Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating the borderline between a young star cluster and a small stellar association: a test case with Bochum 1

Context. Usually, a loose stellar distribution can be classified as an OB stellar group, an association, or a young open cluster. We compare data with the typical OB association Vul OB1. Aims. Here, we discuss the nature of Bochum 1, a typical example of an object affected by the above classification problem. Methods. Field-decontaminated 2MASS photometry is used to analyse colour–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) and stellar radial density profiles (RDPs) of the structures present in the region of Bochum 1. Results. The field-decontaminated CMD of Bochum 1 shows main sequence (MS) and pre-main sequence (PMS) stars. We report two new small angular-size, compact young clusters and one embedded cluster in the area of Bochum 1. Vul OB1 harbours the young open cluster NGC 6823 and the very compact embedded cluster Cr 404. The Vul OB1 association includes the H II region Sh2-86, and its stellar content is younger (≈3 Myr) than that of Bochum 1 (≈9 Myr), which shows no gas emission. Bochum 1 harbours one of the newly found compact clusters as its core. The RDP of Bochum 1 is irregular and cannot be fitted by a King-like profile, which suggests significant erosion or dispersion of stars from a primordial cluster. Similarly to Bochum 1, the decontaminated CMD of NGC 6823 presents conspicuous MS and PMS sequences. Taken separately, RDPs of MS and PMS stars follow a King-like profile. The core shows an excess density of MS stars that mimics the profile of a post-core collapse cluster. At such a young age, it can be explained by an excess of stars formed in the prominent core. Conclusions. The present study suggests that Bochum 1 is a star cluster fossil remain that might be dynamically evolving into an OB association. Bochum 1 may be a missing link connecting early star cluster dissolution with the formation of low-mass OB associations.
Oncology Critical Care Nurse's Knowledge about Insertion, Care and Complications of Venous Port Catheters in Egypt

Implantable port catheter devices are frequently used to manage patients undergoing long term administration of chemotherapy. Though it has many advantages, they are not free from complications. Nurse's who are knowledgeable and competent in the basic aspects of port-a-cath care able to ensure specific child needs are met and prevent further complications. Aim: was to assess Oncology Critical Care Nurse's Knowledge about insertion, Care and Complications of Venous Port Catheters in Egypt. Research Design: A descriptive design was utilized. Setting: was conducted at critical care units at 57357 hospitals in Egypt. Subject: A convenient sample of 100 oncology nurses who cared for patients undergoing port-a-cath insertion were enrolled in this study. Tools: nurse's background and implantable port catheter care knowledge questionnaire were utilized. Results: In this study, 62% of oncology nurses received in-service training courses about the implantable port catheter. Also, it revealed two thirds of the studied subjects (69%) have got satisfactory knowledge level with the average mean 40.31+2.12 out of 50. Moreover, it showed high significant differences among the oncology nurses level of knowledge by their age and educational qualifications and total knowledge scores (X2=13.17, p=0.001 and X2=7.79, p=0.02 respectively), nurses' years of experience in nursing profession, experience in handling port-a-cath, attending training courses about port-a-cath (X2=23.48, p=0.0001; X2=20.89, p=0.0001 and X2=55.47, p=0.0001 respectively. Conclusion: The majority of the oncology nurses had got satisfactory level and there was significant correlation between the nurses' knowledge level and their demographic characteristics except their gender. Recommendations: periodic consideration of in-service training programs regarding port-a-cath implantation care according to the updated standards and guidelines.
Chapter 2 Solute Transport in Soil

Solute transport is of importance in view of the movement of nutrient elements, e.g. towards the plant root system, and because of a broad range of pollutants. Pollution of the subsurface is often considered to be either point source pollution or diffuse source pollution. Point source pollution covers a limited area, and is often caused by accidental (or illegal) spills (e.g. leaking pipes, tanks, mine tailings, etc.). Diffuse source pollution covers a large area and is in general caused by large-scale application of both beneficial and hazardous compounds at the soil surface (manure and fertilizer, pesticides, atmospheric deposition of acids and radio nuclides, etc.). Pollution is not necessarily man induced, but may be due to geological or geohydrological causes, e.g. in the cases of pollution with arsenic, and salt.
Structural-stability studies on recombinant human transferrin

Transferrin is an attractive candidate for drug delivery due to its ability to cross the blood brain barrier. However, in order to be able to use it for therapeutic purposes, it is important to investigate how its stability depends on different formulation conditions. Combining high-throughput thermal and chemical denaturation studies with small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, it was possible to connect the stability of transferrin with its conformational changes. The release of iron induces opening of transferrin, which results in a negative effect on its stability. Presence of NaCl, arginine, and histidine leads to opening of the transferrin N-lobe and has a negative impact on the overall protein stability. Statement of significance Protein-based therapeutics have become an essential part of medical treatment. They are highly specific, have high affinity and fewer off-target effects. However, stabilization of proteins is critical, time-consuming, and expensive, and it is not yet possible to predict the behavior of proteins under different conditions. The current work is focused on a molecular understanding of the stability of human serum transferrin; a protein which is abundant in blood serum, may pass the blood brain barrier and therefore with high potential in drug delivery. Combination of high throughput unfolding techniques and structural studies, using small angle X-ray scattering and molecular dynamic simulation, allows us to understand the behavior of transferrin on a molecular level.
Optimal trajectory planning with quintic G/sup 2/-splines

This paper deals with the generation of optimal paths for the automated steering of autonomous vehicles. The path is parametrized by quintic G/sup 2/-splines, or /spl eta/-spline, devised to guarantee the overall second order geometric continuity of a composite path interpolating an arbitrary sequence of points. Starting from the closed-form /spl eta/-parametrization of the spline an optimization criterion is proposed to design smooth curves. The aim is to plan curves where the curvature variability is kept as small as possible. With good approximation, in a flatness based control scheme, this corresponds to minimize the change-rate of the steering control. Various examples are included to highlight the ductility and effectiveness of the planning.
Title Cardiovascular modeling of congenital heart disease based onneonatal echocardiographic images

‐ This paper proposes a three‐dimensional cardio‐ vascular modeling system based on neonatal echocardio‐ graphic images. With the system, medical doctors can in‐ teractively construct patient‐specific cardiovascular models, and share the complex topology and the shape information. For the construction of cardiovascular models with a varie‐ ty of congenital heart diseases, we propose a set of algo‐ rithms and interface that enable editing of the topology and shape of the three‐dimensional models. In order to facilitate interactivity, the centerline and radius of the vessels are used to edit the surface of the heart vessels. This forms a skeleton where the centerlines of blood vessel serve as the nodes and edges, while the radius of the blood vessel is given as an attribute value to each node. Moreover, parent‐ child relationships are given to each skeleton. They are ex‐ pressed as the directed acyclic graph (DAG), where the skeletons are viewed as graph nodes and the connecting points are graph edges. The cardiovascular models generat‐ ed from some patient data confirmed that the developed technique is capable of constructing cardiovascular disease models in a tolerable timeframe. It is successful in repre‐ senting the important structures of the patient‐specific heart vessels for better understanding in preoperative planning and electric medical recording of the congenital heart disease.
Financial estimates against investors’ preferences: anchoring, denial and spillover effects

This experimental study investigates how the characteristics of an estimate in a sensitivity disclosure and the level of threat it presents to investors’ preferences interact to influence investors’ risk judgments. Firstly, I predict and find that variation in an estimate affects not only investors’ judgment on a related issue but also their future judgments on an unrelated issue. Secondly, I predict and find that investors are more sensitive to variations in an estimate when information contained in the estimate presents less threat to their preferred conclusions than when it presents greater threat. Finally, I predict and find that investors perceive more uncertainty regarding the association between the disclosed risk factor and the estimated financial reporting item in the estimate when the information presents greater threat.
Sandwich cortical lamination and single-cell analysis decodes the developing spatial processing system

The entorhinal cortex consists of several important cell types including, the grid cells, speed cells, border cells and head-direction cells and is important for memory, spatial navigation and perception of time. Here, we trace in detail the development of the entorhinal cortex. Using single-cell profiling we provide unique transcriptional signatures for glia, excitatory and inhibitory neurons existing in the region, including RELN+ cells in layer (L) II and superficial pyramidal neurons. We identified a sandwich layered cortex, where LII emerges prior to LIII and superficial cells maintain a deep layer molecular identity after birth. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the formation of the brain’s cognitive memory and spatial processing system and provides insight into the transcriptional identity and spatial position of the entorhinal cells.
Conjunctive changes in two distinct ion channels mediate activity-dependent intrinsic plasticity in rat dentate gyrus granule cells

SUMMARY The concomitant roles of synaptic plasticity and neuron-specific intrinsic plasticity as putative cellular substrates of learning and memory are well established. Although the dentate gyrus (DG) was the first brain region to provide us electrophysiological insights about plasticity in synaptic strength and in intrinsic excitability, the assessment of the protocols, mechanisms and implications associated with intrinsic plasticity in DG has been surprisingly limited. In this study, we focused on identifying behaviorally relevant activity patterns that could induce intrinsic plasticity in granule cells (GC) and on mechanistically understanding such plasticity. We employed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings to explore the impact of intracellularly initiated theta-modulated burst firing, in the absence of synaptic stimulation, on neuronal intrinsic properties of rat GCs. We found that theta burst firing induced a significant reduction in sub-threshold excitability and temporal summation, accompanied by an unexpected contrasting enhancement of supra-threshold excitability in GCs. We show that conjunctive changes in HCN and persistent sodium channels mediated this form of plasticity, which was found to be dependent on influx of cytosolic calcium, with L-type calcium channels and intracellular calcium stores contributing to calcium influx. Our results unveil the expression of conjunctive plasticity in multiple channels, responding to the same activity pattern, thereby establishing a plasticity manifold involving strong rules governing concomitant plasticity in different components. We postulate that activity-dependent increase in neuronal firing rate could act as a putative substrate for the emergence of engram cells, and the associated reduction in sub-threshold excitability could concomitantly provide homeostatic balance and specificity to this encoding process.
Developmental Stage-Specific Distribution of Macrophages in Mouse Mammary Gland

Mammary gland development begins in the embryo and continues throughout the reproductive life of female mammals. Tissue macrophages (Mϕs), dependent on signals from the Mϕ colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), have been shown to regulate the generation, regression and regeneration of this organ, which is central for mammalian offspring survival. However, the distribution of Mϕs in the pre- and post-natal mammary gland, as it undergoes distinct phases of development and regression, is unknown or has been inferred from immunostaining of thin tissue sections. Here, we used optical tissue clearing and 3-dimensional imaging of mammary tissue obtained from Csf1r-EGFP mice. Whilst tissue Mϕs were observed at all developmental phases, their abundance, morphology, localization and association with luminal and basal epithelial cells exhibited stage-specific differences. Furthermore, sexual dimorphism was observed at E14.5, when the male mammary bud is severed from the overlying epidermis. These findings provide new insights into the localization and possible functions of heterogeneous tissue Mϕ populations in mammogenesis.
Quantitative Proteome Profiling of Coxiella burnetii Reveals Major Metabolic and Stress Differences Under Axenic and Cell Culture Cultivation

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever. To date, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the only defined and characterized virulence determinant of C. burnetii. In this study, proteome profiles of C. burnetii Nine Mile phase I (RSA 493, NMI) and its isogenic Nine Mile phase II (RSA 439 NMII) isolate with a deep rough LPS were compared on L-929 mouse fibroblasts and in complex (ACCM-2), and defined (ACCM-D) media. Whole proteome extracts were analyzed using a label-free quantification approach. Between 659 and 1,046 C. burnetii proteins of the 2,132 annotated coding sequences (CDS) were identified in any particular experiment. Proteome profiles clustered according to the cultivation conditions used, indicating different regulation patterns. NMI proteome profiles compared to NMII in ACCM-D indicate transition from an exponential to a stationary phase. The levels of regulatory proteins such as RpoS, CsrA2, UspA1, and UspA2 were increased. Comparison of the oxidative stress response of NMI and NMII indicated that ACCM-2 represents a high oxidative stress environment. Expression of peroxidases, superoxide dismutases, as well as thioredoxins was increased for NMI. In contrast, in ACCM-D, only osmoregulation seems to be necessary. Proteome profiles of NMII do not differ and indicate that both axenic media represent similar oxidative stress environments. Deep rough LPS causes changes of the outer membrane stability and fluidity. This might be one reason for the observed differences. Proteins associated with the T4SS and Sec translocon as well as several effector proteins were detectable under all three conditions. Interestingly, none of these putatively secreted proteins are upregulated in ACCM-2 compared to ACCM-D, and L-929 mouse fibroblasts. Curiously, a higher similarity of proteomic patterns (overlapping up- and downregulated proteins) of ACCM-D and bacteria grown in cell culture was observed. Particularly, the proteins involved in a better adaptation or homeostasis in response to the harsh environment of the parasitophorous vacuole were demonstrated for NMI. This semi-quantitative proteomic analysis of C. burnetii compared axenically grown bacteria to those propagated in cell culture.
How Important Are Enjoyment and Mobility for Mobile Applications?

ABSTRACT This article investigates how perceived enjoyment and mobility drive user continuance intentions toward using mobile applications. A second-stage continuance model was developed after a thorough literature review. A survey instrument was deployed to collect data from 584 smartphone users. The model was empirically tested using structural equation modeling procedures. Data analyses show that the salience of disconfirmation and beliefs in enjoyment and mobility serve as the primary driver of the changes in satisfaction and attitude toward continuance intentions. Furthermore, perceived enjoyment, mobility and satisfaction jointly explained over 60% of the variance in post-usage attitude. As an initial effort to revise and test the expanded IS continuance model, this study deepens our understanding of enjoyment and mobility at post-usage stage of mobile experience. It urges mobile application providers to forge continuance by devoting more resources and efforts toward creating a truly enjoyable as well as mobile experience.
A tutorial on machine learning for  interactive pedagogical systems

This paper provides a short introduction to the field of machine learning for interactive pedagogical systems. Departing from different examples encountered in interactive pedagogical systems—such as intelligent tutoring systems or serious games—we go over several representative families of methods in machine learning, introducing key concepts in this field. We discuss common challenges in machine learning and how current methods address such challenges. Conversely, by anchoring our presentation on actual interactive pedagogical systems, highlight how machine learning can benefit the development of such systems.
Host identity and phylogeny shape the foliar endophytic fungal assemblages of Ficus

Abstract Foliar endophytic fungi (FEF) are diverse and ubiquitously associated with photosynthetic land plants. However, processes shaping FEF assemblages remain poorly understood. Previous studies have indicated that host identity and host habitat are contributing factors, but these factors are often difficult to disentangle. In this study, we studied FEF assemblages from plants grown in a botanical garden, enabling us to minimize the variation in abiotic environmental conditions and fungal dispersal capacity. FEF assemblages from 46 Ficus species were sequenced using next‐generation methods, and the results indicated that closely related host species had clearly differentiated FEF assemblages. Furthermore, host phylogenetic proximity was significantly correlated with the similarity of their FEF assemblages. In the canonical correspondence analysis, eleven leaf traits explained 32.9% of the total variation in FEF assemblages, whereas six traits (specific leaf area, leaf N content, leaf pH, toughness, latex alkaloid content, and latex volume per leaf area) were significant in the first two dimensions of ordination space. In the multiple regression on distance matrix analysis, 21.0% of the total variance in FEF assemblage was explained by both host phylogeny and leaf traits while phylogeny alone explained 7.9% of the variance. Thus, our findings suggest that both evolutionary and ecological processes are involved in shaping FEF assemblages.
Study on soluble expression of glutamate dehydrogenase from tea plant in Escherichia coli using fusion tags

Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH; EC1.4.1.2) catalyses the reversible amination of 2-oxoglutarate for the synthesis of glutamate using ammonium as a substrate. Herein, a homology-based reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) strategy was employed to search for cDNAs encoding GDH from Camellia sinensis cv Longjing 43, an excellent variety of tea tree most suitable for processing into green tea in China. The full-length cDNA encoding GDH a-subunit, designated as CsGDH2 (GenBank accession No. EU715396) was amplified from the tea plant. The cDNA of CsGDH2 was 1667 bp with a 1236 bp open reading frame which encodes a 411 amino acid polypeptide. The bioinformatics analysis showed that CsGDH2 was highly homologous to plant GDH2 which encodes GDH a-subunit of plant. Phylogenetic tree reconstructed for GDH protein family confirmed the result because CsGDH2 was distinctly clustered into the GDH2 clade of plant. Then, to improve the expression of CsGDH2 in soluble form in Escherichia coli , its full-length cDNA was cloned and expressed with several different N-terminal fusion tags in E. coli , such as B1 immunoglobulin binding domain of protein G (GB1), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), maltose-binding protein (MBP) and Nutilization substance protein (NusA). The results reveal that without any solublizing partners, the fusion CsGDH2 was predominantly found in insoluble bodies and no soluble protein was detected by either sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) or western blot, whereas GB1, MBP and NusA tags may enhance the soluble expression of CsGDH2 to different extents. The MBP tag was found to be the best fusion partner for the soluble expression of CsGDH2. Isolation and cloning of important functional genes have significances on elucidating the molecular mechanism of high quality, yield and resistance for tea plant, as well as the genetic manipulating. This work would provide the possibility for further insights into the physiological role of GDH in nitrogen metabolism in plants. Key words: Glutamate dehydrogenase, Camellia sinensis, RT-PCR, cDNA, bioinformatic analysis, soluble expression.
The Changes of Aortic Stiffness During Normal Menstrual Cycle

Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AI) and finger photoplethysmography fitness index (PPGF) are non-invasive markers of vascular function and may predict future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. In women, the changes from both oestrogen and progesterone levels during menstrual cycle may give significant impact on vascular function. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the variation of vascular function during follicular and luteal phase in healthy young women. Twenty-two healthy young women with regular menstrual cycle were recruited. Blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), PWV, AI, PPGF, estradiol (Es) and progesterone (Prog) level were measured during follicular (F) and mid-luteal (L) phase. Data was analyzed via SPSS version 20 and P value < 0.05 was considered to be significant. The mean age of the subjects was 22.73 ± 0.60 years. There was significant variations of estradiol and progesterone levels during menstrual cycle whereby the level of estradiol (EsF = 107.6 ± 52.56 pmol/L vs. EsL = 555.16 ± 152.79 pmol/L, P<0.05) and progesterone (ProgF = 0.62 ± 0.26 nmol/L vs. ProgL = 46.74 ± 14.59 nmol/L, P<0.05) were higher in mid-luteal compared to follicular phase. PWV value was higher during follicular phase when compared to mid-luteal phase (PWVF = 6.67 ± 0.66 m/s vs. PWVL = 6.31 ± 0.52 m/s, P=0.01). The levels of BP, BMI, PPGF (PPGFF = 55.43 ± 7.50% vs. PPGFL = 56.59 ± 7.23 %, P=0.41) and AI (AIF = 12.87 ± 5.13% vs. AIL = 10.80 ± 4.52%, P=0.11) were unchanged between the two phases. In conclusion, PWV differs between follicular and mid-luteal phases of menstrual cycle in healthy young women. Thus, history of menstrual cycle must be taken into account when assessing PWV among women.
Target Identification Using Sensors of Different Nature

Abstract In the present paper, a new and improved visual sensor data fusion method is proposed that uses visible and far-infrared light sensors. Additionally, lux meter data are used for decision level fusion of beliefs of recognised target classes. The database consisting of 4 ambient light condition images is created using Canon and FLIR cameras. The developed approach has been tested using database images, neural network training and classification, particularly for low light level conditions. Enhancements of target identification precision are proved by practical implementation and testing of the proposed method.