Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lowered responsiveness of bronchoalveolar lavage T lymphocytes in hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

We previously reported that Trichosporon cutaneum was the major causative antigen of summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in Japan. In summer-type HP patients, we noticed that the proliferative responses of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A were significantly lower than those of the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the same patients. It was shown in this study that the low response of BAL lymphocytes was due to an intrinsic lowering of the responsiveness of the T cells. Results of the mixed culture experiments, in which the responses to mitogens of BAL and peripheral blood T cells mixed with either alveolar macrophages or blood monocytes were compared, indicated that the decreased proliferative response was due neither to the suppressive effect nor to defects in accessory function of the alveolar macrophages. BAL T cells did not act as suppressor cells when they were added to the culture of peripheral T cells. The decreased proliferative response was not due to the dominance of CD8+ T cells frequently seen in BAL cells of HP patients, because both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells separated from BAL cells of HP patients showed lower responsiveness than those of peripheral blood T cells. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Racial Discrimination, Interpretation, and Legitimation at Work

Research on race stratification and employment usually implies discrimination as a key mechanism in race stratification, although few if any analyses bring attitudes, employee-employer interpretations, and established discriminatory behavior into a singular analysis. In this article, the authors do so and offer a relational account of how discrimination operates, drawing on a large sample of verified racial discrimination cases. Building on racial stratification literature and theory on “color-blind” racism, the analyses focus on employee and employer interpretations and then use dyadic analyses coupled with qualitative case immersion to shed light on the relational nature of discrimination and how employers justify such conduct. Findings highlight significant interpersonal disjunctures in descriptions of common events as well as the ways in which employers evoke broad organizational and societal ideals of meritocracy— ideals that often fall by the wayside in concrete decision-making pertaining to and in evaluation of minority employees.
Changes in student teachers’ motives and the meaning of teacher education programme quality

This study provides insights into possible changes in 83 student teachers’ motives for becoming teachers, their professional commitment and their self-efficacy after a year of teacher education. Furthermore, it addresses the extent to which these changes relate to student teachers’ perceptions of their learning environment – specifically, their perceptions of the quality of teaching, generic skills and assessment. Student teachers completed a survey at the beginning and at the end of a single year of teacher education, which revealed significant changes in their motives and self-efficacy regarding tasks within the classroom and throughout the broader school context. No relationship between this change and teachers’ perceptions of their learning environment was observed. Instead, student teachers’ perception of the quality of teaching predicted their assessments of their ability and self-efficacy in a school context at the end of their education.
Crocin protects retinal pigment epithelial cells from oxidative stress through suppression of the MAPK signaling pathway

Oxidative stress damage to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is thought to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Crocin, a pharmacologically active component of Crocus sativus L. , was reported to have anti-antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. However, whether crocin protects against oxidative stress-induced retinal damage in RPE cells is still unknown. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the protective effect of crocin against oxidative stress-induced cell death in ARPE-19 cells and its underlying mechanism. Our results demonstrated that crocin significantly attenuated H2O2-induced ARPE-19 cell injury by suppressing LDH release. Crocin also decreased H2O2-induced oxidative stress though scavenging ROS accumulation and MDA peroxidation. Furthermore, crocin reversed H2O2-induced Bcl-2 down-regulation and Bax overexpression, inhibited caspase-3 activation, p38 MAPK and JNK phosphorylation in ARPE-19 cells. In conclusion, these data suggest that crocin protects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress through suppression of the MAPK signaling pathway in ARPE-19 cells. Thus, crocin may be useful for the prevention or treatment of AMD.
Relational Dialectics Among In-Laws

This interpretive study gathered information from interviews with 42 participants who had recently acquired in-laws. Rather than examining specific dyads on in-laws, this study explored how the entry of the newcomer into a family group created tensions that were managed as the newcomer advanced through the stages of socialization into the group. Relational dialectics analysis indicated that in-laws experienced the external dialectical tensions of inclusion/seclusion, conventionality/uniqueness, and revelation/concealment. However, the tensions manifested in unique ways and were managed with a variety of strategies, some of them unique to the in-law relationship. New strategies for managing these tensions included mediating the communication between some in-laws, while seeking closer direct communication among adult siblings (-in-law). Through new relationships with adult siblings, the family was transformed from the family-of-childhood to the family-of-adulthood. These findings suggest that in-law relationships deserve further study.
On Parallel Integer Merging

The problem of merging two sorted arrays A = (a1, a2, ., an1) and B = (b1, b2, ., bn2) is considered. For input elements that are drawn from a domain of integers 1.s] we present an algorithm that runs in O(log log log s) time using n/log log log s CREW PRAM processors (optimal speed-up) and O(ns? ) space, where n = n1 + n2. For input elements that are drawn from a domain of integers 1.n] we present a second algorithm that runs in O(? (n)) time (where ? (n) is the inverse of Ackermann? s function) using n/? (n) CREW PRAM processors and linear space. This second algorithm is non-uniform; however, it can be made uniform at a price of a certain loss of speed, or by using a CRCW PRAM.
Canonical Neural Computation : A Summary and a Roadmap

This workshop brought together a group of experimental and theoretical neuroscientists to outline a roadmap for research leading to one or more canonical models of neural computation. We aimed to develop a broad set of themes that span different levels of analysis (cellular, networks, systems, cognition, and behavior), species (mammals and invertebrates), brain areas (cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum), and modalities (vision, audition, vestibular, etc.). The participants were primarily researchers in basic science, but some also investigate developmental disabilities and disease.
Research on gas bubble merging through the lattice Boltzmann method

A numerical investigation of gas bubble merging in a liquid is carried out via the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) in this work. The bubble merging process dependence on the bubble gap and the surface tension is obtained. It is found that the critical gap for bubble merging is smaller for smaller surface tension coefficients. Additionally, the merging velocity is computed to illustrate the merging process, which shows a rapid damping oscillation. The peak merging velocity value and the time taken to reach the peak velocity are found to be linear with the surface tension coefficient in a log-log coordinate system. The effects of fluid viscosity and the bubble gap on the merging velocity are also examined. Finally, the merging patterns for multiple bubbles are presented.
On Indistinguishability in Remote Data Integrity Checking

With a rapid growth of data storage in the cloud, data integrity checking in a remote data storage system has become an important issue.A number of protocols, which allow remote integrity checking by a third party, have been proposed.Although those protocols are provably secure, the data privacy issues in those protocols have not been considered. We believe that these issues are equally important since the communication ﬂows of integrity proofs from the cloud server should not reveal any useful informationofthestoreddata.Inthispaper,weintroduceanewdeﬁnitionofdataprivacycalled‘IND-Privacy’byanindistinguishabilitygame.ItisfoundthatmanyexistingremoteintegrityproofsareinsecureunderanIND-Privacygame.Itisalsofoundthatbyadoptingwitnessindistinguishableproofs,theIND-Privacyisachievable.Weprovideaninstantiationthatcapturesdataintegrity,soundnessandIND-privacy.
The Suramin Analog 4,4′,4″,4″′-(Carbonylbis(imino-5,1,3-benzenetriylbis (carbonylimino)))tetra-kis-benzenesulfonic Acid (NF110) Potently Blocks P2X3 Receptors: Subtype Selectivity Is Determined by Location of Sulfonic Acid Groups

We have previously identified the suramin analog 4,4′,4″,4″′-(carbonylbis(imino-5,1,3-benzenetriylbis(carbonylimino)))tetrakis-benzene-1,3-disulfonic acid (NF449) as a low nanomolar potency antagonist of recombinant P2X1 receptors. Here, we characterize, by two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology, three isomeric suramin analogs designated para-4,4′,4″,4″″-(carbonylbis(imino-5,1,3-benzenetriylbis (carbonylimino)))tetrakis-benzenesulfonic acid (NF110), meta-(3,3′,3″,3″″-(carbonylbis(imino-5,1,3-benzenetriylbis (carbonylimino)))tetra-kis-benzenesulfonic acid (NF448), and ortho-(2,2′,2″,2″″-(carbonylbis(imino-5,1,3-benzenetriylbis (carbonylimino)))tetra-kis-benzenesulfonic acid (MK3) with respect to their potency in antagonizing rat P2X receptor-mediated inward currents in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Meta, para, and ortho refer to the position of the single sulfonic acid group relative to the amide bond linking the four symmetrically oriented benzenesulfonic acid moieties to the central, invariant suramin core. NF448, NF110, and MK3 were >200-fold less potent in blocking P2X1 receptors than NF449, from which they differ structurally only by having one instead of two sulfonic acid residues per benzene ring. Although the meta- and ortho-isomers retained P2X1 receptor selectivity, the para-isomer NF110 exhibited a significantly increased activity at P2X3 receptors (Ki ∼ 36 nM) and displayed the following unique selectivity profile among suramin derivatives: P2X2+3 = P2X3 > P2X1 > P2X2 >> P2X4 > P2X7. The usefulness of NF110 as a P2X3 receptor antagonist in native tissues could be demonstrated by showing that NF110 blocks αβ-methylene-ATP-induced currents in rat dorsal root ganglia neurons with similar potency as recombinant rat P2X3 receptors. Together, these data highlight the importance of both the number and exact location of negatively charged groups for P2X subtype potency and selectivity.
Stability analysis of digital feedback control systems with time-varying sampling periods

We consider digital feedback control systems with time-varying sampling periods consisting of an interconnection of a continuous-time nonlinear plant, a nonlinear digital controller and appropriate interface elements between the plant and controller (A/D and D/A converters). For such systems we study the stability properties of an equilibrium (in the Lyapunov sense) and apply these results in the analysis of certain classes of switched systems and in the stabilization problem of nonlinear cascade control systems via hybrid feedback controllers.
Estimation of blood pressure parameters using ex-Gaussian model

The paper presents an example of model-based estimation of blood pressure parameters (onset, systolic and diastolic pressure) from continuous measurements. First, the signal was low pass filtered and its quality was estimated. Good quality periods were divided into beats using an electrocardiogram. Next, the beginning of each beat of the blood pressure signal was approximated basing on the function created from the sum of two independent distributions: Gaussian and exponential. The nonlinear least square method was used to fit measurement data to the model. The initial conditions for the fitting procedure were selected for each beat on the basis of its parameters. Finally, the diastolic and systolic values of blood pressure and onset were determined.
Coordinated multi-point transmission in heterogeneous networks: A distributed antenna system approach

With the frequency reuse approaching one and the networks becoming more and more heterogeneous, cooperative multi-point MIMO has become a key candidate technology in the design of future wireless networks and is nowadays an active research topic in the academia and the industry. In 3GPP LTE-Adv. Rel. 11, a new study item on Coordinated Multi-Point transmission and reception (commonly denoted as CoMP) has been initiated in December 2010 and is expected to be one of the major features of Rel. 11. A particularly interesting deployment scenario is the distributed antenna system (DAS) where cooperative transmission is applied between distributed transmission points belonging to a common cell. In this paper, we discuss the pros and cons of distributed antenna systems versus classical heterogeneous networks like picocells, the appropriate cooperative schemes and the design challenges. We confirm the benefits of such technology through system level performance evaluations compliant with LTE-Adv.
Comprehensive assessment of childhood Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the context of a multisite, multimodal clinical trial

As the largest randomized clinical trial conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA) will yield data on a diverse sample of 576 7.0- to 9.9-year-old children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Combined type, regarding the relative and combined effectiveness of psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions. After delineating key challenges posed by such a multi-site investigation, we describe the MTA's multiple-gating procedures for recruitment, screening, and diagnosis of a diverse sample. We then discuss the cross-domain assessment battery for tracking the sample before, during, and after 14 months of active intervention. Throughout, we emphasize the guiding principles that shaped pertinent decision making. Highlighted are issues of psychometric adequacy; dimensional vs. categorical measurement; multi-method, multi-agent, and multi-domain coverage; plotting of individual trajectories of development and change; respondent bias and burden; appraisal of treatment processes as well as outcomes; and con struction of composite indices.
Modulation of P-selection and platelet aggregation in chronic periodontitis: A clinical study

Background: The primary etiologic factor of periodontitis is the subgingival infection with a group of Gram negative pathogens. Transient bacteremia in periodontitis patients underlie chronic production and systemic increases of various proinflammatory mediators, including Interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6, C-reactive protein and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. P- selectin is a member of selectin family of cell surface receptor which is located in the membrane of the secretory granules (alpha granules) of platelets and in the membrane of the Weibel-Palade bodies of the vascular endothelial cells. P selectin redistributes from the membrane of the granules to the plasma membrane when platelets and endothelial cells are activated and thus degranulated. Aim: To compare the level of platelet activation, soluble P Selectin level and morphological changes and aggregation of platelets in patients in periodontitis patients compared to healthy controls. Materials and Methods: 80 patients were included in the study with the age group of 35-60. The patients were divided into 2 groups, 40 subjects with generalized chronic periodontitis and 40 healthy subjects taken as control. Periodontal Examination using clinical parameters namely, Bleeding Index, Plaque Index, Probing Pocket Depth and Clinical Attachment Level were recorded. Collection of blood samples for estimation of serum soluble P- selectin level by ELISA method. Evaluation of Platelet morphology and grading the platelet aggregation. Results: P-selectin expression shows that the mean value for control group is 4.97 ± 16.56 ng/mL and study group 13.05 ± 29.94 ng/mL which was significantly higher than control group with P value 0.001. Platelet morphological changes shows small form – mean value for control group is 75.83% ± 14.24% while for study group is 39.08%. ± 21.59; Big form – mean value for control group 0.80% ± 0.35% while for study group 0.48% ± 1.3%and Spider form- mean value for control group 23.88% ± 14.13 while study group 59.32% ±. 23.42. The observation showed high statistical significance with P- value < 0.001 for small and spider form and no statistical significance for big form P = 0.075. Conclusion: Increased expression of P-selectin, spider form of platelets and pathological aggregation pattern which indicates that platelet activation may be associated with chronic periodontitis. The results of the study showed, higher number of spider forms and significant pathological aggregation pattern in periodontitis patients which indicates activation of platelets thus emphasized that periodontitis can be an contributing factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Processes and Mechanisms of Democratization*

Unlike Artistotle's analysis, recent treatments of democratization identify pathways and propose necessary conditions but fall short of specifying cause-effect relations. Democratization does not follow a single path, and is unlikely to have universally applicable necessary or sufficient conditions. A political process analysis of democratization defines it as movement toward broad citizenship, equal citizenship, binding consultation of citizens, and protection of citizens from arbitrary state action. High levels of all four elements depend on a significant degree of state capacity. Democratization emerges from interacting changes in public politics, categorical inequality, and networks of trust, which in turn depend on specifiable mechanisms of change in social relations. When the shocks of conquest, confrontation, colonization, and revolution promote democratization, they do so by accelerating the same causal mechanisms. The next round of research and theory on democratization requires identification, verification, and connection of the relevant causal mechanisms.
Community Detection Based on Topic Distance in Social Tagging Networks

Research on the community detection in social tagging networks has attracted much attention in the last decade. Extracting the hidden topic information from tags provides a new way of thinking for community detection in social tagging networks. In this paper, a topic tagging network by extracting several topics from the tags through using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model is built firstly. Then a topic distance between users is defined, which depends on the bookmarking relationships between users and tags. Further, a modularity clustering approach based on the topic distance is proposed to detect communities in social tagging networks. Empirical studies on real-world networks demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively detect communities in tagging networks. DOI ; http://dx.doi. org/10.11591/telkomnika.v12i5. 4170
Collision-driven random multiuser opportunistic spectrum access

In this paper, the problem of distributed multiuser Opportunistic Spectrum Access is studied based on Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP), where the channels are partially observed by secondary users (SUs) constrained by hardware and energy. Considering the similarity of spectrum environment, the decision of every secondary user may be the same, which leads to collisions. Comparing with the previous works, we propose a “collision-driven random” strategy, where the activities of secondary users are relatively steady but changing over time. If a secondary collides with others when transmitting data in one time slot, it may take the action of selecting a channel randomly according to choosing probability at next time slot. Otherwise, the secondary user stays on the current channel. Observing the simulation results, the upgrade of performance is up to 100% compared with the existing strategies.
International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems Robot-Environment Interaction Control of a Flexible Joint Light Weight Robot Manipulator Regular Paper

This paper presents a weighted path planning approach for a light weight robot coming into compliant contact with the environment, as well as robot‐ environment interaction enabled impedance control. Using a joint torque sensor, Cartesian impedance control is introduced to realize the manipulator compliance control. Then the weighted path planning approach is developed to detect the contact condition and to control the interaction. Experiments are carried out on a 5‐DOF light weight manipulator. The experimental results validate the developed control approach enhanced by the weighted path planning scheme.
The reflective nitrO abstract machine

Abstract machines have been widely employed in computing systems in order to obtain different aims. Compiler simplification, platform neutrality, code distribution, interoperability, and direct support for specific paradigms are examples of the benefits they offer. Although performance has been its main drawback, the use of modern techniques like adaptive (hotspot) just in time compilation has overcome this weakness. Nowadays, well-known platforms based on abstract machines such as Java#8482; or Microsoft . NET are commercially used.With the purpose of supporting any programming-language computational-model in heterogeneous environments, we have noticed that most abstract machines have extensibility, adaptability and heterogeneously lacks. We have designed an abstract machine that, using reflection as the main design principle, overcomes the limitations discovered. In this paper, we describe its objectives, its design, a sample implementation, and a comparison with other similar platforms.
The Process of Sentiment Analysis: A Study

The paper gives a detailed report of the concept-sentiment analysis and its usage. It explains the various real world applications of sentiment analysis along with the workflow that describes the execution of this analysis. The recent techniques used in the analysis have been described briefly and the appropriate performance metrics have been applied to them. The paper enlightens the need of sentiment analysis and its importance. General Terms Data analytics, Sentiment analysis, Opinion mining
Human posture classification based on 3D body shape recovered using silhouette and infrared cast shadows

We introduce a new mono-camera system with multi-infrared lights for human posture recognition, which is based on the 3D body shape recovered from the body silhouette and cast shadows. We propose a new voxelization method inspired from the Shape From Silhouettes (SFS) approach for Visual Hull (VH) reconstruction. Our setup consists of 4 infrared lights installed in the different upper corners of a room or a corridor, and a camera with an infrared transmitting filter placed in the ceiling. Light sources are turn on and off, cyclically, using a simple electronic system to get one shadow by frame. To illustrate the feasibility of our approach, we used a simple scene, in which shadows are projected directly on the ground. The VHs were reconstructed using the voxelization technique. Features were extracted directly from the VH using an invariant shape descriptor. A Weighted-KNN classifier were used for classification. Promising results were provided with a classification accuracy of 91.6%.