Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling the vertical motion of a soft contact lens

Purpose. The motion of a soft contact lens in the up-down or vertical (inferior-superior) and in-out (anterior-posterior) directions drives mixing in the post lens tear film. Thus, it is important to obtain an accurate assessment of lens motion. The commonly used experimental technique to measure the vertical motion, video microscopy, only gauges motion during the interblink period. Since most of the eyelid force, which drives the motion, is exerted during the blink, it is reasonable to assume that the majority of the lens motion in the up-down direction takes place during the blink and is, therefore, hidden from view. Thus, experimentally measured values of vertical lens travel are currently underpredicted. Methods. In this paper, we use a simple mechanical force balance on the lens to predict its motion in the vertical direction. The forces included in our model are due to the upper and the lower eyelids, gravity, elasticity, and viscous stresses. We input the lens physical parameters, the various tear film thicknesses, and the upper eyelid velocity. Then we integrate a macroscopic force balance to obtain the lens vertical position as a function of time. Results. The proposed model predicts that the downward lens motion during a blink is about 2–3 times the downward motion during the interblink (centration). Conclusions. The up-down motion observable during the interblink period is only a small fraction of the total lens vertical travel.
Regulation of fibronectin matrix deposition and cell proliferation by the PINCH‐ILK‐CH‐ILKBP complex

Alteration in renal glomerular mesangial cell growth and fibronectin matrix deposition is a hallmark of glomerulosclerosis, which ultimately leads to end‐stage renal failure. We have previously shown that the expression of integrin‐linked kinase (ILK), a cytoplasmic component of the cell–extracellular matrix contacts, is increased in mesangial cells in human patients with diabetic nephropathy. We show here that ILK forms a complex with PINCH and CH‐ILKBP in primary mesangial cells, which are co‐clustered at fibrillar adhesions, sites that are involved in fibronectin matrix deposition. To investigate functional significance of the PINCH‐ILK‐CHILKBP complex formation, we expressed the PINCH‐binding N‐terminal fragment and the CHILKBP‐binding C‐terminal fragment of ILK, respectively, in mesangial cells by using an adenoviral expression system. Overexpression of either the N‐terminal fragment or the C‐terminal fragment of ILK effectively inhibited the PINCH‐ILK‐CH‐ILKBP complex formation. Inhibition of the PINCH‐ILK‐CH‐ILKBP complex formation significantly reduced fibronectin matrix deposition and inhibited cell proliferation. These results indicate that the PINCH‐ILKCH‐ILKBP complex is critically involved in the regulation of mesangial fibronectin matrix deposition and cell proliferation, and suggest that it may potentially serve as a useful target in the therapeutic control of progressive renal failure and other pathological processes involving abnormal cell proliferation and fibronectin matrix deposition.
Performative Rituals for Conception and Childbirth in England, 900–1500

summary:This study proposes that performative rituals—that is, verbal and physical acts that reiterate prior uses—enabled medieval women and men to negotiate the dangers and difficulties of conception and childbirth. It analyzes the rituals implicated in charms, prayers, amulets, and prayer rolls and traces the circulation of such rituals within medieval English society. Manuscript records from the Anglo-Saxon period to the late Middle Ages offer evidence of the interaction of oral and written means of communicating these rituals. Certain rituals were long-lived, though variants were introduced over time that reflected changing religious attitudes and the involvement of various interested parties, including local healers, doctors, and medical practitioners, as well as monks, friars, and users of vernacular remedy books. Although many of those who recommended or provided assistance through performative rituals were males, the practices often devolved upon women themselves, and their female companions or attendants.
A Novel Specificity Protein 1 (SP1)-like Gene Regulating Protein Kinase C-1 (Pkc1)-dependent Cell Wall Integrity and Virulence Factors in Cryptococcus neoformans*

Eukaryotic cells utilize complex signaling systems to detect their environments, responding and adapting as new conditions arise during evolution. The basidiomycete fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is a leading cause of AIDS-related death worldwide and utilizes the calcineurin and protein kinase C-1 (Pkc1) signaling pathways for host adaptation and expression of virulence. In the present studies, a C-terminal zinc finger transcription factor, homologous both to the calcineurin-responsive zinc fingers (Crz1) of ascomycetes and to the Pkc1-dependent specificity protein-1 (Sp1) transcription factors of metazoans, was identified and named SP1 because of its greater similarity to the metazoan factors. Structurally, the Cryptococcus neoformans Sp1 (Cn Sp1) protein was found to have acquired an additional zinc finger motif from that of Crz1 and showed Pkc1-dependent phosphorylation, nuclear localization, and whole genome epistatic associations under starvation conditions. Transcriptional targets of Cn Sp1 shared functional similarities with Crz1 factors, such as cell wall synthesis, but gained the regulation of processes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, including trehalose metabolism, and lost others, such as the induction of autophagy. In addition, overexpression of Cn Sp1 in a pkc1Δ mutant showed restoration of altered phenotypes involved in virulence, including cell wall stability, nitrosative stress, and extracellular capsule production. Cn Sp1 was also found to be important for virulence of the fungus using a mouse model. In summary, these data suggest an evolutionary shift in C-terminal zinc finger proteins during fungal evolution, transforming them from calcineurin-dependent to PKC1-dependent transcription factors, helping to shape the role of fungal pathogenesis of C. neoformans.
La nature ordinaire face aux pressions humaines : le cas des plantes communes : méthodes de suivis et évaluation de l'impact des activités humaines

En raison de leur forte abondance, les especes communes constituent la majeure partie de la biomasse des ecosystemes, et sont responsables de la plupart des services rendus par ces derniers. En depit de cette importance, peu d'etudes ont pourtant ete consacrees specifiquement aux especes de plantes communes, notamment du fait du manque de donnees. Au cours de cette these, nous avons cherche d'une part a quantifier les variations d'abondance de ces especes et d'autre part a comprendre quels etaient les mecanismes responsables de ces variations. Pour cela nous nous sommes interesses aux especes de plantes les plus communes d'un territoire fortement marque par l'occupation humaine : la region parisienne. La collecte des donnees est une etape cruciale de toute etude sur la biodiversite ; la premiere partie du manuscrit aborde donc des protocoles qui pourraient etre mis en œuvre pour recolter des informations a large echelle, en discutant les biais et les sources de variabilite auxquels sont exposes la plupart des inventaires et suivis de biodiversite. Nous nous sommes notamment interroges sur la pertinence des methodes d'evaluation rapide de la biodiversite. Certaines de ces methodes, connues sous le nom de parataxonomie, se proposent de contourner la penurie de savoirs naturalistes en dressant des inventaires a l'aide de morphotypes. Au cours de tests de terrain, nous montrons que ce type de methodes — d'ores et deja employees pour evaluer la biodiversite dans nombre d'etudes — ne peuvent etres consideres comme un outil de suivi satisfaisant, en raison de leur manque de robustesse, ainsi que de leur faible efficacite a detecter des changements de composition specifique au sein des communautes. A partir de donnees recoltees selon un protocole standardise, nous nous interessons ensuite dans une seconde partie a l'influence des differentes pressions humaines sur les variations d'abondance de la flore commune. Nous montrons qu'il se produit une homogeneisation taxonomique des communautes de plantes communes en reponse a la fragmentation induite par l'occupation humaine et l'artificialisation du territoire d'etude. Ce phenomene est egalement aborde sous son aspect fonctionnel, ce qui permet de constater que les paysages les plus fragmentes semblent favoriser les communautes d'especes les plus generalistes. Enfin, en nous interessant a l'impact de differentes pratiques culturales sur la diversite des especes de plantes communes a l'echelle de parcelles agricoles, nous montrons l'effet benefique de certaines pratiques, telle que l'agriculture biologique, sur ces communautes. L'ensemble de ces resultats nous montre que, lorsque l'on dispose des methodes de suivi appropriees, il est possible de mettre en evidence un effet des actions humaines sur la flore commune. Dans un contexte de crise de la biodiversite, les plantes communes apparaissent ainsi comme un indicateur de biodiversite prometteur, aux cotes d'autres groupes taxonomiques et d'especes plus rares.
Intranasal Vaccination with Streptococcal Fibronectin Binding Protein Sfb1 Fails To Prevent Growth and Dissemination of Streptococcus pyogenes in a Murine Skin Infection Model

ABSTRACT Fibronectin binding protein F1 (Sfb1) of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus [GAS]) is a well-characterized adhesin that has been shown to induce protection in mice against a lethal intranasal GAS challenge after intranasal immunization with cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) as adjuvant. With a murine skin infection model, we have shown that Sfb1/CTB vaccination neither elicits opsonizing antibodies nor prevents systemic bacterial growth and dissemination to internal organs after a subcutaneous GAS challenge. These results indicate that an Sfb1-based vaccine should be complemented with additional protective antigens in order to be used in areas such as the tropical north of Australia, where the skin is the primary route of entry for invasive streptococcal diseases.
Sunshine or Shield? Secret Voting Procedures and Legislative Accountability

How does the use of a secret vote affect the likelihood that legislators will punish their peers? Two contending arguments exist in the literature: some argue that secret voting may be prejudicial, while others argue that it may help accountability. We address this controversy by analyzing the case of the Brazilian Congress, which uses a sequential combination of open and secret voting procedures. We begin with a statistical analysis of the Congress that establishes some key parameters of variance. The results of this exercise are then used to populate an agent-based model of the Congress, which is used to simulate a variety of potential behaviors under diverse conditions. Agent-based modeling enables us to extend the discussion beyond the small-n of cases available in the real world, demonstrating that slight changes in parameters can lead to very large changes in the overall effect of voting procedure. Modeling voting behaviors under different conditions, we conclude that both arguments about secret voting may hold true, and that the effects of the type of vote â€“ open or secret â€“ will be contingent on factors such as the power of the accused politician, the composition of the voting body, and the publicity given to the accusations.
A sort of three dimensional Hopf manifold

The main results of this paper are the following: A sort of three-dimensional Hopf manifold is constructed by applications of linear matrix cyclic group action on Kähler manifold; A method of calculating the holomorphic vectors of the three-dimensional Hopf manifold is provided by means of several complex holomorphic function and universal covering theory; Some kind of this Hopf manifold do not admit locally conformal Kähler metrics with parallel Lee form.
Actinin-4 Expression in Primary and Metastasized Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Objectives: Actinin-4 is an actin-bundling protein that probably has a tumor-promoting potential in several solid tumors. The present study analyzed the expression of actinin-4 in the pancreas, in localized and metastasized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and the correlation with clinical outcome. Methods: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissue from 38 patients, 15 lymph node and 10 liver metastases, normal pancreas, and 4 PDAC cell lines, were examined by immunohistochemistry, and actinin-4 expression was quantified by immunofluorescence analysis. Results: In the normal pancreas, actinin-4 was most prominently expressed in ductal cells. In PDAC, tumor cells exhibited strong but differential cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for actinin-4. A multivariate analysis revealed actinin-4 immunoreactivity, advanced age, and undifferentiated grade as significant prognostic factors associated with worse survival after PDAC resection. Cells metastasized to lymph nodes or to the liver exhibited no significant increase of actinin-4 compared with the primary tumors. A nuclear staining was observed neither in any of the PDAC samples nor in the 4 cell lines. In PDAC cells, actinin-4 localized to dynamic actin structures and to invadopodia. Conclusions: Actinin-4 expression levels significantly correlate with worse survival after PDAC resection. Although actinin-4 has been reported to promote lymph node metastases, there was no enhanced expression in PDAC metastases.
Application of a neural network based space vector PWM algorithm to multi-level inverters

In this paper, application of an artificial neural network (ANN) based space vector pulse width modulation technique (SVPWM) to a three-level inverter has been realized. However, the proposed modulation technique can be also applied to multi-level inverters having more than three levels. Two ANN structures are applied in the modulation algorithm. One of them is used for determining the sector in the space vector hexagon, and the other one is used for calculating the region in the sector. Modeling and simulation of the proposed control algorithm and the three-level inverter feeding either an R-L load or induction motor load have been performed. Simulation results are presented illustrating good performance of the drive system.
Understanding hotel hospitality and differences between local and foreign guests

The main purpose of this paper is to compare the levels of expectations on hotel hospitality between local and foreign guests. This exploratory study, involving 305 respondents, employed self-completed questionnaire survey to collect data from local and international hotel guests. Factor analysis is used to identify the dimension for hotel hospitality. This study found three dimensions of hotel hospitality namely personalization, comfort and warm welcoming. Personalization explains most of the variances for hotel hospitality. This study also found that local guests have slightly higher expectation on hotel hospitality compared to the foreign guests.
A Conceptual Overview of the Self-Presentational Concerns and Response Tendencies of Focus Group Participants

Focus group respondents are often requested to perform tasks that require them to convey information about themselves. However, despite the potential for respondents to have self-presentational concerns, research on focus group productivity has virtually ignored extant scholarship on impression management. This shortcoming is addressed by presenting a conceptual overview of the effects of self-presentational concerns on focus group participation. A product of this overview is a conceptual model that posits that the amount and nature of information that people convey about themselves to others is a function of their eagerness to make desired impressions and their subjective probabilities of doing so. According to the model, when focus group participants are highly motivated to make desired impressions, they may be reluctant to present unbiased images of themselves. However, they are not likely to deceive unless they are confident in their abilities to ascertain and enact desired images. Those who are motivated to make desired impressions but are doubtful of doing so are likely to protect themselves by concealing self-relevant information or avoiding self-relevant issues. Implications of this model for research and practice are discussed.
A Multistage DC-DC Step-Up Self-Balanced and Magnetic Component-Free Converter for Photovoltaic Applications: Hardware Implementation

This article presents a self-balanced multistage DC-DC step-up converter for photovoltaic applications. The proposed converter topology is designed for unidirectional power transfer and provides a doable solution for photovoltaic applications where voltage is required to be stepped up without magnetic components (transformer-less and inductor-less). The output voltage obtained from renewable sources will be low and must be stepped up by using a DC-DC converter for photovoltaic applications. 2 K diodes and 2 K capacitors along with two semiconductor control switch are used in the K-stage proposed converter to obtain an output voltage which is (K + 1) times the input voltage. The conspicuous features of proposed topology are: (i) magnetic component free (transformer-less and inductor-less); (ii) continuous input current; (iii) low voltage rating semiconductor devices and capacitors; (iv) modularity; (v) easy to add a higher number of levels to increase voltage gain; (vi) only two control switches with alternating operation and simple control. The proposed converter is compared with recently described existing transformer-less and inductor-less power converters in term of voltage gain, number of devices and cost. The application of the proposed circuit is discussed in detail. The proposed converter has been designed with a rated power of 60 W, input voltage is 24 V, output voltage is 100 V and switching frequency is 100 kHz. The performance of the converter is verified through experimental and simulation results.
3D Printing and Its Disruptive Impacts on Supply Chains of the Future

3D printing technology has emerged as one of the most disruptive innovations to impact the global supply chain and logistics industry. The technology is impacting our personal and professional lives, with some claiming that the technology will revolutionize and replace existing manufacturing technologies, while others argue that the technology merely enhances some aspects of the production process. Whether evolutionary or revolutionary, 3D printing technology is recognized as a striking trend that will significantly impact supply chains. Although the expansion of 3D printing in the private consumer market is an interesting development in its own right, the biggest potential for disruption lies in industrial applications and how 3D printing will influence supply chains of the future. In this article, we examine the areas of the supply chain most likely to be disrupted by 3D printing technology and we identify the key questions that must be answered in a roadmap for future research and practice. While we seek answers to these questions, we suggest that managers should develop a flexible change management strategy to mitigate the effects of disruption to their future supply chains and take advantage of the resulting opportunities. Those that do nothing will be left wanting, because the influence of 3D printing technology on supply chains is expected to grow.
Fine needle and core needle biopsy in salivary tumor diagnostic

Based on the literature reviews summarize the diagnostic value of fine needle and core needle biopsy in salivary gland masses, revealing the advantages and disadvantages of these two methods. Salivary gland tumors are diagnostic challenge in a clinical practice and an accurate diagnosis is essential for its adequate management. Fine needle aspiration cytology and core needle aspiration cytology are a useful techniques for evaluating masses suspected of being of salivary gland origin. The reported diagnostic accuracy of FNAC can be as high as 98% when adequate material is obtained, but the rate of insufficient or non-diagnostic rate is up to 29%. Core needle biopsy aids in differentiating malignant from benign masses with reported sensitivities of 75~89%, specificities of 96.6~100%, and accuracies of 91.9~100%. Conclusions: Studies have shown that fine needle and core needle aspiration cytology have high sensitivity and specificity for salivary gland lesions. In the absence of ultrasound-guidance, or on-site cytopathologist, the accuracy of these methods often falls off dramatically.
Inhibition of TNF‐α processing and TACE‐mediated ectodomain shedding by ethanol

Alcohol (EtOH) is a well‐documented immunosuppressant. Acute EtOH‐induced immunosuppression is partially due to suppression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) secretion. We investigated the mechanism of acute EtOH‐induced TNF‐α suppression in two monocytic cell lines, Mono Mac 6 and DRM. EtOH inhibited TNF‐α secretion in a dose‐dependent manner. However, TNF‐α transcription was not affected by EtOH. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and confocal microscopy showed that EtOH treatment increased cell‐associated TNF‐α. Ectodomain shedding of TNF‐α from the cell surface is mediated by TNF‐α converting enzyme (TACE). In contrast with TNF‐α, EtOH did not inhibit interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) secretion, which does not require shedding. Furthermore, TNF p75 receptor shedding, a biomarker for TACE activity, was inhibited by EtOH in both cell lines. EtOH also inhibited TNF p75 receptor shedding in TACE‐reconstituted fibroblasts, suggesting that EtOH inhibits the shedding process. These data show that acute EtOH exposure can posttranscriptionally suppress TNF‐α production, resulting in specific defects in immune defense. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 856–862; 2000.
Fatal Case of Community-Acquired Bacteremia and Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Chryseobacterium meningosepticum: Case Report and Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT A diabetic patient with chronic heart failure developed necrotizing fasciitis and bacteremia caused by Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, which rapidly evolved into death, even with fasciotomy and intensive care. A review of the English literature found 10 cases of soft tissue infection caused by C. meningosepticum, which is rarely acquired in the community.
Activated protein C inhibits thrombus formation in a system with flowing blood

We studied the effect of increasing concentrations of protein C (PC) and activated protein C (APC) on haemostasis in an in vitro thrombosis model. Blood from healthy donors was anticoagulated with citrate–phosphate–dextrose (final citrate concentration 19 mm) or a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH, 20 IU/ml). Enzymatically denuded rabbit aorta segments were exposed to flowing blood for 10 min in an annular perfusion chamber. PC and APC were added to the perfusate immediately prior to exposure. In citrated blood at a shear rate of 800/s, PC and APC induced a statistically significant decrease in platelet deposit at 16 μg/ml and 32 μg/ml. In perfusions performed with blood anticoagulated with LMWH, there was no effect on platelet deposition at 16 and 32 μg/ml either at shear rates of 300/s or 800/s. Addition of PC showed no effect on fibrin deposition at a shear rate of 300/s; in contrast, a non‐statistically significant 40% reduction was seen at a shear rate of 800/s, compared to controls. Addition of APC caused a 100% reduction in fibrin formation at 16 and 32 μg/ml at both shear rates studied. PC and APC inhibited platelet deposition on the exposed subendothelial surface, in a dose‐dependent manner. Effects of PC and APC on platelet function might be mediated through inhibition of thrombin generation at the platelet microenvironment.