Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SleC Is Essential for Cortex Peptidoglycan Hydrolysis during Germination of Spores of the Pathogenic Bacterium Clostridium perfringens

ABSTRACT Clostridial spore germination requires degradation of the spore's peptidoglycan (PG) cortex by cortex-lytic enzymes (CLEs), and two Clostridium perfringens CLEs, SleC and SleM, degrade cortex PG in vitro. We now find that only SleC is essential for cortex hydrolysis and viability of C. perfringens spores. C. perfringens sleC spores did not germinate completely with nutrients, KCl, or a 1:1 chelate of Ca2+ and dipicolinic acid (Ca-DPA), and the colony-forming efficiency of sleC spores was 103-fold lower than that of wild-type spores. However, sleC spores incubated with various germinants released most of their DPA, although slower than wild-type or sleM spores, and DPA release from sleC sleM spores was very slow. In contrast, germination and viability of sleM spores were similar to that of wild-type spores, although sleC sleM spores had 105-fold-lower viability. These results allow the following conclusions about C. perfringens spore germination: (i) SleC is essential for cortex hydrolysis; (ii) although SleM can degrade cortex PG in vitro, this enzyme is not essential; (iii) action of SleC alone or with SleM can accelerate DPA release; and (iv) Ca-DPA does not trigger spore germination by activation of CLEs.
Simulation based Camera Localization under a Variable Lighting Environment

Localizing the user from a feature database of a scene is a basic and necessary step for presentation of localized augmented reality (AR) content. Commonly such a database depicts a single appearance of the scene, due to time and effort required to prepare it. However, the appearance depends on various factors, e.g., the position of the sun and cloudiness. Observing the scene under different lighting conditions results in a decreased success rate and accuracy of the localization. To address this we propose to generate the feature database from a simulated appearance of the scene model under a number of different lighting conditions. We also propose to extend the feature descriptors used in the localization with a parametric representation of their changes under varying lighting conditions. We compare our method with a standard representation and matching based on L2-norm in a simulation and real world experiments. Our results show that our simulated environment is a satisfactory representation of the scene's appearance and improves feature matching over a single database. The proposed feature descriptor achieves a higher localization ratio with fewer feature points and a lower process cost.
Determining of validity and reliability of speech situation checklist among the children with stuttering and non-stuttering

Background and aim: Nowadays, importance of multidimensional approach in evaluating of stuttering is obvious. Stuttering aspects evaluation provided by speech situation checklist. In this study, validity and reliability of this checklist is performed on stuttering and nonstuttering (6-11 years old) pupils. Material and methods: In this research, 43 stutterer and 45 non-stutterer pupils were evaluated. After equalization of questionnaire to Persian language, emotional reaction & speech disruption questionnaire were completed according to their attitude . In order to test validity, four methods were used. Data were analyzed by parametric and non-parametric statistical tests Results: Comparison of score average of speech disruption and emotional reaction tests showed significant difference between stutter and non-stutter groups for Persian language children (p<0.05). Emotional reaction and speech disruption checklist (Persian version) has high test-retest (p=0.000,Icc>0.86) and internal validity (p=0.000,α >0.93). Conclusion: Persian equalized speech disruption and emotional reaction tests have high validity and reliability. it might be useful to differentiate stuttering pupil among normal ones.
WILL IT READ MY MIND AND COOK ME BREAKFAST

PREAMBLE ‘What will the semantic web look like in 10 years from now’ is an important question, prompting a longer term focus and helping to stretch the SW vision beyond the length of the average funding cycle. What the SW will look like in 10 years from now depends very much on the choices currently being made, so the ideas sketched out in this abstract are based on the assumption that short-term gains and technocratic stunts will not be the sole drivers for SW research and development in the future, but that a more balanced set of stakeholders with diverse expectations will contribute to shape it.
On the compound Poisson-gamma distribution

The compound Poisson-gamma variable is the sum of a random sample from a gamma distribution with sample size an independent Poisson random variable. It has received wide ranging applications. In this note, we give an account of its mathematical properties including estimation procedures by the methods of moments and maximum likelihood. Most of the properties given are hitherto unknown.
Does caffeine confound relationships among adrenergic tone, blood pressure and sleep apnoea?

The purpose of this study was to determine whether caffeine consumption confounds the relationship among adrenergic tone, as measured by urinary norepinephrine (NE), blood pressure (BP) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Data were analysed using correlation and regression analysis, analysis of covariance and t‐tests. Subjects included normotensives and hypertensives with and without OSA: 38 men, 23 women, aged 30–60 y; 100–150% of ideal body weight; without other major illness. Patients were studied using polysomnography, caffeine consumption was assessed, 24‐h urinary NE levels were examined and ambulatory BP was recorded. Patients with OSA (N=27) reported significantly greater caffeine consumption than those without OSA (N=34) (295 vs. 103 mg, P=0.010), but caffeine was not significantly correlated with their ambulatory BP. In contrast, NE excretion correlated with caffeine consumption (r=0.24, P=0.041), apnoea severity (r=0.65, P < 0.001) and BP (r=0.34, P < 0.005). Significant OSA–NE and BP–NE relationships remained even after controlling for caffeine consumption. Patients with OSA consumed nearly three times the amount of caffeine as patients without OSA. While caffeine partially explains the increased adrenergic tone in patients with OSA and the relationship between BP and NE, it does not appear to contribute significantly to the relationship between OSA and elevated BP.
Embedded Systems Security: A Survey of EU Research Efforts

Embedded systems security is a recurring theme in current research efforts, brought in the limelight by the wide adoption of ubiquitous devices. Significant funding has been allocated to various European projects on this subject area, in order to investigate and overcome the various security challenges. This paper provides an overview of recent EU research efforts pertaining to embedded systems security, where several prominent security issues and the respective proposed approaches are presented. Surveying relatively recent EU research projects, the authors identify 20 such projects that focus on embedded systems security aspects. The investigated technologies are categorised using a layered approach, to facilitate the presentation of the results; the categories comprise the node, network, and middleware and overlay layers, as well as architectures, frameworks and formal validation of the security of embedded systems. From this survey, certain patterns emerge regarding the issues investigated and the technologies researchers focus on, in order to address the said issues. Finally, the existing open issues are summarised, and directions for future research are given. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE EFFECTS OF MOTION AND ORIENTATION ON PERCEPTION OF FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AND FACE RECOGNITION

THE EFFECTS OF MOTION AND ORIENTATION ON PERCEPTION OF FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AND FACE RECOGNITIONZara Ambadar, PhDUniversity of Pittsburgh, 2002Research on perception of facial expressions has neglected an important characteristic of facial expression, its dynamic property. In this dissertation, two experiments were conducted to assess the effect of motion on perception of facial expressions and to test three (3) possible mechanisms by which motion facilitates perception of facial expressions. (1) motion provides more static information than is available in a single image. This hypothesis was tested by comparing performances in single image presentations (Single-Static) with those in multiple image presentations (Multi-Static). (2) motion provides temporal information about expressions which aids perception. This was tested by comparing performances in multiple image presentations with those in moving sequence presentations (Dynamic). (3) motion improves perception of facial expressions by facilitating configural processing. This was tested by comparing the effect of motion in upright and inverted presentations of the stimuli. In Experiment 1, participants were shown posed faces with subtle facial expressions in one of three modes (Single-Static, Multi-Static, or Dynamic). Experiment 1 revealed a robust effect of motion relative to both Multi-Static and Single- Static condition. This finding, in addition to the absence of an interaction effect between motion and inversion suggest that the effect of motion was not due to additional static information and was not mediated by configural processing. Experiment 2 replicated the basic procedure of Experiment 1 and in addition included a face recognition task and a memory measure of facial expression. The advantage for dynamic presentation was replicated. Converging evidence from Experiment 1 and 2 supported the second mechanism and suggests that the effect of motion on judgment of facial expressions is inherent in the dynamic property of the sequence. The nature of this dynamic property was discussed with regards to the possibility that motion might enhance the perception of change (change sensitivity hypothesis).
Relationship between body mass index and periodontitis in young Japanese adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Obesity has been implicated as a risk factor for several chronic health conditions. Recent studies have reported a relationship between obesity and periodontitis, but few studies have investigated this relationship in adolescents. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between body composition (i.e. body mass index and body fat) and periodontitis in university students in Japan. MATERIAL AND METHODS Medical and oral health data were collected in a cross-sectional examination conducted by the Health and Environment Center of Okayama University. Students aged 18-24 years (n = 618), who were interested in receiving an oral health examination, were included in the analysis. The community periodontal index was used to assess periodontal status. Subjects with a community periodontal index score of 0-2 were considered as controls and those with a community periodontal index score of > 2 were considered to have periodontitis. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between body mass index and periodontitis. RESULTS The body mass index of all subjects was < 30 kg/m2. Age and body mass index were significantly associated with the community periodontal index. Logistic regression analysis revealed a 16% increased risk for periodontitis per 1-kg/m2 increase in body mass index (adjusted odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.31; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Body mass index could be a potential risk factor for periodontitis among healthy young individuals (i.e. those with a body mass index of < 30 kg/m2). It may be useful to include an evaluation of body mass index on a regular basis in university general and oral health examinations.
Electronic participation offered by Chilean Municipalities. Is it that what citizens really want?

Information technology and the internet have an enormous potential for the development of government services at all levels. These technologies not only offer access to a wide range of electronic services to support the daily life of citizens, but they also could help citizens to participate in the governance of their communities. The term "electronic participation" has been coined to describe the use of these technologies with the goal of improving political participation. This article assesses and compares eParticipation services provided by Chilean municipalities with the level of satisfaction perceived by its citizens. The study ranks the level of e-participation offered by 324 municipalities in Chile and assesses the satisfaction of 198 citizens belonging to eight municipalities in the North of Chile. On one hand, the results suggest that the average e-participation offered by Chilean municipalities in the North of Chile is still low. On the other hand, municipalities providing a high level of eParticipation services are not always the ones getting better levels of citizen's satisfaction with their services. Another interesting finding suggests that the informal but permanent communication of some municipalities through twitter can improve citizen's satisfaction with eParticipation.
Holistic Processing of Faces in Preschool Children and Adults

Contrary to the encoding-switch hypothesis, recent research demonstrates that 6-year-olds do not rely solely on parts-based encoding to recognize upright faces. This research shows better recognition of face parts presented in the whole face than in isolation, indicating use of holistic encoding. The present study examined whether children younger than 6 years also recognize faces holistically. Four-year-olds, 5-year-olds, and adults were administered a part-whole face recognition task. Children below the age of 6 remembered parts from upright faces better when tested in the whole-face context than in isolation. This whole-face advantage did not occur when faces were inverted. Although children showed a smaller inversion decrement than adults and generally performed more poorly than adults, the different age groups showed similar patterns of performance, indicating that young preschoolers, like older children and adults, are able to recognize faces holistically.
Identification of HLA-A11-restricted CTL epitopes derived from HPV type 18 using DNA immunization

Identification of the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes of tumor antigens is important for effective immunotherapy. We report that a combination of epitope prediction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based epitope-HLA complex formation, and DNA immunization methods can improve the efficiency and accuracy of CTL epitope studies. In this study, two HLA-A11-restricted epitopes derived from human papillomavirus (HPV)18 E6 oncoprotein were identified. HLA-A11-transgenic mice immunized with these epitopes could specifically induce interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, cytotoxicity, and peptide/HLA-A11 tetramer binding in CD8+ T cells. To study intracellular processing of CTL epitopes, we constructed a DNA plasmid containing an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) targeting sequence as well as the HPV18 E6 and E7 genes (pEK/HPV18E6E7). CTL responses against peptide-pulsed T2/A11 cells could be detected after immunizing HLA-A11-transgenic mice with pEK/HPV18E6E7. Furthermore, the identified peptides could stimulate T cells to secrete IFN-γ from HPV18-infected patients. Our results demonstrate that the antigenic E6 peptides derived from HPV18 are potential candidates for the treatment of HPV 18-associated tumors in HLA-A11+ populations.
Quality of life of workers who underwent work adjustments and adaptations in a public state university.

Objective Assess the quality of life of workers who underwent work adjustments and adaptations in a public state university. Methods This was a cross-sectional study carried out with 92 employees from a public state university. Data were collected from November 2012 to May 2013 using a population characterization questionnaire and the Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short Form, and then underwent a univariate and bivariate analysis through the Mann-Whitney test. Results The two domains that obtained the best scores were social function and emotional performance, whereas the ones with the worst scores were physical performance and body pain. Most workers did not note changes in their health status in the last year. Conclusions The quality of life scores, in general, were not high, especially in physical aspects. Therefore, measures need to be implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of work adjustments and adaptations, in order to improve occupational health.
Dataflow model for credit-controlled static-priority arbitration

A Credit-Controlled Static Priority (CCSP) arbiter has been proposed that circumvents two key downsides of alternative arbiters in real-time embedded systems. The first is that it enables a better resource utilization by decoupling essential properties, such as allocated rate, allocation granularity and latency. Secondly, it has a fast and small hardware implementation whose correctness is formally proved. However, the existing dataflow model of the arbiter, which is based on the general model for a class of latency-rate (LR) servers, does not capture bursty provided service. As a result, system-level analysis of CCSP leads to unnecessarily large resource allocation to satisfy application requirements. In this document, we present a new dataflow model to address this drawback. The new dataflow model is based on a piecewise linear service guarantee that accurately models the provided service by CCSP. As a result of the new dataflow model, a given resource under CCSP arbitration can support more requestors, or a given set of requestors can be accommodated with less resource.
Diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease: Movement Disorder Society Task Force guidelines

Mild cognitive impairment is common in nondemented Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and may be a harbinger of dementia. In view of its importance, the Movement Disorder Society commissioned a task force to delineate diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment in PD. The proposed diagnostic criteria are based on a literature review and expert consensus. This article provides guidelines to characterize the clinical syndrome and methods for its diagnosis. The criteria will require validation, and possibly refinement, as additional research improves our understanding of the epidemiology, presentation, neurobiology, assessment, and long‐term course of this clinical syndrome. These diagnostic criteria will support future research efforts to identify at the earliest stage those PD patients at increased risk of progressive cognitive decline and dementia who may benefit from clinical interventions at a predementia stage. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Impacts of caring for a child with chronic health problems on parental work status and security: A longitudinal cohort study

Caring for a family member with chronic health problems is known to have an effect on carers' emotional and physical health as well as on household finances and engagement in paid employment (Edwards, Higgins, Gray, Zmijewski, and Kingston, 2008). There is broad agreement in the literature that caring for a child with chronic health problems impacts negatively on maternal paid employment (DeRigne 2012; Stabile and Allin, 2012). More severe conditions and those of longer duration (DeRigne, 2012; Stabile and Allin, 2012) increase the likelihood of mothers reducing working hours or stopping work all together. Caring for children with a range of conditions including asthma (Baydar, Joesch, Kieckhefer, Kim, and Greek, 2007), autism (Kogan et al., 2008), other developmental disorders (Parish, Seltzer, Greenberg, and Floyd, 2004) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Kvist, Nielsen, and Simonsen, 2013) has been shown to affect maternal employment.
Online Grief Support Communities

Online grief support communities have become popular in recent years for those seeking information and empathetic others following the death of someone close to them. Hundreds of Facebook pages and Web sites are now devoted to bereavement—and health-care professionals need to assess what therapeutic benefits virtual communities might offer to help people manage grief and integrate death into their lives. In the current study of online grief support networks (N = 185), individuals report less psychological distress as a result of joining these groups—and this psychosocial benefit increased over time. Individuals who were members for a year or more characterized their grief as less severe compared with those who had a shorter tenure in the community. Additional findings and implications are discussed.
Sentence Position revisited: A robust light-weight Update Summarization ‘baseline’ Algorithm

In this paper, we describe a sentence position based summarizer that is built based on a sentence position policy, created from the evaluation testbed of recent summarization tasks at Document Understanding Conferences (DUC). We show that the summarizer thus built is able to outperform most systems participating in task focused summarization evaluations at Text Analysis Conferences (TAC) 2008. Our experiments also show that such a method would perform better at producing short summaries (upto 100 words) than longer summaries. Further, we discuss the baselines traditionally used for summarization evaluation and suggest the revival of an old baseline to suit the current summarization task at TAC: the Update Summarization task.
Heavy to light meson exclusive semileptonic decays in effective field theory of heavy quarks

We present a general study of exclusive semileptonic decays of heavy (B,D,B-s) to light (pi,rho,K,K-*) mesons in the framework of the effective field theory of heavy quarks. The transition matrix elements of these decays can be systematically characterized by a set of wave functions which are independent of the heavy quark mass except for the implicit scale dependence. Form factors for all these decays are calculated consistently within the effective theory framework using the light cone sum rule method at the leading order of the 1/m(Q) expansion. The branching ratios of these decays are evaluated, and the heavy and light flavor symmetry breaking effects are investigated. We also give a comparison of our results and the predictions from other approaches, among which are the relations proposed recently in the framework of large energy effective theory.
A Design and Application of Tilt Angle Algorithm Based on the 3-axis Acceleration Sensor

This article proposes an algorithm for detecting the direction and the magnitude of the tilt angle based on BMA 150—a 3-axis acceleration sensor, and a page-turning function in Android daily application software is implemented based on this algorithm. This paper firstly introduces the architecture of Android sensor system and the sensor application module. Secondly, it uses the threshold optimization algorithm to identify the five device location states which are reliable, high distinguishability. And then, it makes use of trigonometric function to calculate the tilt angle, thus achieving high precision page-turning function. The experimental data analysis shows that this design gets more accurate tile angle through the algorithm optimization. The angle error is only ±0.39 o. This algorithm effectively removes invalid data. The result proves the page-turning function’s feasibility and correctness.