Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vasopressin in Neuronal Cultures From Neonatal Rat Brain

This study was performed to characterize and quantify vasopressin in neuron-enriched primary cultures of whole brains from 1-day-old rats and to compare such cultures between spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Vasopressin was extracted from cells and evaluated by radioimmunoassay and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Radioimmunoassay of high-pressure liquid chromatography fractions from cell extracts showed that the major peak of immunoreactivity comigrated with synthetic vasopressin. Cell vasopressin content increased in a graded manner when one to six dishes (plated 8xlO6 cells/ dish) were pooled (8.7±0.5 to 67.7±8.2 pg/dish). When the number of plated cells per dish was increased (2 to 16xlO6 cells), there was also a graded rise in dish vasopressin content (3.4±0.4 to 15.3±3.9 pg). Treatment of cultures with 100 aM to 1 nM of angiotensin II for 5 minutes caused a dose-dependent decrease in cell vasopressin content. Furthermore, the decrease in cell vasopressin content of cultures treated with 1 nM angiotensin II (12.6±0.8 to 7.0±1.0 pg/106 cells, p < 0.05) corresponded with the increase in medium vasopressin concentration (3.8±0.5 to 7.5±2.3 pg/ml) and this vasopressin-releasing effect of angiotensin II was blocked by [Sar1, Thr8]angiotensin II. Treatment of cultures with potassium chloride (56 mM) and acetylcholine chloride (5.5 μM) also resulted in significant decreases in cell vasopressin content. Five to 15-day-old cultures from SHR had significantly smaller amounts of vasopressin than those from WKY rats (32.6+5.2 vs. 82.5±12.7 pg/106 cells, respectively, p < 0.01). Hence, our data show that vasopressin is present in primary neuronal cultures and is released by angiotensin II and other substances known to release vasopressin in vivo. Furthermore, there may be differences in the synthesis or release of vasopressin between SHR and WKY rats.
Predicting Species’ Vulnerability in a Massively Perturbed System: The Fishes of Lake Turkana, Kenya

Background and Trophic Diversity Study Lake Turkana is an understudied desert lake shared by Kenya and Ethiopia. This system is at the precipice of large-scale changes in ecological function due to climate change and economic development along its major inflowing river, the Omo River. To anticipate response by the fish community to these changes, we quantified trophic diversity for seven ecological disparate species (Alestes baremose, Hydrocynus forskalli, Labeo horie, Lates niloticus, Oreochromis niloticus, Synodontis schall, and Tilapia zillii) using stable isotopes. Based on their marked morphological differentiation, we postulated that dietary niches of these species would be similar in size but show little overlap. The degree of trophic diversity varied greatly among the species studied, refuting our hypothesis regarding dietary niche size. Oreochromis niloticus and L. niloticus had the highest trophic diversity and significantly larger dietary niches than T. zillii, A. baremose and H. forskalli. Low overlap among the dietary niches of the seven species, with the exception of the synodontid catfish S. schall, is consistent with our second hypothesis. Predicting Species’ Vulnerability Breeding vulnerability was highest among those species with the lowest trophic diversity. We predict that in suffering two strikes against them, A. baremose, H. forskalli, T. zillii, and L. horie will be most affected by the highly altered Lake Turkana ecosystem and that O. niloticus, L. niloticus and S. schall will be least affected. Low vulnerability among O. niloticus and L. niloticus is promising for the future of the lake’s fishery, but the third most important fishery species (L. horie) will be highly vulnerable to impending ecosystem change. T. zillii should be treated as separate from O. niloticus in the fishery given higher sensitivity and a different ecological role. We see potential for expansion of the fishery for S. schall but don’t recommend the development of a fishery for A. baremose and H. forskalli.
Angiotensin II AT 1 Receptor Antagonists Inhibit Platelet Adhesion and Aggregation by Nitric Oxide Release

This study investigated the process of nitric oxide (NO) release from platelets after stimulation with different angiotensin II type 1 (AT1)-receptor antagonists and its effect on platelet adhesion and aggregation. Angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonist–stimulated NO release in platelets was compared with that in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by using a highly sensitive porphyrinic microsensor. In vitro and ex vivo effects of angiotensin II AT 1-receptor antagonists on platelet adhesion to collagen and thromboxane A 2 analog U46619-induced aggregation were evaluated. Losartan, EXP3174, and valsartan alone caused NO release from platelets and endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 0.01 to 100 mol/L, which was attenuated by NO synthase inhibitor N -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. The angiotensin II AT 1-receptor antagonists had more than 70% greater potency in NO release in platelets than in endothelial cells. The degree of inhibition of platelet adhesion (collagen-stimulated) and aggregation (U46619stimulated) elicited by losartan, EXP3174, and valsartan, either in vitro or ex vivo, closely correlated with the NO levels produced by each of these drugs alone. The inhibiting effects of angiotensin II AT 1-receptor antagonists on collagen-stimulated adhesion and U46619-stimulated aggregation of platelets were significantly reduced by pretreatment with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. Neither the AT 2 receptor antagonist PD123319, the cyclooxygenase synthase inhibitor indomethacin, nor the selective thromboxane A 2/prostaglandin H2 receptor antagonist SQ29,548 had any effect on angiotensin II AT 1-receptor antagonist–stimulated NO release in platelets and endothelial cells. The presented studies clearly indicate a crucial role of NO in the arterial antithrombotic effects of angiotensin II AT 1-receptor antagonists. (Hypertension. 2002;40:521-527.)
Chemopreventive effects of resveratrol and resveratrol derivatives

Resveratrol is considered to have a number of beneficial effects. Recently, our group modified the molecule and synthesized a number of compounds with different biochemical effects. Polymethoxy and polyhydroxy derivatives of resveratrol were shown to inhibit tumor cell growth in various cell lines and inflammation pathways (cyclooxygenases activity), in part more effectively than resveratrol itself. One lead compound (hexahydroxystilbene, M8) turned out to be the most effective inhibitor of tumor cell growth and of cyclooxygenase 2 activity. M8 was then studied in two different human melanoma mouse models. This novel resveratrol analog was able to inhibit melanoma tumors in a primary tumor model alone and in combination with dacarbacine, an anticancer compound that is used for melanoma treatment. We also tested the development of lymph node metastasis in a second melanoma model and again M8 successfully inhibited the tumor as well as the size and weight of lymph node metastasis. Hydroxylated resveratrol analogs therefore represent a novel class of anticancer compounds and promising candidates for in vivo studies.
Neural Networks for Nonlinear Dynamic System Modelling and Identification

Many real-world systems exhibit complex nonlinear characteristics and cannot be treated satisfactorily using linear systems theory. A neural network which has the ability to learn sophisticated nonlinear relationships provides an ideal means of modelling complicated nonlinear systems. This paper addresses the issues related to the identification of nonlinear discrete-time dynamic systems using neural networks. Three network architectures, namely the multi-layer perceptron, the radial basis function network and the functional-link network, are presented and several learning or identification algorithms are derived. Advantages and disadvantages of these structures are discussed and illustrated using simulated and real data. Particular attention is given to the connections between existing techniques for nonlinear systems identification and some aspects of neural network methodology, and this demonstrates that certain techniques employed in the neural network context have long been developed by the control e.
Positive Feedback between Transcriptional and Kinase Suppression in Nematodes with Extraordinary Longevity and Stress Resistance

Insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) regulates development and metabolism, and modulates aging, of Caenorhabditis elegans. In nematodes, as in mammals, IIS is understood to operate through a kinase-phosphorylation cascade that inactivates the DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor. Situated at the center of this pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) phosphorylates PIP2 to form PIP3, a phospholipid required for membrane tethering and activation of many signaling molecules. Nonsense mutants of age-1, the nematode gene encoding the class-I catalytic subunit of PI3K, produce only a truncated protein lacking the kinase domain, and yet confer 10-fold greater longevity on second-generation (F2) homozygotes, and comparable gains in stress resistance. Their F1 parents, like weaker age-1 mutants, are far less robust—implying that maternally contributed trace amounts of PI3K activity or of PIP3 block the extreme age-1 phenotypes. We find that F2-mutant adults have <10% of wild-type kinase activity in vitro and <60% of normal phosphoprotein levels in vivo. Inactivation of PI3K not only disrupts PIP3-dependent kinase signaling, but surprisingly also attenuates transcripts of numerous IIS components, even upstream of PI3K, and those of signaling molecules that cross-talk with IIS. The age-1(mg44) nonsense mutation results, in F2 adults, in changes to kinase profiles and to expression levels of multiple transcripts that distinguish this mutant from F1 age-1 homozygotes, a weaker age-1 mutant, or wild-type adults. Most but not all of those changes are reversed by a second mutation to daf-16, implicating both DAF-16/ FOXO–dependent and –independent mechanisms. RNAi, silencing genes that are downregulated in long-lived worms, improves oxidative-stress resistance of wild-type adults. It is therefore plausible that attenuation of those genes in age-1(mg44)-F2 adults contributes to their exceptional survival. IIS in nematodes (and presumably in other species) thus involves transcriptional as well as kinase regulation in a positive-feedback circuit, favoring either survival or reproduction. Hyperlongevity of strong age-1(mg44) mutants may result from their inability to reset this molecular switch to the reproductive mode.
De inzet van de buurtteams Jeugd en Gezin ter bevordering van de eigen kracht van ouders.

In The Netherlands youth policies are changing; the responsibility for youth care transfers from the provincial government to the local government. The municipality of Utrecht has decided to start a pilot with the goal to make a head start in the new social youth care system. In this pilot social workers are embedding empowerment in there work ethics. In this study empowerment of parents by social workers has been studied. Eleven social workers are interviewed and questioned about their actions and thoughts when empowering parents. Only two of the workers expect having to deal with a possible negative influence of the social network of parents, and opinions on the best approach in this situation are divided. Also, social workers question themselves about what to do when someone doesn’t want to be empowered. There is a need for extended studies on the limitations of empowerment of parents by social workers and best practices of empowerment in social work.
Automatic generation of personalized music sports video

In this paper, we propose a novel automatic approach for personalized music sports video generation. Two research challenges, semantic sports video content selection and automatic video composition, are addressed. For the first challenge, we propose to use multi-modal (audio, video and text) feature analysis and alignment to detect the semantic of events in sports video. For the second challenge, we propose video-centric and music-centric music video composition schemes to automatically generate personalized music sports video based on user's preference. The experimental results and user evaluations are promising and show that our system's generated music sports video is comparable to manually generated ones. The proposed approach greatly facilitates the automatic music sports video generation for both professionals and amateurs.
Towards zero grid electricity networking: Powering BSs with renewable energy sources

In this paper we study cellular access networks which solely rely on renewable energy. We consider a cellular network in which a mesh of base stations (BSs) that are powered with renewable sources, and interconnected with wireless backhaul links, cover the service area, and provide connection to few, typically remote, wired network accesses to the national and international backbone. In particular, we study how to dimension BS power generators and energy storage. We start by discussing the BS energy need, that depends on both the BS consumption model and the BS traffic profiles. Focusing then on some specific locations, we consider the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels, and dimension them based on the daily energy need of the BS and on typical radiative power of sun in the considered locations. Once the PV system has been dimensioned, we also evaluate the energy storage capacity that is needed to absorb energy production variability due to both daily and seasonal radiative power variations. Finally, we investigate the effectiveness of integrating the PV system with wind turbines, as well as the benefit induced on the system by base station sleep modes.
GlucomannanutilizationoperonofBacillus subtilis

This study characterizes the glucomannan utilization operon (gmuBACDREFG, formerly ydhMNOPQRST) of Bacillus subtilis. Transcription of the operon is induced by konjac glucomannan and requires the last mannanase gene (gmuG). Cellobiose and mannobiose, possible degradation products of glucomannan by GmuG, are strong inducers of transcription. It is shown that an internal regulator gene (gmuR) encodes a repressor of the operon, as disruption of this gene enhances transcription of the operon in the absence of inducers. The expression of the glucomannan utilizing operon of B. subtilis is thus induced by degraded glucomannan products, and repressed by an internal repressor.
Multidimensional dynamic behavior in mobile computing

As personal computing is going mobile, applications are also changing to adapt to new life styles and new constraints, and take advantage of new opportunities offered by permanent availability and connectivity. Mobile devices are a significant departure from traditional computing. One hand, they are very personal, always on, always connected. They offer so much more than desktops in becoming the hub for our digital lives: more than just phones, they are the gateways for our social interaction through instant messaging, Facebooking and Tweeter-ing. On the other hand, they are much more constrained in terms of resources. Although progress in their computing and interface capabilities has been staggering, they continue to rely on battery power and are packaged in tight (and appealing) casings that are a nightmare for thermal dissipation. In this position paper we discuss how the characteristics of mobile devices influence the design of the system software stack and the design of applications.
Consumption of added sugars is decreasing in the United States.

BACKGROUND The consumption of added sugars (caloric sweeteners) has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Little is known about recent consumption trends in the United States or how intakes compare with current guidelines. OBJECTIVE We examined trends in intakes of added sugars in the United States over the past decade. DESIGN A cross-sectional study of US residents ≥2 y of age (n = 42,316) was conducted by using dietary data from NHANES 1999-2008 (five 2-y cycles) and data for added-sugar contents from the MyPyramid Equivalents Database. Mean intakes of added sugars (grams and percentage of total energy intake) were weighted to obtain national estimates over time across age, sex, and race-ethnic groups. Linear trends were tested by using Wald's F tests. RESULTS Between 1999-2000 and 2007-2008, the absolute intake of added sugars decreased from a mean (95% CI) of 100.1 g/d (92.8, 107.3 g/d) to 76.7 g/d (71.6, 81.9 g/d); two-thirds of this decrease, from 37.4 g/d (32.6, 42.1 g/d) to 22.8 g/d (18.4, 27.3 g/d), resulted from decreased soda consumption (P-linear trend <0.001 for both). Energy drinks were the only source of added sugars to increase over the study period (P-linear trend = 0.003), although the peak consumption reached only 0.15 g/d (0.08, 0.22 g/d). The percentage of total energy from added sugars also decreased from 18.1% (16.9%, 19.3%) to 14.6% (13.7%, 15.5%) (P-linear trend <0.001). CONCLUSION Although the consumption of added sugars in the United States decreased between 1999-2000 and 2007-2008, primarily because of a reduction in soda consumption, mean intakes continue to exceed recommended limits.
Double Vision as a Pictorial Depth Cue

‘Double images’ are a little-noticed feature of human binocular vision caused by non-convergence of the eyes outside of the point of fixation. Double vision, or psychological diplopia, is closely linked to the perception of depth in natural vision as its perceived properties vary depending on proximity of the stimulus to the viewer. Very little attention, however, has been paid to double images in art or in scientific studies of pictorial depth. Double images have rarely been depicted and do not appear among the list of commonly cited monocular depth cues. In this study we discuss some attempts by artists to capture the doubled appearance of objects in pictures, and some of the relevant scientific work on double vision. We then present the results of a study designed to test whether the inclusion of double images in two-dimensional pictures can enhance the illusion of three-dimensional space. Our results suggest that double images can significantly enhance depth perception in pictures when combined with other depth cues such as blur. We conclude that double images could be added to the list of depth cues available to those wanting to create a greater sense of depth in pictures.
[Expression of hypoxia induced factor-1alpha and function of epididymis in varicocele: experiment with rats].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of hypoxia induced factor-la (HIF-1alpha) and the content of sialic acid and carnitine in the epididymis in varicocele (VC) and to investigate the mechanism of induction of epididymis dysfunction by VC. METHODS Forty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups: experimental group undergoing decreasing of the diameter of the left renal vein so as to cause VC, control group, and sham operation group. 49 days after the operation the left epididymis samples were collected. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the HIF-1alpha expression. The contents of sialic acid and carnitine were detected. RESULTS The HIF-1alpha expression level detected by Western blotting of the experimental group was 0.96 +/- 0.65, significantly higher than those of the control group (0.11 +/- 0.08) and sham operation group (0.07 +/- 0.05) (both P < 0.05); and the positive rate of HIF-1alpha detected with immunohistochemistry of the experimental group was 91.67%, significantly higher than those of the control group (16.67%) and sham operation group (21.43%) (both P < 0.01). The contents of sialic acid and carnitine in the epididymis of the experimental group were 6.3 +/- 2.3 and 1.1 +/- 0.3 respectively, both significantly lower than those of the control group (24.7 +/- 4.4 and 2.8 +/- 0.6) and sham operation group (26.1 +/- 4.4 and 3.2 +/- 0.6) (all P < 0.05). The contents of sialic acid and carnitine in the epididymis were significantly negatively correlated with the HIF-1alpha expression (r = -0.649, P = 0.017; r = -0.666, P = 0.013). CONCLUSION VC causes epididymal hypoxia and epididymal dysfunction, and hypoxia plays an important role in VC induced epididymal dysfunction.
HITIQA: A Data Driven Approach to Interactive Analytical Question Answering

In this paper we describe the analytic question answering system HITIQA (High-Quality Interactive Question Answering) which has been developed over the last 2 years as an advanced research tool for information analysts. HITIQA is an interactive open-domain question answering technology designed to allow analysts to pose complex exploratory questions in natural language and obtain relevant information units to prepare their briefing reports. The system uses novel data-driven semantics to conduct a clarification dialogue with the user that explores the scope and the context of the desired answer space. The system has undergone extensive hands-on evaluations by a group of intelligence analysts representing various foreign intelligence services. This evaluation validated the overall approach in HITIQA but also exposed limitations of the current prototype.
Roundoff noise analysis of two efficient digital filter structures

In this correspondence, two efficient structures are analyzed for the implementation scheme of rounding before multiplication (RBM). The first one is the direct-form II transposed structure in /spl rho/-operator (/spl rho/DFIIt), recently proposed in . The expression of roundoff noise gain is derived, based on which a revised /spl rho/DFIIt structure, denoted as /spl rho/RDFIIt, is obtained. It is shown that the /spl rho/RDFIIt structure, having the same implementation complexity, yields a smaller roundoff noise gain than the /spl rho/DFIIt. The roundoff noise gain for the /spl rho/RDFIIt structure with error feedbacks is also derived. Each structure can be optimized with regard to the free parameters it possesses with a genetic algorithm. Numerical examples are presented, which show that the optimized structures are very competitive because they can even outperform the traditional optimal state-space realization in terms of the roundoff noise performance as well as the implementation simplicity.