Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“ A Systems Approach to Establishing Effectiveness for Command and Control ”

Establishing the effectiveness of Command and Control (C2) is considered to be a difficult task and the lack of understanding of the meaning of C2 only adds to this difficulty. It can be shown from a literature study that references to C2 mean one of three things, namely: Command Arrangements, Command, or Command Support Systems. An appreciation of this and an understanding of the nature of these three meanings is a pre-requisite to establishing C2 effectiveness. Treating a military organisation as a system enables each of these elements to be considered as a component of the military system with the role of contributing to the achievement of the operational mission. The systems approach enables the use of the emergent properties of the system to form the basis for the formulation of Measures of Effectiveness (MOE). It also permits a distinction to be made between MOE and Measures of Performance (MOP). The ideal situation would be to establish the contribution that C2 makes to achieving the success of the mission but, when this is not possible, resort must be made to either a reductionist or even an interpretive approach. Although not an ideal situation, it can provide a useable answer.
Two kinds of novel tunable Thulium-doped fiber laser

Two kinds of tunable Thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) respectively using a Sagnac loop mirror and a novel tunable multimode interference (MMI) fiber filter are experimentally demonstrated. The TDFL with the Sagnac loop mirror made by a 145.5-cm polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF) can operate with stable dual-wavelength lasing or tunable single-wavelength lasing around 1860nm. Both stable dual-wavelength and tunable single-wavelength lasing are achieved by adjusting a polarization controller in the Sagnac loop mirror. The TDFL with a novel tunable MMI fiber filter formed by splicing a segment of a special no-core fiber that is an all silica fiber without fiber core to single mode fibers can achieve tuning range from 1813.52 nm to 1858.70 nm. The no-core fiber with a large diameter of 200 μm is gradually vertically covered by refractive index matching liquid, which leads to a wavelength tuning of the transmission peak of the MMI fiber filter. The relationship between the refractive index of the refractive index matching liquid and the peak wavelength shift of the MMI fiber filter is also discussed. Using the MMI fiber filter, a Thulium-doped fiber laser with a tuning range of 45.18 nm is demonstrated.
Bmc Microbiology

Promoter selectivity of the Bacillus subtilis response regulator DegU, a positive regulator of the fla/che operon and sacB Abstract Background: The response regulator DegU and its cognate histidine kinase DegS constitute a two-component system in the Gram-positive soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Unphosphorylated and phosphorylated forms of DegU are known to activate target gene transcription in B. subtilis. Although phosphorylated DegU (DegU-P) regulates more than one hundred and twenty genes, the targets of unphosphorylated DegU are unknown, except for comK.
The role of gonadotropins and testosterone on initiation of spermatogenesis in the immature rat.

Daily injections of specific antisera raised in rabbits against rat FSH or sheep LH were used to define the roles of gonadotropins and testosterone on the initiation of spermatogenesis in the rat. Groups of immature Sprague-Dawley rats were treated from the day of birth up to 32 days of age according to 1 of the following schedules: control group injected with normal rabbit serum (NRS); antiserum to FSH (AS/FSH); antiserum to LII (AS/LH) or antiserum to LH plus testosterone propionate (AS/Ill + TP). All animals were killed at 33 days of age. In control rats, spermatogenesis proceeded to the early elongation phase of spermatid development. The administration of AS/FSH resulted in diminished diameter of the seminiferous tubules, but tubule lumena were usually present. Quantitation of germ cells demonstrated normal numbers of type A spermatogonia and a reduction of preleptotene spermatocytes and steps 7-8 spermatids. The AS/LH treated rats showed a severe reduction of seminiferous tubule diameter and an arrest of spermatogenesis prior to completion of meiosis. Some tubules had a small lumen. The AS/LH + TP treated group showed a more advanced testicular regression compared with the AS/LH treated group. There was an extreme diminution of tubule diameter, fewer spermatocytes were noted and tubule lumena were absent. Testicular levels of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were determined by radioimmunoassay and the ratio of T to DHT was: controls, 1:2.5;AS/FSH, 1:2.0;AS/LlI, 1:0.5; AS/LH + TP, 10.3. These observations suggest a requirement for FSH on some of the steps leading to the differentiation of type A spermatogonia into preleptotene spermatocytes and for the normal evolution of early spermiogenesis. They also confirm that testosterone is required for the completion of meiosis. The failure of TP to reverse the effects of AS/LH administration could be attributed to the possibly severe FSH inhibition induced by the high T plasma levels or to the alterations of the T:DHT ratio.
Eliminating Both Canonical and Short-Patch Mismatch Repair in Drosophila melanogaster Suggests a New Meiotic Recombination Model

In most meiotic systems, recombination is essential to form connections between homologs that ensure their accurate segregation from one another. Meiotic recombination is initiated by DNA double-strand breaks that are repaired using the homologous chromosome as a template. Studies of recombination in budding yeast have led to a model in which most early repair intermediates are disassembled to produce noncrossovers. Selected repair events are stabilized so they can proceed to form double-Holliday junction (dHJ) intermediates, which are subsequently resolved into crossovers. This model is supported in yeast by physical isolation of recombination intermediates, but the extent to which it pertains to animals is unknown. We sought to test this model in Drosophila melanogaster by analyzing patterns of heteroduplex DNA (hDNA) in recombination products. Previous attempts to do this have relied on knocking out the canonical mismatch repair (MMR) pathway, but in both yeast and Drosophila the resulting recombination products are complex and difficult to interpret. We show that, in Drosophila, this complexity results from a secondary, short-patch MMR pathway that requires nucleotide excision repair. Knocking out both canonical and short-patch MMR reveals hDNA patterns that reveal that many noncrossovers arise after both ends of the break have engaged with the homolog. Patterns of hDNA in crossovers could be explained by biased resolution of a dHJ; however, considering the noncrossover and crossover results together suggests a model in which a two-end engagement intermediate with unligated HJs can be disassembled by a helicase to a produce noncrossover or nicked by a nuclease to produce a crossover. While some aspects of this model are similar to the model from budding yeast, production of both noncrossovers and crossovers from a single, late intermediate is a fundamental difference that has important implications for crossover control.
Minichromosome maintenance complex component 8 (MCM8) gene mutations result in primary gonadal failure

Background Primary gonadal failure is characterised by primary amenorrhoea or early menopause in females, and oligospermia or azoospermia in males. Variants of the minichromosome maintenance complex component 8 gene (MCM8) have recently been shown to be significantly associated with women's menopausal age in genome-wide association studies. Furthermore, MCM8-knockout mice are sterile. The objective of this study was to elucidate the genetic aetiology of gonadal failure in two consanguineous families presenting as primary amenorrhoea in the females and as small testes and azoospermia in a male. Methods and results Using whole exome sequencing, we identified two novel homozygous mutations in the MCM8 gene: a splice (c.1954-1G>A) and a frameshift (c.1469-1470insTA). In each consanguineous family the mutation segregated with the disease and both mutations were absent in 100 ethnically matched controls. The splice mutation led to lack of the wild-type transcript and three different aberrant transcripts predicted to result in either truncated or significantly shorter proteins. Quantitative analysis of the aberrantly spliced transcripts showed a significant decrease in total MCM8 message in affected homozygotes for the mutation, and an intermediate decrease in heterozygous family members. Chromosomal breakage following exposure to mitomcyin C was significantly increased in cells from homozygous individuals for c.1954-1G>A, as well as c.1469-1470insTA. Conclusions MCM8, a component of the pre-replication complex, is crucial for gonadal development and maintenance in humans—both males and females. These findings provide new insights into the genetic disorders of infertility and premature menopause in women.
Novel Approach to Analyzing MFE of Noncoding RNA Sequences

Genomic studies have become noncoding RNA (ncRNA) centric after the study of different genomes provided enormous information on ncRNA over the past decades. The function of ncRNA is decided by its secondary structure, and across organisms, the secondary structure is more conserved than the sequence itself. In this study, the optimal secondary structure or the minimum free energy (MFE) structure of ncRNA was found based on the thermodynamic nearest neighbor model. MFE of over 2600 ncRNA sequences was analyzed in view of its signal properties. Mathematical models linking MFE to the signal properties were found for each of the four classes of ncRNA analyzed. MFE values computed with the proposed models were in concordance with those obtained with the standard web servers. A total of 95% of the sequences analyzed had deviation of MFE values within ±15% relative to those obtained from standard web servers.
Projection photolithography method for fabricating continuous surface structure with aperture less than 10 μm

A projection photolithography method is presented in the paper, which can be used for fabricating continuous surface structure with the aperture of a few micrometers. In the method, a microlens array is used to form minified images of a designed object. When the parameters of the microlens and the object are properly determined, images with minification from hundreds to thousands times can be obtained. Photoresist is used to record the images and patterns with micro or sub-micro critical size could be manufactured. Both geometric and diffraction theory are used for optimizing the parameters and the design process is given. Resist reflow method is used in our experiment for achieving microlens array with the characteristics of a large NA and a small period. The micro-taper array with period 20 μm and aperture of 5 μm was manufactured with the method and the home made microlens array photolithographic system.
Contact Networks in a Wildlife-Livestock Host Community: Identifying High-Risk Individuals in the Transmission of Bovine TB among Badgers and Cattle

Background The management of many pathogens, which are of concern to humans and their livestock, is complicated by the pathogens' ability to cross-infect multiple host species, including wildlife. This has major implications for the management of such diseases, since the dynamics of infection are dependent on the rates of both intra- and inter-specific transmission. However, the difficulty of studying transmission networks in free-living populations means that the relative opportunities for intra- versus inter-specific disease transmission have not previously been demonstrated empirically within any wildlife-livestock disease system. Methodology/Principal Findings Using recently-developed proximity data loggers, we quantify both intra-and inter-specific contacts in a wildlife-livestock disease system, using bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in badgers and cattle in the UK as our example. We assess the connectedness of individuals within the networks in order to identify whether there are certain ‘high-risk’ individuals or groups of individuals for disease transmission within and between species. Our results show that contact patterns in both badger and cattle populations vary widely, both between individuals and over time. We recorded only infrequent interactions between badger social groups, although all badgers fitted with data loggers were involved in these inter-group contacts. Contacts between badgers and cattle occurred more frequently than contacts between different badger groups. Moreover, these inter-specific contacts involved those individual cows, which were highly connected within the cattle herd. Conclusions/Significance This work represents the first continuous time record of wildlife-host contacts for any free-living wildlife-livestock disease system. The results highlight the existence of specific individuals with relatively high contact rates in both livestock and wildlife populations, which have the potential to act as hubs in the spread of disease through complex contact networks. Targeting testing or preventive measures at high-contact groups and individuals within livestock populations would enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of disease management strategies.
Certain Histological and Chemical Responses of the Vascular Interface to Acutely Induced Mechanical Stress in the Aorta of the Dog

The purpose of this study is to quantify certain histologic and chemical responses of the intimal tissues in vivo to acutely induced mechanical stresses. Evans blue dye was given to tag serum albumin and an artificial fat emulsion was infused so that altered fluxes of either serum proteins or the artificial chylomicrons across the vascular interface into the intimal region could be detected. Special histologic and photodensimetric techniques were developed to estimate these fluxes as well as the architectural changes in the endothelial cell population. Architectural changes were quantified by doing endothelial cell counts to quantify the “normal” and “abnormal” endothelial cell population density as a function of stress exposure. The stress corresponding to the greatest rate of change of normal to abnormal cell forms is defined as the acute critical yield stress (τc) and was found to average < 420 dynes/cm2. Similarly the stress at which the greatest number of cells are being eroded is defined as the erosion stress (τe). The flux of Evans blue dye into the intima increased with pressure or wall strain, with shearing stress, and with increased turbulence. The flux of artificial chylomicrons into the intimal region never occurred in the presence of a normal endothelial cell population and was found to be most heavy in areas of total cellular erosion.
Comparative Genomics of Two Leptospira interrogans Serovars Reveals Novel Insights into Physiology and Pathogenesis

ABSTRACT Leptospira species colonize a significant proportion of rodent populations worldwide and produce life-threatening infections in accidental hosts, including humans. Complete genome sequencing of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni and comparative analysis with the available Leptospira interrogans serovar Lai genome reveal that despite overall genetic similarity there are significant structural differences, including a large chromosomal inversion and extensive variation in the number and distribution of insertion sequence elements. Genome sequence analysis elucidates many of the novel aspects of leptospiral physiology relating to energy metabolism, oxygen tolerance, two-component signal transduction systems, and mechanisms of pathogenesis. A broad array of transcriptional regulation proteins and two new families of afimbrial adhesins which contribute to host tissue colonization in the early steps of infection were identified. Differences in genes involved in the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide O side chains between the Copenhageni and Lai serovars were identified, offering an important starting point for the elucidation of the organism's complex polysaccharide surface antigens. Differences in adhesins and in lipopolysaccharide might be associated with the adaptation of serovars Copenhageni and Lai to different animal hosts. Hundreds of genes encoding surface-exposed lipoproteins and transmembrane outer membrane proteins were identified as candidates for development of vaccines for the prevention of leptospirosis.
The COX‐2 Selective Inhibitor, Valdecoxib, Does Not Impair Platelet Function in the Elderly: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

The effects of the new cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 selective inhibitor, valdecoxib (40 mg bid; n = 17), on platelet function were evaluated, along with ibuprofen (800 mg tid; n = 15) and placebo (n = 15), in healthy elderly subjects (65–85 years) in this 7.5‐day, randomized, single‐center, double‐blind study. Platelet aggregation (to sodium arachidonate, collagen, and adenosine diphosphate), bleeding time, and serum thromboxane B2 (TxB2) concentrations were measured up to 8 hours postdose on Days 1 and 8. Valdecoxib had no platelet effects, while ibuprofen significantly decreased platelet aggregation, significantly increased bleeding time (2–4 h postdose on each day), and significantly decreased TxB2 levels at all time points. In conclusion, unlike ibuprofen, valdecoxib 40 mg bid spares platelet COX‐1 function in healthy elderly subjects. Valdecoxib's lack of effect on platelet aggregation and bleeding time suggests that it will have an improved clinical profile over nonselective NSAIDs, particularly in patients for whom bleeding complications are a concern.
A Refractory Period for Rejuvenating GABAergic Synaptic Transmission and Ocular Dominance Plasticity with Dark Exposure

Dark exposure initiated in adulthood reactivates robust ocular dominance plasticity in the visual cortex. Here, we show that a critical component of the response to dark exposure is the rejuvenation of inhibitory synaptic transmission, resulting in a decrease in functional inhibitory synaptic density, a decrease in paired-pulse depression, and a reexpression of endocannabinoid-dependent inhibitory long-term depression (iLTD). Importantly, pharmacological acceleration of the maturation of inhibition in dark-exposed adults inhibits the reexpression of iLTD and the reactivation of ocular dominance plasticity. Surprisingly, dark exposure initiated earlier in postnatal development does not rejuvenate inhibitory synaptic transmission or facilitate rapid ocular dominance plasticity, demonstrating the presence of a refractory period for the regulation of synaptic plasticity by visual deprivation.
Diethyl Stilbestrol Excretion in Tumor-Bearing Rabbits *

Stroud' has shown in rabbits that diethyl stilbestrol is excreted in the urine in concentrations far exceeding those of the naturally occurring estrogens, and that the major part of the administered drug is recovered in the unconjugated state. Von Hamm7 found in human beings that 10 to 30 per cent of injected diethyl stilbestrol was eliminated in 10 days. Excretion curves showed that the maximum output was reached in from 48 to 72 hours. Mazer5 et al. gave single doses of diethyl stilbestrol to castrate women hypodermically and found a maximum excretion in from 24 to 48 hours. The results of these investigators were based upon bio-assay methods. Dingemanse,2 however, has proposed a colorimetric method using SbCI5. Using this technic, Dingemanse and Tyslowitz3 have reported that in dogs it is possible to recover 50 per cent of the administered estrogen with from 8 to 25 per cent present in the urine. It seemed to us that diethyl stilbestrol might prove a useful tool in advancing our knowledge of estrogen metabolism in relation to carcinogenesis, since it is excreted in sufficent quantity to make metabolism studies feasible. Moreover, if natural enzyme systems dealing with estrogen metabolism are at fault in carcinogenesis, diethyl stilbestrol might be a convenient precursor substrate to dis-dose such perverted utilization of natural sterols. The present investigation is concerned primarily with the excretion of diethyl stil-bestrol in the urine of normal rabbits and of rabbits which have malignant tissues growing in the anterior chamber of the eye. Subsequent studies will deal with body tumors, both implanted and spontaneous. Methods Young adult rabbits weighing from 1.8 to 2.5 kg. were maintained in metabolism cages on a diet of dry commercial rabbit chow and water. The cancer-bearing animals were litter mates and had been prepared by injection
Low Substrate Loading Limits Methanogenesis and Leads to High Coulombic Efficiency in Bioelectrochemical Systems

A crucial aspect for the application of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) as a wastewater treatment technology is the efficient oxidation of complex substrates by the bioanode, which is reflected in high Coulombic efficiency (CE). To achieve high CE, it is essential to give a competitive advantage to electrogens over methanogens. Factors that affect CE in bioanodes are, amongst others, the type of wastewater, anode potential, substrate concentration and pH. In this paper, we focus on acetate as a substrate and analyze the competition between methanogens and electrogens from a thermodynamic and kinetic point of view. We reviewed experimental data from earlier studies and propose that low substrate loading in combination with a sufficiently high anode overpotential plays a key-role in achieving high CE. Low substrate loading is a proven strategy against methanogenic activity in large-scale reactors for sulfate reduction. The combination of low substrate loading with sufficiently high overpotential is essential because it results in favorable growth kinetics of electrogens compared to methanogens. To achieve high current density in combination with low substrate concentrations, it is essential to have a high specific anode surface area. New reactor designs with these features are essential for BESs to be successful in wastewater treatment in the future.