Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A model-based temperature estimator for improving sensor dynamics in vehicle exhaust systems

With the advent of fast processors, real-time process control is becoming an important component of modern automobile industrial products. Normally, heat transfer processes possess large time constants and, as a consequence, temperature sensors are relatively slow. In order to protect against the hostile environment, temperature sensors used in vehicle exhaust systems need additional casing. Due to the casing, the heat transfer from the surface of the casing to the sensor is decreased even further. In order to design a feedback control for the vehicle, accurate information about the temperature inside the exhaust system is required which needs to be estimated from the measured temperature inside the exhaust system. In this paper, we develop a model of the sensor and use a Kalman filter for the prediction of the ambient temperature from the measurements. Further, we validate our results with suitable tests and compare the test results with the simulation results.
Experiments on the Social Value of Public Information

We present the results of laboratory experiments studying the “CNBC Effect”– situations where the social value of public information is negative. Payoffs depend on two factors: being right (i.e. matching an underlying, but unknown state variable) and coordinating with others, which has no social value. In our baseline treatment, individuals privately receive an informative signal. When we add a second, lower quality private signal, decisions improve. When the lower quality signal is public, however, (a) subjects strategically place ineffi ciently high weight on the public signal and (b) welfare (aggregate payoff) falls by 12% compared to the baseline. Welfare losses are due both to ineffi cient information use and greater random variation in choices.
Exon skipping for nonsense mutations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: too many mutations, too few patients?

Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), one of the most common and lethal genetic disorders, is caused by mutations of the dystrophin gene. Removal of an exon or of multiple exons using antisense molecules has been demonstrated to allow synthesis of truncated ‘Becker muscular dystrophy-like’ dystrophin. Areas covered: Approximately 15% of DMD cases are caused by a nonsense mutation. Although patient databases have previously been surveyed for applicability to each deletion mutation pattern, this is not so for nonsense mutations. Here, we examine the world-wide database containing notations for more than 1200 patients with nonsense mutations. Approximately 47% of nonsense mutations can be potentially treated with single exon skipping, rising to 90% with double exon skipping, but to reach this proportion requires the development of exon skipping molecules targeting some 68 of dystrophin's 79 exons, with patient numbers spread thinly across those exons. In this review, we discuss progress and remaining hurdles in exon skipping and an alternative strategy, stop-codon readthrough. Expert opinion: Antisense-mediated exon skipping therapy is targeted highly at the individual patient and is a clear example of personalized medicine. An efficient regulatory path for drug approval will be a key to success.
ATP Binding at Human P2X1 Receptors

P2X receptors comprise a family of ATP-gated ion channels with the basic amino acids Lys-68, Arg-292, and Lys-309 (P2X1 receptor numbering) contributing to agonist potency. In many ATP-binding proteins aromatic amino acids coordinate the binding of the adenine group. There are 20 conserved aromatic amino acids in the extracellular ligand binding loop of at least 6 of the 7 P2X receptors. We used alanine replacement mutagenesis to determine the effects of individual conserved aromatic residues on the properties of human P2X1 receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. ATP evoked concentration-dependent (EC50 ∼1 μm) desensitizing currents at wild-type receptors and for the majority of mutants there was no change (10 residues) or a <6-fold decrease in ATP potency (6 mutants). Mutants F195A and W259A failed to form detectable channels at the cell surface. F185A and F291A produced 10- and 160-fold decreases in ATP potency. The partial agonists 2′,3′-O-(4-benzoyl)-ATP (BzATP) and P1,P5-di(adenosine 5′)-pentaphosphate (Ap5A) were tested on a range of mutants that decreased ATP potency to determine whether this resulted predominantly from changes in agonist binding or gating of the channel. At K68A and K309A receptors BzATP and Ap5A had essentially no agonist activity but antagonized, or for R292A potentiated, ATP responses. At F185A receptors BzATP was an antagonist but Ap5A no longer showed affinity for the receptor. These results suggest that residues Lys-68, Phe-185, Phe-291, Arg-292, and Lys-309 contribute to ligand binding at P2X1 receptors, with Phe-185 and Phe-291 coordinating the binding of the adenine ring of ATP.
EphB1 and EphB2 intracellular domains regulate the formation of the corpus callosum and anterior commissure

The two cortical hemispheres of the mammalian forebrain are interconnected by major white matter tracts, including the corpus callosum (CC) and the posterior branch of the anterior commissure (ACp), that bridge the telencephalic midline. We show here that the intracellular signaling domains of the EphB1 and EphB2 receptors are critical for formation of both the ACp and CC. We observe partial and complete agenesis of the corpus callosum, as well as highly penetrant ACp misprojection phenotypes in truncated EphB1/2 mice that lack intracellular signaling domains. Consistent with the roles for these receptors in formation of the CC and ACp, we detect expression of these receptors in multiple brain regions associated with the formation of these forebrain structures. Taken together, our findings suggest that a combination of forward and reverse EphB1/2 receptor‐mediated signaling contribute to ACp and CC axon guidance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 405–420, 2016
EnvironSense: An integrated system for urban sensing using RFID based WSN's

Environmental monitoring and urban sensing are seen as the most important areas of research. Urban sensing through integration of technologies is now been seen in the likes of vehicle tracking. This interesting field is still in its early stages. Due to the environmental pollution caused by the vehicles most of the major cities of the world have developed serious health issues. The need to precisely measure the harmful amounts of pollutants present in the vehicle's exhausts is becoming the high priority for the governments. In this paper, we presents EnvironSense a novel technique based on RFID magnetic induction to measure the air contaminations through environmental sensors installed near the vehicle's exhaust and convey them back to the driver through feedback. The government authorities are also notified through the gantries installed on checkpoints. This will enable detection and prevention of environmental pollution.
Application of image intensity local variance measure for analysis of distorted images

An image corresponds to a grid of pixels in digital image processing and the numerical value of each pixel represents image intensity. Characteristics and effects of image smoothing and other similar filtering operations, image enhancement, image distortion, etc. can be evaluated using local variance variation of image intensity. Image obtained after compression and blurring are examples of distorted images. Study on local variance variation due to JPEG and wavelet compression is compared in this paper. Ratio of expectation of local variance before and after compression is used to analyze the local variance variation due to compression. Expected value of local variance of DCT and wavelet coefficients is calculated by defining the respective distribution as Laplacian distribution. Expected value of local variance of compressed image is obtained based on uncompressed image details. Various levels of blurring is parameterized by the standard deviation of Gaussian filter used in blurring.
Kinin B1 receptor mediates memory impairment in the rat hippocampus

Abstract The bradykinin (BK) receptors B1R and B2R are involved in inflammatory responses and their activation can enhance tissue damage. The B2R is constitutively expressed and mediates the physiologic effects of BK, whereas B1R expression is induced after tissue damage. Recently, they have been involved with Alzheimer’s disease, ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, we investigated the role of bradykinin in short and long-term memory consolidation (STM and LTM). It was observed that bilateral injection of BK (300 pmol/μl) disrupted the STM consolidation but not LTM, both evaluated by inhibitory avoidance test. The STM disruption due to BK injection was blocked by the previous injection of the B1R antagonist des-Arg10-HOE140 but not by the B2R antagonist HOE140. Additionally, the injection of the B1 agonist desArg9-BK disrupted STM and LTM consolidation at doses close to physiological concentration of the peptide (2.3 and 37.5 pmol, respectively) which could be reached during tissue injury. The presence of B1R located on glial cells around the implanted guide cannula used for peptide injection was confirmed by immunofluorescence. These data imply in a possible participation of B1R in the STM impairment observed in TBI, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
Cation Transport in Escherichia coli

Measurement of cellular K and Na concentrations in growing Escherichia coli indicates that the osmololity of the medium is a major determinant of the cell K concentration. In contrast, the cell Na concentration is independent of the medium osmolality and is largely dependent on the Na concentration of the medium. Sudden changes in the osmolality of the medium lead to rapid changes in K content. Washing the cells with solutions of lower osmolality results in a very rapid loss of K, which is greater in more dilute and in cold solutions. A sudden increase in the osmolality of the growth medium produces a rapid uptake of K by a mechanism whose rate is a saturable function of the K concentration of the medium and which appears to involve an exchange of K for cellular H.
Cyclooxygenase expression and prostanoid production in pyloric and duodenal mucosae in dogs after administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

OBJECTIVE To assess cyclooxygenase (COX) expression and prostanoid concentrations in pyloric and duodenal mucosae of dogs after administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). ANIMALS 8 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES Each dog received carprofen (4.4 mg/kg, q 24 h), deracoxib (2 mg/kg, q 24 h), aspirin (10 mg/kg, q 12 h), and placebo (1 dog treat, q 24 h) orally for 3 days (4-week interval between treatments). Before study commencement (baseline) and on day 3 of each treatment, pyloric and duodenal mucosal appearance was assessed endoscopically and biopsy specimens were obtained for histologic examination. Cyclooxygenase-1 and COX-2 protein expressions were assessed via western blotting, and prostanoid concentrations were measured via ELISAs. An ANOVA was used to analyze data. RESULTS Treatments had no effect on mucosal appearance and ulceration was not evident histologically. In pyloric and duodenal mucosae, COX-1 expression was unaffected by treatments. Cyclooxygenase-2 expression remained unchanged in pyloric mucosa; in duodenal mucosa, aspirin significantly increased COX-2 expression, compared with effects of deracoxib and carprofen. At baseline, total prostaglandin and thromboxane B2 concentrations in pyloric mucosa were significantly greater than those in duodenal mucosa. Aspirin significantly decreased both prostanoid concentrations in both mucosal tissues, compared with other treatments. In pyloric mucosa, carprofen administration significantly decreased total prostaglandin and thromboxane B2 concentrations, compared with deracoxib administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In dogs, prostanoid synthesis was greater in pyloric mucosa than it was in duodenal mucosa. Nonselective NSAIDs significantly decreased prostanoid concentrations in these mucosae, compared with the effects of a selective COX-2 NSAID.
The Stuff of Science Fiction: An Experiment in Literary History

This article argues for a speculative, exploratory approach to literary history that incorporates information visualization early on into, and throughout, the research process. The proposed methodology combines different kinds of expertise — including that of fans and scholars in both literary studies and computer science — in processing and sharing unique cultural materials. Working with a vast fan-curated archive, we suggest tempering scholarly approaches to the history of science fiction (SF) with fan perspectives and demonstrate how information visualization can be incorporated into humanistic research processes, supporting exploration and interpretation of little-known cultural collections
The process of wage adjustment: An analysis using establishment-level data

This article uses data from Spanish manufacturing plants to analyze the determinants of the importance attributed to several criteria when wages are adjusted. More specifically, the criteria taken into account in the study are the cost of living, the wages of the firm in relation to its competitors, the fulfillment of collective agreements at sector level, the need to recruit and retain employees, the performance of the organization, and the industrial relations climate. The results show that the structural characteristics of the establishment, some human resource management practices, as well as the wage-setting arrangements and the influence of trade unions, play a role in explaining wage adjustments.
Malaria Laboratory Diagnostic Capacity in Kisii County Level 5 Hospital , Kenya

In developing countries, malaria remains a major global public health concern whose laboratory diagnosis is paramount in its control. The present study sought to determine malaria laboratory diagnostic capacity in the Kisii Level 5 Hospital, Kenya by assessing staff capacity and competency. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted by administration of structured questionnaires to doctors, clinical officers, nurses and laboratory staff. Thematic content analyses were performed on qualitative data based on the framework and descriptive statistical analyses of quantitative data were conducted using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Two thirds of the respondents (67%) affirmed the laboratory participated in malaria control programs within the area. The 8 hour shift scored 82% as the routine laboratory hours whereas laboratory accessibility was mostly between 3 to 5 days a week (64%). Laboratory diagnosis results were recorded in laboratory registers (56%) while others in log books and slide archives (both 22%). Poor slide preparation during diagnosis was observed. Fever, vomiting, headache and joint pain (90%, 72%, 62% and 56% respectively) were predominant used a symptoms for malaria by clinicians. The laboratory staff had basic level of education with certificate training in medical laboratory sciences. Malaria diagnosis was based on poorly prepared thin blood smears.
Induction of lipocalin‐2 expression in acute and chronic experimental liver injury moderated by pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β through nuclear factor‐κB activation

Background: Lipocalin‐2 (LCN2) belongs to the lipocalin superfamily, sharing a barrel‐shaped tertiary structure with a hydrophobic pocket and an ability to bind lipophilic molecules. LCN2 has recently emerged as an important modulator of cellular homeostasis in several organs, i.e. heart, lung and kidney, but little is known about the expression of LCN2 in acute and chronic liver injury. Aims: In this study, we wanted to analyse the expression and regulation of LCN2 in models of acute and chronic experimental liver injury. Materials and methods: We analysed LCN2 expression in livers of rats subjected to bile duct ligation or repeated doses of carbon tetrachloride and tested the impact of various pro‐inflammatory cytokines in cultured primary liver cells. Results: By using primary cultures of hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes isolated from normal and injured rat livers, we found a significant LCN2 expression in early hepatic stellate cell cultures, a lower expression in fully transdifferentiated myofibroblasts and no expression in freshly isolated hepatocytes. However, LCN2 expression and secretion in hepatocytes increased dramatically during culturing. In addition, chronic in vivo liver injury resulting from both bile duct ligation and repeated application of carbon tetrachloride resulted in rapid and well‐sustained induction of LCN2 expression. Immunohistochemistry and primary liver cell isolation identified injured hepatocytes as the main source of LCN2 production. LCN2 is strongly induced in both primary hepatocytes and immortalized hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 by the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β via nuclear factor‐κB activation, but not by the profibrotic cytokines platelet‐derived growth factor and transforming growth factor‐β. Conclusion: LCN2 expression shows clear correlation to liver damage and resulting inflammatory responses, rather than to the degree of liver fibrosis, which in fact may imply a distinct diagnostic value as an early biomarker of liver inflammation.
Formation of In-(2×1) and In islands on Si(100)-(2×1) by femtosecond pulsed laser deposition

The growth of indium on a vicinal Si(100)-(2×1) surface at room temperature by femtosecond pulsed laser deposition (fsPLD) was investigated by in situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). Recovery of the RHEED intensity was observed between laser pulses and when the growth was terminated. The surface diffusion coefficient of deposited In on initial two-dimensional (2D) In-(2×1) layer was determined. As growth proceeds, three-dimensional In islands grew on the 2D In-(2×1) layer. The RHEED specular profile was analyzed during film growth, while the grown In islands were examined by ex situ atomic force microscopy. The full width at half maximum of the specular peak decreased during the deposition, indicative of well-ordered growth and an increase of the island size. The In islands developed into elongated-polyhedral, circular, and triangular shapes. The elongated and triangular islands were highly oriented, parallel and perpendicular to the surface terrace edges, while the circular islands s.
Business-IT Alignment : A View From The Bridge

This paper examines the role that social capital plays in organisations in creating alignment between the business and IT communities. The paper reports on an interpretative study in financial services looking at the impact that network associations, social norms, trust, reciprocity-expectation and collective efficacy have on alignment within four firms. The study found that firms with high levels of social capital resources in network relationships, social norms, trust and reciprocity-expectation are better able to create collective efficacy through partnership. Being part of a single business community derived from trust, a clear understanding of value and respect for each other’s contribution. Network associations and process were valuable but if they did not translate to higher levels of community and partnership, they did not contribute to the goal of alignment : superior performance.
THE Q/U IMAGING EXPERIMENT: POLARIZATION MEASUREMENTS OF THE GALACTIC PLANE AT 43 AND 95 GHz

We present polarization observations of two Galactic plane fields centered on Galactic coordinates (l, b) = (0°, 0°) and (329°, 0°) at both Q (43 GHz) and W bands (95 GHz), covering between 301 and 539 square degrees depending on frequency and field. These measurements were made with the QUIET instrument between 2008 October and 2010 December, and include a total of 1263 hr of observations. The resulting maps represent the deepest large-area Galactic polarization observations published to date at the relevant frequencies with instrumental rms noise varying between 1.8 and 2.8 μK deg, 2.3–6 times deeper than corresponding WMAP and Planck maps. The angular resolution is 27. ′3 and 12. ′8 FWHM at Q and W bands, respectively. We find excellent agreement between the QUIET and WMAP maps over the entire fields, and no compelling evidence for significant residual instrumental systematic errors in either experiment, whereas the Planck 44 GHz map deviates from these in a manner consistent with reported systematic uncertainties for this channel. We combine QUIET and WMAP data to compute inverse-variance-weighted average maps, effectively retaining small angular scales from QUIET and large angular scales from WMAP. From these combined maps, we derive constraints on several important astrophysical quantities, including a robust detection of polarized synchrotron spectral index steepening of ≈0.2 off the plane, as well as the Faraday rotation measure toward the Galactic center (RM = −4000 ± 200 rad m−2), all of which are consistent with previously published results. Both the raw QUIET and the co-added QUIET+WMAP maps are made publicly available together with all necessary ancillary information.
Pneumonia due to Mycoplasma hominis in a Healthy Adult

A case of pneumonia due to Mycoplasma hominis in a healthy adult is presented. The bacterium was diagnosed by a quantitative culture method and identification to the species level by sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene. The objective of this presentation is to bring to attention the need to search for this opportunistic pathogen. Mycoplasma may be an important cause of bacterial pneumonia without microbiological diagnosis and its incidence may be underestimated.
Neurohospitalists Enhance Resident Perception of the Educational and Clinical Value of a Night Float Rotation

Background and Purpose: Neurology residency training programs have been profoundly impacted by recent changes in resident duty hours, workloads, and supervisory requirements. In response, many programs have adopted a night float coverage system to minimize the requirements for overnight call. The majority involves residents working a block of night shifts in what is typically a service-oriented rotation. Recently, concerns have arisen regarding the impact of this design on resident education and patient care. We have developed a novel on-site nighttime neurohospitalist model for the explicit purpose of steepening the initial learning curve for neurology residents in an effort to rapidly improve their neurological skills and, in conjunction, overnight patient care. We surveyed residents after the initiation of this system to assess their perception of the impact of direct overnight supervision on education and patient care. Methods: As part of ongoing quality improvement efforts, surveys were administered to neurology house staff at a tertiary academic medical center after they had completed service on the night float rotation both with and without an attending in the hospital using a retrospective pre/postdesign. Results: There was a robust positive impact on resident’s perception of overall quality, educational value, and clinical quality on the night float rotation with an attending on-site. Despite an overall perception that their autonomy was maintained, residents believed barriers to contact the attending were lower, and attending interaction during critical decision making was more frequent. Conclusions: Direct overnight supervision by a neurohospitalist enhances the educational value and care quality on overnight resident rotations.