Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Persistence of an atherogenic lipid profile after treatment of acute infection with brucella

Serum lipid changes during infection may be associated with atherogenesis. No data are available on the effect of Brucellosis on lipids. Lipid parameters were determined in 28 patients with Brucellosis on admission and 4 months following treatment and were compared with 24 matched controls. Fasting levels of total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, apolipoproteins (Apo) A, B, E CII, and CIII, and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) were measured. Activities of serum cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and levels of cytokines [interleukins (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNFa)] were also determined. On admission, patients compared with controls had 1) lower levels of TC, HDL-C, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), ApoB, ApoAI, and ApoCIII and higher LDL-C/HDL-C and ApoB/ApoAI ratios; 2) higher levels of IL-1b, IL-6, and TNFa; 3) similar ApoCII and oxLDL levels and Lp-PLA2 activity, lower PON1, and higher CETP activity; and 4) higher small dense LDL-C concentration. Four months later, increases in TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, ApoB, ApoAI, and ApoCIII levels, ApoB/ApoAI ratio, and PON1 activity were noticed compared with baseline, whereas CETP activity decreased. LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, ApoCII, and oxLDL levels, Lp-PLA2 activity, and small dense LDL-C concentration were not altered. Brucella infection is associated with an atherogenic lipid profile that is not fully restored 4 months following treatment.
Painful stimuli evoke different stimulus-response functions in the amygdala, prefrontal, insula and somatosensory cortex: a single-trial fMRI study.

Only recently have neuroimaging studies moved away from describing regions activated by noxious stimuli and started to disentangle subprocesses within the nociceptive system. One approach to characterizing the role of individual regions is to record brain responses evoked by different stimulus intensities. We used such a parametric single-trial functional MRI design in combination with a thulium:yttrium-aluminium-granate infrared laser and investigated pain, stimulus intensity and stimulus awareness (i.e. pain-unrelated) responses in nine healthy volunteers. Four stimulus intensities, ranging from warm to painful (300-600 mJ), were applied in a randomized order and rated by the subjects on a five-point scale (P0-4). Regions in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the intraparietal sulcus differentiated between P0 (not perceived) and P1 but exhibited no further signal increase with P2, and were related to stimulus perception and subsequent cognitive processing. Signal changes in the primary somatosensory cortex discriminated between non-painful trials (P0 and P1), linking this region to basic sensory processing. Pain-related regions in the secondary somatosensory cortex and insular cortex showed a response that did not distinguish between innocuous trials (P0 and P1) but showed a positive linear relationship with signal changes for painful trials (P2-4). This was also true for the amygdala, with the exception that, in P0 trials in which the stimulus was not perceived (i.e. 'uncertain' trials), the evoked signal changes were as great as in P3 trials, indicating that the amygdala is involved in coding 'uncertainty', as has been suggested previously in relation to classical conditioning.
Spontaneous mitotic homologous recombination at an enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) cDNA direct repeat in transgenic mice

A transgenic mouse has been created that provides a powerful tool for revealing genetic and environmental factors that modulate mitotic homologous recombination. The fluorescent yellow direct-repeat (FYDR) mice described here carry two different copies of expression cassettes for truncated coding sequences of the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP), arranged in tandem. Homologous recombination between these repeated elements can restore full-length EYFP coding sequence to yield a fluorescent phenotype, and the resulting fluorescent recombinant cells are rapidly quantifiable by flow cytometry. Analysis of genomic DNA from recombined FYDR cells shows that this mouse model detects gene conversions, and based on the arrangement of the integrated recombination substrate, unequal sister-chromatid exchanges and repair of collapsed replication forks are also expected to reconstitute EYFP coding sequence. The rate of spontaneous recombination in primary fibroblasts derived from adult ear tissue is 1.3 ± 0.1 per 106 cell divisions. Interestingly, the rate is ≈10-fold greater in fibroblasts derived from embryonic tissue. We observe an ≈15-fold increase in the frequency of recombinant cells in cultures of ear fibroblasts when exposed to mitomycin C, which is consistent with the ability of interstrand crosslinks to induce homologous recombination. In addition to studies of recombination in cultured primary cells, the frequency of recombinant cells present in skin was also measured by direct analysis of disaggregated cells. Thus, the FYDR mouse model can be used for studies of mitotic homologous recombination both in vitro and in vivo.
Filarial Worms Reduce Plasmodium Infectivity in Mosquitoes

Background Co-occurrence of malaria and filarial worm parasites has been reported, but little is known about the interaction between filarial worm and malaria parasites with the same Anopheles vector. Herein, we present data evaluating the interaction between Wuchereria bancrofti and Anopheles punctulatus in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Our field studies in PNG demonstrated that An. punctulatus utilizes the melanization immune response as a natural mechanism of filarial worm resistance against invading W. bancrofti microfilariae. We then conducted laboratory studies utilizing the mosquitoes Armigeres subalbatus and Aedes aegypti and the parasites Brugia malayi, Brugia pahangi, Dirofilaria immitis, and Plasmodium gallinaceum to evaluate the hypothesis that immune activation and/or development by filarial worms negatively impact Plasmodium development in co-infected mosquitoes. Ar. subalbatus used in this study are natural vectors of P. gallinaceum and B. pahangi and they are naturally refractory to B. malayi (melanization-based refractoriness). Methodology/Principal Findings Mosquitoes were dissected and Plasmodium development was analyzed six days after blood feeding on either P. gallinaceum alone or after taking a bloodmeal containing both P. gallinaceum and B. malayi or a bloodmeal containing both P. gallinaceum and B. pahangi. There was a significant reduction in the prevalence and mean intensity of Plasmodium infections in two species of mosquito that had dual infections as compared to those mosquitoes that were infected with Plasmodium alone, and was independent of whether the mosquito had a melanization immune response to the filarial worm or not. However, there was no reduction in Plasmodium development when filarial worms were present in the bloodmeal (D. immitis) but midgut penetration was absent, suggesting that factors associated with penetration of the midgut by filarial worms likely are responsible for the observed reduction in malaria parasite infections. Conclusions/Significance These results could have an impact on vector infection and transmission dynamics in areas where Anopheles transmit both parasites, i.e., the elimination of filarial worms in a co-endemic locale could enhance malaria transmission.
Metaphor: a system for related search recommendations

Search plays an important role in online social networks as it provides an essential mechanism for discovering members and content on the network. Related search recommendation is one of several mechanisms used for improving members' search experience in finding relevant results to their queries. This paper describes the design, implementation, and deployment of Metaphor, the related search recommendation system on LinkedIn, a professional social networking site with over 175~million members worldwide. Metaphor builds on a number of signals and filters that capture several dimensions of relatedness across member search activity. The system, which has been in live operation for over a year, has gone through multiple iterations and evaluation cycles. This paper makes three contributions. First, we provide a discussion of a large-scale related search recommendation system. Second, we describe a mechanism for effectively combining several signals in building a unified dataset for related search recommendations. Third, we introduce a query length model for capturing bias in recommendation click behavior. We also discuss some of the practical concerns in deploying related search recommendations.
A Study of Multi-dimensional Melodic Similarity Model Based on Perceptual Analysis

Perceived predominant melody of music is the most convenient and memorable description and can be used for content-based music retrieval. However, including human voice and multiple musical instruments playing together, it is difficult to extract a predominant contour of pitches directly from MP3 music recordings. In order to build a similarity music melody model, several audio files, whose melody is perceptually similar, are collected in our experiment. Many features are extracted and a melodic similarity model is defined through analyzing each feature and combinations of them. The melody model is evaluated based on classification results of six categories of Chinese folk music using Support Vector Machine. The experiment results show that 36-dimensional Constant Q Transform (CQT) feature can represent the melody of audio music pieces accurately. Further more, the classification results for audio data with similar melody are good enough to be used in audio music classification or segmentation and subsequently are very helpful in music information retrieval system.
In vitro and in vivo Activity of K-130, a Dihydrofolate Reductase inhibitor, against Mycobacterium leprae

Summary The antimicrobial effects of a new dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor, K-130 (2,4-diaminodiphenyl sulfone substituted 2,4-diamino-5-benzylpyrimidine), alone and in combination with dapsone (CAS 80-08-0) against both dapsone-sensitive and dapsone-resistant strains of Mycobacterium leprae were evaluated in vitro, in cell-free culture system, and in vivo, in mouse foot pads. The minimal inhibitory concentration of K-130 against dapsone-sensitive as well as dapsone resistant strains of M. leprae was 0.03 μg/ml, and the activity was bactericidal in both cases. However, when combined with dapsone, K-130 exhibited synergism in case of dapsone-sensitive M. leprae, while in case of dapsone-resistant M. leprae, the effect was merely additive. Similar synergistic effects were also observed in the mouse foot pad system for both types of M. leprae strains.
Wrist pulse measurement and analysis using Eulerian video magnification

The wrist pulse reveals important information on the health status of a subject. The morphology and characteristics of the wrist pulse play a significant role in analyzing and diagnosing abnormal health conditions. In ancient China, measuring the wrist pulse was considered an important part of the traditional Chinese medicine. Recent studies attempted to quantify this ancient diagnostic technique and proposed several approaches to extract useful information from the wrist pulse signal. In this paper, a digital camera is used to record standard videos of the wrist. The Eulerian video magnification method is employed to detect, non-intrusively, the wrist pulse signals. Then the 2-Gaussian curve modeling method is applied to analyze the signals. Spatial decomposition and temporal filtering are then used on the frames of the recorded videos. The subtle motion and color changes that correlate with the blood flowing through the artery are visualized through amplifying the filtered signal. To verify the performance of the Eulerian video magnification method for detecting the wrist pulse signal, the photoplethysmogram (PPG) pulse signal was measured. The two signals were recorded simultaneously and were compared. The experimental results demonstrate that the Eulerian video magnification method can be used to capture the characteristics of the wrist pulse signal and has the potential for predicting important cardiovascular events.
Mediation of XML Data through Entity Relationship Models

This paper describes an approach for the querying of heterogeneous XML resources using an ontology-based mediator. Here an ontology is an Entity-Relationship schema defined independently of the schemas of the data sources. The sources are described to the mediator by means of mapping rules as in the Local-As-View approach to data integration. User queries are conjunctive queries formulated in terms of the ontology, and answers to these queries are obtained by rewriting them to XQuery expressions and evaluating these on the data sources. A formal semantics for queries is defined by interpreting XML sources into ER models. As there can be many such interpretations, a certain answer to a query is one which is true in all of them. We describe the rewriting algorithm and we show its completeness and correctness with respect to the given semantics. We also give an algorithm for producing a canonical model of the ontology and the interpreted data sources. It is shown that the certain answers can also be obtained by evaluating the query to just this one model.
A Constructive-Developmental Perspective on the Transformative Learning of Adults Marginalized by Race, Class, and Gender

Using Kegan’s constructive-developmental theory, this study examines transformative learning among six low-income and homeless women of Color pursuing their GED in a shelter-based literacy program. Narrative analysis of two developmental interview instruments indicated that some participants’ epistemological perspectives and knowledge construction became more complex over time. Some participants also applied transformative learning to other aspects of their lives. The study suggests that groups often regarded as marginalized by race, class, and gender may experience growth in epistemological complexity in environments where transformative learning goals are purposefully supported.
Joint optimization of transmit beam-width and time-on-target in sea-search radars

In this work, we study the achievable performance of a sea-search radar when the transmit beam-with is varied so as to trade a lower directional gain for a longer time-on-target and/or a shorter scan duration due to the reduced number of scanned directions. The considered figure of merit is the number of target detections per unit of time, which allows a fair comparison among scanning policies with different duration, under a constraint on the average number of false alarms per unit of time from the monitored area and on the maximum time-on-target. Examples are provided to show the possible trade-offs as function of the signal-to-clutter and signal-to-noise ratios.
The Black Thrust for Vitality: The Impact on Social Work Education

of social work institutions. Secondly, it has forced recognition, despite all protestations by faculty and administration, to note ex plicitly or implicitly, that a new popula tion, one bringing quite new demands and needs, has entered the field; has forced into the open important issues in social workers' philosophies, orientation, beliefs and prac tices; and lastly, set the foundation for a period of potentially great creativity, once overcoming massive resistances to the new thurst. This paper draws upon the experiences gained over the past four years in the School of Social Welfare at UCLA, Los Angeles. Much of the data provided here is not directed at comparatives between black and non-black, for it is the belief in herent in this paper that the two variables, black and non-black ethnics, are not always significantly related, nor usefully compara tive. Rather, the data will be presented mainly as ways of analyzing the important changes which have occurred within this school in respect to the significant char acteristics of the black population over a period of years. Further, this paper does not presume to reflect all ethnic-minority positions or in terpret the unique experiences which they have encountered as groups entering the
Dislocations in laser-doped silicon detected by micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy

We report the detection of laser-induced damage in laser-doped layers at the surface of crystalline silicon wafers, via micron-scale photoluminescence spectroscopy. The properties of the sub-band-gap emission from the induced defects are found to match the emission characteristics of dislocations. Courtesy of the high spatial resolution of the micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy technique, micron-scale variations in the extent of damage at the edge of the laser-doped region can be detected, providing a powerful tool to study and optimize laser-doping processes for silicon photovoltaics.
Agile Methodology in Practices Agile Methodology in Practice

This paper presents an early empirical study on Extreme Programming practices employing a qualitative action research method. The study was conducted on university students doing real commercial development projects to gain an insight into the problems faced by the new developers in adopting these agile practices. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of the XP practices on the quality of software developed. What emerged from the analysis was the positive relationship between number of XP practices employed and the quality of software delivered as perceived by the clients.
Development of a Situational Model for Transformational Leadership

Bass's theory (1985) of transformational leadership is based upon going beyond exchanging rewards for desired performance. Einstein (1994) proposed several steps to bring about the transformation of followers. Using a situational model, we will introduce transactional and transformational leadership theories into Einstein's steps of transformation. Transactional leadership is defined by leader-follower relationships which are based on a series of exchanges or bargains between leaders and followers. Degrees of transactional leadership are supported by the leader's activity level and the nature of the interaction with followers. With transformational leadership, leader-follower relationships are built on three distinct leader behaviors; charisma, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. The situational model we intend to develop for transformational leadership will show managers when and how to employ this theory. Transformational leadership can be learned and leaders at all levels can benefit from an understanding of how transformational and transactional leadership theory can be combined into a dynamic model.
A REVIEW OF THE BRUININKS‐OSERETSKY TEST OF MOTOR PROFICIENCY

Summary. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency was examined in an effort to establish its credibility as one of the most widely used tests of motor development in children. The presentation of the test is excellent. However, doubts are expressed about the item development, standardisation, reliability, validity, and grouping of tests into fine and gross motor skills. Changes to the manual are recommended that should facilitate more appropriate interpretations of test results. Without these changes, the use of the test for the assessment of most children remains highly questionable.
Diminished Th1 and Th2 Cytokine Production in Healthy Adult Nonresponders to Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine

Vaccination of healthy adults with recombinant hepatitis B (rHB) vaccine fails to induce a protective antibody response in a proportion of individuals. Imbalanced T‐helper (Th)1/Th2 response has been attributed to the lack of specific antibody response to rHB vaccine. In this study, in vitro production of interleukin (IL)‐2, interferon (IFN)‐γ and IL‐10 was investigated in Iranian healthy adults vaccinated with rHB vaccine. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from 18 high responders and eight nonresponders and stimulated with rHB antigen or phytohaemaglutinin (PHA) mitogen. The cytokines were quantitated in culture supernatants by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our results demonstrated a significant decrease in the production of IL‐2, IFN‐γ and IL‐10 (P < 0.005) in response to rHB antigen. The levels of all cytokines induced by PHA were similarly represented in both groups of vaccinees. These findings suggest that unresponsiveness to rHB vaccine may be owing to inadequate Th1‐ and Th2‐like cytokine production.
Topical therapy of acne vulgaris using 2% tea lotion in comparison with 5% zinc sulphate solution.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate effectiveness of 2% tea lotion in comparison with 5% zinc sulphate solution in the treatment of acne vulgaris. METHODS This is a single-blind randomly comparative therapeutic clinical trial carried out in the Department of Dermatology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq from June 2006 to December 2007. Full history and clinical examination were studied for each patient regarding all relevant points of the disease, to evaluate the severity of acne. Forty-seven patients with acne vulgaris were divided randomly into 2 groups, and were instructed to use the following solutions twice daily for 2 months; group A used 2% tea lotion, group B used 5% zinc sulphate solution. Patients with papulopustular lesions were included in the study, while patients with severe acne were excluded. The clinical improvement was scored by counting the number of inflammatory lesions before, and after treatment. RESULTS Forty patients completed the study, their ages ranged from 13-27 years with a mean+/-standard deviation of 19.5+/-3.5 years with 20 patients in each group. Two percent tea lotion was statistically significant in decreasing the number of the inflammatory lesions in acne vulgaris, while 5% zinc sulphate solution was beneficial, but did not reach statistically significant level as tea lotion. CONCLUSION Two percent tea lotion was a good alternative remedy to be used in the treatment of acne vulgaris, and was much superior than topical 5% zinc sulphate solution.