Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rapid susceptibility testing of fungi by flow cytometry using vital staining

A 1-h assay for antifungal susceptibility testing measuring the impairment of fungal metabolic activity was developed. Yeast viability was analyzed by flow cytometry with a novel fluorescent probe, FUN-1, which emits a red fluorescence when the yeast is metabolically active. For nine Candida albicans strains tested, this method yielded results comparable to those obtained by the standard M27 procedure for amphotericin B, flucytosine, fluconazole, and ketoconazole. Whether the flow cytometry antifungal susceptibility test results correlate with the in vivo activities of the drugs remains to determined.
Inhibition of testicular testosterone biosynthesis following experimental varicocele in rats.

In an attempt to determine whether defective testicular testosterone (T) biosynthesis may be associated with a varicocele, an experimental study was performed in adult rats whereby a unilateral left varicocele was surgically created. At 2, 4, 8, and 12 wk following the creation of the varicocele, intratesticular T as well as the activities of three (17 alpha-hydroxylase, 17,20-desmolase, and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) of the five enzymes in the delta 4 pathway of testicular T biosynthesis were measured. Intratesticular T (ng/g testis +/- SEM) in the left testis decreased significantly from 121 +/- 21 in the control group to 59 +/- 8 in the two-wk varicocele group (p less than 0.01), and remained significantly suppressed throughout the experimental period. The T concentrations in the right testis paralleled those in the left in both the control and varicocele animals. At 2 wk following the creation of the varicocele, the activity (nmol/min/testis +/- SEM) of the 17,20-desmolase enzyme decreased significantly, from 115 +/- 8 in the left testis of control rats to 87 +/- 6 in the left testis of the varicocele animals (p less than 0.025), and remained low throughout the 12 weeks of the study. The activity of the 17 alpha-hydroxylase enzyme was significantly decreased at the 8th and 12th weeks of the study, while the 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity did not show any significant change during the study period. The enzyme activities in the right testis paralleled those in the left testis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Quantitative assessment of ribosome drop-off in E. coli

Premature ribosome drop-off is one of the major errors in translation of mRNA by ribosomes. However, repeated analyses of Ribo-seq data failed to quantify its strength in E. coli. Relying on a novel highly sensitive data analysis method we show that a significant rate of ribosome drop-off is measurable and can be quantified also when cells are cultured under non-stressing conditions. Moreover, we find that the drop-off rate is highly variable, depending on multiple factors. In particular, under environmental stress such as amino acid starvation or ethanol intoxication, the drop-off rate markedly increases.
Bioactivity-guided isolation of anticancer agents from Bauhinia kockiana Korth.

BACKGROUND Flowers of Bauhinia kockiana were investigated for their anticancer properties. METHODS Gallic acid (1), and methyl gallate (2), were isolated via bioassay-directed isolation, and they exhibited anticancer properties towards several cancer cell lines, examined using MTT cell viability assay. Pyrogallol (3) was examined against the same cancer cell lines to deduce the bioactive functional group of the phenolic compounds. RESULTS The results showed that the phenolic compounds could exhibit moderate to weak cytotoxicity towards certain cell lines (GI50 30 - 86 µM), but were inactive towards DU145 prostate cancer cell (GI50 > 100 µM). CONCLUSION It was observed that pyrogallol moiety was one of the essential functional structures of the phenolic compounds in exhibiting anticancer activity. Also, the carboxyl group of compound 1 was also important in anticancer activity. Examination of the PC-3 cells treated with compound 1 using fluorescence microscopy showed that PC-3 cells were killed by apoptosis.
The magnetic field and the location of the TeV emitter in Cygnus X-1 and LS 5039

Context. Cygnus X-1 and LS 5039 are two X-ray binaries observed at TeV energies. Both sources are compact systems, contain jet-like (radio) structures, and harbor very luminous O stars. A TeV signal has been found around the superior conjunction of the compact object in both objects, when the highest gamma-ray opacities are expected. Aims. We investigate the implications of finding TeV emission from Cygnus X-1 and LS 5039 around the superior conjunction, since this can give information on the system magnetic field and the location of the TeV emitter. Methods. Using the very high-energy spectra and fluxes observed around the superior conjunction in Cygnus X-1 and LS 5039, we compute the absorbed luminosity that is caused by pair creation in the stellar photon field for different emitter positions with respect to the star and the observer line of sight. The role of the magnetic field and electromagnetic cascading are discussed. For the case of inefficient electromagnetic cascading, the expected secondary synchrotron fluxes are compared with the observed ones at X-ray energies. Results. We find that, in Cygnus X-1 and LS 5039, either the magnetic field in the star surroundings is much smaller than the one expected for O stars or the TeV emitter is located at a distance >10 12 cm from the compact object. Conclusions. Our results strongly suggest that the TeV emitters in Cygnus X-1 and LS 5039 are located at the borders of the binary system and well above the orbital plane. This would not agree with those models for which the emitter is well inside the system, like the innermost-jet region (Cygnus X-1 and LS 5039; microquasar scenario) or the region between the pulsar and the primary star (LS 5039; standard pulsar scenario).
A Search-Based Testing Approach for XML Injection Vulnerabilities in Web Applications

In most cases, web applications communicate with web services (SOAP and RESTful). The former act as a front-end to the latter, which contain the business logic. A hacker might not have direct access to those web services (e.g., they are not on public networks), but can still provide malicious inputs to the web application, thus potentially compromising related services. Typical examples are XML injection attacks that target SOAP communications. In this paper, we present a novel, search-based approach used to generate test data for a web application in an attempt to deliver malicious XML messages to web services. Our goal is thus to detect XML injection vulnerabilities in web applications. The proposed approach is evaluated on two studies, including an industrial web application with millions of users. Results show that we are able to effectively generate test data (e.g., input values in an HTML form) that detect such vulnerabilities.
Stability Conditions and Branes at Singularities

I use Bridgeland’s definition of a stability condition on a triangulated category to investigate the stability of D-branes on Calabi-Yau cones given by the canonical line bundle over a del Pezzo surface. In this context, I prove the existence of the decay of a D3-brane into a set of fractional branes. This is an important aspect of the derivation of quiver gauge theories from branes at singularities via the technique of equivalences of categories. Some important technical aspects of this equivalence are discussed. I also prove that the representations corresponding to skyscraper sheaves supported off the zero section are simple.
Decision structuring to alle v iate embedding in en v ironmental v aluation

Embedding is the widely-observed phenomenon that a good is assigned a higher value if evaluated on its own rather than as part of a more inclusive set. Embedding is considered a serious problem affecting the quality of many environmental management and health risk policy judgments. This paper presents the results of an experiment involving of a structured, small-group approach for conducting environmental policy evaluations. It focuses on eliciting problem-specific values and discussion among participants about the pros and cons of multiple project alternatives, in the context of tradeoffs between fisheries production and electricity generation from dams. Study results show a significant reduction in embedding, which is viewed as an improvement in the quality of the preference judgments compared with a standard contingent valuation (CV) approach. # 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Performance evaluation of Artificial Neural Networks in microstrip fractal antenna parameter estimation

Artificial Neural Networks have been recently used for the design and analysis of fractal antennas. The performance of various types of networks has not been yet explored for these antennas. This paper evaluates the performance of three types of neural networks: Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN), Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN), and Generalized Regression Neural Networks (GRNN) for parameter estimation of Microstrip Fractal Antenna. Depending on the values of mean percentage error and time taken for training of each type, it has been concluded that the GRNN has best performance among these three networks.
Acquiring High Quality Non-Expert Knowledge from On-Demand Workforce

Being expensive and time consuming, human knowledge acquisition has consistently been a major bottleneck for solving real problems. In this paper, we present a practical framework for acquiring high quality non-expert knowledge from on-demand workforce using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). We show how to apply this framework to collect large-scale human knowledge on AOL query classification in a fast and efficient fashion. Based on extensive experiments and analysis, we demonstrate how to detect low-quality labels from massive data sets and their impact on collecting high-quality knowledge. Our experimental findings also provide insight into the best practices on balancing cost and data quality for using MTurk.
Differential Accumulation of Dimethylallyl Diphosphate in Leaves and Needles of Isoprene- and Methylbutenol-Emitting and Nonemitting Species1

The biosynthesis and emission of volatile plant terpenoids, such as isoprene and methylbutenol (MBO), depend on the chloroplastic production of dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). To date, it has been difficult to study the relationship of cellular DMAPP levels to emission of these volatiles because of the lack of a sensitive assay for DMAPP in plant tissues. Using a recent DMAPP assay developed in our laboratories, we report that species with the highest potential for isoprene and MBO production also exhibit elevated light-dependent DMAPP production, ranging from 110% to 1,063%. Even species that do not produce significant amounts of volatile terpenoids, however, exhibit some potential for light-dependent production of DMAPP. We used a nonaqueous fractionation technique to determine the intracellular distribution of DMAPP in isoprene-emitting cottonwood (Populus deltoides) leaves; approximately 65% to 70% of the DMAPP recovered at midday occurred in the chloroplasts, indicating that most of the light-dependent production of DMAPP was chloroplastic in origin. The midday concentration of chloroplastic DMAPP in cottonwood leaves is estimated to be 0.13 to 3.0 mm, which is consistent with the relatively high K ms that have been reported for isoprene synthases (0.5–8 mm). The results provide support for the hypothesis that the light dependence of isoprene and MBO emissions is in part due to controls over DMAPP production.
A dynamic-encryption authentication scheme for M2M security in cyber-physical systems

Machine to machine (M2M) communication is the technology that utilizes both wireless and wired systems to monitor physical or environmental conditions and exchange the information among different systems without direct human intervention. In the future cyber-physical system, M2M will play a very important role in data collecting. While being a promising technology, M2M communication still faces lots of security threats. There are some security vulnerabilities that yet to be solved. In this paper, we propose a dynamic-encryption authentication scheme, by which a mobile device could be authenticated by the network and a shared one-time-password could be generated. The security analysis shows that the proposed scheme could withstand Man-in-the-Middle attacks, impersonation attacks, reply attacks and DoS attacks. Our scheme is also formally verified.
Lovastatin and phenylacetate inhibit the induction of nitric oxide synthase and cytokines in rat primary astrocytes, microglia, and macrophages.

This study explores the role of mevalonate inhibitors in the activation of NF-kbeta and the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6) in rat primary astrocytes, microglia, and macrophages. Lovastatin and sodium phenylacetate (NaPA) were found to inhibit LPS- and cytokine-mediated production of NO and expression of iNOS in rat primary astrocytes; this inhibition was not due to depletion of end products of mevalonate pathway (e.g., cholesterol and ubiquinone). Reversal of the inhibitory effect of lovastatin on LPS-induced iNOS expression by mevalonate and farnesyl pyrophosphate and reversal of the inhibitory effect of NaPA on LPS-induced iNOS expression by farnesyl pyrophosphate, however, suggests a role of farnesylation in the LPS-mediated induction of iNOS. The inhibition of LPS-mediated induction of iNOS by FPT inhibitor II, an inhibitor of Ras farnesyl protein transferase, suggests that farnesylation of p21(ras) or other proteins regulates the induction of iNOS. Inhibition of LPS-mediated activation of NF-kbeta by lovastatin, NaPA, and FPT inhibitor II in astrocytes indicates that the observed inhibition of iNOS expression is mediated via inhibition of NF-kbeta activation. In addition to iNOS, lovastatin and NaPA also inhibited LPS-induced expression of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 in rat primary astrocytes, microglia, and macrophages. This study delineates a novel role of the mevalonate pathway in controlling the expression of iNOS and different cytokines in rat astrocytes, microglia, and macrophages that may be important in developing therapeutics against cytokine- and NO-mediated neurodegenerative diseases.
Experimental validation of a novel approach to stabilize power system frequency by taking advantage of Load Voltage Sensitivity

This paper deals with a novel way to provide dynamic frequency support to isolated power systems by a fast control of the load through the grid voltage. Following the promising results of a preliminary analysis based on dynamic simulations, a field test was carried out in the archipelago of Guadeloupe at the beginning of 2014. It confirmed that the proposed control can significantly improve the transient performance of isolated power systems after generation outages. The experimental setup and the main results of this demonstration effort are presented.
The Effects that Sports and other Organized Activities have on School Grades and Drug Use among Adolescents

In modern society many adolescents participate in some extracurricular activities after school so it ́s important to research if they have positive or negative effects in the adolescent ́s life. The aim of this study was to research the effects that sports and other organized activities have on school grades and drug use among adolescents. Participants in this study where around 4000 students in 9th and 10th grade in Iceland, around 2000 each year that was researched. Students answered questions that discussed sports, organized activities, school grades and drug use. Two hypotheses were presented: (1) Sports and other organized activities affect school grades among aldolescents. (2) Sports and other organized activities affect drug use among adolescents. Because there are data from two differents years we can see if there is some difference between the years. There was significant effects on school grades for adolecsents that participates in sports and organized activities both in 2006 and 2009. There was also significant effects on drug use for adolcents who participated in sports both 2006 and 2009 but there where only significant effects on drug use for adolcents that participated in organized activities in 2006 but not in 2009.
The effects of transition intervention on students with mild disabilities.

THE EFFECTS OF TRANSITION INTERVENTION ON STUDENTS WITH MILD DISABILITIES Yvonne Anton Kelley Niemann December 11, 2007 The process of transition from high school to adult life is particularly important for students with mild disabilities because these students show a pattern of overwhelmingly low expectations and progress. Transition services, self-determination, and focus on outcomes are essential to improve success. Curriculum designed around the interests and abilities of the student, with assistance to meet goals through a coordinated set of activities, academics, work experiences, and personal insight is essential. The STEP Grant supported students with mild disabilities in collaboration with the University of Louisville and a metropolitan school district in Kentucky. Helping students obtain their high school diplomas was emphasized. Students were involved in planning, personality development, work experiences, and connections to adult services. This dissertation constitutes program evaluation of this transition intervention follow-up program for high school students with mild disabilities (N = 50). Data were obtained from district archival records for IEPs, Transition Plans, grades, personality testing (Self-efficacy and Locus of Control), and a STEP Grant Student Follow-up Survey. The quantitative or qualitative methods were specified for each
What Drives the US and Peruvian HIV Epidemics in Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)?

In this work, we estimate the proportions of transmissions occurring in main vs. casual partnerships, and by the sexual role, infection stage, and testing and treatment history of the infected partner, for men who have sex with men (MSM) in the US and Peru. We use dynamic, stochastic models based in exponential random graph models (ERGMs), obtaining inputs from multiple large-scale MSM surveys. Parallel main partnership and casual sexual networks are simulated. Each man is characterized by age, race, circumcision status, sexual role behavior, and propensity for unprotected anal intercourse (UAI); his history is modeled from entry into the adult population, with potential transitions including HIV infection, detection, treatment, AIDS diagnosis, and death. We implemented two model variants differing in assumptions about acute infectiousness, and assessed sensitivity to other key inputs. Our two models suggested that only 4–5% (Model 1) or 22–29% (Model 2) of HIV transmission results from contacts with acute-stage partners; the plurality (80–81% and 49%, respectively) stem from chronic-stage partners and the remainder (14–16% and 27–35%, respectively) from AIDS-stage partners. Similar proportions of infections stem from partners whose infection is undiagnosed (24–31%), diagnosed but untreated (36–46%), and currently being treated (30–36%). Roughly one-third of infections (32–39%) occur within main partnerships. Results by country were qualitatively similar, despite key behavioral differences; one exception was that transmission from the receptive to insertive partner appears more important in Peru (34%) than the US (21%). The broad balance in transmission contexts suggests that education about risk, careful assessment, pre-exposure prophylaxis, more frequent testing, earlier treatment, and risk-reduction, disclosure, and adherence counseling may all contribute substantially to reducing the HIV incidence among MSM in the US and Peru.
An empirical typology of lifetime and current gambling behaviors: Association with health status of older adults

Purpose: Despite the low prevalence of gambling problems, older adults experience poorer health status given certain vulnerabilities associated with aging. Thus, we aimed to classify lifetime (LPG) and current (CPG) problem gambling patterns, identify determinants of gambling patterns, and examine their association with current health status Methods: Using older adult gamblers (n = 489) in the Gambling Impact and Behavior Study, Latent Class Analysis classified LPG and CPG subgroups based on 10 DSM-IV criteria: preoccupation, tolerance, withdrawal, loss of control, escape, chasing losses, lying, illegal acts, relationship impairment and financial bailout. Results: A two-class solution was the best fitting for LPG and CPG groups. Except for illegal acts, the remaining criteria endorsed the distinguishing patterns. We observed 10.8% LPGs, 8.4% CPGs and 2.2% with both. Participation in religious services was protective of both groups. Gambling for excitement and to win money were related to CPG. Further, CPG was significantly related to worse self-rated health. Implications: Although problem gambling is strongly characterized by number and type of diagnostic criteria, findings support a focus to include targeted assessment of additional clinically meaningful gambling correlates. Research on the moderator of participation in faith-based communities on problem gambling is also warranted.
Community Information Management

We introduce Cimple, a joint project between the University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin. Cimple aims to develop a software platform that can be rapidly deployed and customized to manage data-rich online communities. We first describe the envisioned working of such a software platform and our prototype, DBLife, which is a community portal being developed for the database research community. We then describe the technical challenges in Cimple and our solution approach. Finally, we discuss managing uncertainty and provenance, a crucial task in making our software platform practical.
A Review of Studies on Non-Western Music Preference

C. Victor Fung teaches in the General College at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Numerous articles in the Music Educators Journal have addressed the need for the inclusion of ’nonWestern musics in the curriculum (Anderson, 1980; Boyer-White, 1988; Cox, 1980; Dodds, 1983; Heller, 1983; Mead, 1972; Seeger, 1972; Shehan, 1988; Tait, 1972; Trimillos, 1972). LeBlanc (1983) and Shehan (1986) have suggested that music teachers should