Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human pregnancy-associated malaria-specific B cells target polymorphic, conformational epitopes in VAR2CSA

Pregnancy‐associated malaria (PAM) is caused by Plasmodium falciparum‐infected erythrocytes (IEs) that bind to chondroitin sulphate A (CSA) in the placenta by PAM‐associated clonally variant surface antigens (VSA). Pregnancy‐specific VSA (VSAPAM), which include the PfEMP1 variant VAR2CSA, are targets of IgG‐mediated protective immunity to PAM. Here, we report an investigation of the specificity of naturally acquired immunity to PAM, using eight human monoclonal IgG1 antibodies that react exclusively with intact CSA‐adhering IEs expressing VSAPAM. Four reacted in Western blotting with high‐molecular‐weight (> 200 kDa) proteins, while seven reacted with either the DBL3‐X or the DBL5‐ε domains of VAR2CSA expressed either as Baculovirus constructs or on the surface of transfected Jurkat cells. We used a panel of recombinant antigens representing DBL3‐X domains from P. falciparum field isolates to evaluate B‐cell epitope diversity among parasite isolates, and identified the binding site of one monoclonal antibody using a chimeric DBL3‐X construct. Our findings show that there is a high‐frequency memory response to VSAPAM, indicating that VAR2CSA is a primary target of naturally acquired PAM‐specific protective immunity, and demonstrate the value of human monoclonal antibodies and conformationally intact recombinant antigens in VSA characterization.
ViTa: prediction of host microRNAs targets on viruses

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in various biological processes by suppressing gene expression. A recent work has indicated that host miRNAs are also capable of regulating viral gene expression by targeting the virus genomes. To investigate regulatory relationships between host miRNAs and related viruses, we present a novel database, namely ViTa, to curate the known virus miRNA genes and the known/putative target sites of human, mice, rat and chicken miRNAs. Known miRNAs are obtained from miRBase. Virus data are collected and referred from ICTVdB, VBRC and VirGen. Experimentally validated miRNA targets on viruses were derived from literatures. Then, miRanda and TargetScan are utilized to predict miRNA targets within virus genomes. ViTa also provides the virus annotations, virus-infected tissues and tissue specificity of host miRNAs. This work also facilitates the comparisons between subtypes of viruses, such as influenza viruses, human liver viruses and the conserved regions between viruses. Both textual and graphical web interfaces are provided to facilitate the data retrieves in the ViTa database. The database is now freely available at .
A simple local-control approximation algorithm for multicommodity flow

In this paper, we describe a very simple (1+/spl epsi/)-approximation algorithm for the multicommodity flow problem. The algorithm runs in time that is polynomial in N (the number of nodes in the network) and /spl epsiv//sup -1/ (the closeness of the approximation to optimal). The algorithm is remarkable in that it is much simpler than all known polynomial time flow algorithms (including algorithms for the special case of one-commodity flow). In particular, the algorithm does not rely on augmenting paths, shortest paths, min-cost paths, or similar techniques to push flow through a network. In fact, no explicit attempt is ever made to push flow towards a sink during the algorithm. Because the algorithm is so simple, it can be applied to a variety of problems for which centralized decision making and flow planning is not possible. For example, the algorithm can be easily implemented with local control in a distributed network and it can be made tolerant to link failures. In addition, the algorithm appears to perform well in practice. Initial experiments using the DIMACS generator of test problems indicate that the algorithm performs as well as or better than previously known algorithms, at least for certain test problems. <<ETX>>
Characterization of GAPCenA, a GTPase activating protein for Rab6, part of which associates with the centrosome

The Rab6 GTPase regulates intracellular transport at the level of the Golgi apparatus, probably in a retrograde direction. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a novel human Rab6‐interacting protein named human GAPCenA (for ‘GAP and centrosome‐associated’). Primary sequence analysis indicates that GAPCenA displays similarities, within a central 200 amino acids domain, to both the yeast Rab GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) and to the spindle checkpoint proteins Saccharomyces cerevisiae Bub2p and Schizosaccharomyces pombe Cdc16p. We demonstrate that GAPCenA is indeed a GAP, specifically active in vitro on Rab6 and, to a lesser extent, on Rab4 and Rab2 proteins. Immunofluorescence and cell fractionation experiments showed that GAPCenA is mainly cytosolic but that a minor pool is associated with the centrosome. Moreover, GAPCenA was found to form complexes with cytosolic γ‐tubulin and to play a role in microtubule nucleation. Therefore, GAPCenA may be involved in the coordination of microtubule and Golgi dynamics during the cell cycle.
Virus infection, antiviral immunity, and autoimmunity

As a group of disorders, autoimmunity ranks as the third most prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western World. However, the etiology of most autoimmune diseases remains unknown. Although genetic linkage studies support a critical underlying role for genetics, the geographic distribution of these disorders as well as the low concordance rates in monozygotic twins suggest that a combination of other factors including environmental ones are involved. Virus infection is a primary factor that has been implicated in the initiation of autoimmune disease. Infection triggers a robust and usually well‐coordinated immune response that is critical for viral clearance. However, in some instances, immune regulatory mechanisms may falter, culminating in the breakdown of self‐tolerance, resulting in immune‐mediated attack directed against both viral and self‐antigens. Traditionally, cross‐reactive T‐cell recognition, known as molecular mimicry, as well as bystander T‐cell activation, culminating in epitope spreading, have been the predominant mechanisms elucidated through which infection may culminate in an T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune response. However, other hypotheses including virus‐induced decoy of the immune system also warrant discussion in regard to their potential for triggering autoimmunity. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which virus infection and antiviral immunity contribute to the development of autoimmunity.
Free- and Open-Source Software for a Course on Network Management: Authoring and Enactment of Scripts Based on Collaborative Learning Strategies

This paper describes a computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) case study in engineering education carried out within the context of a network management course. The case study shows that the use of two computing tools developed by the authors and based on free-and open-source software (FOSS) provide significant educational benefits over traditional engineering pedagogical approaches in terms of both concepts and engineering competencies acquisition. The Collage authoring tool guides and supports the course teacher in the process of authoring computer-interpretable representations (using the IMS learning design standard notation) of effective collaborative pedagogical designs. Besides, the Gridcole system supports the enactment of that design by guiding the students throughout the prescribed sequence of learning activities. The paper introduces the goals and context of the case study, elaborates on how Collage and Gridcole were employed, describes the applied evaluation methodology, and discusses the most significant findings derived from the case study.
Relationship between impaired functional stability and back pain in children: an exploratory cross-sectional study.

QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY On surveys, about every fifth child in the school age reports back pain. There is a dearth of literature on the association between functional stability and back pain in children. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between functional stability, measured with the Matthiasstest, and "back pain during the last week". METHODS We used data from a cross-sectional survey on third, fourth and fifth grade school-years (128 children aged between 8 and 12 years) in seven different classes in two different rural regions of Switzerland, to evaluate in an explorative manner the association between the score of the Matthiass-test and low back pain and upper back pain in the last week with two multivariable logistic regressions. RESULTS The Matthiass-test score, controlled for age, sex and language region of the school, was significantly associated with low back pain in the last week (adjusted odds ratio 1.77 with an 95% confidence interval from 1.08 to 2.91) and non significantly with the upper back pain in the last week (adjusted odds ratio 1.67 with an 95% confidence interval from 0.98 to 2.81). CONCLUSION The Matthiass-test score is associated with low back pain. Because of the exploratory character of this study, these results should be regarded with caution. Whether a high score on the Matthiass-test could be a risk factor for back pain should be evaluated in prospective studies.
Relaying for IEEE 802.11p at road intersection using a vehicular non-stationary channel model

Traffic s afety at road intersections can be improved by establishing reliable communications between vehicles. For vehicle-to-vehicle communications, this requires information exchange in non line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions due to the obstruction by buildings. In order to overcome the low receive signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) due to NLOS, we consider to place a relay at road intersections to enhance the reliability of communication links. In this paper, we implement a vehicular non-stationary geometry based stochastic channel model for road intersections, which is an extension of an existing highway channel model. The model is verified by comparison with vehicular channel measurements. Using the proposed channel model, we present link level simulation results for IEEE 802.11p relaying at varying transmitter/receiver locations using different channel estimation techniques. The results show that a relay at the intersection is able to greatly extend the reliable communications region. Besides, in the high SNR regime with moderate or high mobility transmitter and receiver, the block type least square channel estimator is the bottleneck that limits the relaying performance. An advanced iterative channel estimator is also simulated, which exhibits robustness against increased vehicle velocities.
Beyond Standard Model Searches in the MiniBooNE Experiment

The MiniBooNE experiment has contributed substantially to beyond standard model searches in the neutrino sector. The experiment was originally designed to test the eV2 region of the sterile neutrino hypothesis by observing () charged current quasielastic signals from a () beam. MiniBooNE observed excesses of and candidate events in neutrino and antineutrino mode, respectively. To date, these excesses have not been explained within the neutrino standard model (SM); the standard model extended for three massive neutrinos. Confirmation is required by future experiments such as MicroBooNE. MiniBooNE also provided an opportunity for precision studies of Lorentz violation. The results set strict limits for the first time on several parameters of the standard-model extension, the generic formalism for considering Lorentz violation. Most recently, an extension to MiniBooNE running, with a beam tuned in beam-dump mode, is being performed to search for dark sector particles. This review describes these studies, demonstrating that short baseline neutrino experiments are rich environments in new physics searches.
IOP elevation reduces Schlemm's canal cross-sectional area.

PURPOSE Previously, we demonstrated reduced Schlemm's canal cross-sectional area (SC-CSA) with increased perfusion pressure in a cadaveric flow model. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of acute IOP elevation on SC-CSA in living human eyes. METHODS The temporal limbus of 27 eyes of 14 healthy subjects (10 male, 4 female, age 36 ± 13 years) was imaged by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography at baseline and with IOP elevation (ophthalmodynamometer set at 30-g force). Intraocular pressure was measured at baseline and with IOP elevation by Goldmann applanation tonometry. Vascular landmarks were used to identify corresponding locations in baseline and IOP elevation scan volumes. Schlemm's canal CSA at five locations within a 1-mm length of SC was measured in ImageJ as described previously. A linear mixed-effects model quantified the effect of IOP elevation on SC-CSA. RESULTS The mean IOP increase was 189%, and the mean SC-CSA decrease was 32% (P < 0.001). The estimate (95% confidence interval) for SC-CSA response to IOP change was -66.6 (-80.6 to -52.7) μm(2)/mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS Acute IOP elevation significantly reduces SC-CSA in healthy eyes. Acute dynamic response to IOP elevation may be a useful future characterization of ocular health in the management of glaucoma.
Reference-free dynamic displacements of railroad bridges using low-cost sensors

Displacements of railroad bridges under service loads are important parameters in assessing bridge conditions and risk of train derailment, according to railroad bridge managers. Measuring bridge responses in the field is often expensive and challenging due to the high costs of sensing equipment. Consequently, railroad bridge managers typically rent or subcontract field measurements to others or choose not to collect dynamic data in the field and make visual inspections. This article studies the use of a low-cost data acquisition platform to measure reference-free dynamic displacements of railroad bridges by combining low-cost microcontrollers and accelerometers. Researchers used off-the-shelf systems to measure accelerations and reconstructed reference-free displacements from several railroad bridge crossing events by running trains with different levels of serviceability in the laboratory. The results obtained from the proposed low-cost sensors were compared with those of commercial sensing equipment. The results show that low-cost sensors and commercial sensing systems have comparable accuracy. The results of this study show that the proposed platform estimates reference-free displacements with a peak error between 20% and 30% and a root mean square error between 10% and 20%, which is similar to commercial structural health monitoring systems. The proposed low-cost system is approximately 300 times less expensive than the commercial sensing equipment. The ultimate goal of this research is to increase the intelligent assessment of bridges by training owners and inspectors to collect dynamic data of their interest with their own resources.
Generating monologue and dialogue to present personalised medical information to patients

Medical information is notoriously difficult to convey to patients because the content is complex, emotionally sensitive, and hard to explain without recourse to technical terms. We describe a pilot system for communicating the contents of electronic health records (EHRs) to patients. It generates two alternative presentations, which we have compared in a preliminary evaluation study: the first takes the form of a monologue, which elaborates the information taken from the patient's EHR by adding explanations of some concepts and procedures; the second takes the form of a scripted dialogue, in which the content is recast as a series of questions, answers and statements assigned to two characters in the dialogue, a senior and a junior nurse. Our discourse planning method designs these presentations in tandem, first producing a monologue plan which is then elaborated into a dialogue plan.
Atretic parietal cephaloceles revisited: an enlarging clinical and imaging spectrum?

PURPOSE We describe imaging features that are clues to the diagnosis of atretic cephaloceles and discuss clinical findings and a possible mechanism by which these lesions develop. METHODS Eight children (five girls and three boys) ranging in age from 1 day to 3 years 4 months with midline subscalp lesions underwent radiologic examination with CT or MR imaging. In all cases, the lesions were surgically excised and subjected to pathologic examination. Imaging studies and medical records were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS Six of eight children had vertical embryonic positioning of the straight sinus with a prominent superior cerebellar cistern. A "spinning-top" configuration of the tentorial incisura, a "cigar-shaped" CSF tract within the interhemispheric fissure, fenestration of the superior sagittal sinus, and "peaking" of the tentorium were associated findings helpful in making this diagnosis. Two of the eight children had findings indistinguishable from focal dermoid, six were developmentally normal, one had mild motor delay, and one died at the age of 3 years. Pathologic examination revealed glial, meningeal (arachnoid), fibrous, and dermal elements. CONCLUSION Characteristic findings on MR images and CT scans provide clues to the diagnosis of atretic cephalocele. However, even in the presence of abnormal imaging findings, these children may be developmentally normal.
Computational neuroethology: a provisional manifesto

[55] A. Sloman. Beyond turing equivalence. In Proceedings Turing 1990 Colloquium, 1990. [56] P. Smolensky. On the proper treatment of connectionism. The Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 11:1{74, 1988. [57] M. V. Srinivasan, S. B. Laughlin, and A. Dubs. Predictive coding: a fresh view of inhibition in the retina. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B, 216:427{459, 1982. [58] I. Stewart. Does God Play Dice? Penguin, London, 1989. [59] S. Ullman. The interpretation of structure frommotion. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B, 203:405{426, 1979. [60] T. Winograd and F. Flores. Understanding Computers and Cognition: A New Foundation for Design. Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. Inc., 1986. [61] P. H. Winston. Arti cial Intelligence. Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. Inc., second edition, 1984. [62] D. Young. Nerve Cells and Animal Behaviour. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1989.
Power harvesting using PZT ceramics embedded in orthopedic implants

Battery lifetime has been the stumbling block for many power-critical or maintenance-free real-time embedded applications, such as wireless sensors and orthopedic implants. Thus a piezoelectric material that could convert human motion into electrical energy provides a very attractive solution for clinical implants. In this work, we analyze the power generation characteristics of stiff lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics and the equivalent circuit through extensive experiments. Our experimental framework allows us to explore many important design considerations of such a PZT-based power generator. Overall we can achieve a PZT element volume of 0.5 times 0.5 times 1.8 cm, which is considerably smaller than the results reported so far. Finally, we outline the application of our PZT elements in a total knee replacement (TKR) implant.
Shared memory implementations of synchronous dataflow specifications

There has been a proliferation of block-diagram environments for specifying and prototyping DSP systems. These include tools from academia like Ptolemy and GRAPE, and commercial tools like SPW from Cadence Design Systems, Cossap from Synopsys, and the HP ADS tool from HP. The block diagram languages used in these environments are usually based on dataflow semantics because various subsets of dataflow have proven to be good matches for expressing and modeling signal processing systems. In particular synchronous dataflow (SDF) has been found to be a particularly good match for expressing multirate signal processing systems. One of the key problems that arises during synthesis from an SDF specification is scheduling. Past work on scheduling from SDF has focused on optimization of program memory and buffer memory. However, no attempt was made for overlaying or sharing buffers. In this paper we formally tackle the problem of generating optimally compact schedules for SDF graphs, that also attempt to minimize buffering memory under the assumption that buffers will be shared. This will result in schedules whose data memory usage is drastically lower (up to 83%) than methods in the past have achieved.
Honey, Propolis, and Royal Jelly: A Comprehensive Review of Their Biological Actions and Health Benefits

Background There are several health benefits that honeybee products such as honey, propolis, and royal jelly claim toward various types of diseases in addition to being food. Scope and Approach In this paper, the effects of honey, propolis, and royal jelly on different metabolic diseases, cancers, and other diseases have been reviewed. The modes of actions of these products have also been illustrated for purposes of better understanding. Key Findings and Conclusions An overview of honey, propolis, and royal jelly and their biological potentials was highlighted. The potential health benefits of honey, such as microbial inhibition, wound healing, and its effects on other diseases, are described. Propolis has been reported to have various health benefits related to gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, and gynecological, oral, and dermatological problems. Royal jelly is well known for its protective effects on reproductive health, neurodegenerative disorders, wound healing, and aging. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of action of honey, propolis, and royal jelly on the abovementioned diseases and activities have not been not fully elucidated, and further research is warranted to explain their exact contributions.
Protein a Carrying PMMA Microbeads: Adsorption of Cholesterol and HlgG from Human Plasma

Cholesterol and HlgG adsorbed from human plasma obtained from a hypercholesterolemia patient, onto protein A-immobilized polymethyl-methacrylate uniform microbeads carrying different amounts of protein A (0.264-1.682 mg protein A/g PMMA, or 0.66-4.2 mg protein A/m2 PMMA) were investigated in batchwise experiments. There was no interaction between protein A molecules and cholesterol when cholesterol aqueous solutions were used. However, there was significant cholesterol and HlgG adsorption from the plasma obtained from a patient with hypercholesterolemia. The maximum amounts of cholesterol and HlgG adsorbed were 3.96 μmol cholesterol/g PMMA (5.4 mg cholesterol/g PMMA) and 0.242 μmol IgG/g PMMA (35.4 mg IgG/g PMMA).
Composition of the immunoglobulin classic antigen‐binding site regulates allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of experimental asthma

Background When bound to mast cell FcɛRI, IgE serves as antigen receptor for allergic reactions, permitting specific identification of the allergen. Although the core of the classic antigen‐binding site is heavy chain complementarity determining region 3 (CDR‐H3), recent studies suggest that allergens might also bind IgE in a superantigen‐like fashion outside the classic antigen‐binding site.