Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence for nonlinear, diffusive sediment transport on hillslopes and implications for landscape morphology

Steep, soil‐mantled hillslopes evolve through the downslope movement of soil, driven largely by slope‐dependent transport processes. Most landscape evolution models represent hillslope transport by linear diffusion, in which rates of sediment transport are proportional to slope, such that equilibrium hillslopes should have constant curvature between divides and channels. On many soil‐mantled hillslopes, however, curvature appears to vary systematically, such that slopes are typically convex near the divide and become increasingly planar downslope. This suggests that linear diffusion is not an adequate model to describe the entire morphology of soil‐mantled hillslopes. Here we show that the interaction between local disturbances (such as rainsplash and biogenic activity) and frictional and gravitational forces results in a diffusive transport law that depends nonlinearly on hillslope gradient. Our proposed transport law (1) approximates linear diffusion at low gradients and (2) indicates that sediment flux increases rapidly as gradient approaches a critical value. We calibrated and tested this transport law using high‐resolution topographic data from the Oregon Coast Range. These data, obtained by airborne laser altimetry, allow us to characterize hillslope morphology at ≈2 m scale. At five small basins in our study area, hillslope curvature approaches zero with increasing gradient, consistent with our proposed nonlinear diffusive transport law. Hillslope gradients tend to cluster near values for which sediment flux increases rapidly with slope, such that large changes in erosion rate will correspond to small changes in gradien. Therefore average hillslope gradient is unlikely to be a reliable indicator of rates of tectonic forcing or baselevel lowering. Where hillslope erosion is dominated by nonlinear diffusion, rates of tectonic forcing will be more reliably reflected in hillslope curvature near the divide rather than average hillslope gradient.
Balancing Maximal Independent Sets using Hadoop

Given a graph G = (V, E), an independent set I is a subset of vertices, such that no two vertex in I share a common edge. A maximal independent set (MIS) is an independent set such that there is no way we can add any other vertex such that the property of independent set remains intact. Different MIS heuristics are used in parallel applications for identifying the subset of independent tasks. Traditional MIS heuristics aim to generate minimum number of MIS i.e. number of parallel steps for the particular applications. However, if MIS produced have skewed sizes, hardware resource utilization becomes inefficient. Parallel computing has become a key feature for improving performance in these days. A task is broken down into various subtasks and each sub-task is executed in parallel on various processors. This is where generating and balancing the maximal independent sets come into play. In this paper, in the context of parallel application, we have proposed a heuristic for balancing the maximal independent sets using Hadoop after dividing the graph into various maximal independent sets. We have verified through experiment that our heuristic balances MIS' without much increasing the number of MIS generated.
Human metapneumovirus infection induces long-term pulmonary inflammation associated with airway obstruction and hyperresponsiveness in mice.

BACKGROUND Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a newly described paramyxovirus that is associated with bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and asthma exacerbation. The objective of the present work was to study the duration of pulmonary inflammation and the functional consequences of infection with hMPV by use of a BALB/c mouse model. METHODS BALB/c mice were inoculated with 1 x 10(8) TCID(50) of hMPV type A (C-85473), and viral persistence in lungs was assessed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for 154 days after infection. Pulmonary inflammation was characterized in histopathological experiments by use of a validated scoring system, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining of lung sections was used to document increased mucus production, also until day 154. Finally, respiratory functions were analyzed by taking plethysmographic measurements until day 70. RESULTS Persistence of viral RNA and significant pulmonary inflammation were noted until day 154, whereas the findings for PAS staining suggested that mucus production was increased only until day 12. Maximal breathing difficulties occurred on day 5, and airway obstruction and hyperresponsiveness were still significant until at least day 70. CONCLUSION Acute hMPV infection in BALB/c mice is associated with long-term pulmonary inflammation that leads to significant obstructive disease of the airways. This animal model will be of a great benefit in the evaluation of novel therapeutic and prophylactic modalities.
Resveratrol Protects Dopamine Neurons Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neurotoxicity through Its Anti-Inflammatory Actions

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive loss of dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra. Accumulating evidence indicates that inhibition of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation may become a reliable protective strategy for PD. Resveratrol, a nonflavonoid polyphenol naturally found in red wine and grapes, has been known to possess antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Although recent studies have shown that resveratrol provided neuroprotective effects against ischemia, seizure, and neurodegenerative disorders, the mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects on dopaminergic neurodegeneration are poorly defined. In this study, rat primary midbrain neuron-glia cultures were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying resveratrol-mediated neuroprotection. The results clearly demonstrated that resveratrol protected DA neurons against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neurotoxicity in concentration- and time-dependent manners through the inhibition of microglial activation and the subsequent reduction of proinflammatory factor release. Mechanistically, resveratrol-mediated neuroprotection was attributed to the inhibition of NADPH oxidase. This conclusion is supported by the following observations. First, resveratrol reduced NADPH oxidase-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species. Second, LPS-induced translocation of NADPH oxidase cytosolic subunit p47 to the cell membrane was significantly attenuated by resveratrol. Third and most importantly, resveratrol failed to exhibit neuroprotection in cultures from NADPH oxidase-deficient mice. Furthermore, this neuroprotection was also related to an attenuation of the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways in microglia. These findings suggest that resveratrol exerts neuroprotection against LPS-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration, and NADPH oxidase may be a major player in resveratrol-mediated neuroprotection.
Block of cloned voltage-gated potassium channels by the second messenger diacylglycerol independent of protein kinase C.

1. Diacylglycerols (DAGs) are common intracellular second messengers produced as a result of activation of phospholipase C. We have examined the direct effects of DAG on currents from cloned voltage-dependent potassium channels. Potassium channels were studied by overexpression of their cRNAs in Xenopus oocytes or of their cDNAs in HEK 293 cells, and macroscopic currents were recorded from inside-out membrane patches. 2. When applied to the intracellular side of the patch, 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (C8:0) (DOG) blocks Shaker IR, Kv1.3, and Kv1.6 channels. This block appears macroscopically as a large speeding of the inactivation rate. Longer carbon chain length DAGs (10 and 12 carbons) are less effective in producing this response. 3. DOG is effective at low concentrations, doubling the apparent inactivation rate at 162 nM, and has a fast time course, with a wash-in and reversal to control each within approximately 30 s. 4. Voltage steps delivered with a two pulse protocol in the presence of DOG indicate that recovery from DOG block is voltage dependent. Recovery occurs quickly (tau = 507 ms) when channels are closed quickly by hyperpolarized (-90 mV) potentials, and occurs slowly (tau = 1.3 s) when channels are closed incompletely by depolarized (-60 mV) potentials. 5. The action of DOG is independent of protein kinase C (PKC) activation, because it does not require ATP, nor is it blocked by staurosporin or by the PKC inhibitor peptide 19-36. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Export diversification and resource-based industrialization: the case of natural gas

For resource-rich economies, primary commodity specialization has often been considered to be detrimental to growth. Accordingly, export diversification policies centered on resource-based industries have long been advocated as effective ways to moderate the large variability of export revenues. This paper discusses the applicability of a mean-variance portfolio approach to design these strategies and proposes some modifications aimed at capturing the key features of resource processing industries (presence of scale economies and investment lumpiness). These modifications help make the approach more plausible for use in resource-rich countries. An application to the case of natural gas is then discussed using data obtained from Monte Carlo simulations of a calibrated empirical model. Lastly, the proposed framework is put to work to evaluate the performances of the diversification strategies implemented in a set of nine gas-rich economies. These results are then used to formulate some policy recommendations.
Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, but Not MMP-2, Is Involved in the Development and Progression of C Protein-Induced Myocarditis and Subsequent Dilated Cardiomyopathy1

Repeated or continuous inflammation of the heart is one of the initiation factors for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In previous studies, we established a DCM animal model by immunizing rats with cardiac C protein. In the present study, we analyze the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in experimental autoimmune carditis (EAC) and subsequent DCM to elucidate the pathomechanisms of this disease. In this model, inflammation begins ∼9 days after immunization. At that time, MMP activities were detected by in situ zymography. Real-time PCR analysis revealed continuous up-regulation of MMP-2 mRNA from 2 wk and thereafter. MMP-9 mRNA, however, had only a transient increase at 2 wk. Double staining with in situ zymography and cell markers demonstrated that gelatinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9)-expressing cells are infiltrating macrophages during the early stage and cardiomyocytes at later stages. Minocycline, which inhibits MMP-9 activities more strongly than MMP-2, significantly suppressed EAC, but an MMP-2-specific inhibitor, TISAM, did not affect the course of the disease. Furthermore, immunohistochemical examination revealed that minocycline treatment suppressed T cell and macrophage infiltration strongly, whereas TISAM did not. These findings indicate that MMP-9, but not MMP-2, is involved in the pathogenesis of the acute phase of EAC, and further suggest that MMP-9 inhibitors, minocycline and its derivatives, may be useful therapies for EAC and DCM.
Competing with Privacy

We analyze the implications of consumer privacy for competition in the marketplace. Firms compete for consumer information and derive revenues both from consumer purchases as well as from disclosing consumer information in a secondary market. Consumers choose which firm to patronize and how much personal information to provide it with. We show that firms maximize profits by focusing on a single revenue source and competing at the extensive rather than the intensive margin, outperforming competitors by attracting a larger customer base. We also show that competition drives the provision of services with a low level of consumer information disclosure high level of privacy, but higher competition intensity in the marketplace need not improve privacy when consumers exhibit low willingness to pay. Our findings are relevant to the business models of Internet firms and contribute to inform the regulatory debate on consumer privacy. This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
FORMULATION OF DRILLING FLUIDS FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE WELL APPLICATION USING SABAH BENTONITE

The objective of this work is to investigate the rheological performance of a locally-sourced bentonite from Sabah for use as drilling fluid against a commercial benonite from India. The rheological properties of the drilling fluids were obtained by using standard testing apparatus such as mud balance, viscometer and filter press. It was observed that the Sabah bentonite has lower values of density, gel strength (GS), plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP) and filtration loss as compared to the Indian bentonite. The Malaysian bentonite did not meet the API required viscometer reading of 600 rpm. However it was found that by adding 1.0 ppb of NaOH as an additive to the mud, the rheological performances of the mud improves significantly to meet the API standard. Economic analysis indicates that the treated Sabah bentonite mud is much cheaper than the Indian bentonite by as much as 61%. The results of this work showed that the locally-sourced treated bentonite is technically and economically feasible for use as drilling fluid application.
A receiver bias in the origin of three–spined stickleback mate choice

Receiver–bias models of signal evolution predict that male sexually selected traits evolve through prior selection for other functions. Female three–spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in many populations show a mating preference for males with a red throat and jaw. It has been proposed that this preference evolved because the choice of males with red coloration confers direct and indirect benefits to females in accordance with the Fisher–Zahavi model of sexual selection. We present indirect evidence that the preference is an effect of a receiver bias in the perceptual or cognitive system of G. aculeatus for the colour red, which may have arisen in the context of foraging. In laboratory trials, male and female three–spined and nine–spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) responded most strongly to red objects outside a mating context. This result demonstrates a correlation between a sexually selected trait and an intrinsic attraction to red objects, and supports the sensory–exploitation model for the evolution of red nuptial coloration in three–spined sticklebacks.
Implementation of evidence into practice for cancer-related fatigue management of hospitalized adult patients using the PARIHS framework

This study aimed to explore an evidence-based nursing practice model of CRF management in hospitalized adult patients using the PARIHS evidence-implementation framework as the theoretical structure to provide guidance for similar nursing practices. The implementation of guideline evidence into clinical practice was conducted on the oncology and radiotherapy wards of a university-affiliated hospital. The process of integrating the guideline into the symptom management system of cancer patients was described. The impact of the evidence implementation was evaluated from three aspects: organizational innovations and outcome measures associated with nurses and with patients pre- and post-evidence implementation. During the implementation of evidence into practice on the wards, a nursing process, health education, a quality control sheet and CRF training courses were established. Through this implementation, compliance with evidence related to CRF increased significantly on the two wards, with that of ward B being higher than that of ward A. Regarding nursing outcomes, nursing knowledge, attitude and behavior scores with respect to CRF nursing care increased substantially after its application on the two wards, and the ward B nurses’ scoring was higher than that of the ward A nurses. Qualitative analysis concerning the nurses suggested that leadership, patient concern about CRF management, and the need for professional development were the main motivators of the application, whereas the shortage and mobility of nursing human resources and insufficient communication between doctors and nurses were the main barriers. Additionally, most nurses felt more professional and confident about their work. Regarding patient outcomes, patient knowledge, attitude and behavior scores regarding CRF self-management increased significantly. Patients’ post-implementation CRF was alleviated compared with the pre-implementation treatment cycle. The PARIHS framework may provide instructive guidance for the incorporation of evidence into practice, and the process-oriented framework might provide greater operational utility of the application.
Anti-inflammatory Effect of Abciximab-Coated Stent in a Porcine Coronary Restenosis Model

The aim of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of abciximab-coated stent in a porcine coronary overstretch restenosis model. Ten abciximab-coated stents, ten sirolimus-eluting stents (SES), and ten paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) were deployed with oversizing (stent/artery ratio 1.3:1) in porcine coronary arteries, and histopathologic analysis was done at 28 days after stenting. There were no significant differences in the neointima area normalized to injury score and inflammation score among the three stent groups (1.58±0.43 mm2, 1.57±0.39 mm2 in abciximab-coated stent group vs. 1.69±0.57 mm2, 1.72±0.49 mm2 in the SES group vs. 1.92±0.86 mm2, 1.79±0.87 mm2 in the PES group, respectively). In the neointima, most inflammatory cells were lymphohistiocytes. Significant positive correlations were found between the extent of inflammatory reaction and the neointima area (r=0.567, p<0.001) and percent area stenosis (r=0.587, p<0.001). Significant correlations were found between the injury score and neointimal area (r= 0.645, p<0.001), between the injury score and the inflammation score (r=0.837, p<0.001), and between the inflammation score and neointimal area (r=0.536, p= 0.001). There was no significant difference in the inflammatory cell counts normalized to injury score among the three stent groups (75.5±23.1/µL in abciximab-coated stent group vs. 78.8±33.2/µL in the SES group vs. 130.3±46.9/µL in the PES group). Abciximab-coated stent showed comparable inhibition of inflammatory cell infiltration and neointimal hyperplasia with other drug-eluting stents in a porcine coronary restenosis model.
A Survey on Frequent Itemset Mining with Association Rules

Data mining techniques comprises of Clustering, Association, Sequential mining, Classification, Regression and Deviation detection Association Rule mining is one of the utmost ubiquitous data mining techniques which can be defined as extracting the interesting correlation and relation among huge amount of transactions. Many applications engender colossal amount of operational and behavioral data. Copious effective algorithms are proposed in the literature for mining frequent itemsets and association rules. Integrating efficacy considerations in data mining tasks is reaping popularity in recent years. Business value is enhanced by certain association rules and the data mining community has acknowledged the mining of these rules of interest since a long time. The discovery of frequent itemsets and association rules from transaction databases has aided many business applications. To discover the concealed knowledge from these data association rule mining can be applied in any application. A comprehensive analysis, survey and study of various approaches in existence for frequent itemset extraction, association rule mining with efficacy contemplations have been presented in this paper.
TRIM5α and Species Tropism of HIV/SIV

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infects humans and chimpanzees but not old world monkeys (OWMs) such as the rhesus monkey (Rh) and cynomolgus monkey (CM). HIV-1 efficiently enters cells of OWMs but encounters a block before reverse transcription. This narrow host range is attributed to a barrier in the host cell. In 2004, the screening of a Rh cDNA library identified tripartite motif 5α (TRIM5α) as a cellular antiviral factor. TRIM5α is one of splicing variants produced by TRIM5 gene and TRIM5 proteins are members of the TRIM family containing RING, B-box 2, and coiled-coil domains. The RING domain is frequently found in E3 ubiquitin ligase and TRIM5α is degraded via the ubiquitin–proteasome-dependent pathway. Among TRIM5 splicing variants, TRIM5α alone has an additional C-terminal PRYSPRY (B30.2) domain. Previous studies have shown that sequence variation in variable regions of the PRYSPRY domain among different monkey species affects species-specific retrovirus infection, while amino acid sequence differences in the viral capsid protein determine viral sensitivity to restriction. TRIM5α recognizes the multimerized capsid proteins (viral core) of an incoming virus by its PRYSPRY domain and is thus believed to control retroviral infection. There are significant intraspecies variations in the Rh-TRIM5 gene. It has also been reported that some Rh and CM individuals have retrotransposed cyclophilin A open reading frame in the TRIM5 gene, which produces TRIM5–cyclophilin A fusion protein (TRIMCyp). TRIMCyp, which was originally identified as an anti-HIV-1 factor of New World owl monkeys, is an interesting example of the gain of a new function by retrotransposition. As different TRIM5 genotypes of Rh showed different levels of simian immunodeficiency virus replication in vivo, the TRIM5 genotyping is thought to be important in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome monkey models.
Sessions, Cyphers, and Parties

Abstract The importance of settings for marijuana use has been widely noted, but the way that informal social controls are organized to moderate the amounts consumed have not been well documented. A major ethnographic study of blunts/marijuana use in New York City observed several hundred marijuana users in group locations and conducted intensive interviews with 92 focal subjects. The vast majority of blunt smokers preferred to consume in a group setting. Participants identified three group settings in which blunt smoking often occurred-sessions, cyphers, and parties. The analysis identifies various conduct norms, rituals, and behavior patterns associated with each of these settings. Regardless of the setting, group processes encouraged equal sharing of blunts, moderation in consumption, intermission and breaks between smoking episodes, and involvement in non-smoking activities. Blunt smoking groups rarely encouraged high consumption and intoxication from marijuana.