Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laser-induced Luminescence Technique for the Simultaneous Measurement of Local Film Thickness and Temperature Distribution in Thin Wavy Liquid Films

Heat transfer in falling liquid film systems is enhanced by waviness. Comprehension of the underlying kinetic phenomena requires experimental data of the temperature field with high spatiotemporal resolution. Therefore a non-invasive measuring method based on luminescence indicators is developed. It is used to determine the temperature distribution and the local film thickness simultaneously. Results are presented for the temperature distribution measurement in a laminar-wavy water film with a liquid side Reynolds number of 126 flowing down a heated plane with an inclination angle of 2. The measured temperature distributions are used to calculate the local heat transfer coefficient for solitary waves at two positions in flow direction. Key-Words: falling film, wave induced enhancement of heat transfer, local heat transfer coefficient
Desensitization of Mouse Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Channels

The rate constants of acetylcholine receptor channels (AChR) desensitization and recovery were estimated from the durations and frequencies of clusters of single-channel currents. Diliganded-open AChR desensitize much faster than either unliganded- or diliganded-closed AChR, which indicates that the desensitization rate constant depends on the status of the activation gate rather than the occupancy of the transmitter binding sites. The desensitization rate constant does not change with the nature of the agonist, the membrane potential, the species of permeant cation, channel block by ACh, the subunit composition (ε or γ), or several mutations that are near the transmitter binding sites. The results are discussed in terms of cyclic models of AChR activation, desensitization, and recovery. In particular, a mechanism by which activation and desensitization are mediated by two distinct, but interrelated, gates in the ion permeation pathway is proposed.
A visibility improvement technique for fog images suitable for real-time application

Cameras used in outdoor scenes require high visibility performance under various environmental conditions. We present a visibility improvement technique which can improve the visibility of images captured in bad weather such as fog and haze, and also applicable to real-time processing in surveillance cameras and vehicle cameras. Our algorithm enhances contrast pixel by pixel according to the brightness and sharpness of neighboring pixels. In order to reduce computational costs, we preliminarily specify the adaptive functions which determine contrast gain from brightness and sharpness of neighboring pixels. We optimize these functions using the sets of fog images and examine how well they can predict the fog-degraded area using both qualitative and quantitative assessment. We demonstrate that our method can prevent excessive correction to the area without fog to suppress noise amplification in sky or shadow region, while applying powerful correction to the fog-degraded area. In comparison with other real-time oriented methods, our method can reproduce clear-day visibility while preserving gradation in shadows and highlights and also preserving naturalness of the original image. Our algorithm with low computational costs can be compactly implemented on hardware and thus applicable to wide-range of video equipments for the purpose of visibility improvement in surveillance cameras, vehicle cameras, and displays.
Cloning, expression, and characterization of the icd gene in the immI operon of bacteriophage P1

The immI operon of P1 contains the genes c4, icd (formerly called orfx), and ant which are constitutively transcribed in that order from a single promoter, P51b. C4 is an antisense RNA which is processed from the precursor transcript. C4 RNA acts as a translational repressor of icd, thereby also inhibiting antirepressor (ant) synthesis. We have cloned the icd and the overlapping icd and ant genes. We show, by means of plasmid deletion analysis, that icd is translationally coupled to ant. An internal in-frame deletion of icd making up 65% of the codons still allows antirepressor synthesis at a reduced rate, indicating that a functionally active icd gene product is dispensable for ant expression. We identify the product of the icd gene as a 7.3-kDa protein which interferes with cell division. The results suggest that constitutive expression of icd, in the absence of a functionally active antirepressor, prevents P1 lysogen formation because of its detrimental effect on the host cell.
Effects of age and expertise on tactile learning in humans

Repetitive tactile stimulation is a well‐established tool for inducing somatosensory cortical plasticity and changes in tactile perception. Previous studies have suggested that baseline performance determines the amount of stimulation‐induced learning differently in specific populations. Older adults with lower baseline performance than young adults, but also experts, with higher baseline performance than non‐experts of the same age, have been found to profit most from such interventions. This begs the question of how age‐related and expertise‐related differences in tactile learning are reflected in neurophysiological correlates. In two experiments, we investigated how tactile learning depends on age (experiment 1) and expertise (experiment 2). We assessed tactile spatial and temporal discrimination accuracy and event‐related potentials (ERPs) in 57 persons of different age and expertise groups before and after a 30‐min tactile stimulation intervention. The intervention increased accuracy in temporal (found in experiment 1) and spatial (found in experiment 2) discrimination. Experts improved more than non‐experts in spatial discrimination. Lower baseline performance was associated with higher learning gain in experts and non‐experts. After the intervention, P300 latencies were reduced in young adults and amplitudes were increased in late middle‐aged adults in the temporal discrimination task. Experts showed a steeper P300 parietal‐to‐frontal gradient after the stimulation. We demonstrated that tactile stimulation partially reverses the age‐related decline in late middle‐aged adults and increases processing speed in young adults. We further showed that learning gain depends on baseline performance in both non‐experts and experts. In experts, however, the upper limit for learning seems to be shifted to a higher level.
Novel Interaction between Laccase and Cellobiose Dehydrogenase during Pigment Synthesis in the White Rot Fungus Pycnoporus cinnabarinus

ABSTRACT When glucose is the carbon source, the white rot fungusPycnoporus cinnabarinus produces a characteristic red pigment, cinnabarinic acid, which is formed by laccase-catalyzed oxidation of the precursor 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid. When P. cinnabarinus was grown on media containing cellobiose or cellulose as the carbon source, the amount of cinnabarinic acid that accumulated was reduced or, in the case of cellulose, no cinnabarinic acid accumulated. Cellobiose-dependent quinone reducing enzymes, the cellobiose dehydrogenases (CDHs), inhibited the redox interaction between laccase and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid. Two distinct proteins were purified from cellulose-grown cultures of P. cinnabarinus; these proteins were designated CDH I and CDH II. CDH I and CDH II were both monomeric proteins and had apparent molecular weights of about 81,000 and 101,000, respectively, as determined by both gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The pI values were approximately 5.9 for CDH I and 3.8 for CDH II. Both CDHs used several known CDH substrates as electron acceptors and specifically adsorbed to cellulose. Only CDH II could reduce cytochrome c. The optimum pH values for CDH I and CDH II were 5.5 and 4.5, respectively. In in vitro experiments, both enzymes inhibited laccase-mediated formation of cinnabarinic acid. Oxidation intermediates of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid served as endogenous electron acceptors for the two CDHs from P. cinnabarinus. These results demonstrated that in the presence of a suitable cellulose-derived electron donor, CDHs can regenerate fungal metabolites oxidized by laccase, and they also supported the hypothesis that CDHs act as links between cellulolytic and ligninolytic pathways.
Morpho-anatomical differentiation of Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort. 1827. (Chenopodiaceae) populations from inland and maritime saline area

Morphological analysis of four populations of Suaeda maritima was undertaken in order to examine the variation between populations from inland and maritime saline area, as well as between the two subspecies. Variability and significance of morpho-anatomical differentiation were examined using principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant component analysis (DCA) and cluster analysis. Plants of each population exhibited halomorphic and xeromorphic characteristics. The results of PCA and DCA showed that S. maritima subsp. prostrata and S. maritima subsp. maritima could be clearly separated based on their quantitative anatomical characteristics. Based on our analysis, climate and the amount of salt and ions in the soil, are important factors that enhance the adaptive potential of S. maritima.
Associations of maternal and adolescent religiosity and spirituality with adolescent alcohol use in Chile: Implications for social work practice

To inform social work practice with adolescents who may consume alcohol, we examined if alcohol use among Chilean adolescents varied as a function of their mothers’ and their own religiosity and spirituality. Data were from 787 Chilean adolescents and their mothers. Adolescent spirituality was a protective factor against more deleterious alcohol use. Parental monitoring and alcohol using opportunities mediated the associations. The practice of religious behaviors by themselves without meaningful faith were not associated with alcohol use among adolescents. Implications for social work practice are discussed.
Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the U.S. Working Population: An Analysis of Data from the 1997–2004 National Health Interview Survey

To estimate the prevalence and the population attributable fraction of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the U.S. adult workers, we analyzed data obtained from the National Health Interview Surveys for the period 1997–2004. The overall COPD prevalence was 4.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9–4.1%). The prevalence was higher in females (5.4%, 95% CI 5.3–5.6%) than in males (2.8%, 95% CI 2.7–2.9%); in Whites (4.2%, 95% CI 4.1–4.3%) than in Blacks (3.4%, 95% CI 3.1–3.7%) and other races (2.4%, 95% CI 2.1–2.8%). Compared with insurance, real estate and other finance industry, the top three industries associated with significantly higher prevalence odds ratios (PORs) (adjusted for age, sex, race, and smoking) were other educational services (POR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.3); transportation equipment (POR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.8); and social services, religious and membership organizations (POR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.7). Compared with managers and administrators, except public administration occupation, the top three occupations with significantly higher PORs were health service (1.8, 95% CI 1.5–2.1), other protective service (POR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.2), and material moving equipment operators (POR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.3). The overall population attributable fraction for association of COPD with employment was 12.2% for industry and 17.4% for occupation. Further studies are needed to determine specific risk factors associated with COPD in industries and occupations with elevated prevalence and POR.
Probabilistic secretion of quanta from nerve terminals in avian ciliary ganglia modulated by adenosine.

1. The effects of adenosine on the probability of secretion of acetylcholine quanta and on presynaptic and postsynaptic action potentials was examined in the post‐hatched avian ciliary ganglion. 2. Adenosine (20 microM) reduced the average size of the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) by 33%. This was due to a decrease in quantal content of the EPSP (m). The effect was blocked by theophylline (50 microM). 3. Adenosine deaminase (2.5 i.u./ml) increased the size of the EPSP by 70%, suggesting that endogenous adenosine modulates synaptic transmission in the ciliary ganglion. However, theophylline (20‐100 microM) did not affect the EPSP in a low [Ca2+]o of 1 mM and high [Mg2+]o of 6 mM. 4. Plateau‐type action potentials with a large calcium component were generated in the ciliary neurones by bathing the ganglion in tetraethylammonium ions (TEA, 10 mM). Adenosine (20 microM) reduced the duration of these action potentials on short exposures (less than 20 min) but increased the duration on longer exposure (greater than 30 min). Adenosine did not affect the normal action potential recorded in the absence of TEA. 5. Adenosine (20 microM) hyperpolarized the nerve terminal and as a consequence increased the size of the presynaptic action potential and reduced its after‐hyperpolarization. 6. Plateau‐type action potentials with a large calcium component were generated in the nerve terminals using TEA (10 mM). The duration of these action potentials was significantly reduced by adenosine (20 microM). 7. Adenosines action on nerve terminals, to hyperpolarize the membrane and reduce calcium influx, may contribute to its effect in reducing m of the EPSP.
Oral Delivery of Meglumine Antimoniate-β-Cyclodextrin Complex for Treatment of Leishmaniasis

ABSTRACT The need for daily parenteral administration represents one of the most serious limitations in the clinical use of pentavalent antimonials against leishmaniasis. In this work, we investigated the ability of β-cyclodextrin to enhance the oral absorption of antimony and to promote the oral efficacy of meglumine antimoniate against experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis. The occurrence of interactions between β-cyclodextrin and meglumine antimoniate was demonstrated through the changes induced in the spin lattice relaxation times of protons in both compounds. When free and complexed meglumine antimoniate were given orally to Swiss mice, plasma antimony levels were found to be about three times higher for the meglumine antimoniate-β-cyclodextrin complex than for the free drug. Antileishmanial efficacy was evaluated in BALB/c mice experimentally infected with Leishmania amazonensis. Animals treated daily with the complex (32 mg of Sb/kg of body weight) by the oral route developed significantly smaller lesions than those treated with meglumine antimoniate (120 mg of Sb/kg) and control animals (treated with saline). The effectiveness of the complex given orally was equivalent to that of meglumine antimoniate given intraperitoneally at a twofold-higher antimony dose. The antileishmanial efficacy of the complex was confirmed by the significantly lower parasite load in the lesions of treated animals than in saline-treated controls. This work reports for the first time the effectiveness of an oral formulation for pentavalent antimonials.
Memory Leak Detection in FORTRAN Applications Using TAU

There is a growing awareness that high-end performance evaluation and tuning requires holistic program analysis. In addition to CPU performance characterization, observation of memory, network, and input/output (I/O) performance can help to identify execution bottlenecks related to these factors. Correctness of memory and communication operations is also an issue and can affect performance indirectly. This paper describes extensions to the TAU performance system to incorporate direct source-level code instrumentation for tracking dynamic memory management in FORTRAN codes that use allocate and de-allocate statements. TAU's lightweight profiling can then generate a detailed report of memory usage including the sizes of memory blocks allocated and de-allocated with precise program attribution: variable name, source line number, and file name. We report on results and experiences in applying TAU to the PTURBO application.
Regulation of Conidiation and Adenylyl Cyclase Levels by the Gα Protein GNA-3 in Neurospora crassa

ABSTRACT We have identified a new gene encoding the G protein α subunit,gna-3, from the filamentous fungusNeurospora crassa. The predicted amino acid sequence of GNA-3 is most similar to the Gα proteins MOD-D, MAGA, and CPG-2 from the saprophytic fungus Podospora anserina and the pathogenic fungi Magnaporthe grisea and Cryphonectria parasitica, respectively. Deletion of gna-3 leads to shorter aerial hyphae and premature, dense conidiation during growth on solid medium or in standing liquid cultures and to inappropriate conidiation in submerged culture. The conidiation and aerial hypha defects of the Δgna-3 strain are similar to those of a previously characterized adenylyl cyclase mutant, cr-1. Supplementation with cyclic AMP (cAMP) restores wild-type morphology to Δgna-3 strains in standing liquid cultures. Solid medium augmented with exogenous cAMP suppresses the premature conidiation defect, but aerial hypha formation is still reduced. Submerged-culture conidiation is refractory to cAMP but is suppressed by peptone. In addition, Δgna-3 submerged cultures express the glucose-repressible gene, qa-2, to levels greatly exceeding those observed in the wild type under carbon-starved conditions. Δgna-3 strains exhibit reduced fertility in homozygous crosses during the sexual cycle; exogenous cAMP has no effect on this phenotype. Intracellular steady-state cAMP levels of Δgna-3 strains are decreased 90% relative to the wild type under a variety of growth conditions. Reduced intracellular cAMP levels in the Δgna-3 strain correlate with lower adenylyl cyclase activity and protein levels. These results demonstrate that GNA-3 modulates conidiation and adenylyl cyclase levels in N. crassa.
Maneuvering target detection in over-the-horizon radar based on genetic algorithm

In OTHR systems, the signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR) used for moving targets detection is very low. The Doppler frequency maneuvering targets, such as aircraft and missiles, is time-varying and spreading with long integration time (CIT). In this situation, the Fourier transform based target detection and tracking techniques may fail to work well with a long CIT, because there is a trade-off between the CIT length and Doppler resolution. A new method to detect maneuvering weak targets in the OTHR systems is proposed here. Time-frequency distribution techniques have been used to estimate the range of parameters of targets firstly, then, genetic algorithm (GA) is used to estimate the parameters accurately. The significance of time-frequency distribution is to narrow the search range of GA, and this operation can improve the processing efficiency.
Hyperforin down‐regulates effector function of activated T lymphocytes and shows efficacy against Th1‐triggered CNS inflammatory‐demyelinating disease

Hyperforin (Hyp) is an active compound contained in the extract of Hypericum perforatum, well known for its antidepressant activity. However, Hyp has been found to possess several other biological properties, including inhibitory effects on tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and inflammation. In this paper, we show that treatment with Hyp inhibited IFN‐γ production, with down‐regulation of T‐box (T‐bet; marker of Th1 gene expression) and up‐regulation of GATA‐3 (marker gene of Th2) on IL‐2/PHA‐activated T cells. In parallel, we showed a strong down‐regulation of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 expression on activated T cells. The latter effect and the down‐modulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression may eventually lead to the inhibition of migratory capability and matrix traversal toward the chemoattractant CXCL10 by activated lymphocytes that we observed in vitro. The effect of Hyp was thus evaluated on an animal model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), a classic, Th1‐mediated autoimmune disease of the CNS, and we observed that Hyp attenuates the severity of the disease symptoms significantly. Together, these properties qualify Hyp as a putative, therapeutic molecule for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory disease sustained by Th1 cells, including EAE.
Stability notions in synthetic graph generation: a preliminary study

With the rise in adoption of massive graph data, it be- comes increasingly important to design graph processing algorithms which have predictable behavior as the graph scales. This work presents an initial study of stability in the context of a schema-driven synthetic graph generation. Specifically, we study the design of algorithms which gener- ate high-quality sequences of graph instances. Some desir- able features of these sequences include monotonic contain- ment of graph instances as they grow in size and consistency of structural properties across the sequence. Such stabil- ity features are important in understanding and explaining the scalability of many graph algorithms which have cross- instance dependencies (e.g., solutions for role detection in dynamic networks and graph query processing). We imple- ment a preliminary approach in the recently proposed open- source synthetic graph generator gMark and demonstrate its viability in generating stable sequences of graphs.
Advantages of using amorphous IZO films for the transparent conducting oxide layer in Cu(In, Ga)Se2 solar cells

The advantages of using indium zinc oxide (IZO) films instead of conventional Ga-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Ga) films for Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells are described. The electrical properties of IZO are independent of film thickness. IZO films have higher mobility (30–40 cm2/Vs) and lower resistivity (4–5 × 10−4 Ω cm) compared to ZnO:Ga films deposited without intentional heating, because the number of grain boundaries in amorphous IZO films is small. In addition, transmittance greater than 80% was obtained in the wavelength range of 400–1200 nm. The properties of a CIGS solar cell using IZO at the window layer were better than those obtained using a conventional ZnO:Ga at the window layer; moreover, the properties tended to be independent of thickness. These results indicate that use of IZO as a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) layer is expected to increase the efficiency of CIGS solar cells.