Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interaction of Chlamydia trachomatis Serovar L2 with the Host Autophagic Pathway

ABSTRACT Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular pathogens that replicate within a membrane-bound compartment (the inclusion) and are associated with important human diseases, such as trachoma, pneumonia, and atherosclerosis. We have examined the interaction of the host autophagic pathway with Chlamydia trachomatis serovar L2 by using the specific autophagosomal stain monodansylcadaverine, antibodies to autophagosome-associated markers, and traditionally used autophagic inhibitors, particularly 3-methyladenine and amino acids. Chlamydial inclusions did not sequester monodansylcadaverine, suggesting absence of fusion with autophagosomes. Interestingly, exposure of cultures infected for 19 h to 3-methyladenine or single amino acids until the end of infection (44 h) caused various degrees of abnormalities in the inclusion maturation and in the progeny infectivity. Incubation of host cells with chemicals throughout the entire period of infection modulated the growth of Chlamydia even more dramatically. Remarkably, autophagosomal markers MAP-LC3 and calreticulin were redistributed to the inclusion of Chlamydia, a process that appears to be sensitive to 3-methyladenine and some amino acids. The present data indicate the lack of autophagosomal fusion with the inclusion because it was devoid of monodansylcadaverine and no distinct rim of autophagosomal protein-specific staining around the inclusion could be observed. However, high sensitivity of Chlamydia to conditions that could inhibit host autophagic pathway and the close association of MAP-LC3 and calreticulin with the inclusion membrane still suggest a potential role of host autophagy in the pathogenesis of Chlamydia.
Genetic designing of near-optimal training sequences for spatial multiplexing transmissions

This paper describes an efficient design method of training sequences for spatial multiplexing systems, where multiple antenna elements are utilized for highly spectrum-efficient communications. Recently, these wireless communication systems have been greatly interested in and investigated intensively, e.g. space-time coding (STC) scheme and Bell laboratories layered space-time architecture (BLAST). In these systems, the error-rate performance is seriously dependent on the residual channel estimation error. Therefore, good training sequences for channel estimations, that are short sequences and minimizing the estimation error, are desirable. However, it is not straightforward to construct the optimal sequences due to the large search space for multiple antenna systems. In this paper, we propose the design method using the genetic algorithms (GA) for optimizing training sequences, and demonstrate that the near-optimal sequences regarding least-squares (LS) criteria can be given efficiently. In addition, it is shown that optimized 16PSK sequences offer better performance than optimized BPSK sequences for short lengths.
Tracking and position control of an MRI-powered needle-insertion robot

The excellent imaging capabilities of MRI technology are standardizing this modality for a variety of interventional procedures. To assist radiologists, MRI compatible robots relying on traditional actuation technologies are being developed. Recently, a robot that is not only MRI compatible but also MRI powered was introduced. This surgical robot is imaged and actuated through interleaved MRI pulses, and can be controlled to perform automated needle insertion. Using the electromagnetic field generated by the MRI scanner, the robot can exercise adequate forces to puncture tissue. Towards the goal of automation, this paper reports results on tracking and control of an MRI-powered robot tagged with a fiducial marker. Tracking is achieved using non-selective RF pulses and balanced gradient readouts. To suppress the signal received from the tissue, spoiler gradients and background suppression are introduced. Their effects on tracking are quantified and are used to optimize the algorithm. Subsequently, a Kalman filter is employed for robustness. The developed algorithm is used to demonstrate position controlled needle insertion ex vivo.
Dot Diffusion Block Truncation Coding for Satellite Image Retrieval

In present survey it is noticed that the profound interest in research and study of retrieval of satellite images and Image Retrieval on Content Based is grown hugely . Thus, to build the semantic error which is a huge challenge. Also, it prevents wide hosting of image on content based search engines which is now the necessity of CBIR technique. Mostly image search engine depend on human generated data as input query namely tags or annotations. The images get stored in database according to the annotations or tags assigned to them. Thus, tags or annotations are used as inputs by search engines . Thus, to overcome the limitation of annotations based image retrieval an Improved Block Truncation Coding is used which is based on Texture and color features of an image. In this paper, Improved Block Truncation Coding technique is used to fill the semantic gap. Then the similarity features type of search is carried to find different query regions namely desert, coastal, forest, metro from the satellite images. The retrieval technique can be practically applied and compared using different similarity methods . The technique of Improved Block Truncation Coding is described which is one of the most proficient methods used in retrieval of satellite images. Though, in traditional BTC certain redundancy like false contour, inherent artifacts are observed. In order to deal with this an improved BTC with dotdiffusion is applied to the system. Here, a Dot Diffusion is added for retrieving the most relevant images that best match to the query image whereas Dot Diffusion is used to give best quality image with good clearity and save memory need to store in database.
Deconstructing the Poaching Phenomenon A Review of Typologies for Understanding Illegal Hunting

Summary of drivers of the deviance typologies As a consequence of the fundamental division between the normative and instrumental perspectives within the drivers of the deviance approach, little research here provides integrated theories across disciplines. Notably, cost–benefit analyses fail to be situated in a context of norms and values. As precedent for calls for multidimensional models of motivation, Smith ambitiously sought a model of drivers that ‘… integrates economic theory and theories from social psychology, thereby accounting for morality, legitimacy and social influ-ence in addition to the conventional costs and revenues associated with illegal behavior ’ (Smith 1759: 313) and whose absence is felt in discussions of drivers of illegal hunting. Lastly, explanations of illegal hunting drivers were also found to diverge along internal (e.g. utility maximization, CRAVED, neutralization of crime) and external lines (e.g. global markets, socialization within subcultures and values pertaining to industrialized cul-ture at large), with only neutralization theory overcoming this division.Of the drivers of the deviance approaches outlined above, neutralization theory may emerge as the most holistic perspective. Notably, it includes lenses at both the micro level and the macro level. The level of analysis afforded by discussing neutralizations in terms of ‘
Mentoring and Being Mentored:: Issues of Sex, Power, and Politics for Older Women

This paper examines the interface of sexism and ageism when older women are part of a mentoring relationship as either mentors or prottgks. Specifically, issues related to transitional phases, chronological age, and causal attributions for success are reviewed. Educational policies more responsive to the needs of women mentors and protigis are suggested.
Towards Fully Integrated Wireless Impedimetric Sensors

We report on the design and characterization of the building blocks of a single-chip wireless chemical sensor fabricated with a commercial complementary metal-oxide-silicon (CMOS) technology, which includes two types of transducers for impedimetric measurements (4-electrode array and two interdigitated electrodes), instrumentation circuits, and a metal coil and circuits for inductive power and data transfer. The electrodes have been formed with a polycrystalline silicon layer of the technology by a simple post-process that does not require additional deposition or lithography steps, but just etching steps. A linear response to both conductivity and permittivity of solutions has been obtained. Wireless communication of the sensor chip with a readout unit has been demonstrated. The design of the chip was prepared for individual block characterization and not for full system characterization. The integration of chemical transducers within monolithic wireless platforms will lead to smaller, cheaper, and more reliable chemical microsensors, and will open up the door to numerous new applications where liquid mediums that are enclosed in sealed receptacles have to be measured.
Pathomechanisms of Nerve Root Injury Caused by Disc Herniation: An Experimental Study of Mechanical Compression and Chemical Irritation

Study Design. An electrophysiologic and histologic study on nerve roots after mechanical compression and/or local application of nucleus pulposus (NP) was performed. Objective. To assess the effects of mechanical compression and/or chemical irritation caused by NP. Summary of Background Data. It has been shown that application of NP to nerve roots without compression induces histologic and functional changes in nerve roots and the dorsal root ganglia. In clinical situations, however, mechanical compression has also been considered an important factor in disc herniation. Methods. Eighteen dogs (9–15 kg) were used in this study. Four groups were used to assess the effect of each factor: 1) sham group (n = 3); 2) NP group (NP applied under the S1 lamina) (n = 5); 3) comp group (a plastic balloon placed under the S1 lamina) (n = 5); and 4) comp+NP group (a balloon and NP placed under the S1 lamina) (n = 5). Ascending cauda equina action potentials (CEAPs) and cauda equina–sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) were recorded before, immediately after, and 1 week after treatment. Histologic changes were also assessed by light microscopy. Results. There were no significant differences in CEAP and SCV among the four groups immediately after the treatment. However, 1 week after treatment, the amplitudes in the NP group, comp group, and comp+NP group were statistically significantly lower compared with those in the sham group. The comp+NP group showed significantly lower amplitude than did the NP group and comp group. Immediately after treatment, SCV in the NP group and comp group did not show significant differences compared with that in the sham group. However, 1 week after treatment, SCV in the comp+NP group was significantly lower compared with that in the sham group. Histologic changes such as intraneural edema, Schwann cell edema, and nerve fiber injury seemed to be more pronounced in the comp+NP group than in the other groups. Conclusions. It was shown that each of the assessed factors induces nerve dysfunction. However, the combination of mechanical compression (mass effect of herniated NP) and chemical irritation (inflammation around nerve root) may induce more nerve root injury than each factor per se.
Ecology of mosquitoes of Midwestern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES The ecology and distribution of various mosquito species is important in the determination of mosquito vector abundance and associated diseases prevalence. The distribution of various mosquito genera in natural and artificial habitats and their relative species abundance was studied between August 2002 and July 2003 in three foci (Uromi, Ekpoma and Auchi) comprising the Esan and Etsako regions of Midwestern Nigeria. METHODS Sampling was carried out by the method of Hopkins (1952) by dipping using a pipette or ladle depending on container types. Pooled contents of smaller containers were sampled with a pond net. All breeding sources of mosquito larvae were grouped into five (5) depending on their nature, constitution and the physiochemical properties. Artificial mosquito cultures were also carried out in four different container types; plastics, metal cans, earthenware pots and bamboo strips, in parts of two different macro habitats subdivided into area of high human activities (AHHA) and areas of derived/secondary vegetation (ADSV). Environmental temperatures, rainfall and relative humidity were monitored during the study. RESULTS The present study revealed 17 mosquito species belonging to three genera (Anopheles, Culex and Aedes) which are potential vectors of four human diseases in the areas surveyed. A total of 736 mosquito larvae were encountered in artificial sources and 568 larvae were harvested from natural sources. Pools, plastics and metal cans were the predominant artificial sources of mosquito larvae. CONCLUSION The contribution of human activities and increasing environmental modification to the breeding of human disease vector mosquitoes is of importance and selective vector control measures including larviciding are recommended particularly before onset of rainy season.
SCHOOL BASED TRAINING: A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY OF AN ARTICLED TEACHER COURSE AND A ONE YEAR PGCE

SCHOOL BASED TRAINING: A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY OF AN ARTICLED TEACHER COURSE AND A ONE YEAR PGCE Caroline Whiting This research is based on a case study of two primary Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses at the same university which was carried out at a time of rapid change and major reform. One of those courses, the Articled Teacher (AT) PGCE was of the 'school based' variety much heralded at the time as the way forward for the preparation of teachers. In this scheme, learner teachers were based, usually alone, for two years in one school in the care of a mentor, with a chance of a 'teaching practice' in another school. The ATs came into the university for seminars, lectures and tutorials. The other route was a more traditional one year course where the students, 75 in number, were based in the university and were sent out, sometimes alone, sometimes in groups, into two or three different schools for 'teaching practice' or 'school experience'. The research focussed on three major factors in making comparisons between the two groups: 1) patterns of loyalty to, and support from, the university and the school; 2) the sources of their theorising about teaching the ATs relying more on their own personal experience mainly because of their constant need to survive in their schools; 3) the differences between the course providers in schools and in the university which were more important for the ATs because of their course's emphasis on 'partnership' rather than 'integration'. The findings of the fieldwork are placed in the context of a discussion of the recent reforms in initial teacher education with particular reference to their implications for school based training.
Vapor Rub, Petrolatum, and No Treatment for Children With Nocturnal Cough and Cold Symptoms

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a single application of a vapor rub (VR) or petrolatum is superior to no treatment for nocturnal cough, congestion, and sleep difficulty caused by upper respiratory tract infection. METHODS: Surveys were administered to parents on 2 consecutive days—on the day of presentation when no medication had been given the previous evening, and the next day when VR ointment, petrolatum ointment, or no treatment had been applied to their child's chest and neck before bedtime according to a partially double-blinded randomization scheme. RESULTS: There were 138 children aged 2 to 11 years who completed the trial. Within each study group, symptoms were improved on the second night. Between treatment groups, significant differences in improvement were detected for outcomes related to cough, congestion, and sleep difficulty; VR consistently scored the best, and no treatment scored the worst. Pairwise comparisons demonstrated the superiority of VR over no treatment for all outcomes except rhinorrhea and over petrolatum for cough severity, child and parent sleep difficulty, and combined symptom score. Petrolatum was not significantly better than no treatment for any outcome. Irritant adverse effects were more common among VR-treated participants. CONCLUSIONS: In a comparison of VR, petrolatum, and no treatment, parents rated VR most favorably for symptomatic relief of their child's nocturnal cough, congestion, and sleep difficulty caused by upper respiratory tract infection. Despite mild irritant adverse effects, VR provided symptomatic relief for children and allowed them and their parents to have a more restful night than those in the other study groups.
Social Influences on Individual Decision Making Processes

textabstractDit preofschrift onderzoekt de relevantie van sociale invloeden als accountability, de verwachting van de besluitvormer dat zij haar beslissingen misschien moet verdedigen, op individuele besluitvorming. Deze sociale invloeden worden daarbij afgezet tegen marktinvloeden, en de relevantie van deze twee wordt vergeleken. Hoofdstuk 1 geeft een gedetailleerde behandeling van sociale invloeden, en geeft een algemene overzicht van dit proefschrift.
A modified back-off algorithm for the IEEE 802.11 DCF

The primary medium access control (MAC) technique of IEEE 802.11 is called distributed coordination function (DCF). This protocol adopts a carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) with truncated exponential backoff to access the channel. The protocol performance mainly depends on backoff procedure which reduces the probability of collision. In this paper, we deal with the distributed inter-frame space (DIFS) overhead due to DIFS periods resulting in the backoff procedure. A modified backoff procedure is proposed that minimizes the DIFS overhead. This overhead is more significant at higher data rates and degrades the protocol performance. We present the effect of DIFS overhead on the throughput and delay performance of the basic access mechanism for the finite number of stations under ideal channel conditions. Simulation results of modified backoff procedure are compared with the original DCF performance.
Challenges and Opportunities in Proteomics Data Analysis*

Accurate, consistent, and transparent data processing and analysis are integral and critical parts of proteomics workflows in general and for biomarker discovery in particular. Definition of common standards for data representation and analysis and the creation of data repositories are essential to compare, exchange, and share data within the community. Current issues in data processing, analysis, and validation are discussed together with opportunities for improving the process in the future and for defining alternative workflows.
The Verification and Control of Interacting Similar Discrete-Event Systems

This paper explore issues related to the control and verification of similar module systems in the discrete-event systems framework. Similar module systems are distributed systems comprised of subsystem modules that exhibit isomorphic local behavior coordinated on global event occurrences. When given a global model of these systems, it is shown how to decompose the global model into the component subsystems in polynomial time. It is also shown how to perform various verification tasks for these interacting systems while mitigating common state explosion difficulties by taking advantage of the special similar module system structure. Control properties of the similar module systems are also discussed. It is assumed that the local modules are supervised by exactly one local controller and the controllers enforce the same local control policy. Necessary and sufficient conditions for achieving local and global control specifications in this setting are identified.
Spacetime properties of ZZ D-branes

We study the tachyon and the RR field sourced by the (m,n) ZZ D-branes in type 0 theories using three methods. We first use the mini-superspace approximation of the closed string wave functions of the tachyon and the RR scalar to probe these fields. These wave functions are then extended beyond the mini-superspace approximation using mild assumptions which are motivated by the properties of the corresponding wave functions in the mini-superspace limit. These are then used to probe the tachyon and the RR field sourced. Finally we study the space time fields sourced by the (m,n) ZZ D-branes using the FZZT brane as a probe. In all the three methods we find that the tension of the (m,n) ZZ brane is mn times the tension of the (1,1) ZZ brane. The RR charge of these branes is non-zero only for the case of both m and n odd, in which case it is identical to the charge of the (1,1) brane. As a consistency check we also verify that the space time fields sourced by the branes satisfy the corresponding equations of motion.
Connectivity mapping (ssCMap) to predict A20-inducing drugs and their antiinflammatory action in cystic fibrosis

Significance This study reports that publicly available gene array expression data together with statistically significant connections’ map successfully predicts licensed drugs able to modify genes of interest. We used this method to predict drugs able to induce A20 [TNFα-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3)], which is reduced in cystic fibrosis (CF) airway cells, and thus normalize the inflammatory response. Using CF and non-CF airway epithelial cells, ikarugamycin and quercetin had antiinflammatory effects mediated by induction of A20. We confirmed that this was mainly due to A20 induction, because no antiinflammatory effects were seen in bronchial epithelial cells with A20 knockdown. We have identified a process whereby already licensed drugs can be successfully repositioned for chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by chronic and exaggerated inflammation in the airways. Despite recent developments to therapeutically overcome the underlying functional defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, there is still an unmet need to also normalize the inflammatory response. The prolonged and heightened inflammatory response in CF is, in part, mediated by a lack of intrinsic down-regulation of the proinflammatory NF-κB pathway. We have previously identified reduced expression of the NF-κB down-regulator A20 in CF as a key target to normalize the inflammatory response. Here, we have used publicly available gene array expression data together with a statistically significant connections’ map (sscMap) to successfully predict drugs already licensed for the use in humans to induce A20 mRNA and protein expression and thereby reduce inflammation. The effect of the predicted drugs on A20 and NF-κB(p65) expression (mRNA) as well as proinflammatory cytokine release (IL-8) in the presence and absence of bacterial LPS was shown in bronchial epithelial cells lines (16HBE14o−, CFBE41o−) and in primary nasal epithelial cells from patients with CF (Phe508del homozygous) and non-CF controls. Additionally, the specificity of the drug action on A20 was confirmed using cell lines with tnfαip3 (A20) knockdown (siRNA). We also show that the A20-inducing effect of ikarugamycin and quercetin is lower in CF-derived airway epithelial cells than in non-CF cells.