Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A topological sigma model of biKähler geometry

BiKahler geometry is characterized by a riemannian metric gab and two covariantly constant generally non commuting complex structures K±ab, with respect to which gab is hermitean. It is a particular case of the bihermitean geometry of Gates, Hull and Roceck, the most general sigma model target space geometry allowing for (2,2) world sheet supersymmetry. We present a sigma model for biKahler geometry that is topological in the following sense: i) the action is invariant under a fermionic symmetry δ; ii) δ is nilpotent on shell; iii) the action is δ-exact on shell up to a topological term; iv) the resulting field theory depends only on a subset of the target space geometrical data. The biKahler sigma model is obtainable by gauge fixing the Hitchin model with generalized Kahler target space. It further contains the customary A topological sigma model as a particular case. However, it is not seemingly related to the (2,2) supersymmetric biKahler sigma model by twisting in general.
Effect of antibodies to staphylococcal alpha and beta toxins and Staphylococcus aureus on the cytotoxicity for and adherence of the organism to bovine mammary epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of antibodies to staphylococcal alpha and beta toxins and Staphylococcus aureus on the toxicity for and adherence of S aureus to bovine mammary epithelial cells. SAMPLE POPULATION Cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells and Staphylococcus aureus obtained from a cow with mastitis. PROCEDURE Cultured bovine epithelial cells were incubated with antisera to alpha and beta toxins of S aureus and culture supernatant; cell damage and S aureus adherence to cells were measured. RESULTS Antisera to alpha, beta, and alpha + beta toxins inhibited cytotoxicity of S aureus culture supernatant. Antiserum to alpha + beta toxin was the most effective inhibitor of cytotoxicity and antiserum to beta toxin was the least effective. All 3 antisera decreased the percentage of S aureus adhered to the mammary epithelial cell monolayers and numbers of organisms per cluster of adhered bacteria. In this study, antisera to alpha and alpha + beta toxins decreased the number of S aureus clusters per dish, but antiserum to beta toxin had no significant effect. Antiserum to alpha + beta toxin decreased the percentage of epithelial cells with adhered S aureus, but neither antiserum to alpha nor beta toxin had significant effect. Antiserum to S aureus decreased the percentage of S aureus adhered, number of clusters perdish, number of organisms per cluster, and percentage of epithelial cells with S aureus adhered. CONCLUSIONS Antibodies to staphylococcal alpha and beta toxins inhibit adherence to and cytotoxicity of S aureus for bovine mammary epithelial cells, and antibodies to S aureus inhibit adherence of S aureus to bovine mammary epithelial cells.
A Review of the Effects of Hypnosis on the Immune System in Breast Cancer Patients: A Brief Communication

Abstract In order to make a recommendation about the use of hypnosis as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of breast cancer, 2 studies assessing the immunological effects of hypnosis in patients with early stage breast cancer were evaluated: (a) an experiment that taught hypnotic guided-imagery therapy to patients and (b) one that provided participants with home visits and autogenic training. Both investigations demonstrated improvement in depression and increased natural killer (NK) cell counts after 2 months of hypnosis treatment. However, neither study determined the clinical significance of hypnosis in the setting of cancer, and therefore future experiments are needed to relate the immune-mediated effects of hypnosis to hard clinical outcomes like survival rates.
Getting to the Heart of the Matter: Written Disclosure, Gender, and Heart Rate

Objective: The present study examined gender differences in the psychologic and physical symptom changes associated with written disclosure. Methods: Male (n = 48) and female (n = 46) college students were assigned to either a written disclosure condition or a control writing condition. Participants in each condition wrote on 3 consecutive days for 20 minutes each session. Heart rate was recorded during each writing session and the narratives were examined for linguistic content. Participants completed measures of psychologic and physical health at baseline and again 1 month later. Results: Participants assigned to the written disclosure condition reported significantly greater psychological and physical health benefits at follow up compared with the control group participants. No significant gender differences were found among those participants assigned to the written disclosure condition. Additionally, although heart rate reactivity and changes in the use of words denoting positive emotion, negative emotion, and cognitive appraisal significantly differed between the writing conditions, no significant gender differences in these variables were found among individuals assigned to the written disclosure condition. Conclusions: Written disclosure is associated with significant improvements in both psychologic and physical health for men and women. There was no support for the notion that men may derive greater benefits than women from written disclosure. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that changes in physiological reactivity and word use associated with written disclosure do not differ between men and women. DASS21 = Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale; HR = heart rate; LIWC2001 = Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count; PDS = Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale; PILL = Pennebaker Inventory of Limbic Languidness.
Aligned Interference Neutralization and the Degrees of Freedom of the 2 User Interference Channel with Instantaneous Relay

It is well known that the classical 2 user Gaussian interference channel has only 1 degree of freedom (DoF), which can be achieved by orthogonal time division among the 2 users. It is also known that the use of conventional relays, which introduce a processing delay of at least one symbol duration relative to the direct paths between sources and destinations, does not increase the DoF of the 2 user interference channel. The use of instantaneous relays (relays-without-delay) has been explored for the single user point-to-point setting and it is known that such a relay, even with memoryless forwarding at the relay, can achieve a higher capacity than conventional relays. In this work, we show that the 2 user interference channel with an instantaneous relay, achieves 3/2 DoF. Thus, an instantaneous relay increases not only the capacity but also the DoF of the 2 user interference channel. The achievable scheme is inspired by the aligned interference neutralization scheme recently proposed for the 2X2X2 interference channel. Remarkably the DoF gain is achieved with memoryless relays, i.e., with relays that have no memory of past received symbols.
Asymmetric numeral systems: entropy coding combining speed of Huffman coding with compression rate of arithmetic coding

The modern data compression is mainly based on two approaches to entropy coding: Huffman (HC) and arithmetic/range coding (AC). The former is much faster, but approximates probabilities with powers of 2, usually leading to relatively low compression rates. The latter uses nearly exact probabilities - easily approaching theoretical compression rate limit (Shannon entropy), but at cost of much larger computational cost. Asymmetric numeral systems (ANS) is a new approach to accurate entropy coding, which allows to end this trade-off between speed and rate: the recent implementation [1] provides about $50\%$ faster decoding than HC for 256 size alphabet, with compression rate similar to provided by AC. This advantage is due to being simpler than AC: using single natural number as the state, instead of two to represent a range. Beside simplifying renormalization, it allows to put the entire behavior for given probability distribution into a relatively small table: defining entropy coding automaton. The memory cost of such table for 256 size alphabet is a few kilobytes. There is a large freedom while choosing a specific table - using pseudorandom number generator initialized with cryptographic key for this purpose allows to simultaneously encrypt the data. This article also introduces and discusses many other variants of this new entropy coding approach, which can provide direct alternatives for standard AC, for large alphabet range coding, or for approximated quasi arithmetic coding.
Complications in Advanced Diabetics in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Retrospective Registry-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION Diabetes is a major public health problem in our country and complications of diabetes are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. There is a need to quantify the complications in order to improve our strategies for prevention and management. AIM To measure the prevalence of complications in type 2 diabetics following up at a tertiary care centre and to study its association with the socio-demographic and clinical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective record based study was conducted on 3261 type 2 diabetic patients on insulin therapy, recorded in the diabetic registry maintained at Goa Medical College from Aug 2009 to May 2012. Data on anthropometric measurements, demographic characteristics, complications and other details were extracted from these records. RESULTS Out of the 3261 patients 1025 (31.4%) had macrovascular complications and 1122 (34.4%) had at least one microvascular complication. The prevalence of peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease and stroke were 6.7%, 21.3% and 6.6% respectively and were significantly higher in males. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy were 16.7%, 16.5% and 16.3% respectively with diabetic nephropathy being significantly higher in males. Trend analysis showed significant association of rising prevalence of all complications with age (p<0.05). Duration of diabetes also showed significantly positive trend for all complications (p<0.05) except stroke. CONCLUSION The study presents the prevalence of diabetic complications in patients reporting to a tertiary hospital in Goa. Coronary artery disease was found to be the most common complication. As age and duration of diabetes were found to be significantly associated, efforts should be made towards promoting earlier diagnosis of diabetes so as to improve management and decrease the chances of complications.
Setting the Right Tone: Benefits of Music-based Instruction in the ESL Classroom

Setting the Right Tone: Benefits of Music-based Instruction in the ESL Classroom Mollie Talada Research has shown a definitive link between the cognitive processing of language and of musical sound. Music has also been shown to be an effective teaching tool in the ESL classroom. Despite the theoretical studies that draw connections between musical aptitude and linguistic ability, few studies have shown the efficacy of using music to improve student motivation and self-confidence, as well as students’ perceptions of learning. The aim of this thesis was to bridge the gap between research and pedagogy and to provide student perceptions of the use of musical tasks in three aspects of their learning: (1) student self-confidence and lowering of the affective filter in language learning, (2) student motivation, and (3) students’ perceived efficacy of the tasks in improving their overall proficiency and language skills. The study was carried out over the course of two semesters in two communication skills courses in an Intensive English Program at a large, state institution in the United States. Forty-five students from a variety of language backgrounds participated in the study. Student perceptions were recorded and measured by a pre-study questionnaire in which the students responded to questions regarding their perceived proficiency level, their confidence level, and motivation to learn English, as well as questions about their background (prior English experience, prior instruction in music, etc.). The students completed learning journals during each unit, which prompted them to set goals for themselves for the unit, to track their learning (vocabulary, concepts taught, activities, etc.), and lastly, to assess their own learning, and whether or not they had achieved their goal. Each class took a post-study questionnaire upon completion of the units of study, responding to questions regarding the three areas of research (self-confidence, motivation, and perceived efficacy), and whether or not they perceived the musical tasks to have been helpful in improving these areas. The results showed that the students perceived the musicbased learning to be beneficial to their self-confidence, motivation, and improvement of their proficiency, particularly in the areas of listening, reading, and pronunciation, but also in regards to other skill areas including accuracy and cultural understanding. Students’ positive comments reflected their enjoyment of the activity with only two students responding negatively to the music-based learning. It is hoped that these data will help fill some of the current gaps in the research and provide a new perspective for teachers to consider regarding the implementation of musical tasks in the language classroom.
Poly(lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) and Polylactide/Polytrimethylene Carbonate Blown Films

In this work, poly(lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) and polylactide/polytrimethylene carbonate films are prepared using a film blowing method. The process parameters, including temperature and screw speed, are studied, and the structures and properties of the P(LA-TMC) and PLA/PTMC films are investigated. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show that upon improving the content of TMC and PTMC, the lamellar structures of the films are obviously changed. With increasing TMC monomer or PTMC contents, the elongation at the break is improved, and the maximum is up to 525%. The water vapor permeability (WVP) results demonstrate that the WVP of the PLA/PTMC film increased with the increase in the PTMC content, whereas the WVP of the P(LA-TMC) film decreased. Thermogravimetric (TG) measurements reveal that the decomposition temperatures of the P(LA-TMC) and PLA/PTMC films decrease with increases in the TMC and PTMC contents, respectively, but the processing temperature is significantly lower than the initial decomposition temperature. P(LA-TMC) or PLA/PTMC film can extend the shelf life of apples, for instance, like commercial LDPE film used in fruit packaging in supermarkets.
Diverse impact of acute and long-term extracellular proteolytic activity on plasticity of neuronal excitability

Learning and memory require alteration in number and strength of existing synaptic connections. Extracellular proteolysis within the synapses has been shown to play a pivotal role in synaptic plasticity by determining synapse structure, function, and number. Although synaptic plasticity of excitatory synapses is generally acknowledged to play a crucial role in formation of memory traces, some components of neural plasticity are reflected by nonsynaptic changes. Since information in neural networks is ultimately conveyed with action potentials, scaling of neuronal excitability could significantly enhance or dampen the outcome of dendritic integration, boost neuronal information storage capacity and ultimately learning. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. With this regard, several lines of evidence and our most recent study support a view that activity of extracellular proteases might affect information processing in neuronal networks by affecting targets beyond synapses. Here, we review the most recent studies addressing the impact of extracellular proteolysis on plasticity of neuronal excitability and discuss how enzymatic activity may alter input-output/transfer function of neurons, supporting cognitive processes. Interestingly, extracellular proteolysis may alter intrinsic neuronal excitability and excitation/inhibition balance both rapidly (time of minutes to hours) and in long-term window. Moreover, it appears that by cleavage of extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents, proteases may modulate function of ion channels or alter inhibitory drive and hence facilitate active participation of dendrites and axon initial segments (AISs) in adjusting neuronal input/output function. Altogether, a picture emerges whereby both rapid and long-term extracellular proteolysis may influence some aspects of information processing in neurons, such as initiation of action potential, spike frequency adaptation, properties of action potential and dendritic backpropagation.
Serum Zn levels in dysphagic patients who underwent endoscopic gastrostomy for long term enteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Dysphagic patients who underwent endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) usually present protein-energy malnutrition, but little is known about micronutrient malnutrition. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of serum zinc in patients who underwent endoscopic gastrostomy and its relationship with serum proteins, whole blood zinc, and the nature of underlying disorder. METHODS From patients that underwent gastrostomy a blood sample was obtained minutes before the procedure. Serum and whole blood zinc was evaluated using Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy. Serum albumin and transferrin were evaluated. Patients were studied as a whole and divided into two groups: head and neck cancer (HNC) and neurological dysphagia (ND). RESULTS The study involved 32 patients (22 males), aged 43-88 years: HNC = 15, ND = 17. Most (30/32) had low serum zinc, 17/32 presented normal values of whole blood zinc. Only two, with traumatic brain injury, presented normal serum zinc. Serum zinc levels showed no differences between HNC and ND patients. There was no association between serum zinc and serum albumin or transferrin. There was no association between serum and whole blood zinc. CONCLUSIONS Patients had low serum zinc when gastrostomy was performed, similar in HNC and ND, being related with prolonged fasting and unrelated with the underlying disease. Decrease serum zinc was unrelated with low serum proteins. Serum zinc was more sensitive than whole blood zinc for identifying reduced zinc intake. Teams taking care of PEG-patients should include zinc evaluation as part of the nutritional assessment, or include systematic dietary zinc supply.
Delayed administration of anti‐PD‐1 antibody reverses immune dysfunction and improves survival during sepsis

There is increasing recognition that a major pathophysiologic event in sepsis is the progression to an immunosuppressive state in which the host is unable to eradicate invading pathogens. Although there are likely numerous causes for the immunosuppression, expression of negative costimulatory molecules on immune effector cells is a likely contributing factor. PD‐1 is a recently described, negative costimulatory molecule that has potent effects to inhibit T cell activation, cytokine production, and cytotoxic functions. PD‐1 plays a critical role in the host response to specific pathogens, but relatively little work has been done on the possible effects of PD‐1 in sepsis. We hypothesized that the anti‐PD‐1 antibody would improve survival in sepsis. Mice underwent CLP, and PD‐1 expression was quantitated. Additionally, the effects of anti‐PD‐1 antibody on lymphocyte apoptosis, cytokine production, host immunity, and survival were determined. PD‐1 expression increased beginning 48 h after sepsis, and >20% of CD4 and CD8 T cells were positive by 7 days. Anti‐PD‐1 antibody administered 24 h after sepsis prevented sepsis‐induced depletion of lymphocytes and DCs, increased Bcl‐xL, blocked apoptosis, and improved survival. Anti‐PD‐1 also prevented the loss in DTH, a key indicator of immunocompetence in sepsis. Thus, delayed administration of anti‐PD‐1 antibody, an important therapeutic advantage, was effective in sepsis. Furthermore, these results add to the growing body of evidence that modulation of the positive and negative costimulatory pathways on immune cells represents a viable therapeutic approach in reversing immunosuppression and improving sepsis survival.
Growth hormone potentiates the in vivo biological activities of endotoxin in the rat

To investigate if growth hormone (GH) alters the effects of endotoxin in rats, endotoxin (5 mg kg−1 body weight) was injected into normal rats and into rats primed with GH for 3 days. Endotoxin had injurious effects on renal and liver function and induced hypoglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia as expected. GH‐primed rats became extremely sick after endotoxin challenge and had more marked abnormalities of renal and liver function and much more pronounced hypoglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia than non‐primed rats. It is concluded that growth hormone potentiates the in vivo biological activities of endotoxin in the rat. The results may also suggest that caution should be exerted when considering GH treatment in catabolic situations with endotoxaemia and that special attention should be paid to the prevention of infection during GH therapy in such situations.
Dyslipidemia, Iron, and Oxidative Stress in Preeclampsia: Assessment of Maternal and Feto-Placental Interactions

The etiology and pathogenesis of the pregnancy syndrome preeclampsia remain poorly understood. There is evidence that oxidative stress (am imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant forces in favor of oxidants) occurs in preeclampsia, and it has been hypothesized that reactive oxygen species or their metabolites ultimately comprise the "defensive" vasodilatory, antiaggregatory, and barrier functioning of the vascular endothelium. Oxidative stress may be point at which feto-placental and maternal factors converge, resulting in the protean manifestations of preeclampsia. This review highlights the evidence for maternal dyslipidemia and altered iron kinetics in preeclampsia and gives a critical assessment of their potential impact on disease progression. The theme is developed that interaction of maternal components, particularly neutrophils and oxidation-susceptible lipids, with placental cells and placental-derived factors engenders feed-forward cycles of oxidative stress that ultimately cause widespread endothelial cell dysfunction and its clinical manifestations.
Photonic Approach to Wide-Frequency-Range High-Resolution Microwave/Millimeter-Wave Doppler Frequency Shift Estimation

High-resolution Doppler frequency shift (DFS) estimation in a wide frequency range is essential for radar, microwave/millimeter-wave, and communication systems. In this paper, a photonic approach to DFS estimation is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, providing a high-resolution and frequency-independent solution. In the proposed approach, the DFS between the transmitted microwave signal and the received echo signal is mapped into a doubled frequency spacing between two target optical sidebands by using two cascaded electrooptic modulators. Subsequently, the DFS is then estimated through the spectrum analysis of a low-frequency electrical signal generated from the frequency beating of the two target sidebands with an improved resolution by a factor of 2. In the experiments, DFSs from -90 to 90 kHz are successfully estimated for microwave/millimeter-wave signals at 10, 15, and 30 GHz, where the estimation errors are lower than ±5 ×10-10 Hz. For radial velocity measurement, these results reveal a range from 0 to 900 m/s and a resolution of 1 ×10-11 m/s at 15-GHz frequency band, or a range from 0 to 450 m/s and a resolution of 5 ×10-12 m/s at 30-GHz band. To eliminate the estimation ambiguity, a reference branch is introduced for generating an indicator frequency to discriminate the sign of DFS and the direction of radial velocity for approaching or receding motion. In addition, extended discussions on the signal-to-noise ratio, the minimum measurable DFS, and other detection features of the proposed approach are presented.