Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A computational model for the coordination of neural progenitor self-renewal and differentiation through Hes1 dynamics

Proper tissue development requires that stem/progenitor cells precisely coordinate cell division and differentiation in space and time. Notch-Hes1 intercellular signaling, which affects both differentiation and cell cycle progression and directs cell fate decisions at various developmental stages in many cell types, is central to this process. This study explored whether the pattern of connections among the cell cycle regulatory module, the Notch effector Hes1 and the proneural factor Ngn2 could explain salient aspects of cell fate determination in neural progenitors. A mathematical model that includes mutual interactions between Hes1, Ngn2 and G1-phase regulators was constructed and simulated at the single- and two-cell levels. By differentially regulating G1-phase progression, Hes1 and Ngn2 are shown to induce two contrasting cell cycle arrest states in early and late G1, respectively. Indeed, steady Hes1 overexpression promotes reversible quiescence by downregulating activators of G0/G1 exit and Ngn2. Ngn2 also downregulates activators of G0/G1 exit, but cooperates with Cip/Kip proteins to prevent G1/S transit, whereby it promotes G1-phase lengthening and, ultimately, contributes to reinforcing an irreversible late G1 arrest coincident with terminal differentiation. In this scheme, Hes1 oscillation in single cells is able to maintain a labile proliferation state in dynamic balance with two competing cell fate outputs associated with Hes1-mediated and Ngn2-mediated cell cycle arrest states. In Delta/Notch-connected cells, Hes1 oscillations and a lateral inhibition mechanism combine to establish heterogeneous Hes1, Ngn2 and cell cycle dynamics between proliferating neural progenitors, thereby increasing the chances of asymmetric cell fate decisions and improving the reliability of commitment to differentiation. Summary: Computational modelling deciphers the connections between the cell-cycle machinery and Notch signalling which govern whether neural stem cells proliferate, differentiate or enter quiescence.
Structure Learning for Markov Logic Networks with Many Descriptive Attributes

Many machine learning applications that involve relational databases incorporate first-order logic and probability. Markov Logic Networks (MLNs) are a prominent statistical relational model that consist of weighted first order clauses. Many of the current state-of-the-art algorithms for learning MLNs have focused on relatively small datasets with few descriptive attributes, where predicates are mostly binary and the main task is usually prediction of links between entities. This paper addresses what is in a sense a complementary problem: learning the structure of an MLN that models the distribution of discrete descriptive attributes on medium to large datasets, given the links between entities in a relational database. Descriptive attributes are usually nonbinary and can be very informative, but they increase the search space of possible candidate clauses. We present an efficient new algorithm for learning a directed relational model (parametrized Bayes net), which produces an MLN structure via a standard moralization procedure for converting directed models to undirected models. Learning MLN structure in this way is 200-1000 times faster and scores substantially higher in predictive accuracy than benchmark algorithms on three relational databases.
Complexity Analysis in Cyclic Tag System Emulated by Rule 110

It is known that elementary cellular automaton rule 110 is capable of supporting universal computation by emulating cyclic tag system. Since the whole information necessary to perform computation is stored in the configuration, it is reasonable to investigate the complexity of configuration for the analysis of computing process. In this research we employed Lempel-Ziv complexity as a measure of complexity and calculated it during the evolution of emulating cyclic tag system by rule 110. As a result, we observed the stepwise decline of complexity during the evolution. That is caused by the transformation from table data to moving data and the elimination of table data by a rejector.
View Morphing: Uniquely Predicting Scene Appearance from Basis Images

This paper analyzes the conditions when a discrete set of images implicitly describes scene appearance for a continuous range of viewpoints. It is shown that two basis views of a static scene uniquely determine the set of all views on the line between their optical centers when a visibility constraint is satis ed. Additional basis views extend the range of predictable views to 2D or 3D regions of viewpoints. A simple scanline algorithm called view morphing is presented for generating these views from a set of basis images. The technique is applicable to both calibrated and uncalibrated images.
Preventing packet dropping attack on AODV based routing in mobile ad-hoc MANET

Mobile adhoc network is a wireless network. Which forwards the information in forms of packets either data packet or control packet from source to destination. It is a collection of mobile devices that can move from one direction to other that is the reason the topology is not fixed, and does not required any prefix infrastructure for configuring MANET. All devices under network can communicate with each other within a range. Packet dropping and bandwidth attacks are one of major concern on mobile adhoc network. If enough security measures are not their then the attacker nodes significantly degrades the performance of the network. This paper analysed nature of packet dropping and bandwidth attack based on AODV routing protocol on MANET, and proposed node bypassing technique to detect such kind of attacks.
Environmental impact of atmospheric NH3 emissions under present and future conditions in the eastern United States

Recent regulations require large‐scale emission reductions of NOx and SO2 in the eastern United States. These emission changes will alter the partitioning of ammonia between the gas and particle phases. Furthermore, ammonia emissions are expected to increase in the future. How will these changes impact the contribution of ammonia to inorganic particulate matter and nitrogen deposition? We use a chemical transport model and emission scenarios representing years 2001, 2010, and 2020 to estimate the future change of the sensitivity of iPM2.5 to ammonia emission reductions and change in nitrogen deposition to ecosystems. We find that during winter conditions, particulate matter concentrations in several locations in the Midwestern US continue to have significant sensitivity to NH3 emissions. In addition, the total nitrogen deposition near NH3 emission sources increases 10–40%
System identification using control theory

This paper considers preliminary results for a novel approach to the identification of finite-impulse response (FIR) or autoregressive (AR) models. Whereas traditional methods have employed a cost function such as least-squares or steepest descent, the new method uses deconvolution to split the unknown parameters from the regressors. This is achieved by using convolution in the feedback path of a high-gain control-system.
Flexible terabit/s Nyquist-WDM superchannels with net SE > 7bit/s/Hz using a gain-switched comb source

We demonstrate two 1Tbit/s superchannel architectures using a compact, FSR-tunable gain-switched comb source. SSMF transmission of 18GBaud Nyquist-WDM shaped PDM-QPSK and PDM-16QAM modulation is reported, with a capacity up to 1.296Tbit/s and SE of 7.2bit/s/Hz.
An Empirical Study of Information Technology Outsourcing: Benefits, Risks, and Performance Implications

In this paper, we develop aconccptual model of information technologyoutsourcing using a set of benefits and risks as determinants and performance as consequences. We then test our model.using primary data from a questionnaire survey involving the chief information officers in 159 Fortune 500 corporations, combined with appropriate secondarydata from corporate financial statements. Our results show that technical and business benefits as well as control and opportunismrisks are critical explanatory factors for outsourcing. In addition, we demonstrate that outsourcing leads to superior performance but this is moderated by cost structure of the firm.
A Retrospective Evaluation of the Utility of Capsule Endoscopy and Double-Balloon Endoscopy in Crohn's Disease

Background. Although the usefulness of capsule endoscopy (CE) and double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) for the evaluation of Crohn's disease (CD) is established, their capabilities in the differential diagnosis of small bowel stenosis have not been sufficiently addressed. The present study therefore aimed to retrospectively determine the types of patients for whom CE and DBE would confer the most benefit. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed data from 185 patients with established CD. A change of treatment based on CE or DBE results or successful DBE balloon dilation was defined as clinically useful indication. We then analyzed the factors significantly related to useful and poor indications. Results. CE results were assessed as useful indications in 28 (45%) of 62 patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that positive CRP and low IOIBD score are factors significantly related to a useful indication. DBE results were recognized as useful indications in 118 (77%) of 153 patients. Multivariate analysis indicated small bowel stenosis and abdominal pain as factors significantly associated with useful indications. All patients with a poor indication on CE had small bowel stenosis. Conclusions. CE was most useful for patients in clinical remission with positive CRP and without stenosis, whereas DBE was useful for patients with symptoms of stenosis.
Inactivation of Brucella Suis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Francisella tularensis, and Yersinia pestis using Vaporous Hydrogen Peroxide

This study evaluated the inactivation of Brucella suis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Francisella tularensis, and Yersinia pestis on glass, Hypalon® rubber glove, and stainless steel using vaporous hydrogen peroxide fumigation of a ∼15 m3 chamber. A suspension of approximately 1 × 108 colony forming units (CFU) of each organism was dried on coupons of each type of test surface and exposed to vaporous hydrogen peroxide. A significant reduction in the log10 CFU of each organism on all test materials was observed between the controls evaluated after a 1-hour drying time and unexposed controls evaluated after decontamination. For all organisms, qualitative growth assessments showed that vaporous hydrogen peroxide exposure completely inactivated bacterial viability on all replicates of the test materials incubated up to 7 days post-exposure. In parallel, all Geobacillus stearothermophilus biological indicators (BI) exposed to vaporous hydrogen peroxide exhibited no growth after 1 and 7 days incubation. This study provides information on using a combination of quantitative and qualitative growth assessments to evaluate vaporous hydrogen peroxide for the surface decontamination of B. suis, B. pseudomallei, F. tularensis, and Y. pestis within a large-scale chamber.
Muscle synergy space: learning model to create an optimal muscle synergy

Muscle redundancy allows the central nervous system (CNS) to choose a suitable combination of muscles from a number of options. This flexibility in muscle combinations allows for efficient behaviors to be generated in daily life. The computational mechanism of choosing muscle combinations, however, remains a long-standing challenge. One effective method of choosing muscle combinations is to create a set containing the muscle combinations of only efficient behaviors, and then to choose combinations from that set. The notion of muscle synergy, which was introduced to divide muscle activations into a lower-dimensional synergy space and time-dependent variables, is a suitable tool relevant to the discussion of this issue. The synergy space defines the suitable combinations of muscles, and time-dependent variables vary in lower-dimensional space to control behaviors. In this study, we investigated the mechanism the CNS may use to define the appropriate region and size of the synergy space when performing skilled behavior. Two indices were introduced in this study, one is the synergy stability index (SSI) that indicates the region of the synergy space, the other is the synergy coordination index (SCI) that indicates the size of the synergy space. The results on automatic posture response experiments show that SSI and SCI are positively correlated with the balance skill of the participants, and they are tunable by behavior training. These results suggest that the CNS has the ability to create optimal sets of efficient behaviors by optimizing the size of the synergy space at the appropriate region through interacting with the environment.
Deconjugation Kinetics of Glucuronidated Phase II Flavonoid Metabolites by b-glucuronidase from Neutrophils

Received; January 6, 2010, Accepted; March 31, 2010 *To whom correspondence should be addressed: Ilja C. W. ARTS, PhD. , Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands. Tel. +31 43 3882971, Fax. +31 43 3884128, E-mail: ilja.arts@epid.unimaas. nl. This work was supported by a VENI Innovational Research Grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research-Earth and Life Sciences (NWO-ALW) to Dr Ilja C.W. Arts. Drug Metab. Pharmacokinet. 25 (4): 379–387 (2010).
Exploring customer engagement valences in the social services

Purpose Minimal attention is given to the negative valences of customer engagement and how they manifest in ways that detract from service value. The purpose of this paper is to uncover the meaning and conceptual dimensions of disengagement and negative engagement in conjunction with positive engagement. It explores how three valences of engagement manifest towards dual objects: the service community and the focal service organisation. This exploration is based within a new and novel social service context. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach using (four) focus groups is used. Findings A conceptual model of customer engagement is derived from the groups that include strongly held and positive customer engagement; passive, yet negatively orientated customer disengagement; and active and destructive negative customer engagement. Positive customer engagement is found to be directed at the service community object, whereas customer disengagement and negative engagement are directed at the focal service organisation object. A spillover effect is also revealed whereby negative engagement with the focal service organisation detracts from customers’ positive engagement within their service community. This suggests that engagement within a social service is multifaceted: several engagement valences may exist within one service relationship. It also suggests that these engagement valences are interrelated. Originality/value This is the first paper to apply three valences of engagement within the one focal relationship and examine how they manifest towards two objects, providing a unique perspective of how different interactions within the service ecosystem can influence engagement.
Pragmatic Understanding of Bottlenose Dolphins' (Tursiops Truncatus) Use of a Two-Way Communication System

ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . iv DEDICATION . v LIST OF TABLES . ix LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS . x LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . xi CHAPTER I – INTRODUCTION . 1 Defining Pragmatics. 1 Pragmatics in Animal Communication Systems. 2 Social-Pragmatic Theory of Language Acquisition . 4 Pragmatic Development . 8 Chimpanzee Studies . 13 Current Study . 16 Study Species . 16 Purpose . 17 CHAPTER II – METHOD. 19 Subjects . 19 Study Environment . 20 Apparatus . 20 vii Procedure . 22 Analyses . 23 Turn-Taking . 23 Key activation . 23 Interruptions . 24 Conversations Featuring Human Gesture . 25 Contingent Use of Keyboard . 25 Reliability . 26 CHAPTER III RESULTS . 27 Intercoder Reliability . 27 Analysis of Turn-Taking . 27 Keyboard Conversations . 27 Interruptions Based on Keypress Log . 33 Conversations Including Human Gestures . 36 Conversations Including Dolphin Gesture . 37 Contingent Use of Keyboard . 39 CHAPTER IV – DISCUSSION. 44 Turn-Taking . 44 Keyboard Conversations . 44 Interruptions . 45 viii Multi-turn Conversations . 46 Conversations with Dolphin Activation Response to Human Gesture . 46 Conversations Including Dolphin Gestures . 48 Contingent Use of Keyboard . 49 Conclusion . 51 REFERENCES . 53
Theoretical and Practical Complexity of Unified Modeling Language: Delphi Study and Metrics Analyses

Systems have become increasingly complex, and as a result development methods have become more complex as well. The unified modeling language (UML) has been criticized for the often cited and sometimes overwhelming complexity it presents to its users, and those seeking to learn to use it. Using Rossi and Brinkkemper’s (1996) complexity metrics, Siau and Cao (2001) completed a complexity analysis of UML and 36 other modeling techniques, finding that UML is indeed more complex than other techniques. Siau, Erickson and Lee (2002) proposed that Rossi and Brinkkemper’s metrics present the theoretical maximum complexity, known as theoretical complexity. This is different from a practice-based complexity, known as practical complexity, that more accurately reflects the complexity of the language in practice. This research develops a subset of UML (a kernel) composed of the most commonly used constructs, that can be equated with the complexity that practitioners actually face when using the modeling language. A Delphi study is conducted using UML experts in identifying a use-based UML kernel. Metric analyses are then computed and analyzed.
The Nc1/Endostatin Domain of Caenorhabditis elegans Type Xviii Collagen Affects Cell Migration and Axon Guidance

Type XVIII collagen is a homotrimeric basement membrane molecule of unknown function, whose COOH-terminal NC1 domain contains endostatin (ES), a potent antiangiogenic agent. The Caenorhabditis elegans collagen XVIII homologue, cle-1, encodes three developmentally regulated protein isoforms expressed predominantly in neurons. The CLE-1 protein is found in low amounts in all basement membranes but accumulates at high levels in the nervous system. Deletion of the cle-1 NC1 domain results in viable fertile animals that display multiple cell migration and axon guidance defects. Particular defects can be rescued by ectopic expression of the NC1 domain, which is shown to be capable of forming trimers. In contrast, expression of monomeric ES does not rescue but dominantly causes cell and axon migration defects that phenocopy the NC1 deletion, suggesting that ES inhibits the promigratory activity of the NC1 domain. These results indicate that the cle-1 NC1/ES domain regulates cell and axon migrations in C. elegans.
Grants Versus Loans: Much Ado About (Almost) Nothing

When President Bush proposed in July 2001 to provide up to half of aid supplied by development banks as grants, this sparked an intense debate. Unrestricted support for his proposal came from prominent American economists, who favor grants because in their view loans only cause debt problems without having any distinctive advantage. The main opponents of the proposal, European donors, rely on two basic arguments: first, they suspect that a diminishing weight of loans could markedly reduce overall aid resources; and second, they stress the ability of loan arrangements to provide incentives for a careful use of aid resources by recipients. Both positions do not hold up to closer scrutiny.
Substance abuse treatment engagement among mothers: Perceptions of the parenting role and agency-related motivators and inhibitors

ABSTRACT This qualitative study explored (1) the parenting role as a motivator and inhibitor to engaging in substance abuse treatment and (2) parenting-related, agency-imposed barriers and facilitators to substance abuse treatment engagement. Nine focus groups (N = 45) were conducted with current and former male and female recipients of treatment services in one Southeastern state. Using inductive thematic analysis, transcripts were analyzed to identify key themes related to parenting. Females were over-represented in our groups and were more vocal than males regarding issues of parenting as these related to treatment. Among mothers, motivations for treatment related to parenting included involvement with child protective services and the desire to be a better parent. Inhibitors for treatment included anxiety over separation from child, debilitating guilt, and parenting demands. Facilitators for participation included mother–child residential programs, services for children, concrete support, and advocacy and emotional support. Barriers for participation included decreased access to the child and barriers specific to mother–child residential programs. To enhance treatment engagement among parents, providers can address agency-level barriers and draw upon the parenting role as intrinsic motivation for change. Policies and services are needed that promote flexibility, choice, and support parents to engage in treatment services.
Endovascular Approaches to Acute Stroke, Part 1: Drugs, Devices, and Data

SUMMARY: Despite years of research and pioneering clinical work, stroke remains a massive public health concern. Since 1996, we have lived in the era of US Food and Drug Administration−approved intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). This treatment, despite its promise, continues to exhibit its limitations. Endovascular therapy has several theoretic advantages over IV rtPA, including site specificity, longer treatment windows, and higher recanalization rates. In this article, we will review the various pharmacologic strategies for acute stroke treatment, providing both a historic context and the state of the art. The drugs will be classified on the basis of their theoretic rationale for therapy. Next, we will review the various devices and strategies for mechanical revascularization with an aim toward comprehensiveness. These range from wire disruption of thrombus to preclinical trials for novel mechanical solutions. This first installment of this 2-part series will end with an analysis of retrograde reperfusion techniques.
Free space radiation pattern reconstruction using non-anechoic data

The objective of this paper is to investigate a methodology, which can extract approximate results for the free space radiation pattern from data obtained in a non-anechoic environment. Using an impulse response in the angular domain at a single frequency of the non-anechoic environment, the free space pattern of the device under test is estimated. Simulated data has been used to illustrate the applicability of this new methodology.