Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Is a Chemoattractant Cytokine for Human Neutrophils: Involvement of the Ribosomal p70 S6 Kinase Signaling Pathway 1

GM-CSF stimulates proliferation of myeloid precursors in bone marrow and primes mature leukocytes for enhanced functionality. We demonstrate that GM-CSF is a powerful chemotactic and chemokinetic agent for human neutrophils. GM-CSF-induced chemotaxis is time dependent and is specifically neutralized with Abs directed to either the ligand itself or its receptor. Maximal chemotactic response was achieved at ∼7 nM GM-CSF, and the EC50 was ∼0.9 nM. Both concentrations are similar to the effective concentrations of IL-8 and less than the effective concentrations of other neutrophil chemoattractants such as neutrophil-activating peptide-78, granulocyte chemotactic protein-2, leukotriene B4, and FMLP. GM-CSF also acts as a chemoattractant for native cells bearing the GM-CSF receptor, such as monocytes, as well as for GM-CSF receptor-bearing myeloid cell lines, HL60 (promyelomonocyte leukemic cell line) and MPD (myeloproliferative disorder cell line), following differentiation induction. GM-CSF induced a rapid, transient increase in F-actin polymerization and the formation of focal contact rings in neutrophils, which are prerequisites for cell migration. The mechanism of GM-CSF-induced chemotaxis appears to involve the cell signaling molecule, ribosomal p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K). Both p70S6K enzymatic activity and T421/S424 and T389 phosphorylation are markedly increased with GM-CSF. In addition, the p70S6K inhibitor hamartin transduced into cells as active protein, interfered with GM-CSF-dependent migration, and attenuated p70S6K phosphorylation. These data indicate that GM-CSF exhibits chemotactic functionality and suggest new avenues for the investigation of the molecular basis of chemotaxis as it relates to inflammation and tissue injury.
Phase-field and sharp-interface alloy models.

We consider a phase-field model of a binary mixture or alloy which has a phase boundary. The model identifies all macroscopic parameters and the interface thickness e. In the limit as e approaches zero, an alternative two-phase alloy solidification model (with a sharp interface) is obtained. For small concentrations, we recover the classical sharp-interface problems, the theory of which is reviewed
An intriguing occupational atypical dermatitis with respiratory symptoms

Methylisothiazolinone (MI), alone or in association with methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), is widely used as a preservative in cosmetic and occupational products, and is currently inducing an outbreak of sensitization throughout Europe (1). In the 2000s, MI as stand-alone preservative was introduced in industrial water-based products. Since 2005, several cases of occupational dermatitis caused by MI and MCI/MI have been described, including airborne contact dermatitis among painters (2). Only rarely have related respiratory disorders been described (3). In this case, combined dermatological and respiratory problems were seen, mimicking atopic disease, following airborne occupational exposure to a facade render containing MI and MCI/MI.
Low‐affinity nerve growth factor receptor is expressed during testicular morphogenesis and in germ cells at specific stages of spermatogenesis

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is essential for neuronal development and differentiation. Recent reports have shown that its low‐affinity receptor (LNGFR) is expressed and developmentally regulated in a broad range of embryonic and adult tissues outside the nervous system, although the functions of the receptor in such tissues remain unknown. Recently, NGF and LNGFR have been detected in adult mouse, rat, and human testis.
Automatic online vision-based inspection system of coupler yoke for freight trains

Abstract. Fault inspection plays an important role in ensuring the safe operation of freight trains. With the development of computer vision technology, the vision-based fault inspection has become one of the principal means of fault inspection. A coupler yoke is an important component of the train’s connection system, and faults in this system would cause the separation of the train, leading to a serious accident. We propose an automatic image inspection system to inspect for faults in coupler yokes during the running of a freight train. The inspection process is divided into two parts: the localization part and the recognition part. In the localization part, we propose multiple dimension features, design a fast algorithm to compute multiresolution image features, and use a linear support vector machine classifier to locate the position of the coupler yoke. In the recognition part, we propose a fast decision tree training method by prepruning noneffective features, and use Adaboost decision trees as the final fault classifier. Experimental results show that this proposed method can achieve a fault inspection rate of 98.6% while the average processing time of an image is about 98 ms, which shows our system has a high inspection accuracy and a good real-time performance.
A new images segmentation method based on modified particle swarm optimization algorithm

The partitioning of an image into several constituent components is called image segmentation. Many approaches have been developed; one of them is the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, which is widely used. PSO algorithm is one of the most recent stochastic optimization strategies. In this article, a new efficient technique for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain images segmentation thematic based on PSO is proposed. The proposed algorithm presents an improved variant of PSO, which is particularly designed for optimal segmentation and it is called modified particle swarm optimization. The fitness function is used to evaluate all the particle swarm in order to arrange them in a descending order. The algorithm is evaluated by performance measures such as run time execution and the quality of the image after segmentation. The performance of the segmentation process is demonstrated by using a defined set of benchmark images and compared against conventional PSO, genetic algorithm, and PSO with Mahalanobis distance based segmentation methods. Then we applied our method on MRI brain image to determinate normal and pathological tissues. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 23, 265–271, 2013
High-Efficient Multilevel Half-Bridge Converter

A new high-efficient multilevel half-bridge converter is proposed in this paper. The proposed converter regulates the output voltage by adjusting applied voltage on the main transformer with an auxiliary circuit while main switches are operated at both fixed duty ratio and switching frequency. Therefore, no magnetizing dc offset current exists on the main transformer and all switches can be operated with zero voltage switching condition. Furthermore, multilevel voltage shown at the output filter reduces the output inductance significantly. To verify these features of the proposed circuit, operational principle and experimental results will be presented with the 700 W prototype.
CloudQTL: Evolving a Bioinformatics Application to the Cloud

A timeline is presented which shows the stages involved in converting a bioinformatics software application from a set of standalone algorithms through to a simple web based tool then to a web based portal harnessing Grid technologies and on to its latest inception as a Cloud based bioinformatics web tool. The nature of the software is discussed together with a description of its development at various stages including a detailed account of the Cloud service. An outline of user results is also included.
Effect of Bait Formulation and Number of Traps on Detection of Navel Orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Oviposition using Egg Traps

ABSTRACT Egg traps are the primary tool for monitoring egg deposition of the navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and for timing treatments for this pest in almonds, Prunus amygdalus Batsch, and pistachios, Pistacia vera L. We compared, in almond and pistachio orchards, the number of eggs per trap in traps baited with almond meal, pistachio meal, or the current standard commercial bait. When considering cumulative eggs captured over an extended period, traps baited with pistachio meal prepared from previous-crop nuts generally captured a similar number of eggs compared with the commercial bait, and more eggs than those baited with almond meal prepared from previous-crop nuts. However, differences in eggs per trap between bait formulations were not as evident when examining individual weeks, particularly in weeks with few eggs per trap, as is typical when treatment decisions are made. The variance in eggs per trap was generally greater than the mean and increased with the mean and, when mean eggs per trap was low, most traps did not have eggs. We discuss implications of these findings for the relative importance of bait type and trap numbers for monitoring, and for experiments comparing egg trap performance.
Object Detection on the Android

Object detection has been a formidable challenge in computer vision. Although there has been considerable work that demonstrates good results when either the object was observed in training or when there is limited intra-class variability, a universal inter-class, intra-class soltuion remains unseen. The case for further work to re ne and improve object detection is transparent. Object Detection is a necessary step towards performing a myriad of other vision and machine automation tasks. In vision, applications include accurately understanding scenes, as a prior to interactions between objects/subjects (such as a person holding a microphone might be giving a speech), and others. In the broader problem of machine automation, object detection enables machines to understand and thereby interact (or not) with its environment. Our object detection framework is largely based on the frameworks proposed in [1] and [4], which are both based on the idea of using the Generalized Hough Transform to allow patches in the image vote for possible locations of the object. In [4] , the authors propose to use Random Forests to learn a discriminative codebook of part appearances that maps image patches to probabilistic votes about the object location. [1] extends this idea to incorporate scene depth into the framework by using depth maps in training, to build a mapping between patch scale and scene depth. This allows them to simultaneously detect objects and recover object shape. The advantages of deriving these two quantities at once are plenty. Depth information of a detected object aids as a base for applications in Augmented Reality, motion planning, scene understanding and others. However, our immediate goal is focused on object detection alone. The challenges involving incorporating depth extraction have been tackled for single frame queries in [1]. In this project, the focus is primarily on improving the performance of the joint object detection and pose estimation framework outlined in [1] using multiple frames. Towards this end, we propose the use of short video sequences (1-2s) of the object of interest. In addition to this, we will also implement a client-server framework between a mobile platform and a computationally more powerful xed system.
Colon specific drug delivery of tramadol HCl for chronotherapeutics of arthritis

Objective: The objective of present work is to develop and evaluate a matrix system for Chronotherapeutic delivery of centrally acting of opioid analgesic (tramadol HCl) to treat nocturnal symptoms of arthritis using almond gum as carrier. Materials and Methods: Matrix tablets of tramadol HCl were prepared by using 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70% w/w of tablet of gum badam as carrier by wet granulation technique. These tablets were compression coated with eudragit S100 to prevent drug release in stomach. All formulations were evaluated for hardness, friability, weight variation, drug content, in vitro and in vivo studies. The almond gum was characterized by viscosity measurements and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The coated (FC1 to FC5) and uncoated tablets (F1 to F5) were evaluated for in vitro release of tramadol HCl after sequential exposure to pH 1.2, pH 7.4 and pH 6.8 respectively for 2 h, 3 h and 19 h in the absence as well as presence of rat caecal content and the corresponding data was fitted to popular release kinetic equations in order to evaluate the release mechanisms-kinetics. The selected formulation was subjected to in vivo targeting efficacy studies by roentgenography technique. Results and Discussion: In vitro release studies indicated that the matrix tablets (F1 to F5) failed to control the drug release in the physiological environment of stomach and small intestine. On the other hand, compression coated formulations were able to protect the tablet cores from premature drug release. Presence of rat caecal content enhances the drug release from the tablets as the concentration of polymer increased, drug release was found to be retarded. The release of tramadol from all the formulation followed zero order with non fickian diffusion. X-ray studies confirmed that the tablet successfully reached colon without getting disintegrated in upper gastrointestinal tract. Conclusion: Based on the results, selective delivery of tramadol HCl to the colon could be achieved using 60% w/w (FC4) of almond gum matrix tablets compression coated with eudragit S100.
Detection of central venous catheter insertion-related complication using bedside ultrasound: the CVC sono.

Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion is currently one of the most common procedures for surgical patients. Although ultrasound guidance has decreased the incidence of catheter insertion-related hemothorax and pneumothorax and catheter tip malposition, postinsertion chest radiography (CXR) is considered gold standard1,2 to exclude these complications. Of note, the accuracy of CXR to localize the tip of catheter is surprisingly low.3,4 We have introduced and demonstrated a novel ultrasound technique, “CVC sono,” that can be performed at bedside by surgeons5 as a more efficient way to identify insertion-related complications.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Mesoplasma florum W37 Strain

ABSTRACT Mesoplasma florum is a small-genome fast-growing mollicute that is an attractive model for systems and synthetic genomics studies. We report the complete 825,824-bp genome sequence of a second representative of this species, M. florum strain W37, which contains 733 predicted open reading frames and 35 stable RNAs.
Marking the rhizopseudomonas strain 7NSK2 with a Mu d(lac) element for ecological studies

The mini Mu element Mu dII1681, which contains the lac operon genes and a kanamycin resistance gene, was inserted in the chromosome of plant growth-beneficial Pseudomonas aeruginosa 7NSK2 to construct a marked strain (MPB1). In MPB1, beta-galactosidase is permanently expressed under the culture conditions used. The MPB1 strain could be recovered with an efficiency of about 100% from a sandy loam soil on 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside medium containing sebacic acid and kanamycin. The limit of detection is about 10 CFU/g of soil. A detailed comparison was made between the wild-type strain 7NSK2 and the Mu dII1681-containing MPB1 strain. The results showed that no genes essential for growth, siderophore production, survival in sterile and nonsterile conditions, plant growth stimulation, or root colonization had been damaged in the MPB1 strain, which means that MPB1 can reliably be used for ecological studies in soil. MPB1 survived well at 4 or 28 degrees C but died off relatively rapidly in air-dried soil or at subzero temperatures. In these conditions, however, the MPB1 strain did not completely disappear from the soil but survived at a very low level of about 100 CFU/g of soil for more than 3 months. This observation stresses the need for very sensitive counting methods for ecological studies and for the evaluation of released microorganisms. Maize was inoculated with MPB1 via seed inoculation or soil inoculation. Upon seed inoculation, only the upper root parts were effectively colonized, while soil inoculation resulted in a complete colonization of the root system.
Desafios no desenvolvimento de competências comunicacionais nos cursos de licenciatura das universidades do Nordeste brasileiro

O artigo apresenta resultados de um estudo que aborda a problemática do desenvolvimento das competências comunicacionais dos estudantes nos cursos de licenciatura das universidades federais do Nordeste brasileiro. O desenvolvimento dessas competências é crítico para a formação de nova geração de profissionais do setor da educação dispondo de um nível de literacia digital apropriado às exigências colocadas pelas novas mídias. A investigação abrange coordenadores e docentes dos 126 cursos de licenciaturas que tratam da formação de professores para a educação básica nas 18 universidades federais da Região Nordeste do Brasil. Apresentamse os resultados da primeira etapa de recolha de dados, baseada num inquérito do tipo survey on-line, sobre o estudo do uso das tecnologias da comunicação pelos professores das licenciaturas. Esta etapa permitiu identificar quais as práticas docentes utilizadas envolvendo as tecnologias da comunicação e perceber quais os principais desafios para inserir estas tecnologias nas práticas cotidianas. Os resultados obtidos indicam que as plataformas de gestão de aprendizagem são a tecnologia mais utilizada pelos professores, o que estabelece desafios importantes no que respeita à diversificação e à flexibilização das tecnologias utilizadas, à estrutura curricular dos cursos e à formação dos docentes das licenciaturas. O artigo inclui ainda a identificação das próximas etapas da investigação e uma reflexão sobre os principais contributos que o estudo pretende sistematizar.Palavras-chave: Tecnologia da comunicação. Competências comunicacionais. Formação docente. Universidades federais do Nordeste brasileiro.Link: http://revista.ibict. br/ciinf/article/view/3799/3353
Osmolar Concentration and Fixation of Mycoplasmas

Broth cultures of Acholeplasma laidlawii were fixed with various concentrations of cacodylate-buffered glutaraldehyde. The shape and ultrastructure of the organisms varied with the osmolar concentration of the fixative. When the fixation mixture was hypertonic to the culture medium, ultrathin sections suggested that the cells had shrunk. Phosphate buffer, sodium chloride, or sucrose at comparable osmolaities had the same effect as sodium cacodylate. Glutaraldehyde itself also contributed to the osmotic effects of the fixation mixture but to a lesser extent than salts or sucrose, to which the cell membrane is impermeable. The osmolar concentration of the fixation mixture seemed of greater importance than pH in determining morphology. The mycoplasma was still susceptible to damage by high concentrations of cacodylate after fixation with 2.5% glutaraldehyde. The best procedure was to fix and wash the organism under conditions isotonic with the growth medium. These conditions were also satisfactory for a filamentous mycoplasma, Mycoplasma orale.
Feasibility of mapping T2 relaxation time in the pediatric metacarpal head with a 3-T MRI system.

OBJECTIVE T2 relaxation time is sensitive in detecting early cartilage damage. There are few reports of T2 mapping for smaller joints because of technical challenges. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of T2 mapping of the metacarpal head cartilage in children. CONCLUSION T2 mapping of the metacarpal head cartilage is feasible in children on a 3-T scanner with commercially available coils. An increase in the T2 values near the osteochondral junction likely reflects the secondary physis.
Zebrafish as a Model to Study the Role of Peroxisome Proliferating-Activated Receptors in Adipogenesis and Obesity

The Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) PPARA and PPARD are regulators of lipid metabolism with important roles in energy release through lipid breakdown, while PPARG plays a key role in lipid storage and adipogenesis. The aim of this review is to describe the role of PPARs in lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, and obesity and evaluate the zebrafish as an emerging vertebrate model to study the function of PPARs. Zebrafish are an appropriate model to study human diseases, including obesity and related metabolic diseases, as pathways important for adipogenesis and lipid metabolism which are conserved between mammals and fish. This review synthesizes knowledge on the role of PPARs in zebrafish and focuses on the putative function of PPARs in zebrafish adipogenesis. Using in silico analysis, we confirm the presence of five PPARs (pparaa, pparab, pparda, ppardb, and pparg) in the zebrafish genome with 67–74% identity to human and mouse PPARs. During development, pparda/b paralogs and pparg show mRNA expression around the swim bladder and pancreas, the region where adipocytes first develop, whereas pparg is detectable in adipocytes at 15 days post fertilization (dpf). This review indicates that the zebrafish is a promising model to investigate the specific functions of PPARs in adipogenesis and obesity.
When series of computable functions with varying domains are computable

In this paper we study the behavior of computable series of computable partial functions with varying domains (but each domain containing all computable points), and prove that the sum of the series exists and is computable exactly on the intersection of the domains when a certain computable Cauchyness criterion is met. In our point‐free approach, we name points via nested sequences of basic open sets, and thus our functions from a topological space into the reals are generated by functions from basic open sets to basic open sets. The construction of a function that produces the sum of a series requires working with an infinite array of pairs of basic open sets, and reconciling the varying domains. We introduce a general technique for using such an array to produce a set function that generates a well‐defined point function and apply the technique to a series to establish our main result. Finally, we use the main finding to construct a computable, and thus continuous, function whose domain is of Lebesgue measure zero and which is nonextendible to a continuous function whose domain properly includes the original domain. (We had established existence of such functions with domains of measure less than ε for any ɛ>0 , in an earlier paper.)
The Monviso ophiolitic massif (Western Alps), a section through a serpentinite subduction channel.

The exhumation of subducted lithosphere requires a mechanically weak zone at the interface between the subduction plane and the rigid overlying mantle peridotites with a viscosity greater than 10 20 Pa.s. At shallow depths (< 40-50 km) blueschists are exhumed in accretionary wedge along the interface between the subducting plate and the overriding plate (Platt, 1993). At greater depth, serpentinites plays the role of mechanically weak layer in cool continental subduction and act as the lubricant and produce a return flow for the exhumation of eclogitic rocks. The close association of serpentinites and eclogites in the Monviso massif (Western Alps) allow to discuss the concept of subduction serpentinite channel. We propose that the Monviso ophiolitic massif corresponds to a section of a 50 km long serpentinite channel in where eclogitic blocks were exhumed between 60 and 45 Ma and ended whEuropean continental margin was involved in the southeast dipping subduction zone.