine bases and the urinary excretion of allantoin increased Linearly (P < 0·001) from minimum values of 7·47 (SD 1·524)and 4·65 (SD 0·705) mmol/d respectively on the basal diet to 18·20 (SD 1·751) and 11·62 (SD 0·214) mmol/d on the 400 g barley diet; a further increase in barley supplementation decreased both variables (13/50 (SD 2/334) and 8/77 (SD 0/617) mmol/d respectively). Urinary excretion of uric acid and hypoxanthine showed a slight but significant increase (P < 0·05) over all levels of barley. Molar recoveries of duodenal purine bases as purine derivatives or allantoin in the urine were 0·78 (SD 0·156) and 0·65 (SD 0·130) respectively. The increase on barley supplementation significantly augmented microbial-N, but large differences between microbial markers employed were observed. Mean values of microbial-N estimated from the duodenal purine bases or urinary allantoin excretion were on average 18 and 29% lower than those measured by 15N.