Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Skalierungseffekte in der Aeroakustik von Hochgeschwindigkeitszügen

This study focuses on the dependence of high-speed train aeroacoustic sound sources on the Mach and Reynolds numbers. Wind tunnel studies using a microphone array were carried out on 1 : 25 scale-models of the Inter City Express 3 (ICE3) and the Next Generation Train 2 (NGT2). The experimental investigations were performed at the Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel Brunswick (AWB) and the Cryogenic Wind Tunnel Cologne (DNW-KKK). The AWB provides nearly perfect acoustical conditions; the DNW-KKK allows measurements at higher Reynolds numbers. In addition, the DNW-KKK enables the Mach and Reynolds numbers to be varied independently which is very valuable for analyzing the aeroacoustic scaling without changing the size of the model. The aerodynamic investigations reveal a realistic flow field at the first bogie using a Splitter plate or a Ground board. Two different types of sound source were identified for the ICE3 at a Reynolds number of Re ≤ 0.46× 106 at the AWB. For frequencies of f < 5 kHz the aeroacoustic noise from the bogie section dominates. The observed frequencies of this broadband source do not scale with the flow velocity. The pantograph dominants for f ≥ 5 kHz with an Aeolian tone characteristic. Additional measurements have been conducted at the DNW-KKK for higher Reynolds numbers ofRe ≤ 3.70× 106. The Ground board was a strong aeroacoustic source which disturbs the measurements. The BiClean algorithm can improve the quality of results. However, the achievable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is severely limited. The data is therefore discussed in terms of 1/3 -octave bands. The lessons learned were useful for another wind tunnel testing in the DNW-KKK on the NGT2, comprising an image setup. LaserDoppler anemometry flow field investigations between the two models disclose a realistic flow field at the first bogie. However, even the image setup is not able to induce realistic underfloor-flow further downstream. The SNR is significantly higher during this experiments, which enables a narrowband representation of the results. The acoustic spectra of the first bogie contain strong tones, which are sensitive to variations in the Machand Reynolds number. Also the broadband sound at higher frequencies is affected by these dimensionless quantities. As in the previous experiments, the power law exponent does not show a systematic Reynolds number dependence.
Environmental proteomics and metallomics

Monitoring environmental pollution using biomarkers requires detailed knowledge about the markers, and many only allow a partial assessment of pollution. New proteomic methods (environmental proteomics) can identify proteins that, after validation, might be useful as alternative biomarkers, although this approach also has its limitations, derived mainly from their application to non‐model organisms. Initial studies using environmental proteomics were carried out in animals exposed to model pollutants, and led to the concept of protein expression signatures. Experiments have been carried out in model organisms (yeast, Arabidopsis, rat cells, or mice) exposed to model contaminants. Over the last few years, proteomics has been applied to organisms from ecosystems with different pollution levels, forming the basis of an environmental branch in proteomics. Another focus is connected with the presence of metals bound to biomolecules, which adds an additional dimension to metal‐biomolecule and metalloprotein characterization – the field of metallomics. The metallomic approach considers the metallome: a whole individual metal or metalloid species within a cell or tissue. A metallomic analytical approach (MAA) is proposed as a new tool to study and identify metalloproteins.
The RAG 1 Homeodomain Recruits HMG 1 and HMG 2 To Facilitate Recombination Signal Sequence Binding and To Enhance the Intrinsic DNA-Bending Activity of RAG 1-RAG 2

V(D)J recombination is initiated by the specific binding of the RAG1-RAG2 (RAG1/2) complex to the heptamer-nonamer recombination signal sequences (RSS). Several steps of the V(D)J recombination reaction can be reconstituted in vitro with only RAG1/2 plus the high-mobility-group protein HMG1 or HMG2. Here we show that the RAG1 homeodomain directly interacts with both HMG boxes of HMG1 and HMG2 (HMG1,2). This interaction facilitates the binding of RAG1/2 to the RSS, mainly by promoting high-affinity binding to the nonamer motif. Using circular-permutation assays, we found that the RAG1/2 complex bends the RSS DNA between the heptamer and nonamer motifs. HMG1,2 significantly enhance the binding and bending of the 23RSS but are not essential for the formation of a bent DNA intermediate on the 12RSS. A transient increase of HMG1,2 concentration in transfected cells increases the production of the final V(D)J recombinants in vivo.
Presynaptic plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase isoform 2a regulates excitatory synaptic transmission in rat hippocampal CA3

Plasma membrane calcium ATPase isoforms (PMCAs) are expressed in a wide variety of tissues where cell‐specific expression provides ample opportunity for functional diversity amongst these transporters. The PMCAs use energy derived from ATP to extrude submicromolar concentrations of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) out of the cell. Their high affinity for Ca2+ and the speed with which they remove [Ca2+]i depends upon splicing at their carboxy (C)‐terminal site. Here we provide biochemical and functional evidence that a brain‐specific, C‐terminal truncated and therefore fast variant of PMCA2, PMCA2a, has a role at hippocampal CA3 synapses. PMCA2a was enriched in forebrain synaptosomes, and in hippocampal CA3 it colocalized with the presynaptic marker proteins synaptophysin and the vesicular glutamate transporter 1, but not with the postsynaptic density protein PSD‐95. PMCA2a also did not colocalize with glutamic acid decarboxylase‐65, a marker of GABA‐ergic terminals, although it did localize to a small extent with parvalbumin‐positive presumed inhibitory terminals. Pharmacological inhibition of PMCA increased the frequency but not the amplitude of mEPSCs with little effect on mIPSCs or paired‐pulse depression of evoked IPSCs. However, inhibition of PMCA activity did enhance the amplitude and slowed the recovery of paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF) of evoked EPSCs. These results indicated that fast PMCA2a‐mediated clearance of [Ca2+]i from presynaptic excitatory terminals regulated excitatory synaptic transmission within hippocampal CA3.
Differential Modulation of Uncoupling Protein 2 in Kidneys of Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Under High-Salt/Low-Potassium Diet

The stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRsp) represents an animal model of increased susceptibility to high-salt diet–induced cerebral and renal vascular injuries. High blood pressure and genetic factors are viewed as major contributing factors. In high-salt–loaded SHRsp and stroke-resistant SHR animals, we determined blood pressure levels, degree of kidney lesions, renal uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) gene and protein expression levels along with rattus norvegicus (rno)-microRNA (miR) 24 and 34a gene expression, nuclear factor-&kgr;B protein levels, and oxidative stress. In vitro, UCP2 gene silencing was performed in renal mesangial cells. We found more severe degree of renal damage in SHRsp at the end of 4-week high-salt dietary treatment as compared with stroke-resistant SHR, despite comparable blood pressure levels, along with increased rate of inflammation and oxidative stress. Kidney UCP2 gene and protein expression levels were significantly downregulated under high-salt diet in SHRsp, but not in stroke-resistant SHR. Differential UCP2 regulation was paralleled by differential expression of kidney rno-miR 24 and 34a, known to target UCP2 gene, in the 2 strains. UCP2 gene silencing in renal mesangial cells led to increased rate of reactive oxygen species generation, increased inflammation and apoptosis, reduced cell vitality, and increased necrosis. In conclusion, high-salt diet downregulates the antioxidant UCP2-dependent mechanism in kidneys of SHRsp, but not of stroke-resistant SHR. A parallel differential kidney miR regulation under high-salt diet in the 2 strains may contribute to the differential UCP2 modulation. UCP2 is a critical protein to prevent oxidative stress damage in renal mesangial cells in vitro.
High Altitude Mountain Sickness

Its probable first account has been given by Plutarch in his comments on Alexander’s invasion of India: “Many then were the dangers— but the greatest harm came from severity of weathers”. Similarly, a Chinese record mentions of “Lesser Headache Mountains” and the “Greater Headache Mountains” where men’s bodies become feverish, they lose color and are attacked with headache, dizziness and vomiting. Being the most frequent type of altitude sickness, in young robust trekkers and troops (17–28 years) at 9,000–17,000 ft. It manifests 6–10 hours after a rapid ascent and generally subsides in 1–2 days, but may occasionally develop into the more serious condition-HACE (high altitude cerebral edema).
An examination of comorbid asthma and obesity: assessing differences in physical activity, sleep duration, health-related quality of life and parental distress

Abstract Objective: Compare youth with comorbid asthma and obesity to youth with obesity only to determine if differences exist in body mass index, dietary intake, levels of physical activity, sleep duration and health-related quality of life. Levels of parent distress were also compared. Methods: Participants included 248 children (n = 175 in Obesity group; n = 73 in Asthma + Obesity group) with a BMI ≥ 85th percentile for age and gender, and their participating parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Measures of child height and weight were obtained by study personnel and Z-scores for child body mass index were calculated using age- and gender-specific norms. Child physical activity and sleep duration were measured via accelerometers. Dietary intake, health-related quality of life and parent distress were assessed via self-report. Results: The Asthma + Obesity group evidenced significantly higher body mass index scores, and had lower sleep duration. There was a non-statistically significant trend for lower levels of physical activity among children in the Asthma + Obesity group. Dietary intake, health-related quality of life and parent distress did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Youth with comorbid asthma and obesity are at increased risk for negative health and psychosocial difficulties compared to youth who are overweight or obese only. Professionals providing treatment for youth with asthma are encouraged to assess the implications of weight status on health behaviors and family psychosocial adjustment.
Improving Random Forest and Rotation Forest for highly imbalanced datasets

Decision tree is a simple and effective method and it can be supplemented with ensemble methods to improve its performance. Random Forest and Rotation Forest are two approaches which are perceived as "classic" at present. They can build more accurate and diverse classifiers than Bagging and Boosting by introducing the diversities namely randomly chosen a subset of features or rotated feature space. However, the splitting criteria used for constructing each tree in Random Forest and Rotation Forest are Gini index and information gain ratio respectively, which are skew-sensitive. When learning from highly imbalanced datasets, class imbalance impedes their ability to learn the minority class concept. Hellinger distance decision tree (HDDT) was proposed by Chawla, which is skew-insensitive. Especially, bagged unpruned HDDT has proven to be an effective way to deal with highly imbalanced problem. Nevertheless, the bootstrap sampling used in Bagging can lead to ensembles of low diversity compared to Random Forest and Rotation Forest. In order to combine the skew-insensitivity of HDDT and the diversities of Random Forest and Rotation Forest, we use Hellinger distance as the splitting criterion for building each tree in Random Forest and Rotation Forest respectively. An experimental framework is performed across a wide range of highly imbalanced datasets to investigate the effectiveness of Hellinger distance, information gain ratio and Gini index which are used as the splitting criteria in ensembles of decision trees including Bagging, Boosting, Random Forest and Rotation Forest. In addition, Balanced Random Forest is also included in the experiment since it is designed to tackle class imbalance problem. The experimental results, which contrasted through nonparametric statistical tests, demonstrate that using Hellinger distance as the splitting criterion to build individual decision tree in forest can improve the performances of Random Forest and Rotation Forest for highly imbalanced classification.
Predominance of Distal Skin Temperature Changes at Sleep Onset across Menstrual and Circadian Phases

Menstrual cycle—associated changes in reproductive hormones affect body temperature in women. We aimed to characterize the interaction between the menstrual, circadian, and scheduled sleep-wake cycles on body temperature regulation. Eight females entered the laboratory during the midfollicular (MF) and midluteal (ML) phases of their menstrual cycle for an ultradian sleep-wake cycle procedure, consisting of 36 cycles of 60-minute wake episodes alternating with 60-minute nap opportunities, in constant bed-rest conditions. Core body temperature (CBT) and distal skin temperature (DT) were recorded and used to calculate a distal-core gradient (DCG). Melatonin, sleep, and subjective sleepiness were also recorded. The circadian variation of DT and DCG was not affected by menstrual phase. DT and DCG showed rapid, large nap episode—dependent increases, whereas CBT showed slower, smaller nap episode—dependent decreases. DCG values were significantly reduced for most of the wake episode in an overall 60-minute wake/60-minute nap cycle during ML compared to MF, but these differences were eliminated at the wake-to-nap lights-out transition. Nap episode—dependent decreases in CBT were further modulated as a function of both circadian and menstrual factors, with nap episode—dependent deceases occurring more prominently during the late afternoon/evening in ML, whereas nap episode—dependent DT and DCG increases were not significantly affected by menstrual phase but only circadian phase. Circadian rhythms of melatonin secretion, DT, and DCG were significantly phase-advanced relative to CBT and sleep propensity rhythms. This study explored how the thermoregulatory system is influenced by an interaction between circadian phase and vigilance state and how this is further modulated by the menstrual cycle. Current results agree with the thermophysiological cascade model of sleep and indicate that despite increased CBT during ML, heat loss mechanisms are maintained at a similar level during nap episodes, which may allow for comparable circadian sleep propensity rhythms between menstrual phases.
Multiresolution skeletonization in binary pyramids

A multiresolution skeletonization algorithm is presented. The underlying data structure is a binary AND-pyramid. Notwithstanding the fact that the AND-pyramid is likely to break pattern connectedness at lower resolution levels, the algorithm generates connected skeletons at all resolution levels. It can most conveniently be implemented on a parallel SIMD architecture, but efficient MIMD and sequential implementations are also possible. A hierarchy among skeleton branches at various resolutions levels is also introduced.
Geophysical Variables and Behavior: XCVII. Increased Proportions of the Left-Sided Sense of Presence Induced Experimentally by Right Hemispheric Application of Specific (Frequency-Modulated) Complex Magnetic Fields

12 young men and women who were not aware of the stimulus order were exposed to 8 configurations of weak (1 microTesla) magnetic fields for 5 min. each, applied primarily over the right parietotemporal region. The numbers of sensed presences along the left side, right side, or front/back, as inferred by button presses at the time of the experience, were recorded. There were significantly (η2 =.37) more experiences along the left side than the right side during the presentations of a frequency-modulated (Thomas) pattern with 3-msec. point durations compared to the presentation of its temporally reversed structure or to patterns that were more or less complex. 40% of all left-sided presences occurred during the 5-min. presentation of this specific frequency-modulated pattern. These results suggest that the subjective lateralization of a sensed presence to the left during right hemispheric stimulation by weak magnetic fields is enhanced by the specific temporal structure of the applied field.
The Glycoprotein Ib-IX-V Complex in Platelet Adhesion and Signaling

Introduction Thrombosis can result in unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, or stroke, all major causes of death in the Western world. Circulating platelets become adherent and form an occlusive thrombus, either by exposure to sclerotic lesions following plaque rupture or in response to pathological shear stress in obstructed coronary arteries. This process parallels normal haemostasis, where platelets adhere to the subendothelium at sites of vascular injury, become activated, and recruit additional platelets to the developing thrombus. At high shear, thrombus formation is initiated by a specific platelet membrane adhesion receptor, the glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex, which binds the adhesive glycoprotein, von Willebrand factor (vWF), in the vessel wall or plasma. Recent evidence also suggests that platelet adhesion to endothelial cells and leukocytes may be involved in atherogenesis, thrombosis, and inflammation. Preliminary findings indicate that GP Ib-IX-V specifically recognizes P-selectin, a member of the selectin superfamily, an interaction that may, at least partially, regulate platelet-endothelial cell adhesion. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding structure-activity relationships of GP Ib-IX-V.
Biotechnological impact of stress response on wine yeast

Wine yeast deals with many stress conditions during its biotechnological use. Biomass production and its dehydration produce major oxidative stress, while hyperosmotic shock, ethanol toxicity and starvation are relevant during grape juice fermentation. Most stress response mechanisms described in laboratory strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are useful for understanding the molecular machinery devoted to deal with harsh conditions during industrial wine yeast uses. However, the particularities of these strains themselves, and the media and conditions employed, need to be specifically looked at when studying protection mechanisms.
Defects in Processing and Trafficking of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator

In most epithelial tissues Cl– transport relies on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) which has dual function as a Cl– channel and as a regulator of other ion channels. More than 900 different mutations in the CFTR gene are the cause for defective transport of Cl– and Na+ and impaired secretion or absorption of electrolytes in cystic fibrosis. However, the CFTR mutation ΔF508 is the most common reason for the frequently inherited disease among the Caucasian population. Maturation and processing of ΔF508-CFTR is defective which leads to expression of only very little but functional CFTR in the cell membrane. Understanding the processing and trafficking of CFTR may give a clue to the question as to how the expression and residual function of ΔF508-CFTR can be enhanced, and may lead to the development of new pharmacological tools for the treatment of cystic fibrosis.
Multi-agent simulated annealing algorithm based on particle swarm optimisation algorithm

Simulated annealing (SA) algorithm is extremely slow in convergence, and the implementation and efficiency of parallel SA algorithms are typically problem-dependent. To overcome such intrinsic limitations, this paper presents a multi-agent SA (MSA) algorithm to address continuous function optimisation problems. In MSA, a population of agents run SA algorithm collaboratively, exploiting the velocity and position update formulas of particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm for candidate solution generation. Our MSA algorithm can achieve significantly better intensification ability by taking advantage of the learning ability from PSO algorithm, meanwhile opposite velocity is introduced to keep MSA from premature stagnation. The MSA algorithm is population based, so it can be paralleled easily. Simulation experiments were carried on four benchmark functions, and the results show that MSA algorithm has good performance in terms of convergence speed and solution accuracy.
CovertCast: Using Live Streaming to Evade Internet Censorship

Abstract We design, implement, and evaluate CovertCast, a censorship circumvention system that broadcasts the content of popular websites in real-time, encrypted video streams on common live-streaming services such as YouTube. CovertCast does not require any modifications to the streaming service and employs the same protocols, servers, and streaming software as any other user of the service. Therefore, CovertCast cannot be distinguished from other live streams by IP address filtering or protocol fingerprinting, raising the bar for censors.
Quantitative DNA methylation analysis by fluorescent polymerase chain reaction single‐strand conformation polymorphism using an automated DNA sequencer

A novel DNA methylation assay technique, termed bisulfite single‐strand conformation polymorphism (bisulfite‐SSCP), is a combination of sodium‐bisulfite modification and fluorescence‐based polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐SSCP. After bisulfite treatment followed by PCR amplification, methylated and unmethylated alleles can be simultaneously separated in a nondenaturing gel using an automated DNA sequencer. Using bisulfite‐SSCP, methylation of hMLH1 was detected in a quantitative manner. This method is not only simple, quick, accurate, and quantitative, but detailed information about methylation is also available with less work. Methylation analysis of large numbers of samples for multiple loci will be facilitated by bisulfite‐SSCP.
High-dynamic-range laser amplitude and phase noise measurement techniques

We describe techniques for making sensitive and high-dynamic-range measurements of laser amplitude and envelope phase noise (timing jitter) in the frequency domain at the shot-noise limit. Examples of amplitude noise measurements on continuous-wave argon-ion and diode-pumped solid-state lasers used for pumping a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser are presented. Amplitude and phase noise measurements for the Ti:sapphire laser are also presented, showing correlation between pump laser amplitude modulation (AM) spectra and the resulting AM and phase noise. Characteristics of the measurement system components are discussed, along with examples of the impact these have on achieving reliable high-dynamic-range measurement capability.
Coeliac disease presenting with intestinal pseudo-obstruction

A 22 year old woman presenting with recurrent intestinal pseudo-obstruction is reported. Jejunal biopsy showed subtotal villous atrophy which improved markedly during a period of total parenteral nutrition and with steroid treatment. It did not relapse on a gluten free diet. The reasons why this patient represents a case of coeliac disease with secondary pseudo-obstruction, rather than primary intestinal pseudo-obstruction with secondary bacterial overgrowth, is discussed.