Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pure-tone intensity discrimination and energy detection.

A study of 1000‐Hz intensity discrimination is reported in which single tones were identified as the louder or softer of two alternatives differing slightly in energy. Tones were phase locked and fixed in duration (150 msec). Feedback was given following each judgment. Psychometric functions are presented and a masking curve is computed. The masking curve is found to be linear above 25‐dB sensation level, and the slope is computed as 15/16. These results are interpreted as reflecting a form of energy discrimination similar to that proposed in noise masking.
Om r-fonemets historia i svenskan

It is suggested that Proto-Nordic /r/ was velar or uvular and /z/ postdental. It is suggsted that the two pronunciations were preserved in different areas after the phonemic merger: postdental in central Sweden and Norway and velar/uvular in the south of Scandinavia. The idea that the velar /r/ was imported from France int he 17th or 18th century is rejected.
Serine residue 45 of nodulation protein NodF from Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae is essential for its biological function

A system for testing the role of the Rhizobium nodF gene in the production of host-specific lipochitin oligosaccharides and in nodulation was developed. We show that a mutant nodF gene, in which the codon for serine residue 45 was changed to that for threonine, still expresses NodF, which, however, is no longer functional.
Interaction between Actin and the Effector Peptide of MARCKS-related Protein

It is widely assumed that the members of the MARCKS protein family, MARCKS (an acronym for myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate) and MARCKS-related protein (MRP), interact with actin via their effector domain, a highly basic segment composed of 24–25 amino acid residues. To clarify the mechanisms by which this interaction takes place, we have examined the effect of a peptide corresponding to the effector domain of MRP, the so-called effector peptide, on both the dynamic and the structural properties of actin. We show that in the absence of cations the effector peptide polymerizes monomeric actin and causes the alignment of the formed filaments into bundle-like structures. Moreover, we document that binding of calmodulin or phosphorylation by protein kinase C both inhibit the actin polymerizing activity of the MRP effector peptide. Finally, several effector peptides were synthesized in which positively charged or hydrophobic segments were deleted or replaced by alanines. Our data suggest that a group of six positively charged amino acid residues at the N-terminus of the peptide is crucial for its interaction with actin. While its actin polymerizing activity critically depends on the presence of all three positively charged segments of the peptide, hydrophobic amino acid residues rather modulate the polymerization velocity.
The mitochondrial unfolded protein response, a conserved stress response pathway with implications in health and disease

The ability to respond to various intracellular and/or extracellular stresses allows the organism to adapt to changing environmental conditions and drives evolution. It is now well accepted that a progressive decline of the efficiency of stress response pathways occurs with aging. In this context, a correct proteostasis is essential for the functionality of the cell, and its dysfunction has been associated with protein aggregation and age-related degenerative diseases. Complex response mechanisms have evolved to deal with unfolded protein stress in different subcellular compartments and their moderate activation translates into positive effects on health. In this review, we focus on the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), a response to proteotoxic stress specifically in mitochondria, an organelle with a wide array of fundamental functions, most notably the harvesting of energy from food and the control of cell death. We compare UPRmt with the extensively characterized cytosolic heat shock response (HSR) and the unfolded protein response in endoplasmic reticulum (UPRER), and discuss the current knowledge about UPRmt signaling pathways as well as their potential involvement in physiology.
A revised nitrogen budget for the Arabian Sea

Despite its importance for the global oceanic nitrogen (N) cycle, considerable uncertainties exist about the N fluxes of the Arabian Sea. On the basis of our recent measurements during the German Arabian Sea Process Study as part of the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS) in 1995 and 1997, we present estimates of various N sources and sinks such as atmospheric dry and wet depositions of N aerosols, pelagic denitrification, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and advective N input from the south. Additionally, we estimated the N burial in the deep sea and the sedimentary shelf denitrification. On the basis of our measurements and literature data, the N budget for the Arabian Sea was reassessed. It is dominated by the N loss due to denitrification, which is balanced by the advective input of N from the south. The role of N fixation in the Arabian Sea is still difficult to assess owing to the small database available; however, there are hints that it might be more important than previously thought. Atmospheric N depositions are important on a regional scale during the intermonsoon in the central Arabian Sea; however, they play only a minor role for the overall N cycling. Emissions of N2O and ammonia, deep‐sea N burial, and N inputs by rivers and marginal seas (i.e., Persian Gulf and Red Sea) are of minor importance. We found that the magnitude of the sedimentary denitrification at the shelf might be ∼17% of the total denitrification in the Arabian Sea, indicating that the shelf sediments might be of considerably greater importance for the N cycling in the Arabian Sea than previously thought. Sedimentary and pelagic denitrification together demand ∼6% of the estimated particulate organic nitrogen export flux from the photic zone. The main northward transport of N into the Arabian Sea occurs in the intermediate layers, indicating that the N cycle of the Arabian Sea might be sensitive to variations of the intermediate water circulation of the Indian Ocean.
Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Transcription by Chemical Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors

ABSTRACT Cyclin-dependent kinases (cdk's) have recently been suggested to regulate human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transcription. Previously, we have shown that expression of one cdk inhibitor, p21/Waf1, is abrogated in HIV-1 latently infected cells. Based on this result, we investigated the transcription of HIV-1 in the presence of chemical drugs that specifically inhibited cdk activity and functionally mimicked p21/Waf1 activity. HIV-1 production in virally integrated lymphocytic and monocytic cell lines, such as ACH2, 8E5, and U1, as well as activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells infected with syncytium-inducing (SI) or non-syncytium-inducing (NSI) HIV-1 strains, were all inhibited by Roscovitine, a purine derivative that reversibly competes for the ATP binding site present in cdk's. The decrease in viral progeny in the HIV-1-infected cells was correlated with a decrease in the transcription of HIV-1 RNAs in cells treated with Roscovitine and not with the non-cdk general cell cycle inhibitors, such as hydroxyurea (G1/S blocker) or nocodazole (M-phase blocker). Cyclin A- and E-associated histone H1 kinases, as well as cdk 7 and 9 activities, were all inhibited in the presence of Roscovitine. The 50% inhibitory concentration of Roscovitine on cdk's 9 and 7 was determined to be ∼0.6 μM. Roscovitine could selectively sensitize HIV-1-infected cells to apoptosis at concentrations that did not impede the growth and proliferation of uninfected cells. Apoptosis induced by Roscovitine was found in both latent and activated infected cells, as evident by Annexin V staining and the cleavage of the PARP protein by caspase-3. More importantly, contrary to many apoptosis-inducing agents, where the apoptosis of HIV-1-infected cells accompanies production and release of infectious HIV-1 viral particles, Roscovitine treatment selectively killed HIV-1-infected cells without virion release. Collectively, our data suggest that cdk's are required for efficient HIV-1 transcription and, therefore, we propose specific cdk inhibitors as potential antiviral agents in the treatment of AIDS.
Drug efficiency: a new concept to guide lead optimization programs towards the selection of better clinical candidates

As a result of their wide acceptance and conceptual simplicity, drug-like concepts are having a major influence on the drug discovery process, particularly in the selection of the ‘optimal’ absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity and physicochemical parameters space. While they have an undisputable value when assessing the potential of lead series or in evaluating inherent risk of a portfolio of drug candidates, they result much less useful in weighing up compounds for the selection of the best potential clinical candidate. We introduce the concept of drug efficiency as a new tool both to guide the drug discovery program teams during the lead optimization phase and to better assess the developability potential of a drug candidate.
An analysis of depth of crossover points in tree-based Genetic Programming

The standard crossover operator in tree-based genetic programming (GP) is problematic in that it is most often destructive. Selecting crossover points with an implicit bias towards the leaves of a program tree aggravates its destructiveness and causes the code bloat problem in GP. Therefore, a common view has been developed that adjusting the depth of crossover points to eliminate the bias can improve GP performance, and many attempts have been made to create effective crossover operators according to this view. As there are a large number of possible depth-control strategies, it is very difficult to identify the strategy that provides the most significant improvement in performance. This paper explores depth-control strategies by analysing the depth of crossover points in evolutionary process logs of five different GP systems on problems in three different domains. It concludes that controlling the depth of crossover points is an evolutionary stage dependent and problem dependent task, and obtaining a significant performance improvement is not trivial.
Intrusion Detection Using Deep Belief Network and Probabilistic Neural Network

This paper focuses on the problems existing in intrusion detection using neural network, including redundant information, large amount of data, long-time training, easy to fall into the local optimal. An intrusion detection method using deep belief network (DBN) and probabilistic neural network (PNN) is proposed. First, the raw data are converted to low-dimensional data while retaining the essential attributes of the raw data by using the nonlinear learning ability of DBN. Second, to obtain the best learning performance, particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to optimize the number of hidden-layer nodes per layer. Next, PNN is used to classify the low-dimensional data. Finally, the KDD CUP 1999 dataset is employed to test the performance of the method mentioned above. The experiment result shows that the method performs better than the traditional PNN, PCA-PNN and unoptimized DBN-PNN
What influences a woman to choose vaginal birth after cesarean?

OBJECTIVE To discover what influences women in the decision to deliver via vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). DESIGN Descriptive and qualitative, influenced by principles of phenomenology and using content analysis to describe the lived experiences of women who choose VBAC. SETTING Women were recruited from a postpartum unit in a hospital in the rural southeastern United States. PARTICIPANTS Five women who had delivered via VBAC within 2 to 4 months before the study. RESULTS The major influences that affect a woman's decision to choose VBAC are described. The dominant themes found were the woman's sense of control in the decision-making process; physician encouragement for VBAC; and delivery type outcome advantages, incorporating physical and emotional factors. CONCLUSION Women are influenced by internal and external factors in their decision to choose VBAC. Their choices come from their personal experiences and should be encouraged by health care providers during all aspects of the childbearing process.
Defective Reproductive Organ Morphology and Function in Domestic Rooster Embryonically Exposed to o,p′-DDT or Ethynylestradiol1

Abstract Environmental pollutants with estrogenic activity have a potential to disrupt estrogen-dependent developmental processes. The objective of this study was to investigate if embryonic exposure to the environmental estrogens o,p′-DDT (1-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane; 37, 75, 150 or 300 μg/g egg) and EE2 (17alpha-ethynyl estradiol; 60 ng/g egg) affects the reproductive system in domestic roosters. Following egg injection on Embryonic Day 4, the newly hatched chicks were sexed by cloacal inspection. A skewed phenotypic sex ratio with overrepresentation of chicks deemed as females was observed in the groups exposed to the three highest doses of o,p′-DDT but not in the EE2-exposed group. Normal sex ratios were observed in all groups at adulthood. However, a cloacal deformation seemed to remain in the adult roosters, causing an abnormal semen flow upon semen collection. Semen yield was significantly reduced in both o,p′-DDT-exposed and EE2- exposed birds, whereas semen quality was unaffected. When killed, deformations of the left testis were found in all treatment groups. Image analysis revealed a reduced seminiferous tubular area in the roosters exposed to the two highest doses of o,p′-DDT. Embryonic exposure to o,p′-DDT caused decreased comb weight and right-spur diameter, while EE2 only affected right-spur diameter. In conclusion, this study shows that embryonic exposure to estrogenic compounds can induce permanent effects in male birds. The effects of the two studied compounds were partly similar but o,p′-DDT also induced alterations not seen in the EE2-treated birds.
Toward automated software development

The ASE conference series is rooted in the 1981 Knowledge-Based Software Assistant (KBSA) document [1] and the ensuing US Air Force Rome Labs research program. KBSA addressed automated tool support for the entire software lifecycle, including project management, requirements, specifications, code generation, and evolution. A core goal of KBSA and ASE is the automated generation of code from requirement-level specifications, which promises benefits in three directions: (1) High Assurance - generation of correct code, as well as certification information as a by-product, (2) Productivity through automation, and (3) High Performance through machine application of best-practice design knowledge. Benefits should also include lowering of the cost of lifecycle ownership, due to automated treatment of evolving requirements. This talk lays out a more modern unifying framework for automated software development that is consistent with these goals [2]. Recent progress in automated support for algorithm design and system development is highlighted
Three-Phase Three-Level PWM DC–DC Converter

A three-phase dc-dc converter based on the three-phase neutral point clamped (NPC) commutation cell is proposed, which is intended for use in applications where the energy from a medium dc bus voltage needs to be processed. In this paper, all six continuous conduction modes (CCMs) are described, presenting the main waveforms and equations. For the discontinuous conduction modes the main equations are also provided for a complete converter characterization. Experimental results for a 10 kW, 800 V input voltage, 200 V output voltage, 91% efficiency, 40 kHz laboratory prototype are also presented to verify the theoretical analysis carried out.
Talimogene Laherparepvec in Combination With Ipilimumab in Previously Untreated, Unresectable Stage IIIB-IV Melanoma.

PURPOSE Combining immunotherapeutic agents with different mechanisms of action may enhance efficacy. We describe the safety and efficacy of talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC; an oncolytic virus) in combination with ipilimumab (a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 checkpoint inhibitor) in patients with advanced melanoma. METHODS In this open-label, multicenter, phase Ib trial of T-VEC in combination with ipilimumab, T-VEC was administered intratumorally in week 1 (10(6) plaque-forming units/mL), then in week 4 and every 2 weeks thereafter (10(8) plaque-forming units/mL). Ipilimumab (3 mg/kg) was administered intravenously every 3 weeks for four infusions, beginning in week 6. The primary end point was incidence of dose-limiting toxicities. Secondary end points were objective response rate by immune-related response criteria and safety. RESULTS Median duration of treatment with T-VEC was 13.3 weeks (range, 2.0 to 95.4 weeks). Median follow-up time for survival analysis was 20.0 months (1.0 to 25.4 months). Nineteen patients were included in the safety analysis. No dose-limiting toxicities occurred, and no new safety signals were detected. Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were seen in 26.3% of patients; 15.8% had AEs attributed to T-VEC, and 21.1% had AEs attributed to ipilimumab. The objective response rate was 50%, and 44% of patients had a durable response lasting ≥ 6 months. Eighteen-month progression-free survival was 50%; 18-month overall survival was 67%. CONCLUSION T-VEC with ipilimumab had a tolerable safety profile, and the combination appeared to have greater efficacy than either T-VEC or ipilimumab monotherapy.
Kinect based system for student engagement monitoring

Keeping students attentive during lectures may significantly improve learning outcomes. Traditional methods of attention estimation cannot offer a real-time feedback to the teacher. We present a technical concept of student attention monitoring during a lecture. The system utilizes a set of cameras providing tracking of the behavior of individual students in the classroom. The monitoring system is based on visual cues, which possibly detects a decline in students' engagement. The system is planned to help teacher respond to attention drops during the lecture thus improving overall learning outcomes.
Lower bound of error in AOA based passive source localization using single moving platform

Error assessment is one of the great considerations in any position-finding (PF) system. In this paper it is assumed that a single moving sensor measures the Angle Of Arrival (AOA) of the signals emitted by a stationary source. These AOA measurements are used to find true position of the source. Regarding such a scenario, source estimated location error is analyzed and a lower bound of error is extracted regarding Cramer-Rao criteria.
In vivo visualization of hyaluronic acid injection by high spatial resolution T2 parametric magnetic resonance images

Background/purpose: In recent years, increasing use of injectable resorbable fillings has been reported for facial wrinkle treatment. However, the physiological processes involved such as the localization and subsequent diffusion of the injected product in skin tissues are poorly documented. This may be noninvasively achieved using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is duly presented in this pilot study.
Lumbar Range of Motion: Reliability and Validity of the Inclinometer Technique in the Clinical Measurement of Trunk Flexibility

Study Design. This study examines the reliability and validity of measuring lumbar range of motion with an inclinometer. Objectives. To find out whether a manual determination of the reference points for measuring lumbar range of motion is as reliable as radiologic determination for positioning the inclinometers, lumbar range of motion was determined in degrees by evaluating radiographs and by using the inclinometer technique of Loebl. Summary of Background Data. Reliability and validity of the inclinometer technique as a clinical measurement of trunk flexibility were investigated. Fifty‐four patients participated in the study. Methods. Lumbar range of motion measurements were taken with and without radiologic control of the T12 and S1 vertebrae as reference points for positioning of the inclinometers. An interrater correlation was done of the inclinometer techniques of a physician and a physiotherapist. Functional radiographs were investigated in a standing position. Lumbar range of motion measurements based on radiographs and those taken using the inclinometer alone were correlated to validate the inclinometer technique. Results. Lumbar range of motion measurements taken with and without radiologic determination showed a very close correlation (r = 0.93; P < 0.001). Flexion alone also demonstrated a close correlation (r = 0.95; P < 0.001), whereas extension showed a somewhat smaller correlation (r = 0.82; P < 0.001). Total lumbar range of motion (r = 0.94; P < 0.001) and flexion (r = 0.88; P < 0.001) were closely related, as indicated by the interrater correlation, whereas extension (r = 0.42; P < 0.05) showed a lesser correlation. Correlation of the measurements taken radiographically and by inclinometer demonstrated an almost linear correlation for measurements of the total lumbar range of motion (r = 0.97; P < 0.001) and flexion (r = 0.98; P < 0.001), whereas extension (r = 0.75; P < 0.001) did not correlate as well. Conclusions. The noninvasive inclinometer technique proved to be highly reliable and valid, but the measurement technique for extension needs further refinement.
Diet, Ayurveda and interface with biomedicine

We thank Dr Kontum for his interesting and useful comments to our paper[1] and further reference to the address by one of the authors (AC) to the recently concluded World Ayurveda Congress 2010 in Bangalore on the subject of ‘Ayurveda Biomedicine Interface’. Kontum has very rightly highlighted the ‘holistic approach’ as a contrast to just focusing on ‘drugs’. Also, he has described a relatively simple method of cooking rice practiced by his family that apparently enriches the health promotion and preventive value. Several such healthy practices advocated by Ayurveda could be included in the daily life style and living in modern times in addition to the one he suggested.
A Patch-type Wireless Physiological Monitoring Microsystems

We developed a patch-type wireless multi-sensor system for physiological signals monitoring which is able to apply to tele-home-care or any related application. The module "tag", without any constraint of the belt, is attached to the belly and is easy to measure the skin temperature, ECG signals, and respiration at the same time and show by "computer information center". The Tag consists of three parts: a thermistor, an accelerometer, and electrocardiogram electrodes. In order to make the flexible module, the substrate adopts the soft PI with two conductive layers and the active and passive components are carefully selected.
Chicken welfare is influenced more by housing conditions than by stocking density

Acknowledgements We benefited from discussions with J. M. Brown, O. L. Anderson, M. Ross and R. Boehler. We acknowledge F. H. Streitz for the formulation of equations (2) and (3). We are grateful for the technical efforts of S. Caldwell, E. Ojala, L. Raper, K. Stickle. Work was performed by the University of California under the auspices of the US DOE by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.