Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide SNP analysis identifies major QTL for Salmonella colonization in the chicken.

Salmonella-infected poultry products are a major source of human Salmonella infection. The prophylactic use of antimicrobials in poultry production was recently banned in the EU, increasing the need for alternative methods to control Salmonella infections in poultry flocks. Genetic selection of chickens more resistant to Salmonella colonization provides an attractive means of sustainably controlling the pathogen in commercial poultry flocks and its subsequent entry into the food chain. Analysis of different inbred chickens has shown that individual lines are consistently either susceptible or resistant to the many serovars of Salmonella that have been tested. In this study, two inbred chicken lines with differential susceptibility to Salmonella colonization (61 ((R)) and N((S)) ) were used in a backcross experimental design. Unlike previous studies that used a candidate gene approach or low-density genome-wide screens, we have exploited a high-density marker set of 1255 SNPs covering the whole genome to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL). Analysis of log-transformed caecal bacterial levels between the parental lines revealed a significant difference at 1, 2, 3 and 4 days post-infection (P < 0.05). Analysis of the genotypes of the backcross (F1 × N) population (n = 288) revealed four QTL on chromosomes 2, 3, 12 and 25 for the two traits examined in this study: log-transformed bacterial counts in the caeca and presence of a hardened caseous caecal core. These included one genome-wide significant QTL on chromosome 2 at 20 Mb and three additional QTL, on chromosomes 3, 12 and 25 at 96, 15 and 1 Mb, respectively, which were significant at the chromosome-wide level (P < 0.05). The results generated in this study will inform future breeding strategies to control these pathogens in commercial poultry flocks.
Myocardial Oxygen Tension Determines the Degree and Pressure Range of Coronary Autoregulation

Experiments were designed to separate effects of myocardial oxygen tension and oxygen consumption on coronary autoregulation. The approach was to measure coronary hemodynamic and metabolic responses to decreases in perfusion pressure during interventions that altered the balance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand. Studies were conducted in anesthetized heart-blocked dogs with the left coronary artery perfused from a pressure-controlled blood reservoir. Decreasing oxygen consumption by lowering heart rate from 120 to 40 bpm increased coronary venous oxygen tension and reduced the degree of flow autoregulation between 120 and 80 mm Hg by threefold. In contrast to effects of bradycardia, coronary constriction with vasopressin or indomethacin (heart rate 120 bpm), which produced comparable increases in baseline vascular resistance, decreased coronary venous oxygen tension, and augmented flow autoregulation by nearly twofold. Initial coronary venous oxygen tension but not oxygen consumption was strongly correlated with a quantitative index of autoregulation (−0.052 Po2 + 2.01, R2 = 0.86) over the pressure range of 120 to 80 mm Hg. When heart rate was lowered to 40 bpm and coronary venous oxygen tension subsequently reduced with vasopressin to control values (120 bpm), autoregulation was completely restored. Parallel studies examined the effects of metabolic and pharmacologic interventions on coronary pressure-flow relations over a wide range of pressures. For each 20 mm Hg decrement in pressure between 160 and 80 mm Hg, lowering heart rate attenuated autoregulation whereas pharmacologic coronary constriction augmented autoregulation. The observed variations in the autoregulation index were largely explained by differences in the prevailing venous oxygen tension. Furthermore, the upper pressure limit for autoregulation was dependent on venous oxygen tension with a threshold oxygen tension for autoregulation of 32 mm Hg. These results indicate that coronary autoregulation is closely coupled to the prevailing venous oxygen tension but not oxygen consumption and is facilitated at low venous oxygen tension.
Aldosterone Antagonists in Monotherapy Are Protective against Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) are the standard clinical therapy of diabetic nephropathy (DN), while aldosterone antagonists are only used as adjuncts. Previously in experimental DN we showed that Na/K ATPase (NKA) is mislocated and angiotensin II leads to superimposed renal progression. Here we investigated the monotherapeutic effect of aldosterone blockers on the progression of DN and renal NKA alteration in comparison to ACEi and ARBs. Streptozotocin-diabetic rats developing DN were treated with aldosterone antagonists; ACEi and ARB. Renal function, morphology, protein level and tubular localization of NKA were analyzed. To evaluate the effect of high glucose per se; HK-2 proximal tubular cells were cultured in normal or high concentration of glucose and treated with the same agents. Aldosterone antagonists were the most effective in ameliorating functional and structural kidney damage and they normalized diabetes induced bradycardia and weight loss. Aldosterone blockers also prevented hyperglycemia and diabetes induced increase in NKA protein level and enzyme mislocation. A monotherapy with aldosterone antagonists might be as, or more effective than ACEi or ARBs in the prevention of STZ-induced DN. Furthermore the alteration of the NKA could represent a novel pathophysiological feature of DN and might serve as an additional target of aldosterone blockers.
Formation control of spacecraft flying with network-induced delays and packet dropouts

This paper investigates the formation keeping problem for multiple spacecraft flying in the presence of time-varying delays and packet dropouts in the intercommunication. A sampled-data approach for tracking control of relative orbital motion between two spacecraft in a leader-follower formation is presented for the case when the leader spacecraft is in a circular orbit. Lyapunov stability conditions are derived to guarantee exponential stability of position and velocity tracking errors and ensure desired performance (projected circular formation). Numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and the robustness of the developed controllers.
Unsupervised Discovery of Action Classes

In this paper we consider the problem of describing the action being performed by human figures in still images. We will attack this problem using an unsupervised learning approach, attempting to discover the set of action classes present in a large collection of training images. These action classes will then be used to label test images. Our approach uses the coarse shape of the human figures to match pairs of images. The distance between a pair of images is computed using a linear programming relaxation technique. This is a computationally expensive process, and we employ a fast pruning method to enable its use on a large collection of images. Spectral clustering is then performed using the resulting distances. We present clustering and image labeling results on a variety of datasets.
A family of self-normalizing carrier lock detectors and ES/N0 estimators for M-PSK and other phase Modulation schemes

A family of carrier lock detectors for M-PSK receivers operating in additive white Gaussian noise channels is suggested. The statistical properties of the lock detectors are derived theoretically using stochastic analysis, and computer simulations are used to validate the results obtained. The derivations yield discovery of two useful attributes of the lock detectors: 1) they are self-normalizing (or in other words signal-level independent) and 2) the channel E/sub S//N/sub 0/ can be readily ascertained from the lock metric when the receiver is in lock. Furthermore, a particularly simple hardware implementation for the lock metric computation process is found, which allows easy and efficient implementation of its computation within a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or application specified integrated circuit (ASIC). Analysis of the lock detectors' behavior under imperfect locking conditions is also discussed, and simulation results are presented. An overview is given of the applicability of the lock detectors to several related digital phase modulation schemes.
Sum-rate maximization for active channels: Unequal noise power over different subchannels

In this paper, we study the problem of sum-rate maximization for an active channel subject to two constraints, one on the source total transmit power and one on the channel energy (or total power). Here, active channel refers to a parallel channel where not only can the source transmit power over different subchannels can be optimally calculated but also the gains of the subchannels can also be adjusted. Despite the non-convexity of this sum-rate maximization problem for active channels, using Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions, we determine the number of subchannels that can be active for the source power constraint to be feasible. Then, for any feasible number of active subchannels, we obtain the optimal source power allocation. The optimal solution can then be obtained by comparing a finite number of points in the feasible set and by choosing the point which yields the best sum-rate performance. Our analysis and simulation results show that active channels can offer signifcantly higher sum-rate compared to their passive counterparts.
Boosting Spatial Reuse via Multiple-Path Multihop Scheduling for Directional mmWave WPANs

With huge unlicensed bandwidth available in most parts of the world, millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications in the 60-GHz band has been considered as one of the most promising candidates to support multigigabit wireless services. Due to high propagation loss of mmWave channels, beamforming is likely to be adopted as an essential technique. Consequently, transmission in the 60-GHz band is inherently directional. Directivity enables concurrent transmissions (spatial reuse), which can be fully exploited to improve network capacity. In this paper, we propose a multipath multihop scheduling scheme, which is known as multipath multihop (MPMH), for mmWave wireless personal area networks (WPANs), where the traffic across links of low channel quality is transmitted through multiple paths of multiple hops to unleash the potential of spatial reuse. We formulate the problem of MPMH as a mixed-integer linear program (MILP), which is generally NP-hard. To enable the implementation of the multipath multihop transmission in practice, we propose a heuristic scheme including path selection, traffic distribution, and MPMH to efficiently solve the formulated problem. Finally, through extensive simulations, we demonstrate that MPMH achieves near-optimal network performance in terms of transmission delay and throughput and enhances network performance significantly, compared with existing protocols.
Regulation of NDR Protein Kinase by Hydrophobic Motif Phosphorylation Mediated by the Mammalian Ste20-Like Kinase MST3

ABSTRACT NDR protein kinases are involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression and morphology. NDR1/NDR2 protein kinase is activated by phosphorylation on the activation loop phosphorylation site Ser281/Ser282 and the hydrophobic motif phosphorylation site Thr444/Thr442. Autophosphorylation of NDR is responsible for phosphorylation on Ser281/Ser282, whereas Thr444/Thr442 is targeted by an upstream kinase. Here we show that MST3, a mammalian Ste20-like protein kinase, is able to phosphorylate NDR protein kinase at Thr444/Thr442. In vitro, MST3 selectively phosphorylated Thr442 of NDR2, resulting in a 10-fold stimulation of NDR activity. MOB1A (Mps one binder 1A) protein further increased the activity, leading to a fully active kinase. In vivo, Thr442 phosphorylation after okadaic acid stimulation was potently inhibited by MST3KR, a kinase-dead mutant of MST3. Knockdown of MST3 using short hairpin constructs abolished Thr442 hydrophobic motif phosphorylation of NDR in HEK293F cells. We conclude that activation of NDR is a multistep process involving phosphorylation of the hydrophobic motif site Thr444/2 by MST3, autophosphorylation of Ser281/2, and binding of MOB1A.
Roles for T and NK Cells in the Innate Immune Response to Shigella flexneri1

Shigella flexneri, an enteroinvasive Gram-negative bacterium, is responsible for the worldwide endemic form of bacillary dysentery. The host response to primary infection is characterized by the induction of an acute inflammation, which is accompanied by polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) infiltration, resulting in massive destruction of the colonic mucosa. However, PMN play a major role in the recovery from primary infection, by restricting the bacterial infection at the intestinal mucosa. In this study, we assessed the roles for T and NK cells in the control of primary S. flexneri infection, using an alymphoid mouse strain (Rag°γc°) devoid of B, T, and NK cells. Using the mouse pulmonary model of Shigella infection, we showed that alymphoid Rag°γc° mice were highly susceptible to S. flexneri infection in comparison with wild-type (wt) mice. Whereas PMN recruitment upon infection was similar, macrophage recruitment and production of proinflammatory cytokines were significantly decreased in Rag°γc° mice compared with wt mice. Upon selective engraftment of Rag°γc° mice with polyclonal αβ T cells, but not with αβ T cells from IFN-γ°, S. flexneri infection could be subsequently controlled. Rag° mice devoid of B and T cells but harboring NK cells could control infection. Local IFN-γ production by T and NK cells recruited to the lung was demonstrated in S. flexneri-infected wt mice. These data demonstrate that both αβ T cells and NK cells contribute to the early control of S. flexneri infection through amplification of an inflammatory response. This cellular lymphocyte redundancy assures IFN-γ production, which is central to innate immunity against Shigella infection.
A transcriptomic analysis of human centromeric and pericentric sequences in normal and tumor cells

Although there is now evidence that the expression of centromeric (CT) and pericentric (PCT) sequences are key players in major genomic functions, their transcriptional status in human cells is still poorly known. The main reason for this lack of data is the complexity and high level of polymorphism of these repeated sequences, which hampers straightforward analyses by available transcriptomic approaches. Here a transcriptomic macro-array dedicated to the analysis of CT and PCT expression is developed and validated in heat-shocked (HS) HeLa cells. For the first time, the expression status of CT and PCT sequences is analyzed in a series of normal and cancer human cells and tissues demonstrating that they are repressed in all normal tissues except in the testis, where PCT transcripts are found. Moreover, PCT sequences are specifically expressed in HS cells in a Heat-Shock Factor 1 (HSF1)-dependent fashion, and we show here that another independent pathway, involving DNA hypo-methylation, can also trigger their expression. Interestingly, CT and PCT were found illegitimately expressed in somatic cancer samples, whereas PCT were repressed in testis cancer, suggesting that the expression of CT and PCT sequences may represent a good indicator of epigenetic deregulations occurring in response to environmental changes or in cell transformation.
Current Strategies to Improve the Bioactivity of PEEK

The synthetic thermoplastic polymer polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is becoming a popular component of clinical orthopedic and spinal applications, but its practical use suffers from several limitations. Although PEEK is biocompatible, chemically stable, radiolucent and has an elastic modulus similar to that of normal human bone, it is biologically inert, preventing good integration with adjacent bone tissues upon implantation. Recent efforts have focused on increasing the bioactivity of PEEK to improve the bone-implant interface. Two main strategies have been used to overcome the inert character of PEEK. One approach is surface modification to activate PEEK through surface treatment alone or in combination with a surface coating. Another strategy is to prepare bioactive PEEK composites by impregnating bioactive materials into PEEK substrate. Researchers believe that modified bioactive PEEK will have a wide range of orthopedic applications.
The Framing Effect of Price Format

Working papers are in draft form. This working paper is distributed for purposes of comment and discussion only. It may not be reproduced without permission of the copyright holder. Copies of working papers are available from the author. Existing evidence suggests that preferences are affected by whether a price is presented as one all-inclusive expense or partitioned into a series of charges. To explain this phenomenon, we propose a simple psychological mechanism whereby price format determines how many product attributes are actively processed at the time of valuation. Three studies support the hypothesis that price partitioning acts as an incentive to process multiple product dimensions. This process sometimes leads to the paradoxical overweighting of minor (but easy to evaluate) attributes that would be overlooked under an all-inclusive price format. The effect of price partitioning on demand can be detrimental or beneficial, consistent with existing conflicting findings in the literature and with variance in practice. Beyond its predictive and prescriptive implications, this theory contributes to the general notion that pricing might affect as much as capture perceived value. A common approach to evaluating consumer preferences is to assume that individuals have a utility function defined on multiple underlying product attributes or dimensions (Keeney and Raiffa 1993; Lancaster 1966). Price information then enters the consumer choice process indirectly through the budget constraint or, as is customary in conjoint analysis, directly as a separate observable attribute in the utility function (Green and Rao 1971; Srinivasan 1982; Winer 2005). Either way, the convention is that the role of price is to index the cost of making a purchase. Although this framework has been usefully applied to a variety of marketing problems, recent research on the psychological aspects of pricing suggests that the role of price might be more complex than anticipated by standard economic principles. In particular, a number of studies have shown that the way price information is presented, termed price framing, often significantly influences perceptions of value (e. The present research investigates the effects of framing prices alternatively as one all-inclusive expense or partitioned into a series of mandatory charges. We posit that price format determines the " depth " to which consumers analyze the various dimensions of an offer. Consumers presented with an all-inclusive price are expected to concentrate their evaluation on 1 This paper is based on the first author's dissertation and he would like to thank the other members …
A Streamlined Clinical Advancement Program Improves RN Participation and Retention

Retaining expert nurses in direct care is essential to quality patient outcomes. The goal of the clinical advancement program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has always been to recruit, retain, recognize, and reward nurses in direct care. A program revision in 2002 markedly increased nursing promotions and a higher retention rate for program participants versus their peers' retention rate of 88%. Nearly 40% of the hospital's nurses now participate in the program.
The Scavenger Receptor MARCO Is Required for Lung Defense against Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Inhaled Particles

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) express the class A scavenger receptor macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO), but its role in vivo in lung defense against bacteria and environmental particles has not been studied. We used MARCO-deficient mice to directly test the in vivo role of AM MARCO in innate defense against pneumococcal infection and environmental particles. In a murine model of pneumococcal pneumonia, MARCO−/− mice displayed an impaired ability to clear bacteria from the lungs, increased pulmonary inflammation and cytokine release, and diminished survival. In vitro binding of Streptococcus pneumoniae and in vivo uptake of unopsonized particles by MARCO−/− AMs were dramatically impaired. MARCO−/− mice treated with the “inert” environmental particle TiO2 showed enhanced inflammation and chemokine expression, indicating that MARCO-mediated clearance of inert particles by AMs prevents inflammatory responses otherwise initiated by other lung cells. Our findings point to an important role of MARCO in mounting an efficient and appropriately regulated innate immune response against inhaled particles and airborne pathogens.
Stronger Antinociceptive Efficacy of Opioids at the Injured Nerve Trunk Than at Its Peripheral Terminals in Neuropathic Pain

Activation of opioid receptors on peripheral sensory neurons has the potential for safe pain control, as it lacks centrally mediated side effects. While this approach often only partially suppressed neuropathic pain in animal models, opioids were mostly applied to animal paws although neuropathy was induced at the nerve trunk. Here we aimed to identify the most relevant peripheral site of opioid action for efficient antinociception in neuropathy. On days 2 and 14 following a chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in mice, we evaluated dose and time relationships of the effects of μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptor agonists injected either at the CCI site or intraplantarly (i.pl.) into the lesioned nerve-innervated paw, on spontaneous paw lifting and heat and mechanical hypersensitivity (using Hargreaves and von Frey tests, respectively). We found that neither agonist diminished spontaneous paw lifting, despite the application site. Heat hypersensitivity was partially attenuated by i.pl. μ-receptor agonist only, while it was improved by all three agonists applied at the CCI site. Mechanical hypersensitivity was slightly diminished by all agonists administered i.pl. , whereas it was completely blocked by all opioids injected at the CCI site. These antinociceptive effects were opioid receptor type–selective and site-specific. Thus, opioids might not be effective against spontaneous pain, but they improve heat and mechanical hypersensitivity in neuropathy. Importantly, efficient alleviation of hypersensitivity is governed by peripheral opioid receptors at the injured nerve trunk rather than at its peripheral terminals. Identifying the primary action site of analgesics is important for the development of adequate pain therapies.