Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Calmodulin Kinase II Is Involved in Voltage-dependent Facilitation of the L-type Cav1.2 Calcium Channel

Calcium-dependent facilitation of L-type calcium channels has been reported to depend on the function of calmodulin kinase II. In contrast, the mechanism for voltage-dependent facilitation is not clear. In HEK 293 cells expressing Cav1.2, Cavβ2a, and calmodulin kinase II, the calcium current measured at +30 mV was facilitated up to 1.5-fold by a 200-ms-long prepulse to +160 mV. This voltage-dependent facilitation was prevented by the calmodulin kinase II inhibitors KN93 and the autocamtide-2-related peptide. In cells expressing the Cav1.2 mutation I1649E, a residue critical for the binding of Ca2+-bound calmodulin, facilitation was also abolished. Calmodulin kinase II was coimmunoprecipitated with the Cav1.2 channel from murine heart and HEK 293 cells expressing Cav1.2 and calmodulinkinase II. The precipitated Cav1.2 channel was phosphorylated in the presence of calmodulin and Ca2+. Fifteen putative calmodulin kinase II phosphorylation sites were identified mostly in the carboxyl-terminal tail of Cav1.2. Neither truncation at amino acid 1728 nor changing the II-III loop serines 808 and 888 to alanines affected facilitation of the calcium current. In contrast, facilitation was decreased by the single mutations S1512A and S1570A and abolished by the double mutation S1512A/S1570A. These serines flank the carboxyl-terminal EF-hand motif. Immunoprecipitation of calmodulin kinase II with the Cav1.2 channel was not affected by the mutation S1512A/S1570A. The phosphorylation of the Cav1.2 protein was strongly decreased in the S1512A/S1570A double mutant. These results suggest that voltage-dependent facilitation of the Cav1.2 channel depends on the phosphorylation of Ser1512/Ser1570 by calmodulin kinase II.
Comparability of Computer- and Paper-Administered Multiple-Choice Tests for K–12 Populations: A Synthesis

There have been many studies of the comparability of computer-administered and paper-administered tests. Not surprisingly (given the variety of measurement and statistical sampling issues that can affect any one study) the results of such studies have not always been consistent. Moreover, the quality of computer-based test administration systems has changed considerably over recent years, as has the computer-experience of students. This study synthesizes the results of 81 studies performed between 1997 and 2007. The estimated effect size across all studies was very small (–.01 weighted, .00 unweighted). Meta-analytic methods were used to ascertain whether grade (elementary, middle, or high school) or subject (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Reading, Science, or Social Studies) had an impact on comparability. Grade appeared to have no affect on comparability. Subject did appear to affect comparability, with computer administration appearing to provide a small advantage for English Language Arts and Social Studies test (effect sizes of .11 and .15, respectively), and paper administration appearing to provide a small advantage for Mathematics tests (effect size of −.06).
SCATTERING IN NONRELATIVISTIC QUANTUM FIELD THEORY

The lecture notes are devoted to some topics in scattering theory for certain models inspired by quantum field theory. As a toy example, we describe scattering theory for van Hove Hamiltonians, where all basic objects can be computed exactly. We also sketch the formalism, basic results and some open problems about the so-called Pauli-Fierz Hamiltonians – a class of models describing a small quantum system interacting with a bosonic field, which have an interesting and nontrivial scattering theory.
Prognostic Importance of Exercise-Induced Changes in Mitral Regurgitation in Patients With Chronic Ischemic Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Background—In the post–myocardial infarction phase, mortality risk is related to the severity of mitral regurgitation (MR). Ischemic MR is a dynamic condition that can be studied during exercise. Whether the assessment of exercise-induced changes in the degree of MR provides prognostic information is unknown. Methods and Results—Ninety-eight consecutive patients with chronic ischemic left ventricular dysfunction and at least mild MR who prospectively underwent quantitative measurement of the regurgitant volume and the effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) of MR at rest and during semisupine exercise test were followed up for 19±8 months. The 16 patients who underwent surgery were censored at the time of operation. Of the 82 patients who were medically treated, 9 (11%) died. No clinical data demonstrated a distinction between survivors and nonsurvivors. By multivariate Cox regression analysis, independent predictors of cardiac death were an increase in ERO by ≥13 mm2 (P =0.0045) during exercise, an ERO >20 mm2 at rest (P =0.01), and a shorter mitral deceleration time (P =0.044). Half of the patients with exercise-induced significant increases in MR who died had moderate MR at rest. In contrast, none of the 14 patients with a decrease in MR at exercise displayed cardiac death. Conclusions—In patients with ischemic MR and left ventricular dysfunction, quantitative assessment of exercise-induced changes in the degree of MR provides independent prognostic information. Significant exercise-induced increases in MR unmask patients at high risk of poor outcome.
Prevalence and knowledge of transient ischemic attack among US adults

Background: Little information is available about public knowledge of TIA and prevalence of a TIA diagnosis. Methods: The National Stroke Association sponsored a telephone survey by single-stage random-digit dialing of noninstitutionalized US residents ≥18 years old, which was conducted in 1999. Demographic characteristics of participants were compared to the US population to produce weights for projections. Independent predictors of knowledge and diagnosis of TIA were determined by including all demographic characteristics in logistic regression models. Results: Among 10,112 participants, 2.3% reported having been told by a physician that they had a TIA. Older age, lower income, and fewer years of education were independently associated with a diagnosis of TIA. Of those with TIA, only 64% saw a physician within 24 hours of the event. A physician diagnosis of stroke was reported by 2.3% of participants, of whom 19% recalled having had a TIA before the stroke. An additional 3.2% of participants recalled symptoms consistent with TIA but did not seek medical attention. Only 8.2% correctly related the definition of TIA and 8.6% could identify a typical symptom. Men, nonwhites, and those with lower income and fewer years of education were less likely to be knowledgeable about TIA. Conclusions: An estimated 4.9 million people in the US report a diagnosis of TIA, and many more recall symptoms consistent with TIA but do not seek medical attention. Reducing stroke risk after TIA could have substantial impact on public health but will require public education about the importance of having stroke symptoms evaluated, even if they resolve.
Decadal Shift in El Niño Influences on Indo–Western Pacific and East Asian Climate in the 1970s*

Abstract El Nino’s influence on the subtropical northwest (NW) Pacific climate increased after the climate regime shift of the 1970s. This is manifested in well-organized atmospheric anomalies of suppressed convection and a surface anticyclone during the summer (June–August) of the El Nino decay year [JJA(1)], a season when equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies have dissipated. In situ observations and ocean–atmospheric reanalyses are used to investigate mechanisms for the interdecadal change. During JJA(1), the influence of the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the NW Pacific is indirect, being mediated by SST conditions over the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO). The results here show that interdecadal change in this influence is due to changes in the TIO response to ENSO. During the postregime shift epoch, the El Nino teleconnection excites downwelling Rossby waves in the south TIO by anticyclonic wind curls. These Rossby waves propagate slowly westward, causing persistent SST warmi.
Los procesos institucionales de mejora escolar desde la perspectiva del enfoque narrativo

In diesem Beitrag geht es um den Nutzen und um die Reflexion von narrativen Forschungsansatzen fur die Untersuchung von Bildungseinrichtungen. Aus einer narrativen Perspektive sind Bedeutung und Sinn narrativ organisiert, und nur deshalb ist Verstehen in jeglichen Beziehungssystemen uberhaupt erst sichergestellt. Im Besonderen geht es in diesem Beitrag um den Versuch, die Narrative der im Feld handelnden Personen mit denen auf Seiten der Forscher und Forscherinnen so in Beziehung zu setzen, dass ein Verstandnis der untersuchten Phanomene moglich wird. Zur Illustration werden Beispiele aus einer Studie hinzugezogen, bei der es um Veranderungsprozesse auf Seiten von Bildungseinrichtungen geht, die in die Schulreform in Sevilla, Spanien, involviert sind. Ausgehend von der Annahme, dass erst mit der Kombination unterschiedlicher Erhebungsverfahren die Polyphonie von Organisationsprozessen wirklich "eingefangen" werden kann, kamen Fragebogen und Interviews zum Einsatz. Die im Verlauf der Studie ermittelten Befunde halfen Faktoren zu identifizieren, die Veranderung in Schulen ermoglichen konnen. Hierzu gehoren insbesondere a) diejenigen Narrative, die eine jede Einrichtung uber sich selbst, uber die Lehrenden, und uber deren Einbindung in soziale Diskurse konstruiert, und b) Vorstellungen von neuen Initiativen und von deren (Nicht-) Ubereinstimmung mit den fruheren Projekten/dem vor Ort bereits Vorgefundenen. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0604141
An algebraic approach to abstraction in reinforcement learning

To operate effectively in complex environments learning agents ignore irrelevant details. Stated in general terms this is a very difficult problem. Much of the work in this field is specialized to specific modeling framework for Markov decision processes (MDPs) based on homomorphisms relating MDPs. We build on classical finite-state automata literature and develop a minimization framework for MDPs that can exploit structure and symmetries to derive smaller equivalent models of the problem. Since employing homomorphisms approximate and partial homomorphisms and develop bounds for the loss that Our MDP minimization results can be readily employed by reinforcement approach to hierarchical RL, specifically using the options framework. We introduce relativized options, a generalization of Markov sub-goal options, that allow us to define options without an absolute frame of reference. We introduce an extension to the options framework, based on relativized options, that allows us to learn simultaneously at multiple levels of the hierarchy guarantees regarding the performance of hierarchical systems that employ approximate in several test-beds. Relativized options can also be interpreted as behavioral schemas. We demonstrate that such schemas can be profitably employed in a hierarchical RL setting. We also develop algorithms that learn the appropriate parameter binding to a given schema. We empirically demonstrate the validity and utility of these algorithms. Relativized options allow us to model certain aspects of deictic or indexical representations. We develop a modification of our parameter binding algorithm suited to hierarchical RL architectures that employ deictic representations.
Investigating the Technology Acceptance among Student Teachers in Malaysia: An Application of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

This study investigated 245 Malaysian student teachers’ self-reported intentions to use (ITU) computers. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a research framework, this study found perceived usefulness (PU) of computer technology, perceived ease of use (PEU), and attitude towards computer use (ATCU) to be significant determinants of ITU. Results obtained using structural equation modelling revealed that (1) PEU significantly influenced PU; (2) both PU and PEU significantly influenced ATCU, and (3) both PU and ATCU significantly influenced ITU. In essence, the results of this study present some evidence that TAM serves as a valid model to predict technology acceptance among student teachers in Malaysia.
Managing the patient presenting with xerostomia: a review

Aims: Patients complaining of a dry mouth can present themselves to various clinicians such as the primary care physician, dentists, otolaryngologists and/or oral surgeons. The aim of our review is to provide a systematic method of assessing and managing these patients based on current best evidence published in the literature.
Human neurospheres on microelectrode arrays: a model to investigate ionizing radiation effects on neuronal network communication*

Ionizing radiation is known to induce numerous effects in cells including cell cycle delay, DNA damage, altered gene expression and cell death. Although there are serious impacts on the organisms, the effects on prenatal development are largely unknown. Data regarding potential biological effects on the prenatal development after in utero radiation exposure predominantly stem from atomic bomb survivors and from animal studies. These results indicate that the developing central nervous system is particularly sensitive to ionizing radiation and that exposure can lead to prenatal death, growth retardation, organ malformation or mental retardation [1]. Yet, there is hardly any information on the effects of ionizing radiation on neuronal network communication, the most vital function of neurons. To fill this gap we developed a protocol that enables electrical characterization of three-dimensional neurospheres (NS) derived from human embryonic stem cells using microelectrode arrays (MEA). This method allows assessing the electrical activity of neuronal tissue in a non-invasive way. Network functionality typically develops in three phases. First, electrical activity can be detected as random single spikes. In a second phase train-like spiking activity evolves, that further develops into burstlike activity. These bursts represent the mature signalling activity of the network [2]. The measurement of electrical activity of neurospheres on MEAs represents a new and promising tool to investigate the effects of ionizing radiation on the neuronal network communication during early brain development.
Dynamic Shuttling of Tia-1 Accompanies the Recruitment of mRNA to Mammalian Stress Granules

Mammalian stress granules (SGs) harbor untranslated mRNAs that accumulate in cells exposed to environmental stress. Drugs that stabilize polysomes (emetine) inhibit the assembly of SGs, whereas drugs that destabilize polysomes (puromycin) promote the assembly of SGs. Moreover, emetine dissolves preformed SGs as it promotes the assembly of polysomes, suggesting that these mRNP species (i.e., SGs and polysomes) exist in equilibrium. We used green flourescent protein–tagged SG-associated RNA-binding proteins (specifically, TIA-1 and poly[A] binding protein [PABP-I]) to monitor SG assembly, disassembly, and turnover in live cells. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching shows that both TIA-1 and PABP-I rapidly and continuously shuttle in and out of SGs, indicating that the assembly of SGs is a highly dynamic process. This unexpected result leads us to propose that mammalian SGs are sites at which untranslated mRNAs are sorted and processed for either reinitiation, degradation, or packaging into stable nonpolysomal mRNP complexes. A truncation mutant of TIA-1 (TIA-1ΔRRM), which acts as a transdominant inhibitor of SG assembly, promotes the expression of cotransfected reporter genes in COS transfectants, suggesting that this process of mRNA triage might, directly or indirectly, influence protein expression.
Flow Cytometry Method Analysis of Apoptosis

Flow cytometry method (FCM) is a generally accepted tool to analyze apoptosis. Although apoptosis assay kit was applied by many companies, the manufacturers were not consistent with whether using Trypsin with EDTA to collect the adherent cells. In another words, the influence of EDTA on apoptotic ratio is not clear. In this work, we compared the proportion of apoptotic cells with EDTA or EDTA-free Trypsin treatment by FCM. We concluded that Trypsin with or without EDTA has little influence on the proportion of apoptotic cells. In addition, we found that the ratio of necrosis and apoptosis was different in cells collected by scraping. WAVE2 protein was analyzed as a typical example for movement related protein. WAVE2 expression is elevated in the EDTA Trypsin treated group, compared with EDTA-free Trypsin treatment and scrapping group.
Neuroticism and "special treatment" in university examinations

Two intakes of first year students (N = 54 and N = 60) were given the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1985) soon after arriving at university. Three years later they wrote their final examinations consisting of seven three-hour papers. Results showed that students high on Neuroticism were more likely to write their examinations in the health center or to provide a doctor's note than were students low on Neuroticism. There was no difference in Extraversion, Psychoticism or Lie scale scores in their final grades.
Proteomics Identifies Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) with A Link Between Golgi Structure, Cancer, DNA Damage and Protection from Cell Death*

GOLPH3 is the first example of a Golgi resident oncogene protein. It was independently identified in multiple screens; first in proteomic-based screens as a resident protein of the Golgi apparatus, and second as an oncogene product in a screen for genes amplified in cancer. A third screen uncovered the association of GOLPH3 with the Golgi resident phospholipid, phosphatidyl inositol 4 phosphate (PI4P) to maintain the characteristic ribbon structure of the Golgi apparatus favoring vesicular transport of secretory proteins.
Fully automated immunoassay for quantitative determination of FXIII

Summary Coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) is essential for clot stabilization. Deficiency of FXIII is associated with a risk of bleeding and impaired wound healing. Substitution therapy with FXIII remedies for patients with low plasma levels of FXIII requires diagnostic quantification of the factor before and during therapy. Here, we describe a prototype of a preliminary research immunoassay for quantification of FXIII antigen on automated coagulation instruments. The prototype assay is based on a monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against FXIII A chain, whereas the mAbs are coupled to latex particles. FXIII in a plasma specimen causes agglutination of the latex particles, which can be quantified turbidimetrically. Performance data of the assay prototype processed on BCS® XP and Sysmex® CA-1500 instruments demonstrate a good correlation to the Berichrom® factor XIII activity assay1 from Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics (r = 0.94). Results: Comparability of instruments was excellent (r = 0.98). Coefficients of variation of total imprecision measurements ranged from 2.2 to 3.4%. Linearity was excellent over the range tested (12–121% FXIII). Analytical sensitivity was 0.51% FXIII on BCS XP and 0.44% FXIII on Sysmex CA-1500, respectively. No interference (> 10% bias) was observed with haemoglobin (up to 400 mg/dl), cholesterol (up to 300 mg/dl), bilirubin (up to 60 mg/dl) or triglycerides (up to 3000 mg/dl). Conclusion: The preliminary research assay prototype has the potential for excellent analytical sensitivity, precision, and dynamic range suitable to measure reliably FXIII antigen levels in human plasma.
A 1.2A buck-boost LED driver with 13% efficiency improvement using error-averaged SenseFET-based current sensing

High-current LED drivers suffer from a significant efficiency loss due to the presence of a current regulation element (CRE) in series with the LED. In a conventional driver, either a series current source [1] or a sense resistor [2, 3] acts as a CRE to regulate the LED current (ILED). In this paper, we seek to improve the efficiency by eliminating the series CRE. To this end, we employ a highly accurate current sensing scheme to directly regulate ILED and achieve more than 13% efficiency improvement.
When Frame Extension Fails

In December of 1997 and June of 1998, the declining anti-abortion organization Operation Rescue attempted to extend its collective action frame of “saving babies” or “protecting children” by conducting a series of protests in Florida that included Barnes & Noble bookstores and Walt Disney World. While these activities made sense within the religious right's master frame of Christian Reconstructionism, the protests failed to help Operation Rescue improve its reputation or increase its membership. This article provides a contribution to the social movement framing literature by analyzing a case of failed frame extension and by taking the political context and tactics of the social movement organization (SMO) in question into account.
The Effect of Outside Options on Neighborhood Tipping Points

I develop a revealed-preference method for estimating census tract tipping points. I find that tract tipping points have increased from 15% (1970) to 42% (2010). The corresponding MSA tipping points have also increased from 13% (1970) to 35% (2010). While tipping points are traditionally associated with the racial attitudes of white households, I find that cross-sectional differences in MSA tipping points, going from 1970-2010, depend less on differences in the racial attitudes of white households and more on the outside options faced by white households. These results support a continued role for place-based policies in mitigating residential segregation. ∗Blair: Department Economics, Clemson University, pblair@clemson.edu.
Identification and Analysis of Genes Involved in Anaerobic Toluene Metabolism by Strain T1: Putative Role of a Glycine Free Radical

ABSTRACT The denitrifying strain T1 is able to grow with toluene serving as its sole carbon source. Two mutants which have defects in this toluene utilization pathway have been characterized. A clone has been isolated, and subclones which contain tutD and tutE, two genes in the T1 toluene metabolic pathway, have been generated. ThetutD gene codes for an 864-amino-acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 97,600 Da. The tutE gene codes for a 375-amino-acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 41,300 Da. Two additional small open reading frames have been identified, but their role is not known. The TutE protein has homology to pyruvate formate-lyase activating enzymes. The TutD protein has homology to pyruvate formate-lyase enzymes, including a conserved cysteine residue at the active site and a conserved glycine residue that is activated to a free radical in this enzyme. Site-directed mutagenesis of these two conserved amino acids shows that they are also essential for the function of TutD.