Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to 28-, 35-, and 65-kilodalton proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Three monoclonal antibodies (H60.15, H61.3, and H105.10) directed to protein antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were obtained and characterized. H60.15 recognizes a protein with a molecular mass of 28 kilodaltons (kDa) with broad cross-reactivity on a panel of 12 species and strains of mycobacteria. H61.3 reacts with a 35-kDa protein present in M. tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis BCG, and M. africanum. On the basis of the antigen molecular masses and competition experiments with other monoclonal antibodies, H60.15 and H61.3 seem to be the first described monoclonal antibodies to these M. tuberculosis proteins. H105.10 binds to the cross-reactive 65-kDa protein present in mycobacteria. Epitope mapping of H105.10 was performed by using the M. leprae DNA sublibrary available in bacteriophage lambda gt11 for this antigen and revealed that its epitope resides in the region from amino acids 20 to 54. The 28-, 35-, and 65-kDa antigens isolated by immunoblotting and presented on nitrocellulose to pleural effusion T cells from tuberculosis patients induced a proliferative response, indicating the presence of T-cell epitopes. These observations indicate that two protein antigens should be added to the list of antigens detectable in M. tuberculosis by monoclonal antibodies. The common feature of such proteins, the elicitation of an immune response of limited or broad cross-reactivity for mycobacteria, encourages the search for their role in the pathogenesis of mycobacterioses.
Vision-based sense-and-avoid framework for unmanned aerial vehicles

This paper describes a vision-based sense-and-avoid framework to detect approaching aircraft especially observed with cluttered background. The proposed framework consists of a vision system with a camera that processes the incoming images using a series of algorithms in real time to isolate moving aerial objects on the image plane and classify them using a particle filter. Once an approaching aerial object has been detected on a potential collision course, the aircraft performs an evasive maneuver. The performance of the proposed sense-and-avoid algorithm is validated in a series of test flights using two unmanned aerial vehicles.
Testing for Vector-Transmitted Microorganisms in Dogs with Meningitis and Meningoencephalitis of Unknown Aetiology

In most cases of inflammatory central nervous system [CNS] diseases in dogs, infectious agents remain undetected. Immunopathological studies suggest that such antigens may trigger an autoimmune response [“hit-and-Run hypothesis”] in some patients. In order to define the role of vector-borne pathogens in the aetiology of steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis [SRMA] or meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology [MUE], blood and cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] of dogs were analysed for such pathogens. 66 client-owned dogs were included in the prospective multicenter study over a two year period. They were classified into 3 groups: 1] trauma group: dogs with non-inflammatory CNS diseases [n=21], 2] dogs with MUE [n=22], 3] dogs with SRMA [n=23]. DNA of A. phagocytophilum was found in EDTA-blood of 4 dogs [SRMA group]. Serological and PCR analyses for E. canis were negative in blood and serum of all dogs. B. henselae DNA was detected in blood of 1 dog [SRMA group]. There were no significant differences between the 3 groups regarding the seroprevalence of Bartonella spp. [n=61] and B. burgdorferi sensu lato [n=61]. Neither antibodies against TBEV in serum nor DNA of vector-transmitted agents was found in CSF in any of the dogs. Pasteurellaceae spp. DNA was detected in 3 dogs of the trauma group, suggesting contamination. There was no correlation between the presence of E. canis or B. henselae DNA or elevated antibody titers against E. canis, Bartonella spp. , TBEV or B. burgdorferi sensu lato and inflammatory CNS diseases. A. phagocytophilum may play a role as a trigger of a secondary immunopathy.
Prevalence of systolic hypertension in cats with chronic renal failure at initial evaluation.

OBJECTIVE To determine prevalence of systolic hypertension and associated risk factors in cats with chronic renal failure evaluated in first-opinion practice. DESIGN Prospective study. ANIMALS 103 cats with chronic renal failure. PROCEDURE Systolic arterial blood pressure (SABP) was measured with a noninvasive Doppler technique, and cats that had SABP > 175 mm Hg on 2 occasions or that had SABP > 175 mm Hg and compatible ocular lesions were classified as hypertensive. Information from the history (previous treatment for hyperthyroidism, age), physical examination (sex, body weight), routine plasma biochemical analyses (creatinine, cholesterol, potassium, sodium, chloride, and calcium concentrations), and thyroid status were evaluated as potential risk factors for systolic hypertension. Variables associated with systolic hypertension were evaluated by use of logistic regression. RESULTS 20 (19.4%; 95% confidence interval, 13 to 28%) cats had systolic hypertension. Plasma potassium concentration was significantly and inversely associated with systolic hypertension. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Prevalence of systolic hypertension, although clinically important, was lower than that reported previously. The cause of the inverse association between systolic hypertension and plasma potassium concentration is not yet known.
Exploring the use of Vibroacoustic treatment for managing chronic pain and comorbid mood disorders: A mixed methods study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic pain is a worldwide issue with common comorbidities of depression and anxiety, altogether inhibiting one’s personal relationships and capability to work. Music has long been used as a means to improve pain and mood, and the tactile application of music has shown promising and beneficial results for the treatment of both psychological and physical symptoms. VA treatment uses low-frequency sinusoidal sound vibration (20–120 Hz) supported by client-preferred music listening and therapeutic interaction. Methods: Using mixed methods, this study addresses the addition of a self-care VA intervention to maintain the effects of practitioner-led VA treatments and to increase patients’ independence in managing their symptoms. After baseline measurements, VA treatment was delivered to five patients at a rehabilitation unit by a trained VA practitioner, followed by self-care at home and a washout phase with no treatments. Quantitative outcome measures included Visual Analogue Scales for pain and mood, and Beck’s Depression Inventory and the anxiety subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Qualitative data comprised practitioner clinical notes and participant evaluation forms. Results: Quantitative outcomes suggest VA treatment is beneficial for pain and mood relief and that a self-care intervention has the potential to prolong positive outcomes. Qualitative findings suggest that patients found the sessions at the hospital useful and empowering but the self-care treatments comparatively weak. Discussion: Future studies may address the difficulty in conducting self-care and the importance of the client–practitioner relationship in supporting this activity for those suffering from chronic pain and comorbid mood disorders.
PREVALENCE OF IMPACTED MANDIBULAR AND MAXILLARY THIRD MOLARS : A RADIOGRAPHIC STUDY IN PATIENTS REPORTING MADINA TEACHING HOSPITAL , FAISALABAD

A retrospective study based on orthopantomograms of patients, aged 18-50 years, reported in dental clinics of Madina Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad during the month of January and February 2013 was conducted. Data including age, gender, number of impacted teeth, angulation type, width and depth of impactions was statistically analyzed by Chi-squared test. Teeth positions were analyzed by classifications of Pell & Gregory and Winter. This classification is based on level of impaction, angulations of the impacted third molars and its relationship to the anterior border of the ramus of the mandible. Impactions were analyzed among genders and age groups: group I (18-25 Years) group II (26-35 Years) and group III (36-50 Years)
A modeling study of coastal circulation and landfast ice in the nearshore Beaufort and Chukchi seas using CIOM

This study investigates sea ice and ocean circulation using a 3-D, 3.8 km CIOM (Coupled Ice-Ocean Model) under daily atmospheric forcing for the period 1990–2008. The CIOM was validated using both in situ observations and satellite measurements. The CIOM successfully reproduces some observed dynamical processes in the region, including the Bering-inflow-originated coastal current that splits into three branches: Alaska Coastal Water (ACW), Central Channel branch, and Herald Valley branch. In addition, the Beaufort Slope Current (BSC), the Beaufort Gyre, the East Siberian Current (ESC), mesoscale eddies, and seasonal landfast ice are well simulated. The CIOM also reproduces reasonable interannual variability in sea ice, such as landfast ice, and anomalous open water (less sea ice) during the positive Dipole Anomaly (DA) years, vice versa during the negative DA years. Sensitivity experiments were conducted with regard to the impacts of the Bering Strait inflow (heat transport), onshore wind stress, and sea ice advection on sea ice change, in particular on the landfast ice. It is found that coastal landfast ice is controlled by the following processes: wind forcing, Bering Strait inflow, and sea ice dynamics.
System-Level Performance of Different Array Types for an Indoor mmWave System

The use of millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies for access links promises to provide an incredible user experience given the large bandwidths available. Using a recently-developed mmWave indoor channel model for the lower E-band (71-76 GHz), we investigate the system-level performance of a mmWave system in a small office-type environment. Particular attention is paid to the performance with different antenna array types. The results show that peak data rates in excess of 14 Gbps are possible and "everywhere" data rates of more than 100 Mbps are seen for all indoor locations. Also the results show that it is best to position the antennas in the azimuth dimension at the access point as opposed to elevation, and that there is little performance difference between circular and linear arrays with the same number of antenna elements. Finally the results demonstrate that the mobile can benefit from having arrays of directional patch antennas as long as there are sufficient patch arrays around the mobile to provide omni-like coverage.
Chapter 28 Governance–Development Nexus in the OIC Countries

Abstract This chapter looks at the relationship between governance and economic development in selected Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries. This chapter outlines the concept of good governance in Islamic faith and episteme and provides some empirical evidence on the governance development nexus in the literature. It also describes the state of governance in OIC countries through descriptive statistics on some indicators. It looks at the relationship between governance and economic development. In contrast, it explores the relationship between governance and economic growth. The results highlight the need for reforms in the quality of institutions, establishing rule of law, emphasising on governance in the policy agenda and bringing strong accountability mechanisms.
A Comparison of Leachate Treatment Between Rhode Island and Kuwait

Abstract The main objectives of this article were to present data on the characteristics of landfill leachate of Rhode Island Central landfill and those of Kuwait's Sulaibya landfill site, and to compare different experimental pilot plant studies for the treatment of sanitary landfill leachate, which was generally characterized by high concentration of heavy metals. The data obtained on the chemical analysis of leachate generated from two landfills in Rhode Island and Kuwait, identified variations in leachate quality due to landfill composition. Pilot Plant studies using physical/chemical and biological treatments (i.e., rotating biological contractor) were used to examine the treatment efficiency.
Examining the evolution of code comments in PostgreSQL

It is common, especially in large software systems, for developers to change code without updating its associated comments due to their unfamiliarity with the code or due to time constraints. This is a potential problem since outdated comments may confuse or mislead developers who perform future development. Using data recovered from CVS, we study the evolution of code comments in the PostgreSQL project. Our study reveals that over time the percentage of commented functions remains constant except for early fluctuation due to the commenting style of a particular active developer.
Can the partial deletion in the Y chromosome of male mice affect the reproductive efficiency of their daughters?

It has been previously shown that cumuli oophori around ovulated oocytes of B10.BR-Ydel female mice (sired by males with the deleted Y chromosome) are more resistant to enzymatic treatment than cumuli oophori around eggs of control B10.BR females (having fathers with the intact Y chromosome). This can imply that some genes which influence the establishment of the imprinting pattern in male gametes are located in the region covered by the deletion. We hypothesize that the Y-dependent imprinting pattern, inherited by female offspring, affects stability of periovum layers within them. In the present study, cumulus-oocyte complexes ovulated by females from consomic strains: DBA, DBA-YBR, DBA-Ydel, and CBA, CBA-YBR, CBA-Ydel were tested for their susceptibility to hyaluronidase digestion. The mean times for dispersal of cumulus cells surrounding oocytes of females from the backcross lines were convergent with the times typical for oocytes from strains being the donors of the Y chromosome (B10.BR or B10.BR-Ydel) and differed clearly from pure DBA and CBA strains. It confirmed previous findings that Y chromosomes of fathers influence the properties of cumulus-oocyte complexes ovulated by their daughters. This influence is definitely stronger than the influence of the genetic background. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the cumuli oophori surrounding oocytes of B10.BR-Ydel females exhibit increased resistance to penetration by spermatozoa in vitro, in comparison to the control B10.BR strain. This regularity was reflected in the decreased proportion of fertilized ova recovered from oviducts of B10.BR-Ydel females mated with B10.BR-Ydel males and in the lower litter sizes recorded for these pairs. The excessive stability of cumuli oophori typical for oocytes of females having Ydel fathers may negatively affect their fertility, if they have partners producing poor quality sperm.
Online Server-Side Optimization Approach for Improving QoE of DASH Clients

The many advantages of Dynamic Adaptive streaming over HTTP (DASH) made it one of the most prevalent video streaming technologies in recent years. Unfortunately, many studies have unveiled the QoE issue of users when multiple DASH clients compete for the bandwidth of a bottleneck link. This issue consists of several aspects, namely the frequent encoding changes, the unfair bandwidth allocation, the inefficient bandwidth utilization, and the relatively long convergence time. These aspects are indeed conflicting each other and resolving them entails tradeoffs. In this paper, we propose a new mathematical model that leverages a score matrix to ensure a fair sharing of the server's bottleneck link between competing clients and satisfies the requests of as many clients as possible and that is for efficient bandwidth utilization. The proposed solution is compared against notable solutions through computer-based simulations, and the results show that the proposed solution achieves high scores in terms of both efficiency and fairness.
Democracy and Agonism in the Anthropocene: The Challenges of Knowledge, Time and Boundary

The diagnosis of a new geological epoch, The ‘Anthropocene’, has implications far beyond geological science. If human activity has disrupted the planet, then this diagnosis potentially disrupts socio-political conventions. This article assesses the implications the Anthropocene has for democratic politics, by delineating three challenges: challenges of knowledge, time and boundary. In contrast to the claim that democratic institutions are unable to adequately respond to these challenges, I suggest that they might be strengthened through an engagement with them. Following an ‘agonistic’ understanding of politics, I argue that the contestation instigated by the challenges of the Anthropocene is key to democratic renewal. Just as democracy in the Anthropocene can be enhanced through an agonistic approach, agonistic theory can be enriched through an engagement with the Anthropocene.
Sex dependent influence of a functional polymorphism in steroid 5‐α‐reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) on post‐traumatic stress symptoms

A non‐synonymous, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the gene coding for steroid 5‐α‐reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) is associated with reduced conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Because SRD5A2 participates in the regulation of testosterone and cortisol metabolism, hormones shown to be dysregulated in patients with PTSD, we examined whether the V89L variant (rs523349) influences risk for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Study participants (N = 1,443) were traumatized African‐American patients of low socioeconomic status with high rates of lifetime trauma exposure recruited from the primary care clinics of a large, urban hospital. PTSD symptoms were measured with the post‐traumatic stress symptom scale (PSS). Subjects were genotyped for the V89L variant (rs523349) of SRD5A2. We initially found a significant sex‐dependent effect of genotype in male but not female subjects on symptoms. Associations with PTSD symptoms were confirmed using a separate internal replication sample with identical methods of data analysis, followed by pooled analysis of the combined samples (N = 1,443, sex × genotype interaction P < 0.002; males: n = 536, P < 0.001). These data support the hypothesis that functional variation within SRD5A2 influences, in a sex‐specific way, the severity of post‐traumatic stress symptoms and risk for diagnosis of PTSD. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Socioeconomic Status and Psychological Well-Being: Revisiting the Role of Subjective Socioeconomic Status

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a complex and multidimensional construct, encompassing both independent objective characteristics (e.g., income or education) and subjective people’s ratings of their placement in the socioeconomic spectrum. Within the growing literature on subjective SES belongingness and psychological well-being, subjective indices of SES have tended to center on the use of pictorial rank-related social ladders where individuals place themselves relative to others by simultaneously considering their income, educational level, and occupation. This approach, albeit consistent with the idea of these social ladders as summative or cognitive SES markers, might potentially constrain individuals’ conceptions of their SES. This research (N = 368; Mage = 39.67, SD = 13.40) is intended to expand prior investigations on SES and psychological well-being by revisiting the role of subjective SES. In particular, it (a) proposes an innovative adaptation of the traditional MacArthur Scale of subjective SES to income, education, and occupation, thus resulting in three separate social ladders; and (b) tests the empirical contribution of such three social ladders to psychological well-being. Overall, our findings showed that the novel education and occupation ladders (excluding the income ladder) are predictive of a significant part of the variance levels of psychological well-being that is not due to canonical objective metrics of SES (i.e., income, education, and occupation), or to the conventional MacArthur Scale of subjective SES. Although preliminary, these results underscore the need to further reconsider (subjective) SES-related conceptualization and measurement strategies to gather a more comprehensive understanding of the SES-psychological well-being link.
Histomorphometric and Laryngeal Videostroboscopic Analysis of the Effects of Corticosteroids on Microflap Healing in the Dog Larynx

The histologic and functional effects of unilateral, layered corticosteroids on lateral microflap healing in 15 dogs were analyzed. Histologic sections of steroid-treated vocal folds (VFs) were studied with computer morphometry to examine differences in the tissue healing response. Paired analysis revealed increases in the inflammatory infiltrate around the microflap in the steroid-treated VFs at 2,4, and 6 weeks (6.3%, 30.6%, and 34.9%, all with p < .02). The neovascular response in the steroid-treated VFs was less at 2 weeks (–20.9%, p < .005) but greater at 4 and 6 weeks (16.3% and 4.3%, p < .005). To better characterize the effect of steroids on the healing process, a normal, time-dependent distribution was applied to the histologic data and demonstrated a delay in the steroid-treated VF tissue response of 12 days for the inflammatory infiltrate and 21 days for the neovascular response. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of in vivo laryngeal videostroboscopy (LVS) samples taken preoperatively and at sacrifice could not identify significant differences in appearance, amplitude, mucosal wave, or suppleness between the 2 VFs. Therefore, although corticosteroids cause a delay in wound healing, LVS does not discern differences in microflap characteristics between healing steroid-treated and control VFs at 2, 4, or 6 weeks. If steroids are used, the surgeon should account for a probable delay in wound healing, but should not expect an overall difference in functional outcome.
The Paired-like Homeodomain Protein, Arix, Mediates Protein Kinase A-stimulated Dopamine β-Hydroxylase Gene Transcription through Its Phosphorylation Status*

The homeodomain transcription factor Arix/Phox2a plays a critical role in the specification of noradrenergic neurons by inducing the expression of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), the terminal enzyme for noradrenaline biosynthesis. In reporter assays, Arix together with activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) potentiates DBH gene transcription. We have evaluated whether post-translational modification of Arix regulates PKA-mediated DBH gene transcription. We found that Arix is constitutively phosphorylatedin vivo at the basal level and that the phosphorylation level is substantially decreased upon stimulation of the PKA pathway. The change in the Arix phosphorylation state coincides with DNA binding activity of Arix. Treatment of cells with forskolin results in a robust enhancement of the DNA binding of Arix, which is reversed by treatment with serine/threonine and tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors. Consistent with the DNA binding activity of Arix, treatment of cultured cells with phosphatase inhibitors diminishes transcriptional activation with Arix plus forskolin. Amino acid analysis demonstrates the presence of phosphoserine within Arix. The results collectively suggest that dephosphorylation of Arix is a necessary event to fully activate PKA-mediated DBH transcription. Thus, the present study demonstrates that Arix can integrate extrinsic signals through post-translational modification, regulating DBH gene transcription in response to activation of the PKA pathway.