Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Docking of Secretory Vesicles Is Syntaxin Dependent

Secretory vesicles dock at the plasma membrane before they undergo fusion. Molecular docking mechanisms are poorly defined but believed to be independent of SNARE proteins. Here, we challenged this hypothesis by acute deletion of the target SNARE, syntaxin, in vertebrate neurons and neuroendocrine cells. Deletion resulted in fusion arrest in both systems. No docking defects were observed in synapses, in line with previous observations. However, a drastic reduction in morphologically docked secretory vesicles was observed in chromaffin cells. Syntaxin-deficient chromaffin cells showed a small reduction in total and plasma membrane staining for the docking factor Munc18-1, which appears insufficient to explain the drastic reduction in docking. The sub-membrane cortical actin network was unaffected by syntaxin deletion. These observations expose a docking role for syntaxin in the neuroendocrine system. Additional layers of regulation may have evolved to make syntaxin redundant for docking in highly specialized systems like synaptic active zones.
Study on the heat generation characteristics of lithium ion power battery with NCM/Si-C composite anode material

Thermal characteristics of lithium ion batteries are particularly important for both the optimization of the battery cells and design of the thermal management system for battery packs. The Si-C composite applied in lithium ion battery could improve the battery's energy density. For a 3 Ah pouch lithium ion battery with NCM/Si-C composite material system, the thermal characteristics were analyzed during the charging and discharging processes using the Extended Volume-Accelerating Rate Calorimeter. Meanwhile a 3 Ah pouch lithium ion battery with NCM/graphite composite material system was used as the reference sample. The internal resistance has great influence on the thermal behavior of Li-ion batteries. Thus, internal resistances of the battery cell were measured using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method. Experimental results showed that the battery cell with NCM/Si-C generated much more amount of heat during charging and discharging processes. Temperature rise and heat generation power of the batteries increased as the current rate rising during charging and discharging processes. In addition, the overall internal resistance obtained by EIS had a close relationship with the heat generation behavior. Keywords-lithium ion battery; Si-C composite; thermal characteristics; internal resistance; EIS
On-line Bayesian CraméR-Rao bound for oversampled dynamical phase offset estimation

In this paper, we present a closed-form expression of a Bayesian Cramer-Rao lower bound for the estimation of a dynamical carrier phase offset. This bound is derived in an online oversampled scenario. Our numerical results show that using the oversampled signal for estimating the phase offset we can obtain better performances than using a classical synchronizer.
Transmitted-reference techniques for random or unknown channels

In this paper, a particular approach to the problem of communicating in certain random or unknown channels is considered. A particular set of signals is chosen, each member of which is partitioned into a known reference or sounding signal and a message signal. The channel is assumed to be linear, and is divided into a multiplicative and an additive portion. The multiplicative portion is assumed to have the same response to both message and reference components, while the additive noises associated with these components are assumed to be independent. The channel outputs and the additive noises are further assumed to be Gaussian. Under these circumstances, the optimum receiver is shown to cross-correlate the message portion of the received signal with a filtered version of the posterior mean of the channel output, which is merely a filtered combination of the prior mean and the perturbed reference signal. This is an interesting extension of the optimum receiver for known signals in additive Gaussian noise. Several special cases are considered which yield additional insight into the operation of the optimum receiver.
Light signaling for social interaction with mobile robots

To give autonomous mobile robots some kind of "social intelligence", they need to be able to recognize and interact with other agents in the world. This paper describes how a light signaling device can be used to identify another individual and to communicate simple information. By having the agents relatively close to each other, they share the same perceptual space, which allows them to sense or deduce implicit information concerning the context of their interaction. Using a vision- and sonar-based Pioneer I robot equipped with a colored-light signaling device, experimental results demonstrate how the robot. can interact with a human interlocutor in a ball-passing game.
A Pedagogical Review of Programming Education Research: What Have We Learned

Previous research has shown that especially novice students may find learning programming to be difficult in terms of programming concepts and program design. Many students fail to write correct program codes after the course and achieve the level of skills set by the learning goals of the course. In order to overcome the challenges of learning programming, we are interested in the pedagogical techniques of learning and teaching programming as well as some of the learning tools used to support programming education. This knowledge would help us to better align the design of programming courses with the teaching goal of these courses. New research opportunities are opened in the field of contributing student pedagogy in programming education.
Asymptotic Formulas for Zero-Balanced Hypergeometric Series

A hypergeometric series is called s-balanced if the sum of denominator parameters minus the sum of numerator parameters is s. A nonterminating s-balanced hypergeometric series converges at $x = 1$ if s is positive. An asymptotic formula for the partial sums of a zero-balanced ${}_3 F_2 (1)$ is given. A corollary is the behavior of a zero-balanced ${}_3 F_2 (x)$ as x approaches 1. Some q-analogues are also given.
Development and differentiation of early innate lymphoid progenitors

Early innate lymphoid progenitors (EILPs) have recently been identified in mouse adult bone marrow as a multipotential progenitor population specified toward innate lymphoid cell (ILC) lineages, but their relationship with other described ILC progenitors is still unclear. In this study, we examine the progenitor–successor relationships between EILPs, all-lymphoid progenitors (ALPs), and ILC precursors (ILCps). Functional, bioinformatic, phenotypical, and genetic approaches collectively establish EILPs as an intermediate progenitor between ALPs and ILCps. Our work additionally provides new candidate regulators of ILC development and clearly defines the stage of requirement of transcription factors key for early ILC development.
Doing Without Money: A Critical Assessment of Woodford's Analysis of Monetary Policy in a Post-monetary World

Woodford (1997, 1998) employs an inter-temporal general equilibrium model to examine the properties of the monetary system as it evolves form the use of a physical medium of exchange to an electronic medium. He presents a structure in which cash (money) as a means of payment can be made to vanish at the limit but where he claims the price level remains determinate. It is shown that Woodford's analysis involves fundamental but still widespread conceptual and methodological errors. His general equilibrium model does not map into the world of electronic money and his analysis has no implications for the art of central banking.
A Predictive Momentum-Based Whole-Body Torque Controller: Theory and Simulations for the iCub Stepping

When balancing, a humanoid robot can be easily subjected to unexpected disturbances like external pushes. In these circumstances, reactive movements as steps become a necessary requirement in order to avoid potentially harmful falling states. In this paper we conceive a Model Predictive Controller which determines a desired set of contact wrenches by predicting the future evolution of the robot, while taking into account constraints switching in case of steps. The control inputs computed by this strategy, namely the desired contact wrenches, are directly obtained on the robot through a modification of the momentum-based whole-body torque controller currently implemented on iCub. The proposed approach is validated through simulations in a stepping scenario, revealing high robustness and reliability when executing a recovery strategy.
Missed Connections: HIV-Infected People Never in Care

Objective. Clinical interventions that lengthen life after HIV infection and significantly reduce transmission could have greater impact if more HIV-diagnosed people received HIV care. We tested a surveillance-based approach to investigating reasons for delayed entry to care. Methods. Health department staff in three states and two cities contacted eligible adults diagnosed with HIV four to 24 months previously who had no reported CD4+ lymphocyte (CD4) or viral load (VL) tests. The staff conducted interviews, performed CD4 and VL testing, and provided referrals to HIV medical care. Reported CD4 and VL tests were prospectively monitored to determine if respondents had entered care after the interview. Results. Surveillance-based follow-up uncovered problems with reporting CD4 and VL tests, resulting in surveillance improvements. However, reporting problems led to misspent effort locating people who were already in care Follow-up proved difficult because contact information in surveillance case records was often outdated or incorrect. Of those reached, 37% were in care and 29% refused participation. Information from 132 people interviewed generated ideas for service improvements, such as emphasizing the benefits of early initiation of HIV care, providing coverage eligibility information soon after diagnosis, and leveraging other medical appointments to provide assistance with linkage to HIV care. Conclusions. Surveillance-based follow-up of HIV-diagnosed individuals not linked to care provided information to improve both surveillance and linkage services, but was inefficient because of difficulties identifying, locating, and recruiting eligible people. Inefficiencies attributable to missing, incomplete, or inaccurate surveillance records are likely to diminish as data quality is improved through ongoing use.
Please Scroll down for Article Journal of Personality Assessment a Comparison of Obsessive-compulsive Personality Disorder Scales

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Three-dozen knowledge-sharing barriers managers must consider

Purpose – Knowledge sharing is the corner-stone of many organisations’ knowledge-management (KM) strategy. Despite the growing significance of knowledge sharing’s practices for organisations’ competitiveness and market performance, several barriers make it difficult for KM to achieve the goals and deliver a positive return on investment. This paper provides a detailed review of current KM and related literatures on a large number of possible knowledge-sharing barriers with the purpose of offering a more comprehensive and structured starting-point for senior managers when auditing their organisation’s current knowledge base and knowledge-sharing requirements. Design/methodology/approach – This article reviews and discusses over three dozen potential knowledge-sharing barriers, categorising them into three main domains of recently published works: individual/personal, organisational, and technological barriers. Findings – The extensive list of knowledge sharing barriers provides a helpful starting point and guideline for senior managers auditing their existing practices with a view to identifying any bottle-necks and improving on the overall effectiveness of knowledge-sharing activities. Practical implications – Managers need to realise, however, that a particular knowledge sharing strategy or specific managerial actions will not suit all companies and that there are differences to be expected between MNCs and SMEs, private, public sector, and not-for-profit organisations. As such, the implementation of knowledge-sharing goals and strategies into an organisation’s strategic planning and thinking will vary greatly. Originality/value – The main discussion of this paper brings together a large range of knowledgesharing barriers in an attempt to indicate the complexity of knowledge sharing as a value-creating organisational activity.
SFM signal detection and parameter estimation based on pulse-repetition-interval transform

A novel algorithm is proposed for detecting and estimating sinusoidal frequency-modulated (SFM) signals based on the pulse-repetition-interval (PRI) transform which is originally used for estimating PRIs of pulse trains. Our algorithm utilizes the resemblance between the spectrum of a SFM signal and a pulse train, and applies the PRI transform to this spectrum. It can detect SFM signals under moderate signal-to-noise ratios, and is also capable of accurately estimating the modulation frequencies even if there are multiple components. The algorithm proposed has been successfully applied to simulated data, and compared with that of the autocorrelation method, showing its superiority.
Phosphorylation of Adf/Cofilin Abolishes Egf-Induced Actin Nucleation at the Leading Edge and Subsequent Lamellipod Extension

In metastatic rat mammary adenocarcinoma cells, cell motility can be induced by epidermal growth factor. One of the early events in this process is the massive generation of actin barbed ends, which elongate to form filaments immediately adjacent to the plasma membrane at the tip of the leading edge. As a result, the membrane moves outward and forms a protrusion. To test the involvement of ADF/cofilin in the stimulus-induced barbed end generation at the leading edge, we inhibited ADF/cofilin's activity in vivo by increasing its phosphorylation level using the kinase domain of LIM-kinase 1 (GFP-K). We report here that expression of GFP-K in rat cells results in the near total phosphorylation of ADF/cofilin, without changing either the G/F-actin ratio or signaling from the EGF receptor in vivo. Phosphorylation of ADF/cofilin is sufficient to completely inhibit the appearance of barbed ends and lamellipod protrusion, even in the continued presence of abundant G-actin. Coexpression of GFP-K, together with an active, nonphosphorylatable mutant of cofilin (S3A cofilin), rescues barbed end formation and lamellipod protrusion, indicating that the effects of kinase expression are caused by the phosphorylation of ADF/cofilin. These results indicate a direct role for ADF/cofilin in the generation of the barbed ends that are required for lamellipod extension in response to EGF stimulation.
Open Ontologies - The Need for Modeling Heterogeneous Knowledge

In the context of open environments like the Semantic Web, knowledge-based applications with autonomous knowledge sources have recently gained increased interest. For such sources, neither the consistency nor the reliability or the definiteness of the input knowledge can be ensured Whereas there already exist promising approaches to the filtering, integration and homogenization of inconsistent and dynamic knowledge, the modeling of knowledge heterogeneity and dynamics itsetf has been largely neglected so far. In this work we propose Open Ontologies as an approach to this issue. Open Ontologies are based on a distinct communication-oriented paradigm as they emerge from and evolve with communication processes, and allow the modeling and processing of semantically heterogeneous conceptual knowledge by means of its reification according to its social (i.e. communicational) meaning and relevance, and the probabilistic weighting of inconsistent knowledge facets.
Gaussian Process modeling of large scale terrain

This paper addresses the problem of large scale terrain modeling for a mobile robot. Building a model of large scale terrain data that can adequately handle uncertainty and incompleteness in a statistically sound way is a very challenging problem. This work proposes the use of Gaussian Processes as models of large scale terrain. The proposed model naturally provides a multi-resolution representation of space, incorporates and handles uncertainties aptly and copes with incompleteness of sensory information. Gaussian Process Regression techniques are applied to estimate and interpolate (to fill gaps in unknown areas) elevation information across the field. The estimates obtained are the best linear unbiased estimates for the data under consideration. A single Non-Stationary (Neural Network) Gaussian Process is shown to be powerful enough to model large and complex terrain, handling issues relating to discontinuous data effectively. A local approximation methodology based on KD-Trees is also proposed in order to ensure local smoothness and yet preserve the characteristic features of rich and complex terrain data. The use of the local approximation technique based on KD-Trees further addresses concerns relating to the scalability of the proposed approach for large data sets. Experiments performed on sparse GPS based survey data as well as dense laser scanner data taken at different mine-sites are reported in support of these claims.
Refractory Technology: Fundamentals and Applications

This book provides a basic understanding of refractories. This includes the fundamentals of refractory technology supported by phase diagrams as well as detailing the prominent applications of these essential industrial materials. This book covers all the facets of refractory technology, starting from classification, properties, standard specifications, details of the conventional shaped refractories, including relevant phase diagrams & application areas and also the details of unshaped refractories including various classifications, bonding, additives and their applications.
Facility location with Service Installation Costs

We consider a generalization of the uncapacitated facility location problem which we call <i>Facility Location with Service Installation Costs</i>. We are given a set of facilities, <i>F</i>,a set of demands or clients <i>D</i>, and a set of services <i>S</i>. Each facility <i>i</i> has a <i>facility opening cost fi</i>, and we have a <i>service installation cost</i> of <i>f</i><sup><i>l</i></sup><inf><i>i</i></inf> for every facility-service pair (<i>i, l</i>). Each client <i>j</i> in <i>D</i> requests a specific service <i>g</i>(<i>j</i>) ∈ <i>S</i> and the cost of assigning a client <i>j</i> to facility <i>i</i> is given by <i>c</i><inf><i>ij</i></inf>. We want to open a set of facilities, install services at the open facilities, and assign each client <i>j</i> to an open facility at which service <i>g</i>(<i>j</i>) is installed, so as to minimize the sum of the facility opening costs, the service installation costs and the client assignment costs.Our main result is a primal-dual 6-approximation algorithm under the assumption that there is an ordering on the facilities such that if <i>i</i> comes before <i>i</i>' in this ordering then for <i>every</i> service type <i>l</i>, <i>f</i><sup><i>l</i></sup><inf><i>i</i></inf> ≤ <i>f</i><sup><i>l</i></sup><i> i</i>. This includes (as special cases) the settings where the service installation cost <i>f</i><sup><i>l</i></sup><inf><i>i</i></inf> depends only on the service type <i>l</i>, or depends only on the location <i>i</i>. With arbitrary service installation costs, the problem becomes as hard as the set-cover problem. Our algorithm extends the algorithm of Jain & Vazirani [9] in a novel way. If the service installation cost depends only on the service type and not on the location, we give an LP rounding algorithm that attains an improved approximation ratio of 2.391. The algorithm combines both clustered randomized rounding [6] and the filtering based technique of [10, 14]. We also consider the <i>k</i>-median version of the problem where there is an additional requirement that at most <i>k</i> facilities may be opened. We use our primal-dual algorithm to give a constant-factor approximation for this problem when the service installation cost depends only on the service type.
The contribution of founder mutations in BRCA1 to breast cancer in Belarus

Uglanitsa N, Oszurek O, Uglanitsa K, Savonievich E, Lubiński J, Cybulski C, Debniak T, Narod SA, Gronwald J. The contribution of founder mutations in BRCA1 to breast cancer in Belarus.
Lipopolyamines: Novel Antiendotoxin Compounds That Reduce Mortality in Experimental Sepsis Caused by Gram-Negative Bacteria

ABSTRACT The interactions of lipopolyamines, a class of structurally unique compounds currently being used as transfection (lipofection) agents, with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) have been characterized. Our studies have demonstrated that 1,3-di-oleoyloxy-2-(6-carboxyspermyl)-propylamide), available commercially as DOSPER, binds to purified LPS with an affinity of about 1/10 that of polymyxin B. This essentially nontoxic compound inhibits, in a dose-dependent manner, LPS-induced activation of the Limulus clotting cascade and the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nitric oxide from LPS-stimulated J774.A1 cells, a murine macrophage-like cell line. Cytokine inhibition is paralleled by decreased steady-state levels of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA and inhibits the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B. These findings suggest that the lipopolyamine compound sequesters LPS, thereby blocking downstream cellular activation events that lead to the production of proinflammatory mediators. Administration of DOSPER to d-galactosamine-sensitized mice challenged either with LPS or with Escherichia coliorganisms provided significant protection against lethality both with and without antibiotic chemotherapy. Partial protection is evident in LPS-challenged mice treated with DOSPER as late as 2 to 4 h following the endotoxin challenge. A greater degree of protection is observed in E. coli-challenged animals receiving ceftazidime than in those receiving imipenem, which is probably attributable to the higher levels of LPS released in vivo by the former antibiotic. Potent antiendotoxic activity, low toxicity, and ease of synthesis render the lipopolyamines candidate endotoxin-sequestering agents of potential significant therapeutic value.