Mining Multiple Web Sources Using Non-Deterministic Finite State Automata

Existing web content extracting systems use unsupervised, supervised, and semi-supervised approaches. The WebOMiner system is an automatic web content data extraction system which models a specific Business to Customer (B2C) web site such as bestbuy.com using object oriented database schema. WebOMiner system extracts different web page content types like product, list, text using non deterministic finite automaton (NFA) generated manually. This thesis extends the automatic web content data extraction techniques proposed in the WebOMiner system to handle multiple web sites and generate integrated data warehouse automatically. We develop the WebOMiner-2 which generates NFA of specific domain classes from regular expressions extracted from web page DOM trees\u27 frequent patterns. Our algorithm can also handle NFA epsilon([varepsilon]) transition and convert it to deterministic finite automata (DFA) to identify different content tuples from list of tuples. Experimental results show that our system is highly effective and performs the content extraction task with 100% precision and 98.35% recall value

Analysis of Social Vulnerability to Earthquake Hazards in Dhaka South City, Bangladesh Using a Modified PAR Model

The study aims at investigating the root causes, dynamic pressures, and unsafe conditions to the progression of the vulnerability of earthquake hazards among the people residing in the 22nd ward of Hazaribagh Thana of Dhaka South City (DSC) in Bangladesh. Following a purposive sampling procedure, the study selected the 22nd Ward of Dhaka South city. As part of qualitative methods, a total of 20 Key Informants Interviews (KII) were carried out and six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. By adopting a modified Pressure and Release (PAR) model, the study revealed that the low-income status of the family, lack of proper health services, single-headed family, gender, differently able person, and the interpersonal good relation members, the availability of urban emergency center has found root causes for the progression of the vulnerability of earthquake hazards. Lack of appropriate skills, unplanned residences, and industry contribute to the production of dynamic pressures of the vulnerability of earthquake hazards. The unsafe conditions involve poor housing materials, dangerous locations for residents, and a lack of first aid documents associated with the production of the vulnerability of earthquake hazards

Effect of phosphorus and potassium on the growth and yield of French bean

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of the Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to investigate the yield response of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as affected by phosphorus and potassium management. The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor A: Phosphorus fertilizer (4 levels) viz. P1=15Kg P ha-1, P2=20 Kg P ha-1 and P3=25 Kg P ha-1 , P4=35 Kg P ha-1 and factor B: Potassium fertilizer (4 levels) viz. K1=0 Kg K ha-1, K2=20 Kg K ha-1, K3=30 Kg K ha-1 and K4=40 Kg K ha-1. The variety BARI Jharsheem-3 was used in this experiment as the test crop. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. In case of phosphorus @ 25 kg ha-1  the highest number of pods plant-1 (4.96), pod length (13.34 cm), number of seeds pod-1 (4.54), weight of 1000-seed (431.21 g), seed yield (1.33 t ha-1), stover yield (1.53 t ha-1), biological yield (2.86 t ha-1) and harvest index 46.50%  were found. In case of potassium @ 40 kg ha-1, he highest number of pods plant-1 (5.80), pod length (14.89 cm), number of seeds pod-1 (4.24), weight of 1000-seed (430.37 g), seed yield (1.53 t ha-1 ), stover yield (1.46 t ha-1 ), biological yield (2.99 t ha-1) and harvest index 51.17% were found. Interaction effect of phosphorus and potassium the highest  number of pods plant-1 (5.18), pod length (13.40 cm), number of seeds pod-1 (4.30), weight of 1000-seed (430.53 g), seed yield (1.40 t ha-1 ), stover yield (1.60 t ha-1 ), biological yield (3.00 t ha-1 ) and harvest index 46.66% were recorded from P @ 25 kg ha-1 and K @ 40 kg ha-1. However, from the study it can be concluded that application of P @ 25 kg ha-1 and K @ 40 kg ha-1 was the most suitable combination for better yield of French bean

Diaphragm ultrasound as a better predictor of successful extubation from mechanical ventilation than rapid shallow breathing index

Background In 3%–19% of patients, reintubation is needed 48–72 hours following extubation, which increases intensive care unit (ICU) morbidity, mortality, and expenses. Extubation failure is frequently caused by diaphragm dysfunction. Ultrasonography can be used to determine the mobility and thickness of the diaphragm. This study looked at the role of diaphragm excursion (DE) and thickening fraction in predicting successful extubation from mechanical ventilation. Methods Thirty-one patients were extubated with the advice of an ICU consultant using the ICU weaning regimen and diaphragm ultrasonography was performed. Ultrasound DE and thickening fraction were measured three times: at the commencement of the T-piece experiment, at 10 minutes, and immediately before extubation. All patients' parameters were monitored for 48 hours after extubation. Rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) was also measured at the same time. Results Successful extubation was significantly correlated with DE (P<0.001). Receiver curve analysis for DE to predict successful extubation revealed good properties (area under the curve [AUC], 0.83; P<0.001); sensitivity, 77.8%; specificity, 84.6%; positive predictive value (PPV), 84.6 %; negative predictive value (NPV), 73.3% while cut-off value, 11.43 mm. Diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) also revealed moderate curve properties (AUC, 0.69; P=0.06); sensitivity, 61.1%; specificity, 84.6%; PPV, 87.5%; NPV, 61.1% with cut-off value 22.33% although former one was slightly better. RSBI could not reach good receiver operating characteristic value at cut-off points 100 breaths/min/L (AUC, 0.58; P=0.47); sensitivity, 66.7%; specificity, 53.8%; PPV, 66.7%; NPV, 53.8%). Conclusions To decrease the rate of reintubation, DE and DTF are better indicators of successful extubation. DE outperforms DTF

Modulation of the Progenitor Cell and Homeostatic Capacities of Müller Glia Cells in Retina : Focus on α2-Adrenergic and Endothelin Receptor Signaling Systems

Müller cells are major glial cells in the retina and have a broad range of functions that are vital for the retinal neurons. During retinal injury gliotic response either leads to Müller cell dedifferentiation and formation of a retinal progenitor or to maintenance of mature Müller cell functions. The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate the intra- and extracellular signaling of Müller cells, to understand how Müller cells communicate during an injury and how their properties can be regulated after injury. Focus has been on the α2-adrenergic receptor (α2-ADR) and endothelin receptor (EDNR)-induced modulation of Müller cell-properties after injury. The results show that α2-ADR stimulation by brimonidine (BMD) triggers Src-kinase mediated ligand-dependent and ligand-independent transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in both chicken and human Müller cells. The effects of this transactivation in injured retina attenuate injury-induced activation and dedifferentiation of Müller cells by attenuating injury-induced ERK signaling. The attenuation was concomitant with a synergistic up-regulation of negative ERK- and RTK-feedback regulators during injury. The data suggest that adrenergic stress-signals modulate glial responses during retinal injury and that α2-ADR pharmacology can be used to modulate glial injury-response. We studied the effects of this attenuation of Müller cell dedifferentiation on injured retina from the perspective of neuroprotection. We analyzed retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival after α2-ADR stimulation of excitotoxically injured chicken retina and our results show that α2-ADR stimulation protects RGCs against the excitotoxic injury. We propose that α2-ADR-induced protection of RGCs in injured retina is due to enhancing the attenuation of the glial injury response and to sustaining mature glial functions. Moreover, we studied endothelin-induced intracellular signaling in Müller cells and our results show that stimulation of EDNRB transactivates EGFR in Müller cells in a similar way as seen after α2-ADR stimulation. These results outline a mechanism of how injury-induced endothelins may modulate the gliotic responses of Müller cells. The results obtained in this thesis are pivotal and provide new insights into glial functions, thereby uncovering possibilities to target Müller cells by designing neuroprotective treatments of retinal degenerative diseases or acute retinal injury

Reduced AMPK activation and increased HCAR activation drive anti-inflammatory response and neuroprotection in glaucoma

Abstract Background Glaucoma is a chronic degenerative disease for which inflammation is considered to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression. In this study, we examined the impact of a ketogenic diet on the inflammation evident in glaucoma as a follow-up to a recent set of experiments in which we determined that a ketogenic diet protected retinal ganglion cell structure and function. Methods Both sexes of DBA/2J (D2) mice were placed on a ketogenic diet (keto) or standard rodent chow (untreated) for 8 weeks beginning at 9 months of age. DBA/2J-Gpnmb + (D2G) mice were also used as a non-pathological genetic control for the D2 mice. Retina and optic nerve (ON) tissues were micro-dissected and used for the analysis of microglia activation, expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules, and lactate- or ketone-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling. Data were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, western blot, and capillary tube-based electrophoresis techniques. Results Microglia activation was observed in D2 retina and ON as documented by intense microglial-specific Iba1 immunolabeling of rounded-up and enlarged microglia. Ketogenic diet treatment reduced Iba1 expression and the activated microglial phenotype. We detected low energy-induced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in D2 retina and ON that triggered NF-κB p65 signaling through its nuclear translocation. NF-κB induced pro-inflammatory TNF-α, IL-6, and NOS2 expression in D2 retina and ON. However, treatment with the ketogenic diet reduced AMPK phosphorylation, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, and expression of pro-inflammatory molecules. The ketogenic diet also induced expression of anti-inflammatory agents Il-4 and Arginase-1 in D2 retina and ON. Increased expression of hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1) after ketogenic diet treatment was observed. HCAR1 stimulation by lactate or ketones from the ketogenic diet reduced inflammasome formation, as shown by reduced mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β. We also detected increased levels of Arrestin β-2 protein, an adapter protein required for HCAR1 signaling. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that the AMPK activation apparent in the glaucomatous retina and ON triggers NF-κB signaling and consequently induces a pro-inflammatory response. The ketogenic diet resolves energy demand and ameliorates the inflammation by inhibition of AMPK activation and stimulation of HCAR1-ARRB2 signaling that inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammation. Thus, these findings depict a neuroprotective mechanism of the ketogenic diet in controlling inflammation and suggest potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucoma

α2-Adrenergic receptors are expressed on chicken Müller glia cells and stimulate the MAPkinase pathway in-vivo and in-vitro

Muller cells are the principle glia cells of the retina that maintain the integrity and function of the retina and are thought to support and protect neurons during various insults. α2-adrenergic receptor agonists have been shown to be neuroprotective and Mu[[unable to display character: &#776;]]ller cells are suggested to take part in these effects. The purpose of this project was to study the expression of α2-adrenergic receptors and the effects of α2-adrenergic agonists on Mu[[unable to display character: &#776;]]ller cell-activation and to investigate the signaling pathway that mediates this activation. Retina from embryonic day (E) 18 White-Leghorn chicken and primary Mu[[unable to display character: &#776;]]ller cell cultures, established from E14 chick retinas were used for expression analysis. We studied immunoreactivity (IR) and mRNA levels of α2A, 2B and 2C adrenergic receptors in Müller cells. Retinas and Müller cell culture were analyzed by using immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and western blot techniques. The results showed that cell soma positive for Müller cell markers, 2M6 and Sox2 in the inner nuclear layer and processes at the outer limiting membrane were positive for α2A receptors. Analysis of primary cultures for IR and mRNA expression confirmed that Müller cells were positive for the α2A receptor. No or very low α2B or α2C expression was detected. Next we analyzed the effect of an α2-adrenergic agonist: Brimonidine (BMD). BMD was tested by injection into E18 chicken eyes or by treatment of the Mu[[unable to display character: &#776;]]ller cells in culture. We observed activation of Müller cells after injection of BMD as demonstrated by phospho-ERK1/2 IR in Müller cells with a distinct increase of IR within 2 hours and a gradual decrease to background levels by 24 hours. In-vitro, phospho-ERK1/2 IR was seen already within 5 minutes after BMD addition to the Müller cell culture with peak-levels at 15 minutes and a gradual decrease to pre-exposure levels by 60 minutes. In conclusion, our results show that chick Müller cells mainly expresses α2A adrenergic receptors and that stimulation of the α2-adrenergic receptors triggers the MAPK signaling pathway both in-vivo and in cultured Müller cells in-vitro

Seesaw Dynamics and Control- Experimental Study

Dynamics and attitude control of a seesaw is described in this study. At first, mechanical design of the system is completed in Solid Works. Then the system is made. To control the system dynamic is studied. Furthermore, a number of electric components such as motor, electronic speed controller, micro controller board are also studied and selected for the experimental setup. Finally, proportional integral derivative controller (PID) algorithm is used to control the seesaw. Gain values of the PID controller are estimated on the basis of trial and error method. Ultimate values of the proportional, integral and derivative gains are 3.05, 0.005 and 0.75 respectively. During experiment, it is found that, system takes only five seconds to reach the same position as the input command. Therefore, this technique can be used to control the roll and pitch attitude of different unmanned aerial vehicles

Endothelin B Receptors on Primary Chicken Müller Cells and the Human MIO-M1 Müller Cell Line Activate ERK Signaling via Transactivation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors.

Injury to the eye or retina triggers Müller cells, the major glia cell of the retina, to dedifferentiate and proliferate. In some species they attain retinal progenitor properties and have the capacity to generate new neurons. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) system and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling are key regulators of these processes in Müller cells. The extracellular signals that modulate and control these processes are not fully understood. In this work we studied whether endothelin receptor signaling can activate EGFR and ERK signaling in Müller cells. Endothelin expression is robustly upregulated at retinal injury and endothelin receptors have been shown to transactivate EGFRs in other cell types. We analyzed the endothelin signaling system in chicken retina and cultured primary chicken Müller cells as well as the human Müller cell line MIO-M1. The Müller cells were stimulated with receptor agonists and treated with specific blockers to key enzymes in the signaling pathway or with siRNAs. We focused on endothelin receptor mediated transactivation of EGFRs by using western blot analysis, quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR and immunocytochemistry. The results showed that chicken Müller cells and the human Müller cell line MIO-M1 express endothelin receptor B. Stimulation by the endothelin receptor B agonist IRL1620 triggered phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and autophosphorylation of (Y1173) EGFR. The effects could be blocked by Src-kinase inhibitors (PP1, PP2), EGFR-inhibitor (AG1478), EGFR-siRNA and by inhibitors to extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (GM6001), consistent with a Src-kinase mediated endothelin receptor response that engage ligand-dependent and ligand-independent EGFR activation. Our data suggest a mechanism for how injury-induced endothelins, produced in the retina, may modulate the Müller cell responses by Src-mediated transactivation of EGFRs. The data give support to a view in which endothelins among several other functions, serve as an injury-signal that regulate the gliotic response of Müller cells