Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endurance Training in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat: Conversion of Pathological into Physiological Cardiac Hypertrophy

The effect of endurance training (swimming 90 min/d for 5 days a week for 60 days) on cardiac hypertrophy was investigated in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Sedentary SHRs (SHR-Cs) and normotensive Wistar rats were used as controls. Exercise training enhanced myocardial hypertrophy assessed by left ventricular weight/tibial length (228±7 versus 251±5 mg/cm in SHR-Cs and exercised SHRs [SHR-Es], respectively). Myocyte cross-sectional area increased ≈40%, collagen volume fraction decreased ≈50%, and capillary density increased ≈45% in SHR-Es compared with SHR-Cs. The mRNA abundance of atrial natriuretic factor and myosin light chain 2 was decreased by the swimming routine (100±19% versus 41±10% and 100±8% versus 61±9% for atrial natriuretic factor and myosin light chain 2 in SHR-Cs and SHR-Es, respectively). The expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump was significantly augmented, whereas that of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger was unchanged (93±7% versus 167±8% and 158±13% versus 157±7%, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in SHR-Cs and SHR-Es, respectively; P<0.05). Endurance training inhibited apoptosis, as reflected by a decrease in caspase 3 activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 cleavage, and normalized calcineurin activity without inducing significant changes in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. The swimming routine improved midventricular shortening determined by echocardiography (32.4±0.9% versus 36.9±1.1% in SHR-Cs and SHR-Es, respectively; P<0.05) and decreased the left ventricular free wall thickness/left ventricular cavity radius toward an eccentric model of cardiac hypertrophy (0.59±0.02 versus 0.53±0.01 in SHR-Cs and SHR-Es, respectively; P<0.05). In conclusion, we present data demonstrating the effectiveness of endurance training to convert pathological into physiological hypertrophy improving cardiac performance. The reduction of myocardial fibrosis and calcineurin activity plus the increase in capillary density represent factors to be considered in determining this beneficial effect.
Superman or the Fantastic Four? Knowledge Combination and Experience in Innovative Teams

We examine how knowledge and experience affect both the mean and variance values of innovations from individuals and teams. We apply and extend theory on innovativeness and creativity to propose that holding multiple knowledge domains produces novel combinations that increase the variance of product performance; and that extensive experience produces outputs with high average performance. We analyzed innovations in the comic book industry, finding that innovations with extreme success and failure are affected by similar factors as high-performing innovations. Multi-member teams and teams with experience working together produced innovations with greater variation in value, but individuals were able to combine knowledge diversity more effectively than teams.
Unknown input estimation for diesel engine based on Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Descriptor systems

In this paper a type of proportional integral fuzzy observers (PI-Fuzzy Observer) based on Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy (TS-Fuzzy) Descriptor models is proposed with application in a real system. The state and unknown input estimation problems for a diesel engine air-path system is solved by using a PI-Fuzzy Observer. The proposed approach offers all the degrees of observer design and also, sufficient stability conditions and the observer gains that are obtained starting from the theory of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A TS-Fuzzy descriptor model of the process is developed in order to facilitate the design of the PI-Fuzzy Observer. The obtained results indicate that the observer is able to accurately reconstruct the states and the unknown inputs of the system.
Institucionalização do Conhecimento em Sustentabilidade Ambiental pelos Programas de Pós-gradução Stricto Sensu em Administração

This study analyzed the process of institutionalization and legitimization of knowledge in research-oriented (stricto sensu) management programs in the field of environmental sustainability by proposing and applying a theoretical model based on Berger and Luckmann. Berger and Luckmann’s sociology of knowledge, a theoretical interpretation of phenomena that develop in society, is used as the basis for the construction of a research model for institutionalization and legitimization processes. The research presents different methodological approaches that are inherently complementary, with a predominance of quantitative techniques, characterizing social network analysis as a mixed-methods approach. The research shows that collaborative networks formed by stricto sensu management programs contribute to the institutionalization and legitimization of knowledge in environmental sustainability. Bibliometrics and data mining techniques identified which authors have published works that are institutionalized and legitimized. The results show that the model developed by Berger and Luckmann allows the identification of authors and institutions that have institutionalized or legitimized the production of knowledge in environmental sustainability, something that can be applied in other scientific fields.
Activate to Eradicate: Inhibition of Clostridium difficile Spore Outgrowth by the Synergistic Effects of Osmotic Activation and Nisin

Background Germination is the irreversible loss of spore-specific properties prior to outgrowth. Because germinating spores become more susceptible to killing by stressors, induction of germination has been proposed as a spore control strategy. However, this strategy is limited by superdormant spores that remain unaffected by germinants. Harsh chemicals and heat activation are effective for stimulating germination of superdormant spores but are impractical for use in a hospital setting, where Clostridium difficile spores present a challenge. Here, we tested whether osmotic activation solutes will provide a mild alternative for stimulation of superdormant C. difficile spores in the presence of germinants as previously demonstrated in several species of Bacillus. In addition, we tested the hypothesis that the limitations of superdormancy can be circumvented with a combined approach using nisin, a FDA-approved safe bacteriocin, to inhibit outgrowth of germinated spores and osmotic activation solutes to enhance outgrowth inhibition by stimulating superdormant spores. Principal Findings Exposure to germination solution triggered ∼1 log10 colony forming units (CFU) of spores to germinate, and heat activation increased the spores that germinated to >2.5 log10CFU. Germinating spores, in contrast to dormant spores, became susceptible to inhibition by nisin. The presence of osmotic activation solutes did not stimulate germination of superdormant C. difficile spores exposed to germination solution. But, in the absence of germination solution, osmotic activation solutes enhanced nisin inhibition of superdormant spores to >3.5 log10CFU. The synergistic effects of osmotic activation solutes and nisin were associated with loss of membrane integrity. Conclusions These findings suggest that the synergistic effects of osmotic activation and nisin bypass the limitations of germination as a spore control strategy, and might be a novel method to safely and effectively reduce the burden of C.difficile spores on skin and environmental surfaces.
Properties of artificial neurons that report lightness based on accumulated experience with luminance

The responses of visual neurons in experimental animals have been extensively characterized. To ask whether these responses are consistent with a wholly empirical concept of visual perception, we optimized simple neural networks that responded according to the cumulative frequency of occurrence of local luminance patterns in retinal images. Based on this estimation of accumulated experience, the neuron responses showed classical center-surround receptive fields, luminance gain control and contrast gain control, the key properties of early level visual neurons determined in animal experiments. These results imply that a major purpose of pre-cortical neuronal circuitry is to contend with the inherently uncertain significance of luminance values in natural stimuli.
Notes on the design of Euclid

Euclid is a language for writing system programs that are to be verified. We believe that verification and reliability are closely related, because if it is hard to reason about programs using a language feature, it will be difficult to write programs that use it properly. This paper discusses a number of issues in the design of Euclid, including such topics as the scope of names, aliasing, modules, type-checking, and the confinement of machine dependencies; it gives some of the reasons for our expectation that programming in Euclid will be more reliable (and will produce more reliable programs) than programming in Pascal, on which Euclid is based.
SNP Discovery from Transcriptome of Cashmere Goat Skin

The goat Capra hircus is one of several economically important livestock in China. Advances in molecular genetics have led to the identification of several single nucleotide variation markers associated with genes affecting economic traits. Validation of single nucleotide variations in a whole-transcriptome sequencing is critical for understanding the information of molecular genetics. In this paper, we aim to develop a large amount of convinced single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for Cashmere goat through transcriptome sequencing. In this study, the transcriptomes of Cashmere goat skin at four stages were measured using RNA-sequencing and 90% to 92% unique-mapped-reads were obtained from total-mapped-reads. A total of 56,231 putative SNPs distributed among 10,057 genes were identified. The average minor allele frequency of total SNPs was 18%. GO and KEGG pathway analysis were conducted to analyze the genes containing SNPs. Our follow up biological validation revealed that 64% of SNPs were true SNPs. Our results show that RNA-sequencing is a fast and efficient method for identification of a large number of SNPs. This work provides significant genetic resources for further research on Cashmere goats, especially for the high density linkage map construction and genome-wide association studies.
FACING DEATH, MASKING DEATH, IN LUBA MYTH AND ART

In the following article we look at a series of varied stories from the Luba people (Baluba) from Zaire, myths that describe, in copious and contradictory detail, the origins of human death. These texts help to show how an African people views human existence by stating that ultimately human life is defined by its extinguishment. In addition, the Luba myths point to the ultimacy of a supreme being and the ameliorative efficacy of human ancestors whose existence derives directly from the fact of human mortality. Finally, we try to demonstrate how the Luba bring themselves into contact with their ancestors through artistic creation and ritual. ' The Luba are members of the Central Bantu language group2 inhabiting Zaire. They possess a varied subracial mixture, having shown throughout their known history an ability to intermarry with other peoples, Bantu and otherwise. Their culture, including their oral traditions, demonstrates their practice of synthesizing, or allowing to exist side by side, foreign and native elements, ignoring therein the incorporated contradictions. We have chosen the Luba because relatively substantial collections of their oral traditions exist in publication, including a variety of myths concerning the origin of death. Research on Central African myth is limited. Twenty years ago only thirty-five of the more than three hundred Congo-area tribes had collections of their folklore published3. Even the Musde Royal du Congo Belge (now the Musee Royal de l'Afrique Centrale) in Tervuren, which has published important studies of Bantu and other Congo peoples, has no folklore archive or folklore publication. The recent decade of interest in African oral tradition, both within and without Africa, may change this situation, but just two decades ago it was said that "the former Belgian Congo is virtually terra incognita for the scien
Peri-adipocyte ECM remodeling in obesity and adipose tissue fibrosis

Adipocytes differentiate and function in environments rich in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The phenotypes of genetically modified mice have aided in recognizing the importance of ECM proteins and their modifiers, e.g., proteinases, in the regulation of obesity and metabolism. Most of the molecular mechanisms through which ECM proteins and modifiers regulate adipogenesis or adipocyte function have not been fully defined. Adipose tissue fibrosis may be a factor that links obesity to diabetes or cardiovascular disease risk in conjunction with tissue inflammation. Defining the molecular mechanisms through which the ECM environment regulates adipogenesis and adipocyte function should provide us with a better understanding of the disease link between obesity and diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.
Electrical Characteristics in N- and P-MOSFETS with Slightly Tilted Off-Axis (110) Channel

Si surface properties and electrical characteristics in n- and p-MOSFETs with 2-6 degree tilted off-axis (110) channel were investigated for the first time. The transconductance of p-MOSFET with off-axis channel was significantly degraded than that of normal channel on (110) plane, whereas that of n-MOSFET was slightly improved than that of normal channel. The changes were larger than those observed in slightly off-axis (100) samples. It was also found that the gate leakage current and 1/f noise in (110) samples were sensitive to off-axis angle.
Psychophysical evaluation of a variable friction tactile interface

This study explores the haptic rendering capabilities of a variable friction tactile interface through psychophysical experiments. In order to obtain a deeper understanding of the sensory resolution associated with the Tactile Pattern Display (TPaD), friction discrimination experiments are conducted. During the experiments, subjects are asked to explore the glass surface of the TPaD using their bare index fingers, to feel the friction on the surface, and to compare the slipperiness of two stimuli, displayed in sequential order. The fingertip position data is collected by an infrared frame and normal and translational forces applied by the finger are measured by force sensors attached to the TPaD. The recorded data is used to calculate the coefficient of friction between the fingertip and the TPaD. The experiments determine the just noticeable difference (JND) of friction coefficient for humans interacting with the TPaD.
Construction of the Motor Imagery Integrative Model in Sport: a review and theoretical investigation of motor imagery use

While there is ample evidence that motor imagery (MI) may improve motor performance, the models that have been proposed are mainly focused on some of the key components required to ascertain effectiveness, but do not give an extended overview of MI functions. This article reviews the models of greatest conceptual viability, and aims at describing the fields in which MI may play a crucial role, by integrating these functions in a unique model within motor performance and recovery. The detailed description of the imagery-based interventions considers distinct outcomes: (i) motor learning and performance, (ii) motivation, self-confidence and anxiety, (iii) strategies and problem-solving, and (iv) injury rehabilitation. The Motor Imagery Integrative Model of Imagery in Sport (MIIMS) may be used as a global guiding framework in the field of MI studies to develop more effective imagery interventions by covering the major key components of MI training related to the outcome achieved by athletes.
Extensive divergence of yeast stress responses through transitions between induced and constitutive activation

Closely related species show a high degree of differences in gene expression, but the functional significance of these differences remains unclear. Similarly, stress responses in yeast typically involve differential expression of numerous genes, and it is unclear how many of these are functionally significant. To address these issues, we compared the expression programs of four yeast species under different growth conditions, and found that the response of these species to stress has diverged extensively. On an individual gene basis, most transcriptional responses are not conserved in any pair of species, and there are very limited common responses among all four species. We present evidence that many evolutionary changes in stress responses are compensated either (i) by the response of related genes or (ii) by changes in the basal expression levels of the genes whose responses have diverged. Thus, stress-related genes are often induced upon stress in some species but maintain high levels even in the absence of stress at other species, indicating a transition between induced and constitutive activation. In addition, ∼15% of the stress responses are specific to only one of the four species, with no evidence for compensating effects or stress-related annotations, and these may reflect fortuitous regulation that is unimportant for the stress response (i.e., biological noise). Frequent compensatory changes and biological noise may explain how diverged expression responses support similar physiological responses.
Validation of cDNA microarray gene expression data obtained from linearly amplified RNA

Background: DNA microarray technology has permitted the analysis of global gene expression profiles for several diseases, including cancer. However, standard hybridisation and detection protocols require micrograms of mRNA for microarray analysis, limiting broader application of this technology to small excisional biopsies, needle biopsies, and/or microdissected tissue samples. Therefore, linear amplification protocols to increase the amount of RNA have been developed. The correlation between the results of microarray experiments derived from non-amplified RNA and amplified samples needs to be evaluated in detail. Methods: Total RNA was amplified and replicate hybridisation experiments were performed with linearly amplified (aRNA) and non-amplified mRNA from tonsillar B cells and the SUDHL-6 cell line using cDNA microarrays containing approximately 4500 genes. The results of microarray differential expression using either source of RNA (mRNA or aRNA) were also compared with those found using real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). Results: Microarray experiments using aRNA generated reproducible data displaying only small differences to data obtained from non-amplified mRNA. The quality of the starting total RNA template and the concentration of the promoter primer used to synthesise cDNA were crucial components of the linear amplification reaction. Approximately 80% of selected upregulated and downregulated genes identified by microarray analysis using linearly amplified RNA were confirmed by QRT-PCR using non-amplified mRNA as the starting template. Conclusions: Linear RNA amplification methods can be used to generate high fidelity microarray expression data of comparable quality to data generated by microarray methods that use non-amplified mRNA samples.
Epigenetic Control of the foxp3 Locus in Regulatory T Cells

Compelling evidence suggests that the transcription factor Foxp3 acts as a master switch governing the development and function of CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, whether transcriptional control of Foxp3 expression itself contributes to the development of a stable Treg lineage has thus far not been investigated. We here identified an evolutionarily conserved region within the foxp3 locus upstream of exon-1 possessing transcriptional activity. Bisulphite sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed complete demethylation of CpG motifs as well as histone modifications within the conserved region in ex vivo isolated Foxp3+CD25+CD4+ Tregs, but not in naïve CD25−CD4+ T cells. Partial DNA demethylation is already found within developing Foxp3+ thymocytes; however, Tregs induced by TGF-β in vitro display only incomplete demethylation despite high Foxp3 expression. In contrast to natural Tregs, these TGF-β–induced Foxp3+ Tregs lose both Foxp3 expression and suppressive activity upon restimulation in the absence of TGF-β. Our data suggest that expression of Foxp3 must be stabilized by epigenetic modification to allow the development of a permanent suppressor cell lineage, a finding of significant importance for therapeutic applications involving induction or transfer of Tregs and for the understanding of long-term cell lineage decisions.
Ageism: Prejudice Against Our Feared Future Self

Fo r decades, researchers have discovered much about how humans automatically categorize others in social perception. Some categorizations—race, gender, and age—are so automatic that they are termed “primitive categories. ” As we categorize, we often develop stereotypes about the categories. Researchers know much about racism and sexism, but comparatively little about prejudicing and stereotyping based on age. The articles in this issue highlight the current empirical and theoretical work by researchers in gerontology, psychology, communication, and related fields on understanding the origins and consequences of stereotyping and prejudicing against older adults. With the aging baby boomer demographic, it is especially timely for researchers to work to understand how society can shed its institutionalized ageism and promote respect for elders.
Throughput performance under primary user emulation attack in cognitive radio networks

Spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks imposes some security threats to the secondary users (SUs) such as primary user emulation attack (PUEA). In the present paper, throughput of an SU is studied for cognitive radio network under PUEA where SU spectrum access is hybrid, ie, either in overlay mode or in underlay mode. A novel analytical expression for throughput of an SU in presence of PUEA is developed. Impact of several parameters such as sensing time, attacker strength, attacker's presence probabilities, maximum allowable SU transmit power, and tolerable interference limit at primary user on the throughput of an SU is investigated. The throughput performance under PUEA and without PUEA is compared.
Enlisting the Ghost: Modeling Empty Categories for Machine Translation

Empty categories (EC) are artificial elements in Penn Treebanks motivated by the government-binding (GB) theory to explain certain language phenomena such as pro-drop. ECs are ubiquitous in languages like Chinese, but they are tacitly ignored in most machine translation (MT) work because of their elusive nature. In this paper we present a comprehensive treatment of ECs by first recovering them with a structured MaxEnt model with a rich set of syntactic and lexical features, and then incorporating the predicted ECs into a Chinese-to-English machine translation task through multiple approaches, including the extraction of EC-specific sparse features. We show that the recovered empty categories not only improve the word alignment quality, but also lead to significant improvements in a large-scale state-of-the-art syntactic MT system.