Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the role of autocorrelations in texts

The task of finding a criterion allowing to distinguish a text from an arbitrary set of words is rather relevant in itself, for instance, in the aspect of development of means for internet-content indexing or separating signals and noise in communication channels. The Zipf law is currently considered to be the most reliable criterion of this kind [3]. At any rate, conventional stochastic word sets do not meet this law. The present paper deals with one of possible criteria based on the determination of the degree of data compression.
Performance Stress and the Very Young Musician

Performance anxiety is a common experience among musicians. Recent studies have found it to be an issue not only for adult performers but also for developing musicians as early as third grade. The question as to its developed or innate nature led to the present inquiry pertaining to young children’s responses to performance situations. Sixty-six 3- and 4-year-olds taking group music lessons that culminated in two concerts served as participants. Self-report of anticipatory anxiety, cortisol secretion, and observation of anxious behaviors were the primary measures. Results indicated that young children did experience anxiety with respect to music performances and that responses seemed to have both innate and developed components. Children with prior performing experience reported less anticipatory anxiety, but had higher cortisol levels, than those without prior experience. Additionally, performance location seemed to play a role in children’s anxiety responses. Those who were familiar with their performance environment responded with less anxiety than those who were not. Overall, second performances within a short time frame elicited much lower anxiety responses than initial performances. Findings pertaining to performance location and second performances appear to have direct pedagogical implications, which may help to reduce performance stress in young children.
Melatonin Reduces Oxidative Stress Damage Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), which is synthesized from tryptophan, is formed during alcoholic fermentation, though its role in yeast is unknown. This study employed Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an eukaryote model to evaluate the possible effects of melatonin supplementation on endogenous cellular defense systems by measuring its effects on various cellular targets. Cell viability, intracellular reduced and oxidized glutathione levels (GSH and GSSG, respectively), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and expression of genes related to antioxidant defense in yeast, such as the glutathione system, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutaredoxin, and thioredoxin, were assessed. Melatonin alone decreased GSH, increased GSSG, and activated antioxidant defense system genes, which reached maximum levels in the stationary phase. These results indicate that melatonin supplementation enables cells to resist better the stress generated in the stationary phase. However, when cells were subjected to oxidative stress induced by H2O2, melatonin was able to partially mitigate cell damage by decreasing ROS accumulation and GSH and increasing GSSG; this was followed by enhanced cell viability after stress exposure, mostly when occurring in the early stationary phase. Additionally, under such conditions, most genes related to endogenous antioxidant defense continued to be up-regulated with melatonin supplementation. The findings demonstrate that melatonin can act as antioxidant in S. cerevisiae.
A general two-stream algorithm for retrieving spectral surface albedo

Spectral surface albedo (SSA) has numerous applications in climate and environmental studies. Given that ground-based observations of SSA are very limited, space-borne remote sensing has been the primary means of acquiring SSA on large or global scales. To date, many satellite sensors measure reflectances in different spectral regions from which values of SSA are inferred. The inversion algorithms range from simple linear relationships to complex, full-fledged radiative transfer models. Often, algorithms were designed for application to a particular sensor or spectral band. In this study, we propose a more versatile parameterized algorithm that can be used for estimating SSA from satellite-measured spectral albedos at the top of the atmosphere (TOA). The algorithm was developed based on a three-layer atmospheric model. Monochromatic and band transmittances due to various absorbing species are parameterized. The reflectance and transmittance for direct and diffuse radiation in the second layer are determined by the generalized two-stream solutions. Except for the parameterization coefficients that vary with the bandpass and spectral response function of the satellite sensor, the framework of the inversion model is applicable to any sensor or spectral region. The model is tested by applying it to the results of detailed radiative transfer simulations for a wide range of conditions for various satellite sensors and spectral bands. The complexity and accuracy of the proposed model are intermediate relative to those of models currently in use.
The Effects of Muscle Strengthening on Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal Dynamics in A Squat Jump: A Simulation Study

Purpose. The aim of this study was to quantitatively investigate the effects of muscle strengthening in a vertical squat jump based on a neuro-musculo-skeletal model and a forward dynamics simulation. Methods. During simulation trials, 16 major muscle groups of the lower extremities were gradually strengthened up to 20%. Results. Complex yet systematic deviations in body kinematics, kinetics and the neural control pattern were observed as a result of gradual muscle strengthening. Conclu-sions. based on the generated results it was concluded that: (i) the pattern of kinematical changes depends on which muscles are strengthened, while the magnitude of the changes depends on how much the muscles are strengthened. (ii) Adjustment of muscle coordination, in some cases, can be performed without adjustment of neural control. (iii) The adjustment of neural control is done in an adaptive manner. (iv) Inter-segmental coordination is further altered if a smaller number of muscles are strengthened. (v) The main effect of equally strengthening all the muscles is an increase in joint torque, which is proportional to the increase in muscle strength.
Pharmacokinetics of Doxycycline in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis

ABSTRACT Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by a chronic neutrophilic inflammatory response resulting in airway remodeling and progressive loss of lung function. Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that inhibits matrix metalloproteinase 9, a protease known to be associated with the severity of lung disease in CF. The pharmacokinetics of doxycycline was investigated during the course of a clinical trial to evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety in adults with CF. Plasma samples were obtained from 14 patients following a single intravenous dose and after 2 and 4 weeks of oral administration of doses ranging from 40 to 200 mg daily. The data were analyzed using noncompartmental and compartmental pharmacokinetics. The maximum concentration of drug in serum (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve from 0 h to infinity (AUC0-∞) values ranged from 1.0 to 3.16 mg/liter and 15.2 to 47.8 mg/liter × h, respectively, following single intravenous doses of 40 to 200 mg. Cmax and time to maximum concentration of drug in serum (Tmax) values following multiple-dose oral administration ranged from 1.15 to 3.04 mg/liter and 1.50 to 2.33 h, respectively, on day 14 and 1.48 to 3.57 mg/liter and 1.00 to 2.17 on day 28. Predose sputum/plasma concentration ratios on days 14 and 28 ranged from 0.33 to 1.1 (mean, 0.71 ± 0.33), indicating moderate pulmonary penetration. A 2-compartment model best described the combined intravenous and oral data. Absorption was slow and delayed (absorption rate constant [Ka], 0.414 h−1; lag time, 0.484 h) but complete (bioavailability [F], 1.16). The distribution and elimination half-lives were 0.557 and 18.1 h, respectively. Based on these data, the plasma concentrations at the highest dose, 200 mg/day, are in the range reported to produce anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and should be evaluated in clinical trials.
Streptozotocin is equally diabetogenic whether administered to fed or fasted mice

Streptozotocin (STZ) is a selective pancreatic β cell toxin used to generate experimental hyperglycemia in rodent models. Several laboratory animal protocols suggest that STZ be administered to fasted rodents to minimize competition between STZ and glucose for low affinity GLUT2 transporters on β cells. However, whether the diabetogenic effects of multiple low dose (MLD)-STZ administration are enhanced by fasting has not been addressed. Given that repeated bouts of fasting can cause undue metabolic stress in mice, we compared the efficacy of MLD-STZ injections (50 mg/kg body weight daily for 5 days) to induce experimental hyperglycemia in both NOD/SCID/γchainnull and C57BL/6J mice that were either ad libitum fed (STZ-Fed) or that had been fasted for 6 h (STZ-Fasted) prior to the time of STZ administration. Both STZ-Fed and STZ-Fasted mice had significantly worse glucose tolerance than vehicle-treated control mice 10 days after initiation of the MLD-STZ regimen. In C57BL/6J mice, fasting glucose levels, serum insulin levels, β cell mass, and glucose disposal during intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTTs) were indistinguishable between STZ-Fed and STZ-Fasted mice 20 days after MLD-STZ. The glucose intolerant phenotypes persisted for 20 weeks thereafter, irrespective of whether C57BL/6J mice were fed or fasted at the time of STZ injections. However, STZ-Fasted C57BL/6J mice experienced significant weight loss during the repeated bouts of fasting/re-feeding that were required to complete the MLD-STZ protocol. In summary, induction of experimental hyperglycemia can be achieved using the MLD-STZ protocol without repeated bouts of fasting, which have the potential to cause metabolic stress in laboratory mice.
Algebras and Update Strategies

The classical (Bancilhon-Spyratos) correspondence between view update translations and views with a constant complement reappears more generally as the correspondence between update strategies and meet complements in the order based setting of S. Hegner. We show that these two theories of database view updatability are linked by the notion of “lens” which is an algebra for a monad. We generalize lenses from the category of sets to consider them in categories with finite products, in particular the category of ordered sets.
An Entropy Decision Model for Selection of QoS-Aware Services Provisioning

Evaluating Web services provisioning is able to reduce redundancy in search and also generates advantages to service providers who deliver valuable services. However, there exist some service providers offer similar functions and current technologies are poor to discriminate the importance weights of attributes of Web services, due to the complexity of QoS metrics and involvement of consumerpsilas vague perception. In this paper, we introduce a fuzzy entropy decision model, called linguistic entropy method (LEM), to rationally settle on the linguistic weights of QoS attributes and prioritize the ranking order of service alternatives. Moreover, a satisfaction-based index of service consumer is established to perform the discrimination of fuzzy ranking of service alternatives. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the process of QoS-aware Web service selection. The experimental results demonstrated that it is a feasible and trustworthy manner to select the of Web services using the proposed scheme.
Combining Noncontingent Escape and Functional Communication Training as a Treatment for Negatively Reinforced Disruptive Behavior

Research has shown that noncontingent escape (NCE) and functional communication training (FCT) can be effective treatments for challenging behavior. One limitation of the NCE procedure is the failure to provide explicit contingencies for learning an alternative adaptive behavior. Additionally, problems can arise with a FCT procedure. In this study, FCT was superimposed on an existing NCE schedule in an attempt to maintain the advantages of each procedure while removing known limitations. The data showed that with NCE plus FCT, rates of disruptive behavior remained at near zero levels while compliance with task demands and appropriate verbal responses increased to levels significantly above baseline. The authors discuss the effectiveness of the procedure for addressing the limitations of each intervention.
Towards a Better Understanding of the Dynamics of Platform as a Service Business Models

Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions are changing the way software is produced, distributed, used, and priced. However, there has been little research into understanding the dynamics of PaaS business models and how these business models should be designed to establish a flourishing ecosystem around these platforms. Using design science research (DSR) we first identified the main design elements of PaaS business models as well as their relationships by investigating 24 PaaS providers. The resulting classification scheme as well as the qualitative systems dynamics model (in form of a causal loop diagram (CLD)) facilitates a better understanding of the adoption dynamics of PaaS business models. By focusing on the adoption dynamics of PaaS business models, our research goes beyond previous approaches for studying PaaS.
A SEARCH FOR VERY HIGH ENERGY GAMMA-RAY EMISSION FROM SCORPIUS X-1 WITH THE MAGIC TELESCOPES

The acceleration of particles up to GeV or higher energies in microquasars has been the subject of considerable theoretical and observational efforts in the past few years. Sco X-1 is a microquasar from which evidence of highly energetic particles in the jet has been found when it is in the so-called Horizontal Branch (HB), a state when the radio and hard X-ray fluxes are higher and a powerful relativistic jet is present. Here we present the first very high energy gamma-ray observations of Sco X-1, obtained with the MAGIC telescopes. An analysis of the whole data set does not yield a significant signal, with 95% CL flux upper limits above 300 GeV at the level of 2.4 × 10−12 cm−2 s−1. Simultaneous RXTE observations were conducted to provide the X-ray state of the source. A selection of the gamma-ray data obtained during the HB based on the X-ray colors did not yield a signal either, with an upper limit of 3.4 × 10−12 cm−2 s−1. These upper limits place a constraint on the maximum TeV luminosity to non-thermal X-ray luminosity of LVHE/LntX ≲ 0.02 that can be related to a maximum TeV luminosity to jet power ratio of LVHE/Lj ≲ 10−3. Our upper limits indicate that the underlying high-energy emission physics in Sco X-1 must be inherently different from that of the hitherto detected gamma-ray binaries.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology Open Access the Effects of Estrogen, Its Antagonist Ici 182, 780, and Interferon-tau on the Expression of Estrogen Receptors and Integrin Alphav Beta 3 on Cycle Day 16 in Bovine Endometrium Endometriumestrogenshormone Antagonistscell Adhesion Moleculessteroid R

We have shown previously that downregulation of intercaruncular stromal integrin α v β 3 in bovine endometrium on day 16 of the estrous cycle coincided with the antibody recognition of estrogen receptors (ER) in the luminal epithelium. In pregnancy, these changes were not observed. Our hypothesis was that on day 16 of the estrous cycle, estrogen from the dominant follicle causes a reduction in integrin α v β 3 and affects ERα in the luminal epithelium. The pregnancy recognition protein, interferon-τ (IFN-τ), may prevent downregulation of integrin α v β 3 and suppress ERα expression in the luminal epithelium. On days 14 to 16, heifers received uterine infusions of the anti-estrogen ICI 182, 780, estradiol 17β, IFN-τ or the saline control. On day 16, reproductive tracts were collected for analysis of integrin α v β 3 and ERα. Estrogen receptor α immunoreactivity was largely restricted to the luminal epithelium in control animals. Using anti-ERα recognizing the amino terminus, estrogen-treated animals showed reactivity in the stroma, shallow and deep glands and myometrium as is typical of estrus, whereas ICI 182, 870 treated heifers showed little or no reactivity. In contrast, carboxyl terminus-directed antibodies showed a widespread distribution of ERα with reactivity detected in the uterine epithelium, stroma and myometrium of both estrogen and ICI 182, 780 treated animals. Heifers treated with IFN-τ had low ERα reactivity overall. Control and IFN-τ treated heifers had lower intercaruncular stromal expression of integrin α v β 3 in comparison to estrogen and ICI 182, 780 treatments. Overall, the results suggest that on day 16 of the estrous cycle, estrogen effects on integrin α v β 3 are indirect and do not directly involve ERα in the luminal epithelium. During pregnancy, interferon-tau may block ERα in the luminal epithelium but likely does not rescue integrin α v β 3 expression.
Reentry and the (Unmet) Needs of Women

The number of women under community-based criminal justice supervision in the U.S. has reached an all-time high. Because of this, there is an increased need for programs meant to address the unique needs of reentry women. In this article we examine a sample of 155 such programs to determine whether currently available reentry programs in the 10 largest metropolitan areas of the U.S. are able to meet the needs of reentry women. We find that currently available reentry programs do not sufficiently meet the needs of postincarceration women.
Assessing Approximations for Gaussian Process Classification

Gaussian processes are attractive models for probabilistic classification but unfortunately exact inference is analytically intractable. We compare Laplace's method and Expectation Propagation (EP) focusing on marginal likelihood estimates and predictive performance. We explain theoretically and corroborate empirically that EP is superior to Laplace. We also compare to a sophisticated MCMC scheme and show that EP is surprisingly accurate.
Design of experiments and empirical models for up to date burners design for process industries

At present period the application of complex models based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) increases. At the same time, the cost of full experiments with high number of factors grows rapidly. In some cases, however, experimental approach cannot be fully substituted by computational modeling, which applies also to tuning of design of new burners. Due to high cost of experiments therefore grows the importance of properly designed experiments and statistical data analysis. Statistical experimental design and analysis is an indispensable tool for experimenters and one of the core topics in a statistics curriculum. The present work deals with the design of experiment from its preparation, through experiment planning, that is followed by preliminary considerations about the model, implementation of the experiment and subsequent evaluation. Furthermore, we point out the problems of the performing of full experiment with high number of factors and outline the possibilities of creating the basis for fractional experiment. The experiment presented in this work is carried out at an up to date experimental facility for testing diffusion gas burners. The investigation focuses on the influence of design parameters on the formation of nitrogen oxides. Priority is however always given to the functionality of the burner (namely flame stability). This paper shows a convenient way how to set up the plan of expensive and time consuming experiments in testing industrial burners. Importance for industrial practice, equipment and consequently processes is demonstrated.
Advanced Glycation End Products in Infant Formulas Do Not Contribute to Insulin Resistance Associated with Their Consumption

Introduction Infant formula-feeding is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity. In rodents and healthy humans, advanced glycation end product (AGE)-rich diets exert diabetogenic effects. In comparison with human breast-milk, infant formulas contain high amounts of AGEs. We assessed the role of AGEs in infant-formula-consumption-associated insulin resistance. Methods Total plasma levels of Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), AGEs-associated fluorescence (λex = 370 nm/λem = 445 nm), soluble adhesion molecules, markers of micro- binflammation (hsCRP), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostanes) and leptinemia were determined, and correlated with insulin sensitivity in a cross-sectional study in 166 healthy term infants aged 3-to-14 months, subdivided according to feeding regimen (breast-milk- vs. infant formula-fed) and age (3-to-6-month-olds, 7-to-10-month-olds, and 11-to-14-month-old infants). Effects of the consumption of low- vs. high-CML-containing formulas were assessed. 36 infants aged 5.8±0.3 months were followed-up 7.5±0.3 months later. Results Cross-sectional study: 3-to-6-month-olds and 7-to-10-month-old formula-fed infants presented higher total plasma CML levels and AGEs-associated fluorescence (p<0.01, both), while only the 3-to-6-month-olds displayed lower insulin sensitivity (p<0.01) than their breast-milk-fed counterparts. 3-to-6-month-olds fed low-CML-containing formulas presented lower total plasma CML levels (p<0.01), but similar insulin sensitivity compared to those on high-CML-containing formulas. Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, levels of leptin and adhesion molecules did not differ significantly between the groups. Follow-up study: at initial investigation, the breast-milk-consuming infants displayed lower total plasma CML levels (p<0.01) and AGEs-associated fluorescence (p<0.05), but higher insulin sensitivity (p<0.05) than the formulas-consuming infants. At follow-up, the groups did not differ significantly in either determined parameter. Conclusions In healthy term infants, high dietary load with CML does not play a pathophysiological role in the induction of infant formula-associated insulin resistance. Whether a high load of AGEs in early childhood affects postnatal programming remains to be elucidated.
Keys to Implementing Empirically Supported Therapies

ABSTRACT Adopting a therapeutic model that fits with one's philosophical view of the world is hard enough. Developing one that is empirically validated is a completely different challenge. With some jurisdictions moving toward empirically supported treatments (ESTs) as the standard of care, clinicians need to know how to use ESTs and how to obtain training in them. This article reviews the current state of dissemination of eight ESTs and summarizes how marriage and family therapist might obtain training in the particular models. Descriptions of the data collection procedures and the implications for clinicians who are interested in pursuing EST training are included.