Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatiality in videoconferencing: trade-offs between efficiency and social presence

In this paper, we explore ways to combine the video of a remote person with a shared tabletop display to best emulate face-to-face collaboration. Using a simple photo application we compare a variety of social and performance measures of collaboration of a standard non-spatial 2D interface with two approaches for adding spatial cues to videoconferencing: one based on simulated immersive 3D, the other based on video streams in a physically fixed arrangement around an interactive table. A face-to-face condition is included as a 'gold-standard' control. As expected, social presence and task measures were superior in the face-to-face condition, but there were also important differences between the 2D and spatial interfaces. In particular, the spatial interfaces positively influenced social presence and copresence measures in comparison to 2D, but the task measures favored the two-dimensional interface.
Satellite data for the social sciences: measuring rural electrification with night-time lights

ABSTRACT Remote-sensing data has the potential to revolutionize social science. One of the most prominent examples of this is the Nighttime Lights data set, which provides digital measures of night-time luminosity from 1992 to 2013. This study evaluates the Nighttime Lights data against detailed rural electrification data from the 2011 Census of India. The results suggest that many night-time luminosity measures derived from satellite data are surprisingly accurate for measuring rural electrification, even at the village level and using simple statistical tools. We also demonstrate that this accuracy can be substantially improved by using of better GIS maps, basic geoprocessing tools, and particular aggregations of night-time luminosity. Night-time luminosity performs worse in measuring financial inclusion or proxies of poverty, however, and detects rural electrification less accurately when the supply of power is intermittent. These results offer guidelines for when and how remote-sensing data can be used when administrative data is absent or unreliable.
GlobeDB: autonomic data replication for web applications

We present GlobeDB, a system for hosting Web applications that performs autonomic replication of application data. GlobeDB offers data-intensive Web applications the benefits of low access latencies and reduced update traffic. The major distinction in our system compared to existing edge computing infrastructures is that the process of distribution and replication of application data is handled by the system automatically with very little manual administration. We show that significant performance gains can be obtained this way. Performance evaluations with the TPC-W benchmark over an emulated wide-area network show that GlobeDB reduces latencies by a factor of 4 compared to non-replicated systems and reduces update traffic by a factor of 6 compared to fully replicated systems.
Early survival factor deprivation in the olfactory epithelium enhances activity-driven survival

The neuronal olfactory epithelium undergoes permanent renewal because of environmental aggression. This renewal is partly regulated by factors modulating the level of neuronal apoptosis. Among them, we had previously characterized endothelin as neuroprotective. In this study, we explored the effect of cell survival factor deprivation in the olfactory epithelium by intranasal delivery of endothelin receptors antagonists to rat pups. This treatment induced an overall increase of apoptosis in the olfactory epithelium. The responses to odorants recorded by electroolfactogram were decreased in treated animal, a result consistent with a loss of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). However, the treated animal performed better in an olfactory orientation test based on maternal odor compared to non-treated littermates. This improved performance could be due to activity-dependent neuronal survival of OSNs in the context of increased apoptosis level. In order to demonstrate it, we odorized pups with octanal, a known ligand for the rI7 olfactory receptor (Olr226). We quantified the number of OSN expressing rI7 by RT-qPCR and whole mount in situ hybridization. While this number was reduced by the survival factor removal treatment, this reduction was abolished by the presence of its ligand. This improved survival was optimal for low concentration of odorant and was specific for rI7-expressing OSNs. Meanwhile, the number of rI7-expressing OSNs was not affected by the odorization in non-treated littermates; showing that the activity-dependant survival of OSNs did not affect the OSN population during the 10 days of odorization in control conditions. Overall, our study shows that when apoptosis is promoted in the olfactory mucosa, the activity-dependent neuronal plasticity allows faster tuning of the olfactory sensory neuron population toward detection of environmental odorants.
The intrinsically disordered distal face of nucleoplasmin recognizes distinct oligomerization states of histones

The role of Nucleoplasmin (NP) as a H2A-H2B histone chaperone has been extensively characterized. To understand its putative interaction with other histone ligands, we have characterized its ability to bind H3-H4 and histone octamers. We find that the chaperone forms distinct complexes with histones, which differ in the number of molecules that build the assembly and in their spatial distribution. When complexed with H3-H4 tetramers or histone octamers, two NP pentamers form an ellipsoidal particle with the histones located at the center of the assembly, in stark contrast with the NP/H2A-H2B complex that contains up to five histone dimers bound to one chaperone pentamer. This particular assembly relies on the ability of H3-H4 to form tetramers either in solution or as part of the octamer, and it is not observed when a variant of H3 (H3C110E), unable to form stable tetramers, is used instead of the wild-type protein. Our data also suggest that the distal face of the chaperone is involved in the interaction with distinct types of histones, as supported by electron microscopy analysis of the different NP/histone complexes. The use of the same structural region to accommodate all type of histones could favor histone exchange and nucleosome dynamics.
New performance bounds for turbo codes

We derive a new upper bound on the word and bit error probabilities of turbo codes with maximum likelihood decoding by using the Gallager bound instead of the standard union bound. Since the derivation of the bound for a given interleaver is intractable, we assume "uniform interleaving " as in the standard union bound applied to turbo codes. The result is a generalization of the transfer function bounds and remains useful for a wider range of signal to noise ratios, particularly for some range below the channel cut-off rate. Previously, for signal to noise ratios below the cut-off rate, the performance of turbo codes could only be predicted through simulation. We illustrate the usefulness of the new bound via some examples. We also discuss the possibility of extending the derived upper bound to some other codes.
The NY-1 Hantavirus Gn Cytoplasmic Tail Coprecipitates TRAF3 and Inhibits Cellular Interferon Responses by Disrupting TBK1-TRAF3 Complex Formation

ABSTRACT Pathogenic hantaviruses replicate within human endothelial cells and cause two diseases, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. In order to replicate in endothelial cells pathogenic hantaviruses inhibit the early induction of beta interferon (IFN-β). Expression of the cytoplasmic tail of the pathogenic NY-1 hantavirus Gn protein is sufficient to inhibit RIG-I- and TBK1-directed IFN responses. The formation of TBK1-TRAF3 complexes directs IRF-3 phosphorylation, and both IRF-3 and NF-κB activation are required for transcription from the IFN-β promoter. Here we report that the NY-1 virus (NY-1V) Gn tail inhibits both TBK1-directed NF-κB activation and TBK1-directed transcription from promoters containing IFN-stimulated response elements. The NY-1V Gn tail coprecipitated TRAF3 from cellular lysates, and analysis of TRAF3 deletion mutants demonstrated that the TRAF3 N terminus is sufficient for interacting with the NY-1V Gn tail. In contrast, the Gn tail of the nonpathogenic hantavirus Prospect Hill virus (PHV) failed to coprecipitate TRAF3 or inhibit NF-κB or IFN-β transcriptional responses. Further, expression of the NY-1V Gn tail blocked TBK1 coprecipitation of TRAF3 and infection by NY-1V, but not PHV, blocked the formation of TBK1-TRAF3 complexes. These findings indicate that the NY-1V Gn cytoplasmic tail forms a complex with TRAF3 which disrupts the formation of TBK1-TRAF3 complexes and downstream signaling responses required for IFN-β transcription.
Evaluation of satellite rainfall climatology using CMORPH, PERSIANN‐CDR, PERSIANN, TRMM, MSWEP over Iran

In situ rainfall data observed by gauges is the most important data in water resources management. However, these data have some limitations both spatially and temporally. With the advancements in satellite rainfall products, it is now possible to evaluate whether these products can capture the climatology of known rainfall characteristics. In this study, five satellite rainfall estimates (SREs) were evaluated against gauge data based on different rainfall regimes over Iran. The evaluated SREs are Climate Prediction Center Morphing Technique, Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), PERSIANN Climate Data Record (PERSIANN‐CDR) and the most recently available Multi‐Source Weighted‐Ensemble Precipitation (MSWEP) data. The performance of these five SREs is evaluated with respect to gauge data (total: 958 stations) in eight different climatic zones at daily, monthly, and wet/dry spells during a ten‐year period (2003–2012). Performance of SREs was evaluated using metrics of comparison based on correlation coefficient (CC), root mean square error, and relative error. The study shows that MSWEP has the highest CC (0.72) followed by TRMM (0.46) and PERSIANN‐CDR (0.43) at daily time scale. The performance of SREs varies with respect to climatic regimes, for example, the best correlation was observed in the south, the shore of Persian Gulf with ‘very hot and humid’ climate with CC values of 0.72, 0.70, and 0.82 for MSWEP, TRMM and PERSIANN‐CDR, respectively. Further, the performance of SREs was evaluated using the categorical statistics to capture the rainfall pattern based on different groups (e.g. light, moderate and heavy rainfall events). Results show that MSWEP, PERSIANN‐CDR, and TRMM performed well to distinguish rain from no‐rain condition, whereas for higher rainfall rates, PERSIANN‐CDR outperforms the other SREs.
Compete or Cooperate? Goal Orientations and Coworker Popularity in the Knowledge-Sharing Dilemma

Focusing on two goal orientations (the learning and performance prove-goal orientation), this study proposed a different mechanism for dealing with the knowledge-sharing dilemma. We analyzed data from 257 employee–coworker dyads, finding that the learning goal orientation positively affected knowledge sharing, while the performance prove-goal orientation negatively affected knowledge sharing. In addition, highlighting the importance of coworker influence, our analysis showed that coworker popularity served as social cue to boost the main effects of knowledge sharing. Specifically, the positive relationship between the learning goal orientation and knowledge sharing and the negative relationship between the performance prove-goal orientation and knowledge sharing were stronger when coworker popularity was higher. These findings contribute to articulating theoretical directions at the individual level for addressing the dilemma associated with knowledge sharing. Furthermore, they offer practical implications by emphasizing the ongoing importance of considering the influence of coworkers, who serve as crucial exchange partners during task execution.
Study of ferroelectric SBN thin films for electro-optic applications

The Ferroelectric strontium barium niobate (SBN) thin films are prepared using Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technique. XRD spectra of the prepared films indicate the polycrystalline growth confirming the formation of tetragonal tungsten bronze structure. A waveguide is fabricated so as to guide the light in SBN thin film. The EO measurements for the SBN thin films have been carried out using Senarmont Compensation method in order to examine the dynamic variation of EO coefficient of the prepared films. The value of dynamic EO coefficient is found to be 198pm/V.
What Are You Feeling? Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Assess the Modulation of Sensory and Affective Responses during Empathy for Pain

Background Recent neuroscientific evidence suggests that empathy for pain activates similar neural representations as the first-hand experience of pain. However, empathy is not an all-or-none phenomenon but it is strongly malleable by interpersonal, intrapersonal and situational factors. This study investigated how two different top-down mechanisms – attention and cognitive appraisal - affect the perception of pain in others and its neural underpinnings. Methodology/Principal Findings We performed one behavioral (N = 23) and two functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments (N = 18). In the first fMRI experiment, participants watched photographs displaying painful needle injections, and were asked to evaluate either the sensory or the affective consequences of these injections. The role of cognitive appraisal was examined in a second fMRI experiment in which participants watched injections that only appeared to be painful as they were performed on an anesthetized hand. Perceiving pain in others activated the affective-motivational and sensory-discriminative aspects of the pain matrix. Activity in the somatosensory areas was specifically enhanced when participants evaluated the sensory consequences of pain. Perceiving non-painful injections into the anesthetized hand also led to signal increase in large parts of the pain matrix, suggesting an automatic affective response to the putatively harmful stimulus. This automatic response was modulated by areas involved in self/other distinction and valence attribution – including the temporo-parietal junction and medial orbitofrontal cortex. Conclusions/Significance Our findings elucidate how top-down control mechanisms and automatic bottom-up processes interact to generate and modulate other-oriented responses. They stress the role of cognitive processing in empathy, and shed light on how emotional and bodily awareness enable us to evaluate the sensory and affective states of others.
Economic growth , population and pollution interdependence under stochastic shocks : Does convergence speed matter ?

We study dynamics of interactions among environmental pollution, population and output growth showing that shocks are persistent in these systems and that they converge slowly to the steady state. It is demonstrated that the extent of persistence in economic growth is determined by the convergence speed of shocks in both environmental pollution and population. A modified Solow-Swan economy is simulated to illustrate that non-mean convergent shocks in these series alter growth trajectories of output in the long run. An empirical analysis is carried out to examine persistence and co-movement pattern of pollution, population and per capita income time series for a sample of highly-polluted OECD and non-OECD countries over the period 1950-2003. The magnitude of shocks found are high enough to oscillate long-run economic growth. Moreover, the population, output and population growth are found to be (fractionally) co-integrated where the co-evolutionary pattern is characterized by slow-adjustment to long-run equilibrium. The implication is that a joint shock control policy in population and environmental pollution would provide stability to long-run economic growth, although the effectiveness of such policy would depend on the magnitude of shocks in environmental and demographic systems. JEL Classification codes: O13, O47, C14, C22, J11
Pemetrexed and its emerging role in the treatment of thoracic malignancies

Pemetrexed (Alimta®; Eli Lilly and Co., Indianapolis, IN, USA) is a unique multitargeted antifolate that inhibits at least three enzymes, thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase. This novel drug is being evaluated in a comprehensive clinical programme for use in both front-line and second-line therapies. It has shown broad activity in a number of solid tumours, including colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck, cervical cancer and others. While a number of antifolates have been evaluated in clinical trials, further development has been stopped or delayed by the occurrence of life-threatening toxicities. Similar trends were also initially observed with pemetrexed as well, but investigators later showed that these toxicities could be minimised with folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation included in the treatment regimen. Preliminary data indicate that this supplementation does not hamper drug efficacy in most tumour types and in many cases, supplemented patients exhibit improved clinical outcome. Here, the current data for pemetrexed in treating thoracic malignancies are reviewed, with special focus on malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer.
Functional Response of Eretmocerus delhiensis on Trialeurodes vaporariorum by Parasitism and Host Feeding

The parasitoid wasp, Eretmocerus delhiensis (Hymenoptera, Aphelinidae) is a thelytokous and syn-ovigenic parasitoid. To evaluate E. delhiensis as a biocontrol agent in greenhouse, the killing efficiency of this parasitoid by parasitism and host-feeding, were studied. Killing efficiency can be compared by estimation of functional response parameters. Laboratory experiments were performed in controllable conditions to evaluate the functional response of E. delhiensis at eight densities (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 100, and 120 third nymphal stage) of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) on two hosts including; tomato and prickly lettuce. The maximum likelihood estimates from regression logistic analysis revealed type II functional response for two host plants and the type of functional response was not affected by host plant. Roger’s model was used to fit the data. The attack rate (a) for E. delhiensis was 0.0286 and 0.0144 per hour on tomato and 0.0434 and 0.0170 per hour on prickly lettuce for parasitism and host feeding, respectively. Furthermore, estimated handling times (Th) were 0.4911 and 1.4453 h on tomato and 0.5713 and 1.5001 h on prickly lettuce for parasitism and host feeding, respectively. Based on 95% confidence interval, functional response parameters were significantly different between the host plants solely in parasitism. Results of this study opens new insight in the host parasitoid interactions, subsequently needs further investigation before utilizing it for management and reduction of greenhouse whitefly.
Prediction of visual function after cataract surgery. A prospectively validated model.

OBJECTIVE To develop a model to predict visual functional improvement after cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation based on preoperative data. DESIGN A prospective study with serial evaluations of visual function preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months after surgery. SETTING The General Eye Service of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Boston, Mass, and 33 ophthalmology practices in Boston. PATIENTS Patients (N = 426; ages, > or = 65 years) who were undergoing cataract surgery. METHODS Twelve-month improvement in visual function was measured by using the Activities of Daily Vision Scale (ADVS). Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify correlates of improved ADVS scores in 281 patients (derivative set). Potential factors included the preoperative visual acuity, preoperative ADVS score, four chronic ocular diseases, eight medical conditions, and demographic characteristics. Five predictors were identified and used to construct a prediction rule. The accuracy of the prediction rule was evaluated in an independent group of 145 patients (validation set). RESULTS Postoperatively, 40% of the 281 patients in the derivative set had substantial improvement in their ADVS scores, and 53 (19%) had some improvement. Predictors of improvement included younger age (P < .001), a poorer preoperative ADVS score (P < .001), posterior subcapsular cataract (P = .09), and absence of age-related cataract (P = .09), and absence of age-related macular degeneration (P = .07) and/or diabetes (P = .006). When applied to the independent sample of 145 patients, these five characteristics classified the patients into three groups in which the probabilities of substantial improvement were 85%, 34%, and 3%, thus verifying the discriminatory power of the prediction rule. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative data can identify patients who are likely to have improvements in visual function after cataract surgery. Such findings may be useful in the selection of patients for this high-volume procedure.
Bacterial toxins: a possible cause of cot death.

AIM: To test the hypothesis that sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) may be caused by toxins of commonly occurring bacteria in infants lacking developed immunity. METHODS: Nasopharyngeal microbial isolates from 22 pairs of SIDS cases and healthy infants matched for age (by month), sex, and sampling time (by month) were compared for lethal toxigenicity. Crude toxin preparations were made from isolates cultured on dialysis membrane overlaid on agar, and these preparations were then tested for lethality by intravenous injection into 11 day old chick embryos. RESULTS: Fifteen (68%) of the SIDS cases were each found to have at least one lethally toxigenic organism in their nasopharyngeal flora; only eight (36%) of the flora of normal infants included a lethally toxigenic species. CONCLUSION: Infants who have died of SIDS have a significantly higher (p less than 0.05) probability than matched healthy infants of having a lethally toxigenic bacterial species in their nasopharyngeal flora.
In vitro studies of the action of antibiotics on Rickettsia prowazeki by two basic methods of cell culture.

chamber method of culturing chick embryo cells was developed, and the technique used to plaque Rickettsia was modified. These methods permitted the detection of morphologic changes induced by antibiotics and the determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations and rates of killing of rickettsiae. With Rickettsia prowazeki the minimal inhibitory concentrations were 1.0, 0.1, 0.06, and 0.008 [tg/ml for chloramphenicol, doxycycline, erythromycin, and rifampin, respectively. The in vitro actions of doxycycline and minocycline were indistinguishable from that of tetracycline. Doxycycline, rifampin, and erythromycin killed rickettsiae at clinically attainable concentrations, but the rates of action were too slow for eradication of the organisms from the human host under conditions usually associated with the treatment of typhus fever.