Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cloning , sequencing and antigenic characterization of rVirB 9 of Anaplasma marginale isolated from Paraná State , Brazil

Anaplasma marginale, a tick-borne bacterium, causes bovine anaplasmosis responsible for significant economic losses in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Various major outer membranes have been described, and VirB9, a type IV secretion system protein, has been recently indicated as a candidate in vaccine development against anaplasmosis. The virB9 gene of an A. marginale strain isolated in Paraná, Brazil, was cloned by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced; its cloning into the pETSUMO vector produced a virB9-SUMO-6x His fusion gene construct. This recombinant clone was over-expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and the expressed fusion protein was solubilized with urea and purified with an Ni-NTA column. This method produced a relatively high yield of rVirB9. The deduced amino acid sequence encoded by VirB9 showed 99% homology to A. marginale isolates from St. Maries. rVirB9 was recognized by serum from cattle immunized with PR1 strain and by bovine sera infected with heterologous strains, showing that rVirB9 has conserved epitopes, which suggests that rVirB9 could be useful for the development of a vaccine against anaplasmosis.
Election Coverage and Slant in Television News ∗

This paper’s goal is to compare equilibrium news coverage during the 2012 US Presidential campaign to a benchmark of socially optimal news coverage. We specify a model where viewer-voters have utility for news stories driven by three considerations: (1) learning information that is relevant for the Presidential election, (2) consuming political news that matches their own ideology, and (3) consuming news for pure leisure. News channels choose topic coverage to maximize viewership. We calibrate the model to match high frequency data on individual level viewership and topic coverage by news channels, as well as lower frequency polling data. ∗We thank Ellen Dudar and Bill Feininger of FourthWall Media for access to FourthWall’s viewership data, Alex Coblin for excellent research assistance, and seminar participants at Princeton, Yale, and the University of Lausanne Economics of Media Bias Workshop. †Emory University. ‡Stanford Graduate School of Business and NBER.
Ultrasound-aided spray casting for graphene oxide deposition

As one of the most promising material for the next generation of electronic devices, graphene has been one of the focused research topic in recent years. As an important way to obtain graphene, graphene oxide has received attention because of its simple and economic preparation method. However, the highly controllable graphene oxide deposition remains challenging yet. Here, a solution-based deposition method via ultrasound-aided spray casting is reported, which allows controllable deposition of graphene oxide thin films and makes graphene oxide potentially useful for a wide variety of devices incorporated in the large scale integrated circuit. In general, the deposition method introduced here could represent a route for translating the interesting fundamental properties of graphene oxide into technologically viable applications.
Phylogenetic relationships among Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae) infecting rabbits: evolutionary significance of biological and morphological features

SUMMARY Monophyly of all 11 valid Eimeria species from rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus Linnaeus, 1758) was revealed based on nuclear 18S rDNA sequence data. This finding implies that these species, which vary considerably in terms of their morphology and biology, diversified on a single host or several closely related species. Phylogenetic analysis divided rabbit Eimeria species into 2 sister lineages, corresponding to the presence/absence of the oocyst residuum. Other morphological or biological traits (oocyst shape and size, presence/absence of oocyst inner structures, pathogenicity, infection site, pre-patent and patent periods, sporulation time, and number of asexual generations) do not explicitly correlate with the phylogeny of rabbit coccidia.
Effect of plasma lipids and APOE genotype on cognitive decline

A central tenet of brain aging is that “what is good for the heart is good for the brain. ” We examined the combined effect of plasma lipids and APOE genotype on cognitive function in elderly individuals. Plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and apolipoprotein E (apoE) were evaluated in 622 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older. We investigated the associations between plasma lipids and cognitive function in APOE4 carrier (E4+) and APOE4 noncarrier (E4-) groups using 3-year longitudinal data. At baseline and 3 years later, cognitive scores were correlated with plasma apoE levels in both E4- and E4+, and HDL level in E4-. Our findings suggest that an interaction between apoE and HDL is facilitated by APOE4, and is possibly linked with an enhancement of neuroplasticity and with resultant protective effects on cognitive function in later life. Preservation of higher plasma apoE and HDL from early life is proposed as a possible strategy for maintaining cognitive function in later life, especially for APOE4-positive individuals.
Algèbre matricielle rapide en calcul formel et calcul numérique. (Fast algorithms for structured matrices in computer algebra and numerical linear algebra)

Dans cette these, nous visons l'amelioration de quelques algorithmes en algebre matricielle rapide et plus specifiquement les algorithmes rapides sur les matrices structurees en calcul formel et numerique. Nous nous interessons en particulier aux matrices de Hankel et de Toeplitz. Nous introduisons un nouvel algorithme de diagonalisation par blocs approchee de matrices reelles de Hankel. Nous decrivons la relation naturelle entre l'algorithme d'Euclide et notre factorisation par blocs approchee pour les matrices de Hankel associees a deux polynomes, ainsi que pour les matrices de Bezout associees aux memes polynomes. Enfin, dans le cas complexe, nous presentons un algorithme revise de notre diagonalisation par blocs approchee des matrices de Hankel, en calculant la suite des restes et la suite des quotients apparues au cours de l'execution de l'algorithme d'Euclide.
The human histone deacetylase family.

Since the identification of the first histone deacetylase (Taunton et al., Science 272, 408-411), several new members have been isolated. They can loosely be separated into entities on the basis of their similarity to various yeast histone deacetylases. The first class is represented by its closeness to the yeast Rpd3-like proteins, and the second most recently discovered class has similarities to yeast Hda1-like proteins. However, due to the fact that several different research groups isolated the Hda1-like histone deacetylases independently, there have been various different nomenclatures used to describe the various members, which can lead to confusion in the interpretation of this family's functions and interactions. With the discovery of another novel murine histone deacetylase, homologous to yeast Sir2, the number of members of this family is set to increase, as 7 human homologues of this gene have been isolated. In the light of these recent discoveries, we have examined the literature data and conducted a database analysis of the isolated histone deacetylases and potential candidates. The results obtained suggest that the number of histone deacetylases within the human genome may be as high as 17 and are discussed in relation to their homology to the yeast histone deacetylases.
Precision SAR processing using chirp scaling

A space-variant interpolation is required to compensate for the migration of signal energy through range resolution cells when processing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data, using either the classical range/Doppler (R/D) algorithm or related frequency domain techniques. In general, interpolation requires significant computation time, and leads to loss of image quality, especially in the complex image. The new chirp scaling algorithm avoids interpolation, yet performs range cell migration correction accurately. The algorithm requires only complex multiplies and Fourier transforms to implement, is inherently phase preserving, and is suitable for wide-swath, large-beamwidth, and large-squint applications. This paper describes the chirp scaling algorithm, summarizes simulation results, presents imagery processed with the algorithm, and reviews quantitative measures of its performance. Based on quantitative comparison, the chirp scaling algorithm provides image quality equal to or better than the precision range/Doppler processor. Over the range of parameters tested, image quality results approach the theoretical limit, as defined by the system bandwidth. >
No Jab, No Pay and vaccine refusal in Australia: the jury is out

he topic of vaccine refusal has received worldwide attention in recent years. Vaccine T attitudes span a continuum from complete acceptance to complete rejection. Vaccine refusal (rejection of all vaccines) is at the extreme end, whereas vaccine-hesitant individuals are a more heterogeneous group, with some opting to fully vaccinate despite substantial concerns while others are more selective. People may also change their attitudes and positions over time.
Metabolic benefits of surface counter warming during therapeutic temperature modulation*

Objective:To determine the impact of counter warming (CW) with an air circulating blanket on shivering and metabolic profile during therapeutic temperature modulation (TTM). Design:A prospective observational study. Setting:An 18-bed neurologic intensive care unit. Patients:Fifty mechanically ventilated patients with brain injury undergoing TTM with automated surface and intravascular devices. Interventions:Fifty indirect calorimetry (IDC) measurements with and without CW during TTM. Measurements and Main Results:IDC was continuously performed for 10-15 minutes at baseline with CW (phase I), off CW (phase II), and again after the return of CW (phase III). Shivering severity during each phase was scored on a scale of 0−3 using the Bedside Shivering Assessment Scale (BSAS). Resting energy expenditure (REE), oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production were determined by IDC; 56% were women, with mean age 61 ± 15 years. At the time of IDC, 72% of patients had signs of shivering (BSAS >0). All measures of basal metabolism increased after removal of the air warming blanket (from phases I and II); REE increased by 27% and oxygen consumption by 29% (both p < 0.002). A one-point increase in baseline BSAS was noted in 55% (n = 23/42) of patients from phase I to phase II. In a multivariate analysis, sedative use (p = 0.03), baseline moderate to severe shivering (p = 0.04), and lower serum magnesium levels (p = 0.01) were associated with greater increases in REE between phase I and phase II of CW. Phase III of CW was associated with a reversal in the increases in all metabolic variables. Conclusions:Surface CW provides beneficial control of shivering and improves the metabolic profile during TTM.
Combining fault tolerance and serialization effort to improve yield in 3D Networks-on-Chip

The design of 3D circuits have been motivated by the need of decreasing the wire length in System-on-Chip (SoC) composed of more and more high number of processing elements. In general, advantages such as aiding the test methodology and increasing fault tolerance can be observed. However, the development of 3D circuits is not trivial, and there are still challenges in the manufacture process. The objective of this work is to address a low cost solution to improve the yield in TSVs, combining fault tolerance in horizontal interconnections, in order to minimize the fault susceptibility in 3D-NoCs. Comparisons among different serialization levels have been developed to show the advantages.
Purely data-driven approaches to trading of renewable energy generation

In recent years so-called stochastic power producers (with portfolios including wind and solar power generation capacities) are increasingly asked to participate in electricity markets under the same rules than for conventional generators. Stochastic power producers may act strategically in order to decrease expected penalties induced by imbalances. Many alternative offering strategies based on forecasts in various forms are available in the literature. However, they assume some form of knowledge of future market state and potential balancing prices. In contrast here, we explore whether algorithms could readily learn from market data and deduce how to offer strategically in order to maximize expected market revenues. Our analysis shows that a direct reinforcement learning algorithm can track the nominal level of the optimal quantile forecast to trade in the day-ahead market, while yielding higher revenues than existing benchmark strategies.
Preliminary design of the INPE's Solar Vector Magnetograph

Abstract We describe the preliminary design of a magnetograph and visible-light imager instrument to study the solar dynamo processes through observations of the solar surface magnetic field distribution. The instrument will provide measurements of the vector magnetic field and of the line-of-sight velocity in the solar photosphere. As the magnetic field anchored at the solar surface produces most of the structures and energetic events in the upper solar atmosphere and significantly influences the heliosphere, the development of this instrument plays an important role in reaching the scientific goals of The Atmospheric and Space Science Coordination (CEA) at the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE). In particular, the CEA's space weather program will benefit most from the development of this technology. We expect that this project will be the starting point to establish a strong research program on Solar Physics in Brazil. Our main aim is acquiring progressively the know-how to build state-of-the-art solar vector magnetograph and visible-light imagers for space-based platforms to contribute to the efforts of the solar-terrestrial physics community to address the main unanswered questions on how our nearby Star works.
A planar antenna with very wide impedance bandwidth

A novel simple structure and wideband planar antenna is proposed. The antenna is in form of a rectangular copper patch with one vertical slot and two transverse slots. The proposed antenna can be matched to the intrinsic impedance of an ordinary coaxial cable (50 Omega) without using parasitic elements or balun circuits. The experiment and simulation show that the proposed antenna is capable of providing an impedance bandwidth of up to 78% for the return loss of less than -10 dB, which is about 1.56 times as much as that of the rectangular copper patch antenna with only one vertical slot. The antenna resembles that of loop antenna with regard to the radiation characteristics.
Central limit theorems and bootstrap in high dimensions

In this paper, we derive central limit and bootstrap theorems for probabilities that centered high-dimensional vector sums hit rectangles and sparsely convex sets. Specifically, we derive Gaussian and bootstrap approximations for the probabilities that a root-n rescaled sample average of Xi is in A, where X1,. , Xn are independent random vectors in Rp and A is a rectangle, or, more generally, a sparsely convex set, and show that the approximation error converges to zero even if p=pn-> infinity and p>>n; in particular, p can be as large as O(e^(Cn^c)) for some constants c,C>0. The result holds uniformly over all rectangles, or more generally, sparsely convex sets, and does not require any restrictions on the correlation among components of Xi. Sparsely convex sets are sets that can be represented as intersections of many convex sets whose indicator functions depend nontrivially only on a small subset of their arguments, with rectangles being a special case.
Qualitative Simulation of the Thermal and Electrical Normal-Zone Transition of 2G-HTS Solenoidal Magnets: Mathematical Model and Example

The ongoing development of a semi-analytical/numerical model aims at studying the qualitative thermal and electrical behavior of 2G-HTS solenoidal magnets under loss of superconducting state for both persistent and driven current modes. The mathematical transient model is based on a Runge-Kutta scheme which includes an adaptative time step to solve simultaneously heat balance and electric equations. Brent's method was used to determine the fraction of currents in the stabilizing layer during current sharing. In addition, the model implements the dependency of current density and material properties upon changes of temperature and magnetic flux density experienced by the superconducting winding during normal-zone transition. A parametric case study is presented for which striking voltage profiles are obtained which may render the detection of localized normal-zone transition a complicated task.
A passive wireless sensor with reflective nonlinear transmission lines for capacitive signal transduction

A passive RFID transponder with reflective nonlinear transmission lines (NLTLs) has been developed for capacitive sensor detection. By detecting the phase change in the harmonic signal generated by NLTLs, the capacitive sensor information can be monitored wirelessly. To show the feasibility and design procedure, two open-ended NLTLs with terminating capacitive sensors are implemented in IBM 0. 13μm CMOS process. The NLTLs with Bragg cutoff frequency fB = 10 GHz and 15 GHz achieve an average of 0.25°/fF and 0.61°/fF in the phase of the reflected harmonic signal, when the modeled sensor capacitance changes from 290 fF to 900 fF and from 117 fF to 362 fF, respectively.
How Many Roles Can Children Play?

This workshop explores the many roles children can play in the design of technology for their own use. Much literature has reported on how children have been mainly playing co-designer roles. By looking closer it emerges that children have mostly been involved in the ideation phase of design. More rarely were they actively engaged in other design phases e.g. conducting Contextual Inquiry, elaborating User Data Analysis, producing Personas, preparing Sketches and Story Boards and crafting Low and High resolution Prototypes. When it comes to evaluation, children are still mostly considered as final users while only rarely are they invited to run heuristic evaluations or even to have a more active role during the process. We would like to invite all relevant stakeholders: researchers, teachers, parents, and of course children, to share their experiences. The purpose of the workshop is also to bring their open questions and requests for guidelines and suggestions as to when and how to involve children in the various process stages. We hope to produce good definitions of the many roles children can play as co-researchers as well as to explore the benefits each participant will get from engaging with the overall design experience.
Measuring reading behavior in policy documents: a comparison of two instruments

Techniques for observing selection and reading behavior in professional documents, such as the thinking-aloud and the click-and-read methods, may affect the reading process to be observed. Such so-called reactivity problems complicate the use of these instruments in experimental research and usability testing. If their influence is unknown, any experimental results obtained with these instruments may be caused by the testing method. One way to detect reactivity effects is to compare different instruments in a series of experimental studies. In this initial study, we compared the thinking-aloud method, the click-and-read method, a combination of these two methods and a silent reading condition. Subjects read and judged a 53-page policy document in one of these conditions. We investigated whether or not different observation instruments caused specific differences in information selection, judgment and knowledge. Thinking aloud did not cause any differences in the selection of information. Both the thinking-aloud method and the click-and-read method affected the judgment task outcome. Thinking aloud led to many positive and few negative judgments, whereas silent reading led to many negative and few positive judgments. The results for the click-and-read method showed a tendency toward the same effect. Neither method affected the knowledge test results.
Using Macronutrient Distributions within Trees to Define a Branch Diameter Threshold for Biomass Harvest in Sugar Maple-Dominated Stands

As the use of forest harvesting residues for energy production gains popularity, debate continues regarding the long-term sustainability of whole tree harvesting (WTH). This practice removes nutrient-rich twigs that only account for a small fraction of harvest residues, emphasising the need to develop nutrient-efficient alternatives to WTH. This study assessed N, P, K, Ca, and Mg distributions within sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) branches of various sizes in order to determine the branch diameter threshold that would represent the best compromise between the quantity of harvested biomass and nutrient losses that were generated. Quantities of nutrients that were exported with harvesting were then modelled at the stand level using different biomass harvest scenarios to explore what factors ultimately drove total quantities of nutrients exported with harvest. We found that the branch diameter threshold for biomass harvesting should be set at 2 cm for most nutrients in both tree species. An exception was Mg in yellow birch, for which the harvesting of branches larger than 10 cm would always generate larger nutrient export than gains in terms of biomass. At the stand scale, we provide evidence that the intensity of biomass harvest (i.e., the number of branch compartments harvested) is the principal factor responsible for the quantity of nutrient that is exported with harvesting.
Effect of reactive oxygen intermediaries on the viability and infectivity of Mycobacterium lepraemurium

Murine leprosy is a natural disease of the mouse, the most popular model animal used in biomedical research; the disease is caused by Mycobacterium lepraemurium (MLM), a successful parasite of macrophages. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that MLM survives within macrophages because it highly resists the toxic effects of the reactive oxygen intermediaries produced by these cells in response to infection by the microorganism. MLM cells were incubated in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRPO)–H2O2–halide for several periods of time. The peroxidative effect of this system was investigated by assessing the changes occurred in (a) lipid composition; (b) viability; and (c) infectivity of the microorganism. Changes in the lipid composition of peroxidated‐ vs. intact‐MLM were analysed by thin layer chromatography. The effect of the peroxidative system on the viability and infectivity of MLM was measured by the alamar blue reduction assay and by its ability to produce an infection in the mouse, respectively. Peroxidation of MLM produced drastic changes in the lipid envelope of the microorganism, killed the bacteria and abolished their ability to produce an in vivo infection in the mouse. In vitro, MLM is highly susceptible to the noxious effects of the HRPO–H2O2–halide system. Although the lipid envelope of MLM might protect the microorganism from the peroxidative substances produced at ‘physiological’ concentrations in vivo, the success of MLM as a parasite of macrophages might rather obey for other reasons. The ability of MLM to enter macrophages without triggering these cells’ oxidative response and the lack of granular MPO in mature macrophages might better explain its success as an intracellular parasite of these cells.