Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of endothelin 3 by mesenchymal cells of embryonic mouse caecum

Background Mutations in endothelin 3 (EDN3) and endothelin B receptor (EDNRB) genes cause terminal colonic aganglionosis in mice, and mutations in these genes have also been linked to the terminal aganglionosis seen in human Hirschsprung’s disease. However, details of EDN3 expression during embryogenesis are lacking, and consequently the cellular mechanism by which EDN3 regulates innervation of the terminal gut is unclear. Aims To localise the expression of EDN3 and EDNRB in the embryonic mouse gut. Methods Expression of EDN3 and EDNRB mRNA was analysed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridisation. Results High levels of EDN3 mRNA expression were restricted to mesenchymal cells of the caecum before and after the arrival of neural crest cells. In contrast, EDNRB expression along the gut displayed a time dependent pattern similar to those of the protein tyrosine kinase ret and the neural crest cell marker PGP9.5. Conclusions Mesenchymal cells of the caecum express high levels of EDN3 mRNA during embryogenesis and hence the production of EDN3 at the caecum is likely to act on neural crest cells as a paracrine factor necessary for subsequent innervation of the terminal gut.
Competencia emocional, satisfacción en contextos específicos y satisfacción con la vida en la adolescencia

This study analyzes the relationship between the level of emotional competence and well-being experienced in specific contexts as well as satisfaction with life in adolescents. Three hypotheses were tested: a) If emotional competence of adolescents is related to their life satisfaction; b) If there is a relationship between life satisfaction and satisfaction in various specific domains (with studies, with oneself, coping resources and the use of leisure time). c) Finally, if the relationship between satisfaction in specific contexts and satisfaction with life is moderated by emotional competence. The Emotional Adolescent Development questionnaire (CDE-SEC; Perez-Escoda, Alvarez & Bisquerra, 2008), the Life Satisfaction questionnaire (SWLS; Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffin, 1985) adapted to Spanish by Atienza, Pons, Balaguer and Garcia-Merita (2000) and an ad-hoc questionnaire to measure domain-specific satisfactions were used. The study sample is 485 students of Secondary Education of Catalonia and Bilbao. We performed a regression analysis by which an explanatory model of emotional competence and life satisfaction among young people is obtained. The results largely confirm the three hypotheses although with some nuances.
Reduced-Complexity Semidefinite Relaxations of Optimal Power Flow Problems

We propose a new method for generating semidefinite relaxations of optimal power flow problems. The method is based on chordal conversion techniques: by dropping some equality constraints in the conversion, we obtain semidefinite relaxations that are computationally cheaper, but potentially weaker, than the standard semidefinite relaxation. Our numerical results show that the new relaxations often produce the same results as the standard semidefinite relaxation, but at a lower computational cost.
A real time clustering CMOS neural engine

Summary form only given, as follows. We describe an analog VLSI implementation of the ART1 algorithm (Carpenter, 1987). A prototype chip has been fabricated in a standard low cost 1.5 /spl mu/m double-mental single-poly CMOS process. It has a die area of 1 cm/sup 2/ and is mounted in a 120 pin PGA package. The chip realizes a modified version of the original ART1 architecture. Such modification has been shown to preserve all computational properties of the original algorithm (Serrano, 1994), while being more appropriate for VLSI realizations. The chip implements on ART1 network with 100 F1 nodes and 18 F2 nodes. It can, therefore, cluster 100 binary pixels input patterns into up to 18 different categories. Modular expansibility of the system is possible by assembling an N/spl times/M array of chips without any extra interfacing circuitry, resulting in an F1 layer with 100/spl times/N nodes, and an F2 layer with 18/spl times/M nodes. Pattern classification is performed in less than 1.8 /spl mu/s, which means an equivalent computing power of 2.2/spl times/10/sup 9/ connections and connection-updates per second. Although internally the chip is analog in nature, it interfaces to the outside world through digital signals, thus having a true asynchronous digital behavior. Experimental chip test results are available, which have been obtained through test equipment for digital chips.
Study on Temperature Compensation Principle of Fiber-Optic Fabry-Perot Strain Sensor

The applications of Fabry-Perot (F-P) fiber-optic strain sensor based on white light interference are mainly restricted by the cross-sensitivity effects, which caused by the changes of the temperature and stress. In this paper, the sensing principles of the white light interference F-P fiber-optic strain sensor is briefly introduced, then the methods to eliminate or weaken the temperature sensitivity of is described. Based on studying the temperature compensation mechanism of F-P fiber-optic white light interferometer strain sensor, we will discuss from two aspects: the compensation of process and the compensation of measurement results. The temperature compensation method mentioned in this paper, can effectively removes the strain measurement error due to the temperature changes.
MARS: Multi-stage Attack Recognition System

Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) are considered as essential mechanisms to ensure reliable security. Intrusive model is used in signature-based NIDS by defining attack patterns and applying signature-matching on incoming traffic packets. Thousands of signatures and rules are created to specify different attacks and variations of a single attack. As a result, enormous data with less efficiency is produced that overwhelms the network administrator. Most of the generated alerts are false-positives; this is due to the redundancy caused by the detection techniques, and due to low-level processing capacity. Moreover, detection of novel and multi-stage attacks are not efficiently achieved by the current systems. Hence, high-level view of the attacker’s behaviour has become a stressing demand. Alerts correlation techniques have been widely used to provide intelligent and stateful detection methodologies. This is to understand attack steps and predict the expected sequence of events. However, most of the proposed systems are based on rules libraries specified by security experts, which is a cumbersome and error prone task. Other methods are based on statistical models; these are unable to identify causal relationships between the events. In this paper, we identify the limitations of the current techniques and propose a framework for alert correlation that overcomes these shortcomings. An improved “cause and effect” model will be presented cooperating with statistical model to achieve higher detection rate with minimum false positives. Knowledge-based model with vulnerability and extensional consequences parameters has been developed to provide manageable and meaningful graph. The proposed system is evaluated using DARPA 2000 and collected real life data sets. The results have shown an improvement in respect to detection rate and reduction of false positives.
Combined Effects of Ocean Warming and Acidification on Copepod Abundance, Body Size and Fatty Acid Content

Concerns about increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations and global warming have initiated studies on the consequences of multiple-stressor interactions on marine organisms and ecosystems. We present a fully-crossed factorial mesocosm study and assess how warming and acidification affect the abundance, body size, and fatty acid composition of copepods as a measure of nutritional quality. The experimental set-up allowed us to determine whether the effects of warming and acidification act additively, synergistically, or antagonistically on the abundance, body size, and fatty acid content of copepods, a major group of lower level consumers in marine food webs. Copepodite (developmental stages 1–5) and nauplii abundance were antagonistically affected by warming and acidification. Higher temperature decreased copepodite and nauplii abundance, while acidification partially compensated for the temperature effect. The abundance of adult copepods was negatively affected by warming. The prosome length of copepods was significantly reduced by warming, and the interaction of warming and CO2 antagonistically affected prosome length. Fatty acid composition was also significantly affected by warming. The content of saturated fatty acids increased, and the ratios of the polyunsaturated essential fatty acids docosahexaenoic- (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) to total fatty acid content increased with higher temperatures. Additionally, here was a significant additive interaction effect of both parameters on arachidonic acid. Our results indicate that in a future ocean scenario, acidification might partially counteract some observed effects of increased temperature on zooplankton, while adding to others. These may be results of a fertilizing effect on phytoplankton as a copepod food source. In summary, copepod populations will be more strongly affected by warming rather than by acidifying oceans, but ocean acidification effects can modify some temperature impacts.
Arnold's Conjectures on Weak Asymptotics and Statistics of Numerical Semigroups S(d_1,d_2,d_3)

Three conjectures #1999--8, #1999--9 and #1999--10 which were posed by V. Arnold [2] and devoted to the statistics of the numerical semigroups are refuted for the case of semigroups generated by three positive integers d_1,d_2,d_3 with gcd(d_1,d_2,d_3)=1. Weak asymptotics of conductor C(d_1,d_2,d_3) of numerical semigroup and fraction p(d_1,d_2,d_3) of a segment [0;C(d_1,d_2,d_3)-1] occupied by semigroup are found.
The Term Structure of Interest Rates whenthe Growth Rate is

The eeect of incomplete information on the term structure of interest rates is examined in the framework of a pure exchange economy under uncertainty. When the growth rate of the aggregate endowment is known, the term structure is at and deterministic. When agents do not observe the (constant) growth rate, interest rates are stochas-tic and the term structure turns out to be linearly decreasing. As a possible explanation of this astonishing fact, we suggest that rational and risk-averse investors consider long-term bonds as a good hedge against unfavorable realizations of the growth rate.
γδ T Cell-Mediated Immune Responses in Disease and Therapy

The role of γδ T cells in immunotherapy has gained specific importance in the recent years because of their prominent function involving directly or indirectly in the rehabilitation of the diseases. γδ T cells represent a minor population of T cells that express a distinct T cell receptor (TCR) composed of γδ chains instead of αβ chains. Unlike αβ T cells, γδ T cells display a restricted TCR repertoire and recognize mostly unknown non-peptide antigens. γδ T cells act as a link between innate and adaptive immunity, because they lack precise major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction and seize the ability to recognize ligands that are generated during affliction. Skin epidermal γδ T cells recognize antigen expressed by damaged or stressed keratinocytes and play an indispensable role in tissue homeostasis and repair through secretion of distinct growth factors. γδ T cell based immunotherapy strategies possess great prominence in the treatment because of the property of their MHC-independent cytotoxicity, copious amount of cytokine release, and a immediate response in infections. Understanding the role of γδ T cells in pathogenic infections, wound healing, autoimmune diseases, and cancer might provide knowledge for the successful treatment of these diseases using γδ T cell based immunotherapy. Enhancing the human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells functions by administration of aminobisphosphonates like zoledronate, pamidronate, and bromohydrin pyrophosphate along with cytokines and monoclonal antibodies shows a hopeful approach for treatment of tumors and infections. The current review summarizes the role of γδ T cells in various human diseases and immunotherapeutic approaches using γδ T cells.
Dendritic Cells Are Responsible for the Capacity of CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides to Act as an Adjuvant for Protective Vaccine Immunity Against Leishmania major in Mice

Vaccination with leishmanial Ag and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) confers sustained cellular immunity and protection to infectious challenge up to 6 mo after immunization. To define the cellular mechanism by which CpG ODN mediate their adjuvant effects in vivo, the functional capacity of distinct dendritic cell (DC) subsets was assessed in the lymph nodes (LNs) of BALB/c mice, 36 h after immunization with the leishmanial antigen (LACK) and CpG ODN. After this immunization, there was a striking decrease in the frequency of the CD11c+B220+ plasmacytoid DCs with a proportionate increase in CD11c+CD8−B220− cells. CD11c+CD8+B220− cells were the most potent producers of interleukin (IL)-12 p70 and interferon (IFN)-γ, while plasmacytoid DCs were the only subset capable of secreting IFN-α. In terms of antigen presenting capacity, plasmacytoid DCs were far less efficient compared with the other DC subsets. To certify that DCs were responsible for effective vaccination, we isolated CD11c+ and CD11c− cells 36 h after immunization and used such cells to elicit protective immunity after adoptive transfer in naive, Leishmania major susceptible BALB/c mice. CD11c+ cells but not 10-fold higher numbers of CD11c− cells from such immunized mice mediated protection. Therefore, the combination of LACK antigen and CpG ODN adjuvant leads to the presence of CD11c+ DCs in the draining LN that are capable of vaccinating naive mice in the absence of further antigen or adjuvant.
An optimization formulation to compute Nash equilibrium in finite games

In this paper, we consider a finite n-person non cooperative game. A non-linear optimization model is formulated in a space of dimension equal to sum of the total number of pure strategies in the game and the number of players. A Nash equilibrium of the given game is shown to be equivalent to an optimal solution of the optimization model with zero optimal value. The algorithm is coded in MATLAB using sequential quadratic programming based quasi Newton technique. To make the algorithm user-friendly, a GUI enabled software is developed. Performance of the software is analyzed. Our computational experience has been very satisfactory.
A Grounded Theory of Music Use in the Psychological Preparation of Academy Soccer Players

The main objectives of the present study are (a) to examine soccer players’ use of music to psychologically prepare for performance and (b) to present a grounded theory to illuminate this phenomenon. Thirty-four academy soccer players (Mage = 17.9 years, SD = 1.6 years) were selected from a U.K. Premier League soccer club. Individual- and group-based questionnaires, reflective journals, and interviews were administered. Corbin and Strauss’s (2015) variant of grounded theory was adopted, which is underpinned by pragmatism and symbolic interactionism. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Moreover, the data were continually compared with previous literature to verify methodological coherence, propose new methods, and develop a substantive grounded theory model. The findings document the use of music as a stimulant and regulator of emotion prior to performance, as well as its propensity to develop shared meanings and contribute to a sense of group identity. The analysis brought to light personal-, group-, and task-related factors that moderate the influence of music on the psychological state of young soccer players. A unique finding to emerge was the degree to which the music preferences of senior players were readily accepted by junior players. The present study provides evidence of the role that naturalistic research can play in fathoming and harnessing the emotive and encultured power of music within the social spheres of elite team sports. All emergent concepts can be used as a template to guide soccer players and practitioners in the use of music and to frame future research efforts.
Integrated system for modeling and data analysis of complex biomolecules (ISyMAB)

ISyMAB aims at providing an efficient tool for data analysis in the framework of the simulation and modeling of large biomolecular systems by means of parallel molecular dynamics (MD) codes designed for high-performance computing (HPC). The main focus is in the modeling of the G Protein-Coupled Receptors, which are found in a wide range of species, and are involved in signaling from the outside to the inside of the cells. Generally, large biomolecule simulations with NAMD involve many steps which are not always easy and/or within the reach of the researchers. This application provides an integrated solution that will help them solve these problems instantly.
Antiestrogens: structure-activity relationships and use in breast cancer treatment

About 70% of breast tumors express estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), which mediates the proliferative effects of estrogens on breast epithelial cells, and are candidates for treatment with antiestrogens, steroidal or non-steroidal molecules designed to compete with estrogens and antagonize ERs. The variable patterns of activity of antiestrogens (AEs) in estrogen target tissues and the lack of systematic cross-resistance between different types of molecules have provided evidence for different mechanisms of action. AEs are typically classified as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), which display tissue-specific partial agonist activity (e.g. tamoxifen and raloxifene), or as pure AEs (e.g. fulvestrant), which enhance ERα post-translational modification by ubiquitin-like molecules and accelerate its proteasomal degradation. Characterization of second- and third-generation AEs, however, suggests the induction of diverse ERα structural conformations, resulting in variable degrees of receptor downregulation and different patterns of systemic properties in animal models and in the clinic.
E M E R G I N G I N F E C T I O N S I N V I T E D a R T I C L E Human Infections Due to Streptococcus Dysgalactiae Subspecies Equisimilis

Human streptococci that belong to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) have long been known under the name of b-hemolytic groups C and G streptococci. Extensive taxonomic studies during the past years have distinguished most of the veterinary pathogens belonging to Lancefield groups C and G from those of human origin. After being considered nonpathogenic for many years, SDSE is now recognized as an important bacterial pathogen. The clinical spectrum of diseases caused by this species closely resembles Streptococcus pyogenes infections, including the occurrence of poststreptococcal sequelae. In accordance with these observations, many of the virulence factors present in S. pyogenes can also be found in SDSE strains. High nucleotide-sequence identities in virulence genes and the association of these genes with mobile genetic elements support the hypothesis of extensive horizontal gene-transfer events among streptococcal species of the pyogenic group. Recent epidemiological studies have shown increasing numbers of invasive SDSE infections, often among immuno-compromised patients, and suggest that this species will probably gain even more clinical importance in the near future. For a better understanding of the changing epidemiology and pathogenicity of SDSE, an increased awareness of these microorganisms as human pathogens and proper identification are mandatory. Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equismilis (SDSE) belongs to the group of pyogenic streptococci, which are often referred to as b-hemolytic streptococci. According to recent taxonomic studies, large colony–forming human groups C and G strep-tococci are currently classified as SDSE [1, 2]. The pathogenicity of these microorganisms has been increasingly recognized, with a wide spectrum of disease similar to that caused by Strepto-coccus pyogenes [3]. Historically, the species S. dysgalactiae consists of at least 5 distinct subgroups (table 1). In 1996, Vandamme et al [1] first suggested the division of S. dysgalactiae into 2 subspecies: SDSE subspecies nova for human groups C and G strains and S. dysgalactiae subspecies dysgalactiae (SDSD) subspecies nova for all strains of animal origin. The genetic relationship between human and animal isolates of S. dysgalactiae, however, remains controversial. The most widely used classification to date was proposed by Vieira et al [2] in 1998 and is based on DNA-DNA hybridization tests and multilocus enzyme electropho-resis. It defines all b-hemolytic groups C and L and human group G streptococci as SDSE and only the a-hemolytic or nonhemolytic group C streptococci as SDSD. Pyogenic streptococci of Lancefield groups C and G emerged as important human pathogens in the late 1970s and early 1980s [3, …
The Online Coupon-Collector Problem and Its Application to Lifelong Reinforcement Learning

Transferring knowledge across a sequence of related tasks is an important challenge in reinforcement learning (RL). Despite much encouraging empirical evidence, there has been little theoretical analysis. In this paper, we study a class of lifelong RL problems: the agent solves a sequence of tasks modeled as finite Markov decision processes (MDPs), each of which is from a finite set of MDPs with the same state/action sets and different transition/reward functions. Motivated by the need for cross-task exploration in lifelong learning, we formulate a novel online coupon-collector problem and give an optimal algorithm. This allows us to develop a new lifelong RL algorithm, whose overall sample complexity in a sequence of tasks is much smaller than single-task learning, even if the sequence of tasks is generated by an adversary. Benefits of the algorithm are demonstrated in simulated problems, including a recently introduced human-robot interaction problem.
Impact of a Checklist on Principal-Teacher Feedback Conferences Following Classroom Observations. REL 2018-285.

This statewide experiment in New Mexico in 2015/16 tested whether providing principals and teachers a checklist to use in the feedback conferences that principals had with teachers following formal classroom observations would improve the quality and impact of the conferences. • With two exceptions, the checklist had no clear impact on conference quality, teachers’ instruction, or student achievement as of spring 2016. According to teachers, the checklist reduced the degree to which principals dominated the feedback conferences. According to teachers, the checklist made them more likely to follow their principals’ professional development recommendations. • Of principals who received the checklist, 58 percent reported using it. • The lowcost electronic distribution of a guide and a short video were insufficient to substantially alter feedback conferences and other key outcomes, at least over the short run.