Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generalized two-tier relevance filtering of computer game update events

In this work-in-progress paper we present a relevance filtering scheme for a two-tier server architecture optimized for massive multiplayer online games. We distinguish between interest management of server tier game state and bandwidth adaptation of concentrator tier client link thresholds, making the concentrator tier totally application independent. An initial prototype has been implemented, demonstrating significant reductions in update event rate without loss of playability.
Identification of Goat Mammary Stem/Progenitor Cells1

ABSTRACT Goat mammary gland epithelial cells have been used to establish primary and permanent cell lines, but to date, no data have been available regarding mammary stem cells (MaSCs) in this species. The detection and characterization of goat MaSCs is an important task for a better understanding of the cyclic character of mammary gland development, which will also offer the potential for manipulation of lactation yield and persistency. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate that a subpopulation of goat MaSCs resides in the goat mammary gland. Mammary tissue from lactating Saanen goats (Capra hircus) was dissociated and processed to a single-cell suspension. Using an in vitro colony-forming assay, we demonstrated that distinct colony types, which expressed specific lineage markers, arose from unipotent progenitors. Using two different growth media, we showed that the frequencies of caprine clonogenic progenitors differed according to growth conditions. Goat epithelial cells were transplanted under the kidney capsule of nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice, where they formed organized, bilayered structures. Our results indicate the presence of goat MaSCs in the caprine mammary gland. To our knowledge, these data represent the first description of the tissue hierarchy of the goat mammary gland and demonstrate the regenerative potential of adult goat MaSCs.
Polo‐Like Kinase 1 Inhibition Kills Glioblastoma Multiforme Brain Tumor Cells in Part Through Loss of SOX2 and Delays Tumor Progression in Mice

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) ranks among the deadliest types of cancer and given these new therapies are urgently needed. To identify molecular targets, we queried a microarray profiling 467 human GBMs and discovered that polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1) was highly expressed in these tumors and that it clustered with the proliferative subtype. Patients with PLK1‐high tumors were more likely to die from their disease suggesting that current therapies are inactive against such tumors. This prompted us to examine its expression in brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) given their association with treatment failure. BTICs isolated from patients expressed 110‐470 times more PLK1 than normal human astrocytes. Moreover, BTICs rely on PLK1 for survival because the PLK1 inhibitor BI2536 inhibited their growth in tumorsphere cultures. PLK1 inhibition suppressed growth, caused G2/M arrest, induced apoptosis, and reduced the expression of SOX2, a marker of neural stem cells, in SF188 cells. Consistent with SOX2 inhibition, the loss of PLK1 activity caused the cells to differentiate based on elevated levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein and changes in cellular morphology. We then knocked glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) down SOX2 with siRNA and showed that it too inhibited cell growth and induced cell death. Likewise, in U251 cells, PLK1 inhibition suppressed cell growth, downregulated SOX2, and induced cell death. Furthermore, BI2536 delayed tumor growth of U251 cells in an orthotopic brain tumor model, demonstrating that the drug is active against GBM. In conclusion, PLK1 level is elevated in GBM and its inhibition restricts the growth of brain cancer cells. STEM CELLS2012;30:1064–1075
Issues in Linking Information Technology Capability to Firm Performance

The resource-based view has been proposed to investigate the impact of information technology (IT) investments on firm performance. Researchers have shown that a firm's ability to effectively leverage its IT investments by developing a strong IT capability can result in improved firm performance. We test the robustness of this approach and examine several related issues. Our results indicate that firms with superior IT capability indeed exhibit superior current and sustained firm performance when compared to average industry performance, even after adjusting for effects of prior firm performance. However, the differences in the results from various analyses suggest that the impact of "halo effects" and prior financial performance of firms must be taken into consideration in future tests of IT capability. Further, it is critical to develop theoretically derived multidimensional measures of IT capability in order to continue to apply the RBV approach to assess the impact of IT investments on firm performance.
Analog readout for optical reservoir computers

Reservoir computing is a new, powerful and flexible machine learning technique that is easily implemented in hardware. Recently, by using a time-multiplexed architecture, hardware reservoir computers have reached performance comparable to digital implementations. Operating speeds allowing for real time information operation have been reached using optoelectronic systems. At present the main performance bottleneck is the readout layer which uses slow, digital postprocessing. We have designed an analog readout suitable for time-multiplexed optoelectronic reservoir computers, capable of working in real time. The readout has been built and tested experimentally on a standard benchmark task. Its performance is better than non-reservoir methods, with ample room for further improvement. The present work thereby overcomes one of the major limitations for the future development of hardware reservoir computers.
Occludin expression in microvessels of neoplastic and non‐neoplastic human brain

The tight junction protein occludin ‘glues’ normal, adjacent brain microvessel endothelial cells together. Malignant brain tumours cause cerebral oedema because they have leaky endothelial tight junctions, which allow plasma fluid to enter the brain from the microvessel lumen. In order to identify molecular abnormalities in tumour endothelial tight junctions, we investigated occludin expression in microvessels from adult human non‐neoplastic brain tissue using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. The proportions of microvessels immunolabelling for occludin were >2/3 in 5/5 non‐neoplastic brain tissue samples, >1/3 in 5/5 low grade (Daumas‐Duport I or II) astrocytomas and <1/3 in 5/5 high grade (III or IV) astrocytomas and 6/6 metastatic adenocarcinomas. Six non‐neoplastic brain tissue immunoblots gave a 55‐kDa occludin band, three low‐grade astrocytomas gave 55‐kDa and 60‐kDa bands, 13 high‐grade astrocytomas gave 60‐kDa or no band and four adenocarcinomas did not give an occludin band. Expression of 55‐kDa occludin inversely correlated with the presence of contrast enhancement on computed tomograms (P < 0.001). Electron microscopy showed open endothelial tight junctions in 0/2 non‐neoplastic human brain specimens and 2/2 high‐grade astrocytomas. We suggest that loss of 55‐kDa occludin expression in human brain tumours may contribute to endothelial tight junction opening. Characterizing the molecular pathology of brain endothelial tight junctions may facilitate the design of novel drugs against cerebral oedema.
About the Distinction between Working Memory and Short-Term Memory

The theoretical concepts short-term memory (STM) and working memory (WM) have been used to refer to the maintenance and the maintenance plus manipulation of information, respectively. Although they are conceptually different, the use of the terms STM and WM in literature is not always strict. STM and WM are different theoretical concepts that are assumed to reflect different cognitive functions. However, correlational studies have not been able to separate both constructs consistently and there is evidence for a large or even complete overlap. The emerging view from neurobiological studies is partly different, although there are conceptual problems troubling the interpretation of findings. In this regard, there is a crucial role for the tasks that are used to measure STM or WM (simple and complex span tasks, respectively) and for the cognitive load reflected by factors like attention and processing speed that may covary between and within these tasks. These conceptual issues are discussed based on several abstract models for the relation between STM and WM.
Is Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus More Contagious Than Methicillin-Susceptible S. aureus in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit?

To the Editor: Vriens et al. studied methicillinsusceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) isolates obtained for clinical and screening purposes in an intensive care unit during 2 months. Eleven patients and 16 staff members carried MSSA. Twenty-one contacts between patient and staff MSSA carriers were documented. There was no instance of identical strains being carried by patients and staff contacts. These data contrasted with the authors' previous experience with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) transmission, leading to the conclusion that "MRSA seems to spread more easily than MSSA, probably because of selection under antibiotic pressure. " No specific information was provided regarding antistaphylococcal antibiotic therapy. The work of Vriens et al. prompted us to study antibiotic pressure as well as the genetic relationship among clinical MSSA isolates versus MRSA isolates during a 5month period in a 721-bed nursing home. We reasoned that greater genetic relatedness in one group would provide evidence of greater transmission. The Wisconsin Veterans Home is a skilled nursing home that provides care for 721 residents on 14 nursing units. We performed pulsedfield gel electrophoresis (PFGE) on all MRSA and MSSA isolates encountered during clinical practice during 5 months (March through July 2002). Chromosomal DNA was prepared by the method described by Maslow et al. The PFGE profiles were analyzed using Multi-Analyst Fingerprinting Plus software (Bio-Rad, Hercules, TABLE 1 COMPARISON OF PULSED-FIELD GEL ELECTROPHORESIS BANDS AMONG ISOLATES OF METHICILLIN-SUSCEPTIBLE STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS*
TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY COMPARED WITH ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY FOR THE DETECTION OF ENDOMETRIAL DISEASE

Background Transvaginal ultrasonography is a noninvasive procedure that may be used to detect endometrial disease. However, its usefulness in screening for asymptomatic disease in postmenopausal women before or during treatment with estrogen or estrogen–progesterone replacement is not known. Methods We compared the sensitivity and specificity of transvaginal ultrasonography and endometrial biopsy for the detection of endometrial disease in 448 postmenopausal women who received estrogen alone, cyclic or continuous estrogen–progesterone, or placebo for three years. Results Concurrent ultrasonographic and biopsy results were available for 577 examinations in the 448 women, 99 percent of whom were undergoing routine annual follow-up. Endometrial thickness was less than 5 mm in 45 percent of the examinations, 5 to 10 mm in 41 percent, more than 10 mm in 12 percent, and not measured in 2 percent, and it was higher in the women receiving estrogen alone than in the other groups. Biopsy detected 11 cases of seriou.
Densification Study of Cu-Al-SiC Composite Powders Prepared by Mechanical Milling

This work involves the preparation of Cu-Al-SiC composite powders by a high-energy milling process and the study of their densification behavior by cold compaction. The goal of the milling process is to get embedded the ceramic particles in the metal matrix to enhance the distribution of the metal and ceramic phases in the compacts, an important condition to derive in isotropic properties of consolidated materials. For comparison purposes, compressibility tests of a Cu-5Al matrix prepared by high-energy milling were performed; while additions of 1, 5 and 10 vol.% SiC were added to the matrix. It was found that the high-energy milling process leads to Cu-Al-SiC composite powders with a homogeneous distribution of the reinforcement in the matrix. Compressibility essays showed that densification of the powders decreased with SiC content; a densification of 73.7% was obtained for composites with 10% SiC compared to 76.0% for samples with 1% SiC at the maximum load applied. Milling time reduced the plastic deformation capacity of the matrix leading to fracture of the cold welded aggregates; the fracture process was accelerated by the addition of the hard reinforcement particles. Thus, morphology of the powders changed from laminar, to fine fragments and coarse aggregates, affecting the compaction behavior.
Two Perspectives on the Origin of Sex Differences in the Brain

Abstract: Most sex differences in brain function are attributed to sex differences in the effects of gonadal secretions. In addition, however, male and female cells differ because of differential effects of sex chromosome genes expressed within the cells themselves. The latter conclusion comes from numerous studies in which sexual phenotype appears to be insensitive to the effects of sex hormones during development or cases in which sex differences develop before the onset of sex‐specific patterns of gonadal secretions. Recently, mouse models have become available in which the genetic sex of brain cells is independent of the gonadal type (testes vs. ovaries), which allows a test of the role of sex chromosome genes in brain development. This paper reviews the evidence that genetic sex of brain cells influences their sexual phenotype, and critically discusses the relative advantages of various experimental approaches to study this effect.
A comparison of shear bond strengths of six orthodontic cements

Objective: To evaluate the force required to cause debanding when Ultraband-Lok (polyacid-modified composite resin, Reliance Orthodontic Products Inc, Itasca, IL), Optiband (resin-modified glass ionomer, Ormco, West Collins Orange, CA), Meron (glass ionomer, VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany), Ketac-Cem (glass ionomer, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN), 3M Multi-cure (resin-modified glass ionomer, 3M Unitek, Monrovia CA), and Transbond Plus (polyacid-modified composite resin, 3M Unitek, Monrovia CA) are used as the luting agents. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 216 intact, caries-free third molars collected from patients attending third molar surgery. To assess the shear bond strength, 216 teeth were randomly divided into six groups of 36 teeth. Stainless steel microetched molar bands were cemented with different cement in each group. To assess shear bond strength, a universal testing machine was used at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Shear bond strength data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Chi-square analysis was used to compare the mode of band failure. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the groups with regard to shear bond strength (P = 0.919). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to mode of failure (P = 0.004). Conclusion: All evaluated cements yielded comparable shear bond strengths, whereas their mode of failure differed significantly.
Norovirus in Latin America: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Noroviruses are increasingly recognized as a major cause of sporadic and epidemic acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Although there have been multiple studies published on norovirus epidemiology in Latin America, no comprehensive assessment of the role of norovirus has been conducted in the region. We aim to estimate the role of norovirus in the Latin American region through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature. Methods: We carried out a literature search in MEDLINE, SciELO and LILACS. We included papers that provided information on the prevalence or incidence of norovirus (including seroprevalence studies and outbreaks), with a recruitment and/or follow-up period of at least 12 months and where the diagnosis of norovirus was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The data were pooled for meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of norovirus AGE and norovirus asymptomatic infection with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Thirty-eight studies were included in the review. Overall, the prevalence of norovirus among AGE cases was 15% (95% CI: 13–18). By location, it was 15% in the community (95% CI: 11%–21%), 14% in outpatient settings (95% CI: 10%–19%) and 16% in hospital locations (95% CI: 12%–21%). The prevalence of norovirus among asymptomatic subjects was 8% (95% CI: 4–13). Norovirus GII.4 strains were associated with 37%–100% of norovirus AGE cases, but only 7% of norovirus asymptomatic detections. Conclusions: Noroviruses are associated with almost 1 out of every 6 hospitalizations because of acute diarrhea in children younger than 5 years of age in Latin America.
Nonlinear Transient Analysis of Laminated Composite Shells

In this study the geometrically nonlinear transient response of the laminated composite doubly curved shells is investigated using the finite element method. The finite element model includes nonlinearity due to large deflection. A nine-noded isoparametric composite shell element including the first-order shear deformation is developed in curvilinear coordinates for the nonlinear transient analysis. The present formulation is based on the total Lagrangian approach and the material behavior is assumed to be linear and elastic. The governing equations have been solved by the Newton–Raphson iteration technique, wherein the Newmark method has been used for the time integration. The present results are found to compare well with those available in the literature. The nonlinear transient response of the cross-ply and three specially laminated spherical, cylindrical, and hyperbolic paraboloidal shell panels are also analyzed and the results are discussed.
OESTROGEN‐RELATED CHANGES IN SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN LEVELS DURING NORMAL AND GONADOTROPHIN‐STIMULATED MENSTRUAL CYCLES

Previous studies have identified no consistent change in sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels during normal menstrual cycles. This is despite marked cyclical changes in plasma oestradiol concentration, and the observation that SHBG level increases in pregnancy, and after administration of exogenous gonadotrophin or synthetic oestrogens. The level of SHBG was measured in 19 normal females at 2 d intervals from day −8 to + 10 where the preovulatory peak of oestradiol was designated as occurring on day 0. SHBG levels increased by a mean 15%±4 (SEM) between the follicular and luteal phases (P>0·001) and this was due entirely to an increment between day 0 and + 2. The change in SHBG levels was correlated with the change in oestradiol levels between days −8 and 0 (P>0·001). Fifty‐six infertile patients were also studied. Twenty‐seven received Pergonal alone whilst the other 29 received Pergonal after a preceding 5 d on Clomid. In both groups peak preovulatory oestradiol levels were < 3 times higher than in normal cycles. SHBG levels showed no change in the follicular phase but rose markedly during the luteal phase. These increases were significantly correlated with peak preovulatory oestradiol concentration but showed no relationship with mid‐luteal progesterone concentration. We conclude that supranormal levels of oestradiol cause marked increases in SHBG binding capacity and increases in SHBG level of a lower order occur shortly after the preovulatory peak of oestradiol in the normal menstrual cycle.
Alterations in Perivascular Sympathetic and Nitrergic Innervation Function Induced by Late Pregnancy in Rat Mesenteric Arteries

Background and Purpose We investigated whether pregnancy was associated with changed function in components of perivascular mesenteric innervation and the mechanism/s involved. Experimental Approach We used superior mesenteric arteries from female Sprague-Dawley rats divided into two groups: control rats (in oestrous phase) and pregnant rats (20 days of pregnancy). Modifications in the vasoconstrictor response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) were analysed in the presence/absence of phentolamine (alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist) or L-NAME (nitric oxide synthase-NOS- non-specific inhibitor). Vasomotor responses to noradrenaline (NA), and to NO donor DEA-NO were studied, NA and NO release measured and neuronal NOS (nNOS) expression/activation analysed. Key Results EFS induced a lower frequency-dependent contraction in pregnant than in control rats. Phentolamine decreased EFS-induced vasoconstriction in segments from both experimental groups, but to a greater extent in control rats. EFS-induced vasoconstriction was increased by L-NAME in arteries from both experimental groups. This increase was greater in segments from pregnant rats. Pregnancy decreased NA release while increasing NO release. nNOS expression was not modified but nNOS activation was increased by pregnancy. Pregnancy decreased NA-induced vasoconstriction response and did not modify DEA-NO-induced vasodilation response. Conclusions and Implications Neural control of mesenteric vasomotor tone was altered by pregnancy. Diminished sympathetic and enhanced nitrergic components both contributed to the decreased vasoconstriction response to EFS during pregnancy. All these changes indicate the selective participation of sympathetic and nitrergic innervations in vascular adaptations produced during pregnancy.
Effect of surface treatment on bond of embedded carbon fiber-reinforced polymer plates

In this study, experimental bond investigations through pullout and split tensile testing were carried out for the possible application of embedded fiber reinforced polymer laminates/plates as internal reinforcements as an alternative form of reinforcement to fiber reinforced polymer rods. The effect of different surface treatments and two concrete compressive strengths on the bond behavior are the main parameters investigated. Results showed that the bond strength of the embedded carbon fiber reinforced polymer plates increased as the concrete compressive strength increased and that the surface condition of the embedded carbon fiber reinforced polymer plate enhanced the bond behavior. An in-depth visual examination of the test specimens after failure indicated that bond failure occurred in both the concrete and at the resin layer of the embedded carbon fiber reinforced polymer plate. In addition, the tensile bond strength of the concrete-fiber reinforced polymer interface for different surface conditions is determined. The failure mode and bond strengths of embedded carbon fiber reinforced polymer plates was found to depend on the relative shear strengths of the concrete and resin layer interfaces.