Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salmonella-Induced Cell Death Is Not Required for Enteritis in Calves

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium causes cell death in bovine monocyte-derived and murine macrophages in vitro by asipB-dependent mechanism. During this process, SipB binds and activates caspase-1, which in turn activates the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β through cleavage. We used bovine ileal ligated loops to address the role of serovar Typhimurium-induced cell death in induction of fluid accumulation and inflammation in this diarrhea model. Twelve perinatal calves had 6- to 9-cm loops prepared in the terminal ileum. They were divided into three groups: one group received an intralumen injection of Luria-Bertani broth as a control in 12 loops. The other two groups (four calves each) were inoculated with 0.75 × 109 CFU of either wild-type serovar Typhimurium (strain IR715) or a sopB mutant per loop in 12 loops. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections were scored for inflammation, and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells were detected in situ. Fluid accumulation began at 3 h postinfection (PI). Inflammation was detected in all infected loops at 1 h PI. The area of TUNEL-labeled cells in the wild-type infected loops was significantly higher than that of the controls at 12 h PI, when a severe inflammatory response and tissue damage had already developed. ThesopB mutant induced the same amount of TUNEL-positive cells as the wild type, but it was attenuated for induction of fluid secretion and inflammation. Our results indicate that serovar Typhimurium-induced cell death is not required to trigger an early inflammatory response and fluid accumulation in the ileum.
Numerical Simulation of a “Spherical Pad” Slider Flying Over Bit Patterned Media

Bit patterned media are being studied as a promising approach for achieving storage densities beyond 1 Tb/in2 in magnetic recording disk drives. In this investigation we study the flying characteristics of a so-called ldquospherical pad sliderrdquo where a spherical pad is implemented on the top of the trailing pad of a traditional slider. We numerically simulate the flying characteristics and slider attitude of the spherical pad slider and compare this design with a traditional slider flying over the same bit patterned media. The effect of the design parameters of the bit pattern and the spherical pad on the flying characteristics is investigated.
Automatic Recognition of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia in Blood Microscopic Images Using K-means Clustering and Support Vector Machine

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a subtype of acute leukemia, which is characterized by the accumulation of myeloid blasts in the bone marrow. Careful microscopic examination of stained blood smear or bone marrow aspirate is still the most significant diagnostic methodology for initial AML screening and considered as the first step toward diagnosis. It is time-consuming and due to the elusive nature of the signs and symptoms of AML; wrong diagnosis may occur by pathologists. Therefore, the need for automation of leukemia detection has arisen. In this paper, an automatic technique for identification and detection of AML and its prevalent subtypes, i.e., M2–M5 is presented. At first, microscopic images are acquired from blood smears of patients with AML and normal cases. After applying image preprocessing, color segmentation strategy is applied for segmenting white blood cells from other blood components and then discriminative features, i.e., irregularity, nucleus-cytoplasm ratio, Hausdorff dimension, shape, color, and texture features are extracted from the entire nucleus in the whole images containing multiple nuclei. Images are classified to cancerous and noncancerous images by binary support vector machine (SVM) classifier with 10-fold cross validation technique. Classifier performance is evaluated by three parameters, i.e., sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Cancerous images are also classified into their prevalent subtypes by multi-SVM classifier. The results show that the proposed algorithm has achieved an acceptableperformance for diagnosis of AML and its common subtypes. Therefore, it can be used as an assistant diagnostic tool for pathologists.
Mobile context-aware cognitive testing system

Traditional cognitive testing for older adults can be inaccessible, expensive, and time consuming. The development of computerized cognitive tests (CCTs) has made strides to alleviate such issues with traditional cognitive testing. Self-administered CCTs allow for individuals to test rapidly and conveniently on various devices. However, such tests may not factor in relevant contextual information pertinent to the testing situation (e.g., is the user in a proper environment or context to test? ). This dissertation aims to develop a mobile, context-aware cognitive testing system (CACTS) capable of tracking and analyzing contextual information during CCTs. By utilizing mobile device sensors and user input, the proposed context-aware system will capture ambient and behavioral data during testing to compliment user performance results. This research will help provide insight into the contextual factors that are relevant to the user's testing efficacy and performance in CCTs.
Investigations and experimental study on Magnetic Resonant coupling based Wireless Power Transfer system for neighborhood EV's

Advancement in technology enhances the need for quick and efficient ways of charging electric devices. Increased need for portability has motivated us to make use of Wireless Power Transfer technology (WPT). In this paper, Magnetic Resonant Technique (MRT) based WPT system has been used to transfer the power wirelessly over larger airgaps. The conventional electric vehicles uses a battery as the main source and it suffers from large 1charging time and also it requires huge amount of space for the charging station. This paper illustrates various methods to implement WPT-MRT and supercapacitor based two-wheeler type electric vehicle (EV) to diminish the charging issues in the system. In this paper, 3-phase Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Motor (PMBLDC) is also used as a traction motor since it is energy efficient, has high torque per volume and greater ease of control compared to other motors. A TI controller is used as a central control unit to monitor the control variables of the system. This paper presents experimental interpretations of various compensation topologies and proves the supreme topology to achieve highest coupling coefficient to make maximum power transfer possible in the system. In this paper, the investigations and experimental study are further extended to provide a durable solution to facilitate fast / frequent charging for short commuting electric vehicles of the future.
Gel-Based Hippocampal Proteomic Analysis 2 Weeks following Traumatic Brain Injury to Immature Rats Using Controlled Cortical Impact

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) to postnatal day 17 rats has been shown to produce acute changes in hippocampal global protein levels and spatial learning and memory deficits. The purpose of the present study was to analyze global hippocampal protein changes 2 weeks after a moderate ipsilateral controlled cortical impact in postnatal day 17 rats using 2-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Paired sham and ipsilateral injured hippocampal lysates were independently labeled with different fluorescent cyanine dyes and coseparated within the same immobilized pH gradient strips and slab gel based on isoelectric point and molecular mass. Significant changes in key proteins involved in glial and neuronal stress, oxidative metabolism, calcium uptake and neurotransmitter function were found 2 weeks after injury, and their potential roles in hippocampal plasticity and cognitive dysfunction were discussed.
Indian sports journalism’s early online steps in web-first publishing

In India’s thriving newspaper industry, the publishing approach differs from Western markets suffering from falling circulation and advertising revenue. Throughout the world, contemporary organizations have more dissemination options than traditional print deadlines, and must decide whether to adopt innovations such as web-first publishing. In this environment, it is valuable to explore how Indian broadsheets and other quality publications, through the sports departments of these titles, are accommodating this online transition. This is achieved through a mixed-methods approach combining 36 in-depth interviews with sports journalists and a content analysis of 3194 print and web articles. At national and organizational levels, the results show that while newspapers remain dominant in India, there are signs that online publishing is gaining a foothold.
The influence of the weather on tourist experiences

As one of its main resources, weather is an integral part of tourism. Yet little is known about how individual tourists experience the weather and how it affects the subjective perception of their holidays. The weather appears to have a prominent place in language and the use of the weather in narratives of tourists can provide insight into how the weather affects tourist experiences. Based on a qualitative analysis of online travel blogs written by Dutch tourists, 16 weather themes could be distinguished, representing how the weather was narrated about by tourists. Moreover, different impact themes emerged describing how the weather impacted the tourists: tourists revealed positive, negative or neutral evaluations about the weather impacts. The findings of this study can be used for future research on tourist behaviour and how specific weather types and impacts influence the decision making of tourists in terms of itineraries and activities.
Empirical Research on Shanghai Stock Market Efficiency

Fifty stocks in shanghai stock market were selected as sample,which has a high proportion of delivering stock in 2003.By event study,the change of stock excess income rate and stock accumulative excess income rate around the day of information published was analyzed.The conclusion that shanghai stock market didn't reach semistrong-form efficiency was given.And several suggestions about how to improve China stock market efficiency were proposed.
Contribution of sodium channel neuronal isoform Nav1.1 to late sodium current in ventricular myocytes from failing hearts

Late Na+ current (INaL) contributes to action potential remodelling and Ca2+/Na+ changes in heart failure. The molecular identity of INaL remains unclear. The contributions of different Na+ channel isoforms, apart from the cardiac isoform, remain unknown. We discovered and characterized a substantial contribution of neuronal isoform Nav1.1 to INaL. This new component is physiologically relevant to the control of action potential shape and duration, as well as to cell Ca2+ dynamics, especially in heart failure.
Characterization of core promoter elements for ecdysone receptor isoforms of the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Two ecdysone receptor (EcR) isoforms, EcR‐A and EcR‐B1, are expressed in a tissue‐ and stage‐specific manner, although the details of their transcription mechanisms are unknown. We determined the transcription start sites of EcR‐A and EcR‐B1 isoforms of Bombyx mori and found that both core promoter regions consist of initiator (Inr) and downstream promoter elements (DPE) but not TATA boxes. Promoter truncation analysis performed using the luciferase reporter assays and BmN cells showed that, in both isoforms, the regions −296 to −74 for BmEcR‐B1, −104 to −61 for BmEcR‐A and downstream regions of +1 are essential for basal transcriptional activity. Mutation experiments revealed that both DPE and its 5′‐flanking CGCGCG sequence are crucial but DPE of BmEcR‐B1 is not important for BmEcR‐A transcription. These results indicate that the basal promoter activities differ between the two BmEcR isoforms.
Brain incorporation of 11C-arachidonic acid, blood volume, and blood flow in healthy aging: a study with partial-volume correction.

UNLABELLED PET with 11C-arachidonic acid (AA) can be used to quantify neural signaling related to phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Animal studies suggest reduction in the activity of this signaling system with age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of healthy aging on brain incorporation of 11C-AA, before and after partial-volume correction (PVC). METHODS Absolute measurements of cerebral blood flow (CBF) were obtained in 8 young and 7 old healthy subjects (mean age +/- SD, 27 +/- 5 y and 65 +/- 9 y) with bolus injection of 15O-water. About 15 min later, dynamic 60-min 3-dimensional scans were acquired after the injection of 11C-AA. Radioactivity frames of 11C-AA were corrected for head motion and registered to magnetic resonance (MR) images. A 3-segment (3S) and a 2-segment (2S) PVC was applied pixel-by-pixel to the activity frames. For the 3S method, the white matter value was estimated using a new automatic method by extrapolating the activity values of pixels with white matter membership > 0.99. Parametric images of the brain incorporation rate of 11C-AA (K*) and cerebral blood volume (Vb), as well as CBF, were generated and regional gray matter values were obtained. RESULTS Among cortical areas, there were no significant differences (uncorrected P < 0.05) in K* or Vb absolute values between young and old subjects before or after PVC. A significant reduction of CBF was detected in the frontal cortex of the elderly group. After normalization to the global gray average, K*, Vb, and CBF values revealed significant reductions in the frontal lobe of old subjects; none of these differences were significant after PVC. CONCLUSION These results confirm previous PET findings that brain function at rest is minimally affected by healthy aging. Proper PVC methodology is of critical importance in accurate quantitative assessment of PET physiologic measures.
The Role of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Wasting Disease During Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection1

Infection with pathogens often leads to loss of body weight, but the cause of weight loss during infection is poorly understood. We used the infection of mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) as a model to study how pathogens induce weight loss. If LCMV is introduced into the CNS of CTL-deficient mice, the immune response against the virus leads to a severe weight loss called wasting disease. We planned to determine what components of this antiviral immune response mediate wasting disease. By adoptive transfer, we show that CD4 T cells activated by LCMV infection are sufficient to cause wasting disease. We examined the role of cytokines in LCMV-induced wasting disease using mice lacking specific cytokines or cytokine receptors. Results of adoptive transfer experiments suggest that TNF-α is not involved in LCMV-induced wasting disease and show that IFN-γ contributes to the disease. Consistent with a role for IFN-γ in wasting, we find that IFN-γ is necessary for LCMV-specific CD4 T cell responses in the CNS, most likely because it is required to induce MHC class II expression. Our data also indicate that IL-1 is required for LCMV-induced wasting and that IL-6 contributes to the wasting disease. Additionally, our results identify α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone as a potential mediator of the disease. Overall, this work defines the critical role of virus-primed CD4 T cells and of proinflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of wasting disease induced by LCMV infection.
Morality Politics, Direct Democracy, and Turnout

During the 2004 and 2006 general elections, a number of states considered different moral policy ballot measures, including marriage definition, abortion bans, and stem cell research. Although more moral policy measures were voted on in the last two general elections, this is certainly not the first time that moral issues have been placed on the ballot. Some political pundits, during these elections, suggested that increased voter turnout in some states was due to these ballot measures. This research examines whether or not the presence of a moral policy measure on a given state's ballot generates higher voter turnout. I find that moral policy ballot measures generate higher turnout in midterm elections but not in presidential elections.
The association of mobile medical team involvement on on-scene times and mortality in trauma patients.

OBJECTIVES Mobile medical teams (MMTs) provide specialized care on-scene with the purpose to improve outcome. However, this additional care could prolong the on-scene time (OST), which is related to mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of MMT involvement on the mortality rate and on the OST, in a Dutch consecutive cohort of Level I trauma patients. METHODS All patients who required presentation in the trauma resuscitation room in an urban Level I trauma center were included in this prospective study during the period of November 2005 till November 2007. For data collection, we used both pre- and in-hospital registration systems. Outcome measures were 30-day mortality and OST. RESULTS In total, 1,054 patients were analyzed. In 172 (16%) patients, the MMT was involved. Mortality was significantly higher in the MMT group compared with patients treated without MMT involvement; 9.9% versus 2.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). Significantly higher Injury Severity Scores, intervention rates, and a significantly lower Triage Revised Trauma Score were found in patients treated by MMT. After adjustment for patient and injury characteristics, no association could be found between MMT involvement and higher mortality (95% CI, 0.581-3.979; p = 0.394). In patients with severe traumatic brain injury (GCS score ≤ 8) in whom a MMT was involved, the mortality was 25.5%, compared with 32.7% in those without MMT involvement (p = 0.442). The mean OST was prolonged (2.7 minutes) when MMT was involved (26.1 vs. 23.4 minutes; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS In this study, OSTs were long compared with PHTLS recommendations. MMT involvement slightly prolonged the OST. Trauma patients with MMT involvement had a high mortality, but after correction for patient and injury characteristics, the mortality rate did not significantly differ from patients without MMT involvement.
Neurochemical features of boar lumbosacral dorsal root ganglion neurons and characterization of sensory neurons innervating the urinary bladder trigone

Porcine lumbosacral dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were neurochemically characterized by using six neuronal markers: calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), neurofilament 200kDa (NF200), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and isolectin B4 (IB4) from Griffonia simplicifolia. In addition, the phenotype and cross‐sectional area of DRG neurons innervating the urinary bladder trigone (UBT) were evaluated by coupling retrograde tracer technique and immunohistochemistry. Lumbar and sacral DRG neuronal subpopulations were immunoreactive (IR) for CGRP (30 ± 3% and 29 ± 3%, respectively), SP (26 ± 8% and 27 ± 12%, respectively), nNOS (21 ± 4% and 26 ± 7%, respectively), NF200 (75 ± 14% and 81 ± 7%, respectively), and TRPV1 (48 ± 13% and 43 ± 6%, respectively), and labeled for IB4 (56 ± 6% and 43 ± 10%, respectively). UBT sensory neurons, which were distributed from L2 to Ca1 DRG, had a segmental localization, showing their highest density in L4–L5 and S2–S4 DRG. Lumbar and sacral UBT sensory neurons expressed similar percentages of NF200 immunoreactivity (64 ± 33% and 58 ± 12%, respectively) but showed a significantly different immunoreactivity for CGRP, SP, nNOS, and TRPV1 (56 ± 9%, 39 ± 15%, 17 ± 13%, 62 ± 10% vs. 16 ± 6%, 16 ± 11%, 6 ± 1%, 45 ± 24%, respectively). Lumbar and sacral UBT sensory neurons also showed different IB4 labeling (67 ± 19% and 48 ± 16, respectively). Taken together, these data indicate that the lumbar and sacral pathways probably play different roles in sensory transmission from the UBT. The findings related to cell size also reinforced this hypothesis, because lumbar UBT sensory neurons were significantly larger than sacral ones (1,112 ± 624 μm2 vs. 716 ± 421 μm2). J. Comp. Neurol. 521:342–366, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Urinary hydration biomarkers and dietary intake in children.

INTRODUCTION The importance of hydration is undoubtable but reliable data on hydration status and its relation with diet is lacking. OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the hydration status and its relation to beverages and food intake in children. METHODS A sample of 172 (50% male), 7-11 year-old children was included in this survey. Participants completed a 24 h urine collection; a 24 hours food recall corresponding to the day of urine collection was applied, weight and height were measured and parents/caregivers fi lled a lifestyle and socio-demographic questionnaire. The free water reserve was used to assess the hydration status. The intakes of food and beverages were compared according to hydration status using the t-test, Mann-Whitney test or unconditional regression models as appropriate. RESULTS More than half of the participants were classifi ed as hypohydrated or at risk of hypohydration (57% in girls and 58% in boys). Compared to hypohydrated children, a signifi cant higher consumption of water (276.2 ± 208.4 vs 188.2 ± 187.4 g/day) and fruit juices (77.6 ± 139.4 vs 14.4 ± 57.2 g/day) was reported by euhydrated boys and girls, respectively. Lower consumers of water and fruit juices showed a higher risk of hypohydration (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.02-4.58, p = 0.045), adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS Most of the children included in this analysis were classifi ed as at risk of hypohydration and those with higher water and fruit juices consumption showed a better hydration status.