Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Type of Sendai Virus Vector Provides Transgene-Free iPS Cells Derived from Chimpanzee Blood

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are potentially valuable cell sources for disease models and future therapeutic applications; however, inefficient generation and the presence of integrated transgenes remain as problems limiting their current use. Here, we developed a new Sendai virus vector, TS12KOS, which has improved efficiency, does not integrate into the cellular DNA, and can be easily eliminated. TS12KOS carries KLF4, OCT3/4, and SOX2 in a single vector and can easily generate iPSCs from human blood cells. Using TS12KOS, we established iPSC lines from chimpanzee blood, and used DNA array analysis to show that the global gene-expression pattern of chimpanzee iPSCs is similar to those of human embryonic stem cell and iPSC lines. These results demonstrated that our new vector is useful for generating iPSCs from the blood cells of both human and chimpanzee. In addition, the chimpanzee iPSCs are expected to facilitate unique studies into human physiology and disease.
Possible Flexural Controls on the Origins of Extensive, Ooid-Rich, Carbonate Environments in the Mississippian of the United States: Chapter 2

Widespread ooid deposition characterized much of the United States during the Mississippian and was the product of an unusual coincidence of ideal regional paleogeographic and tectonic factors, as well as global paleoclimatic, eustatic, and geochemical conditions. The contribution of tectonics, largely through flexural mechanisms, is considered to have had the greatest effect. During the Mississippian, parts of three orogenic belts, the Antler, the Ouachita, and the Acadian, bounded southern parts of North America in the present-day United States. Various active and relaxational phases of these orogenies generated peripheral bulges that migrated within and beyond foreland basins to adjacent parts of the foreland, creating broad areas of uplift into shallow, agitated waters conducive to ooid production. During the Early Mississippian (Kinderhookian), bulge migration and uplift were incomplete, so ooid distribution was limited. By the middle Mississippian (Valmeyeran), episodes of coeval Antler and Ouachita flexure combined with Acadian relaxation created broad belts of uplift on the inner craton, where the most prolific ooid production occurred. In the Late Mississippian (Chesterian), largely filled foreland basins and rising tectonic highlands caused siliciclastic inundation of adjacent sites of ooid production, resulting in thinner, more localized ooid deposits. By the end of the middle Chesterian, all major concentrations of Mississippian ooids had disappeared. End_Page 13-------------------------
Optical and microphysical properties of a cold cirrus cloud : Evidence for regions of small ice particles.

Airborne lidar and scanning radiometer observations were made in 1984 on a cold cirrus cloud from an ER-2 aircraft flying at 20-km altitude. At the same time, in situ microphysical observations were made at two altitudes within the cloud. Optical properties calculated from observed particle size spectra were compared with optical properties determined from the ER-2 lidar-radiometer observations. When the two aircraft were approximately coincident in the vertical, cirrus cells with enhanced particle counts were sampled by the in situ aircraft. At an altitude where the temperature was −62.7°C, no particles with sizes greater than 70 μm were sampled by the two-dimensional instrument, and the Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe (FSSP) instrument sampled sizes only smaller than 10 μm. At the second altitude where the temperature was −47.3°C, larger particles were sampled up to sizes of 600 μm, and 95% of the extinction occurred for particles with dimensions greater than 30 μm. Measurements of lidar depolarization ratio indicated that the clouds were composed predominantly of ice crystals. At the first altitude, the lidar and radiometer analysis gave values of backscatter to extinction ratio k and the visible extinction to infrared absorption ratio α of 0.0324 sr−1 and 2.3, respectively, using a value for multiple-scattering factor η equal to 0.76 calculated from the FSSP spectra. This compared with a value of α equal to 3.77 calculated from cloud microphysics. The value of k did not agree with values obtained in previous ground-based experiments at an equivalent temperature. The discrepancies were attributed to undersizing of particles by the FSSP. At the second altitude, using a value of η equal to 0.4 estimated from the two-dimensional spectra, values of 3.5 and 0.0112 sr−1 were measured for α and k, respectively, compared with a value of α of 2.0 calculated from cloud microphysics and 0.0127 sr−1 for k measured by previous workers. The discrepancy in α was observed in previous experimental data, where a value of 3.5 was also obtained. Direct and remote measurements were in basic agreement for the lower layer. A much less favorable comparison in the upper layer is considered to be due to limitations in the in situ observations for small crystals.
Research of personalized Web-based intelligent collaborative learning

At present, the network collaborative learning in education has been widely used, but they have some problems were not resolved, which like lacks intelligence or can not accurately master information requirements. In the research, using intelligent agent technology in the field of distributed artificial intelligence, to propose a model in collaborative learning process. The model based on the learner's cognitive level, learning ability, cognitive ability, can adjust teaching methods, teaching strategies, achieve individualized to help the user personalized distance learning. Introduce intelligent agent technology, to construct a master program, student agent, teaching agent and collaborative learning model of intelligent agents.
Fuzzy-Logic-Based Approach to Solve the Unit-Commitment Problem

This study presents an application ofthe fuzzy-logic to solve the unit commitment problem in general and in particular to find unit combinations and their generation scheduling to bring the total operating cost to a minimum, when subject to a variety of constraints. This approach allows a qualitative description of the behavior of a certain system,the system's characteristics, and the response without the need for exact mathematical formulations. This approach is demonstrated by employing a four-generation-units thermal power plantas a case study. The goal is to show that a fuzzy-logic-basedapproach achieves logical, feasible, and economical operation of the power generation plant, which is the main objective of solving the unit commitment problem. It is worth mentioning that the algorithm in this study benefits from the dynamic programming and fuzzy logic approaches in orderto obtain preferable unit combinations at each time period and the ability of representing the results in terms of input variables. The numerical results obtained by the fuzzy-logic-based approach are compared with dynamic programmingto demonstrate its superiority and these results have shown that the performance of the proposed approach exceeds that of the dynamic programming.
The Segmentation Clock: Converting Embryonic Time into Spatial Pattern

In most animal species, the anteroposterior body axis is generated by the formation of repeated structures called segments. In vertebrate segmentation, a specialized mesodermal structure called the somite gives rise to skeletal muscles, vertebrae, and some dermis. Formation of the somites is a rhythmic process that involves an oscillator—the segmentation clock— driven by Wnt and Notch signaling. The clock ticks in somite precursors and halts when they reach a specific maturation stage defined as the wavefront, established by fibroblast growth factor and Wnt signaling. This process converts the temporal oscillations into the periodic spatial pattern of somite boundaries. The study of somite development provides insights into the spatiotemporal integration of signaling systems in the vertebrate embryo.
p120 catenin induces opposing effects on tumor cell growth depending on E-cadherin expression

p120 catenin regulates the activity of the Rho family guanosine triphosphatases (including RhoA and Rac1) in an adhesion-dependent manner. Through this action, p120 promotes a sessile cellular phenotype when associated with epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) or a motile phenotype when associated with mesenchymal cadherins. In this study, we show that p120 also exerts significant and diametrically opposing effects on tumor cell growth depending on E-cadherin expression. Endogenous p120 acts to stabilize E-cadherin complexes and to actively promote the tumor-suppressive function of E-cadherin, potently inhibiting Ras activation. Upon E-cadherin loss during tumor progression, the negative regulation of Ras is relieved; under these conditions, endogenous p120 promotes transformed cell growth both in vitro and in vivo by activating a Rac1–mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway normally activated by the adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix. These data indicate that both E-cadherin and p120 are important regulators of tumor cell growth and imply roles for both proteins in chemoresistance and targeted therapeutics.
Rate-dependent soil behavior in seismic site response analysis

One-dimensional site response analysis is widely used in estimating local seismic site effects. The soil behavior in the analysis is often assumed to be independent of the rate of seismic loading. Laboratory test results, on the other hand, indicate that cyclic cohesive soil behavior is influenced by the rate of loading. Three models of rate-dependent dynamic soil behavior were derived based on available laboratory data. The models were implemented and evaluated in a modified one-dimensional equivalent linear site response analysis approach. Results show that rate-dependent shear modulus and damping can have a pronounced influence on propagated weak ground motion but a secondary influence on propagated strong motion. Rate dependence of the damping ratio has a greater impact on the computed response than rate dependence of the shear modulus. This paper highlights the relevance of the compatibility between frequencies at which dynamic soil properties are measured and their use in site response analysis.
Analyzing Illumina Gene Expression Microarray Data from Different Tissues: Methodological Aspects of Data Analysis in the MetaXpress Consortium

Microarray profiling of gene expression is widely applied in molecular biology and functional genomics. Experimental and technical variations make meta-analysis of different studies challenging. In a total of 3358 samples, all from German population-based cohorts, we investigated the effect of data preprocessing and the variability due to sample processing in whole blood cell and blood monocyte gene expression data, measured on the Illumina HumanHT-12 v3 BeadChip array. Gene expression signal intensities were similar after applying the log2 or the variance-stabilizing transformation. In all cohorts, the first principal component (PC) explained more than 95% of the total variation. Technical factors substantially influenced signal intensity values, especially the Illumina chip assignment (33–48% of the variance), the RNA amplification batch (12–24%), the RNA isolation batch (16%), and the sample storage time, in particular the time between blood donation and RNA isolation for the whole blood cell samples (2–3%), and the time between RNA isolation and amplification for the monocyte samples (2%). White blood cell composition parameters were the strongest biological factors influencing the expression signal intensities in the whole blood cell samples (3%), followed by sex (1–2%) in both sample types. Known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were located in 38% of the analyzed probe sequences and 4% of them included common SNPs (minor allele frequency >5%). Out of the tested SNPs, 1.4% significantly modified the probe-specific expression signals (Bonferroni corrected p-value<0.05), but in almost half of these events the signal intensities were even increased despite the occurrence of the mismatch. Thus, the vast majority of SNPs within probes had no significant effect on hybridization efficiency. In summary, adjustment for a few selected technical factors greatly improved reliability of gene expression analyses. Such adjustments are particularly required for meta-analyses.
PROVENANCE VARIATION IN FUCHSIA (FUCHSIA EXCORTICATA) IN RELATION TO PALATABILITY TO POSSUMS

Summary: Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) has been heavily browsed and often killed by brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in many New Zealand indigenous forests, but remains healthy at some sites despite long histories of possum occupation. To determine whether fuchsia varied genetically in its palatability to possums, material from six widely dispersed stands (provenances) was propagated, and leaf chemistry, leaf morphology, growth rate, and palatability to captive possums was compared. Leaf specific gravity, nitrogen, and phosphorous levels in field-collected foliage varied between palatable and apparently unpalatable provenances of fuchsia. However, these variables, and palatability to captive possums, were similar in propagated material from all provenances. To test the hypothesis that selective browsing had eliminated the more palatable or susceptible genotypes at sites where possums have been present for long periods, we tested the relationship between variation within provenances of measured variables and length of possum occupation at each site, but no significant relationships were found. These results suggest that phenotypic or situational differences rather than genetic variation between the six provenances may help explain observed regional differences in fuchsia health.
Mobility-Aware Performance Evaluation of Heterogeneous Wireless Networks With Traffic Offloading

Traffic offloading among coexisting heterogeneous radio access technologies (RATs), i.e., inter-RAT offloading, is considered to be an effective strategy for enhancing the capacity of wireless networks and reducing the power consumption of both base stations (BSs) and mobile stations (MSs). To fully utilize inter-RAT offloading advantages, a mobility-aware evaluation is needed, which takes into account the combined effects of mobility and MS and BS spatial distributions on the performance gains. This paper proposes a novel analytical model that accurately describes MS mobility dynamics in heterogeneous wireless networks, while conveying detailed information on its location. In addition, this paper derives an analytical expression for calculating the packet loss probability for orthogonal-frequency-division-multiple-access (OFDMA)-based networks. Taking users' mobility and spatial distribution into account, this paper develops a Markovian-based framework for evaluating inter-RAT offloading performance. The accuracy of the proposed mobility model and the efficacy of the proposed performance evaluation framework are validated. Results show that MS mobility and vertical handover (VHO) cost significantly affect inter-RAT offloading performance, and ignoring their effects could lead to an inaccurate evaluation. When the effects of MS mobility and VHO cost on the performance are ignored, utilizing inter-RAT offloading decreases the packet loss probability by 9% and saves energy by 6%. However, accounting for these effects results in a 32% increase in the packet loss probability evaluation and a 64% increase in the energy consumption evaluation.
SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISE FINANCE IN AFRICA

This paper uses cross-country firm-level surveys to gauge access to financial services and the importance of financing constraints for African enterprises. We compare access to finance in Africa and other developing regions of the world, within Africa across countries and across different groups of firms. We relate firms’ access to finance to firm and banking system characteristics, and discuss policy challenges. Authors’ Note: This paper’s findings, interpretation and conclusions are entirely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the World Bank, its executive directors or the countries they represent. We thank Ippei Nishida for excellent research assistance.
A Tool for Automated Load Duration Curve Creation 1

Abstract: A recent study by the Texas Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Task Force has recommended the use of load duration curves as a primary tool in calculating bacterial TMDLs. This method is attractive because it effectively integrates flow regimes into TMDL analyses, clearly communicates data through a method that is understandable to the general public, and has been successfully applied in TMDL studies in other states. To ease the creation of load duration curves, an automated load duration curve creation tool called LDCurve has been created within a Microsoft Excel framework. Web services and a webscraper are used to retrieve U.S. Geological Survey streamflow data and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality water quality data. Data are imported to the spreadsheet, combined to create flow and load duration curves, and plotted. Final steps result in a preliminary estimate of the overall load reductions needed to meet water quality standards in the modeled segment. LDCurve is currently only applicable in the state of Texas, but may be updated to model water quality throughout the nation using analogous web services from the EPA STORET database. By using automated data retrievals and computations, the LDCurve tool reduces the amount of time required to create curves and calculate load reductions to a matter of minutes. LDCurve and all supporting materials are available online for free download at: http://tools.crwr. utexas.edu/LDCurve/.
Ethnolinguistic Background and Enrollment in Primary Education: Evidence from Kenya

In Kenya, educational enrollment rates increased significantly for both girls and boys after 2003, when primary education became free of charge. Unfortunately, approximately one million school-aged children are still not enrolled in school. Earlier literature provides empirical evidence that educational opportunities differ among children, due to poverty, gender, rural area of residence and disability. Our paper con-tributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence of the importance of children’s ethnolinguistic background for their probability of being in school. Estimates from a three-level random intercept probit model using data from the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey 2005/06 reveal that Somali and Maasai children are least likely to be in school. A separate analysis by child’s gender shows that compared to Kikuyu children both girls and boys from the Somali and Maasai groups, but also Mijikenda and Swahili girls, have a lower probability to be in school. This might be an indication that gender norms are stronger in these groups.
Methotrexate Dosage Reduction Upon Adalimumab Initiation: Clinical and Ultrasonographic Outcomes from the Randomized Noninferiority MUSICA Trial

Objective. To examine the clinical and ultrasonographic (US) outcomes of reducing methotrexate (MTX) dosage upon initiating adalimumab (ADA) in MTX-inadequate responders with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. MUSICA (NCT01185288) was a double-blind, randomized, parallel-arm study of 309 patients with RA receiving MTX ≥ 15 mg/week for ≥ 12 weeks before screening. Patients were randomized to high dosage (20 mg/week) or low dosage (7.5 mg/week) MTX; all patients received 40 mg open-label ADA every other week for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was Week 24 mean 28-joint Disease Activity Score based on C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) to test for noninferiority of low-dosage MTX using a 15% margin. US images were scored using a 10-joint semiquantitative system incorporating OMERACT definitions for pathology, assessing synovial hypertrophy, vascularity, and bony erosions. Results. Rapid improvement in clinical indices was observed in both groups after addition of ADA. The difference in mean DAS28-CRP (0.37, 95% CI 0.07–0.66) comparing low-dosage (4.12, 95% CI 3.88–4.34) versus high-dosage MTX (3.75, 95% CI 3.52–3.97) was statistically significant and non-inferiority was not met. Statistically significant differences were not detected for most clinical, functional, and US outcomes. Pharmacokinetic and safety profiles were similar. Conclusion. In MUSICA, Week 24 mean DAS28-CRP, the primary endpoint, did not meet non-inferiority for the low-dosage MTX group. Although the differences between the 2 MTX dosage groups were small, our study findings did not support routine MTX reduction in MTX inadequate responders initiating ADA.
In vivo spectroscopy and internal optics of leaves as basis for remote sensing of vegetation

Abstract In vivo reflection spectra of intact bean leaves (Phaseolus vulgaris) were measured between 400 and 800 nm under remote sensing conditions (illumination with white light, detection of a narrow angle of the reflected light) using the VIRAF spectrometer. The leaves with colours from yellow to green were chosen at different times during light-induced greening. The colours of the leaves were characterized by the chromaticity coordinates according to CIE 1931 calculated from the reflection spectra. The influence of the absorption of chlorophyll—the main pigment of green leaves—on the reflection spectrum of leaves is outlined. The shape of the in vivo reflection spectra is interpreted taking into account (a)the formation of pigment-protein complexes, (b) the sieve effect and the detour effect, as well as (c) the reflection, refraction and scattering of light inside the leaf tissue. Reflection signals at several distinct wavelengths and their ratios as well as the inflection point of the reflection ris.
Unsupervised seismic reservoir characterization using wavelet transform and self organizing maps of a deep‐water field, Campos Basin, Offshore Brazil

This work presents a new alternative to extract seismic pattern attributes and a new methodology to build seismic facies maps. We propose using Wavelet Transform to identify singularities in each geological oriented segment of the temporal seismic trace and then using Self Organizing Maps (SOM) in a two-level approach. To illustrate this technique we applied it to real data from a deep-water field in the Campos Basin, Brazil.
Local Read-Write Operations in Sensor Networks

Designing protocols and formulating convenient programming units of abstraction for sensor networks is challenging due to communication errors and platform constraints. This paper investigates properties and implementation reliability for a \emph{local read-write} abstraction. Local read-write is inspired by the class of read-modify-write operations defined for shared-memory multiprocessor architectures. The class of read-modify-write operations is important in solving consensus and related synchronization problems for concurrency control. Local read-write is shown to be an atomic abstraction for synchronizing neighborhood states in sensor networks. The paper compares local read-write to similar lightweight operations in wireless sensor networks, such as read-all, write-all, and a transaction-based abstraction: for some optimistic scenarios, local read-write is a more efficient neighborhood operation. A partial implementation is described, which shows that three outcomes characterize operation response: success, failure, and cancel. A failure response indicates possible inconsistency for the operation result, which is the result of a timeout event at the operation's initiator. The paper presents experimental results on operation performance with different timeout values and situations of no contention, with some tests also on various neighborhood sizes.