Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chikungunya Virus Transmission Potential by Local Aedes Mosquitoes in the Americas and Europe

Background Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), mainly transmitted in urban areas by the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, constitutes a major public health problem. In late 2013, CHIKV emerged on Saint-Martin Island in the Caribbean and spread throughout the region reaching more than 40 countries. Thus far, Ae. aegypti mosquitoes have been implicated as the sole vector in the outbreaks, leading to the hypothesis that CHIKV spread could be limited only to regions where this mosquito species is dominant. Methodology/Principal Findings We determined the ability of local populations of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus from the Americas and Europe to transmit the CHIKV strain of the Asian genotype isolated from Saint-Martin Island (CHIKV_SM) during the recent epidemic, and an East-Central-South African (ECSA) genotype CHIKV strain isolated from La Réunion Island (CHIKV_LR) as a well-characterized control virus. We also evaluated the effect of temperature on transmission of CHIKV_SM by European Ae. albopictus. We found that (i) Aedes aegypti from Saint-Martin Island transmit CHIKV_SM and CHIKV_LR with similar efficiency, (ii) Ae. aegypti from the Americas display similar transmission efficiency for CHIKV_SM, (iii) American and European populations of the alternative vector species Ae. albopictus were as competent as Ae. aegypti populations with respect to transmission of CHIKV_SM and (iv) exposure of European Ae. albopictus to low temperatures (20°C) significantly reduced the transmission potential for CHIKV_SM. Conclusions/Significance CHIKV strains belonging to the ECSA genotype could also have initiated local transmission in the new world. Additionally, the ongoing CHIKV outbreak in the Americas could potentially spread throughout Ae. aegypti- and Ae. albopictus-infested regions of the Americas with possible imported cases of CHIKV to Ae. albopictus-infested regions in Europe. Colder temperatures may decrease the local transmission of CHIKV_SM by European Ae. albopictus, potentially explaining the lack of autochthonous transmission of CHIKV_SM in Europe despite the hundreds of imported CHIKV cases returning from the Caribbean.
The Luminosity and Color Dependence of the Galaxy Correlation Function

We study the luminosity and color dependence of the galaxy two-point correlation function in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, starting from a sample of ~200,000 galaxies over 2500 deg2. We concentrate our analysis on volume-limited subsamples of specified luminosity ranges, for which we measure the projected correlation function wp(rp), which is directly related to the real-space correlation function ξ(r). The amplitude of wp(rp) rises continuously with luminosity from Mr ≈ -17.5 to Mr ≈ -22.5, with the most rapid increase occurring above the characteristic luminosity L* (Mr ≈ -20.5). Over the scales 0.1 h-1 Mpc < rp < 10 h-1 Mpc, the measurements for samples with Mr > -22 can be approximated, imperfectly, by power-law three-dimensional correlation functions ξ(r) = (r/r0)-γ with γ ≈ 1.8 and r0(L*) ≈ 5.0 h-1 Mpc. The brightest subsample, -23 < Mr < -22, has a significantly steeper ξ(r). When we divide samples by color, redder galaxies exhibit a higher amplitude and steeper correlation function at all luminosities. The correlation amplitude of blue galaxies increases continuously with luminosity, but the luminosity dependence for red galaxies is less regular, with bright red galaxies exhibiting the strongest clustering at large scales and faint red galaxies exhibiting the strongest clustering at small scales. We interpret these results using halo occupation distribution (HOD) models assuming concordance cosmological parameters. For most samples, an HOD model with two adjustable parameters fits the wp(rp) data better than a power law, explaining inflections at rp ~ 1-3 h-1 Mpc as the transition between the one-halo and two-halo regimes of ξ(r). The implied minimum mass for a halo hosting a central galaxy more luminous than L grows steadily, with Mmin ∝ L at low luminosities and a steeper dependence above L*. The mass at which a halo has, on average, one satellite galaxy brighter than L is M1 ≈ 23Mmin(L), at all luminosities. These results imply a conditional luminosity function (at fixed halo mass) in which central galaxies lie far above a Schechter function extrapolation of the satellite population. The HOD model fits nicely explain the color dependence of wp(rp) and the cross correlation between red and blue galaxies. For galaxies with Mr < -21, halos slightly above Mmin have blue central galaxies, while more massive halos have red central galaxies and predominantly red satellite populations. The fraction of blue central galaxies increases steadily with decreasing luminosity and host halo mass. The strong clustering of faint red galaxies follows from the fact that nearly all of them are satellite systems in high-mass halos. The HOD fitting results are in good qualitative agreement with the predictions of numerical and semianalytic models of galaxy formation.
ADOLESCENTS’ PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH SELF-EFFICACY AND SOCIAL NORMS: STRUCTURE EQUATION MODEL

The purposes of this study were to examine the predictions of social norms and self-efficacy on adolescents' physical activity and investigate whether self-efficacy mediates the relationship between adolescents’ social norms and physical activities. Participants included 488 students enrolled in 7th to 12th grade (Male: 255, Female: 233, Mage = 15.13, SD = ± 1.56). Three Korean-version questionnaires were used to explore a possible association between self-efficacy and social norms and physical activity among adolescents. Data were analyzed using by crosstab analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that only peer norms predicted physical activity rather parents or teachers’ norm. Further, both self-efficacy and social norms predicted physical activity, but self-efficacy accounted more variance. Moreover, both males and females’ self-efficacy fully mediated the relationship between peer norms and physical activity. The findings suggested that when initiating an exercise program for adolescents’ health and fitness practitioners should foster self-efficacy and peer norms as motivational strategies to increase physical activity. (Journal of Sports Science and Technology 2014;14(1): 227 -235) KEYWORDS: physical activity; self-efficacy; social norms; adolescents
In praise of subgenera: taxonomic status of cobras of the genus Naja Laurenti (Serpentes: Elapidae)

4 corresponding author Abstract The genus Naja Laurenti, 1768, is partitioned into four subgenera. The typical form is restricted to 11 Asian species. The name Uraeus Wagler, 1830, is revived for a group of four non-spitting cobras inhabiting savannas and open formations of Africa and Arabia, while Boulengerina Dollo, 1886, is applied to four non-spitting African species of forest cobras, including terrestrial, aquatic and semi-fossorial forms. A new subgenus is erected for seven species of African spitting cobras. We recommend the subgenus rank as a way of maximising the phylogenetic information content of classifications while retaining nomenclatural stability.
Air Distribution Strategy Impact on Operating Room Infection Control

SUMMARY This paper discusses the impact of different air distribution strategies on infection control in operating rooms. The quality of air in an operating room is primarily assessed with regard to how effective the air distribution strategy is in minimizing the possibility of airborne particles causing infection to the patient. The ASHRAE Research Transaction paper titled, "Comparison of Operating Room Ventilation Systems in the Protection of Surgical Sites" [1], is reviewed as a starting point. A number of air distribution strategies are then reviewed and a qualitative assessment of each strategy will be presented. The design concepts to be reviewed were: • Type of supply air diffusers • Exhaust/ Return air locations • Lighting and medical equipment location effects Constant air exchange rates and supply air temperatures were assumed in the case studies, which include: 1) The new operating rooms at University of Massachusetts (UMass) Memorial in Worcester, MA, USA in which an air curtain/ laminar flow supply air diffusion concept was implemented: and 2) The new Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City in which laminar flow panels with manually variable airflow direction have been installed to study impacts on patient outcomes and infection control. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models of each of the case studies are presented with documented findings which support the qualitative assessment.
Teachers attitude towards implementation of learner-centered methodology in science education in Kenya

This study aims to evaluate teachers’ attitude towards implementation of learner-centered methodology in science education in Kenya. The study used a survey design methodology, adopting the purposive, stratified random and simple random sampling procedures and hypothesised that there was no significant relationship between the head teachers’ attitudes, the teachers’ attitudes and the level of implementation of Activity-focused methods, Student-centred activities, Experimenting and Improvisation through the Plan, Do, See and Improve (ASEI/PDSI) classroom practices. A sample of 68 head teachers, 147 science teachers and 16 trainers was used for the survey. The study established that majority of the teachers (75%) were partial implementers, and a few (5%) were full implementers. The Chi-square findings for the head teachers were: Biology χ2=72.35>66, Chemistry χ2=69.38>66, and Physics χ2=67.03>66. The teachers were: Biology χ2=55.3429>54, Chemistry χ2= 54.4581>48 and Physics χ2=69.4286>58 meaning that they were significant. The conclusion was to reject the null hypothesis, and accept the alternative hypothesis that there is a significant relationship between the teachers’ and head teachers’ attitude, and the level of implementation of the ASEI/PDSI classroom practices. The study recommended that since the level of implementation was found to be related to the teachers’ and head teachers’ attitudes towards the innovation, the national Strengthening of Mathematics and Sciences in Secondary Education (SMASSE) inset should then have strategies to bring on board those who still have a negative attitude in order for the implementation to be successful. Key words: Teachers attitude, science education, learner-centred methodology, constructivism, in-service training, implementation of innovations.
Analysis of MIMO Technics and Adaptive Antennas and Its Performance in 3G-LTE Systems

The goal of this paper is to: identify, assess, analyze and quantify some aspect and parameters of wave propagation, in conjunction with antennas that affect the 3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution). Aspects such as propagation environment were networks possibly operate, or characteristics of the antennas that are able to increase the performance of LTE networks using MIMO and Adaptative Antennas. Using simulations in a Spatial Channel Propagation Model (SCM) , the result obtained was a response impulse of the propagation model and the performance metrics, such as capacity and the Bit Error Rate (BER). Why LTE networks provide demand of high data transmission rates and efficiency in the link?
Chlamydia trachomatis Load in Population-Based Screening and STI-Clinics: Implications for Screening Policy

Objectives If the Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) bacterial load is higher in high-risk populations than in the general population, this negatively affects the efficacy of CT screening incentives. In the largest retrospective study to date, we investigated the CT load in specimens collected from 2 cohorts: (1) attendants of a sexually transmitted infection (STI)-clinic and (2) participants of the Dutch population-based screening (PBS). Methods CT load was determined using quantitative PCR in CT-positive male urine and female cervicovaginal swabs. CT loads were converted into tertiles. Using multinominal logistic regression, independent association of cohort, symptoms, risk behaviour and human cell count on load were assessed. Results CT loads were determined in 889 CT-positives from PBS (n = 529; 71.8% female) and STI-clinics (n = 360; 61.7% female). In men, STI-clinic-cohort, human cell count and urethral discharge were positively associated with CT load. In women, PBS-cohort and cell count were positively associated with CT load. Both cohorts had the same range in CT load. Conclusions The general population has a similar range of bacterial CT load as a high-risk population, but a different distribution for cohort and gender, highlighting the relevance of population-based CT-screening. When CT loads are similar, possibly the chances of transmission and sequelae are too.
Pax2/5/8 and Pax6 alternative splicing events in basal chordates and vertebrates: a focus on paired box domain

Paired box transcription factors play important role in development and tissue morphogenesis. The number of Pax homologs varies among species studied so far, due to genome and gene duplications that have affected PAX family to a great extent. Based on sequence similarity and functional domains, four Pax classes have been identified in chordates, namely Pax1/9, Pax2/5/8, Pax3/7, and Pax4/6. Numerous splicing events have been reported mainly for Pax2/5/8 and Pax6 genes. Of significant interest are those events that lead to Pax proteins with presumed novel properties, such as altered DNA-binding or transcriptional activity. In the current study, a thorough analysis of Pax2/5/8 splicing events from cephalochordates and vertebrates was performed. We focused more on Pax2/5/8 and Pax6 splicing events in which the paired domain is involved. Three new splicing events were identified in Oryzias latipes, one of which seems to be conserved in Acanthomorphata. Using representatives from deuterostome and protostome phyla, a comparative analysis of the Pax6 exon-intron structure of the paired domain was performed, during an attempt to estimate the time of appearance of the Pax6(5a) mRNA isoform. As shown in our analysis, this splicing event is characteristic of Gnathostomata and is absent in the other chordate subphyla. Moreover, expression pattern of alternative spliced variants was compared between cephalochordates and fish species. In summary, our data indicate expansion of alternative mRNA variants in paired box region of Pax2/5/8 and Pax6 genes during the course of vertebrate evolution.
Meeting midway: Improving CMP performance with memory-side prefetching

Both on-chip resource contention and off-chip latencies have a significant impact on memory requests in large-scale chip multiprocessors. We propose a memory-side prefetcher, which brings data on-chip from DRAM, but does not proactively further push this data to the cores/caches. Sitting close to memory, it avails close knowledge of DRAM state and memory channels to leverage DRAM row buffer locality and channel state to bring data (from the current row buffer) on-chip ahead of need. This not only reduces the number of off-chip accesses for demand requests, but also reduces row buffer conflicts, effectively improving DRAM access times. At the same time, our prefetcher maintains this data in a small buffer at each memory controller instead of pushing it into the caches to avoid on-chip resource contention. We show that the proposed memory-side prefetcher outperforms a state-of-the-art core-side prefetcher and an existing memory-side prefetcher. More importantly, our prefetcher can also work in tandem with the core-side prefetcher to amplify the benefits. Using a wide range of multiprogrammed and multi-threaded workloads, we show that this memory-side prefetcher provides IPC improvements of 6.2% (maximum of 33.6%), and 10% (maximum of 49.6%), on an average when running alone and when combined with a core-side prefetcher, respectively. By meeting requests midway, our solution reduces the off-chip latencies while avoiding the on-chip resource contention caused by inaccurate and ill-timed prefetches.
Recruitment of Transcription Complexes to Enhancers and the Role of Enhancer Transcription

Enhancer elements regulate the tissue- and developmental-stage-specific expression of genes. Recent estimates suggest that there are more than 50,000 enhancers in mammalian cells. At least a subset of enhancers has been shown to recruit RNA polymerase II transcription complexes and to generate enhancer transcripts. Here, we provide an overview of enhancer function and discuss how transcription of enhancers or enhancer-generated transcripts could contribute to the regulation of gene expression during development and differentiation.
Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Nifedipine: Impact of Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance and Molecular Structure of Mixed Surfactants

A simple but novel mixed surfactant system was designed to fabricate a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) based on hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) value. The impacts of HLB and molecular structure of surfactants on the formation of SNEDDS were investigated. After screening various oils and surfactants, nifedipine (NDP)-loaded liquid SNEDDS was formulated with Imwitor® 742 as oil and Tween®/Span® or Cremophor®/Span® as mixed surfactant. Droplet size of the emulsions obtained after dispersing SNEDDS containing Tween®/Span® in aqueous medium was independent of the HLB of a mixed surfactant. The use of the Cremophor®/Span® blend gave nanosized emulsion at higher HLB. The structure of the surfactant was found to influence the emulsion droplet size. Solid SNEDDS was then prepared by adsorbing NDP-loaded liquid SNEDDS comprising Cremophor® RH40/Span® 80 onto Aerosil® 200 or Aerosil® R972 as inert solid carrier. Solid SNEDDS formulations using higher amounts (30–50% w/w) of Aerosil® 200 exhibited good flow properties with smooth surface and preserved the self-emulsifying properties of liquid SNEDDS. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies of solid SNEDDS revealed the transformation of the crystalline structure of NDP due to its molecular dispersion state. In vitro dissolution study demonstrated higher dissolution of NDP from solid SNEDDS compared with NDP powder.
The Impact of Climate Change on Ozone-Related Mortality in Sydney

Coupled global, regional and chemical transport models are now being used with relative-risk functions to determine the impact of climate change on human health. Studies have been carried out for global and regional scales, and in our paper we examine the impact of climate change on ozone-related mortality at the local scale across an urban metropolis (Sydney, Australia). Using three coupled models, with a grid spacing of 3 km for the chemical transport model (CTM), and a mortality relative risk function of 1.0006 per 1 ppb increase in daily maximum 1-hour ozone concentration, we evaluated the change in ozone concentrations and mortality between decades 1996–2005 and 2051–2060. The global model was run with the A2 emissions scenario. As there is currently uncertainty regarding a threshold concentration below which ozone does not impact on mortality, we calculated mortality estimates for the three daily maximum 1-hr ozone concentration thresholds of 0, 25 and 40 ppb. The mortality increase for 2051–2060 ranges from 2.3% for a 0 ppb threshold to 27.3% for a 40 ppb threshold, although the numerical increases differ little. Our modeling approach is able to identify the variation in ozone-related mortality changes at a suburban scale, estimating that climate change could lead to an additional 55 to 65 deaths across Sydney in the decade 2051–2060. Interestingly, the largest increases do not correspond spatially to the largest ozone increases or the densest population centres. The distribution pattern of changes does not seem to vary with threshold value, while the magnitude only varies slightly.
Literature Review of Automatic Multiple Documents Text Summarization

For the blessing of World Wide Web, the corpus of online information is gigantic in its volume. Search engines have been developed such as Google, AltaVista, Yahoo, etc., to retrieve specific information from this huge amount of data. But the outcome of search engine is unable to provide expected result as the quantity of information is increasing enormously day by day and the findings are abundant. So, the automatic text summarization is demanded for salient information retrieval. Automatic text summarization is a system of summarizing text by computer where a text is given to the computer as input and the output is a shorter and less redundant form of the original text. An informative pr
Cell response to oxidative stress induced apoptosis in patients with Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy

Objectives: Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a maternally inherited disease in which acute or subacute bilateral visual loss occurs preferentially in young men. Over 95% of LHON cases are associated with one of three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutations, but only 50% of men and 10% of women who harbour a pathogenetic mtDNA mutation develop optic neuropathy. This incomplete penetrance and preference for men suggests that additional genetic (nuclear or mitochondrial) and/or environmental factors must modulate phenotype expression in LHON. A role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondrial diseases, secondary to mtDNA mutations, or as a result of the direct effect of ROS cytotoxicity, has been implicated in many mitochondrial disorders, including LHON. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of oxidative stress induced apoptosis in LHON. Methods: The 2-deoxy-D-ribose induced apoptotic response of peripheral blood lymphocytes from six patients with LHON and six healthy subjects was investigated using light microscopy, flow cytometry, agarose gel electrophoresis, and the measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential. Results: Cells of patients with LHON had a higher rate of apoptosis than those of controls and there was evidence of mitochondrial involvement in the activation of the apoptotic cascade. Conclusions: These differences in oxidative stress induced apoptosis are in line with the hypothesis that redox homeostasis could play a role in the expression of genetic mutations in different individuals and could represent a potential target in the development of new therapeutic strategies.