Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alternative methods for incorporating non-exponential distributions into stochastic timed Petri nets

A natural and compact way to incorporate nonexponential distributions into stochastic Petri nets is described. It allows users to directly specify the nonexponential transitions at the next level without providing the detailed construction; for example, to specify an Erlang distribution, the user only needs to provide the number of stages and the mean of the distribution. The refinement of the transition with a general distribution is performed automatically with a net-independent mechanism. The resulting net is a GSPN that can be solved with standard techniques. The authors also show how to expand conflicting transitions under the race-enabling policy (without the interconnection of places and transitions internal to the expansion of the different transitions), and have identified the different semantics introduced by nonexponential distributions, when a model does or does not use a control place. <<ETX>>
Growing Links in Energy and Geopolitics: China and the Middle East

This paper attempts to analyze the expanding energy linkages between China, one of the most dynamic major consumers, the Middle East, a leading petroleum producer, and the CIS, a core non-OPEC emerging producer, not only because they are well established oil exporting regions, but also because of their geopolitical relevance to China as key players in a possible energy corridor linking China with the Gulf at some point in the future. The paper concludes that the economics and geopolitics of energy supply for China dictate different approaches to each of these regions, with the CIS territory ensuring that its energy to be transported across the ocean where China could be vulnerable to potential maritime disruption in the event of serious international disputes, and with the Gulf offering more flexible commercial arrangements.
PaO2 oscillations caused by cyclic alveolar recruitment can be monitored in pig buccal mucosa microcirculation

Cyclic alveolar recruitment and derecruitment play a role in the pathomechanism of acute lung injury and may lead to arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) oscillations within the respiratory cycle. It remains unknown, however, if these PaO2 oscillations are transmitted to the microcirculation. The present study investigates if PaO2 oscillations can be detected in the pig buccal mucosa microcirculation.
An ERP study on species-specific face processing: Morphing human face into monkey face

Humans are better at recognizing human faces than those of other species (e.g, monkeys) behaviorally. However, the neural basis of such phenomenon remains unknown. To elucidate this issue, a 128-ch high-density event-related potential were recorded in 13 healthy adults during viewing morphing human face into monkey face. In all stimuli, N170 and the late positive (LP) component (400-600 ms) were elicited as the major components in the temporo-occipital regions. The more the ratio of human face reduced, the smaller the N170 amplitude became. The latencies were also prolonged. The amplitudes of LP component for ambiguous face were larger than those of human and monkey face. These findings suggest that 1) N170 reflects species-specific face processing, and 2) the LP component processes the difference in complexity of face stimuli. Therefore, we conclude that the identification of species starts at around 170 ms, then detailed feature of faces are analyzed after 400 ms.
Inconvenient Truths for PRMT6 Kinetic Studies

Obianyo and Thompson assigned a rapid equilibrium random mechanism to PRMT6 in their recent article (1). We disagree with their conclusions and assessment of our work (2). PRMT crystal structures solved in complex with substrates and/or substrate analogs contradict their kinetic mechanism and support our sequential ordered mechanism in which S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) binds first and S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (AdoHcy) dissociates last from the enzyme because AdoMet/AdoHcy-binding pockets become buried underneath two α-helical segments when occupied (3–5). Obianyo and Thompson did not reconcile their kinetic mechanism with any structural or biophysical studies of PRMTs. In our previous work, we used a MS-based assay to measure AdoHcy or methylated peptides where appropriate to directly quantify these products (2). Our product inhibition studies for the monomethylated substrate provided solid evidence to support a sequential ordered mechanism. In contrast to our method, Obianyo and Thompson employed a gel-based assay to indirectly measure radioactivity associated with peptide methylation, where phosphorimages or raw densitometry data are not available for scrutiny. Their double-reciprocal plots consistently show line patterns indicative of the type of product inhibition claimed that do not fit with most of the data points displayed. The unfortunate consequence of their interpretation is a proposed kinetic mechanism for PRMT6 unsupported by their own experimental results and what has been reported in the literature (2–5).
Spontaneous electrical rhythmicity in cultured interstitial cells of Cajal from the murine small intestine

1 Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are pacemaker cells in the small bowel, and therefore this cell type must express the mechanism responsible for slow wave activity. Isolated ICC were cultured for 1–3 days from the murine small intestine and identified with c‐Kit‐like immunoreactivity (c‐Kit‐LI). 2 Electrical recordings were obtained from cultured ICC with the whole‐cell patch clamp technique. ICC were rhythmically active, producing regular slow wave depolarizations with waveforms and properties similar to slow waves in intact tissues. 3 Spontaneous activity of c‐Kit‐LI cells was inhibited by reduced extracellular Na+, gadolinium, and reduced extracellular Ca2+. The activity was not affected by nisoldipine. Voltage clamp studies showed rhythmic inward currents that were probably responsible for the slow wave activity. The current‐voltage relationship showed that the spontaneous currents reversed at about +17 mV. These observations are consistent with the involvement of a non‐selective cation current in the generation of slow waves, but do not rule out contributions from other conductances or transporters. 4 A Ba2+‐sensitive inwardly rectifying K+ current in c‐Kit‐LI cells that may be involved in slow wave repolarization and maintenance of a negative potential between slow waves was also found. Similar pharmacology was observed in studies of intact murine intestinal muscles. 5 Cultured ICC may be a useful model for studying the properties and pharmacology of some of the ionic conductances involved in spontaneous rhythmicity in the gastrointestinal tract.
Representation of accuracy in the dorsal premotor cortex

The endpoint accuracy of a reaching movement strongly affects kinematics, particularly during the final phases of movement. However, where and how accuracy is represented in the central nervous system remains unknown. In this study, the discharge of 150 neurons located primarily in the dorsal premotor cortex (PMd), were recorded from monkeys performing an instructed delay, centre‐out reaching task in which movement direction and target size were systematically varied. Linear regression analyses were used to assess the dependence of movement kinematics and cell discharge on target direction, size and tangential velocity (i.e. speed). The speed and timing of the movement were dependent on both direction and target size. Initially direction was the dominant predictor whilst target size became more important as the hand reached the target. A temporal multiple linear regression analysis found significant correlations with target size in 99 of 150 cells. The discharge of 134 cells was directionally tuned and 83 cells modulated with mean speed. Significant correlations of discharge with target size occurred throughout the task as did correlations with direction. However, correlations with direction preferentially occurred early in the task, prior to movement onset, whilst correlations with target size tended to occur late, well after movement onset. This temporal dependency of the firing in relationship to target direction and size mirrored that observed for the kinematics. We conclude that the discharge of PMd cells is highly correlated with the accuracy requirement of the movement. The timing of the correlations suggest that accuracy information is available for the planning and for the on‐line control of endpoint accuracy.
Control of hepatic glucose metabolism by islet and brain

Dysregulation of hepatic glucose uptake (HGU) and inability of insulin to suppress hepatic glucose production (HGP) contribute to hyperglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Growing evidence suggests that insulin can inhibit HGP not only through a direct effect on the liver but also through a mechanism involving the brain. Yet, the notion that insulin action in the brain plays a physiological role in the control of HGP continues to be controversial. Although studies in dogs suggest that the direct hepatic effect of insulin is sufficient to explain day‐to‐day control of HGP, a surprising outcome has been revealed by recent studies in mice, investigating whether the direct hepatic action of insulin is necessary for normal HGP: when the hepatic insulin signalling pathway was genetically disrupted, HGP was maintained normally even in the absence of direct input from insulin. Here, we present evidence that points to a potentially important role of the brain in the physiological control of both HGU and HGP in response to input from insulin as well as other hormones and nutrients.
Terpene Specialized Metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana

Terpenes constitute the largest class of plant secondary (or specialized) metabolites, which are compounds of ecological function in plant defense or the attraction of beneficial organisms. Using biochemical and genetic approaches, nearly all Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) enzymes of the core biosynthetic pathways producing the 5-carbon building blocks of terpenes have been characterized and closer insight has been gained into the transcriptional and posttranscriptional/translational mechanisms regulating these pathways. The biochemical function of most prenyltransferases, the downstream enzymes that condense the C5-precursors into central 10-, 15-, and 20-carbon prenyldiphosphate intermediates, has been described, although the function of several isoforms of C20-prenyltranferases is not well understood. Prenyl diphosphates are converted to a variety of C10-, C15-, and C20-terpene products by enzymes of the terpene synthase (TPS) family. Genomic organization of the 32 Arabidopsis TPS genes indicates a species-specific divergence of terpene synthases with tissue- and cell-type specific expression profiles that may have emerged under selection pressures by different organisms. Pseudogenization, differential expression, and subcellular segregation of TPS genes and enzymes contribute to the natural variation of terpene biosynthesis among Arabidopsis accessions (ecotypes) and species. Arabidopsis will remain an important model to investigate the metabolic organization and molecular regulatory networks of terpene specialized metabolism in relation to the biological activities of terpenes.
PROMOTING SCIENCE SUBJECTS CHOICES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN TANZANIA: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Development of science and technology especially in developing nations demands the preparation of skilled individuals in science disciplines from lower levels of academic and skill training. This fact calls for the need to promote effective science teaching and learning in secondary schools. The purpose of this study was to examine the status of science teaching and learning, challenges facing the science learning in schools and opportunities for improvements. The study was conducted in four districts in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Specifically, the study intended to identify the pass rates in science subjects, teachers’ professional development, science teachers’ teaching strategies, students’ level of satisfaction with the teaching and students’ readiness to take science subjects in their high schools. The study was conducted in twenty four secondary schools using a sample of 471 students and 66 teachers. The data from students and teachers were collected through a structured questionnaire and focus group discussions. The results revealed poor quality of science classroom teaching and a serious decline in interest of students in science subjects. It was therefore concluded that, teacher-students interaction and relationship in classroom teaching and learning of science need improvement. It is suggested that, future research can observe on the influence of social factors in the decline of interest in science subjects among secondary school students in Tanzania.
Awareness in Alzheimer's disease and associated dementias: Theoretical framework and clinical implications

Background: Awareness can be defined as a reasonable or realistic perception or appraisal of a given aspect of one's situation, functioning or performance, or of the resulting implications, expressed explicitly or implicitly. Disturbances of awareness have significant implications for people with dementia and their caregivers. The construction of awareness has been extensively studied in dementia, but a lack of conceptual and methodological clarity in this area means that few clear findings have emerged. Aims: This article presents a framework for conceptualizing awareness in people with Alzheimer's disease and associated dementias that can guide research and influence practice. Overview: This article begins by considering the general concept of awareness and the ways in which neurological damage can place constraints on awareness. Within an integrative biopsychosocial model that acknowledges the influence of neurocognitive, psychological, and social variables on awareness, challenges for empirical research on awareness in dementia are addressed, and a ‘levels of awareness’ framework is presented within which awareness operates at four levels of increasing complexity, providing a means of differentiating among awareness phenomena. Approaches to mapping awareness phenomena are discussed, and directions for future research and clinical practice are outlined. Conclusions: The levels of awareness framework should act as a stimulus to further research in this area, resulting in a more coherent understanding of the nature of awareness deficits, the implications of these for people with dementia and their caregivers, and the possibilities for targeted and effective interventions.
Affiliation patterns among cancer patients

Synopsis Affiliation preferences of 150 cancer out-patients were assessed in the waiting-room and day-to-day life. Results indicated the vast majority avoided fellow patients, preferring to be alone or with healthy people. Similarly, patients tended to avoid the topic of illness in their social contacts. Moreover, those desiring to be with the healthy displayed the highest levels of negative emotion. Finally, avoidance of fellow patients was higher among males, the elderly, and the more highly educated. Overall, the findings were inconsistent with the thesis that those under stress seek out others in similar straits, as suggested by Schachter's emotional comparison theory or Will's downward comparison theory. Rather, they support Rofé's utility theory of stress and affiliation.
Spotlight on endothelial progenitor cell inhibitors: short review

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone-marrow-derived cells that enter the systemic circulation to replace defective or injured mature endothelial cells. EPCs also contribute to neovascularization and limit the progression of atherosclero sis. Patients with reduced EPC levels or dysfunctional EPCs are at increased risk for coronary artery disease. Drug-mediated improvement of the mobilization, differenti ation, function and homing of EPCs to sites of ischemia or injured endothelium may therefore be a promising novel therapeutic approach for various cardiovascular dis eases. On the other hand, endogenous inhibitors of EPCs could also be valuable drug targets. The identification of EPC inhibitors and the development of novel drugs that can efficiently regulate production or elimination of these molecules may also be a promising approach for the future treatment of atherosclerosis. In the present review we summarize potential endogenous and exogenous inhibitors of EPCs, such as oxidized low-density lipoproteins, angiotensin II, glucose, cigarette smoke and others. Whenever possible, we also describe the underlying molecular events. Drug- induced mobilization and improvement of EPC function, as well as reduction of EPC inhibitors, is likely to enhance endothelial function and reduce atherosclerotic processes.
Linearized Analysis of a Digital Bang-Bang PLL and Its Validity Limits Applied to Jitter Transfer and Jitter Generation

In the last few years, several digital implementations of phase-locked loops (PLLs) have emerged, in some cases outperforming analog ones. Some of these PLLs use a bang-bang phase detector to convert the phase error into a digital value. Unfortunately, that introduces a hard nonlinearity in the loop which prevents the use of the traditional linear analysis. Nevertheless, authors resort to linearized models for the noise analysis of this kind of loops, but to the author's knowledge, no attempt has been made to evaluate the limits of this approach. In this paper, we address the problem of investigating the limits of the linearized approach, and we apply it to the computation of the jitter transfer and the jitter generation depending on the level of noise at the binary phase detector input. The results will be compared to phase noise measurements obtained from a digital bang-bang PLL implemented in 130-nm CMOS technology.
Methylation pattern of fish lymphocystis disease virus DNA

The content and distribution of 5-methylcytosine in DNA from fish lymphocystis disease virus was analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography, nearest-neighbor analysis, and with restriction endonucleases. We found that 22% of all C residues were methylated, including methylation of the following dinucleotide sequences: CpG to 75%, CpC to ca. 1%, and CpA to 2 to 5%. Comparison of relative digestion of viral DNA with MspI and HpaII indicated that CCGG sequences were almost completely methylated at the inner C. The degree of methylation of GCGC was much lower. The methylation pattern of fish lymphocystis disease virus DNA differed from that of the host cell DNA.
Goodbye, ALOHA!

The vision of the Internet of Things (IoT) to interconnect and Internet-connect everyday people, objects, and machines poses new challenges in the design of wireless communication networks. The design of medium access control (MAC) protocols has been traditionally an intense area of research due to their high impact on the overall performance of wireless communications. The majority of research activities in this field deal with different variations of protocols somehow based on ALOHA, either with or without listen before talk, i.e., carrier sensing multiple access. These protocols operate well under low traffic loads and low number of simultaneous devices. However, they suffer from congestion as the traffic load and the number of devices increase. For this reason, unless revisited, the MAC layer can become a bottleneck for the success of the IoT. In this paper, we provide an overview of the existing MAC solutions for the IoT, describing current limitations and envisioned challenges for the near future. Motivated by those, we identify a family of simple algorithms based on distributed queueing (DQ), which can operate for an infinite number of devices generating any traffic load and pattern. A description of the DQ mechanism is provided and most relevant existing studies of DQ applied in different scenarios are described in this paper. In addition, we provide a novel performance evaluation of DQ when applied for the IoT. Finally, a description of the very first demo of DQ for its use in the IoT is also included in this paper.
Issues in Optimal Asset Management

Abstract In previous presentations the authors have discussed optimal asset management within the water industry. This paper extends this work by developing a case study around optimal asset management. Whilst earlier work has been focused on the development of theoretical models, this paper focusses on issues in application of the optimal asset model. It presents the steps to address the application of the model. It does this by addressing a specific piece of equipment within the water industry subject to replacement and refurbishment. Hence it describes a practical solution for dealing with the trade-off between capital expenditure (CAPEX, replacements of an asset) and operational expenditure (OPEX, refurbishment of an asset). The case study is based on experiences with two Water Companies.
Postmenopausal Effects of Resistance Training on Muscle Damage and Mitochondria

Abstract Manfredi, TG, Monteiro, MA, Lamont, LS, Singh, MF, Foldvari, M, White, S, Cosmas, AC, and Urso, ML. Postmenopausal effects of resistance training on muscle damage and mitochondria. J Strength Cond Res 27(2): 556–561, 2013—The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of a 12-month progressive resistance training intervention on muscle morphology and strength gains in postmenopausal women. Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis of 5 independent community-dwelling women (mean age: 75.6 ± 4.28 years; mean height: 163 ± 5.34 cm; mean weight: 72 ± 17.5 kg) before 6 months and 12 months after progressive resistance training. Muscle strength (1 repetition maximum) was measured at the same time points. After 6 months of training, morphological analysis revealed evidence of increased proteolysis and tissue repair, and rudimentary fiber development. The percent of Z-bands with mild Z-band disruption increased from 43.9% at baseline to 66.7% after 6 months of training (p < 0.01). Mitochondrial volume also increased (percent of mitochondria = 0.86% at baseline, 1.19% at 6 months, and 1.04% at 12 months, p < 0.05), and there was a shift to larger sized mitochondria. The training did not result in statistically significant increases in muscle leg strength (p < 0.18). It appears that mild Z-band disruption acts as a precursor for increased protein synthesis and stimulates an increase in mitochondrial mass. Therefore, although a progressive resistance training program in this population did not increase muscle strength, it did demonstrate clinical applications that lend support to the importance of resistance training in older adults.