Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tec kinases, actin, and cell adhesion

Summary: The Tec family non‐receptor tyrosine kinases have been recognized for their roles in the regulation of phospholipase C‐γ and Ca2+ mobilization downstream from antigen receptors on lymphocytes. Recent data, however, show that the Tec family kinase interleukin‐2‐inducible T‐cell kinase (Itk) also participates in pathways regulating the actin cytoskeleton and ‘inside‐out’ signaling to integrins downstream from the T‐cell antigen receptor. Data suggest that Itk may function in a kinase‐independent fashion to regulate proper recruitment of the Vav1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor. By enhancing actin cytoskeleton reorganization, recruitment of signaling molecules to the immune synapse, and integrin clustering in response to both antigen and chemokine receptors, the Tec kinases serve as modulators or amplifiers that can increase the duration of T‐cell signaling and regulate T‐cell functional responses.
Migration Pathways of Thalamic Neurons and Development of Thalamocortical Connections in Humans Revealed by Diffusion MR Tractography

Abstract The thalamus plays an important role in signal relays in the brain, with thalamocortical (TC) neuronal pathways linked to various sensory/cognitive functions. In this study, we aimed to see fetal and postnatal development of the thalamus including neuronal migration to the thalamus and the emergence/maturation of the TC pathways. Pathways from/to the thalami of human postmortem fetuses and in vivo subjects ranging from newborns to adults with no neurological histories were studied using high angular resolution diffusion MR imaging (HARDI) tractography. Pathways likely linked to neuronal migration from the ventricular zone and ganglionic eminence (GE) to the thalami were both successfully detected. Between the ventricular zone and thalami, more tractography pathways were found in anterior compared with posterior regions, which was well in agreement with postnatal observations that the anterior TC segment had more tract count and volume than the posterior segment. Three different pathways likely linked to neuronal migration from the GE to the thalami were detected. No hemispheric asymmetry of the TC pathways was quantitatively observed during development. These results suggest that HARDI tractography is useful to identify multiple differential neuronal migration pathways in human brains, and regional differences in brain development in fetal ages persisted in postnatal development.
Low-cost multicast routing in wireless mobile networks

A routing algorithm is proposed to support multicast routing infrastructure for heterogeneous wireless/wired networks. The algorithm has two goals: (a) reduce the overall cost of the multicast tree, (b) reduce the latency for join and leave operations when mobile units hand-off from one cell to another. The LMM (Low-cost Mobile Multicast) algorithm reduces the delay during the hand-off process by precomputing the least-cost path to all neighboring cells. LMM is able to effectively support both static and mobile hosts.
F-16 Pulse Doppler Radar (AN/APG-66) Performance

The AN/APG-66 is a digital, multimode, fire control radar that is the primary sensor for the F-16 air combat fighter. The detection and false alarm performance of this radar are described when it operates in its medium PRF pulse Doppler downlook mode. Descriptions are included of medium PRF clutter, the AN/APG-66 signal processing, the flight tests used to obtain performance data, a computer simulation of the radar, and the calibration of the simulation. The detection performance presented is based on both flight tests and the output of the flight test calibrated simulation. The false alarm performance is based on flight tests and is accompanied by a discussion of the sources of false alarms.
Noise, discomfort and mental health:A review of the socio-medical implications of disturbance by noise

Synopsis The published work relating to the effects of noise on man and animals is reviewed from the standpoint of mental health. Evidence from a number of different disciplines shows that the presence of meaning in the noise is of critical importance in determining the persistence of physical reactions to the noise. The existing evidence linking noise with mental illness is found to be unsatisfactory. The concept of annoyance and the relevance of noise annoyance to mental illness are discussed. Some specific suggestions for further work are put forward.
Diagnosis on Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients for Alzheimer Disease with Missing Data

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is constructed as an intermediate stage between normal aging and Alzheimer disease (AD). Various clinical criteria have been developed to quantify the risk of MCI patients converting to AD. One risk assessment criterion in assisting clinical decision is based on the amount of cerebral amyloid measured with florbetapir-fluorine-18 positron emission tomography (18F-AV45-PET) imaging. However, PET imaging is not usually readily available. As a result, the advantages of these important imaging based biomarkers may not be fully utilized clinically. To tackle the problem where patients have these biomarkers missing, we propose to develop ensemble regression tree to estimate the biomarkers based on clinical and demographic features (Age, APOE status, cognitive test, etc.) and other imaging biomarkers such as MRI. The makeup dataset filled with these estimates are then used to develop a classification model to assess the risk of MCI patients converting to AD. Using dataset of 146 MCI patients from Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative (ANDI), we conduct 16 sets of experiments with the missing ratios changing from 0.05 to 0.80 to test the performance of our proposed approach. The advantages of our model show well when the missing ratio ranges 0.2 to 0.6 with average 7.1% higher accuracy and 7.4% higher sensitivity comparing to the model without using the estimated fill-ins. This advantage diminishes as the missing ratio increases to 80% as expected.
Production and Characterization of a Novel Bioflocculant from Bacillus licheniformis

ABSTRACT A bacterium producing an extracellular bioflocculant was isolated from contaminated LB medium and identified as Bacillus licheniformis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and its biochemical/physiological characteristics. The optimum culture conditions for flocculant production were an initial medium pH of 7.2 and an inoculum size of 4% (vol/vol). The maximum flocculating activity (700 U/ml) was obtained after cultivation at 37°C for 48 h. Chemical analyses of the purified bioflocculant revealed that it was a proteoglycan composed of 89% carbohydrate and 11% protein (wt/wt). The mass ratio of neutral sugar, amino sugar, and uronic acid was measured at 7.9:4:1. Infrared spectrometry further indicated the presence of carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amino groups, typical of heteropolysaccharide. The average mass of the bioflocculant was calculated to be 1.76 × 106 Da. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the bioflocculant showed an irregular structure with netted texture. Its efficient flocculation capabilities suggest potential applications in industry.
Relaxant effects of isoproterenol in isolated cardiac muscle: influence of loading patterns.

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that loading patterns (i.e., loading sequence, total load, and preload) modulate the relaxant effects of isoproterenol. The effects of isoproterenol (10(-6) M) on peak rate of force decline (-dF/dt) were studied in rat left ventricular papillary muscle (n = 24) with respect to two sequences of relaxation: the classical, isotonic-isometric sequence, in which tension fall occurs at initial muscle length, and the physiological, isometric-isotonic sequence, in which tension fall occurs at end-systolic muscle length. The influences of muscle load and initial length were accounted for in the evaluation of relaxation rate by plotting -dF/dt against the entire range of loads both at preload = maximum length (Lmax) and 90% Lmax. The main results are the following: 1) in the classical, isotonic-isometric sequence of relaxation, and whatever the preload, the magnitude of the relaxant effect of isoproterenol increased with load; 2) after reversal into the physiological, isometric-isotonic sequence of relaxation, the relaxant effect of isoproterenol behaved independently of load level in muscle preloaded at Lmax; 3) conversely, in muscle preloaded at 90% Lmax and relaxing according to the physiological sequence, the relaxant effect of isoproterenol increased with load; and 4) the peak relaxant effect of isoproterenol was proportionally higher in the physiological sequence of relaxation than in the classical one and occurred at a similar level of load, whatever the loading sequence and whatever the preload level. Our results indicate that loading patterns finely modulated the relaxant effects of isoproterenol and that muscle length, both before the contraction phase and at the onset of relaxation phase, influenced the effects of isoproterenol on myocardial relaxation rate.
Application of Potent Actinomycete Strains for Bio-Degradation of Domestic Agro-Waste by Composting and Treatment of Pulp-Paper Mill Effluent

Actinomycetes are known to produce an extensive range of bioactive compounds as well as variety of enzymes having multiple biotechnological applications. They are an important source of lignocellulose hydrolyzing enzymes and constitute considerable proportion of the soil or aquatic micro-flora responsible for degradation of biomass in natural environment. Presently, most of the commercially exploited lignocellulases and commercial biodegradation processes rely mostly on fungal or bacterial micro-organisms. Actinomycetes are relatively less explored for biodegradation processes that utilize lignocellulases for solid agro-waste management and waste water treatment. There is also a need to search and explore novel actinomycete strains for various biodegradation applications. This study involved examining the possibility of using only potent actinomycetes strains for the composting process by creating the consortium of such strains that could produce thermo-tolerant and alkali-tolerant key enzymes necessary for the degradation of cellulose, hemi-cellulose and lignin. The newly developed actinomycete consortium was tested for the composting activity and the composting process was optimized. The analysis of the composted material generated under ideal condition, demonstrated desirable physical and chemical characteristics. Paper pulp effluent poses a hazard to waterways due to toxicity. The toxicity of this mill effluent can be attributed to a compound called lignin and its chlorinated derivatives that are let out during the treatment of lignocellulosic constituents. Current study also involves the use of a strain of actinomycete having ability to produce enzyme laccase, which is active under alkaline condition for the treatment of paper pulp effluent. Enzyme laccase is known for its ability to attack phenolic components of lignin and common hazardous component of effluent, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Aerobic treatment of effluent by actinomycete strain indicated 21% reduction in COD at pH 7.5 after 14 days under optimum condition. This strain was identified as Streptomyces rochei based on molecular fingerprinting and was reported to be the producer of laccase probably for the first time. LCMS analysis of the treated effluent sample showed the presence of degradation compounds forming after 7 and 14 days of treatment. These compounds showed the degradation of lignin components and other phenolic, non-phenolic components of the effluent by intra molecular re-arrangement, oxidation and ring opening reactions. Overall, potent thermo-tolerant and alkali-tolerant actinomycete strains were successfully isolated and applied for bio-degradation of domestic agro-waste by composting and treatment of pulp-paper mill effluent. The consortium of these strains may be further utilized for scale-up studies in order to assess its commercial feasibility for biodegradation processes.
Calibration of differential pressure gauge for ocean bottom seismology study

For earth quakes happening in the ocean, the signals will be best picked up by ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) to have their fidelty. The seismic signal picked up by OBS's is often contaminated by the ocean surface waves. In order to separate the noises due to the ocean surface wave, a differential pressure gauge (DPG) is installed on OBS to detect the pressure change purely due to the water body. Thus the transfer function of the seafloor vertical displacement can be obtained to model the response of the seafloor if the surface forcing influencing is significant. This paper presents a procedure to calibrate the frequency response of a DPG such that it can be incorporated with OBS seismic sensor for signal post processing.
Motivation for physical activity in young people: entity and incremental beliefs about athletic ability

Three studies are reported of children and youth aged 11–19 years (n = 3478) examining the nature of beliefs about athletic ability. Drawing on related research in academic, moral and stereotyping domains, development of a psychometric instrument assessing athletic ability beliefs is detailed. Support was found for a multidimensional hierarchical structure that is invariant across age and gender. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a structure comprising two higher-order factors of entity and incremental beliefs underpinned by beliefs that athletic ability is stable and a gift (entity), and is open to improvement and can be developed through learning (incremental). Incremental beliefs, indirectly through a task goal orientation, and entity beliefs directly, predicted self-reported amotivation towards physical education and sport. On the other hand, enjoyment of physical activity in youth was predicted directly by task orientation and incremental beliefs. Predictions concerning the moderating role of perceived competence were not supported. Our findings highlight the importance of ability beliefs and goals in understanding the determinants of physical activity in children and youth.
Tobacco use by college students: a comparison of daily and nondaily smokers.

OBJECTIVES To explore demographics, contextual factors, and health risk behaviors associated with nondaily smoking by college students. METHODS In fall 2005, a random sample of 4100 students completed an online survey. RESULTS Of those surveyed, 29% reported current smoking; of that 29%, 70% were nondaily smokers. Compared to daily smokers, nondaily smokers were younger, African American (compared to white), had mothers with higher education, belonged to Greek organizations, and attended private (vs public) schools. Nondaily smokers were less likely to have used illicit drugs. CONCLUSIONS Nondaily and daily smokers differed on several demographic and contextual factors, but reported mostly similar health risk behaviors.
Evaluation of three model reference adaptive control algorithms for robotic manipulators

This paper evaluates three model reference adaptive control (MRAC) schemes for completing a telerobotic task. The three proposed schemes are evaluated for accurate trajectory control of a general three-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator, in the presence of large payload variations, and modeling inaccuracies. The three MRAC schemes evaluated are: (1) Computed-torque method, which uses the nonlinear dynamic model of the robot in the control formulation and Popov's hyperstability criteria, (2) independent joint control method, which uses decoupled linear dynamic equations in the control formulation and based on Popov's hyperstability criteria, and (3) independent joint control method based on sensitivity analysis. Computer simulations of a three-degree-of-freedom manipulator, with a large payload and fast maneuver are used to analyze the performance of the three schemes. The investigation shows the robustness of the computed-torque method when compared to the independent joint schemes.
Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix

A clinicopathologic analysis of 13 cases of glassy cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix is presented. The glassy cell carcinoma is considered to be a poorly differentiated mixed adenosquamous carcinoma. Its histologic appearance is distinctive, being characterized by cells with a moderate amount of cytoplasm having a ground glass or finely granular appearance, a distinct cell wall that stains with eosin and PAS, and enlarged nuclei with prominent nucleoli. In the present study this tumor was associated with extrapelvic spread in 6/13 cases at diagnosis. Results were poor with either surgery and/or radiotherapy. Only four of 13 patients survived 5 years. The glassy cell carcinoma appears to be a distinct clinicopathologic entity which warrants a place in the classification of carcinoma of the cervix.
Web toolkits accessibility study

Access to increasing number of web applications is very good news especially for disabled people. These applications become richer and offer wide variety of services used in everyday's life (document creation, instant messaging, data storage, email communication, social networking, etc.). The problem is that at the same time these rich internet applications (RIA) become less accessible. There is a Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) 2 related to W3C 1 which is trying to cope with this problem. In particular the Accessible Rich Internet Application suite of W3C (WAI-ARIA) 3 is describing how to improve the accessibility of dynamic web content and advanced user interface controls in rich internet applications.
Hongos endófitos epichloë asociados a lolium perenne: identificación y producción de alcaloides

El raigras perenne (Lolium perenne) frecuentemente se encuentra en simbiosis con hongos endofitos del genero Epichloe que le confiere resistencia a estreses bioticos y abioticos a traves de la produccion de alcaloides. Aunque el endofito habita en la parte aerea puede promover cambios fisiologicos que influyen en la dinamica nutrimental de la planta. Con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de Epichloe en L. perene de origen silvestre, se realizo un estudio exploratorios en 378 plantas provenientes de ocho localidades diferentes del oeste de Espana. Se observo una incidencia promedio de 38%, con presencia de tres morfotipos (M1, M2; M3) en plantas asintomaticas, y un cuarto grupos (M2S) en plantas con estromas. Se encontro una relacion entre el contenido de alcaloides y el morfotipo del endofito. La mayor concentracion de peramina, lolitrem B, y ergovalina, se detecto en plantas infectadas respectivamente con M2S, M3, y M1. Las plantas con Epichloe tuvieron menor concentracion de P, Ca, S, B, fibra neutro detergente y lignina, y mayor contenidos de Mn y mejor digestibilidad que las plantas no infectadas. Adicionalmente, se desarrollo una tecnica de inoculacion de raigras perenne con endofitos Epichloe, la cual consistio en colocar semillas de las plantas en colonias del hongo creciendo en un medio de cultivo. Se consiguieron tasas infeccion de 22% con M2 y M2S, de 2.8% con M3, y no se logro infectar ninguna planta con M1. Ademas, a traves del uso de la quimiometria y de espectroscopia NIR fue posible identificar 93.3% de la plantas infectadas, agrupar las muestras de acuerdo con la especie de sus endofitos (M1 y M3 = E. festucae var. lolii; M2= E. typhina); detectar 94.4% de las plantas con peramina, 87.5% de las plantas con lolitrem y en 92.9% con ergovalina; y generar ecuaciones precisas para la cuantificacion de peramina y ergovalina.
Review article: visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic agents

Background Although development of visceral pain is an important defensive mechanism, hypersensitivity results in a significant clinical problem and is likely to be one of the major factors involved in the pathogenesis of abdominal and chest pain in functional bowel disorders (FBDs). Understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in peripheral sensitization of visceral nociceptors has advanced as a result of the experimental studies, especially in animal models, which have led to knowledge and identification of key mediators and receptors.
Character Reconstruction and Animation from Uncalibrated Video

We present a novel method to reconstruct 3D character models from video. The main conceptual contribution is that the reconstruction can be performed from a single uncalibrated video sequence which shows the character in articulated motion. We reduce this generalized problem setting to the easier case of multi-view reconstruction of a rigid scene by applying pose synchronization of the character between frames. This is enabled by two central technical contributions. First, based on a generic character shape template, a new mesh-based technique for accurate shape tracking is proposed. This method successfully handles the complex occlusions issues, which occur when tracking the motion of an articulated character. Secondly, we show that image-based 3D reconstruction becomes possible by deforming the tracked character shapes as-rigidas-possible into a common pose using motion capture data. After pose synchronization, several partial reconstructions can be merged in order to create a single, consistent 3D character model. We integrated these components into a simple interactive framework, which allows for straightforward generation and animation of 3D models for a variety of character shapes from uncalibrated monocular video.
Orchitis: A Complication of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)1

Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus has been known to damage multiple organs; however, little is known about its impact on the reproductive system. In the present study, we analyzed the pathological changes of testes from six patients who died of SARS. Results suggested that SARS caused orchitis. All SARS testes displayed widespread germ cell destruction, few or no spermatozoon in the seminiferous tubule, thickened basement membrane, and leukocyte infiltration. The numbers of CD3+ T lymphocytes and CD68+ macrophages increased significantly in the interstitial tissue compared with the control group (P < 0.05). SARS viral genomic sequences were not detected in the testes by in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated abundant IgG precipitation in the seminiferous epithelium of SARS testes, indicating possible immune response as the cause for the damage. Our findings indicated that orchitis is a complication of SARS. It further suggests that the reproductive functions should be followed and evaluated in recovered male SARS patients.
Development of a composite measure of state-level malpractice environment.

OBJECTIVE To develop a composite measure of state-level malpractice environment. DATA SOURCES Public use data from the National Practitioner Data Bank, Medical Liability Monitor, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the American Bar Association. STUDY DESIGN Principal component analysis of state-level indicators (paid claims rate, malpractice premiums, lawyers per capita, average award size, and malpractice laws), with indirect validation of the composite using receiver-operating characteristic curves to determine how accurately the composite could identify states with high-tort activity and costs. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A single composite accounted for over 73 percent of total variance in the seven indicators and demonstrated reasonable criterion validity. CONCLUSION An empirical composite measure of state-level malpractice risk may offer advantages over single indicators in measuring overall risk and may facilitate cross-state comparisons of malpractice environments.