Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Give me a reason to dig: qualitative associations between player behavior in Minecraft and life motives

Understanding how personality, motives, values, goals and belief systems affect the behavior of players is crucial for designers of digital games. Whether the goal is pure entertainment, education or behavior change, knowing what makes different people tick means understanding the reasons for their behavior. This understanding allows the creation of more efficient content since it means acknowledging the individual differences that define every human being. A deeper understanding of players' personality from play behavior is very relevant also for adaptive systems aimed at increasing level of immersion. Indeed, knowing more about players' personality could help design systems more responsive to players' desires and goals increasing the potential benefits of serious application of digital games. The behavior of Minecraft players is analyzed through the lens of User-Initiated Events (UIE) logged by the game system and related to the 16 basic desires enunciated by Reiss in his analysis of motivation.
Comparison of GaN and SiC power devices in application to MW-scale quasi-Z-source cascaded multilevel inverters

Wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors including gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) offer significant performance improvement compared with conventional silicon power devices. The quasi-Z-source cascaded multilevel inverter (qZS-CMI) provides many advantages over the conventional CMI while applied in photovoltaic (PV) systems. In this paper, two solutions are proposed and compared to the design goal of a high efficiency and low-cost qZS-CMI based 1 MW/11 kV PV system. The first solution is based on 650 V GaN enhancement mode high-electron-mobility transistors (E-HEMT) and 650 V SiC Schottky diodes. The second solution uses 1200 V SiC power modules and 1200 V SiC Schottky diodes. The power losses and costs of the two candidate designs are compared in details. It is concluded that the first solution shows lower power losses and costs per quasi-Z-source inverter (qZSI) module. However, due to the low voltage rating of GaN E-HEMTs, more qZSI modules are needed to achieve the overall 11 kV inverter rating. Therefore, the second solution shows lower total power loss and cost in the medium-voltage, MW-scale qZS-CMI PV system.
Receptor-transporting protein (RTP) family members play divergent roles in the functional expression of odorant receptors

Receptor transporting protein (RTP) family members, RTP1S and RTP2, are accessory proteins to mammalian odorant receptors (ORs). They are expressed in the olfactory sensory neurons and facilitate OR trafficking to the cell-surface membrane and ligand-induced responses in heterologous cells. We previously identified different domains in RTP1S that are important for different stages of OR trafficking, odorant-mediated responses, and interaction with ORs. However, the exact roles of RTP2 and the significance of the requirement of the seemingly redundant co-expression of the two RTP proteins in vivo have received less attention in the past. Here we attempted to dissect the functional differences between RTP1S and RTP2 using a HEK293T cell-based OR heterologous expression system. When a set of 24 ORs were tested against 28 cognate ligands, unlike RTP1S, which always showed a robust ability to support odorant-mediated responses, RTP2 had little or no effect on OR responses and exhibited a suppressive effect over that of RTP1S for a subset of the ORs tested. RTP1S and RTP2 showed no significant difference in OR ligand selectivity and co-transfection with RTP2 increased the detection threshold for some ORs. A protein-protein interaction analysis showed positive interactions among OR, RTP1S, and RTP2, corroborating the functional linkages among the three molecules. Finally, further cell-surface and permeabilized immunocytochemical studies revealed that OR and the co-expressed RTP1S proteins were retained in the Golgi when co-transfected with RTP2, indicating that RTP1S and RTP2 could play different roles in the OR trafficking process. By examining the functional differentiations between the two RTP family members, we provided a molecular level explanation to the suppressive effect exerted by RTP2, shedding light on the divergent mechanisms underlying the RTP proteins in regulating the functional expression of ORs.
A Tight Upper Bound on the Second-Order Coding Rate of the Parallel Gaussian Channel With Feedback

This paper investigates the asymptotic expansion for the maximum rate of fixed-length codes over a parallel Gaussian channel with feedback under the following setting: a peak power constraint is imposed on every transmitted codeword, and the average error probabilities of decoding the transmitted message are non-vanishing as the blocklength increases. The main contribution of this paper is a self-contained proof of an upper bound on the first- and second-order asymptotics of the parallel Gaussian channel with feedback. The proof techniques involve developing an information spectrum bound followed by using Curtiss’ theorem to show that a sum of dependent random variables associated with the information spectrum bound converges in distribution to a sum of independent random variables, thus facilitating the use of the usual central limit theorem. Combined with existing achievability results, our result implies that the presence of feedback does not improve the first- and second-order asymptotics.
Immunocytochemical Localization of LHRH in Axons and Nerve Terminals of the Rat Median Eminence

Summary Cytoimmunological localization of LHRH-containing axons and terminals in the median eminence of male rats was achieved with a potent anti-LHRH antiserum and subsequent labeling with a second, peroxidase- or fluorescein isothiocyanate-bound, anti-gamma globulin antibody. The distribution of peptidergic fibers extends from the rostral part of the median eminence, immediately behind the retrochiasmatic area, to the region of the pituitary stalk. In the external zone of the rostral median eminence and close to the stalk, the antigenic material appears in the form of large granules accumulated around blood vessels. This distribution suggests that such granules are likely to represent axon terminals, in contrast to axonal processes containing smaller granular elements lined up radially or longitudinally underneath the external zone. Specific LHRH labeling could not be visualized at the level of perikarya, even in castrated and colchicine-treated animals; however, nonspecific staining was eventually observed within cell bodies or fiber tracts throughout the hypothalamus as well as other brain structures, particularly after colchicine treatment and incubation with relatively high concentrations of antisera. It thus appears that, under our experimental conditions, only distal portions of LHRH producing neurons can be detected by im-munocytochemistry.
Tomato Heat Stress Transcription Factor HsfB1 Represents a Novel Type of General Transcription Coactivator with a Histone-Like Motif Interacting with the Plant CREB Binding Protein Ortholog HAC1

In contrast with the class A heat stress transcription factors (HSFs) of plants, a considerable number of HSFs assigned to classes B and C have no evident function as transcription activators on their own. However, in the following article, we provide evidence that tomato (Lycopersicon peruvianum) HsfB1 represents a novel type of coactivator cooperating with class A HSFs (e.g., with tomato HsfA1). Provided the appropriate promoter architecture, the two HSFs assemble into an enhanceosome-like complex, resulting in strong synergistic activation of reporter gene expression. Moreover, HsfB1 also cooperates in a similar manner with other activators, for example, with the ASF1/2 enhancer binding proteins of the 35S promoter of Cauliflower mosaic virus or with yet unidentified activators controlling housekeeping gene expression. By these effects, HsfB1 may help to maintain and/or restore expression of certain viral or housekeeping genes during ongoing heat stress. The coactivator function of HsfB1 depends on a histone-like motif in its C-terminal domain with an indispensable Lys residue in the center (GRGKMMK). This motif is required for recruitment of the plant CREB binding protein (CBP) ortholog HAC1. HsfA1, HsfB1, and HAC1/CBP form ternary complexes in vitro and in vivo with markedly enhanced efficiency in promoter recognition and transcription activation in plant and mammalian (COS7) cells. Using small interfering RNA–mediated knock down of HAC1 expression in Arabidopsis thaliana mesophyll protoplasts, the crucial role for the coactivator function of HsfB1 was confirmed.
Protein Supplementation Does Not Affect Myogenic Adaptations to Resistance Training

It has been proposed that protein supplementation during resistance exercise training enhances muscle hypertrophy. The degree of hypertrophy during training is controlled in part through the activation of satellite cells and myonuclear accretion. Purpose This study aimed to determine the efficacy of protein supplementation (and the type of protein) during traditional resistance training on myofiber cross-sectional area, satellite cell content, and myonuclear addition. Methods Healthy young men participated in supervised whole-body progressive resistance training 3 d·wk−1 for 12 wk. Participants were randomized to one of three groups ingesting a daily 22-g macronutrient dose of soy–dairy protein blend (PB, n = 22), whey protein isolate (WP, n = 15), or an isocaloric maltodextrin placebo (MDP, n = 17). Lean mass, vastus lateralis myofiber-type–specific cross-sectional area, satellite cell content, and myonuclear addition were assessed before and after resistance training. Results PB and the pooled protein treatments (PB + WP = PRO) exhibited a greater whole-body lean mass %change compared with MDP (P = 0.057 for PB) and (P = 0.050 for PRO), respectively. All treatments demonstrated similar leg muscle hypertrophy and vastus lateralis myofiber-type–specific cross-sectional area (P < 0.05). Increases in myosin heavy chain I and II myofiber satellite cell content and myonuclei content were also detected after exercise training (P < 0.05). Conclusion Protein supplementation during resistance training has a modest effect on whole-body lean mass as compared with exercise training without protein supplementation, and there was no effect on any outcome between protein supplement types (blend vs whey). However, protein supplementation did not enhance resistance exercise–induced increases in myofiber hypertrophy, satellite cell content, or myonuclear addition in young healthy men. We propose that as long as protein intake is adequate during muscle overload, the adaptations in muscle growth and function will not be influenced by protein supplementation.
Tackling Drought Stress: RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASES Present New Approaches

Global climate change and a growing population require tackling the reduction in arable land and improving biomass production and seed yield per area under varying conditions. One of these conditions is suboptimal water availability. Here, we review some of the classical approaches to dealing with plant response to drought stress and we evaluate how research on RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASES (RLKs) can contribute to improving plant performance under drought stress. RLKs are considered as key regulators of plant architecture and growth behavior, but they also function in defense and stress responses. The available literature and analyses of available transcript profiling data indeed suggest that RLKs can play an important role in optimizing plant responses to drought stress. In addition, RLK pathways are ideal targets for nontransgenic approaches, such as synthetic molecules, providing a novel strategy to manipulate their activity and supporting translational studies from model species, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, to economically useful crops.
Investigation of factors which might indicate susceptibility to particulate air pollution

OBJECTIVES To determine whether previous symptoms or recognised risk factors of cardiovascular ill health, are associated with an increased likelihood of adverse health effects related to particulate air pollution. METHODS Cardiovascular event rates were studied relative to urban concentrations of particulate air pollution and baseline risk factors. The Edinburgh artery study consisted of a cohort of 1592 subjects aged 55–74 and was followed up to the end of March 1998 for a median of 10 years resulting in about 5 million person-days of observation. Baseline measurements included plasma fibrinogen and blood and plasma viscosity. A nested case-control approach was used to investigate a possible interaction between effects of these selected baseline risk factors and particulate air pollution, on subsequent event rates. RESULTS During the follow up period there were 343 fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarctions or strokes. Trends in adverse cardiovascular outcomes related to pollution were identified among subjects belonging to the highest baseline quintile of plasma fibrinogen. Evidence for interactions between concentrations of particulate pollution and fibrinogen was not established at conventional levels of significance. CONCLUSIONS People with high concentrations of plasma fibrinogen might be more susceptible to adverse cardiovascular effects of particulate air pollution, but limitations of power mean that evidence relating to such an interaction is not conclusive. A range of cardiopulmonary risk factors warrant investigation in relation to possible susceptibility to air pollution.
Reducing overhearing energy in 802.11 networks by low-power interface idling

In this paper we propose and analyze a new interface idling mechanism for improving energy efficiency of IEEE 802.11 based MAC hardware. A novel protocol state analysis technique is developed for detecting time windows during which a wireless interface consumes energy due to 802.11 overhearing. During this window, energy savings at the MAC layer is accomplished by forcing the wireless interface to a relatively lower-energy idling state. At the end of this window, the interface is transitioned back to its regular receiving mode. Energy savings are realized by exploiting the difference in power consumption between the overhearing state and the idling state. We evaluate the proposed protocol using ns-2 simulator. Simulation experiments validate that the proposed mechanism is capable of significantly reducing overhearing expenditure for newer 802.11 cards that support low-energy idling mode as described above. Our experimentation with Socket Communications Inc. low power 802.11 card demonstrate that the reduction in overhearing expenditure can be up to 23% and the subsequent network life extension can be up to 86% Results also show that the proposed MAC layer idling is fairly insensitive to network loading.
Investment behavior in a constrained dictator game

We analyze a constrained dictator game in which the dictator splits a pie which will be subsequently created through simultaneous investments by herself and the recipient. We consider two treatments by varying the maximum attainable size of the pie leading to either high or low investment incentives. We find that constrained dictators and recipients invest less than a model with self-interested players would predict. While the splitting decisions of constrained dictators correspond to the theoretical predictions when investment incentives are high, they are more selfish when investment incentives are low. Overall, team productivity is negatively affected by lower investment incentives.
The future of mobility in Rotterdam: A design roadmap for the introduction of Mobility as a Service as a Public Transport Operator

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is a concept that integrates public transport and other access based mobility services into one easy to use platform. For users this means that they no longer have to do large investments while still having access to transport. They can perform door-to-door journeys in a way that suits their needs at a specific time. Transport providers can use this integrated system to create e network that serves the required area and its travellers in a more efficient way. Society can benefit from MaaS as it is centred around transport modes that have a lower negative impact on the urban environment, and use less space. RET is currently looking to introduce a Mobility as a Service-system in the Netherlands. They are working to create the technical requirements for such a platform, and to develop partnerships with other stakeholders like access based mobility providers and societal partners. They however were unsure of who to develop for and what these users want from a MaaS-system. Thus, this thesis focuses on that question. MaaS-journeys should be fast, flexible, reliable, and seamlessly usable. This requires having a high speed, high capacity backbone of trains, metros and lightrail services, supplemented with flexible access based mobility services like shared e-bikes, steps and scooters, and other public transport modes. These journeys should be doable in an easy way: the platform and infrastructure supports a seamless travel experience. There is still a long way to go before a fast, flexible, reliable, seamless MaaS-experience can be realised. Therefore a long-term approach must be adopted by using a design roadmap. This provides the opportunity to work towards the full potential of a MaaS-system by keeping the future in focus. Users should firstly become interested in MaaS and access based mobility through the integration of public transport and other access based mobility services. This creates a more fast and flexible journey. Then, MaaS should work towards providing for routine journeys, and finally towards covering daily urban mobility needs.
Reducing risk in smokers

Purpose of review Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For smokers who want to quit, nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion are frequently recommended. Currently, disagreement surrounds the extent of risk reduction from quitting, the consequences of the change of nicotine replacement therapy to over-the-counter status, and the safety and efficacy of new tobacco products being marketed by tobacco companies. This article reviews the current evidence relevant to these and other developments in smoking interventions and describes the most effective strategies that smokers can use to reduce their risk. Recent findings Although it may take approximately 10 to 30 years of abstinence for former smokers’ risk of lung cancer to reach that of never smokers, quitting at any time is substantially less risky than continuing to smoke. Quitting after diagnosis also prolongs survival. Bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy are effective pharmacotherapies, doubling quit rates compared with self-quitting. However, many users of over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy are using it inappropriately. More research is needed to determine the long-term health effects of modified tobacco products and their efficacy in helping smokers quit. Switching to “low tar” filter cigarettes to reduce lung cancer risk, however, is clearly ineffective. The most effective interventions for quitting continue to be a combination of behavioral and pharmacologic approaches. Summary Health care practitioners should encourage all smokers to attempt cessation and emphasize pharmacotherapy as an important aid to quitting. Professionals who educate patients on the appropriate use of pharmacotherapy and follow-up on smokers’ attempts to quit will help reduce the societal burden and personal risks of smoking.
Monomeric Cu,Zn-superoxide Dismutase Is a Common Misfolding Intermediate in the Oxidation Models of Sporadic and Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis*[boxs]

Proteinacious intracellular aggregates in motor neurons are a key feature of both sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These inclusion bodies are often immunoreactive for Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and are implicated in the pathology of ALS. On the basis of this and a similar clinical presentation of symptoms in the familial (fALS) and sporadic forms of ALS, we sought to investigate the possibility that there exists a common disease-related aggregation pathway for fALS-associated mutant SODs and wild type SOD1. We have previously shown that oxidation of fALS-associated mutant SODs produces aggregates that have the same morphological, structural, and tinctorial features as those found in SOD1 inclusion bodies in ALS. Here, we show that oxidative damage of wild type SOD at physiological concentrations (∼40 μm) results in destabilization and aggregation in vitro. Oxidation of either mutant or wild type SOD1 causes the enzyme to dissociate to monomers prior to aggregation. Only small changes in secondary and tertiary structure are associated with monomer formation. These results indicate a common aggregation prone monomeric intermediate for wild type and fALS-associated mutant SODs and provides a link between sporadic and familial ALS.
A British Dilemma: Disclosure of Information for Collective Bargaining and Joint Consultation

Information is a basic resource in enterprise decision-making and thereby affects the working lives of those employed in the firm. It is essential for collective bargaining, joint consultation, and other mechanisms which regulate employment. In this article, U.K. law on information disclosure by employers to employees and their representatives is examined as an important topic in its own right. It is also used to explore the tensions which have occurred when the traditional British approach based on collective bargaining has been compelled to come to terms with a continental European tradition, drawn more from Germany and France and based on more disclosure for joint consultation.
A novel on-chip current-sensing structure for current-mode DC-DC converter

A novel current-sensing structure for current-mode DC-DC converter is presented in this paper. It has significant improvements on current-sensing speed and reducing the sensitivity to the variations of the process, voltage, temperature and loading (PVTL), which is derived in detail. It has been used in a current-mode DC-DC converter fabricated by CSMC 0. 5μm CMOS process with a die size of 2.25 mm2. Experimental results show that with the current-sensing circuit the converter can operate at the supply voltage range of 2.7 to 5.5V with loading 0-600mA and has the ability to convert from 5.5V down to 0.6V at 4MHz. The measured transient response time is 7μs as the load current changes between 0 and 600mA rapidly. Moreover, the current-sensing structure can be also used in other integrated circuits for loop control and over-current protection.
Phosphorylation by Casein Kinase 2 Facilitates rRNA Gene Transcription by Promoting Dissociation of TIF-IA from Elongating RNA Polymerase I

ABSTRACT The protein kinase casein kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylates different components of the RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcription machinery and exerts a positive effect on rRNA gene (rDNA) transcription. Here we show that CK2 phosphorylates the transcription initiation factor TIF-IA at serines 170 and 172 (Ser170/172), and this phosphorylation triggers the release of TIF-IA from Pol I after transcription initiation. Inhibition of Ser170/172 phosphorylation or covalent tethering of TIF-IA to the RPA43 subunit of Pol I inhibits rDNA transcription, leading to perturbation of nucleolar structure and cell cycle arrest. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that dissociation of TIF-IA from Pol I is a prerequisite for proper transcription elongation. In support of phosphorylation of TIF-IA switching from the initiation into the elongation phase, dephosphorylation of Ser170/172 by FCP1 facilitates the reassociation of TIF-IA with Pol I, allowing a new round of rDNA transcription. The results reveal a mechanism by which the functional interplay between CK2 and FCP1 sustains multiple rounds of Pol I transcription.