Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Process Models for the Design of Service-Oriented Architectures: Methodology and E-Commerce Case Study

This article explains the importance of business process management for service orientation and illustrates how process models can be used for the design and realization of service-oriented architectures. We will introduce a multi-level concept consisting of a design, a configuration and an execution level. The approach presented here, illustrated along the standards of EPC, BPMN, BPEL and WSDL, bridges the existing research gap between conceptual modeling and service-oriented IT support. The requirements analysis from an online-mail order company in the consumer electronics sector serves as a use case. Results show that up to now, organizational aspects have been neglected in the SOA discussion.
Staining of human sperm with fluorochrome-labeled inhibitor of caspases to detect activated caspases: correlation with apoptosis and sperm parameters.

BACKGROUND Detection of apoptosis in sperm samples may help evaluate sperm quality. Recently, it has been suggested that in some ejaculated sperm populations, apoptosis is caspase dependent. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of activated caspases and examine possible correlations with apoptosis and sperm parameters in semen samples prepared for IVF. METHODS To detect activated caspases, neat semen from infertile patients and sperm prepared by PureSperm gradient were stained with the fluorescein isothyocyanate-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (FITC-VAD-fmk) and analysed by flow cytometry. Cell death was determined by DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) and mitochondrial membrane potential. Sperm parameters were studied by conventional microscopy. RESULTS FITC-VAD-fmk stained sperm cells in situ and the subcellular labeling pattern was compatible with the known localization of caspases. A significant correlation was found between the frequency of FITC-VAD-fmk stained cells and cell death markers. In both prepared sperm and neat semen a negative correlation was found between the percentage of FITC-VAD-fmk positive cells and standard parameters (concentration/motility). FITC-VAD-fmk positive cells negatively correlated with high fertilization rates after IVF. CONCLUSIONS Labelling of sperm cells with the activated caspases-reacting fluorochrome provides a sensitive assay for detection of sperm apoptosis. This cytometric assay can be helpful to test sperm before IVF.
Dual Role of GABA in the Neonatal Rat Hippocampus

The effects of modulators of GABA-A receptors on neuronal network activity were studied in the neonatal (postnatal days 0–5) rat hippocampus in vitro. Under control conditions, the physiological pattern of activity of the neonatal hippocampal network was characterized by spontaneous network-driven giant depolarizing potentials (GDPs). The GABA-A receptor agonist isoguvacine (1–2 μM) and the allosteric modulator diazepam (2 μM) induced biphasic responses: initially the frequency of GDPs increased 3 to 4 fold followed by blockade of GDPs and desynchronization of the network activity. The GABA-A receptor antagonists bicuculline (10 μM) and picrotoxin (100 μM) blocked GDPs and induced glutamate (AMPA and NMDA)-receptor-mediated interictal- and ictal-like activities in the hippocampal slices and the intact hippocampus. These data suggest that at early postnatal ages GABA can exert a dual – both excitatory and inhibitory – action on the network activity.
Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of secondary metabolites of lichens against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains from cystic fibrosis patients.

AIM Three secondary metabolites of lichens - usnic acid, atranorin and fumarprotocetraric acid - were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against three strains each of methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from cystic fibrosis patients. MATERIALS & METHODS Antibacterial activity was assessed by broth microdilution, while antibiofilm activity was evaluated by spectrophotometry or viable count. RESULTS Usnic acid was significantly more active than atranorin against planktonic cells, while fumarprotocetraric acid exhibited no activity. Atranorin was the most effective in counteracting adhesion to polystyrene, although usnic acid was more active against MRSA. Usnic acid and atranorin showed comparable activity against biofilm formation, although atranorin was more active against MRSA. Usnic acid was significantly more active than atranorin against preformed biofilms. CONCLUSION Secondary metabolites of lichens may be considered to be 'lead compounds' for the development of novel molecules for the treatment of S. aureus infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
Regulation of C3 Activation by the Alternative Complement Pathway in the Mouse Retina

The purpose of this study was to examine the retinas of mice carrying hemizygous and null double deletions of Cfb-/- and Cfh-/-, and to compare these with the single knockouts of Cfb, Cfh and Cfd. Retinas were isolated from wild type (WT), Cfb-/-/Cfh-/-, Cfb-/-/Cfh+/-, Cfh-/-/Cfb+/-, Cfb-/-, Cfh-/- Cfd-/-, and Cfd+/- mice. Complement proteins were evaluated by western blotting, ELISA and immunocytochemistry, and retinal morphology was assessed using toluidine blue stained semi-thin sections. WT mice showed staining for C3 and its breakdown products in the retinal vasculature and the basal surface of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Cfb-/- mice exhibited a similar C3 staining pattern to WT in the retinal vessels but a decrease in C3 and its breakdown products at the basal surface of the RPE. Deletion of both Cfb and Cfh restored C3 to levels similar to those observed in WT mice, however this reversal of phenotype was not observed in Cfh-/-/Cfb+/- or Cfb-/-/Cfh+/- mice. Loss of CFD caused an increase in C3 and a decrease in C3 breakdown products along the basal surface of the RPE. Overall the retinal morphology and retinal vasculature did not appear different across the various genotypes. We observed that C3 accumulates at the basal RPE in Cfb-/-, Cfb-/-/Cfh-/-, Cfb-/-/Cfh+/-, Cfd-/- and WT mice, but is absent in Cfh-/- and Cfh-/-/Cfb+/- mice, consistent with its consumption in the serum of mice lacking CFH when CFB is present. C3 breakdown products along the surface of the RPE were either decreased or absent when CFB, CFH or CFD was deleted or partially deleted.
Midlife exercise blood pressure, heart rate, and fitness relate to brain volume 2 decades later

Objective: To determine whether poor cardiovascular (CV) fitness and exaggerated exercise blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were associated with worse brain morphology in later life. Methods: Framingham Offspring participants (n = 1,094, 53.9% female) free from dementia and CV disease (CVD) underwent an exercise treadmill test at a mean age of 40 ± 9 years. A second treadmill test and MRI scans of the brain were administered 2 decades later at mean age of 58 ± 8 years. Results: Poor CV fitness and greater diastolic BP and HR response to exercise at baseline were associated with a smaller total cerebral brain volume (TCBV) almost 2 decades later (all p < 0.05) in multivariable adjusted models; the effect of 1 SD lower fitness was equivalent to approximately 1 additional year of brain aging in individuals free of CVD. In participants with prehypertension or hypertension at baseline, exercise systolic BP was also associated with smaller TCBV (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that lower CV fitness and exaggerated exercise BP and HR responses in middle-aged adults are associated with smaller brain volume nearly 2 decades later. Promotion of midlife CV fitness may be an important step towards ensuring healthy brain aging.
Binding of tobramycin leads to conformational changes in yeast tRNAAsp and inhibition of aminoacylation

Aminoglycosides inhibit translation in bacteria by binding to the A site in the ribosome. Here, it is shown that, in yeast, aminoglycosides can also interfere with other processes of translation in vitro. Steady‐state aminoacylation kinetics of unmodified yeast tRNAAsp transcript indicate that the complex between tRNAAsp and tobramycin is a competitive inhibitor of the aspartylation reaction with an inhibition constant (KI) of 36 nM. Addition of an excess of heterologous tRNAs did not reverse the charging of tRNAAsp, indicating a specific inhibition of the aspartylation reaction. Although magnesium ions compete with the inhibitory effect, the formation of the aspartate adenylate in the ATP–PPi exchange reaction by aspartyl‐tRNA synthetase in the absence of the tRNA is not inhibited. Ultraviolet absorbance melting experiments indicate that tobramycin interacts with and destabilizes the native L‐shaped tertiary structure of tRNAAsp. Fluorescence anisotropy using fluorescein‐labelled tobramycin reveals a stoichiometry of one molecule bound to tRNAAsp with a KD of 267 nM. The results indicate that aminoglycosides are biologically effective when their binding induces a shift in a conformational equilibrium of the RNA.
Cross-Boundary Information Systems Development : A Practice Theory Based View

Growth of consumer-faced information systems (IS) applications shifts IS designers from seeing their work as “capturing and automating requirements” to seeing it as “innovation in product development. ” The new metaphor engenders organizational practices targeted at fostering innovation. One such practice is establishment of professionally and organizationally diverse development teams charged with creatively combining individual competencies within the resulting product. A longitudinal field study of one such team was conducted in order to build a practice-based framework for understanding cross-boundary collaboration on IS development (ISD) projects. The frameworks shows that multi-party ISD collaboration can be understood as a struggle of agents situated in nested and intersecting industry, organization, profession, and project-based settings or “fields-of-practice. ” The development practice is situated at the nexus of these fields. It can be seen as a collective “reflection-in-action” process that increasingly defines the product. Whose competencies get to be reflected in the product and the degree of novelty the product achieves depend on agents challenging or following established status relationships within project teams and across organizations and professional groups.
Identification of a Flavivirus Sequence in a Marine Arthropod

Phylogenetic analysis has yet to uncover the early origins of flaviviruses. In this study, I mined a database of expressed sequence tags in order to discover novel flavivirus sequences. Flavivirus sequences were identified in a pool of mRNA extracted from the sea spider Endeis spinosa (Pycnogonida, Pantopoda). Reconstruction of the translated sequences and BLAST analysis matched the sequence to the flavivirus NS5 gene. Additional sequences corresponding to envelope and the NS5 MTase domain were also identified. Phylogenetic analysis of homologous NS5 sequences revealed that Endeis spinosa NS5 (ESNS5) is likely related to classical insect-specific flaviviruses. It is unclear if ESNS5 represents genetic material from an active viral infection or an integrated viral genome. These data raise the possibility that classical insect-specific flaviviruses and perhaps medically relevant flaviviruses, evolved from progenitors that infected marine arthropods.
Research-Based Writing Practices and the Common Core

In order to meet writing objectives specified in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), many teachers need to make significant changes in how writing is taught. While CCSS identified what students need to master, it did not provide guidance on how teachers are to meet these writing benchmarks. The current article presents research-supported practices that can be used to meet CCSS writing objectives in kindergarten to grade 8. We identified these practices by conducting a new meta-analysis of writing intervention studies, which included true and quasi-experiments, as well as single-subject design studies. In addition, we conducted a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies examining the practices of exceptional literacy teachers. Studies in 20 previous reviews served as the data source for these analyses. The recommended practices derived from these analyses are presented within a framework that takes into account both the social contextual and cognitive/motivational nature of writing.
Adaptação da Escala de Estratégias de Coping na adolescência numa amostra Portuguesa

A adolescencia e uma fase desenvolvimental marcada por desafios. No sentido de conhecer melhor as estrategias que os adolescentes utilizam para lidar com o stress, pretendeu-se com este estudo apresentar as propriedades psicometricas da Escala de Estrategias de Coping na Adolescencia (Burnett & Fanshawe, 1997), testada junto de uma amostra de adolescentes portugueses, explorando diferencas em funcao do genero e da idade. Os resultados permitiram encontrar uma estrutura factorial valida e com consistencia interna genericamente adequada. Os dados permitem perceber diferencas nas estrategias de coping, com as mocas a procurar mais apoio dos outros e melhoria pessoal, enquanto os rapazes utilizam mais frequentemente drogas ou o humor. Em funcao da idade verificouse uma relacao positiva com o uso de substâncias e diminuicao da procura de apoio da familia e de profissionais. Os dados sao discutidos a luz da literatura e implicacoes para a pratica sao apresentadas.
Single channel noise reduction based on an auditory filterbank

Many noise reduction algorithms are designed in the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) domain. The STFT analysis results in frequency bands with a constant bandwidth. In contrast, perceptually motivated analysis-resynthesis filterbanks, such as the Gammatone filterbank, result in a higher frequency resolution in low frequencies as compared to high frequencies. This variable frequency resolution goes along with a changed temporal resolution and thus potentially different temporal correlations in the different frequency bands. In this paper, we design a noise power spectral density estimator at the output of a Gammatone filterbank. For this, we employ the state-of-the-art speech presence probability based estimator [13]. While [13] was designed in the STFT domain, in this paper the parameters of [13] are adjusted based on a statistical analysis of the changed temporal correlation at the output of the Gammatone filters. The proposed approach yields a comparable instrumentally predicted quality as the STFT-based baseline approach and thus allows for the integration of noise reduction with other algorithms that work in a perceptually motivated spectral domain.
Why Spinoza chose the Hebrews: the exemplary function of prophecy in the Theological-political Treatise

In what follows, then, I will make four basic points. First, I will take what Spinoza says in the Ethics about an exemplar of human nature as a clear and basic indication of what the purpose of an exemplar is: to transform value from an individual and subjective utility to a universal and objective standard. Second, I will argue that the function of prophecy in the foundation of the state is essentially to fulfil the role of an exemplar, but on a political (not ethical) level; that is, to persuade the individual that his or her interest is only fulfilled through submission to the state's authority. Third, I will show how the history of the Hebrew state exemplifies the tension inherent in an exemplar between its particular imaginative origins and its universal pretensions. Fourth, I will claim that the narrative of the Hebrews' use and misuse of prophecy spoke directly to the Dutch of Spinoza's time and speaks indirectly to the political theorists of our own time.
Simplified Small-Signal Model for Output Voltage Control of Asymmetric Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter

This paper proposes a simplified small-signal model for output voltage control of a single-phase asymmetrical cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter (ACHMI). The ACHMI is an n-series connected H-bridge converter, each one with a unique value at the dc link and usually scaled at {1:2:6:…} or {1:3:9:…}. By assuming that the small-signal variation component is equal in all n converter terminal ports, a simplified small-signal model is obtained. This assumption is carefully described and justified. To verify the veracity of the proposed model, two distinct control strategies are applied. One is a single-loop control scheme based on a modified proportional-integral (PI) controller. The other one is a double-loop control scheme based on a PI controller with feedforward action of the load current. Both controllers are tuned based on the dynamic behavior of the proposed model. Since the designed controllers based on the simplified model make the ACHMI output voltage to follow the reference without steady-state error, the proposed simplified model truly represents the inverter. Experimental results show the efficacy of the simplified model of the ACHMI through the two mentioned control strategies as well as the ACHMI installed in a microgrid.
A Robust Face Recognition Algorithm Based on Kernel Regularized Relevance-Weighted Discriminant Analysis

In this paper, we propose an effective feature dimensionality-reduction method, called Kernel Regularized Relevance Weighted Discriminant Analysis (KRRWDA), for robust face recognition, with several interesting characteristics. First, it can effectively deal with the small sample size (SSS) problem by using Regularized Linear Discriminant Analysis (RLDA) technique, which is a dimensionality reduction method in kernel theory. Second, in traditional RLDA technique, the regularization parameter is computed using a complicated cross-validation procedure of low computational efficiency, which we improve in this paper by a novel deterministic way to significantly reduce the computation cost. Experimental results on various public face databases demonstrate that the proposed algorithm provides a better feature dimension-reduction performance and achieves higher recognition rates compared with several state-of-the-art algorithms.
Nocturnal Light Exposure Impairs Affective Responses in a Wavelength-Dependent Manner

Life on earth is entrained to a 24 h solar cycle that synchronizes circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior; light is the most potent entraining cue. In mammals, light is detected by (1) rods and cones, which mediate visual function, and (2) intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which primarily project to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus to regulate circadian rhythms. Recent evidence, however, demonstrates that ipRGCs also project to limbic brain regions, suggesting that, through this pathway, light may have a role in cognition and mood. Therefore, it follows that unnatural exposure to light may have negative consequences for mood or behavior. Modern environmental lighting conditions have led to excessive exposure to light at night (LAN), and particularly to blue wavelength lights. We hypothesized that nocturnal light exposure (i.e., dim LAN) would induce depressive responses and alter neuronal structure in hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). If this effect is mediated by ipRGCs, which have reduced sensitivity to red wavelength light, then we predicted that red LAN would have limited effects on brain and behavior compared with shorter wavelengths. Additionally, red LAN would not induce c-Fos activation in the SCN. Our results demonstrate that exposure to LAN influences behavior and neuronal plasticity and that this effect is likely mediated by ipRGCs. Modern sources of LAN that contain blue wavelengths may be particularly disruptive to the circadian system, potentially contributing to altered mood regulation.
Using the ACCEPT framework to conduct an online community-based translation evaluation study

This paper presents how a novel evaluation framework was used to collect translation ratings thanks to users of an on-line German-speaking support community in the IT domain. Using an innovative data collection approach and mechanism, this paper shows that segment-level ratings can be collected in an effective manner. The collection mechanism leverages the AC-CEPT evaluation framework which allows data collection to be triggered from online environments in which community users interact on a regular basis
Landscape-Level Patterns of Elevated FS1 Asian Allele Frequencies in Populations of Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) at a Northern U.S. Boundary

Abstract From a regulatory perspective, Asian gypsy moth is a species complex consisting of three species of Lymantria and two subspecies of Lymantria dispar (L.), differing from the European subspecies, L. dispar dispar (L.), by having consistently flight-capable females. As such, the invasion potential in North America is thought to exceed that of European gypsy moth. USDA-APHIS therefore has a monitoring program to detect Asian gypsy moth at high-risk introduction pathways. Molecular markers are used to improve the diagnosis of Asian gypsy moth. One such marker, which targets the FS1 locus, detects an allele, FS1-A, prevalent in Asian populations but occurring at low frequencies (3–6%) throughout the European gypsy moth's range in North America. However, some locales, such as Minnesota, exhibit elevated FS1-A frequencies. We studied the distribution of the FS1-A allele in northern Minnesota, 2013–2014, assessing spatial patterns in the distribution of the FS1-A allele using Moran's I and using spatial regression techniques to examine if the FS1-A allele was associated with putative movement pathways. We also used time series analysis to discern if temporal patterns in FS1-A or possible introduction events occurred. Our results indicated that FS1-A occurred randomly in space and time. We found no evidence that elevated FS1-A frequencies were associated with movement pathways or possible immigration events into this region over the two years. Elevated frequencies of the FS1-A allele within this region could be due to genetic drift and allelic surfing along the expanding population front, or to selection of physiological or behavioral traits.
The Mammalian Interaural Time Difference Detection Circuit Is Differentially Controlled by GABAB Receptors during Development

Throughout development GABAB receptors (GABABRs) are widely expressed in the mammalian brain. In mature auditory brainstem neurons, GABABRs are involved in the short-term regulation of the strength and dynamics of excitatory and inhibitory inputs, thus modulating sound analysis. During development, GABABRs also contribute to long-term changes in input strength. Using a combination of whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in acute brain slices and immunostainings in gerbils, we characterized developmental changes in GABABR-mediated regulation of synaptic inputs to neurons in the medial superior olive (MSO), an auditory brainstem nucleus that analyzes interaural time differences (ITDs). Here, we show that, before hearing onset, GABABR-mediated depression of transmitter release is much stronger for excitation than inhibition, whereas in mature animals GABABRs mainly control the inhibition. During the same developmental period, GABABR immunoreactivity shifts from the dendritic to the somatic region of the MSO. Furthermore, only before hearing onset (postnatal day 12), stimulation of the fibers originating in the medial and the lateral nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB and LNTB) activates GABABRs on both the inhibitory and the excitatory inputs. After hearing onset, GAD65-positive endings devoid of glycine transporter reactivity suggest GABA release from sources other than the MNTB and LNTB. At this age, pharmacological increase of spontaneous synaptic release activates GABABRs only on the inhibitory inputs. This indicates not only a profound inhibitory effect of GABABRs on the major inputs to MSO neurons in neonatal animals but also a direct modulatory role of GABABRs for ITD analysis in the MSO of adult animals.