Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lost in gallery space: A conceptual framework for analyzing the usability flaws of museum Web sites

This article reports on a study which used results from 119 scenario–based evaluations of 36 museum Web sites to develop a conceptual framework for analyzing the usability flaws of museum Web sites. It identifies 15 unique dimensions, grouped into five categories, that exemplify usability problems common to many museum Web sites. Each dimension is discussed in detail, and typical examples are provided, based on actual usability flaws observed during the evaluations. The availability of this conceptual framework will help the designers of museum Web sites improve the overall usability of museum Web sites in general.
Pallidotomy for Tremor

We studied tremor‐related activity in globus pallidus internus (GPi) neurons and the effects of pallidotomy on tremor in patients with Parkinson's disease. By using micro‐electrode recording, we identified GPi neurons with rhythmic firing at the frequency of contralateral tremor. There was a strong correlation between the tremor‐related neuronal activity and limb tremor (r = 0.73). The majority of tremor‐related neurons were located in the ventral one half of the caudal GPi, the area that is the target for pallidotomy. We found that pallidotomy produced striking improvements in off‐period contralateral tremor. These effects were immediate and were maintained for ≥ 2 years. This benefit is obtained despite the progressive nature of the illness and the often reduced dose of medications after surgery.
A Collaborative Filtering Recommendation Algorithm Based on Hierarchical Structure and Time Awareness

User-based and item-based collaborative filtering (CF) are two of the most important and popular techniques in recommender systems. Although they are widely used, there are still some limitations, such as not being well adapted to the sparsity of data sets, failure to consider the hierarchical structure of the items, and changes in users’ interests when calculating the similarity of items. To overcome these shortcomings, we propose an evolutionary approach based on hierarchical structure for dynamic recommendation system named Hierarchical Temporal Collaborative Filtering (HTCF). The main contribution of the paper is displayed in the following two aspects. One is the exploration of hierarchical structure between items to improve similarity, and the other is the improvement of the prediction accuracy by utilizing a time weight function. A unique feature of our method is that it selects neighbors mainly based on hierarchical structure between items, which is more reliable than co-rated items utilized in traditional CF. To the best of our knowledge, there is little previous work on researching CF algorithm by combining object implicit or latent object-structure relations. The experimental results show that our method outperforms several current recommendation algorithms on recommendation accuracy (in terms of MAE). key words: recommender system, collaborative filtering, hierarchical structure, time weight
State Estimation Method for Sound Environment System with Unknown Structure by Introducing a Fuzzy Adaptive Filter

The actual sound environment system exhibits various types of linear and non-linear characteristics, and it often contains an unknown structure. Furthermore, the observations in the sound environment often contain fuzziness due to several causes. In this study, a method for estimating the specific signal for acoustic environment systems with unknown structure and fuzzy observation is proposed by introducing a fuzzy probability theory and a system model of conditional probability type. The effectiveness of the proposed theoretical method is confirmed by applying it to the actual problem of psychological evaluation for the sound environment.
A biochemical defect in the repair of alkylated DNA in cells from an immunodeficient patient (46BR).

The fibroblast cell strain 46BR, derived from an immunodeficient individual, is hypersensitive to the lethal effects of a variety of DNA-damaging agents, this effect being particularly marked for monofunctional methylating agents. After u.v. irradiation 46BR cells show normal unscheduled DNA synthesis, daughter strand repair, and recovery of DNA and RNA synthesis. The inhibition of DNA replicative synthesis by u.v. is slightly less than that of normal cells. After gamma-irradiation the rejoining of strand breaks is normal as are the kinetics of replicative DNA synthesis. Following treatment with dimethylsulphate, replicative DNA synthesis is affected in a similar way to normal cells, unscheduled DNA synthesis may be increased relative to normal cells, but more strand breaks persist in 46BR than in normal cells. In addition 46BR cells are hypersensitive to the toxic effects of 3-aminobenzamide, an inhibitor of ADP-ribosyl transferase. This enzyme is involved in the ligation step of repair of alkylation damage. A hypothesis is presented suggesting that 46BR may be defective in DNA ligase I.
Persistence of concordant luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and alpha-subunit pulses after LH-releasing hormone antagonist administration in normal men.

LHRH antagonists suppress pituitary and gonadal function by competing with endogenous LHRH for binding to gonadotroph receptors. To determine the mechanism of suppression of gonadotropin secretion we studied the effects of a single dose of a LHRH antagonist on the pulsatile activity of serum bioactive LH (Bio-LH), immunoreactive LH (IR-LH), alpha-subunit, and testosterone for 24 h in normal men. The LHRH antagonist, Nal-Glu [( Ac-D2Nal1,D4ClPhe2,D3Pal3,Arg5,DGlu6-(AA), DAla10]LHRH) was given as a single sc injection of 5 mg to five normal men. Blood samples were collected every 10 min during a 10-h baseline period and for 14 h after administration of the antagonist. IR-LH, alpha-subunit, and testosterone were measured in triplicate, and Bio-LH in duplicate. Pulses were then evaluated using Cluster analysis; all replicates were entered in the pulse analysis. After administration of the Nal-Glu antagonist, IR-LH levels decreased (P less than 0.001) from 2.81 +/- 0.06 at baseline to a nadir of 0.75 +/- 0.02 U/L. Bio-LH levels followed the same pattern, decreasing by 89% (P less than 0.001) from 4.54 +/- 0.13 to a nadir of 0.51 +/- 0.13 U/L 6.8 h after the injection of Nal-Glu. In contrast, serum alpha-subunit levels did not change (P greater than 0.05) during the 14-h period after antagonist administration (0.85 +/- 0.01 and 0.75 +/- 0.01 microgram/L before and after Nal-Glu, respectively). Serum testosterone levels decreased by more than 80%, from 17.6 +/- 0.2 at baseline to a mean nadir of 3.3 +/- 0.7 nmol/L 12.8 h after Nal-Glu administration. Pulse frequency and the number of significant pulses remained the same for all of the measured hormones during the 10-h baseline period and the 14 h after Nal-Glu administration. In contrast, the pulse amplitude of IR-LH, Bio-LH, and testosterone decreased significantly after injection of the antagonist. The pulse amplitude of the alpha-subunit also declined, albeit not significantly. Coincidence analysis revealed that during both the 10-h baseline and the 14-h post-Nal-Glu period there was a highly significant (P less than 10(-5) nonrandom synchrony between peaks of IR-LH, Bio-LH, alpha-subunit, and testosterone. These results suggest that coordinate pulsatile secretion of IR-LH, Bio-LH, and testosterone persists after the administration of 5 mg Nal-Glu LHRH antagonist. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Involvement of a plasmid in the invasive ability of Shigella flexneri

Representative Shigella flexneri strains were studied to determine whether plasmids are involved in their virulence. All invasive S. flexneri strains, irrespective of serotype, were found to harbor a large plasmid of approximately 140 megadaltons in size, although some strains carried additional plasmid species. Spontaneous variants of strains of serotypes 1, 2, and 5 had lost this 140-megadalton plasmid and had concomitantly become avirulent, i.e., could neither invade HeLa cell monolayers nor produced keratoconjunctivitis in guinea pigs. To monitor plasmid transfer, the 140-megadalton plasmid of strain M90T (serotype 5) was tagged with the kanamycin resistance transposon Tn5. This tagged plasmid, pWR110, was not self-transmissible, but was mobilized by one of several different conjugative plasmids into avirulent derivatives of the heterologous serotypes 1 and 2 which had lost the comparable large plasmid. Transconjugants of both serotypes which had received pWR110 regained virulence. These data directly demonstrate that this large S. flexneri plasmid encodes or regulates some function(s) required for epithelial cell penetration.
Sequential expression of functions during macrophage differentiation in murine bone marrow liquid cultures

In the presence of a colony‐stimulating factor, murine bone marrow cells proliferate and differentiate into macrophages. This culture system was taken as a model to study the expression of various functions by macrophages in the course of maturation. Several tests were performed daily and in parallel from the same batch of cells. It was found that certain functions were expressed early and were also characteristic for mature macrophages such as Fc receptors, phagocytosis of latex beads and unspecific' esterase activity. Other functions appeared and disappeared in an ordered sequence, such as the response to macrophage migration inhibitory factor and chemotactic factor as well as the production of interferon and of plasminogen activator. The time course of functional expression was strongly dependent on proliferation of precursor cells as well as proliferation of differentiated macrophages. It is suggested that the phenotypic expression of functions during differentiation is the basis for the functional heterogeneity of macrophages.
Use of fluorescently labelled deoxyribonuclease I to spatially measure G-actin levels in migrating and non-migrating cells.

Lamellipodium protrusion is linked to actin filament disassembly in migrating fibroblasts [Cramer, 1999: Curr. Biol. 9:1095-1105]. To further study this relationship, we have identified a method to specifically and sensitively detect G-actin in distinct spatial locations in motile cells using deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I). Although DNase I can bind both G- and F-actin in vitro [Mannherz et al., 1980: Eur. J. Biochem. 95:377-385], when cells were fixed in formaldehyde and permeabilized in detergent, fluorescently-labelled DNase I specifically stained G-actin and not F-actin. 92-98% of actin molecules were stably retained in cells during fixation and permeabilization. Further, increasing or decreasing cellular G-actin concentration by treating live cells with latrunculin-A or jasplakinolide, respectively, caused a respective increase and decrease in DNase I cell-staining intensity as expected. These changes in DNase I fluorescence intensity accurately reflected increases and decreases in cellular G-actin concentration independently measured in lysates prepared from drug-treated live cells (regression coefficient = 0.98). This shows that DNase I cell-staining is very sensitive using this method. Applying this method, we found that the ratio of G-/F-actin is lower in both the lamellipodium and in a broad band immediately behind the lamellipodium in migrating compared to non-migrating fibroblasts. Thus, we predict that protrusion of the lamellipodium in migrating fibroblasts requires tight coupling to filament disassembly at least in part because G-actin is relatively limited within and behind the lamellipodium. This is the first report to directly demonstrate high sensitivity of cell-staining for any G-actin probe and this, together with the ready commercial accessibility of fluorescently-labelled DNase I, make it a simple, convenient, and sensitive tool for cell-staining of G-actin.
2017 Clinical trials update: Innovations in hemophilia therapy

A surge in therapeutic clinical trials over recent years is paving the way for transformative treatment options for patients with hemophilia. The introduction of recombinant factor concentrates in the early 1990s facilitated the use of prophylactic replacement as standard care for hemophilia rather than on‐demand treatment. This has revolutionized health outcomes for hemophilia patients, enabling participation in physical activities and reducing debilitating, chronic joint damage. Challenges of prophylactic factor infusion include the frequency of infusions needed to maintain factor levels greater than 1%, patient adherence, reliable intravenous access, and development of neutralizing alloantibodies (“inhibitors”). Novel therapeutics seek to improve upon current factor concentrates by several different mechanisms: (1) extending the half‐life of circulating exogenous factor protein, (2) replacing the gene necessary for production of endogenous factor protein, (3) employing bispecific antibody technology to mimic the coagulation function of factor VIII, (4) disrupting anticoagulant proteins, such as tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) or antithrombin (AT3) with antibodies, aptamers, or RNA interference technology. Emerging treatment options may reduce the frequency of (extended half‐life products) or eliminate (gene therapy) the need for scheduled factor concentrate infusions, or provide a subcutaneous administration option (bispecific antibody, AT3, and TFPI targeting therapies). In addition, the nonfactor replacement strategies provide a promising treatment option for patients with inhibitors, presently the greatest unmet medical need in hemophilia. This review highlights current and recently completed clinical trials that are driving a paradigm shift in our approach to hemophilia care for patients with and without inhibitors. Am. J. Hematol. 91:1252–1260, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distinct domains of splicing factor Prp8 mediate different aspects of spliceosome activation

Prp8 is the largest and most highly conserved protein in the spliceosome yet its mechanism of function is poorly understood. Our previous studies implicate Prp8 in control of spliceosome activation for the first catalytic step of splicing, because substitutions in five distinct regions (a–e) of Prp8 suppress a cold-sensitive block to activation caused by a mutation in U4 RNA. Catalytic activation of the spliceosome is thought to require unwinding of the U1 RNA/5′ splice site and U4/U6 RNA helices by the Prp28 and Prp44/Brr2 DExD/H-box helicases, respectively. Here we show that mutations in regions a, d, and e of Prp8 exhibit allele-specific genetic interactions with mutations in Prp28, Prp44/Brr2, and U6 RNA, respectively. These results indicate that Prp8 coordinates multiple processes in spliceosome activation and enable an initial correlation of Prp8 structure and function. Furthermore, additional genetic interactions with U4-cs1 support a two-state model for this RNA conformational switch and implicate another splicing factor, Prp31, in Prp8-mediated spliceosome activation.
High-fidelity modeling of MEMS resonators. Part II. Coupled beam-substrate dynamics and validation

A computational multiphysics model of the coupled beam-substrate-electrostatic actuation dynamics of MEMS resonators has been developed for the model-based prediction of Q-factor and design sensitivity studies of the clamped vibrating beam. The substrate and resonator beam are modeled independently and then integrated by enforcing their interface compatibility condition and the force equilibrium to arrive at the multiphysics model. The present model has been validated with several reported single-beam clamped resonators. The validated model indicates that: the anchor loss is primarily engendered through coupling between the resonant modes and the waves propagating through the substrate inner layers; the resonant frequency of the beam decreases up to 5% due to substrate flexibilities interacting with beam at the anchors; and, for a given design the beam mass and its relative compliance with respect to the substrate are key parameters that influence the Q-factor degradation. In addition, the coupled model has also been used to predict the Q-factor of a paired-beam mechanical filter device with high fidelity when compared with the experimentally observed Q-factor.
Low Cost Simulator for Heart Surgery Training

Objective Introduce the low-cost and easy to purchase simulator without biological material so that any institution may promote extensive cardiovascular surgery training both in a hospital setting and at home without large budgets. Methods A transparent plastic box is placed in a wooden frame, which is held by the edges using elastic bands, with the bottom turned upwards, where an oval opening is made, "simulating" a thoracotomy. For basic exercises in the aorta, the model presented by our service in the 2015 Brazilian Congress of Cardiovascular Surgery: a silicone ice tray, where one can train to make aortic purse-string suture, aortotomy, aortorrhaphy and proximal and distal anastomoses. Simulators for the training of valve replacement and valvoplasty, atrial septal defect repair and aortic diseases were added. These simulators are based on sewage pipes obtained in construction material stores and the silicone trays and ethyl vinyl acetate tissue were obtained in utility stores, all of them at a very low cost. Results The models were manufactured using inert materials easily found in regular stores and do not present contamination risk. They may be used in any environment and maybe stored without any difficulties. This training enabled young surgeons to familiarize and train different surgical techniques, including procedures for aortic diseases. In a subjective assessment, these surgeons reported that the training period led to improved surgical techniques in the surgical field. Conclusion The model described in this protocol is effective and low-cost when compared to existing simulators, enabling a large array of cardiovascular surgery training.
Bag-1M Accelerates Nucleotide Release for Human Hsc70 and Hsp70 and Can Act Concentration-dependent as Positive and Negative Cofactor*

The cytosol of mammalian cells contains several Hsp70 chaperones and an arsenal of cochaperones, including the anti-apoptotic Bag-1M protein, which regulate the activities of Hsp70s by controlling their ATPase cycles. To elucidate the regulatory function of Bag-1M, we determined its influence on nucleotide exchange, substrate release, ATPase rate, and chaperone activity of the housekeeping Hsc70 and stress-inducible Hsp70 homologs of humans. Bag-1M and a C-terminal fragment of it are potent nucleotide exchange factors as they stimulated the ADP dissociation rate of Hsc70 and Hsp70 up to 900-fold. The N-terminal domain of Bag-1M decreased the affinity of Bag-1M for Hsc70/Hsp70 by 4-fold, indicating a modulating role of the N terminus in Bag-1M action as nucleotide exchange factor. Bag-1M inhibited Hsc70/Hsp70-dependent refolding of luciferase in the absence of Pi. Surprisingly, under physiological conditions, i.e. low Bag-1M concentrations and presence of Pi, Bag-1M activates the chaperone action of Hsc70/Hsp70 in luciferase refolding. Bag-1M accelerated ATP-triggered substrate release by Hsc70/Hsp70. We propose that Bag-1M acts as substrate discharging factor for Hsc70 and Hsp70.
Application of fuzzy logic algorithm for optimization of control strategy in electric vehicles

Though new energy vehicles (NEV) has achieved rapid development in China, the energy efficiency optimization and performance improvement of electric car is still worth discussing. At present, the role of the optimization of control strategy in the drivetrain is escalating. In this study, the driving control strategy of a battery electric bus is presented. Applying a fuzzy logic control (FLC) algorithm, the output torque of electric machine is controlled and vehicle driving dynamics and acceleration performance are improved. The simulation results show that the control strategy would compensate the torque of electric machine so as to reduce the accelerating time of battery electric bus. From 0 to 50km/h accelerating condition, the proposed control strategy enables to reduce the accelerating time by 3.5%. The method proposed in this paper could be used and more practical experiments should be done for improvement in the future.
Quantified Self: a literature Review based on the Funnel Paradigm

Over the last decade, increasing scholarly interest has been demonstrated by the exponential growth of published studies on the topic of Quantified-Self (QS). After 10 years of existence, it seems important to review the knowledge accumulated on QS in order to identify potential gaps and avenues for future research, especially in the IS field. We rely on a systematic literature review in the field of Information Systems with the approach recommended by Okoli and Schabram (2010). In addition, we use the paradigm funnel (Berthon et al., 2003) to structure our analysis. We find that the literature on QS covers three main domains. The technological domain has studied data mining, visualization and user behaviour. The medical domain has focused on the benefits of QS especially for health management and the social domain is more critical about the implications of QS in people’s life. Also, our analysis of the literature reveals a concentration of empirical and critical articles and few theoretical and methodological papers. Future research should fill in these gaps.
Generation of horizontally polarized shear waves in ferromagnetic materials using magnetostrictively coupled meander‐coil electromagnetic transducers

A new electromagnetic transducer configuration is described for generating horizontally polarized shear (SH) waves in ferromagnetic materials. The transducer consists of a meander coil and static bias magnetic field parallel to the coil elements. This configuration generates no ultrasonic waves in a nonmagnetic metal since the induced eddy currents are parallel to the bias field and the driving Lorentz forces vanish. However, the configuration provides coupling to SH waves in ferromagnetic materials through magnetostrictive effects. Experimental measurements of the variation of transduction efficiency with bias field in nickel and 4130 steel plate are presented and compared to the efficiency obtained with the same meander coils when the bias is rotated 90° in the plane of the plate so that antisymmetric Lamb waves are generated. Peak efficiencies occur at considerably different bias fields for the two configurations. This result, as well as other features in the data, are interpreted in terms of a simple .