Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combined IMIG and Immune Ig Attenuate Allergic Responses in Beagle Dogs

Background We previously reported attenuation of serum OVA-specific IgE levels and of lymphocyte-derived IL-4, both nominal markers of allergic immunity, following injection of a combination of homologous (mouse) polyclonal anti-idiotypic immunoglobulin (Ig) and immune Ig in BALB/c mice. We predicted this might generalize to other species and using heterologous mixtures of Igs. This was assessed in mice using OVA sensitization in the presence of human Igs as a source of both anti-idiotype Ig and immune Ig and in dogs with peanut butter-induced allergic responses. Methods Eight-week-old BALB/c mice received OVA immunization and 5 weekly injections of immune Ig or anti-idiotype Ig from either homologous (mouse) or heterologous (human) sources. Five-month-old Beagles received weekly topical exposure (on the abdomen) to peanut butter and treatment with pooled dog Ig and dog antirabies immune Ig, or a combination of human IMIG and human anti-Tet. All mice/dogs thereafter received a final allergen challenge, and serum IgG, IgE, and allergen-induced IL-2/IL-4 and IL-31 production in 72 hr cultures was measured. Results In mice attenuation of OVA-induced allergy (IgE-specific Ig and OVA-induced IL-4) was seen using both mouse and human Ig mixtures, without effect on OVA serum IgG or OVA-induced IL-2. Attenuation of concanavalin A- (ConA-) induced IL-4 : IL-2 production and of peanut butter-induced IL-4 and IL-31 was seen in dogs receiving combinations of both heterologous and homologous immune Igs and anti-idiotype Igs, with no decline in IL-2 production. Allergen-specific IgE/IgG was not detectable in dog serum, but there was a trend to lower total serum IgE levels (and decreased IgE : IgG ratios). Conclusion Homologous and heterologous combinations of polyclonal IMIG and immune Ig attenuate allergic responses in mice and dogs. This treatment protocol represents a novel approach which can be adapted for allergic desensitization in veterinary and human use.
Polynomial Runtime Bounds for Fixed-Rank Unsupervised Least-Squares Classification

Maximum margin clustering can be regarded as the direct extension of support vector machines to unsupervised learning scenarios. The goal is to partition unlabeled data into two classes such that a subsequent application of a support vector machine would yield the overall best result (with respect to the optimization problem associated with support vector machines). While being very appealing from a conceptual point of view, the combinatorial nature of the induced optimization problem renders a direct application of this concept difficult. In order to obtain efficient optimization schemes, various surrogates of the original problem definition have been proposed in the literature. In this work, we consider one of these variants, called unsupervised regularized least-squares classification, which is based on the square loss, and develop polynomial upper runtime bounds for the induced combinatorial optimization task. In particular, we show that forn patterns and kernel matrix of fixed rank r (with given eigendecomposition), one can obtain an optimal solution inO(n r ) time for r 2 and inO(n r 1 ) time for r 3. The algorithmic framework is based on an interesting connection to the field of quadratic zero-one programming and permits the computation of exact solutions for the more general case of non-linear kernel functions in polynomial time.
Edge Computing Solution For Smart City - Emergency Vehicle Detection

: An autonomous vehicle needs a lot of smoothly running tasks to keep it on the road without interfering with other vehicles. Lane detection and object detection are some of the most important tasks which needs to be handled by the vehicle. There are many such works in the ﬁeld to perform them. Instead, this paper focuses on the real time detection of emergency vehicles such as ambulances and ﬁre engines. This would make roads safer and more convenient for such vehicles by allowing the vehicles to make way. In the future of autonomous vehicles, this would streamline tra ﬃ c as well as give priority to the vehicles that need it. The proposed solution uses a camera which will capture a live video stream, process it and detect vehicles simultaneously alerting nearby vehicles and providing a means for them to make way.
Development of gene therapy strategies in rodent models of retinal degeneration.

Inherited retinal dystrophies constitute one of the most prevalent causes of bilateral visual loss, affecting as many as 1 in 3000 people. Genetic therapies have been developed following the identification of disease-causing mutations, using an understanding of how these mutations cause retinal degeneration and improved viral vectors designed to give safe and efficient gene delivery. Hence a broad range of retinal disorders may be treatable with gene therapy, although many aspects of ocular gene therapy warrant further investigation. The studies presented here aim to improve gene therapy in two well-characterised models of retinitis pigmentosa, the Prph2Rd2/Rd2 mouse and the RCS rat. Gene replacement therapy can be effective in these and other models, mediating both structural and functional improvement. However, in many cases long-term rescue from degeneration is not achieved, as evidenced by a continuing loss of photoreceptor cells. These studies aim to improve adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene delivery to the murine retina by using novel promoters to investigate the consequences of gene replacement therapy. Additionally an alternative viral vector (AAV2/5) will be used to enhance gene replacement, which gives faster and stronger transgene expression than the AAV2/2 used in previous studies. Cell death can also be prevented by administration of vectors expressing neurotrophic factors, but no study to date has identified such a factor that enhances gene replacement therapy indeed, AAV-mediated CNTF expression has serious deleterious effects on retinal function. Hence here we have investigated these deleterious effects, and determined whether CNTF can be used to prevent photoreceptor death without the reduction in retinal function seen previously. In addition, the ability of AAV-mediated GDNF expression to enhance gene replacement therapy in both the Prph2Kd2fRd2 mouse and the RCS rat has been evaluated in detail. These studies show for the first time that neurotrophic factor delivery, when used in combination with gene replacement therapy, can enhance structural and functional improvement in models of retinitis pigmentosa.
Selecting appropriate nonlinear growth models using Bootstrap technique

Growth is an important phase in the life of animals which influences the different forms of production such as milk, meat etc. The relationship between body weight and age is important particularly in meat producing animals. Many works have already been done for fitting of non linear growth models and choosing best model to describe growth pattern. In the present study, attention is given to the study of statistical properties of goodness of fit criteria for selecting best model to describe the growth pattern by using bootstrap technique. The distributions of the goodness of fit criteria R2 (determination coefficient), RMSE (root mean square error) and ARR (absolute reduction ratio) are found to be non-normal. Based on these statistical measures the best model is selected to describe growth pattern in given body weight data of goat. On comparison of 3 nonlinear growth models, viz. Logistic, Gompertz and Von bertalanffy model, the third one was found to be the best model.
EFFECT OF INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE AMONG AGRI-MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN RWANDA

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determines the effect of Internal Environment Management Practices on Supply Chain Performance among Agri-Manufacturing Firms in RwandaMethodology: This study employed both cross-sectional and explanatory research design and is in line with positivism approach. The target population was 567 top and middle employees in supply chain department from 67 Agri-Manufacturing Firms. Stratified and simple random sampling was used to select a sample of 226. This study collected both secondary and primary data, but mainly primary data using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed with the aid of SPSS version 22.0 (Hayes and Matthes, 2009) using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Hypothesis 1 to 4 was tested using multiple regression model, while hypothesis 5 was tested using hierarchical regression.Results: Findings showed that internal environmental management positively and significantly influences supply chain performanceUnique contribution to Theory and Practice: It is therefore important for both the senior managers and mid – level managers to be committed and supportive of GSCM. Besides that, there is need for the firm to have total quality environmental management and ISO 14001 for environmental compliance. As well, having a team within the firm that is tasked with environmental improvements will go a long way in enhancing supply chain performance
Effects of stand composition on insect visitation in two-species mixtures of Hieracium [aurantiacum and Hieracium florentinum].

I investigated the effects of host plant distribution on the host plant choice of flower-visiting insects in mixed stands of the hawkweeds Hieracium aurantiacum L. and H. florentinum All. The way in which pollinators divide their visits among simultaneously blooming plant species determines the outcome of plant competition for pollinators, which may affect community structure. Although the hawkweeds are apomictic, these stands are simple communities that embody many of the assumptions of published models concerning the effects of stand composition on insect foraging. Existing theory suggests that visitation on one of two competing species should increase with its proportion in the stand. Visitation on H. aurantiacum follows this relationship, but H. florentinum receives more visits with H. aurantiacum present than when it blooms alone. Extension of this result to other, non-apomictic species implies that a species may occasionally be benefitted by the presence of an apparent competitor. I propose a tentative explanation based on pollinator inconstancy and foraging habitat selection, and suggest some possible effects of these phenomena on community structure.
Internal kinematics of multiple stellar populations in globular clusters

Abstract Spectroscopy and photometry have revealed existence, complexity and properties of the multiple stellar populations (mPOPs) hosted in Galactic globular clusters. However, the conundrum of the formation and evolution of mPOPs is far from being completely exploited: the available pieces of information seem not enough to shed light on these topics. Astrometry, and in particular high-precision proper motions, can provide us the sought-after answers about how mPOPs formed and have evolved in these ancient stellar systems. In the following, I present a brief overview of the observational results on the internal kinematics of the mPOPs in some GCs thanks to Hubble Space Telescope high-precision proper motions.
BIOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION INTO INITIATION OF FATTY ACID SYNTHESIS IN THE AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMES

95 Introduction 96 Results 99 Methods 104 Figures 109 Acknowledgements 115 References 116 IV. ALLOSTERIC REGULATION OF Trypanosoma brucei ACETYL-COA CARBOXYLASE 122 Introduction 122 Results 124 Discussion 131 Methods 137 References 140 IV. CONCLUDING REMARKS 145 References 151
Histogenesis of prenatal liver in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

The histogenesis of the liver was studied in buffalo foetii ranging from 1.50-92.0 cm curved crown rump length (CVRL). The developing liver at 1.50 cm - 4.0 cm CVRL occupied a large part of abdominal cavity and was surrounded by single layered connective tissue capsule. The parenchyma was comprised of hepatocytes and haemopoietic cells. The initial hepatic lobulation and constituents of portal triad area was observed at 26.0 cm CVRL. The Kupffer cells appeared at initial stages whereas the islands of haemopoietic cells decreased with increase in gestational age.
Teachers' Instructional Competencies for Including Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in General Education Settings

The inclusion of students with disabilities in general education settings has increased particularly since 2004 due to the least restrictive environment provisions outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, research has shown that general education teachers are ill prepared to teach students with disabilities, especially those with severe or low incidence disabilities. The current study explored the knowledge and skills required of general education teachers seeking to include students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). We interviewed experienced teachers of students with I/DD to gain insight into such competencies. Participants were three educators (two teachers and one school director) in an elementary school for students with special needs. The participants discussed teaching methods and curriculum considerations relevant to including students with I/DD in general education settings. Data were analyzed utilizing pattern coding to generate categories and larger themes. Discussion and implications of these findings are offered.
Study of inheritance for ear length in maize using diallel analysis.

The primary objective of any systematic and successful breeding program is the evolution of high yielding and stable cultivars which requires a thorough knowledge of the genetic mechanism governing yield and yield components. For such studies diallel analysis is a useful biometrical approach to understand the nature of gene action. By understanding these components of variance a plant breeder can identify the parents which combine well and produce productive progenies and moreover suitable breeding strategies can be drawn up on the basis of expected performance of the progenies. The present investigation was undertaken to understand the involving gene action and type of inheritance, using genetic components of variance and Wr/Vr graphs, for ear length in maize, by using diallel analysis. The dominance variance have had the largest contribution to the variability of ear length, while the additive variance shows a considerably lower value. Also, it is noted a dominance of the parents with higher ear length. Genes with additive effect act mainly in the determinism of ear length at the lines T248, Tc 344 şi T291, while at the line Tc 208 the manifestation of this character is influenced by non-allelic gene interactions. The line Tc209 has the highest proportion (59.20 %) of dominant alleles involved in the determinism of ear length, followed by T291 (54.60 %) and T248 (52.30 %) lines. The recessive alleles have a high contribution in the determinism of this character to the lines Tc208 (89.90 %) and K108 (57.50 %)
Combined application of Trichoderma harzianum and Alcaligenes sp. strain AMB 8 for controlling nursery rot disease of black pepper

Trichoderma harzianum and ALcaligenes sp. strain AMB 8 applied alone or in combination significantly reduced the incidence of Phytophthora capsici induced nursery rot disease of black pepper. The bacterial strain was able to survive on the stem cutting of black pepper, which is used as planting material. Combined inoculation had '10 effect on the population dynamics of the fungal or bacterial antagonist. The biocontrol agents also improved the root and shoot growth of the plants in the nursery.
Characterizing the Function of Helix Five of the Ku70 von Willebrand A Domain in Non-Homologous End Joining

ii List of Tables . xi List of Figures . xii List of Appendices . xiv List of Abbreviations . xv CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 DNA double strand breaks . 1 1.2 The DNA damage response and DSB repair . 3 1.2. 1 The DNA damage response . 3 1.2. 2 DSB repair . 4 1.3 The Ku Heterodimer . 8 1.3. 1 The Ku heterodimer: A brief history and overview . 8 1.3. 2 Ku in DNA repair . 9 1.3. 3 Additional functions of Ku . 10 1.3. 4 Localization of the Ku heterodimer . 12 1.3. 5 Medical relevance of the study of Ku . 13 1.3. 6 Structural characteristics of Ku70/80 . 14 1.3. 7 Function of von Willebrand A-like domains in the Ku70/80 heterodimer . 16 1.4 Covalent modification of helix five of the Ku70 vWA domain . 19 1.5 Involvement of helix five of the Ku70 vWA domain in a protein-protein interaction . 20 1.6 Candidate factors that may be recruited via the Ku70 vWA domain . 22 1.6. 1 DNA-PKcs . 22 1.6. 2 DNA-processing NHEJ factors . 22
The expression of PARP, NF-κB and parvalbumin is increased in Parkinson disease

Immunohistochemical techniques revealed a significant increase of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-containing nuclei in the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra (SN) in Parkinson disease and in diffuse Lewy body disease as compared with a group of patients with other neurodegenerative diseases and normal controls. The nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) was also noted in the same cells. The over-activation of PARP and the transcriptional activation of NF-κB can contribute to the pathomechanism of the disease specific lesion of the neurons in the SN. However, in another subgroup of dopaminergic cells of the SN an increased parvalbumin content was detected reflecting a natural protective mechanism against the putative increase of intracellular calcium caused by excitotoxic injury and oxidative stress.
Taxonomy of the Genus Porphyra (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) from Korea

Twelve species and two forms of the genus Porphyra from Korea were examined for morphology, geographical distribution and taxonomic delimitation: P. dentate Kjellman, P. ishigecola Miura, P. katadae Miura, P. koreana Hwang et Lee, P. kuniedae Kurogi, P. lacerate Miura, P. okamurae Ueda, P. pseudolinearis Ueda, P. seriata Kjellman, P. suborbicrlata Kjellman f. suborbiculata, P. suborbiculara Kjellman f. latifolia Tanaka, P. tenera Kjellman and P. yezoensis Ueda. Sexuality, features of sepermatangial area, presence or absence of microscopic denticulation at margin, discernible prototrichogyne in carpogonium and oblique division in carposporangium, and thickness of thallus were important characters for the discrimination and determination of taxa. The evidences were not enough for P. suborbiculata f. latifolia as an independent form and P. okamurae and P. suborbiculata as separated taxonomic species.
WRITING AND PUBLISHING A MAGAZINE

Students who write a piece of writing need a perfect tool to engage themselves to write even when they are not interested in writing at all. One of the perfect tools to engage the students in writing process is creating a magazine as it offers students to publish their writing. Publication, according to Lange (1992) is a great tool to engage students to write, involving even those who do not consider themselves to be writers. This paper explores the implementation of writing and publishing a magazine in a writing class in one of the universities in Bandung. The class applies project-based learning as its teaching method.
Coalescence Time of Compact Binary Systems

Compact binary systems coalesce over time due to the radiation of gravitational waves, following the field equations of general relativity. Conservation of energy and angular momentum gives a mathematical description for the evolution of separation between the orbiting objects and eccentricity ($e$) of the orbit. We develop an improved analytical solution to the coalescence time for a circular binary system with an arbitrary semi-major axis, to the first post-Newtonian (1PN) accuracy. The results from the quadruple approximation and 1PN approximation are compared for a circular orbit ($e=0$).
Tracing the Impact of a General Purpose Technology: The Case of Electricity

It has been argued that General Purpose Technologies (GPTs) have the power to change the pace and direction of economic progress. While theoretical models have advanced greatly, providing a precise and coherent characterization of the economic implications of the adoption of a GPT, empirical evidence remains scattered and unclear. Using novel data on patenting activity at the county level that dates back to 1836, this article documents the positive impact of the active adoption of Electrical & Electronic (E&E) technologies, the canonical example of a GPT, on income per capita growth and wages in the U. S. between 1900 and 1930.
Antidiabetic and Toxicological Evaluation of Aqueous Ethanol Leaf Extract of Mitracarpus scaber Zucc (Rubiaceae) in Rats

Mitracarpus scaber Zucc is used in ethnomedicine for diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, veneral diseases, skin diseases, headache, dyspepsia, toothaches and leprosy. This study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity and toxicological profile of the aqueous ethanol extract to confirm and thus, justify its use in traditional medicine. Doses of the extract ranging from 100 to 500 mg/kg were evaluated in normoglycaemic rats. The dose of 500 mg/kg was evaluated in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Glibenclamide 1.25 mg/kg was used as the reference standard. Acute toxicological evaluation was carried out in mice while 14-day assessment was done in rats. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins and cardiac glycosides. The various doses of the extract produced significant (p <0.05) reduction in blood glucose levels in normoglycaemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. These doses were more effective than glibenclamide in normoglycaemic rats. Oral doses as high as 5 g/kg did not cause death or toxicological symptoms in mice. No histological changes were seen in the slides of the major organs during acute toxicity test. We conclude that M. scaber possesses antidiabetic properties in rats which lend credence to its use in ethnomedicine, but its overall safety profile needs to be further evaluated