Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Phosphoinositide-dependent Kinase, PDK-1, Phosphorylates Conventional Protein Kinase C Isozymes by a Mechanism That Is Independent of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase*

Phosphorylation by the phosphoinositide-dependent kinase, PDK-1, is required for the activation of diverse members of the AGC family of protein kinases, including the protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes. Here we explore the subcellular location of the PDK-1-mediated phosphorylation of conventional PKCs, and we address whether this phosphorylation is regulated by phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Pulse-chase experiments reveal that newly synthesized endogenous PKC α is primarily phosphorylated in the membrane fraction of COS-7 cells, where it is processed to a species that is phosphorylated at the activation loop and at two carboxyl-terminal positions. This “mature” species is then released into the cytosol. Deletion of the plekstrin homology domain of PDK-1 results in a 4-fold increase in the rate of processing of PKC indicating an autoinhibitory role for this domain. Autoinhibition by the plekstrin homology domain is not relieved by binding 3′-phosphoinositides; PKC is phosphorylated at a similar rate in serum-treated cells and serum-starved cells treated with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors, LY294002 and wortmannin. Under the same conditions, the PDK-1-catalyzed phosphorylation of another substrate, Akt/protein kinase B, is abolished by these inhibitors. Our data are consistent with a model in which PDK-1 phosphorylates newly synthesized PKC by a mechanism that is independent of 3′-phosphoinositides.
Design and implementation of planar rectenna for ISM-band application

In this study, the detachable planar rectennas for ISM band have been designed and implemented on the low-cost FR4 board. The proposed rectennas consist of a receiving antenna array and an efficient rectifier. To effectively capture the RF power in the air, a high-gain quasi-Yagi antenna array is adopted. As for the rectifier part, the harmonics-suppression design process has been proposed to improve RF-to-DC conversion efficiency. Specifically, three rectifiers are accomplished with relatively good efficiency (39%, 50%, and 52%, respectively). In practice, the rectennas are found useful in many aspects, such as serving low-power supplies, measuring the antenna radiation patterns, and etc.
Imaging Brain Function with Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Unconstrained Environments

Assessing the neural correlates of motor and cognitive processes under naturalistic experimentation is challenging due to the movement constraints of traditional brain imaging technologies. The recent advent of portable technologies that are less sensitive to motion artifacts such as Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) have been made possible the study of brain function in freely-moving participants. In this paper, we describe a series of proof-of-concept experiments examining the potential of fNIRS in assessing the neural correlates of cognitive and motor processes in unconstrained environments. We show illustrative applications for practicing a sport (i.e., table tennis), playing a musical instrument (i.e., piano and violin) alone or in duo and performing daily activities for many hours (i.e., continuous monitoring). Our results expand upon previous research on the feasibility and robustness of fNIRS to monitor brain hemodynamic changes in different real life settings. We believe that these preliminary results showing the flexibility and robustness of fNIRS measurements may contribute by inspiring future work in the field of applied neuroscience.
Tobacco control education, attitudes and beliefs of Nigerian health profession students

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore tobacco control-related education of health profession students and demonstrate variations according to course of study. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of 154 of third year nursing, pharmacy, medical and dental students in a tertiary institution in Lagos, Nigeria. The validated Global Health Professional Students survey questionnaire was used to collect data on recall of tobacco-related training, attitudes to tobacco control and beliefs about the role of health professionals in tobacco control. This was voluntary and anonymous. Descriptive and univariate analysis were conducted. Results: Only 11.8% (n=18) of all respondents recalled being trained on all possible items of formal tobacco-related training. Pharmacy students had significantly low levels of training recall (χ2(3)=9.88; p=0.02). Nursing students were reported to have the most positive attitudes to tobacco control with the highest mean score of 4.27 (95%CI= 3.884.66). However, there was no significant difference in attitudes to tobacco control. Compared to other students, Nursing students were significantly less likely to believe that as health professionals they had a role in tobacco-control (χ2(3) = 8.06; p=0.045). Conclusions: Many respondents believed they have a role in providing cessation interventions and that specific training should be part of the education they receive. However, fewer respondents report receiving such training. The education and training of these samples of health profession students needs to place more emphasis on their role in tobacco control if they are to effectively function as health promoting health professionals in preventing tobac
Japanese female workers in the U.S. workforce: Communication difficulties and challenges

Kurihara, Yumiko , M.A., May 1994 Communication Studies Japanese female-^tforkei^ in the U.S. workforce: Communication difficulties and challenge^ This study analyses experienced hardships and observed difficulties of Japanese-born females employed in profit oriented organizations. Japaneseborn females in U.S. corporations and American females who have worked with such Japanese females were interviewed 0apanese-bom. N. = 20 American females. N. = 15). The results show that both Japanese and American females perceive certain difficulties experienced by Japanese-born females because of their cultural background. The results also show that even an efficient and respected worker in their own country can be perceived as less efficient or even incapable when joining a workforce overseas due to their behavior which does not match local social or cultural communication behavior. Japanese females' submissiveness to their supervisors and their tendency to work for local Japanese companies rather for a pure American companies are perceived to be a barrier to their success. Many of interviewed Japanese females maintain that they have difficulties working for their Japanese male supervisors as these males focus on Japanese working styles when working w ith Japanese females while Japanese women try to adjust themselves to an American working norm.
A Power-Efficient Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Transmission of Good Bits and Threshold Optimization

We propose a power-efficient transmission scheme for wireless sensor networks. In this scheme, the sensor nodes compress their corresponding source-relay channel state information (CSI) and transmit this compressed CSI sequence along with a selected subset of their received bits from the source, which we refer to as the good bits. We assume slowly varying fading channels between source and relays and analytically derive the compression rate of the CSI sequence. We then study the relay-fusion centre link and find an optimal threshold for our proposed scheme, based on the target bit error rate and the packet delivery ratio of the network. Combining the threshold optimization and the reliable bit transmission schemes, we study the total number of transmitted bits for our proposed system. We show that for slowly varying fading channels, our proposed scheme considerably reduces the number of transmitted bits, and consequently the transmission power of the relay nodes compared with a conventional scheme where all bits are transmitted to the fusion center. We also compare the performance of our proposed scheme with a special decode and forward (SDF) scheme previously introduced in the literature. In order to have a fair comparison, we modify the SDF scheme, such that the modified scheme includes the originally proposed SDF scheme as a special case. We provide detailed comparisons and discussions on the achieved bit error rate, energy efficiency, and feasibility of the proposed and the modified SDF schemes.
The Effects of Police Contact on Trajectories of Violence

This study uses a life course framework to investigate how police contacts may serve as a potential turning point in a violent crime trajectory. Drawing on the central ideas from deterrence and labeling theories, we determine whether individuals on different violent offending trajectories increase or decrease their offending following a police contact. Analyzing nine waves of data from the Rochester Youth Development Study, an integrated propensity score matching and latent class growth model was used. First, three violent trajectory groups emerged including high offenders, non-offenders, and low offenders. Second, after accounting for selection bias using propensity score matching procedures, experiencing a police contact increased the likelihood of future violent offending for the entire sample and for those who were on a low violent-offending trajectory specifically. These findings are interpreted as partial support for labeling theory. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are discussed.
Rapid gynogenetic mapping of Xenopus tropicalis mutations to chromosomes

Pilot forward genetic screens in Xenopus tropicalis have isolated over 60 recessive mutations. Here we present a simple method for mapping mutations to chromosomes using gynogenesis and centromeric markers. When coupled with available genomic resources, gross mapping facilitates evaluation of candidate genes as well as higher resolution linkage studies. Using gynogenesis, we have mapped the genetic locations of the 10 X. tropicalis centromeres, and performed fluorescence in situ hybridization to validate these locations cytologically. We demonstrate the use of this very small set of centromeric markers to map mutations efficiently to specific chromosomes. Developmental Dynamics 238:1398–1406, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Learning Semantic Relatedness from Human Feedback Using Relative Relatedness Learning

An important topic in Semantic Web research is to learn ontologies from text. Here, assessing the degree of semantic relatedness between words is an important task. However, many existing relatedness measures only encode information contained in the underlying corpus and thus do not directly model human intuition. To solve this, we propose RRL (Relative Relatedness Learning) to improve existing semantic relatedness measures by learning from explicit human feedback. Human feedback about semantic relatedness is extracted from the publicly available MEN dataset. The core result is that we can generalize human intuition on datasets such as MEN using RRL. This way, we can significantly outperform semantic relatedness scores produced by current state-of-the-art methods.
Positive experiences of caregiving in stroke: a systematic review

Objective: To identify positive experiences of caregivers, who are unpaid carers not statutory, looking after stroke survivors by systematically reviewing published quantitative and qualitative studies. Data sources: Databases were searched from 1999 to 2009 through Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), British Nursing Index (BNI), Allied and Complimentary Medicine Database (AHMED), PsychINFO, EMBASE and Social Care Online. Reference tracking of selected papers was carried out and references of recent reviews related to stroke caregiving were also scrutinised. Review methods: The relevance of studies was ascertained by the two authors from abstracts and inclusion and exclusion criteria were then applied. Where there were differences of opinion, full copies were read and consensus achieved by discussion. Results: Three hundred and twenty-three studies were found and nine selected. Exploratory and cross-sectional studies prevailed. A range of positive experiences confirmed the findings of previous studies in both stroke and other long-term illness; care recipients progress was the most common source, other aspects included strengthened relationships, feeling appreciated, increased self-esteem. Positive experiences were associated with coping strategies. Changes in positive experiences over time were noted and differences too, for example, between new and experienced caregivers. Conceptual and methodological issues remain. Conclusions: Caregivers were able to identify positive experiences of caregiving providing a more balanced view of their role. Helping caregivers to identify their own positive experiences will encourage them to manage their situation. Longitudinal research is needed to track changes and positive influences on caregiving. Implications for Rehabilitation There is some evidence that caregivers are able to identify what they value providing a more positive and balanced view of caregiving experiences other than just negative aspects. Positive aspects of coping are associated with positive experiences. Offering training to caregivers of a cognitive and behavioural nature, which includes a focus on positive experiences, may be beneficial and needs further consideration. The diversity of caregivers’ experiences – both positive and negative – should be taken into account by clinicians when supporting them.
An integrated simulation and evolution platform of multiple control valve based on AMESim

Multiple control valve which is a complex hydraulic control block is widely used in mobile hydraulic equipment. Design and pro-actively incorporate functional performance into the mobile hydraulic system is usually a difficult mission for the design engineer. Present paper setup an integrate design and Evaluation platform of multiple control valve based on the intelligent simulation package AEMSim. The model of multiple control valve is built up by the hydraulic component design package. And it integrated with the whole hydraulic system of an excavator. The performances of different design parameters are evaluated. This platform makes the valve engineer simply and accurately predict it performance in solutions. It can improve the efficiency of multiple control valve development.
Nonparametric estimation of regression models with mixed discrete and continuous covariates by the K-nn method

ABSTRACT In this article we consider the problem of estimating a nonparametric conditional mean function with mixed discrete and continuous covariates by the nonparametric k-nearest-neighbor (k-nn) method. We derive the asymptotic normality result of the proposed estimator and use Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate its finite sample performance. We also provide an illustrative empirical example of our method.
A Temperature Compensation Concept for a Micromachined Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator Oscillator

We present a temperature compensation technique of a film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR)-based oscillator by tuning the supply voltage of the oscillator. The FBAR-based oscillator uses a high-Q FBAR that is made of a thin ZnO piezoelectric film sandwiched by two electrodes. The FBAR is significantly sensitive to temperature change, consequently resulting in large temperature sensitivity of the FBAR-based oscillator. In this paper, we present a temperature compensation technique that improves the temperature coefficient (TCfosc) of a 1.625-GHz FBAR-based oscillator from -118 ppm/K to less than 1 ppm/K by tuning the supply voltage of the oscillator. The tuning technique has a large frequency tunability of -4305 ppm/V.
Image Analysis for 3D Modeling, Rendering, and Virtual View Generation

The generation of virtual environments for telepresence systems, interactive viewing, and immersion in remote 3D-scenarios is an expanding and very promising research field. The challenge of this technology is to design systems capable of synthesizing views from any desired perspective using a set of real-scene perspectives. In such a system, two main parts can be distinguished: multiview image-analysis and viewpoint synthesis. Among other methods, multiview image-analysis is comprised of methods for the solution of three commonly encountered difficult tasks in computer vision: estimation of pixel correspondence, object segmentation, and camera calibration. Moreover, the results of multiview image-analysis are the required foundations for image synthesis. In this paper, we present a robust framework for stereo-image analysis, 3D modeling, and viewpoint synthesis. The image analysis part comprises disparity estimation by an improved block-matching algorithm and depth-based object segmentation using morphology. The basic idea of the system is to solve each of these tasks in direct interaction with the others. The results obtained in the partial solution of the correspondence problem are used to substantially simplify the segmentation task and vice versa. In the image-synthesis part, two tasks are considered: direct generation of arbitrary intermediate views, and extraction of the 3D structure of the scene using disparity results and camera parameters. The system has been successfully demonstrated in the context of virtual-view generation and object manipulation through 3D modeling.
Intestinal dendritic cells: Their role in bacterial recognition, lymphocyte homing, and intestinal inflammation

&NA; Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in discriminating between commensal microorganisms and potentially harmful pathogens and in maintaining the balance between tolerance and active immunity. The regulatory role of DC is of particular importance in the gut where the immune system lies in intimate contact with the highly antigenic external environment. Intestinal DC constantly survey the luminal microenvironment. They act as sentinels, acquiring antigens in peripheral tissues before migrating to secondary lymphoid organs to activate naive T cells. They are also sensors, responding to a spectrum of environmental cues by extensive differentiation or maturation. Recent studies have begun to elucidate mechanisms for functional specializations of DC in the intestine that may include the involvement of retinoic acid and transforming growth factor‐&bgr;. Specialized CD103+ intestinal DC can promote the differentiation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells via a retinoic acid‐dependent process. Different DC outcomes are, in part, influenced by their exposure to microbial stimuli. Evidence is also emerging of the close interaction between bacteria, epithelial cells, and DC in the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis. Here we review recent advances of functionally specialized intestinal DC and their mechanisms of antigen uptake and recognition. We also discuss the interaction of DC with intestinal microbiota and their ability to orchestrate protective immunity and immune tolerance in the host. Lastly, we describe how DC functions are altered in intestinal inflammation and their emerging potential as a therapeutic target in inflammatory bowel disease. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2010)
Reward-related Brain Response and Craving Correlates of Marijuana Cue Exposure: A Preliminary Study in Treatment-seeking Marijuana-dependent Subjects

Objective: Determining the brain substrates underlying the motivation to abuse addictive drugs is critical for understanding and treating addictive disorders. Laboratory neuroimaging studies have demonstrated differential activation of limbic and motivational circuitry (eg, amygdala, hippocampus, ventral striatum, insula, and orbitofrontal cortex) triggered by cocaine, heroin, nicotine, and alcohol cues. The literature on neural responses to marijuana cues is sparse. Thus, the goals of this study were to characterize the brain's response to marijuana cues, a major motivator underlying drug use and relapse, and determine whether these responses are linked to self-reported craving in a clinically relevant population of treatment-seeking marijuana-dependent subjects. Methods: Marijuana craving was assessed in 12 marijuana-dependent subjects using the Marijuana Craving Questionnaire–Short Form. Subsequently, blood oxygen level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired during exposure to alternating 20-second blocks of marijuana-related versus matched nondrug visual cues. Results: Brain activation during marijuana cue exposure was significantly greater in the bilateral amygdala and the hippocampus. Significant positive correlations between craving scores and brain activation were found in the ventral striatum and the medial and lateral orbitofrontal cortex (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: This study presents direct evidence for a link between reward-relevant brain responses to marijuana cues and craving and extends the current literature on marijuana cue reactivity. Furthermore, the correlative relationship between craving and brain activity in reward-related regions was observed in a clinically relevant sample (treatment-seeking marijuana-dependent subjects). Results are consistent with prior findings in cocaine, heroin, nicotine, and alcohol cue studies, indicating that the brain substrates of cue-triggered drug motivation are shared across abused substances.
HIV-1 Incidence Rates and Risk Factors in Agricultural Workers and Dependents in Rural Kenya: 36-Month Follow-Up of the Kericho HIV Cohort Study

Background:Incidence data from prospective cohort studies using rigorous laboratory methods are important in designing and evaluating HIV vaccine and therapeutic clinical trials and health care programs. We report 36-month HIV-1 incidence rates and demographic and psychosocial risks from the Kericho cohort in rural Kenya's southern Rift Valley Province. Methods:Thirty-six month, prospective, closed, observational cohort study of adult plantation workers and dependents followed biannually. HIV-1 incidence rates per 100 person-years (py) were calculated, and Cox regression analyses were used to estimate hazards ratios (HR) associated with seroconversion. Results:Two thousand four hundred volunteers (mean age ± SD = 30.1 ± 8.5 years; 36.5% women) participated. Twenty-nine new HIV cases were identified in year 1 of follow-up, which increased to cumulative totals of 49 and 63 cases in years 2 and 3, respectively. The corresponding 1-, 2-, and 3-year incidence rates were 1.41 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.95-2.02], 1.16 (95% CI = 0.86-1.54), and 1.00 (95% CI = 0.77-1.28) per 100 py. Risk factors associated with HIV seroconversion included the following: of the Luo tribe (HR = 3.31; 95% CI = 1.65-6.63), marriage more than once (HR = 2.83; 95% CI = 1.20-6.69), self-reported male circumcision (HR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.17-0.60), history of sexually transmitted infection (HR = 2.40; 95% CI = 1.09-5.26), history of substance abuse during sex (HR = 2.44; 95% CI = 1.16-5.13), and history of transactional sex (HR = 3.30; 95% CI = 1.79-6.09). Conclusions:HIV-1 incidence rates were relatively low in adult plantation workers and dependents in rural Kenya. Cohorts including higher risk populations (eg, commercial sex workers) warrant consideration for regional HIV preventive vaccine trials. Even low incidence, well-described cohorts generate valuable epidemiological clinical trial data.