Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Roles of NO and Ca2+‐activated K+ channels in coronary vasodilation induced by 17β‐estradiol in ischemic heart failure

Estrogen induces the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and produces coronary vasodilation by opening the Ca2+‐activated K+ (KCa) channels. The hypothesis that 17β‐estradiol produces NO and activates KCa channels during coronary hypoperfusion was investigated. In open‐chest dogs, the left anterior descending coronary artery was perfused through an extracorporeal bypass tube from the left carotid artery. 17β‐Estradiol was infused into the bypass tube for 20 min after coronary blood flow was reduced by partial occlusion of the bypass tube. 17β‐Estradiol increased the difference in NO concentrations between the coronary venous and arterial blood as well as coronary blood flow. The lactate extraction ratio and pH of coronary venous blood were both also increased by 17β‐estradiol, indicating a reduction in myocardial anaerobic metabolism. Whereas the increase in the coronary arteriovenous difference in NO concentration was completely attenuated by NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, an inhibitor of NO synthase), the increase in coronary blood flow induced by 17β‐estradiol was only partially attenuated by L‐NAME. The combination of L‐NAME and iberiotoxin (a blocker of high‐conductance KCa channels) completely abolished the coronary vasodilatory effect of 17β‐estradiol. The data indicate that during coronary hypoperfusion in canine hearts, 17β‐estradiol increases coronary blood flow and improves metabolic dysfunction by increasing NO release and opening KCa channels. —Node, K. , Kitakaze, M. , Kosaka, H. , Minamino, T. , Sato, H. , Kuzuya, T. , Hori, M. Roles of NO and Ca2+‐activated K+ channels in coronary vasodilation induced by 17β‐estradiol in ischemic heart failure. FASEB J. 11, 793–799 (1997)
A fast-locking phase-locked loop using CP control and gated VCO

A fast-locking phase-locked loop (PLL) using a CP control and a gated voltage-controlled oscillator is presented. This PLL is fabricated in a 90nm CMOS technology. The measured locking time is 3.78us from 640MHz to 800MHz. This PLL consumes 3.8mW for a supply of 1.2V and the active area is 0.0135mm2.
Supervisory control of a macro-micro parallel manipulator system

In order to achieve the high motion precision of the macro-micro parallel manipulator system for a radio telescope, a decoupled tracking and prediction algorithm based on principles of parallel mechanisms is presented. Then the adaptive interaction PID controller, which utilizes the adaptive interaction algorithm to tune the parameters of a canonical PID controller, is proposed as the supervisory controller in the joint space of the Stewart platform. Additionally, the digital servo filters with feedforward are employed in the lower level of the electrical cylinders. Experimental results validate the high precision of the macro-micro parallel manipulator system wit supervisory controller and the motion prediction algorithm.
The Panchromatic Starburst Intensity Limit at Low and High Redshift

The integrated bolometric effective surface brightness S_e distributions of starbursts are investigated for samples observed in 1. the rest frame ultraviolet (UV), 2. the far-infrared and H-alpha, and 3. 21cm radio continuum emission. For the UV sample we exploit a tight empirical relationship between UV reddening and extinction to recover the bolometric flux. Parameterizing the S_e upper limit by the 90th percentile of the distribution, we find a mean S_{e,90} = 2.0e11 L_{sun}/kpc^2 for the three samples, with a factor of three difference between the samples. This is consistent with what is expected from the calibration uncertainties alone. We find little variation in S_{e,90} with effective radii for R_e ~ 0.1 - 10 kpc, and little evolution out to redshifts z ~ 3. The lack of a strong dependence of S_{e,90} on wavelength, and its consistency with the pressure measured in strong galactic winds, argue that it corresponds to a global star formation intensity limit (\dot\Sigma_{e,90} ~ 45 M_{sun}/kpc^2/yr) rather than being an opacity effect. There are several important implications of these results: 1. There is a robust physical mechanism limiting starburst intensity. We note that starbursts have S_e consistent with the expectations of gravitational instability models applied to the solid body rotation portion of galaxies. 2. Elliptical galaxies and spiral bulges can plausibly be built with maximum intensity bursts, while normal spiral disks can not. 3. The UV extinction of high-z galaxies is significant, implying that star formation in the early universe is moderately obscured. After correcting for extinction, the observed metal production rate at z ~ 3 agrees well with independent estimates made for the epoch of elliptical galaxy formation.
Bootstrap analysis of the single subject with event related potentials

Neural correlates of cognitive states in event-related potentials (ERPs) serve as markers for related cerebral processes. Although these are usually evaluated in subject groups, the ability to evaluate such markers statistically in single subjects is essential for case studies in neuropsychology. Here we investigated the use of a simple test based on nonparametric bootstrap confidence intervals for this purpose, by evaluating three different ERP phenomena: the face-selectivity of the N170, error-related negativity, and the P3 component in a Posner cueing paradigm. In each case, we compare single-subject analysis with statistical significance determined using bootstrap to conventional group analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA). We found that the proportion of subjects who show a significant effect at the individual level based on bootstrap varied, being greatest for the N170 and least for the P3. Furthermore, it correlated with significance at the group level. We conclude that the bootstrap methodology can be a viable option for interpreting single-case ERP amplitude effects in the right setting, probably with well-defined stereotyped peaks that show robust differences at the group level, which may be more characteristic of early sensory components than late cognitive effects.
White attitudes about descriptive representation in the US: the roles of identity, discrimination, and linked fate

ABSTRACT Many white Americans feel that whites are discriminated against, identify as white, and feel a sense of linked fate with whites. Scholars have studied these psychological connections to one's racial group among nonwhites, but little attention in political science has been given to how they operate among whites. However, changing social, demographic, and electoral patterns point to inevitable challenges to their traditional status and power. This study examines the extent to which these psychological connections to whites as a group exist and shape how whites feel about descriptive representation. Using a nationally representative survey, it finds that identifying as white, thinking whites are discriminated against, and seeing one's fate as tied to the fate of whites overall are common and make it more likely that whites will say it is important to have a political candidate who is white. These findings reveal a striking similarity in how whites and nonwhites form attitudes about descriptive representation. The implications of these findings given ongoing social and political trends are discussed.
The gender influence on leadership style practiced in the Romanian Government?s working apparatus (Office)

Nowadays, the societies are still dominated by masculine values, prejudgments and stereotypes still aggravate the situation of women, who want to possess more and more power of decision. Even if the gender policies are highly promoted with the purpose of stopping the discrimination amongst genders, they don’t really have the expected result. Following this idea, this paper analyses gender influence above leadership styles practiced in the Romanian Government‘s Working Apparatus (Office), in order to see if women practice different leadership styles than their masculine gender counterparts, or this is only an opinion influenced by social values, and if they possess the necessary qualities to be performant, efficient and even better leaders than men. The research is based on theories about transformational, transactional and laissez-faire leadership styles(Burns, 1978,Avolio, 1998; Bass, 1998) and has been conducted by using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (Bass and Avolio,1994). The research results show that the leaders of the Romanian Government‘s Working Apparatus(Office)do not practice a predominant leadership style. They display a mix of characteristics of all three leadership styles which were studied, but manifest most strongly the transformational and transactional styles, fact that makes leaders effective and able to achieve performance. Another important result of the study is that, gender does not influence the leadership styles and the way that leaders act is influenced by other variables, that weren’t studied in this paper.
Stage T1N0M0 renal cell carcinoma: the prognosis in Asian patients

The prognostic features of T1N0M0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in Asian patients have not been well explored in large sample studies. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the records of 713 patients undergoing nephrectomy for T1N0M0 RCC between 1991 and 2009 in three Asian hospitals. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify the independent predictive factors for T1N0M0 RCC prognosis among a series of Clinicopathological parameters, including age, gender, tumor size, Fuhrman grade, and histological classification. Our results showed that 388 of 713 patients had tumors 4.0 cm or smaller (stage T1a) and 325 of 713 patients had tumors 4.0–7.0 cm in size (stage T1b). Five-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates for this group of patients were 96.0% and 93.5%, respectively. The patients with T1b RCC had a significantly lower 5-year CSS and RFS rates than did those with T1a RCC (CSS, 93.1% vs. 98.6%, P = 0.026; RFS, 90.0% vs. 96.5%, P < 0.001). Patients with low grade (grades I–II) tumors had a higher 5-year CSS (97.8% vs. 91.2%, P = 0.001) and RFS (95.5% vs. 85.5%, P < 0.001) rate than did those with high grade (grades I–II) tumors. More interestingly, when stratifying patients to T1a and T1b groups, the role of grade in distinguishing prognosis could be only observed in patients with T1b disease. Cox regression showed tumor size and Fuhrman grade were significant in predicting CSS and RFS. Our study suggests that the prognosis of patients with T1N0M0 RCC is excellent, and these results are comparable to previously reported studies in Western patients. Furthermore, our data indicates that patients with T1b disease and high Fuhrman grade have high risk of tumor recurrence and death, thus requiring more frequent follow-up.
Executive Attention and Action Selection in a Neurally Controlled Simulated Robot

In this paper, we describe an integrated model for neural control of both routine and nonroutine action selection. Functionally, the model is based upon an architecture originally proposed by Norman & Shallice (Norman and Shallice, 1986; Shallice 1988). This model includes a Contention Scheduler (CS) and a Supervisory Attentional System (SAS). The CS mechanism is based upon the CS architecture described by Presott, Redgrave and Gurney (1999). Little is known of the neural architecture of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) that might realise the SAS. Accordingly, we have developed a partial implementation in which the architecture is guided by an analysis of the functionality required by Shallice’s SAS. The resulting model is used to control the behaviour of a simulated robot. This paper extends earlier work on normal executive control (Garforth, McHale, Meehan, 2003), describing lesion studies to explore the correspondence between the behaviour of the robot and behaviours seen in humans suffering lesions of the PFC. In doing so, we are able to assess the legitimacy of the SAS model as hypothesised and as implemented.
Tropical deep convection and density current signature in surface pressure: comparison between WRF model simulations and infrasound measurements

Abstract. Deep convection is a major atmospheric transport process in the tropics, affecting the global weather and the climate system. In the framework of the ARISE (Atmospheric dynamics Research InfraStructure in Europe) project, we combine model simulations of tropical deep convection with in situ ground measurements from an IMS (International Monitoring System) infrasound station in the Ivory Coast to analyze the effects of density current propagation. The WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) model is firstly run in a simplified (referred to as "idealized case") and highly resolved configuration to explicitly account for convective dynamics. Then, a coarser three-dimensional simulation (referred to as "real") is nudged towards meteorological reanalysis data in order to compare the real case with the idealized model and in situ observations. In the 2-D run, the evolution of a deep convective cloud generates a density current that moves outward up to 30 km away from storm center. The increase in surface density (up to 18 g m −3 larger than surrounding air) is mostly due to the sudden temperature decrease (down to −2 °C, with respect to the domain-averaged value) from diabatic cooling by rain evaporation near ground level. It is accompanied by a dramatic decrease in relative humidity (down to −50%), buoyancy (down to −0.08 m s −2 ), equivalent potential temperature (25 °C lower than the planetary boundary layer (PBL)) and the rapid enhancement of horizontal wind speed (up to 15 m s −2 ). If temperature and density changes are strong enough, surface pressure becomes largely affected and high-frequency disturbances (up to several tens of Pa) can be detected at the leading edges of density current. The moister and warmer air of subcloud layer is lifted up and replaced by a more stable flow. The resulting thermodynamical instabilities are shown to play a key role in triggering new convection. If the initial environment is sufficiently unstable, they can give rise to continuous updrafts that may lead to the transition from single-cell to multicell cloud systems, even without the presence of an initial wind shear. The overall consistence and similarity between idealized and real simulation, and the good agreement of the real case with in situ retrievals of temperature, pressure, wind speed and direction, seem to confirm the ability of 2-D and 3-D models to well reproduce convective dynamics. Surface pressure disturbances, simulated in both the idealized and real cases as a consequence of cold pool propagation, are very similar to those recorded in the Ivory Coast. Present results stress the direct link between mesoscale convective system activity and high-frequency surface pressure variations, suggesting the possibility of developing a new method for real-time rainstorm tracking based on the ground-based infrasound monitoring of pressure field.
Teleoperator slave ‐ WAM design methodology

This paper recommends an improved design methodology for the slave half of teleoperator systems based on the notion of master‐slave symmetry. Traditional slaves consist of a conventional robot retrofitted with force‐torque sensors. The new methodology eliminates dependence on destabilizing force‐torque‐sensor schemes by augmenting existing master design methods with newly invented cable mechanisms. Design goals such as bandwidth, backdrivability, and force fidelity have been applied successfully to optimize design of the trajectory‐and‐force‐controllable Whole‐Arm Manipulation (WAM) robot. Although not yet used as the slave of a teleoperator system, the results from performance tests of the experimental WAM manipulator are promising. Finally, the authors suggest a new concept ‐ Whole‐Arm Haptics ‐ that is only possible with whole‐arm manipulation, where the user steers the kinematic redundancy directly. Whole‐Arm Haptics allow teleoperators to manipulate objects larger than the slave itself.
Heart Rate Variability Predicts Control Over Memory Retrieval

Stopping retrieval of unwanted memories has been characterized as a process that requires inhibition. However, little research has examined the relationship between control over memory retrieval and individual differences in inhibitory control. Higher levels of resting heart rate variability (HRV) are associated with greater inhibitory control, as indicated by better performance on a number of cognitive, affective, and motor tasks. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that higher levels of resting HRV predict enhanced memory inhibition as indexed by performance on the think/no-think task. Efforts to suppress no-think word pairs resulted in impaired recall for those items, as in past studies. Moreover, higher levels of resting HRV were associated with more successful suppression, as indicated by lower recall of the to-be-avoided stimuli relative to baseline stimuli. These findings are among the first to suggest that physiological markers of inhibitory control can be used to index a person’s capacity to control unwanted memories.
Regional Variability of Lifestyle Factors and Hypertension with Prediabetes and Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Population-Based KORA-F4 and SHIP-TREND Studies in Germany

Objective Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) shows regional differences in Germany. The purpose of the project was to compare the prevalence of prediabetes and undiagnosed T2D in two regions in Germany, the Northeast and the South, and to evaluate their associations with regional variations in lifestyle factors and hypertension. Methods Data from the KORA-F4 study (South Germany, 2006–2008) and the SHIP-TREND study (Northeast Germany, 2008–2012) were used. Participants aged 35–79 years without T2D with an overnight fasting of more than 8 hours and an oral glucose tolerance test were included: KORA-F4: n = 2,616 and SHIP-TREND: n = 1,968. Results The prevalence of prediabetes/newly diagnosed T2D was especially high in men (about 60%) and women (about 50%) in the Northeast, followed by men (about 50%) and women (about 30%) in the South. Lifestyle factors associated with T2D varied between the regions: more participants in the Northeast were active smokers and the percentages of people with overweight or obesity were greater than in their southern counterparts. However, these differences could not explain the striking disparity in prediabetes/newly diagnosed T2D. The frequency of hypertension was also distinctly higher in the Northeast than in the South and clearly associated with prediabetes/newly diagnosed T2D. Especially in men living in the Northeast, screening individuals with blood pressure ≥ 140/90mmHg might reveal up to 70% of those with prediabetes/newly diagnosed T2D. Conclusions Knowledge about regional variability in T2D and related risk factors is important for the planning of diabetes prevention programs. In our analyses, common lifestyle factors did not nearly explain these variations between the northern SHIP-TREND and the southern KORA-F4 studies. Further examinations of regional socioeconomic, political, environmental and other aspects are needed. Meanwhile, targeted diabetes prevention strategies with a special focus on men living in the northern parts of Germany are reasonable.
Polymorphisms in the Human Cytochrome P450 and Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase: Susceptibility to Head and Neck Cancers

The occurrence of head and neck cancer (HNC) is associated with smoking and alcohol drinking. Tobacco smoking exposes smokers to a series of carcinogenic chemicals. Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450s), such as CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and CYP2D6, usually metabolize carcinogens to their inactive derivatives, but they occasionally convert the chemicals to more potent carcinogens. In addition, via CYP450 (CYP2E1) oxidase, alcohol is metabolized to acetaldehyde, a highly toxic compound, which plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Furthermore, two N-acetyltransferase isozymes (NATs), NAT1 and NAT2, are polymorphic and catalyze both N-acetylation and O-acetylation of aromatic and heterocyclic amine carcinogens. Genetic polymorphisms are associated with a number of enzymes involved in the metabolism of carcinogens important in the induction of HNC. It has been suggested that such polymorphisms may be linked to cancer susceptibility. In this paper, we select four cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A1, CYP1BA1, CYP2D6, and CYP2E1), and two N-acetyltransferase isozymes (NAT1 and NAT2) in order to summarize and analyze findings from the literature related to HNC risk by focusing on (i) the interaction between these genes and the environment, (ii) the impact of genetic defect on protein activity and/or expression, and (iii) the eventual involvement of race in such associations.
Mechanics of Adhered, Pressurized Graphene Blisters

We study the mechanics of pressurized graphene membranes using an experimental configuration that allows the determination of the elasticity of graphene and the adhesion energy between a substrate and a graphene (or other two-dimensional solid) membrane. The test consists of a monolayer graphene membrane adhered to a substrate by surface forces. The substrate is patterned with etched microcavities of a prescribed volume and when they are covered with the graphene monolayer it traps a fixed number (N) of gas molecules in the microchamber. By lowering the ambient pressure, and thus changing the pressure difference across the graphene membrane, the membrane can be made to bulge and delaminate in a stable manner from the substrate. Here we describe the analysis of the membrane/substrate as a thermodynamic system and explore the behavior of the system over representative experimentally-accessible geometry and loading parameters. We carry out companion experiments and compare them to the theoretical predictions and then use the theory and experiments together to determine the adhesion energy of graphene/SiO2 interfaces. We find an average adhesion energy of 0.24 J/m2 which is lower, but in line with our previously reported values. We assert that this test, which we call the constant N blister test, is a valuable approach to determine the adhesion energy between two-dimensional solid membranes and a substrate, which is an important, but not well-understood aspect of behavior. The test also provides valuable information that can serve as the basis for subsequent research to understand the mechanisms contributing to the observed adhesion energy. Finally, we show how in the limit of a large microcavity, the constant N test approaches the behavior observed in a constant pressure blister test and we provide an experimental observation that suggests this behavior.