Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Paying the forest for electricity: a modelling framework to market forest conservation as payment for ecosystem services benefiting hydropower generation

SUMMARY The operation and longevity of hydropower dams are often negatively impacted by sedimentation. Forest conservation can reduce soil erosion, and therefore efforts to maintain upstream forest cover within a watershed contribute to the economic life span of a hydropower facility. The cost of forest conservation can be viewed as an investment in hydropower and be financed via a payment for ecosystem services (PES) scheme. A novel modelling framework is used to estimate payments for forest conservation consisting of: (1) land-use change projection; (2) watershed erosion modelling; (3) reservoir sedimentation estimation; (4) power generation loss calculation; and (5) PES scheme design. The framework was applied to a proposed dam in Cambodia (Pursat 1). The estimated net present value of forest conservation was US$ 4.7 million when using average annual climate values over 100 years, or US$ 6.4 million when considering droughts every eight years. This can be remunerated with annual payments of US$ 4.26 ha−1 or US$ 5.78 ha−1, respectively, covering forest protection costs estimated at US$ 0.9 ha−1 yr−1. The application of this type of PES represents a rational option that allows for conservation and development of hydropower watersheds susceptible to erosion and sedimentation.
BMP-7-induced cell cycle arrest of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells via p21(CIP1) and p27(KIP1).

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-7) on thyroid carcinoma cell growth. Addition of BMP-7 inhibited the proliferation of four out of six human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell lines, observed as decreased incorporation of (3)H-thymidine and decreased cell number. The growth inhibitory effect was cell density-dependent; sparse cells were inhibited by BMP-7 whereas dense cells were not. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry showed an increased fraction of cells in the G1-phase and subsequent decrease in both S- and G2/M-phase after BMP-7 stimulation. Furthermore, BMP-7 caused an upregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) p21 and p27, decreased activity of Cdk2 and Cdk6, and hypophosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb). These findings suggest a growth inhibitory effect of BMP-7 on anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells by inhibition of Cdk activity shifting the Rb protein to the hypophosphorylated state.
Ribosomal ITS2 structure in Caryophyllaeus laticeps and Caryophyllaeus brachycollis (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea), parasites of cyprinid fish

SummaryRibosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) structure was studied in monozoic tapeworms Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Pallas, 1781) from freshwater bream Abramis brama (L.) and white-eyed bream Ballerus sapa (Pallas) and Caryophyllaeus brachycollis Janiszewska, 1951 from A. brama and Mediterranean barbel Barbus meridionalis (Risso). Homologous intragenomic ITS2 structure (474 bp) was determined for C. brachycollis from both fish hosts and for C. laticeps from A. brama (486 bp). Contrary to this, divergent intragenomic ITS2 copies (ITS2 paralogues) were detected in C. laticeps from B. sapa. They were mostly induced by different numbers of short repetitive motif (TA)n within the sequences, allowing their assortment into two ITS2 variants (457 and 467 bp). Current data represent first information on ITS2 structure/ITS paralogues in the caryophyllidean family Caryophyllaeidae with focus on their applicability in the molecular taxonomy of the genus Caryophyllaeus.
Association of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors With the Risk for Spontaneous Intracranial Hemorrhage

Importance Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may increase the risk for spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), an effect that is in theory linked to the strength of inhibition of serotonin reuptake of an antidepressant. However, whether antidepressants that are strong inhibitors of serotonin reuptake actually increase the risk for ICH and the effect of concomitant use of antithrombotics are unknown. Objectives To assess the risk for ICH associated with the use of SSRIs compared with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) among new users of antidepressants and according to the relative affinity of the antidepressant for the serotonin transporter and to assess whether concomitant use of antithrombotics modifies this risk. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based cohort study included new users of antidepressants 18 years or older from January 1, 1995, to June 30, 2014. More than 650 general practices in the United Kingdom contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink enrolled patients. with use of a nested case-control approach, each case of a first ICH identified during follow-up was matched with as many as 30 control individuals by age, sex, calendar time, and duration of follow-up. Follow-up was completed on October 31, 2014. Interventions Current use of SSRIs compared with TCAs and strong compared with weak serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Main Outcomes and Measures Incidence rate ratios (RRs) of ICH. Results Among a cohort of 1 363 990 incident users of antidepressants (36.8% male; 63.2% female; mean [SD] age, 47.9 [18.5] years), 3036 cases of ICH were identified during follow-up and matched to 89 702 controls. Current SSRI use was associated with an increased risk for ICH (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.02-1.35) relative to TCAs, highest during the first 30 days of use (RR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.04-1.99), and translating in very few additional events. Similarly, the risk was increased by 25% with strong inhibitors (RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01-1.54) and highest during the first 30 days of use (RR, 1.68; 95% CI, 0.90-3.12). Concomitant use of anticoagulants may increase the risk substantially (RR, 1.73; 95% CI, 0.89-3.39). Conclusions and Relevance The use of SSRIs and more generally of antidepressants with strong inhibition of serotonin reuptake are associated with an increased risk for ICH, particularly in the first 30 days of use and when used concomitantly with oral anticoagulants.
Preliminary validity data on a new matching tool to combat hyperpersonal communication in online dating

Singles often use compatibility tests of unknown validity to minimize the limitations of hyperpersonal communication inherent to online interactions. Thus, we conducted an online study to test a new matching system called MatchMatrix, which operates as an oracle in predicting friendship and lovers compatibility based on an analysis of birth dates. Indices positively correlated with scores on the Relationship Success Scale for unions of less than two years (N = 41), but patterns were essentially reversed for relationships of two years or more (N = 48). Additional research is needed to confirm the underlying theory behind the oracle and whether relationship accommodation is a parsimonious explanation for the disparate results.
A systematic mapping study on experiments with automatic structural test case generation

In the literature there are many empirical studies to evaluate techniques for automatic structural test case generation. However, there isn't a systematic study about the kind of experiments that are conducted to automate the process. The main objective of this paper is the classification and thematic analysis of the experiments reported in the literature to increase the efficacy and efficiency of the automation of structural testing and a classification of the techniques for generating test data. The methodology is a systematic mapping study. The results indicate that the experiments are mainly focused in three areas (test data generation, reduction of test suites and techniques for dealing with complex structures of programs), and that there are different combined approaches to make the generation more effective and efficient.
Paleolimnology and resurrection ecology: The future of reconstructing the past

Paleolimnologists have utilized lake sediment records to understand historical lake and landscape development, timing and magnitude of environmental change at lake, watershed, regional and global scales, and as historical datasets to target watershed and lake management. Resurrection ecologists have long recognized lake sediments as sources of viable propagules (“seed or egg banks”) with which to explore questions of community ecology, ecological response, and evolutionary ecology. Most researchers consider Daphnia as the primary model organism in these efforts, but many other aquatic biota, from viruses to macrophytes, similarly produce viable propagules that are incorporated in the sediment record but have been underutilized in resurrection ecology. The common goals shared by these two disciplines have led to mutualistic and synergistic collaborations—a development that must be encouraged to expand. We give an overview of the achievements of paleolimnology and the reconstruction of environmental history of lakes, review the untapped diversity of aquatic organisms that produce dormant propagules, compare Daphnia as a model of resurrection ecology with other organisms amenable to resurrection studies, especially diatoms, and consider new research directions that represent the nexus of these two fields.
Financial Arbitrage and Efficient Dispatch in Wholesale Electricity Markets

Virtual bidding is a type of transaction introduced into wholesale electricity markets to improve competition and pricing. This paper analyzes the theory behind virtual bidding and describes circumstances under which it does not work as advertised. The case for virtual bidding is predicated on an oversimplified model of the multi-settlement market design. The complexity of the unit commitment and optimal power flow problems forces the actual market algorithms to make compromises with the theoretical model. These compromises create situations in which virtual bidders can profit without improving system performance. Indeed, in these situations, virtual bidding can add real costs to system operation. The paper illustrates this with a specific case study of virtual bidding in California, and with a matching numerical illustration. The paper explains the general nature of the problem with experiences in other regions and other situations. The fault with virtual bidding identified in this paper needs to be incorporated into any assessment of the costs and benefits of virtual bidding.
Interaction of nuclear factors with the upstream region of the alpha‐subunit gene of chicken muscle acetylcholine receptor: variations with muscle differentiation and denervation.

The region lying between nucleotides (nt) −110 and −45 of chicken acetylcholine receptor alpha‐subunit gene 5′ upstream sequence confers developmental control of expression in primary cultures of chicken myotubes. This region interacts with several nuclear factors present in muscle cells as shown by DNase I footprinting and gel‐retardation experiments. An Sp1‐like factor and a guanine stretch‐binding protein were found to bind to overlapping sites immediately upstream of the TATA box. Several factors interacting in the same region with a domain similar to the SV40 enhancer core appeared during in vitro differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes. The concentration of some of these factors increased also after denervation of leg muscle in newborn chickens. The specific interaction of nuclear factors with this domain may thus play a critical role in the regulation of alpha‐subunit gene expression by muscle differentiation and electrical activity.
Bacteriophage adenine methyltransferase: a life cycle regulator? Modelled using Vibrio harveyi myovirus like

The adenine methyltransferase (DAM) gene methylates GATC sequences that have been demonstrated in various bacteria to be a powerful gene regulator functioning as an epigenetic switch, particularly with virulence gene regulation. However, overproduction of DAM can lead to mutations, giving rise to variability that may be important for adaptation to environmental change. While most bacterial hosts carry a DAM gene, not all bacteriophage carry this gene. Currently, there is no literature regarding the role DAM plays in life cycle regulation of bacteriophage. Vibrio campbellii strain 642 carries the bacteriophage Vibrio harveyi myovirus like (VHML) that has been proven to increase virulence. The complete genome sequence of VHML bacteriophage revealed a putative adenine methyltransferase gene. Using VHML, a new model of phage life cycle regulation, where DAM plays a central role between the lysogenic and lytic states, will be hypothesized. In short, DAM methylates the rha antirepressor gene and once methylation is removed, homologous CI repressor protein becomes repressed and non‐functional leading to the switching to the lytic cycle. Greater understanding of life cycle regulation at the genetic level can, in the future, lead to the genesis of chimeric bacteriophage with greater control over their life cycle for their safe use as probiotics within the aquaculture industry.
An Integrated Dual-Band PIFA for DVB-T and WiMAX Applications

A compact dual-band planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) working in the DVB-T (470-862 MHz) and WiMAX (3300-3800 MHz) frequency bands is presented. The antenna is designed to be integrated in a monitor-equipped device, like a television (TV) set, and meets strict space requirements. The final design fits a volume of 225 × 31× 20 mm3 (L×W ×H). It is composed of a series of branches, properly dimensioned and separated to generate the required resonances. A prototype has been realized with a 0.4-mm-thick aluminum foil, properly cut and folded. Results are shown in terms of reflection coefficient, radiation patterns, and gain. The antenna shows a reflection coefficient less then -6 and -10 dB, and a gain between 2.7 and 4.8 dBi and approximately equal to 3.7 dBi, in the DVB-T and WiMAX bands, respectively.
Homopolar and bipolar hybrid excitation synchronous machines

This paper presents a description and operating principle of different hybrid excitation synchronous machines. Four prototype machines of different power rating (3 kW and 15 kW) have been studied. These machines combine two flux sources: permanent magnets, located in the rotor, and field coils, located in the stator. Thanks to this particular configuration the air gap flux can be easily controlled, without any risk of magnets demagnetisation. Tests are performed on the prototype machines to asses their flux weakening capability. Three of prototype machines are modular and can be assembled to have a homopolar or a bipolar configuration. These two configurations are compared using experimental measurements. The advantages and drawbacks of each configuration are described
Volatile anesthetic for the control of posthypoxic refractory myoclonic status

Posthypoxic myoclonus (Lance–Adams syndrome) is characterized by myoclonus involving multiple muscle groups which is resistant to most conventional antiepileptic drugs. We present a case of hypoxic brain injury-induced myoclonic status epilepticus successfully controlled with isoflurane. The antimyoclonic effects of isoflurane are likely due to potentiation of inhibitory postsynaptic GABAA receptor–mediated currents and its effects on thalamocortical pathways. It is effective even when intravenous agents fail to control myoclonus. It may be a useful alternative to intravenous anesthetics as a third tier therapy in patients with refractory status myoclonus.
Modulation of Neural Variability in Premotor, Motor, and Posterior Parietal Cortex during Change of Motor Intention

The time course of neural variability was studied in three nodes of the parieto-frontal system: the dorsal premotor cortex (PMd, area 6), primary motor cortex (MI, area 4), and posterior parietal cortex (PPC, area 5) while monkeys made either direct reaches to visual targets or changed reach direction in response to an unexpected change of target location. These areas are crucial nodes in the distributed control of reaching and their lesion impairs trajectory formation and correction under different circumstances. During unperturbed reaches, neural variability declined before the onset of hand movement in both frontal and parietal cortex. When the original motor intention suddenly changed, neural variability displayed a complex and area-specific modulation because the perturbation of the motor state was signaled earlier in PMd than in MI and PPC. The comparison of perturbed versus unperturbed reaches revealed that, in the time between the onset of correction signal and trajectory change, identical hand movements were associated with different, therefore context-dependent, patterns of neural variability induced by the instruction to change hand movement direction. In PMd, neural variability was higher before the initiation of hand reach than before its correction, thus providing a neural underpinning to the phenomenon that it takes less time to correct than to initiate hand movement. Furthermore, neural variability was an excellent predictor of slow and fast reach corrections because it was lower during the latter than the former. We conclude that the analysis of neural variability can be an important tool for the study of complex forms of motor cognition. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT No single study has been performed on neural variability during update of motor intention across monkey premotor, motor, and posterior parietal cortex. In perturbed reaches, target location changed unexpectedly during reaction time and the correction of hand trajectory required updating the original motor plan. Comparing unperturbed versus perturbed reaches revealed that neural variability displayed a complex context- and area-dependent pattern of modulation because, before trajectory correction, similar initial hand movements were associated with different patterns of variability depending on the instruction signal, and therefore on the future hand path and final destination. Furthermore, neural variability predicted both slow and fast hand movement corrections, also offering a neural underpinning to the phenomenon that it takes less time to correct than to initiate hand movement.
Active and passive L-band microwave remote sensing for soil moisture — A test-bed for SMAP fusion algorithms

The objective of the NASA Soil Moisture Active & Passive (SMAP) mission is to provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. The SMAP measurement approach is to integrate L-band radar and radiometer as a single observation system combining the respective strengths of active and passive remote sensing for enhanced soil moisture mapping. Airborne instruments will be a key part of the SMAP validation program. Here, we present an airborne campaign in the Rur catchment, Germany, in which the passive L-band system Polarimetric L-band Multi-beam Radiometer (PLMR2) and the active L-band system DLR F-SAR were flown on six dates in 2013. The flights covered the full heterogeneity of the area under investigation, i.e. all types of land cover and experimental monitoring sites. The obtained data sets are used as a test-bed for the analysis of existing and development of new active-passive fusion techniques.
Generic model abstraction from examples

The recognition community has long avoided bridging the representational gap between traditional, low-level image features and generic models. Instead, the gap has been artificially eliminated by either bringing the image closer to the models, using simple scenes containing idealized, textureless objects,,or by bringing the models closer to the images, using 3-D CAD model templates or 2-D appearance model templates. In this paper, we attempt to bridge the representational gap for the domain of model acquisition. Specifically, we address the problem of automatically acquiring a generic 2-D view-based class model from a set of images, each containing an exemplar object belonging to that class. We introduce a novel graph-theoretical formulation of the problem, and demonstrate the approach on real imagery.
Power models, energy models and libraries for energy-efficient concurrent data structures and algorithms

This deliverable reports the results of the power models, energy models and libraries for energy-efficient concurrent data structures and algorithms as available by project month 30 of Work Package 2 (WP2). It reports i) the latest results of Task 2.2-2.4 on providing programming abstractions and libraries for developing energy-efficient data structures and algorithms and ii) the improved results of Task 2.1 on investigating and modeling the trade-off between energy and performance of concurrent data structures and algorithms. The work has been conducted on two main EXCESS platforms: Intel platforms with recent Intel multicore CPUs and Movidius Myriad platforms.
Algorithmes de recherche exhaustif et guidé pour la recommandation d'un expert dans un réseau professionnel

Nous présentons dans cet article un système de recommandation de talents dans un réseau social professionnel. Le réseau est composé d’un ensemble de personnes ayant des liens professionnels. Selon la demande d’un acteur d’origine x, le système doit proposer (recommander) un ou plusieurs acteurs Z répondant au mieux que possible aux critères demandés (exemple : recherche d’une personne ayant des compétences données pour un poste, etc. ). Nous proposons un algorithme de recommandation qui utilise les trois types d’information suivants : – L’information stockée sur la personne (l’acteur ou le nœud du graphe) d’une façon décentralisée au niveau de chaque nœud. Cette connaissance peut être représentée en utilisant une ontologies décrivant les profils utilisateurs. – L’information décrite par la structure du réseau même. Autrement dit, en explorant les liens partants de l’acteur origine x et en utilisant des algorithmes d’exploration de graphe comme les chemins les moins coûteux, nous pouvons délimiter le champ de recherche de l’ensemble Z (Zhang et Ackerman (2005); Campbell et al. (2003); Adamic et al. (2003); Zhang et al. (2007)). Notre contribution consiste à utiliser l’arbre couvrant du graphe. – L’information stockée dans les mesures liées aux acteurs intermédiaires passant par les chemins retenus (Newman (2003, 2004); Grossman (2002); Freeman (1979); Everett et Borgatti (1999)). Cette heuristique donne plus d’importance aux chemins ayant des acteurs plus prestigieux.
Provocation of Postural Hypotension by Insulin in Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy

The effect of insulin administration on blood pressure has been investigated in eight diabetes with autonomic neuropathy. Systolic and diastolic pressures fell considerably after insulin in all of them. This effect was aggravated by tilting to the vertical position. Five patients fainted when upright with systolic blood pressures less 50 mm. Hg. This hypotensive effect of insulin occurs whether it is administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously. The onset of the effect is almost immediate after intravenous insulin, is progressive, and may last for several hours. It coincides with a falling blood glucose level and occurs before hypoglycemic levels are reached, and it may be present when the blood glucose level is still elevated. Diurnal variations of postural hypotension have been recorded in some patients, the standing blood pressure falling with the onset of insulin action and rising again as the latter declines. Some of our patients were unable to differentiate between symptoms of hypoglycemia and hypotension. Postural hypotension may account for some episodes of sudden loss of consciousness without warning, usually attributed to hypoglycemia.
Consequences of monocular deprivation on visual behaviour in kittens

1. Kittens were raised for a period with one of their eyes closed by suture of the lids. The age at suture and the duration of deprivation were varied systematically. When the cat was a year or more old, the normal and deprived eyes were compared using behavioural procedures which made graded demands on visual function.