Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards a People's Web: Metalog

This paper introduces Metalog, a query/logical system designed to allow reasoning on the Web. Metalog tries to start filling in the so-called people axis, where the Web is tailored for the people, and not just for the machine. Besides allowing the formulation of declarative logical rules, Metalog's distinctive feature is to lower the entry access level, by employing a Pseudo Natural Language (PNL) interface, which is particularly easy to understand. This allows almost everybody to use Metalog, even without any particular expertize in the field. This capability, together with other advanced solutions that enhance customization and user friendliness, are key components for a wide adoption of intelligent semantic web technologies.
Task-specific change of unconscious neural priming in the cerebral language network

We explored the impact of task context on subliminal neural priming using functional magnetic resonance imaging. The repetition of words during semantic categorization produced activation reduction in the left middle temporal gyrus previously associated with semantic-level representation and dorsal premotor cortex. By contrast, reading aloud produced repetition enhancement in the left inferior parietal lobe associated with print-to-sound conversion and ventral premotor cortex. Analyses of effective connectivity revealed that the task set for reading generated reciprocal excitatory connections between the left inferior parietal and superior temporal regions, reflecting the audiovisual integration required for vocalization, whereas categorization did not produce such backward projection to posterior regions. Thus, masked repetition priming involves two distinct components in the task-specific neural streams, one in the parietotemporal cortex for task-specific word processing and the other in the premotor cortex for behavioral response preparation. The top-down influence of task sets further changes the directions of the unconscious priming in the entire cerebral circuitry for reading.
AS101 Prevents Diabetic Nephropathy Progression and Mesangial Cell Dysfunction: Regulation of the AKT Downstream Pathway

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by proliferation of mesangial cells, mesangial expansion, hypertrophy and extracellular matrix accumulation. Previous data have cross-linked PKB (AKT) to TGFβ induced matrix modulation. The non-toxic compound AS101 has been previously shown to favorably affect renal pathology in various animal models and inhibits AKT activity in leukemic cells. Here, we studied the pharmacological properties of AS101 against the progression of rat DN and high glucose-induced mesangial dysfunction. In-vivo administration of AS101 to Streptozotocin injected rats didn’t decreased blood glucose levels but ameliorated kidney hypotrophy, proteinuria and albuminuria and downregulated cortical kidney phosphorylation of AKT, GSK3β and SMAD3. AS101 treatment of primary rat glomerular mesangial cells treated with high glucose significantly reduced their elevated proliferative ability, as assessed by XTT assay and cell cycle analysis. This reduction was associated with decreased levels of p-AKT, increased levels of PTEN and decreased p-GSK3β and p-FoxO3a expression. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K, mTORC1 and SMAD3 decreased HG-induced collagen accumulation, while inhibition of GSK3β did not affect its elevated levels. AS101 also prevented HG-induced cell growth correlated to mTOR and (rp)S6 de-phosphorylation. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of the AKT downstream pathway by AS101 has clinical potential in alleviating the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
Novel intervention with acupuncture for anorexia and cachexia in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancers: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To investigate the feasibility of using acupuncture as a complementary intervention to existing treatments and to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in improving appetite and slowing weight loss with patients with gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers. DESIGN One-group pre- and postintervention feasibility study. SETTING Outpatient clinic for patients with cancer and a community setting, both in Florida. SAMPLE A convenience sample of seven adults with GI cancer. METHODS Eight acupuncture sessions were provided during eight weeks. Data were collected using the visual analog scale (VAS) for appetite, Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ), Karnofsky Performance Status, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Appetite, weight, attrition rate. FINDINGS Seven patients with a mean age of 61 years completed the intervention. Acupuncture was well accepted, feasible, and safe without any reported side effects. Appetite showed improvement, with an average score of 3.04 on the VAS and 4.14 on SNAQ compared to the preintervention scores. The average weight loss was 1.32% compared to the baseline during an eight-week period. CONCLUSIONS The acupuncture intervention was feasible and indicated positive outcomes. Because of the small sample size and lack of a control group, statistical significance of effectiveness was not determined. Acupuncture seemed to improve appetite and slow weight loss in patients with GI cancers, so additional studies with a larger sample size and a variety of cancers are warranted. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Oncology nurses are uniquely able to equip patients with information about complementary therapy modalities, such as acupuncture, which is a promising way to improve appetite and slow weight loss in patients with GI cancers.
Evaluation of the Role of Functional Constraints on the Integrity of an Ultraconserved Region in the Genus Drosophila

Why gene order is conserved over long evolutionary timespans remains elusive. A common interpretation is that gene order conservation might reflect the existence of functional constraints that are important for organismal performance. Alteration of the integrity of genomic regions, and therefore of those constraints, would result in detrimental effects. This notion seems especially plausible in those genomes that can easily accommodate gene reshuffling via chromosomal inversions since genomic regions free of constraints are likely to have been disrupted in one or more lineages. Nevertheless, no empirical test has been performed to this notion. Here, we disrupt one of the largest conserved genomic regions of the Drosophila genome by chromosome engineering and examine the phenotypic consequences derived from such disruption. The targeted region exhibits multiple patterns of functional enrichment suggestive of the presence of constraints. The carriers of the disrupted collinear block show no defects in their viability, fertility, and parameters of general homeostasis, although their odorant perception is altered. This change in odorant perception does not correlate with modifications of the level of expression and sex bias of the genes within the genomic region disrupted. Our results indicate that even in highly rearranged genomes, like those of Diptera, unusually high levels of gene order conservation cannot be systematically attributed to functional constraints, which raises the possibility that other mechanisms can be in place and therefore the underpinnings of the maintenance of gene organization might be more diverse than previously thought.
Frame Semantics Annotation Made Easy with DBpedia

Crowdsourcing techniques applied to natural language processing have recently experienced a steady growth and represent a cheap and fast, albeit valid, solution to create benchmarks and training data. Nevertheless, some particularly complex tasks such as semantic role annotation have been rarely conducted in a crowdsourcing environment, due to their intrinsic difficulty. In this paper, we present a novel approach to accomplish this task by leveraging information automatically extracted from DBpedia. We show that replacing role definitions, typically meant for expert annotators, with a list of DBpedia types, makes the identification and assignment of role labels more intuitive also for non-expert workers. Results prove that such strategy improves on the standard annotation workflow, both in terms of accuracy and of time consumption.
GTSE1 tunes microtubule stability for chromosome alignment and segregation by inhibiting the microtubule depolymerase MCAK

The microtubule depolymerase MCAK influences chromosomal instability (CIN), but what controls its activity remains unclear. Bendre et al. show that GTSE1, a protein found overexpressed in tumors, regulates microtubule stability and chromosome alignment during mitosis by inhibiting MCAK. High levels of GTSE1 are linked to chromosome missegregation and CIN.
Tamoxifen Inhibits Cytochrome P450 2C9 Activity in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract Tamoxifen has been reported to potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and also to increase the plasma level of phenytoin, which are mainly metabolized by CYP2C9. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of tamoxifen on CYP2C9 activity in vivo in humans. Thirteen breast cancer patients who would start tamoxifen following cytotoxic chemotherapy were enrolled in the study. A single oral dose of 25 mg losartan was given to the patients 2 days before and 2 weeks after starting tamoxifen therapy. Losartan and E3174 in 8-hour urine samples were measured by HPLC. Tamoxifen significantly increased the average urinary losartan/E3174 ratio from 0.73 (CI95%=0.15-2.30) to 1.66 (CI95%=0.68-5.20), after 2 weeks of treatment (p=0.002). Tamoxifen inhibited CYP2C9 activity in breast cancer patients within two weeks of its administration. The inhibition of CYP2C9 activity may be a possible explanation for the drug-drug interaction of tamoxifen with CYP2C9 substrates.
Pheromones for Modulating Reproduction in Cattle Biological Potential of Oestrus-related Substances in Intra- and Inter-species Chemical Communication

Declining dairy cow fertility, largely attributable to increasing milk yields, is of major concern to dairy farmers worldwide. New tools for reproductive management, to replace exogenous hormones, would be of great interest. Chemical communication in cattle has been suggested to cause modifications of the oestrous cycle. Here, reproductive parameters were monitored in ten dairy heifers during five oestrous cycles. They were exposed to distilled water (control) or oestrous urine and vaginal mucus (treatment). Four of them were also subjected to intensive blood sampling to study the treatment effect on the LH pulsatility pattern (LHP) preceding the preovulatory LH surge (LHS). We found that the treatment had significant effects on when the different signs of oestrus occurred and on the intensity of oestrus expression. There was a tendency for treatment to have an effect on LHS characteristics whereas LHP was significantly affected by the treatment. To find a quick bioassay to detect bioactive bovine body fluids, two heifers and two bulls were exposed to different body fluids while their heart rates were registered. Although the exposure caused significant effects, they were not of sufficient magnitude to be useful. Further attempts to find a bioassay to identify oestrus-specific compounds included using the face fly as a biological detector. Female flies were allowed to choose between either oestrous (OU) or luteal urine (LU) and distilled water (control) in a Y-tube olfactometer. Flies were significantly repelled by OU, but not by LU. Gas chromatography coupled with electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) revealed no behaviourally active, oestrusspecific compounds. Comparison of chromatograms, however, showed that cetyl alcohol was more abundant in OU than in LU. When tested at different doses, the lowest dose of cetyl alcohol was found to attract flies, while the second lowest dose was repellent. We found effects of exposure to body fluids on cyclicity in heifers, as well as on heart rate in cattle, which supports the existence of bovine pheromones. We also found that the face fly could discriminate between OU and LU, probably based on the amount of cetyl alcohol in the samples. Neither monitoring of heart rate, nor using the face fly as a biological detector, were suitable bioassays for detection of bovine pheromones.
Escherichia coli DnaK protein possesses a 5'-nucleotidase activity that is inhibited by AppppA

AppppA and the DnaK protein have both been hypothesized to function in regulating the heat shock response of Escherichia coli. The proposals are that AppppA serves as a signal (alarmone) to turn on the heat shock response, whereas the DnaK protein is necessary to turn off the heat shock response. A simple model would be that the DnaK protein turns off the response by degrading AppppA. We disproved this model by demonstrating that the DnaK protein possesses a 5'-nucleotidase activity capable of degrading many cellular nucleotides but not AppppA. Although AppppA was not a substrate, it did inhibit the 5'-nucleotidase activity of the DnaK protein. This inhibition may be specific and have biological function since the mutant DnaK756 protein, which is defective in turning off the heat shock response, is partially desensitized to AppppA inhibition. These findings led us to consider other possible mechanisms for AppppA and the DnaK protein in heat shock regulation.
ChAPteR 4 Betrayal Trauma

An estimated 6 million children and adolescents in the United States were referred to child protective services (CPS) in 2010 for experiences of maltreatment, including abuse (physical, sexual, and emotional) and/ or neglect (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2010). In an estimated 81% of those cases, perpetrators were caregivers. Due to variations in legal and research definitions of child maltreatment as well as false negatives in reporting (Chu, Pineda, DePrince, & Freyd, 2011), the prevalence of caregiver maltreatment is likely underestimated by federal numbers. Moreover, the terms child maltreatment and child sexual abuse are used in ways that obscure the fact that perpetrators are often relatives or those otherwise in positions of responsibility or known to the child. In the case of sexual abuse, incest is the more accurate terminology (Cour-tois, 2010). Children and adolescents mistreated by those in positions of trust (e.g., caregivers) are at high risk for a range of deleterious outcomes, For clinicians and researchers seeking to understand the adverse outcomes associated with caregiver maltreatment, betrayal trauma theory (BTT) offers a From Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Scientific Foundations and Therapeutic Models.
Group II Metabotropic and α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole Propionate (AMPA)/Kainate Glutamate Receptors Regulate the Deficit in Brain Reward Function Associated with Nicotine Withdrawal in Rats

This study investigated the role of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors in the deficits in brain reward function, as measured by elevations in intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) reward thresholds, associated with nicotine withdrawal. The group II metabotropic glutamate (mGluII) receptor agonist LY314582 [a racemic mixture of LY354740 ([+]-2-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid])] (2.5-7.5 mg/kg) precipitated withdrawal-like elevations in ICSS thresholds, a sensitive measure of reward function, in nicotine-dependent but not control rats. LY314582 did not affect response latencies, a measure of performance in the ICSS paradigm. Bilateral microinfusion of LY314582 (10-100 ng/side) into the ventral tegmental area likewise precipitated dose-dependent threshold elevations in nicotine-dependent rats. Furthermore, a single injection of the mGluII receptor antagonist LY341495 (2S-2-amino-2-[1S,2S-2-carboxycyclopropan-1-yl]-3-[xanth-9-yl]propionic acid) (1 mg/kg) attenuated the threshold elevations observed in rats undergoing spontaneous nicotine withdrawal. mGluII receptors are primarily located on glutamatergic terminals throughout the mesocorticolimbic system, where they act as inhibitory autoreceptors. To investigate whether mGluII receptors contributed to nicotine withdrawal by decreasing glutamatergic transmission, we next examined whether direct blockade of postsynaptic glutamate receptors precipitated withdrawal-like reward deficits in nicotine-dependent rats. The α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA)/kainate receptor antagonist 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(f)quinoxaline (NBQX; 0.01-1 mg/kg) precipitated withdrawal-like threshold elevations in nicotine-dependent but not control rats, whereas 6-methyl-2-[phenylethynyl]-pyridine (MPEP; 0.01-3 mg/kg) and dizocilpine (MK-801; 0.01-0.2 mg/kg), antagonists at metabotropic glutamate 5 and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, respectively, did not. Overall, these data demonstrate that mGluII receptors play an important role in the reward deficits associated with nicotine withdrawal. Furthermore, it is likely that mGluII receptors generate this reward deficit, at least in part, by decreasing glutamate transmission at AMPA/kainate receptors.
Effective Control of Non-Native American Mink by Strategic Trapping in a River Catchment in Mainland Britain

The introduction of American mink (Neovison vison; hereafter mink) into Europe has had severe impacts on many native wildlife species, including the water vole (Arvicola amphibius) in mainland Britain. Although trapping has been widely used to attempt to control mink, managers have little direct evidence of its effect on mink density or distribution, particularly where immigration of mink from nearby areas is inevitable. Such evidence is needed to justify the use of lethal methods in conservation policy. During 2006–2010 we removed mink from the River Monnow Catchment in western Britain, using track-recording rafts to monitor continuously for mink presence, guiding a strategic trapping effort. The area monitored and trapped was increased in stages, from a core sub-catchment with 109 km of water-course in 2006, to a 421-km2 catchment with 203 km of water-course in 2009. In each successive sub-catchment, mink detection and capture rates declined rapidly to near-zero levels after trapping began. Detections and captures showed seasonal peaks in every year corresponding to known dispersal periods, but also declined steadily from year to year, with increasing periods in which we did not detect mink. These results suggested that each sub-catchment was cleared of mink within a few months, with subsequent captures attributable to immigration. On average, we detected each mink 5.1 times before capture (daily probability of detection = 0.059 per mink and raft), and trapped them 3.4 days after deploying traps in response. On average, mink entering the area were likely to have been present for less than 13 days before capture. Water voles had been extinct in the Monnow Catchment since the 1980s. During 2006–2008 (starting 6 months after mink trapping commenced), we released 700 captive-bred water voles into the treatment area to re-establish a wild population. Persistence of this population through the 4 years of the project was considered indicative of effective mink control. This study demonstrates that, even in a mainland context, a systematic trapping strategy can have a substantial impact on the density and distribution of a damaging species, in this case allowing the restoration of a native prey species. © 2013 The Wildlife Society
Role of electroplated interlayer in continuous drive friction welding of AA6061 to AISI 304 dissimilar metals

Aluminium austenitic stainless steel joints find application in cryogenic engines, spacecrafts and automobiles. This dissimilar material combination is unweldable by conventional fusion welding due to a tendency for brittle intermetallic formation. Solid state welding processes such as friction welding are reported to be employed in such situations. This paper deals with continuous drive friction welding of AA6061 Al alloy to AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel. Direct welding of this combination resulted in brittle joints with 0° bend angle due to the formation of Fe2Al5. To alleviate this problem welding was carried out by incorporating Cu, Ni and Ag as diffusion barrier interlayers. The interlayer was incorporated by electroplating. Welds with Cu and Ni interlayer were also brittle due to the presence of CuAl2 and NiAl3. Ag acted as an effective diffusion barrier for Fe avoiding the formation of Fe2Al5. Therefore welds with Ag interlayer were stronger and ductile and could be bent to an angle of 100°.
Application of magnetoencephalography to the study of autism.

From the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Radiology, and the Herbert J. Frensley Center for Imaging Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Psychiatry Service, Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas; and the Center for Advanced Medical Technologies, Department of Radiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Address correspondence to Dr. Hurley, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030-3498; e-mail: taber@bcm.tmc. edu
Acid suppression does not reduce symptoms from vocal cord dysfunction, where gastro‐laryngeal reflux is a known trigger

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is characterized by paradoxical inspiratory abduction of the vocal cords. Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a known trigger. We studied 77 patients referred to a tertiary VCD clinic. VCD was diagnosed in 62, of which 83.9% had proven GORD. Following 8 weeks of acid suppression, 24.2% reported improvement in the severity and frequency of VCD attacks. This study suggests that empirical treatment of GORD in VCD marginally improves symptom control.
Improving hash join performance through prefetching

Hash join algorithms suffer from extensive CPU cache stalls. We show that the standard hash join algorithm/or disk-oriented databases (i.e. GRACE) spends over 73% of its user time stalled on CPU cache misses, and explores the use of prefetching to improve its cache performance. Applying prefetching to hash joins is complicated by the data dependencies, multiple code paths, and inherent randomness of hashing. We present two techniques, group prefetching and software-pipelined prefetching, that overcome these complications. These schemes achieve 2.0-2.9X speedups for the join phase and 1.4-2.6X speedups for the partition phase over GRACE and simple prefetching approaches. Compared with previous cache-aware approaches (i.e. cache partitioning), the schemes are at least 50% faster on large relations and do not require exclusive use of the CPU cache to be effective.