Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell-to-Cell Spread of the RNA Interference Response Suppresses Semliki Forest Virus (SFV) Infection of Mosquito Cell Cultures and Cannot Be Antagonized by SFV

ABSTRACT In their vertebrate hosts, arboviruses such as Semliki Forest virus (SFV) (Togaviridae) generally counteract innate defenses and trigger cell death. In contrast, in mosquito cells, following an early phase of efficient virus production, a persistent infection with low levels of virus production is established. Whether arboviruses counteract RNA interference (RNAi), which provides an important antiviral defense system in mosquitoes, is an important question. Here we show that in Aedes albopictus-derived mosquito cells, SFV cannot prevent the establishment of an antiviral RNAi response or prevent the spread of protective antiviral double-stranded RNA/small interfering RNA (siRNA) from cell to cell, which can inhibit the replication of incoming virus. The expression of tombusvirus siRNA-binding protein p19 by SFV strongly enhanced virus spread between cultured cells rather than virus replication in initially infected cells. Our results indicate that the spread of the RNAi signal contributes to limiting virus dissemination.
Simplifying Software-Defined Network Optimization Using SOL

Realizing the benefits of SDN for many network management applications (e.g., traffic engineering, service chaining, topology reconfiguration) involves addressing complex optimizations that are central to these problems. Unfortunately, such optimization problems require (a) significant manual effort and expertise to express and (b) non-trivial computation and/or carefully crafted heuristics to solve. Our goal is to simplify the deployment of SDN applications using general high-level abstractions for capturing optimization requirements from which we can efficiently generate optimal solutions. To this end, we present SOL, a framework that demonstrates that it is possible to simultaneously achieve generality and efficiency. The insight underlying SOL is that many SDN applications can be recast within a unifying path-based optimization abstraction. Using this, SOL can efficiently generate near-optimal solutions and device configurations to implement them. We show that SOL provides comparable or better scalability than custom optimization solutions for diverse applications, allows a balancing of optimality and route churn per reconfiguration, and interfaces with modern SDN controllers.
Orthogonal Beamforming for SDMA Downlink with Limited Feedback

On a multi-antenna downlink channel, separation of multiple users by transmit beamforming enables simultaneous transmission from the base station to the users, resulting in high sum throughput. This paper proposes and analyzes a practical algorithm for joint scheduling and orthogonal beamforming, which is enabled by feedback of quantized channel state information (CSI). In this approach, each user quantizes CSI using a codebook comprised of multiple orthonormal vector sets and sends back quantized CSI. Using feedback CSI, the base station jointly selects a set of orthogonal beamforming vectors and schedules a subset of feedback users for downlink transmission such that the throughput is maximized. For moderate to large numbers of users, the proposed algorithm achieves higher sum capacities than the conventional ones.
Comparison of tools and techniques for implanting pacemaker leads on the ventricular mid-septum.

INTRODUCTION Many physicians target the interventricular septum for pacemaker implantation, but the lead may inadvertently end up in an anterior position. AIMS We sought to compare two stylet shapes to achieve mid-septal lead placement, as well as the utility of a novel right anterior oblique (RAO) fluoroscopic landmark. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients undergoing pacemaker implantation were enrolled into four consecutive groups according to stylet shape: a standard curve [two-dimensional (2D) stylet] or with an additional distal posterior curve [three-dimensional (3D) stylet], and whether RAO fluoroscopy was used. Left oblique anterior (LAO) and postero-anterior (PA) fluoroscopic views were used in all cases. After implantation, validation of right ventricular lead position (septal vs. anterior) was performed by echocardiography. A total of 113 patients were included, of whom lead position could be validated in 106 patients. Septal position was achieved in only 10 of 22 (45%) patients in the 2D stylet group and in 17 of 23 (74%) patients in the 3D stylet group (P = 0.07) when only PA and LAO fluoroscopy were used. Results were significantly improved by additional use of RAO fluoroscopy, with successful septal placement in 25 of 28 (89%) patients in the 2D stylet + RAO group (P = 0.001) and 32 of 33 (97%) patients in the 3D stylet + RAO group (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS A septal lead position was obtained in only about half of the patients when a 2D stylet was used with only LAO and PA fluoroscopic views. A 3D stylet was useful to attain the target position, and additional RAO fluoroscopy significantly improved success rate with both stylet shapes.
Spatial and polarity precision of concentric high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that applies low amplitude current via electrodes placed on the scalp. Rather than directly eliciting a neuronal response, tDCS is believed to modulate excitability—enhancing or suppressing neuronal activity in regions of the brain depending on the polarity of stimulation. The specificity of tDCS to any therapeutic application derives in part from how electrode configuration determines the brain regions that are stimulated. Conventional tDCS uses two relatively large pads (>25 cm2) whereas high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) uses arrays of smaller electrodes to enhance brain targeting. The 4 × 1 concentric ring HD-tDCS (one center electrode surrounded by four returns) has been explored in application where focal targeting of cortex is desired. Here, we considered optimization of concentric ring HD-tDCS for targeting: the role of electrodes in the ring and the ring’s diameter. Finite element models predicted cortical electric field generated during tDCS. High resolution MRIs were segmented into seven tissue/material masks of varying conductivities. Computer aided design (CAD) model of electrodes, gel, and sponge pads were incorporated into the segmentation. Volume meshes were generated and the Laplace equation (∇ · (σ∇V) = 0) was solved for cortical electric field, which was interpreted using physiological assumptions to correlate with stimulation and modulation. Cortical field intensity was predicted to increase with increasing ring diameter at the cost of focality while uni-directionality decreased. Additional surrounding ring electrodes increased uni-directionality while lowering cortical field intensity and increasing focality; though, this effect saturated and more than 4 surround electrode would not be justified. Using a range of concentric HD-tDCS montages, we showed that cortical region of influence can be controlled while balancing other design factors such as intensity at the target and uni-directionality. Furthermore, the evaluated concentric HD-tDCS approaches can provide categorical improvements in targeting compared to conventional tDCS. Hypothesis driven clinical trials, based on specific target engagement, would benefit by this more precise method of stimulation that could avoid potentially confounding brain regions.
Production of Live Offspring from Vitrified-Warmed Oocytes Collected at Metaphase I Stage

Vitrification of matured oocytes is widely adopted in human clinics and animal research laboratories. Cryopreservation of immature oocytes, particularly those at metaphase I (MI), remains a challenge. In the present work, mouse MI oocytes denuded of cumulus cells were vitrified and warmed (V/W) either prior to (V/W-BEFORE-IVM, n = 562) or after (V/W-AFTER-IVM, n = 664) in vitro maturation (IVM). Derivative metaphase II (MII) oocytes were then used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In the control groups, in vivo matured MII oocytes were used freshly (FRESH-MII, n = 517) or after V/W (MII-V/W, n = 617). In vitro and in vivo developmental competencies were compared among groups. Satisfactory blastocyst rates were achieved in V/W-BEFORE-IVM (27.5%) and V/W-AFTER-IVM (32.4%) groups, albeit as expected still lower than those from fresh-MII (56.1%) or MII-V/W (45.6%) oocytes. Similarly, the term development rates from V/W-BEFORE-IVM and V/W-AFTER-IVM were 12.4% and 16.7% respectively, acceptable but lower than those of the fresh-MII (41.2%) and MII-V/W (23.3%) groups. These data demonstrate that oocytes collected at MI stage are amenable to V/W, which can be performed before or after IVM with acceptable development rates including production of healthy pups. These findings provide useful knowledge to researchers and clinical practitioners for preservation and use of the otherwise discarded MI oocytes.
Input-Driven Oscillations in Networks with Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurons with Dynamic Synapses

Previous work has shown that networks of neurons with two coupled layers of excitatory and inhibitory neurons can reveal oscillatory activity. For example, Brgers and Kopell (2003) have shown that oscillations occur when the excitatory neurons receive a sufficiently large input. A constant drive to the excitatory neurons is sufficient for oscillatory activity. Other studies (Doiron, Chacron, Maler, Longtin, & Bastian, 2003; Doiron, Lindner, Longtin, Maler, & Bastian, 2004) have shown that networks of neurons with two coupled layers of excitatory and inhibitory neurons reveal oscillatory activity only if the excitatory neurons receive correlated input, regardless of the amount of excitatory input. In this study, we show that these apparently contradictory results can be explained by the behavior of a single model operating in different regimes of parameter space. Moreover, we show that adding dynamic synapses in the inhibitory feedback loop provides a robust network behavior over a broad range of stimulus intensities, contrary to that of previous models. A remarkable property of the introduction of dynamic synapses is that the activity of the network reveals synchronized oscillatory components in the case of correlated input, but also reflects the temporal behavior of the input signal to the excitatory neurons. This allows the network to encode both the temporal characteristics of the input and the presence of spatial correlations in the input simultaneously.
Transgenic Fluorescent Plasmodium cynomolgi Liver Stages Enable Live Imaging and Purification of Malaria Hypnozoite-Forms

A major challenge for strategies to combat the human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax is the presence of hypnozoites in the liver. These dormant forms can cause renewed clinical disease after reactivation through unknown mechanisms. The closely related non-human primate malaria P. cynomolgi is a frequently used model for studying hypnozoite-induced relapses. Here we report the generation of the first transgenic P. cynomolgi parasites that stably express fluorescent markers in liver stages by transfection with novel DNA-constructs containing a P. cynomolgi centromere. Analysis of fluorescent liver stages in culture identified, in addition to developing liver-schizonts, uninucleate persisting parasites that were atovaquone resistant but primaquine sensitive, features associated with hypnozoites. We demonstrate that these hypnozoite-forms could be isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The fluorescently-tagged parasites in combination with FACS-purification open new avenues for a wide range of studies for analysing hypnozoite biology and reactivation.
Hyperpolarization‐activated, cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation channels: Roles in the differential electrophysiological properties of rat primary afferent neurons

The large, medium‐sized, and small neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) have different functions in the processing of various senses. Hyperpolarization‐activated, cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels (HCN) contribute greatly to neuronal excitability. In the present study, which used whole‐cell patch clamp techniques and immunohistochemical staining methods, the electrophysiological properties of DRG neurons were systematically compared, and the roles of HCN‐1, ‐2, and ‐4 were examined. The main results were as follows. 1) The large neurons had significantly higher V0.5 values (membrane potential at which the HCN channels were half‐activated) and shorter time constants (τ) than small or medium‐sized DRG neurons. However, large DRG neurons had higher Ih density (HCN neuron current). 2) HCN‐1 was found predominantly, but not exclusively, in large and medium‐sized DRG neurons; HCN‐2 was found in all DRG neurons; and HCN‐4 was poorly visualized in all DRG neurons. HCN‐1 and HCN‐2 were colocalized in large and medium‐sized neurons with immunostaining of adjacent sections. In the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, HCN‐1, HCN‐2, and HCN‐4 were all expressed in laminae I–IV, although HCN‐1 was not detectable in lamina II. 3) Blockade of Ih current in DRG neurons caused a significant decrease in V0.5, resting membrane potential, and repetitive firing number of action potential and a significant increase in time of rising phase of action potential. These results suggest that the different HCN channels in the three types of DRG neurons might contribute to their differential electrophysiological properties. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potential of sago starch/carrageenan mixture as gelatin alternative for hard capsule material

In order to replace gelatin in capsule shell production, blends of sago starch and carrageenan were developed. Films and capsules were prepared with 10% (w/v) of sago starch, 25% (w/w starch) of glycerol and various carrageenan concentration (1, 2, 3% w/w starch) in two different kappa/iota-carrageenan ratio (1:3 and 3:1). The resulted films and capsules were characterized by mechanical property, water vapor and oxygen permeability. In addition, moisture absorption and solubility of capsule in acid solution were investigated. The results reveal that addition of carrageenan makes the films stronger and less permeable. Higher kappa-carrageenan content improved tensile strength and barrier properties of the films, whereas higher iota-carrageenan content produced films with higher elongation, moisture absorption and capsule solubility in acid solution. Capsule with 2% (w/w starch) of carrageenan at kappa-/iota-ratio 3:1 had the lowest moisture absorption, whereas capsule with 3% (w/w starch) of carrageenan at.
Does Study Design Influence Outcome?

Background: Clinicians and researchers synthesize data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of antidepressants to make conclusions about the efficacy of medications for depression. All treatments include nonspecific factors in addition to the specific effects of drugs, and study design may influence patient outcomes via nonspecific factors. This study investigated whether placebo control and treatment duration affect the outcome in antidepressant RCTs. Methods: Medline and the Cochrane Database were searched to identify RCTs of antidepressants for major depression approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Included studies enrolled outpatient participants aged 18–65, lasted 6–12 weeks, compared an antidepressant to placebo or another antidepressant and were published in English after 1985. Excluded trials enrolled inpatients, pregnant women and subjects with psychosis or mania. Mixed-effects logistic regression models including study type (placebo-controlled or comparator) and study duration (6, 8 or 12 weeks) as fixed effects determined whether these factors affected response and remission rates. Results: In the 90 trials analyzed, the odds of depression response (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.45–2.17, p < 0.001) and remission (OR 1.53, 95% CI = 1.11–2.11, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in comparator relative to placebo-controlled trials. Trials lasting 8 (OR = 1.37, CI = 1.14–1.64, p = 0.001) and 12 (OR = 1.52, CI = 1.12–2.07, p = 0.008) weeks had significantly greater response rates than 6-week trials without differing themselves. Conclusions: Response and remission rates to antidepressants are significantly affected by study type and duration. Clinicians and researchers must consider the study design when interpreting and designing RCTs of antidepressant medications.
Mid-infrared observations of methanol maser sites and ultracompact H ii regions: signposts of high-mass star formation

N-band (10.5 μm) and/or Q-band (20.0 μm) images taken with MANIAC on the ESO/MPI 2.2-m telescope are presented for 31 methanol maser sites and 19 ultracompact (UC) H ii regions. Most of the maser sites and UC H ii regions are coincident with mid-infrared (MIR) sources to within the positional uncertainties of ∼ 3 arcsec, consistent with the maser emission being powered by the MIR source. The IRAS source positions, however, do not always coincide with the MIR sources. Based on an average infrared spectral energy distribution, we deduce that the MIR objects are luminous enough that they should also produce a strong ionizing radiation. Some sources are consistent with stars of later spectral type, but not all can be. A number of maser sites show no detectable radio continuum emission associated with MIR emission, despite a powering source luminous enough potentially to produce an UC H ii region. Since no signs of an UC H ii region are detected here, these maser sites might be produced during a very early stage of stellar evolution. We present objects that show evidence of outflow activity stemming from a maser site, exhibiting CO and/or CS line profiles indicative of outflows coincident with the MIR source. These cases are promising examples of maser sites signposting the earliest stages of high-mass star formation.
Likelihood ratio test with complex laplacian model for voice activity detection

This paper proposes a voice activity detector (VAD) based on the complex Laplacian model. With the use of a goodness-of-fit (GOF) test, it is discovered that the Laplacian model is more suitable to describe noisy speech distribution than the conventional Gaussian model. The likelihood ratio (LR) based on the Laplacian model is computed and then applied to the VAD operation. According to the experimental results, we can find that the Laplacian statistical model is more suitable for the VAD algorithm compared to the Gaussian model.
On Studentising and Blocklength Selection for the Bootstrap on Time Series

For independent data, non‐parametric bootstrap is realised by resampling the data with replacement. This approach fails for dependent data such as time series. If the data generating process is at least stationary and mixing, the blockwise bootstrap by drawing subsamples or blocks of the data saves the concept. For the blockwise bootstrap a blocklength has to be selected. We propose a method for selecting the optimal blocklength. To improve the finite size properties of the blockwise bootstrap, studentised statistics is considered. If the statistic can be represented as a smooth function model this studentisation can be approximated efficiently. The studentised blockwise bootstrap method is applied for testing hypotheses on medical time series. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An integrated approach to control the introduced forest pathogen Heterobasidion irregulare in Europe

The North American fungal pathogen Heterobasidion irregulare is currently distributed in pine and oak stands along 103 km of coastline west of Rome, Italy. This paper reviews and expands the knowledge on impacts, pathways of introduction and invasion, factors driving the invasion and on the dispersal abilities of this pathogen in Italy. Further, an integrated disease management program to minimize the spread of the fungus in Europe is suggested, based both on the published literature and on new findings reported here. Observational and genetic evidence support a single introduction through infected wood during World War II, and a subsequent invasion through spore dispersal. Experimental evidence suggests transmission potential of the pathogen rather than hyper-susceptibility of native hosts is the major determinant of invasion. The current range of H. irregulare is too vast to suggest eradication, however, we recommend minimizing the risk of spread of H. irregulare outside the zone of infestation while reducing the magnitude of infestations within its current range. We provide evidence suggesting the most cost-effective management approach hinges on preventing the saprobic establishment of the fungus in stumps in a ‘buffer’ area surrounding the current zone of infestation.
Impact of work-life imbalance on job satisfaction and quality of life among hospital nurses in Japan

This study investigated the status of work-life imbalance among hospital nurses in Japan and impact of work-life imbalance on job satisfaction and quality of life. A cross-sectional survey of 1,202 nurses (81% response rate) was conducted in three Japanese acute care hospitals. Participants were divided into four groups for actual work-life balance (Group A: 50/50, including other lower working proportion groups [e.g., 40/50]; Group B: 60/40; Group C: 70/30; and Group D: 80/20, including other higher working proportion groups [e.g., 90/10]). We also asked participants about desired work-life balance, and private and work-related perspectives. Satisfactions (job, private life, and work-life balance), quality of life, and stress-coping ability were also measured. All data were compared among the four groups. Most nurses sensed that they had a greater proportion of working life than private life, and had a work-life imbalance. Actual WLB did not fit compared to desired WLB. When the actual working proportion greatly exceeds the private life proportion, nurses’ health could be in danger, and they may resign due to lower job satisfaction and QOL. Simultaneous progress by both management and individual nurses is necessary to improve work-life imbalance.
A Comparision of Approaches and Instruments for Evaluating a Geological Sciences Research Experiences Program

We are studying changes in knowledge of science and attitudes regarding science among participants in a summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates program run by the Atlanta Consortium for Research in the Earth Sciences. Existing survey instruments do not detect changes in our participants' attitudes over the course of our program and also fail to detect differences between our geoscience faculty and a group of college students with limited exposure to college level science. Therefore, we are developing a new survey instrument based on clusters of statements representing a variety of philosophical positions, from which respondents must pick one statement. We compare the distribution of the choices made by a group of respondents with the distribution of choices made by geoscience faculty. The first version of the instrument was able to differentiate between three different groups of students with different science backgrounds. Some of the statement clusters detected changes in our RUE program participants' attitudes over the course of the program. We believe that with further modification, an instrument can be developed that will detect changes induced by participation in a research experience. We have also studied the use of open-ended questions regarding the nature of science. Statistical analysis of responses to open-ended questions can also differentiate between college students with different science backgrounds and detect some changes over the course of our program.