Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Iron Regulation of the Major Virulence Factors in the AIDS-Associated Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans

Iron overload is known to exacerbate many infectious diseases, and conversely, iron withholding is an important defense strategy for mammalian hosts. Iron is a critical cue for Cryptococcus neoformans because the fungus senses iron to regulate elaboration of the polysaccharide capsule that is the major virulence factor during infection. Excess iron exacerbates experimental cryptococcosis and the prevalence of this disease in Sub-Saharan Africa has been associated with nutritional and genetic aspects of iron loading in the background of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We demonstrate that the iron-responsive transcription factor Cir1 in Cr. neoformans controls the regulon of genes for iron acquisition such that cir1 mutants are “blind” to changes in external iron levels. Cir1 also controls the known major virulence factors of the pathogen including the capsule, the formation of the anti-oxidant melanin in the cell wall, and the ability to grow at host body temperature. Thus, the fungus is remarkably tuned to perceive iron as part of the disease process, as confirmed by the avirulence of the cir1 mutant; this characteristic of the pathogen may provide opportunities for antifungal treatment.
Joint Network-Source Coding: An Achievable Region with Diversity Routing

We are interested in how to best communicate a (usually real valued) source to a number of destinations (sinks) over a network with capacity constraints in a collective fidelity metric over all the sinks, a problem which we call joint network-source coding. Unlike the lossless network coding problem, lossy reconstruction of the source at the sinks is permitted. We make a first attempt to characterize the set of all distortions achievable by a set of sinks in a given network. While the entire region of all achievable distortions remains largely an open problem, we find a large, non-trivial subset of it using ideas in multiple description coding. The achievable region is derived over all balanced multiple-description codes and over all network flows, while the network nodes are allowed to forward and duplicate data packets.
Classifying patients with lumbar disc herniation and exploring the most effective risk factors for this disease

Objectives: To classify patients suffering from low back pain (LBP) into two different groups – patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and patients without this disease based on simple questions and without magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure – and to diagnose the most effective risk factors of LDH. Methods: Four hundred patients aged over 18 years suffering from LBP for over 6 months were randomized into two groups in this cross-sectional study. The data were gathered at Besat clinic, in Kerman, southeast of Iran. Twelve dichotomous questions from the main LDH risk factors were asked. Three statistical classification methods – K-nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), and logistic regression (LR) – were performed. LR was used in order to diagnose the most important risk factors of LDH. Results: SVM method was more efficient among the small sample sizes, while KNN method showed the best classification relative to other methods when the sample size increased. LR model had the least efficiency of all. The drug use increased the chance of LDH more than 7 times (OR=7.249), and the chance of having LDH among people who had associated illness was 4.847 times more compared with people who did not have. Using hookah increased the chance of having LDH more than twice (OR=2.401), and the chance of smokers for LDH was near four times higher than nonsmokers (OR=3.877). Conclusion: The statistical classification methods had acceptable precisions for diagnosis of LDH patients. It is suggested that neurologists become more familiar with these methods and use them before MRI prescription to decrease the unnecessary burden on health services. Addiction to drugs, cigarettes, and hookah is the main factor in the creation of a lumbar disc herniation.
C-reactive protein, obstructive sleep apnea, and cognitive dysfunction in school-aged children.

RATIONALE Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is associated with substantial neurobehavioral and cognitive dysfunction. However, not all children with OSA exhibit altered cognitive performance. OBJECTIVES To assess the magnitude of the systemic inflammatory response, as measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) serum levels which may identify children with OSA at higher susceptibility for cognitive morbidity. METHODS Habitually snoring children and nonsnoring children (total, 278; age range, 5-7 yr) were recruited from the community, and underwent overnight polysomnography and neurocognitive testing and a blood draw the next morning. Snoring children were divided into OSA and no-OSA groups, and children with OSA were further subdivided into those with two or more abnormal cognitive subtests and into those with normal cognitive scores. Serum levels of hsCRP were also measured. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Among snoring children without OSA, mean hsCRP was 0.19+/-0.07 mg/dl compared with 0.36+/-0.11 mg/dl in those with OSA (p<0.01). Furthermore, hsCRP was 0.48+/-0.12 mg/dl in children with OSA and cognitive deficits, compared with 0.21+/-0.08 mg/dl in children with OSA and normal cognitive scores (p<0.002). CONCLUSIONS hsCRP levels are higher in children with OSA, and particularly in those who develop neurocognitive deficits, suggesting that the magnitude of the inflammatory responses elicited by OSA is a major determinant of increased risk for neurocognitive dysfunction.
Quaternion-Valued Adaptive Filtering via Nesterov’s Extrapolation

A new quaternion-valued adaptive filtering algorithm based on extrapolated weight methods is proposed. The proposed algorithm belongs to the class of conjugate direction algorithms [1]. This class of extrapolation (momentum) based algorithms is preferred to RLS-based algorithms when the matrix inversion should be avoided, e.g. in the case of non-vector signals, sparse signals or non-stationary signals. This paper introduces Nesterov’s optimal gradient methods in widely linear quaternion adaptive filtering. The resulting class of algorithm is shown to both have similar computational complexity and comparable performance to WLQRLS; however, the proposed method is more stable and outperforms WLQRLS in the non-stationary case.
Survival and function of hepatocytes on a novel three-dimensional synthetic biodegradable polymer scaffold with an intrinsic network of channels.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the survival and function of hepatocytes (HCs) on a novel three-dimensional (3D) synthetic biodegradable polymer scaffold with an intrinsic network of interconnected channels under continuous flow conditions. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA The authors' laboratory has investigated HC transplantation using 3D biodegradable polymers as scaffolding as an alternative approach to treatment of end-stage liver disease. Previous studies have demonstrated survival of HCs transplanted on polymer discs in peripheral tissue sites and partial correction of single enzyme liver defects. One of the major limitations has been the insufficient survival of an adequate mass of transplanted cells; this is thought to be caused by inadequate oxygen diffusion. METHODS HCs and nonparenchymal liver cells from Lewis rats were seeded onto 3D biodegradable polymer scaffolds. Microporous 3D polymers were created using 3D printing on copolymers of polylactide-coglycolide. The cell/polymer constructs were placed in static culture or continuous flow conditions. The devices were retrieved after 2 days and examined by scanning electron microscopy and histology. Culture medium was analyzed for albumin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Differences in culture parameters including pH, PCO2, PO2, glucose, lactate, and HCO3 were examined. RESULTS Scanning electron microscopy revealed successful attachment of HCs on the 3D polymer in both static and flow conditions. Histology demonstrated viable HCs in both conditions. ELISA demonstrated a significantly higher mean concentration of albumin in flow conditions than in static conditions. Culture parameter analysis revealed a significantly higher PO2 and glucose level, and a more physiologic pH in flow conditions than in static conditions. CONCLUSIONS HCs cocultured with nonparenchymal cells can attach to and survive on the 3D polymer scaffolds in both static and flow conditions in the size and configuration used in this study. Flow conditions may provide a more conducive environment for HC metabolism and albumin synthesis than static conditions. The authors hypothesize that flow through directed channels will be necessary for the transfer of large masses of cells when implantation studies are initiated.
Stream-based Online Active Learning in a Contextual Multi-Armed Bandit Framework

We study the stream-based online active learning in a contextual multi-armed bandit framework. In this framework, the reward depends on both the arm and the context. In a stream-based active learning setting, obtaining the ground truth of the reward is costly, and the conventional contextual multi-armed bandit algorithm fails to achieve a sublinear regret due to this cost. Hence, the algorithm needs to determine whether or not to request the ground truth of the reward at current time slot. In our framework, we consider a stream-based active learning setting in which a query request for the ground truth is sent to the annotator, together with some prior information of the ground truth. Depending on the accuracy of the prior information, the query cost varies. Our algorithm mainly carries out two operations: the refinement of the context and arm spaces and the selection of actions. In our algorithm, the partitions of the context space and the arm space are maintained for a certain time slots, and then become finer as more information about the rewards accumulates. We use a strategic way to select the arms and to request the ground truth of the reward, aiming to maximize the total reward. We analytically show that the regret is sublinear and in the same order with that of the conventional contextual multi-armed bandit algorithms, where no query cost
A Multichannel EEG Acquisition Scheme Based on Single Ended Amplifiers and Digital DRL

Single ended (SE) amplifiers allow implementing biopotential front-ends with a reduced number of parts, being well suited for preamplified electrodes or compact EEG headboxes. On the other hand, given that each channel has independent gain; mismatching between these gains results in poor common-mode rejection ratios (CMRRs) (about 30 dB considering 1% tolerance components). This work proposes a scheme for multichannel EEG acquisition systems based on SE amplifiers and a novel digital driven right leg (DDRL) circuit, which overcome the poor CMRR of the front-end stage providing a high common mode reduction at power line frequency (up to 80 dB). A functional prototype was built and tested showing the feasibility of the proposed technique. It provided EEG records with negligible power line interference, even in very aggressive EMI environments.
Image deblurring with blurred/noisy image pairs

Taking satisfactory photos under dim lighting conditions using a hand-held camera is challenging. If the camera is set to a long exposure time, the image is blurred due to camera shake. On the other hand, the image is dark and noisy if it is taken with a short exposure time but with a high camera gain. By combining information extracted from both blurred and noisy images, however, we show in this paper how to produce a high quality image that cannot be obtained by simply denoising the noisy image, or deblurring the blurred image alone. Our approach is image deblurring with the help of the noisy image. First, both images are used to estimate an accurate blur kernel, which otherwise is difficult to obtain from a single blurred image. Second, and again using both images, a residual deconvolution is proposed to significantly reduce ringing artifacts inherent to image deconvolution. Third, the remaining ringing artifacts in smooth image regions are further suppressed by a gain-controlled deconvolution process. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach using a number of indoor and outdoor images taken by off-the-shelf hand-held cameras in poor lighting environments.
Becoming Teachers, becoming Researchers: A Case Study

This paper presents a case study of a group in initial primary teacher education students becoming researchers of their peers’ course experiences of school – university links. The connection between university teacher preparation programmes and work in school is a well-researched area with suggestions that there is a marked disconnect between the two. The project took an emergent approach to learning researching through carrying out a research project. Unlike many studies, both students and tutors were able to identify a range of links between their work in school and work in the university. Outcomes are presented for the becoming teachers as becoming researchers and as becoming teachers, as well as for the programme as a whole.
Effect of Extraction and Assay Media on Analysis of Airborne Endotoxin

ABSTRACT The measurement of airborne endotoxins is thus far not standardized. Earlier studies reported higher endotoxin yields when Tween 20 was added to the media used for filter extraction and in the Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. This study compared four common media and assessed the effects of Tween during extraction and analysis separately. Parallel airborne dust samples from five work environments (n = 250) were used to compare the four media (pyrogen-free water [PFW], PFW-Tween 20, PFW-Tris, and PFW-triethylamine-phosphate [TAP]) and an extraction time of 10 or 60 min. A subset of the extracts in PFW or PFW-Tween (n = 40) were analyzed in parallel LAL assays with PFW or PFW-Tween as the assay medium. The results produced by a shorter extraction time or the presence of Tris were similar to the results for the reference procedure (PFW and 60 min of shaking). The use of PFW-TAP showed overall lower yields and a deviant calibration curve. The presence of Tween in the extraction medium resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) higher endotoxin yields from all dust types, independent of the effect of Tween in the assay. Tween in the LAL assay, however, also strongly inhibited the reactivity of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) standard, thus shifting the calibration curve to higher values. The inhibition of LPS in test samples was less pronounced and varied between dust sources, resulting in enhanced calculated concentrations. This assay effect could be circumvented by diluting extracts at least 50-fold before the LAL assay. In conclusion, of the media tested, only Tween enhances the efficiency of endotoxin extraction from airborne dust samples in a consistent manner. We recommend extraction in PFW-Tween combined with dilution and LAL analysis in PFW.
Optimal Management of Mobile Energy Generation and Storage Systems

Grid operators and planners adopt distributed energy resources (DERs) to enhance efficiency, stability, reliability, and power quality of the electric grid, in addition, to defer the need for network upgrades. However, in many cases, there is a temporary need for DER supply, such as during peak grid prices and outages. Thus, mobile energy resources can be utilized in these cases to serve several customers at different locations. In this work, we propose a new approach for optimal operation of green mobile energy generation and storage systems (MEGSS). The aim of the proposed approach is to maximize the profit of the MEGSS fleet while meeting customers’ requirements. The outcomes of the proposed approach are the day-ahead optimal decisions regarding the customers to be served, the route to be followed by each MEGSS in the fleet, and the onboard resources scheduling. The MEGSS dispatch problem is formulated as a mixed-integer programming (MIP), which is decomposed into two sub-problems: an outer sub-problem and an inner sub-problem. The outer sub-problem decides on the customers to be served and the route to be followed, while the inner sub-problem decides on the onboard resources scheduling. Different case studies are presented to prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Lane departure warning system and method based on machine vision

A lane departure warning system based on machine vision comprises an interface processing unit, a forward-looking camera, a digital signal processing unit and a power source module, wherein the forward-looking camera is installed at the middle upper portion of an automobile front windshield, and the position where the forward-looking camera is installed does not shield the sight of a driver and can be cleaned by a windscreen wiper; the forward-looking camera collects the image in front of an automobile and transmits the image to the digital signal processing unit; the digital signal processing unit intelligently decides whether the automobile will deviate from a lane or not; image information processed by the digital signal processing unit is transmitted to the interface processing unit; the interface processing unit controls a warning device to work; the power source module supplies power to other modules. By the adoption of an advanced vision mode recognition algorithm, a high-speed digital signal processor is combined to analyze the road traffic of the camera installed on the automobile, when it is forecasted that the automobile will deviate from the lane and a driver is not conscious of deviation of the automobile, the driver is warned on the aspect of visual sense or sense of hearing or sense of touch, the driver is reminded to drive safely, and accidents are reduced effectively.
Orbital angular momentum: origins, behavior and applications

As they travel through space, some light beams rotate. Such light beams have angular momentum. There are two particularly important ways in which a light beam can rotate: if every polarization vector rotates, the light has spin; if the phase structure rotates, the light has orbital angular momentum (OAM), which can be many times greater than the spin. Only in the past 20 years has it been realized that beams carrying OAM, which have an optical vortex along the axis, can be easily made in the laboratory. These light beams are able to spin microscopic objects, give rise to rotational frequency shifts, create new forms of imaging systems, and behave within nonlinear material to give new insights into quantum optics.
Minocycline Reduces Microglial Activation and Improves Behavioral Deficits in a Transgenic Model of Cerebral Microvascular Amyloid

Cerebral microvascular amyloid β protein (Aβ) deposition and associated neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as an important component leading to cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease and related cerebral amyloid angiopathy disorders. Transgenic mice expressing the vasculotropic Dutch/Iowa (E693Q/D694N) mutant human Aβ precursor protein in brain (Tg-SwDI) accumulate abundant cerebral microvascular fibrillar amyloid deposits and exhibit robust neuroinflammation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the anti-inflammatory drug minocycline on Aβ accumulation, neuroinflammation, and behavioral deficits in Tg-SwDI mice. Twelve-month-old mice were treated with saline or minocycline by intraperitoneal injection every other day for a total of 4 weeks. During the final week of treatment, the mice were tested for impaired learning and memory. Brains were then harvested for biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis. Minocycline treatment did not alter the cerebral deposition of Aβ or the restriction of fibrillar amyloid to the cerebral microvasculature. Similarly, minocycline-treated Tg-SwDI mice exhibited no change in the levels of total Aβ, the ratios of Aβ40 and Aβ42, or the amounts of soluble, insoluble, or oligomeric Aβ compared with the saline-treated control Tg-SwDI mice. In contrast, the numbers of activated microglia and levels of interleukin-6 were significantly reduced in minocycline-treated Tg-SwDI mice compared with saline-treated Tg-SwDI mice. In addition, there was a significant improvement in behavioral performance of the minocycline-treated Tg-SwDI mice. These finding suggest that anti-inflammatory treatment targeted for cerebral microvascular amyloid-induced microglial activation can improve cognitive deficits without altering the accumulation and distribution of Aβ.
Smileys, Stars, Hearts, Buttons, Tiles or Grids: Influence of Response Format on Substantive Response, Questionnaire Experience and Response Time

Studies of the processes underlying question answering in surveys suggest that the choice of (layout for) response categories can have a significant effect on respondent answers. In recent years, the use of pictures, such as emojis or stars, is often used in online communication. It is unclear if pictorial answer categories can replace traditional verbal formats as measurement instruments in surveys. In this article we investigate different versions of a Likert-scale to see if they generate similar results and user experiences. Data comes from the non-probability based Flitspanel in the Netherlands. The hearts and stars designs received lower average scores compared to the other formats. Smileys produced average answer scores in line with traditional radio buttons. Respondents evaluated the smiley design most positively. Grid designs were evaluated more negatively. People wanting to compare survey outcomes should be aware of these effects and only compare results when similar response formats are used.