Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transactivation of the human immunodeficiency virus promoter by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) strains GS and Z-29 in primary human T lymphocytes and identification of transactivating HHV-6(GS) gene fragments

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) can activate the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) promoter and accelerate cytopathic effects in HIV-infected human T cells. This study examines the regions of the HIV promoter required for HHV-6 transactivation in a heterogeneous population of primary human T lymphocytes with or without antigenic stimulation. Two different strains of HHV-6, GS and Z29, transactivated the HIV promoter. The GS strain transactivated the promoter in both stimulated and resting T cells, while the Z29 strain increased HIV promoter activity only in stimulated T cells. Three DNA clones containing HHV-6(GS) genomic fragments transactivated the HIV promoter in cotransfected T cells. A 21.4-kb DNA clone, pZVB70, showed the highest transactivating ability, while two other DNA fragments, pZVB10 (6.2 kb) and pZVH14 (8.7 kb), showed lower activity. One of these clones, pZVH14, activated the HIV promoter construct containing a mutation in the NF kappa B site. However, this mutated NF kappa B promoter was not transactivated during HHV-6(GS) infection or after cotransfection with pZVB70 or pZVB10. These data indicate that the NF kappa B sites of the HIV promoter are essential for its transactivation during HHV-6(GS) infection. By increasing HIV promoter activity in primary T lymphocytes, HHV-6 may consequently increase HIV replication, leading to an increase in the cytopathic effect on coinfected human T cells.
Application of Machine Learning Algorithms to KDD Intrusion Detection Dataset within Misuse Detection Context

A small subset of machine learning algorithms, mostly inductive learning based, applied to the KDD 1999 Cup intrusion detection dataset resulted in dismal performance for user-to-root and remote-to-local attack categories as reported in the recent literature. The uncertainty to explore if other machine learning algorithms can demonstrate better performance compared to the ones already employed constitutes the motivation for the study reported herein. Specifically, exploration of if certain algorithms perform better for certain attack classes and consequently, if a multi-expert classifier design can deliver desired performance measure is of high interest. This paper evaluates performance of a comprehensive set of pattern recognition and machine learning algorithms on four attack categories as found in the KDD 1999 Cup intrusion detection dataset. Results of simulation study implemented to that effect indicated that certain classification algorithms perform better for certain attack categories: a specific algorithm specialized for a given attack category . Consequently, a multi-classifier model, where a specific detection algorithm is associated with an attack category for which it is the most promising, was built. Empirical results obtained through simulation indicate that noticeable performance improvement was achieved for probing, denial of service, and user-to-root
Vicious circles in rewriting systems

textabstractWe continue our study of the difference between Weak Normalisation (WN) and Strong Normalisation (SN). We extend our earlier result that orthogonal TRSs with the property WN do not admit cyclic reductions, into three distinct directions: (i) to the higher-order case, where terms may contain bound variables, (ii) to the weakly orthogonal case, where rules may have (trivial) conflicts, and (iii) to weak head normalisation (WHN), where terms have head normal forms. By adapting the techniques introduced for each of the three extensions separately, we even are able to show the result generalises to each pair of combinations and to various lambda-calculi. The combination of all three extensions remains open however
Redesigning CDN-Broker Interactions for Improved Content Delivery

Various trends are reshaping Internet video delivery: exponential growth in video traffic, rising expectations of high video quality of experience (QoE), and the proliferation of varied content delivery network (CDN) deployments (e.g., cloud computing-based, content provider-owned datacenters, and ISP-owned CDNs). More fundamentally though, content providers are shifting delivery from a single CDN to multiple CDNs, through the use of a content broker. Brokers have been shown to invalidate many traditional delivery assumptions (e.g., shifting traffic invalidates short- and long-term traffic prediction) by not communicating their decisions with CDNs. In this work, we analyze these problems using data from a CDN and a broker. We examine the design space of potential solutions, finding that a marketplace design (inspired by advertising exchanges) potentially provides interesting tradeoffs. A marketplace allows all CDNs to profit on video delivery through fine-grained pricing and optimization, where CDNs learn risk-adverse bidding strategies to aid in traffic prediction. We implement a marketplace-based system (which we dub Video Delivery eXchange or VDX) in CDN and broker data-driven simulation, finding significant improvements in cost and data-path distance.
Multiuser I-MMSE

In this paper, we generalize the fundamental relation between the derivative of the mutual information and the minimum mean squared error (MMSE) to multiuser setups. We prove that the derivative of the mutual information with respect to the signal to noise ratio (SNR) is equal to the MMSE plus a covariance induced due to the interference, quantified by a term with respect to the cross correlation of the multiuser input estimates, the channels and the precoding matrices. We also derive new relations for the gradient of the conditional and non-conditional mutual information with respect to the MMSE. Capitalizing on the new fundamental relations, we derive closed form expressions of the mutual information for the multiuser channels, particularly the two user multiple access Gaussian channel driven by binary phase shift keying (BPSK) to illustrate and shed light on methods to derive similar expressions for higher level constellations. We capitalize on the new unveiled relation to derive the multiuser MMSE and mutual information in the low-SNR regime.
THE LICK–CARNEGIE SURVEY: A NEW TWO-PLANET SYSTEM AROUND THE STAR HD 207832

Keck/HIRES precision radial velocities of HD 207832 indicate the presence of two Jovian-type planetary companions in Keplerian orbits around this G star. The planets have minimum masses of Msin i = 0.56 MJup and 0.73 MJup, with orbital periods of ∼162 and ∼1156 days, and eccentricities of 0.13 and 0.27, respectively. Strömgren b and y photometry reveals a clear stellar rotation signature of the host star with a period of 17.8 days, well separated from the period of the radial velocity variations, reinforcing their Keplerian origin. The values of the semimajor axes of the planets suggest that these objects have migrated from the region of giant planet formation to closer orbits. In order to examine the possibility of the existence of additional (small) planets in the system, we studied the orbital stability of hypothetical terrestrial-sized objects in the region between the two planets and interior to the orbit of the inner body. Results indicated that stable orbits exist only in a small region interior to planet b. However, the current observational data offer no evidence for the existence of additional objects in this system.
The Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC–SF) in the Argentinean Context: Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Measurement Invariance

The present research aimed at studying the psychometric properties of the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC–SF; Keyes, 2005) in a sample of 1,300 Argentinean adults (50% males; 50% females). Their mean age was 40.28 years old (SD = 13.59). The MHC–SF is a 14 item test that assesses three components (i.e., emotional, social, and psychological) of well-being. Convergent and divergent evidence of construct validity was assessed by conducting confirmatory factor analysis, cross-validation, factorial invariance, and correlations with external criteria. Internal consistency was studied using Cronbach’s alphas. Results indicated an adequate fit of a three-dimensional model. This structure was also confirmed, and was invariant throughout sex and age. The emotional well-being scores converged with life satisfaction and positive affect measures; the psychological well-being scale had a positive association with the presence of meaning in life; and the social well-being scores showed a positive and strong correlation with an external measure of well-being. Also, all scores were negatively associated with negative affect, search of meaning in life, and presence of depression symptoms. Internal consistency was . 89 for the MHC–SF. Furthermore, the findings supported the two - continua model of mental health.
Mild Cerebral Ischemia Induces Loss of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors and Activation of Cell Cycle Machinery before Delayed Neuronal Cell Death

After mild ischemic insults, many neurons undergo delayed neuronal death. Aberrant activation of the cell cycle machinery is thought to contribute to apoptosis in various conditions including ischemia. We demonstrate that loss of endogenous cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p16INK4a is an early and reliable indicator of delayed neuronal death in striatal neurons after mild cerebral ischemia in vivo. Loss of p27Kip1, another Cdk inhibitor, precedes cell death in neocortical neurons subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation in vitro. The loss of Cdk inhibitors is followed by upregulation of cyclin D1, activation of Cdk2, and subsequent cytoskeletal disintegration. Most neurons undergo cell death before entering S-phase, albeit a small number (∼1%) do progress to the S-phase before their death. Treatment with Cdk inhibitors significantly reduces cell deathin vitro. These results show that alteration of cell cycle regulatory mechanisms is a prelude to delayed neuronal death in focal cerebral ischemia and that pharmacological interventions aimed at neuroprotection may be usefully directed at cell cycle regulatory mechanisms.
An improved throughput estimation method and dynamic user association in multi-cell networks

In this paper, we propose an effective user association rule for resolving the unbalanced loading problem in multi-cell cellular networks. We first derive an improved user throughput estimation formula for the proportional fair (PF) scheduling algorithm under the Rayleigh fading environment. Our simple and accurate throughput estimation can be regarded as an extended version of the conventional scheme which is only valid when the data rate function is linear. Based on this result, we also develop a centralized user association framework, where a central node periodically determines the overall association of the system. The simulation results show that our load balancing algorithm achieves almost 90% of the upper limit of the system.
Adaptation and Validation of the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) in a Portuguese Sample

The present study aims (a) to translate and adapt the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) to the Portuguese context (semantic equivalence/ conceptual and content validity) and (b) to examine its psychometric properties (reliability and factorial validity). The sample consisted of 478 subjects (285 males and 193 females). The fidelity of the factors varied between 0.53 and 0.83. The confirmatory factor analysis results produced a 14-item version of IPQ-PT, accepting covariance between residual errors of some items of the instrument, as the best structural representation of the data analyzed. The CFA was conducted based on a three-variable model. The fit indexes obtained were X2/df = 2.647, GFI = . 948, CFI = . 941, RSMEA = . 059, and AIC = 254. These values demonstrate that the proposed Portuguese translation of the IPQ maintains its original validity, demonstrating it to be a robust questionnaire to measure the sense of presence in virtual reality studies. It is therefore recommended for use in presence research when using Portuguese samples.
Expression of Plasmid-Based shRNA against the E1 and nsP1 Genes Effectively Silenced Chikungunya Virus Replication

Background Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging alphavirus that causes chikungunya fever and persistent arthralgia in humans. Currently, there is no effective vaccine or antiviral against CHIKV infection. Therefore, this study evaluates whether RNA interference which targets at viral genomic level may be a novel antiviral strategy to inhibit the medically important CHIKV infection. Methods Plasmid-based small hairpin RNA (shRNA) was investigated for its efficacy in inhibiting CHIKV replication. Three shRNAs designed against CHIKV Capsid, E1 and nsP1 genes were transfected to establish stable shRNA-expressing cell clones. Following infection of stable shRNA cells clones with CHIKV at M.O. I. 1, viral plaque assay, Western blotting and transmission electron microscopy were performed. The in vivo efficacy of shRNA against CHIKV replication was also evaluated in a suckling murine model of CHIKV infection. Results Cell clones expressing shRNAs against CHIKV E1 and nsP1 genes displayed significant inhibition of infectious CHIKV production, while shRNA Capsid demonstrated a modest inhibitory effect as compared to scrambled shRNA cell clones and non-transfected cell controls. Western blot analysis of CHIKV E2 protein expression and transmission electron microscopy of shRNA E1 and nsP1 cell clones collectively demonstrated similar inhibitory trends against CHIKV replication. shRNA E1 showed non cell-type specific anti-CHIKV effects and broad-spectrum silencing against different geographical strains of CHIKV. Furthermore, shRNA E1 clones did not exert any inhibition against Dengue virus and Sindbis virus replication, thus indicating the high specificity of shRNA against CHIKV replication. Moreover, no shRNA-resistant CHIKV mutant was generated after 50 passages of CHIKV in the stable cell clones. More importantly, strong and sustained anti-CHIKV protection was conferred in suckling mice pre-treated with shRNA E1. Conclusion Taken together, these data suggest the promising efficacy of anti-CHIKV shRNAs, in particular, plasmid-shRNA E1, as a novel antiviral strategy against CHIKV infection.
Conditional deletion reveals a cell-autonomous requirement of SLP-76 for thymocyte selection

The SH2 domain containing leukocyte phosphoprotein of 76 kD (SLP-76) is critical for pre-TCR–mediated maturation to the CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) stage in the thymus. The absolute block in SLP-76null mice at the CD4−CD8−CD44−CD25+ (double-negative 3, DN3) stage has hindered our understanding of the role of this adaptor in αβ TCR-mediated signal transduction in primary thymocytes and peripheral T lymphocytes. To evaluate the requirements for SLP-76 in these events, we used a cre-loxP approach to generate mice that conditionally delete SLP-76 after the DN3 checkpoint. These mice develop DP thymocytes that express the αβ TCR on the surface, but lack SLP-76 at the genomic DNA and protein levels. The DP compartment has reduced cellularity in young mice and fails to undergo positive selection to CD4+ or CD8+ single positive (SP) cells in vivo or activation-induced cell death in vitro. A small number of CD4+SP thymocytes are generated, but these cells fail to flux calcium in response to an αβ TCR-generated signal. Peripheral T cells are reduced in number, lack SLP-76 protein, and have an abnormal surface phenotype. These studies show for the first time that SLP-76 is required for signal transduction through the mature αβ TCR in primary cells of the T lineage.
Sphenopalatine ganglion neuromodulation in migraine: What is the rationale?

Objective The objective of this article is to review the prospect of treating migraine with sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) neurostimulation. Background Fuelled by preliminary studies showing a beneficial effect in cluster headache patients, the potential of treating migraine with neurostimulation has gained increasing interest within recent years, as current treatment strategies often fail to provide adequate relief from this debilitating headache. Common migraine symptoms include lacrimation, nasal congestion, and conjunctival injection, all parasympathetic manifestations. In addition, studies have suggested that parasympathetic activity may also contribute to the pain of migraineurs. The SPG is the largest extracranial parasympathetic ganglion of the head, innervating the meninges, lacrimal gland, nasal mucosa, and conjunctiva, all structures involved in migraine with cephalic autonomic symptoms. Conclusion We propose two possible mechanisms of action: 1) interrupting the post-ganglionic parasympathetic outflow to inhibit the pain and cephalic autonomic symptoms, and 2) modulating the sensory processing in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. To further explore SPG stimulation in migraineurs as regards therapeutic potential and mode of action, randomized clinical trials are warranted.
Extracellular ATP induces albuminuria in pregnant rats.

BACKGROUND As circulating plasma ATP concentrations are increased in pre-eclampsia, we tested whether increased plasma ATP is able to induce albuminuria during pregnancy. METHODS Pregnant (day 14) and non-pregnant rats were infused with ATP (3000 microg/kg bw) via a permanent jugular vein cannula. Albuminuria was determined, and blood samples were taken for leukocyte counts, plasma ATP and plasma haemopexin activity. At Day 20 of pregnancy, rats were sacrificed, fetuses and placentas weighed and kidney and placental tissue were snap frozen for immunohistology. RESULTS ATP infusion induced albuminuria exclusively in pregnant rats, together with increased neutrophil counts, decreased staining for glomerular sialoglycoproteins and CD39 expression, significant intraglomerular monocyte infiltration and increased glomerular intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression. Plasma haemopexin activity was increased in saline-infused pregnant rats as compared to non-pregnant rats but was inhibited in pregnant ATP-infused rats (to non-pregnant levels). At the end of pregnancy (Day 20), increased plasma ATP level was exclusively seen in ATP-infused pregnant rats. In pregnant rats as compared with non-pregnant rats, we found decreased expression of glomerular AT-1 receptors, which was increased after ATP infusion exclusively in pregnant animals. CONCLUSION The present study shows that ATP infusion induced a pro-inflammatory response leading to glomerular albuminuria exclusively in the pregnant rat. Why extracellular ATP showed this pro-inflammatory response exclusively in the pregnant condition is unclear but is probably related with relatively enhanced non-specific immunity and inflammatory reactions characteristic for the pregnant condition.
Mannose Receptor and Its Putative Ligands in Normal Murine Lymphoid and Nonlymphoid Organs: In Situ Expression of Mannose Receptor by Selected Macrophages, Endothelial Cells, Perivascular Microglia, and Mesangial Cells, but not Dendritic Cells

The mannose receptor (MR) has established roles in macrophage (Mφ) phagocytosis of microorganisms and endocytic clearance of host-derived glycoproteins, and has recently been implicated in antigen capture by dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. MR is the founder member of a family of homologous proteins, and its recognition properties differ according to its tissue of origin. Given this heterogeneity and our recent discovery of a soluble form of MR in mouse serum, we studied the sites of synthesis of MR mRNA and expression of MR protein in normal mouse tissues. We demonstrate that synthesis and expression occur at identical sites, and that mature Mφ and endothelium are heterogeneous with respect to MR expression, additionally describing MR on perivascular microglia and glomerular mesangial cells. However, MR was not detected on DCs in situ, or on marginal zone or subcapsular sinus Mφ, both of which have MR-like binding activities. We also compared expression of MR to the binding of a recombinant probe containing the cysteine-rich domain of MR. We show that MR and its putative ligand(s) are expressed at nonoverlapping sites within lymphoid organs, consistent with a transfer function for soluble MR. Therefore, in addition to endocytic and phagocytic roles, MR may play an important role in antigen recognition and transport within lymphoid organs.
Emergence of Persistent Networks in Long-Term Intracranial EEG Recordings

Over the past two decades, the increased ability to analyze network relationships among neural structures has provided novel insights into brain function. Most network approaches, however, focus on static representations of the brain's physical or statistical connectivity. Few studies have examined how brain functional networks evolve spontaneously over long epochs of continuous time. To address this, we examine functional connectivity networks deduced from continuous long-term electrocorticogram recordings. For a population of six human patients, we identify a persistent pattern of connections that form a frequency-band-dependent network template, and a set of core connections that appear frequently and together. These structures are robust, emerging from brief time intervals (∼100 s) regardless of cognitive state. These results suggest that a metastable, frequency-band-dependent scaffold of brain connectivity exists from which transient activity emerges and recedes.
An updated animal model capturing both the cognitive and emotional features of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The new-released Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a “trauma and stressor-related disorder”. PTSD pathogenesis relies on paradoxical changes of emotional memory processing induced by the trauma exposure and associated with emotional dysfunction. Several animal models of PTSD have been validated and are currently used. Each one mimics a particular subset of the disorder with particular emphasis, mainly driven by the past classification of PTSD in the DSM-4, on the emotional features. In view of the recent update in the DSM-5, our aim was to develop, by using well-validated paradigms, a modified model of PTSD able to mimic at the same time both the cognitive and emotional features of the disease. We exposed male rats to either a piece of worn cat collar or to a series of inescapable footshocks paired with a PTSD risk factor, i.e., social isolation. Animals were subsequently re-exposed to the conditioned contexts at different time intervals in order to test memory retention for the stressors. In addition, footshock-exposed rats were tested in the elevated-plus-maze and social interaction tests. We found that rats exposed to a cat collar exhibited an acute fear response that did not lead to enduring memory retention. Conversely, footshock-exposed rats expressed a successful retention of the stressful experience at 1, 7, 14, 21 and 56 post-exposure days. Footshock-exposed rats displayed an anxious behavioral profile in the social interaction test and a significantly reduced locomotor activity in the elevated-plus-maze test. These dysfunctions were not observed when animals were socially housed, thus highlighting a social buffering effect in the development of the pathology. Our results underline the good validity of a footshock-based paradigm paired with social isolation as a PTSD animal model, able to mimic at the same time both some of the enduring cognitive and emotional facets of the pathology.