Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serodiagnosis of leprosy: relationships between antibodies to Mycobacterium leprae phenolic glycolipid I and protein antigens

Sera from leprosy patients and controls were assayed for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies to the Mycobacterium leprae-specific phenolic glycolipid I antigen (PG) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, for IgG antibodies to M. leprae protein antigens by Western immunoblot, and for antibodies to a 65-kilodalton (kDa) protein antigen of M. leprae by a competition antibody binding assay. Elevated levels of anti-PG IgM were seen in lepromatous and borderline lepromatous patients, and elevated levels of anti-PG IgG were seen in borderline lepromatous patients. There was a significant correlation between the bacillary index (BI) and anti-PG IgM whether all leprosy patients or only multibacillary patients were analyzed. A significant correlation was seen between anti-PG IgG and BI when all leprosy patients were used for analysis, but not when only multibacillary patients were used. IgG antibodies to protein antigens of M. leprae, as detected by Western immunoblot, were more prevalent in lepromatous and borderline lepromatous patients than in borderline tuberculoid patients, while one of eight controls showed one weak band. There were significant correlations between the number of M. leprae protein antigens detected by the sera of patients and both BI and the level of anti-PG IgM. The 65-kDa competition antibody binding assay detected active multibacillary leprosy. Patients positive for antibody to the 65-kDa antigen had a significantly higher BI and levels of anti-PG IgM and anti-PG IgG than did patients that were negative. In addition, the level of antibody to the 65-kDa antigen correlated with both the BI and anti-PG IgM. We conclude that testing for antibodies to protein antigens of M. leprae may provide a useful adjunct to testing for antibodies to PG.
Robust facial expression recognition using a state-based model of spatially-localised facial dynamics

The paper proposes a new approach for the robust recognition of facial expressions from video sequences. The goal of the work presented, is to develop robust recognition techniques that will overcome some limitations of current techniques, such as their sensitivity to partial occlusion of the face, and noisy data. The paper investigates a representation of facial expressions which is based on a spatially-localised geometric facial model coupled to a state-based model of facial motion. The experiments show that the proposed facial expression recognition framework yields relatively little degradation in recognition rate, when faces are partially occluded, or under a variety of levels of noise introduced at the feature tracker level.
E-WOM Intentions towards Social Media Messages

This study investigated the influence of a consumer’s online shopping motivation, attitude, and eWOM intention towards two social media messages while accounting for social media involvement. Using a fictitious brand and social media messages, data were collected through a snowballing technique by distributing a structured questionnaire on social media sites. It was found that a positive attitude toward task messages was influenced by both utilitarian and hedonic shopping motivations while attitude toward socioemotional messages were influenced solely by hedonic. Also, eWOM intention for both messages was influenced by attitude. Social media involvement had no moderating effect on the relationship between attitude and eWOM intention or a direct impact on eWOM intention.
Molecular cloning and expression patterns of the molt‐regulating transcription factor HHR3 from Helicoverpa armigera

Molt‐regulating transcription factors, hormone receptor 3 (HR3), play important roles in regulating expression of tissue‐specific genes involved in insect molting and metamorphosis. A 1668 bp cDNA encoding a molt‐regulating transcription factor (HHR3) was cloned from Helicoverpa armigera, which encodes a protein made up of 556 amino acids. This 62 kDa protein was found to have an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.52. There was no signal peptide or N‐glycosylation site found in this cDNA. A DNA‐binding region signature of nuclear hormone receptor was found from amino acids 107–133. A possible outside to inside transmembrane helice was found from amino acids 72–90. Northern blots of the larvae revealed five bands of HHR3 named as band 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 with molecular masses determined as 2.1, 2.6, 3.6, 4.5 and 5.5 kb, respectively. The expression patterns of HHR3 in vivo were variable with developmental stages and tissues. Results showed that band 1–4 of HHR3 was only briefly expressed during molting, which suggested these bands are involved in the regulation of molting cascade, whereas band 0 was expressed in both molting and feeding larvae. Band 1 and 2 of HHR3 could be induced from epidermis of newly molted 6th instar larvae by non‐steroidal ecdysone agonist, RH‐2485.
High-salt diet increases plasma adiponectin levels independent of blood pressure in hypertensive rats: the role of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system

Background High sodium intake is associated with increased risk of end-organ damage, independent of blood pressure (BP) levels. The protective peptide adiponectin may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and particularly in salt-loaded conditions. Furthermore, increased adiponectin levels were observed in salt-loaded conditions. However, there is little information on the direct effect of high-salt diet on plasma adiponectin. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of high-salt diet on adiponectin levels in Sprague–Dawley rats and explore the mechanisms that regulate adiponectin levels under salt loading. Methods Sprague–Dawley rats were fed either standard chow diet or medium or high sodium diet for 5 weeks. BP and plasma adiponectin were measured at baseline and during the study. In additional studies the same protocol was repeated with the addition of clonidine, telmisartan, hydralazine or eplerenone. Results High-salt diet increased systolic BP, suppressed plasma aldosterone levels and attenuated body weight gain. Five weeks of salt loading increased plasma adiponectin levels in a dose-dependant manner (medium salt and high salt were 47 and 93% higher than control, respectively, P < 0.05). Hydralazine and clonidine attenuated salt-induced BP increase but did not attenuate the increase in adiponectin levels whereas, telmisartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, and eplerenone, an aldosterone blocker, attenuated both the increase in BP and in adiponectin levels. Conclusions High salt intake increases adiponectin levels independent of the increase in BP. This effect is mediated through the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system.
Time-Dependent Structural Analysis Considering Mass Transfer to Evaluate Deterioration Process of RC Structures

A time-dependent structural analysis method under multi actions in consideration of drying shrinkage due to moisture transfer and rebar corrosion due to chloride ions penetration as well as external load actions was developed. The Rigid-Body-Spring Networks (RBSN) model and the truss networks model were used for structural analysis and mass transfer analysis, respectively. In addition, mass transfer through bulk concrete and mass transfer through cracks by setting truss networks on the boundaries of Voronoi particles, was also considered. The developed method was confirmed to simulate well the deterioration process due to mass transfer for initial cracking behavior and ultimate behavior of concrete structures.
Space Vector PWM Control of Multi-Phase Induction Motor Drives Based on Orthogonal Vector Spaces Concept

This paper focuses on the space vector PWM control of multi-phase motor drives, and 15-phase induction motor drives are taken as an example throughout this paper. A practical Generalized Park's Transformation for 15-phase motors is presented and the characteristic of the 15-phase voltage source inverters are analyzed. Based on these characteristics, a new and effective space vector PWM control of VSI fed 15-phase induction motors is presented, which improves the simplicity, accuracy, and the construction execution speed. The techniques presented in this paper can also be generalized to control other multi-phase drive systems.
Mechanism of Humanoid Robot Arm with 7 DOFs Having Pneumatic Actuators

Pneumatic pressure, which is easy enough to be handled in comparison with hydraulic pressure and is endowed with high safety, is available for a power source of a robot arm to be utilized in concert with human beings to do various types of work. But pneumatic pressure is so low in comparison with hydraulic pressure that an air cylinder having a diameter long enough and stroke wide enough is required to obtain great output power. In this study, therefore, the investigation was made with layout of air cylinders and transmission mechanisms of the motion power directed toward the driving joints to be followed by development of a new humanoid robot arm with seven degrees of freedom in which air cylinders are compactly incorporated. To be concrete with this, contrivance was made with an endoskeleton structure allowing almost all of the structure materials of the individual arm joints to be shared by the air cylinder with incorporation of the air cylinder in the axes of the upper arm joint and forearm joints by paying attention to the fact that the cylinder itself has high strength. The evaluation experiments driving the robot arm referred to above were conducted by means of I-PD control. The results suggested that the mechanism of the robot with seven degrees of freedom having pneumatic actuators proposed in this study is useful as the humanoid robot arm. The quick and accurate motions were accomplished with I-PD control which is relatively easy to be dealt with but not suitable for non-linear actuator system.
Detection of T and B cells in many animal species using cross-reactive anti-peptide antibodies.

A wide range of lineage-specific Ag are detectable in the human lymphoid system using mAb, but only a few such markers are detectable in animal species. In this paper, we have investigated the interspecies reactivity of antibodies raised against intracytoplasmic peptide sequences from two T cell Ag (CD3 and CD5) and two B cell markers (the Ig-associated polypeptides encoded by the mb-1 and B29 genes). Immunocytochemical labeling of tissue sections showed that these antibodies cross-react widely between different species (including ungulates, rodents, and marsupials), staining B or T cell areas selectively in lymphoid tissue. The specificity of these antibodies for the animal homologues of the human T and B cell markers was confirmed for the rat by Western blotting analysis. The broad cross-reactivity of these antibodies appears to be due to the fact that they were raised against intracytoplasmic peptide sequences that are highly conserved between humans and rodents, i.e., 80% for mb-1, 85% for CD5, and 100% for CD3 and B29. This strategy should, in the future, widen the range of lineage-associated markers detectable in experimental animals.
iPSC Transplantation Increases Regeneration and Functional Recovery After Ischemic Stroke in Neonatal Rats

Limited treatments are available for perinatal/neonatal stroke. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold therapeutic promise for stroke treatment, but the benefits of iPSC transplantation in neonates are relatively unknown. We hypothesized that transplanted iPSC‐derived neural progenitor cells (iPSC‐NPCs) would increase regeneration after stroke. Mouse pluripotent iPSCs were differentiated into neural progenitors using a retinoic acid protocol. Differentiated neural cells were characterized by using multiple criteria and assessments. Ischemic stroke was induced in postnatal day 7 (P7) rats by occluding the right middle cerebral artery and right common carotid artery. iPSC‐NPCs (400,000 in 4 µl) were transplanted into the penumbra via intracranial injection 7 days after stroke. Trophic factor expression in the peri‐infarct tissue was measured using Western blot analysis. Animals received daily bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) injections and were sacrificed 21 days after stroke for immunohistochemistry. The vibrissae‐elicited forelimb placement test was used to evaluate functional recovery. Differentiated iPSCs expressed mature neuronal markers, functional sodium and potassium channels, and fired action potentials. Several angiogenic and neurogenic trophic factors were identified in iPSC‐NPCs. Animals that received iPSC‐NPC transplantation had greater expression of stromal cell‐derived factor 1‐α (SDF‐1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the peri‐infarct region. iPSC‐NPCs stained positive for neuronal nuclei (NeuN) or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) 14 days after transplantation. iPSC‐NPC‐transplanted animals showed greater numbers of BrdU/NeuN and BrdU/Collagen IV colabeled cells in the peri‐infarct area compared with stroke controls and performed better in a sensorimotor functional test after stroke. iPSC‐NPC therapy may play multiple therapeutic roles after stroke by providing trophic factors, increasing angiogenesis and neurogenesis, and providing new cells for tissue repair. Stem Cells 2014;32:3075–3087
Controller Feature Generator Attack Detector Attack Reactor Athena Network Management SDN Controller Feature Generator Attack Detector Attack Reactor Athena DB Cluster Computing Cluster Network Events SDN Controller Feature Generator Attack Detector Attack Reactor Athena

Network-based anomaly detection is a well-mined area of research, with many projects that have produced algorithms to detect suspicious and anomalous activities at strategic points in a network. In this paper, we examine how to integrate an anomaly detection development framework into existing softwaredefined network (SDN) infrastructures to support sophisticated anomaly detection services across the entire network data plane, not just at network egress boundaries. We present Athena as a new SDN-based software solution that exports a well-structured development interface and provides general purpose functions for rapidly synthesizing a wide range of anomaly detection services and network monitoring functions with minimal programming effort. Athena is a fully distributed application hosting architecture, enabling a unique degree of scalability from prior SDN security monitoring and analysis projects. We discuss example use-case scenarios with Athena’s development libraries, and evaluate system performance with respect to usability, scalability, and overhead in real world environments.
Acute rejection episodes in pediatric renal transplant recipients with cytomegalovirus infection

Abstract: CMV infection is the most important opportunistic virus infection after renal transplantation leading to increased patient mortality, graft loss, risk for acute rejection episodes and impaired renal function. The potential impact of prophylactic anti‐viral therapy on long‐term graft outcome is relevant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of CMV infection, its risk factors and long‐term outcome in children after renal transplantation. 103 children (mean age 10.6 ± 5.3, range 1.6–22.0 yr) were monitored weekly for pp65 for the first 6–8 wk after renal transplantation, followed by a monthly monitoring for the first year. CMV infection occurred in 23/103 children (21.1%) with 10 patients (9.7%) developing CMV disease characterized by positive pp65 in the presence of organ involvement. The CMV R−/D+ and R+/D+ serostatus was significantly associated with an increased risk of CMV infection (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.009). 14/28 R−/D+ patients developed CMV infection despite prophylactic treatment with CMV hyperimmune globulin. The incidence of acute rejection episodes after or during CMV infection was significantly increased (p = 0.003) and the D+ serostatus was significantly associated with acute rejection episodes within the first year after transplantation (p = 0.006). In summary the overall incidence of CMV infection in this single center experience is 21.1%. The D+ serostatus represents a serious risk factor for both CMV infection and acute rejection episodes. In future the potential impact of different modalities of prophylactic anti‐viral therapy on the prevention of acute rejection should be considered.
Surgical Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease with an overall 5‐year survival rate of less than 5%. Up to date, surgical resection represents the basis of treatment for localized pancreatic cancer and remains the only chance for cure. Due to continuous improvements in surgical techniques and perioperative care, pancreatic resections have evolved into safe surgical procedures with low mortality and acceptable morbidity rates for experienced surgeons in high‐volume centers. Recently, more aggressive approaches including extended lymphadenectomy, vascular resection, surgery for metastastic or recurrent disease, and multimodal regimens have been suggested to improve long‐term outcome. This article provides an overview on current standard procedures and summarizes new strategies in the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer.
A grid array antenna with parasitic monopoles

A system composed of a grid array antenna (GAA) and parasitic monopoles is analyzed. The analysis is performed using an integral equation with the method of moments to reveal the radiation pattern, axial ratio, half-power beam-width and gain. It is found that the parasitic monopoles contribute to transforming a linearly polarized beam from the GAA into a circularly polarized beam. It is also noted that this circularly polarized beam is almost symmetric with respect to the antenna axis normal to the GAA.
Salsalate (Salicylate) Uncouples Mitochondria, Improves Glucose Homeostasis, and Reduces Liver Lipids Independent of AMPK-β1

Salsalate is a prodrug of salicylate that lowers blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and reduces nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in animal models; however, the mechanism mediating these effects is unclear. Salicylate directly activates AMPK via the β1 subunit, but whether salsalate requires AMPK-β1 to improve T2D and NAFLD has not been examined. Therefore, wild-type (WT) and AMPK-β1–knockout (AMPK-β1KO) mice were treated with a salsalate dose resulting in clinically relevant serum salicylate concentrations (∼1 mmol/L). Salsalate treatment increased VO2, lowered fasting glucose, improved glucose tolerance, and led to an ∼55% reduction in liver lipid content. These effects were observed in both WT and AMPK-β1KO mice. To explain these AMPK-independent effects, we found that salicylate increases oligomycin-insensitive respiration (state 4o) and directly increases mitochondrial proton conductance at clinical concentrations. This uncoupling effect is tightly correlated with the suppression of de novo lipogenesis. Salicylate is also able to stimulate brown adipose tissue respiration independent of uncoupling protein 1. These data indicate that the primary mechanism by which salsalate improves glucose homeostasis and NAFLD is via salicylate-driven mitochondrial uncoupling.
Optimum Injected Current Harmonics to Minimize Peak-to-Average Ratio of LED Current for Electrolytic Capacitor-Less AC–DC Drivers

The lifetime of an ac-dc LED driver can be increased by eliminating the electrolytic capacitor. Unfortunately, it results in pulsation with twice the line frequency in the driving current. Injection of the third and fifth harmonics into the input current can reduce the peak-to-average ratio of the driving current, which is beneficial for reliable operation of the LEDs. This letter discusses the relationship between the peak-to-average ratio and the injected harmonics, and the optimum injected third and fifth harmonics to minimize the peak-to-average ratio are obtained, while ensuring that the input power factor is higher than 0.9 to meet the regulatory requirement such as the ENERGY STAR. This optimum injected current harmonics is verified by a flyback-based electrolytic capacitor-less LED driver with 25 V, 0.35 A output.
Peptides in apoptosis research

Apoptosis is a complex process that plays a central role in physiological and pathological cell death. This fast evolving research area has experienced incredible development in the past few years. Progress in the knowledge of the structure of many of the main molecular actors of the apoptotic signal transduction pathways has driven the design of synthetic peptides that in some cases can function as simplified versions of their parent proteins. These molecules are contributing to a better understanding of the activity and regulation of apoptotic proteins and also are setting the basis for the discovery of effective drugs to combat important diseases related to apoptosis. Most applications of peptides in apoptosis research are so far related to caspases, caspase regulatory proteins, such as IAPs and Smac, and proteins of the Bcl‐2 family. Additionally, important perspectives are open to other systems, such as the macromolecular assemblies that are responsible for the activation of initiator caspases. Copyright © 2002 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical growth of the shuar: Height, Weight, and BMI references for an indigenous amazonian population

Information concerning physical growth among small‐scale populations remains limited, yet such data are critical to local health efforts and to foster basic understandings of human life history and variation in childhood development. Using a large dataset and robust modeling methods, this study aims to describe growth from birth to adulthood among the indigenous Shuar of Amazonian Ecuador.
Alteration of Lymphocyte Trafficking by Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor Agonists

Blood lymphocyte numbers, essential for the development of efficient immune responses, are maintained by recirculation through secondary lymphoid organs. We show that lymphocyte trafficking is altered by the lysophospholipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and by a phosphoryl metabolite of the immunosuppressive agent FTY720. Both species were high-affinity agonists of at least four of the five S1P receptors. These agonists produce lymphopenia in blood and thoracic duct lymph by sequestration of lymphocytes in lymph nodes, but not spleen. S1P receptor agonists induced emptying of lymphoid sinuses by retention of lymphocytes on the abluminal side of sinus-lining endothelium and inhibition of egress into lymph. Inhibition of lymphocyte recirculation by activation of S1P receptors may result in therapeutically useful immunosuppression.
Disease control in aquaculture and the responsible use of veterinary drugs and vaccines: the issues, prospects and challenges.

Aquatic animal diseases are the most significant constraint to the development and management of aquaculture worldwide. As aquacultu re is growing rapidly and poised to help in bridging the gap in the global supply and demand of aquatic animal food products, management of health and reducing losses due to disease in aquaculture is gaini ng high priority. One of the key areas of success in managing aquatic animal health in aquaculture has been the development of vaccines. There has been significant progress in vaccination against certain diseases and pathogens; however, vaccines are not yet available for many important diseases. Science and research into vaccination is progressing well and there is hope that more vaccines will be available in the coming years.
Practical method for determination of the U status of S–s– erythrocytes

Red blood cells (RBCs) lacking S and s blood group antigens are classified as S-s-U- or S-s-U+var but the classification may vary due to the characteristics of anti-U and to the technique used. Tests on RBCs known to lack glycophorin B (GPB) or to possess an altered form of GPB showed that polyethylene glycol-indirect antiglobulin testing or MicroTyping Systems (MTS)-gel techniques can be used as a simple and reliable way to detect RBCs with variant forms of GPB. This approach can be important in the selection of rare RBCs for transfusion to patients with undifferentiated anti-U.