Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum Oxidized LDL Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Retinopathy in Mthatha Region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is a powerful natural prooxidant derived from native LDL by cell-mediated oxidation. Such oxidation occurs more easily in glycated LDL as observed in diabetes mellitus. We evaluated and compared selected biomarkers of oxidative stress and total antioxidant (TAO) levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with and without retinopathy in the Mthatha region of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The participants totaled to 140 and this number comprised 98 diabetic patients on treatment, stratified by diabetes (54) and diabetes with retinopathy (44). Forty-two nondiabetic healthy controls made up the 140. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, serum ox-LDL, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and TAO levels were measured. A statistically significant increase in FPG, HbA1c, TBARS, and ox-LDL and a significant decrease in TAO levels were seen in T2DM patients with retinopathy as compared to controls. A significant negative correlation was observed between TAO and ox-LDL levels in the diabetic group. In multiple linear regression analyses, duration of diabetes, triglyceride, TAO, and LDL cholesterol were found to be significantly associated with ox-LDL. In multiple logistic regression analyses, ox-LDL [OR 1.02 (1.01–1.03), P = 0.005] was the only risk factor and was significantly associated with the presence of retinopathy.
Vaccines and vaccination strategies against human cutaneous leishmaniasis

One might think that the development of a vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis would be relatively straightforward because the type of immune response required for protection is known and natural immunity occurs following recovery from primary infection. However, there is as yet no effective vaccine against the disease in humans. Although vaccination in murine studies has yielded promising results, these vaccines have failed miserably when tested in primates or humans. The reasons behind these failures are unknown and remain a major hurdle for vaccine design and development against cutaneous leishmaniasis. In contrast, recovery from natural, deliberate or experimental infections results in development of long-lasting immunity to re-infection. This so called infection-induced resistance is the strongest anti-Leishmania immunity known. Here, we briefly review the different approaches to vaccination against cutaneous leishmaniasis and argue that vaccines composed of genetically modified (attenuated) parasites, which induce immunity akin to infection-induced resistance, may provide best protection against cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans.
Pre-service and in-service teachers’ knowledge, attitudes and confidence towards self-injury among pupils

Teachers are ideally placed to identify and refer pupils who self-injure, but are often unaware when pupils self-injure or unsure how to respond. The aims of this study were to explore and compare pre-service and in-service teachers’ knowledge and attitudes towards self-injury, and their confidence responding to pupils who self-injure. Pre-service teachers (n = 267) and in-service teachers (n = 261) completed self-report questionnaires. Prior education regarding self-injury was positively related to knowledge and confidence, while pre-service teachers were more confident than in-service teachers in their ability to cope with legal and school regulations. Thematic analysis of open-ended questions indicated that although pre- and in-service teachers are concerned about pupils who self-injure and are willing to help these students, they feel ill-informed about self-injury and requested school policies and additional education regarding the behaviour. Results have implications for educational programmes that prepare pre- and in-service teachers to identify and respond to pupils who self-injure.
e‐Government Implementation Challenges in Malaysia and South Korea: A Comparative Study

It is undeniable that the introduction of e‐government has had a significant impact on developing countries, like Malaysia. This paper seeks to explore empirically the implementation of Malaysian e‐government since the initiation of the policy in 1996. Therefore, identifying the characteristic challenges that the Malaysian government faces, which impede the progress of e‐government is the overarching concern of this study. To gain experience from a developed country, South Korea will be a benchmark for this study. By using the Design‐Reality Gap model introduced by Heeks, this study will be conducted to identify and compare issues pertaining to implementation of e‐government in Malaysia, a developing country and South Korea, a developed country. The findings revealed six key factors that are vital in e‐government implementation. At the end of this study, these factors will be encapsulated in a conceptual model for e‐government implementation model.
Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene inRhinosporidium seeberi shows similarity to plant chloroplast DNA

Identity of causative agent of rhinosporidiosis (Rhinosporidium seeberi) has been controversial since the disease was described in 1900. Extensive sequence alignments and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene detected recently by us in R. seeberi , revealed 99% similarity with 16S rDNA in chloroplasts of flowering plants. Study demonstrates R. seeberi is a pigmented prokaryote displaying some characteristics of cyanobacteria, and contains 16S rDNA present in chloroplasts of all groups of land plants. This study and our recent publication of 2006 are the first molecular studies using purified organismal DNA extracted from R. seeberi free of infected tissue. Abbreviations RB - Round body
Two new monoclonal antibodies, Lym-1 and Lym-2, reactive with human B-lymphocytes and derived tumors, with immunodiagnostic and immunotherapeutic potential.

Two new monoclonal antibodies (Lym-1 and Lym-2), reactive with the cell surface of B-lymphocytes and derived tumors, have been produced using tumor cell nuclei preparations as immunogens. Specificity screens using live cell radioimmunoassay techniques with 52 well-characterized human lymphoma and leukemia cell lines showed that both Lym-1 and Lym-2 bound to cell lines of B-cell lineage but were unreactive with those of T-cell, myeloid, or erythroid derivation. The B-cell specificity of these reagents was confirmed on 36 lymphoma and 15 leukemia biopsy specimens by using immunoperoxidase or immunofluorescence techniques. Additionally, flow cytometric analysis of 22 lymphoma biopsies showed that the majority of B-cell tumors were Lym-1 and/or Lym-2 positive and that within a given biopsy, a high percentage of the malignant cell population was stained. In both the immunoperoxidase and flow cytometric studies, reactive T-cells or T-cell lymphomas were consistently negative with the exception of Hodgkin's disease tissues which, in some instances, showed a higher than expected positivity with Lym-1 and Lym-2. Approximately 40% of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemias were found to be positive with Lym-1 while 80% were positive with Lym-2. Immunoperoxidase staining of frozen sections of human lymphoid tissues showed that both Lym-1 and Lym-2 stained germinal center and mantle zone B-lymphocytes as well as interfollicular histiocytes. Flow cytometric analysis of normal peripheral blood demonstrated specific staining of B-cells which comprised approximately 8% of circulating lymphocytes. Immunoperoxidase staining of nonlymphoid human organs and tissues revealed weak reactivity of Lym-1 with surface colonic epithelium only. Consistent with these findings, 35 solid tumor cell lines of diverse nature were found unreactive with both Lym-1 and Lym-2. Although standard techniques have thus far failed to identify the antigen recognized by Lym-2, the membrane antigen which binds Lym-1 has been shown by immunoprecipitation and competitive radioimmunoassay studies to be a polymorphic variant of the HLA-Dr antigen. Solid-phase radioimmunoassay techniques have shown that the antigens recognized by Lym-1 and Lym-2 are not significantly modulated after antibody exposure nor shed into the circulation of lymphoma patients. Finally, using iodine-125 labeled preparations of purified Lym-1 and Lym-2, we have determined that both reagents have a relatively large number of antibody binding sites per tumor cell and increased avidity for lymphoma cells when compared to normal and reactive lymph node B-cells. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Miniaturised broadband branch line coupler for WiMAX and LTE applications

This paper presents the bandwidth enhancement and miniaturisation of the branch line coupler for LTE/WiMAX applications (2.45-2.7 GHz). The broadband nature of conventional branch line coupler is attained by using three-section branch line coupler. The circuit area of the broadband coupler is reduced with the aid of von Koch fractal method of miniaturisation. An FR4 (Flame Retardant type 4 Epoxy) substrate having a thickness of 1.6 mm is selected to construct the microstrip circuit of broadband and miniaturised broadband branch line couplers. S-parameter simulation is carried out to compare the performance of proposed miniaturised broadband coupler with broadband and conventional branch line couplers. The simulation result shows that the proposed coupler achieves a bandwidth of 610 MHz with an area reduction of around 34%. The printed circuit board fabrication of the conventional, broadband and miniaturised broadband coupler was done to evaluate the measurement results using vector network analyser.
Interaction between Fiscal and Monetary Policy in a Dynamic Nonlinear Model

The objective of this study is to verify the dynamics between fiscal policy, measured by public debt, and monetary policy, measured by a reaction function of a central bank. Changes in monetary policies due to deviations from their targets always generate fiscal impacts. We examine two policy reaction functions: the first related to inflation targets and the second related to economic growth targets. We find that the condition for stable equilibrium is more restrictive in the first case than in the second. We then apply our simulation model to Brazil and United Kingdom and find that the equilibrium is unstable in the Brazilian case but stable in the UK case.
Placental Insufficiency Leads to Development of Hypertension in Growth-Restricted Offspring

Abstract—Low birth weight is a suggested risk factor for the development of hypertension. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a model of intrauterine growth restriction produced in response to placental insufficiency in the pregnant rat was associated with marked elevations in blood pressure. Reduced uterine perfusion initiated in late gestation resulted in low-birth-weight offspring (5.8±0.1 versus 6.6±0.2 g, P <0.05, growth-restricted versus control, respectively). Mean arterial pressure, as measured in conscious, chronically instrumented rats, was significantly elevated as early as 4 weeks of age (113±3 versus 98±2 mm Hg, P <0.05) and was associated with significant decreases in body weight (66±2 versus 81±3 g, P <0.05) in growth-restricted (n=15) versus control (n=15) rats. Marked elevations in arterial pressure at 8 weeks of age (male: 133±3 versus 121±6 mm Hg, P <0.05; female: 137±4 versus 112±6 mm Hg, P <0.01) were associated with sex-specific decreases in body weight (male: 251±6 versus 275±10 g, P <0.05; female: 163±6 versus 180±6 g) in male growth-restricted (n=12) versus male control (n=9) rats and in female growth-restricted (n=8) versus female control (n=7) rats. At 12 weeks of age, hypertensive (144±4 versus 131±3 mm Hg, P <0.05) male growth-restricted offspring (n=10) had no alterations in glomerular filtration rate (2.3±0.3 versus 2.2±0.2 mL/min) compared with control (n=10) offspring; even when adjusted for kidney weight (1.7±0.3 versus 1.5±0.3 mL · min−1 · g−1 kidney), despite marked decreases in body weight (305±9 versus 343±10 g, P <0.05). These data suggest that placental insufficiency induced by reduced uterine perfusion in the pregnant rat results in low-birth-weight offspring predisposed to development of hypertension.
Fast Anomaly Detection for Large Data Centers

Recent spates of cyber attacks towards cloud computing services running in large data centers have made it imperative to develop effective techniques to detect anomalous behaviors in the "clouds". In this paper, we propose to use the distributions of IP address octets and centroid based measures to characterize the inherent IP structure in high-volume data center traffic, and subsequently design a simple yet effective algorithm to detect abnormal traffic patterns caused by network attacks such as worms, virus, and denial of service attacks. We evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of this algorithm with synthetic traffic that combines real data center traffic collected from a large Internet content provider with worm traces and denial of service attacks. The experiment results show that our algorithm consistently diagnoses the abnormal traffic from normal ones, and does so in a short time with a low false alarm rate. We believe that the proposed approach could be potentially deployed in real-time data center environments to enhance the security and high availability of cloud computing.
Distinct Dynamics of Mitotic Transition in B-Cell Lymphoma and Reactive B-Cell Lymphoproliferations Determined by H3S10 Phosphohistone Immunolabeling

Objectives: Clonal selection in the follicular germinal centers in lymphatic tissues is accompanied by an intense proliferation of polyclonal B cells in a precisely regulated fashion. In contrast, B-cell neoplasias proliferate autonomously due to endogenous stimuli. The cell kinetic activity is obvious at many levels including progressive chromatin modification and elevated mitotic rates. We asked if there are differences in the kinetics of histone H3S10 phosphorylation required for mitotic entry between highly proliferating B cells of reactive germinal centers and in B-cell lymphomas with different proliferative capacity. Material and Methods: Phospho-H3 histone (pH3S10)-specific immunohistochemistry was applied to cultivated cell, reactive and selected indolent and aggressive lymphoma samples (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, lymphoblastic lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and small lymphocytic lymphoma). Microscopic quantification of the “dot-type” (representing late G2 phase) and “mitotic” immunolabeling patterns per field of view was performed and compared with classical cell proliferation markers. Results: In addition to the dense homogeneous chromatin labeling highlighting mitotic figures, we stated a selective dot-type nuclear labeling representing ongoing chromatin condensation in premitotic G2 phase cells. While cell proliferation and mitotic counts correlated in general with histology, statistical analysis indicated an accumulation of G2 phase pH3S10 pattern in the reactive germinal centers in contrast to lymphomas. The dot-type G2 staining pattern was surprisingly overrepresented (1,321.7 ± 356.5/10 HPF) in the reactive germinal centers compared to aggressive lymphomas (101.3 ± 33.1) (p < 0.005). The relative G2/M value was significantly higher (4.6 ± 0.6) in reactive germinal center B cells than in any lymphoma entity evaluated (0.7 ± 0.2 in Burkitt lymphoma, 0.9 ± 0.4 in grade 3b follicular lymphoma, 1.3 ± 1.1 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 1.5 ± 0.6 in lymphoblastic lymphoma, and 0.9 ± 0.2 in small lymphocytic lymphoma). Conclusions: pH3S10 immunohistochemistry enabled the presentation of significant differences in the cell cycle kinetics between reactive and neoplastic B-cell lymphoproliferations. Accumulation of G2 phase B cells in reactive folliculi directs to physiological G2/M checkpoint blockade. In contrast, accelerated G2/M transition in lymphomas is potentially associated with impaired genomic repair and cell death mechanisms.
EVALUATION AND FUTURE PROSPECTS OF TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING FOR STANDARDIZED FOREST INVENTORIES

Based on experiences from the NATSCAN-project this contribution focuses on the evaluation of two hypotheses: (i) Terrestrial laser scanning and corresponding data analysis is ready to be used in standardized forest inventory sampling. (ii) Data quality as well as characteristics related to the technique of laser scanning widen the data base for forest management applications and ecological investigations. First the characteristics of information needs for forest management planning are presented (such as number of sample plots, interesting parameters etc.). In a second step process and measurement setup of terrestrial scanning of forest sceneries are described. Exemplary results of two different scanning modes, i. e. single-scan-modus and multiple-scan-modus, are compared in respect to the inventory parameters of diameter in breast height (DBH), tree height and height of crown base. The investigation was carried out on a mixed stand of beech and oak with silver-fir and beech in intermediate and suppressed crown layers. Results were evaluated with the help of conventional measurements of these parameters and are discussed to prove the hypotheses (i). Technical aspects connected with data collection, data analysis and possible error sources are summarized and options for future improvements are presented. Possibilities of terrestrial laser scanning which exceed the limits of conventional inventories, such as quality assessment of standing trees, are also added (ii). Advantages of the technique for inventory purposes are for example the high reproducibility of the results of the measurements and the possibility to store information as a data pool for future applications. A final appeal to make use of terrestrial laser scanning for forest and landscape assessment on a larger scale concludes the results. It is argued that while terrestrial laser scanning offers new options for the assessment of natural sceneries, it must in the current situation be conducted under careful consideration of economic aspects.
1 PV Charger System Using A Synchronous Buck Converter

The paper describes the design, simulation and practical implementation of a PV system specifically designed for battery charging applications. A DC-DC synchronous Buck converter is digitally controlled by a dsPIC33F to extract the maximum power from the PV panel and feed it to the battery, according to the data received through the sensors. The system proves to be stable to rapid weather changing conditions due to the MPPT algorithm together with the two PI controllers.
Gait-pattern adaptation algorithms based on neural network for lower limbs active orthoses

The this work deals with neural network-based gait-pattern adaptation algorithms for an active lower limbs orthosis. Stable trajectories are generated during the optimization process, considering a stable trajectory generator based on the Zero Moment Point criterion and the inverse dynamic model. Additionally, two neural network (NN) are used to decrease the time-consuming computation of the model and ZMP optimization. The first neural network approximates the inverse dynamics and the ZMP optimization, while the second one works in the optimization procedure, giving the adapting parameter according to orthosis-patient interaction. Also, a robust controller based on the ℋ∞ method is designed to attenuate the effects of external disturbances and parametric uncertainties in the trajectory tracking errors. The dynamic model of the actual exoskeleton, with interaction forces included, is used to generate simulation results.
CCR7 ligands, SLC/6Ckine/Exodus2/TCA4 and CKbeta-11/MIP-3beta/ELC, are chemoattractants for CD56(+)CD16(-) NK cells and late stage lymphoid progenitors.

Two human CC chemokines, SLC/6Ckine/Exodus2/TCA4 and CKbeta-11/MIP-3beta/ELC, are previously reported as efficacious chemoattractants for T- and B-cells and dendritic cells. SLC and CKbeta-11 share only 32% amino acid identity, but are ligands for the same chemokine receptor, CCR7. In this study, we examined chemotactic activity of SLC and CKbeta-11 for NK cells and lymphoid progenitors in bone marrow and thymus. It was found that these two CCR7 ligands are chemoattractants for neonatal cord blood and adult peripheral blood NK cells and cell lines. SLC and CKbeta-11 preferentially attract the CD56(+)CD16(-) NK cell subset over CD56(+)CD16(+) NK cells. SLC and CKbeta-11 also demonstrate selective chemotactic activity on late stage CD34(-)CD19(+)IgM- B-cell progenitors and CD4(+) and CD8(+) single-positive thymocytes, but not early stage progenitors. It was noted that SLC is an efficient desensitizer of CKbeta-11-dependent NK cell chemotaxis, while CKbeta-11 is a weak desensitizer of SLC-dependent chemotaxis. Taken together, these results suggest that SLC and CKbeta-11 have the potential to control trafficking of NK cell subsets and late stage lymphoid progenitors in bone marrow and thymus.
Trend-Based Transmission System Diagnosis

This paper proposes a method for interpretation of helicopter condition monitoring indicators, focusing on trend analysis rater than traditional magnitude thresholds. The method analyzes the stationarity of each indicator, and compares trend activity to a threshold database generalized to cover all aircraft of a specific model. This avoid the problem of individual threshold setting for each aircraft
Philadelphia-negative (Ph-) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): comparison with Ph+ CML and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. The Groupe Français de Cytogénétique Hématologique.

To better understand the Philadelphia-negative (Ph-) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and its relationships with Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) CML and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), a study was undertaken by the Groupe Français de Cytogénétique Hématologique. Thirty-five Ph- CML patients were investigated and compared with 55 chronic phase Ph+ CML and 100 CMML patients. There were 12 M-BCR positive (M-BCR+) and 23 M-BCR negative (MBCR+) patients. No clinical or biologic differences were found between Ph+ and Ph-, M-BCR+ patients. In the Ph- group, M-BCR+ and M-BCR- patients differed significantly in age (47.7 +/- 6.6 v 67.0 +/- 6.1 years, respectively; P = .001), leukocytosis (153.4 +/- 135.1 v 58.5 +/- 37.7 10(9)/L, P = . 002), relative monocytosis (1.8% +/- 1.2% v 5.6% +/- 1.4%, P = .048), absolute basophilia (8.5 +/- 9.7 v 0.9 +/- 1.5 10(9)/L, P = . 001), percentage of immature myeloid precursors (IMP) in peripheral blood (29.0% +/- 9.5% v 15.3% +/- 8.1%, P = .001), and percentage of erythroblasts in bone marrow (BM) (6.5% +/- 3.5% v 14.6% +/- 3.6%, P = .001). Karyotypic abnormalities other than the Ph chromosome occurred in 0 of 12 M-BCR- at diagnosis and 7 of 23 M-BCR- Ph- CML (P = .033). None of the 13 investigated BCR- patients had detectable BCR/ABL transcripts using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and none had an N-RAS mutation. Cytologic findings showed a marked morphologic difference between M-BCR+ and M-BCR- patients, especially in the monocytic lineage. Dysmyelopoietic features in CMML and M-BCR- patients were very similar, and the differences were of quantitative order only. Using four criteria (monocytosis, percentage of IMP, basophilia, and percentage of erythroblasts in BM), patients could be divided into typical and atypical CML and this classification correlated well with molecular findings. We conclude that, while Ph-, M-BCR+, and Ph+ CML are identical diseases, Ph-, M-BCR- CML, and CMML have many similarities and might be only different aspects of a same entity.