Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developmental arrest of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum within the mosquito midgut via CTRP gene disruption

Apicomplexan protozoa possess a family of micronemal and cell surface‐associated proteins, each comprised a combination of cell‐adhesive vertebrate von Willebrand factor (vWF)‐like A domains and thrombospondin (TSP) type 1‐like domains. The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum has in the extracellular portion of the CS protein TRAP‐related protein (CTRP) six tandemly arrayed A domains followed by seven TSP type 1‐like domains, whereas a second member of this family, thrombospondin‐related anonymous protein (TRAP), contains a single vWF‐like A domain and a single TSP type 1‐like domain. Here we show that CTRP transcripts are present within the infected mosquito midgut and that CTRP protein is expressed with a punctate distribution and a predominance at the apical end of mosquito midgut‐stage ookinetes. This expression pattern is analogous to micronemal expression of TRAP in Plasmodium sporozoites. Disruption of the CTRP gene by homologous recombination in cultures of the human malaria parasite P. falciparum demonstrates that CTRP is essential for mosquito midgut development. Oocyst formation was never observed following membrane feeds of CTRP disruptant lines to Anopheline mosquitoes, despite the development of mature ookinetes. We propose that CTRP is involved in essential recognition or motility processes at the ookinete cell surface within the mosquito midgut.
Electrothermal ageing of epoxy nanocomposites

Constant stress accelerated ageing experiments were conducted on unfilled epoxy and epoxy alumina nanocomposites with different filler loadings of 0.1, 1 and 5 wt%. Electrical (6 kV/mm), thermal (60oC) and combined electrothermal (6 kV/mm and 60°C) ageing experiments were performed for a duration of 250 h. The leakage current through the samples were continuously monitored and the variation in the tan δ values with ageing duration was also monitored. It was observed that the increase in the tan δ value with ageing duration was less for the epoxy alumina nanocomposites as compared to the unfilled epoxy. Dielectric spectroscopy measurements were performed on the samples before and after the ageing in the frequency range of 10-2 to 106 Hz. The permittivity and tan δ values were found to increase in the low frequency range. The volume resistivity of unfilled epoxy and epoxy alumina nanocomposites were also measured before and after the ageing. The volume resistivity improved marginally for the thermally aged samples, but reduced for the electrically aged and the electrothermally aged samples. The decrease in the value of volume resistivity was more for the multistress aged unfilled epoxy samples as compared to the multistress aged epoxy alumina nanocomposites. It was also observed that the unfilled epoxy samples having a higher value of tan δ failed first. The time to failure of the samples showed an increasing trend with an increase in the nano filler loading of epoxy alumina nanocomposites.
Construcciones pasivas en español argentino como lengua materna: un estudio de comprensión en niños de 3 años

El lenguaje adulto del español argentino demuestra que la estructura pasiva no es habitual. Sin embargo, el manejo de esta estructura se ha constituido como un hito en los estudios de adquisición de diversas lenguas. Debido a que escasas investigaciones se han realizado en cuanto al español argentino, este trabajo se ocupa de la comprensión de estructuras pasivas truncadas y completas en niños de temprana edad. Mientras que algunos de los estudios en la literatura intentan demostrar que las dificultades que se les presentan a los niños en relación a esta forma se basan en problemas de maduración del sistema computacional, es decir, la sintaxis del niño, en este trabajo se presentan los resultados de un experimento diseñado para evaluar la comprensión de estas formas en niños de 3;6: 4;0 que indican que dichas complicaciones escaparían a la maduración del sistema computacional. En su lugar, se propone que los niños se enfrentan a problemas en el procesamiento de la información y cuestiones cognitivas que involucran el foco de atención.
Enhancing frequency response of wind farms using hybrid energy storage systems

The decarbonisation of electricity networks has led to increasing numbers of renewables in the energy mix. Besides energy generation, large-scale wind generators are now called to provide mandatory frequency response according to several grid regulations. This, however, could impose significant constraints on their operation, reducing the capabilities in power and energy delivery and resulting in loss of profits. Energy storage systems (ESSs) can act as a means to limit these losses and ensure that services are delivered according to network regulations. However, there are many occasions where a single energy storage (ES) technology would fail to be economically viable for this purpose. This paper builds on established techniques for sizing ES to complement wind generators in providing frequency support and introduces considerations for hybrid ES systems (HESSs) comprised of more than one technology. The methodology was applied for a 60 MW wind farm complemented by a Vanadium Redox flow battery (VRFB) and supercapacitors for the provision of Primary, Secondary and High frequency response as defined in United Kingdom (UK) Grid Code, however it is technology-independent and could be used to support various cases. Linear Programming is used for sizing the system and maximizing revenues and three cases are compared i.e. using no storage, using a single ESS and using a HESS respectively. The results confirm that, under certain conditions, the use of a HESS can provide increased revenues for this type of applications.
Cultivated corneal endothelial cell sheet transplantation in a primate model.

PURPOSE To examine the feasibility of cultivated corneal endothelial cell transplantation in a primate model. METHODS Monkey corneal endothelial cells (MCECs) obtained from three cynomolgus monkeys were cultivated, with subcultures grown on collagen type I carriers for 4 weeks. The corneal endothelium of the right eye of six monkeys was mechanically scraped, after which a cultivated MCEC sheet was brought into the anterior chamber of four eyes and fixed to Descemet's membrane by air. As the control, a collagen sheet without MCECs was transplanted into one eye of one monkey, and a suspension of cultivated MCECs was injected into the anterior chamber in one eye. RESULTS Cultivated MCECs produced a confluent monolayer of closely attached hexagonal cells that showed both ZO-1 and Na(+)-K(+) ATPase expression. In the early postoperative period MCEC sheets were attached to Descemet's membrane and corneal clarity was recovered. The recovered clarity was accompanied by a decrease in corneal thickness. Fluorescein DiI labeled donor corneal endothelial cells were detected on the host cornea on postoperative day 7. Six months after transplantation MCEC-transplanted corneas remained clear, and hexagonal cells were observed by in vivo specular microscopy with a density of 1992 to 2475 cells/mm(2). Control eyes showed irreversible bullous keratopathy that precluded pachymetry and specular microscopy. CONCLUSIONS A model of cultivated corneal endothelial transplantation for corneal endothelial dysfunction was established in primates whose corneal endothelial cells have less proliferative capacity in vivo. Our results suggest that this is a useful model for long-term observation in advance of the future clinical application of cultivated corneal endothelial transplantation.
Clinical sensitivity of prenatal screening for cystic fibrosis via CFTR carrier testing in a United States panethnic population

Purpose: To estimate CFTR mutation frequencies, clinical sensitivities (proportions of carrier couples or affected fetuses detected), and birth prevalence estimates for broad racial/ethnic groups and for a panethnic U.S. population.Methods: Published sources of information were identified, corrected when appropriate, and summarized. Combining racial/ethnic-specific mutation frequencies and birth prevalence estimates allowed the computation of panethnic estimates.Results: Two of the 25 recommended mutations do not meet the 0.1% threshold in a panethnic population set by the American College of Medical Genetics. The clinical sensitivities are estimated to be 71.9%, 51.7%, 41.6%, 88.6%, and 23.4% for non-Hispanic Caucasians, Hispanic Caucasian, African American, Ashkenazi Jewish Caucasian, and Asian American couples, respectively. Birth prevalence estimates are 1:2,500, 1:13,500, 1:15,100, 1:2,270, and 1:35,100, whereas the number of couples needed to screen to detect an affected fetus are about 3,200, 26,120; 36,040; 2,600, and 129,600, respectively, for the same racial/ethnic groups.Conclusions: Overall, the panethnic estimates for CFTR mutation frequencies are similar to those for non-Hispanic Caucasians. However, large differences in both clinical sensitivity and birth prevalence exist between the broad racial/ethnic groups examined. Whether and how the differences in the numbers of couples needed to screen to detect an affected fetus are to be included in prenatal screening for cystic fibrosis needs to be more explicitly addressed.
Real-time refolding studies of 6-19F-tryptophan labeled Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase using stopped-flow NMR spectroscopy.

Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (ecDHFR, EC1.5.1.3) contains 5 tryptophan residues that have been replaced with 6-19F-tryptophan. Five native and four of the five unfolded tryptophan resonances can be resolved in the 1D 19F NMR spectra and have been assigned [Hoeltzli, S. D. , & Frieden, C. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 5502-5509]. This resolution allows the behavior of the native and the unfolded resonances assigned to each individual tryptophan to be monitored during the unfolding or refolding process. We now use these assignments and stopped-flow NMR to investigate the real-time behavior of specific regions of the protein during refolding of DHFR after dilution from 4.6 to 2.3 M urea (midpoint of the transition = 3.8 M) at 5 degrees C. Approximately half of the intensity of each of the four unfolded resonances is present at the first measurable time point (1.5 s). Little native resonance intensity is detectable at this time. The remaining unfolded resonance intensities present then disappear in two phases, with rates similar to the two slowest phases observed by either stopped-flow fluorescence or circular dichroism spectroscopy upon refolding under the same conditions. Substantial total resonance intensity is missing during the first 20 s of the refolding process. The appearance of the majority of native resonance intensity (as assessed by the height of each of the five native tryptophan resonances) is slow and similar for all five tryptophans. In contrast, the largest amplitude changes observed by either stopped-flow far-UV circular dichroism spectroscopy or fluorescence spectroscopy, and the greatest loss of unfolded resonance intensity, occur much more rapidly. We conclude from these studies: (1) that, under these conditions, the unfolded state remains substantially populated after initiation of refolding; (2) that the early steps in refolding involve a solvent protected intermediate containing substantial secondary structure, but (3) that the stable native side chain interactions form slowly and are associated with the final rate-limiting phase of the refolding process. Preliminary analysis of the area of broadened native resonances suggests that these resonances may appear at different rates, indicating that some regions of the protein begin to sample a native-like side chain environment while side chain environment in other regions of the protein remains less ordered. The results of this study are consistent with the earlier studies demonstrating that mobility of side chains is an early step in unfolding [Hoeltzli, S. D. , & Frieden, C. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 92, 9318-9322] and that recovery of enzymatic activity occurs as a late step in the folding process [Frieden, C. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 4413-4416].
Efficiency Comparison of Inductor-, Capacitor-, and Resonant-Based Converters Fully Integrated in CMOS Technology

The full integration of DC-DC converters offers great promise for dramatic reduction in power consumption and the number of board-level components in complex systems on chip. Some papers compare the numerous published on-chip and on-die converter structures, but there is the need for an approach to accurately compare the main basic DC-DC conversion topologies. Therefore, this paper presents a method to compare the efficiencies of CMOS integrated capacitive-, inductive- and resonant-based switching converters. The loss mechanism of each structure in hard-switching conditions is detailed and the analytical equations of the power loss and output voltage are given as a function of few CMOS technology parameters. The resulting models can be used to accurately predict converter efficiency in the early design phase, to compare the basic structure in particular the technology node or to orient the passive choice. The proposed method is then applied to design, optimize and compare fully-integrated power delivery requirements on a 1 mm2 on-die area in 65 nm CMOS technology over three decades of power density. The results also underline the high efficiency of the promising resonant-based converter.
Management of hepatitis C patients by primary care physicians in the USA: results of a national survey

Hepatitis C is a major health problem worldwide, yet very little research has been performed to assess the knowledge base and practice patterns of primary care physicians (PCPs) regarding hepatitis C. The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge base and practice patterns of a nationwide cohort of PCPs. A survey was developed to assess the knowledge of PCPs regarding risk factors for hepatitis C, management of hepatitis C patients and attitude regarding testing for hepatitis C. The survey was mailed to 4000 PCPs in the USA. A total of 1412 (39%) PCPs completed the survey. The vast majority, > 90%, of PCPs correctly identified the most common risk factors for hepatitis C. However, only 59% indicated they ask all patients about hepatitis C risk factors, 70% reported they test all patients with hepatitis C risk factors and 78% test all patients with elevated liver enzymes for hepatitis C. Most (72%) PCPs would refer an HCV‐positive patient with elevated aminotransferase but only 28% would refer an HCV‐positive patient with normal aminotransferase to a specialist. One‐fourth of the PCPs did not know what treatment to recommend for hepatitis C patients. Our data suggest that hepatitis C patients may be underdiagnosed and under‐referred. Specific educational initiatives and practice guidelines for PCPs are needed to optimize the recognition of patients at risk for hepatitis C and to ensure appropriate testing and referral.
Disruption of maternal behaviour by acute conspecific interaction induces selective activation of the lateral periaqueductal grey

Maternal behaviour is sensitive to stress and opioidergic activation. The periaqueductal grey (PAG) is involved in coping strategies to stress, whereas morphine inhibition of maternal behaviour depends on the activation of the PAG. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the PAG is activated by disrupting maternal behaviour. Lactating Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: C (control); E1 (acute exposure to a male rat); E2 (daily 2‐h exposure to another lactating female and a male rat from Day 3 to 6 of lactation); and E1 + 2 (treated first as E2 and, on Day 9, as E1). Maternal behaviour was recorded on Day 9 of lactation and analysed for 1 h. The E1 group spent more time retrieving their pups, took longer to initiate nursing, had shorter nursing bouts and spent more time in non‐maternal activities compared with control. Rats submitted to E2 or E1 + 2 did not differ from the control. In another experiment, lactating rats were treated as above, except that 90 min after the end of the observation period the rats were killed and their brains were processed for immunohistochemical detection of Fos protein in the PAG. Fos increased in the lateral PAG only in the E1 group. We also observed that neurons activated by acute conspecific interaction in the PAG could be responsible for an opioid‐dependent decrease in maternal behaviour as this effect was reversed by a microinjection of naltrexone, nor‐binaltorphimine or naloxonazine into the lateral PAG. Chronic conspecific interaction alters the way this circuitry responds to acute conspecific interaction.
Multi-Factor Authentication with OpenId in Virtualized Environments

Despite the number of users accessing and storing your personal information in cloud services has increased considerably, there still is a certain barrier regarding to cloud adoption. Data security and confidentiality can be considered one of main reasons that affect both sides, clients and cloud providers. Some techinques has been implemented to hamper the data violation and inapropriated access, such as two-factor authentication, that requires two or more factors to liberate the service access to an user. This work presents a performance analisys of two-factor authentication system considering three different virtual environments (KVM, Xen, and VMware Player hypervisors). For the two-factor authentication process, we use the traditional login and password mechanism, and the One Time Password (OTP), as second factor; and for the identity management, we use the OpenID protocol that allows a Single Sign One access. Results show KVM hypervisor has the best performance when compared to two others.
Refractive State of the Eye of a Small Diurnal Mammal: The Ground Squirrel

Abstract Previous work dealing with the question of whether or not the eyes of small mammals are hyperopic has been restricted largely to the study of nocturnal animals such as the rat. In this study, refractive state of the eye of a small diurnal mammal, the ground squirrel, was measured by retinoscopy and from the electrophysiological response of retinal ganglion cells to grating targets. Both measurements show the squirrel to be emmetropic. We conclude that the refractive state of the eye is not a function of eye size per se, but rather a function of whether the animal is nocturnal or diurnal.
Strength training alters the viscoelastic properties of tendons in elderly humans

The effect of strength training for 14 weeks on patella tendon viscoelastic properties was investigated in a group of elderly individuals. Participants were assigned to training (age [mean ± SD] 73.6 ± 3.4 years; n = 7) or control (age 66.4 ± 1.7 years; n = 7) groups. Training was performed three times per week and consisted of two series of 10 repetitions of leg‐extension and leg‐press exercises at 80% of the 5‐repetition maximum. Tendon elongation during an isometric knee‐extension contraction–relaxation was measured using ultrasonography. Tendon stiffness was calculated from the gradient of the estimated force–elongation relationship and mechanical hysteresis was calculated as the area between loading–unloading curves. Knee‐flexor coactivation, estimated from biceps femoris muscle electromyographic activity, was unaltered (P > 0.05) after the training and control periods. No changes (P > 0.05) were observed in stiffness or hysteresis after the control period. In contrast, tendon stiffness increased from 1376 ± 811 to 2256 ± 1476 N.mm−1 (P < 0.01) and hysteresis decreased from 33 ± 5 to 24 ± 4% (P < 0.05), after training. These training‐induced adaptations have implications for maximal muscle force, rate of force development, and metabolic cost of locomotion. Muscle Nerve 28: 74–81, 2003
Validity of DSM-IV attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder for younger children.

OBJECTIVE Little is known about the validity of the diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in young children. Moreover, the results of the DSM-IV field trials raised concerns that inclusion of the new predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD in DSM-IV might increase the likelihood of the diagnosis being given to active but unimpaired preschool and primary school children. METHOD The validity of DSM-IV criteria for each subtype of ADHD was evaluated in 126 children, aged 4 through 6 years, and 126 matched comparison children. Probands and controls were classified by using structured diagnostic interviews of the parent and a DSM-IV checklist completed by the teacher. RESULTS Children who met DSM-IV criteria for each subtype of ADHD according to parent and teacher reports differed consistently from controls on a wide range of measures of social and academic impairment, even when other types of psychopathology and other potential confounds were controlled. CONCLUSIONS When diagnosed by means of a structured diagnostic protocol, all three DSM-IV subtypes of ADHD are valid for 4- through 6-year-old children in the sense of identifying children with lower mean scores on measures of adaptive functioning that are independently associated with ADHD.
Differences in school boards with hired and elected superintendents: a first look

Abstract In this article, we use original survey data collected from Florida school board members to determine if the perceived benefits of an appointed local government executive apply to the school board context. Though we observe a performance advantage for school districts with appointed superintendents, the advantage appears to be a function of school district size and demographics rather than government form. Similarly, observed differences in board governance dynamics in districts with elected as opposed to appointed superintendents appear to be a function of factors other than government form. Finally, we find that board members are more likely to delegate day-to-day financial management duties to appointed superintendents. Overall, we conclude that the government form literature does not necessarily translate to special purpose governments. The results are of interest to scholars of local government, education administration, and group dynamics.
Forward-Secure Identity-Based Public-Key Encryption without Random Oracles

In traditional identity-based encryption schemes, security will be entirely lost once secret keys are exposed. However, with more and more use of mobile and unprotected devices, key exposure seems unavoidable. To deal with this problem, we newly propose a forward-secure identity-based public-key encryption scheme. In this primitive, the exposure of the secret key in one period doesn't affect the security of the ciphertext generated in previous periods. Any parameter in our scheme has at most log-squared complexity in terms of the total number of time periods. We also give the semantic security notions of forward-secure identity-based public-key encryption. The proposed scheme is proven semantically secure in the standard model. As far as we are concerned, it is the first forward-secure identity-based public-key encryption scheme without random oracles.
A CMOS process compatible color sensor using wavelength dependent absorption depth

Principles of a filterless, color imaging sensor are presented. The color detection mechanism is based on the wavelength-dependent absorption-depth, and hence electron-hole pair generation, in mono-crystalline silicon. The Lorentz force is used to deflect the photo-induced carriers towards the chip surface. The moving charges are collected at different positions depending on their initial depth and cell geometry, thus, providing color separation without filtering. A simple geometrical analysis proves the feasibility of the concept for medium magnetic field intensity. The sensor is conceived and fabricated in standard CMOS processes and its detection mechanism is proven to be independent of supply voltage.