Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tangible interface for collaborative information retrieval

Most information retrieval (IR) interfaces are designed for a single user working with a dedicated interface. We present a system in which the IR interface has been fully integrated into a collaborative context of discussion or debate relating to the query topic. By using a tangible user interface, we support multiple users interacting simultaneously to refine the query. Integration with more powerful back-end query processing is still in progress, but we have already been able to evaluate the prototype interface in a real context of use, and confirmed that it can improve relevance rankings compared to single-user dedicated search engines such as Google.
Immediate versus delayed primary nerve repair in the rabbit sciatic nerve

It is well known that peripheral nerve injury should be treated immediately in the clinic, but in some instances, repair can be delayed. This study investigated the effects of immediate versus delayed (3 days after injury) neurorrhaphy on repair of transected sciatic nerve in New Zealand rabbits using stereological, histomorphological and biomechanical methods. At 8 weeks after immediate and delayed neurorrhaphy, axon number and area in the sciatic nerve, myelin sheath and epineurium thickness, Schwann cell morphology, and the mechanical property of nerve fibers did not differ obviously. These results indicate that delayed neurorrhaphy do not produce any deleterious effect on sciatic nerve repair.
Adipose Triglyceride Lipase and Hormone-Sensitive Lipase Are Involved in Fat Loss in JunB-Deficient Mice

Proteins of the activator protein-1 family are known to have roles in many physiological processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation. However, their role in fat metabolism has yet to be defined in more detail. Here we study the impact of JunB deficiency on the metabolic state of mice. JunB knockout (JunB-KO) mice show markedly decreased weight gain, reduced fat mass, and a low survival rate compared with control mice. If fed a high-fat diet, the weight gain of JunB-KO mice is comparable to control mice and the survival rate improves dramatically. Along with normal expression of adipogenic marker genes in white adipose tissue (WAT) of JunB-KO mice, this suggests that adipogenesis per se is not affected by JunB deficiency. This is supported by in vitro data, because neither JunB-silenced 3T3-L1 cells nor mouse embryonic fibroblasts from JunB-KO mice show a change in adipogenic potential. Interestingly, the key enzymes of lipolysis, adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase, were significantly increased in WAT of fasted JunB-KO mice. Concomitantly, the ratio of plasma free fatty acids per gram fat mass was increased, suggesting an elevated lipolytic rate under fasting conditions. Furthermore, up-regulation of TNFα and reduced expression of perilipin indicate that this pathway is also involved in increased lipolytic rate in these mice. Additionally, JunB-KO mice are more insulin sensitive than controls and show up-regulation of lipogenic genes in skeletal muscle, indicating a shuttling of energy substrates from WAT to skeletal muscle. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the impact of JunB deficiency on the metabolic state of mice.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Diagnosing tubal pathology : The individual approach

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MILITARY DRAFT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN OECD COUNTRIES

Economic theory predicts that military conscription is associated with static inefficiencies as well as with dynamic distortions of the accumulation of human and physical capital. Relative to an economy with an all‐volunteer force, output levels and growth rates should be lower in countries that rely on a military draft to recruit their army personnel. For OECD countries, we show that military conscription indeed has a statistically significantly negative impact on economic performance.
Metformin extends life span of HER-2/neu transgenic mice and in combination with melatonin inhibits growth of transplantable tumors in vivo

Population studies have shown that treatment with the antidiabetic biguanide metformin significantly reduced cancer risk. In our animal studies, metformin delayed the onset of mammary adenocarcinoma (MAC) in transgenic HER-2/neu mice but not the onset of spontaneous mammary tumors in female SHR mice. Pineal hormone also inhibits mammary carcinoma development in HER2/neu transgenic mice as well as in female SHR mice. Here we demonstrated that a combination of metformin and melatonin significantly inhibits growth of transplanted tumors in mice. Metformin (1.2 mg/ml in drinking water) increased mean life span by 8% and MAC latency by 13.2% (p
Biological activity and stability in vitro of polyphenolic extracts as potential dietary supplements.

INTRODUCTION In times of worsening civilization diseases the interest in natural healing substances is on the increase. To reduce unwanted side effects of many synthetic drugs, it is reasonable to introduce to the daily diet foods rich in natural compounds of plant origin that are beneficial for health. The purpose of the study was to determine the biological activity and stability of selected ethanol extracts of the fruit of chokeberry, blackcurrant, hawthorn, rosehip, quince and Japanese quince as potential nutraceuticals. MATERIALS AND METHODS Antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined in relation to model phospholipid membranes (IC50(PC)). Antiradical activity was determined in a test with the DPPH• radical (IC50(DPPH)). Also the inhibition of enzymatic (1-LOX) oxidation of linoleic acid was determined at the beginning of the period of storage of the extracts at room temperature and after 12 months. RESULTS After 12 months of storage the highest antioxidant stability was shown by blackcurrant extract (1.5% increase in IC50(PC)), the highest antiradical stability by quince extract (1.0% reduction in IC50(DPPH)), and the highest stability of 1-LOX enzyme inhibition by chokeberry extract (6.3% reduction in inhibition at a concentration of 8 μg∙(-1)). Japanese quince extract showed the strongest regenerating properties with respect to oxidized phospholipid membranes and the highest ability to eliminate the free radical DPPH•. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that the ethanol extracts of the fruits (in particular blackcurrant, chokeberry and Japanese quince) are a potential source of dietary supplements of expected effectiveness in preventive treatment.
Uncovering rare mutations: an unforeseen complication of routine genotyping of APOE.

APOE genotyping to identify subjects with the E4 allele is helpful in the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease when used together with clinical criteria (1). The most common APOE genotyping method involves digestion of a 244-bp PCR-amplified fragment of APOE exon 4 followed by digestion with endonuclease Hha I (2). The digestion creates a characteristic pattern of DNA bands in electrophoresis gels for each of the three common APOE alleles ( E4 , E3 , and E2 ) and thus for the six common APOE genotypes ( E4 / 4 , E3 / 3 , E2 / 2 , E4 / 3 , E3 / 2 , and E4 / 2 ) (2). However, there are four additional Hha I recognition sites within the 244-bp fragment that is amplified by this method, and the fragment also harbors several sites that differ from the Hha I recognition sequence (GCG/C) by a single nucleotide (2). In the course of >2000 APOE genotyping reactions, we have observed two individuals who had patterns of Hha I restriction fragments that were distinct from any that could have resulted from the common APOE genotypes (Fig. 1⇓ ). DNA sequencing of … [↵][1]aAuthor for correspondence. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Analytic band Monte Carlo model for electron transport in Si including acoustic and optical phonon dispersion

We describe the implementation of a Monte Carlo model for electron transport in silicon. The model uses analytic, nonparabolic electron energy bands, which are computationally efficient and sufficiently accurate for future low-voltage s, 1V d nanoscale device applications. The electron-lattice scattering is incorporated using an isotropic, analytic phonon-dispersion model, which distinguishes between the optical/acoustic and the longitudinal/transverse phonon branches. We show that this approach avoids introducing unphysical thresholds in the electron distribution function, and that it has further applications in computing detailed phonon generation spectra from Joule heating. A set of deformation potentials for electron-phonon scattering is introduced and shown to yield accurate transport simulations in bulk silicon across a wide range of electric fields and temperatures. The shear deformation potential is empirically determined at Ju= 6.8 eV, and consequently, the isotropically averaged scattering potentials with longitudinal and transverse acoustic phonons are DLA= 6.39 eV and DTA= 3.01 eV, respectively, in reasonable agreement with previous studies. The room-temperature electron mobility in strained silicon is also computed and shown to be in better agreement with the most recent phonon-limited data available. As a result, we find that electron coupling with g-type phonons is about 40% lower, and the coupling with f-type phonons is almost twice as strong as previously reported. © 2004 American Institute of Physics . [DOI: 10.1063/1.1788838]
Spatial self-structuring accelerates adaptive speciation in sexual populations

QUESTIONS: How does spatial self-structuring influence the waiting time until adaptive speciation in a population with sexual reproduction? Which mechanisms underlie this effect? MODEL: Using a spatially explicit individual-based multi-locus model of adaptive speciation, we investigate the evolution of a sexually reproducing population, with different levels of spatial self-structuring induced by different distances of natal dispersal. We examine how the waiting time until speciation is affected by the mobility of individuals, the number of loci determining the phenotype under disruptive selection, and the mating costs for individuals that prefer rare phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial self-structuring facilitates the evolution of assortative mating and accelerates adaptive speciation. We identify three mechanisms that are responsible for this effect: (i) spatial self-structuring promotes the evolution of assortativity by providing assortative mating "for free", as individuals find phenotypically similar mates within their spatial clusters; (ii) it helps assortatively mating individuals with rare phenotypes to find mating partners even when the selected phenotype is determined by a large number of loci, so that strict assortativity is difficult; and (iii) it renders speciation less sensitive to costs of assortative mating, especially for individuals that prefer rare phenotypes.
Does the Kyphotic Change Decrease the Risk of Fall?

Objectives Falls are a major problem in the elderly. Age-related degeneration of the human balance system increases the risk of falls. Kyphosis is a common condition of curvature of the upper spine in the elderly and its development occurs through degenerative change. However, relatively little is known about the effect of kyphotic changes on balance in the elderly. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of kyphosis on the balance strategy through use of the motor control test (MCT) in computerized dynamic posturography. Methods Fifty healthy subjects who were not affected by other medical disorders that could affect gait or balance were enrolled in the study. By simulation of kyphotic condition through change of the angles of the line connecting the shoulder to the hip and the ankle axis by approximately 30°, the latency and amplitude of the MCT were measured in upright and kyphotic condition. Results In the kyphotic condition, latency was shortened in backward movement. In forward movement, latency was shortened only in large stimulation. The amplitude in forward movement was decreased in kyphotic condition. However, the change of amplitude was not significant in large intensity backward movement in the same condition. Conclusion Kyphotic condition decreases the latency of MCT, especially in backward movement. These findings imply that kyphotic condition may serve as a protective factor against falls.
Below-ground plant–fungus network topology is not congruent with above-ground plant–animal network topology

DNA sequencing uncovers the entire architecture of below-ground plant–fungus networks. In nature, plants and their pollinating and/or seed-dispersing animals form complex interaction networks. The commonly observed pattern of links between specialists and generalists in these networks has been predicted to promote species coexistence. Plants also build highly species-rich mutualistic networks below ground with root-associated fungi, and the structure of these plant–fungus networks may also affect terrestrial community processes. By compiling high-throughput DNA sequencing data sets of the symbiosis of plants and their root-associated fungi from three localities along a latitudinal gradient, we uncovered the entire network architecture of these interactions under contrasting environmental conditions. Each network included more than 30 plant species and hundreds of mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi belonging to diverse phylogenetic groups. The results were consistent with the notion that processes shaping host-plant specialization of fungal species generate a unique linkage pattern that strongly contrasts with the pattern of above-ground plant–partner networks. Specifically, plant–fungus networks lacked a “nested” architecture, which has been considered to promote species coexistence in plant–partner networks. Rather, the below-ground networks had a conspicuous “antinested” topology. Our findings lead to the working hypothesis that terrestrial plant community dynamics are likely determined by the balance between above-ground and below-ground webs of interspecific interactions.
Is the androgen receptor CAG repeat length significant for prostate cancer?

In this issue, Chen et al. [(1)][1] report results from a nested case-control study that examines a CAG repeat region in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene ( AR ) in relation to risk of prostate cancer. In contrast with most of the early reports [(2][2], [3][3], [4)][4] , but consistent with
Differential Patterns of Music Listening: Focus of Attention of Musicians versus Nonmusicians.

This study was designed to investigate patterns of music listening among music and nonmusic majors regarding four primary constituent elements of music. Specifically, the research was designed to determine whether listeners demonstrate consistent focused listening patterns to the elements of rhythm, dynamics, timbre, and melody across excerpts intentionally chosen for salience of the above elements and whether musicians differ from nonmusicians in listening patterns. Subjects (A/=120) consisted of 60 musicians and 60 nonmusicians. All subjects listened to 10 orchestral excerpts and manipulated a Continuous Response Digital Interface (CRDI) indicating their ongoing focus of attention to the above elements including an additional category of "Everything. " Data consisted of cumulative seconds spent in each of the elements that subjects identified as their focus of attention. Results indicated that musicians do, indeed, attend to listening significantly differently than nonmusicians. Musicians spend most of their time attending to melody, then rhythm and dynamics and lastly timbre. Nonmusicians spend most of their time focusing on dynamics, then melody, then timbre, then the classification of "Everything" with a very low percentage of seconds focused on rhythm. Additional applications of the CRDI as a useful and reliable nonverbal measuring device are discussed.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) over InfiniBand

IP over Infiniband (IPoIB) link-layer address is 20 octets long. This is larger than the 16 octets reserved for the hardware address in a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol/Bootstrap Protocol (DHCP/BOOTP) message. The above inequality imposes restrictions on the use of the DHCP message fields when used over an IPoIB network. This document describes the use of DHCP message fields when implementing DHCP over IPoIB. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Constituents of cinnamon inhibit bacterial acetyl CoA carboxylase.

Cinnamon bark ( CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM) is used extensively as an antimicrobial material and currently is being increasingly used in Europe by people with type II diabetes to control their glucose levels. In this paper we describe the action of cinnamon oil, its major component, TRANS-cinnamaldehyde, and an analogue, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy- TRANS-cinnamaldehyde against bacterial acetyl-CoA carboxylase in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of action of this well-known antimicrobial material. These natural products inhibited the carboxyltransferase component of ESCHERICHIA COLI acetyl-CoA carboxylase but had no effect on the activity of the biotin carboxylase component. The inhibition patterns indicated that these products bound to the biotin binding site of carboxyltransferase with TRANS-cinnamaldehyde having a K (i) value of 3.8 ± 0.6 mM. The inhibition of carboxyltransferase by 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy- TRANS-cinnamaldehyde was analyzed with a new assay for this enzyme based on capillary electrophoresis. These results explain, in part, the antibacterial activity of this well-known antimicrobial material.
Network traffic locality in a rural African village

The Internet is evolving from a system of connections between humans and machines to a new paradigm of social connection. However, it is still dominated by a hub and spoke architecture with inter-connectivity between users typically requiring connections to a common server on the Internet. This creates a large amount of traffic that must traverse an Internet gateway, even when users communicate with each other in a local network. Nowhere is this inefficiency more pronounced than in rural areas with low-bandwidth connectivity to the Internet. Our previous work in a rural village in Macha, Zambia showed that web traffic, and social networking in particular, are dominant services. In this paper we use a recent network trace, from this same village, to explore the degree of local user-to-user interaction in the village. Extraction of a social graph, using instant message interactions on Facebook, reveals that 54% of the messages are between local users. Traffic analysis highlights that the potential spare capacity of the local network is not utilized for direct local communication between users even though indirect communication between local users is routed through services on the Internet. These findings build a strong motivation for a new rural network architecture that places services that enable user-to-user interaction and file sharing in the village.
Optimal control of the plug-in electric vehicles for V2G frequency regulation using quadratic programming

An aggregator is designed for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) frequency regulation service. Active discharge of the plug-in electric vehicle is enabled utilizing the regulation signal to avoid the energy constraint. Some structural restrictions are investigated through the system review. In addition, the characteristics of regulation signal are retrieved though statistical analysis. Then, an objective function is defined considering the energy constraint and the target state-of-charge (SOC). The discharge is enforced through uneven distribution of the regulation signal. For this purpose, appropriate variables are employed during the formulation. Then, we convert the objective function into a quadratic form with additional constrains to solve it with the quadratic programming. Finally, the global constraints, dependencies among the vehicles, are eliminated through a prioritized scheduling method, hence avoiding the problem being intractable.
Workload models for DBMS performance evaluation

A hierarchy of workload models to support Database Management System Performance Measurement and Evaluation studies is defined herein. The hierarchy is structured so that each successive layer represents database design, DBMS functionality and workload characterization in progressively greater detail. The design of the hierarchy was influenced by the ANSI/X3/SPARC (3) model for DBMS architecture, by Senko's DIAM (20), by Scheuermann's DBMS model (19) and by Sevcik's layered model for database system performance evaluation (21). The hierarchical layers clearly isolate DBMS functionality from organizational activities and underlying machine characteristics. Specific modeling techniques for deriving both database design and workload models at each level of the hierarchy are identified. The database design models form the basis for defining certain critical components of the workload models. The hierarchy of workload models facilitates a clear separation of the relevant performance measurement and evaluation issues and objectives based upon an increasingly detailed view of the total computing environment. Figure 1 illustrates the major layers of the hierarchy. The remainder of this paper defines the workload models developed at each layer and the measurement parameters and performance metrics derived therein.
Discovering and Visualizing Prototypical Artists by Web-Based Co-Occurrence Analysis

Detecting artists that can be considered as prototypes for particular genres or styles of music is an interesting task. In this paper, we present an approach that ranks artists according to their prototypicality. To calculate such a ranking, we use asymmetric similarity matrices obtained via co-occurrence analysis of artist names on web pages. We demonstrate our approach on a data set containing 224 artists from 14 genres and evaluate the results using the rank correlation between the prototypicality ranking and a ranking obtained by page counts of search queries to Google that contain artist and genre. High positive rank correlations are achieved for nearly all genres of the data set. Furthermore, we elaborate a visualization method that illustrates similarities between artists using the prototypes of all genres as reference points. On the whole, we show how to create a prototypicality ranking and use it, together with a similarity matrix, to visualize a music repository.
Ninth Grade for the LD Student at Risk for High School Dropout.

AUTHOR Sansone, Janet; Baker, Janice TITLE Ninth Grade for the LD Student at Risk for High School Dropout. SPONS AGENCY Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC. PUB DATE Apr 87 GRANT G008530042 NOTE 16p. ; Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the American Educational Research Association (Washington, DC, April 20-24, 1987). PUB TYPE Reports Research/Technical (143) -Speeches /Conference Papers (150)