Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two-Pore Domain K Channel, TASK-1, in Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract— Pulmonary vascular tone is strongly influenced by the resting membrane potential of smooth muscle cells, depolarization promoting Ca2+ influx, and contraction. The resting potential is determined largely by the activity of K+-selective ion channels, the molecular nature of which has been debated for some time. In this study, we provide strong evidence that the two-pore domain K+ channel, TASK-1, mediates a noninactivating, background K+ current (IKN), which sets the resting membrane potential in rabbit pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). TASK-1 mRNA was found to be present in PASMCs, and the membranes of PASMCs contained TASK-1 protein. Both IKN and the resting potential were found to be exquisitely sensitive to extracellular pH, acidosis inhibiting the current and causing depolarization. Moreover, IKN and the resting potential were enhanced by halothane (1 mmol/L), inhibited by Zn2+ (100 to 200 &mgr;mol/L) and anandamide (10 &mgr;mol/L), but insensitive to cytoplasmic Ca2+. These properties are all diagnostic of TASK-1 channels and add to previously identified features of IKN that are shared with TASK-1, such as inhibition by hypoxia, low sensitivity to 4-aminopyridine and quinine and insensitivity to tetraethylammonium ions. It is therefore concluded that TASK-1 channels are major contributors to the resting potential in pulmonary artery smooth muscle. They are likely to play an important role in mediating pulmonary vascular responses to changes in extracellular pH, and they could be responsible for the modulatory effects of pH on hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.
Stimulation of the mesencephalic locomotor region for gait recovery after stroke

One‐third of all stroke survivors are unable to walk, even after intensive physiotherapy. Thus, other concepts to restore walking are needed. Because electrical stimulation of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) is known to elicit gait movements, this area might be a promising target for restorative neurostimulation in stroke patients with gait disability. The present study aims to delineate the effect of high‐frequency stimulation of the MLR (MLR‐HFS) on gait impairment in a rodent stroke model.
Learning to Rank on Network Data

This paper proposes a method for learning to rank over network data. The ranking is performed with respect to a query object which can be part of the network or outside it. The ranking method makes use of the features of the nodes as well as the existing links between them. First, a neighbors-aware ranker is trained using a large margin pairwise loss function. Neighbors-aware ranker uses target neighbors scores in addition to objects’ content and therefore, the scoring is consistent in every neighborhood. Then, collective inference is performed using an iterative ranking algorithm, which propagates the results of rankers over the network. By formulating link prediction as a ranking problem, the method is tested on several networks, with papers/citations and webpages/hyperlinks . The results show that the proposed algorithm, which uses both the attributes of the nodes and the structure of the links, outperforms several other methods: a content-only ranker, a link-only one, a random walk method, a relational topic model, and a method based on the weighted number of common neighbors. In addition, the propagation algorithm improves results even when the query object is not part of the network, and scales eciently to large networks.
Wilfredo Lugo A Service Oriented Architecture Grid Based Environment For Hyperspectral Imaging Analysis

This paper outlines the design and implementation of Grid-HSI, a Service Oriented Architecturebased Grid application to enable hyperspectral imaging analysis. Grid-HSI provides users with a transparent interface to access computational resources and perform remotely hyperspectral imaging analysis through a set of Grid services. Keyword: Grid computing, portal grid, remote sensing, image processing, hyperspectral images.
Design of Microstrip Array Antenna for Wireless Communication Application

In the recent years the development in Wireless systems requires the development of low cost, minimal weight and low profile antennas that are capable of maintaining high performance over a wide spectrum of frequencies. This technological trend has focused much effort into the design of a microstrip patch antenna. The objective of this paper is to design, and fabricate a fed rectangular microstrip patch antenna (E- Shape). The operating frequencies of antenna are from 1.85GHz to 1.99GHz, which governs the resonant frequency 1.9GHz of the antenna. Two parallel slots are cut to perturb the surface current path that is corporate into the patch to expand its bandwidth. Initially we set our antenna as a single patch and after evaluating the outcomes of antenna features; operation frequency, radiation patterns, reflected loss, efficiency and antenna gain, we transformed it to a 1x2 linear array. Finally, we analyzed the 1x4 corporate feed linear microstrip patch array antenna that has been designed with dielectric constants of �� �� =2.2 with fixed substrate height of h=1.5748mm (substrate RT/ Duroid 5880).
FOR WAVELET ANALYSIS OF NON STATIONARY SIGNALS FOR SPIKE DETECTION

The biological signals such as EEG, ECG are non stationary in deterministic signals. The processing of these signals requires special analysis and computations. The chaoticity of these signals are analyzed. This result can be used as feature spaces for diagnosis of various diseases. In this paper, the EEG signals of epileptic patients are analyzed using wavelets and are provided with user interface. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder in brain which results in high spikes. The noise in raw EEG signals is eliminated by applying optimal FIR filter. These signals can then be finely separated into different frequency bands and analyzed instead of taking as a whole for efficient diagnosis of diseases. A novel approach for the sub band separation of EEG signals for analysis is done using wavelet packet transforms. Wavelet transforms are done to obtain time frequency localization of the signal. The signal is separated into its alpha, beta, gamma, theta and delta sub bands. This gives good temporal resolution than Fourier transforms. The scaling and wavelet functions are applied on the input signal. This is mainly useful in clinical applications to view fine tuned results. The results are analyzed using a suitable graphical user interface.
Discussion Paper Series Entrepreneurs , Risk Aversion and Dynamic Firms

This paper conducts a theoretical and quantitative analysi s of how entrepreneurs choose firm size, capital structure, default, and owner consumptio n to manage firm risk, including how these choices change with risk aversion. We decompose an ent repreneur’s default decision into three elements: the fraction of firm debt; the potential redu ction in personal consumption from losing the firm; and the ratio of personal wealth to firm scale, which determines an entrepreneur’s ability to inject personal funds to continue operati on. Data from the Survey of Small Business Finances is used to calibrate the model and estimat e entrepreneur risk aversion. We determine the evolution of entrepreneur net worth, consump tion, and firm assets over time. We find that many entrepreneurs have lower net worth and consump tion than non-entrepreneurs with the same preferences, but the densities of the distribu tions of consumption and net-worth have wide upper tails. Thus, entrepreneurship can be a path t oward great wealth and high consumption for the top quantiles of entrepreneurs. JEL Classification Numbers: D92, E01, G33, G38, L25, L26
Parallel activation of prospective motor plans during visually‐guided sequential saccades

Behavioural evidences suggest that sequential saccades to multiple stimuli are planned in parallel. However, it remains unclear whether such parallel programming reflects concurrent processing of goals or whether multiple motor plans coexist, unfolding subsequently during execution. Here we use midway saccades, directed at intermediate locations between two targets, as a probe to address this question in a novel double‐step adaptation task. The task consisted of trials where subjects had to follow the appearance of two targets presented in succession with two sequential saccades. In some trials, the second target predictably jumped to a new location during the second saccade. Initially, the second saccade was aimed at the final target's location before the jump. As subjects adapted to the target jump, saccades were aimed to the second target's new location. We tested whether the spatial distribution of midway saccades could be explained as an interaction between two concurrent saccade goals, each directed at the two target locations, or between the initial motor plan to the first target location and a prospective motor plan directed from the initial to the final target location. A shift in the midway saccades’ distribution towards the jumped location of the second target following adaptation indicated that the brain can make use of prospective motor plans to guide sequential eye movements. Furthermore, we observed that the spatiotemporal pattern of endpoints of midway saccades can be well explained by a motor addition model. These results provide strong evidence of parallel activation of prospective motor plans during sequential saccades.
Gesture detection and data fusion based on MPU9250 sensor

A gesture detection system designed with MPU9250 sensor and MSP430F149 processor was introduced in this paper. The attitude angle can be measured with internal gyroscope sensor, accelerometer and electronic compass of MPU9250, and data fusion analysis was realized by using the optimization Kalman filter algorithm. The attitude angle noise was suppressed and the accuracy of the gesture detection was improved. The system can perform 100-time detections per second with fast response characteristics. The system was used in self-balanced robot successfully for motion gesture detection.
Skeletal muscle effects of electrostimulation after COPD exacerbation: a pilot study

Muscle dysfunction is a major problem in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly after exacerbations. We thus asked whether neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) might be directly useful following an acute exacerbation and if such a therapy decreases muscular oxidative stress and/or alters muscle fibre distribution. A pilot randomised controlled study of NMES lasting 6 weeks was carried out in 15 in-patients (n=9 NMES; n=6 sham) following a COPD exacerbation. Stimulation was delivered to the quadriceps and hamstring muscles (35 Hz). Primary outcomes were quadriceps force and muscle oxidative stress. At the end of the study, quadriceps force improvement was statistically different between groups (p=0.02), with a significant increase only in the NMES group (median (interquartile range) 10 (4.7–11.5) kg; p=0.01). Changes in the 6-min walking distance were statistically different between groups (p=0.008), with a significant increase in the NMES group (165 (125–203) m; p=0.003). NMES did not lead to higher muscle oxidative stress, as indicated by the decrease in total protein carbonylation (p=0.02) and myosin heavy chain carbonylation (p=0.01) levels. Finally, we observed a significant increase in type I fibre proportion in the NMES group. Our study shows that following COPD exacerbation, NMES is effective in counteracting muscle dysfunction and decreases muscle oxidative stress.
Magnitude Comparison Revisited: an Alternative Approach to Binary Choice under Uncertainty

Two generations of psychologists have been interested in understanding binary choice under uncertainty. In the 1970s and 1980s, researchers assumed that people rely on a two-stage magnitude comparison process to make Here, we test competing predictions derived from these two very different approaches and conclude that the magnitude comparison process plays a central role in this task. In support of this conclusion, we present an experiment in which participants were timed as they decided which of two vehicles was more expensive. Pairs composed of one luxury vehicle (e. g., BMW 323i) and one nonluxury vehicle (e.g., Toyota 4Runner) were critical because the magnitude comparison approach correctly predicted that reaction times would decrease with subjective distance, whereas the heuristics approach incorrectly predicted that there would be no relation. Which is taller: a fox or an elk? Which has the larger population: Winnipeg or Vancouver? Which is more expensive: a BMW 323 sedan or a Toyota RAV4 SUV? Two generations of researchers have been interested in understanding how people answer questions like these. In the 1970s and 1980s, the paired comparison task was studied extensively from an information-processing perspective. This research focused on the origins of several robust reaction time (RT) phenomena (e.g., the symbolic distance effect; see below) and their representa-2003) have used the binary choice task to investigate one-reason decision making and the psychological reality of the ecological analysis underpinning a family of " fast and frugal " heuristics. Although these two research streams have used the identical task, they have been completely isolated from one another— " two solitudes, " as it were. Indeed, we know of no case in which the RT studies of the 1970s and 1980s have been cited in the more recent decision-making literature. This scholarly gulf is paralleled by a theoretical one. At issue is the fundamental nature of the processes people use when they make binary decisions. The information-processing models of the 1970s and 1980s incorporated two central processes. During the first stage, magnitude values are generated or retrieved for each item in the pair.
Intrinsic mode function determination of faulty rolling element bearing based on kurtosis

Feature extraction of faulty rolling element bearings (REBs) is important in condition monitoring and faults diagnosis of rotating machinery. The empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is a useful tool for non-stationary signal analysis, by which the analyzed vibration generated by the faulty REBs can be decomposed into a set of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). However, how to determine an interesting intrinsic mode function (IMF) is often difficult in the applications of EMD. To address this issue, a kurtosis based scheme for the feature extraction of faulty REBs has been introduced in this paper. In the scheme, the vibration generated by REBs is acquired firstly. Then, the EMD is performed to decompose the vibration into a set of IMFs. Lastly, the kurtosis is calculated to determine the interesting IMF, which has the maximum kurtosis value. Simulation and test results supported the introduced scheme positively.
Proving Trust in Systems of 2nd-Order Processes: Preliminary Results

We consider the problem of proving correctness properties for concurrent systems with features such as higher-order communication and dynamic resource generation. As examples we consider operational models of security and authentication protocols based on the higher-order -calculus. Key features such as nonces/time stamps, encryption/decryption, and key generation are modelled using channel name generation and second-order process communication. A temporal logic based on the modal -calculus is used to express secrecy and authenticity. Extensions include function space constructions to deal with process input and output. Contravariant recursion can be dealt with in two di erent ways, of which one, an iterative solution, is discussed in the paper. We propose a predicate of trust in a monotonically increasing set of channels as an example, and establish structural decomposition principles for this predicate for concurrent composition and local channel declaration. On this basis a type system for trust inference can be derived quite easily.
Residual Stresses and Birefringence in Injection Molding of Semicrystalline Polymer

Abstract The viscoelastic process simulation of the idealized injection molding process for various isotactic polypropylenes having different molecular weights are conducted by using the theoretical formulation developed in the first part of the present study. Molding experiments are performed under a variety of molding conditions, and birefringence measurements are carried out on the molded samples. Based upon the experimental and simulated results of the residual stresses and birefringence, the effects of molding conditions and molecular weights are studied. The influences of flow-induced crystallization kinetics on the buildup and relaxation of residual stresses and birefringence in the moldings are discussed. It has been found that, due to the absence of the flow-induced crystallization in the core region, the flow stresses and birefringence introduced in that region during the filling stage relax shortly after the cavity is filled. Moreover, the low stresses and birefringence get frozen-in due to the occurrence of the low-induced crystallization are relatively large and located within a very narrow region close to the mold wall. The main contribution to the overall residual stresses is found to be due by the residual thermal stresses that are introduced by the progression of crystallization during the postfilling stage. The distribution of the residual birefringence in the moldings is closely related to that of the crystalline microstructure pattern and less dependent upon the level of overall residual stresses.
Healthcare-associated infections in a tunisian university hospital: from analysis to action

Introduction Our study was conducted, in university hospital center (UHC) Farhat Hached of Sousse (city in Tunisian center-east), within healthcare-associated infections (HAI) epidemiological surveillance (ES) program, based, among others, on HAI regular prevalence surveys. Our objectives are to resituate HAI prevalence rate and to identify their risk factors (RF) in order to adjust, in our hospital, prevention programs. Methods It is a transversal descriptive study, including all patients who had been hospitalized for at least 48 hours, measuring prevalence of HAI a “given day”, with only one passage by service. Risk factors were determined using Epiinfo 6.0, by uni-varied analysis, then, logistic regression stepwise descending for the variables whose p Results The study focused on 312 patients. Infected patients prevalence was 12.5% and that of HAI was 14.5%. Infections on peripheral venous catheter (PVC) dominated (42.2%) among all HAI identified. HAI significant RF were neutropenia (p < 10−4) for intrinsic factors, and PVC for extrinsic factors (p = 0,003). Conclusion Predominance of infections on PVC should be subject of specific prevention actions, including retro-information strategy, prospective ES, professional practices evaluation and finally training and increasing awareness of health personnel with hygiene measures. Finally, development of a patient safety culture with personnel ensures best adherence to hygiene measures and HAI prevention.
Extrasynaptic GABAA Receptors: Form, Pharmacology, and Function

GABA is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS and acts via GABAA and GABAB receptors. Recently, a novel form of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition, termed “tonic” inhibition, has been described. Whereas synaptic GABAA receptors underlie classical “phasic” GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition (inhibitory postsynaptic currents), tonic GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition results from the activation of extrasynaptic receptors by low concentrations of ambient GABA. Extrasynaptic GABAA receptors are composed of receptor subunits that convey biophysical properties ideally suited to the generation of persistent inhibition and are pharmacologically and functionally distinct from their synaptic counterparts. This mini-symposium review highlights ongoing work examining the properties of recombinant and native extrasynaptic GABAA receptors and their preferential targeting by endogenous and clinically relevant agents. In addition, it emphasizes the important role of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in GABAergic inhibition throughout the CNS and identifies them as a major player in both physiological and pathophysiological processes.
Deep Sequencing Analysis of HCV NS3 Resistance-Associated Variants and Mutation Linkage in Liver Transplant Recipients

Viral variants with decreased susceptibility to HCV protease inhibitors (PIs) occur naturally and preexist at low levels within HCV populations. In patients failing PI monotherapy, single and double mutants conferring intermediate to high-level resistance to PIs have been selected in vivo. The abundance, temporal dynamics and linkage of naturally occurring resistance-associated variants (RAVs), however, have not been characterized in detail. Here, using high-density pyrosequencing, we analyzed HCV NS3 gene segments from 20 subjects with chronic HCV infection, including 12 subjects before and after liver transplantation. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that Q80 substitution was a dominant variant in 40% of the subjects, whereas other RAVs circulate at low levels within quasispecies populations. Low frequency mutation linkage was detectable by Illumina paired-end sequencing in as low as 0.5% of the mock populations constructed from in vitro RNA transcripts but were uncommon in vivo. We show that naturally occurring RAVs are common and can persist long term following liver transplant at low levels not readily detectable by conventional sequencing. Our results indicate that mutation linkage at low levels could be identified using the Illumina paired-end approach. The methods described here should facilitate the analysis of low frequency HCV drug resistance, mutation linkage and evolution, which may inform future therapeutic strategies in patients undergoing direct acting antiviral therapies.
Flash-based Extended Cache for Higher Throughput and Faster Recovery

Considering the current price gap between disk and flash memory drives, for applications dealing with large scale data, it will be economically more sensible to use flash memory drives to supplement disk drives rather than to replace them. This paper presents FaCE, which is a new low-overhead caching strategy that uses flash memory as an extension to the DRAM buffer. FaCE aims at improving the transaction throughput as well as shortening the recovery time from a system failure. To achieve the goals, we propose two novel algorithms for flash cache management, namely, Multi-Version FIFO replacement and Group Second Chance. One striking result from FaCE is that using a small flash memory drive as a caching device could deliver even higher throughput than using a large flash memory drive to store the entire database tables. This was possible due to flash write optimization as well as disk access reduction obtained by the FaCE caching methods. In addition, FaCE takes advantage of the non-volatility of flash memory to fully support database recovery by extending the scope of a persistent database to include the data pages stored in the flash cache. We have implemented FaCE in the PostgreSQL open source database server and demonstrated its effectiveness for TPC-C benchmarks.