Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Triggers Oxygen-Dependent Apoptosis in Human Neutrophils through the Cooperative Effect of Type 1 Fimbriae and Lipopolysaccharide

ABSTRACT Type 1 fimbriae are the most commonly expressed virulence factor on uropathogenic Escherichia coli. In addition to promoting avid bacterial adherence to the uroepithelium and enabling colonization, type 1 fimbriae recruit neutrophils to the urinary tract as an early inflammatory response. Using clinical isolates of type 1 fimbriated E. coli and an isogenic type 1 fimbria-negative mutant (CN1016) lacking the FimH adhesin, we investigated if these strains could modulate apoptosis in human neutrophils. We found that E. coli expressing type 1 fimbriae interacted with neutrophils in a mannose- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-dependent manner, leading to apoptosis which was triggered by the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species. This induced neutrophil apoptosis was abolished by blocking FimH-mediated attachment, by inhibiting NADPH oxidase activation, or by neutralizing LPS. In contrast, CN1016, which did not adhere to or activate the respiratory burst of neutrophils, delayed the spontaneous apoptosis in an LPS-dependent manner. This delayed apoptosis could be mimicked by adding purified LPS and was also observed by using fimbriated bacteria in the presence of d-mannose. These results suggest that LPS is required for E. coli to exert both pro- and antiapoptotic effects on neutrophils and that the difference in LPS presentation (i.e., with or without fimbriae) determines the outcome. The present study showed that there is a fine-tuned balance between type 1 fimbria-induced and LPS-mediated delay of apoptosis in human neutrophils, in which altered fimbrial expression on uropathogenic E. coli determines the neutrophil survival and the subsequent inflammation during urinary tract infections.
Athletic Trainers and Sport Psychology: Knowledge, Experience and Attitudes

Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) play a unique role in sport environments as the primary medical staff available to athletes. Thus, ATCs are well positioned to oversee athletes’ physical and psychological well-being. Although sport psychologists (SPs) have been identified as a potential resource for ATCs, previous studies have reported a lack of collaboration between SPs and ATCs. This study aimed to (a) examine ATCs’ views regarding professional roles for both ATCs and SPs, (b) explore ATCs’ referral behaviors, (c) evaluate ATCs belief in the credibility of sport psychology across demographic (i.e., gender, age) and experiential variables (i.e., access to SPs), and (d) examine ATCs’ involvement in sport psychology. Four hundred ninety-six ATCs (265 men, 231 women) completed and returned the questionnaire. ATCs viewed assisting in the psychological recovery of athletes as the most acceptable professional role for fellow ATCs; aiding in the psychological recovery of injured athletes and teach mental skills were identified by ATCs as the most appropriate roles for SPs. In considering an athlete experiencing interpersonal difficulties (e.g., relationship problems), a mixed design ANOVA revealed a ATC sex by referral option interaction; female and male ATCs indicated they would likely refer the athlete to a counselor/therapist, followed by a SP, however, female ATCs reported a greater likelihood of referring to a counselor/therapist than male ATCs whereas male ATCs indicated a greater likelihood of referring to a SP. Further, ATCs’ regular access to SPs and completion of formal sport psychology coursework were identified as variables associated with greater belief in the credibility of sport psychology. These results suggest that access and previous experience with SPs remain significant variables associated with ATCs views about, and belief in, the work of SPs. Implications for sport psychology professionals and recommendations for future research are discussed.
VERBAL ABILITY AND SOCIAL STRESS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT

by Kimberly Elizabeth Lanni, Ph.D. Washington State University August 2011 Chair: G. Leonard Burns Autism is characterized by severe and persistent impairment in social interaction, communication, and restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. In addition, children with autism demonstrate a significantly higher prevalence of anxiety, particularly social anxiety, than children with other developmental disabilities or chronic health conditions. Physiological indices of stress portray irregularities in the diurnal rhythm of the neuroendocrine system and variability in the LHPA axis response to acute stress in children with autism. The Trier Social Stress Test–Child version (TSST-C) is a standardized, social-evaluative stress protocol designed to evoke a significant physiological stress response in healthy participants and is a widely used technique for evaluating the LHPA axis in clinical populations. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the neuroendocrine (cortisol) and psychological (anxiety) response to performance of the TSST-C in children with autism, relative to typical development, and to determine the association between physiological stress and anxiety. Because the TSST-C involves the completion of tasks that employ verbal communication and executive functioning skills, two abilities that are often implicated in autism, the Delis Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFFS) Verbal Fluency Test and NEPSY Narrative Memory test were considered as predictor variables. Two groups, each comprised of fifteen children between the ages of 8 and
A fast Kalman filter for images degraded by both blur and noise

An optimal line-by-line recursive Kalman filter is derived for restoring images which are degraded in a deterministic way by linear blur and in a stochastic way by additive white noise. To reduce the computational and storage burden imposed by this line-by-line recursive Kalman filter circulant matrix approximations are made in order to diagonalize - by means of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) - both the model matrices and the distortion matrix in the dynamical model of the total image-recording system. Then the dynamical model reduces to a set of N decoupled equations and the line-by-line recursive Kalman filter based on this model reduces to a set of N scalar Kalman filters suitable for parallel processing of the data in the Fourier domain. Finally, via an inverse FFT the filtered data is presented in the data domain. The total number of computations for an N×N image reduces from the order of 0(N4) to 0(N^{2}\log_{2}N) .
Development and Application of Stable Phantoms for the Evaluation of Photoacoustic Imaging Instruments

Photoacoustic imaging combines the high contrast of optical imaging with the spatial resolution and penetration depth of ultrasound. This technique holds tremendous potential for imaging in small animals and importantly, is clinically translatable. At present, there is no accepted standard physical phantom that can be used to provide routine quality control and performance evaluation of photoacoustic imaging instruments. With the growing popularity of the technique and the advent of several commercial small animal imaging systems, it is important to develop a strategy for assessment of such instruments. Here, we developed a protocol for fabrication of physical phantoms for photoacoustic imaging from polyvinyl chloride plastisol (PVCP). Using this material, we designed and constructed a range of phantoms by tuning the optical properties of the background matrix and embedding spherical absorbing targets of the same material at different depths. We created specific designs to enable: routine quality control; the testing of robustness of photoacoustic signals as a function of background; and the evaluation of the maximum imaging depth available. Furthermore, we demonstrated that we could, for the first time, evaluate two small animal photoacoustic imaging systems with distinctly different light delivery, ultrasound imaging geometries and center frequencies, using stable physical phantoms and directly compare the results from both systems.
Influence of Gender on Judgment of Dark and Nondark Humor

We examined gender differences in the perception of dark and nondark humor. Judgment ratings based on four humor characteristics (Surprise, Incongruity, Comprehension and Funniness) were assessed. Results revealed significant differences in the perception of dark and nondark humorous cartoons for women only. Women rated nondark cartoons as less incongruous and less surprising but more comprehensible and funny than dark ones. Furthermore, for men (n = 150) and women (n = 150), Surprise and Comprehension ratings were both significant predictors of the funniness of nondark cartoons. However, Funniness predictors of dark cartoons were modulated by gender. These results reflect general inter-individual differences on the appreciation of specific forms of humor and extend Suls's cognitive model (1972) of humor.
Vignette : Reimagining the Analog Photo Album

1 Abstract Although the smartphone has emerged as the most convenient device on which to capture photos, it lacks the tools to effectively view and organize these photos. Given the casual nature of smartphone photography, we propose a system that can streamline and simplify the post-capture process. We propose Vignette, a content management system for smartphone photography that improves the visual story by automating the organization of a user's photo album. We hope to provide dynamic organization of photo albums that supports user queries including requests for images of a particular person or genre. The main task we consider is clustering photos of a particular individual.
Characterization of Chromate‐Resistant and ‐Reducing Bacteria by Traditional Means and by a High‐Throughput Phenomic Technique for Bioremediation Purposes

To select strains for the bioremediation of Cr(VI)‐polluted environments, four highly Cr(VI)‐resistant bacterial isolates were identified and characterized using both traditional techniques and a novel approach called phenotype microarrays. The isolates were identified as members of Pseudomonas mendocina (strains 34 and 56) and members of Pseudomonas corrugata (strains 22 and 28). Results showed that it was possible, by varying the carbon/energy source, to decouple bacterial growth and Cr(VI) reduction, inasmuch as some carbon/energy sources were more effective electron donors for chromate reduction, whereas other sources supported growth but not an effective chromate reduction. The isolates were characterized by a novel high‐throughput technique, phenotype microarrays (PM)‐Biolog, which can test up to 2000 cellular phenotypes simultaneously. The isolates belonging to P. corrugata had PM profiles different from those of the isolates belonging to P. mendocina. Such differences were related to the capacity of the isolates to resist various chemicals, pH values, and osmolytic substances. With the PM technique a very large amount of information about the fitness of isolates in the presence of different stressors could be obtained.
Characterization of Human Atherosclerosis by Optical Coherence Tomography

Background—High-resolution visualization of atherosclerotic plaque morphology may be essential for identifying coronary plaques that cause acute coronary events. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an intravascular imaging modality capable of providing cross-sectional images of tissue with a resolution of 10 &mgr;m. To date, OCT imaging has not been investigated in sufficient detail to assess its accuracy for characterizing atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this study was to establish objective OCT image criteria for atherosclerotic plaque characterization in vitro. Methods and Results—OCT images of 357 (diseased) atherosclerotic arterial segments obtained at autopsy were correlated with histology. OCT image criteria for 3 types of plaque were formulated by analysis of a subset (n=50) of arterial segments. OCT images of fibrous plaques were characterized by homogeneous, signal-rich regions; fibrocalcific plaques by well-delineated, signal-poor regions with sharp borders; and lipid-rich plaques by signal-poor regions with diffuse borders. Independent validation of these criteria by 2 OCT readers for the remaining segments (n=307) demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity ranging from 71% to 79% and 97% to 98% for fibrous plaques, 95% to 96% and 97% for fibrocalcific plaques, and 90% to 94% and 90% to 92% for lipid-rich plaques, respectively (overall agreement, &kgr;=0.83 to 0.84). The interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities of OCT assessment were high (&kgr; values of 0.88 and 0.91, respectively). Conclusions—Objective OCT criteria are highly sensitive and specific for characterizing different types of atherosclerotic plaques. These results represent an important step in validating this new intravascular imaging modality and will provide a basis for the interpretation of intracoronary OCT images obtained from patients.
Biomechanical analysis of the single-leg decline squat

Background: The single-leg squat on a 25° decline board has been described as a clinical assessment tool and as a rehabilitation exercise for patients with patellar tendinopathy. Several assumptions have been made about its working mechanism on patellar load and patellofemoral forces, but these are not substantiated by biomechanical evaluations. Aim: To investigate knee moment and patellofemoral contact force as a function of decline angle in the single-leg squat. Methods: Five subjects performed single-leg eccentric squats at decline angles of 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20° and 25° (with/without a backpack of 10 kg), and 30° on a board that was placed over a forceplate. Kinematic and forceplate data were recorded by the Optotrak system. Joint moments of ankle, knee and hip were calculated by two-dimensional inverse dynamics. Results: Knee moment increased by 40% at decline angles of 15° and higher, whereas hip and ankle moment decreased. Maximum knee and ankle angles increased with steeper decline. With a 10 kg backpack at 25° decline, the knee moment was 23% higher than unloaded. Both patellar tendon and patellofemoral forces increased with higher decline angles, but beyond 60°, the patellofemoral force rose steeper than the tendon force. Conclusions: All single-leg squats at decline angles >15° result in 40% increase in maximum patellar tendon force. In knee flexions >60°, patellofemoral forces increase more than patellar tendon forces. Higher tendon load can be achieved by the use of a backpack with extra weight.
3.6-KB Mouse Cyclin C Promoter Fragment is Predominantly Active in the Testis

Cyclin C is a highly conserved protein that regulates cell-cycle, messenger RNA transcription and cell adhesion. Recently published studies demonstrate that this protein is an essential player during early embryonic development of multicellular eukaryotes as well. In order to understand better its complex function at the level of tissues or organs, spatial expression characteristics of cyclin C and regulatory components of its expression are needed to be determined. In vitro studies on human cells suggested that approximately the first 3 kilobases of the cyclin C promoter might contain all the regulatory elements that might mimic transcription of cyclin C. To test the hypothesis, we generated reporter transgenic lines where the first 3.6-kilobase region of mouse cyclin C promoter fragment drives the transcription of a marker gene. Messenger RNA levels of the marker gene and cyclin C isoforms were measured in nine organs with reverse transcription coupled quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction and their expression patterns were compared. The marker gene is predominantly transcribed in testes and does not follow the transcriptional regulation of the examined cyclin C isoforms. Thus, the isolated promoter fragment alone is not sufficient for the complete physiological modulation of cyclin C RNA levels, however, it is capable of enhancing testicular transcription which can be exploited in future applications.
"Social justice needs to be everywhere": imagining the future of anti-oppression education in teacher preparation

This article analyzes a social-justice teacher education project in a larger teacher education program in Western Canada. This program-within-a-program took an anti-oppressive education approach designed to help teacher candidates to understand and challenge various forms of inequity and their interconnections. We review the social justice project first, through a descriptive analysis of our teaching, and second, through hour-long qualitative, semistructured interviews with 20 graduates of our program (all beginning teachers). Our alumni provided examples of teaching against the grain and also spoke to the challenges of implementing critical pedagogies. We conclude by providing four key recommendations and reflecting on the implications for future teacher preparation. Cet article analyse un projet de justice sociale dans le cadre d’un important programme de formation des enseignants dans l’Ouest canadien. Ce « programme a l’interieur d’un programme » a adopte une approche pedagogique contre l’oppression, concue pour aider les etudiants en pedagogie a comprendre et a remettre en question diverses formes d’iniquite et les liens entre elles. Nous nous penchons sur le programme de justice sociale, d’abord par une analyse descriptive de notre enseignement, ensuite par des entrevues qualitatives et semi-structurees d’une heure aupres de finissants de notre programme (tous debutant leur carriere d’enseignant). Nos anciens ont fourni des exemples d’enseignement a contre-courant et ont evoque les defis lies a la mise en oeuvre de pedagogies critiques. Nous concluons en presentant quatre recommandations cles et en reflechissant aux consequences pour la formation des enseignants a l’avenir.
Fuzzy-neurologic in segmentationofmri images

Image segmentation is an important process to extract information from complex medical images. Segmentation has wide application in medical field. The main objective of image segmentation is to partition an image into mutually exclusive and exhausted regions such that each region of interest is spatially contiguous and the pixels within the region are homogeneous with respect to a predefined criterion. Widely used homogeneity criteria include values of intensity, texture, color, range, surface normal and surface curvatures. During the past, many researchers in the field of medical imaging and soft computing have made significant survey in the field of image segmentation. This paper aims to develop an improved method of segmentation using Fuzzy-Neuro logic to detect various tissues like white matter, gray matter; cerebral spinal fluid and tumor for a given magnetic resonance image data set. Generally magnetic resonance images always contain a significant amount of noise caused by operator performance, equipment, and the environment, which can lead to serious inaccuracies. So segmentation of such medical images is a challenging problem in the field of image analysis. Several diagnostics are based on proper segmentation of the digitized image. Segmentation of medical images is needed for applications involving estimation of the boundary of an object, classification of tissue abnormalities, shape analysis, contour detection. In particular Fuzzy-Neuro logic segmentation algorithm is used to provide satisfactory results compared to K-means, Fuzzy C-Means, Neural Network and Fuzzy logic.
Clustering Multivariate Empiric Characteristic Functions for Multi-Class SVM Classification

— A dissimilarity measure between the empiric characteristic functions of the subsamples associated to the different classes in a multivariate data set is proposed. This measure can be efficiently computed, and it depends on all the cases of each class. It may be used to find groups of similar classes, which could be joined for further analysis, or it could be employed to perform an agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis of the set of classes. The final tree can serve to build a family of binary classification models, offering an alternative approach to the multi-class SVM problem. We have tested this dendrogram based SVM approach with the one-against-one SVM approach over four publicly available data sets, three of them being microarray data. Both performances have been found equivalent, but the first solution requires a smaller number of binary SVM models.
Fast sequential cell noise immunity characterization using meta-stable point of feedback loop

Noise glitches can cause functional errors or failures if they are latched into sequential cells. Thus it is very important to determine or characterize noise failure criteria of sequential cells. However, characterizing noise failure criteria of sequential cells is very computationally expensive because it often requires multiple transient simulations with different clock waveform shapes and alignments, known as clock sweeping. In this paper, we propose a new technique that eliminates the clock sweeping by using the meta-stable point of sequential cells. Our experiments with industrial circuits have shown that the proposed method is on average 58times faster than the conventional clock sweeping method and its average error is only 2.4%
Nonlinear Approaches to an Improved Understanding of West Antarctic Paleoclimate

Artificial neural networks (ANN) provide an opportunity to improve our understanding of West Antarctic climate by providing new nonlinear tools for prediction and analysis. ANN-based prediction supports development of a complete automatic weather station (AWS) record for the last twenty years, filling in gaps due to equipment failure and extending records to pre-date station installation. Traditional linear methods for extracting variance modes, principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA), are expanded into the nonlinear domain with new ANN-based methods. Nonlinear PCA is used to explore nonlinear behavior within West Antarctic glaciochemical and atmospheric circulation data sets. Nonlinear CCA is used to explore possible relationships between the glaciochemistry and the regional atmospheric circulation. All of these tasks are pursued with the intent of improving our understanding of modern West Antarctic climate and our interpretations of ice-core-based proxies for paleoclimate. Furthermore, this work seeks a suite of new nonlinear tools suited to understanding the nonlinear climate system of this region. 1. Introduction 1.1 Background/Motivation Ice-core data provide windows on past climates that are critical in understanding and eventually predicting the climate system. Major U.S. efforts are devoted to understanding the time and space variability of climate using West Antarctic ice-core data under the auspices of U.