Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A and powerful inhibitors of cell proliferation and inflammation. Angiotensin II (Ang II) contributes to vascular lesions by promoting cell growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Therefore, we examined whether retinoids interfere with the proproliferative actions of Ang II in VSMCs via AT(1) receptor-dependent or activator protein-1 (AP-1)-dependent...

When a human is mastering a new task, they are usually not limited to exploring the environment, but also avail themselves of advice from other people. In this paper, we consider the use of advice expressed in a formal language to guide exploration in a model-based reinforcement learning algorithm. In contrast to constraints, which can eliminate optimal policies if they are not sound, advice is...

Network load is one of the key tests in wireless LANs.This objective is typically achieved when the load of access points is well-adjusted. Recent studies on operational WLANs, shown that AP load is often uneven distribution. To correct such overload, several load balancing schemes have been suggested. These procedures are commonly required proprietary software or hardware at the user side for ...

Wireless systems based on the IEEE 802.11 standard are known to suffer a performance degradation when just a single station in the network experiences bad channel conditions toward the Access Point (AP). This phenomenon, known as the “performance anomaly”, is mainly due to the max-min throughput fairness of the CSMA/CA algorithm of the 802.11 MAC. The simple FIFO scheduling policy usually imple...

BACKGROUND The SCN5A encoded sodium current (I(Na)) generates the action potential (AP) upstroke and is a major determinant of AP characteristics and AP propagation in cardiac myocytes. Unfortunately, in cardiac myocytes, investigation of kinetic properties of I(Na) with near-physiological ion concentrations and temperature is technically challenging due to the large amplitude and rapidly activ...

The emission spectra calibration curves for a fluorescence indicator and the F(min), F(max), and K(d) formula were shown to be related. Using the known calibrated fluorescence emitted by Sodium Green (Na-Green) and photo-multiplier-tube quantum efficiency, we calculated the detection signal over a range of sodium concentrations. The calculated calibration curves were compared for optical filter...

Introduction: Acetamiprid (AP) is one of the most widely used pesticides in the neonicotinoid class. AP residues in the environment have received considerable due to their potential toxicity to humans. Therefore, it is important to remove AP from the aqueous solution. Materials and Methods: In the current study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used as an efficient approach to optimize t...