Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular baroreceptors mediate susceptibility to hypothermia.

BACKGROUND The maintenance of excessively high peripheral blood flow through dilated blood vessels during immersion in cold water could explain some individuals' predisposition to hypothermia. We hypothesized that interpersonal differences in vascular reactivity could account for contrasting susceptibility to hypothermia. METHOD Twenty-two highly fit, volume replete subjects undergoing Navy SEAL training were recruited for this study. Vascular reactivity in these trainees was determined in a thermal-neutral environment by measuring changes in forearm blood flow (FBF) while decreasing their BP with the application of lower body negative pressure (LBNP). FBF was also measured during exposure of these subjects to ice cold water. BP, heart rate, stroke volume, and skin temperatures were also recorded. RESULTS Changes in FBF induced by a fall in BP correlated with an individual's reduction in FBF caused by ice water immersion (n = 17, r = 0.84, p < 0.001). A subject's decrement in BP induced with LBNP correlated inversely with the fall in skin temperature in response to cold water immersion (n = 19, r = 0.70, p < 0.001). Finally, we found that sodium excretion also correlated with cold-induced decrements in peripheral blood flow (n = 7, r = 0.83, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS It is suggested that contrasting cardiovascular baroreceptor sensitivity and vascular responsiveness contribute to individual differences in susceptibility to hypothermia. Furthermore, the trend toward dietary salt restrictions may not be salutary in the Navy SEAL who must frequently operate in cold ambient environments.
Service Interoperability between Agents and Semantic Web Services for Nomadic Environment

In the current information age, peoplepsilas lives are driven by the availability and utilization of services to get information anytime, anywhere, in any format, and on any device. For a nomadic user, information becomes useful if certain scales of autonomy and intelligence are present in the information systems. In this context lightweight multi agent systems (L-MAS) become a preferable choice for design and development of intelligent autonomous mobile information systems. In this paper we aim to propose a multi agent based system architecture to bring OWL based semantic Web services to nomadic users. We propose a design for smart nomadic client using, L-MAS, which interacts with a multi agent based mediator system to get access to the OWL based semantic Web services.
A Two-Time-Scale Neurodynamic Approach to Constrained Minimax Optimization

This paper presents a two-time-scale neurodynamic approach to constrained minimax optimization using two coupled neural networks. One of the recurrent neural networks is used for minimizing the objective function and another is used for maximization. It is shown that the coupled neurodynamic systems operating in two different time scales work well for minimax optimization. The effectiveness and characteristics of the proposed approach are illustrated using several examples. Furthermore, the proposed approach is applied for <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_\infty $ </tex-math></inline-formula> model predictive control.
Kinin B1 Receptors Stimulate Nitric Oxide Production in Endothelial Cells: Signaling Pathways Activated by Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Peptide Ligands

We reported previously a novel mode of action of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (kininase II; ACE) inhibitors mediated through the direct activation of bradykinin B1 receptor, independent of endogenous kinins or ACE (J Biol Chem277:16847-16852, 2002). We aimed to further clarify the mechanism of activation of B1 receptor, which leads to prolonged nitric oxide (NO) release. The ACE inhibitor enalaprilat and the peptide ligand desArg10-kallidin (in nanomolar concentrations) release NO by activating endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in bovine and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in stimulated human endothelial cells. The peptide and the ACE inhibitor ligands activate eNOS by facilitating different signaling pathways. DesArg10-kallidin enhances inositol-phosphate generation and elevates [Ca2+]i by first augmenting intracellular release and then the influx of extracellular Ca2+. In contrast, enalaprilat stimulates only the influx of extracellular Ca2+ through rare earth-sensitive channels, and its effect is blocked by cholera toxin or protein kinase C inhibitors. In addition, unlike desArg10-kallidin, enalaprilat can also release NO independent of Ca2+ in bovine endothelial cells. The inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and interferon-γ induce both B1 receptor and iNOS in human endothelial cells. In contrast to eNOS, B1 ligands activate iNOS similarly. Both desArg10-kallidin and ACE inhibitors enhance arginine uptake and release NO independent of [Ca2+]i elevation. This is the first report on the direct activation of B1 receptor by ACE inhibitors in human endothelial cells. This interaction leads to prolonged NO release and possibly contributes to the documented benefits of the use of ACE inhibitors.
Prevalence of chronic cough, chronic phlegm & associated factors in Mysore, Karnataka, India

Background & objectives: Chronic cough and chronic phlegm are important indicators of respiratory morbidity, accelerated lung function decline, increased hospitalization and mortality. This study was planned to estimate the prevalence of chronic cough and phlegm in the absence of dyspneoa and wheezing and to study its associated factors in a representative population of Mysore district. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was planned in a representative population of Mysore taluk. Eight villages were randomly selected based on the list of villages from census 2001. Trained field workers using the Burden of Obstructive Diseases questionnaire carried out a house-to-house survey. Results: A total of 4333 adult subjects were enrolled in the study with 2333 males and 2000 females. The prevalence of chronic cough in the community was 2.5 per cent and that of chronic phlegm was 1.2 per cent. A significant association was observed between chronic cough and age, gender, occupation and smoking and chronic phlegm with age, gender, occupation, indoor animals and smoking. A multivariate analysis confirmed independent association of age, occupation and smoking for chronic cough and age and smoking for chronic phlegm. On sub-group analysis of males, heavy smokers had higher prevalence of chronic cough and chronic phlegm as compared to light smokers and non smokers. Interpretation & conclusions: The prevalence of chronic cough was 2.5 per cent and chronic phlegm was 1.2 per cent in the general population in Mysore which is lower than that observed in other studies. Heavy smoking was an important preventable risk factor identified in this study and efforts towards smoking cessation are crucial to achieve good respiratory health in the community.
The Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development for Well-Being in Organizations

This article discusses the contribution of the psychology of sustainability and sustainable development to well-being in organizations from a primary prevention perspective. It deals with sustainability not only in terms of the ecological, economic, and social environment but also in terms of improving the quality of life of every human being. The psychology of sustainability and sustainable development is seen as a primary prevention perspective that can foster well-being in organizations at all the different levels going from the worker, to the group, to the organization, and also to inter-organizational processes. The possibilities for further research and interventions are also discussed.
Teaching for Enduring Understandings in Ethics

Background and Purpose. Teachers strive for understanding that survives beyond the end of a course, semester, or professional program. The purpose of this paper is to explore teaching for enduring understandings in ethics using the 4 filters proposed by Wiggins and McTighe to determine what is worth understanding, regardless of the discipline or content. Performance or learning by doing is described in the context of a required ethics course. Professionals not only possess knowledge and how to appropriately use it in novel contexts, they also have the ability to reflect on their actions and the relevance of knowledge to practice. Therefore, self‐reflection brings together understanding and doing through the personal development of the student. Position and Rationale. The specific design of learning experiences in a required ethics course to promote critical self‐reflection is described. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 9 students immediately following the ethics course and with 5 of the original 9 students 1 year later. Evidence of findings of students' reflective discourse regarding enduring understanding is presented. Discussion and Conclusion. Overall, students' explanations of what they retained from the ethics course and how they have used the skills learned in class changed from the first interview to the second becoming more elaborate, complex, and critical. Personal growth and development as a health professional emerged as a key factor in the second interview.
A coil-helix instead of a helix-coil motif can be induced in a chloroplast transit peptide from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

A synthetic peptide MQVTMKSSAVSGQRVGGARVATRSVRRAQLQV corresponding to the 32 amino acid chloroplast transit sequence of the ribulose bisphosphatase carboxylase/oxygenase activase preprotein from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, required for translocation through the envelope of the chloroplast, has been characterized structurally using CD and NMR under the same experimental conditions as used previously for the 32 amino acid presequence of preferredoxin from the same organism [Lancelin, J.-M. , Bally, I. , Arlaud, G. J., Blackledge, M. , Gans, P., Stein, M. & Jacquot, J.-P. (1994) FEBS Lett. 343, 261-266]. The peptide is found to undergo a conformational transition in aqueous 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, characterized by three turns of amphiphilic alpha-helix in the C-terminal region preceded by a disordered coil in the N-terminal region. Compared with the preferredoxin transit peptide, the helical and coiled domains are arranged in the reverse order along the peptide sequence, but the positively charged groups are distributed analogously as well as the hydrophobic residues within the amphiphilic alpha-helix. It is proposed that such coil-helix or helix-coil motifs, occasionally repeated, could be an intrinsic structural feature of chloroplastic transit peptides, adapted to the proper translocase and possibly to each nuclear-encoded chloroplast preproteins. This feature may distinguish chloroplastic transit sequences from the other organelle-targeting peptides in the eukaryotic green alga C. reinhardtii, particularly the mitochondrial transit sequences.
A Defect in Interleukin 12–Induced Activation and Interferon γ Secretion of Peripheral Natural Killer T Cells in Nonobese Diabetic Mice Suggests New Pathogenic Mechanisms for Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

The function of natural killer T (NKT) cells in the immune system has yet to be determined. There is some evidence that their defect is associated with autoimmunity, but it is still unclear how they play a role in regulating the pathogenesis of T cell–mediated autoimmune diseases. It was originally proposed that NKT cells could control autoimmunity by shifting the cytokine profile of autoimmune T cells toward a protective T helper 2 cell (Th2) type. However, it is now clear that the major function of NKT cells in the immune system is not related to their interleukin (IL)-4 secretion. In fact, NKT cells mainly secrete interferon (IFN)-γ and, activated in the presence of IL-12, acquire a strong inflammatory phenotype and cytotoxic function.
Beyond mean regression

Usual exponential family regression models focus on only one designated quantity of the response distribution, namely the mean. While this entails easy interpretation of the estimated regression effects, it may often lead to incomplete analyses when more complex relationships are indeed present and also bears the risk of false conclusions about the significance/importance of covariates. We will therefore give an overview on extended types of regression models that allows us to go beyond mean regression. More specifically, we will consider generalized additive models for location, scale and shape as well as semiparametric quantile and expectile regression. We will review the basic properties of all three approaches and compare them with respect to the flexibility in terms of the supported types of predictor specification, the availability of software and the support for different types of inferential procedures. The considered model classes are illustrated using a data set on rents for flats in the City of Munich.
Distributed Gaussian particle filtering using likelihood consensus

We propose a distributed implementation of the Gaussian particle filter (GPF) for use in a wireless sensor network. Each sensor runs a local GPF that computes a global state estimate. The updating of the particle weights at each sensor uses the joint likelihood function, which is calculated in a distributed way, using only local communications, via the recently proposed likelihood consensus scheme. A significant reduction of the number of particles can be achieved by means of another consensus algorithm. The performance of the proposed distributed GPF is demonstrated for a target tracking problem.
Automatic Binding Point and Surface Helix Angle Measurement in Historic Weft-Faced Compound Weave Figured Silks

Structural analysis of textiles using image processing has been explored by many researchers. Topics have ranged from quality control for modern textiles to investigation of historical weaving processes. Our research concerns analysis of ancient weft-faced compound weave figured silks dated between AD 600-1200. The complex draw looms used to weave these silks included a pattern harness to memorize pattern selection sequences. The capability to store work for later use is important in both historical and technical terms. Specifically we are interested in devising nondestructive characterization methods to measure attributes including binding point distance and yarn helix angle. We describe some of the challenges involved in selecting computer vision algorithms appropriate for automated measurement processes.
A Software Architecture for Multi-Modal Semantic Perception Fusion

Robots need advanced perceptive systems to interact with the environment and with humans. Integration of different perception modalities increases the system reliability and provides a richer environmental representation. The article proposes a general-purpose architecture to fuse semantic information, extracted by difference perceptive modules. Therefore, the article describes a mockup implementation of our general-purpose architecture to fuse geometric features, computed from point clouds, and Convolution Neural Network (CNN) classifications, based on images.
Parameter Selection for a Centralized Thermostatically Controlled Appliances Load Controller Used for Intra-Hour Load Balancing

This paper presents a novel dynamic parameter selection process to optimize the performance of a centralized load controller designed to provide intra-hour load balancing services using thermostatically controlled appliances (TCAs). An optimal set of control parameters for the controller are selected by exhaustive simulations of control variables such as the sampling time of the forecaster, the magnitude of the load balancing signal, and the temperature deadband. The effects of TCA lock-off times, ambient temperatures, heat gains, and two-way communication delays on the controller design are also modeled. Customer comfort, device life cycles, and control errors are used as metrics to evaluate the performance. The results demonstrate that the optimized controller offers satisfactory performance considering all the operational uncertainties.
Research Statement

Imagine next-generation software that assists users learning to write in a nonnative language. For any topic, it helps the user to say what they mean clearly and fluently. Not only does it suggest corrections, it also explains its feedback, searches the web for similar examples, and offers practice exercises. This software does not exist today, but many of the necessary building blocks do. Among other things, it would require modules that robustly negotiate between intended meanings and the vocabulary and grammar of a language. The field of natural language processing (NLP) aims to assemble a common toolbox for automatic language analysis, whose tools could help power applications ranging from search engines to conversational agents to machine translation systems, as well as language-driven scholarship in the sciences and humanities. I seek to “reverse-engineer” natural language from a linguistic and computational perspective. My research follows the life cycle of textual data as its linguistic structure and semantic content are analyzed by humans and machines. In particular, I design syntactic and semantic abstractions that are informed by linguistic theory, but are sufficiently formal, general-purpose, and scalable to suit statistical NLP—as demonstrated, in part, through human annotation of text corpora. In addition, I develop NLP algorithms and techniques to learn these novel abstractions from the annotated datasets. Thus, my work tightly integrates linguistic description, data annotation, and machine learning in the service of natural language understanding. To make NLP systems robust, it is crucial to assemble ample data resources and, via statistical methods, to learn to generalize to new data. Scale is a fundamental concern here: not only algorithms and systems, but also annotation methods, should be efficient and should apply to a broad swath of language data. In light of these concerns, I work to answer questions such as: What tools belong in the NLP toolbox? How can they be made flexible enough to handle all sorts of language varieties (e.g., social media text)? What linguistic theories can be brought to bear, and what data resources can be efficiently obtained, to make these tools possible?
The effects of a finite ground plane on the characteristics of printed patch antennas with and without a suspended patch

In most analyses of microstrip patch antennas the effects of a finite ground plane are neglected because it is assumed infinite. However, in mobile communication systems the ground plane of antennas must be finite. Therefore, the effect of the finite ground plane on the characteristics of printed patch antenna elements is worth investigation. In this paper a stacked patch antenna has been proposed and the effects of a finite ground plane on the total radiation pattern are investigated. In fact, we have shown that a truncated ground plane of width approximately one wavelength will produce a 3dB beam width for the patch of approximately 65 degrees in contrast to the 90 degrees which occurs for an infinite ground plane. A physical description of the reason for this is included.
Significant reduction in HIV prevalence according to male circumcision intervention in sub-Saharan Africa.

BACKGROUND Observations that reduced adult HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa correlated with levels of male circumcision (MC), have suggested that MC could be used as a preventative measure against HIV infection. The exact benefits of this intervention are uncertain. Moreover if MC is not feasible for the whole male population, which groups should be targeted? METHODS A mathematical model simulated observed levels of HIV prevalence under the complete range of current levels of circumcision. Increased MC from 2007 was incorporated in this model and used to simulate HIV prevalence in 2020. RESULTS Complete coverage by MC could reduce HIV prevalence from 12 to 6% for an average population country in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020. This reduction is scaled proportionally when lower circumcision levels are achieved. These benefits are achieved mostly by circumcising men between 20 and 30 years of age (adult prevalence reduced from 12 to 10%), and those with riskier behaviour (8 to 6.9%). Complete negation of these benefits requires at least 40% of circumcised males to significantly increase risky behaviour. CONCLUSIONS MC provides an effective intervention in sub-Saharan Africa to reduce HIV prevalence. It is most effective when applied to 20-30 year old risky males with diminishing returns with application to the wider male population.
Middleware Support for Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery in Large-scale Distributed Information Sy

With the growth of the Internet and the corresponding agreement on a common network and transport infrastruc ture comes a new opportunity for innovative network ser vices Examples include the rapid evolution of the World Wide Web WWW and the ensuing interest in mining knowledge from the large body of WWW databases and repositories At the same time the explosive growth in avail ability and use of the Internet is creating new challenges In particular the existing infrastructure must be extended if it is to continue to scale This demands that we raise the level of common services and introduce new types of higher level services These common services termed mid dleware services pc would sit above the traditional net work protocols and provide means for extending commonly available services on the network to enclose higher layers of abstraction Many of these middleware services are crucialion Many of these middleware services are crucial for the design of scalable data mining and knowledge discov ery systems In this paper we focus on three such candidate middleware components namely information dissemination speculative service and resource management for responsive computing We argue that these middleware components have the potential to alleviate the latency and bandwidth requirements of data mining and knowledge discovery sys
On Pseudoentropy versus Compressibility

A source is comprehensible if we can efficiently compute short descriptions of strings in the support and efficiently recover the strings from the descriptions. A source has high pseudo-entropy if it is computationally distinguishable from a source of high entropy. In this paper, we present a technique for proving lower bounds on compressibility in an oracle setting, which yields the following results: 1. We exhibit oracles relative to which there exists samplable sources over {0, 1}/sup n/ of low pseudoentropy (say n/2) that cannot be compressed to length less than n - /spl omega/(log n) by polynomial size circuits. This matches the upper bounds in (Goldberg and Sipser, 1991, Trevisan et al., 2004), and provides an oracle separation between compressibility and pseudoentropy, thereby partially addressing an open problem posed in (Impagliazzo, 1999). 2. We also provide a separation between 1/s-metric-type pseudoentropy and 1/s-Yao-type pseudoentropy - which are two computational analogues of entropy introduced in (Barak et al., 2003) - for the class of oracle circuits of sizes (s polynomially bounded). This is the first known separation result for metric-type and Yao-type pseudoentropy. 3. In the random oracle model, we show that there exists in compressible functions as defined in (Dwork et al., 1996) where any substantial compression of the output of the function must reveal something about the seed. This yields the first known practical realization of incompressible functions, under the assumption that random oracles may be realized using cryptographic hash functions. Finally, we show that computational assumptions are needed to separate compressibility and pseudoentropy for samplable sources. In particular, if one-way functions do not exist, then any samplable flat source of entropy k can be compressed by circuits to length k + 0(log n); furthermore, any such source has 1/2-Yao-type pseudoentropy k + 0(log n).