Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intermolecular relationships of major surface proteins of Anaplasma marginale

Immunization with Anaplasma marginale membranes containing major surface proteins (MSPs) induces protective immunity against clinical disease (N. Tebele, T. C. McGuire, and G. H. Palmer, Infect. Immun. 59:3199-3204, 1991). For use in design of a recombinant antigen subunit vaccine for A. marginale, intermolecular relationships of known A. marginale MSPs were analyzed. Under nonreducing conditions, MSP-2 and MSP-5 occur as multimers. A large (> 300-kDa-molecular-mass), nonreduced protein complex contained MSP-1a linked by disulfide bonds to MSP-1b and by noncovalent bonds to MSP-5. MSP-2 was also noncovalently bound to this complex. The nearest neighbor membrane proteins were identified by cross-linking reactions followed by immunoblotting with anti-MSP antibodies. A cross-linked aggregate retained in the stacking gel contained MSP-1a, MSP-1b, MSP-2, MSP-3, MSP-4, and MSP-5. Collectively, the data indicate that MSP-2 and MSP-5 occur as monomers and disulfide-bonded multimers. The MSP-1 complex occurs as both disulfide-bonded and noncovalently associated MSP-1 and MSP-1b, and MSP-2 and MSP-5 are noncovalently associated with MSP-1. Also, MSP-1, MSP-2, MSP-3, and MSP-4 are nearest neighbors, and MSP-5 is noncovalently associated with this cross-linked complex.
Identification of a Gene Associated with Bt Resistance in Heliothis virescens

Transgenic crops producing insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are widely used for pest control. Bt-resistant insect strains have been studied, but the molecular basis of resistance has remained elusive. Here, we show that disruption of a cadherin-superfamily gene by retrotransposon-mediated insertion was linked to high levels of resistance to the Bt toxin Cry1Ac in the cotton pest Heliothis virescens. Monitoring the early phases of Bt resistance evolution in the field has been viewed as crucial but extremely difficult, especially when resistance is recessive. Our findings enable efficient DNA-based screening for resistant heterozygotes by directly detecting the recessive allele.
Brexit: differentiated disintegration in the European Union

ABSTRACT The decision of the Cameron government to renegotiate the terms of UK membership and to hold an in-out referendum has triggered a novel process in European integration: differentiated disintegration, the selective reduction of a member state's level and scope of integration. The article starts from an established postfunctionalist explanation of differentiated integration and claims that it also explains demand for disintegration. In this perspective, Brexit resulted from a mix of integration effects (immigration) challenging self-determination, the rise of a Eurosceptic party, and the availability of referendums. By contrast, the institutional and material bargaining power of states demanding disintegration is considerably lower than that of states demanding opt-outs in the context of integration negotiations. Consequently, demanders of disintegration moderate their demands and make concessions to the EU in the course of negotiations. The ongoing UK-EU disintegration negotiations confirm this expectation.
The design of the cache crossbar based on OpenSPRAC architecture

Multi-core processor is widely used on the server and desktop computer nowadays. This paper describes the structure of a cache crossbar which used in the multi-core processor SPARC T2. The cores can use the cache crossbar to exchange the data in the L2 cache banks. The multi cores can communicate among each other core by sharing the data in the L2 cache banks. And with the analysis of the CCX, this paper provides a protocol for connecting multi cores and cache banks. The cache crossbar is implemented in SMIC 0.13 mum with design compiler and can run at 200 MHz.
Expression of multiple homeobox genes within diverse mammalian haemopoietic lineages.

Several mouse and human genes encoding the DNA‐binding homeobox domain are implicated here in haematopoiesis, a differentiation process maintained throughout life. Four homeobox cDNA clones were isolated from bone marrow and spleen of adult mice and two from the human leukaemia cell line K562. They derive from the Hox 1.1, Hox 2.3, Hox 6.1 genes and two previously undescribed genes, one of a type (paired) not found before in vertebrates. A survey of 36 cell lines of the lymphoid, myeloid and erythroid lineages revealed that certain homeobox transcripts were almost ubiquitous, while others were restricted to certain lineages or even particular cell lines. The expression pattern altered in a myeloid and an erythroid line induced to terminal differentiation, and in novel lines that had switched from a lymphoid to a myeloid phenotype. Altogether, the haemopoietic compartment may contain up to 20 homeobox transcripts. In one myeloid leukaemia, DNA rearrangement has perturbed expression. These findings suggest that homeobox genes may influence developmental decisions within the haemopoietic system.
Monitoring Afatinib Treatment in HER2-Positive Gastric Cancer with 18F-FDG and 89Zr-Trastuzumab PET

We evaluated the ability of the PET imaging agent 89Zr-trastuzumab to delineate HER2-positive gastric cancer and to monitor the pharmacodynamic effects of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) tyrosine kinase inhibitor afatinib. Methods: Using 89Zr-trastuzumab, 18F-FDG, or 3′-deoxy-3′-18F-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT PET), we imaged HER2-positive NCI-N87 and HER2-negative MKN74 gastric cancer xenografts in mice. Next, we examined the pharmacodynamic effects of afatinib in NCI-N87 xenografts using 89Zr-trastuzumab and 18F-FDG PET and comparing imaging results to changes in tumor size and in protein expression as monitored by Western blot and histologic studies. Results: Although 18F-FDG uptake in NCI-N87 tumors did not change, a decrease in 89Zr-trastuzumab uptake was observed in the afatinib-treated versus control groups (3.0 ± 0.0 percentage injected dose per gram (%ID/g) vs. 21.0 ± 3.4 %ID/g, respectively; P < 0.05). 89Zr-trastuzumab PET results corresponded with tumor reduction, apoptosis, and downregulation of HER2 observed on treatment with afatinib. Downregulation of total HER2, phosphorylated (p)-HER2, and p-EGFR occurred within 24 h of the first dose of afatinib, with a sustained effect over 21 d of treatment. Conclusion: Afatinib demonstrated antitumor activity in HER2-positive gastric cancer in vivo. 89Zr-trastuzumab PET specifically delineated HER2-positive gastric cancer and can be used to measure the pharmacodynamic effects of afatinib.
Collaboration Between Traditional Practitioners and Primary Health Care Staff in South Africa: Developing a Workable Partnership for Community Mental Health Services

The majority of the black African population in South Africa utilize both traditional and public sector Western systems of healing for mental health care. There is a need to develop models of collaboration that promote a workable relationship between the two healing systems. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of service users and providers of current interactions between the two systems of care and ways in which collaboration could be improved in the provision of community mental health services. Qualitative individual and focus group interviews were conducted with key health care providers and service users in one typical rural South African health sub-district. The majority of service users held traditional explanatory models of illness and used dual systems of care, with shifting between treatment modalities reportedly causing problems with treatment adherence. Traditional healers expressed a lack of appreciation from Western health care practitioners but were open to training in Western biomedical approaches and establishing a collaborative relationship in the interests of improving patient care. Western biomedically trained practitioners were less interested in such an arrangement. Interventions to acquaint traditional practitioners with Western approaches to the treatment of mental illness, orientation of Western practitioners towards a culture-centred approach to mental health care, as well as the establishment of fora to facilitate the negotiation of respectful collaborative relationships between the two systems of healing are required at district level to promote an equitable collaboration in the interests of improved patient care.
UWB monocycle and doublet pulses generation in optical domain

A novel composite approach to generate UltraWidcBand (UWB) monocytic and doublet pulses in optical domain is proposed and demonstrated in this paper. Simple electrical Gaussian pulse is modulated on optical earlier to generate UWB monocycle and doublet pulse successively. The UWB monocytic pulse is first generated based on birefringence time delay in polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF). Two polarity-reverse pulses are generated by polarization modulation using a single phase modulator and delayed in PMF with proper time to generate monocycle pulse. Semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) is placed after the monocytic pulse generation to modify the optical pulse profile. Thanks to the gain saturation and recovery in SOA, the doublet shape pulse can be obtained. The fractional bandwidths of monocycle and doublet pulses arc 140% and 160% respectively, which can meet the UWB requirements.
Treatment outcome, mortality and their predictors among HIV-associated tuberculosis patients

The risk of death is significantly higher in HIV-infected patients with tuberculosis (TB). This study aims to evaluate the impact of demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics on the treatment outcome and mortality of TB/HIV co-infected patients in a tertiary TB centre in Iran. In total, 111 patients were recruited from 2004 to 2007. Mycobacteriological studies and demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from all patients were analysed and predictors of unsuccessful outcomes as well as mortality were determined. The mean age for all 111 TB-HIV patients was 38 ± 9 years (range 22–70) and 107 (96.3%) were men; 104 (93.7%) had a history of drug abuse and 96 (86.4%) had a history of imprisonment. The method of HIV transmission was intravenous drug use in 88 (79.3%). Twenty-three (20.7%) had a history of Category 1 (CAT I) TB treatment and six (5.4%) Category 2 (CAT II) treatment. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) was given to 48 (43.2%). No significant associations were found between treatment outcomes or mortality and gender, smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, imprisonment, method of transmission, history of CAT I and CAT II treatments, CD4 counts or adverse effects (P > 0.05). Administration of cART led to significantly better outcomes (P < 0.001). Lower serum albumin levels and low body weight were significantly associated with mortality.
Chlorine injury and the enumeration of waterborne coliform bacteria

Injury induced in Escherichia coli cells by chlorination was studied from a physiological standpoint. Predictable and reproducible injury was found to occur rapidly in 0.5 mg of chlorine per liter and was reversible under nonselective conditions. There was an extended lag period in the growth of chlorinated cells not seen in control suspensions followed by the resumption of logarithmic growth at a rate equaling that of control cells. The aldolase activity of cells chlorinated in vivo was equivalent to that obtained for control cells. Oxygen uptake experiments showed that chlorinated cells underwent a decrease in respiration that was not immediatedly repaired in the presence of reducing agents. This effect was more pronouned in rich media containing reducing agents. Uptake of metabolities was inhibited by chlorine injury as shown with experiments using 14C-labeled glucose and algal protein hydrolysate.
TTÜ üliõpilaste tarbijakäitumine: Kalevi brändi tunnustamine võrreldes välismaiste alternatiividega. TTÜ students’ consumer behavior: Recognition of Kalev compared to foreign alternatives

4 INTRODUCTION . 5 1. LITERATURE REVIEW CONSUMER BEHAVIOR AND BRAND RECOGNITION . 9 1.1. Relevant definitions . 9 1.2. Brand recognition in consumer behavior theory . 12 1.2.1. Consumer behavior and brand recognition in marketing . 12 1.2.2. Primary factors of recognition and preference in consumer behavior. 14 1.2.3. Chocolate in student’s consumer behavior . 16 2. METHODOLOGY: TTÜ STUDENTS’ RECOGNITION OF CHOCOLATE BRANDS . 17 2.1. Methodology of online-questionnaire, quantitative research and data analysis . 17 2.2. Research background, sampling procedure and response collection . 23 2.2.1. Selected products of chocolate confectionery brands. 24 2.2.2. Description of sampling procedure . 26 2.3. Ethical background: anonymity and confidentiality . 29 3. STUDY RESULTS: TTÜ STUDENTS’ RECOGNITION OF CHOCOLATE BRANDS . 30 3.1. Overview of results of online-questionnaire for students’ consumer behavior in recognition and preference of chocolate brands . 30 3.1.1. Brand recognition of chocolate confectionery among the students . 30 3.1.2. Students' preference towards products of chocolate confectionery trademarks . 34 3.2. Survey results, addressing aim of the study and proposals for further research . 38 CONCLUSION . 41 LIST OF REFERENCES . 44 APPENDICES . 48 Appendix 1. 90 most favorite food brands in Estonia (2017 Kantar Emor’s data) . 48 Appendix 2. Copy of the students’ survey form (English questionnaire copy) . 49 Appendix 3. Copy of the students’ survey form (Estonian questionnaire copy) . 53 Appendix 4. Survey results for figure 3 . 57
Vision-based autonomous landing of unmanned aerial vehicles

We present our design of a real-time vision-based landing pad detection and pose estimation for many Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAV) and implementation on Raspberry Pi. We describe the vision algorithm for precise landing pad detection and recognition and estimate the position and orientation of the UAV relative to the landing pad. The vision algorithm is robust, accurate, and computationally inexpensive. As a computer board which is easy to embed in the moving body, Raspberry Pi is applied to run the vision algorithm and then outputs the position and orientation information through the serial port. We present results from a simulated landing flight test on Raspberry Pi which shows the vision-based detection is accurate to 98.5% and the state estimates are fast at a frame rate of approximately 13Hz.
Preparation, Characterization, and Activity Evaluation of CuO/F-TiO2 Photocatalyst

CuO/F-TiO2 nanoparticle photocatalyst was prepared by ball milling. The photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence emission spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic oxidation of rhodamine B and reduction of Cr2O7 2−. The results showed that, for F-TiO2 photocatalyst, the photooxidation activity increases remarkably with the increasing amount of NH4F up to 1.0 g, and the photoreduction activity decreases gradually with the increase in the amounts of NH4F. For the CuO/F-TiO2 photocatalyst, the photoreduction activity increases greatly with the increase in the amount of doped p-CuO up to 1.0 wt. %, and the photooxidation activity decreases rapidly with the increase in the amounts of doped p-CuO. Compared with pure TiO2, the photoabsorption wavelength range of the CuO/F-TiO2 and F-TiO2 photocatalysts red shifts and improves the utilization of the total spectrum. The effect of ball milling time on the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalysts was also investigated. The mechanisms of influence on the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalysts were also discussed.
Written action plans for asthma: an evidence-based review of the key components

Background: Written action plans for asthma facilitate the early detection and treatment of an asthma exacerbation. Several versions of action plans have been published but the key components have not been determined. A study was undertaken to determine the impact of individual components of written action plans on asthma health outcomes. Methods: Randomised controlled trials (n = 26) that evaluated asthma action plans as part of asthma self-management education were identified. Action plans were classified as being individualised and complete if they specified when and how to increase treatment (n = 17), and as incomplete (n = 4) or non-specific (n = 5) if they did not include these instructions. Results: For individualised complete written action plans the use of 2–4 action points and the use of both inhaled (ICS) and oral (OCS) corticosteroid consistently improved asthma outcomes. Action points based on personal best peak expiratory flow (PEF) consistently improved health outcomes while those based on percentage predicted PEF did not. The efficacy of incomplete action plans was inconclusive because of insufficient data. Non-specific action plans led to improvements in knowledge and symptoms. Conclusion: Individualised written action plans based on personal best PEF, using 2–4 action points, and recommending both ICS and OCS for treatment of exacerbations consistently improve asthma health outcomes. Other variations appear less beneficial or require further study. These observations provide a guide to the types of variations possible with written action plans, and strongly support the use of individualised complete written action plans.
Transnasal endoscopic placement of feeding tubes in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND There is an increasing demand for enteral feeding in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, gastroparesis is common, and jejunal placement with gastric decompression leads to delays in feeding. In an attempt to minimize delays, we describe our technique and results with transnasal endoscopic placement of double-lumen gastric aspiration, jejunal feeding tubes (DLFT). METHODS Fifty-one consecutive ICU patients referred for nutrition support were studied; 29% had respiratory failure, 28% acute head injury, and 33% acute pancreatitis. A 5.8-mm ultraslim video endoscope was used to place a guidewire through the nose terminating beyond the Ligament of Treitz. After withdrawal of the endoscope, a DLFT was passed over the wire. Final position of the tube was checked and adjusted under direct vision by reendoscopy though the opposite nasal passage. RESULTS Initial placement of the guidewire and DLFT was successful in 46 of 51 patients. Massive gastric dilatation and acute pancreatitis complicated by duodenal compression impeded full duodenoscopy in 5 patients, necessitating fluoroscopy for correct guidewire deployment. In confirming correct tube placement, there was near perfect concordance between reendoscopy and x-ray (45/46). Previously unrecognized upper gastrointestinal tract pathology was detected in most patients, with acute gastritis in 47, superficial gastric ulceration in 24, and erosive esophagitis in 5. CONCLUSIONS Transnasal endoscopic placement of feeding tubes in the ICU is quick, effective, and minimally disruptive of intensive therapy. In addition, it can reveal unrecognized pathology, which potentially could lead to improvements in overall medical care.
Online parameter estimation and loss calculation using duplex neural — Lumped parameter thermal network for faulty induction motor

A stator winding fault in one phase of induction motor (IM) gives rise to higher harmonics distortion, increased torque ripple, temperature rise in the magnetic material, mechanical vibrations due to varying magnetic forces and magnetic noise. The fault leads to a change in the electromagnetic field generated in the motor as compared to the normal operation of motor. The copper losses generated in stator increases, thus leading to overall increase in the temperature of the motor. Looking from the aspect of electrical equivalent circuit model, the parameters of the motor changes due the occurrence of fault, which makes it difficult for designing a drive for the motor. In this paper a novel computational model has been presented which uses both artificial neural network model (ANN) and lumped parameter thermal network (LPTN) for parameter estimation and calculation of losses which can be used for designing a fault-tolerant, loss minimizing drive. This dual network model has been and experimented on a 7.5 hp aluminum-rotor induction motor.
Increasing Lean Mass and Strength: A Comparison of High Frequency Strength Training to Lower Frequency Strength Training

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect strength training frequency has on improvements in lean mass and strength. Participants were 7 women and 12 men, age (χ̄= 34.64 years ± 6.91 years), with strength training experience, training age (χ̄= 51.16 months ± 39.02 months). Participants were assigned to one of two groups to equal baseline group demographics. High frequency training group (HFT) trained each muscle group as the agonist, 3 times per week, exercising with 3 sets per muscle group per session (3 total body workouts). Low frequency training group (LFT) trained each muscle group as the agonist one time per week, completing all 9 sets during that one workout. LFT consisted of a routine split over three days: 1) pectoralis, deltoids, and triceps; 2) upper back and biceps; 3) quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and abdominals. Following eight weeks of training, HFT increased lean mass by 1.06 kg ± 1.78 kg, (1.9%), and LFT increased lean mass by . 99 kg ± 1.31 kg, (2.0%). HFT strength improvements on the chest press was 9.07 kg ± 6.33 kg, (11%), and hack squat 20.16 kg ± 11.59 kg, (21%). LFT strength improvements on chest press was 5.80kg ± 4.26 kg, (7.0%), and hack squat 21.83 kg ± 11.17 kg, (24 %). No mean differences between groups were significant. These results suggest that HFT and LFT of equal set totals result in similar improvements in lean mass and strength, following 8 weeks of strength training.
Universal No-fault Compensation is Associated With Improved Return to Work Rates in Spine Fusion

Study Design. Retrospective cohort study and systematic literature review. Objective. To examine the influence of “universal no-fault compensation” upon return-to-work rates in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion, and then to make comparison with workers' compensation (WC) and non-workers' compensation (non-WC) claimants. Summary of Background Data. Compensation has an adverse influence upon outcomes and return to work in lumbar spinal fusion. It is unclear whether this is due to the compensation per se, or due to the features of WC including its adversarial environment, delayed resolution of claims, and need for disability enhancement to promote compensation. The New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is a universal no-fault system offering early treatment and salary reimbursement. Given the differing features of these compensation systems, comparison of return-to-work rates may give insight into the differing outcomes for the two compensation systems. Methods. From a cohort of 428 patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion, 178 patients covered by ACC system underwent a structured interview to determine pre-injury, pre-surgical, and post-surgical work status. A systematic literature review was performed relating to lumbar spine fusion, return to work, and WC. Results. The return-to-work rate for the ACC patients in work at the time of their injury was 81%. The systematic review of 21 studies including 2519 subjects revealed a return-to-work rate of 40% for WC patients, and 74% for non-WC patients (P < 0.001). There was a significantly greater return-to-work rate for ACC patients than WC patients (P < 0.001), but no difference between ACC and non-WC patients. Conclusion. The return-to-work rates for a universal no-fault compensation system are higher than those under WC cover, and are compatible with non-WC cases. This suggests that the features of WC may contribute to the inferior return-to-work rates. Level of Evidence: 3