Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
VoIP-based calibration of the DQX model

In the Internet Protocol (IP) ecosystem, Quality-of-Experience (QoE) is important information needed by Service Providers (SP) to improve their services. However, end-user's satisfaction, which can be reflected by QoE metrics, cannot be easily measured like technical variables, such as bandwidth and latency. QoE can either be estimated through mathematical models or it can be measured through an experimental setup. In this work a Voice-over-Internet Protocol-based (VoIP) QoE measurement setup has been designed to capture end-user's QoE in VoIP services. The data measured during these experiments are used to define all necessary parameters of the Deterministic QoE model (DQX) in this VoIP scenario. Such a calibration of the model is essential to adapt it to the particular service and its technical and non-technical conditions in which it is used. Furthermore, those DQX results achieved are compared with those results of the IQX Hypothesis and the E-Model, being proposed by the ITU-T. Thus, it is finally shown that DQX can capture more accurately end-user's QoE in VoIP scenarios.
An mDia2/ROCK Signaling Axis Regulates Invasive Egress from Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Spheroids

Multi-cellular spheroids are enriched in ascites of epithelial ovarian cancer (OvCa) patients. They represent an invasive and chemoresistant cellular population fundamental to metastatic dissemination. The molecular mechanisms triggering single cell invasive egress from spheroids remain enigmatic. mDia formins are Rho GTPase effectors that are key regulators of F-actin cytoskeletal dynamics. We hypothesized that mDia2-driven F-actin dynamics promote single cell invasive transitions in clinically relevant three-dimensional (3D) OvCa spheroids. The current study is a dissection of the contribution of the F-actin assembly factor mDia2 formin in invasive transitions and using a clinically relevant ovarian cancer spheroid model. We show that RhoA-directed mDia2 activity is required for tight spheroid organization, and enrichment of mDia2 in the invasive cellular protrusions of collagen-embedded OVCA429 spheroids. Depleting mDia2 in ES-2 spheroids enhanced invasive dissemination of single amoeboid-shaped cells. This contrasts with spheroids treated with control siRNA, where a mesenchymal invasion program predominated. Inhibition of another RhoA effector, ROCK, had no impact on ES-2 spheroid formation but dramatically inhibited spheroid invasion through induction of a highly elongated morphology. Concurrent inhibition of ROCK and mDia2 blocked single cell invasion from ES-2 spheroids more effectively than inhibition of either protein alone, indicating that invasive egress of amoeboid cells from mDia2-depleted spheroids is ROCK-dependent. Our findings indicate that multiple GTPase effectors must be suppressed in order to fully block invasive egress from ovarian cancer spheroids. Furthermore, tightly regulated interplay between ROCK and mDia2 signaling pathways dictates the invasive capacities and the type of invasion program utilized by motile spheroid-derived ovarian cancer cells. As loss of the gene encoding mDia2, DRF3, has been linked to cancer progression and metastasis, our results set the stage for understanding molecular mechanisms involved in mDia2-dependent egress of invasive cells from primary epithelial tumors.
The impact of sex, puberty, and hormones on white matter microstructure in adolescents.

BACKGROUND During adolescence, numerous factors influence the organization of the brain. It is unclear what influence sex and puberty have on white matter microstructure, as well as the role that rapidly increasing sex steroids play. METHODS White matter microstructure was examined in 77 adolescents (ages 10-16) using diffusion tensor imaging. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) and sex, puberty, and their interaction, controlling for age. Follow-up analyses determined if sex steroids predicted microstructural characteristics in sexually dimorphic and pubertal-related white matter regions, as well as in whole brain. RESULTS Boys had higher FA in white matter carrying corticospinal, long-range association, and cortico-subcortical fibers, and lower MD in frontal and temporal white matter compared with girls. Pubertal development was related to higher FA in the insula, while a significant sex-by-puberty interaction was seen in superior frontal white matter. In boys, testosterone predicted white matter integrity in sexually dimorphic regions as well as whole brain FA, whereas estradiol showed a negative relationship with FA in girls. CONCLUSIONS Sex differences and puberty uniquely relate to white matter microstructure in adolescents, which can partially be explained by sex steroids.
Economic Problems and Mental Disorders in Japanese Pregnant Women

Maternal mental disorders are associated with adverse psychological outcomes in children in countries of low and middle income [1, 2]. Although we believe that Japan is not a poor country, there are some morbid pregnant women who are impoverished economically. Between 2009 and 2013, for example, at our hospital 226 (3.7%) of 6,119 pregnant women could not give birth without financial support from the hospitalization assistance policy (HAP) system by the Japanese Child Welfare Government. The HAP system aids their delivery costs. The main objectives of the HAP system are to help pregnant women who: 1) receive the livelihood protection because they are unable to maintain minimum living standards because of poverty, 2) live in households exempt from the residence tax, and 3) live in households in which the income tax is less than ¥8,400 (about 80 US dollars) per year. In the women without economic problems, 84 women (1.4%) were diagnosed as having mental disorders such as schizophrenia and/or depression requiring medications before or during pregnancy; however, 16 women (7.1%, P < 0.01 by Chi-square test) were diagnosed as having the mental disorders in women under the HAP system. During the pregnancy, in the 84 women of normal economic state, 19 women (22.6%, P < 0.01 by Chi-square test) performed self-interruption of medications and 15 women (17.9%) had the worsening of symptoms; however, in the 16 pregnant women with mental disorders under the HAP system, 10 women (62.5%) performed self-interruption of medications and seven women (43.8%, P = 0.02 by Chi-square test) had the worsening of symptoms. Women with mental disorders sometimes perform self-interruption of medications during pregnancy, and then the selfinterruption of medications sometimes deteriorates their state of mental disorders. They seemed to misunderstand that the medication leads to the adverse outcomes of pregnancy. In addition, the pregnant women impoverished economically may be liable to be as follows: 1) they have often received low education leading to their misunderstanding about the influence of medications on their pregnancies because their parents had been also poor; 2) there may be large time and/or economic burdens in their visiting of psychiatric and obstetrics; and 3) the stress of pregnancy may be easy to hunt down their psychological status because there is no room in their life. These may become negative chains in their lives and these may lead to the poverty and adverse psychological outcomes of their children. The Japanese HAP system aids their delivery costs only. Therefore, in Japan the proper education and sufficient financial support are needed for pregnant women who are impoverished economically to prevent the deterioration of their mental status during pregnancy.
Amyloid-β Associated Cortical Thinning in Clinically Normal Elderly

Both amyloid‐β (Aβ) deposition and brain atrophy are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the disease process likely begins many years before symptoms appear. We sought to determine whether clinically normal (CN) older individuals with Aβ deposition revealed by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) also have evidence of both cortical thickness and hippocampal volume reductions in a pattern similar to that seen in AD.
Deciphering the Routes of invasion of Drosophila suzukii by Means of ABC Random Forest

Abstract Deciphering invasion routes from molecular data is crucial to understanding biological invasions, including identifying bottlenecks in population size and admixture among distinct populations. Here, we unravel the invasion routes of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii using a multi-locus microsatellite dataset (25 loci on 23 worldwide sampling locations). To do this, we use approximate Bayesian computation (ABC), which has improved the reconstruction of invasion routes, but can be computationally expensive. We use our study to illustrate the use of a new, more efficient, ABC method, ABC random forest (ABC-RF) and compare it to a standard ABC method (ABC-LDA). We find that Japan emerges as the most probable source of the earliest recorded invasion into Hawaii. Southeast China and Hawaii together are the most probable sources of populations in western North America, which then in turn served as sources for those in eastern North America. European populations are genetically more homogeneous than North American populations, and their most probable source is northeast China, with evidence of limited gene flow from the eastern US as well. All introduced populations passed through bottlenecks, and analyses reveal five distinct admixture events. These findings can inform hypotheses concerning how this species evolved between different and independent source and invasive populations. Methodological comparisons indicate that ABC-RF and ABC-LDA show concordant results if ABC-LDA is based on a large number of simulated datasets but that ABC-RF out-performs ABC-LDA when using a comparable and more manageable number of simulated datasets, especially when analyzing complex introduction scenarios.
Estimating the Relative Contributions of Virulence Factors for Pathogenic Microbes

ABSTRACT Many pathogenic microbes have multiple virulence factors that can cause damage to the host and thus contribute to an overall virulence phenotype for that organism. Although current techniques are suitable for demonstrating that a particular microbial characteristic contributes to virulence, no formal approach for defining the relative contributions of multiple virulence factors to overall virulence has been proposed. This paper describes the use of multivariate linear regression to estimate the relative contributions of virulence factors to the overall phenomenon of virulence. The approach is illustrated here with sample calculations of the relative contributions of individual Cryptococcus neoformans and Bacillus anthracis virulence factors to the overall virulence phenotype. These calculations were derived from a small underpowered experimental data set for the fungus and two larger sets of randomly generated data for both microbes. The major limitation of this method is a requirement for large data sets of microbial strains that differ in virulence and virulence factor expression. Multivariate linear regression can be used to identify the relative levels of importance of virulence factors in virulence studies, and this information can be used to prioritize antigen identification for vaccine development and the design of antimicrobial strategies that target virulence mechanisms.
Sequence heterogeneities of genes encoding 16S rRNAs in Paenibacillus polymyxa detected by temperature gradient gel electrophoresis

Sequence heterogeneities in 16S rRNA genes from individual strains of Paenibacillus polymyxa were detected by sequence-dependent separation of PCR products by temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE). A fragment of the 16S rRNA genes, comprising variable regions V6 to V8, was used as a target sequence for amplifications. PCR products from P. polymyxa (type strain) emerged as a well-defined pattern of bands in the gradient gel. Six plasmids with different inserts, individually demonstrating the migration characteristics of single bands of the pattern, were obtained by cloning the PCR products. Their sequences were analyzed as a representative sample of the total heterogeneity. An amount of 10 variant nucleotide positions in the fragment of 347 bp was observed, with all substitutions conserving the relevant secondary structures of the V6 and V8 regions in the RNA molecules. Hybridizations with specifically designed probes demonstrated different chromosomal locations of the respective rRNA genes. Amplifications of reverse-transcribed rRNA from ribosome preparations, as well as whole-cell hybridizations, revealed a predominant representation of particular sequences in ribosomes of exponentially growing laboratory cultures. Different strains of P. polymyxa showed not only remarkably differing patterns of PCR products in TGGE analysis but also discriminative whole-cell labeling with the designed oligonucleotide probes, indicating the different representation of individual sequences in active ribosomes. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of TGGE for the structural analysis of heterogeneous rRNA genes together with their expression, stress problems of the generation of meaningful data for 16S rRNA sequences and probe designs, and might have consequences for evolutionary concepts.
Multiple sclerosis-related white matter microstructural change alters the BOLD hemodynamic response

Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in inflammatory damage to white matter microstructure. Prior research using blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) imaging indicates MS-related alterations to brain function. What is currently unknown is the extent to which white matter microstructural damage influences BOLD signal in MS. Here we assessed changes in parameters of the BOLD hemodynamic response function (HRF) in patients with relapsing-remitting MS compared to healthy controls. We also used diffusion tensor imaging to assess whether MS-related changes to the BOLD-HRF were affected by changes in white matter microstructural integrity. Our results showed MS-related reductions in BOLD-HRF peak amplitude. These MS-related amplitude decreases were influenced by individual differences in white matter microstructural integrity. Other MS-related factors including altered reaction time, limited spatial extent of BOLD activity, elevated lesion burden, or lesion proximity to regions of interest were not mediators of group differences in BOLD-HRF amplitude. Results are discussed in terms of functional hyperemic mechanisms and implications for analysis of BOLD signal differences.
Preparation, characterization and in vitro activities evaluation of solid lipid nanoparticles based on PEG-40 stearate for antifungal drugs vaginal delivery

Abstract The present article reports the preparation, characterization and performance evaluation of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) based on polyoxyethylene-40 stearate (PEG-40 stearate) for the administration of antifungal agents such as ketoconazole and clotrimazole. These nanoparticles could be useful in the treatment of vaginal infections sustained by Candida albicans. In particular, PEG-40 stearate was made to react with acryloyl chloride in order to introduce an easily polymerizable moiety for the creation of a second shell and to ensure a slow drug release. In addition, the differences on the release profiles between PEG-40 stearate-based nanoparticles, PEG-40 stearate acrylate based and polymerized ones, were analyzed under conditions, simulating the typical environment of Candida albicans infection. Then, the antifungal activity of nanoparticles was also evaluated in terms of minimal inhibitory concentration. Moreover, the nanoparticles were submitted to in vitro studies for evaluating the drug permeability at the site of action. Results indicated that the obtained particles are potentially useful for the treatment of vaginal infections sustained by Candida albicans.
Improvemts vs resources consumption: on the impact of continuous improvement approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate what distinguish effective continuous improvement approaches. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical data was collected through interviews on several managerial levels in seven different companies. The companies were purposely selected to represent different resource consumption and outcome from their improvement work. Findings There are four different types of improvement approaches, parallel, integrated, coordinated and project. Companies with a project approach manage to realize minor improvements only, companies with parallel or coordinated approaches reach significant improvements but use more resources than companies with an integrated approach. Practical implications – The paper shows and explains why project based improvement ought to be avoided, at the same time highlighting the benefits of an integrated approach with a strong emphasis on learning. Originality/Value – This paper contributes to theory and practice by providing empirically based explanation to the outcome of different improvement approaches.
Computation of bit-error probabilities for optical receivers using thin avalanche photodiodes

The large-deviation-based asymptotic-analysis and importance-sampling methods for computing bit-error probabilities for avalanche-photodiode (APD) based optical receivers, developed by Letaief and Sadowsky [IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, vol. 38, pp. 1162-1169, 1992], are extended to include the effect of dead space, which is significant in high-speed APDs with thin multiplication regions. It is shown that the receiver's bit-error probability is reduced as the magnitude of dead space increases relative to the APD's multiplication-region width. The calculated error probabilities and receiver sensitivities are also compared with those obtained from the Chernoff bound.
Comparative Study of Quality Characteristics of Korean Soy Sauce Made with Soybeans Germinated Under Dark and Light Conditions

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of germinating soybeans under dark and light conditions on the quality characteristics of Korean soy sauce made with germinated soybeans. The germination rate of soybeans germinated under dark conditions (GSD) was higher than that of soybeans germinated under light conditions (GSL), whereas the lengths of sprouts and relative weights of GSL did not differ from those of GSD. The L, a, b, and ΔT values of GSL were significantly lower than GSD. The color of GSD remained yellow, while GSL changed to a green color due to photosynthesis by chlorophyll. The total amino acid contents in soy sauce fermented with soybeans germinated under dark conditions (SSGD) and soy sauce fermented with soybeans germinated under light conditions (SSGL) were lower than in soy sauce fermented with non-germinated soybeans (SNGS). The levels of isoflavone content in SSGD and SSGL were significantly increased compared to the SNGS. In conclusion, the germination of soybeans under dark and light conditions is not only an increasing organoleptic preference, but also has implications for the health benefits of Korean soy sauce.
Keep Up the Pace: Declines in Simple Repetitive Timing Differentiate Healthy Aging from the Earliest Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract The current study examined whether healthy older adults (OA) and individuals at the earliest stages of dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT) differ from younger adults (YA) and from each other on a simple, extended continuous tapping task using intervals (500 ms, 1000 ms, and 1500 ms) thought to differentially engage attentional control systems. OA groups sped up their tapping at the slowest target rate compared to the YA; this pattern was magnified in the early stage DAT groups. Performance variability appeared especially sensitive to DAT-related changes, as reliable differences between healthy OA and very mild DAT individuals emerged for multiple tap rates. These differences are proposed to result from breakdowns in attentional control that disrupt error-correction processes and the ability to resolve discrepancies between internally-generated temporal expectancies and the external temporal demands of the repetitive timing task. (JINS, 2012, 18, 1–12)
Hydrops lysosomalis generalisatus – an underestimated side effect of hydroxyethyl starch therapy?

Abstract: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is usually considered to be associated with limited side effects. Generalized foamy cell macrophage syndrome after HES therapy has rarely been reported since Schaefer first described it as ‘hydrops lysosomalis generalisatus’ in 1982. We present a 19‐yr‐old male who received large amounts of HES. A bone marrow and a liver biopsy were performed because of persistent thrombocytopenia and liver dysfunction. We found severe infiltration of foamy cell degenerated macrophages in both organ systems, indicating that sequelae of HES therapy have to be included in the differential diagnosis of bone marrow and liver dysfunction.
Rapid diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infections by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

A total of 457 clinical specimens were tested for the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) by isolation in cell culture and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HSV antigen was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 94% of the clinical specimens from which the virus was isolated. The detection rate was improved to 100% when specimens were either assayed within 24 h or stored frozen at a constant temperature (-20 degrees C) for up to 14 days. Type-specific HSV antigen was also detected in 6% of culture-negative specimens. The assay can be completed in 5 h or less, and commercially available immunoglobulins are used. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is a rapid and sensitive method for the diagnosis of HSV infection and can be used to improve the management of pregnant women with a history of genital herpes and of neonates and others with serious HSV infection which may require specific antiviral therapy. It also offers an alternative to cell culture for routine diagnosis of HSV infections.
Differential expression of GABAA and glycine receptors in ALS‐resistant vs. ALS‐vulnerable motoneurons: possible implications for selective vulnerability of motoneurons

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating motoneuronal degenerative disease, which is inevitably fatal in adults. ALS is characterized by an extensive loss of motoneurons in the cerebrospinal axis, except for those motoneurons that control eye movements and bladder contraction. The reason for this selectivity is not known. Systematic differences have been found in the organization of excitatory synaptic transmission in ALS‐resistant vs. ALS‐susceptible motor nuclei. However, although motoneurons express high levels of glycine receptors (GlyR) and GABAA receptors (GABAAR), no such studies have been carried out yet for inhibitory synaptic transmission. In this study, we compared the subunit composition, patterns of expression, density and synaptic localization of inhibitory synaptic receptors in ALS‐resistant (oculomotor, trochlear and abducens) and ALS‐vulnerable motoneurons (trigeminal, facial and hypoglossi). Triple immunofluorescent stainings of the major GABAAR subunits (α1, α2, α3, and α5), the GlyR α1 subunit and gephyrin, were visualized by confocal microscopy and analysed quantitatively. A strong correlation was observed between the vulnerability of motoneurons and the subunit composition of GABAAR, the GlyR/GABAAR density ratios and the incidence of synaptic vs. extrasynaptic GABAAR. These differences contrast strikingly with the uniform gephyrin cluster density and synaptic GlyR levels recorded in all motor nuclei examined. These results suggest that the specific patterns of inhibitory receptor organization observed might reflect functional differences that are relevant to the physiopathology of ALS.