Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Studies on the Prevention of the Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Response by Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121 in Mice

Background: Allergic diseases are featured by an increased production of IgE due to an imbalance in the immune response towards a Th2 profile. In this work, the ability of Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121 to regulate this Th2-exaggerated response in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy was studied. Methods: BALB/c mice intragastrically inoculated with E. faecalis CECT7121 before and during a subcutaneous immunization protocol with OVA were studied in comparison with an immunized control group. The allergen-specific immune response (IgE, IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a) was assessed. The proliferative activity of memory splenocytes and the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-10, IL-12 and IFN-γ were also determined. Results: Upon treatment with E. faecalis CECT7121 the following effects were observed: (1) a decrease in specific IgE levels, (2) an increase in anti-OVA IgG2a levels, (3) the levels of anti-OVA IgG and IgG1 remained unaltered, (4) a reduction in the proliferation rate of memory cells, (5) a decrease in the levels of the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, and (6) the secretion of IL-10, IL-12 and IFN-γ remained unchanged. Moreover, the incubation of human basophils with non-viable E. faecalis CECT7121 together with an allergen preparation induced the release of β-hexosaminidase at levels that were lower than control reactions and similar i.g. the spontaneous release. Conclusions: In this model, the i.g. administration of E. faecalis CECT7121 hampers the establishment of the OVA-induced allergic immune response, suggesting that this strain could be useful for the treatment of IgE-mediated allergic diseases.
The scaling and potential importance of cutaneous and branchial surfaces in respiratory gas exchange in larval and juvenile walleye

Measurements were made of the surface areas (As) of the skin and gills of larval and juvenile walleye Stizostedion vitreum with a body mass (M) of between 2mg (1 day post hatch) and 2.3g (98 days post hatch). The skin, with a relative surface area (As/M) of approximately 8500mm2g-1, accounted for more than 99.9% of the total surface area (skin + gills) at 1 day post hatch. The relative area of the skin decreased as fish grew at an allometric rate of b-1=-0.32±0.01 (mean ± s.e.m., where b-1 is the specific-mass exponent in the allometric equation YxM-1=aMb-1, in which Y is surface area and a is a constant). The relative surface area of the gills (filaments + lamellae) increased in a hyperbolic fashion from very low levels (approximately 5mm2g-1) at 1 day post hatch to reach a maximum of approximately 1100mm2g-1 at a body mass of approximately 200mg. Thereafter, relative gill area declined at an allometric rate of b-1=-0.19±0.10 (mean ± s.e.m.). Gill area, because it declined at a slower relative rate, finally exceeded skin area at a body mass of approximately 700mg. The relative surface area of the skin and gills combined (total surface area) decreased at a more-or-less constant allometric rate of b-1=-0.21±0.01 (mean ± s.e.m.) throughout the experimental period. On the basis of the allometric rates of expansion, the structural capacity to supply oxygen (b-1=-0.19; total gill area, this study) and metabolic demand for oxygen (b-1~-0.13; mean literature value for routine and resting metabolism) appear to remain fairly closely matched in postlarval walleye (>300mg). The two parameters do not display the same degree of concordance during larval development. In larvae, total respiratory surface area declines on a mass-specific basis at roughly the same rate (b-1=-0.21) as gill area does in older fish but, unlike in older fish, metabolic demand for oxygen does not change (b-1~0.0). This results in a progressive decline in effective respiratory surface area (As/M.O2) but does not affect O2 uptake, probably because larvae are so small that surface area is not the limiting factor in gas exchange. Analysis of data from the literature suggests that surface area typically becomes limiting at a body mass of approximately 100mg. The major function of gills in smaller larvae (<100mg) appears to involve ionoregulation or related aspects of acid­base balance rather than respiratory gas exchange.
On the construction of more human-like chatbots: Affect and emotion analysis of movie dialogue data

Affect and emotion are inherent properties of human-human communication and interaction. Recent research interest in chatbots and conversational agents aims at making human-machine interaction more human-like in both behavioral and attitudinal terms. This paper intends to present some baby steps in this direction by analyzing a large dialogue dataset in terms of tonal, affective and emotional bias, with the objective of providing a valuable resource for developing and training datadriven conversational agents with discriminative power across such dimensions. Preliminary results of the conducted analysis demonstrate that only a relative small, although not negligible, percentage of the dialogue turns present clear orientation in any of the considered dimensions. Future research is still needed to determine whether this proportion is enough for biasing system responses in order to create different personality trends in conversational agents that are perceptible by humans when interacting with them.
Selective localization of high concentrations of F‐actin in subpopulations of dendritic spines in rat central nervous system: A three‐dimensional electron microscopic study

Dendritic spines differ considerably in their size, shape, and internal organization between brain regions. We examined the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines in hippocampus (areas CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus), neostriatum, and cerebellum at both light and electron microscopic levels by using a novel high‐resolution photoconversion method based in the high affinity of phalloidin for filamentous (F)‐actin. In all brain regions, labeling was strongest in the heads of dendritic spines, diminishing in the spine neck. The number of labeled spines varied by region. Compared with the cerebellar molecular layer and area CA3, where nearly every dendritic spine was labeled, less than half the spines were labeled in CA1, dentate gyrus, and neostriatum. Serial section reconstructions of spines in these areas indicated that phalloidin labeling was restricted to the largest and most morphologically diverse dendritic spines. The resolution of the photoconversion technique allowed us to examine the localization and organization of actin filaments in the spine. The most intense staining for actin was found in the postsynaptic density and associated with the spines internal membrane system. In mushroom‐shaped spines, F‐actin staining was particularly strong between the lamellae of the spine apparatus. Three‐dimensional reconstruction of labeled spines by using electron tomography showed that the labeled dense material was in continuity with the postsynaptic density. These results highlight differences in the actin cytoskeleton between different spine populations and provide novel information on the organization of the actin cytoskeleton in vivo. J. Comp. Neurol. 435:156–170, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel dynamic modeling method for wireless power transfer systems

In this paper, a novel dynamic modeling method based on the concept of coupled modes is proposed for wireless power transfer (WPT) systems which use magnetic resonant coupling. The proposed method takes the slowly varying amplitudes and phases of coupled modes rather than resonant currents and voltages as state variables. The order of the proposed model is much lower than those of the existing analytical models of WPT systems. And the accuracy is not sacrificed. Simulation result gives a firm support to the proposed method. Moreover, the concept employed in this paper provides a deeper insight into the dynamic behaviors of coupled resonances.
Absorbable Collagen Membranes for Periodontal Regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with bioabsorbable collagen membranes (CM) is commonly used for the treatment of periodontal defects. The objective of this systematic review of randomized clinical trials was to assess the clinical efficacy of GTR procedures with CM, with or without bone substitutes, in periodontal infrabony defects compared with that of open flap debridement (OFD) alone. Primary outcomes were tooth loss and gain in clinical attachment level (CAL). Screening of records, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessments were performed by two reviewers. Weighted mean differences were estimated by random effects meta-analysis. We included 21 reports on 17 trials. Risk of bias was generally high. No data were available for the primary outcome tooth loss. The summary treatment effect for change in CAL for GTR with CM compared with OFD was 1.58 mm (95% CI, 1.27 to 1.88). Despite large between-trial heterogeneity (I2 = 75%, p < .001), all trials favored GTR over OFD. No differences in treatment effects were detected between trials of GTR with CM alone and trials of GTR with CM in combination with bone substitutes (p for interaction, .31). GTR with CM, with or without substitutes, may result in improved clinical outcomes compared with those achieved with OFD alone. Our findings support GTR with CM for the treatment of infrabony periodontal defects.
The Role of Facial Appearance on CEO Selection After Firm Misconduct

We investigate a particular aspect of CEO successor trustworthiness that may be critically important after a firm has engaged in financial misconduct. Specifically, drawing on prior research that suggests that facial appearance is one critical way in which trustworthiness is signaled, we argue that leaders who convey integrity, a component of trustworthiness, will be more likely to be selected as successors after financial restatement. We predict that such appointments garner more positive reactions by external observers such as investment analysts and the media because these CEOs are perceived as having greater integrity. In an archival study of firms that have announced financial restatements, we find support for our predictions. These findings have implications for research on CEO succession, leadership selection, facial appearance, and firm misconduct.
Beam-wave interaction simulator

In the part of the helix TWTs' nonlinear beam-wave interaction, we developed a 3D relativistic beam-wave interaction model, which can describe the interaction process between the symmetric TMO1 mode RF electromagnetic fields and the relativistic electron beam. This model can describe the 3D RF electromagnetic fields, the 3D motion of the macro-particles, and the 2D space-charge fields. Applying the Lorentz reciprocity theorem, the excited equation is obtained by the theory of waveguide excited. By Lorentz force equation and the conservation of energy, the 3D momentums and positions are obtained. The axial and radial ac space-charge fields are calculated by the harmonics wave means.
Text retrieval and the relational model

In this article, the suitability of the relational model as a basis for storing and retrieving documents is examined. The relational model is compared with the conventional retrieval systems and the strengths and weaknesses of both are compared. Finally some emerging trends in document processing are discussed and some proposals are made regarding the future directions of document management systems. © 1991 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Catalytic Alkane Metathesis by Tandem Alkane Dehydrogenation-Olefin Metathesis

With petroleum supplies dwindling, there is increasing interest in selective methods for transforming other carbon feedstocks into hydrocarbons suitable for transportation fuel. We report the development of highly productive, well-defined, tandem catalytic systems for the metathesis of n-alkanes. Each system comprises one molecular catalyst (a “pincer”-ligated iridium complex) that effects alkane dehydrogenation and olefin hydrogenation, plus a second catalyst (molecular or solid-phase) for olefin metathesis. The systems all show complete selectivity for linear (n-alkane) product. We report one example that achieves selectivity with respect to the distribution of product molecular weights, in which n-decane is the predominant high-molecular-weight product of the metathesis of two moles of n-hexane.
The effect of an isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis incorporating an active knee mechanism on the gait of a spinal cord injury patient: A single case study

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the effect of induced knee flexion during gait on the kinematics and temporal-spatial parameters during walking by a patient with spinal cord injury (SCI) through the application of an isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis (IRGO) with a powered knee mechanism. Methods: Two orthoses were considered and evaluated for an ISCI subject with a T8 level of injury. An IRGO was initially manufactured by incorporating drop lock knee joints and was fabricated with custom molded AFOs to block ankle motion. This orthosis was also adapted with electrically-activated knee joints to provide active knee extension and flexion when disengaged. Results: Walking speed, stride length and cadence were increased 37.5%, 11% and 26%, respectively with the new orthosis as compared to using the IRGO. The vertical and horizontal compensatory motions reduced compared to mechanical IRGO. At end of stance phase, knee joint flexion was 37.5° for the AKIRGO compared to 7° of movement when walking with the IRGO. The overall pattern of walking produced was comparable to that of normal human walking. Conclusion: Knee flexion during swing phase resulted in an improved gait performance and also reduction in compensatory motions when compared to a mechanical IRGO. Implications for Rehabilitation Powered orthosis could be used by spinal cord injury subjects. A major advantage of this new orthotic mechanism was regeneration of knee movement closer to that of normal human walking. The IRGO with a powered knee joint mechanism improved the speed of walking, step length, cadence and vertical displacement in a spinal cord injury patient which also produced near-normal knee joint angle patterns during gait.
Glycogen, hyaluronate, and some other polysaccharides greatly enhance the formation of exolipase by Serratia marcescens

Among 21 different polysaccharides tested, 5 greatly enhanced the spontaneous and cyclic AMP-induced formation of exolipase: glycogen, hyaluronate, laminarin, pectin B, and gum arabic. These polysaccharides have in common the tendency to form highly ordered networks because of the branching or helical arrangement, or both, of their molecules. None of the polysaccharides could be utilized by the cells as the sole carbon source. Strong lipid extraction of four different polysaccharides did not reduce their exolipase-enhancing efficacy. At a constant cell density the stimulation of exolipase formation by various concentrations of glycogen followed saturation kinetics, suggesting a limited number of "sites" for the glycogen to act. The active principle present in a solution of pectin was destroyed by degradation (beta-elimination) of the polymer. Hyaluronate lost its exolipase-enhancing activity by exhaustive hydrolysis with hyaluronidase but was resistant to proteinase K. Exopolysaccharide, isolated from growth medium of Serratia marcescens SM-6, enhanced the exolipase formation as efficiently as hyaluronate. The results of this work are discussed mainly in terms of the "detachment hypothesis. "
Are the modified “simple questions” a valid and reliable measure of health related quality of life after stroke?

OBJECTIVES Two “simple questions” were developed as a minimalist measurement tool to assess outcome in large trials and epidemiological studies after stroke. A previous study of their validity had disclosed ambiguities in their wording. In this study, the clarity, validity, and reliability of a modified version of these simple questions were examined. The relation between patients' responses to these questions and two widely used generic measures of health related quality of life were also studied. METHODS A hospital based stroke register cohort of 152 patients, who were all visited at home by a study nurse, was used to study validity. A cohort of 1753 patients derived from the International Stroke Trial was used to study the relation with measures of quality of life. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy with which responses to each question predicted the patients' outcome measured using standard instruments was assessed. The distribution of scores for the EuroQol and SF-36 was examined for patients classified as dependent, independent, and fully recovered by the combined use of the modified simple questions. RESULTS The modified “dependency” question had excellent sensitivity (>85%), specificity (>79%), and accuracy (>82%) for identifying dependency after stroke. The “problems” question had good sensitivity (65–88%) and moderate specificity (36–72%) for the detection of problems in a broad range of domains. The combined use of the modified dependency and problems questions provided a valid, simple, and reliable overall indicator of health related quality of life after stroke. CONCLUSIONS The modified simple questions have excellent face validity and good measurement properties for the assessment of outcome after stroke. They are particularly well suited for large epidemiological studies and randomised trials.
Assessment of left ventricular functions and myocardial iron load with tissue Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography and T2* MRI in patients with β‐thalassemia major

The purpose of this study is to determine early myocardial dysfunction in β‐thalassemia major (BTM) patients. Where the myocardial dysfunction cannot be detected by conventional echocardiography, it could be detected by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) or speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).
Isolation of microsatellite markers in a chaparral species endemic to southern California, Ceanothus megacarpus (Rhamnaceae)1

Premise of the study: Microsatellite (simple sequence repeat [SSR]) markers were developed for Ceanothus megacarpus, a chaparral species endemic to coastal southern California, to investigate potential processes (e.g., fragmentation, genetic drift, and interspecific hybridization) responsible for the genetic structure within and among populations distributed throughout mainland and island populations. Methods and Results: Four SSR-enriched libraries were used to develop and optimize 10 primer sets of microsatellite loci containing either di-, tri-, or tetranucleotide repeats. Levels of variation at these loci were assessed for two populations of C. megacarpus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.250 to 0.885, and number of alleles ranged between four and 21 per locus. Eight to nine loci also successfully amplified in three other species of Ceanothus. Conclusions: These markers should prove useful for evaluating the influence of recent and historical processes on genetic variation in C. megacarpus and related species.
Effects of large scale EV and PV integration on power supply systems in the context of Singapore

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a key technology to reduce dependency on oil imports as well as to diminish environmental effects of individual transportation. Especially in megacities like Singapore where travel distances are moderate, this new mode of transportation is often discussed as a future option. This paper investigates possible effects of large scale EV integration on the power supply system. A unit commitment model combined with an integrated approach for smart charging is used. The mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulated unit commitment algorithm cooptimizes energy, regulation, and spinning reserve power. The effects of different charging strategies on the power plant scheduling are analyzed. The power system infrastructure is kept at status quo in a baseline scenario and extended to future scenarios with intermittent photovoltaics (PV) power. Effects on power plants scheduling are evaluated by measuring resulting variable cost of electricity as well as CO2-emissions. Moreover, effects of EVs providing regulation and spinning reserve by controllable charging are investigated.
Construction of diploid zygotes by interallelic complementation of ade6 in Schizosaccharomyces japonicus

The construction of diploid cells eases genetic analysis in haploid genetic systems because diploid cells allow for the characterization of essential genes. Here, we report the construction of diploid cells using ade6 point mutants that suppress each other via interallelic complementation in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicus var japonicus (Sz. japonicus). We constructed an ade6‐domK mutant in addition to the previously described ade6‐domE. Phenotypes of both mutants exhibited adenine auxotrophy and red colonies. The mutations complemented the phenotypes in a mutually dependent manner. Diploid zygotes, in which the two mutations were introduced simultaneously into the same cells, were isolated by selecting for adenine independence. Such diploid cells are apparently larger in size than haploid cells, yet have a similar nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, and thus the nuclear size control that has been reported in Sz. pombe is also present in Sz. japonicus. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Twenty years of confined colloids: from confinement-induced freezing to giant breathing

The physics of colloidal suspensions confined in slits and cavities has significantly advanced during the last twenty years. In particular, freezing transitions in confinement have been addressed by theory and simulations and experimental realizations were proposed to confine colloidal particles to two dimensions. After reviewing this progress, we discuss the generalization to time-dependent confinement which leads to nonequilibrium situations. This is elaborated further for unstable situations where the particles can leave the confinement. In particular, the completely overdamped Brownian motion of a colloidal particle in a time-dependent harmonic trap is considered. The analytically soluble model of a time-dependent quadratic potential is used to extract the dynamical properties of the potential if the potential undergoes periodic switching from a confining harmonic potential to an unstable one. The amplitudes of the oscillating particle response can strongly grow in time, which we refer to as ‘giant breathing’. This giant breathing process occurs also in anharmonic potentials and is verifiable in real-space experiments of colloids in laser-optical fields.
Solving a Class of Sum Power Minimization Problems by Generalized Water-Filling

Radio resource management (RRM) plays an important role in wireless communication systems, especially in more advanced systems with more constraint conditions. In this paper, we first propose a generalized water-filling approach to solve the power allocation problem of minimizing sum power while meeting the target sum rate constraint with weights. Based on this sum power objective function, we extend the proposed method to more complicated RRM problems with more stringent constraints. The proposed algorithms with this generalized approach possess several distinguished features. They provide exact optimal solutions based on non-derivative methods, as the implementation of the proposed algorithms invokes neither the derivative nor the gradient. With geometric interpretation, the proposed algorithms provide more insights into and intuitions of the problems and could be used to efficiently solve a family of the sum power minimization problems. Optimality of the proposed algorithms is strictly proved. Numerical results that illustrate the steps and demonstrate efficiency of the proposed algorithms are presented.