Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Canine Mitral Complex: ULTRASTRUCTURE AND ELECTROMECHANICAL PROPERTIES

The mitral complex is a functional entity composed of the annulus, valve leaflets, chordae, and papillary muscles. The mechanical properties of the complex are dependent on the unique structural relations of the collagen in the leaflets and chordae. In the chordae the collagen is arranged in avascular columns. These columns interdigitate between muscle fibers in the papillary muscles, and the collagen is anchored to the myofiber membrane by microfibrils. In the leaflet the chordae are continuous with the dense fibrous tissue, forming a sheet of collagen which merges with the annulus. Within the leaflet there are cardiac muscle fibers in direct continuity with left atrial muscle. Contraction of isolated valve preparations can be initiated by electrical stimulation and is preceded by a propagated depolarization. Action potentials from cells in the middle third of the leaflet have a slow upstroke velocity, prominent plateau, and a characteristic positive afterpotential. Valve muscle electromechanical properties are markedly altered by 1 × 10−7M acetylcholine; this concentration has little effect on working left atrial muscle. In preparations containing portions of the left atrium and valve leaflet, the excitation wave spreads into the leaflet after electrical stimulation of the atrial muscle. This suggests that the accompanying contractile event may occur in situ before the initiation of systole.
Point process modeling of wildfire hazard in Los Angeles County, California

The Burning Index (BI) produced daily by the United States government's National Fire Danger Rating System is commonly used in forecasting the hazard of wildfire activity in the United States. However, recent evaluations have shown the BI to be less effective at predicting wildfires in Los Angeles County, compared to simple point process models incorporating similar meteorological information. Here, we explore the forecasting power of a suite of more complex point process models that use seasonal wildfire trends, daily and lagged weather variables, and historical spatial burn patterns as covariates, and that interpolate the records from different weather stations. Results are compared with models using only the BI. The performance of each model is compared by Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), as well as by the power in predicting wildfires in the historical data set and residual analysis. We find that multiplicative models that directly use weather variables offer substantial improvement in fit compared to models using only the BI, and, in particular, models where a distinct spatial bandwidth parameter is estimated for each weather station appear to offer substantially improved fit.
The Pareto-Following Variation Operator as an alternative approximation model

This paper presents a critical analysis of the Pareto-Following Variation Operator (PFVO) when used as an approximation method for Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEA). In previous work, we have described the development and implementation of the PFVO. The simulation results reported indicated that when the PFVO was integrated with NSGA-II there was a significant increase in the convergence speed of the algorithm. In this study, we extend this work. We claim that when the PFVO is combined with any MOEA that uses a non-dominated sorting routine before selection, it will lead to faster convergence and high quality solutions. Numerical results are presented for two base algorithms: SPEA-II and RM-MEDA to support are claim. We also describe enhancements to the approximation method that were introduced so that the enhanced algorithm was able to track the Pareto-optimal front in the right direction.
The Existence and Exponential Stability for Random Impulsive Integrodifferential Equations of Neutral Type

By applying the Banach fixed point theorem and using an inequality technique, we investigate a kind of random impulsive integrodifferential equations of neutral type. Some sufficient conditions, which can guarantee the existence, uniqueness, and exponential stability in mean square for such systems, are obtained. Compared with the previous works, our method is new and our results can generalize and improve some existing ones. Finally, an illustrative example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Comparative analysis of basic single-stage non-isolated AC-DC topologies employed as high-current COB LED drivers

This work presents a comparative study comprising the traditional single-stage buck and buck-boost rectifiers used as high-current COB (chip-onboard) LED (light emitting diode) drivers. The structures are designed both in continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) in order to analyze the existing stresses in the semiconductors and overall efficiency. For this purpose, a high-current COB LED is used while driven by the aforementioned single-stage non-isolated topologies. The drivers are supposed to present essential features when dealing with outdoor floodlighting e.g. high power factor and low harmonic distortion of the input current. Besides, simulation tests are performed using real intrinsic parasitic parameters of commercially available semiconductors. Finally, the results are properly discussed to evaluate the restrictions of these basic non-isolated high-current COB drivers.
Feasible regions of symmetric capacity and Gallager's E0 function for ternary-input discrete memoryless channels

In the refinement of a channel coding theorem, error exponents characterize the exponential convergence rates of decoding error probabilities. Error exponents are sometime called as reliability functions. In this study, we consider analyzing the reliability functions based on Gallager's E0 function. The region of the E0 function of binary-input memoryless and symmetric channels for a fixed capacity was clarified by Guillén i Fàbregas et al. in their 2013 study. More precisely, binary erasure and binary symmetric channels have maximal and minimal E0 functions, respectively, among the binary-input memoryless and symmetric channels for a fixed capacity. In this study, we extend their results from binary- to ternary-input channels that are not necessarily symmetric. First, we identify the extreme channels among the ternary-input strongly symmetric channels. Next, we identify the extreme channels among the ternary-input memoryless and symmetric channels. In addition, using channel symmetrization, we investigate whether the feasible regions of symmetric capacity and the E0 functions for discrete memoryless channels (DMCs) are identical to those for symmetric channels if the channel inputs follow a uniform distribution. We describe the feasible regions for ternary-input DMCs under a uniform input distribution. In particular, we reveal the channels with maximal E0 function among ternary-input DMCs for a fixed symmetric capacity and uniform input distribution.
Topological B-model on weighted projective spaces and self-dual models in four dimensions

It was recently shown by Witten on the basis of several examples that the topological B-model whose target space is a Calabi-Yau (CY) supermanifold is equivalent to holomorphic Chern-Simons (hCS) theory on the same supermanifold. Moreover, for the supertwistor space P3|4 as target space, it has been demonstrated that hCS theory on P3|4 is equivalent to self-dual = 4 super Yang-Mills (SYM) theory in four dimensions. We consider as target spaces for the B-model the weighted projective spaces WP3|2(1,1,1,1|p,q) with two fermionic coordinates of weight p and q, respectively — which are CY supermanifolds for p+q = 4 — and discuss hCS theory on them. By using twistor techniques, we obtain certain field theories in four dimensions which are equivalent to hCS theory. These theories turn out to be self-dual truncations of = 4 SYM theory or of its twisted (topological) version.
The energy cost of action potential propagation in dopamine neurons: clues to susceptibility in Parkinson's disease

Dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) are uniquely sensitive to degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD) and its models. Although a variety of molecular characteristics have been proposed to underlie this sensitivity, one possible contributory factor is their massive, unmyelinated axonal arbor that is orders of magnitude larger than other neuronal types. We suggest that this puts them under such a high energy demand that any stressor that perturbs energy production leads to energy demand exceeding supply and subsequent cell death. One prediction of this hypothesis is that those dopamine neurons that are selectively vulnerable in PD will have a higher energy cost than those that are less vulnerable. We show here, through the use of a biology-based computational model of the axons of individual dopamine neurons, that the energy cost of axon potential propagation and recovery of the membrane potential increases with the size and complexity of the axonal arbor according to a power law. Thus SNc dopamine neurons, particularly in humans, whose axons we estimate to give rise to more than 1 million synapses and have a total length exceeding 4 m, are at a distinct disadvantage with respect to energy balance which may be a factor in their selective vulnerability in PD.
“Donut’s Shape” Radiosurgical Treatment Planning for Large Cystic Metastatic Brain Tumors

Abstract Background Radiosurgical management of large cystic metastatic brain tumors represents a significant challenge. Nevertheless, modified dose planning has shown beneficial results in such cases. Method and Results: “Donut’s shape” radiosurgical treatment planning is based on the chain-like application of multiple, small-sized isocenters for selective coverage of the contrast-enhancing tumor capsule and minimal irradiation of the central cystic area. Such an approach was used for the management of large cystic intracranial metastases, which were not accompanied by a significant mass effect and did not require immediate volume reduction. Treatment was done using Leksell Gamma Knife model C with automatic positioning system. The majority of treated lesions showed significant shrinkage after radiosurgery and no major complications were met. Conclusion: Large cystic metastatic brain tumors may be successfully treated with gamma knife radiosurgery alone using the proposed “donut’s shape” dose planning with coverage of the contrast-enhancing tumor capsule by multiple small-sized isocenters.
Hepatic Injury Correlates With Apoptosis, Regeneration, and Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in Canine Chronic Liver Disease

Assessment of the clinical severity, pathogenesis, and prognosis of canine chronic liver disease poses significant challenges to clinicians and pathologists, relating in part to a lack of standardized terminology and assessment methods and also to a lack of understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease in the dog. This study graded the severity of necroinflammatory activity in chronic liver disease in dogs using a modification of Ishak’s grading scheme for human chronic liver disease and examined the association of grade score with hepatocellular apoptosis, regeneration, nitric oxide synthase isoform expression, copper and iron accumulation, and indicators of oxidative stress. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded hematoxylin and eosin (HE)–stained liver biopsies from 45 dogs with chronic liver disease and 55 healthy control dogs were graded for various morphologic components of liver injury and response. The cumulative score for grade of necroinflammatory activity was strongly and significantly correlated with immunoreactive labels for hepatocellular proliferation (Ki-67); apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3); inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lobular, portal, and septal stromal cells; endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in hepatocytes and lobular, portal, and septal stromal cells; and total stainable hepatic iron. A weaker significant correlation was found between grade and accumulation of hepatocellular copper. No significant correlation was found between grade and immunoreactivity for malondialdehyde-protein adducts. These results document a method for grading of the severity of necroinflammatory disease in canine liver biopsies and show an association with increased iNOS and eNOS expression.
The Italian Extreme Right On-line Network: An Exploratory Study Using an Integrated Social Network Analysis and Content Analysis Approach

All over the world, extreme right activists and neo-nazis are using the Internet as a tool for communication and recruitment in order to avoid national laws and police investigations. The last 10 years have seen both the diffusion of CMC environments and the rise of extreme right movements in several European countries. This study investigates the structure of the Italian extreme right network, taking into account the latest trends in the social psychology of CMC to describe the nature of ties among Italian extreme right websites.
Transformation of NIH 3T3 Cells by HER3 or HER4 Receptors Requires the Presence of HER1 or HER2 (*)

Members of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) subfamily of receptor protein tyrosine kinases have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various malignancies. The ability of one EGFR subfamily member to influence, or function synergistically with, another is likely to be a general feature of these receptors. To assess the role of receptor heterodimerization, we analyzed the ability of Neu differentiation factor (NDF) to induce cell growth and transformation of NIH 3T3 cells transfected with different combinations of the EGFR subfamily of receptors. NDF induced mitogenesis, but not transformation, of cells expressing either HER3 or HER4 alone. However, NDF-induced cell transformation was observed when either HER1 or HER2 was coexpressed with HER3 or HER4. In analogous receptor phosphorylation experiments, NDF-induced transphosphorylation appears to be correlated with synergistic transformation of NIH 3T3 cells. Interestingly, transphosphorylation between HER1 and HER4 can be stimulated by either EGF or NDF.
Interactive physically-based shape editing

We present an alternative approach to standard geometric shape editing using physically-based simulation. With our technique, the user can deform complex objects in real-time. The basis of our method is formed by a fast and accurate finite element implementation of an elasto-plastic material model, specifically designed for interactive shape manipulation. Using quadratic shape functions, we reduce approximation errors inherent to methods based on linear finite elements. The physical simulation uses a volume mesh comprised of quadratic tetrahedra, which are constructed from a coarser approximation of the detailed surface. In order to guarantee stability and real-time frame rates during the simulation, we cast the elasto-plastic problem into a linear formulation. For this purpose, we present a corotational formulation for quadratic finite elements. We demonstrate the versatility of our approach in interactive manipulation sessions and show that our animation system can be coupled with further physics-based animations like, e.g. fluids and cloth, in a bi-directional way.
Semimartingale dynamics and estimation for a semi-Markov chain

We consider a finite state discrete time process X. Without loss of generality the finite state space can be identified with the set of unit vectors {e1, e2, . , eN} with ei = (0, . . . , 0, 1, 0, . . . , 0)0 2 RN. For a Markov chain the times the process stays in any state are geometrically distributed. This condition is relaxed for a semi-Markov chain. We first derive the semimartingale dynamics for a semi-Markov chain. We then consider the situation where the chain is observed in noise. We suggest how to estimate the occupation times in the states and derive filters and smoothers for quantities associated with the chain.
Reliable iris feature extraction by local thresholding with optimum block size

In this paper, we propose the new iris feature extraction method that uses local thresholding with block size fitting to achieve a reliable iris authentication technique. The dispersion index is used to analyze the degree of variation in the pixel intensities. By calculating the pixel intensity variance for the block size, it is possible to quantify the degree of contrast and brightness in the block. The proposed method can adjust the block size for local thresholding by utilizing the pixel intensity variation. Evaluation experiments show that it is possible to extract the iris feature from low-contrast patterns with high accuracy, which was difficult to achieve using the conventional approach. Experimental results show that the EER (Equal Error Rate) of the proposed method is reduced to 0.4%, and the processing time increases to 3.3 ms when compared with the conventional approach.
CHEMICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL IDENTIFICATION OF 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE IN AN IDENTIFIED NEURON

The two largest cells in a typical ganglion of the leech (Hirudo medicinalis) nervous system are the colossal cells of Retzius. These cells show a positive chromaffin reaction, and it has been suggested that they contain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). In this study, the presence of 5-HT in the colossal cells was confirmed by microspectrofluorometry and by thin-layer chromatography and spectrofluorometry of extracts of individually dissected and pooled colossal cell bodies. A single colossal cell body was found to contain, on the average, 3.8 x 10-10 g (6mM) 5-HT. Electron microscopy shows that the colossal cells are distinguished by the presence of 1000 A granules with irregular, electron-opaque cores. Since the granules are distributed in the same pattern as the 5-HT fluorescence, we have suggested that they contain 5-HT. Furthermore, a chromaffin reaction modified for the electron microscope provides evidence that 5-HT is present in the granule cores. These data can now serve as a basis for further studies on the metabolism, distribution, and function of 5-HT in these identified neurons.
Recurrent Rearrangements of Human Amylase Genes Create Multiple Independent CNV Series

The human amylase gene cluster includes the human salivary (AMY1) and pancreatic amylase genes (AMY2A and AMY2B), and is a highly variable and dynamic region of the genome. Copy number variation (CNV) of AMY1 has been implicated in human dietary adaptation, and in population association with obesity, but neither of these findings has been independently replicated. Despite these functional implications, the structural genomic basis of CNV has only been defined in detail very recently. In this work, we use high‐resolution analysis of copy number, and analysis of segregation in trios, to define new, independent allelic series of amylase CNVs in sub‐Saharan Africans, including a series of higher‐order expansions of a unit consisting of one copy each of AMY1, AMY2A, and AMY2B. We use fiber‐FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) to define unexpected complexity in the accompanying rearrangements. These findings demonstrate recurrent involvement of the amylase gene region in genomic instability, involving at least five independent rearrangements of the pancreatic amylase genes (AMY2A and AMY2B). Structural features shared by fundamentally distinct lineages strongly suggest that the common ancestral state for the human amylase cluster contained more than one, and probably three, copies of AMY1.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are generated by the activity of both selective and also more general cytochrome p450 (CYP) enzymes on arachidonic acid and inactivated largely by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), which converts them to their corresponding dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs). EETs have been shown to have a diverse range of effects on the vasculature including relaxation of vascular tone, cellular proliferation, and angiogenesis as well as the migration of smooth muscle cells. This paper will highlight the growing evidence that EETs also mediate a number of anti-inflammatory effects in the cardiovascular system. In particular, numerous studies have demonstrated that potentiation of EET activity using different methods can inhibit inflammatory gene expression and signalling pathways in endothelial cells and monocytes and in models of cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms by which EETs mediate their effects are largely unknown but may include direct binding to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), or transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, which initiate anti-inflammatory signalling cascades.
Teaching Selected Phonic Word Analysis Reading Skills to TMR Labeled Students

o what extent can students labeled trainable mentally retarded profit from reading skills instruction? A teacher seeking an answer to this question by examining the literature is likely to find little professional agreement. On the one hand, writers such as Bunon (1974), Gearhan and Litton (1975), and Kirk (1972) have questioned the appropriateness of reading instruction for students labeled trainable mentally retarded. However, others such as Cawley and Pappanikou (1967), D'Amelio (1972), Domnie and Brown (1974), Johnson and Brown (1974), Nietupski, Williams, York, Johnson, and Brown (1976), and Sontag (1976) have taken a more optimistic view of the developmental potential of trainable mentally retarded students. Such an optimistic view has resulted in the development of a number of programs in which trainable mentally retarded students were taught a variety of reading skills (Brown, Jones, Troccolo, Heiser, Bellamy, & Sontag, 1972; Domnie & Brown, 1974; Johnson & Brown, 1974). A common characteristic of these programs is that students were taught whole word reading skills. That is, students were taught to label sight words and demonstrate comprehension of the words without specific instruction on phonic, structural, or contextual word analysis skills. While it may be advantageous to use a whole word approach in teaching students to read their first words, sole reliance upon a whole word approach requires that students be provided direct instruction on each word they learn to read, limiting their potential reading vocabulary (Nietupski et aI., 1976). The contention made here is that not only can trainable mentally retarded students be taught whole word reading skills but also that they can be taught relatively sophisticated word analysis skills. This anicle describes a program developed to teach phonic
Studies on the Fine Structure of Microorganisms

The fine structure of cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae engaged in the formation of ascospores was studied in electron micrographs of ultrathin sections. Although the mode of the first reduction division could not be clearly determined, the second nuclear division appeared to proceed in a manner similar to that observed previously during vegetative division. That is, division by constriction of the existing nucleus occurs without dissolution of the nuclear membrane and without involvement of discrete chromosomes. Variously shaped areas of low electron density were discerned within the nucleoplasm; these had not been previously seen in the vegetative nucleus. The significance of this nuclear differentiation and its possible similarity to nuclear structures reported in bacteria and an imperfect fungus are discussed. The cytoplasmic membrane appears first in the developing ascospore. The formation of an outer coat and an inner coat then follows. The cytoplasmic vacuole was observed not to be incorporated into the spore. An unusual intracytoplasmic membrane was observed in the spore and appeared to be at least temporarily continuous with the nuclear membrane.