Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An unusual trafficking domain in MSRP6 defines a complex needed for Maurer’s clefts anchoring and maintenance in P. falciparum infected red blood cells

Intracellular malaria blood stage parasites remodel their host cell, a process essential for parasite survival and a cause of pathology in malaria infections. Host cell remodeling depends on the export of different classes of exported parasite proteins into the infected red blood cell (RBC). Here we show that members of a recently discovered group of difficult to predict exported proteins harbor an N-terminal export domain, similar to other classes of exported proteins, indicating that this is a common theme among all classes of exported proteins. For one such protein, MSRP6 (MSP-7 related protein 6), we identified a second, untypical export-mediating domain that corresponded to its MSP7-like region. In addition to its function in export, this domain also mediated attachment to the Maurer’s clefts, prominent parasite-induced structures in the host cell where MSRP6 is located. Using BioID with the Maurer’s clefts attachment domain of MSRP6 to identify interactors and compartment neighbors in live parasites we discovered a novel complex of proteins at the Maurer’s clefts. We show that this complex is necessary for the anchoring and maintaining the structural integrity of the Maurer’s clefts. The Maurer’s clefts are believed to be involved in the transport of the major virulence factor PfEMP1 to the host cell surface where it mediates cytoadherence of infected RBCs to endothelial cells, a main reason for the importance of host cell modifications for parasite virulence in the human host. Taking advantage of MSRP6 complex mutants and IT4 parasites that we modified to express only one specific PfEMP1 we find that abolishing Maurer’s clefts anchoring was neither needed for PfEMP1 transport to the host cell surface nor for cytoadherence. Altogether, this work reveals parasite proteins involved in Maurer’s clefts anchoring and maintenance and unexpectedly finds that these functions are dispensable for virulence factor transport and surface display.
Lactosuero como fuente de péptidos bioactivos

Whey derived from cheese making operations has always been regarded as a low value waste. Its destination is still one of the most serious problems faced by the dairy industry worldwide. Some food products in the market include whey as an ingredient, mainly as a way to increase dairy solids at a low cost, and to a lesser degree, to take advantage of its functional properties, such as foaming, water retention and thickening agent. Thanks to a continuous research activity, there has been an increase in the number of functional (as a source of peptides with biological activity: hypotensives, antioxidants, antithrombotics or immunomodulators, among others) and nutritional applications (as a source of energy, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals), promoting the use of whey as an ingredient and a functional food. Recently, relatively few studies have reported the role that some whey peptide fractions play over the consumers health, in comparison with those derived from caseins. This review compiles information, regarding research done on whey as a source of bioactive peptides. An Venez Nutr
Primary Plasma Cell Leukemia Revealed by a Mandibular Lesion: A Case Report

Primary plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare and aggressive hematological malignancy exhibiting a circulating plasma cell count exceeding 20% of peripheral blood leukocytes or an absolute plasma cell count >2000/mm3. We report a case of a 37-year-old woman presented to the Department of Hematology with a two-month history of growth inside the oral cavity in the upper jaw and weakness. The physical examination revealed a voluminous mass involving the left side of the maxillary gingiva. The maxillofacial computerized tomography (CT) scan confirmed the presence of a solid tissue mass at the left upper maxilla. A biopsy sample obtained from the lesion showed a plasma cell infiltration. The laboratory findings revealed anemia, renal impairment with high levels of creatinine and calcium. Serum protein electrophoresis found a monoclonal peak at IgG lambda, a high level of lambda free light. The diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by a peripheral-blood smear revealed 25% of plasma cells and bone marrow aspiration with 50% of plasma cell infiltration. Primary plasma-cell leukemia (pPCL) was confirmed. The patient received VTD chemotherapy (bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone) followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), which resulted in complete remission. At the six-month follow-up, the patient relapsed with extramedullary multiple lesions under ineffective rescue therapy. Response to frontline treatments may be significant initially but short-lived with a dismal median overall survival below one year. This case report aims to highlight the need for awareness among clinicians of the relevance of examining other associated clinical features of pPCL, given its aggressive course and rapid progress without the therapy.
Experimental Verification of the Isotropic Onset of Percolation in 3D Crack Networks in Polycrystalline Materials With Implications for the Applicability of Percolation Theory to Crustal Rocks

Percolation theory is often proposed as a framework for understanding flow and transport through fractured rock, yet the applicability of percolation theory to natural systems remains uncertain. Experimental verification of the predictions of percolation theory are challenging because of the difficulty in systematically creating 3D crack networks in crystalline materials. Using ice as a model for rock, we experimentally test the prediction of percolation theory that for a sufficiently large sample, the onset of percolation is isotropic even when the crack network is anisotropic. Consistent with theory, experimentally we find that in strongly anisotropic crack networks induced by uniaxial loading at a sufficiently high strain rate, the onset of percolation is nearly isotropic in samples where the dimension of the sample is about an order of magnitude greater than the length of the largest crack. The onset of percolation is isotropic even though nearly 90% of the induced cracks are oriented within about 10° of the direction of applied compression. A similitude analysis indicates that for typical geotherms and geologic strain rates, crack networks consistent with the predictions of percolation theory are only possible within the upper several tens of km of a nonsubducting granite slab and to depths of several hundreds of km in subducting slabs of gabbro.
The Globalstar cellular satellite system

The Globalstar cellular-telephone satellite system is described, including its use of code-division multiple access (CDMA) as the basic modulation scheme. Use of diversity for signal quality as well as power control is described, Development of the complex array antennas for L-band (1.6 GHz) and S-band (2.5 GHz) communication with the hand-held radios is described in detail.
Nexus between FDI, Infrastructure Investment, Tourism Revenues, and Economic Growth: Mega Event Evidence

The object of this study is to examine the response of economic growth in Germany to 2006 FIFA World Cup hosting (represented by the heavily influenced variables of this huge event: Growth of Infrastructure Spending, Tourism Revenues, and Foreign Direct investment) during the period (2000 – 2017). The study employed Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) approach to estimate the long-run equilibrium relationships amongst the variables. The results indicate that there is a co-integrating long-run relationship among the studied variables and provide empirical evidence showing that an increase in the growth of infrastructure spending (GINFR) 1 unit leads to an increase in the growth of GDP (GGDP) by 0.374 unit, an increase in the tourism revenues (TR) 1 unit leads to increase in the growth of GDP (GGDP) by 0.155 unit, and an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) 1 unit leads to an increase in the growth of GDP (GGDP) by 0.055 unit. What distinguishes this paper is that it is one of the rare studies that went beyond the short effect of mega-events on the host country and investigated the long-term economic impact of the most important macro variables associated with mega-events on economic growth. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2021-01323 Full Text: PDF
A retrospective research to investigate the usefulness of high resolution ultrasonography and color Doppler in diagnosis and differentiating of scrotal diseases

Aims: To assess the role of high resolution ultrasound and colour Doppler in diagnosis and differentiation of scrotal pathologies. Material and methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Radiology in Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College & Hospital, Kumarhatti, Solan (H.P.), from October 2019 to October 2020. The 30 patients with clinical features of scrotal diseases were included in this study. All the patients included in the study underwent scrotal ultrasonography with color Doppler. Results: The study included a total of 30 patients. The patients most commonly involved were those belonging to the age group of 30 to 40 years (n = 16; 53.3%). The most common cause of scrotal pathologies was hydrocele (n=12, 25.5%) followed by epididymal cyst (n= 8, 17%), epididymo-orchitis (n =4, 8.5%), epididymitis (n = 4; 8.5%). The number of scrotal lesions seen on the left side was 22 (46.8%), on the right side were 21 (44.6%) and in bilateral locations were 4 (8.5%). Conclusion: High frequency ultrasonography with colour Doppler studies is a great tool for diagnosing scrotal disorders. It is the preferred method because of its great sensitivity, ease of use, availability, repeatability, and lack of ionising radiation. Patients with inflammatory scrotal lesions should have periodic USG scans to assess therapy response and detect complications.
Prediction of local scour depth of sea-crossing bridges based on the energy balance theory

ABSTRACT Local scour of piers is a potential danger threatening the operational safety of the sea-crossing bridge. Reliable scour depth prediction of piers can make the economic maintenance of the sea-crossing bridge. Considering the Hangzhou Bay Sea-crossing Bridge as the research prototype, based on the measured data and numerical simulation, the flow-field structure in front of the pier and the shape of the scour hole around the pier are simplified, and the prediction equation of the maximum depth of local scour is derived based on the energy balance theory. Based on the measured data, the equation is verified and compared with the local scour calculation equation in the design code, and the sensitivity of the parameters in the equation is analyzed. The results reveal that the equation is feasible and accurate and can provide guidelines for future decision-making regarding the early warning and maintenance of local scour of sea-crossing bridges.
Profile and Outcome of Childhood Hydrocarbon Poisoning: An Observational Study

Background: Accidental poisoning, though preventable, has continued to be one of the most prevalent medical emergencies among children in developing countries. Objective: To describe the clinico-demographic profile and outcome of children with hydrocarbon poisoning at a tertiary care teaching hospital from Eastern India. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the hospital case records of all children <15 years of age admitted with hydrocarbon poisoning from January 2015 to October 2018 was performed. Results: Out of 2658 total admissions, 21 children were admitted with hydrocarbon poisoning during the study period. The median age was 2.6 years (range, 1 to 14 years). Majorities (76%) were <5 years of age. The male/female ratio was 5:2. The majority belonged to rural areas (80.9%) and low socioeconomic status (71.4%). In all the cases, poisoning was accidental in nature. Kerosene (71.4%) and turpentine oil (24%) were the most common agents implicated. Majorities (95.3%) were symptomatic requiring hospitalization. Fever and vomiting were the most commonly observed symptoms (57%). Neutrophilic leucocytosis was observed in 62% of cases. Abnormal chest radiography was observed in 67% of cases. There was no mortality. Conclusions: The majority of the children with hydrocarbon poisoning are under five years of age with the accidental mode of poisoning in the current study. Kerosene was the most common agent. The outcome was excellent without any mortality.
Progressive damage to a ship's structure due to ice loading

This thesis investigates the structural response of an "IACS polar class" large grillage structure to progressive damage loads from ice. The "IACS polar class" design scenario is a static "glancing" load. It was desired to know if the structure responded differently to dynamic progressive loads, than it did to static loads. An explicit nonlinear numerical model was created. This numerical model was validated against full-scale experiments involving an "IACS polar class" large grillage structure. Eight progressive damage load scenarios were tested using the numerical model. In addition, strategically placed static loads were tested in order to provide a basis for comparison between the dynamic and static structural responses. It was found that the large grillage's structural capacity to withstand dynamic progressive damage loads was generally less than its capacity to withstand static loads. Further, the structural mechanisms behind this decrease in structural capacity were identified.
Skull Base Osteomyelitis: A Single-Center Experience

Background Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is an uncommon entity and carries a high mortality rate. It can be be odontogenic, sinogenic, or otogenic in origin, in addition to being a complication of skull surgery/trauma. Pseudomonas is one of the most commonly identified pathogen. The goal of the study is to describe the clinical spectrum, microbiologic characteristics, treatment, and its response among different patients with SBO. In addition, we compared the outcomes of bacterial and fungal osteomyelitis. Methodology This is a single-center retrospective analysis of patients with SBO who presented to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre Lahore, Pakistan between January 1998 and September 2019. A total of 15 patients with SBO were identified. Results SBO was common in males (79.9%) with a high body mass index. Diabetes mellitus was the most common co-morbid condition (46.62%). Bacterial etiology was seen in 46.62% and fungal isolate was detected in 6.66% of the patients; 26.64% were culture-negative and the remaining had a mixed culture. The mean duration of treatment was 17.58 ± 10.85 weeks. Overall, five (33.3%) patients were cured and did not have a recurrence of symptoms at six months, while three (19.98%) had a recurrence of symptoms at six months from the end of the treatment; six (39.96%) patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusions Patients with SBO can present with various conditions, and early identification of the condition and a positive culture growth can guide optimal treatment.
Minority ethnic media: challenges for the future

ABSTRACT Minority ethnic media play a unique role in preserving the languages, shaping the identity, and improving communication and cohesion of the ethnic groups it represents. However, traditional ethnic media outlets such as television channels and printed media worldwide have been facing decreasing viewership, especially because of strong competition from Internet media. Obtaining the support of people in the targeted ethnic group is critical and challenging. This paper elucidates the obstacles—dwindling viewership, competition from new media, and debates on intragroup and intergroup (intercultural) communication—that minority ethnic television channels face in many societies. By using the Taiwanese minority ethnic channel Hakka TV as an example, this study examined audiences’ viewing behaviors with respect to both the terrestrial channel and its online platform. A National Survey on Hakka Population and Languages (supported by the Taiwan Hakka Affairs Council) and in-depth interviews were used to explore the relationships between ethnicity, language, and communication in ethnic media. The results indicate what ethnic media outlets should prioritize to increasing viewership. Methods by which these outlets can reach out to other ethnic groups and enhance multiculturalism are discussed.
Improvement on programming and erasing speeds for charge-trapping flash memory device with SiGe buried channel

SiGe buried channel with different Ge contents and various thicknesses of Si-cap layer on operating characteristics of charge-trapping (CT) flash devices were studied in this work. The results show that the programming and erasing speeds of CT flash devices are significantly improved by employing SiGe buried channel. Enhancement up to merely 20 times on programming speed was achieved. The retention characteristics of flash devices are satisfactory with suitable Ge content in SiGe buried channel and thickness of Si-cap layer. From the measurement of secondary ion mass spectroscopy, the operation characteristics of flash devices with SiGe channel were sensitive to the distribution of Ge atoms.
A structured approach to deadlock detection, avoidance and resolution in flexible manufacturing systems

Abstract Production scheduling models that determine part mix ratios and detailed schedules do not usually account for deadlocks that can be caused by part flow. Deadlocks must be prevented for operational control (especially in automated systems). The major thrust of this paper is in developing a structured model for deadlock detection, avoidance and resolution caused by part flow in manufacturing systems. A system status graph can be constructed for the parts currently in the system. Deadlock detection amounts to determining deadlocks in the system status graph. On the other hand, deadlock avoidance amounts to restricting parts movement so that deadlocks are completely avoided in the future. While deadlock detection is a one-step look ahead procedure, deadlock avoidance is a complete look ahead procedure. Deadlock resolution or recovery amounts to judiciously using a limited queue to recover from deadlocks. Deadlock detection and avoidance are absolutely crucial to uninterrupted operation of automated m.
The design of duct venting of gas explosions

Venting systems are useful for the mitigation of accidental explosions. Vent ducts should be used if equipment is located indoors, as NFPA 68 (2007) suggests, for discharging combustion products to safe location. However, the presence of a duct is likely to increase the severity of the explosion with respect to simply vented vessels.
Power control of a solar/wind generation system without wind measurement: a passivity/sliding mode approach

This paper deals with the control of the output power of a solar/wind stand-alone system. The control system regulates the generation of the wind subsystem in order to satisfy, jointly with the photovoltaic generation subsystem, the load and battery charge power demand. The controller is designed using a theoretical framework that unifies passivity and sliding mode techniques. The resultant control law does not need wind measurement and only relies on rotational speed and current measurements. An analysis of the acceleration estimate error is carried out and a countermeasure to compensate its effects is proposed. Finally, the performance of the controller is assessed through computer simulation, using a comprehensive nonlinear model of the plant.
OPTIMIZING NETWORK LIFETIME IN SENSOR NETWORKS WITH LIMITED RECHARGING CAPABILITIES

by Jennifer Nichole Johnson University of the Pacific 2014 Monitoring the structural health of civil infrastructures with wireless sensor networks aids in detecting failures early, but faces power challenges in ensuring reasonable network lifetimes. Recharging select nodes with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provides a solution that currently can recharge a single node; however, questions arise on the effectiveness of a limited recharging system, the appropriate node to recharge, and the best sink selection algorithm for improving network lifetime given a limited recharging system. This paper simulates such a network in order to answer those questions. This thesis first determines whether or not recharging with a UAV is an effective method of delivering limited power to the network. It then determines the best way to deliver that power. Finally, this thesis explores five different sink positioning algorithms to find which optimize the network lifetime by load-balancing the energy in the network, all in combination with the added capability of a UAV.
Open spaces, supple bodies? Considering the impact of agile working on social work office practices

There has been a shift towards social workers in many areas of the UK being based in large open plan offices and working more flexibly and remotely in space. This approach is commonly referred to as ‘agile working’. The paper explores the impact of agile working on social workers’ practices and experiences in office spaces. It discusses data from an ethnographic study of children’s safeguarding social work teams in two locations. One team was based in a large open plan office and was engaged in agile working, the other team was located in a much smaller office and was not using this approach. Data from observations of practice, analysis of material spaces, and interviews with social workers and those responsible for planning office space are examined. The paper concludes that there are qualitative differences between such spaces which are due to agile working arrangements and which are likely to impact significantly on social workers’ experiences of practice, interactions with colleagues and development of practice knowledge. The data also suggest a lack of understanding in social work of the spatial requirements of practitioners and the significance that private and open space has for children’s social work in the current UK context.
Macrozoobenthic community assemblage as key indicator for mangrove restoration success in North Sumatra and Aceh, Indonesia

The recognition of the high value of mangrove forests and the wide array of ecosystem services they provide has motivated investment in worldwide restoration efforts. However, current metrics of functional restoration (other than seedling survival rates and plant community composition) are often not readily available for local community managers, highlighting an urgency to identify easy‐to‐measure indicators to assess the functionality of restored mangroves. The macrozoobenthic community could be such practical indicator, as macrozoobenthic communities are sensitive to changes in their environment, and can be easily surveyed within local managing programs. Focusing on three main mangrove management conditions (natural, planted, and naturally regenerated) in North Sumatra and the province of Aceh, Indonesia, we compared vegetation and macrozoobenthic community diversity indices and identified environmental variables that best describe the forest management conditions and their associated macrozoobenthic community assemblage. Results showed that community assemblage, rather than macrozoobenthic diversity index, was associated with management conditions. The highest dissimilarity in macrozoobenthic community assemblages occurred between planted versus natural mangroves, with nonsignificant dissimilarity between natural and naturally regenerated mangroves. The Lined Nerite gastropod (Nerita balteata) was identified as an indicator of natural mangroves, and the invasive Giant African snail (Achatina fulica) was abundant in mangrove plantations, but also in natural mangroves bordering harbors, oil palm plantations, and aquaculture ponds, suggesting associated anthropogenic pressures. This study showed that the macrozoobenthic community can be used as restoration indicator and could serve as a baseline to empower monitoring activities and community‐based adaptive management practices to improve the outcomes of restoration efforts.