Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrated Metabolomics, Transcriptomics and Proteomics Identifies Metabolic Pathways Affected by Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Tick Cells*

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis. These intracellular bacteria establish infection by affecting cell function in both the vertebrate host and the tick vector, Ixodes scapularis. Previous studies have characterized the tick transcriptome and proteome in response to A. phagocytophilum infection. However, in the postgenomic era, the integration of omics datasets through a systems biology approach allows network-based analyses to describe the complexity and functionality of biological systems such as host–pathogen interactions and the discovery of new targets for prevention and control of infectious diseases. This study reports the first systems biology integration of metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics data to characterize essential metabolic pathways involved in the tick response to A. phagocytophilum infection. The ISE6 tick cells used in this study constitute a model for hemocytes involved in pathogen infection and immune response. The results showed that infection affected protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum and glucose metabolic pathways in tick cells. These results supported tick–Anaplasma co-evolution by providing new evidence of how tick cells limit pathogen infection, while the pathogen benefits from the tick cell response to establish infection. Additionally, ticks benefit from A. phagocytophilum infection by increasing survival while pathogens guarantee transmission. The results suggested that A. phagocytophilum induces protein misfolding to limit the tick cell response and facilitate infection but requires protein degradation to prevent ER stress and cell apoptosis to survive in infected cells. Additionally, A. phagocytophilum may benefit from the tick cell's ability to limit bacterial infection through PEPCK inhibition leading to decreased glucose metabolism, which also results in the inhibition of cell apoptosis that increases infection of tick cells. These results support the use of this experimental approach to systematically identify cell pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in tick–pathogen interactions. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD002181.
An Annotated Dataset of Discourse Modes in Hindi Stories

In this paper, we present a new corpus consisting of sentences from Hindi short stories annotated for five different discourse modes argumentative, narrative, descriptive, dialogic and informative. We present a detailed account of the entire data collection and annotation processes. The annotations have a very high inter-annotator agreement (0.87 k-alpha). We analyze the data in terms of label distributions, part of speech tags, and sentence lengths. We characterize the performance of various classification algorithms on this dataset and perform ablation studies to understand the nature of the linguistic models suitable for capturing the nuances of the embedded discourse structures in the presented corpus.
FlexPS: Flexible Parallelism Control in Parameter Server Architecture

As a general abstraction for coordinating the distributed storage and access of model parameters, the parameter server (PS) architecture enables distributed machine learning to handle large datasets and high dimensional models. Many systems, such as Parameter Server and Petuum, have been developed based on the PS architecture and widely used in practice. However, none of these systems supports changing parallelism during runtime, which is crucial for the efficient execution of machine learning tasks with dynamic workloads. We propose a new system, called FlexPS, which introduces a novel multi-stage abstraction to support flexible parallelism control. With the multi-stage abstraction, a machine learning task can be mapped to a series of stages and the parallelism for a stage can be set according to its workload. Optimizations such as stage scheduler, stage-aware consistency controller, and direct model transfer are proposed for the efficiency of multi-stage machine learning in FlexPS. As a general and complete PS systems, FlexPS also incorporates many optimizations that are not limited to multi-stage machine learning. We conduct extensive experiments using a variety of machine learning workloads, showing that FlexPS achieves significant speedups and resource saving compared with the state-of-the-art PS systems such as Petuum and Multiverso.
Comparing Determinist and Probabilistic Methods for RFID-based Self-localization and Mapping

This article deals with Simultaneous Localization and Mapping for an indoor robot equipped with a camera and RFID antennas. RFID tags are sparsely disseminated in the environment. First RFID-based self-localization is considered; the robot position is predicted from odometry; it is corrected first by a sequential Monte-Carlo localization based on a particle filter. An active strategy built on the theoretical basis of information entropy is applied in order to improve the position accuracy. Then two methods for RFID-based mapping are described, considering the robot pose is given from natural visual landmarks learnt by a classical visual SLAM function.
Exploring the voltage divider approach for accurate memristor state tuning

The maximum exploitation of the favorable properties and the analog nature of memristor technology in future nonvolatile resistive memories, requires accurate multi-level programming. In this direction, we explore the voltage divider (VD) approach for highly controllable multi-state SET memristor tuning. We present the theoretical basis of operation, the main advantages and weaknesses. We finally propose an improved closed-loop VD SET scheme to tackle the variability effect and achieve <1% tuning precision, on average 3x faster than another accurate tuning algorithm of the recent literature.
Look at Me - Using Signaling Theory to Design Profile Functionalities for Virtual Ideas Communities

In existing virtual ideas communities (VICs) there are no functionalities that allow members to signal directly their skills and competences. While through submitted ideas, users of VICs can signal their competencies indirectly, a possibility to communicate explicitly their skills and competencies is missing. Drawing from existing literature within the field of VICs we assume that users that have the possibility to signal their skills will be more active. Hence, to satisfy members' self-marketing needs, community members have to be provided with possibilities or, more specifically, functionalities which enable them to signalize their proficiencies. Against this backdrop, we designed profile functionalities based on the signaling theory. In addition to systematically designing these IT artefacts, our research in progress also contains a first evaluation.
Mobile Multimedia for Multiuser Environments

Mobility especially the flexibility given to us by the mobile phone is the future of computing as we know it. No longer are we restricted to sitting at a desk in front of a powerful desktop machine. Mobile technology of today allows users to work, learn and play no matter where they may be. Wireless technology is becoming more and more a standard feature of computing, so much so that it is expected that approximately two billion Bluetooth enabled devices will have been produced by the end of 2007. This paper examines how Bluetooth application development may be simplified for the programmer by use of the Mobile Message Passing Interface (MMPI). It explores a selection of application areas that can benefit from this simplified means of wireless inter-device communication, including: compute intensive tasks, Mobile Learning and Multiplayer gaming.
Modulation of extracellular glutamate concentration in rat brain slices by cystine‐glutamate exchange

1 The role of cystine‐glutamate exchange in controlling the extracellular glutamate concentration in the central nervous system was examined by whole‐cell clamping neurons in rat brain slices, and using their glutamate receptors as sensors of extracellular glutamate concentration. 2 Applying cystine to cerebellar slices generated a membrane current in Purkinje cells which was abolished by glutamate receptor blockers. Similar cystine‐evoked currents were seen in pyramidal cells of frontal cortex slices. 3 Control experiments on non‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (non‐NMDA) receptors in enzymatically isolated Purkinje cells showed that cystine did not produce a current in slice Purkinje cells by directly activating glutamate receptors, nor by potentiating the action of background levels of glutamate on receptors. Experiments on isolated salamander Müller cells showed that cystine did not block Na+‐dependent GLAST glutamate transporters (homologous to the transporters in the Bergmann glia ensheathing the Purkinje cells), nor did it block the current produced by EAAT4 and EAAC1 glutamate transporters in Purkinje cells. Thus the cystine‐evoked current in Purkinje cells is not due to a rise in extracellular glutamate concentration caused by block of Na+‐dependent uptake. 4 The dependence of cystine‐evoked current on cystine concentration in slice Purkinje cells could be fitted by a Michaelis‐Menten relation with a Km of 250 μM. The Km predicted from this for cystine activating glutamate efflux is less than 140 μM, because of the non‐linear dependence on glutamate concentration of the Purkinje cell current. The current evoked by 1 mM cystine was little affected by removal of extracellular chloride or addition of 1 mM furosemide (frusemide), but was potentiated by 1 mM 4,4′‐diisothiocyanatostilbene‐2,2′‐disulfonic acid (DIDS). 5 These data suggest that external cystine generates a current in slice Purkinje cells by activating cystine‐glutamate exchange in cells of the slice, releasing glutamate which activates non‐NMDA receptors in the Purkinje cell membrane.
Cortical deactivation in mild cognitive impairment: high-field-strength functional MR imaging.

PURPOSE To prospectively identify brain regions in which task-related changes in activation during a memory encoding task, measured with functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, correlate with degree of memory impairment across Alzheimer disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and elderly control subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS The institutional review board approved this HIPAA-compliant study, and each patient gave written informed consent. Seventy-five subjects (mean age, 72.9 years+/-7.2 [standard deviation]; 37 men, 38 women)-13 patients with mild AD, 34 individuals with amnestic MCI, and 28 healthy elderly control subjects-were imaged at 4.0 T during novel encoding (NE) and familiar encoding (FE) of face-name pairs presented within a block design for later retrieval. Blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) changes were assessed across the entire brain for each group. Between-subject analysis identified brain regions demonstrating a monotonic increase or decrease in activation magnitude, from control subjects to patients with MCI to patients with mild AD. BOLD response was also correlated with score on the delayed portion of the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). RESULTS In controls, the task elicited positive activation (NE>FE) in the dorsolateral prefrontal, lateral parietal, and medial temporal regions, and negative activation (FE>NE) in the midline frontal and parietal regions. Along the spectrum from control subjects to patients with AD, there was decreasing activation in the medial temporal lobe (MTL), including the hippocampus and parahippocampal and fusiform gyri, and increasing activation in the posteromedial cortices (PMCs), primarily in the precuneus and posterior cingulate gyrus. Activation magnitude in the PMCs significantly (P<.001, r=-0.502) correlated with CVLT score. CONCLUSION Compared with activation in the MTL, deactivation in the PMCs could be a more sensitive marker of early AD at functional MR imaging.
ZILUM: A MID-FIRST MILLENNIUM BC FORTIFIED SETTLEMENT NEAR LAKE CHAD

In the last few years, archaeological investigations carried out at the mid-first millennium BC settlement site of Zilum, Nigeria, have integrated magnetic survey, a geophysical technique, as an additional source of information. Amongst other results, the magnetic survey revealed the presence of an archaeological feature that encloses the entire settlement area. Excavations show that this feature consists of a ditch. Dimensions and shape suggest that its function was to restrict access to the settlement. Although direct evidence is missing, the ditch was most probably accompanied by an earth rampart or wall, now completely decayed. Based on the available data, it seems likely that Zilum was a fortified settlement.
Improving sensitivity of a small angle x-ray scattering camera with pinhole collimation using separated optical elements

We show that a significant improvement in the sensitivity of a Huxley–Holmes design for a small angle x-ray scattering camera is obtained by separating the mirror and the monochromator. The design of the camera involves a long x-ray mirror close to a point x-ray source associated with a curved focusing crystal located close to the sample. The sample area is located at half the distance between the source and detector planes. Diffuse scattering produced by the mirror is not incident on the focusing crystal, thus reducing the background signal. Complete elimination of hard x rays allows precise calibration and hence absolute determination of sample cross section by means of a semitransparent beam stop. In pinhole geometry, the flux corresponds to a ∼107 photons/s through the sample, collimated to 10−2 A−1 in q range. This allows determination of scattered intensities on the order of 10−3 cm−1, corresponding to the scattering related to isothermal compressibility of less than 0.1 mm of pure water. As a refer.
Using the Internet to Find Offline Sex Partners

We aimed to expand upon the demographic characteristics and gender differences among those who have met someone on the Internet who they later met offline and had sex with as well as any relationship with cybersex, sexually transmitted infections, and online sexual problems. We analyzed data collected through an online questionnaire in 2002 in Sweden including a total population of 1836 respondents of which 1458 used the Internet for sexual purposes. Of those, 35% men and 40% women reported to have met offline sex partners online. The majority reported an occurrence of one to two times, whereas 10% reported six or more times. The analysis suggested women aged 34-49 and 50-65 years, homo- and bisexual men, and singles more likely to have this experience. They were also more likely to have engaged in cybersex. No relationships were found with sexually transmitted infections or online sexual problems. The results suggest that using the Internet to find sex partners may be less hazardous for the general Internet users than pointed out by prior research about this behavior often focusing on specific sub groups of Internet users.
8 ’-Methylene Abscisic Acid ’ An Effective and Persistent Analog of Abscisic Acid

W e report here the synthesis and biological activity of a new persistent abscisic acid (ABA) analog, 8’methylene ABA. This ABA analog has one additional carbon atom attached through a double bond to the 8‘-carbon of the ABA molecule. (+)-8’-Methylene ABA is more active than the natural hormone (+)-ABA in inhibiting germination of cress seed and excised wheat embryos, in reducing growth of suspension-cultured corn cells, and in reducing transpiration in wheat seedlings. The (+)-8’methylene analog is slightly weaker than (+)-ABA in increasing expression of ABA-inducible genes in transgenic tobacco, but is equally active in stimulating a transient elevation of the p H of the medium of corn cell cultures. In corn cells, both (+)-ABA and (+)-8‘-methylene ABA are oxidized at the 8‘ position. ABA is oxidized to phaseic acid and (+)-8‘methylene ABA is converted more slowly to two isomeric epoxides. l h e alteration in the ABA structure causes the analog to be metabolized more slowly than ABA, resulting in longer-lasting and more effective biological activity relative to ABA.
Hardware-simulation correlation of timing error detection performance of software-based error detection mechanisms

Software-based error detection techniques, which includes EDM (error detection mechanisms) transformation, are used for error localization in post-silicon validation. This paper evaluates the performance of EDM for timing error localization with 65-nm test chips assuming the following two EDM usage scenarios; (1) localizing a timing error occurred in the original program, and (2) localizing potential timing errors that vary execution results. Experimental results show that the EDM transformation customized for quick error detection detects 25% of timing errors in the original program in the first scenario and 56% of non-masked errors in the second scenario. However, these hardware measurement results are not consistent with the simulation results of our previous work. To investigate the reason, we focus on the following two differences between hardware and simulation; (1) design of power distribution network, and (2) definition of timing error occurrence frequency. We update the simulation setup for filling the difference and re-execute the simulation. We confirm that the simulation and the chip measurement results are consistent, which validates our simulation methodology.
Comparison of radiographic and clinical outcomes following immediate provisionalization of single-tooth dental implants placed in healed alveolar ridges and extraction sockets.

PURPOSE The primary goal of this study was to compare implant survival 12 months after immediate loading of single implants placed in healed ridges versus extraction sockets. Secondary outcomes were to compare marginal bone adaptation and soft tissue changes over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective multicenter clinical investigation was initiated to assess clinical performance of immediately loaded implants in the maxilla. Implant survival was ascertained at the time of impression making (8 to 10 weeks) and after 1 year by clinical stability. Radiographic marginal bone levels, soft tissue levels, and plaque and bleeding scores were compared with baseline values (implant placement and provisionalization). RESULTS One hundred thirty-nine patients received 157 implants in the maxilla. Single implants with provisional crowns were placed in extraction sockets of 55 patients (58 implants) and in healed ridges of 60 patients (65 implants). In addition, 19 patients (23 implants) required bone grafting prior to implant placement, and 11 implants in 10 patients among all groups were not immediately loaded because of insufficient initial stability after surgery. Three implants (5.2%) failed in extraction sites and one implant (1.5%) failed in a healed ridge. The mean change in marginal bone level 1 year after implant placement was 1.30 mm (SD 2.52) (gain) in extraction sockets and -0.40 mm (SD 1.43) (loss) in healed ridges. The mucosal zenith was stable or moved incisally following definitive crown placement in 83.7% of immediate implants and 87.0% of implants placed in healed ridges. Plaque and inflammation scores were low and did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS The responses of local bone and soft tissues at immediately loaded implants placed in extraction sockets or healed ridges were similar. Furthermore, these 1-year results suggest that clinical management of esthetically critical soft tissue may be predictably achieved in both indications.
Does the rise in eating disorders lead to increasing risk of orthorexia nervosa? Correlations with gender, education, and body mass index

ABSTRACT Investigating eating disorders and orthorexia nervosa, especially in the young population, is an important step in taking protective precautions and identifying disease. This study was carried out to determine the relationship of eating disorders and orthorexia nervosa to gender, BMI, and field of study in a population of university students in Turkey. In all, 900 university students aged 17–23 years participated in this study. EAT-40 and ORTO-15, which are validated instruments for the screening of participants with anormal eating behaviors and orthorexia nervosa, respectively, were used. There was not a significant difference in EAT-40 scores according to gender and BMI classification. However, EAT-40 scores were high among the students in social science. The number of orthorectic participants among women is higher than that among men, and ORTO-15 scores were not associated with BMI classification and field of study. A significant negative correlation was found between EAT-40 and ORTO-15 scores.
Clinical Evaluation of the Clarion CII HiFocus 1 with and Without Positioner

Objective: To study the clinical outcomes concerning speech perception of the Clarion CII HiFocus 1 with and without a positioner and link those outcomes with the functional implications of perimodiolar electrode designs, focusing on intrascalar position, insertion depth, stimulation levels, and intracochlear conductivity pathways. Design: The speech perception scores of 25 consecutive patients with the Clarion CII HiFocus 1 implanted with a positioner and 20 patients without a positioner were prospectively determined. Improved multislice CT imaging was used to study the position of the individual electrode contacts relative to the modiolus and their insertion depth. Furthermore, stimulation thresholds, maximum comfort levels, and dynamic ranges were obtained. Finally, these data were associated with intracochlear conductivity paths as calculated from the potential distribution acquired with electrical field imaging. Results: Implantation with a Clarion Hifocus 1 with positioner showed significantly higher speech perception levels at 3 mos, 6 mos, and 1 yr (p < 0.05) after implantation. Basally, the positioner brought the electrode contacts significantly closer to the modiolus, whereas apically no difference in distance toward the modiolus was present. Moreover, the patients with the electrode array in a perimodiolar position showed deeper insertions. The T-levels and dynamic range were not significantly different between the positioner and nonpositioner patients. Furthermore, the intracochlear conductivity paths showed no significant differences. However, a basal current drain is present for the shallowly inserted nonpositioner patients. Conclusions: A basally perimodiolar electrode design benefits speech perception. The combination of decreased distance to the modiolus, improved insertion depth, and insulating properties of the electrode array have functional implications for the clinical outcomes of the perimodiolar electrode design. Further research is needed to elucidate their individual contributions to those outcomes.
Association of EPHB1 rs11918092 and EFNB2 rs9520087 with psychopathological symptoms of schizophrenia in Chinese Zhuang and Han populations

Two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs11918092 and rs9520087) were genotyped in Chinese Zhuang and Han populations. Symptoms of schizophrenic patients were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. No association of any SNP with schizophrenic susceptibility was found. However, associations of rs9520087 with the total scale score (P = 0.014), positive scale score (P = 0.013), negative scale score (P = 0.032), and general psychopathology scale score (P = 0.031) were found in Zhuang patients. Additionally, rs11918092 was associated with positive scale score (P = 0.035) in Han patients. The two SNPs might influence symptoms of schizophrenia.