Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Interferon-stimulated Gene (ISG)12, ISG15, and MX1 and MX2 by Conceptus Interferons (IFNTs) in Bovine Uterine Epithelial Cells

Various endometrial genes in ruminant ungulates are regulated by conceptus interferon tau (IFNT). However, the effect of each IFNT isoform has not been carefully evaluated. In this study, the effects of 2 IFNT isoforms, paralogs found in utero, and interferon alpha (IFNA) on uterine epithelial and Mardin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells were evaluated. Expression vectors of the bovine interferon (bIFNT) genes bIFNT1, bIFNTc1, and bIFNA were constructed, and recombinant bIFNs (rbIFNs) were produced by 293 cells. Bovine uterine epithelial or MDBK cells were cultured in the presence or absence of increasing concentrations of each rbIFN for 24, 48, or 72 h. Transcript levels of the IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) ISG12, ISG15, MX1, and MX2 were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. These messenger RNAs were up-regulated by rbIFN in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In the epithelial cells, the ISG12 transcript level increased at 48 h after rbIFN treatment but slightly decreased at 72 h, whereas the transcript level of ISG15 increased at 24 h and was maintained through 72 h. Expressions of MX1 and MX2 increased at 72 h after rbIFN treatment. MX1 expression increased in all treatment groups, but MX2 increased only by bIFNTc1. In MDBK cells, the expression of ISG12 was increased by bIFNT1 and bIFNTc1 after 24 and 72 h; however, it was unchanged by rbIFNA. ISG15 increased following the same pattern as that seen in uterine epithelial cells, and MX1 showed a similar expression pattern. MX2 expression was increased by bIFNTc1 treatment in uterine epithelial cells, and its expression was increased by both bIFNT1 and bIFNTc1 in MDBK cells. These results show that epithelial and MDBK cell responses to IFNs differ, suggesting that IFNs possess common functions, but may have acquired different functions following gene duplication.
Global imbalances and the emergence of Asia

Several interrelated factors appear to explain the significant build-up of global current account imbalances seen over the past four to five years. Faster GDP growth in the United States than in its trading partners – more recently sustained by a marked deterioration in the US fiscal position – along with an appreciating US dollar, contributed to much more rapid growth of US imports than of exports. Those external imbalances are generally expected to remain large. According to IMF projections, even if all countries were to grow at their potential and current exchange rates were maintained, US net foreign liabilities would increase from around 25% of GDP today to above 40% in 2008.
The influence of firing mechanisms on gain modulation

We studied the impact of a dynamical threshold on the f–I curve—the relationship between the input and the firing rate of a neuron—in the presence of background synaptic inputs. First, we found that, while the leaky integrate-and-fire model cannot reproduce the f–I curve of a cortical neuron, the leaky integrate-and-fire model with dynamical threshold can reproduce it very well. Second, we found that the dynamical threshold modulates the onset and the asymptotic behavior of the f–I curve. These results suggest that a cortical neuron has an adaptation mechanism and that the dynamical threshold has some significance for the computational properties of a neuron.
Measuring the Extent of EDI Usage in Complex Organizations: Strategies and Illustrative Examples

As interest into the nature and value of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) within organizations continues to grow, it becomes increasingly desirable to establish a tactical linkage between the strategic value of EDI and observed operational benefits. This article provides such a tactical linkage by presenting an approach to EDI measurement consisting of four facets: volume, diversity, breadth, and depth of a firm's EDI initiatives. Each of these facets is defined and then described through its application within the contexts of seven case sites, where each case site represents a strategic business unit having a long, successful history of EDI use. The article concludes with suggestions for both practice and research.
A Zone Classification System for Risk Assessment of Idiosyncratic Drug Toxicity Using Daily Dose and Covalent Binding

The risk of idiosyncratic drug toxicity (IDT) is of great concern to the pharmaceutical industry. Current hypotheses based on retrospective studies suggest that the occurrence of IDT is related to covalent binding and daily dose. We determined the covalent binding of 42 radiolabeled drugs in three test systems (human liver microsomes and hepatocytes in vitro and rat liver in vivo) to assess the risk of IDT. On the basis of safety profiles given in official documentation, tested drugs were classified into the safety categories of safe, warning, black box warning, and withdrawn. The covalent binding in each of the three test systems did not distinguish the safety categories clearly. However, when the log-normalized covalent binding was plotted against the log-normalized daily dose, the distribution of the plot in the safety categories became clear. An ordinal logistic regression analysis indicated that both covalent binding and daily dose were significantly correlated with safety category and that covalent binding in hepatocytes was the best predictor among the three systems. When two separation lines were drawn on the correlation graph between covalent binding in human hepatocytes and daily dose by a regression analysis to create three zones, 30 of 37 tested drugs were located in zones corresponding to their respective classified safety categories. In conclusion, we established a zone classification system using covalent binding in human hepatocytes and daily dose for the risk assessment of IDTs.
Organization of Simulation Experiments for Information Servicing Investigation in Distributed Resource-Sharing Environment

The objective of this paper is to present the application of simulation techniques for organization of experiments for performance investigation of the distributed information servicing. The paper considers the simulation framework, which allows estimating the effectiveness of different approaches for request routing for resource discovering in the context of decentralized, dynamical resource-sharing environments. The modelling gives us an approximate picture of expected searching performance. To evaluate the performance of different resource-discovering techniques, we conduct simulation experiments, using in Any Logic simulation environment and some results are presented and discussed.
Intelligence : Many definitions

Despite a long history of research and debate, there is still no standard definition of intelligence. This has lead some to believe that intelligence may be approximately described, but cannot be fully defined. We believe that this degree of pessimism is too strong. Although there is no single standard definition, if one surveys the many definitions that have been proposed, strong similarities between many of the definitions quickly become obvious. In many cases different definitions, suitably interpreted, actually say the same thing but in different words. This observation lead us to believe that a single general and encompassing definition for arbitrary systems was possible. Indeed we have constructed a formal definition of intelligence, called universal intelligence [20], which has strong connections to the theory of optimal learning agents [18]. Rather than exploring very general formal definitions of intelligence, here we will instead take the opportunity to present the many informal definitions that we have collected over the years. Naturally, compiling a complete list would be impossible as many definitions of intelligence are buried deep inside articles and books. Nevertheless, the 55 definitions presented below are, to the best of our knowledge, the largest and most well referenced collection there is. We continue to add to this collect as we discover further definitions, and keep the most up to date version of the collection available online [21]. If you know of additional definitions that we could add, please send us an email. The definitions are grouped into three sections. Firstly, we present definitions that have been proposed by groups or organisations. The next section contains definitions from psychologists. The final section lists definitions from
Evidence Ullage Analysis in D-S Theory and Development

In this paper, it is found that there are errors in D-S combination rules even though the evidences are unconflict. The error, unanti-jamming and opposition during the evidence combination in traditional D-S theory are studied. An effort has been made to prove that the evidence ullage is caused by ill-suited definitions and ill-suited rules in the combination process. In this paper, new generic definitions and combination rules are also proposed. The evidence ullage in the compatible evidence combination process in terms of the definitions and rules is found and then solved. The experimental results show that the methodology developed here can not only solve the conflicts efficiently, but also produce reasonable results.
Distributed dynamic resource management in IPVPNs to guarantee quality of service

A virtual private network (VPN) provides private network connections over a publicly accessible shared network like the Internet. Customers of VPN demand guaranteed QoS in pursuance of their need to have leased line like services. Efficient management of available network bandwidth is a critical issue, both from functional point of view so that users can be assured with the bandwidth they need, and also from economical point of view so that service provider can satisfy many customers and can generate more revenue. Recently the capacity resizing approach has been considered as a cost efficient way of providing virtual network services. In this paper we propose a novel approach to dynamically allocate the required bandwidth. The allocated bandwidth is adjusted dynamically as per the user's requests so that the VPNs that are carrying real time or multimedia traffic can be allocated with more bandwidth. The agent processes acting on behalf of VPN users may decrease their capacity to get a monetary incentive. We propose distributed bandwidth resizing algorithms for this purpose. This leads to an increased number of VPN connections and better utilization of network resources. It also serves the purpose of guaranteeing quality of service to VPN users. The simulation results of the proposed algorithms show efficient utilization of network bandwidth among the VPN users.
THE SPECTRAL DECOMPOSITION OF THE OPTION VALUE

This paper develops a spectral expansion approach to the valuation of contingent claims when the underlying state variable follows a one-dimensional diffusion with the infinitesimal variancea2(x), driftb(x)and instantaneous discount (killing) rater(x). The Spectral Theorem for self-adjoint operators in Hilbert space yields the spectral decomposition of the contingent claim value function. Based on the Sturm–Liouville (SL) theory, we classify Feller's natural boundaries into two further subcategories: non-oscillatory and oscillatory/non-oscillatory with cutoffΛ≥0(this classification is based on the oscillation of solutions of the associated SL equation) and establish additional assumptions (satisfied in nearly all financial applications) that allow us to completely characterize the qualitative nature of the spectrum from the behavior ofa,bandrnear the boundaries, classify all diffusions satisfying these assumptions into the three spectral categories, and present simplified forms of the spectral expansion for each category. To obtain explicit expressions, we observe that the Liouville transformation reduces the SL equation to the one-dimensional Schrodinger equation with a potential function constructed froma,bandr. If analytical solutions are available for the Schrodinger equation, inverting the Liouville transformation yields analytical solutions for the original SL equation, and the spectral representation for the diffusion process can be constructed explicitly. This produces an explicit spectral decomposition of the contingent claim value function.
Maximizing the continuity in segmentation - A new approach to model, segment and recognize speech

This paper presents a new approach to speech modeling and recognition. The new approach consists of a statistical model to represent up to sentence-long temporal dynamics in the training data, and an algorithm to identify the matching segments with maximum continuities between the training and testing sentences. Recognition is performed by combining the longest matching segments found from the training sentences. Because of their richer and more distinct temporal dynamics, longer speech segments as whole units can be recognized with lower error rates than shorter speech segments. Therefore basing recognition on the longest matching segments optimizes the discrimination and hence recognition of speech. The new approach has been evaluated on the TIMIT database for identifying matching speech segments. The results obtained are encouraging given the very low parametric complexity of the new model.
Hexafluorobenzene Acts in the Spinal Cord, Whereas O-Difluorobenzene Acts in Both Brain and Spinal Cord, to Produce Immobility

BACKGROUND:Previous work demonstrated that isoflurane and halothane act on the spinal cord rather than on the brain to produce immobility in the face of noxious stimulation. These anesthetics share many effects on specific receptors, and thus do not test the broad applicability of the mediation of immobility by the cord. We sought to test such an applicability by determining whether the cord mediated the immobilizing effects of two aromatic anesthetics that differ greatly in their ability to block N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. METHODS:We investigated the actions of hexafluorobenzene (HFB) and o-difluorobenzene (ODFB) using an intact goat model that allowed selective delivery of anesthetics to the brain. Because our results suggested a significant cerebral effect of ODFB, in other goats we administered halothane 0.5% to the brain, while determining the ODFB concentration delivered to the body (the cord) required for immobility. We chose halothane because the present and previous studies found that cerebral halothane concentrations alone required for producing immobility far exceeded those required in the cord. We also applied the above techniques to another benzene-containing anesthetic, propofol. RESULTS:Prebypass minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) for HFB was 0.82% ± 0.14% (mean ± sd); increased to 2.04% ± 0.8% (P < 0.01) during selective delivery to the cranial circulation; and returned to 0.79% ± 0.28% postbypass. Corresponding values for ODFB were 0.46% ± 0.07%, 0.63% ± 0.12% (P < 0.05), and 0.44% ± 0.10%. ODFB MAC was 0.32% ± 0.17% during selective halothane delivery to brain. But when ODFB was administered to the whole body, MAC was 0.37% ± 0.05%, (NS). Like HFB, the halothane requirement increased threefold when delivered only to the head. In four of five animals, propofol requirements increased by 240%, but in one animal propofol requirements decreased, and the overall change was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS:These data suggest that HFB, like halothane, produces immobility, predominantly by a spinal cord action, and that HFB differs from ODFB with respect to brain versus spinal sites of action. Nonetheless, although ODFB can produce immobility via a cerebral action, it also can do this via an independent action in the spinal cord. Thus, our results continue to support the spinal cord as the primary site at which inhaled anesthetics, and perhaps propofol, produce immobility.
Applying Guidelines for the Design of Distortions on Focus+Context Interfaces

Distortion-based visualization techniques allow users to examine focused regions of a multiscale space at high scales but preserve their contextual information. However, the distortion can come at the coast of confusion, disorientation and impairment of the users' spatial memory. Yet, how distortions influence users' ability to build up spatial memory, while taking into account human skills of perception, interpretation and comprehension, remains underexplored. This note reports findings of an experimental comparison between a distortion-based focus+context interface and an undistorted overview+detail interface. The focus+context technique follows guidelines for the design of comprehensible distortions: make use of real-world metaphors, visual clues like shading, smooth transitions and scaled-only focus regions. The results show that the focus+context technique designed following these guidelines help to keep track of the position within the multiscale space and does not impair users' spatial memory.
Effective Conditioning Program for Junior Tennis Players

Tennis is a sport that requires a variety of physical attributes: speed, agility, power, endurance, flexibility and strength as well as tennis-specific skills. Speed, agility and quickness are some of the most significant and visible components of athletic success. An improvement in the ability to react quickly and to redirect that force if needed is the ultimate goal of a program to improve speed, agility and quickness [1]. SAQ training involves learned motor skills. Although the magnitude of proficiency will vary with each individual learning the efficient and effective execution of these skills can improve overall athletic activity [2]. The training is intended to increase the ability to exert maximal force during high-speed movements. Some benefits include increased muscular power in all multiplanar movements, brain signal efficiency, kinesthetic spatial awareness, motor skills and reaction time. Many athletes and coaches do not realize that SAQ training can cover the complete spectrum of training intensity from low to high [3]. Although tennis is one of the most popular sports worldwide; however few studies have been conducted on physical demands during play. A better understanding of the demands, estimation of energy expenditure is required that enables a comparison to be made between tennis & other forms of physical activity from a health perspective [4].
Laser-induced charging of microfabricated ion traps

Electrical charging of metal surfaces due to photoelectric generation of carriers is of concern in trapped ion quantum computation systems, due to the high sensitivity of the ions’ motional quantum states to deformation of the trapping potential. The charging induced by typical laser frequencies involved in Doppler cooling and quantum control is studied here, with microfabricated surface-electrode traps made of aluminum, copper, and gold, operated at 6 K with a single Sr+ ion trapped 100 μm above the trap surface. The lasers used are at 370, 405, 460, and 674 nm, and the typical photon flux at the trap is 1014 photons/cm2/sec. Charging is detected by monitoring the ion’s micromotion signal, which is related to the number of charges created on the trap. A wavelength and material dependence of the charging behavior is observed: Lasers at lower wavelengths cause more charging, and aluminum exhibits more charging than copper or gold. We describe the charging dynamic based on a rate-equation approach.
Digitizing Device to Capture Track Impression Grant Number 2010-DN-BX-K 145 Mihran Tuceryan

In crime scene investigations it is necessary to capture images of impression evidence such as tire track or shoe impressions. Currently, such evidence is captured by taking two-dimensional (2D) color photographs or making a physical cast of the impression in order to capture the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the information. This project aims to build a digitizing device that scans the impression evidence and generates (i) a high resolution three-dimensional (3D) surface image, and (ii) a co-registered two-dimensional (2D) color image. The method is based on active structured lighting methods in order to extract 3D shape information of a surface. A prototype device was built that uses an assembly of two line laser lights and a high-definition video camera that is moved at a precisely controlled and constant speed along a mechanical actuator rail in order to scan the evidence. A prototype software was also developed which implements the image processing, calibration, and surface depth calculations. The methods developed in this project for extracting the digitized 3D surface shape and 2D color images include (i) a self-contained calibration method that eliminates the need for pre-calibration of the device; (ii) the use of two colored line laser lights projected from two different angles to eliminate problems due to occlusions; (iii) the extraction of high resolution color image of the impression evidence with minimal distortion; and (iv) a super resolution method that takes advantage of the model of the rail motion in order to further increase the resolution of the extracted color image. The resulting digitized 3D image has a resolution of 0.0438mm in the Y-axis (along the rail motion direction), 0.2369 mm along the Xaxis (limited by the HD video camera resolution) and 0.5mm along the Z-axis (depth). The resulting digitized 2D color image has a resolution of 1900 pixels in the X-axis direction and up to 4500 pixels in the Y-axis direction (depending on the speed of the rail motion and length of scan). The Y-axis resolution can be further increased up to 9000 pixels using super resolution techniques. The scan of a long tire track (about 1.75m) at the lowest scan speed takes about 20 minutes at the slowest rail speed and processing the resulting video to generate the 3D image and the 2D color image takes less than 1 hour on a regular PC.
Unsupervised Image Clustering using Probabilistic Continuous Models and Information Theoretic Principles

This thesis proposes a new method for unsupervised image clustering using probabilistic continuous models and information theoretic principles. Image clustering relates to content-based image retrieval systems. It enables the implementation of efficient retrieval algorithms and the creation of a user friendly interface to the database. The thesis presents a coherent theory for continuous probabilistic image modeling based on mixture of Gaussians densities. The continuous image modeling is extended to the modeling of an image-set created by a supervised or an unsupervised clustering process. Three ways of obtaining the image-set model are introduced and the difference between them is discussed. Supervised image-set (category) modeling is utilized to compare between the proposed continuous models and the more traditional discrete image modeling based on histograms. The unsupervised image clustering framework is based on a continuous version of a recently introduced information theoretic principle, the information bottleneck (IB). The clustering method is based on hierarchical grouping: Utilizing a Gaussian mixture model (GMM), each image in a given archive is first represented as a set of coherent regions in a selected feature space. Images are next grouped enabling the mutual information between the clusters and the image content to be maximally preserved. The appropriate number of clusters can be determined directly from the IB principle. Several clustering algorithms based on the IB principle are presented, including a comparison between them. An incremental method for calculating mutual information between images and their continuous representation, which is a byproduct of the IB principle, is introduced. Mutual information is then used as a quality measure for estimating image representations and clustering quality. Experimental results demonstrate the performance of the proposed clustering methods on a real image database. The influence of image representation on the clustering results is also discussed.