Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus rhamnosus LC705 Together with Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp shermanii JS Administered in Capsules Is Ineffective in Lowering Serum Lipids

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain LC705 and Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp shermanii strain JS in capsules on serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mildly or moderately hypercholesterolemic men. Methods: Thirty-eight basically healthy men, mean age 42 years (range 24–55), mean cholesterol 6.2 mmol/L (5.3–8.2 mmol/L), participated in this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover study with 4-week treatment periods. The subjects consumed daily two probiotic capsules containing viable Lactobacillus rhamnosus LC705 and Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp shermanii JS (2 × 1010 colony forming units of each strain daily) or two placebo capsules. Serum lipids were assessed before the intervention, at the end of both 4-week treatment periods, and 2 weeks after the second treatment period. Dietary and lifestyle habits were carefully monitored. Results: All the subjects completed the study, and the probiotic capsules were well tolerated. Dietary habits and the intake of energy and nutrients, such as saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, did not differ between the treatment groups. No changes in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels were observed during the consumption of the probiotics compared to placebo. Conclusions: The administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LC705 and Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp shermanii JS did not affect serum lipids.
Cytoplasmic Localization of p21 Protects Trophoblast Giant Cells from DNA Damage Induced Apoptosis

Proliferating trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) can differentiate into nonproliferating but viable trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) that are resistant to DNA damage induced apoptosis. Differentiation is associated with selective up-regulation of the Cip/Kip cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p57 and p21; expression of p27 remains constant. Previous studies showed that p57 localizes to the nucleus in TGCs where it is essential for endoreplication. Here we show that p27 also remains localized to the nucleus during TSC differentiation where it complements the role of p57. Unexpectedly, p21 localized to the cytoplasm where it was maintained throughout both the G- and S-phases of endocycles, and where it prevented DNA damage induced apoptosis. This unusual status for a Cip/Kip protein was dependent on site-specific phosphorylation of p21 by the Akt1 kinase that is also up-regulated in TGCs. Although cytoplasmic p21 is widespread among cancer cells, among normal cells it has been observed only in monocytes. The fact that it also occurs in TGCs reveals that p57 and p21 serve nonredundant functions, and suggests that the role of p21 in suppressing apoptosis is restricted to terminally differentiated cells.
Inter-image statistics for scene reconstruction

This paper developed prior work which incrementally completes a sparse depth map based on inter-image statistics information. In that prior work, we have observed that pixel ordering of the incremental recovery is critical to the quality of the final results. In this paper we demonstrate improved performance using an information-driven recovery policy to determine this ordering. We have also observed that the reconstruction across depth discontinuities was often problematic as there was comparatively little constraint for probabilistic inference at those locations. Further, such locations are often identified with edges in both the range and intensity maps. We address this problem by deferring the reconstruction of voxels close to intensity or depth discontinuities, leading to improved results. We also show that color information can improve reconstruction quality. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the quality of the recover and to illustrate some new application domains such as deblurring and underwater scattering compensation.
Traversability: A Case Study for Learning and Perceiving Affordances in Robots

The concept of affordances, introduced in psychology by J. J. Gibson, has recently attracted interest in the development of cognitive systems in autonomous robotics. In earlier work (Sahin, Çakmak, Dogar, Ugur, & Üçoluk), we reviewed the uses of this concept in different fields and proposed a formalism to use affordances at different levels of robot control. In this article, we first review studies in ecological psychology on the learning and perception of traversability in organisms and describe how the existence of traversability was judged to exist. We then describe the implementation of one part of the affordance formalism for the learning and perception of traversability affordances on a mobile robot equipped with range sensing ability. Through experiments inspired by ecological psychology, we show that the robot, by interacting with its environment, can learn to perceive the traversability affordances. Moreover, we claim that three of the main attributes that are commonly associated with affordances, that is, affordances being relative to the environment, providing perceptual economy, and providing general information, are simply consequences of learning from the interactions of the robot with the environment.
Social media through the requirements lens: A case study of Google maps

Social media serves as an extensive repository of user interaction related to software applications. Users discuss application features and express their sentiments about them in both qualitative (usually in natural language) and quantitative ways (for example, via votes). Further, many social media applications support explicit social networks of users and measures such as user reputation. Naturally, content on social media has the potential to inform requirements engineering. However, models of requirements and associated tools that enable software engineers to make sense of this information are currently lacking. In this paper, we present a preliminary study of interaction among users about Google Maps on the forum Reddit. We highlight important artifacts relevant to requirements in these interactions. We discuss goal modeling as an archetypal requirements modeling approach and use that as a basis for enhancing requirements modeling with notions that capture user interaction.
Characterization of SB-705498, a Potent and Selective Vanilloid Receptor-1 (VR1/TRPV1) Antagonist That Inhibits the Capsaicin-, Acid-, and Heat-Mediated Activation of the Receptor

Vanilloid receptor-1 (TRPV1) is a nonselective cation channel, predominantly expressed by sensory neurons, which plays a key role in the detection of noxious painful stimuli such as capsaicin, acid, and heat. TRPV1 antagonists may represent novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of a range of conditions including chronic pain, migraine, and gastrointestinal disorders. Here we describe the in vitro pharmacology of N-(2-bromophenyl)-N′-[((R)-1-(5-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridyl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)]urea (SB-705498), a novel TRPV1 antagonist identified by lead optimization of N-(2-bromophenyl)-N′-{2-[ethyl(3-methylphenyl)amino]ethyl}urea (SB-452533), which has now entered clinical trials. Using a Ca2+-based fluorometric imaging plate reader (FLIPR) assay, SB-705498 was shown to be a potent competitive antagonist of the capsaicin-mediated activation of the human TRPV1 receptor (pKi = 7.6) with activity at rat (pKi = 7.5) and guinea pig (pKi = 7.3) orthologs. Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology was used to confirm and extend these findings, demonstrating that SB-705498 can potently inhibit the multiple modes of receptor activation that may be relevant to the pathophysiological role of TRPV1 in vivo: SB-705498 caused rapid and reversible inhibition of the capsaicin (IC50 = 3 nM)-, acid (pH 5.3)-, or heat (50°C; IC50 = 6 nM)-mediated activation of human TRPV1 (at -70 mV). Interestingly, SB-705498 also showed a degree of voltage dependence, suggesting an effective enhancement of antagonist action at negative potentials such as those that might be encountered in neurons in vivo. The selectivity of SB-705498 was defined by broad receptor profiling and other cellular assays in which it showed little or no activity versus a wide range of ion channels, receptors, and enzymes. SB-705498 therefore represents a potent and selective multimodal TRPV1 antagonist, a pharmacological profile that has contributed to its definition as a suitable drug candidate for clinical development.
5′ Phospholipid Phosphatase SHIP-2 Causes Protein Kinase B Inactivation and Cell Cycle Arrest in Glioblastoma Cells

ABSTRACT The tumor suppressor protein PTEN is mutated in glioblastoma multiform brain tumors, resulting in deregulated signaling through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)–protein kinase B (PKB) pathway, which is critical for maintaining proliferation and survival. We have examined the relative roles of the two major phospholipid products of PI3K activity, phosphatidylinositol 3,4-biphosphate [PtdIns(3,4)P2] and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P3], in the regulation of PKB activity in glioblastoma cells containing high levels of both of these lipids due to defective PTEN expression. Reexpression of PTEN or treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 abolished the levels of both PtdIns(3,4)P2 and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, reduced phosphorylation of PKB on Thr308 and Ser473, and inhibited PKB activity. Overexpression of SHIP-2 abolished the levels of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, whereas PtdIns(3,4)P2 levels remained high. However, PKB phosphorylation and activity were reduced to the same extent as they were with PTEN expression. PTEN and SHIP-2 also significantly decreased the amount of PKB associated with cell membranes. Reduction of SHIP-2 levels using antisense oligonucleotides increased PKB activity. SHIP-2 became tyrosine phosphorylated following stimulation by growth factors, but this did not significantly alter its phosphatase activity or ability to antagonize PKB activation. Finally we found that SHIP-2, like PTEN, caused a potent cell cycle arrest in G1 in glioblastoma cells, which is associated with an increase in the stability of expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p27KIP1. Our results suggest that SHIP-2 plays a negative role in regulating the PI3K-PKB pathway.
Effects of methamphetamine on sexual behavior

s: Karla S. Frohmader and Lique M. Coolen (2011) Neural substrates of inhibition of sexual behavior in the male rat: Effects of methamphetamine. Abstract accepted in June 28. Poster will be presented at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in November in Washington DC [International Conference]. Karla S. Frohmader and Lique M. Coolen (2011) Neural substrates of inhibition of sexual behavior in the male rat. Abstract accepted May 17. Poster was presented at the Society for Behavioral Neuronendocrinology annual meeting held in June in Queretaro, Mexico [International Conference]. Karla S. Frohmader and Lique M. Coolen (2010) Effects of methamphetamine on maladaptive sexual behavior and underlying neural substrates. Abstract accepted in June 29. Poster will be presented at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in November in San Diego, CA [International Conference].
Is Wetter Better? An Evaluation of Over-the-Counter Personal Lubricants for Safety and Anti-HIV-1 Activity

Because lubricants may decrease trauma during coitus, it is hypothesized that they could aid in the prevention of HIV acquisition. Therefore, safety and anti-HIV-1 activity of over-the-counter (OTC) aqueous- (n = 10), lipid- (n = 2), and silicone-based (n = 2) products were tested. The rheological properties of the lipid-based lubricants precluded testing with the exception of explant safety testing. Six aqueous-based gels were hyperosmolar, two were nearly iso-osmolar, and two were hypo-osmolar. Evaluation of the panel of products showed Gynol II (a spermicidal gel containing 2% nonoxynol-9), KY Jelly, and Replens were toxic to Lactobacillus. Two nearly iso-osmolar aqueous- and both silicone-based gels were not toxic toward epithelial cell lines or ectocervical or colorectal explant tissues. Hyperosmolar lubricants demonstrated reduction of tissue viability and epithelial fracture/sloughing while the nearly iso-osmolar and silicon-based lubricants showed no significant changes in tissue viability or epithelial modifications. While most of the lubricants had no measurable anti-HIV-1 activity, three lubricants which retained cell viability did demonstrate modest anti-HIV-1 activity in vitro. To determine if this would result in protection of mucosal tissue or conversely determine if the epithelial damage associated with the hyperosmolar lubricants increased HIV-1 infection ex vivo, ectocervical tissue was exposed to selected lubricants and then challenged with HIV-1. None of the lubricants that had a moderate to high therapeutic index protected the mucosal tissue. These results show hyperosmolar lubricant gels were associated with cellular toxicity and epithelial damage while showing no anti-viral activity. The two iso-osmolar lubricants, Good Clean Love and PRÉ, and both silicone-based lubricants, Female Condom 2 lubricant and Wet Platinum, were the safest in our testing algorithm.
Olfactory epithelium influences the orientation of mitral cell dendrites during development

We have established previously that, although the olfactory epithelium is absent in the homozygous Pax‐6 mutant mouse, an olfactory bulb‐like structure (OBLS) does develop. Moreover, this OBLS contains cells that correspond to mitral cells, the primary projection neurons in the olfactory bulb. The current study aimed to address whether the dendrites of mitral cells in the olfactory bulb or in the OBLS mitral‐like cells, exhibit a change in orientation in the presence of the olfactory epithelium. The underlying hypothesis is that the olfactory epithelium imparts a trophic signal on mitral and mitral‐like cell that influences the growth of their primary dendrites, orientating them toward the surface of the olfactory bulb. Hence, we cultured hemibrains from wild‐type and Pax 6 mutant mice from two different embryonic stages (embryonic days 14 and 15) either alone or in coculture with normal olfactory epithelial explants or control tissue (cerebellum). Our results indicate that the final dendritic orientation of mitral and mitral‐like cells is directly influenced both by age and indeed by the presence of the olfactory epithelium. Developmental Dynamics 232:325–335, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Organisation et gestion des risques en salle des marches financiers : appareil, marche, réseau.

Comment des organisations intervenant dans un environnement a la fois complexe, concurrentiel et tres turbulent gerent-elles le risque ? Les salles des marches des capitaux rassemblent ainsi des dizaines d'operateurs brassant chacun plus d'un milliard de francs par jour. Nous conduisons notre recherche a travers une approche empirique : d'abord pendant une periode d'observation participante de trois ans, puis en menant une quarantaine d'entretiens a Paris, Londres et Hong Kong. Nos apports sont triples : 1. L'observation en salle des marches s'applique a un objet emergent et original. Nous proposons trois notions pour le decrire : celle de position, celle de correlation des instruments financiers et celle de desk, definie a partir d'une grille d'analyse associant metiers et produits. 2. Nous construisons notre problematique a partir des trois formes fondamentales de l'action organisee que sont l'appareil hierarchique, le marche et le reseau. Nous les constituons en idealtypes en tant que dispositifs de regulation, de coordination et d'adaptation d'un systeme. 3. En 'declinant' ceux-ci, nous etablissons une grille d'analyse des modalites de gestion des risques dans l'organisation. Nous discutons ainsi notre hypothese centrale selon laquelle les salles des marches constituent des organisations plurielles. Nous demontrons ainsi la pertinence des idealtypes et de leurs interactions, en particulier a travers les dispositifs organisationnels que sont les "murs de Chine" et les "lignes produits". Enfin, nous explicitons les particularites des salles des marches : le mouvement de reorganisation continuelle dont elles sont le theâtre et leur specificite par rapport aux autres organisations. Face a la crise d'interpretation de l'organisation, nous proposons donc une nouvelle approche de la gestion des risques. Des paralleles sont evoques : tours de controle, ingenierie simultanee, agences de presse. Enfin, notre recherche pointe l'insuffisance de l'approche actuelle par le controle des risques et propose des pistes d'amelioration.
Serological and Virological Surveillance of Avian Influenza A Virus H9N2 Subtype in Humans and Poultry in Shanghai, China, Between 2008 and 2010

We report the serological evidence of low‐pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 infection in an occupational poultry‐exposed population and a general population. A serological survey of an occupational poultry‐exposed population and a general population was conducted using a haemagglutinin‐inhibiting (HI) assay in Shanghai, China, from January 2008 to December 2010. Evidence of higher anti‐H9 antibodies was found in serum samples collected from poultry workers. During this period, 239 H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) were isolated from 9297 tracheal and cloacal paired specimens collected from the poultry in live poultry markets. In addition, a total of 733 influenza viruses were isolated from 1569 nasal and throat swabs collected from patients with influenza‐like symptoms in a sentinel hospital, which include H3N2, H1N1, pandemic H1N1 and B, but no H9N2 virus was detected. These findings highlight the need for long‐term surveillance of avian influenza viruses in occupational poultry‐exposed workers.
Velocity Measurement by a Vision Sensor

Vision sensors are of increasing interest for non-intrusive, remote measurements in industrial as well as consumer products. Their operation is based on intelligent techniques for image understanding, followed by robust quantification of the detected phenomenon. A well-known application area is movement detection and isolation. This paper discusses how movement can be detected and quantified by means of a single cellular neural network, implemented as a network-on-chip and realized on a field-programmable gate-array. The final prototype can isolate a moving object and measure its velocity at a speed of 250 frames per second
Source-directed transformations for hardware compilation

This paper presents the Haydn-C language and its parallel programming model. They have been developed to support modular hardware design, to improve designer productivity, and to enhance design quality and maintainability. The principal innovation of Haydn-C is a framework of optional annotations to enable users to describe design constraints, and to direct source-level transformations such as scheduling and resource allocation. We have automated such transformations so that a single high-level design can be used to produce many implementations with different design trade-offs. The effectiveness of this approach has been evaluated using various case studies, including FIR filters, fractal generators, and morphological operators. For instance, the fastest morphological erosion design is 129 times faster and 3.4 times larger than the smallest design.
Scaling Peer-to-Peer Multiplayer Games with Doppelg ¨ angers

Multiplayer online games have become an important part of the computing landscape. There is a growing desire to use the machines of participants themselves rather than separate dedicated servers to provide resources for serving games. This approach reduces subscription costs, eliminates dependency on centralized infrastructure, and allows automatic scaling to an arbitrary number of clients. To achieve these benefits, several peer-to-peer architectures have been proposed [1, 2]. In these architectures, each peer is responsible for a subset of all game objects. Each peer sends updates about its objects to other peers that are interested in them. An obvious limitation of these architectures is that they only work when each peer has sufficient upload capacity to send updates to all other interested peers. However, residential broadband upload rates are typically quite limited, e.g., only 100s of kb/s in the United States, and are insufficient to support the update rates required by games with dozens or hundreds of interacting players. Area-of-interest filtering can help, but cannot eliminate the problem; e.g., if updates require 16 kbps and a player with 128 kbps is in sight of more than 8 other players, his peer simply does not have enough bandwidth to send updates as frequently as the game requires. For this reason, we are developing a new architecture, called Donnybrook, to enable large-scale peer-to-peer games even in environments with such highly constrained bandwidth. Donnybrook uses a novel type of replica called a doppelganger to improve the playability of peer-to-peer games in low-bandwidth conditions. To demonstrate the feasibility of our approach, we modified Quake III, a popular first-person shooter (FPS) game, to run on the Donnybrook architecture. In addition, we conducted a large user study comparing Donnybrook with the current state of the art. Our results show that using doppelgangers substantially improves the playability of peer-to-peer Quake III in low-bandwidth environments. Moreover, players are nearly as satisfied by Quake III with doppelgangers in a low-bandwidth environment as they are by Quake III in a high-bandwidth environment (e.g., a LAN). Based on this study, we estimate that Donnybrook enables games with an order of magnitude more players over existing architectures given the same amount of bandwidth.
PressDeriving Invariants and Constraints from ActionTheories

Recent work on reasoning about action has shown that there exists an interesting connection between action speciications and state constraints | it is possible to extract state constraints from action speciications. This work provides us another way to describe the behaviour of dynamic systems. In this paper, we address the problem of generating action invariants from action speciications, and generalizing action invariants into state constraints. We rst propose a persistence-based formalism of actions, and show that the generation of action invariants is achieved from action speciications by reasoning about persistence. We then investigate the generalization of action invariants into state constraints. Blocks world examples illustrate the general procedure throughout.
Error Analysis and Improving Speech Recognition for Latvian Language

Developing a large vocabulary automatic speech recognition system is a very difficult task, due to the high variations in domain and acoustic variability. This task is even more difficult for the Latvian language, which is very rich morphologically and in which one word can have dozens of surface forms. Although there is some research on speech recognition for Latvian, Latvian ASR remains behind “big” languages such as English, German etc. In order to improve the performance of Latvian ASR, it is important to understand what errors does it make and why. In this paper, the authors analyze the most common errors of Latvian ASR. Based on this, baseline system WER is improved from 30.94% to 28.43%.