Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sacchariiication of Straw by Actinomycete Enzymes

SUMMARY: Over 200 strains of actinomycetes, representing nine distinct genera, were screened directly for the ability to release reducing sugar from ball-milled wheat straw, using a microtitre plate assay system. Xylanase activity was detected in nearly all of the strains examined while activities against purified cellulosic substrates were less widespread and relatively low. Straw saccharification resulted from cooperative enzyme action and sugar yields were not simply correlated with substrate particle size. Straw-saccharifying activity was further characterized in selected strains comprising five representatives of the genera Thermomonospora and Streptomyces, one Micromonospora strain and the type strain of Microbispora bispora. Common features included optimal saccharification of straw in the pH range 6.0. 9.0 and xylose and its oligomers as the principal products, although low concentrations of glucose were also detected. Optimal activity and increased stability at 70°C was a feature of enzyme preparations from Thermomonospora and thermophilic Streptomyces strains. β-Xylosidase and β-glucosidase activities were largely intracellular, but significant amounts of extracellular β-xylosidase activity were also found in two strains. Other enzymes involved in straw saccharification include acetylesterase and arabinofuranosidase, and these activities were detected in all strains. Acetylesterase and arabinofuranosidase activities were largely extracellular, but in some strains significant amounts of intracellular activity were also detected.
Being With the Emergence of Transgendered Identity

The author discusses perspectives on gender formation or diagnosis focusing on ideas from transactional analysis, post-Jungian thinking, and aspects of psychoanalysis to illustrate approaches to working with the emergence of gender. The development of gender is contrasted with viewing it as a biological given. The therapist’s role and the aim of therapy with people who identify with a gender that differs from their assigned gender (gender dysphoria) is considered. A case study illustrates dynamics in this work that can be confusing and confrontative for both client and therapist. In the struggle to provide a solid holding frame, the author suggests that gender diagnosis benefits from supporting clients’ development toward living comfortably and safely in their bodies.
A Functional Genomics Approach to Establish the Complement of Carbohydrate Transporters in Streptococcus pneumoniae

The aerotolerant anaerobe Streptococcus pneumoniae is part of the normal nasopharyngeal microbiota of humans and one of the most important invasive pathogens. A genomic survey allowed establishing the occurrence of twenty-one phosphotransferase systems, seven carbohydrate uptake ABC transporters, one sodium∶solute symporter and a permease, underlining an exceptionally high capacity for uptake of carbohydrate substrates. Despite high genomic variability, combined phenotypic and genomic analysis of twenty sequenced strains did assign the substrate specificity only to two uptake systems. Systematic analysis of mutants for most carbohydrate transporters enabled us to assign a phenotype and substrate specificity to twenty-three transport systems. For five putative transporters for galactose, pentoses, ribonucleosides and sulphated glycans activity was inferred, but not experimentally confirmed and only one transport system remains with an unknown substrate and lack of any functional annotation. Using a metabolic approach, 80% of the thirty-two fermentable carbon substrates were assigned to the corresponding transporter. The complexity and robustness of sugar uptake is underlined by the finding that many transporters have multiple substrates, and many sugars are transported by more than one system. The present work permits to draw a functional map of the complete arsenal of carbohydrate utilisation proteins of pneumococci, allows re-annotation of genomic data and might serve as a reference for related species. These data provide tools for specific investigation of the roles of the different carbon substrates on pneumococcal physiology in the host during carriage and invasive infection.
Capacity of multiple access channels with correlated jamming

We investigate the behavior of two users and one jammer in an AWGN channel with and without fading when they participate in a non-cooperative zero-sum game, with the channel's input/output mutual information as the objective function. We assume that the jammer can eaves-drop the channel and can use the information obtained to perform correlated jamming. Under various assumptions on the channel characteristics, and the extent of information available at the users and the jammer, we show the existence, or otherwise nonexistence of a simultaneously optimal set of strategies for the users and the jammer. Whenever the game has a solution, we find the corresponding user and jammer strategies, and whenever the game does not admit a solution, we find the max-min user strategies and the corresponding jammer strategy
Intrusion Detection Techniques in Sensor Networks

Research has been conducted in wired network Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) for over 25 years. Although there is ongoing research in wired IDS techniques, it is considered a mature technology. Wireless area networks and personal area networks have been the focus of recent research, as they represent new risks and security challenges. Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) have further challenged researchers to develop IDS techniques in an even more challenging environment. The promise of wireless sensor network technology to provide cost-effective monitoring of critical applications ranging from industrial control to border monitoring necessitates new research in the area of wireless sensor network IDS. The unattended nature and the inherent computational and communication limitations of sensor networks make them vulnerable to a broad range of attacks. Given the relative infancy of this new technology, the limited documented cases of actual sensor network attacks, the lack of publicly available network traces of sensor network attacks, most experience in this area is limited to simulations or laboratory emulations, with few approaches having been vetted in the field. This chapter outlines the unique challenges of wireless sensor network IDS and provides a survey of solutions proposed in the research literature.
In Our Own Image

Social work has an image problem in the popular media. Historically, social workers abdicated control for shaping public opinion to media producers who had no investment in the future of the profession. Since 1992, this author, colleagues, and students from the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Social Work, have been producing independent television documentaries for broadcast purposes. A systematic approach to media instruction has evolved. This article promotes the inclusion of such content in the traditional social work curriculum as an innovative educational approach.
Neonatal tolerance revisited: a perinatal window for Aire control of autoimmunity

There has long been conceptual and experimental support for, but also challenges to, the notion that the initial period of the immune system's development is particularly important for the establishment of tolerance to self. The display of self-antigens by thymic epithelial cells is key to inducing tolerance in the T lymphocyte compartment, a process enhanced by the Aire transcription factor. Using a doxycycline-regulated transgene to target Aire expression to the thymic epithelium, complementing the Aire knockout in a temporally controlled manner, we find that Aire is essential in the perinatal period to prevent the multiorgan autoimmunity that is typical of Aire deficiency. Surprisingly, Aire could be shut down soon thereafter and remain off for long periods, with few deleterious consequences. The lymphopenic state present in neonates was a factor in this dichotomy because inducing lymphopenia during Aire turnoff in adults recreated the disease, which, conversely, could be ameliorated by supplementing neonates with adult lymphocytes. In short, Aire expression during the perinatal period is both necessary and sufficient to induce long-lasting tolerance and avoid autoimmunity. Aire-controlled mechanisms of central tolerance are largely dispensable in the adult, as a previously tolerized T cell pool can buffer newly generated autoreactive T cells that might emerge.
Diverse Expression of a Potassium Conductance Generates Heterogeneous Neuronal Behavior In a 2 Population of Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus Pyramidal Neurons

1: Department of Otolaryngology, 2: Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of 7 Medicine, PA, 15261. 3: Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie 8 Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA. 4: Department of Mathematics, University of Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, 9 USA. 5: Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto SP. * To whom 10 correspondence should be addressed: thanos@pitt.edu 11 12
A Novel Stabilizing Control for Neural Nonlinear Systems with Time Delays by State and Dynamic Output Feedback

A novel neural network model, termed the standard neural network model (SNNM), similar to the nominal model in linear robust control theory, is suggested to facilitate the synthesis of controllers for delayed (or non-delayed) nonlinear systems composed of neural networks. The model is composed of a linear dynamic system and a bounded static delayed (or non-delayed) nonlinear operator. Based on the global asymptotic stability analysis of SNNMs, Static state-feedback controller and dynamic output feedback controller are designed for the SNNMs to stabilize the closed-loop systems, respectively. The control design equations are shown to be a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) which can be easily solved by various convex optimization algorithms to determine the control signals. Most neural-network-based nonlinear systems with time delays or without time delays can be transformed into the SNNMs for controller synthesis in a unified way. Two application examples are given where the SNNMs are employed to synthesize the feedback stabilizing controllers for an SISO nonlinear system modeled by the neural network, and for a chaotic neural network, respectively. Through these examples, it is demonstrated that the SNNM not only makes controller synthesis of neuralnetwork-based systems much easier, but also provides a new approach to the synthesis of the controllers for the other type of nonlinear systems.
First Journey by a Descriptive Review of Empirical Research on African Marital Relationships—Scientific Dissemination, Thematic Focus, and Methodology

ABSTRACT Family and marital research remains unrepresentative in African societies. The current study is a descriptive literature review of empirical research on African marital relationships published in peer-reviewed journals since the beginning of the 21st century. The aim of this study was to describe this body of research with regard to its methodology, main thematic foci, and scientific dissemination. Ninety studies published across 63 scientific journals were identified, with the majority of them using a quantitative and cross-sectional design. Marital satisfaction/quality and marital stability/instability were the two themes most frequently explored in the studies. Results also revealed that the number of published articles on the topic and the diversity of themes addressed have seen an increase over the years. Implications for the development of further research on African marital relationships are discussed.
An adaptive learning-like solution of random early detection for congestion avoidance in computer networks

In this paper, we1 present an Adaptive Learning (specifically, Learning Automata) Like (LAL) mechanism for congestion avoidance in wired networks. Our algorithm, named as Learning Automata Like Random Early Detection (LALRED), is founded on the principles of operations of the existing Random Early Detection (RED) [1] congestion avoidance mechanisms, augmented with a LAL philosophy. Our approach helps to improve the performance of congestion avoidance by adaptively minimizing the queue loss rate and the average queue size. Simulation results obtained using NS2 establish the improved performance of LALRED over the traditional RED, which was chosen as the benchmark for performance comparison purposes.
Regulation of the Subcellular Localization of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor–associated Factor (TRAF)2 by TRAF1 Reveals Mechanisms of TRAF2 Signaling

Tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor (TRAF)2 is a critical adaptor molecule for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors in inflammatory and immune signaling. Upon receptor engagement, TRAF2 is recruited to CD40 and translocates to lipid rafts in a RING finger-dependent process, which enables the activation of downstream signaling cascades including c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Although TRAF1 can displace TRAF2 and CD40 from raft fractions, it promotes the ability of TRAF2 activate signaling over a sustained period of time. Removal of the RING finger of TRAF2 prevents its translocation into detergent-insoluble complexes and renders it dominant negative for signaling. TRAF1−/− dendritic cells show attenuated responses to secondary stimulation by TRAF2-dependent factors and increased stimulus-dependent TRAF2 degradation. Replacement of the RING finger of TRAF2 with a raft-targeting signal restores JNK activation and association with the cyto-skeletal protein Filamin, but not NF-κB activation. These findings offer insights into the mechanism of TRAF2 signaling and identify a physiological role for TRAF1 as a regulator of the subcellular localization of TRAF2.
Monitoring of a DTN2 network

In this paper we point out the necessity for monitoring the status of a Delay-Tolerant Network (DTN) and present the network monitoring functionalities we implemented in a small network comprising of three nodes based on the DTN2 implementation of the DTN Bundle protocol. The methods used to gather the appropriate statistics are described and the key parameters needed to describe the DTN network status are analyzed and assessed regarding their efficiency to monitor networks performance.
International Students Career Development: Acculturative Stress and Career Outcomes

International students face many challenges as they adapt to a new host country. These challenges are present in social, psychological, academic, and career domains of life. Although students aim to reduce the difficulties encountered in the acculturation process, negative experiences often have a harmful impact. Acculturative stress can negatively affect mental and physical health, as well as career outcomes. The literature focusing on the career-related needs and placement concerns of international students with relation to acculturative stress is scare and needs further exploration. The present study investigated the relationship between acculturative stress and the career outcomes of work hope, career outlook, occupational awareness, career agency, career aspirations (leadership, achievement, and educational), and job-search self-efficacy. The findings from this investigation suggested that international students who reported more acculturation difficulties associated with Perceived Discrimination, Perceived Hate and Fear, and to a lesser extent Homesickness; also tended to report less Work Hope, a more Negative Career Outlook, lower Achievement Aspirations, Leadership Aspirations, Educational Aspirations, Career Agency, and Job Search Self-Efficacy.
Differences in pointing task performance between preschool children and adults using mice

Several experiments by psychologists and human factors researchers have shown that when young children execute pointing tasks, they perform at levels below older children and adults. However, these experiments have not provided user interface designers with an understanding of the severity or the nature of the difficulties young children have when using input devices. To address this need, we conducted a study to gain a better understanding of 4 and 5 year-old children's use of mice. We compared the performance of thirteen 4 year-olds, thirteen 5 year-olds and thirteen young adults in point-and-click tasks. Plots of the paths taken by the participants show severe differences between adults' and preschool children's ability to control the mouse. We were not surprised then to find age had a significant effect on accuracy, target reentry, and efficiency. We also found that target size had a significant effect on accuracy and target reentry. Measuring movement time at four different times (first entering target, last entering target, pressing button, releasing button) yielded the result that Fitts' law models children well only up to the time they first enter the target. Overall, we found that the difference between the performance of children and adults was large enough to warrant user interface interactions designed specifically for preschool children. The results additionally suggest that children need the most help once they get close to targets.
The effect analysis of cognitive and personalintention in using internet technology: An Indonesian students case study

This research was designed to figure out whether cognitive factors which consist of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use as well as personal factors which divided into computer anxiety, influencing the intentions of internet usage among students. Furthermore, this research would also like to compare the cognitive and personal model in influencing the internet use intention.We use quantitative descriptive to analyse the data gathered through questionnaires among the students of State Islamic University Sultan Syarif Kasim (UIN SUSKA) Riau Indonesia, which actively and daily using the computer and internet technology.These students were chosen as samples through simple random sampling and processing data by using multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that perceived usefulness from cognitive factor affecting the intention in using internet while perceived ease of use does not affect the intention of using the internet.It is also found that anxiety computer from personal factors does not affect the intention in using internet technology.Oppositely, the intentions feelings affect the intention in using internet technology. When it comes to the comparison, it could be concluded that cognitive factors also do not have a greater effect when compared with personal factors of students in using internet.
Current challenges in palliative care provision for heart failure in the UK: a survey on the perspectives of palliative care professionals

Objective Palliative care (PC) in heart failure (HF) is beneficial and recommended in international HF guidelines. However, there is a perception that PC is underutilised in HF in the UK. This exploratory study aims to investigate, from a PC perspective, this perceived underutilisation and identify problems with current practice that may impact on the provision of PC in HF throughout the UK. Methods A prospective survey was electronically sent to PC doctors and nurses via the UK Association for Palliative Medicine and adult PC teams listed in the UK Hospice directory. Results We received 499 responses (42%—PC consultants). Although PC provision for patients with HF was widespread, burden on PC services was low (47% received less than 10 referrals annually). While PC was acknowledged to have a role in end-stage HF, there were differing views about the optimal model of care. Levels of interdisciplinary collaboration (58%) and mutual education (36%) were low. There were frequent reports that end-of-life matters were not addressed by cardiology prior to PC referral. Moreover, 24% of respondents experienced difficulties with implantable cardioverter defibrillator deactivation. Conclusions Low HF referrals despite widespread availability of PC services and insufficient efforts by cardiology to address PC issues may contribute to the perception that PC is underutilised in HF. The challenges facing PC and HF identified here need to be further investigated and addressed. These findings will hopefully promote awareness of PC issues in HF and encourage debate on how to improve PC support for this population.
Image Segmentation Using Weak Shape Priors

The problem of image segmentation is known to become particularly challenging in the case of partial occlusion of the object(s) of interest, background clutter, and the presence of strong noise. To overcome this problem, the present paper introduces a novel approach segmentation through the use of "weak" shape priors. Specifically, in the proposed method, an segmenting active contour is constrained to converge to a configuration at which its geometric parameters attain their empirical probability densities closely matching the corresponding model densities that are learned based on training samples. It is shown through numerical experiments that the proposed shape modeling can be regarded as "weak" in the sense that it minimally influences the segmentation, which is allowed to be dominated by data-related forces. On the other hand, the priors provide sufficient constraints to regularize the convergence of segmentation, while requiring substantially smaller training sets to yield less biased results as compared to the case of PCA-based regularization methods. The main advantages of the proposed technique over some existing alternatives is demonstrated in a series of experiments.
A Parallel Approach for Solving a Large-Scale Traveling Salesman Problem

A parallel approach for solving a large-scale Euclidean Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) is presented. The approach consists of the following stages: partitioning the input data set into clusters, solving the TSP for each cluster to get partial solutions, merging the partial solutions to form a complete solution, and optimizing the complete solution. Lin-Kernighan-Helsgaun (LKH) algorithm is used to solve TSP in each cluster. Rings are used to form a complete solution. Several optimization strategies are presented to improve the quality of the complete solution. The approach minimizes the run time of the overall solution. The quality loss of the solution obtained with this approach is negligible when compared to the best known solutions.
SilkRoute: A framework for publishing relational data in XML

XML is the "lingua franca" for data exchange between interenterprise applications. In this work, we describe SilkRoute, a framework for publishing relational data in XML. In SilkRoute, relational data is published in three steps: the relational tables are presented to the database administrator in a canonical XML view; the database administrator defines in the XQuery query language a public, virtual XML view over the canonical XML view; and an application formulates an XQuery query over the public view. SilkRoute composes the application query with the public-view query, translates the result into SQL, executes this on the relational engine, and assembles the resulting tuple streams into an XML document. This work makes some key contributions to XML query processing. First, it describes an algorithm that translates an XQuery expression into SQL. The translation depends on a query representation that separates the structure of the output XML document from the computation that produces the document's content. The second contribution addresses the optimization problem of how to decompose an XML view over a relational database into an optimal set of SQL queries. We define formally the optimization problem, describe the search space, and propose a greedy, cost-based optimization algorithm, which obtains its cost estimates from the relational engine. Experiments confirm that the algorithm produces queries that are nearly optimal.