Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of intestinal invasion by Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella dublin and effect of a mutation in the invH gene

The relative levels of invasiveness of two bovine isolates each of Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella dublin and of invH mutants of S. typhimurium were determined in MDCK and Int 407 cultured-cell assays and in bovine ileal loops. S. dublin was found to be significantly less invasive in cultured cells than S. typhimurium, but this difference was not observed in bovine intestines. The invH mutants exhibited a significant reduction in invasion in both cultured cells and bovine intestines. The invasive phenotypes of the strains were confirmed by fluorescent microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The wild-type strains were observed in the laminae propriae of the intestinal villi, while in contrast the invH mutants were generally associated with the enterocyte layer. The degree of damage in the bovine ileum was related to the magnitude of the invasion. There was no difference in the amount of S. typhimurium or S. dublin recovered from the bovine ileum either with or without Peyer's patches 3 h after inoculation of the loop.
A model for analyzing growth kinetics of a slowly growing Mycobacterium sp

This report describes a simple method for quantifying viable mycobacteria and for determining generation time. We used statistical models and computer analysis of growth curves generated for the slowly growing mycobacterium Mycobacterium paratuberculosis under controlled conditions to derive a mathematical formula relating the dependent variable, growth, to the independent variables, log10 number of organisms in the inoculum (inoculum size) and incubation time. Growth was measured by a radiometric method which detects 14CO2 release during metabolism of a 14C-labeled substrate. The radiometric method allowed for early detection of growth and detected as few as three viable bacteria. The coefficient of variation between culture vials inoculated with the same number of M. paratuberculosis was 0.083. Radiometric measurements were highly correlated to spectrophotometric and plate count methods for measuring growth (r = 0.962 and 0.992, respectively). The proportion of the total variability explained by the model in a goodness of fit test was 0.9994. Application of the model to broth cultures provided accurate estimates of the number of M. paratuberculosis (standard error = 0.21, log10 scale) and the growth rate (coefficient of variation, 0.03). Generation time was observed to be dependent upon the number of organisms in the inoculum. The model accurately described all phases of growth of M. paratuberculosis and can likely be applied to other slowly growing microorganisms.
Gender transition shapes perceived sexual orientation

ABSTRACT We examined whether and why the amount of time a transgender person has spent transitioning influences perceived sexual orientation. We found that transgender individuals who had spent more time transitioning were more likely to be categorized as straight (vs. gay), and that greater gender typicality in part accounted for shifts in perceived sexual orientation. These perceptions were not contingent on whether people made judgments about how they personally felt or what the average person would say. Overall, these findings support the idea that gender and sexuality intersect in people’s minds, and that shifts in one can lead to changes in perceptions of the other. We discuss how these findings contribute to understanding perceptions and experiences of transgender individuals.
Delay characteristics dependency on type of wire segments in FPGA routing

Hierarchical routing resources play vital role in FPGA routing. Better routability options can be obtained using segmented approach of wires thus enabling routing optimization. Source and sink logic blocks can be connected via wire segments such that the overall wire length and switching transistors inside the switch box can be saved over an extent. This paper presents an experimental approach of study of wire segments types affecting the routability. Widely used segment types are considered for experiments. A routing algorithm containing the cost equation based on routing segment types is proposed. Results show that at least 15% less critical path delay can be achieved tested against 12 largest MCNC benchmark circuits.
Inducible expression of an hsp 68-lacZ hybrid gene in transgenic mice

Transgenic mice have been generated that express the E. coli /J-galactosidase gene under the control of the promoter from the mouse heat-shock gene, hsp68. Sequences from -664 to +113 relative to the start of transcription of the hsp68 gene were sufficient to direct stress-induced expression of the /3-galactosidase gene in adult tail tissue and various tissues of fetal stages of development. Expression was detected in situ by staining with the chromogenic substrate, X-gal. The hybrid gene was refractory to induction in preimplantation embryos until the blastocyst stage of development, as reported for the endogenous hsp68 gene. No constitutive expression was observed by in situ staining or Northern analysis at any stage of development, even in tissues that constitutively express the endogenous hsp68 gene. We conclude that the hsp68 promoter region included in the construct contains sufficient sequence information for heat and arsenite inducibility, but it does not contain sequences controlling tissue-specific expression during development. This tightly regulated inducible promoter may provide a useful tool for short-term inducible gene expression in transgenic mice.
A node division location detection scheme for chain-type wireless sensor networks

As a special type of wireless sensor network, the chain-type wireless sensor networks can be used to monitor narrow and long regions, such as roads, underground mine tunnels, rivers, and bridges. In this study, a perpendicular bisector division PB method was first presented, in which the location may be divided into more location sub-areas by a perpendicular bisector of each of two location nodes. Compared with the triangulation division method in Approximate Point-in-Triangulation Test APIT, the computable complexity of PB is lower, and the number of division areas is larger. Furthermore, in order to locate targets under rare location nodes, a virtual location node-perpendicular bisector division VPB was presented by a virtual location node based on the geographic shape of the monitored area. Virtual location nodes increase the density of location nodes, which can improve the accuracy of the location in the location algorithm. Second, two range-free location algorithms were proposed: the location algorithm based on PB LAPB and the location algorithm based on VPB LAVPB. In the end, the location errors performance of APIT, LAPB, and LAVPB for locating miners in an underground mine tunnel was tested. The results show that LAPB and LAVPB have higher location accuracy and are more robust than APIT. LAVPB is more suitable for locating targets in harsh environments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thymic Dendritic Cells Express Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase and Generate Nitric Oxide in Response to Self- and Alloantigens1

Thymocytes maturing in the thymus undergo clonal deletion/apoptosis when they encounter self- or allo-Ags presented by dendritic cells (DCs). How this occurs is a matter of debate, but NO may play a role given its ability of inducing apoptosis of these cells. APC (a mixed population of macrophages (Mφ) and DCs) from rat thymus expressed high levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and produced large amounts of NO in basal conditions whereas iNOS expression and NO production were very low in thymocytes. Analysis by FACS and by double labeling of cytocentrifuged preparations showed that DCs and MΦ both express iNOS within APC. Analysis of a purified preparation of DCs confirmed that these cells express high levels of iNOS and produce large amounts of NO in basal conditions. The capacity of DCs to generate NO was enhanced by exposure to rat albumin, a self-protein, and required a fully expressed process of Ag internalization, processing, and presentation. Peptides derived from portions of class II MHC molecules up-regulate iNOS expression and NO production by DCs as well, both in self and allogeneic combinations, suggesting a role of NO in both self and acquired tolerance. We also found that NO induced apoptosis of rat double-positive thymocytes, the effect being more evident in anti-CD3-stimulated cells. Altogether, the present findings might suggest that DC-derived NO is at least one of the soluble factors regulating events, in the thymus, that follow recognition of self- and allo-Ags.
Purification and Characterization of a Novel Phosphorus-oxidizing Enzyme from Pseudomonas stutzeri WM88* 210

The ptxD gene fromPseudomonas stutzeri WM88 encoding the novel phosphorus oxidizing enzyme NAD:phosphite oxidoreductase (trivial name phosphite dehydrogenase, PtxD) was cloned into an expression vector and overproduced in Escherichia coli. The heterologously produced enzyme is indistinguishable from the native enzyme based on mass spectrometry, amino-terminal sequencing, and specific activity analyses. Recombinant PtxD was purified to homogeneity via a two-step affinity protocol and characterized. The enzyme stoichiometrically produces NADH and phosphate from NAD and phosphite. The reverse reaction was not observed. Gel filtration analysis of the purified protein is consistent with PtxD acting as a homodimer. PtxD has a high affinity for its substrates with K m values of 53.1 ± 6.7 μm and 54.6 ± 6.7 μm, for phosphite and NAD, respectively.V max and k cat were determined to be 12.2 ± 0.3 μmol min− 1mg− 1 and 440 min− 1. NADP can substitute poorly for NAD; however, none of the numerous compounds examined were able to substitute for phosphite. Initial rate studies in the absence or presence of products and in the presence of the dead end inhibitor sulfite are most consistent with a sequential ordered mechanism for the PtxD reaction, with NAD binding first and NADH being released last. Amino acid sequence comparisons place PtxD as a new member of the d-2-hydroxyacid NAD-dependent dehydrogenases, the only one to have an inorganic substrate. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed biochemical study on an enzyme capable of direct oxidation of a reduced phosphorus compound.
The evaluation of e-government implementation: A case study of the Lesotho Company Registry System

E-government is a powerful tool that can strengthen the performance of government and public administration. In this paper, we seek to develop an improved understanding of the level and status of e-government implementation in Lesotho and how that may aid decision makers in planning and designing e-government implementations. To this end, the study employed the Human-Organisation-Technology (HOT) Fit framework which is a socio-technical model that considers e-government systems from a human, organisational and technology perspective. The study focuses on the case of the Lesotho Company Registry System that has been implemented by the Lesotho Ministry of Trade and Industry. The study findings indicate that e-government implementation for the system is at the early transactional stage of e-government development. The evaluation of e-government also showed that the organisation and technology perspectives reflected more challenges in the implementation of e-government when compared to the human factors.
The Minimal Product Parity Check Matrix and Its Application

In decoding a linear block code C by iterative decoding algorithms, these algorithms are essentially applied on a graphical representation of C such as Tanner graph and factor graph. Due to the impact of the structure of these graphs on the performance of code, we consider minimal parity check matrices(matrices with minimum number of nonzero entries) of product codes. An algorithm constructing such matrices is given. It turns out that under the given construction method, product coding technique is indeed a powerful method to construct irregular LDPC codes. Given two codes A and B, the construction method produces a Tanner graph with girth g := min {8, ga, gb} for the product code A ¿ B, where ga and gb are the girth of Tanner graphs representing A and B, respectively. Simulation results confirm the positive practical impact of the minimality of the parity check matrices.
Placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt via the left hepatic vein under sonographic guidance in a patient with right hemihepatectomy

In a patient with refractory ascites after right hemihepatectomy TIPS was created between the left hepatic vein and the left portal vein via a transjugular approach. The puncture was guided only by sonography from the epigastrium. Portosystemic pressure gradient was reduced from 28 to 7 mm Hg and ascites disappeared. This case shows that TIPS can be created with technical and clinical success after right hemihepatectomy as left hepatic vein to left portal vein shunt under sonographic guidance.
Agent Services-Oriented Architectural Design of a Framework for Artificial Stock Markets

Artificial stock markets (ASMs) are very complex. Agent-based ASMs (ABASMs) have become quite popular in the research of ASMs. However, it is very hard and time consuming to design and implement an ABASM from scratch. This paper proposes a novel design of a framework for ABASMs based on our previous work on agent services-oriented architectural design (ASOAD). This design integrates service-oriented computing (SOC) and agent-based computing (ABC) to achieve a more powerful and flexible framework for ABASMs. The resulting system makes it easy to build actionable ASMs for experiments.
Local self similar descriptors: Comparison and application to gastroenterology images

Local descriptors coupled with robust methods for learning visual dictionaries have been a pivotal tool in computer vision. Although the identification of similar patterns is commonly conducted on some stage of the bag-of-words framework, a prior assessment of spatial local similarities can be indicative of specific objects, and thus improved recognition rates. In this work we delve a function of similarity for enhancing the discriminative power of local constrained SIFT descriptors. Motivated by gastrointestinal images where diagnosis through endoscopy plays a decisive role in cancer detection and resulting prognosis, visual cues in these early stages are slim and of difficult perception. In order to capture these patterns we propose a self-similarity approach (based on a neighbourhood analysis of SIFT descriptors) to assess local variances through a weight function. Based on extensive simulations our approach achieved a performance of 88%: 3% higher than the standard SIFT, 10% higher than Haar wavelet and 13% higher than LBPs.
Frontiers and frontlines: metaphors describing lecturers' attitudes to ICT adoption

This paper explores the assimilation gap, the gap between the acquisition of a technology and its deployment, in higher education teaching. The relevant literature covers three themes: technology diffusion, the technology acceptance model and task-technology fit. To explore the significance of these models to a teaching environment case study research was undertaken within a university college in north-west England. Using an ethnographic approach, with semi-structured interviews, lecturers' attitudes to the adoption of ICT were surfaced. Then the data collected was analysed by categorising the findings. One technique used to present these findings is the translation of the dialogue of each respondent into another character. This defamiliarised the taken for granted aspects of the informants’ response. Using this method respondents were categorised using two metaphors suggesting that staff can be classified within two different cultures. The first metaphor is that of the Frontier where the adoption of ICT is seen as an exploration and the discourse used relates to the relative desire for adoption of ICT. The second metaphor is that of the Frontline where the view of ICT adoption centres on attack and defence and the discourse relates to the differences in the perceived ease of adoption.
A X-band switched-line 5-bit phase shifter with RF MEMS multithrow switches

In this paper, a 5-bit switched-line phase shifter is designed, processed and tested for X-band application, which is based on packaged RF MEMS single-pole double-throw(SPDT) and single-pole four-throw(SP4T) switches to get an compact structure. The design and optimization are carried out by analyzing the non-ideal performance of packaged RF MEMS switches and extracting their circuit model parameters. The effects of the bonding-wire connecting RF MEMS switches and peripheral circuits are also analyzed and modeled. The 5-bit phase shifter shows the average measured insertion loss of -3.1 dB, the average return loss of -21.1 dB, and the average absolute phase error of 2.2° at 10GHz. By comparison of simulations and measurements, this paper proposes that the main factors to effect the performances of phase shifters with packaged MEMS switches are parasitic inductances introduced by the bonding-wire and limited isolation of the used switches.
Mycobacterial Biofilms Facilitate Horizontal DNA Transfer between Strains of Mycobacterium smegmatis

ABSTRACT Conjugal transfer of chromosomal DNA between strains of Mycobacterium smegmatis occurs by a novel mechanism. In a transposon mutagenesis screen, three transfer-defective insertions were mapped to the lsr2 gene of the donor strain mc2155. Because lsr2 encodes a nonspecific DNA-binding protein, mutations of lsr2 give rise to a variety of phenotypes, including an inability to form biofilms. In this study, we show that efficient DNA transfer between strains of M. smegmatis occurs in a mixed biofilm and that the process requires expression of lsr2 in the donor but not in the recipient strain. Testing cells from different strata of standing cultures showed that transfer occurred predominantly at the biofilm air-liquid interface, as other strata containing higher cell densities produced very few transconjugants. These data suggest that the biofilm plays a role beyond mere facilitation of cell-cell contact. Surprisingly, we found that under standard assay conditions the recipient strain does not form a biofilm. Taking these results together, we conclude that for transfer to occur, the recipient strain is actively recruited into the biofilm. In support of this idea, we show that donor and recipient cells are present in almost equal numbers in biofilms that produce transconjugants. Our demonstration of genetic exchange between mycobacteria in a mixed biofilm suggests that conjugation occurs in the environment. Since biofilms are considered to be the predominant natural microhabitat for bacteria, our finding emphasizes the importance of studying biological and physical processes that occur between cells in mixed biofilms.
Knowledge and risk of cardiovascular disease in rural Alabama women

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to describe rural women's knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and actual risk of CVD. The research question guiding this study was: “Are there relationships between demographic factors, women's knowledge of CVD, and women's CVD risk score? ” Data sourcesDemographic data were collected from a convenience sample of 112 women at a full-service, rural medical clinic in Alabama. Two questions assessed women's knowledge of their risk factors for CVD. The Coronary Heart Disease Knowledge Test measured knowledge of coronary heart disease (CHD). Framingham CHD prediction scores were calculated to assess the actual heart disease risk of subjects. ConclusionsKnowledge of CVD in rural Alabama women is inadequate. The mean score for the knowledge test was 8.50 out of 20. This population of women has significant risk for CVD. Women recognized that smoking and obesity are issues, but are less aware of factors such as race, personality types, oral contraceptive use, hypertension, diabetes, age, hyperlipidemia, and family history. Implications for practiceThe majority of women in the study could list only one or two CVD risk factors. New strategies for educating women about CVD should be explored by nurse practitioners (NPs). For example, NPs interested in CVD in women could organize and offer to teach in local schools, colleges, universities, churches, and at sites where women work. Collaboration with the local American Heart Association and Health Department in educating women may be appropriate. By increasing women's knowledge, their actual risk may change and thus improve their chance to live free of CVD or have it later in life or to a lesser extent.
Translational Genomics in Agriculture: Some Examples in Grain Legumes

Recent advances in genomics and associated disciplines like bioinformatics have made it possible to develop genomic resources, such as large-scale sequence data for any crop species. While these datasets have been proven very useful for the understanding of genome architecture and dynamics as well as facilitating the discovery of genes, an obligation for, and challenge to the scientific community is to translate genome information to develop products, i.e. superior lines for trait(s) of interest. We call this approach, “translational genomics in agriculture” (TGA). TGA is currently in practice for cereal crops, such as maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa), mainly in developed countries and by the private sector; progress has been slow for legume crops. Grown globally on 62.8 million ha with a production of 53.2 million tons and a value of nearly 24.2 billion dollars, the majority of these legumes have low crop productivity (<1 ton/ hectare) and are in the developing countries of sub Saharan Africa, Asia and South America. Interestingly, the last five years have seen enormous progress in genomics for these legume crops. Therefore, it is time to implement TGA in legume crops in order to enhance crop productivity and to ensure food security in developing countries. Prospects, as well as some success stories of TGA, in addition to advances in genomics, trait mapping and gene expression analysis are discussed for five leading legume crops, chickpea (Cicer arietinum), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) and soybean (Glycine max). Some efforts have also been outlined to initiate/ accelerate TGA in three additional legume crops namely faba bean (Vicia faba), lentil (Lens culinaris) and pea (Pisum sativum).
NOWCAST/FORECAST System for Coastal/Open Ocean Regions

Abstract : The long-term goal is to develop and evaluate a nowcast/forecast system for coastal/open ocean regions with the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM). Objectives are: a) To evaluate the model's performance in reproducing the oceanic circulation, with a special focus on the coastal regions; b) To evaluate the model's forecast skills and usefulness in providing boundary conditions for ultra fine-mesh coastal models; c) To refine the hybrid coordinate design of the ocean model, especially in shallow coastal regions.