Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Research Model for Human-Computer Trust Interaction

Trust plays an important role in human-computer interaction. It helps people overcome risk and uncertainty. With the rapid growth of computer and networking technology, human-computer trust has been paid attention to. This paper studies the factors that influence the trust in human-computer interaction, i.e., the construct of human-computer trust interaction (HCTI). Based on a literature survey, we propose a research model of human-computer trust interaction that contains three root constructs: interaction intention, computer system trust and communication trust. Meanwhile, we design a measurement scale to verify it in the future.
Venous occlusion plethysmography using a fiber-optic sensor

The results of comparative testing of a fiber-optic sensor used as an alternative method for limb blood flow assessment by venous occlusion plethysmography are presented. The measurement of volume changes following venous occlusion was performed with a variety of methods, including the commonly used mercury strain-gauge, which suffers temperature drift and long-term instability as well as environmental problems (the marketing of mercury sensors is prohibited, beginning in 1993). The evaluation and optimization of the fiber optic microbending sensor is described in detail, along with results of the comparison with the mercury sensor for lower limb blood flow measurements. <<ETX>>
PART OF A SPECIAL ISSUE ON THE PLANT CELL CYCLE Spatial and temporal profiles of cytokinin biosynthesis and accumulation in developing caryopses of maize

†Background and Aims Cytokinins are a major group of plant hormones and are associated with various developmental processes. Developing caryopses of maize have high levels of cytokinins, but little is known about their spatial and temporal distribution. The localization and quantification of cytokinins was investigated in maize (Zea mays) caryopsis from 0 to 28 d after pollination together with the expression and localization of isopentenyltransferase ZmIPT1 involved in cytokinin biosynthesis and ZmCNGT, the gene putatively involved in N9-glucosylation. †Methods Biochemical, cellular and molecular approaches resolved the overall cytokinin profiles, and several gene expression assays were used for two critical genes to assess cytokinin cell-specific biosynthesis and conversion to the biologically inactive form. Cytokinins were immunolocalized for the first time in maize caryopses. †Key Results During the period 0‐ 28 d after pollination (DAP): (1) large quantities of cytokinins were detected in the maternal pedicel region relative to the filial tissues during the early stages after fertilization; (2) unpollinated ovules did not accumulate cytokinins; (3) the maternal nucellar region showed little or no cytokinin signal; (4) the highest cytokinin concentrations in filial endosperm and embryo were detected at 12 DAP, predominantly zeatin riboside and zeatin-9-glucoside, respectively; and (5) a strong cytokinin immuno-signal was detected in specific cell types in the pedicel, endosperm and embryo. †Conclusions The cytokinins of developing maize caryopsis may originate from both local syntheses as well as by transport. High levels of fertilization-dependent cytokinins in the pedicel suggest filial control on metabolism in the maternal tissue; they may also trigger developmental programmed cell death in the pedicel.
The Eukaryotic Microbiome: Origins and Implications for Fetal and Neonatal Life

All eukaryotic organisms are holobionts representing complex collaborations between the entire microbiome of each eukaryote and its innate cells. These linked constituencies form complex localized and interlocking ecologies in which the specific microbial constituents and their relative abundance differ substantially according to age and environmental exposures. Rapid advances in microbiology and genetic research techniques have uncovered a significant previous underestimate of the extent of that microbial contribution and its metabolic and developmental impact on holobionts. Therefore, a re-calibration of the neonatal period is suggested as a transitional phase in development that includes the acquisition of consequential collaborative microbial life from extensive environmental influences. These co-dependent, symbiotic relationships formed in the fetal and neonatal stages extend into adulthood and even across generations.
A Whole-Genome SNP Association Study of NCI60 Cell Line Panel Indicates a Role of Ca2+ Signaling in Selenium Resistance

Epidemiological studies have suggested an association between selenium intake and protection from a variety of cancer. Considering this clinical importance of selenium, we aimed to identify the genes associated with resistance to selenium treatment. We have applied a previous methodology developed by our group, which is based on the genetic and pharmacological data publicly available for the NCI60 cancer cell line panel. In short, we have categorized the NCI60 cell lines as selenium resistant and sensitive based on their growth inhibition (GI50) data. Then, we have utilized the Affymetrix 125K SNP chip data available and carried out a genome-wide case-control association study for the selenium sensitive and resistant NCI60 cell lines. Our results showed statistically significant association of four SNPs in 5q33–34, 10q11.2, 10q22.3 and 14q13.1 with selenium resistance. These SNPs were located in introns of the genes encoding for a kinase-scaffolding protein (AKAP6), a membrane protein (SGCD), a channel protein (KCNMA1), and a protein kinase (PRKG1). The knock-down of KCNMA1 by siRNA showed increased sensitivity to selenium in both LNCaP and PC3 cell lines. Furthermore, SNP-SNP interaction (epistasis) analysis indicated the interactions of the SNPs in AKAP6 with SGCD as well as SNPs in AKAP6 with KCNMA1 with each other, assuming additive genetic model. These genes were also all involved in the Ca2+ signaling, which has a direct role in induction of apoptosis and induction of apoptosis in tumor cells is consistent with the chemopreventive action of selenium. Once our findings are further validated, this knowledge can be translated into clinics where individuals who can benefit from the chemopreventive characteristics of the selenium supplementation will be easily identified using a simple DNA analysis.
Evaluation of synthesized sign and visual speech by deaf

This paper is focused on an evaluation of quality of synthesized sign speech and a comparison of sign and visual speech. The evaluation has been performed with the Czech sign speech synthesis system. The system produces a manual component as well as a non-manual component given by the lip articulation. The perception test by deaf children from primary school is scored on the isolated signs. Two studies are designed for 5-6 and 11-13 years old pupils. It uses the multiple-choice test composed from picture of the signs to get an intelligibility score. The results confirm intelligibility of the synthesized sign speech as well as visual speech and indicate also statistically a significant difference between perception of sign and visual speech.
The Contribution of Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gas Mitigation to Achieving Long-Term Temperature Goals

This paper analyses the emissions and cost impacts of mitigation of non-CO2 greenhouse gases (GHGs) at a global level, in scenarios aimed at meeting a range of long-term temperature goals (LTTGs). The study combines an integrated assessment model (TIAM-Grantham) representing CO2 emissions (and their mitigation) from the fossil fuel combustion and industrial sectors, coupled with a model covering non-CO2 emissions (GAINS), using the latest global warming potentials from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fifth Assessment Report. We illustrate that in general non-CO2 mitigation measures are less costly than CO2 mitigation measures, with the majority of their abatement potential achievable at US2005$100/tCO2e or less throughout the 21st century (compared to a marginal CO2 mitigation cost which is already greater than this by 2030 in the most stringent mitigation scenario). As a result, the total cumulative discounted cost over the period 2010–2100 (at a 5% discount rate) of limiting global average temperature change to 2.5 °C by 2100 is $48 trillion (about 1.6% of cumulative discounted GDP over the period 2010–2100) if only CO2 from the fossil fuel and industrial sectors is targeted, whereas the cost falls to $17 trillion (0.6% of GDP) by including non-CO2 GHG mitigation in the portfolio of options—a cost reduction of about 65%. The criticality of non-CO2 mitigation recommends further research, given its relatively less well-explored nature when compared to CO2 mitigation.
A well-characterized approximation problem

The authors consider the following NP optimization problem: given a set of polynomials P/sub i/(x), i=1. s of degree at most 2 over GF(p) in n variables, find a root common to as many as possible of the polynomials P/sub i/(x). They prove that in the case when the polynomials do not contain any squares as monomials, it is always possible to approximate this problem within a factor of /sup p2///sub p-1/ in polynomial time. This follows from the stronger statement that one can, in polynomial time, find an assignment that satisfies at least /sup p-1///sub p2/ of the nontrivial equations. More interestingly, they prove that approximating the maximal number of polynomials with a common root to within a factor of p- in is NP-hard. They also prove that for any constant delta <1, it is NP-hard to approximate the solution of quadratic equations over the rational numbers, or over the reals, within n/sup delta /. <<ETX>>
Identification of the Bacterial Community of Maple Sap by Using Amplified Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) Restriction Analysis and rDNA Sequencing

ABSTRACT The bacterial community of maple sap was characterized by analysis of samples obtained at the taphole of maple trees for the 2001 and 2002 seasons. Among the 190 bacterial isolates, 32 groups were formed according to the similarity of the banding patterns obtained by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA). A subset of representative isolates for each ARDRA group was identified by 16S rRNA gene fragment sequencing. Results showed a wide variety of organisms, with 22 different genera encountered. Pseudomonas and Ralstonia, of the γ- and β-Proteobacteria, respectively, were the most frequently encountered genera. Gram-positive bacteria were also observed, and Staphylococcus, Plantibacter, and Bacillus were the most highly represented genera. The sampling period corresponding to 50% of the cumulative sap flow percentage presented the greatest bacterial diversity according to its Shannon diversity index value (1.1). γ-Proteobacteria were found to be dominant almost from the beginning of the season to the end. These results are providing interesting insights on maple sap microflora that will be useful for further investigation related to microbial contamination and quality of maple products and also for guiding new strategies on taphole contamination control.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Birth weight in a large series of triplets

Background: Triplets are often born premature and with a low birth weight. Because the incidence of triplet births is rare, there are relatively few studies describing triplet birth weight characteristics. Earlier studies are often characterized by small sample sizes and lack information on important background variables such as zygosity. The objective of this study is to examine factors associated with birth weight in a large, population-based sample of triplets registered with the Netherlands Twin Register (NTR). Methods: In a sample of 1230 triplets from 410 families, the effects of assisted reproductive techniques, zygosity, birth order, gestational age, sex, maternal smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy on birth weight were assessed. The resemblance among triplets for birth weight was estimated as a function of zygosity. Birth weight discordance within families was studied by the pair-wise difference between triplets, expressed as a percentage of the birth weight of the heaviest child. We compare data from triplets registered with the NTR with data from population records, which include live births, stillbirths and children that have deceased within days after birth. Results: There was no effect of assisted reproductive techniques on triplet birth weight. At gestational age 24 to 40 weeks triplets gained on average 130 grams per week; boys weighed 110 grams more than girls and triplets of smoking mothers weighted 104 grams less than children of non-smoking mothers. Monozygotic triplets had lower birth weights than diand trizygotic triplets and birth weight discordance was smaller in monozygotic triplets than in diand trizygotic triplets. The correlation in birth weight among monozygotic and dizygotic triplets was 0.42 and 0.32, respectively. In nearly two-thirds of the families, the heaviest and the lightest triplet had a birth weight discordance over 15%. The NTR sample is representative for the Dutch triplet population that is still alive 28 days after birth. Conclusion: Birth weight is an important determinant of childhood development. Triplet status, gestational age, sex, zygosity and maternal smoking affect birth weight. The combined effects amount to a difference of 364 grams between monozygotic girl triplets of smoking mothers compared to dizygotic boy triplets of non-smoking mothers of the same gestational age. Birth weight in triplets is also influenced by genetic factors, as indicated by a larger correlation in monozygotic than in diand trizygotic triplets.
Comparing the performance of coded multiuser OFDM and coded MC-CDMA over fading channels

The bit error rate of a coded Multiuser OFDM (M-OFDM) system and coded multicarrier CDMA (MC-CDMA) system with multiuser detection is analyzed. The paper focuses on downlink wireless applications, where the channel suffers from frequency-selective fading. We investigate both systems when long time interleaving is possible, though introducing large delays, and when time interleaving is limited. Bit error rate lower bounds and simulation results show that, when the system load is high, M-OFDM performs similar to MC-CDMA while its implementation is less complex as it does not require multiuser detection.
Particle dynamics and multi-channel feature dictionaries for robust visual tracking

We present a novel approach to solve the visual tracking problem in a particle filter framework based on sparse visual representations. Current state-of-the-art trackers use low-resolution image intensity features in target appearance modeling. Such features often fail to capture sufficient visual information about the target. Here, we demonstrate the efficacy of visually richer representation schemes by employing multi-channel feature dictionaries as part of the appearance model. To further mitigate the tracking drift problem, we propose a novel dynamic adaptive state transition model, taking into account the dynamics of the past states. Finally, we demonstrate the computational tractability of using richer appearance modeling schemes by adaptively pruning candidate particles during each sampling step, and using a fast augmented Lagrangian technique to solve the associated optimization problem. Extensive quantitative evaluations and robustness tests on several challenging video sequences demonstrate that our approach substantially outperforms the state of the art, and achieves stable results.
K-InCA: using artificial agents to help people learn and adopt new behaviours

The paper describes an artificial agent system, designed to help people in organizations to learn and to adopt knowledge-sharing practices. The agent, a personal assistant, continuously analyses the actions of the user in order to build and maintain a "behavioural profile" reflecting the level of adoption of the "desired" behaviours. Using this profile, and relying on a model borrowed from change management theories, the agent provides customised guidance, mentoring, motivation and stimuli, supporting the gradual transformation of the user's behaviours.
MRI of the popliteomeniscal fasciculi.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to further our understanding of the normal appearance of the popliteomeniscal fasciculi (PMF) on MRI after the determination of finely tuned imaging parameters. For this purpose we performed the study in two stages. Stage I was to determine suitable parameters for depicting the popliteomeniscal fasciculi. Stage II was to classify the "normal" image. CONCLUSION The findings presented in this article will contribute to the understanding of the normal appearance of the popliteomeniscal fasciculi on MRI, and of the degree of variation of this structure among the population.
Effects of chronic sympathectomy on locally mediated cutaneous vasodilation in humans.

In human skin, the vasodilator response to local heating includes a sensory nerve-dependent peak followed by a nadir and then a slower, nitric oxide-mediated, endothelium-dependent vasodilation. To investigate whether chronic sympathectomy diminishes this endothelium-dependent vasodilation, we studied individuals who had previously undergone surgical T(2) sympathectomy (n = 9) and a group of healthy controls (n = 8). We assessed the cutaneous vascular response (laser-Doppler) to 30 min of local warming to 42.5 degrees C on the ventral forearm (no sympathetic innervation) and the lower legs (sympathetic nerves intact). Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) was measured to confirm sympathetic denervation. During local warming in sympathectomized individuals, vascular conductance reached an initial peak at both sites [achieving 1.73 +/- 0.22 laser-Doppler units (LDU)/mmHg in the forearm and 1.92 +/- 0.21 LDU/mmHg in the leg]. It then decreased to a nadir in the innervated leg [to 1.77 +/- 0.23 LDU/mmHg (P < 0.05)] but not in the sympathectomized arm (1.69 +/- 0.21 LDU/mmHg; P > 0.10). The maximal vasodilation seen during the slower phase was not different between limbs or between groups. Furthermore, LBNP caused a 44% reduction in forearm vascular conductance (FVC) in control subjects, but FVC did not decrease significantly in sympathectomized individuals, confirming sympathetic denervation. These data indicate that endothelial function in human skin is largely preserved after sympathectomy. The altered pattern of the response suggests that the nitric oxide-dependent portion may be accelerated in sympathectomized limbs.
A spatially resolved photodissociation region in the planetary nebula NGC 7027

High spatial resolution, narrow band, infrared line images and CO (1—0) mm interferometer data are presented for NGC 7027. These data trace emission from the central H II region (Brɑ), the intermediate photodissociation region [H_2 1—0S(1) and 3.3 µm dust feature], and the molecular circumstellar envelope [CO (1—0)]. The H II region lies in a cavity in the CO envelope, and consists of a smooth elliptical shell. A striking change of morphology is seen in the H_2 emission and the dust feature. The H_2 1—0 S(l) emission is composed of two components: (1) an incomplete elliptical ring of knots which bounds the ionized gas; (2) a remarkable thin shell which loops around the H II region with fourfold symmetry. The dust emission is similar to that from the ionized gas, but is displaced further from the center, and extends at low surface brightness into four “ears” which fill in the bays delineated by the outermost loops of H_2 emission. No 3.3 µm emission is detectable beyond the outer H_2 shell. The outer loops of H_2 emission and the 3.3 µm emission occupy the region between the edge of the H II region and the inner edge of the molecular gas. It is natural to ascribe the morphology of NGC 7027 to a photodissociation region which separates the ionized and molecular gas. If this is correct then the exterior H_2 loops are due to molecular gas heated by the far-UV emission escaping from the H II region, and delineate a photodissociation front. The H_2 and CO kinematics rule out shock excitation of the H_2 emission and favor UV excitation.
α2-Adrenoreceptor Constraint of Catecholamine Release and Blood Pressure Is Enhanced in Female Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

α2-adrenoceptors (α2AR) lower central sympathetic output and peripheral catecholamine release, and may therefore prevent sympathetic hyperactivity and hypertension. The α2AR are dysfunctional in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Premenopausal females are less hypertensive than males. The purpose of this study was to test if this difference could be explained by functional α2AR in the female SHR. A 15-min tyramine-infusion was used to stimulate norepinephrine release through the re-uptake transporter, consequently preventing re-uptake. Presynaptic control of vesicular release will therefore be reflected as differences in overflow to plasma. The surgical trauma activates secretion of epinephrine, also subjected to α2AR auto-inhibition. Blood pressure was monitored through a femoral artery catheter and cardiac output by ascending aorta flow in 12-14 weeks-old (early hypertension) SHR and normotensive rats (WKY). Total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR) was calculated. Female SHR, unlike male, were close to normotensive. Pre-treatment with none-selective (clonidine) or non-A-selective (ST-91) α2AR agonist reduced, and none-selective α2AR antagonist (L-659,066) increased tyramine-induced norepinephrine overflow in female WKY and SHR. L-659,066 also increased secretion of epinephrine. The L-659,066-induced increase in catecholamine release was further enhanced by additional pre-treatment with ST-91 or angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist (losartan) in SHR only. L-659,066 eliminated the tyramine-induced rise in TPR in both strains in female rats. Conclusion: α2AR-mediated control of catecholamine release and vascular tension was therefore functional in female SHR, unlike that previously observed in male SHR. Functional α2AR is likely to have a protective function and may explain the lack of hypertension in the young female SHR.
Health-related quality of life in patients with anal fissure: effect of type D personality

Introduction Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is a significant factor in describing the burden of illness and the impact of treatment in patients with gastrointestinal disease. Type D (distressed) personality is defined as the co-occurrence of negative affect and social inhibition. Aim To assess the prevalence of type D personality in patients with anal fissure and to investigate whether the presence of a type D personality would affect HRQL in patients with anal fissure. Material and methods One hundred outpatients with anal fissure with no psychiatric comorbidity were consecutively enrolled, along with 100 healthy controls. Type D Scale (DS14) and General Health Survey Short Form-36 (SF-36) were used in the collection of data. Results Patients with anal fissure scored lower on physical roles and bodily pain dimensions of SF-36 than healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Thirty-three patients with anal fissure (33%) and 16 controls (16%) had scored above the cut-off score of the DS14 (p < 0.05). Patients with a type D personality were found to score lower on bodily pain and social roles domains of HRQL than patients without a type D personality. Conclusions Type D personality was associated with increased perceived bodily pain and social roles in patients with anal fissure. Type D personality construct may be an important consideration when assessing HRQL outcomes. A multidimensional approach may be valuable in the assessment of patients presenting with anal fissure, because a subgroup with type-D personality might benefit from psychological therapies.