Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cluster-root formation and carboxylate release in three Lupinus species as dependent on phosphorus supply, internal phosphorus concentration and relative growth rate.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Some Lupinus species produce cluster roots in response to low plant phosphorus (P) status. The cause of variation in cluster-root formation among cluster-root-forming Lupinus species is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate if cluster-root formation is, in part, dependent on different relative growth rates (RGRs) among Lupinus species when they show similar shoot P status. METHODS Three cluster-root-forming Lupinus species, L. albus, L. pilosus and L. atlanticus, were grown in washed river sand at 0, 7·5, 15 or 40 mg P kg(-1) dry sand. Plants were harvested at 34, 42 or 62 d after sowing, and fresh and dry weight of leaves, stems, cluster roots and non-cluster roots of different ages were measured. The percentage of cluster roots, tissue P concentrations, root exudates and plant RGR were determined. KEY RESULTS Phosphorus treatments had major effects on cluster-root allocation, with a significant but incomplete suppression in L. albus and L. pilosus when P supply exceeded 15 mg P kg(-1) sand. Complete suppression was found in L. atlanticus at the highest P supply; this species never invested more than 20 % of its root weight in cluster roots. For L. pilosus and L. atlanticus, cluster-root formation was decreased at high internal P concentration, irrespective of RGR. For L. albus, there was a trend in the same direction, but this was not significant. CONCLUSIONS Cluster-root formation in all three Lupinus species was suppressed at high leaf P concentration, irrespective of RGR. Variation in cluster-root formation among the three species cannot be explained by species-specific variation in RGR or leaf P concentration.
Regionalization of Rainfall Using RCDA Cluster Ensemble Algorithm in India

The magnitude and frequency of precipitation is of great significance in the field of hydrologic and hydraulic design and has wide applications in varied areas. However, the availability of precipitation data is limited to a few areas, where the rain gauges are successfully and efficiently installed. The magnitude and frequency of precipitation in ungauged sites can be assessed by grouping areas with similar characteristics. The procedure of grouping of areas having similar behaviour is termed as Regionalization. In this paper, RCDA cluster ensemble algorithm is employed to identify the homogeneous regions of rainfall in India. Cluster ensemble methods are commonly used to enhance the quality of clustering by combining multiple clustering schemes to produce a more robust scheme delivering similar homogeneous regions. The goal is to identify, analyse and describe hydrologically similar regions using RCDA cluster ensemble algorithm. RCDA cluster ensemble algorithm, which is based on discriminant analysis. The algorithm takes H base clustering schemes each with K clusters, obtained by any clustering method, as input and constructs discriminant function for each one of them. Subsequently, all the data tuples are predicted using H discriminant functions for cluster membership. Tuples with consistent predictions are assigned to the clusters, while tuples with inconsistent predictions are analyzed further and either assigned to clusters or declared as noise. RCDA algorithm has been compared with Best of K-means and Clue cluster ensemble of R software using traditional clustering quality measures. Further, domain knowledge based comparison has also been performed. All the results are encouraging and indicate better regionalization of the rainfall in different parts of India.
Coding Discourse Structure in Dialogue (Version 1.0)

This document is a manual for coding aspects of the discourse structure of dialogue. It was developed to serve as both as a starting point for discussion and a tool for coding exercises prior to the 3rd Discourse Resource Initiative (DRI) meeting, May 1998 in Chiba, Japan. The manual focuses on coding common ground units (CGUs) to get to a level of commonality between participants in dialogue, and then intentional and informational units (IUs) that represent the higher-level, hierarchical topic or purpose structure of dialogue.
Developing inclusive schools: the transferability of a western concept to an Indian education context

International agreements including the Salamanca Statement and Framework and the Millennium Development Goals have influenced policy for marginalised groups of learners across the world. The intention to provide education systems that are both equitable and inclusive has been incorporated into policies in many countries. In this presentation I argue that the notion of inclusion is based upon western political and socio-economic conditions and has been inadequately defined for socially and economically disadvantaged countries. The essential movement towards greater inclusion will be achived only when an understanding of those conditions that may impede development are addressed. Rather than debating inclusion we would be well advised to consider inclusions and to accept that communities need to find their own solutions to complex educational issues
Short-circuit protection for MV & LVDC grid

A DC medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) power distribution network will be proposed and the protection aspects will be discussed in this paper. This paper is mainly focused on the short-circuit overcurrent protection system of the future MV/LVDC distribution network. The proposed MV/LVDC distribution network would be modeled using PSCAD. Positive phase to ground faults normally observed in the unipolar network will be simulated and analyzed. Typical response times to clear the different types of short-circuit fault would be estimated. The response time will be compared with proposed tripping time.
Notch signaling in kidney development

Purpose of reviewNotch signaling is a highly conserved mechanism used by multicellular animals to specify cell fate decisions during the formation of complex structures such as the kidney. A number of studies have recently identified requirements for Notch signaling during kidney organogenesis and tissue repair. This review will summarize these studies and compare Notch signaling in the mammalian kidney with Notch signaling in other organ systems. Recent findingsA targeted mutation in the mouse Notch2 receptor resulted in kidneys that are devoid of glomerular endothelial and mesangial cells. The mutant epithelial cells of the developing glomerulus have reduced amounts of vascular endothelial growth factor expression, which may be responsible for the lack of vascularization observed in these glomeruli. Notch2 is expressed in the epithelial cells of the developing glomerulus, and a potential ligand, Jagged1, is expressed in the endothelial cells of the glomerulus. Mice simultaneously heterozygous for mutations in both Notch2 and Jagged1 phenocopy the kidney defects seen in mice homozygous for the Notch2 mutation. These doubly heterozygous mice also display liver and heart developmental abnormalities reminiscent of Alagille's syndrome. SummaryNotch signaling is required for kidney development, and the expression of Notch genes is increased in response to kidney damage. Further studies of Notch signaling will be important in order to understand kidney development and tissue repair.
Stimulation of Mesangial Cells by Angiotensin II and Lipopolysaccharide Increases Expression of Interleukin-18, but Not IL-18 Receptor

Background/Aims: Mesangial cell (MC) hyperplasia is associated with several kidney diseases. Experimental studies confirm upregulation of IL-18 in glomerular disease and renal allograft rejection. We evaluated whether MCs express IL-18 and IL-18 receptor-α (IL-18Rα) with and without stimulation by LPS, AngII and PDGF. Methods: Glomeruli were isolated using Dynabeads perfusion. MCs were cultured by glomerular explantation. IL-18 and IL-18Rα expression were detected by RT-PCR, ELISA and flow cytometry. Results: Significantly higher levels of IL-18 expression were detected in isolated glomeruli, compared to cortical tissue devoid of glomeruli, and in MCs, compared to tubular cells (both p < 0.01). Increased IL-18 expression was detected in MCs, but not podocytes, endothelial cells or tubular cells in response to LPS stimulation. IL-18 mRNA and protein expression were significantly upregulated by AngII (p < 0.05) and LPS (p < 0.01), but not PDGF-BB, in primary MCs and a MC line (MES13). IL-18Rα mRNA was almost undetectable in MCs treated with or without LPS, AngII and PDGF-BB. IL-18Rα protein was not detected by flow cytometry. Conclusions: MCs express IL-18, which was significantly increased after LPS and AngII stimulation, but do not express appreciable levels of IL-18Rα. MC-derived IL-18 is unlikely to be an autocrine mediator in glomerular disease given the lack of IL-18Rα.
Resectable gastric cancer: operative mortality and survival analysis.

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the survival outcome and determined the prognostic factors for gastric cancer patients who underwent gastric resection in the past 6 years. METHODS Between 1994 and 2000, a total of 1,322 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastric resection in our hospital comprised the study subjects. Their mean age was 61.1 (range, 14-92) years. There were 865 male and 457 female patients. Total gastrectomy was performed in 389 (29.4%) and distal gastrectomy in 933 patients. Curative resection was performed in 961, and palliative resection in 361 patients. A D2 or greater lymphadenectomy was required for curative resection. Patients received postoperative chemotherapy if they underwent palliative resection. RESULTS Early or pT1 gastric cancer accounted for 17.7% and lymph node metastasis for 62.1% of all resected cases. The overall operative mortality and morbidity rates were 3.3% and 18.0%, respectively. The operative mortality for palliative total gastrectomy was particularly high (8.5%). The overall cumulative 5-year survival rate of all resected patients was 45.6%, and it was 57.0% after curative resection. Multivariate analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis, serosal invasion, peritoneal seeding, positive resection margin, liver metastasis, old age, tumor size, and lymphatic invasion were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION The most important prognostic factors for survival were lymph node metastasis, serosal invasion, peritoneal seeding, positive resection margin, liver metastasis, old age, tumor size, and lymphatic invasion. The operative mortality and survival outcome of our gastric cancer patients after gastric resection compared favorably with those of other series in other countries.
Effects of PI3K and p42/p44 MAPK on overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor in hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM To study the relationship between hypoxia or epidermal growth factor (EGF) and the overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the signal transduction pathway of the transcription of VEGF in hepatoma cells. METHODS Cobalt chloride and recombinant human EGF were used to stimulate the hepatoma cell lines HepG(2). VEGF mRNA was detected by using of semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Specific inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and p42/p44 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) were used to observe the effects of the two kinases on the regulation of the transcription of VEGF in hepatoma cells. RESULTS The expression of VEGF mRNA in HepG(2) cells cultured in serum-free medium was 0.117. However, 100 mumol/L cobalt chloride for 24 h increased the expression of VEGF mRNA and VEGF mRNA increased gradually with the increase of the concentration and duration of cobalt chloride. Also, 25 ng/mL recombinant human EGF stimulated the expression of VEGF in HepG(2) cells and the expression increased with the increase of EGF concentration. 5 mumol/L LY294002 inhibited the expression of VEGF stimulated by cobalt chloride or recombinant human EGF and the inhibition decreased step by step with increase of the concentration of LY294002. But even 20 mumol/L LY294002 could not completely block the expression of VEGF. In contrast, PD98059 had no inhibitory effects on the transcription of VEGF stimulated by cobalt chloride or recombinant human EGF. CONCLUSION The overexpression of VEGF in HCC could be promoted by hypoxia and EGF expression in HCC. The signal transduction pathway of VEGF transcription in HepG(2) cells may be through PI3K pathway, but not through p42/p44 MAPK pathway.
Paraoxonases and cardiovascular diseases: pharmacological and nutritional influences

Purpose of review To summarize the new articles published in the last year on paraoxonases, including their expression in cardiovascular diseases, and regulation by pharmacological and nutritional means. Recent findings The elucidation of the crystal structure of the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene, obtained by directed evolution, shows that it consists of a six-bladed β-propeller with a unique active site. PON1 is present in HDL but also in lipoprotein-deficient serum, in VLDL and in chylomicrons. PON1 protects lipids in lipoproteins, in macrophages and in erythrocytes from oxidation. Cellular PON2 and PON3 were also shown to reduce oxidative stress. Beyond its antioxidative properties, PON1 possesses additional antiatherogenic properties against macrophage foam cell formation: attenuation of cholesterol and oxidized lipids influx, inhibition of macrophage cholesterol biosynthesis and stimulation of macrophage cholesterol efflux. The PON1 gene is regulated by Sp1 and protein kinase C, whereas the PON2 gene in macrophages is regulated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. PON1 activity and mass are both reduced in cardiovascular diseases and the hypocholesterolemic drugs, statins, increase serum PON1 activity (by reducing oxidative stress, or by upregulating hepatic PON1 expression). Expression of cellular PON2, like PON1, was upregulated by statins. Nutritional antioxidants, such as polyphenols, increase PON1 mRNA expression and activity, by an aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent mechanism. Summary The elucidation of PON1 structure and its active center has enabled a better understanding of its mechanism of action, including its physio-pathological substrate(s). Some drugs and nutrients including dietary antioxidants and polyphenols considerably increase the activities of paraoxonases which, in turn, can reduce oxidative stress and atherosclerosis development.
Instruments for Curbing Fluctuations in Lending over the Business Cycle

This article sets out to discuss instruments for reducing procyclical bank lending behaviour. Special attention is given to how much the regulatory framework contributes to the procyclicality of the financial system. The main subject of the article is the dynamic provisioning regime currently under discussion as one of the possible regulatory responses to the ongoing global financial crisis. The analysis reveals that Czech banks are among those that provision in a procyclical manner. On the theoretical level, therefore, dynamic provisioning could in the Czech economy help create a buffer during good times which could then be used during recessions. On the practical level, however, dynamic provisioning would for numerous reasons be difficult to introduce and would first need to be aligned with the other components of the international framework for the regulation of financial institutions.
Tracking inner city substance users from the emergency department: how many contacts does it take?

BACKGROUND Longitudinal studies of substance users report difficulty in locating and completing 12-month interviews, which may compromise study validity. OBJECTIVES This study examined rates and predictors of contact difficulty and in-person follow-up completion among patients presenting with cocaine-related chest pain to an inner-city emergency department (ED). The authors hypothesize that less staff effort in contacting patients and lower follow-up rates would bias subsequent substance use analysis by missing those with heavier substance misuse. METHODS A total of 219 patients aged 19 to 60 years (65% males; 78% African American) with cocaine-related chest pain were interviewed in the ED and then in person at 3, 6, and 12 months. Demographics, substance use measures, and amount/type of research staff contacts (telephone, letters, home visits, and locating patient during return ED visits) were recorded. Poisson and negative binomial regression analyses were conducted to predict quantity of patient contacts for the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS Interview completion rates at 3, 6, and 12 months were 78, 82, and 80%, respectively. Average contact attempts to obtain each interview were 10 at 3 months (range 3-44), 8 at 6 months (1-31), and 8 at 12 months (1-49); 13% of patients required a home visit to complete the 12-month interview. Participants requiring more contact attempts by staff were younger and reported more frequent binge drinking at baseline (p < 0.05), but were less likely to meet criteria for substance abuse or dependence (p < 0.5), or to report prior mental health treatment (p < 0.05). Comparisons of parallel regressions predicting contact difficulty based on the entire sample, the low-effort group, and the difficult-to-reach group showed variation in findings. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that substantial staff effort is required to achieve adequate retention over 12 months of patients with substance misuse. Without these extensive efforts at follow-up, longitudinal analyses may be biased.
Scalable Joint Models for Reliable Uncertainty-Aware Event Prediction

Missing data and noisy observations pose significant challenges for reliably predicting events from irregularly sampled multivariate time series (longitudinal) data. Imputation methods, which are typically used for completing the data prior to event prediction, lack a principled mechanism to account for the uncertainty due to missingness. Alternatively, state-of-the-art joint modeling techniques can be used for jointly modeling the longitudinal and event data and compute event probabilities conditioned on the longitudinal observations. These approaches, however, make strong parametric assumptions and do not easily scale to multivariate signals with many observations. Our proposed approach consists of several key innovations. First, we develop a flexible and scalable joint model based upon sparse multiple-output Gaussian processes. Unlike state-of-the-art joint models, the proposed model can explain highly challenging structure including non-Gaussian noise while scaling to large data. Second, we derive an optimal policy for predicting events using the distribution of the event occurrence estimated by the joint model. The derived policy trades-off the cost of a delayed detection versus incorrect assessments and abstains from making decisions when the estimated event probability does not satisfy the derived confidence criteria. Experiments on a large dataset show that the proposed framework significantly outperforms state-of-the-art techniques in event prediction.
Calidad del empleo en tiempos de crecimiento

Uruguay has registered in the last ten years a strong dynamism of economic activity and a steady decline in the unemployment rate. However, this does not account for the quality of the jobs created by economic expansion. This research seeks to answer: How has the quality of employment evolved in different contexts of economic growth? Which have been the economic sectors with better performance? What about the quality gap in employment between men and women? To this end, using data from the Household Survey and based on the methodology proposed by Alkire and Foster (2011), this paper proposes the construction of a job quality index which we call Bad Quality Jobs Index (IME for its name in Spanish). The proposed index considers four dimensions on which information is available: income, social protection, informal sector and hours worked. It combines information on the number of people with problems of job quality and the ratio of deprivations suffered by these workers with respect to the total possible deprivations in the dimensions considered. So it allows us to have in a single index information on the incidence and the severity of job quality problems. In turn, it allows comparisons by gender, by industries or by any other category that may be relevant to analyze the labor market, which is a valuable complement to analyze the evolution of the labor market and provides elements for policymaking. We find that even with rising employment rates and increasing average productivity, the evolution of job quality as measured by the IME was quite different in both periods of analysis (1991-1998 and 2003-2011): while in the nineties it was virtually not altered and even slightly deteriorated, in the 2000s it improved significantly. With regard to gender, job quality had improved for both sexes, although the gap between men and women has narrowed. By industry, we find that Construction, Primary Activities and Trade, Restaurants and Hotels Activities registered the greatest improvement in the average quality of jobs.
STATISTICAL ARBITRAGE TEST IN TEHRAN STOCK EXCHANGE

برآ ی ژارت رامآ ی ی ک ی زا شور اه ی لوادتم بسک س دو زا رازاب امرس ی ه طسوت هیامرس ناراذگ هفرح ا ی تـسا هـک رد ههد خا ی ر دراو نوتم ملع ی داصتقا لام ی ن ی ز هدش تسا . فده ا ی ن ،هلاقم رشت ی ح موهفم و داصم ی ق برآ ی ژارت رامآ ی و نومزآ لباق ی ت دربراک نآ رد رازاب امرس ی ه روشک تسا . نیا رب ساسا یرامآ ژارتیبرآ موهفم ادتبا ، هـئارا یـم دوـش و تاعلاطم رورم زا سپ همادا رد یلخاد لبق شور تادهاشـم یاـنبم رب نآ یبرجت یسررب و یرامآ ژارتیبرآ نومزآ نارهت راداهب قاروا سروب ماهس هنازور یط لاس یاه ) 1391 – 1380 ( هئارا تسا هدش . هعلاطم جیاتن ناشـن هدـنهد نآ یارش هدش نومزآ یرواتشگ هلماعم یاهدربهار مامت هک تسا ار یرامآ ژارتیبرآ ط نیمأت و هدومن ژارـتیبرآ قیداصم زا یگمه یم بوسحم یرامآ دنوش هجیتن رد ، یم رازاـب رد دوـس بسـک یارـب بـسانم یـشور یراـمآ ژارتیبرآ هک تفرگ هجیتن ناوت و هدوب ناریا هیامرس لباقم رد یم ناریا هیامرس رازاب ییاراکان رب مکحم یلیلد قیرط نیا زا دوس بسک دشاب .