Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Software Abstractions - Logic, Language, and Analysis

In Software Abstractions Daniel Jackson introduces an approach to software design that draws on traditional formal methods but exploits automated tools to find flaws as early as possible. This approach--which Jackson calls "lightweight formal methods" or "agile modeling"--takes from formal specification the idea of a precise and expressive notation based on a tiny core of simple and robust concepts but replaces conventional analysis based on theorem proving with a fully automated analysis that gives designers immediate feedback. Jackson has developed Alloy, a language that captures the essence of software abstractions simply and succinctly, using a minimal toolkit of mathematical notions. This revised edition updates the text, examples, and appendixes to be fully compatible with the latest version of Alloy (Alloy 4). The designer can use automated analysis not only to correct errors but also to make models that are more precise and elegant. This approach, Jackson says, can rescue designers from "the tarpit of implementation technologies" and return them to thinking deeply about underlying concepts. Software Abstractions introduces the key elements: a logic, which provides the building blocks of the language; a language, which adds a small amount of syntax to the logic for structuring descriptions; and an analysis, a form of constraint solving that offers both simulation (generating sample states and executions) and checking (finding counterexamples to claimed properties).
Allele-specific suppression of a defective trans-Golgi network (TGN) localization signal in Kex2p identifies three genes involved in localization of TGN transmembrane proteins

Kex2 protease (Kex2p) and Ste13 dipeptidyl aminopeptidase (Ste13p) are required in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for maturation of the alpha-mating factor in a late Golgi compartment, most likely the yeast trans-Golgi network (TGN). Previous studies identified a TGN localization signal (TLS) in the C-terminal cytosolic tail of Kex2p consisting of Tyr-713 and contextual sequences. Further analysis of the Kex2p TLS revealed similarity to the Ste13p TLS. Mutation of the Kex2p TLS results in transport of Kex2p to the vacuole by default. When expression of a GAL1 promoter-driven KEX2 gene is shut off in MAT(alpha) cells, the TGN becomes depleted of Kex2p, resulting in a gradual decline in mating competence which is greatly accelerated by TLS mutations. To identify the genes involved in localization of Kex2p, we isolated second-site suppressors of the rapid loss of mating competence observed upon shutting off expression of a TLS mutant form of Kex2p (Y713A). Seven of 58 suppressors were allele specific, suppressing point mutations at Tyr-713 but not deletions of the TLS or entire C-terminal cytosolic tail. By linkage analysis, the allele-specific suppressors defined three genetic loci, SOI1, S0I2, and S0I3. Pulse-chase analysis demonstrated that these suppressors increased net TGN retention of both Y713A Kex2p and a Ste13p-Pho8p fusion protein containing a point mutation in the Ste13p TLS. SOI1 suppressor alleles reduced the efficiency of localization of wild-type Kex2p to the TGN, implying an impaired ability to discriminate between the normal TLS and a mutant TLS. soi1 mutants also exhibited a recessive defect in vacuolar protein sorting. Suppressor alleles of S0I2 were dominant. These results suggest that the SOI1 and S0I2 genes encode regulators or components of the TLS recognition machinery.
Detection and Confirmation of Clostridium botulinum in Water Used for Cooling at a Plant Producing Low-Acid Canned Foods

ABSTRACT Our laboratory tested water samples used for cooling low-acid canned foods at a canning facility under investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with digoxigenin-labeled antibodies (DIG-ELISA) and real-time PCR as screening methods and confirmed the presence of neurotoxin-producing Clostridium botulinum in the samples by mouse bioassay.
On Old-Fashioned Versus Modern Homonegativity Distinction: Evidence From Poland

ABSTRACT Psychological research on prejudice against homosexuals distinguishes between old-fashioned (traditional) and modern (contemporary) homonegativity, which differ with regard to their content, correlates, and consequences. The current research offers evidence for the validity of old-fashioned versus modern homonegativity distinction in the post-communist, East European context. In Studies 1 and 2 (Ns = 295 and 327, respectively) the Polish adaptations of the non-gendered and gendered Homonegativity Scale (Morrison, Parriag, & Morrison, 1999) and the Modern Homonegativity Scale (Morrison & Morrison, 2003) were developed. Furthermore, divergent (discriminant) validity of traditional and contemporary anti-homosexual prejudice was demonstrated. Old-fashioned and modern homonegativity exhibited differential relationships with social distance and support for same-sex couples’ relational rights.
The response of hair cells in the basal turn of the guinea‐pig cochlea to tones.

1. Intracellular recordings were made from inner and outer hair cells in the basal turn of the guinea‐pig cochlea. The resting membrane potentials of the inner hair cells are more positive than ‐50 mV while those of outer hair cells are usually more negative than ‐70 mV. 2. At low frequencies the receptor potentials of inner hair cells are predominantly depolarizing while those from outer hair cells are hyperpolarizing at low and moderate sound pressure (e.g. less than 90 dB re 2 X 10(‐5) Pa at 600 Hz). The potentials then become predominantly depolarizing at high sound pressure. 3. The asymmetry of the inner and outer hair cell receptor potentials are manifested instantaneously except at high stimulus levels when the depolarizing responses of outer hair cells take several cycles to develop. 4. At the offset of intense tones outer hair cell membrane potentials remain depolarized by 1‐2 mV above their resting value and return to normal over a period depending on the level and duration of the tone. 5. In response to tones above about 2 kHz and at levels below about 90 dB the wave forms of outer hair cell receptor potentials are virtually symmetrical without measurable d.c. components. In response to tones close to their best frequencies (16‐21 kHz), inner hair cells in the basal turn generate large depolarizing (d.c.) receptor potentials while outer hair cells from this region of the cochlea do not generate significant voltage responses. 6. Frequency tuning curves were derived for inner and outer hair cells from the amplitude‐intensity relationships of their d.c. and phasic (a.c.) receptor potentials respectively. When the latter were compensated for the low‐pass characteristics of the recording system and the hair cell time constant, the frequency selectivity of inner and outer hair cells are similar. 7. The response properties of inner and outer hair cells in the basal turn of the guinea‐pig cochlea are discussed in relation to their proposed roles in mechano‐electric transduction.
Comparison of Membranes and Glass Slides for 16S rDNA Array Analyses of Microbial Communities by Sequence-Specific Labeling of DNA Probes

Abstract Analyses of complex microbial communities are becoming increasingly important. Bottlenecks in these analyses, however, are the tools to actually describe the biodiversity. Novel protocols for a DNA array based analyzes of microbial communities are presented. In these protocols, the specificity obtained by sequence-specific labeling of DNA probes is combined with the possibility of detecting several different probes simultaneously by DNA array hybridization. The gene encoding 16S ribosomal RNA was chosen as the target in these analyses. This gene contains both universally conserved regions, and regions with relatively high variability. The universally conserved regions are used for PCR amplification primers, while the variable regions are used for the specific probes. Arrays prepared on positively charged nylon membranes and coated glass slides were compared. The advantage of using membranes is that chromogenic signal amplification can be used for the detection. Furthermore, the chromogenic detection does not require any sophisticated equipment. The advantage of the glass slides is that multiple fluorescence colors can be detected simultaneously, and that internal controls can be used for normalization. This approach is also suited for high throughput screenings.
Sensibilité de la double microcentrifugation pour la recherche des trypanosomes

Les auteurs ont teste au laboratoire et sur le terrain la technique de double microcentrifugation proposee par Kratzer et Ondiek (1989) pour le diagnostic parasitologique des trypanosomoses. Les limites de detection trouvees ne sont pas aussi basses que celles indiquees par les auteurs initiaux mais montrent neanmoins une meilleure sensibilite que la simple microcentrifugation pour les trois especes Trypanosoma brucei, T. congolens e et T. vivax. Facile a mettre en oeuvre sur le terrain, cette technique est recommandee, notamment pour des enquetes epidemiologiques . Un protocole et une liste de materiel necessaire sont indiques
Alcohol use among immigrant Latino farmworkers in North Carolina.

BACKGROUND Heavy alcohol use among Latino farmworkers is believed to be common, but it remains poorly documented. METHODS Interviewer-administered survey questionnaires were administered to 151 Latino male farmworkers in Eastern North Carolina; topics included frequency of alcohol consumption, amount of alcohol typically consumed, frequency of consuming five or more drinks in a single setting, and signs of alcohol abuse/dependence. RESULTS Over one-quarter (26%) completely abstain from alcohol, but 27% report frequent heavy drinking, or drinking five or more alcoholic beverages two or more times per month. Over one-third of farmworkers (39%) may be alcohol-dependent. Frequent heavy drinking is more common among single farmworkers and among those who do not follow the crops, and dependence is more common among farmworkers living in camps comprised of both H2A and non-contract workers. CONCLUSIONS There is substantial variation in alcohol use among Latino farmworkers. Although a substantial proportion of farmworkers abstain from alcohol, an equally substantial proportion report alcohol use that poses significant risk for injury on and off the job. More research is needed to document the potential threat to Latino farmworkers by their alcohol use. Interventions targeting alcohol are needed to minimize the risk of injury in an already dangerous occupation.
Pattern-Oriented Approach for Enterprise Architecture: TOGAF Framework

Design pattern suggests that developers must be able to reuse proven solutions emerging from the best design practices to solve common design problems while composing patterns to create reusable designs that can be mapped to different types of enterprise frameworks and architectures such as The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF). Without this, business analysts, designers and developers are not properly applying design solutions or take full benefit of the power of patterns as reuse blocks, resulting in poor performance, poor scalability, and poor usability. Furthermore, these professionals may “reinvent the wheel” when attempting to implement the same design for different types of architectures of TOGAF framework. In this paper, we introduce different categories of design patterns as a vehicle for capturing and reusing good analyses, designs and implementation applied to TOGAF framework while detailing a motivating exemplar on how design patterns can be composed to create generic types of architectures of TOGAF framework. Then, we discuss why patterns are a suitable for developing and documenting various architectures including enterprise architectures as TOGAF.
Desempenho, composição corporal e exigências nutricionais debovinos Nelore de diferentes classes sexuais

O presente trabalho foi realizado mediante a conducao de dois experimentos que visaram estudar o desempenho, consumo e digestibilidades dos nutrientes, eficiencia alimentar, caracteristicas de carcaca, composicao corporal e exigencias de energia e proteina de bovinos Nelore de diferentes classes sexuais. O primeiro experimento foi conduzido entre os meses de julho e setembro de 2004, utilizando-se 48 animais, sendo 16 machos inteiros, 16 machos castrados e 16 femeas, que foram alimentados individualmente por um periodo de 77 dias em baias individuais. Os animais apresentavam-se com 21 meses de idade e com peso vivo medio de 276,2; 265,8 e 257,3 kg, respectivamente, para os machos inteiros, os machos castrados e as femeas, ao inicio do experimento. A dieta, composta por silagens de capim-elefante e de milho (70:30) e concentrado, na relacao 85:15, na base da materia seca total, foi fornecida diariamente. Os consumos de materia seca e dos nutrientes foram calculados semanalmente a partir da analise laboratorial dos alimentos fornecidos e das sobras. Um ensaio de digestibilidade foi realizado na 9a semana, quando tambem foram coletadas amostras de urina para estimacao da producao de proteina microbiana, bem como de sua eficiencia de sintese. Medidas ultrasonograficas foram realizadas nos animais ao final do experimento, utilizando-se ultrasom modelo Aloka 500-V, dotado de transdutor linear de 17,2 cm e 3,5 MHZ de frequencia. O consumo residual foi calculado pela diferenca entre o consumo observado e o estimado por uma equacao de regressao entre o consumo, o ganho de peso e o peso vivo medio metabolico dos animais. Os machos inteiros foram os mais pesados, apresentando GMD superior e carcaca mais magra, porem com musculosidade mais pronunciada (P 0,05) significativamente afetados pela classe sexual. Quando avaliados quanto ao grupo de consumo residual, os animais com alto CR apresentaram o mesmo peso corporal, a mesma taxa de ganho de peso e nao tiveram suas caracteristicas de carcaca afetadas (P>0,05), apesar de terem consumido 11,5% mais MS (P 0,05). A producao de proteina microbiana, bem como sua eficiencia de sintese nao foi afetada nem pela classe sexual, nem pelo grupo de CR (P>0,05), o mesmo ocorrendo para a concentracao plasmatica de ureia. As excrecoes de ureia na urina foram afetadas somente pela classe sexual, em que as femeas apresentaram valores superiores aos machos (P<0,05). Classe sexual afeta o desempenho e as caracteristicas de carcaca de bovinos Nelore, ao passo que o consumo residual nao incorre em impactos negativos…
High-level behavior control of an e-pet with reinforcement learning

One of attractive features of electronic-pets (e-pets) is interaction between the user and the e-pet. The interaction, however, is usually limited to using the predefined commands. In this paper, we present a way of involving the user in helping an e-pet learn high-level behaviors based on basic actions. The high-level behaviors are derived with planning, and the execution of the behaviors is then trained with reinforcement learning. In this research, we explain how we use a partially observable Markov decision process and the hierarchical task network planning for designing behaviors. A Q-learning method is then applied to the training of the e-pet for achieving the correct behavior. A prototype is presented to show its feasibility and effectiveness.
Intestinal carriage of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis by wild birds and mammals in Japan

Fecal specimens were obtained from wild birds and mammals in the eastern part of Shimane Prefecture, Japan, an area where serotype 1b, 2b, 3, and 4b strains of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis were found to be prevalent in humans. Each of 869 animals, including 259 wild birds and 610 wild mammals, was screened for yersiniae. A total of 37 strains of Y. pseudotuberculosis were isolated from 34 (5.6%) mammals, including 23 raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), eight deer (Cervus nippon), two hares (Lepus brachyurus), and one marten (Martes melampus), and from two (0.8%) birds, including one eastern spot-billed duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) and one wigeon (Anas penelope). The Y. pseudotuberculosis isolates collected belonged to virulence plasmid-positive (serotypes 1b, 2b, 3, 4b, and 6) and virulence plasmid-negative (serotype 5a) strains, the most predominant serotype being 4b. The close relationship between the regional distributions of Y. pseudotuberculosis in wild animals and humans suggests that wild animals are an important source of infection.
Study of Gate Junction Temperature in GaAs pHEMTs Using Gate Metal Resistance Thermometry

Gate junction temperature is presented as the crucial parameter for modeling thermal degradation in GaAs device reliability studies, and sufficient for modeling the impact of temperature on device terminal characteristics. Gate metal resistance thermometry (GMRT) is applied to a GaAs pseudomorphic high-electron mobility transistor to measure its gate junction temperature. It is found that gate leakage current due to impact ionization can interfere with dc GMRT measurements. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time it is demonstrated that this can be largely avoided by instead applying an ac version of GMRT. However, the dynamic resistance of the gate leakage current path can interfere with ac GMRT. Measurements and thermal finite element method simulations of devices at constant power dissipation conclude that the bias dependence of the channel heat source profile affects the gate junction temperature. A parameter extraction technique is presented and used in device lifetime calculations to demonstrate MTTF variations of more than an order of magnitude (despite fixed power) due to bias-dependent self-heating.
Pulse pressure/stroke index and left ventricular geometry and function: the LIFE Study

Objective To evaluate the relationship between arterial stiffness estimated by the pulse pressure/stroke index ratio (PP/SVi) and prognostically relevant abnormalities of left ventricular geometry and function. Methods Baseline data from the echocardiographic substudy of the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint (LIFE) Reduction in Hypertension Study were used. Patients involved in the present study had stage II–III hypertension and electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy; those with a history of coronary heart disease or segmental wall motion abnormalities were excluded. Plasma glucose, total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and creatinine concentrations and urinary albumin/creatinine were assessed by standard methods. Results The study sample (n = 667) was subdivided into tertiles of PP/SVi. With greater PP/SVi, age, proportion of women and prevalence of type 2 diabetes, systolic and mean blood pressures were greater, whereas body mass index, body height and diastolic blood pressure were lower. Total and HDL cholesterol, creatinine and albuminuria did not differ among the three groups. After adjustment for age, sex and body size, greater PP/SVi was related to concentric left ventricular geometry, but showed a weak negative relationship to left ventricular mass and aortic root diameter; the prevalence of aortic fibrocalcification and left atrial diameter did not differ among tertiles of PP/SVi. PP/SVi was related to greater left ventricular end-systolic stress; stress-corrected left ventricular chamber function was greater with greater PP/SVi, whereas myocardial contractility did not differ significantly among the three groups. Greater PP/SVi was related to greater mitral E-wave/A-wave ratio and shorter isovolumic relaxation time independently of age, sex, left ventricular geometry, systolic function and other confounders. Conclusion Increased estimated arterial stiffness is associated with concentric left ventricular geometry and with diastolic left ventricular abnormalities suggestive of increased diastolic left ventricular stiffness.
Triggers, Bullets and Targets, Puzzle of Membranous Nephropathy

Introduction Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy (MN) is a common cause of adult nephrotic syndrome. Recently, M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2-R) has been discovered as the main podocyte antigen in the pathogenesis of idiopathic MN. Materials and Methods In this mini review, the author searched English-language MEDLINE for the terms “membranous nephropathy”, “rituximab”, and “phospholipase A2 receptor” up to October 2011. Results In support of its earlier discovery, reports from China and Europe confirmed the major pathogenic role of non-complement fixing IgG4 antibody against PLA2-R in the pathogenesis of idiopathic MN. Antibodies against aldose reductase (AR) and manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2 ), and sub-epithelial deposition of cationic bovine serum albumin (BSA) are also reported in rare occasions. It seems that Rituximab is a good therapeutic choice for those patients who need immunosuppressive therapy. Conclusions Great discoveries in the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic MN have been performed but pathogenic mechanism and triggers for anti-PLA2-R production are still unknown.
Alternative designs of a superconducting synchronous generator: the Southampton approach

The paper describes various designs undertaken at the University of Southampton for building both cored and coreless superconducting synchronous generators using high temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes. An overview of electromagnetic and mechanical design issues is presented and scalability is considered. Results are included for the full (original) size machine and extended to a double size unit.
Ocorrencia de acidente do trabalho em um hospital da rede privada de Campinas : estudos dos fatores contribuintes

Os acidentes do trabalho tem sido objeto de estudo por parte dos profissionais que atuam na area da Saude do Trabalhador - vivenciar este problema e conhecer as consequencias que acarreta na saude do trabalhador e no processo produtivo da empresa. Hoje quando a conquista da cidadania e crescente e impossivel, na dinâmica diaria do trabalho, ignorar que o acidente e a serie de danos que acarreta faz parte da realidade. Feito por uma profissional da area, este trabalho analisa aspectos epidemiologicos dos acidentes do trabalho em uma instituicao hospitalar privada de Campinas - Sao Paulo, no periodo de 1° de janeiro de 1996 a 31 de dezembro de 2000. O objetivo e comparar os resultados com a literatura disponivel, cujos referenciais sao instituicoes publicas. Foram ressaltados os aspectos epidemiologicos ligados a dados referentes aos trabalhadores acidentados; dados referentes aos acidentados na empresa e dados referentes aos acidentes ocorridos. O instrumento utilizado para a coleta de dados foi a Comunicacao de Acidente de Trabalho - CAT. A partir das variaveis estudadas e possivel afirmar em relacao a dados referentes aos trabalhadores que os acidentes do trabalho ocorreram predominantemente em trabalhadores na faixa etaria de 19 -29, com ocorrencia discretamente maior para trabalhadores do sexo feminino. Em relacao a dados referentes aos trabalhadores acidentados do hospital, dos acidentes estudados os auxiliares de enfermagem apresentaram proporcionalmente a maior acidentalidade, o que levou a uma analise das caracteristicas do trabalho desta categoria. Em relacao a dados referentes aos acidentes, merecem ser mencionados aqui, os altos indices de acidentes de trajeto e o fato de que o local com maior numero de ocorrencias foi a area do Servico de Nutricao e Dietetica. Os dados analisados indicam que 70% dos acidentes ocorreram nas unidades de trabalho, sendo que a causa ou o objeto causador de maior indice de acidentes foi o material do tipo perfurocortante. Os membros superiores, principalmente as maos, foram as regioes mais atingidas. Acredita-se que em funcao do modelo de gestao do hospital, e nitida uma significativa e crescente queda no numero absoluto de acidentes no decorrer do periodo abordado por este estudo. Para avaliar esta importante tendencia foram extraidos, do modelo de gestao adotado, os referenciais e formas de atuacao que o delineiam: conscientizacao, formas organizacionais e recursos materiais. Acredita-se que este estudo ira contribuir para mudancas futuras do quadro atual. Abstract