Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low-dose angiotensin II infusion restores vascular function in cerebral arteries of high salt-fed rats by increasing copper/zinc superoxide dimutase expression.

BACKGROUND This study examined the vasoprotective role of circulating angiotensin II (ANG II) levels in the cerebral circulation of high salt (HS)-fed (SS.BN-(D13hmgc41-13hmgc23)/Mcwi) (Ren1-BN) congenic rats, which carry a normally functioning renin allele from the Brown Norway (BN) rat on the Dahl salt-sensitive genetic background. METHODS Ren1-BN rats were placed on an HS (4.0% NaCl) diet for 3 days. The vasodilator response to acetylcholine (ACh; 10(-10) - 10(-6) mol/L) was assessed in isolated middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), and Western blots were performed to assess the expression of the antioxidant enzymes copper (Cu)/zinc (Zn) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and manganese (Mn) SOD in cerebral resistance vessels. A separate group of HS-fed animals were infused with either a subpressor dose of ANG II (100ng/kg/min) or saline vehicle via osmotic minipump for 3 days. RESULTS HS diet eliminated acetylcholine (ACh)-induced dilation in the MCAs of the congenic rats. Western blot analysis of antioxidant enzymes showed that Cu/Zn SOD and Mn SOD expression were significantly reduced in the cerebral resistance arteries of the HS-fed rats compared with control animals fed a normal salt diet. Infusion of ANG II restored the vasodilator response to ACh in the MCAs and increased Cu/Zn SOD (but not Mn SOD) expression compared with saline-infused animals. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that prevention of salt-induced ANG II suppression prevents vascular dysfunction in the cerebral circulation by preventing the downregulation of Cu/Zn SOD and vascular oxidant stress that normally occurs with HS diet.
Hyperspectral image classification via kernel extreme learning machine using local receptive fields

This paper proposes a classification approach for hyperspectral image (HSI) using the local receptive fields based kernel extreme learning machine. Extreme learning machine (ELM) has drawn increasing attention in the pattern recognition filed due to its simpleness, speediness and good generalization ability. A kernel method is often used to promote ELM's performance, which is known as kernel ELM. The local receptive field concept originates from research in neuroscience. Considering the local correlations of spectral features, it is promising to improve the performance of HSI classification by combining local receptive fields with kernel ELM. Experimental results on the Pavia University dataset confirm the effectiveness of the proposed HSI classification method.
An Optimized Scheme for Vertical Partitioning of a Distributed Database

Summary This paper proposes a scheme for vertical partitioning of a database at the design cycle. When a partition is formed, attributes are divided among various systems or even throughout different geographical locations. This may result in situations where a query may include attributes that are located at different sites. The scheme determines the hit ratio of a partition. As long as it falls below a predetermined threshold, the partition is altered. Although no proof is provided, experimental data showed that moving an attribute that is loosely coupled to a different subset within a partition improves hit ratio. A simulator was built to test the proposed algorithm. Results of various simulation runs are consistent with the hypothesis. That is, the proposed algorithm enables a reliable distribution of newly designed database tables across multiple storage devices based on a predetermined hit ratio. The scheme is independent of frequencies of queries thus, can be used as a stepping stone for its counterpart, the dynamic partitioning technique.
Unintended Behavioural Consequences of Publishing Performance Data: Is More Always Better?

This paper explores the proposition that IT-driven provision of open data may have unanticipated consequences. Transparency is normally considered desirable: knowledge is “power”, the “oxygen of democracy” and so on. Accordingly there has been a trend towards greater freedom of information, with citizens given access to an increasing diversity of datasets. For many years, governments have produced one particular type of data specifically for public consumption: performance data, such as hospital waiting list statistics, figures on crime, and school performance league tables. Having more information is usually considered beneficial, particularly when there is little available. But when the information supply becomes plentiful, it is not clear that benefits continue to accrue in a simple way. Some apparently negative repercussions are being observed from the publication of performance data. For example, in education the use of league tables seems unable to correct performance problems in some schools, and may even depress performance. Similar effects are observed in other spheres. Data reporting a decreasing threat of crime may be linked with a widespread sense of heightened danger. In the private sector, publication of CEO salaries seems to have fuelled rampant salary inflation. These effects are to do with the cumulative impact of individual behaviours when people respond en masse to information. Individuals react according to their environment, which includes data, creating a complex system with potentially unpredictable and non-intuitive behaviour. We may hope that increased access to data will create net benefits, but evidence suggests that we cannot assume this will always be true. This paper reviews the results of research into this phenomenon from theoretical and empirical perspectives. Results indicate that the publication of performance data can affect the behaviour of service providers, the media, and service consumers, and that the effects are heavily situation-dependent and by no means universally benign. An agenda for further research is outlined, which may help to guide the formulation of policies regarding the publication of government performance data in particular and open data provision in general.
Modelling the Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy on the Epidemic of HIV

Thirty years after HIV first appeared it has killed close to 30 million people but transmission continues unchecked. In 2009, an estimated 1.8 million lives were lost and 2.6 million more people were infected with HIV [1]. To cut transmission, many social, behavioural and biomedical interventions have been developed, tested and tried but have had little impact on the epidemic in most countries. One substantial success has been the development of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) that reduces viral load and restores immune function. This raises the possibility of using ART not only to treat people but also to prevent new HIV infections. Here we consider the impact of ART on the transmission of HIV and show how it could help to control the epidemic. Much needs to be known and understood concerning the impact of early treatment with ART on the prognosis for individual patients and on transmission. We review the current literature on factors associated with modelling treatment for prevention and illustrate the potential impact using existing models. We focus on generalized epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa, with an emphasis on South Africa, where transmission is mainly heterosexual and which account for an estimated 17% of all people living with HIV. We also make reference to epidemics among men who have sex with men and injection drug users where appropriate. We discuss ways in which using treatment as prevention can be taken forward knowing that this can only be the beginning of what must become an inclusive dialogue among all of those concerned to stop acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
P-Bar theory

In this paper we propose a method for identifying the semantic context of segments of text within a larger document. Our method is based on an extension of Chomsky's x-bar theory. We adapt the x-bar concept of headedness to a coarser granularity of text, such as paragraphs. Using this method, which we call P-bar, we map a set of vocabulary domains to a unique semantic context. Using a rule-based error-driven algorithm, we show that this approach has significant context identification skill within a Rayleigh-Ritz like approximation framework.
Support Vector Machines for Predicting Protein Homo- Oligomers by Incorporating Pseudo-Amino Acid Composition #

Following the success of human genome project, the gap between sharply increasing the number of protein sequences entering into data bank and slow accumulation of know structure is becoming large. Developing a fast and accurate method to predict the protein properties based on the primary sequences becomes indispensable. In general, the performance of the predictive system can be improved by selecting appropriate algorithm and the fitting method of extracting feature. Thus a new method of extracting feature (the weighting pseudo–amino acid composition) from the sequences has been introduced to predict the protein homo–oligomers, which is a combination of a set of weighting discrete sequence correlation factors computed with the amino acid index profile and the 20 components of the conventional amino acid composition. We extract four attribute parameter datasets (COMP, PLIV, FAUJ and MAXF) from the primary sequences as examples to investigate this problem. The COMP attribute dataset is composed of amino acid composition, and the PLIV, FAUJ and MAXF attribute datasets are composed of the amino acid composition and a set of weighting discrete sequence correlation factors of corresponding amino acid residue index. The total accuracies of PLIV, FAUJ and MAXF using support vector machines (SVM) algorithm are 80.36%, 79.34% and 79.02% respectively in 10 fold cross–validation (10CV) test, which are 4.59%, 3.57% and 3.25% respectively higher than that of COMP. Based on the same COMP and PLIV attribute datasets, the total accuracies of SVM are 33.87% and 18.05% respectively higher than that of covariant discriminant algorithm in the jackknife test. These results show that the method of extracting feature from the protein sequences is effective and feasible for predicting homo–oligomers, and implies that the primary sequences of homo–oligomeric proteins contain quaternary structure information, and also indicates that the performance of SVM is superior to the covariant discriminant algorithm for classifying protein homo–oligomers.
Alternative routes to teaching : mapping the new landscape of teacher education

Over the past 20 years, alternative certification for teachers has emerged as a major avenue of teacher preparation. The proliferation of new pathways has spurred heated debate over how best to recruit, prepare, and support qualified teachers. Drawing on the work of leading scholars, Alternative Routes to Teaching provides a thorough and dispassionate review of the research evidence on alternative certification. It takes readers beyond the simple dichotomies that have characterized the debate over alternative certification, encourages them to look carefully at the trade-offs implicit in any route into teaching, and suggests ways to "marry" the proven strengths of both traditional and alternative approaches.
Modeling and experimental results of short channel annular MOS transistors

The reduction of the oxide thickness in advanced CMOS processes is one of the many advantages of technology downscaling, as it favors the reduction of the threshold voltage shifts due to radiation-induced gate oxide trapped charge. This inherent radiation hardness of deep submicron processes can be further exploited using gate-enclosed layout transistors with an annular design. In this paper we present a 2-D analytical I–V model for short-channel annular devices based on the solution of the Poisson equation in cylindrical coordinates and a simplified threshold voltage roll-off geometrical model.
Datta-Das transistor with enhanced spin control

We consider a two-channel spin transistor with weak spin-orbit induced interband coupling. We show that the coherent transfer of carriers between the coupled channels gives rise to an additional spin rotation. We calculate the corresponding spin-resolved current in a Datta–Das geometry and show that a weak interband mixing leads to enhanced spin control.
Carotenoids in Algae: Distributions, Biosyntheses and Functions

For photosynthesis, phototrophic organisms necessarily synthesize not only chlorophylls but also carotenoids. Many kinds of carotenoids are found in algae and, recently, taxonomic studies of algae have been developed. In this review, the relationship between the distribution of carotenoids and the phylogeny of oxygenic phototrophs in sea and fresh water, including cyanobacteria, red algae, brown algae and green algae, is summarized. These phototrophs contain division- or class-specific carotenoids, such as fucoxanthin, peridinin and siphonaxanthin. The distribution of α-carotene and its derivatives, such as lutein, loroxanthin and siphonaxanthin, are limited to divisions of Rhodophyta (macrophytic type), Cryptophyta, Euglenophyta, Chlorarachniophyta and Chlorophyta. In addition, carotenogenesis pathways are discussed based on the chemical structures of carotenoids and known characteristics of carotenogenesis enzymes in other organisms; genes and enzymes for carotenogenesis in algae are not yet known. Most carotenoids bind to membrane-bound pigment-protein complexes, such as reaction center, light-harvesting and cytochrome b6f complexes. Water-soluble peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein (PCP) and orange carotenoid protein (OCP) are also established. Some functions of carotenoids in photosynthesis are also briefly summarized.
Optimal control of a multi-state manufacturing system: control of production rate and temporary increase in capacity

In planning and scheduling of production systems manufacturers have two main strategies for responding to uncertainty: they build inventory to hedge against periods in which the production capacity is not sufficient to satisfy demand, or they temporarily increase the production capacity. We consider the problem of minimising the long-run average cost of holding inventory and/or purchasing extra capacity for a single facility producing a single part-type. The optimal production policy is of a hedging point policy type where two hedging levels are associated with each discrete capacity state of the system: a positive hedging level (inventory target) and a negative one (backlog level below which extra capacity should be purchased). We establish some ordering of the hedging levels, derive equations satisfied by the steady-state probability distribution of the inventory/backlog, and describe a program for specifying the optimal hedging levels.
Natural Iminosugar (+)-Lentiginosine Inhibits ATPase and Chaperone Activity of Hsp90

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a significant target in the development of rational cancer therapy due to its role at the crossroads of multiple signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation and cell viability. The relevance of Hsp90 as a therapeutic target for numerous diseases states has prompted the identification and optimization of novel Hsp90 inhibitors as an emerging therapeutic strategy. We performed a screening aimed to identify novel Hsp90 inhibitors among several natural compounds and we focused on the iminosugar (+)-lentiginosine, a natural amyloglucosidases inhibitor, for its peculiar bioactivity profile. Characterization of Hsp90 inhibition was performed using a panel of chemical and biological approaches, including limited proteolysis, biochemical and cellular assays. Our result suggested that the middle domain of Hsp90, as opposed to its ATP-binding pocket, is a promising binding site for new classes of Hsp90 inhibitors with multi-target anti-cancer potential.
Associations between the purchase of healthy and fast foods and restrictions to food access: a cross-sectional study in Melbourne, Australia

Abstract Objective To examine the associations between financial, physical and transport conditions that may restrict food access (which we define as food security indicators) and the purchase of fast foods and nutritious staples such as bread and milk. Design Multilevel logistic and multinomial regression analysis of cross-sectional survey data to assess associations between the three indicators of food insecurity and household food shopping adjusted for sociodemographic and socio-economic variables. Setting Random selection of households (n 3995) from fifty Census Collector Districts in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003. Subjects The main food shoppers in each household (n 2564). Results After adjustment for confounders, analysis showed that a greater likelihood of purchasing chain-brand fast food on a weekly basis compared with never was associated with running out of money to buy food (OR = 1·59; 95 % CI 1·08, 2·34) and reporting difficulties lifting groceries (OR = 1·77; 95 % CI 1·23, 2·54). Respondents without regular access to a car to do food shopping were less likely to purchase bread types considered more nutritious than white bread (OR = 0·75; 95 % CI 0·59, 0·95) and milk types considered more nutritious than full-cream milk (OR = 0·62; 95 % CI 0·47, 0·81). The food insecurity indicators were not associated with the purchasing of fruits, vegetables or non-chain fast food. Conclusions Householders experiencing financial and physical barriers were more likely to frequently purchase chain fast foods while limited access to a car resulted in a lower likelihood that the nutritious options were purchased for two core food items (bread and milk). Policies and interventions that improve financial access to food and lessen the effect of physical limitations to carrying groceries may reduce the purchasing of fast foods. Further research is required on food sourcing and dietary quality among those with food access restrictions.
An evaluation of cash transfer programmes in Zimbabwe as a strategy to reduce poverty: a case study of Mercy Corp’s cash transfers programme in Sakubva high density suburb, Mutare

The study aimed at looking at the effectiveness of cash transfers programmes being conducted by Mercy Corpâ€™s in Sakubva, Mutare. The study came in the background that this a new way of assisting vulnerable households, responding to some complications which were posed by in kind transfers. The objectives of the study included assessing the available social safety nets being provided by both the Government and the Non Governmental Organization Sector. , establishing the modalities in the implementation of the cash transfer programme, finding out how cash transfers are being used to strengthen or sustain livelihoods by vulnerable groups. In addition, the research study also sought to evaluate the social and economic gains which have accrued due to the cash transfer programme. Qualitative research methodology was employed in this research. Fifty four participants were used in the current study. Thirty two of them were involved structured interviews; eighteen took part in two focus group discussion, each having nine participants. Four respondents participated as key informants. Purposive sampling was used in sampling key informants while the rest were sampled using convenience sampling. Results revealed that the cash transfer programme was instrumental in transforming the lives of the beneficiaries for the better. The money managed to increase their food basket and it allowed them to invest some of the proceeds not only in childrenâ€™s education, but in income generating projects as well. In addition, the study has shown that beneficiaries would afford to seek medical attention for household members who would have fallen sick. The study has made some recommendations to the effect that a multi-sectorial approach be adopted whereby the private as well as the government fully participates in the fight against poverty. It was also recommended that the organization considers augmenting cash transfers with in-kind transfers so that the money can be meaningfully used to invest not to consume.
Image communication over noisy channels with feedback

When a feedback channel is available from the receiver to the transmitter, adaptive schemes for source-channel coding can be used for image transmission. In this paper we see that the use of embedded source codes and embedded channel codes, when combined in a hybrid ARQ protocol, can provide the desired flexibility at high efficiency, low complexity and low feedback channel usage. We propose optimized schemes for transmission over Gilbert-Elliot channels, with and without constraints on the feedback channel usage. We observe that the end-to-end quality of the received image can be improved significantly by a moderate use of feedback.
Economic Impacts of Surface Mine Reclamation

The primary purpose of this paper is to analyze the regional economic impact of back-to-contour surface mining regulations on the dominant coal market (the use of ''steam-electric'' coal by electric utilities) and its coal suppliers. Analysis is accomplished by means of a nonlinear regional programming model of the steam-electric coal market developed to provide quantitative information concerning alternative energy-environmental policy combinations. The effects of alternative policies such as reclamation standards cannot be reduced to a single dimension. There is an impact on total production, but given an emphasis, particularly in recent years, on the importance of Federal policy as a source of differential regional effects, the diverse regional output effects are also important. Each consuming and producing region will be affected not only by public policy towards coal in its own area but also by policies applied to mining elsewhere. Thus, regional interaction is explicitly considered. As public policy alters the private cost of mining and use, there will be regional effects on the delivered price of energy derived from coal. A second purpose of this analysis is to consider the effects of the surface mining regulations on the regional competitive position of underground mining. As L. Hines has written,more » ''the use of strip mining and auger mining in the coal fields has reduced mining costs well below those of underground operations--if the wide-spread degradation and property loss in areas where these practices are employed is disregarded. '' The explicit purpose of some sponsors of ''original contour'' legislation is to stimulate underground production. « less
Biomass burning in Asia: Annual and seasonal estimates and atmospheric emissions

Estimates of biomass burning in Asia are developed to facilitate the modeling of Asian and global air quality. A survey of national, regional, and international publications on biomass burning is conducted to yield consensus estimates of “typical” (i.e., non‐year‐specific) estimates of open burning (excluding biofuels). We conclude that 730 Tg of biomass are burned in a typical year from both anthropogenic and natural causes. Forest burning comprises 45% of the total, the burning of crop residues in the field comprises 34%, and 20% comes from the burning of grassland and savanna. China contributes 25% of the total, India 18%, Indonesia 13%, and Myanmar 8%. Regionally, forest burning in Southeast Asia dominates. National, annual totals are converted to daily and monthly estimates at 1° × 1° spatial resolution using distributions based on AVHRR fire counts for 1999–2000. Several adjustment schemes are applied to correct for the deficiencies of AVHRR data, including the use of moving averages, normalization, TOMS Aerosol Index, and masks for dust, clouds, landcover, and other fire sources. Good agreement between the national estimates of biomass burning and adjusted fire counts is obtained (R2 = 0.71–0.78). Biomass burning amounts are converted to atmospheric emissions, yielding the following estimates: 0.37 Tg of SO2, 2.8 Tg of NOx, 1100 Tg of CO2, 67 Tg of CO, 3.1 Tg of CH4, 12 Tg of NMVOC, 0.45 Tg of BC, 3.3 Tg of OC, and 0.92 Tg of NH3. Uncertainties in the emission estimates, measured as 95% confidence intervals, range from a low of ±65% for CO2 emissions in Japan to a high of ±700% for BC emissions in India.