Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of optical configuration in the immunogenicity and specificity of synthetic antigens derived from multichain polyproline.

Abstract Multichain polyprolines of either optical configuration, prepared in dimethyl sulfoxide from polylysine and N-carboxyproline anhydride, served as intermediates in the synthesis of a series of polymers of the general formulas, poly(Tyr, Glu)-polyPro- -polyLys and poly(Phe, Glu)-poly-Pro- -polyLys, in which the amino acids appear in different optical configurations. The various multichain copolymers obtained were used to elucidate whether, and to what extent, the optical configuration of the component amino acids in a macromolecule contributes to its immunogenicity and affects the relative immunopotency of different regions within the molecule. Multichain polyprolines of either optical configuration did not provoke antibody formation in rabbits, even though polylPro- -polylLys was immunogenic in guinea pigs. Attachment of short peptides composed of (lTyr, lGlu) or (lPhe, lGlu) to each of them led to materials provoking a strong immune response in rabbits. Thus, the attachment of as little as 8.5% of l-amino acid residues on the outside of a macromolecule composed exclusively of d-amino acids converted it into a good immunogen. The specificity of the antibodies formed was directed mainly to the peptides attached. Materials obtained upon attachment of short peptides of (dTyr, dGlu) or (dPhe, dGlu) to either multichain poly-d-proline or poly-l-proline did not lead to a detectable immune response in rabbits when the usual high dose was used for immunization, but were weakly immunogenic at low dosage. Thus, a macromolecule containing as much as 95.5% of l-amino acids, but having all its polymeric side chains terminating in d-amino acids, is as poor an immunogen as a similar macromolecule composed exclusively of d-amino acids. It is suggested that this is due to the lack of endopeptidases capable of splitting peptide bonds between two l-proline residues, and that proteolysis may play a role in antibody biosynthesis, even though not at the stage of antigenic "recognition" but rather as a step in the control of the rate at which antibodies are formed. Whereas antigens containing l-peptides on the outside led mainly to antibodies specific toward these peptides, antigens containing d-peptides on the outside caused mainly the formation of stereospecific antibodies against the polyproline moiety.
An Exploration Strategy Facing Non-Stationary Agents ( JAAMAS Extended Abstract )

The success or failure of any learning algorithm is partially due to the exploration strategy it exerts. However, most exploration strategies assume that the environment is stationary and non-strategic. This work investigates how to design exploration strategies in non-stationary and adversarial environments. Our experimental setting uses a two agents strategic interaction scenario, where the opponent switches between different behavioral patterns. The agent’s objective is to learn a model of the opponent’s strategy to act optimally, despite non-determinism and stochasticity. Our contribution is twofold. First, we present drift exploration as a strategy for switch detection. Second, we propose a new algorithm called R-max# that reasons and acts in terms of two objectives: 1) to maximize utilities in the short term while learning and 2) eventually explore implicitly looking for opponent behavioral changes. We provide theoretical results showing that R-max# is guaranteed to detect the opponent’s switch and learn a new model in terms of finite sample complexity.
Ultrasound-mediated gene transfection in vitro: Effect of ultrasonic parameters on efficiency and cell viability

Ultrasound (US)-mediated gene transfection in the presence of microbubbles is a recently developed and promising non-viral gene delivery method. Optimising the parameters used in ultrasonic transfection is urgently required in order to realise higher transfection efficiencies in clinical settings. This study examined the effect of ultrasound exposure parameters on plasmid DNA transfection in mouse embryonic fibroblast cell lines using perfluorobutane bubbles. Variations in US intensity (0–11 W/cm2), pulse repetition frequency (PRF, 50–50,000 Hz), duty ratio (10 to 50%), exposure time (0–120 s) and microbubble volume concentration (0 to 10%) were tested, and the microbubble volume concentration was also monitored during exposure. Through the experiments, the mechanism of how variations in parameters influence US-mediated gene transfection was discussed, which can provide a basis for future applications of ultrasound mediated transfection.
Functionalization and Passivation of Boron Nanoparticles with a Hypergolic Ionic Liquid (Pre-Print)

Abstract : Boron is a beneficial fuel for propellants and explosives because of its high energy density. However, efficient combustion of boron particles is difficult to obtain because of an inhibiting oxide layer that covers the particles. Various metal oxides are active catalysts in graphite/carbon oxidation, but no study has been carried out to investigate metal oxides as catalysts for boron oxidation. In this paper, the effects of metal oxides on boron oxidation are introduced. The instruments used in the experiments include a thermobalance, FactSage 6.2 software, and a CO2 laser ignition facility. The results reveal that Bi2O3 is the most active catalyst: it can reduce the ignition temperature by 15.2%. Fe2O3 and SnO2 are the second and third most active catalysts, respectively. The other four metal oxides used in the experiments exhibit little activity on boron thermal oxidation. The catalytic action of metal oxides possibly involves the cyclic reduction of the metal oxides and the reoxidation of the resulting metals. The catalysts help transfer oxygen from the surroundings to the B-B2O3 interface. All metal oxides used in the experiments help decrease boron ignition delay time. Two reasons are proposed to interpret the effect of metal oxides on the boron ignition delay time.
Primary effects of carotid chemoreceptor stimulation on gracilis muscle and renal blood flow and renal function in dogs.

1. In chloralose‐anaesthetized and artificially ventilated dogs, the carotid sinus regions were vascularly isolated and perfused either with arterial or mixed (arterial and venous) blood (partial pressure of O2 (PO2) 43.8 +/‐ 2.4 mmHg, mean +/‐ S.E. M. n = 14) to stimulate the carotid chemoreceptors. The carotid sinus pressure was held constant at 142.0 +/‐ 2.8 mmHg. Measurements were made of renal and gracilis muscle blood flow by wrap‐round electromagnetic flow probes placed around the renal and gracilis arteries, glomerular filtration rate by creatine clearance, urinary sodium excretion by flame photometry and solute excretion by osmometry. 2. In ten dogs, with intact cervical vagosympathetic trunks, carotid chemoreceptor stimulation produced significant increases in aortic pressure (AoP) of 12.7 +/‐ 1.1% (n = 10, P < 0.001), in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 14.7 +/‐ 4.1% (P < 0.001), urine flow rate (V) of 16.5 +/‐ 3.5% (P < 0.002), in urinary sodium excretion (UNaV) of 17.5 +/‐ 2.5% (P < 0.005) and in urinary osmolar excretion (UosmV) of 13.2 +/‐ 2.2% (P < 0.001), but a significant decrease in renal blood flow (RBF) of 5.8 +/‐ 1.8% (P < 0.02). In six of these dogs in which gracilis muscle blood flow (MBF) was also recorded, carotid chemoreceptor stimulation caused significant increases in AoP of 12.8 +/‐ 1.4% (n = 6, P < 0.001) and in MBF of 10.0 +/‐ 1.6% (P < 0.002), and a small but significant decrease in RBF of 3.6 +/‐ 1.5% (P < 0.02). 3. In fourteen dogs, with sectioned cervical vagosympathetic trunks, carotid chemoreceptor stimulation produced increases in AoP of 22.0 +/‐ 2.6% (n = 14, P < 0.001), in GFR of 36.9 +/‐ 4.2% (P < 0.001), in V of 30.1 +/‐ 4.4% (P < 0.001), in UNaV of 31.4 +/‐ 5.3% (P < 0.001), and in UosmV of 25.7 +/‐ 5.8% (P < 0.001). However, it produced a greater decrease in RBF of 10.5 +/‐ 1.9% (P < 0.001). In ten of these dogs, where MBF was recorded, carotid chemoreceptor stimulation caused greater increase in AoP of 22.4 +/‐ 3.0% (n = 10, P < 0.001) and in MBF of 32.8 +/‐ 3.7% (P < 0.001), and a greater decrease in RBF of 9.8 +/‐ 1.9% (P < 0.001). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Simultaneous Determination of Felodipine and Metoprolol in Beagle Dog Plasma by Online SPE-LC-MS/MS and Its Application in a Pharmacokinetic Study

In order to overcome deficiencies for simultaneously determining felodipine (FDP) and metoprolol (MPL) with low recovery and low sensitivity, a new online SPE coupled with the liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (SPELC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantitative determination of FDP and MPL in beagle dog plasma was established. The SPE extraction of FDP and MPL was performed on a Retain PEP Javelin column (10 × 2.1 mm, 5 μm), while the chromatographic separation was achieved on a ZORBAX SB-C18 (50 × 2.1 mm, 3.5 μm) analytical column. Multiple reaction monitoring operated in the positive ion mode was adopted in MS detection, and the precursors to the product ion transition values of m/z 384/338.1, 268/74.2 and 436.2/207.1 were used to measure FDP, MPL and the internal standard (valsartan). The high throughput, accurate and sensitive method for FDP and MPL was validated and applied to the bioavailability research of FDP and MPL in beagle dogs.
Methods for evaluating addiction liability. (A) "Attitude" of opiate addicts toward opiate-like drugs. (B) a short-term "direct" addiction test.

A method has been developed for quantifying the "attitude" of addicts toward opiate-like drugs when administered in single or chronic dosages. Questionnaires were used which provided for independently prepared ratings by patients and observers. In single doses, the effects of weak morphine-like drugs were readily differentiated from those of a placebo by both patients and aides. After single doses, the ratings of patients and observers were in good agreement; however, observers gave higher ratings than patients particularly in the parameters of "feel drug," identification as "dope," and degree of "liking. " Although potent opiates given chronically by the subcutaneous route were classified by both patients and observers in a comparable manner, those given orally were divergently described. Both patients and observers readily differentiated a placebo from weak morphine-like drugs. Patients discriminated between drugs and route of administration to a greater extent than did observers, and in a manner which corresponded better with abuse rates for heroin, morphine and codeine. However, before a statement can be made about the relative validity of patients9 and observers9 ratings, many more drugs must be evaluated by diverse routes of administration and employing a larger sample of the addict population. A short, "double-blind," direct addiction, cross-over procedure of 18 to 20 days is satisfactory for developing significant degrees of physical dependence in the case of morphine and codeine-like drugs, but additional studies are necessary to determine its reliability for assessing the degree of physical dependence induced by weak compounds and compounds in the methadone and meperidine series.
The narrow view of reading promotes a broad view of comprehension.

PURPOSE This article is a response to A. G. Kamhi's proposal of the narrow view of reading. METHOD A descriptive approach is used to review research concerning the cognitive basis of reading comprehension. Educational implications for instruction and assessment are considered. The role of the speech-language pathologist (SLP) in intervention related to reading comprehension is also addressed. CONCLUSION Although the narrow view of reading seems restrictive, it actually leads to a broad view of comprehension. The latter view, which is consistent with current research, proposes that comprehension is an active process in which readers use background knowledge and a range of cognitive processes to construct a coherent representation of text. This view challenges some current approaches to assessment and instruction of reading comprehension. It does not, however, diminish the role that SLPs can play in intervention related to reading comprehension.
ECG signal for artrial fibrillation detection

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias. The number of patients related to heart failure due to AF is increasing day by day. Early detection of AF may reduce the risk of death due to heart failure. So, it has become more important to detect AF. There are various methods to detect AF. In this paper, we use ECG signal for AF detection based on RR interval. The MIT-BIH Atrial Fibrillation database is used to import ECG data for analysis. We use the algorithm that mainly follows statistical method for detection of AF. Parametric statistic RMSSD and SE, and non-parametric statistic, TPR are used for this purpose. The threshold value of RMSSD divided by Mean RR is 0.1, SE is 0.7 and TPR is greater than 0.54 and less than 0.77 is considered for AF detection. The resultant value of RMSSD, SE and TPR of every beat is checked weather it crosses the threshold level or not. If all the three parameters cross the threshold level then the beat flagged as AF. The result is compared with the annotations of the database and the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy is determined. The algorithm has the sensitivity of 98%, specificity of 98% and accuracy of 95%. The result obtained in this study is appreciable compared to the other study found in the literature.
Use of three-dimensional (3-D) immersive virtual worlds in K-12 and higher education settings: A review of the research

In this paper, we review past empirical research studies on the use of three-dimensional immersive virtual worlds in education settings such as K-12 and higher education. Three questions guided our review: (1) How are virtual worlds (eg, Active Worlds, Second Life) used by students and teachers? (2) What types of research methods have been applied? (3) What research topics have been conducted on virtual worlds in teaching and learning, as well as their related findings? Overall, we found that virtual worlds may be utilised for the following uses: (1) communication spaces, (2) simulation of space (spatial), and (3) experiential spaces (‘acting’ on the world). Most of the studies reviewed were descriptive and conducted in polytechnic and university settings, and past virtual world research had been most frequently carried out in the media arts and health and environment disciplines. Three main research topics were found: participants' affective domain, learning outcomes and social interaction. We conclude by summarising some major findings and discussing three limitations of previous empirical studies. Several recommendations for future research related to virtual worlds in education settings are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Do biomass fuel use and consumption of unsafe water mediate educational inequalities in stillbirth risk? An analysis of the 2007 Ghana Maternal Health Survey

Background Numerous studies have explored the association between educational inequalities and stillbirth but most have failed to elaborate how low educational attainment leads to an increased risk of stillbirth. We hypothesised that use of biomass fuels and consumption of unsafe water related to low educational attainment could explain the stillbirth burden in Ghana attributable to socioeconomic disadvantage. Methods Data from the 2007 Ghana Maternal Health Survey, a nationally representative population-based survey were analysed for this study. Of the10 370 women aged 15–49 years interviewed via structured questionnaires for the survey, 7183 primiparous and multiparous women qualified for inclusion in the present study. Results In a logistic regression analysis that adjusted for age, area of residence, marital status and ethnicity of women, lower maternal primary education was associated with a 62% (OR=1.62; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.52) increased lifetime risk of stillbirth. Biomass fuel use and consumption of unsafe water mediated 18% and 8% of the observed effects, respectively. Jointly these two exposures explained 24% of the observed effects. The generalised additive modelling revealed a very flat inverted spoon-shaped smoothed curve which peaked at low levels of schooling (2–3 years) and confirms the findings from the logistic regression analysis. Conclusions Our results show that biomass fuel use and unsafe water consumption could be important pathways through which low maternal educational attainment leads to stillbirths in Ghana and similar developing countries. Addressing educational inequalities in developing countries is thus essential for ensuring household choices that curtail environmental exposures and help improve pregnancy outcomes.
Strong Introspection

The purpose of this paper is to expand the syntax and semantics of logic programs and deductive databases to allow for the correct representation of incomplete information in the presence of multiple extensions. The language of logic programs with classical negation, epistemic disjunction, and negation by failure is further expanded by a new modal operator K (where for the set of rules T and formula F, KF stands for "F is known to a reasoner with a set of premises T"). Theories containing such an operator will be called strongly introspective. We will define the semantics of such theories (which expands the semantics of deductive databases from [Gelfond and Lifschitz 1990bD and demonstrate the applicability of strongly introspective theories to formalization of some forms of commonsense reasoning.
Plasma relaxin immunoactivity in the pig at parturition and during nuzzling and suckling.

One sow bled at 30--60-min intervals for 48 h at 5 and 4 days before parturition had mean +/- s.e. m. relaxin levels of 5.0 +/- 0.48 ng/ml and 5.5 +/- 0.44 ng/ml for each 24-h period respectively. This sow and another were bled at frequent intervals during parturition; both showed considerable fluctuations in their relaxin levels but no consistent peaks in relation to each birth. Mean levels during parturition were 10.7 +/- 0.46 ng/ml and 13.4 +/- 0.81 ng/ml respectively, both significantly higher than the levels at 4 and 5 days before birth. Relaxin levels in two lactating sows rose acutely during nursing, showing a 3-fold rise in one animal and an 8-fold rise in the other. Results from a third sow during an extended period of nuzzling and sucking by the piglets showed multiple peaks of relaxin immunoactivity associated with each nuzzling/sucking stimulus.
Interactive visualization to support stakeholders in trans-disciplinary environments within innovation processes

Various cyclical factors, e.g. planning and development cycles, change management processes or even cause changes in organizational structures and teams, influence innovation processes and increase complexity. Moreover, customer requirement changes or new product and production technologies affect these processes. As a result, many stakeholders from different disciplines need to efficiently work together in transdisciplinary teams within the innovation processes to successfully reach their project goals. Particularly, in the development of modern product service systems (PSS), the effort of communication and coordination within these transdisciplinary teams is increasing and handling of such complex processes becomes the crucial factor of success.
EEG control of an industrial robot manipulator

This paper presents and demonstrates a Brain Computer Interface (BCI) system for EEG control of an industrial robot manipulator. An Emotiv EPOC device is applied for the recording of the brain activity. The developed BCI system registers the brain rhythmic activity through electrodes situated on the scalp. The recognition of the brain activity is associated with facial expressions and cognitive actions related to the movement of a virtual 3D cube. The user is able to control a robot manipulator in the joint space as well as in the cartesian space using brain activity associated with facial expressions and cognitive actions. A training procedure is provided for cognitive actions and is tested with different users through short training sessions. The experiments and results showed that the users were able to manage and control the robot manipulator to reach one desired position simulating a “pick and place” industrial task.
GRIN2A polymorphisms and expression levels are associated with lead-induced neurotoxicity

Lead acts as an antagonist of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). GRIN2A encodes an important subunit of NMDARs and may be a critical factor in the mechanism of lead neurotoxicity. Changes in GRIN2A expression levels or gene variants may be mechanisms of lead-induced neurotoxicity. In this study, we hypothesized that GRIN2A might contribute to lead-induced neurotoxicity. A preliminary HEK293 cell experiment was performed to analyze the association between GRIN2A expression and lead exposure. In addition, in a population-based study, serum GRIN2A levels were measured in both lead-exposed and control populations. To detect further the influence of GRIN2A gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in lead-induced neurotoxicity, 3 tag SNPs (rs2650429, rs6497540, and rs9302415) were genotyped in a case-control study that included 399 lead-exposed subjects and 398 controls. Lead exposure decreased GRIN2A expression levels in HEK293 cells (p < 0.001) compared with lead-free cells. Lead-exposed individuals had lower serum GRIN2A levels compared with controls (p < 0.001), and we found a trend of decreasing GRIN2A level with an increase in blood lead level (p < 0.001). In addition, we found a significant association between rs2650429 CT and TT genotypes and risk of lead poisoning compared with the rs2650429 CC genotype (adjusted odds ratio = 1.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–2.00]. Therefore, changes in GRIN2A expression levels and variants may be important mechanisms in the development of lead-induced neurotoxicity.
A Grammatical View of Language Evolution

In this paper, we show an application of Adaptable Grammars to language evolution. An adaptable grammar may be defined as a logically based transformational grammar formalism in which the grammar itself may be affected in a derivation step. This grammar formalism was originally intended for describing software systems and programming languages. For the field of natural language analysis, the main advantage of adaptable grammars over other types of formal grammars is the idea of evolution. Adaptable grammars are dynamic entities in which novelties appearing in lexical units or language structure can create new or modify existing grammar rules. Taking into account this idea of ‘dynamicity’, we suggest the possibility of applying adaptable grammars to natural language change.