Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Killer Bee Molecules: Antimicrobial Peptides as Effector Molecules to Target Sporogonic Stages of Plasmodium

A new generation of strategies is evolving that aim to block malaria transmission by employing genetically modified vectors or mosquito pathogens or symbionts that express anti-parasite molecules. Whilst transgenic technologies have advanced rapidly, there is still a paucity of effector molecules with potent anti-malaria activity whose expression does not cause detrimental effects on mosquito fitness. Our objective was to examine a wide range of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) for their toxic effects on Plasmodium and anopheline mosquitoes. Specifically targeting early sporogonic stages, we initially screened AMPs for toxicity against a mosquito cell line and P. berghei ookinetes. Promising candidate AMPs were fed to mosquitoes to monitor adverse fitness effects, and their efficacy in blocking rodent malaria infection in Anopheles stephensi was assessed. This was followed by tests to determine their activity against P. falciparum in An. gambiae, initially using laboratory cultures to infect mosquitoes, then culminating in preliminary assays in the field using gametocytes and mosquitoes collected from the same area in Mali, West Africa. From a range of 33 molecules, six AMPs able to block Plasmodium development were identified: Anoplin, Duramycin, Mastoparan X, Melittin, TP10 and Vida3. With the exception of Anoplin and Mastoparan X, these AMPs were also toxic to an An. gambiae cell line at a concentration of 25 µM. However, when tested in mosquito blood feeds, they did not reduce mosquito longevity or egg production at concentrations of 50 µM. Peptides effective against cultured ookinetes were less effective when tested in vivo and differences in efficacy against P. berghei and P. falciparum were seen. From the range of molecules tested, the majority of effective AMPs were derived from bee/wasp venoms.
Long-term use of daily sumatriptan injections in severe drug-resistant chronic cluster headache

Editors' Note: Based on his experience, Dr. Verslegers disagrees with “Long-term use of daily sumatriptan injections in severe drug-resistant chronic cluster headache,” which presented arguments to use sumatriptan injections on a daily basis in refractory patients with cluster headache. Instead, he suggests that ergotamine should be employed when classical treatments fail. Drs. Leone and Proietti Cecchini, authors of the study, argue that ergots are less specific than triptans, have more side effects such as nausea and vomiting, increase the risk of cardiovascular events, and can lead to ergotism when taken frequently. The authors also suggest that neurostimulation procedures can be beneficial in treating intractable chronic cluster headache. Commenting on “Cognition and neuropsychiatry in …
Clarifying a contested concept: Populism in the study of Latin American politics

Social scientists commonly encounter concepts that are unclear and contested. Authors inspired by competing theories emphasize different attributes from a complex set of defining characteristics. These differences in intension produce differences in extension as scholars apply the same term to divergent sets of cases. Therefore, it is unclear how one author's findings apply to the cases delimited by another's different definition. Conceptual disagreements thus hinder the cumulation of knowledge. Indeed, scholars can shield their arguments from criticism by attributing discordant results to definitional differences. Due to the lack of conceptual agreement, authors "talk past each other" and avoid addressing counterarguments. The resulting fragmentation obstructs debate and criticism, the engines of scholarly progress. ' A particularly confusing concept is populism. Scholars have diverged not only over its specific attributes, but also over its primary domain. Should populism be defined in political, social, economic, and/or discursive terms? Due to these conceptual disagreements, a wide variety of governments, parties, movements, leaders, and policies has been labeled populist, and scholars have found populism to have radically divergent characteristics.2 To flee from this confusion, some authors have advocated abandoning the concept.3 But the scholarly community has refused to follow these calls. Instead, in the last decade studies of populism have thrived.4 Evidently, many authors continue to regard populism as a useful, even indispensable, concept in elucidating Latin American politics. This article therefore applies a different approach, inspired by Sartori's "guidelines for concept analysis. "5 It seeks to clarify the meaning of populism and to propose a new definition. To place the debate in a systematic context, it first distinguishes different types of conceptualization. It then assesses the most useful type in clarifying populism. Finally, populism is systematically redefined by determining its domain and genus, clarifying its specific characteristics, and distinguishing two subtypes.
QRP04-1: Periodic Broadcasting Protocols for Clients with Bandwidth Limitation

Periodic broadcast has been considered for the deployment of video on demand services due to its scalability. However, most of the protocols proposed so far do not take into consideration the existing bandwidth limitation at the client. In this paper, a technique for designing protocols for limited- bandwidth clients is presented. Moreover, a novel protocol based on the greedy equal-bandwidth broadcasting protocol for users with bandwidth constrains is introduced.
NN-based asymptotic tracking control for a class of strict-feedback uncertain nonlinear systems with output constraints

An asymptotic tracking control law is proposed for a class of strict-feedback nonlinear systems with unknown nonlinearities. A Barrier Lyapunov function in combination with backstepping is proposed to guarantee that the output trajectory is contained in a predefined set. A single neural network (NN), whose weights are tuned online, is utilized in our design to approximate the unknown functions in the system dynamics, while the singularity problem of the control gain function is avoided. Meanwhile, in order to compensate for the NN residual reconstruction error and system uncertainties, a robust term is introduced and asymptotic tracking stability is achieved. All the signals in the closed-loop system are proved to be bounded via Lyapunov synthesis and the output converges to the desired trajectory asymptotically without transgressing a given bound. Finally, the merits of the proposed controller are verified in the simulation environment.
Real-Time Management of Faulty Electrodes in Electrical Impedance Tomography

Completely or partially disconnected electrodes are a fairly common occurrence in many electrical impedance tomography (EIT) clinical applications. Several factors can contribute to electrode disconnection: patient movement, perspiration, manipulations by clinical staff, and defective electrode leads or electronics. By corrupting several measurements, faulty electrodes introduce significant image artifacts. In order to properly manage faulty electrodes, it is necessary to: (1) account for invalid data in image reconstruction algorithms and (2) automatically detect faulty electrodes. This paper presents a two-part approach for real-time management of faulty electrodes based on the principle of voltage-current reciprocity. The first part allows accounting for faulty electrodes in EIT image reconstruction without a priori knowledge of which electrodes are at fault. The method properly weights each measurement according to its compliance with the principle of voltage-current reciprocity. Results show that the algorithm is able to automatically determine the valid portion of the data and use it to calculate high-quality images. The second part of the approach allows automatic real-time detection of at least one faulty electrode with 100% sensitivity and two faulty electrodes with 80% sensitivity enabling the clinical staff to fix the problem as soon as possible to minimize data loss.
Moxifloxacin Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles for Sustained Ocular Drug Delivery

Efficient drug delivery to the ocular region is a challenging goal. Only a very small amount (about l-3%) of the dosage actually penetrates through the cornea and reaches intraocular tissues. To overcome these problems of conventional dosage forms, novel drug delivery systems like nanoparticles were designed. Moxifloxacin-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanosuspension was prepared with the aim of providing sustained effect for ocular delivery for 24 hours. Nanosuspensions were prepared by nanoprecipitation method using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and evaluated for particle size, surface morphology, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro release and ex vivo transcorneal permeability, and were compared with marketed products. Microbiological efficacy was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa using cup plate method. Spherical uniform particles (202.5 nm) with a polydispersity index of 0.226 and negative zeta potential (– 25.45 mV) were obtained for MF4 (drug to polymer ratio 1:0.4). Drug entrapment efficiency for MF4 was found to be 83.1%. The cumulative percent drug release for formulation MF4 after 24 hours was 86.1%, showing a sustained effect in controlling the bacterial conjunctivitis thereby avoiding frequent administration of dosage. MFX-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (MF4) showed a significantly higher drug permeation capability compared to the commercial marketed eye drops in ex vivo transcorneal permeation studies and also showed better antimicrobial efficacy compared to the marketed formulation. The results indicate that Moxifloxacin-loaded PLGA nanosuspension could be utilized as a potential drug delivery system for sustained release in ophthalmic application.
DETERMINANTES MOTIVACIONAIS E ESTRATÉGICOS DO COMPORTAMENTO EXPORTADOR DE UMA EMPRESA MINEIRA DO SETOR ALIMENTÍCIO Motivational and Strategical Determinants of the Exporting Behavior of a Minas Gerais State Company in the Food Sector

RESUMO Objetivou-se, neste artigo, analisar aspectos facilitadores e dificultadores do comportamento exportador de uma empresa mineira do setor alimenticio, tendo em vista a teoria sobre aspectos motivacionais e estrategicos da internacionalizacao da firma. Reconhece-se que tais aspectos estao interligados e que eles podem revelar o modo como as atividades internacionais sao realizadas em diferentes mercados estrangeiros. O artigo pode ser caracterizado como um estudo de caso que utilizou a entrevista semiestruturado como a principal tecnica de levantamento de dados. Foram entrevistados dois diretores da empresa exportadora e uma diretora da trading company responsavel pelas atividades de exportacao da empresa pesquisada. Pelos resultados percebe-se que, apesar da exportadora participante do estudo manifestar aspiracoes e expectativas gerenciais com a possibilidade de obter lucros com os negocios no exterior, esse aspecto nao se mostra alinhado a certas caracteristicas organizacionais importantes para o desempenho exportador bem sucedido, isto e, experiencia internacional, comprometimento de recursos e estrategias de marketing internacional.
ECG image representation of normal sinus rythm

This paper deals with a new image representation for ECG signal. The method consists in decomposing the ECG signal in beats. The ECG segmentation is based on the time location of the peak R of the QRS complex. A matrix parameterized by QRS rank comprises the signal tranches around this time reference. The matrix forms an image that illustrates the ECG signal characteristics to replace the long ECG record signal. This representation is very useful for diagnosis in both normal and heart diseases cases. The different ECG records are given from the Arrhythmias database. In this work, we focus on the normal sinus rhythm to show the performances of this representation.
Modelling impact of digital substrate noise on embedded regenerative comparators

This paper presents an analysis and high-level modelling method used to estimate the impact of digital substrate noise on a CMOS regenerative comparator embedded in a mixed-signal environment. A test chip was designed in a 0.35 /spl mu/m heavily doped substrate technology in order to measure the impact of digital noise on embedded CMOS regenerative comparators. Secondly an efficient equation-based model of the impact of the digital substrate noise on embedded CMOS regenerative comparators was derived. It is based on the statistical analysis of the jitter measured at the output of the comparator.
Energy-Based Devices in Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

BACKGROUND Acne vulgaris is a chronic dermatologic complaint with a multifactorial cause. Traditionally, antibiotics and retinoids have been used to manage the condition; patient compliance has been an ongoing issue. A variety of energy-based devices have been reported to be effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris. OBJECTIVE To review and summarize the current literature specific to treatment of acne vulgaris with energy-based devices. METHODS A review of the current literature of energy-based devices used for the treatment of acne vulgaris. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Although limited randomized controlled trials for the treatment of acne have been performed, significant clinical improvement of acne vulgaris, especially of inflammatory lesions, has been demonstrated with a variety of energy-based devices. Newer approaches may lead to even better results.
An Exploratory Study on 99mTc-RGD-BBN Peptide Scintimammography in the Assessment of Breast Malignant Lesions Compared to 99mTc-3P4-RGD2

Purpose This study aimed to explore the diagnostic performance of single photon emission computed tomography / computerized tomography (SPECT/CT) using a new radiotracer 99mTc-RGD-BBN for breast malignant tumor compared with 99mTc-3P4-RGD2. Methods 6 female patients with breast malignant tumors diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology biopsy (FNAB) who were scheduled to undergo surgery were included in the study. 99mTc-3P4-RGD2 and 99mTc-RGD-BBN were performed with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) at 1 hour after intravenous injection of 299 ± 30 MBq and 293 ± 32 MBq of radiotracers respectively at separate day. The results were evaluated by the Tumor to non-Tumor ratios (T/NT). 99mTc-RGD-BBN and 99mTc-3P4-RGD2 SPECT/CT images were interpreted independently by 3 experienced nuclear medicine physicians using a 3-point scale system. All of the samples were analyzed immunohistochemically to evaluate the integrin αvβ3 and gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) expression. The safety, biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of 99mTc-RGD-BBN were also evaluated in the healthy volunteers. Results No serious adverse events were reported in any of the patients during the study. The effective radiation dose entirely conformed to the relevant standards. A total of 6 palpable malignant lesions were detected using 99mTc-RGD-BBN SPECT/CT with clear uptake. All malignant lesions were also detected using 99mTc-3P4-RGD2 SPECT/CT. The results showed that five malignant lesions were with clear uptake and the other one with barely an uptake. 4 malignant cases were found with both αvβ3 and GRPR expression, 1 case with only GRPR positive expression (integrin αvβ3 negative) and 1 case with only integrin αvβ3 positive expression (GRPR negative). Conclusion 99mTc-RGD-BBN is a safe agent for detecting breast cancer. 99mTc-RGD-BBN may have the potential to make up for the deficiency of 99mTc-3P4-RGD2 in the detection of breast cancer with only GRPR positive expression (integrin αvβ3 negative). The preliminary application of 99mTc-RGD-BBN has demonstrated its powerful potential in breast cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium in “Red” and “White” Muscle in the Rat

Summary The concentrations of Mg, K, and Na were measured in the soleus (“red muscle”) and superficial fibers of the medial head of the gastrocnemius (“white muscle”) in rats weighing 100–120 g and 250–300 g. The concentrations of Mg and K were significantly lower and the concentration of Na was significantly greater in the soleus than in the gastrocnemius. Addendum. Recent data on the unequal distribution of calcium (μmole/g, dry wt) (atomic absorption spectrophotometry) between red and white muscle are as follows (mean ± SD): for eight younger rats, soleus = 4.24 ± 0.32 and gastrocnemius = 5.65 ± 0.42 (p < 0.001); for eight older rats, soleus = 2.92 ± 0.29 and gastrocnemius = 5.02 ± 0.27 (p < 0.001). With aging, the calcium concentration decreased in both red (p < 0.001) and white (p < 0.005) muscle.
Classification of different speaking groups ITG Fachtagung Sprachkommunikation 2006 CLASSIFICATION OF DIFFERENT SPEAKING GROUPS BY MEANS OF VOICE QUALITY PARAMETERS

This paper presents a new method to classify different speaking groups by u ing the so called voice quality parameters. By voice quality we mean the characteristics of the glottal excitation o f the speech signal. We estimate five parameters describing the voice quality as spectral gradients of the v cal tract compensated speech. They correlate with the glottal speech source features like open quotient, s k wness of the glottal pulse, and incompleteness of closure. These parameters are then used to classify gen der, different phonation types, and different emotions with promising results.
Allergen Specific Nasal Challenge to Latex in Children with Latex Allergy: Clinical and Immunological Evaluation

There are no data concerning the significance of allergen specific nasal challenge to latex (ASNCL) in the pediatric population and the effect of mometasone furoate nasal spray [(MFNS), topic corticosteroid exerting a potent anti-inflammatory activity] in children with latex allergic rhinitis. The aims of this study are: to investigate the clinical and immune pathological effects of ASNCL in children with latex allergy; to study the effects of MFNS pre-medication on the clinical and immune pathological effects of ASNCL in children with latex allergy. Thirteen children [6 male and 7 female, mean (SD) age 9.6 (2.9) years] with latex allergy and seven children [3 male and 4 female, mean (SD) age 9.9 (3.8) years] without latex allergy underwent ASNCL. Nasal symptoms were recorded, nasal lavage fluid was collected to measure tryptase, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), interleukin-5, interferon-γ levels, and spirometric test was performed for each patient without or with pre-medication with MFNS. ASNCL induced a clinical allergic response and increased tryptase levels only in children with latex allergy. No serious adverse events occurred after ASNCL. MFNS pre-medication reduced both tryptase and ECP levels only in children with latex allergy. ASNCL is a simple, reliable and useful tool to make or confirm the diagnosis of nasal symptoms due to latex; it allows us to study both clinical symptoms and local immunological changes. MFNS pre-medication before an ASNCL may prevent some immunological responses induced by ASNCL without clinical allergic modifications.
Pathogenesis of Malaria in Tissues and Blood

The clinical manifestations of severe malaria are several and occur in different anatomical sites. Both parasite- and host-related factors contribute to the pathogenicity of the severe forms of the disease. Cytoadherence of infected red blood cells to the vascular endothelium of different organs and rosetting are unique features of malaria parasites which are likely to contribute to the vascular damage and the consequent excessive inflammatory/immune response of the host. In addition to cerebral malaria or severe anaemia, which are quite common manifestation of severe malaria, clinical evidences of thrombocytopenia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), liver and kidney disease, are reported. In primigravidae from endemic areas, life threatening placental malaria may also be present. In the following pages, some of the pathogenetic aspects will be briefly reviewed and then data on selected and less frequent manifestation of severe malaria, such as liver or renal failure or ARDS will be discussed.
Developing a more holistic approach to teaching, learning and assessment

Stories in this research study were used to provide authentic design and technology contexts for Key Stage 2 (11 year old pupils) and Key Stage 3 (13 year old pupils), in two different schools. Both learning contexts involved the pupils in problem solving and creative working in groups, two key skills of business and commerce. Dilemma, mystery and intrigue within the different stories invited the pupils to think, act, and reflect on a number of open-ended issues, some of which had no immediate or obvious answers. Classrooms for the 21st Century, it is argued (Marton et al., 1993; Wallace, 1996; Watkins, 2001), need to provide contexts for learning that will encourage children to think logically, critically and creatively, to reason and reflect, and be less dependent on their teachers. These qualities are essential if pupils are to be equipped with the learning dispositions and capability needed to manage complexity and uncertainty, and engage in futures yet to be envisaged. Both stories were used to stimulate and initiate purposeful Design and Technology activity that challenged pupils to think and act, individually and collectively. The stories provided new environments for pupils to think in and be creative, and helped place concepts in real and meaningful contexts (Vygotsky, 1987). In this more applied research study, the class teacher and researcher sought ways of integrating the development of positive learning dispositions with classroom pedagogy. The research hypothesis, that engagement with authentic and creative activity developed positive learning dispositions as well as technology capability, was tested. A framework of learning dispositions, organized into four domains, (EPIC): Expressive, Productive, Innovative, and Collaborative, attempted to provide a more holistic view of learning in the classroom. The framework facilitated more informed teacher observations and reflection on the learning process. It also formed the basis of a more divergent form of assessment and proved helpful in monitoring pupil engagement with authentic tasks. Five levels of engagement were identified: Level 1 indicated a reluctance to engage naturally with a task, with no evidence of exploratory or creative activity, while Level 5, recognised engagement as continuous, open-ended, reasoned and highly creative. Data was generated using audio and video recording of pupil and teacher interaction and by keeping research diaries and examples of pupil work. The work is still at an embryonic stage but it has been successful in challenging teachers’ views and conceptions of learning. The study has encouraged reflection on teaching and assessment practices at a much deeper and analytical level.