Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Neuropeptides from the Sinus Gland of the Crayfish Orconectes limosus Using Nanoscale On-line Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry*

In this article, a novel and sensitive analytical strategy for direct characterization of neuropeptides from the X-Organ-sinus gland neurosecretory system of the crayfish Orconectes limosus is presented. A desalted extract corresponding to 0.5 sinus gland equivalents was analyzed in a nanoflow liquid chromatography system coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-QTOF MS/MS). The existence and structural identity of four crustacean hyperglycemic hormone precursor-related peptide variants and two new genetic variants of the pigment-dispersing hormone, not detected by conventional chromatographic systems, molecular cloning, or immunochemical methods before, was revealed. The here-presented approach of the combined LC-QTOF MS/MS technique is a powerful tool to discover new peptide hormones in biological systems, due to its sensitivity, accuracy, and speed.
Fast generation of dynamic and multi-resolution 360/spl deg/ panorama from video sequences

The paper presents a systematic approach to automatic construction of a dynamic and multi-resolution 360/spl deg/ panoramic (DMP) representation from image sequences taken during camera rotation and zoom. Although a simple 2D rigid motion model is used to estimate interframe motion parameters, our mosaicing methodology enables precise cylindrical panoramic mosaic. Moving objects are detected and separated from images based on motion information, and their accurate contours are extracted using a modified active contour algorithm. A multi-resolution representation is built for the more interesting areas by means of camera zooming. The DMP construction method is fast, robust and automatic, achieving 1 Hz on a 266 MHz PC. No camera calibration, feature extraction, image segmentation or complicated nonlinear optimization processing is required in our algorithms. The construction of the panoramic representation can be used in virtual reality and very low bit-rate video coding.
An extracellular region of Serrate is essential for ligand-induced cis-inhibition of Notch signaling

Cell-to-cell communication via the Notch pathway is mediated between the membrane-bound Notch receptor and either of its canonical membrane-bound ligands Delta or Serrate. Notch ligands mediate receptor transactivation between cells and also mediate receptor cis-inhibition when Notch and ligand are co-expressed on the same cell. We demonstrate in Drosophila that removal of any of the EGF-like repeats (ELRs) 4, 5 or 6 results in a Serrate molecule capable of transactivating Notch but exhibiting little or no Notch cis-inhibition capacity. These forms of Serrate require Epsin (Liquid facets) to transduce a signal, suggesting that ELR 4-6-deficient ligands still require endocytosis for Notch activation. We also demonstrate that ELRs 4-6 are responsible for the dominant-negative effects of Serrate ligand forms that lack the intracellular domain and are therefore incapable of endocytosis in the ligand-expressing cell. We find that ELRs 4-6 of Serrate are conserved across species but do not appear to be conserved in Delta homologs.
Lowfidelity prototyping tablet applications for children

Children are using computer technology at increasingly younger ages and have become a potential enduser group for tablet applications. The possibilities for incorporating this user group in the early design evaluation with prototyping are still being explored. We compared three lowfidelity prototyping approaches and concluded that one approach to lowfi prototyping was particularly more suitable for early design evaluation of tablet apps with 78 year olds.
Political Order in Changing Societies

This now-classic examination of the development of viable political institutions in emerging nations is a major and enduring contribution to modern political analysis. In a new Foreword, Francis Fukuyama assesses Huntington's achievement, examining the context of the book's original publication as well as its lasting importance. "This pioneering volume, examining as it does the relation between development and stability, is an interesting and exciting addition to the literature. "--American Political Science Review "'Must' reading for all those interested in comparative politics or in the study of development. "--Dankwart A. Rustow, Journal of International Affairs
Blood Pressure Predicts Risk of Developing End‐Stage Renal Disease in Men and Women

Abstract— Blood pressure as a risk factor for development of end‐stage renal disease has not been fully studied, particularly in women. We studied the development of end‐stage renal disease from 1983 through 2000 in 98 759 subjects, 46 881 men and 51 878 women, 20 to 98 years of age, who were screened in 1983 in Okinawa, Japan. Data for all dialysis patients registered from 1983 to 2000 in Okinawa were used to identify the screened subjects in whom end‐stage renal disease developed. In follow‐up, 400 subjects, 231 men and 169 women, had end‐stage renal disease. Age, body mass index, and adjusted relative risk for systolic and diastolic blood pressure for both men and women were measured. When these results were compared with an optimal blood pressure, the relative risk of development of end‐stage renal disease for those with high‐normal blood pressure and hypertension were significant in both men and women. Hypertension is a significant risk factor for development of end‐stage renal disease not only in men but also in women. Control of blood pressure within normal levels should be stressed as a strategy to prevent end‐stage renal disease in both men and women.
Progress in central nervous system lymphomas

Until recently, primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) was associated with a uniformly dismal prognosis. It is now reasonable to anticipate long‐term survival and possibly cure for a significant proportion of patients diagnosed with PCNSL. Accumulated data generated over the past 10 years has provided evidence that long‐term progression‐free survival (PFS) can reproducibly be attained in a significant fraction of PCNSL patients that receive dose‐intensive chemotherapy consolidation, without whole brain radiotherapy. One consolidative regimen that has reproducibly demonstrated promise is the combination of infusional etoposide plus high‐dose cytarabine (EA), administered in first complete remission after methotrexate, temozolomide and rituximab‐based induction. Given evolving principles of management and the mounting evidence for reproducible improvements in survival rates in prospective clinical series, our goal in this review is to highlight and update principles in diagnosis, staging and management as well as to review data regarding the pathogenesis of central nervous system lymphomas, information that is likely to constitute a basis for the implementation of novel therapies that are requisite for further progress in this unique phenotype of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma.
Post-Systolic Shortening by Myocardial Deformation Imaging as a Sign of Cardiac Adaptation to Pressure Overload in Fetal Growth Restriction

Background—Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with global adverse cardiac remodeling in utero and increased cardiovascular mortality in adulthood. Prenatal myocardial deformation has not been evaluated in FGR so far. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate prenatal cardiac remodeling in FGR including myocardial deformation imaging. Methods and Results—Echocardiography was performed in 37 consecutive FGR (defined as birthweight <10 centile) and 37 normally grown fetuses. A comprehensive fetal echocardiography was performed including tissue Doppler and 2D derived strain and strainrate. Postnatal blood pressure measurement at 6 months of age was also performed. FGR cases showed signs of more globular hearts with decreased longitudinal motion (left systolic annular peak velocity: controls mean 6 cm/s (SD 1.2) vs. FGR 5.3 (1)) and diastolic dysfunction (isovolumic relaxation time: controls 44 ms (6) vs. FGR 52 (9)). Peak strain and strain-rate values of the left ventricle were not significantly different; however, a postsystolic shortening (PSS) in the basal segment of the septal ventricular wall was observed in 57% of the FGR cases and in none of controls (P<0.001). FGR cases with PSS had absence of a hypertrophic response, a poorer perinatal outcome (lower gestational age and birthweight, containing all cases of perinatal mortality (8%)) and higher values of blood pressure. Conclusions—Myocardial deformation imaging revealed a PSS in 57% of FGR which supports increased pressure overload as a mechanism for cardiovascular programming in FGR. PSS was associated with severity and with higher blood pressure postnatally.
MathBrush: A System for Doing Math on Pen-Based Devices

Many on-line (interactive) mathematics recognition systems allow the creation of typeset equations, normally in LaTeX, but they do not support mathematical problem solving. In this paper, we present MathBrush, a system that allows users to draw math input using a pen-input device on a tablet computer, recognizes the math expression, and then supports mathematical transformation and problem solving using back-end Computer Algebra Systems (CAS). We describe the architecture of the MathBrush system, which includes modules that support symbol recognition, semantic analysis, the transfer of recognized expressions to back-end CAS, and interface techniques for interacting with CAS output. We also identify unique challenges associated with recognition for math problem solving, such as the need for deeper semantic analysis than is required by LATEX, and the need to deal with ambiguities in user input. Our experiences serve to inform researchers seeking to design interactive mathematics recognition systems geared toward mathematical problem solving.
Distributed coordination in dynamic spectrum allocation networks

Device coordination in open spectrum systems is a challenging problem, particularly since users experience varying spectrum availability over time and location. We propose a distributed coordination approach that handles spectrum heterogeneity without relying on the existence of a preassigned common control channel. Our approach carries potential to provide robust operation under network dynamics. While this approach can be implemented by upgrading the legacy protocol stack without modifying the MAC protocol, we also describe modifications to the MAC protocol that address spectrum heterogeneity and significantly improve system performance. Experimental results show that the proposed distributed coordination scheme outperforms the existing coordination schemes by 25-35% in throughput and provides 50% of delay reduction
ON ENDOMORPHISM ALGEBRAS OF SEPARABLE MONOIDAL FUNCTORS

We show that the (co)endomorphism algebra of a suciently separable \bre" functor into Vectk, for k a eld of characteristic 0, has the structure of what we call a \unital" von Neumann core in Vectk. For Vectk, this particular notion of algebra is weaker than that of a Hopf algebra, although the corresponding concept in Set is again that of a group.
Caching on the World Wide Web

With the recent explosion in usage of the World Wide Web, the problem of caching Web objects has gained considerable importance. Caching on the Web differs from traditional caching in several ways. The nonhomogeneity of the object sizes is probably the most important such difference. In this paper, we give an overview of caching policies designed specifically for Web objects and provide a new algorithm of our own. This new algorithm can be regarded as a generalization of the standard LRU algorithm. We examine the performance of this and other Web caching algorithms via event- and trace-driven simulation.
Management exercises and trainer's note in sustainable tourism and dynamics

Purpose – To provide training exercises that will help tourism planners and analysts better understand the fundamentals of tourism sustainability and dynamics.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is organized as a presentation of tools and conceptual models, followed by associated training exercises and answers. The first exercise addresses basic concepts of sustainability as applied to tourism development. The second addresses the use of phase diagrams to illustrate the dynamic behavior and change of tourism‐related economic and environmental conditions over time.Findings – Operational definitions of sustainable tourism generally are consistent with a wide variety of outcomes for a tourist destination. Exercises demonstrate that operational definitions of tourism sustainability require numerous choices and tradeoffs, and are more complex than is suggested by common discourse.Practical implications – Given that the most desirable sustainable outcomes for tourism differ across groups, the search for sus.
Characteristics of Autonomously Configured Structure Formation Based on Power Consumption and Data Transfer Efficiency

In MANETs (mobile ad hoc networks), mobile terminals can connect with each other directly and constitute communication networks without network infrastructure such as base stations and access points of wireless LANs that are connected to wired backbone networks. Therefore, MANETs are expected to be tolerant networks in an emergency situation (e.g., large earthquake) in which most infrastructure is destroyed. We have proposed an autonomous decentralized structure formation technology based on local interaction as the terminals' action method and, moreover, have applied the proposed structure formation technology to the autonomous decentralized clustering method of MANETs. In addition, we have evaluated the characteristics of this technology from the point of view of the power consumption during "cluster configuration. " However, this technology has previously not been evaluated in terms of the characteristics of the power consumption and data transfer efficiency at the time of packet routing. In this paper, we compare the proposed clustering model with a bio-inspired model that is based on the reaction diffusion equation in the routing of the data.
Breast reconstruction with free tissue transfer from the abdomen in the morbidly obese.

BACKGROUND There are national trends of increasing incidence of morbid obesity and autologous breast reconstruction with free tissue transfer from the abdomen. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of free flap breast reconstruction in the morbidly obese population. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted on all patients who underwent transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous, deep inferior epigastric perforator, or superficial inferior epigastric artery flap breast reconstructions between July of 2006 and October of 2008. Data from all patients with a body mass index greater than 40 were compared with those of patients with a body mass index less than 40. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Significant findings were then analyzed in a post hoc fashion to examine trends with increasing body mass index. RESULTS Four hundred four patients underwent 612 free flap breast reconstructions during the study period. Twenty-five of these patients (6 percent) had a body mass index greater than 40. The morbidly obese group had significantly higher rate of total flap loss (p = 0.02), total major postoperative complications (p = 0.05), and delayed wound healing (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Free flap breast reconstruction in the morbidly obese is associated with a higher risk of total flap loss, total major postoperative complications, and delayed abdominal wound healing. However, the overall incidence of complications is low, making free tissue transfer from the abdomen an acceptable method of breast reconstruction in this patient population.
Using High-Level Petri Nets for Hierarchical Grid Workflows

An increasingly popular application programming model for Grids is to deploy often-used functionalities as remote services on high-performance hosts, following the principles of a service-oriented architecture. Complex applications are created by using several services and specifying a workflow between them. We discuss how workflows of Grid applications can be described easily as High-Level Petri Nets (HLPN), in order to orchestrate and execute distributed applications on the Grid automatically. In order to simplify the handling of complex and large-scale workflows, we introduce hierarchical Grid workflows, making use of the Petri Net refinement paradigm that allows to represent sub-workflows by single graph elements. We show how a complex application, the Barnes-Hut algorithm for N-Body simulation can be expressed as a hierarchical HLPN, using our platform-independent, XML-based Grid Workflow Description Language (GWorkflowDL). We discuss how the GWorkflowDL can be adapted to current Grid technologies, in particular to Java/RMI and the recent WSRF framework.
Physiological measures of affective chronometry during habitual and voluntary use of emotion regulation strategies

Emotions are currently conceptualized as ongoing temporal processes. Consistent with this view, an important target of attempts at emotion regulation are the temporal characteristics of an emotional response. The process model of emotion regulation (Gross, 1998a) distinguishes between antecedentand response-focused emotion regulation strategies, depending on when during the unfolding emotional response they act. Two strategies that exemplify this distinction are cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. The present study explored the effects of the interaction between habitual engagement in reappraisal and suppression and their voluntary manipulation. Using a between-subjects design, 122 participants selected based on their self-reported habitual emotion regulation strategy (reappraisal, suppression, or both strategies without clear preference for one over the other) received instructions to engage in reappraisal, suppression, or merely watch emotion-eliciting images. Chronometric analyses of emotion-related psychophysiological measures (startle reflex modulation, corrugator electromyography, and skin conductance) were performed in order to further characterize the differences in the time course of these two strategies during the down-regulation of negative emotion. As expected, instructions to reappraise resulted in lower unpleasantness and arousal ratings, as well as less overall corrugator electromyographic activity, compared to instructions to suppress. No differences between instruction conditions were observed on startle reflex or skin conductance. Moreover, no differences were observed in the chronometry of any of the physiological measures. Habitual emotion regulation style had no direct effect on any of the dependent variables, and it did not interact with instruction condition. The implications for the study of the chronometry of emotion regulation are discussed.
Learning Hierarchical Control Structures for Multiple Tasks andChanging

While the need for hierarchies within control systems is apparent, it is also clear to many researchers that such hierarchies should be learned. Learning both the structure and the component behaviors is a diicult task. The beneet of learning the hierarchical structures of behaviors is that the decomposition of the control structure into smaller transportable chunks allows previously learned knowledge to be applied to new but related tasks. Presented in this paper are improvements to Nested Q-learning (NQL) that allow more realistic learning of control hierarchies in reinforcement environments. Also presented is a simulation of a simple robot performing a series of related tasks that is used to compare both hierarchical and non-hierarchal learning techniques.
The Validation of the Evaluation Involvement Scale for Use in Multisite Settings

Evaluation researchers and practitioners acknowledge that involving stakeholders in the planning and implementation of an evaluation increases buy-in, understanding, and use. With the recent increase in multi-site evaluations of large federal programs, evaluators must think differently about how to encourage meaningful collaboration by stakeholders. To date, there has been no published measure of such involvement, despite recent calls for more systematic, replicable research. The purpose of this study was to validate the Evaluation Involvement Scale for use in multi-site evaluations. Between the fall of 2006 and spring of 2007 data were collected from an electronic survey and phone interviews of evaluators and principal investigators of four National Science Foundation program evaluations. Using Messick’s unitary concept of validity as a framework, theoretical, statistical, and rational evidence is provided to support the use of the Evaluation Involvement Scale to measure stakeholder involvement in multi-site evaluations.
Physical activity, including walking, and cognitive function in older women.

CONTEXT Physical activity may help maintain cognitive function in older adults. OBJECTIVE To examine the relation of long-term regular physical activity, including walking, to cognitive function. DESIGN Women reported participation in leisure-time physical activities on biennial mailed questionnaires beginning in 1986. We assessed long-term activity by averaging energy expenditures from questionnaires in 1986 through participants' baseline cognitive assessments (1995 to 2001). We used linear regression to estimate adjusted mean differences in baseline cognitive performance and cognitive decline over 2 years, across levels of physical activity and walking. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Nurses' Health Study, including 18 766 US women aged 70 to 81 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Validated telephone assessments of cognition administered twice approximately 2 years apart (1995 to 2001 and 1997 to 2003), including tests of general cognition, verbal memory, category fluency, and attention. RESULTS Higher levels of activity were associated with better cognitive performance. On a global score combining results of all 6 tests, women in the second through fifth quintiles of energy expenditure scored an average of 0.06, 0.06, 0.09, and 0.10 standard units higher than women in the lowest quintile (P for trend <.001). Compared with women in the lowest physical activity quintile, we found a 20% lower risk of cognitive impairment for women in the highest quintile of activity. Among women performing the equivalent of walking at an easy pace for at least 1.5 h/wk, mean global scores were 0.06 to 0.07 units higher compared with walking less than 40 min/wk (P< or =.003). We also observed less cognitive decline among women who were more active, especially those in the 2 highest quintiles of energy expenditure. Women in the fourth and fifth quintiles had mean changes in global scores that were 0.04 (95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.10) and 0.06 (95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.11) standard units better than those in the lowest quintile. CONCLUSION Long-term regular physical activity, including walking, is associated with significantly better cognitive function and less cognitive decline in older women.
L'internationalisation: Un défi pour les compétences de l'équipe dirigeante d'une P.M.E.

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