Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TESTING FOR WEAK SEPARABILITY USING STOCHASTIC SEMI-NONPARAMETRIC TESTS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON US DATA

In this paper, we use the weak separability criterion to check for the existence of six different monetary aggregates reported by the Center of Financial Stability (CFS). We implement an extended version of the semi-nonparametric tests introduced by Barnett and de Peretti on US monthly data from January 1967 to December 2012. The test, first, checks for the necessary existence conditions of an overall utility function and a monetary subutility function, and then tests for the separability of the latter. On different subsamples, our results suggest that only the DM1 aggregate meets the separability criterion. Implemented on macroeconomic data, we have tested a joint assumption about separability and the existence of a representative agent. Thus, the rejection of the null could also be due to the rejection of stringent Gorman's conditions. More advanced tests for weak separability are clearly required to confirm the results found in this paper.
Transdermal Rivastigmine Delivery for Alzheimer Disease: Amenability of Exposure Predictions of Rivastigmine and Metabolite, NAP226-90, by Linear Regression Model Using Limited Samples

PurposeAlthough an optimized delivery of rivastigmine for management of Alzhiemer disease (AD) is provided by the transdermal patch, it is critical to establish a limited sampling strategy for the measurement of exposure of rivastigmine/NAP226-90. MethodsThe relationship Cmax versus AUC0–24h for rivastigmine/NAP226-90 was established by regression models. The derived regression equations enabled the prediction AUC0–24h for rivastigmine and NAP226-90. Models were evaluated using statistical criteria. Mixed model was used to predict AUC0–24h for rivastigmine/NAP226-90 from time points such as 8 (C8h), 12 (C12h), and 18 (C18h) hours. ResultsExcellent correlation was established for between Cmax and AUC0–24h for rivastigmine and NAP226-90. AUC0–24h predictions of either rivastigmine or NAP226-90 were within 0.8- to 1.25-fold difference. The RMSE in the AUC0–24h predictions ranged from 17.6% to 21.9%, and the R2 for prediction were greater than 0.96 for both rivastigmine and NAP226-90. Use of mixed model for C8h, C12h, and C18h resulted in AUC0–24h within 1.5-fold difference for rivastigmine or NAP226-90. ConclusionsCmax of rivastigmine and NAP226-90 was highly correlated with the corresponding AUC0–24h values confirming the role of a time point closer to Cmax for an effective AUC measurement of rivastigmine or the metabolite.
Increases in guanylin and uroguanylin in a mouse model of osmotic diarrhea are guanylate cyclase C-independent.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Guanylin and uroguanylin are peptide hormones that are homologous to the diarrhea-causing Escherichia coli enterotoxins. These secretagogues are released from the intestinal epithelia into the intestinal lumen and systemic circulation and bind to the receptor guanylate cyclase C (GC-C). We hypothesized that a hypertonic diet would result in osmotic diarrhea and cause a compensatory down-regulation of guanylin/uroguanylin. METHODS Gut-to-carcass weights were used to measure fluid accumulation in the intestine. Northern and/or Western analysis was used to determine the levels of guanylin, uroguanylin, and GC-C in mice with osmotic diarrhea. RESULTS Wild-type mice fed a polyethylene glycol or lactose-based diet developed weight loss, diarrhea, and an increased gut-to-carcass ratio. Unexpectedly, 2 days on either diet resulted in increased guanylin/uroguanylin RNA and prohormone throughout the intestine, elevated uroguanylin RNA, and prohormone levels in the kidney and increased levels of circulating prouroguanylin. GC-C-deficient mice given the lactose diet reacted with higher gut-to-carcass ratios. Although they did not develop diarrhea, GC-C-sufficient and -deficient mice on the lactose diet responded with elevated levels of guanylin and uroguanylin RNA and protein. A polyethylene glycol drinking water solution resulted in diarrhea, higher gut-to-carcass ratios, and induction of guanylin and uroguanylin in both GC-C heterozygous and null animals. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that this model of osmotic diarrhea results in a GC-C-independent increase in intestinal fluid accumulation, in levels of these peptide ligands in the epithelia of the intestine, and in prouroguanylin in the kidney and blood.
Effects of Inhaled Nitric Oxide on Pulmonary Edema and Lung Neutrophil Accumulation in Severe Experimental Hyaline Membrane Disease

To determine the effects of inhaled NO (iNO) on pulmonary edema and lung inflammation in experimental hyaline membrane disease (HMD), we measured the effects of iNO on pulmonary hemodynamics, gas exchange, pulmonary edema, and lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in extremely premature lambs (115 d of gestation, 0.78 term). In protocol 1, we measured the effects of iNO (20 ppm) on lung vascular endothelial permeability to 125I-labeled albumin(indexed to blood volume using 57Cr-tagged red blood cells) during 1 h(n = 10) and 3 h (n = 14) of conventional mechanical ventilation with Fio2 = 1.00. In comparison with controls, iNO improved pulmonary hemodynamics and gas exchange, but did not alter lung weight-to-dry weight ratio or vascular permeability to albumin after 1 or 3 h of mechanical ventilation. To determine whether low dose iNO (5 ppm) would decrease lung neutrophil accumulation in severe HMD, we measured lung MPO activity after 4 h of mechanical ventilation with or without iNO (protocol 2). Low dose iNO improved gas exchange during 4 h of mechanical ventilation (Pao2 at 4 h: 119 ± 35 mm Hg iNO versus 41 ± 7 mm Hg control,p < 0.05), and reduced MPO activity by 79% (p < 0.05). We conclude that low dose iNO increases pulmonary blood flow, without worsening pulmonary edema, and decreases lung neutrophil accumulation in severe experimental HMD. We speculate that in addition to its hemodynamic effects, low dose iNO decreases early neutrophil recruitment and may attenuate lung injury in severe HMD.
Ageing with HIV: medication use and risk for potential drug-drug interactions.

OBJECTIVES To compare the use of co-medication, the potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs) and the effect on antiretroviral therapy (ART) tolerability and efficacy in HIV-infected individuals according to age, ≥ 50 years or <50 years. METHODS All ART-treated participants were prospectively included once during a follow-up visit of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. Information on any current medication was obtained by participant self-report and medical prescription history. The complete treatment was subsequently screened for PDDIs using a customized version of the Liverpool drug interaction database. RESULTS Drug prescriptions were analysed for 1497 HIV-infected individuals: 477 age ≥ 50 and 1020 age <50. Older patients were more likely to receive one or more co-medications compared with younger patients (82% versus 61%; P < 0.001) and thus had more frequent PDDIs (51% versus 35%; P < 0.001). Furthermore, older patients tended to use a higher number of co-medications and certain therapeutic drug classes more often, such as cardiovascular drugs (53% versus 19%; P < 0.001), gastrointestinal medications (10% versus 6%; P = 0.004) and hormonal agents (6% versus 3%; P = 0.04). PDDIs with ART occurred mainly with cardiovascular drugs (27%), CNS agents (22%) and methadone (6%) in older patients and with CNS agents (27%), methadone (15%) and cardiovascular drugs (11%) in younger patients. The response to ART did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS The risk for PDDIs with ART increased in older patients who take more drugs than their younger HIV-infected counterparts. However, medication use in older and younger patients did not differ in terms of effect on antiretroviral tolerability and response.
An Automated Anti-Pornography System using a Skin Detector Based on Artificial Intelligence: a Review

Unprecedented advances in Internet technologies with multimedia capabilities have enabled pornography and adult content to be widely and freely distributed as easy as a click of a mouse through various means such as YouTube, Facebook, and Tags. Protecting children from unnecessary exposure to adult content has, therefore, become a serious problem in the real world. In particular, the considerable perversion in pornography and the exposure of children and the society to such perversions leads to moral decay. Constructing an appropriate filter for pornographic images is a major concern in modern society; however, this area poses challenges. This study aims to shed light on a content-based technique that employs an anti-pornography machine and to encourage researchers to study this adult image filtering technique. In this study, we discuss models of skin detection and their advantages and disadvantages in real life. We also elaborate on the pornographic image classifier using a feature extraction process and its classification process, along with the possible difficulties it may present. This study also analyzes anti-pornography techniques based on skin detection and discusses their strengths and weaknesses.
Optimal designs for wireless resonant energy link with voltage and impedance converters

The optimal designs are investigated for a wireless resonant energy link (WREL) based on a nonradiative magnetic field. Differing from conventional analyses, converters of voltage and impedance are assumed to be included on the transmitter and receiver side of the system, respectively. As a result, the optimal designs are obtained for the maximum transmission efficiency with the specified supply voltage and receiver impedance. In addition, it is found that a parallel capacitance is necessary to the load resistance that adjusts the system performance to the maximum.
Transient and transgenic analysis of the zebrafish ventricular myosin heavy chain (vmhc) promoter: An inhibitory mechanism of ventricle‐specific gene expression

The zebrafish ventricular myosin heavy chain (vmhc) gene exhibits restricted expression in the ventricle. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this chamber‐specific expression is unclear. Here, we exploited both transient and transgenic technologies to dissect the zebrafish vmhc promoter. We demonstrated that a combination of two transient assays in this animal model quickly identified chamber‐specific cis‐elements, isolating a 2.2 kb fragment upstream from the vmhc gene that can drive ventricle‐specific expression. Furthermore, deletion analysis identified multiple cis‐elements that exhibited cardiac‐specific expression. To achieve chamber specificity, a distal element was required to coordinate with and suppress a proximal enhancer element. Finally, we discovered that Nkx2.5‐binding sites (NKE) were essential for this repressive function. In summary, our study of the zebrafish vmhc promoter suggests that ventricle‐specific expression is achieved through an inhibitory mechanism that suppresses expression in the atrium. Developmental Dynamics 238:1564–1573, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Moving horizon estimation for induction motors

In this paper we present a systematic model based approach to state and parameter estimation for the induction machine. We use moving horizon estimation (MHE), an optimization based scheme that yields excellent performance and can be used with aggressive controllers such as model predictive controllers. The past measurements within a given horizon are combined with an a priori estimate based on the induction machine model. Under mild assumptions, this yields a maximum-likelihood estimate of the states and parameters over the horizon. The resulting optimization problem is solved using the Generalized Gauss-Newton method. A real-time iteration approach can be used to significantly reduce execution and response times. Simulation results indicate superior performance of MHE over established methods such as model reference adaptive system (MRAS) or Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). Real-time feasibility of the proposed approach up to 3.5 kHz sampling rate is demonstrated by experiments on a state-of-the-art embedded control platform.
The rad16 gene of Schizosaccharomyces pombe: a homolog of the RAD1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The rad10, rad16, rad20, and swi9 mutants of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, isolated by their radiation sensitivity or abnormal mating-type switching, have been shown previously to be allelic. We have cloned DNA correcting the UV sensitivity or mating-type switching phenotype of these mutants and shown that the correcting DNA is encompassed in a single open reading frame. The gene, which we will refer to as rad16, is approximately 3 kb in length, contains seven introns, and encodes a protein of 892 amino acids. It is not essential for viability of S. pombe. The predicted protein is the homolog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAD1 protein, which is involved in an early step in excision-repair of UV damage from DNA. The approximately 30% sequence identity between the predicted proteins from the two yeasts is distributed throughout the protein. Two-hybrid experiments indicate a strong protein-protein interaction between the products of the rad16 and swi10 genes of S. pombe, which mirrors that reported for RAD1 and RAD10 in S. cerevisiae. We have identified the mutations in the four alleles of rad16. They mapped to the N-terminal (rad10), central (rad20), and C-terminal (rad16 and swi9) regions. The rad10 and rad20 mutations are in the splice donor sequences of introns 2 and 4, respectively. The plasmid correcting the UV sensitivity of the rad20 mutation was missing the sequence corresponding to the 335 N-terminal amino acids of the predicted protein. Neither smaller nor larger truncations were, however, able to correct its UV sensitivity.
A wavelet based targets detection method for high resolution airborne SAR data

A wavelet based automatic targets detection method for high resolution airborne SAR data is described in this article to receive faster and more accuracy detection. This method is based on the assumption that man-made objects are easily detectable at low resolution because their scattering is more persistent than that of natural objects. The algorithm involves an improved wavelet soft threshold filter (IWSTF) and a wavelet based RCCFAR detector. In order to retain the target feature, the wavelet soft threshold filter is improved by the strategy used in the enhanced Lee filter. Instead of using a global threshold, we adopted an adaptive threshold calculated according to the detail coefficients in each scale. To accelerate the RCCFAR detector, two RCCFAR detectors are used. One is first applied to the approximate coefficients to make a coarse detection. The other one is applied to the filtered images in those regions which are regarded as candidate targets. Performance of the algorithm is assessed by some high resolution airborne SAR image and it shows that the algorithm can effectively reduce false alarms caused by speckles.
Cloud Computing: The Fifth Generation of Computing

Cloud Computing is the emerging buzzword in Information Technology. It is growing day by day due to its rich features of services. It is a virtual pool of resources which are provided to the users through Internet. Cloud computing is a new flavor of computing where our trend of using Internet changes. It is the future of Internet. It is also called as fifth generation of computing after Mainframe, Personal Computer, Client-Server Computing, and the Web. Nowadays, various Internet services are available in distributed manner. To use these services in a feasible manner is a big question because sometimes many resources become idle, they are costly and increase the budget of organization. This is the great matter of concern, especially when the world is facing financial crisis. Cloud Computing can be the answer of these questions. In this paper, we have analyzed and highlighted the various aspects of Cloud Computing to find the actuality of the fifth generation computing in the form of cloud computing.
Synergistic effects of a calcium ionophore and activators of protein kinase C on epithelial paracellular permeability.

Oxidants reversibly increase the paracellular permeability of Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cell monolayers, and the decrease in resistance occurs within 10 to 15 min of initiating oxidant exposure. Oxidants also initiate hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol in MDCK cells, with resultant increases in diacylglycerol and inositol phosphates. Phorbol esters and synthetic diacylglycerols increase the paracellular permeability of MDCK monolayers with a time course similar to the oxidants. In contrast, calcium ionophores increase MDCK monolayer paracellular permeability only after 2 to 3 h of exposure. Because the products of the oxidant-initiated phospholipid hydrolysis would be likely to both activate protein kinase C and increase cell calcium, we asked if ionomycin, a calcium ionophore, and phorbol esters or diacylglycerols, activators of protein kinase C, might not act in concert to alter MDCK monolayer paracellular permeability. When ionomycin was added alone to MDCK monolayers, there was an increase in cell calcium, activation of a lumen negative current, a limited transitory decrease in transepithelial resistance, but no increase in mannitol flux across the monolayers. When phorbol dibutyrate (PDBU) or oleyl acetyl glycerol (OAG) were added to MDCK monolayers, there was no current activated, there was a progressive decrease in transepithelial resistance, and there was an increase in mannitol flux across the monolayers which was evident within 20 to 40 min of adding the agent. When 1 microM ionomycin was added to the monolayers along with PDBU or OAG, there was a synergistic increase in paracellular permeability of the monolayers when compared to addition of ionomycin, PDBU, or OAG alone. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Online version of the food allergy quality of life questionnaire–adult form: validity, feasibility and cross‐cultural comparison

Cite this as: N. J. Goossens, B. M. J. Flokstra‐de Blok, B. J. Vlieg‐Boerstra, E. J. Duiverman, C. C. Weiss, T. J. Furlong and A. E. J. Dubois, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 574–581.
[Male mortality in three Brazilian state capitals, 1979-2007].

INTRODUCTION In Brazil, there is a higher male mortality in almost all ages and causes. The objective is to estimate and describe the trend in male mortality, between 1979/2007, in three State Capitals (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre). METHODS The study populations refer to the residents in the three cities, in 1979/1981, 1990/1992, 1999/2001 and 2005/2007, and their deaths. The data source was Health Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Overall (crude/standardized) and specific mortality coefficients were calculated. RESULTS Up to 24 years, men predominate in the population; after, it has been observed higher female participation and gender ratios ever lower. This fact is associated with high male mortality and the intense involvement of young men with external causes. Throughout the series, these causes were responsible for large risk estimates of male death. In 2005/2007, this group was the leading cause of death in men until the age 40-44 years. In the following age groups, deaths by circulatory system diseases are the main cause. CONCLUSION These capitals show features of a developing city, with reduced fertility, increased longevity and consequent trend to an aging population. Estimates of the men high risk of dying make clear their vulnerability. The intensity with these events occur demand actions that will reduce the mortality rates of preventable diseases and the men's risky behaviors. It is necessary that men adopt healthier lifestyles habits, thus increasing life expectancy and reducing the gender differences in mortalities.
The Effect of Cognitive Distraction on Saccadic Latency

Saccadic initiation is increasingly being studied as a surrogate for more general neural mechanisms of decision-making. Visual ‘decision-making’ is thought to be controlled by higher cortical functions. Lower areas such as the superior colliculus are thought to be involved with more primitive optomotor reflexes that can generate short-latency saccades. It is now well established that imposition of fronto-executive load on subjects performing a saccadic task which, in particular, involves suppression of saccades (the no-go saccadic task), increases the number of errors made. It is theorised that a weakening of cortical control of the superior colliculus is responsible for the increase in error rate. One way to test this theory is to measure the latency of incorrect saccades made in a no-go saccadic task in relation to error rate under different conditions of fronto-executive load. A high error rate combined with an increased number of short-latency saccades in the range of express or early saccades would indicate that subjects have an inability to inhibit these short-latency more reflexive saccades, which seem to originate in the superior colliculus. Hence the normal cortical control of the superior colliculus is weakened. We used a saccadic go/no-go task under fronto-executive load and found that the proportion of short-latency saccades increased with audio-verbal interference, in conjunction with an increase in error rate. These findings provide strong empirical evidence to support the theory that maintenance of cortical functions is key to the control of saccadic responses. Under conditions of fronto-executive loading such cortical control is weakened, leaving subjects with a reduced ability to inhibit short-latency more reflexive saccades.
Nanocarrier-based topical drug delivery for the treatment of skin diseases

Introduction: Skin disorders will continue to cause complications in patients. At present, there is an expansion of research into dermatologic treatment due to a critical need for new treatment options to treat skin diseases. Areas covered: The skin itself provides a natural barrier against particle penetration for topical delivery. However, it also offers a potential approach for the delivery of therapeutics, especially in diseased skin and via the openings of hair follicles. Recent innovation might be achieved in the field of dermatological treatment with improvement in the dermal localization of bioactives into the affected skin region, via novel nanocarriers that deliver the drugs directly to the target cells. After application, these nanocarriers can penetrate through the stratum corneum into viable skin and accumulate at the target site. However, noteworthy uptake does occur after damage and in certain diseased skin. Expert opinion: Skin-targeted topical delivery by means of nanosystems, in order to produce sustained release and maintain a localized effect, will result in an effective treatment of various life-threatening dermatological conditions. In addition, research continues into the interactions between novel particles, skin and skin lipid, and the influence of particle composition on drug distribution within the skin strata.