Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carthamus, Salvia and Stachys species protect neuronal cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

Abstract Context: Finding effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases is of utmost importance for the aging population. Plants growing in Iran are rich sources of antioxidants and active phytochemicals. Objective: The protective capacity of plants, with a special focus on those with reported antioxidant or neuroprotective potential or nervous system-related applications in folk medicine, was tested against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Materials and methods: Aerial parts of 20 plants including Carthamus, Salvia, and Stachys species were extracted with 80% methanol and dichloromethane and preincubated with neuronal PC12 cells for 3 h. Oxidative stress and apoptosis were induced by hydrogen peroxide (75 µM, 1 h exposure). Cell viability and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by MTT and 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) assays, respectively, while apoptosis was determined by annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining by a flow cytometer. Results: Eighty percent methanol extracts of Carthamus oxyacantha Bieb. (Asteraceae), Salvia santolinifolia Boiss. (Lamiaceae), and Salvia sclarea L. (Lamiaceae) at the concentration of 100 μg/ml showed significant neuroprotection in the MTT assay by 38.7, 34.7, and 39.5%, respectively, and inhibited intracellular ROS by 48.6, 61.9, and 61.4%, respectively. The first two extracts also significantly inhibited apoptosis. Dichloromethane extracts of C. oxyacantha and Stachys pilifera Benth. (Lamiaceae) at the concentration of 25 μg/ml showed neuroprotection by 27.5 and 26.5%, respectively, and inhibited ROS by 44.5 and 39.4%, respectively. Conclusion: The above-mentioned plants seem to have important biological activities and their further study may lead to the discovery of new natural therapeutics useful against disorders such as Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases.
Extinction-to-Backscatter Ratios of Saharan Dust Layers Derived from In-Situ Measurements and CALIPSO Overflights During NAMMA

[1] We determine the extinction-to-backscatter (Sa) ratios of dust using (1) airborne in situ measurements of microphysical properties, (2) modeling studies, and (3) the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) observations recorded during the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) field experiment conducted from Sal, Cape Verde during August to September 2006. Using CALIPSO measurements of the attenuated backscatter of lofted Saharan dust layers, we apply the transmittance technique to estimate dust Sa ratios at 532 nm and a two-color method to determine the corresponding 1064 nm Sa. This method yielded dust Sa ratios of 39.8 ± 1.4 and 51.8 ± 3.6 sr at 532 and 1064 nm, respectively. Second, Sa at both wavelengths is independently calculated using size distributions measured aboard the NASA DC-8 and estimates of Saharan dust complex refractive indices applied in a T-Matrix scheme. We found Sa ratios of 39.1 ± 3.5 and 50.0 ± 4 sr at 532 and 1064 nm, respectively, using the T-Matrix calculations applied to measured size spectra. Finally, in situ measurements of the total scattering (550 nm) and absorption coefficients (532 nm) are used to generate an extinction profile that is used to constrain the CALIPSO 532 nm extinction profile and thus generate a stratified 532 nm Sa. This method yielded an Sa ratio at 532 nm of 35.7 sr in the dust layer and 25 sr in the marine boundary layer consistent with a predominantly sea-salt aerosol near the ocean surface. Combinatorial simulations using noisy size spectra and refractive indices were used to estimate the mean and uncertainty (one standard deviation) of these Sa ratios. These simulations produced a mean (± uncertainty) of 39.4 (±5.9) and 56.5 (±16.5) sr at 532 and 1064 nm, respectively, corresponding to percentage uncertainties of 15% and 29%. These results will provide a measurements-based estimate of the dust Sa for use in backscatter lidar inversion algorithms such as CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar With Orthogonal Polarization).
An Examination of Strategies for Encouraging Feedback Interest After Career Assessment

This study examines how feedback interest after career assessment can be influenced by changing individuals’ beliefs about the importance and modifiability of the various performance dimensions. In an experiment, 82 master students completed a computerized assessment tool developed for assessing managerial potential. Results showed that participants in the experimental condition were more interested in feedback about important dimensions as opposed to unimportant dimensions and were more interested in feedback about nonmodifiable dimensions as opposed to modifiable dimensions. These findings might assist career counselors and organizations in designing strategies that direct feedback interest toward performance dimensions that are most important for their clients’ career or that are most valued in their organization.
A Conservative Selective Acknowledgment (SACK)-based Loss Recovery Algorithm for TCP

This document presents a conservative loss recovery algorithm for TCP that is based on the use of the selective acknowledgment (SACK) TCP option. The algorithm presented in this document conforms to the spirit of the current congestion control specification (RFC 2581), but allows TCP senders to recover more effectively when multiple segments are lost from a single flight of data.
PARK14 PLA2G6 mutants are defective in preventing rotenone-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS generation and activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway

Mutations in the gene encoding Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 group 6 (PLA2G6) cause the recessive familial type 14 of Parkinson’s disease (PARK14). Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PLA2G6 is believed to be required for maintaining mitochondrial function. In the present study, rotenone-induced cellular model of PD was used to investigate possible molecular pathogenic mechanism of PARK14 mutant PLA2G6-induced PD. Overexpression of wild-type (WT) PLA2G6 ameliorated rotenone-induced apoptotic death of SH-SY5Y dopaminergic cells. PARK14 mutant (D331Y), (G517C), (T572I), (R632W), (N659S) or (R741Q) PLA2G6 failed to prevent rotenone-induced activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and exert a neuroprotective effect. WT PLA2G6, but not PARK14 mutant PLA2G6, prevented rotenone-induced mitophagy impairment. In contrast to WT PLA2G6, PARK14 mutant PLA2G6 was ineffective in attenuating rotenone-induced decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and increase in the level of mitochondrial superoxide. WT PLA2G6, but not PARK14 PLA2G6 mutants, restored enzyme activity of mitochondrial complex I and cellular ATP content in rotenone-treated SH-SY5Y dopaminergic cells. In contrast to WT PLA2G6, PARK14 mutant PLA2G6 failed to prevent rotenone-induced mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and cytochrome c release. These results suggest that PARK14 PLA2G6 mutants lose their ability to maintain mitochondrial function and are defective inpreventing mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS production and activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in rotenone-induced cellular model of PD.
The importance of warm, AGN-driven outflows in the nuclear regions of nearby ULIRGs

We present an optical spectroscopic study of a 90% complete sample of 17 nearby ULIRGs with optical Seyfert nuclei, with the aim of investigating the nature of the nuclear warm gas outflows. A high proportion (94%) of our sample show disturbed emission line kinematics in the form of broad (FWHM > 500 km s-1) and/or strongly blueshifted (\Delta V < -150 km s-1) emission line components. This proportion is significantly higher than found in a comparison sample of non-Sy ULIRGs (19%). We also find evidence that the [OII]5007,4959 emission lines in Sy-ULIRGs are broader and more asymmetric that in samples of non-ULIRG Seyferts. The Sy-ULIRG sample encompasses a wide diversity of emission line profiles. In most individual objects we are able to fit the profiles of all the emission lines with a kinematic model derived from the strong [OIII]4959,5007 lines, using between 2 and 5 Gaussian components. From these fits we derive diagnostic line ratios that are used to investigate the ionization mechanisms for the different kinematic components. We show that, in general, the line ratios are consistent with gas of super-solar abundance photoionized by a combination of AGN and starburst activity, with an increasing contribution from the AGN with increasing FWHM of the individual kinematic components, and the AGN contribution dominating for the broadest components. However, shock ionization cannot be ruled out in some cases. Our derived upper limits on the mass outflows rates and kinetic powers of the emission line outflows show that they can be as energetically significant as the neutral and molecular outflows in ULIRGs-consistent with the requirements of the hydrodynamic simulations that include AGN feedback. However, the uncertainties are large, and more accurate estimates of the radii, densities and reddening of the outflows are required to put these results on a firmer footing.
A Secure Cloud Computing Architecture Using Homomorphic Encryption

The Purpose of homomorphic encryption is to ensure privacy of data in communication, storage or in use by processes with mechanisms similar to conventional cryptography, but with added capabilities of computing over encrypted data, searching an encrypted data, etc. Homomorphism is a property by which a problem in one algebraic system can be converted to a problem in another algebraic system, be solved and the solution later can also be translated back effectively. Thus, homomorphism makes secure delegation of computation to a third party possible. Many conventional encryption schemes possess either multiplicative or additive homomorphic property and are currently in use for respective applications. Yet, a Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) scheme which could perform any arbitrary computation over encrypted data appeared in 2009 as Gentry’s work. In this paper, we propose a multi-cloud architecture of N distributed servers to repartition the data and to nearly allow achieving an FHE.
Characterization of TiO2 Thin Film Deposited by RF Sputtering Method

The present work involves the study of crystalline structure and surface morphology of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) thin film deposited by RF magnetron sputtering. TiO2 thin film was grown on ITO coated glass substrate using Ti metal target. The XRD results revealed the crystalline structure and indicated that the deposited film had the intensities of metastable anatase phase. The surface morphology and its roughness values suggest that the film had smooth surface and densely packed with grains.
A Novel Steady-State Visually Evoked Potential-Based Brain-Computer-Interface Paradigm to Steer a Humanoid Robot

In this paper, a brain-computer interface (BCI) system based on steady-state visually evoked EEG potentials (SSVEP) has been presented to steer a NAO humanoid robot, in which a novel robot control paradigm with two-layer-interface was designed and implemented. The scene captured from robot camera was divided into different target regions and displayed to the human subjects with extra visual stimulus superposed on it to reduce the influence of dynamic background scene and the side-effect of gaze shift. The visually evoked potentials was captured from the subjects' EEG signals to accomplish the directions selection mission and to control the NAO robot's movements towards the target region. All the subjects could complete the mission using our BCI paradigm in the real-world environment. The results showed the feasibility of our BCI paradigm in brain-actuated robot control.
Detection of quantitative trait loci affecting carcass traits and internal organs on chromosome 3 in an F2 intercross of Japanese quail

Molecular technologies based on markers indicating differences among individuals at the DNA level can play an important role in genetic improvement of carcass traits through marker or gene assisted selection. The purpose of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) of chromosome 3 affecting carcass traits on Japanese quail using microsatellite markers. Two white and wild strains of Japanese quail were crossed reciprocally and the F 1 generation was created. The F 2 generation was generated by intercrossing F 1 birds. Phenotypic data including weights of hot and cold carcasses, carcass parts and internal organs were collected from 422 F2 birds. The total mapping population (472 birds) was genotyped for microsatellite markers. QTL analysis was performed using the least squares regression interval mapping method. Significant QTL were identified for hot and chilled carcass weights, liver weight, head percentage, uropygial gland percentage, intestine percentage, ovary weight, uropygial gland weight, pancreas percentage (0-36 cM with an additive effect), proventriculus percentage, head weight (6-20 cM with a dominance effect), and gizzard percentage (0 cM with an imprinting effect).
Engaging Students with Flipped Classes using 3D Video Collaboration Technology

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the potential of 3D video collaboration technologies to engage students with the learning materials prior flipped classes. The study uses iSee designed for 3D video collaborative classes and compared it with online learning management systems. An experiment has been reported on 273 students in an undergraduate Information System course. It was revealed that the correlation between either the students’ engagement on the online quizzes or their engagement on iSee discussions with their learning outcomes were high. However, our statistical analysis showed that the relationship between iSee engagement and students’ learning outcomes was stronger. The qualitative observations during this experiment are also discussed. The results have been discussed in the lens of Theory of Peer Learning and the future research have been suggested. This study motivates teaching practitioners in Information Systems to use 3D video collaboration technologies in flipped classes.
Life satisfaction and disability after severe traumatic brain injury

Objective: To assess the relationships between life satisfaction and disability after a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design: Cross-sectional study, including 75 patients 2 years or more after a severe TBI. Methods: Life satisfaction was assessed with the Subjective Quality of Life Profile. Impairments, activities and participation were assessed with standardized tests. Results: The satisfaction profile was flat, i.e. the majority of items obtained mean satisfaction scores close to 0, suggesting that participants felt indifferent to these items or in other words that they were neither satisfied nor unsatisfied. Patients were on average slightly dissatisfied with their cognitive functions, physical abilities and self-esteem. A factor analysis revealed three underlying factors. The main finding was that the relationships between life satisfaction and disability were not linear: the lowest satisfaction scores were reported by participants with moderate disability rated by the Glasgow Outcome Scale, while individuals with severe disability did not significantly differ from the good recovery group. Conclusion: Life satisfaction is not linearly related to disability after severe TBI.
Evidence for spin memory in the electron phase coherence in graphene

We measure the dependence of the conductivity of graphene as a function of magnetic field, temperature, and carrier density and discover a saturation of the dephasing length at low temperatures that we ascribe to spin memory effects. Values of the spin coherence length up to eight microns are found to scale with the mean free path. We consider different origins of this effect and suggest that it is controlled by resonant states that act as magneticlike defects. By varying the level of disorder, we demonstrate that the spin coherence length can be tuned over an order of magnitude.
Randomized prospective study comparing a single radioiodine dose and a single laser therapy session in autonomously functioning thyroid nodules.

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of interstitial laser photocoagulation (ILP) with radioiodine in hot thyroid nodules. DESIGN Thirty consecutive outpatients with subclinical or mild hyperthyroidism and a scintigraphically solitary hot nodule with extraglandular suppression were randomized to either one ILP session or one radioiodine ((131)I) dose. METHODS ILP was performed under continuous ultrasound-guidance and with an output power of 2.5-3.5 W. (131)I was given as a single dose based on thyroid volume and a 24-h thyroid (131)I uptake. Thyroid function and nodule volume were evaluated at inclusion and at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS Normalization of serum TSH was achieved in 7 out of 14 patients in the ILP group and in all 15 patients in the (131)I group (P=0.0025). In the ILP group, mean thyroid nodule volume reduction was 44+/-5% (s.e.m.; P<0.001), and in the (131)I group 47+/-8% (P<0.001), within 6 months, without between-group difference (P=0.73). The mean reduction of total thyroid volume was 7+/-5% in the ILP group (P=0.20) and 26+/-8% (P=0.006) in the (131)I group (P=0.06 between-group). Two patients in the (131)I group developed hypothyroidism but no major side effects were seen. CONCLUSIONS This first randomized study, comparing ILP with standard therapy, demonstrates that ILP and (131)I therapy approximately halves thyroid nodule volume within 6 months; but in contrast to (131)I, extranodular thyroid volume is unaffected by ILP and no patient developed hypothyroidism. Using the present design, ILP seems inferior to (131)I therapy in normalization of serum TSH. The potential value of ILP as a non-surgical alternative to (131)I needs further investigation.
The protective efficacy of polyvalent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.

BACKGROUND Although the protective efficacy of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine has been demonstrated in randomized trials in young African gold miners, there has been controversy about its efficacy in older Americans at risk for serious pneumococcal infections. To assess the vaccine's protective efficacy against invasive pneumococcal infections, we conducted a hospital-based case-control study of the efficacy of pneumococcal vaccine in adults with a condition recognized to be an indication for receiving the vaccine. METHODS From 1984 to 1990, adults in whom Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from any normally sterile site were identified by prospective surveillance in the microbiology laboratories of 11 large hospitals; those with an indication for pneumococcal vaccine were enrolled as case patients. For each case patient, one control was matched according to age, underlying illness, and site of hospitalization. We contacted all providers of medical care to ascertain each subject's history of immunization with pneumococcal vaccine. Isolates of S. pneumoniae were serotyped by an investigator unaware of the subject's vaccination history. RESULTS Thirteen percent of the 1,054 case patients and 20 percent of the 1,054 matched controls had received pneumococcal vaccine (P less than 0.001). When vaccine was given in either its 14-valent or its 23-valent form, its aggregate protective efficacy (calculated as a percentage: 1 minus the odds ratio of having been vaccinated times 100) against infections caused by the serotypes represented in the vaccine was 56 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 42 percent to 67 percent; P less than 0.00001) for all 983 patients infected with a serotype represented in the vaccine, 61 percent for a subgroup of 808 immunocompetent patients (95 percent confidence interval, 47 percent to 72 percent; P less than 0.00001), and 21 percent for a subgroup of 175 immunocompromised patients (95 percent confidence interval, -55 percent to 60 percent; P = 0.48). The vaccine was not efficacious against infections caused by serotypes not represented in the vaccine (protective efficacy, -73 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, -263 percent to 18 percent; P = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS Polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine is efficacious in preventing invasive pneumococcal infections in immunocompetent patients with indications for its administration. This vaccine should be used more widely.
A survey of diacritic restoration in abjad and alphabet writing systems

Abstract A diacritic is a mark placed near or through a character to alter its original phonetic or orthographic value. Many languages around the world use diacritics in their orthography, whatever the writing system the orthography is based on. In many languages, diacritics are ignored either by convention or as a matter of convenience. For users who are not familiar with the text domain, the absence of diacritics within text has been known to cause mild to serious readability and comprehension problems. However, the absence of diacritics in text causes near-intractable problems for natural language processing systems. This situation has led to extensive research on diacritization. Several techniques have been applied to address diacritic restoration (or diacritization) but the existing surveys of techniques have been restricted to some languages and hence left gaps for practitioners to fill. Our survey examined diacritization from the angle of resources deployed and various formulation employed for diacritization. It was concluded by recommending that (a) any proposed technique for diacritization should consider the language features and the purpose served by diacritics, (b) that evaluation metrics needed to be more rigorously defined for easy comparison of performance of models.
5 Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Signaling via cAMP

Adelynate cyclases (ACs), which catalyze synthesis of cAMP from ATP and yield pyrophosphate as a by-product, can be classified into four different classes according to their common features: Class I cyclases, related to enterobacterial adenylate cyclases; Class II, toxic adenylate cyclases isolated from bacterial pathogens; Class III, a large and probably ancient class that comprises cyclases from both eukaryotes and prokaryotes and is strongly related to guanylate cyclases; and Class IV, with mainly one example that differs entirely from all other classes (McCue et al., 2000).
Multistep optimal analog-to-digital conversion

An important aspect of analog-to-digital conversion is the impact of quantization errors. This paper outlines how finite horizon constrained optimization methods can be utilized to design converters which minimize a weighted measure of the quantization distortion. We propose a novel converter, which can be implemented as a feedback loop. It embeds /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ conversion in a more general setting and typically provides better performance. We also examine the role played by the associated design parameters in ensuring error convergence.