Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brucella: functional genomics and host–pathogen interactions

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by a number of Brucella species and is characterized by chronic macrophage infection. However, genes that may contribute to intracellular survival of the Brucella species are not well studied. This review presents, first, genomic islands that are present or absent in various Brucella species that may help establish Brucella infection and survival strategies. Second, the alteration in macrophage transcription by Brucella to permit its long-term survival within this hostile intracellular environment. A large number of macrophage gene transcripts are altered following Brucella infection indicating that Brucella is not a silent invader of host cells. Macrophage transcript levels associated with inflammation, apoptosis, signal transduction and vesicular intracellular trafficking are altered during Brucella infection, and likely contribute to intracellular survival of Brucella. Lastly, the host–pathogen interaction events associated with Brucella infection in living mice visualized in real-time using biophotonic imaging. Mice are often used to evaluate Brucella infections; however, Brucella dissemination and pathogenesis is poorly understood in mice. Biophotonic imaging of Brucella infections revealed sites of bacterial localization similar to human infections and different patterns of infection by attenuated or virulent Brucella.
Effects of Imperfect Secondary Path Modeling on Adaptive Active Noise Control Systems

Implementation of adaptive active noise control (ANC) systems requires an estimate model of the secondary path to be uploaded onto digital control hardware. In practice, this model is not necessarily perfect; however, to avoid mathematical difficulties, theoretical analysis of these systems is usually conducted for a perfect secondary path model. This paper conducts a stochastic analysis on performance of Filtered-x LMS (FxLMS)-based ANC systems when the actual secondary path and its model are not identical. This analysis results in a number of mathematical expressions, describing effects of a general secondary path model on stability, steady-state performance and convergence speed of FxLMS-based ANC systems. As a surprising result, it is found that intentional misadjustment of secondary path models can enhance performance of ANC systems in practice. Theoretical results are found to be in a good agreement with the results obtained from numerical analysis. Also, experimental results confirm the validity and accuracy of the theoretical results.
AN EFFICIENT SYNTHESIS AND REACTIONS OF 3-(8-HYDROXYQUINOLIN-5-YL)-7- METYHLTHIO-5-OXO-5H-(1, 3) THIAZOLO (3, 2-a) PYRIMIDINE-6-CARBONITRILE AS ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS

In the present study, a series of 3-(8-hydroxyquinolin-5-yl)-5-oxo-5H-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines (4a,b ), ( 5a-c) and (7a-c) were synthesized by the reaction of 7-metyhlthio-3-(8-hydroxyquinolin-5-yl)-5-oxo-5H-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carbonitrile (3) with different N- and Onucleophiles, such as hetaryl amines, aryl amines, substituted phenols in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate (K 2CO 3) and dimethyl formamide (DMF). Also, other fused tetracyclic thiazolo[2′,3′:1,2]pyrimido[5,4-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines (8a,b ) and ( 9) were synthesized on treatment of 3 with substituted aminothiazoles and 2-aminobenzothiazole. The parent compound ( 3) was reacted with hydrazine hydrate to obtain the corresponding aminopyrazole derivative ( 10 ) which was conducted to react with various reagents, such as acetic anhydride, acetyl acetone, ethyl acetoacetate and diethyl malonate to yield thiazolo[2,3′:1,2]pyrimido[4,5-c]pyazolo[2,3-a]pyrimidine derivatives ( 12-14 ). On the other hand, treatment of 10 with appropriate aromatic aldehydes afforded the corresponding arylidene derivatives ( 15a-c) . Finally, reaction of 4chlorobenzylidine derivative ( 15b) with thioglycolic acid and chloroacetyl chloride furnished the thiazolidinone and azetidenone derivatives ( 16) and ( 17) , respectively. All the new title compounds were characterized by elemental and spectral data. The antimicrobial activity of some novel products was evaluated by agar well-diffusion.
Effect of fast pH decline during the early postmortem period on calpain activity and cytoskeletal protein degradation of broiler M. pectoralis major.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of fast pH decline during the early postmortem period on calpain activity and the degradation of cytoskeletal proteins in broilers. Eighty broilers were randomly categorized into two groups: physical restraint (PR) and free struggle (FS). M. pectoralis major (PM) was used for determination of calpain activity, shear value, ultrastructure of myofibrils, and the degradation of desmin, titin, nebulin, and troponin-T. The pH (6.05) of FS group is significantly low than PR group (6.38) at 0.3 h postmortem. Fast pH decline during the early postmortem period led to a decrease of μ/m-calpain activities at 0.3 and 3 h postmortem (P < 0.05), but did not affect the ultimate μ/m-calpain activity. An initial fast decrease in pH increased the degradation of desmin, titin, nebulin, and increased the 30 kDa degradation fragments of troponin-T. Therefore, the fast pH decline during the early postmortem period decreased the μ/m-calpain activity and increased the degradation of cytoskeletal proteins in broiler muscle. It is possible that the fast pH decline experienced an earlier activation of calpains that resulted in earlier protein degradation and ultimately lower shear force.
Image feature tracker for SLAM with monocular vision

In this paper, an image feature tracking algorithm is proposed for improving the data association in robot visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). The detection of speeded-up robust features (SURF), a scale-invariant feature, is employed to provide a robust description for image features. However, to match the high-dimensional data sets created for SURF, the conventional nearest-neighbor (NN) method does not seem to provide a robust tool in dynamic environment. An algorithm based on Shi-Tomasi tracker is utilized to overcome the problem of unstable feature tracking. Experiments are carried out on a hand-held camera to verify the proposed algorithm and the results show that the performance of the feature tracking algorithm is efficient for dealing with data association problem in visual SLAM.
Exploratory procedures for material properties: the temperature perception

Any time there is a need to physically interact with the external world in an unstructured environment, a robotic system must be able to extract physical, geometrical, and substance properties of that environment. The authors use, and further define, the paradigm of exploratory procedures (EP's). The EP's are stereotypical motoric procedures executed by humans when exploring an object. They adapt these for use in the robotics domain. Among the many EP's, they concentrate on one specific case: the EP that returns the thermal property of an unknown object. They present a new approach for the design and modeling of thermal sensors for robotic applications. A model of one such sensor is developed and its validity is experimentally verified with different objects. Finally, an EP for acquiring the temperature property of an unknown object is described. <<ETX>>
Activation of AMP-activated Protein Kinase Regulates Hippocampal Neuronal pH by Recruiting Na+/H+ Exchanger NHE5 to the Cell Surface*

Background: Vesicular Na+/H+ exchanger NHE5 is implicated in neuronal pH homeostasis, but its role is poorly understood. Results: Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) increases plasmalemmal NHE5 abundance and activity in response to metabolic stress-induced acidosis. Conclusion: Interaction of NHE5 and AMPK represents a novel mechanism for coupling energy metabolism to pH regulation in nervous tissue. Significance: These findings provide new insight into nervous system pH homeostasis. Strict regulation of intra- and extracellular pH is an important determinant of nervous system function as many voltage-, ligand-, and H+-gated cationic channels are exquisitely sensitive to transient fluctuations in pH elicited by neural activity and pathophysiologic events such as hypoxia-ischemia and seizures. Multiple Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are implicated in maintenance of neural pH homeostasis. However, aside from the ubiquitous NHE1 isoform, their relative contributions are poorly understood. NHE5 is of particular interest as it is preferentially expressed in brain relative to other tissues. In hippocampal neurons, NHE5 regulates steady-state cytoplasmic pH, but intriguingly the bulk of the transporter is stored in intracellular vesicles. Here, we show that NHE5 is a direct target for phosphorylation by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key sensor and regulator of cellular energy homeostasis in response to metabolic stresses. In NHE5-transfected non-neuronal cells, activation of AMPK by the AMP mimetic AICAR or by antimycin A, which blocks aerobic respiration and causes acidification, increased cell surface accumulation and activity of NHE5, and elevated intracellular pH. These effects were effectively blocked by the AMPK antagonist compound C, the NHE inhibitor HOE694, and mutation of a predicted AMPK recognition motif in the NHE5 C terminus. This regulatory pathway was also functional in primary hippocampal neurons, where AMPK activation of NHE5 protected the cells from sustained antimycin A-induced acidification. These data reveal a unique role for AMPK and NHE5 in regulating the pH homeostasis of hippocampal neurons during metabolic stress.
Convergent learning algorithms for potential games with unknown noisy rewards

In this paper, we address the problem of convergence to Nash equilibria in games with rewards that are initially unknown and which must be estimated over time from noisy observations. These games arise in many real-world applications, whenever rewards for actions cannot be prespecified and must be learned on-line. Standard results in game theory, however, do not consider such settings. Specifically, using results from stochastic approximation and differential inclusions, we prove the convergence of variants of fictitious play and adaptive play to Nash equilibria in potential games and weakly acyclic games, respectively. These variants all use a multi-agent version of Q-learning to estimate the reward functions and a novel form of the e-greedy decision rule to select an action. Furthermore, we derive e-greedy decision rules that exploit the sparse interaction structure encoded in two compact graphical representations of games, known as graphical and hypergraphical normal form, to improve the convergence rate of the learning algorithms. The structure captured in these representations naturally occurs in many distributed optimisation and control applications. Finally, we demonstrate the efficacy of the algorithms in a simulated ad hoc wireless sensor network management problem.
Swarm-Inspired Modeling of a Highway System With Stability Analysis

Naturally occurring flocks and swarms have long commanded human attention, with much engineering inspiration drawn from the beauty, order, and capability of these highly decentralized systems. More recent simulation and modeling of swarms has given rise to interesting mathematical problems as well as useful control strategies for machine applications. Although highway systems are sometimes mentioned in the literature as a possible swarm theory application, a microscopic, decentralized model of vehicle interactions based on swarming philosophy does not exist to our knowledge. In this paper, a decentralized model made up of ordinary differential equations and smooth functions is developed. It is designed to describe the interactions of vehicles on a two-lane highway. The purpose of this new model is not primarily traffic simulation, but rather cooperative control design. The philosophy behind the modeling is borrowed from work on swarm theory, especially those simulations employing the motion control ideas known as Reynolds’ Rules. Vehicles in the swarm have different desired speeds, which can be maintained by changing lanes to avoid slower-moving lead vehicles, while also avoiding both frontal and side collisions. Stability analysis of the proposed model has been presented, as well as simulation results and possible uses.
Growth kinetics of human cytomegalovirus are altered in monocyte-derived macrophages

Stimulation of monocytes/macrophages with activated nonadherent cells allows productive nonlytic growth of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), but the viral replication cycle is delayed relative to replication of HCMV in human fibroblasts. Analysis of infected monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) mRNA for major immediate-early (MIE 86, 72, and 55) and late (pp65 and gB) gene expression by reverse transcription PCR indicates that transcription peaks at 3 and 7 days postinfection (dpi), respectively. In contrast, in human fibroblast controls, mRNA for MIE and late gene expression peaked at 5 and 48 h postinfection, respectively. Consistent with reverse transcription PCR experiments, double-label antibody experiments first detected MIE antigen expression at 12 h postinfection, peaking at 3 dpi, and late (pp65 or gB) antigen expression at 5 dpi, peaking at 7 dpi. MIE antigen was not detected between 3 and 7 dpi but reappeared and was coexpressed with pp65 in enlarged MDM nuclei at 7 dpi. After 7 dpi, macrophages with numerous vacuoles containing large amounts of pp65 and gB were observed in culture. These vacuoles were frequently seen at cellular contact points, suggesting that cell-to-cell transfer of virus was the major mode of viral transmission. Consistent with this observation, infectious virus was recovered from MDM cellular lysates but not culture supernatant. The delayed growth and compartmentalization of HCMV in macrophages may allow the cell to accommodate the viral replication cycle without cell lysis. In addition, the macrophage may function as a vehicle for cell-to-cell transmission of HCMV.
Genotoxicity of Diesel Emissions Part I : Mutagenicity and Other Genetic Effects

These data Indicate Lhat in this instance 1-NP and the DNPs did not contribute significantly to the induction of skin tumors in mice. Of the compounds detected. BoP was the major contributor to the tumorigenic potency in the Nissan extract (Table C.3). Benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF) and benzo[;lfluoranthene (BjF) were also significant contributors. ln the case of the Volk! Magen extract. the relatively low concentration of BoP relative tootherPAHs skewed the contributions ofBbF, BjF, and fluoranthene so that they were at least as significant as BaP in terms of tumorigenicity. ft is important to note that DBAs and DBPs wore not analyzed in these extracts. Savard and coworkers (1992) have performed a detailed chemical analysis of a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standard reference material particulate matter (SRM 1650) from a heavy-duty diesel engine (May et al. 1992). Estimates of the relative tumorigenic contributions of PAHs and nitro-PAHs are presented in Table C.4. BenzoUlfluoranthene made a significant contribution to the preweanling mouse assay, but had only a slight offect in the Jung implantation assay.
Unification of the Globally Distributed Spindle-Shaped Viruses of the Archaea

ABSTRACT Viruses with spindle-shaped virions are abundant in diverse environments. Over the years, such viruses have been isolated from a wide range of archaeal hosts. Evolutionary relationships between them remained enigmatic, however. Here, using structural proteins as markers, we define familial ties among these “dark horses” of the virosphere and segregate all spindle-shaped viruses into two distinct evolutionary lineages, corresponding to Bicaudaviridae and Fuselloviridae. Our results illuminate the utility of structure-based virus classification and bring additional order to the virosphere.
An Investigation of the Proximity Effect of Millimeter-Wave MMICs in Flip-Chip Configuration

A comparison between flip-chip mounting of monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) in microstrip transmission line technology and coplanar transmission line technology is presented. The influence of substrate proximity effects on the electrical behavior of the MMICs is examined and illustrated in normalized frequency independent graphs. Based on the results of this work, the performance of microstrip-MMICs used in flip-chip configuration can be estimated as a function of the chosen assembly geometry.
Emergency colonoscopy for distal intestinal obstruction syndrome in cystic fibrosis patients

Recent advances in the treatment of cardiorespiratory complications in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have improved median survival and resulted in gastrointestinal complications becoming more evident.1,2 The distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) develops due to the accumulation of viscid muco-faeculent material in the terminal ileum and right hemicolon.3 Reduced intestinal water content, lower luminal acidity of the foregut, and accumulation of intraluminal macromolecules contribute to the development of DIOS.4 Typically, patients develop progressive symptoms and signs of small bowel obstruction. A plain abdominal x ray will reveal dilated loops of centrally placed small bowel, with faecal loading at the terminal ileum and right hemicolon (see fig 1). Most cases will respond to the aggressive use of laxative agents administered orally and rectally, intravenous hydration, pancreatic supplements, and N -acetylcysteine (Parvolex) and gastrografin (meglumine diatrizoate) orally or per rectum.5–8 Surgical decompression has been reserved for refractory cases but carries a …
ViSum: Video Summarization Using Dyanamic Threshold

Summarized shots can be helpful in video analysis, indexing, browsing, and retrieval. Summarizing long duration shots of video sequences is an open research issues. The ViSum system basically deals with identification and extraction of key frames. The number of key frames to be extracted for each shot depends on the activity details of the shot. This method uses the statistics of comparison between the successive frames within a level extracted on the basis of color histograms and dynamic threshold. The results using proposed system on few video sequences are tested and the encouraging results are shown.
AMPK-mediated regulation of neuronal metabolism and function in brain diseases

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine kinase that functions as a key energy sensor in a wide variety of tissues. This kinase has been a major drug target for metabolic diseases (e.g., type 2 diabetes) and cancers. For example, metformin (an activator of AMPK) is a first-line diabetes drug that protects against cancers. Abnormal regulation of AMPK has been implicated in several brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and stroke. Given the emerging importance of neurodegenerative diseases in our aging societies, this review features the recent studies that have delineated the functions of AMPK in brain diseases and discusses their potential clinical implications or roles as drug targets in brain diseases.
Reversible alteration of the structure of globular proteins by anesthetic agents.

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Constraint-based timetabling-a case study

This paper reports a case study in applying constraint satisfaction techniques to university and school timetabling. It involves the construction of a substantial, carefully specified, fully tested and fully operational system. The software engineering aspect of constraint satisfaction is emphasized. Constraint satisfaction problems are expressed in a language more familiar to the formal software engineering community. This brings constraint satisfaction one step closer to formal specification, program verification and transformation; issues extensively studied in software engineering. In problem formulation, explicit domain constraints and heuristic information are made explicit. Moreover, the user's needs are considered more closely; for instance, when the program fails to find a solution, useful indications are produced to help in relaxation or reformulation of the problem.
Impact of Scene Decorrelation on Geosynchronous SAR Data Focusing

We discuss the effects of the clutter on geosynchronous SAR systems exploiting long integration times (from minutes to hours) to counteract for two-way propagation losses and increase azimuth resolution. Only stable targets will be correctly focused whereas unstable targets will spread their energy along azimuth direction. We derive here a generic model for the spreading of the clutter energy based on the power spectral density of the clutter itself. We then assume the Billingsley Intrinsic Clutter Motion model, representing the clutter power spectrum as an exponential decay, and derive the expected GEOSAR signal-to-clutter ratio. We also provide some results from a Ground Based RADAR experiment aimed at assessing the long-term clutter statistics for different scenarios to complement the Internal Clutter Motion model, mainly derived for windblown trees. Finally, we discuss the expected performances of two GEOSAR systems with different acquisition geometries.
Why the rich should like R&D less

It is well known that research and development (R&D) is an important engine for economic growth. Also, initial wealth inequality and subsequent economic growth are well known to be related. This paper links inequality and R&D-driven growth. It shows that in a class of economies where R&D is the main engine for growth, different wealth groups differ in their desire for aggregate innovative efforts: the higher the profit share of the individual's incomes the lower their ideal aggregate R&D and innovation. If rich shareholders were able to pursue their common interest and to discourage too much R&D compared, then a pro-labour government able to impose distortionary progressive taxation, by minimizing the difference between the rich and the poor can maximize growth. Such predicted negative relationship between desired R&D and dynastic wealth is robust to any subsidy rate lower than 100%
Atomic force microscopy analysis of rat pulmonary surfactant fi lms

a Lawson Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada b Departments of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada c Departments of Obstetrics & Gyneacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada d Departments of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada e Departments of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada f Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada g Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA