Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An emotional word focused counseling agent and its evaluation

A lot of IT workers suffer from stress in doing their work and there are a few counselors to help them. To cope with this problem, an emotional word focused context respectful counseling agent is proposed. This counseling agent extracts emotional words from clients' utterances throughout their dialogue to detect their changes and provides clients with such changes as dialogue summary. If no change is detected, it replies with clients' utterances' paraphrases followed by context-respectful prompts to dig/ narrow problems. This way, the counseling agent can pretend to keep recognizing clients' psychological sufferings as contexts or situations. It behaves as if it empathized with clients and continues talking to clients without losing their trust. Keeping reflection on themselves, clients reach more problem clarification and self-awareness, which enables them to solve their problems. Since the agent provides only the information on clients' sayings and the summaries focused on the change in their emotions, there occur few problems of knowledge explosion and knowledge maintenance. Python was used for implementing this agent. The effect on the counseling was experimentally evaluated.
Aerial robots with rigid/elastic-joint arms: Single-joint controllability study and preliminary experiments

We present the dynamic modeling, analysis, and control design of a Planar-Vertical Take-Off and Landing (PVTOL) underactuated aerial vehicle equipped either with a rigid- or an elastic-joint arm. We prove that in both cases the system is exactly linearizable with a dynamic feedback and differentially flat for the same set of outputs (but different controllers). We compare the two cases with extensive and realistic simulations, which show that the rigid-joint case outperforms the elastic-joint case for aerial grasping tasks while the converse holds for link-velocity amplification tasks. We present preliminary experimental results using a actuated joint with variable stiffness (VSA) on a quadrotor platform.
Leasing, Ability to Repossess, and Debt Capacity

This paper studies the financing role of leasing and secured lending. We argue that the benefit of leasing is that repossession of a leased asset is easier than foreclosure on the collateral of a secured loan, which implies that leasing has higher debt capacity than secured lending. However, leasing involves agency costs due to the separation of ownership and control. More financially constrained firms value the additional debt capacity more and hence lease more of their capital than less constrained firms. We provide empirical evidence consistent with this prediction. Our theory is consistent with the explanation of leasing by practitioners, namely that leasing "preserves capital," which the academic literature considers a fallacy.
Orthogonal partitioning and gated clock architecture for low power realization of FSMs

In this paper we address the issue of low power realization of FSMs using decomposition and gated clock architecture. We decompose the N state machine into two interacting machines with N/sub 1/, N/sub 2/ states such that N=N/sub 1//spl times/N/sub 2/. Our cost function is the number of self-edges, which is to be maximized. For all the self-edge conditions, the inputs and clock of the respective machine is disabled to reduce the switching activity and therefore, the reduction in power can be achieved. We describe the greedy algorithm which maximizes the cost function. We attempt to keep the area the same by keeping to a minimum the number of flip-flops. We compared the results of our algorithm with JEDI. In one case, we could achieve a power reduction up to 67% with less area as well. Based on the results, we conclude that our approach is suitable for machines with a large number of states and less number of outputs.
Beneficial effect of cilostazol‐mediated neuronal repair following trimethyltin‐induced neuronal loss in the dentate gyrus

Cilostazol acts as an antiplatelet agent and has other pleiotropic effects based on phosphodiesterase‐3‐dependent mechanisms. We evaluated whether cilostazol would have a beneficial effect on neuronal repair following hippocampal neuronal damage by using a mouse model of trimethyltin (TMT)‐induced neuronal loss/self‐repair in the hippocampal dentate gyrus [Ogita et al. (2005) J Neurosci Res 82:609−621]; these mice will hereafter be referred to as impaired animals. A single treatment with cilostazol (10 mg/kg, i.p.) produced no significant change in the number of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)‐incorporating cells in the dentate granule cell layer (GCL) or subgranular zone on day 3 after TMT treatment. However, chronic treatment with cilostazol on days 3–15 posttreatment resulted in an increase in the number of BrdU‐incorporating cells in the dentate GCL of the impaired animals, and these cells were positive for neuronal nuclear antigen or doublecortin. Cilostazol was effective in elevating the level of phosphorylated cyclic adrenosine monophosphate response element‐binding protein (pCREB) in the dentate gyrus of impaired animals. The results of a forced swimming test revealed that the chronic treatment with cilostazol improved the depression‐like behavior seen in the impaired animals. In the cultures of hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cells, exposure to cilostazol produced not only enhancement of proliferation activity but also elevation of pCREB levels. Taken together, our data suggest that cilostazol has a beneficial effect on neuronal repair following neuronal loss in the dentate gyrus through promotion of proliferation and/or neuronal differentiation of neural progenitor cells in the subgranular zone. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
G-Protein &bgr;3 Subunit Gene (GNB3) 825T Allele Is Associated With Enhanced Renal Perfusion in Early Hypertension

The C825T polymorphism of the gene encoding the G-protein &bgr;3 subunit (GNB3) is associated with increased intracellular signal transduction and arterial hypertension. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of this polymorphism on early adaptive processes of the left ventricle and renal hemodynamic changes in young normotensive to mildly hypertensive subjects. Ninety-five white male students with normal or mildly elevated blood pressure were genotyped for the GNB3 C825T polymorphism. In each participant, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure, left ventricular structure and function (2D-guided M-mode echocardiography), renal plasma flow (para-aminohippurate clearance), glomerular filtration rate (inulin clearance), and 24-hour urinary sodium excretion were determined. The GNB3 825T allele was not associated with casual or ambulatory blood pressure, parameters of left ventricular structure or function, glomerular filtration, or 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. However, in T-allele carriers (CT+TT), renal plasma flow was higher than in CC subjects (CT/TT: 659±96 versus CC: 614±91 mL/min, P =0.019). ANOVA disclosed that renal plasma flow was independently influenced by both genotype and blood pressure, with hypertensives having a higher renal plasma flow than normotensive subjects. This was the fact irrespective of the criteria used for the definition of hypertension (World Health Organization or 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure criteria). The GNB3 825T variant is associated with increased renal perfusion in this study. Because early renal hemodynamic changes play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension, our data suggest a relevance of increased G-protein activation in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Application of ant colony optimization to logistic scheduling algorithm

The logistic scheduling is a typical combinatorial optimization problem. Vehicle routing optimization is one of the most critical parts in logistics, and the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is an important problem occurring in many distribution systems. This paper proposes an improved ant colony optimization algorithm to optimize the dynamic assignment to the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP) and the Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows (VRPTW). The improved algorithm tests several different combinations and derives the solution that is able to deliver more orders at the correct delivery date. Results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Fibbing in action: On-demand load-balancing for better video delivery

Video streaming, in conjunction with social networks, have given birth to a new traffic pattern over the Internet: transient, localized traffic surges, known as flash crowds. Traditional traffic-engineering methods can hardly cope with these surges, as they are unpredictable by nature. Consequently, networks either have to be over-provisioned, which is expensive and wastes resources, or risk to periodically incur congestion, which infuriates customers. This demonstration shows how Fibbing can improve network performance and preserve users’ quality of experience when accessing video streams, by implementing a fine-grained load-balancing service. This service leverages two unique features of Fibbing: programming per destination load-balancing and implementing uneven splitting ratios.
Pore Direction in Relation to Anisotropy of Mechanical Strength in a Cubic Starch Compact

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the relation between preferential direction of pores and mechanical strength of cubic starch compacts. The preferential pore direction was quantified in SEM images of cross sections of starch compacts using a previously described algorithm for determination of the quotient of transitions (Q). This parameter and the mechanical strength were evaluated in compacts of different porosities. Starch was chosen as a model compound for materials with ductile behaviour of which tablets with low porosities can be made and which shows some elastic recovery after compaction. At medium and high porosity Q was significantly higher in the images providing a side view of the compact than in the images providing a top view (0.973 vs. 0.927 and 0.958 vs. 0.874 at 0 mm from the side of the compact and 0.956 vs. 0.854 and 0.951 vs. 0.862 at 3.5 mm), indicating that the pores were mainly oriented in the direction perpendicular to the direction of compression. This was accompanied by a lower crushing force in this direction. This could be explained by considering the pores as cracks which propagate through the sample during crushing. For both directions the crushing force decreased with increasing porosity. The yield strength of the compacts also decreased with increasing porosity, but this parameter was not dependent on the direction of crushing when the porosity was below 10%. The results show that pore direction significantly influences the crushing force but does not influence the yield strength, at porosities below 10%.
A Prokaryotic Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel

The pore-forming subunits of canonical voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels are encoded by four repeated domains of six-transmembrane (6TM) segments. We expressed and characterized a bacterial ion channel (NaChBac) from Bacillus haloduransthat is encoded by one 6TM segment. The sequence, especially in the pore region, is similar to that of voltage-gated calcium channels. The expressed channel was activated by voltage and was blocked by calcium channel blockers. However, the channel was selective for sodium. The identification of NaChBac as a functionally expressed bacterial voltage-sensitive ion-selective channel provides insight into both voltage-dependent activation and divalent cation selectivity.
Cyber Buddy Is Better than No Buddy: A Test of the Köhler Motivation Effect in Exergames.

OBJECTIVE Although exergames are popular, few people take advantage of the potential of group dynamics to motivate play (and achieve associated health benefits). One motivation gain phenomenon has shown promise for motivating greater effort in partnered exergames: The Köhler effect (working at a task with a more capable partner where one's performance is indispensable to the group). This article examines whether a Köhler effect can be demonstrated in an exergame by exercising with a moderately superior humanoid, software-generated partner. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male and female (n=120; mean age, 19.41 years) college students completed a series of plank exercises using "CyBuddy Exercise," a program developed specifically for this study. In a lab in an academic building, participants completed the exercises individually and, after a rest, were randomly assigned to complete the same exercises again, but with a "live" human partner (HP) presented virtually, a nearly-human-like, humanoid partner (NHP), a hardly human-like, software-generated partner (HHP), or a no-partner control condition (IC), with equal numbers in each group (i.e., n=30). Exercise persistence, perceived exertion, self-efficacy beliefs, enjoyment, and intentions to exercise were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS A 4×2 analysis of variance on the (Block 2 - Block 1) difference scores showed that a significant Köhler motivation gain was observed in all partner conditions (compared with IC), but persistence was significantly greater with HPs than with either NHP or HHP humanoid partners (P<0.05). By the conclusion of the study, there were no significant differences among the partnered conditions in perceived exertion, self-efficacy, enjoyment, or future intentions to exercise. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that a software-generated partner can elicit the Kőhler motivation gain in exergames, but not as strongly as a partner who is thought to be human.
Distribution of XTH, expansin, and secondary-wall-related CesA in floral and fruit abscission zones during fruit development in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

After fruit development is triggered by pollination, the abscission zone (AZ) in the fruit pedicel strengthens its adhesion to keep the fruit attached. We previously reported that xyloglucan and arabinan accumulation in the AZ accompanies the shedding of unpollinated flowers. After the fruit has developed and is fully ripened, shedding occurs easily in the AZ due to lignin accumulation. Regulation of cell wall metabolism may play an important role in these processes, but it is not well understood. In the present report, we used immunohistochemistry to visualize changes in the distributions of xyloglucan and arabinan metabolism-related enzymes in the AZs of pollinated and unpollinated flowers, and in ripened fruits. During floral abscission, we observed a gradual increase in polyclonal antibody labeling of expansin in the AZ. The intensities of LM6 and LM15 labeling of arabinan and xyloglucan, respectively, also increased. However, during floral abscission, we observed a large 1 day post anthesis (DPA) peak in the polyclonal antibody labeling of XTH in the AZ, which then decreased. These results suggest that expansin and XTH play important, but different roles in the floral abscission process. During fruit abscission, unlike during floral abscission, no AZ-specific expansin and XTH were observed. Although lignification was seen in the AZ of over-ripe fruit pedicels, secondary cell wall-specific cellulose synthase signals were not observed. This suggests that cellulose metabolism-related enzymes do not play important roles in the AZ prior to fruit abscission.
Prevalence of infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in Australia: a nationwide population based survey

Background: Studies demonstrating previous herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 infection as a risk factor for HIV transmission, and the development of a HSV vaccine candidate, have emphasised the need for worldwide population based studies of HSV seroprevalence. The only nationwide seroprevalence studies have been conducted in the United States. Methods: An Australia-wide, population based study of HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalence was conducted, using serum and sociodemographic data collected between 1999–2000, for a representative study of risk factors for diabetes in over 11 000 adults. A stratified random sample of 4000 was tested for HSV-2 and 1000 for HSV-1, with sampling and weighting for various demographic factors. Results: Seroprevalence of HSV-2 in Australian adults was 12%. Prevalence in women (16%) was twice that in men (8%). Rural populations had a lower prevalence (9%) than metropolitan (13%), and Indigenous had a higher prevalence (18%) than the non-Indigenous populations (12%). The seroprevalence of HSV-1 was 76% with significant differences by age group, sex and Indigenous status. Conclusion: These are the first nationwide data to compare with US studies. HSV-2 infection is less common in Australia than the United States, and this will allow planning for combating HIV transmission in high prevalence populations in northern Australia. In addition, the high HSV-1 seroprevalence will be important for future deployment of genital herpes vaccines.
Augmenting Conflict Resolution with Informational Response: A Holistic View of Governance Choice in Business Process Outsourcing

Abstract We develop a holistic model of governance choice in business process outsourcing (BPO) that represents a highly information-intensive form of outsourcing. We integrate perspectives from neoinstitutional economics and the information-processing view (IPV) of the firm. We argue that the governance structure in BPO is chosen not only to address opportunism concerns arising from relational uncertainty to and encourage cooperation, as suggested by institutional economics, but also as an informational response to task and relational uncertainty to encourage coordination between exchange partners. Using the lens of IPV, we posit that uncertainty in the outsourced task increases the information requirements (IR) of the BPO relationship, which, in turn, leads to more hierarchical governance structures. We also suggest that in addition to directly influencing governance choice, relational uncertainty, a key construct in transaction cost economics (TCE), increases IR, and hence has an indirect impact on governance choice. Furthermore, we hypothesize that technological capabilities enable more hierarchical governance in response to increasing IR needs. Data on 130 BPO initiatives provide empirical support for our hypotheses regarding the drivers of IR, its impact on governance choice, and the moderating role of technological capabilities. Our study contributes to theory by integrating the premises of TCE and IPV in the context of BPO, and to practice by underscoring the need to consider information requirements in designing appropriate coordination and collaboration processes.
ncreased erythrocyte C 4 D is associated with known lloantibody and autoantibody markers of antibody-mediated ejection in human lung transplant recipients

1 d ncreased erythrocyte C4D is associated with known lloantibody and autoantibody markers of antibody-mediated ejection in human lung transplant recipients ngali Golocheikine, MD, Dilip S. Nath, MD, Haseeb Ilias Basha, MD, eepti Saini, PhD, Donna Phelan, BS, Aviva Aloush, RN, Elbert P. Trulock, MD, amsey R. Hachem, MD, G. Alexander Patterson, MD, Joseph M. Ahearn, MD, and halachallour Mohanakumar, PhD
Physical Exercise Counteracts Stress-induced Upregulation of Melanin-concentrating Hormone in the Brain and Stress-induced Persisting Anxiety-like Behaviors

Chronic stress induces anxiety disorders, whereas physical exercise is believed to help people with clinical anxiety. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying stress-induced anxiety and its counteraction by exercise using an established animal model of anxiety. Mice treated with restraint for 2 h daily for 14 days exhibited anxiety-like behaviors, including social and nonsocial behavioral symptoms, and these behavioral impairments lasted for more than 12 weeks after the stress treatment was removed. Despite these lasting behavioral changes, wheel-running exercise treatment for 1 h daily from post-stress days 1 - 21 counteracted anxiety-like behaviors, and these anxiolytic effects of exercise persisted for more than 2 months, suggesting that anxiolytic effects of exercise stably induced. Repeated restraint treatment up-regulated the expression of the neuropeptide, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), in the lateral hypothalamus, hippocampus, and basolateral amygdala, the brain regions important for emotional behaviors. In an in vitro study, treatment of HT22 hippocampal cells with glucocorticoid increased MCH expression, suggesting that MCH upregulation can be initially triggered by the stress hormone, corticosterone. In contrast, post-stress treatment with wheel-running exercise reduced the stress-induced increase in MCH expression to control levels in the lateral hypothalamus, hippocampus and basolateral amygdala. Administration of an MCH receptor antagonist (SNAP94847) to stress-treated mice was therapeutic against stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors. These results suggest that repeated stress produces long-lasting anxiety-like behaviors and upregulates MCH in the brain, while exercise counteracts stress-induced MCH expression and persisting anxiety-like behaviors.
ADAPTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION FOR MULTI-SENSORY SIGNALS

This paper describes a fast adaptive algorithm for noise cancellation using multi-sensory signal recordings of the same noisy source. It is shown that the performance of the new procedure for noise cancellation for multi-sensory signals is improved when compared to previously proposed methods. A short overview of the previously proposed methods is given. Optimality of the algorithm is discussed and numerical simulation is included to show the validity and effectiveness of the algorithm.
The Anti-Phytophthora Effect of Selected Potato-Associated Pseudomonas Strains: From the Laboratory to the Field

Late blight, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, is the most devastating disease of potato. In organic farming, late blight is controlled by repeated applications of copper-based products, which negatively impact the environment. To find alternative solutions for late blight management, we have previously isolated a large collection of bacteria from the phyllosphere and the rhizosphere of potatoes. Here we report the antagonistic potential of these strains when co-cultivated with P. infestans as well as with other potato pathogens. We then focused on three Pseudomonas strains and compared their protective impact against late blight to that of well-known biocontrol strains in planta using a high-throughput leaf disk assay with automated picture analysis. When sprayed on the leaves of potatoes in the greenhouse, the strains were able to survive for at least 15 days. Under field conditions, populations decreased faster but all tested strains could still be retrieved after 8 days. The most active strain in vitro, P. chlororaphis R47, was also the best protectant on leaf disks from plants grown in the greenhouse experiment, but its protection potential could not be verified in the field due to unfavorable infection conditions. However, its protective effect against P. infestans in planta, its survival in the phyllosphere as well as its ability to colonize the potato rhizosphere in very high population densities, suggest a potential for field application, e.g., in the form of tuber treatment or leaf spray.