Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The stimulatory effect of the octadecaneuropeptide ODN on astroglial antioxidant enzyme systems is mediated through a GPCR

Astroglial cells possess an array of cellular defense systems, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase antioxidant enzymes, to prevent damage caused by oxidative stress on the central nervous system. Astrocytes specifically synthesize and release endozepines, a family of regulatory peptides including the octadecaneuropeptide (ODN). ODN is the ligand of both central-type benzodiazepine receptors (CBR), and an adenylyl cyclase- and phospholipase C-coupled receptor. We have recently shown that ODN is a potent protective agent that prevents hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced inhibition of SOD and catalase activities and stimulation of cell apoptosis in astrocytes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the type of receptor involved in ODN-induced inhibition of SOD and catalase in cultured rat astrocytes. We found that ODN induced a rapid stimulation of SOD and catalase gene transcription in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, 0.1 nM ODN blocked H2O2-evoked reduction of both mRNA levels and activities of SOD and catalase. Furthermore, the inhibitory actions of ODN on the deleterious effects of H2O2 on SOD and catalase were abrogated by the metabotropic ODN receptor antagonist cyclo1-8[Dleu5]OP, but not by the CBR antagonist flumazenil. Finally, the protective action of ODN against H2O2-evoked inhibition of endogenous antioxidant systems in astrocytes was protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent, but protein kinase C-independent. Taken together, these data demonstrate for the first time that ODN, acting through its metabotropic receptor coupled to the PKA pathway, prevents oxidative stress-induced alteration of antioxidant enzyme expression and activities. The peptide ODN is thus a potential candidate for the development of specific agonists that would selectively mimic its protective activity.
zPots: a virtual pottery experience with spatial interactions using the leap motion device

We present zPots, an application for gesture-free hand-based design of virtual pottery enabled by the Leap Motion device. With zPots, a user can shape and color 3D pots by moving bare hands in the air with minimal or no training. Unlike large-space hand-and-body movements required by depth cameras such as the Kinect, the use of the Leap motion device facilitates close range 3D interactions collocated with the personal computer. We demonstrate our application as a synergistic combination of novel spatial interactions and tool metaphors that cater to engaging and realistic experiences while supporting creativity in 3D shape conceptualization and modeling.
Same-sex sexual attraction, behavior, and practices of Jewish men in Israel and the association with HIV prevalence

ABSTRACT In order to efficiently direct efforts and resources required for the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Israel, it is necessary to define their particular behaviors, estimate their size, and asses the HIV-burden. This cross-sectional study included a sub-sample from a random representative National study performed in Israel, which included Jewish males aged 18–44 who completed online anonymous questionnaires regarding their sexual attraction and practices, commercial sex-work, as well as condom and substances' use. Additionally, participants were asked to identify themselves as gay, bisexual, or heterosexual. National estimates regarding prevalence of risk-behaviors and HIV-infection among MSM were based on the Statistical Abstract of Israel and the National HIV Registry, respectively. Of the total sample of 997 men, 11.9% reported lifetime male sex encounters, while 4.5% and 3.7% self-identified as gay or bisexual, respectively. The estimated population of self-identified Jewish gays/bisexuals aged 18–44 in Israel was 94,176, and in Tel-Aviv 33,839. HIV prevalence among MSM was estimated at 0.7% in Israel and 1.0% in Tel-Aviv. MSM were more likely to live in Tel-Aviv, had higher levels of education, and were scored higher on several determinants of sexual risk in comparison to those attracted to women, including early sexual debut, greater number of sexual partners, ever paid/been paid for sex, sexually coerced, and substance use. In conclusion, MSM were involved in greater risk behaviors than those who only had female sex partners. Most MSM were living in Tel-Aviv and their estimated HIV prevalence was 1.0%.
Changing the ideological roots of prejudice: Longitudinal effects of ethnic intergroup contact on social dominance orientation

Social dominance orientation (SDO) has been reported to be strongly related to a multitude of intergroup phenomena, but little is known about situational experiences that may influence SDO. Drawing from research on intergroup contact theory, we argue that positive intergroup contact is able to reduce SDO-levels. The results of an intergroup contact intervention study among high school students (Study 1, N = 71) demonstrated that SDO levels were indeed attenuated after the intervention. Furthermore, this intervention effect on SDO was especially pronounced among students reporting a higher quality of contact. A cross-lagged longitudinal survey among adults (Study 2, N = 363) extended these findings by demonstrating that positive intergroup contact is able to decrease SDO over time. Moreover, we did not obtain evidence for the idea that people high in SDO would engage less in intergroup contact. These findings indicate that intergroup contact erodes one of the important socio-ideological bases of generalized prejudice and discrimination.
Vancomycin In Vitro Bactericidal Activity and Its Relationship to Efficacy in Clearance of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

ABSTRACT We examined the relationship between the time to clearance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia while patients were receiving vancomycin therapy and the in vitro bactericidal activity of vancomycin. Vancomycin killing assays were performed with 34 MRSA bloodstream isolates (17 accessory gene regulator group II [agr-II] and 17 non-agr-II isolates) from 34 different patients with MRSA bacteremia for whom clinical and microbiological outcomes data were available. Vancomycin doses were prospectively adjusted to achieve peak plasma concentrations of 28 to 32 μg/ml and trough concentrations of 8 to 12 μg/ml. Bactericidal assays were performed over 24 h with ∼107 to 108 CFU/ml in broth containing 16 μg/ml vancomycin. The median time to clearance of bacteremia was 6.5 days for patients with MRSA isolates demonstrating ≥2.5 reductions in log10 CFU/ml at 24 h and >10.5 days for patients with MRSA isolates demonstrating <2.5 log10 CFU/ml by 24 h (P = 0.025). The median time to clearance was significantly longer with MRSA isolates with vancomycin MICs of 2.0 μg/ml compared to that with MRSA isolates with MICs of ≤1.0 μg/ml (P = 0.019). The bacteremia caused by MRSA isolates with absent or severely reduced delta-hemolysin expression was of a longer duration of bacteremia (10 days and 6.5 days, respectively; P = 0.27) and had a decreased probability of eradication (44% and 78%, respectively; P = 0.086). We conclude that strain-specific microbiological features of MRSA, such as increased vancomycin MICs and decreased killing by vancomycin, appear to be predictive of prolonged MRSA bacteremia while patients are receiving vancomycin therapy. Prolonged bacteremia and decreased delta-hemolysin expression may also be related. Evaluation of these properties may be useful in the consideration of antimicrobial therapies that can be used as alternatives to vancomycin for the treatment of MRSA bacteremia.
p2b: a translation utility for linking promela and symbolic model checking (tool paper)

p2b is a research tool that translates Promela programs to boolean representations of the automata associated with them. These representations conform to the input syntax of the widely used symbolic model checker SMV; it is then possible to verify the automata with SMV, as opposed to enumerative model checking with SPIN, the classical Promela verifier. SMV and SPIN are focussed on verifying branching or linear time temporal properties, respectively, and often exhibit different performance on problems that are expressible within both frameworks. Hence we envisage that p2b will provide the missing link in establishing a verification scenario that is based on Promela as modeling language, and where one chooses different logics and verification methods as needed. The present paper provides an introduction to p2b, a description of how it works and two benchmark examples.
Influence of the Stator Windings Configuration in the Currents and Zero-Sequence Voltage Harmonics in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors With Demagnetization Faults

Demagnetization faults in permanent magnet synchronous motors may generate specific fault harmonic frequencies in the stator currents and the zero-sequence voltage component (ZSVC) spectra. Hence, by analyzing the stator currents or/and the ZSVC spectra it is possible to develop fault diagnosis schemes to detect such faults. In order to have a broad view of such effects, a representative set of stator windings configurations must be considered. By analyzing different stator windings configurations this paper shows that the amplitude of the harmonic frequencies of both the stator currents and the ZSVC spectrato be analyzed are significantly influenced by the stator windings configuration. It is also proved that depending on the winding configuration, new harmonic components may emerge in both spectra. The results presented in this paper may help to develop fault diagnosis schemes based on the acquisition and further analysis of the stator currents and the ZSVC harmonic components.
Agent auto-generation system: Interact with your favorite things

This paper proposes a framework for an Agent Auto-Generation System (AAGS) which gets information from sensor devices and improvises a conversational agent from arbitrary things. AAGS has agent-types to prepare a perception for an improvised agent according to the shape of the agentization targets. It also has virtual-input, which generates knowledge representation related to information extracted from the networked sensor devices. The virtual-input employs a viewpoint based on the agent-type to generate a knowledge expression, and gives it to the improvised agent. Experiments to evaluate AAGS revealed that it is necessary to consider the perception of the improvised agents based on the agent-types. In addition, the agent's viewpoint for the perception has an effect on how people recognize the improvised agent.
The RACAI Text-to-Speech Synthesis System

This paper describes the RACAI Text-to-Speech (TTS) entry for the Blizzard Challenge 2013. The development of the RACAI TTS started during the Metanet4U project and the system is currently part of the METASHARE platform. This paper describes the work carried out for preparing the RACAI entry during the Blizzard Challenge 2013 and provides a detailed description of our system and future development directions.
Wireless Sensor Network for DC/AC homegrids

Rapidly falling costs of photovoltaic generation and electrical energy storage devices are prompting the proliferation of self-contained electricity systems in homes and buildings, that can be called homegrid, and several of these homegrids form a microgrid. The homegrid consists of local generation, storage and utilization devices, which may or may not interconnect to a central utility system. A critical challenge in operating a homegrid is the energy management of the electrical power system to ensure electricity availability and system stability while meeting customer needs. This paper proposes a wireless communication framework for energy management in homegrids using a Homegrid Sensor Network (HSN) which consists of the HEM (Homegrid Energy Manager) and Homegrid Nodes (HN) which are connected to the required loads/sources. HSN has been realized using an IEEE 802.15. 4 based Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) with mesh capabilities for control and management of the electrical power system. The paper presents a design framework along with evaluation results using an IEEE 802.15. 4 based commercial off the shelf radio chipset and a vendor-supplied cross-layer mesh networking protocol. The paper presents results from link quality estimation using hardware and software-based approaches.
Advances in predicting acute GVHD

Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is a leading cause of non‐relapse mortality following allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation. Attempts to improve treatment response in clinically‐established GVHD have not improved overall survival, often due to the increased risk of infectious complications. Alternative approaches to decrease GVHD‐related morbidity and mortality have focused on the ability to predict GVHD prior to clinical manifestation in an effort to provide an opportunity to abort GVHD development, and to gain new insights into GVHD pathophysiology. This review outlines the research efforts to date that have identified clinical and laboratory‐based factors that are predictive of acute GVHD and describes future directions in developing algorithms that will improve the ability to predict the development of clinically relevant GVHD.
Drilling intensity varies among Neogene tropical American Bivalvia in relation to shell form and life habit

We calculated the incidence of drilling on bivalve genera from the Neogene fossil record of Panama and Costa Rica to determine differences in predation intensity among groups based on shell architecture, life habit, mobility, and taxonomic affinity. Bulk samples from 28 localities yielded >106,000 bivalve specimens, which were examined for characteristic drilling traces of muricid and naticid gastropods. We calculated the drilling intensity for the 90 most common genera, and characterized the size, ornament, life habit, and mobility for each genus. Large size confers considerable protection from drilling, but shell ornamentation does not. Life habit is strongly linked with drilling intensity. Epifaunal bivalves experience higher predation than infaunal bivalves and shallow burrowers experience higher drilling than deep burrowers. Mobility is also important for epifaunal bivalves; cemented taxa are twice as likely to be drilled as their uncemented counterparts. Our results suggest that bivalve behavior and life habits are more important than shell architecture for defense against drilling predators.
Chemical composition, rheological properties and bread making potentials of composite flours from breadfruit, breadnut and wheat.

This study assessed the quality of bread produced from breadfruit and breadnut-wheat composite flour. Matured and freshly harvested breadfruit (Artocarpus integrifolia) and breadnut (Artocarpus atilis) were obtained from local market in Akure. They were thoroughly washed, peeled, washed again, drained, chipped, oven dried, milled, sieved and packaged. Six blends were prepared by homogenously mixing breadfruit and breadnut flours with wheat flour in the percentage proportions: 5:95, 10:90, 15:85 (BF: WF and BFN: WF) and later used to bake bread. Chemical, rheological and physical properties of the composite flour and bread made from the flours were examined. Panelists were assigned to assess the bread samples as well. The results of the proximate composition showed that the protein content of the breadfruit and breadnut flours are 3.35 and 3.62 mg/100 g; fat, 0.51 and 1.85 mg/100 g; ash, 2.69 and 1.24 mg/100 g; fibre, 3.67 and 4.52 mg/100 g; carbohydrate, 73.50 and 62.17 mg/100 g respectively and the protein content of the bread samples ranged from 10.66 to 11.96 mg/100 g; fat, 4.13-5.62 mg/100 g; ash, 1.67-2.10 mg/100 g; moisture 35.51- 39.06 mg/100 g; carbohydrate, 42.22- 46.93 mg/100 g; energy value, 261.40-274.17 Kcal/100 g. The rheological study of composite flour samples had 9.50-10.50 mg/100 g of protein content; water absorption capacity, 62.90-72.30%; dough development time, 1.50-1.75 min; dough stability time, 7.50-12.00 min. Bread samples had sodium, 257.68-885.32 mg/100 g; calcium, 32.05-112.59 mg/100 g; potassium, 92.88-404.49 mg/100 g; iron, 0.32-4.14 mg/100 g. The bread loaf weights ranged from 550 to 600 g; loaf volume, 1229.01- 1886.03 cm3 and specific loaf volume, 2.08-3.39 cm3/g. There is no significant difference in the crust colour, crumb holes, stability, elasticity, firmness, shape regularity and appearance of the samples. No panelist showed a total dislike for the taste of any of the samples. All the qualities evaluated did not significantly (p≤ 0.05) affect the acceptability and preference of the samples. Hence, it was concluded that wheat flour could be substituted with breadfruit and breadnut flour up to 15% level in bread making which will still retain much of the nutritional and sensory properties. Key words: Breadfruit, breadnut, composite flour.
2 On per-session performance of an ATM multiplexer with heterogeneous speed links

Our aim in this paper is to provide insight on a session's performance in the presence of different speed links at an ATM multiplexer. We describe a queueing model for such scenarios considering a finite capacity buffer and bursty traffic with correlated arrivals. We use Markov Modulated Bernoulli Process (MMBP) as the traffic model for the session of interest and model the cross traffic as an MMBP with batch arrivals. We present exact analysis using an evolution method to obtain the steady-state performance measures of the session. To enhance its efficiency, a closed form, partial approximation method is also described. Using numerical results we compare a sessions performance in different scenar ios of link speeds, and also study the influence of a few network and traffic characteristics.
Model Error in Filtering Random Compressible Flows Utilizing Noisy Lagrangian Tracers

AbstractLagrangian tracers are drifters and floaters that collect real-time information of fluid flows. This paper studies the model error in filtering multiscale random rotating compressible flow fields utilizing noisy Lagrangian tracers. The random flow fields are defined through random amplitudes of Fourier eigenmodes of the rotating shallow-water equations that contain both incompressible geostrophically balanced (GB) flows and rotating compressible gravity waves, where filtering the slow-varying GB flows is of primary concern. Despite the inherent nonlinearity in the observations with mixed GB and gravity modes, there are closed analytical formulas for filtering the underlying flows. Besides the full optimal filter, two practical imperfect filters are proposed. An information-theoretic framework is developed for assessing the model error in the imperfect filters, which can apply to a single realization of the observations. All the filters are comparably skillful in a fast rotation regime (Rossby numb.
MINI-COGNITIVE TESTING IN PATIENTS WITH AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Purpose: To compare Mini-Cognitive (Mini-Cog) Screening test results between patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and age-matched controls. Participants: Two hundred and twenty-nine patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 56 patients with exudative AMD, mean age of 76 ± 8 years; 82 patients with dry AMD, mean age of 77 ± 9 years; and 91 controls, mean age of 75 ± 8 years. Methods: The Mini-Cog test, used to screen patients with early cognitive impairment, was introduced to the three groups of patients at the settings of an ophthalmology outpatient clinic. Test scores were compared between the groups. Results: The mean for the Mini-Cog test scores was 3.5 (95% confidence interval, 3.15–3.85) for the dry AMD group, 3.95 (95% confidence interval, 3.51–4.39) for the exudative AMD group, and 4.63 (95% confidence interval, 4.45–4.80) for the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the scores of AMD groups, however, both AMD groups received significantly lower scores than controls (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Patients with age-related macular degeneration in this study demonstrated lower mean scores in the Mini-Cog test than age-matched controls. The Mini-Cog test may be easily applied at an office setting of ophthalmology outpatient clinics, and may help in the early diagnosis of cognitive impairment in the patients with AMD.
Dielectric strength behaviour and mechanical properties of transparent insulation materials suitable to optical monitoring of partial discharges

A novel optical detection method for partial discharge in HV/EHV cable terminations has been proposed. Optical sensor fibres integrated into the HV equipment provide high sensitivity as well as immunity to electromagnetic interference and enable therefore on-line monitoring in electromagnetically noisy environment. The availability of optically transparent silicone rubbers that meet strict dielectric and mechanical criteria is a crucial prerequisite for the implementation of this method. The optically transparent silicone rubbers can be applied for the fabrication of a modern rubber stress cone as well as for the development of a new optical sensing element sensitive to PD activities. In this thesis, AC dielectric strength behaviour and mechanical properties of three types of commercially available silicone rubbers were investigated. One of the characterized silicone rubbers was a translucent type whereas the two others were optically transparent types, however with different chemical curing reactions. The measurements of tensile strength and elongation at break were carried out according to the ISO 37 standard. For investigation of the dielectric strength behaviour of the virgin and modified silicone rubbers, a new methodology was developed. It is, at the same time, highly reliable and efficient, saves time and reduces material consumption in comparison to previously reported methodologies. The key component of this methodology is a specifically developed test facility. Furthermore, the methodology comprises determinations for easy preparation and handling of high-quality test specimens. This test method provides various advantages over other methods that have previously been used for measurement of the fundamental quantity value of silicone rubbers. Both technical and economic demands are satisfied. The new facility also enables cost-effective routine tests in material research laboratories. The high quality of the obtained test results was verified by statistical analysis based on the 2-parameter Weibull distribution function. The investigations revealed that the virgin translucent silicone rubber has a large elastic region with an acceptable plastic deformation and also provides an AC 50 Hz dielectric strength of approximately 24 kV/mm for 0.5 mm thickness. These values enable considering the tested translucent silicone as replacement material for an opaque elastomer that is currently used for a rubber stress cone of HV cable accessories. Unfortunately, its optical transmittance is poor compared to optically clear transparent silicone rubbers. On the other hand, the mechanical properties of virgin transparent silicone rubbers do not comply with those demanded from push-on stress cones. In particular, their elongation at break is considered too low for that application. However they provide the AC dielectric strength values in either 28 kV/mm or 29 kV/mm for 0.5 mm thickness, which are higher than those of the translucent type. Moreover, it was found that the post-curing process does not provide