Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Branchio Oculo Facial Syndrome

"Branchio-" refers to the branchial arches, which are structures in the developing embryo that give rise to tissues in the face and neck. In people with branchio-oculofacial syndrome, the first and second branchial arches do not develop properly, leading to abnormal patches of skin, typically on the neck or near the ears. These patches can be unusually thin, hairy, or red and densely packed with blood vessels (hemangiomatous). In a small number of individuals, tissue from a gland called the thymus is abnormally located on the skin of the neck (dermal thymus). Problems with branchial arch development underlie many of the other features of branchio-oculo-facial syndrome.
Usate of Filter Tube to Reduce Pb, Turbidity And Increase pH of Rain Water Flowing Through Zinc Rooftop House

Pb contained in rain water comes from zinc rooftop, beside that, it comes from the pollutant dissolved and comes into rain water reservoir and is used for community drinking water source. This research objective is to evaluate Pb, pH and turbidity of rain water before and after process and to analyze effectivity of shell sand filtration and activated carbon absorbtion in the filter tube to decrease Pb and turbidity and increase pH of rain water. This research is an experiment with pre and post test design with control and observational with cross sectional design. It is conducted in Pontianak and Kubu Raya West Kalimantan in 2016 with two target regions which represent urban and rural ones. The result indicated that average lead (Pb) contained in rain water and turbidity process is high with 131.7 µg/l and 20 NTU and pH is low with 5.2. After process, Pb become 0.71 µg/l and turbidity become 5.66 NTU while pH increases to 6.9. The effectivity of filter tube to reduce lead (Pb) contained in rain water is 99.4% and to reduce turbidity is 72%.
Exopolysaccharides Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria as Fermentable Substrates by the Intestinal Microbiota

The functional food market, including products formulated to maintain a “healthy” gut microbiota, i.e. probiotics and prebiotics, has increased enormously since the end of the last century. In order to favor the competitiveness of this sector, as well as to increase our knowledge of the mechanisms of action upon human health, new probiotic strains and prebiotic substrates are being studied. This review discusses the use of exopolysaccharides (EPS), both homopolysaccharides (HoPS) and heteropolysaccharides (HePS), synthesized by lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria as potential prebiotics. These extracellular carbohydrate polymers synthesized by some gut inhabitants seem to be resistant to gastrointestinal digestion; these are susceptible as well to biodegradability by the intestinal microbiota depending on both the physicochemical characteristics of EPS and the pool of glycolytic enzymes harbored by microbiota. Therefore, although the chemical composition of these HoPS and HePS is different, both can be fermentable substrates by intestinal inhabitants and good candidates as prebiotic substrates. However, there are limitations for their use as additives in the food industry due to, on the one hand, their low production yield and, on the other hand, a lack of clinical studies demonstrating the functionality of these biopolymers.
Overload management of autonomous microgrids

Load-shedding is a mechanism to prevent overloading of the autonomous microgrids (MG). To minimize load-shedding, extra support can be provided by the embedded floating batteries in the autonomous MG. Furthermore, two islanded neighboring MGs can be interconnected to support each other. For this, the state of charge (SOC) of the floating batteries should be above the minimum SOC and extra generation capacity needs to be available in the distributed energy resources (DER) of the neighboring MG. In this paper an overload management strategy based on these two options is presented. This strategy needs to decide the connection time of the floating batteries as well as the interconnection time of the two neighboring MGs. It should also decide when the battery to be disconnected or the two interconnected MGs to be isolated. This paper focuses on a decentralized approach based on monitoring the frequencies of the MGs. The proposed strategy is validated by PSCAD/EMTDC simulations.
ILM's multitrack: a new visual tracking framework for high-end VFX production

Tracking 2D features on film footage is the starting point for several applications in a VFX pipeline such as camera calibration, match-moving, photomodeling, vision-based motion capture and object tracking. The diversity of captured footage and the accuracy requirements make the feature tracking problem very challenging. For instance, typical background footage exhibits drastic changes in lighting, motion blur, occlusions, and is usually corrupted with environment effects such as smoke or explosions. Tracking features on hero characters such as a human faces is equally challenging, especially near the eyes and lips, where the textures change continuously.
Role of NO in recovery from neonatal hypoxic pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND The management of sick newborn infants who have sustained a hypoxic insult is a common clinical problem but relatively little is known about the recovery process. The aim of this study was to investigate this process in newborn piglets. METHODS Thirty five newborn piglets were exposed to chronic hypobaric hypoxia for three days, either from birth, three or 14 days of age, and were allowed to recover for one, three, or six days. Control animals of relevant age were also studied. The heart weight ratio and pulmonary arterial muscularity were measured. Endothelial dependent and independent relaxation of the isolated intrapulmonary conduit arteries was determined in classical organ chamber studies, together with measurement of basal and stimulated cGMP accumulation. RESULTS After six days of recovery the hypoxia induced right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary arterial medial hypertrophy had decreased in all animals but values were still abnormal in the two younger age groups. Relaxation was still impaired during the first three days of recovery in all groups, had normalised by six days in the two youngest groups, but relaxation (both endothelium dependent and independent) remained impaired in older animals. In these older animals basal nitric oxide (NO) production and basal and stimulated cGMP accumulation was normal. CONCLUSIONS The recovery of the smooth muscle cells lags behind that of the endothelial cells. A normal stimulated increase in cGMP with reduced relaxation suggests an altered threshold for cGMP effected relaxation. These findings help to explain why some hypoxic infants require protracted NO therapy.
O ct 2 00 5 Statistical Economics on MultiVariable Layered Networks

We propose a Statistical-Mechanics inspired framework for modeling economic systems. Each agent composing the economic system is characterized by a few variables of distinct nature (e.g. saving ratio, expectations, etc.). The agents interact locally by their individual variables: for example, people working in the same office may influence their peers’ expectations (optimism/pessimism are contagious) , while people living in the same neighborhood may influence their peers’ saving patterns (stinginess/largeness are contagious). Thus, for each type of variable there exists a different underlying social network, which we refer to as a “layer”. Each layer connects the same set of agents by a different set of links defining a different topology. In different layers, the nature of the variables and their dynamics may be different (Ising, Heisenberg, matrix models, etc). The different variables belonging to the same agent interact (the level of optimism of an agent may influence its saving level), thus coupling the various layers. We present a simple instance of such a network, where a one-dimensional Ising chain (representing the interaction between the optimist-pessimist expectations) is coupled through a random site-to-site mapping to a one-dimensional generalized BlumeCapel chain (representing the dynamics of the agents’ saving ratios). In the absence of coupling between the layers, the one-dimensional systems describing respectively the expectations and the saving ratios do not feature any ordered phase (herding). Yet, such a herding phase emerges in the coupled system, highlighting the non-trivial nature of the present
LOS SISTEMAS LOCALES DE BIENESTAR. UN ANÁLISIS DESDE LAS POLÍTICAS DE REGENERACIÓN URBANA Local Welfare Systems. An analysis from the urban regeneration policies

In the framework of the European initiatives aimed at urban areas, local governments are facing new challenges related to the regeneration of their cities, both from the physical realm and from the economic and social. In this context it becomes relevant the implementation model of integrated urban development understanding therefore, the integral character in terms of public policy areas involved, promoting not only regeneration of the physical space or the economic development, but also the welfare and the social integration of citizens who inhabit the territories over which it acts. This model also incorporates a series of proposals related to innovative initiatives management. At the same time, transformations in the Welfare State are reflected specially at the local level, both on the contents of policies and how implement them. This is known as Local Welfare Systems. This paper analyzes the extent in which the Spanish municipalities involved in URBANA (2007-2013) put into practice the Integrated Urban Development Model to implement its policies of urban regeneration,
A Framework for Filtering News and Managing Distributed Data

With the development and di usion of the Internet worldwide connection, a large amount of information is available to the users. Methods of information ltering and fetching are then required. This paper presents two approaches. The rst concerns the information ltering system ProFile based on an adaptation of the generalized probabilistic model of information retrieval. ProFile lters the netnews and uses a scale of 11 prede ned values of relevance. ProFile allows the user to update on{line the pro le and to check the discrepancy between the assessment and the prediction of relevance of the system. The second concerns ABIS, an intelligent agent for supporting users in ltering data from distributed and heterogeneous archives and repositories. ABIS minimizes user's e ort in selecting the huge amount of available documents. The ltering engine memorizes both user preferences and past situations. ABIS compares documents with the past situations and nds the similarity scores on the basis of a memory-based reasoning approach.
A New Extraction Method of Trap States in Amorphous InGaZnO Thin-Film Transistors

A method to extract the density of subgap states in amorphous InGaZnO thin-film transistors is proposed. The nonuniform characteristic of surface potential along the channel has been taken into account. The variation of interface state density with the applied bias voltage is derived from the capacitance-voltage characteristic. In addition, by combining the obtained density of interface states with the subthreshold swing, the energy distribution of bulk traps is determined. Results fit well with the experimental data.
Air Pollution in Bangalore, India: A Six-Year Trend and Health Implication Analysis.

Air pollution is increasingly becoming a global concern and is believed to be amongst the leading causes of death in the world today. Developing countries, with rapidly growing economies, are struggling between the focus on economic development and curbing air pollution emissions. Bangalore is one of India’s fastest growing metropolises and, although benefiting economically due to its rapid development, has a rapidly deteriorating environment. This paper provides a critical analysis of the air pollution trend in the city over the period 2005-2011 at 6 specific locations where measurements have been consistently recorded. It also discusses the potential health implications pertaining to exceeding levels of pollutants where these are applicable.
Molecular markers for identified neuroblasts in the developing brain of Drosophila

The Drosophila brain develops from the procephalic neurogenic region of the ectoderm. About 100 neural precursor cells (neuroblasts) delaminate from this region on either side in a reproducible spatiotemporal pattern. We provide neuroblast maps from different stages of the early embryo (stages 9, 10 and 11, when the entire population of neuroblasts has formed), in which about 40 molecular markers representing the expression patterns of 34 different genes are linked to individual neuroblasts. In particular, we present a detailed description of the spatiotemporal patterns of expression in the procephalic neuroectoderm and in the neuroblast layer of the gap genes empty spiracles, hunchback, huckebein, sloppy paired 1 and tailless; the homeotic gene labial; the early eye genes dachshund, eyeless and twin of eyeless; and several other marker genes (including castor, pdm1, fasciclin 2, klumpfuss, ladybird, runt and unplugged). We show that based on the combination of genes expressed, each brain neuroblast acquires a unique identity, and that it is possible to follow the fate of individual neuroblasts through early neurogenesis. Furthermore, despite the highly derived patterns of expression in the procephalic segments, the co-expression of specific molecular markers discloses the existence of serially homologous neuroblasts in neuromeres of the ventral nerve cord and the brain. Taking into consideration that all brain neuroblasts are now assigned to particular neuromeres and individually identified by their unique gene expression, and that the genes found to be expressed are likely candidates for controlling the development of the respective neuroblasts, our data provide a basic framework for studying the mechanisms leading to pattern and cell diversity in the Drosophila brain, and for addressing those mechanisms that make the brain different from the truncal CNS.
Environmental exposures: an underrecognized contribution to noncommunicable diseases

Abstract Previous attempts to determine the degree to which exposure to environmental factors contribute to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have been very conservative and have significantly underestimated the actual contribution of the environment for at least two reasons. Firstly, most previous reports have excluded the contribution of lifestyle behavioral risk factors, but these usually involve significant exposure to environmental chemicals that increase risk of disease. Secondly, early life exposure to chemical contaminants is now clearly associated with an elevated risk of several diseases later in life, but these connections are often difficult to discern. This is especially true for asthma and neurodevelopmental conditions, but there is also a major contribution to the development of obesity and chronic diseases. Most cancers are caused by environmental exposures in genetically susceptible individuals. In addition, new information shows significant associations between cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and exposure to environmental chemicals present in air, food, and water. These relationships likely reflect the combination of epigenetic effects and gene induction. Environmental factors contribute significantly more to NCDs than previous reports have suggested. Prevention needs to shift focus from individual responsibility to societal responsibility and an understanding that effective prevention of NCDs ultimately relies on improved environmental management to reduce exposure to modifiable risks.
Defense Technical Information Center Compilation Part Notice ADPO 1 1775 TITLE : A One-Dimensional Photonic Bandgap System as High-Reflectivity Mirror for Microwave and THz Applications

To order the complete compilation report, use: ADA398789 The component part is provided here to allow users access to individually authored sections f proceedings, annals, symposia, etc. However, the component should be considered within [he context of the overall compilation report and not as a stand-alone technical report.
Higher order contributions to the effective action of = 4 super Yang-Mills

: The one-loop low-energy eﬁective action for non-abelian N = 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory is computed to order F 6 by use of heat kernel techniques in N = 1 superspace. At the component level, the F 5 terms are found to be consistent with the form of the non-abelian Born-Infeld action computed to this order by superstring methods. The F 6 terms will be of importance for comparison with superstring calculations.
Structural Trend Analysis for Online Social Networks

The identification of popular and important topics discussed in social networks is crucial for a better understanding of societal concerns. It is also useful for users to stay on top of trends without having to sift through vast amounts of shared information. Trend detection methods introduced so far have not used the network topology and has thus not been able to distinguish viral topics from topics that are diffused mostly through the news media. To address this gap, we propose two novel structural trend definitions we call coordinated and uncoordinated trends that use friendship information to identify topics that are discussed among clustered and distributed users respectively. Our analyses and experiments show that structural trends are significantly different from traditional trends and provide new insights into the way people share information online. We also propose a sampling technique for structural trend detection and prove that the solution yields in a gain in efficiency and is within an acceptable error bound. Experiments performed on a Twitter data set of 41.7 million nodes and 417 million posts show that even with a sampling rate of 0.005, the average precision is 0.93 for coordinated trends and 1 for uncoordinated trends.
Novel Mutations in PRPF 31 Causing Retinitis Pigmentosa Identified Using Whole-Exome Sequencing

RESULTS. Two frameshift variants, c.547delG (p.E183fs) and c.804delG (p.L268fs), and one stopgain variant, c.1060C>T (p.R354X), in the pre-mRNA processing factor 31 gene (PRPF31) were identified in three RP families. In comparison with WT, the expressions of GFP-fused PRPF31 (GFP-PRPF31) protein with the mutation c.547delG or c.804delG in HEK293 cells were significantly reduced. However, the expression of GFP-PRPF31 containing the stopgain mutation (GFP-PRPF31sg) was increased. CHX treatment of HEK293 showed the GFP-PRPF31sg protein was more stable than GFP-PRPF31 WT. The WT protein expression was localized in the nuclei, and the mutants in both nuclei and cytoplasm. We screened for PRPF31 mutations in 131 sporadic RP patients by WES and successfully identified three novel mutations: c.G781C (p.G261R), c.A1373T (p.Q458L), and c.C1222T (p.R408W).
Investigation of optimal transduction conditions for baculovirus‐mediated gene delivery into mammalian cells

Although baculovirus‐mediated gene delivery into mammalian cells has been documented in a wealth of the literature, systematic investigation of the optimal transduction conditions remains unavailable. In this work, a transduction protocol using unconcentrated baculovirus is proposed for simple and efficient gene delivery into HeLa cells. We found that ∼75–85% of the cells could be readily transduced and express the reporter protein when virus transduction occurred for 4 h at 25°C using Dulbecco's phosphate‐buffered saline (D‐PBS) as the surrounding solution. This method contrasts with previous protocols in which transduction occurs for 1 h at 37°C using growth medium (e.g., DMEM) as the surrounding solution. Investigation of the physical parameters led to the findings that: 1) baculovirus uptake by HeLa cells continued for at least 4 h in the event of high virus dosage, which led to higher gene expression; 2) the half‐life of baculovirus dramatically decreased at 37°C; 3) EGTA pretreatment did not apparently facilitate the gene delivery when the cells grew to multilayers; and 4) lower transduction efficiency and gene expression were obtained when DMEM was used (in comparison with D‐PBS and TNM‐FH), suggesting that DMEM contains certain inhibitory factors for baculovirus transduction. Our data uncovered several aspects that were not investigated before and the optimized transduction conditions allowed for gene delivery as efficient as that by the protocols commonly employed by others, but eliminated the need for virus ultracentrifugation. The protocol not only represented a simpler approach, but also considerably reduced possible virus inactivation during ultracentrifugation, thus making it easier to convert the baculovirus/mammalian cell system to a tool for eukaryotic protein production on a larger scale. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bag-of-Words Against Nearest-Neighbor Search for Visual Object Retrieval

We compare the Bag-of-Words (BoW) framework with the Approximate Nearest-Neighbor (ANN) based system in the context of visual object retrieval. This comparison is motivated by the implicit connection between these two methods: generally speaking, the BoW framework can be regarded as a quantization-guided ANN voting system. The value of establishing such comparison lies in: first, by comparing with other quantization-free ANN system, the performance loss caused by the quantization error in the BoW framework can be estimated quantitatively. Second, this comparison completely inspects the pros and cons of both ANN and BoW methods, thus to facilitate new algorithm design. In this study, by taking an independent dataset as the reference to validate matches, we design an ANN voting system that outperforms all other methods. Comprehensive and computationally intensive experiments are conducted on two Oxford datasets and two TrecVid instance search datasets, and the new state-of-the-art is achieved.
Cellular Localization and Functional Role of Phosphatidylcholine-Specific Phospholipase C in NK Cells

Although several classes of phospholipases have been implicated in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, no evidence has been reported to date on involvement of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) in NK activation by lymphokines and/or in lytic granule exocytosis. This study demonstrated the expression of two PC-PLC isoforms (Mr 40 and 66 kDa) and their IL-2-dependent distribution between cytoplasm and ectoplasmic membrane surface in human NK cells. Following cell activation by IL-2, cytoplasmic PC-PLC translocated from the microtubule-organizing center toward cell periphery, essentially by kinesin-supported transport along microtubules, while PC-PLC exposed on the outer cell surface increased 2-fold. Preincubation of NK cells with a PC-PLC inhibitor, tricyclodecan-9-yl-xanthogenate, strongly reduced NK-mediated cytotoxicity. In IL-2-activated cells, this loss of cytotoxicity was associated with a decrease of PC-PLC exposed on the cell surface, and accumulation of cytoplasmic PC-PLC in the Golgi region. Massive colocalization of PC-PLC-rich particles with perforin-containing granules was found in the cytoplasm of NK-activated (but not NK-resting) cells; both organelles clustered at the intercellular contact region of effector-target cell conjugates. These newly detected mechanisms of PC-PLC translocation and function support an essential role of this enzyme in regulated granule exocytosis and NK-mediated cytotoxicity.