Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Image Steganography Algorithm Against Statistical Analysis

The least-significant bit (LSB) insertion method is the most common and easiest method for embedding messages in an image with high capacity, while it is detectable by statistical analysis such as RS and Chi-square analyses. This paper has proposed a novel LSB image steganography algorithm that can effectively resist image steganalysis based on statistical analysis. We combine every two sample's LSB bits using addition modulo 2 (or m) to form the value which is compared to the part of the secret message. If these two values are equal, no change is made. Otherwise, add the difference of these two values to the second sample. Thus, we can embed the part of the secret message effectively. RS and Chi-square analyses are performed on stego-medium created using the steganography technique. The experiment shows that the scheme has the same insertion capacity and SNR as the classic LSB steganography and the proposed method can effectively resist steganalysis based on RS and Chi-square analyses.
PCR detection of Ti and Ri plasmids from phytopathogenic Agrobacterium strains

A universal primer set (VCF/VCR) for PCR analysis based on the sequences of the virC operon located on Ti and Ri plasmids was designed to detect these plasmids from phytopathogenic Agrobacterium strains. With the VCF (sequence, 5'-ATCATTTGTAGCGACT-3') and VCR (sequence, 5'-AGCTCAAACCTGCTTC-3') primer set, DNA fragments of 730 bp in length were amplified from cell lysates of 10 rhizogenic and 65 tumorigenic agrobacteria. DNA sequencing and Southern hybridization analysis confirmed that the amplified fragments corresponded to the target region. The PCR method is considered convenient for routine determination of the potential pathogenicity of Agrobacterium strains.
In vivo fate of folate-targeted polyethylene-glycol liposomes in tumor-bearing mice.

PURPOSE To compare the in vivo tissue distribution of folate-targeted liposomes (FTLs) injected i.v. in mice bearing folate receptor (FR)-overexpressing tumors (mouse M109 and human KB carcinomas, and mouse J6456 lymphoma) to that of nontargeted liposomes (NTLs) of similar composition. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A small fraction of a folate-polyethylene-glycol (PEG)-distearoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate was incorporated in FTLs. Both FTLs and NTLs were PEGylated with a PEG-distearoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate to prolong circulation time. Liposomes were labeled with [(3)H]cholesterol hexadecyl ether with or without doxorubicin loading. Liposome levels in plasma, tissues, or ascites were assessed by the number of [(3)H] counts. For doxorubicin-loaded formulations, we also determined the tissue doxorubicin levels by fluorimetry. To estimate the amount of liposomes directly associated with tumor cells in vivo, we determined the [(3)H]radiolabel counts in washed pellets of ascitic tumor cells using the ascitic J6456 lymphoma RESULTS FTLs retained the folate ligand in vivo, as demonstrated by their ability to bind ex vivo to FR-expressing cells after prolonged circulation and extravasation into malignant ascitic fluid. In comparison with NTLs, FTLs were cleared faster from circulation as a result of greater liver uptake. Despite the lower plasma levels, tumor levels of FTL-injected mice were not significantly different from those of NTL-injected mice. When NTLs and FTLs were loaded with doxorubicin, liver uptake decreased because of liver blockade, and uptake by spleen and tumor increased. When tumor-to-tissue liposome uptake ratios were analyzed, the targeting profile of FTLs was characterized by higher tumor:skin, and tumor:kidney ratios but lower tumor:liver ratio than NTLs. After a concomitant dose of free folic acid, FTLs (but not NTLs) plasma clearance and liver uptake were inhibited, indicating that accelerated clearance was mediated by the folate ligand. Surprisingly tumor uptake was not significantly affected by a codose of folic acid. In the J6456 ascitic tumor model, tumor cell-associated liposome levels were significantly greater for FTL-injected mice than for NTL-injected mice, despite slightly higher levels of the latter in whole ascites. CONCLUSIONS Whereas folate targeting does not enhance overall liposome deposition in tumors, the targeting profile of tumor versus other tissues is substantially different and intratumor liposome distribution in ascitic tumors is affected favorably with a selective shift toward liposome association with FR-expressing cells.
Recruitment Experiences and Decision Factors of High School Science Teachers in Texas

Recruitment Experiences and Decision Factors of High School Science Teachers in Texas. (August 2012) Rasheedah Kay Richardson, B.A.; M.Ed. Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Carol Stuessy The state of Texas reflects the teacher shortages experienced by the rest of the United States. The three studies included in this dissertation use exploratory mixedmethods and qualitative research designs to understand experiences of Texas high school science teachers at the entry stage of the teacher professional continuum (TPC): recruitment. Little is understood about the relationship between recruitment, job satisfaction and retention of teachers. A conceptual framework ( i.e., teacher-to-school match, realistic job previews, decision factors) was used to guide the inquiry process and help draw connections between the literature and findings from this study regarding teacher recruitment, job satisfaction, and retention. This research was completed in collaboration with the PRISE Research Group at Texas A&M University. The first study describes recruitment activities of new-to-school science teachers for their current positions. A content analysis of teachers’ interviews suggested that schools are not maximizing valuable resources supporting teacher-to-school match and realistic job previews (RJP). Further analyses indicated teachers’ interview experiences
An IS711 Element Downstream of thebp26 Gene Is a Specific Marker of Brucella spp. Isolated from Marine Mammals

ABSTRACT DNA polymorphism of the bp26 gene, coding for a diagnostic protein antigen for brucellosis, was assessed by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using primers to amplify the bp26 gene with its flanking regions. Surprisingly, whereas PCR performed on DNA of the reference strains of the six recognized Brucella species produced a product of the expected size (1,029 bp), PCR performed on DNA of three representative strains from marine mammals (from a seal, a dolphin, and a porpoise) produced a larger product, of about 1,900 bp. Nucleotide sequencing of the 1,900-bp PCR products revealed the presence of an insertion sequence, IS711, downstream of thebp26 gene and adjacent to a Bru-RS1 element previously described as being a hot spot for IS711 insertion. PCR performed on a large number of field strains from different geographic origins and from marine mammal isolates indicated that the occurrence of an IS711 element downstream of the bp26 gene was a feature specific to the marine mammal Brucellastrains. Thus, this PCR assay is able to differentiateBrucella terrestrial isolates from marine mammal isolates and could be applied for diagnostic purposes.
Visual Impairment and Retinopathy in People With Normal Glucose Tolerance, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, and Newly Diagnosed NIDDM

Objective Prevalence rates of visual impairment and retinopathy were compared in 1992 people with normal glucose tolerance, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or newly diagnosed non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Research Design and Methods Glucose tolerance status was based on an oral glucose tolerance test after exclusion of those with a history of diabetes and/or diabetes medication use in an upper middle-class community of older white adults in southern California between 1984 and 1987. Results Although many sex-specific comparisons were made between glucose tolerance groups, only a few emerged as statistically significant. Among those, women with IGT had significantly higher age-adjusted rates of visual impairment (10.8%) than women with normal glucose tolerance (4.4%). Among men, those with IGT had significantly higher age-adjusted rates of visual impairment (7.9%) than men with newly diagnosed NIDDM (4.0%). Conclusions Low frequencies of retinopathy were found in all three glucose tolerance groups.
Gene transfer for the treatment of neovascular ocular disease (an American Ophthalmological Society thesis).

PURPOSE As vasoproliferative diseases account for a substantial fraction of worldwide blindness and share the activation of the angiogenic pathway as a common etiology, the expression of antiangiogenic proteins offers a promising means of treatment. This study was designed to develop viral vectors, harboring angiostatic genes, for the study and treatment of experimental proliferative ocular disease. A variety of methods (in vitro, ex vivo tissue, and in vivo) were employed to model the process of proliferation and test the effectiveness of these reagents. METHODS Antiangiogenic genes included single genes as well as hybrid genes that fused the active elements of different genes. Genes studied included the soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sKDR), soluble neuropilin (sNRP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), plasminogen gene fragments (Kringle 1-3, 1-4, and 1-5), and soluble receptors for advanced glycosylation end products (sRAGE) genes, as well as the Endo:Ang, MIG:IP10, and Endo:Kringle5 fusion genes. All genes were cloned into a lentiviral vector system and were used to produce replication deficient lentiviral particles. These viral particles were used to transduce a variety of ocular cells and tissues to test viral transfer efficiency and transgene expression. In vivo systems were employed to explore the potential of these genes as antiangiogenic agents in models of corneal and retinal neovascular disease. RESULTS Recombinant lentiviral particles, capable of transducing cell lines germane to eye disease (ocular endothelial, epithelial, and fibroblast cells), were successfully produced. These vectors were demonstrated to be effective in long-term transformation of cells and tissues. In vivo experiments confirmed that at least three different potentially angiostatic genes were successful in aborting the angiogenic process in the ocular models tested. CONCLUSIONS Lentiviral vectors are a viable means to deliver angiostatic genes to tissues of the eye. Some angiostatic genes appear to have a stronger and longer-lasting effect than others in modulating the angiogenic pathway.
Functionally Distinct Double-stranded RNA-binding Domains Associated with Alternative Splice Site Variants of the Interferon-inducible Double-stranded RNA-specific Adenosine Deaminase*

The double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase (ADAR) is an interferon-inducible RNA-editing enzyme implicated in the site-selective deamination of adenosine to inosine in viral RNAs and cellular pre-mRNAs. We have isolated and characterized human genomic clones of the ADAR gene and cDNA clones encoding splice site variants of the ADAR protein. Southern blot and sequence analyses revealed that the gene spans about 30 kilobase pairs and consists of 15 exons. The codon phasing of the splice site junctions of exons 3, 5, and 7 that encode the three copies of the highly conserved RNA-binding R-motif (RI, RII, and RIII) was exactly conserved and identical to those R-motif exons of the interferon-inducible RNA-dependent protein kinase. Alternative splice site variants of the 1226-amino acid ADAR-a protein, designated b and c, were identified that differed in exons 6 and 7. ADAR-b was a 5′-splice site variant that possessed a 26-amino acid deletion within exon 7; ADAR-c was a 3′-splice site variant that possessed an additional 19-amino acid deletion within exon 6. The wild-type ADAR-a, -b, and -c proteins all possessed comparable double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase activity. However, mutational analysis of the R-motifs revealed that the exon 6 and 7 deletions of ADAR-b and -c variants altered the functional importance of each of the three R-motifs.
Measuring Practice Capacity for Change: A Tool for Guiding Quality Improvement in Primary Care Settings

Purpose Capacity for change, or the ability and willingness to undertake change, is an organizational characteristic with potential to foster quality management in health care. We report on the development and psychometric properties of a quantitative measure of capacity for change for use in primary care settings. Methods Following review of previous conceptual and empirical studies, we generated 117 items that assessed organizational structure, climate, and culture. Using information from direct observation and key informant interviews, a research team member rated these items for 15 primary care practices engaged in a quality improvement intervention. Distributional statistics, pairwise correlation analysis, Rasch modeling, and item content review guided item reduction and instrument finalization. Reliability and convergent validity were assessed. Results Ninety-two items were removed because of limited response distributions and redundancy or because of poor Rasch model fit. The final instrument comprising 25 items had excellent reliability (α = .94). A Rasch model-derived capacity for change score correlated well with an independently determined, qualitatively derived summary assessment of each practice's capacity for change (ρS = 0.82), suggesting good convergent validity. Conclusion We describe a new instrument for quantifying organizational capacity for change in primary care settings. The ability to quantify capacity for change may enable better recognition of practices likely to be successful in their change efforts and those first requiring capacity building prior to change interventions.
Study of Learners Behaviour in virtual learning environment using Process Mining

The objective of this paper is to study and understand the learner's behaviour as a remote learner on an e- platform. The Covid-19 pandemic situation has driven the prevailing system of education to embrace the new norm of remote teaching. The present scenario demands to strike the right balance between delivering lectures and monitoring student activities to result in effective teaching and learning processes. It is a great challenge to keep a tab on the learner's behaviour during remote teaching. This paper presents a comparative study of learner's behaviour using Process Mining. The major case studies using process mining are focused on Health Care, Supply Chain Management, Education, Customer Relationship Management, ICT, Industries, and Financial Sectors apart from several other business processes. The present work aims to emphasize the use of the Process Mining method to provide an insight of the activities of the learners in an online platform system, using Celonis process mining. The Educational Process Mining dataset, from UCI repository, is benchmarked as the primary dataset for the analysis. Two specific case studies, in particular, are selected to identify with students' behaviour, when it comes to handling activities in remote classrooms. The comparative study of the selected cases is formulated to be presented based on various parameters of process mining methods, such as throughput, time taken by a learner to complete the activities and happy path.
Changes in the Spin State and Reactivity of Cytochrome c Induced by Photochemically Generated Singlet Oxygen and Free Radicals*

This work compares the effect of photogenerated singlet oxygen (O2(1Δg)) (type II mechanism) and free radicals (type I mechanism) on cytochrome c structure and reactivity. Both reactive species were obtained by photoexcitation of methylene blue (MB+) in the monomer and dimer forms, respectively. The monomer form is predominant at low dye concentrations (up to 8 μm) or in the presence of an excess of SDS micelles, while dimers are predominant at 0.7 mm SDS. Over a pH range in which cytochrome c is in the native form, O2 (1Δg) and free radicals induced a Soret band blue shift (from 409 to 405 nm), predominantly. EPR measurements revealed that the blue shift of the Soret band was compatible with conversion of the heme iron from its native low spin state to a high spin state with axial symmetry (g ∼ 6.0). Soret band bleaching, due to direct attack on the heme group, was only detected under conditions that favored free radical production (MB+ dimer in SDS micelles) or in the presence of a less structured form of the protein (above pH 9.3). Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry of the heme group and the polypeptide chain of cytochrome c with Soret band at 405 nm (cytc405) revealed no alterations in the mass of the cytc405 heme group but oxidative modifications on methionine (Met65 and Met80) and tyrosine (Tyr74) residues. Damage of cytc405 tyrosine residue impaired its reduction by diphenylacetaldehyde, but not by β-mercaptoethanol, which was able to reduce cytc405, generating cytochrome c Fe(II) in the high spin state (spin 2).
Underexpression of 4 Placenta-Associated MicroRNAs in Complete Hydatidiform Moles

Objective Several placental microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as placenta-associated miRNAs with the potential of estimating the condition of the placenta. However, our understanding of these miRNAs is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of 8 placenta-associated miRNAs (miR-512-3p, miR-517a, miR-517b, miR-518b, miR-519a, miR-1185, miR-1283, and miR-1323) in complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). Methods Samples were obtained from patients with CHM (CHM group, n = 12) and elective terminations of normal pregnancy (control group, n = 20). We detected differentially expressed placenta-associated miRNAs in placenta by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction analysis. Subsequently, we assessed the expression location of differentially expressed miRNAs by in situ hybridization analysis. Results Four placenta-associated miRNAs (miR-517a, miR-517b, miR-518b, and miR-519a) were underexpressed in the CHM group, compared with the control group (P < 0.01). When further investigating these 4 miRNAs with regard to in vivo localization by in situ hybridization, we found that 2 miRNAs (miR-517b and miR-518b) were detected exclusively in the trophoblast layer, with little signal (if any) observed in villous stroma cells. Conclusions The results show that 4 miRNAs (miR-517a, miR-517b, miR-518b, and miR-519a) are deregulated in CHM, which suggests the involvement of these miRNAs in the functions of CHM placenta.
Differences in consumption of food items between obese and normal-weight people in India.

BACKGROUND There is a rising prevalence of obesity in India, and diet may be a major determinant of this. We aimed to assess differences in types and quantities of food items consumed by obese and normal-weight people in India. METHODS Cross-sectional data of 7067 factory workers and their families were used from the Indian Migration Study, conducted in four cities across northern, central and southern India. Food frequency questionnaire data were used to compare the quantities of consumption of 184 food items between 287 obese (body mass index>30 kg/m2) and 1871 normalweight (body mass index 18.50-22.99 kg/m2) individuals, using t tests and ANCOVAs. Individuals with diabetes,hypertension and cardio-vascular disease were excluded. SPSS 16.0 was used for analysis. RESULTS After adjusting for age, sex, location and socioeconomic status, obese individuals were found to eat significantly larger quantities of 11 food items compared with normalweight individuals. These included phulkas, chapatis/parathas/naan, plain dosa, mutton/chicken pulao/biryani, chicken fried/grilled, rasam, mixed vegetable sagu, vegetable raitha, honey,beetroot and bottlegourd (p< 0.01). Consumption of plain milk was higher among normal-weight than among obese individuals (p< 0.05). Consumption of some of these food items was also found to increase by socioeconomic status, decrease by age, and be higher among men relative to women. CONCLUSION Obese individuals were found to consume larger quantities of certain food items compared with normal weight individuals. Interventions should aim at limiting overall food consumption among obese individuals.
Amnestic mild cognitive impairment with low myocardial metaiodobenzylguanidine uptake.

OBJECTIVES We reported cases of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) without the core clinical features of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) (dementia and spontaneous parkinsonism) with low uptake in (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy. METHODS During a 3-year period at a university clinic, we had 254 patients with memory complaints; 106 men, 148 women; mean age 72.5 years (48-95 years). In all patients we performed neurologic examination; memory tests including the MMSE, ADAScog, FAB and additional WMS-R; and imaging tests including brain MRI, SPECT and MIBG scintigraphy. RESULTS The criteria of amnestic MCI were fulfilled in 44 patients; and 13 of them (30%) showed low MIBG uptake. They had the following: uniformly elderly, with an equal sex ratio, have relatively slow progression, preserved general cognitive function (MMSE 24.8/30). In addition to memory impairment, they commonly showed low frontal function by FAB (12.5/18) and some had mild visual hallucination (5). Other than memory disorder, they had autonomic disorder (nocturia in 7, constipation in 2, postural hypotension in one), REM sleep behavioral disorder (in 3) and occipital hypoperfusion by SPECT (in 5). CONCLUSION This cohort of multidomain amnestic MCI cases may present with early stage DLB because of the presence of low MIBG uptake. Clinically, they commonly have low FAB, and may have visual hallucination, autonomic and sleep disorders.
Evaluation of adherence and depression among patients on peritoneal dialysis.

INTRODUCTION It is challenging for dialysis patients to maintain adherence to their medical regimen, and symptoms of depression are prevalent among them. Limited data is available about adherence and depression among patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study aimed to examine the rates of treatment non-adherence and depression in PD patients. METHODS A total of 20 PD patients (response rate 71.4%; mean age 64.4 ± 11.6 years) were assessed using the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, Self Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form. A self-reported adherence (PD exchanges, medication and diet) scale developed for the study was also included. Medical information (e.g. most recent biochemistry results) was obtained from chart review. RESULTS The mean self-reported scores indicated an overall high level of adherence, although a significant proportion of patients were non-adherent. Among the latter, 20% of patients were non-adherent to medication and 26% to diet due to forgetfulness, while 15% and 26% of patients admitted to deliberate non-adherence to medication and diet, respectively. Treatment modality, employment, self-care status and self-efficacy were associated with overall adherence. Using a cutoff point of 8 for HAD depression and anxiety subscales, 40% of patients were found to be depressed and 30% had symptoms of anxiety. CONCLUSION This is the first study to document treatment adherence and depression among PD patients in Singapore. Findings of high prevalence of depression and anxiety, and reports of poor adherence warrant development of intervention programmes.