Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental inoculation study indicates swine as a potential host for Hendra virus

Hendra virus (HeV) is a zoonotic virus from the family Paramyxoviridae causing fatal disease in humans and horses. Five-week-old Landrace pigs and 5-month-old Gottingen minipigs were inoculated with approximately 107 plaque forming units per animal. In addition to fever and depression exhibited in all infected pigs, one of the two Landrace pigs developed respiratory signs at 5 days post-inoculation (dpi) and one of the Gottingen minipigs developed respiratory signs at 5 dpi and mild neurological signs at 7 dpi. Virus was detected in all infected pigs at 2–5 dpi from oral, nasal, and rectal swabs and at 3–5 dpi from ocular swabs by real-time RT-PCR targeting the HeV M gene. Virus titers in nasal swab samples were as high as 104.6 TCID50/mL. The viral RNA was mainly distributed in tissues from respiratory and lymphoid systems at an early stage of infection and the presence of virus was confirmed by virus isolation. Pathological changes and immunohistochemical staining for viral antigen were consistent with the tissue distribution of the virus. This new finding indicates that pigs are susceptible to HeV infections and could potentially play a role as an intermediate host in transmission to humans.
Expression of Interleukin-10 in Human Gestational Tissues

Objective: To determine production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in cultured decidual, chorion, and amnion cells and whether IL-10 is produced is gestational tissues under the setting of infection-associated preterm labor. Methods: Decidual, chorion, and amnion cells were isolated from term placentas and grown in primary culture. The cells were incubated with various concentrations of IL-1β and then culture supernatants were assayed for IL-10 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In subsequent studies, gestational membranes were isolated from a normal-term pregnancy and a preterm pregnancy complicated by chorioamnionitis. Tissues were evaluated for IL-10 expression by immunohistology and in situ hybridization. Human gestational tissues were collected from 38 women experiencing: 1) term cesarean delivery without labor; 2) normal-term vaginal delivery; 3) preterm cesarean delivery without labor; 4) preterm vaginal delivery without chorioamnionitis; and 5) preterm vaginal delivery with concomitant chorioamnionitis. Amnion, chorion, and decidua were isolated, total RNA from each tissue was extracted, and the presence of IL-10 mRNA was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Decidual cells in culture produced IL-10 in response to IL-1β, but chorion and amnion cells produced no IL-10 protein. In vivo protein expression by immunohistology showed that most protein was detected within decidua while cells within amnion and chorion rarely had detectable IL-10 protein. In vivo RT-PCR samples demonstrated the strongest IL-10 mRNA signal from decidua samples, although IL-10 mRNA was also noted in chorion and amnion of placentas obtained after preterm labor. Conclusion: Maternal decidual cells can potentially produce IL-10, but fetal membranes (amnion and chorion) appear to have limited capabilities to produce IL-10. The relative inability of fetal tissues to produce IL-10 may play an important role in the pathophysiology of infection-associated preterm labor.
A Q-decomposition and bounded RTDP approach to resource allocation

This paper contributes to solve effectively stochastic resource allocation problems known to be NP-Complete. To address this complex resource management problem, a Q-decomposition approach is proposed when the resources which are already shared among the agents, but the actions made by an agent may influence the reward obtained by at least another agent. The Q-decomposition allows to coordinate these reward separated agents and thus permits to reduce the set of states and actions to consider. On the other hand, when the resources are available to all agents, no Q-decomposition is possible and we use heuristic search. In particular, the bounded Real-time Dynamic Programming (bounded RTDP) is used. Bounded RTDP concentrates the planning on significant states only and prunes the action space. The pruning is accomplished by proposing tight upper and lower bounds on the value function.
Internal force-based impedance control for cooperating manipulators

Internal force-based impedance control for cooperating manipulators controls the motion of the objects being manipulated and the internal force on the objects by enforcing a relationship between the velocity of each manipulator and the internal force on the manipulated objects. Each manipulator is directly given the properties of an impedance by the controller, thus eliminating the need to have both a position and force control loop. The controller uses the forces sensed at the robot end effectors to compensate for the effects of the objects' dynamics and to compute the internal force using only kinematic relationships. Thus, knowledge of the objects' dynamics are not required. The control is accomplished in Cartesian space eliminating the need for solving the inverse kinematics. The stability of the system is proven using Lyapunov theory, and simulation results are presented validating the proposed concepts. <<ETX>>
Risk estimation and management of coagulopathy in ICU patients in need of an invasive procedure

Coagulation abnormalities have a high prevalence in critically ill patients. The most commonly used tests to assess coagulation status include assessment of the platelet count, prothrombin time, fibrinogen and d-dimer. However, as these tests do not reflect in vivo haemostatic potential, their ability to assess a potential risk of bleeding is limited. Viscoelastic tests evaluate the whole process of clot formation and degradation, but their value in the assessment of bleeding risk remains to be established. Despite their limitations, increased prothrombin time/ international normalised ratio values or decreased platelet counts are the most important reasons to prophylactically administer plasma or platelets to critically ill patients prior to undergoing an invasive procedure. However, evidence that prophylactic correction of coagulation abnormalities prevents intervention-related bleeding complications is limited. In this narrative review, we discuss the assessment of bleeding risk and management of coagulopathy in critically ill patients in need of an invasive procedure. A practical recommendation is given.
Comparative availability of two oral dosage forms of albendazole in dogs.

Benzimidazole (BZD) anthelmintic compounds are widely used in antiparasite therapy in both veterinary and human medicine. The poor water solubility of BZD limits their development under alternative pharmaceutical formulations. Pharmaceutical formulations of BZD molecules, which enhance their bioavailability or extend their residence times in monogastrics, could improve their efficacy in these species. Gelucire lipid matrix was developed and studied for use in human medicine, particularly Gelucire 44/14 which is composed of a well-defined mixture of mono-, diand triglycerides and monoand difatty acid esters of polyethyleneglycol. They are characterized either by their melting temperature (44°C) or their hydrophiliclipophilic balance (HLB) values (14 in this case) (Aungst et al., 1997). Gelucire increases the solubility of poorly hydrosoluble drugs and produces stable slim dispersions on the gastrointestinal walls, giving enhanced drug absorption (Esquizabel et al., 1996; Aïnaoui et al., 1997; Aungst et al., 1997). The present study was carried out with the purpose of investigating new therapeutic strategies to optimize the clinical efficacy of BZD compounds in dogs. The plasma pharmacokinetic profile of albendazole (ABZ) and its metabolites, formulated as standard tablets and hard gelatine capsules filled with
Molecular Variability and Distribution of Sugarcane Mosaic Virus in Shanxi, China

Background Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) is responsible for large-scale economic losses in the global production of sugarcane, maize, sorghum, and some other graminaceous species. To understand the evolutionary mechanism of SCMV populations, this virus was studied in Shanxi, China. A total of 86 maize leaf samples (41 samples in 2012 and 45 samples in 2013) were collected from 4 regions of Shanxi. Results Double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA and RT-PCR showed 59 samples (30 samples in 2012 and 29 samples in 2013) to be positive for SCMV, from which 10 new isolates of SCMV were isolated and sequenced. The complete genomes of these isolates are 9610 nt long, including the 5′ and 3′ non-coding regions, and encode a 3063-amino acid polyprotein. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that 24 SCMV isolates could be divided on the basis of the whole genome into 2 divergent evolutionary groups, which were associated with the host species. Among the populations, 15 potential recombination events were identified. The selection pressure on the genes of these SCMV isolates was also calculated. The results confirmed that all the genes were under negative selection. Conclusions Negative selection and recombination appear to be important evolutionary factors shaping the genetic structure of these SCMV isolates. SCMV is distributed widely in China and exists as numerous strains with distinct genetic diversity. Our findings will provide a foundation for evaluating the epidemiological characteristics of SCMV in China and will be useful in designing long-term, sustainable management strategies for SCMV.
Planet Formation around Stars of Various Masses: The Snow Line and the Frequency of Giant Planets

We use a semianalytic circumstellar disk model that considers movement of the snow line through evolution of accretion and the central star to investigate how gas giant frequency changes with stellar mass. The snow line distance changes weakly with stellar mass; thus, giant planets form over a wide range of spectral types. The probability that a given star has at least one gas giant increases linearly with stellar mass from 0.4 to 3 M☉. Stars more massive than 3 M☉ evolve quickly to the main sequence, which pushes the snow line to 10-15 AU before protoplanets form and limits the range of disk masses that form giant planet cores. If the frequency of gas giants around solar mass stars is 6%, we predict occurrence rates of 1% for 0.4 M☉ stars and 10% for 1.5 M☉ stars. This result is largely insensitive to our assumed model parameters. Finally, the movement of the snow line as stars ≳2.5 M☉ move to the main sequence may allow the ocean planets suggested by Léger et al. to form without migration.
Structural assessment of plastic cell-filled concrete block pavement (PCCBP): an experimental study

Experimental investigations into the structural behaviours of different thicknesses of plastic cell-filled concrete block pavement (PCCBP) over 100-mm thick water bound macadam sub-base course are presented. In this study, an attempt has been made to use waste stone dust in place of the traditional river sand as fine aggregates in concrete. Layer elastic moduli of different layers of PCCBP have been calculated using linear elastic theory-based backcalculation computer code BACKGA from the surface deflection data obtained through falling weight deflectometer. It has been observed that peak surface deflections decreased linearly with increasing PCCBP thickness; with 200% increase (from 50 to 150 mm) in thickness, a decrease of ∼48% in deflection was observed. Elastic layer modulus of PCCBP has been seen to increase linearly with increasing thickness (∼83% increase in elastic modulus was observed for 200% increase in thickness, with layer modulus value of ∼1995 MPa for 50-mm thick PCCBP). Furthermore, life cycle cost analysis showed that PCCBP is more economical than conventional pavements.
Thermoplastic Hybrid Composites using Bagasse, Corn Stalk and E-glass Fibers: Fabrication and Characterization

This article presents the application of agro-waste materials (i.e., bagasse and corn stalk fibers) along with E-glass fiber in order to evaluate and compare their suitability as reinforcement for thermoplastic composites. The hybrid effect of glass and cellulosic fibers on the tensile, flexural, and impact properties of the composites were investigated. Water absorption and thickness swelling were also studied. In general, the hybrid composites presented superior properties compared to the control (without glass fiber) samples. Additionally, synergistic improvements in the physico-mechanical properties of composites were obtained with the addition of glass fiber. Overall trend shows that with the addition of agro-waste materials, tensile and flexural properties of the composites were moderately enhanced. However, corn stalk fibers showed superior mechanical properties due to their high aspect ratio and chemical characteristics. Addition of glass fibers into the composites considerably enhanced tensile, flexural, and impact properties without having significant effect on the elongation at break. Morphological study also confirmed the impact behavior of composites. Moreover, incorporation of glass fiber with agro-waste fibers in PP matrix considerably decreased the water uptake and thickness swelling of the hybrid composites.
Growth Response of Northern White-Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) to Natural Disturbances and Partial Cuts in Mixedwood Stands of Quebec, Canada

Northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is a species of high commercial and ecological value, the abundance of which has been declining since the middle of the 19th century. Very little information regarding its silviculture in mixedwood stands is currently available, even though a significant portion of wood resources comes from these stands. The present study is a retrospective analysis of white-cedar growth in partially harvested mixedwood stands of western Quebec, Canada. Eight stands distributed across two regions were analyzed. Dendrochronological approaches examined long-term diameter growth for sample white-cedar trees and stems of associated species. These approaches were used to reconstruct stand characteristics at the time of harvesting, together with local harvesting intensity. The study demonstrated white-cedar’s capacity to maintain good growth for long periods of time and at large tree sizes. Accession to the upper canopy positions occurs through repeated episodes of suppression/release, most of which seem to be associated with spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) outbreaks. White-cedar response to partial harvesting varies with tree size, residual basal area and species composition. Growth response was generally stronger for small trees, even though large trees still maintained the best diameter growth. Growth of white-cedar was negatively affected by an increase in softwood proportion in basal area. Growth responses to harvesting could be sustained for a period of 20 years.
Has the Microbiota Played a Critical Role in the Evolution of the Adaptive Immune System?

A Gutsy Analysis Efforts to sequence the human microbiome—the genomes of all the microbes that inhabit our bodies—have demonstrated its enormous diversity. Analyses to probe the various functions of the microbiota, particularly of those that reside in the gut, have revealed that our microbiota has a profound impact on the development and function of our immune systems. Lee and Mazmanian (p. 1768) review how the microbiota influences the development of the adaptive immune system. Specific species and families of microbiota support the differentiation of particular populations of T cells, and alterations in intestinal microbiota affect the development of inflammation and autoimmunity. Although microbes have been classically viewed as pathogens, it is now well established that the majority of host-bacterial interactions are symbiotic. During development and into adulthood, gut bacteria shape the tissues, cells, and molecular profile of our gastrointestinal immune system. This partnership, forged over many millennia of coevolution, is based on a molecular exchange involving bacterial signals that are recognized by host receptors to mediate beneficial outcomes for both microbes and humans. We explore how specific aspects of the adaptive immune system are influenced by intestinal commensal bacteria. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that mediate symbiosis between commensal bacteria and humans may redefine how we view the evolution of adaptive immunity and consequently how we approach the treatment of numerous immunologic disorders.
Relating P-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar Tomography to Tropical Forest Biomass

The retrieval of above-ground biomass (AGB) in dense tropical forests using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images is widely recognized as a challenging task. The first difficulty arises from the decrease of sensitivity of the backscattered intensity to biomass at high biomass values, often referred to as the backscatter saturation effect. At P-band, the decrease of sensitivity can occur at biomass values higher than about 300 t ha-1, e.g., those of many dense tropical forests. Another limiting factor is associated with the ground effects, as they can change significantly the magnitude of returns from vegetation-ground interactions. As a consequence, terrain topography or ground moisture status can determine the variations of the observed signal that are not due to forest biomass. A solution to reduce the ground effects is to have access to layers inside the forest canopy where the backscatter from vegetation-ground interactions is not significant. The study presented in this paper is an attempt to overcome the issues outlined above based on direct 3-D imaging of the forest volume, which is possible through multibaseline SAR tomography. In this way, forest biomass can be investigated by considering not only the backscattered power at each slant range and azimuth location but also its vertical distribution. The data analyzed in this paper are from the P-band airborne dataset acquired by Office National d'Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA) over French Guiana in 2009, in the frame of the European Space Agency campaign TropiSAR. The dataset is characterized by a favorable baseline distribution, resulting in a vertical resolution less than half the forest height, which made it possible to decompose the vertical distribution of the backscattered power into a number of layers by coherent focusing, i.e., without assuming any prior knowledge about the forest vertical structure. For each layer, the relationship between the backscattered power and forest AGB was then analyzed. As expected, it was found that the power from the bottom layer is very weakly correlated to AGB, whereas the power from a layer at about 30 m above the ground yields the best correlation and sensitivity to AGB in all polarizations, for actual AGB values ranging from 250 to 450 t ha-1. An interpretation of this result is also provided, based on a forest growth model simulation. Finally, the relevance of tomographic technique in P-band spaceborne mission is discussed.
The cell wall sensor Wsc1p is involved in reorganization of actin cytoskeleton in response to hypo‐osmotic shock in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The cell wall is essential to preserve osmotic integrity of yeast cells. Some phenotypic traits of cell wall mutants suggest that, as a result of a weakening of the cell wall, hypo‐osmotic stress‐like conditions are created. Consequent expansion of the cell wall and stretching of the plasma membrane trigger a complex response to prevent cell lysis. In this work we examined two conditions that generate a cell wall and membrane stress: one is represented by the cell wall mutant gas1Δ and the other by a hypo‐osmotic shock. We examined the actin cytoskeleton and the role of the cell wall sensors Wsc1p and Mid2p in these stress conditions. In the gas1 null mutant cells, which lack a β(1,3)‐glucanosyltransferase activity required for cell wall assembly, a constitutive marked depolarization of actin cytoskeleton was found. In a hypo‐osmotic shock wild‐type cells showed a transient depolarization of actin cytoskeleton. The percentage of depolarized cells was maximal at 30 min after the shift and then progressively decreased until cells reached a new steady‐state condition. The maximal response was proportional to the magnitude of the difference in the external osmolarity before and after the shift within a given range of osmolarities. Loss of Wsc1p specifically delayed the repolarization of the actin cytoskeleton, whereas Wsc1p and Mid2p were essential for the maintenance of cell integrity in gas1Δ cells. The control of actin cytoskeleton is an important element in the context of the compensatory response to cell wall weakening. Wsc1p appears to be an important regulator of the actin network rearrangements in conditions of cell wall expansion and membrane stretching. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximizing Lifetime of Sensor Surveillance Systems

This paper addresses the maximal lifetime scheduling problem in sensor surveillance systems. Given a set of sensors and targets in an area, a sensor can watch only one target at a time, our task is to schedule sensors to watch targets and forward the sensed data to the base station, such that the lifetime of the surveillance system is maximized, where the lifetime is the duration that all targets are watched and all active sensors are connected to the base station. We propose an optimal solution to find the target-watching schedule for sensors that achieves the maximal lifetime. Our solution consists of three steps: 1) computing the maximal lifetime of the surveillance system and a workload matrix by using the linear programming technique; 2) decomposing the workload matrix into a sequence of schedule matrices that can achieve the maximal lifetime; and 3) determining the sensor surveillance trees based on the above obtained schedule matrices, which specify the active sensors and the routes to pass sensed data to the base station. This is the first time in the literature that the problem of maximizing lifetime of sensor surveillance systems has been formulated and the optimal solution has been found