Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assimilating Generation Y IT New Hires into USAA's Workforce: The Role of an Enterprise 2.0 System

This article describes how an internal system using Web 2.0 tools has been used at USAA to help assimilate new hires into the IT department. In addition to describing both the work and social uses of this Enterprise 2.0 system in a distributed mentorship program, we identify the individual and organizational benefits of using this type of system. These include increasing the feeling of cultural belonging, making the environment of entry-level IT workers exciting, and creating high morale among a new Generation Y 3 workforce. Our research also identified some future challenges facing USAA as its Enterprise 2.0 system and new hire program continue to evolve. The article concludes by providing guidelines for other organizations considering the internal use of Enterprise 2.0 tools as part of their new employee assimilation programs.
Understanding inexplicit utterances using vision for helper robots

Speech interfaces should have a capability of dealing with inexplicit utterances including such as ellipsis and deixis since they are common phenomena in our daily conversation. Their resolution using context and a priori knowledge has been investigated in the fields of natural language and speech understanding. However, there are utterances that cannot be understood by such symbol processing alone. We consider inexplicit utterances caused from the fact that humans have vision. If we are certain that the listeners share some visual information, we often omit or mention ambiguously things about it in our utterances. We propose a method of understanding speech with such ambiguities using computer vision. It tracks the human 's gaze direction, detecting objects in the direction. It also recognizes the human's actions. Based on these bits of visual information, it understands the human's inexplicit utterances. Experimental results show that the method helps to realize human-friendly speech interfaces.
ACOUSTICAL ANALYSIS OF TANBUR, A TURKISH LONG-NECKED LUTE

The analysis of historical or ethnical musical instruments can provide means to verify and broaden our knowledge on musical acoustics. The Turkish tanbur, a member of evidently the oldest group of lute instruments, is a good example. Some important features of the instrument include its body resonator (a wooden hemispherical shell covered with a shallow plate) without a sound hole, its violin-like bridge, and its paired strings with an unusual tuning scheme. In this study we introduce the tanbur and discuss the results of an acoustical analysis of the instrument. The analysis data consists of various sound recordings and measurements realized in an anechoic chamber. Using time-frequency analysis techniques, we capture some of the acoustically important features of the tanbur, such as linear and nonlinear string vibration behavior. We interpret the analysis results combining and comparing with the research results available on string instruments of the western world.
Characterization of Vomeronasal Type-1 Receptor (V1R) Repertoire Diversity in Mouse Lemurs (Genus Microcebus)

Characterization of Vomeronasal Type-1 Receptor (V1R) Repertoire Diversity in Mouse Lemurs (Genus Microcebus) by Amy Michelle Kam May Heilman Department of Biology Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Anne D. Yoder, Supervisor ___________________________ John Willis ___________________________ Robert Brandon An abstract of a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Biology in the Graduate School of Duke University
Flotillas of lipid rafts fore and aft

To effectively combat invading pathogens, immune cells must rapidly switch from roughly spherical resting cells to polarized migratory ones, which then move in a directed fashion to the site of infection. The dramatic metamorphosis of leukocytes into polarized cells and their subsequent migration are two of the most fascinating phenomena in cell biology. Polarization and migration require the spatial and temporal control of signal transduction molecules so that substrate attachment and membrane extension occur at the cell front, while detachment and membrane retraction happen at the rear. How do cells coordinate signaling molecules to perform contrasting functions at opposite poles? It has long been appreciated that there is polarization in the protein machinery involved in cell migration. However, it is becoming evident that lipids are also distributed nonuniformly, and the distribution of lipids is an important factor for directional migration. In a paper in this issue of PNAS, Gomez-Mouton et al. (1) provide further evidence for the importance of specialized lipid domains in establishing and maintaining the polarity of motile cells. In particular, they show that both the leading edge and the uropod of polarized T lymphocytes are enriched in lipid components that partition into raft-like lipid domains. An interesting finding is that the distribution of certain lipid raft components differs at the two poles. Thus, ganglioside GM3 is enriched at the leading edge, whereas GM1 is concentrated at the uropod. Treatments such as cholesterol depletion, which disrupts plasma membrane organization, prevent the development of a polarized morphology and cell migration.
Treatment and recurrence management of staphylococcal infections: community-acquired MRSA

The increasing prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has resulted in a change in the paradigm for the treatment of skin and soft-tissue infections. The CA-MRSA strains are more likely to carry the genes for the Panton–Valentine leukocidin toxin and have increased susceptibility to non-β-lactam antibiotics. As a result, a wide range of therapies is available for treatment of CA-MRSA infections. Relapses occur frequently and the optimal approach to eliminate colonization is not clear. This article reviews the therapeutic options for patients with presumed and definite MRSA infections, as well as for the prevention of relapses.
Substantial heritable variation for susceptibility to Dothistroma septosporum within populations of native British Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)

The threat from pests and pathogens to native and commercially planted forest trees is unprecedented and expected to increase under climate change. The degree to which forests respond to threats from pathogens depends on their adaptive capacity, which is determined largely by genetically controlled variation in susceptibility of the individual trees within them and the heritability and evolvability of this trait. The most significant current threat to the economically and ecologically important species Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is dothistroma needle blight (DNB), caused by the foliar pathogen Dothistroma septosporum. A progeny‐population trial of 4‐year‐old Scots pine trees, comprising six populations from native Caledonian pinewoods each with three to five families in seven blocks, was artificially inoculated using a single isolate of D. septosporum. Susceptibility to D. septosporum, assessed as the percentage of non‐green needles, was measured regularly over a period of 61 days following inoculation, during which plants were maintained in conditions ideal for DNB development (warm; high humidity; high leaf wetness). There were significant differences in susceptibility to D. septosporum among families indicating that variation in this trait is heritable, with high estimates of narrow‐sense heritability (0.38–0.75) and evolvability (genetic coefficient of variation, 23.47). It is concluded that native Scots pine populations contain sufficient genetic diversity to evolve lower susceptibility to D. septosporum through natural selection in response to increased prevalence of this pathogen.
The Effects of Sea and Road Transport on Physiological and Electroencephalographic Responses in Brahman Crossbred Heifers

Simple Summary This study investigated the effect of sea and road transport on the physiological response of cattle. The animals were transported by sea (14 d) from Darwin Port, Australia, to Pasir Gudang Port, Johor, Malaysia. Thereafter, the animals were road transported (330 km) from Pasir Gudang Port to Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). From the results of the various blood stress indicators and brain activity of the animals, both sea and road journeys were found to be stressful to the animals. However, the animals recovered from the stressful transport journeys following 4 and 7 days post-transport. Abstract The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of sea and road transport on the acute phase proteins (APP), cortisol, metabolic, haematological and electroencephalographic (EEG) responses of Brahman crossbred heifers. Sixty Brahman crossbred heifers were subjected to 14 d of transportation by sea from Darwin Port, Australia, to Pasir Gudang Port, Johor, Malaysia, and 330 km of road transportation. Results revealed that the intensity of response for most blood biochemical parameters increased significantly and were different from the baseline values taken while the animals were in Darwin Port, Australia. Haematological results obtained also revealed a significant increase and were different from the baseline values. Cortisol and APP (bovine alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and serum amyloid-A) values increased significantly and were different from the baseline values. Haematological parameters, APP, cortisol and EEG data (alpha, beta, delta and theta waves, total power and median frequency) decreased significantly following 4 and 7 days post-transport, suggesting a recovery of the animals from the stressfulness of transport. In conclusion, the current results revealed that the concentrations of biochemical and haematological parameters, cortisol, APP and EEG data were affected by both sea and road transport as evidenced by the significant changes recorded from the parameters above.
Observations on the pattern on biohydrogenation of esterified and unesterified linoleic acid in the rumen

1. Studies have been made of the effects of different concentrations of either free or esterified linoleic acid on the biohydrogenation of linoleic acid by rumen micro-organisms in vitro. A comparison has been made with the changes which occurred in the fatty acid compositions of rumen free fatty acids and plasma triglycerides of sheep given intraruminal infusions of linoleic acid or maize oil. 2. In the in vitro experiments, with increasing concentrations of 18:2 added as the free fatty acid, a decreasing proportion of this 18:2 was hydrogenated to 18:0 and trans-11-octadecenoic acid accumulated. The accumulation of large amounts of trans-11-octadecenoic acid was accompanied in all instances by the accumulation of a conjugated diene identified as cis-9, trans-11-octadecadienoic acid. There appeared to be a product–precursor relationship between the conjugated diene and the trans-11 monoene. 3. When linoleic acid was presented in vitro as the triglyceride, the extent to which hydrogenation occurred was, in all instances, greater than when equivalent amounts of 18:2 were presented as the free acid. Only small amounts of the cis-9, trans-11 diene were detected, and there was no apparent product–precursor relationship between this conjugated diene and the C18 monoenoic acids. The C18 monoenoic acids that accumulated consisted of both cis and trans isomers; the cis isomers consisted largely of cis-9- and cis-11-octadecenoic acids, which together comprised about 30% of the C18 monoenoic acids present. 4. The infusion of free linoleic acid into the rumen of sheep resulted in an increase in the proportion of total 18:1 and a decrease in the proportions of 16:0 and 18:0 in the total rumen free fatty acids. This increase which occurred in the concentration of 18:1 consisted predominantly of the trans-11 isomer. A concomitant increase in the concentration of the C18trans-11 acid was observed to occur in the fatty acids of the plasma triglycerides. Infusion of maize oil into the rumen of sheep resulted in little change in the fatty acid compositions of either the free fatty acids in the rumen or the triglycerides of the plasma. 5. The findings in vitro and in vivo are discussed with reference to each other and with reference to the possibility that biohydrogenation of 18:2 derived from the triglyceride proceeds by a different pathway from that of 18:2 presented as the free acid.
The role of iron and myelin in orientation dependent R2* of white matter

Brain myelin and iron content are important parameters in neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Both myelin and iron content influence the brain's R2* relaxation rate. However, their quantification based on R2* maps requires a realistic tissue model that can be fitted to the measured data. In structures with low myelin content, such as deep gray matter, R2* shows a linear increase with increasing iron content. In white matter, R2* is not only affected by iron and myelin but also by the orientation of the myelinated axons with respect to the external magnetic field. Here, we propose a numerical model which incorporates iron and myelin, as well as fibre orientation, to simulate R2* decay in white matter. Applying our model to fibre orientation‐dependent in vivo R2* data, we are able to determine a unique solution of myelin and iron content in global white matter. We determine an averaged myelin volume fraction of 16.02 ± 2.07% in non‐lesional white matter of patients with MS, 17.32 ± 2.20% in matched healthy controls, and 18.19 ± 2.98% in healthy siblings of patients with MS. Averaged iron content was 35.6 ± 8.9 mg/kg tissue in patients, 43.1 ± 8.3 mg/kg in controls, and 47.8 ± 8.2 mg/kg in siblings. All differences in iron content between groups were significant, while the difference in myelin content between MS patients and the siblings of MS patients was significant. In conclusion, we demonstrate that a model that combines myelin‐induced orientation‐dependent and iron‐induced orientation‐independent components is able to fit in vivo R2* data.
Tactile feedback on flat surfaces for the visually impaired

In this paper we introduce a mobile, generic, and inexpensive visuo-tactile sensory substitution device for the visually impaired. The device helps users to explore the world around them, by pointing it towards objects of the environment and rendering tactile information to the objects sensed by a camera. With the help of two visually impaired participants, we conducted three preliminary experiments and evaluated the performance of the device in detecting, reaching and exploring tasks. Both participants were able to detect, explore and reach for a given object of interest in a controlled room setting using only the tactile information rendered on the flat panel of the device. The implication of results and future directions for tactile assistive devices are discussed.
Cost analysis of intensive glycemic control in critically ill adult patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of an intensive glycemia management protocol on the cost of care of a heterogeneous population of critically ill adult patients. DESIGN Economic analysis of a 1,600-patient "before-and-after" study of intensive glycemia management. SETTING Fourteen-bed mixed medical-surgical adult ICU of a university-affiliated community teaching hospital. PATIENTS Eight hundred consecutive admissions to the ICU prior to the institution of an intensive glucose management protocol were compared to the first 800 patients admitted to the ICU following institution of the protocol. INTERVENTIONS Cost data were analyzed using the comprehensive database of the ICU as well as other hospital data repositories. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS The ICU database was used to quantify the major components of the cost of care. The analysis includes costs associated with ICU and non-ICU patient days, ventilator days, and laboratory, pharmacy, and radiology services. Comparing the baseline and treatment periods, there were decreases in patient days in the ICU; ventilator days; total laboratory, pharmacy and radiology costs; and post-ICU hospital length of stay. The net annualized decrease in costs during the treatment period was USD 1,339,500, or USD 1,580 per patient. CONCLUSIONS The institution of a program to intensively monitor glucose levels and treat even modest hyperglycemia in the ICU was associated with substantial cost savings. This finding, in conjunction with the previously demonstrated improvement in mortality and morbidity, strongly supports the adoption of this intervention as a standard of care in the ICU.
Lane detection and curvature estimation based on motion template

We present a lane detection and curvature estimation method by using motion templates. The method is consists of two stages: lane markings are extracted in a top-view image and lane and road curvature are detected based on the lane motion template (LMT). In the first stage, region of interest is selected and transformed into a top-view image, and lane silhouette is simply obtained by convolution with a Gaussian filter. The second stage generates the LMT, which gives motion properties to lane markings by a combination of the lane silhouette and the motion template. To detect lanes, RANSAC algorithm is used to fit a current lane position and historical trajectory with the weight value of the corresponding pixel intensities. Road curvature is estimated by calculating gradient orientations within valid region. In experiments, the proposed method accurately detects the lane markings and road curvature even in a slight curve. )
3′-Azido-2′,3′-dideoxynucleoside 5′-triphosphates inhibit telomerase activity in vitro, and the corresponding nucleosides cause telomere shortening in human HL60 cells

Telomerase adds telomeric DNA repeats to the ends of linear chromosomal DNA. 3′-Azido-3′-deoxythymidine 5′-triphosphate (AZTTP) is a known telomerase inhibitor. To obtain more selective and potent inhibitors that can be employed as tools for studying telomerase, we investigated the telomerase-inhibitory effects of purine nucleosides bearing a 3′-down azido group: 3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxyguanosine (AZddG) 5′-triphosphate (AZddGTP), 3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxy-6-thioguanosine (AZddSG) 5′-triphosphate (AZddSGTP), 3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine (AZddA) 5′-triphosphate (AZddATP) and 3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxy-2-aminoadenosine (AZddAA) 5′-triphosphate (AZddAATP). Of these, AZddGTP showed the most potent inhibitory activity against HeLa cell telomerase. AZddGTP was significantly incorporated into the 3′-terminus of DNA by partially purified telomerase. However, AZddGTP did not exhibit significant inhibitory activity against DNA polymerases α and δ, suggesting that AZddGTP is a selective inhibitor of telomerase. We also investigated whether long-term treatment with these nucleosides could alter telomere length and growth rates of human HL60 cells in culture. Southern hybridization analysis of genomic DNA prepared from cells cultured in the presence of AZddG and AZddAA revealed reproducible telomere shortening.
ERPS EVOKED BY VIEWING FACIAL MOVEMENTS

Human neuroimaging and event-related potential (ERP) studies suggest that ventral and lateral temporo-occipital cortex is sensitive to static faces and face parts. Recent fMRI data also show activation by facial movements. In this study we recorded from 22 posterior scalp locations in 20 normal right-handed males to assess ERPs evoked by viewing: (1) moving eyes and mouths in the context of a face; (2) moving and static eyes with and without facial context. N170 and P350 peak amplitude and latency data were analysed. N170 is an ERP previously shown to be preferentially responsive to face and eye stimuli, and P350 immediately follows N170. Major results were: (1) N170 was significantly larger over the bilateral temporal scalp to viewing opening mouths relative to closing mouths, and to eye aversion relative to eyes gazing at the observer; (2) at a focal region over the right inferior temporal scalp, N170 was significantly earlier to mouth opening relative to closing, and to eye aversion relative to eyes gazing at the observer; (3) the focal ERP effect of eye aversion occurred independent of facial context; (4) these differences cannot be attributable to movement per se, as they did not occur in a control condition in which checks moved in comparable areas of the visual field; (5) isolated static eyes produced N170s that were not significantly different from N170s to static full faces over the right inferior temporal scalp, unlike in the left hemisphere where face N170s were significantly larger than eye N170s; (6) unlike N170, P350 exhibited nonspecific changes as a function of stimulus movement. These results suggest that: (1) bilateral temporal cortex forms part of a system sensitive to biological motion, of which facial movements form an important subset; (2) there may be a specialised system for facial gesture analysis that provides input for neuronal circuitry dealing with social attention and the actions of others.
The IAT as a predictor of spontaneous food choice: The case of fruits versus snacks

One of the issues concerning the application of implicit measures like the IAT is whether they can be successfully applied to consumer choices. Four studies (N=399) tested the predictive and incremental validity of an IAT of attitudes towards fruits versus snacks on the choice of a fruit or a snack at the end of the experimental session. Specifically, additive and interactive patterns to predict behavioral preference towards snacks or fruits were tested. The results showed that the IAT has both predictive and incremental validity and supported the additive pattern (i.e., both implicit and explicit measures independently predicted the behavioral preference for fruits versus snacks).
Necdin, a p53-Target Gene, Is an Inhibitor of p53-Mediated Growth Arrest

In vitro, cellular immortalization and transformation define a model for multistep carcinogenesis and current ongoing challenges include the identification of specific molecular events associated with steps along this oncogenic pathway. Here, using NIH3T3 cells, we identified transcriptionally related events associated with the expression of Polyomavirus Large-T antigen (PyLT), a potent viral oncogene. We propose that a subset of these alterations in gene expression may be related to the early events that contribute to carcinogenesis. The proposed tumor suppressor Necdin, known to be regulated by p53, was within a group of genes that was consistently upregulated in the presence of PyLT. While Necdin is induced following p53 activation with different genotoxic stresses, Necdin induction by PyLT did not involve p53 activation or the Rb-binding site of PyLT. Necdin depletion by shRNA conferred a proliferative advantage to NIH3T3 and PyLT-expressing NIH3T3 (NIHLT) cells. In contrast, our results demonstrate that although overexpression of Necdin induced a growth arrest in NIH3T3 and NIHLT cells, a growing population rapidly emerged from these arrested cells. This population no longer showed significant proliferation defects despite high Necdin expression. Moreover, we established that Necdin is a negative regulator of p53-mediated growth arrest induced by nutlin-3, suggesting that Necdin upregulation could contribute to the bypass of a p53-response in p53 wild type tumors. To support this, we characterized Necdin expression in low malignant potential ovarian cancer (LMP) where p53 mutations rarely occur. Elevated levels of Necdin expression were observed in LMP when compared to aggressive serous ovarian cancers. We propose that in some contexts, the constitutive expression of Necdin could contribute to cancer promotion by delaying appropriate p53 responses and potentially promote genomic instability.