Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outer membrane vesicles from Porphyromonas gingivalis affect the growth and function of cultured human gingival fibroblasts and umbilical vein endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of outer membrane vesicles (OMV) obtained from Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) on the growth and function of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). METHODS OMV were obtained from a cell-free growth medium of Pg ATCC 33277 by 40% NH2SO4 precipitation and ultracentrifugation. Cell proliferation was measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation into growing HGF and HUVEC. Endothelial cell function was determined by their capacity to form a network of capillary tubes on an extracellular matrix (ECM). RESULTS Proliferating HGF and HUVEC demonstrated a significant dose-dependent inhibition of 3H-thymidine uptake when cultured with 0 to 40 microg/ml of OMV protein. HGF and HUVEC showed an IC50 of growth of about 9.0 microg/ml and 4.5 microg/ml of OMV protein, respectively. Capillary tube formation by HUVEC cultured on an ECM was suppressed by 70% to 80% with 5 microg/ml OMV protein after 18 hours of incubation. The presence of proteolytic enzymes in the OMV did not contribute to capillary tube disruption, since blocking enzyme activity with specific inhibitors did not reduce the suppression of capillary tube formation. After heating at 90 degrees C for 5 minutes, OMV significantly lost their capacity to suppress capillary tube formation. CONCLUSIONS OMV significantly inhibit the proliferation of cultured HGF and HUVEC in a dose-dependent manner. OMV suppressed the capillary tube formation by cultured HUVEC. The factor(s) appeared to be a protein and not endotoxin because its inhibitory activity was markedly reduced by heat inactivation. These studies suggest that OMV contribute to chronic periodontitis by suppressing cell proliferation and revascularization in periodontal tissues.
A Light-weight Semantic Interpretation Mechanism for a Sketch-based Learning Environment

Free-hand drawing of diagrams or sketches is a natural form of expression that is very useful in learning scenarios. It is easily supported by tablets or tablet PCs. Often such sketches are the basis of reasoning processes, also in collaborative scenarios. They can also indicate misconceptions. Therefore it is desirable to support a semantic interpretation of sketches in a way that could be easily combined with other parts of a learning environment or with an ITS. Our solution introduces a multi-agent architecture based on the blackboard paradigm. Inspired by the CogSketch system, it supports the introduction of user-defined "glyphs" as external representations of concepts, it provides a set of basic geometrical/topological primitives and allows for the addition of more domain-specific semantic relations.
Sovereignty in post-sovereign society: A systems theory of European constitutionalism

Sovereignty marks the boundary between politics and law. Highlighting the legal context of politics and the political context of law, it thus contributes to the internal dynamics of both political and legal systems. This book comprehends the persistence of sovereignty as a political and juridical concept in the post-sovereign social condition. The tension and paradoxical relationship between the semantics and structures of sovereignty and post-sovereignty are addressed by using the conceptual framework of the autopoietic social systems theory. Using a number of contemporary European examples, developments and paradoxes, the author examines topics of immense interest and importance relating to the concept of sovereignty in a globalising world. The study argues that the modern question of sovereignty permanently oscillating between de iure authority and de facto power cannot be discarded by theories of supranational and transnational globalized law and politics. Criticising quasi-theological conceptualizations of political sovereignty and its juridical form, the study reformulates the concept of sovereignty and its persistence as part of the self-referential communication of the systems of positive law and politics. The book will be of considerable interest to academics and researchers in political, legal and social theory and philosophy. Contents: Preface; Introduction. Part I Cases and Concepts: Multiple sovereignty in the EU: on the differentiated semantics and structures of European law and politics; Sovereignty, or post-sovereignty? A social systems theoretical perspective. Part II Concepts and Theories: Sovereignty and the constitutional state: on the systemic self-referencing and differentiation in the Kelsen-Schmitt debate; No more sovereignty? On the concepts of legal pluralism, living law and societal constitutionalism; Power in sovereignty and its popular legitimation: on the semantics and contingency of popular sovereignty. Part III Theories and Systems: The evolution of the EU’s political and legal autopoiesis: on the self-reference of European polity; Desiring a democratic European polity: the post-sovereign EU governed by sovereign Member States. Postscript: sovereignty of popular memories: a critique of political existentialism; Bibliography; Index.
Role of Genetic Factors in Lower- and Higher-Order Aberrations – The Genes in Myopia Twin Study

Aims: We intended to investigate the relative genetic contribution in wavefront aberrations using a sub-group of twins recruited in the Genes in Myopia twin study, and subsequently provide direction for future studies into the aetiology of mono-chromatic aberrations. To our knowledge, the Genes in Myopia twin study is the first study to explore the role of genetic factors in both lower- and higher-order aberrations in a Caucasian population. Methods: Each individual completed a general questionnaire and underwent a comprehensive eye examination. Higher-order wavefront aberrations were calculated with Zernike coefficients up to the fourth order. Results: A total of 46 twin pairs with a mean age of 65.3 years were included in the analysis. Monozygotic intra-pair correlations were significantly higher compared to those in dizygotic twin pairs for defocus aberrations (p < 0.05). A trend for a genetic component was identified for higher-order aberrations. Conclusion: Genetic studies into refraction typically explore the genetic effects of lower-order aberrations such as myopia and hypermetropia; however, there is little to no research into the genetic basis of higher-order aberrations. The Genes in Myopia twin study indicates a potential genetic role for higher-order aberrations and provides useful insights into the aetiology of refractive error.
Learning pulse: a machine learning approach for predicting performance in self-regulated learning using multimodal data

Learning Pulse explores whether using a machine learning approach on multimodal data such as heart rate, step count, weather condition and learning activity can be used to predict learning performance in self-regulated learning settings. An experiment was carried out lasting eight weeks involving PhD students as participants, each of them wearing a Fitbit HR wristband and having their application on their computer recorded during their learning and working activities throughout the day. A software infrastructure for collecting multimodal learning experiences was implemented. As part of this infrastructure a Data Processing Application was developed to pre-process, analyse and generate predictions to provide feedback to the users about their learning performance. Data from different sources were stored using the xAPI standard into a cloud-based Learning Record Store. The participants of the experiment were asked to rate their learning experience through an Activity Rating Tool indicating their perceived level of productivity, stress, challenge and abilities. These self-reported performance indicators were used as markers to train a Linear Mixed Effect Model to generate learner-specific predictions of the learning performance. We discuss the advantages and the limitations of the used approach, highlighting further development points.
Within-consonant perceptual differences in the hearing impaired ear.

The consonant recognition of 17 ears with sensorineural hearing loss is evaluated for 14 consonants /p, t, k, f, s, ∫, b, d, g, v, z, 3, m, n/+/a/, under four speech-weighted noise conditions (0, 6, 12 dB SNR, quiet). One male and one female talker were chosen for each consonant, resulting in 28 total consonant-vowel test tokens. For a given consonant, tokens by different talkers were observed to systematically differ, in both the robustness to noise and/or the resulting confusion groups. Such within-consonant token differences were observed for over 60% of the tested consonants and all HI ears. Only when HI responses are examined on an individual token basis does one find that the error may be limited to a small subset of tokens with confusion groups that are restricted to fewer than three confusions on average. Averaging different tokens of the same consonant can raise the entropy of a listener's responses (i.e., the size of the confusion group), causing the listener to appear to behave in a less systematic way. Quantifying these token differences provides insight into HI perception of speech under noisy conditions and characterizes each listener's hearing impairment.
[PSI] and [URE3] as yeast prions

[URE3] is a non‐Mendelian genetic element that mimics recessive mutations in the chromosomal URE2 gene making cells derepressed for nitrogen catabolic enzymes. [PSI] is a non‐Mendelian enhancer of readthrough of translational termination similar in its effects to some mutations in the chromosomal SUP35 gene. Three lines of evidence led to the proposal75 that both [URE3] and [PSI] are prions, infectious proteins analogous to the scrapie agent mediating transmissible spongiform encephalopathies of mammals. (1) Both [PSI] and [URE3] are reversibly curable. (2) [PSI] propagation requires SUP35 and [URE3] propagation requires URE2 with recessive chromosomal mutants having the same phenotypes as the presence of the respective dominant non‐Mendelian element. (3) Overproduction of Sup35p and Ure2p increases the frequency of cells acquiring [PSI] or [URE3], respectively.
Manual Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery Using a Saddle Point Model Predictive Control Algorithm: Results of a Crossover Randomized Overnight Study

Background: The purpose was to assess the efficacy of a new closed-loop algorithm (Saddle Point Model Predictive Control, SP-MPC) in achieving nocturnal normoglycemia while reducing the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes. Method: In this randomized crossover study, 10 adult patients (mean hemoglobin A1c 7.35 ± 1.04%) were assigned to be treated overnight by open loop using sensor-augmented pump therapy (open-loop SAP) or manual closed-loop delivery. During closed loop, insulin doses were calculated using the SP-MPC algorithm and administered as manual boluses every 15 minutes from 9:00 pm to 8:00 am. Patients consumed a self-selected meal (65-125 g of carbohydrates) at 7:00 pm accompanied by their usual prandial bolus. Blood glucose was measured every 30 minutes. The primary endpoints were the time spent in target (70-145 mg/dl) and time spent below 70 mg/dl from 11:00 pm to 8:00 am. Results: Time spent in target did not differ between closed-loop and open-loop SAP. The number of hypoglycemic events (<70 mg/dl) was reduced 2.8-fold in closed loop (n = 5, median = 0/patient/hour; interquartile range: 0-0.11) as compared to open-loop SAP (n = 14, median = 0.22/patient/hour, 0.02-0.22) (P = .02). The area under the curve for sensor glucose values >145 mg/dl was significantly lower during closed-loop than during open-loop SAP (P = .03) as well as HBGI (P = .02). Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that the use of the SP-MPC algorithm may improve mean overnight glucose control and reduce the number of hypoglycemic events as compared to SAP therapy.
Application discoverability on multipurpose public displays: popularity comes at a price

An important step in developing multipurpose public displays is understanding application discoverability: the effort required to locate or "discover" an application amongst others. Discoverability can affect the adoption and potential success applications. Here we investigate the effects of application discoverability on two aspects of application use: relative utility and conversion rate. We do so by testing three conditions that provide incremental discoverability to an application. Our results indicate that increased discoverability leads to higher relative utility but lower conversion rates. We discuss the implications our findings have on evaluating applications on multipurpose displays, and finally we show how our results contribute to understanding the economics of discoverability mechanisms.
Concurrent morning increase in platelet aggregability and the risk of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death.

Abstract We have previously reported that the frequencies of myocardial infarction and of sudden cardiac death are highest during the period from 6 a.m. to noon. Since platelet aggregation may have a role in triggering these disorders, we measured platelet activity at 3-hour intervals for 24 hours in 15 healthy men. In vitro platelet responsiveness to either adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or epinephrine was lower at 6 a.m. (before the subjects arose) than at 9 a.m. (60 minutes after they arose). The lowest concentration of these agents required to produce biphasic platelet aggregation decreased (i.e., aggregability increased) from a mean ±SEM of 4.7±0.6 to 3.7±0.6 μM (P<0.01) for ADP and from 3.7±0.8 to 1.8±0.5 μM (P<0.01) for epinephrine. The period from 6 to 9 a.m. was the only interval in the 24-hour period during which platelet aggregability increased significantly. We subsequently studied 10 subjects on alternate mornings after they arose at the normal time and after delayed arising. The morning increas.
Evaluation of the Nasal Surgical Questionnaire for Monitoring Results of Septoplasty

Monitoring the results of surgery is important. The otorhinolaryngology department of our hospital currently uses preoperative and postoperative versions of the Nasal Surgical Questionnaire (NSQ) for continuous evaluation of nasal septoplasty. In this study, 55 patients undergoing septoplasty answered the preoperative version twice to assess the NSQ's test-retest precision, and 75 patients answered the preoperative questionnaire before and the postoperative one 6 months after surgery to evaluate the NSQ's ability to detect change in symptoms following surgery. Both the pre- and postoperative versions of the NSQ use separate visual analogue scales (VAS) to assess nasal obstruction during the day, at night, and during exercise. Other nasal symptoms are graded as secondary outcomes using 4-point Likert scales. The mean VAS scores for the two preoperative obstruction ratings were not significantly different. The scores were significantly higher than in a normal population. There were also significant differences between preoperative and postoperative ratings. The mean pre- and postoperative scores at night for those who reported complete improvement were 66.1 and 8.4, substantial improvement 74.5 and 24.2, and no improvement 83.3 and 76.4. The NSQ reliably assesses nasal symptoms in patients and may be useful for both short and long term prospective studies of septoplasty.
A Study of "Tone Deafness" among University Students

This study was concerned with self-reported "tone deafness" and its possible relationship to congenital amusia. Nearly 17% of over 2000 first- year psychology students at Queen's University self-reported tone deafness. Two hundred students were recruited from this pool of students, comprising 100 who reported tone deafness and 100 who reported that they were not tone- deaf (NTD). The study contained two parts. In part 1, participants completed the six tests of the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA) devel- oped by Peretz and collaborators. In part 2, participants completed an exten- sive questionnaire designed to elicit details about musical experiences, abilities, training, and interests. Twenty-eight questionnaire items allowing a quantita- tive response were subjected to factor analysis. Four orthogonal components emerged from the analysis. The components reflected self-report of (1) vocal production, (2) music instruction, (3) listening attitudes, and (4) childhood memories of musical environment. Results for each of the MBEA tests and composite scores for all tests were regressed on participants' factor scores. The best and significant predictors of the MBEA scores were factor I and factor II, followed by factor III. Factor scores accounted for a higher percentage of the variance in MBEA composite test results (27%) than the self-report of tone deafness alone (7%). The musical difficulties revealed by the MBEA test results for some participants warrant further attention and study. However, an encouraging conclusion from the MBEA results is that many individuals who consider themselves "tone-deaf" may not, in fact, have perceptual difficulties, and these individuals should be supported in any of their efforts to proceed with music enjoyment and instruction.
Exoerythrocytic Development of Plasmodium Gallinaceum Sporozoites In A Chicken Fibroblast Cell Line and Inhibition of the Cell Invasion By Specific Anti‐Sporozoite Monoclonal Antibodies

ABSTRACT. Cultivation of the Plasmodium gallinaceum exoerythrocytic forms from sporozoites was attempted in three diferent cell lines: HEPG2‐A16 (from a human hepatoma), VERO (monkey kidney epithelial cells) and SL‐29 (chicken embryo fibroblast cells). the sporozoites in vaded all three cell types but their development into exoerythrocytic forms ocurred only in the SL‐29 cells. In the presence of specific monoclonal antibodies against the major circumsporozoite protein, there were varying degrees of inhibition of parasite invasion of the SL‐29 cells. of seven monoclonal antibodies tested, two completely inhibited cell invasion at high concentrations and caused intense inhibition at concentrations as low as 2.5 μg/ml, four caused intense inhibition at these various concentrations, and one had no effect on sporozoite invasion.
Sympathetic vasoconstriction during exercise in ambulatory patients with left ventricular failure.

In patients with heart failure, exercise is thought to increase sympathetic vasoconstrictor tone. To investigate the extent of this sympathetic activation, we studied the effect of maximal exercise on nonexercising vascular beds in 35 patients with left ventricular failure (ejection fraction, 21 +/- 8%; peak exercise oxygen uptake (VO2), 12.3 +/- 3.5 ml/min/kg). In 28 patients, cardiac output and leg blood flow were measured during maximal upright bicycle exercise. Total flow to nonexercising tissue was then calculated as cardiac output--(2 x leg flow). In seven patients and six normal subjects, forearm blood flow was measured during supine bicycle exercise before and after alpha-adrenergic blockade with intravenous phentolamine. Maximal upright exercise increased the vascular resistance of nonexercising tissue from 34 +/- 16 units at upright rest to 45 +/- 25 units (p less than 0.02) but did not affect total flow to nonexercising tissue (rest, 2.9 +/- 1.0; maximal exercise, 2.8 +/- 1.4 l/min; p = NS). Supine exercise had no significant effect on forearm blood flow or vascular resistance in the normal subjects. In the patients with heart failure, supine exercise increased forearm vascular resistance from 45 +/- 17 to 58 +/- 25 mm Hg/ml/min/100 ml (p less than 0.02), again with no change in tissue flow (rest, 2.4 +/- 0.1; maximal exercise, 2.4 +/- 0.9 ml/min/100 ml; p = NS). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
On the Expanded Region of Picocells in Heterogeneous Networks

In order to expand the downlink (DL) coverage areas of picocells in the presence of an umbrella macrocell, the concept of range expansion has been recently proposed, in which a positive range expansion bias (REB) is added to the DL received signal strengths (RSSs) of picocell pilot signals at user equipments (UEs). Although range expansion may increase DL footprints of picocells, it also results in severe DL inter-cell interference in picocell expanded regions (ERs), because ER picocell user equipments (PUEs) are not connected to the cells that provide the strongest DL RSSs. In this paper, we derive closed-form formulas to calculate appropriate REBs for two different range expansion strategies, investigate both DL and uplink (UL) inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC) to enhance picocell performance, and propose a new macrocell-picocell cooperative scheduling scheme to mitigate both DL and UL interference caused by macrocells to ER PUEs. Simulation results provide insights on REB selection approaches at picocells, and demonstrate the benefits of the proposed macrocell-picocell cooperative scheduling scheme over alternative approaches.
D‐TACC: a novel centrosomal protein required for normal spindle function in the early Drosophila embryo

We identify Drosophila TACC (D‐TACC) as a novel protein that is concentrated at centrosomes and interacts with microtubules. We show that D‐TACC is essential for normal spindle function in the early embryo; if D‐TACC function is perturbed by mutation or antibody injection, the microtubules emanating from centrosomes in embryos are short and chromosomes often fail to segregate properly. The C‐terminal region of D‐TACC interacts, possibly indirectly, with microtubules, and can target a heterologous fusion protein to centrosomes and microtubules in embryos. This C‐terminal region is related to the mammalian transforming, acidic, coiled‐coil‐containing (TACC) family of proteins. The function of the TACC proteins is unknown, but the genes encoding the known TACC proteins are all associated with genomic regions that are rearranged in certain cancers. We show that at least one of the mammalian TACC proteins appears to be associated with centrosomes and microtubules in human cells. We propose that this conserved C‐terminal ‘TACC domain’ defines a new family of microtubule‐interacting proteins.
Toward kinship verification using visual attributes

In this paper, we consider the kinship verification problem through face images. Genetics studies show resemblant regions on faces among immediate family members are mostly concentrated on eyes, nose, mouth, etc. This motivates us the following research. First, we construct low-level features based on the hierarchical local regions. Second, an attribute based method is proposed towards meaningful middle-level representations for face images. Specially, we use LIFT algorithm to extract binary attributes, e.g., “male”, “has glasses”. Simultaneously, relative attributes, e.g., “bigger” eyes, are learned through comparing with reference images. A SVM classifier is trained based on the combination of these two attributes. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. Finally, we show the heredity of attributes in terms of four kin relations.