Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ethical Judgment of Agents' Behaviors in Multi-Agent Systems

The increasing use of multi-agent technologies in various areas raises the necessity of designing agents that judge ethical behaviors in context. This is why several works integrate ethical concepts in agents' decision making processes. However, those approaches consider mainly an agent-centered perspective, letting aside the fact that agents are in interaction with other artificial agents or human beings that can use other ethical concepts. In this article, we address the problem of producing ethical behaviors from a multi-agent perspective. To this end, we propose a model of ethical judgment an agent can use in order to judge the ethical dimension of both its own behavior and the other agents' behaviors. This model is based on a rationalist and explicit approach that distinguishes theory of good and theory of right. A proof-of-concept implemented in Answer Set Programming and based on a simple scenario is given to illustrate those functionalities.
Crystal: precise and unobtrusive conflict warnings

During collaborative development, individual developers can create conflicts in their copies of the code. Such conflicting edits are frequent in practice, and resolving them can be costly. We present Crystal, a tool that proactively examines developers' code and precisely identifies and reports on textual, compilation, and behavioral conflicts. When conflicts are present, Crystal enables developers to resolve them more quickly, and therefore at a lesser cost. When conflicts are absent, Crystal increases the developers' confidence that it is safe to merge their code. Crystal uses an unobtrusive interface to deliver pertinent information about conflicts. It informs developers about actions that would address the conflicts and about people with whom they should communicate.
Effects of Early Blood Pressure Lowering on Early and Long-Term Outcomes after Acute Stroke: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Background Hypertension is common after acute stroke onset. Previous studies showed controversial effects of early blood pressure (BP) lowering on stroke outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of early BP lowering on early and long-term outcomes after acute stroke. Methods A meta-analysis was conducted with prospective randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of early BP lowering on early and long-term outcomes after acute stroke compared with placebo. Literature searching was performed in the databases from inception to December 2013. New evidence from recent trials were included. Outcomes were analyzed as early (within 30 days) and long-term (from 3 to 12 months) endpoints using summary estimates of relative risks (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) with the fixed-effect model or random-effect model. Results Seventeen trials providing data from 13236 patients were included. Pooled results showed that early BP lowering after acute stroke onset was associated with more death within 30 days compared with placebo (RR: 1.34 and 95% CI: 1.02, 1.74, p = 0.03). However the results showed that early BP lowering had no evident effect on early neurological deterioration, early death within 7 days, long-term death, early and long-term dependency, early and long-term combination of death or dependency, long-term stroke recurrence, long-term myocardial infarction and long-term CVE. Conclusions The new results lend no support to early BP lowering after acute stroke. Early BP lowering may increase death within 30 days after acute stroke.
A importância econômica das vendas diretas como fomentador da cadeia produtiva do urucum e do segmento comercial da estética & embelezamento

O trabalho descreve uma Agroindustria de Cosmeticos situada na regiao do nordeste brasileiro a qual possui mais de 350 franquias e oito mil revendedoras informais que participam das vendas diretas de produtos de estetica e embelezamento oriundos do Urucum. Diante do crescimento desse setor nos ultimos anos e das diferentes vias de comercializacao dessa agroindustria, esse trabalho teve como objetivo discutir a importância do achatamento das cadeias produtivas como principal atalho a se obter maior fatia de mercado pela acao pratica das “vendas diretas” e em seguida constatar se as vendas diretas na agroindustria pesquisada (latitude 07° 05' 00"S e longitude 34° 50' 00"W) realmente tiveram maior significância que as vendas franqueadas. Como procedimento metodologico utilizou – se o teste de hipotese estatistico parametrico de diferenciacao entre grupos pela logica da distribuicao normal. Os resultados encontrados apontaram as vendas diretas sendo significativamente mais relevantes que as vendas franqueadas, onde fabricante e consumidores podem se relacionar sem intermediarios com maior praticidade e comodidade, ampliando assim a possibilidade da agroindustria em obter maiores fatias de mercado e condicoes mais reais de fidelizacao da clientela, bem como, reducao dos custos transacionais.
Mining acronym expansions and their meanings using query click log

Acronyms are abbreviations formed from the initial components of words or phrases. Acronym usage is becoming more common in web searches, email, text messages, tweets, blogs and posts. Acronyms are typically ambiguous and often disambiguated by context words. Given either just an acronym as a query or an acronym with a few context words, it is immensely useful for a search engine to know the most likely intended meanings, ranked by their likelihood. To support such online scenarios, we study the offline mining of acronyms and their meanings in this paper. For each acronym, our goal is to discover all distinct meanings and for each meaning, compute the expanded string, its popularity score and a set of context words that indicate this meaning. Existing approaches are inadequate for this purpose. Our main insight is to leverage "co-clicks" in search engine query click log to mine expansions of acronyms. There are several technical challenges such as ensuring 1:1 mapping between expansions and meanings, handling of "tail meanings" and extracting context words. We present a novel, end-to-end solution that addresses the above challenges. We further describe how web search engines can leverage the mined information for prediction of intended meaning for queries containing acronyms. Our experiments show that our approach (i) discovers the meanings of acronyms with high precision and recall, (ii) significantly complements existing meanings in Wikipedia and (iii) accurately predicts intended meaning for online queries with over 90% precision.
Whey Protein Lycosome Formulation Improves Vascular Functions and Plasma Lipids with Reduction of Markers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Prehypertension

Parameters reflecting cardiovascular health and inflammation were studied in a pilot clinical trial conducted on 40 patients with prehypertension. The patients were treated with a new proprietary formulation of a whey protein (WP) isolate embedded into lycopene micelles (WPL) during a 1-month period. Control groups received lycopene or WP as a singular formulation or placebo pills for the same period of time. Combined WPL formulation of whey protein and lycopene has caused multiple favorable changes in the cardiovascular function (including a tendency to the reduced systemic blood pressure), the plasma lipid profile, and the inflammatory status of patients with prehypertension, whereas singular formulations of the compounds and placebo did not have such an effect. The reduction of plasma triglycerides and cholesterol fractions and almost two-fold decline in C-reactive protein (CRP) and inflammatory oxidative damage (IOD) levels as well as an increase in nitric oxide (NO), tissue oxygenation (StO2), and flow-mediated dilation values constitute the most significant benefit/outcome of the treatment with the combined formulation of whey protein and lycopene. The treatment did not affect the values of ankle-brachial index (ABI), body weight, and body mass index (BMI).
Analysis of relative biological effectiveness of high energy heavy ions in comparison to experimental data.

We report that the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of accelerated heavy ions for inactivation of cells can be analyzed by using the quadratic dependence on the linear energy transfer (LET) of the cellular effect. For high-LET radiation in low-dose regions, the inactivation cross section (sigma) can be approximately expressed as sigma max [1-exp[-k. (LET/Li)2]; here, k is the number of heavy-ions traversed in a cell nucleus and Li is a geometrical parameter related to the DNA structure, which depends on cell type. This original expression was first presented by Powers et al [Int. J. Radiat. Biol. 14 (1968)]. Using this expression and the Poisson distribution for the stochastic property of particle hitting, the mortality of cell populations was calculated. The numerical results were compared to the RBE values recently obtained with Chinese hamster V79 cells, and an Lt value of 152 keV/micron was found to give the best fit. At LETs of between 30 and 500 keV/micron, the D10 values (10% survival dose) agreed with the experimental data within an error range of -15%-(+8%).
Medición del Trastorno por Estrés Postraumático (TEPT) en universitarios mexicanos

Actualmente la violencia en diferentes ambitos y contextos afecta de manera preocupante a Mexico. Las experiencias traumaticas, comunes en algunas comunidades, pueden llegar a configurar problemas graves de salud mental en los individuos, entre ellos se cuenta el Trastorno por Estres Postraumatico (TEPT). El tener a la mano escalas que midan tanto los eventos susceptibles de ser traumaticos como la sintomatologia postraumatica, permitiria una evaluacion rapida antes del diagnostico formal y su utilizacion, principalmente en estudios epidemiologicos que permitan detectar el impacto de dichos sucesos en las personas y las comunidades. El objetivo del presente estudio consistio en la construccion de una escala de sucesos y sintomas asociados al TEPT en poblacion mexicana universitaria, con el fin de obtener su confiabilidad y validez. Participaron 858 estudiantes de cuatro universidades publicas de Tejupilco, Estado de Mexico. La muestra fue de 669 jovenes de ambos sexos con edades de 18 a 25 anos, quienes contestaron la escala en su totalidad. El indice de confiabilidad se obtuvo con una alfa de Cronbach y la validez de constructo mediante el analisis factorial. El suceso mas frecuentemente encontrado fue la experiencia de muerte repentina de algun familiar y/o amigo cercano. La escala, como instrumento de tamizaje, obtuvo indices convenientes para ser aplicada en poblaciones similares. La consistencia interna resulto con una u=. 95 y el analisis factorial arrojo cinco factores con una varianza total de 45.15%. Su diseno permite asociar los sintomas del ultimo ano a un suceso de vida especifico, valorado por el mismo sujeto, como susceptible a ser traumatico. Asi, se detecto vulnerabilidad en la poblacion juvenil estudiantil a padecer el TEPT o algun otro tipo de trastorno psiquiatrico derivado de los sucesos vividos. La identificacion precoz podria sugerir la creacion de servicios generales y especializados en salud mental, acompanados de acciones que reconozcan el valor de la Universidad como uno de los principales espacios sociales para jovenes.
Demonstration Abstract: WARP – A Flexible Platform for Clean-Slate Wireless Medium Access Protocol Design

The flexible interface between the medium access layer and the custom physical layer of the Rice University Wireless Open-Access Research Platform (WARP) provides a high performance research tool for clean-slate cross layer designs. As we target a community platform, we have implemented various basic PHY and MAC technologies over WARP. Moreover, we are implementing cross-layer schemes such as rate adaptation and crosslayer MIMO MAC protocols. In this demo, we demonstrate the flexibility of the interaction between the the WARP PHY and MAC layers by showing the capability to instantaneously change the modulation scheme, disabling/enabling MAC features such as carrier sensing or RTS/CTS 4-way handshake, and different multi-rate schemes.
Polyphenols and Human Health: Prevention of Disease and Mechanisms of Action

Polyphenols are found ubiquitously in plants and their regular consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of a number of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and neurodegenerative disorders. Rather than exerting direct antioxidant effects, the mechanisms by which polyphenols express these beneficial properties appear to involve their interaction with cellular signaling pathways and related machinery that mediate cell function under both normal and pathological conditions. We illustrate that their interactions with two such pathways, the MAP kinase (ERK, JNK, p38) and PI3 kinase/Akt signaling cascades, allow them to impact upon normal and abnormal cell function, thus influencing the cellular processes involved in the initiation and progression of cancer, CVD and neurodegeneration. For example, their ability to activate ERK in neurons leads to a promotion of neuronal survival and cognitive enhancements, both of which influence the progression of Alzheimer's disease, whilst ERK activation by polyphenols in vascular endothelial cells influences nitric oxide production, blood pressure and ultimately CVD risk. The main focus of this review is to provide an overview of the role that polyphenols play in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. We present epidemiological data, human intervention study findings, as well as animal and in vitro studies in support of these actions and in each case we consider how their actions at the cellular level may underpin their physiological effects.
Cognitive behavior of rats with thalamic lesions

The objective of this thesis was to test the idea that medial thalamic nuclei are part of a "memory circuit" in the brain. Rats received lesions of the anterior (ANT) or medial dorsal (MD) thalamic nuclei and were tested on two spatial tasks, a nonspatial configural task, and spontaneous and amphetamine-induced activity. The thalamic rats were impaired on the spatial and configural tasks, and some of the thalamic groups were slightly hyperactive after administration of amphetamine. The deficits were not large and could not be unequivocally attributed to the ANT or MD damage. The results question the role of the ANT or MD in the behaviors studied. It is suggested that the deficits obtained after thalamic damage may be nonspecific and it is concluded that the results do not support the notion that thalamic structures have a primary role in memory.
An Explanation for the Seasonality of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Viral Infections

Despite a great increase in our understanding of the molecular biology of the viruses associated with acute upper respiratory tract viral infections (URTIs) there is a remarkable lack of knowledge and ideas about why URTI should exhibit a seasonal incidence. Most publications in this area either acknowledge a complete lack of any explanation for the seasonality of URTI or put forward an explanation relating to an increased "crowding" of susceptible persons in winter. This review will discuss some of the ideas concerning the seasonality of URTI and put forward a new hypothesis for discussion, namely that seasonal exposure to cold air causes an increase in the incidence of URTI due to cooling of the nasal airway. The hypothesis is supported by literature reports demonstrating that inhalation of cold air causes cooling of the nasal epithelium, and that this reduction in nasal temperature is sufficient to inhibit respiratory defences against infection such as mucociliary clearance and the phagocytic activity of leukocytes. A case is also made to suggest that warming of the nasal airway during fever and nasal congestion may help to resolve a current URTI.
Reversing Drug Resistance In Vivo

Apoptotic defects occur in oncogenesis and contribute to drug resistance. We have shown that Bcl-2, Akt, and the translational regulator eIF4E cooperate with Myc during lymphomagenesis and are potent inducers of drug resistance. Interestingly, lymphomas expressing Akt, but not those expressing Bcl-2 are sensitized tochemotherapy-induced apoptosis by the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, an effect that is countered by eIF4E. These results provide in vivo validation for a strategy to reverse drug resistance in human cancers and highlight the potential role of translational deregulation in oncogenesis and resistance. They also illustrate the importance of tailoring cancer therapy based on tumor genotype.
Ecstasy (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine): History, Neurochemistry, and Toxicology

Background: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy), a compound chemically related to stimulant and hallucinogenic drugs, has been found to induce a state of euphoria and increased self-awareness. MDMA has been increasingly used for recreational purposes, especially among college students and other young adults, and has been associated with multiple toxic effects. Methods: Using MEDLINE, the medical literature was searched from 1986 using the key words “ecstasy,” “MDMA,” and “designer drugs. ” Articles dating before 1986 were accessed from cross-reference of the more recent articles. A case report is described. Results: MDMA was developed in 1912 as an appetite suppressant but never became commercially successful. It resurfaced in the 1950s as a psychotherapeutic agent. In 1985 MDMA was classified as a schedule 1 drug by the Food and Drug Administration after reports of neurotoxicity in laboratory animals. It again resurfaced in the mid 1980s as a recreational drug used primarily among college students and other young adults. There are a number of case reports describing toxic effects from MDMA, including hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, coagulopathy, and acute renal failure. Little information is available regarding acute management or treatment of toxic ingestions. Conclusions: MDMA ingestion has been associated with severe toxic effects. Although the literature describes numerous cases of toxic ingestion, there are no published recommendations or suggestions to guide physicians in the evaluation and treatment of such cases. By reviewing the history, neurochemistry, and toxicology of MDMA, as well as providing some guidance regarding management of toxic ingestion, we can arm the provider with valuable information for use in the acute setting. In addition, this information will assist providers in counseling young adults regarding the possible consequences of using this substance.
A phosphorylation site in the Ftz homeodomain is required for activity

The Drosophila homeodomain‐containing protein Fushi tarazu (Ftz) is expressed sequentially in the embryo, first in alternate segments, then in specific neuroblasts and neurons in the central nervous system, and finally in parts of the gut. During these different developmental stages, the protein is heavily phosphorylated on different subsets of Ser and Thr residues. This stage‐specific phosphorylation suggests possible roles for signal transduction pathways in directing tissue‐specific Ftz activities. Here we show that one of the Ftz phosphorylation sites, T263 in the N‐terminus of the Ftz homeodomain, is phosphorylated in vitro by Drosophila embryo extracts and protein kinase A. In the embryo, mutagenesis of this site to the non‐phosphorylatable residue Ala resulted in loss of ftz‐dependent segments. Conversely, substitution of T263 with Asp, which is also non‐phosphorylatable, but which successfully mimics phosphorylated residues in a number of proteins, rescued the mutant phenotype. This suggests that T263 is in the phosphorylated state when functioning normally in vivo. We also demonstrate that the T263 substitutions of Ala and Asp do not affect Ftz DNA‐binding activity in vitro, nor do they affect stability or transcriptional activity in transfected S2 cells. This suggests that T263 phosphorylation is most likely required for a homeodomain‐mediated interaction with an embryonically expressed protein.
Analysis and further results on adaptive entropy-coded quantization

Buffer underflow and overflow problems associated with entropy coding are completely eliminated by effectively imposing reflecting walls at the buffer endpoints. Synchronous operation of the AECQ (adaptive entropy-coded quantizer) encoder and decoder is examined in detail, and it is shown that synchronous operation is easily achieved without side information. A method is developed to explicitly solve for the buffer-state probability distribution and the resulting average distortion when memoryless buffer-state feedback is used as well as when the source is stationary and memoryless. This method is then used as a tool in the design of low-distortion AECQ systems, with particular attention given to developing source scale-invariant distortion performance. It is shown that the introduction of reflecting buffer walls in a properly designed AECQ system results in a very small rate-distortion performance penalty and that the resulting AECQ system can be an extremely simple and effective solution to the stationary memoryless source-coding problem for a wide range of source types. Operation with nonstationary sources is also examined. >
The significance of the nuclear and cytoplasmic localization of metallothionein in human liver and tumor cells.

Metallothioneins are a group of low-molecular-weight intracellular proteins present in high levels in fetal mammalian livers, bound to zinc and copper. They are also present in two major isoforms in low basal levels in various organs of adults in several species. Although a number of functions have been proposed for metallothioneins, their major biological roles may be in the storage of zinc and copper during rapid growth and development, and also in the detoxification of certain toxic metals. In adult liver, metallothionein is mainly localized in the cytoplasm, it is localized also in the hepatocyte nuclei in human fetal liver and fetal and neonatal rat liver, as determined by immunohistochemical staining with a specific metallothionein antibody. Because of its high expression in fetal development, the potential role of metallothioneins in human tumors was investigated. The cellular localization of metallothionein was demonstrated in various human tumors such as thyroid tumors, testicular germ cell carcinoma, bladder transitional cell carcinomas, and salivary gland tumors. In most of these tumor tissues, metallothioneins were found in high levels in nucleus and cytoplasm in both benign and malignant tumors, although the proliferating edge of the malignant tumors showed most intense metallothionein staining. The expression of metallothionein is not universal to all tumor growth; its presence may depend on various factors, such as the type of tumor, cellular origin, morphological heterogeneity, or stage of growth. Human testicular seminomas, which are well differentiated, showed little expression of metallothionein irrespective of the staging, as compared to less well-differentiated embryonal carcinomas. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) ImagesFigure 3.Figure 4.
Activity-Based Computing – Lessons Learned and Open Issues

The prevailing computer paradigms do a poor job at meeting their human users at their level of abstractions. Humans organize work and leisure in more or less well defined tasks and activities. Computers organize computing in terms of applications, files, networks, etc. This abstraction gap becomes a big problem in situations characterized by mobility, frequent interruptions, and collaboration – situations that pervasive computing is intended to support. A new paradigm, task-level or activity-based computing, has been proposed to lessen the abstraction gap and provide a better platform for pervasive computing. In this paper, we shortly describe our approach to activity-based computing and describe lessons learned so far, including discussing some of the more tricky open issues which has surfaced in our research.