Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immersion, Engagement, and Presence: A Method for Analyzing 3-D Video Games

A recent shift in computer game design involves a move away from 2-D level design, in games like Prince of Persia (1992), or from isometric design in games like Warcraft, to 3-D design and a first-person point of view. This shift increases the sense of immersion by replicating the aesthetic approaches of first-person shooter games in other types of games, such as adventure games, role-playing games, and even strategy games, which previously used 2-D levels or isometric views. The shift in design is indicative of an overall trend to make desktop video games feel more like virtual reality. My approach here is to reexamine our concept of immersion in video games and suggest that immersion has become an excessively vague, all-inclusive concept. It is necessary to break down the concept of immersion into its more specific meanings and develop a more specific terminology. In this essay, I take the
Nanoparticles activate the NLR pyrin domain containing 3 (Nlrp3) inflammasome and cause pulmonary inflammation through release of IL-1α and IL-1β

Nanoparticles are increasingly used in various fields, including biomedicine and electronics. One application utilizes the opacifying effect of nano-TiO2, which is frequently used as pigment in cosmetics. Although TiO2 is believed to be biologically inert, an emerging literature reports increased incidence of respiratory diseases in people exposed to TiO2. Here, we show that nano-TiO2 and nano-SiO2, but not nano-ZnO, activate the NLR pyrin domain containing 3 (Nlrp3) inflammasome, leading to IL-1β release and in addition, induce the regulated release of IL-1α. Unlike other particulate Nlrp3 agonists, nano-TiO2–dependent-Nlrp3 activity does not require cytoskeleton-dependent phagocytosis and induces IL-1α/β secretion in nonphagocytic keratinocytes. Inhalation of nano-TiO2 provokes lung inflammation which is strongly suppressed in IL-1R– and IL-1α–deficient mice. Thus, the inflammation caused by nano-TiO2 in vivo is largely caused by the biological effect of IL-1α. The current use of nano-TiO2 may present a health hazard due to its capacity to induce IL-1R signaling, a situation reminiscent of inflammation provoked by asbestos exposure.
Coagulopathy of Fulminant Hepatic Failure

The liver plays a central role in hemostasis. It is the site of synthesis of the coagulation factors (except Factor VIII), inhibitors of coagulation and fibrinolytic agents, that make up the very complex mechanism controlling coagulation. In addition, the fixed macrophage system in the liver rapidly clears many of the activated factors and their derivatives from the circulation. Not surprisingly therefore in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) there is a very complicated pattern of defects in coagulation on laboratory testing and frequently a severe clinical coagulopathy. In this article we will review the specific abnormalities identified in FHF and, although a complete review of normal coagulation and hemostasis is beyond the scope of this article, a brief outline will be given to assist in understanding the relationship between these differing functions of the liver and the clinical disorder.
Dynamic Bayesian network model for inflation risk warning

At present, the methods of risk warning emphasize static function dependency or dynamic propagation of time series, which results in a unconsistent combination of the static and dynamic information. Accordingly, this paper puts forward a dynamic hierarchical naive Bayesian network classifier for warning inflation risk. And an example is presented to explain the process of inflation risk warning and method of contribution analysis to risk rank forecast. This model features universality and can be widely used in other risk warning domains.
Narrow pulsed voltage generator for liquid food sterilization

This paper first reviews mechanism and waveform consideration for liquid food sterilization, and then presents how to generate bipolar narrow pulses. In this research, a bidirectional flyback converter with energy recovery circuits is proposed to generate bipolar narrow pulsed electric fields for liquid food sterilization, which includes sterilization of drinking water, alcoholic beverages, fruit juice, etc. Since in the converter, leakage inductance is around 1% of the magnetizing inductance, capacitors are used to resonate with the leakage inductor to recover the trapped energy and to reduce switching loss, improving efficiency about 13%. In addition, the energy recovery capacitor can reduce voltage stress significantly. Experimental results obtained from a prototype with the output of /spl plusmn/6 kV /spl plusmn/20 kV, depending on loads, and peak power of 250 kW have confirmed these discussions.
Structure, assembly and regulation of expression of capsules in Escherichia coli

Many Escherichia coli strains are covered in a layer of surface‐associated polysaccharide called the capsule. Capsular polysaccharides represent a major surface antigen, the K antigen, and more than 80 distinct K serotypes result from structural diversity in these polymers. However, not all capsules consist of K antigen. Some are due to production of an extensive layer of a polymer structurally identical to a lipopolysaccharide O antigen, but distinguished from lipopolysaccharide by the absence of terminal lipid A‐core. Recent research has provided insight into the manner in which capsules are organized on the Gram‐negative cell surface, the pathways used for their assembly, and the regulatory processes used to control their expression. A limited repertoire of capsule expression systems are available, despite the fact that the producing bacteria occupy a variety of ecological niches and possess diverse physiologies. All of the known capsule assembly systems seen in Gram‐negative bacteria are represented in E. coli, as are the majority of the regulatory strategies. Escherichia coli therefore provides a variety of working models on which studies in other bacteria are (or can be) based. In this review, we present an overview of the current molecular and biochemical models for capsule expression in E. coli. By taking into account the organization of capsule gene clusters, details of the assembly pathway, and regulatory features that dictate capsule expression, we provide a new classification system that separates the known capsules of E. coli into four distinct groups.
Sequential Straightforward Clustering for Local Image Block Matching

Duplicated region detection is a technical method to expose copy-paste forgeries on digital images. Copy-paste is one of the common types of forgeries to clone portion of an image in order to conceal or duplicate special object. In this type of forgery detection, extracting robust block feature and also high time complexity of matching step are two main open problems. This paper concentrates on computational time and proposes a local block matching algorithm based on block clustering to enhance time complexity. Time complexity of the proposed algorithm is formulated and effects of two parameter, block size and number of cluster, on efficiency of this algorithm are considered. The experimental results and mathematical analysis demonstrate this algorithm is more costeffective than lexicographically algorithms in time complexity issue when the image is complex. Keywords—Copy-paste forgery detection, Duplicated region, Time complexity, Local block matching, Sequential block clustering.
Marital Dynamics and Fertility Limitation: The Role of Emotional Nucleation

This study investigates the consequences of spousal emotional nucleation for couples’ fertility behavior. The article integrates existing theories relating the shift toward couple-centered marital relationships to fertility limitation. I expand on the fertility literature’s common focus on spousal communication to include other dimensions of spousal emotional nucleation. This complex concept is often posited in the fertility literature but not often measured. Using unique nine year long monthly panel data from the Chitwan Valley Family Study, I test the effects of spouses’ decreased attachment to parents and increased conjugal bond on fertility limitation. Empirical analyses demonstrate that these dimensions both directly increase contraceptive use. Spousal communication about family planning retains strong effects even when considered within the broader framework of emotional nucleation, demonstrating its important independent role in the transition to use of contraception. These results should motivate greater research attention to the influence of marital relationship dynamics on fertility behavior. Role of Emotional Nucleation in Marital Dynamics and Fertility Limitation 2
Diversity of Free-Living and Attached Bacteria in Offshore Western Mediterranean Waters as Depicted by Analysis of Genes Encoding 16S rRNA

ABSTRACT In a previous study (S. G. Acinas, F. Rodrı́guez-Valera, and C. Pedrós-Alió, FEMS Microbiol. Ecol. 24:27–40, 1997), community fingerprinting by 16S rDNA restriction analysis applied to Mediterranean offshore waters showed that the free-living pelagic bacterial community was very different from the bacterial cells aggregated or attached to particles of more than about 8 μm. Here we have studied both assemblages at three depths (5, 50, and 400 m) by cloning and sequencing the 16S rDNA obtained from the same samples, and we have also studied the samples by scanning electron microscopy to detect morphology patterns. As expected, the sequences retrieved from the assemblages were very different. The subsample of attached bacteria contained very little diversity, with close relatives of a well-known species of marine bacteria, Alteromonas macleodii, representing the vast majority of the clones at every depth. On the other hand, the free-living assemblage was highly diverse and varied with depth. At 400 m, close relatives of cultivated γProteobacteria predominated, but as shown by other authors, near the surface most clones were related to phylotypes described only by sequence, in which the α Proteobacteria of the SAR11 cluster predominated. The new technique of rDNA internal spacer analysis has been utilized, confirming these results. Clones representative of the A. macleodii cluster have been completely sequenced, producing a picture that fits well with the idea that they could represent a genus with at least two species and with a characteristic depth distribution.
Human megakaryocytes confer tissue factor to a subset of shed platelets to stimulate thrombin generation

Summary Tissue factor (TF), the main activator of the blood coagulation cascade, has been shown to be expressed by platelets. Despite the evidence that both megakaryocytes and platelets express TF mRNA, and that platelets can make de novo protein synthesis, the main mechanism thought to be responsible for the presence of TF within platelets is through the uptake of TF positive microparticles. In this study we assessed 1) whether human megakaryocytes synthesise TF and transfer it to platelets and 2) the contribution of platelet-TF to the platelet hemostatic capacity. In order to avoid the cross-talk with circulating microparticles, we took advantage from an in vitro cultured megakaryoblastic cell line (Meg-01) able to differentiate into megakaryocytes releasing platelet-like particles. We show that functionally active TF is expressed in human megakaryoblasts, increased in megakaryocytes, and is transferred to a subset of shed platelets where it contributes to clot formation. These data were all confirmed in human CD34pos- derived megakaryocytes and in their released platelets. The effect of TF silencing in Meg-megakaryoblasts resulted in a significant reduction of TF expression in these cells and also in Meg-megakaryocytes and Meg-platelets. Moreover, the contribution of platelet-TF to the platelet hemostatic capacity was highlighted by the significant delay in the kinetic of thrombin formation observed in platelets released by TF-silenced megakaryocytes. These findings provide evidences that TF is an endogenously synthesised protein that characterises megakaryocyte maturation and that it is transferred to a subset of newly-released platelets where it is functionally active and able to trigger thrombin generation.
Efficiency and Safety of CRAC Inhibitors in Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Xenograft Models

Store-operated Ca2+ release–activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels are involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and have been studied as therapeutic targets in the management of RA. We investigated the efficacy and safety of CRAC inhibitors, including a neutralizing Ab (hCRACM1-IgG) and YM-58483, in the treatment of RA. Patient-derived T cell and B cell activity was suppressed by hCRACM1-IgG as well as YM-58483. Systemically constant, s.c. infused CRAC inhibitors showed anti-inflammatory activity in a human-NOD/SCID xenograft RA model as well as protective effects against the destruction of cartilage and bone. hCRACM1-IgG appeared to be safe for systemic application, whereas YM-58483 showed hepatic and renal toxicity in xenograft mice. Treatment with both CRAC inhibitors also caused hyperglycemia in xenograft mice. These results indicate the potential of hCRACM1-IgG and YM-58483 as anti-immunological agents for the treatment of RA. However, some safety issues should be addressed and application methods should be optimized prior to their clinical use.
A study of cycling induced degradation mechanisms in Si nanocrystal memory devices

The endurance of Si nanocrystal memory devices under Fowler–Nordheim program and erase (P/E) cycling is investigated. Both threshold voltage (Vth) and subthreshold swing (SS) degradation are observed when using a high program or erase voltage. The change of SS is found to be proportional to the shift of Vth, indicating that the generation of interface traps plays a dominant role. The charge pumping and the mid-gap voltage methods have been used to analyze endurance degradation both qualitatively and quantitatively. It is concluded that high erase voltage causes severe threshold voltage degradation by generating more interface traps and trapped oxide charges.
Constrained Stabilization of Periodic Discrete-Time Systems Via Periodic Lyapunov Functions

This article considers the problem of constrained stabilization of periodically time-varying discrete-time systems, or shortly, periodic systems. A modification of a recent result on periodic Lyapunov functions, which are required to decrease at every period rather than at every time instant, is exploited to obtain a new stabilizing controller synthesis method for periodic systems. We demonstrate that for the relevant class of linear periodic systems subject to polytopic state and input constraints, the developed synthesis method is advantageous compared to the standard Lyapunov synthesis method. An illustrative example demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Effects of Different Anaesthetic Techniques on Surgical Stress Response During Inguinal Hernia Operations.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to compare the effects of 3 different kinds of anaesthesia on stress response induced by surgery. METHODS Sixty patients aged between 25-70 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II group to undergo inguinal herniography were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into 3 groups of 20. Group 1 received general anaesthesia with sevoflurane/air/remifentanil, patients in Group 2 received total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) with propofol/air/remifentanil and Group 3 received spinal anaesthesia induced by hyperbaric bupivacaine, adjoined by remifentanil sedation. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate and SpO2 values were recorded preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively at certain periods. Cortisol, leptin and glucose levels were preoperatively detected. Intervals were as; 15 minutes prior to the induction of anaesthesia, at intraoperative first hour and at the postoperative third and twenty-forth hours. RESULTS MAP and heart rate values were similar in the inhalational anaesthesia and TIVA groups but relatively higher in the spinal anaesthesia group. Blood glucose levels were elevated, insulin levels were decreased in all groups, at the intraoperative first hour. Biphasic variation in blood leptin levels was observed in all groups, as the levels were lower than the preoperative control values at the intraoperative first and postoperative third hours and significantly higher at the postoperative twenty-forth hour. There was a significant decrease in cortisol level percentage change in the TIVA group at the intraoperative 1st hour, increasing in the other groups. CONCLUSION We concluded that TIVA supresses the stress response induced by surgery better by lowering cortisol levels, leading to a lower increase in blood glucose levels and a lower decrease in blood insulin levels when compared to others. Furthermore, leptin levels were increased at the postoperative twenty-forth hour. The lower increase at the postoperative twenty-forth hour in the TIVA group can be correlated with the anaesthetic agent.
Determinants of Life Expectancy at Birth in Iran: A modified Grossman Health Production Function

Health as a prerequisite to perform other activities is considered as bothconsumption and capital commodity. Views on health production may differ.Sometimes, health is assumed as natural endowment, at times, it is generated bythe personal efforts, and sometimes physicians and other health providersprovide it. This paper aims to identify the factors affecting the production ofhealth. To analyze thedeterminants of health production, we focus on life expectancy at birth in Iranover the period 1980-2012, as a dependent variable; and take per capita income,immunization rate and share of expenditure on education( as percent of GDP) asexplanatory variables. Then, weestimate the determinants of life expectancy using Johansen-Juseliuscointegration method for the long-run and error correction model for the short-runin the Eviews.8 software environment. In the long-run, the elasticity of life expectancy with respect to per capitaincome is about 0.12. In addition, the elasticities of life expectancy withregard to the rate of vaccination against illnesses and education levelare 0.35 and 0.13, respectively. Accordingto error correction model, the coefficient of error correction term (ECT) isestimated at -0.022, which shows that the 2.2% of disequilibrium in lifeexpectancy is adjusted in each period and is approached to its long-runequilibrium. the healthier and longer life require policy-makers toadopt more efficient policies in order to raise purchasing power, to enhanceoverall education level and to invest on immunization people against infectiousand communicable diseases.
The effect of rosemary on the mutagenic activity of heterocyclic amines extracted from common food consumed in Saudi Arabia

Meat intake may increase cancer risk as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are one of the food mutagens produced in meat cooked at high temperature. The consumption of meat in Saudi Arabia is high compared with other developing countries and the incidence of cancer has been increasing during the past 30 years. The present study aimed to quantitatively determine the effect of rosemary on the mutagenic activity and the amount of HCAs formed in beef Shawerma, grilled chicken and fried liver as an attempt to minimize the carcinogenic risk of HCAs formed in these commonly consumed meat dishes. Surprisingly, rosemary extracts (2%, 5%, 10% and 15%) apparently enhanced the total amount of HCAs measured in beef Shawerma, whereas 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) was the only mutagenic amine inhibited by 2% rosemary with a reduction up to 61.6% compared with control. In grilled chicken, the total amount of HCAs measured in 2% rosemary samples was reduced seven-fold lower than the control level, whereas PhIp and 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (TrpP1) were inhibited to non-detectable levels. These data demonstrate that 2% rosemary may play an important role in attenuating the production of PhIP in both Shawerma and fried chicken. In fried liver, HCAs were not detected either in the control or in 2% treated samples whereas augmented levels of TrpP1 were measured in 5%, 10% and 15% rosemary. The mutagenic activity of HCAs extracted from all beef Shawerma and grilled chicken treated samples increased over the control sample using Salmonella typhimurium TA100. In fried liver, the mutagenic activity detected in the control sample was higher than treated samples, which suggests that S. typhimurium TA100 might be less sensitive in detecting the mutagenic response of TrpP1 extracted from the real food system. We believe more research is needed to assess the role of antioxidants in the formation of HCAs in order to optimize both safety and quality of our diets.
A nascent polypeptide domain that can regulate translation elongation

The evolutionarily conserved fungal arginine attenuator peptide (AAP), as a nascent peptide, stalls the translating ribosome in response to the presence of a high concentration of the amino acid arginine. Here we examine whether the AAP maintains regulatory function in fungal, plant, and animal cell-free translation systems when placed as a domain near the N terminus or internally within a large polypeptide. Pulse–chase analyses of the radiolabeled polypeptides synthesized in these systems indicated that wild-type AAP functions at either position to stall polypeptide synthesis in response to arginine. Toeprint analyses performed to map the positions of stalled ribosomes on transcripts introduced into the fungal system revealed that ribosome stalling required translation of the AAP coding sequence. The positions of the stalled ribosomes were consistent with the sizes of the radiolabeled polypeptide intermediates. These findings demonstrate that an internal polypeptide domain in a nascent chain can regulate eukaryotic translational elongation in response to a small molecule. Apparently the peptide-sensing features are conserved in fungal, plant, and animal ribosomes. These data provide precedents for translational strategies that would allow domains within nascent polypeptide chains to modulate gene expression.
The use of MIXED models in the analysis of animal experiments with repeated measures data

The analysis of data containing repeated observations measured on animals (experimental unit) allocated to different treatments over time is a common design in animal science. Conventionally, repeated measures data were either analyzed as a univariate (split-plot in time) or a multivariate ANOVA (analysis of contrasts), both being handled by the General Linear Model procedure of SAS. In recent times, the mixed model has become more appealing for analyzing repeated data. The objective of this paper is to provide a background understanding of mixed model methodology in a repeated measures analysis and to use balanced steer data from a growth study to illustrate the use of PROC MIXED in the SAS system using five covariance structures. The split-plot in time approach assumes a constant variance and equal correlations (covariance) between repeated measures or compound symmetry, regardless of their proximity in time, and often these assumptions are not true. Recognizing this limitation, the analysis of contrast.
Anti‐oxidant ebselen causes the resolution of experimentally induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

Hepatic fibrosis occurs because of injury to the liver parenchyma and biliary system. We have investigated the effect of an organic selenium anti‐oxidant, ebselen, in the resolution of experimentally induced hepatic fibrosis, and evaluated its effect on various paradigms involved in hepatic fibrosis.