Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anti-cell surface pemphigus autoantibody stimulates plasminogen activator activity of human epidermal cells. A mechanism for the loss of epidermal cohesion and blister formation

Binding of anti-cell surface pemphigus autoantibodies to cultured human epidermal cells stimulates synthesis and secretion of plasminogen activator (PA). Increases in PA activity were detected within 6 h of the addition of IgG and stimulation was dependent upon IgG concentration. Stimulation of PA activity was inhibited by cycloheximide, which indicates that synthesis of protein was necessary. Pharmacological doses of dexamethasone also prevented IgG-induced stimulation of PA. Electrophoretic profiles of PA secreted by cultured human epidermal cells in the presence or absence of pemphigus IgG were similar. The majority of the PA activity comigrated with the higher- molecular-weight species of human urokinase (approximately 55,000). Explants of normal human skin incubated with pemphigus vulgaris IgG displayed loss of epidermal cohesion similar to that observed in patient biopsies. The histologic changes were potentiated by the inclusion of human plasminogen. Loss of epidermal cohesion in normal skin explants incubated with pemphigus foliaceous IgG was dependent upon the addition of plasminogen and was inhibited by aprotinin or lima bean trypsin inhibitor, which indicated that plasmin is the active enzyme in producing acantholysis. These data support the hypothesis that stimulation of PA by the anti-cell surface autoantibodies of pemphigus results in a localized increase in plasmin, which through proteolysis produces the loss of epidermal cohesion characteristic of pemphigus.
History of Hydrogen Reionization in the Cold Dark Matter Model

We calculate the reionization history in CDM (cold dark matter) models. The epoch of the end of reionization and the Thomson scattering optical depth to the cosmic microwave background depend on the power spectrum amplitude on small scales and on the ionizing photon emissivity per unit mass in collapsed halos. We calibrate the emissivity to reproduce the measured ionizing background intensity at z = 4. Models in which all CDM halos have either a constant emissivity or a constant energy emitted per Hubble time per unit mass predict that reionization ends near z ~ 6 and that the optical depth is in the range 0.05 < τe < 0.09, consistent with Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) results at the 1-2 σ level. If the optical depth is as high as 0.17 (as suggested by WMAP), halos of velocity dispersion ~3-35 km s-1 at z > 15 must have ionizing emissivities per unit mass larger by a factor ≳50 compared with the more massive halos that produce the ionizing emissivity at z = 4. This factor increases to 100 if the CDM power spectrum amplitude is required to agree with the recent Croft et al. measurement from the Lyα forest. If τe ≳ 0.17 is confirmed, a higher ionizing emissivity at z > 15 compared with z = 4 might arise from an enhanced star formation rate or quasar abundance per unit mass and an increased escape fraction for ionizing photons; the end of reionization could have been delayed to z ~ 6 because of the suppression of gas accretion and star formation in low-mass halos as the medium was reionized.
Big Data for Social Transportation

Big data for social transportation brings us unprecedented opportunities for resolving transportation problems for which traditional approaches are not competent and for building the next-generation intelligent transportation systems. Although social data have been applied for transportation analysis, there are still many challenges. First, social data evolve with time and contain abundant information, posing a crucial need for data collection and cleaning. Meanwhile, each type of data has specific advantages and limitations for social transportation, and one data type alone is not capable of describing the overall state of a transportation system. Systematic data fusing approaches or frameworks for combining social signal data with different features, structures, resolutions, and precision are needed. Second, data processing and mining techniques, such as natural language processing and analysis of streaming data, require further revolutions in effective utilization of real-time traffic information. Third, social data are connected to cyber and physical spaces. To address practical problems in social transportation, a suite of schemes are demanded for realizing big data in social transportation systems, such as crowdsourcing, visual analysis, and task-based services. In this paper, we overview data sources, analytical approaches, and application systems for social transportation, and we also suggest a few future research directions for this new social transportation field.
Does Mastery of Goal Components Mediate the Relationship between Metacognition and Mathematical Modelling Competency

Prior studies suggested close correlations among metacognition, mastery goal, and mathematical modelling competency. The present study examines the relationship between metacognition and mastery goal that may influence mathematical modelling competency. The current study employs 538 students of a mathematics education program; among these students, 483 (89.8%) are males and 55 (10.2%) are females, aged from 18 to 22 years old. The study follows a correlational research design to investigate and measure the degree of relationship among mathematical modelling competencies, mastery goal, and metacognition. Findings indicate that mastery goal positively affects mathematical modelling competency. SEM analysis indicates significant and positive influence of task-and self-approach goals on mathematical modelling competency, whereas task-avoidance goals are significantly and negatively related to mathematical modelling competency. By contrast, self-avoidance goals did not affect mathematical modelling competency. Task-approach goal is a positive partial mediator, task-avoidance goal is a negative partial mediator, self-approach goal is a positive full mediator, and self-avoidance goal is not a mediator between metacognition and mathematical modelling competency. In conclusion, metacognition positively affects the mathematical modelling competency of students, which is influenced by task-approach, task-avoidance, and self-approach goal but not self-avoidance goal.
Isolation and Physicochemical Characterization of Laccase from Ganoderma lucidum-CDBT1 Isolated from Its Native Habitat in Nepal

At present, few organisms are known to and capable of naturally producing laccases and white rot fungi are one such group. In the present study, three fungal species, namely, Ganoderma lucidum-CDBT1, Ganoderma japonicum, and Lentinula edodes, isolated from their native habitat in Nepal were screened for laccase production, and G. lucidum-CDBT1 was found to express highest levels of enzyme (day 10 culture media showed 0.92 IU/mg total protein or 92 IU/mL laccase activity with ABTS as substrate). Lignin extracted from rice straw was used in Olga medium for laccase production and isolation from G. lucidum-CDBT1. Presence of lignin (5 g/L) and copper sulfate (30 μM) in the media increased the extracellular laccase content by 111% and 114%, respectively. The laccase enzyme produced by G. lucidum-CDBT1 was fractionated by ammonium sulfate and purified by DEAE Sepharose anion exchange chromatography. The purified enzyme was found to have a molecular mass of 43 kDa and exhibits optimal activity at pH 5.0 and 30°C. The isolated laccase was thermally stable for up to 70°C for 1 h and exhibited broad pH stability. The kinetic constants, K m, V max, and K cat, determined using 2,2′-azinobis-(-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) as substrate were found to be 110 μM, 36 μmol/min/mg, and 246 min−1, respectively. The isolated thermostable laccase will be used in future experiments for delignification process.
Sibling loss - disenfranchised grief and forgotten mourners

My first encounter with the experience of sibling loss was with a nurse administrator in a neonatal unit that I was interviewing for my dissertation on grief and bereavement. While examining the emergence of hospital protocols for perinatal loss, wondering why a particular set of individuals broke with standard practice to encourage interaction with dying and dead infants, I noted that these individuals had ‘sentinel experiences’, or specific experiences that allowed them to be more sensitive to the needs of grieving parents (Davidson, 2007). Asking her about why she fought so hard to establish compassionate protocols, this participant responded by saying:
Growing Followers: Exploring the Effects of Leader Humility on Follower Self‐Expansion, Self‐Efficacy, and Performance

Although the effectiveness of leader humility has been well documented, our understanding of how leader humility influences followers psychologically is limited. Surpassing a mere leader‐centric understanding of the leader influence process by more fully understanding how leadership behavior shapes followers psychologically has been identified as a critical need by leadership scholars. Drawing on self‐expansion theory, we argue that leader humility triggers followers’ self‐expansion and that this psychological change enhances followers’ self‐efficacy, which in turn contributes to followers’ task performance. We also argue that the relationship between leader humility and followers’ self‐expansion is strengthened when leaders and followers are similar in age and gender. Using a time‐lagged research design with responses from 256 leader–follower dyads, we found support for our proposed model. We discuss the theoretical implications for our findings and suggest areas for future research.
Protective effect of royal jelly in 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in rats

Objective(s): In the present study, we evaluated immunological and immunomodulatory properties of royal jelly (RJ) in 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. Materials and Methods: Eighteen adult female Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups of six animals each: a control group that received only saline solution, a TNBS-induced colitis group, and a TNBS-colitis+RJ group that received 250 mg/kg/day of RJ for seven days before the induction of colitis, following by the same treatment for an additional seven days. At the end of the experiment, cardiac blood and colon samples were obtained under deep anaesthesia from the animals in all groups. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-10 levels were analyzed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Five-micrometre-thick sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) for microscopic evaluations. For immunohistochemical evaluations, the paraffin sections were stained with anti-CD3 (cluster of differentiation), anti-CD5, anti-CD8 and anti-CD45. Results: The results showed that the oral RJ treatment inhibited proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and TNF-α secretion, while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production in the TNBS-induced colitis+RJ group compared with the colitis group not treated with RJ. The colitis was not as severe in the colitis+RJ group, with ulcerative damage, weight loss and inflammatory scores suggesting that impaired CD3-, CD5-, CD8- and CD45-positive T cell immune responses likely mediated the anti-inflammatory effect. Conclusion: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of RJ protected colon mucosa against TNBS-induced colitis in rats orally treated with RJ.
Parolee Perceptions of Case Management Practices during Reintegration

ABSTRACT Researchers argue that the therapeutic alliance is a crucial ingredient for successful releasee treatment outcomes, and more recently in effective correctional treatment. Within the context of the criminal justice system, I illustrate the value of the therapeutic alliance in effective case management and in supporting desistance from crime for reintegrating parolees. The study involved in-depth, semistructured interviews with 56 high-risk/high-need federal male parolees and three parolee case studies. Releasees reported an appreciation for their relationship with their caseworker(s), which they described as supportive and without judgment. I argue this relationship reflects the social dimensions of responsivity and embodies the valued treatment components, optimized through a therapeutic alliance, that foster pathways to releasee reintegration. I conclude by discussing the role of therapeutic alliances in processes of and implications for effective correctional treatment.
Jumping mechanisms and performance of snow fleas (Mecoptera, Boreidae)

SUMMARY Flightless snow fleas (snow scorpion flies, Mecoptera, Boreidae) live as adults during northern hemisphere winters, often jumping and walking on the surface of snow. Their jumping mechanisms and performance were analysed with high speed imaging. Jumps were propelled by simultaneous movements of both the middle and hind pairs of legs, as judged by the 0.2 ms resolution afforded by image rates of 5000 frames s–1. The middle legs of males represent 140% and the hindlegs 187% of the body length (3.4 mm), and the ratio of leg lengths is 1:1.3:1.7 (front:middle:hind). In preparation for a jump the middle legs and hindlegs were rotated forwards at their coxal joints with the fused mesothorax and metathorax. The first propulsive movement of a jump was the rotation of the trochantera about the coxae, powered by large depressor muscles within the thorax. The acceleration time was 6.6 ms. The fastest jump by a male had a take-off velocity of 1 m s–1, which required 1.1 μJ of energy and a power output of 0.18 mW, and exerted a force about 16 times its body weight. Jump distances of about 100 mm were unaffected by temperature. This, and the power per mass of muscle requirement of 740 W kg–1, suggests that a catapult mechanism is used. The elastic protein resilin was revealed in four pads at the articulation of the wing hinge with the dorsal head of the pleural ridge of each middle leg and hindleg. By contrast, fleas, which use just their hindlegs for jumping, have only two pads of resilin. This, therefore, provides a functional reference point for considerations about the phylogenetic relationships between snow fleas and true fleas.
Person tracking and following with 2D laser scanners

Having accurate knowledge of the positions of people around a robot provides rich, objective and quantitative data that can be highly useful for a wide range of tasks, including autonomous person following. The primary objective of this research is to promote the development of robust, repeatable and transferable software for robots that can automatically detect, track and follow people in their environment. The work is strongly motivated by the need for such functionality onboard an intelligent power wheelchair robot designed to assist people with mobility impairments. In this paper we propose a new algorithm for robust detection, tracking and following from laser data. We show that the approach is effective in various environments, both indoor and outdoor, and on different robot platforms (the intelligent power wheelchair and a Clearpath Husky). The method has been implemented in the Robot Operating System (ROS) framework and will be publicly released as a ROS package. We also describe and will release several datasets designed to promote the standardized evaluation of similar algorithms.
PPAR-γ, Microglial Cells, and Ocular Inflammation: New Venues for Potential Therapeutic Approaches

The last decade has witnessed an increasing interest for the role played by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) in controlling inflammation in peripheral organs as well as in the brain. Activation of PPAR-γ has been shown to control the response of microglial cells, the main macrophage population found in brain parenchyma, and limit the inflammation. The anti-inflammatory capacity of PPAR-γ agonists has led to the hypothesis that PPAR-γ might be targeted to modulate degenerative brain diseases in which inflammation has been increasingly recognized as a significant component. Recent experimental evidence suggests that PPAR-γ agonists could be exploited to treat ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, autoimmune uveitis, and optic neuritis where inflammation has relevant role. Additional PPAR-γ agonist beneficial effects could involve amelioration of retinal microcirculation and inhibition of neovascularization. However, PPAR-γ activation could, in some instances, aggravate the ocular pathology, for example, by increasing the synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor, a proangiogenic factor that could trigger a vicious circle and further deteriorate retinal perfusion. The development of new in vivo and in vitro models to study ocular inflammation and how to modulate for the eye benefit will be instrumental for the search of effective therapies.
Stability and the Lyapunov equation for n-dimensional digital systems

The discrete-time bounded-real lemma for nonminimal discrete systems is presented. Based on this lemma, rigorous necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of positive definite solutions to the Lyapunov equation for n-dimensional (n-D) digital systems are proposed. These new conditions can be applied to n-D digital systems with n-D characteristic polynomials involving factor polynomials of any dimension, 1-D to n-D. Further, the results in this paper show that the positive definite solutions to the n-D Lyapunov equation of an n-D system with characteristic polynomial involving 1-D factors can be obtained from the solutions of a k-D (0/spl les/k/spl les/n) subsystem and m (1/spl les/m/spl les/n) 1-D subsystems. This could significantly simplify the complexity of solving the n-D Lyapunov equation for such cases.
Jet-dominated states: an alternative to advection across black hole event horizons in ‘quiescent’ X-ray binaries

We demonstrate that at relatively low mass accretion rates, black hole X-ray binaries should enter ‘jet-dominated’ states, in which the majority of the liberated accretion power is in the form of a (radiatively inefcient) jet and not dissipated as X-rays in the accretion o w. This result follows from the empirically established non-linear relation between radio and X-ray power from hard state black holes, which we assume also to hold for neutron stars. Conservative estimates of the jet power indicate that all ‘quiescent’ black holes should be in this jetdominated regime. In combination with an additional empirical result, namely that black hole X-ray binaries are more ‘radio loud’ than neutron stars, we nd that quiescent neutron stars should be up to two orders of magnitude more luminous in X-rays than the black hole systems, without requiring any signicant advection of energy into a black hole. This ratio is as observed, and such observations should therefore no longer be considered as direct evidence for the existence of black hole event horizons. Furthermore, even if black hole candidates do contain black holes with event horizons, this work demonstrates that there is no requirement for the advection of signicant amounts of accretion energy across the horizon.
Do Teachers Facilitate the Strategies their Pupils Need?

Abstract Learner strategies play an important and unique role in second or foreign language teaching and learning. Knowledge of effective steps and techniques helps pupils reach better study results and become more independent and autonomous learners. The role of a teacher shifts and changes in autonomous learning; rather than a teacher, he or she is a consultant, helper and facilitator of learner strategies. The study brings an insight into strategic teaching of 13 Czech teachers who taught 202 pupils with completed primary education and who also focused on the strategies teachers facilitate, but their pupils do not apply. The study aims at a model of strategy facilitation which helps teachers implement strategy-based teaching into a foreign language curriculum. The article also aspires to address teachers of different subjects as giving advice on learning to learn plays a vital role in teaching. Furthermore, learner strategies are an important part of competence to learn, which helps teachers to understand why some learners are more successful than their peers.
Binary de Bruijn on-chip network for a flexible multiprocessor LDPC decoder

This paper proposes a novel on-chip interconnection network adapted to a flexible multiprocessor LDPC decoder based on the de Bruijn network. The main characteristics of this network - including its logarithmic diameter, scalable aggregate bandwidth, and optimized routing technique- allow it to efficiently support the communication intensive nature of the application. We present a detailed hardware implementation of the routers and the network interfaces as well as the packet format and the routing algorithm. The latter is a parallelized version of the shortest path with deflection routing algorithm. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed network, a generic RTL VHDL description has been developed and synthesized with CMOS STMicroelectronics 0.18 mum technology. The flexibility and the scalability of this on-chip communication network enable it to be used for any kind of LDPC code.
A Model-based Health Monitoring and Diagnostic System for the UH-60 Helicopter

Model-based reasoning techniques hold much promise in providing comprehensive monitoring and diagnostics capabilities for complex systems. We are exploring the use of one of these techniques, which utilizes multi-signal modeling and the TEAMS-RT real-time diagnostic engine, on the UH-60 Rotorcraft Aircrew Systems Concepts Airborne Laboratory (RASCAL) flight research aircraft. We focus on the engine and transmission systems, and acquire sensor data across the 1553 bus as well as by direct analog-to-digital conversion from sensors to the QHuMS (Qualtech health and usage monitoring system) computer. The QHuMS computer uses commercially available components and is rack-mounted in the RASCAL facility. A multi-signal model of the transmission and engine subsystems enables studies of system testability and analysis of the degree of fault isolation available with various instrumentation suites. The model and examples of these analyses will be described and the data architectures enumerated. Flight tests of this system will validate the data architecture and provide real-time flight profiles to be further analyzed in the laboratory.
study of adsorption of dodecylamine on quartz surface using quartz crystal icrobalance with dissipation

In this study the adsorption characteristics of dodecylamine hydrochloride (DACL) on quartz surface have been investigated using a high sensitivity surface characterization technique referred to as quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) technique in conjunction with zeta-potential and FTIR analyses. The experimental results have demonstrated the versatility and accuracy of the QCM-D for surface adsorption characterization and for the first time revealed the changes in structure and orientation of the amine adsorption film on quartz surface during the adsorption process by real-time measurements of frequency and dissipation shifts with quartz coated sensor. Five distinct adsorption behaviors were identified from the different slopes of D − f plots at different concentrations of DACL at pH 6 and 9.5. The physisorption, coadsorption of dodecylammonium and dodecylamine, and surface precipitation of neutral amine molecules with variable conformation and orientation were revealed on the quartz surface
The Great In fl ation Drift ”

This paper provides an interesting explanation of the Great Inflation. It starts with the assumption that the Fed objectives were to stabilize the output gap and maintain “continuity” of the interest rate” and then presents a model where inflation becomes a stochastic trend. In particular, inflation increases with negative innovations in potential-output growth. Fed monetary policy is seen as switching between “business as usual” and “inflation fighting. ”