Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Passage of Classical Swine Fever Virus in Cultured Swine Kidney Cells Selects Virus Variants That Bind to Heparan Sulfate due to a Single Amino Acid Change in Envelope Protein Erns

ABSTRACT Infection of cells with Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is mediated by the interaction of envelope glycoprotein Ernsand E2 with the cell surface. In this report we studied the role of the cell surface glycoaminoglycans (GAGs), chondroitin sulfates A, B, and C (CS-A, -B, and -C), and heparan sulfate (HS) in the initial binding of CSFV strain Brescia to cells. Removal of HS from the surface of swine kidney cells (SK6) by heparinase I treatment almost completely abolished infection of these cells with virus that was extensively passaged in swine kidney cells before it was cloned (clone C1.1.1). Infection with C1.1. 1 was inhibited completely by heparin (a GAG chemically related to HS but sulfated to a higher extent) and by dextran sulfate (an artificial highly sulfated polysaccharide), whereas HS and CS-A, -B, and -C were unable to inhibit infection. Bound C1.1. 1 virus particles were released from the cell surface by treatment with heparin. Furthermore, C1.1. 1 virus particles and CSFV Ernspurified from insect cells bound to immobilized heparin, whereas purified CSFV E2 did not. These results indicate that initial binding of this virus clone is accomplished by the interaction of Erns with cell surface HS. In contrast, infection of SK6 cells with virus clones isolated from the blood of an infected pig and minimally passaged in SK6 cells was not affected by heparinase I treatment of cells and the addition of heparin to the medium. However, after one additional round of amplification in SK6 cells, infection with these virus clones was affected by heparinase I treatment and heparin. Sequence analysis of the Erns genes of these virus clones before and after amplification in SK6 cells showed that passage in SK6 cells resulted in a change of an Ser residue to an Arg residue in the C terminus of Erns (amino acid 476 in the polyprotein of CSFV). Replacement of the Erns gene of an infectious DNA copy of C1.1. 1 with the Erns genes of these virus variants proved that acquisition of this Arg was sufficient to alter an HS-independent virus to a virus that uses HS as an Erns receptor.
Human‐aided and natural dispersal drive gene flow across the range of an invasive mosquito

Human‐aided transport is responsible for many contemporary species introductions, yet the contribution of human‐aided transport to dispersal within non‐native regions is less clear. Understanding dispersal dynamics for invasive species can streamline mitigation efforts by targeting routes that contribute disproportionally to spread. Because of its limited natural dispersal ability, rapid spread of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has been attributed to human‐aided transport, but until now, the relative roles of human‐aided and natural movement have not been rigorously evaluated. Here, we use landscape genetics and information‐theoretic model selection to evaluate 52 models representing 9240 pairwise dispersal paths among sites across the US range for Ae. albopictus and show that recent gene flow reflects a combination of natural and human‐aided dispersal. Highways and water availability facilitate dispersal at a broad spatial scale, but gene flow is hindered by forests at the current distributional limit (range edge) and by agriculture among sites within the mosquito's native climatic niche (range core). Our results show that highways are important to genetic structure between range‐edge and range‐core pairs, suggesting a role for human‐aided mosquito transport to the range edge. In contrast, natural dispersal is dominant at smaller spatial scales, reflecting a shifting dominance to natural movement two decades after introduction. These conclusions highlight the importance of (i) early intervention for species introductions, particularly those with readily dispersed dormant stages and short generation times, and (ii) strict monitoring of commercial shipments for transported immature stages of Ae. albopictus, particularly towards the northern edge of the US range.
Etude des éléments chimiques et tests sismiques de la structure interne du Soleil et des étoiles

La physique stellaire regroupe aujourd'hui differents domaines qui vont de la modelisation hydrodynamique a l'asterosismologie en passant par les observations d'abondances et la recherche de planetes extrasolaires. Le travail presente dans cette these s'est voulu diversifie et fait appel a plusieurs de ces domaines. Il utilise les outils informatiques de modelisation tels que le TGEC (Toulouse-Geneva Evolution Code) ou le code d'oscillations adiabatiques PULSE. Les deux premieres parties de ce manuscrit presentent de maniere theorique les processus de transport et les principes de l'asterosismologie utilises dans les modeles stellaires. La troisieme partie s'interesse a la signature asterosismique de la diffusion de l'helium dans les etoiles de type F tardives et a son evolution. Nous montrons que le gradient cree par la diffusion de l'helium sous la zone convective conduit a un pic dans le transformee de Fourier des secondes differences de spectre de frequences d'oscillations. Plus le gradient est important, plus l'amplitude du pic est grande. Le quatrieme chapitre etudie la destruction du lithium dans les etoiles avec planetes. De recentes observations de Israelian et al. (2004) montrent que les etoiles froides avec planetes presentent une destruction du lithium importante, contrairement aux etoiles sans planetes. Nos modeles surmetalliques ont permis de montrer d'une part que le gradient de µ pouvait stabiliser le melange dans les etoiles sans planetes, empechant la destruction du lithium, et d'autre part que cette destruction dans les etoiles avec planetes pouvait provenir d'instabilites de cisaillement dues a la migration des planetes vers leur etoile centrale. Enfin, la cinquieme partie presente un travail sur les modeles solaires avec les nouvelles abondances de Asplund et al. (2005), qui presentent un desaccord avec les deductions heliosismiques. Nos modeles simulant une accretion sous-metallique au debut de la sequence principale ameliorent la situation mais ne reussissent pas a retablir l'accord avec l'heliosismologie, malgre l'introduction d'un overshooting et d'un melange rotationnel sous la base de la zone convective.
FDTD chiral brain tissue model for specific absorption rate determination under radiation from mobile phones at 900 and 1800 MHz

A new electrodynamics model formed by chiral bioplasma, which represents the human head inner structure and makes it possible to analyse its behaviour when it is irradiated by a microwave electromagnetic field from cellular phones, is presented. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) numeric technique is used, which allows simulation of the electromagnetic fields, deduced with Maxwell's equations, and allows us to simulate the specific absorption rate (SAR). The results show the SAR behaviour as a function of the input power and the chirality factor. In considering the chiral brain tissue in the proposed human head model, the two more important conclusions of our work are the following: (a) the absorption of the electromagnetic fields from cellular phones is stronger, so the SAR coefficient is higher than that using the classical model, when values of the chiral factor are of order of 1; (b) ‘inverse skin effect’ shows up at 1800 MHz, with respect to a 900 MHz source.
Cognitive function in depression: its relationship to the presence and severity of intellectual decline

Synopsis Cognitive dysfunction is an integral feature of depression, in some cases of sufficient severity to warrant a diagnosis of dementia. There has been little systematic investigation of whether cognitive dysfunction is an inevitable consequence of depression, or is specific to a subgroup of depressed patients. Related to this is the distribution of cognitive dysfunction, whether there is a continuum of impairment or a distinct demented subgroup. Finally, there is the question of which aspects of cognitive function are most sensitive to the intellectual decline seen in depression. A study is described which addresses these issues. The distribution of global cognition was found to be normally distributed in the sample of 29 patients assessed. Based on this distribution and the scores of a control sample, the patients were classified as unimpaired, borderline or impaired. Two sets of independent comparisons were carried out. First, the unimpaired depressed patients were compared to matched non-depressed controls. Significant deficits were found on a range of neuropsychological measures covering aspects of language function, memory, both recall and recognition, attention and behavioural regulation. These same patients were also compared with two groups of matched depressed patients, with varying degrees of global cognitive impairment. In general, the cognitive measures showed a gradient of dysfunction across the three patient groups. Significant differences between the depressed groups were shown on measures of immediate recall, attention and behavioural regulation. The possible significance of attentional factors for the observed memory dysfunction is discussed.
'I am going to be a dad': experiences and expectations of adolescent and young adult expectant fathers.

AIM To explore the experiences of prospective adolescent fathers regarding their impending fatherhood. BACKGROUND Several studies indicate adolescent fatherhood is associated with multiple risk factors. Despite this, it is well documented that these young males have a potentially vital role in the lives of their child/ren and partners. Adolescent pregnancy has often been viewed with a particular emphasis on the mother and relatively little is known about the experiences and expectations of young males facing imminent fatherhood. DESIGN Narrative methods were used to collect qualitative data. METHOD Narratives were elicited through in-depth interviews with seven adolescent expectant fathers aged 16-22 years. RESULTS Impending fatherhood presented these young men with mixed emotions and many challenges. The pregnancies were all unplanned and though participants were all willing to face the responsibilities associated with fatherhood, they also reported feeling ill-prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. Impending fatherhood had caused the young men to reflect on the quality of fathering they had received themselves. The young men were hoping to provide their own infant with a better quality of fathering than they had experienced. CONCLUSIONS Nurses and midwives are ideally placed to provide support to young men facing impending fatherhood to better prepare them to meet the demands of their forthcoming role. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Prenatal classes should include specific sessions for prospective fathers and provide opportunities to assist young men to discuss their thoughts and concerns about impending fatherhood. It could also be useful to encourage young expectant fathers to engage in discussions with their own fathers and grandfathers. For those young men who do not have effective relationships with their own fathers, it could be useful to organise mentoring with experienced mature men who have successfully engaged in the fatherhood role.
Coinfection with Two Closely Related Alphaherpesviruses Results in a Highly Diversified Recombination Mosaic Displaying Negative Genetic Interference

ABSTRACT Phylogenetic studies of the emergence and spread of natural recombinants in herpesviruses infecting humans and animals have been reported recently. However, despite an ever-increasing amount of evidence of recombination in herpesvirus history, the recombination process and the consequences on the genetic diversity of the progeny remain poorly characterized. We addressed this issue by using multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) differentiating the two subtypes of an alphaherpesvirus, bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1). Analysis of a large sample of progeny virions obtained in a single growth cycle of coinfected BoHV-1 strains provided a prospective investigation of the recombination dynamics by using SNPs as recombination markers. We found that the simultaneous infection with two closely related herpesviruses results in a highly diversified recombination mosaic. From the analysis of multiple recombinants arising in the progeny, we provide the first evidence of genetic interference influencing the recombination process in herpesviruses. In addition, we report striking differences in the levels of recombination frequency observed along the BoHV-1 genome. With particular emphasis on the genetic structure of a progeny virus population rising in vitro, our data show to which extent recombination participates to the genetic diversification of herpesviruses.
Netrin‐1 Pretreatment Protects Rat Kidney against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Neuropeptide Y Expression

Netrin‐1 has been found to protect kidneys from ischemia/reperfusion injury. In this study, we aimed to address whether the protective effects were mediated through suppression of oxidative stress and neuropeptide Y. Compared to sham‐operated animals, animals after ischemia/reperfusion showed marked kidney damage and significantly increased levels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, malondialdehyde, and neuropeptide Y. Renal myeloperoxidase activity was elevated in animals with ischemia/reperfusion relative to sham‐operated animals, whereas renal superoxide dismutase activity was reduced. Netrin‐1 pretreatment attenuated ischemia/reperfusion‐induced functional and pathological changes in the kidney. Moreover, the ischemia/reperfusion‐induced changes in the oxidative stress biomarkers and neuropeptide Y were significantly counteracted by prior administration of netrin‐1. Taken together, our data showed that netrin‐1 pretreatment prevented renal ischemia/reperfusion injury, at least partially through reduction of oxidative stress and neuropeptide Y expression. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:231‐236, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21474
Combining angiotensin receptor blockers with ACE inhibitors in elderly patients.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors decrease mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease or high-risk diabetes and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with proteinuria.1,2 Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin pathway with ACE inhibitors in combination with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) has a physiologic basis as standard doses of ACE inhibitors do not fully block the vasoconstrictor response to angiotensin II. Additionally, during long-term ACE-inhibitor therapy, increases in angiotensin II levels may occur, blunting efficacy.3 Accordingly, blockade of the angiotensin receptor can further decrease angiotensin II–induced vasoconstriction. Two indications for combination therapy with ACE inhibitors and ARBs are prominently cited in the literature: heart failure and CKD with proteinuria.4,5 In patients with heart failure, several randomized controlled trials have shown that combination therapy, compared with ACE-inhibitor monotherapy, decreases cardiovascular morbidity.4 Conversely, ONTARGET (Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination With Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial), conducted in patients with vascular disease or diabetes with end-organ damage, suggested that combination therapy did not decrease death or cardiovascular events and also was associated with higher rates of adverse events, including hyperkalemia and acute kidney failure requiring dialysis.6 Although there is no definitive evidence that combination therapy improves clinically meaningful outcomes in patients with proteinuria, it is speculated to be beneficial in this setting based on a meta-analysis of small trials.5 When evidence from clinical trials is conflicting or incomplete, carefully designed observational studies can fill knowledge gaps about the comparative effectiveness of different treatment strategies. A recent study by McAlister et al,7 published in 2011 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, evaluated the indications for and outcomes of combination therapy in elderly patients living in Alberta, Canada.
Analysis of Factors Relating to Companion Rabbits Relinquished to Two United Kingdom Rehoming Centers

ABSTRACT Rabbits are a common companion animal in the United Kingdom, and some reports have suggested that large numbers are relinquished to rehoming centers each year. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of rabbits relinquished to 2 UK rehoming centers and explore reasons given for relinquishment. The centers contributed data for all rabbits who entered their center during 2013 (n = 205). Most rabbits (59.5%) were relinquished by a guardian. Similar numbers of males and females were relinquished, and a larger number of rabbits were not neutered (72.4%) and adults (56%). Most rabbits were healthy on arrival (61.5%). The most common reasons for relinquishment were: “too many rabbits/unplanned litters” (30.3%) and “housing problems” (23.8%). Rabbit-related reasons accounted for 12.2% of rabbits relinquished. Reasons for relinquishment were associated with 1 of the recorded rabbit characteristics. Further detailed studies are needed to explore the dynamics of companion rabbit ownership and factors that affect the breakdown of rabbit–guardian relationships in the United Kingdom.
Activation of NF-kB-Mediated TNF-Induced Antimicrobial Immunity Is Required for the Efficient Brucella abortus Clearance in RAW 264.7 Cells

In this study, we explore the regulatory roles of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) in the innate immunity of macrophages against B. abortus infection. We show that infection of macrophage with B. abortus induces marked expression and secretion of TNF which subsequently binds to TNF receptor 1 (TNFR-1) and activates a downstream signaling cascade of the innate immunity. Blocking of TNF signaling resulted in a notable increase of B. abortus survival which was associated with an increase of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10), a beneficial effector of Brucella survival, as well as remarkable decrease of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), antibrucella molecules. However, surprisingly, the interference of TNF did not show any influence on phagolysosome and cell death events. Furthermore, the transcriptional factor NF-kB was found to be a main mediator of TNF signaling when blocking of NF-kB pathway drastically suppressed the TNF-induced brucellacidal effect. Taken together, these findings clearly indicate that the immune cascade activated by TNF/TNFR-1 is required for the sufficient resistance to B. abortus survival in macrophages.
A Four-Layer DOI Detector With a Relative Offset for Use in an Animal PET System

For animal PET systems to achieve high sensitivity without adversely affecting spatial resolution, they must have the ability to measure depth-of-interaction (DOI). In this paper, we propose a novel four-layer PET system, and present the performances of modules built to verify the concept of the system. Each layer in the four-layer PET system has a relative offset of half a crystal pitch from other layers. Performances of the four-layer detector were estimated using a GATE Monte Carlo simulation code. The proposed system consists of six H9500 PMTs, each of which contains 3193 crystals. A sensitivity of 11.8% was obtained at the FOV center position of the proposed system. To verify the concept, we tested a PET module constructed using a H9500 flat panel PMT and LYSO crystals of cross-sectional area 1.5 × 1.5 mm2. The PET module was irradiated with a 1.8 MBq 22Na radiation source from the front or side of the crystals to obtain flood images of each crystal. Collimation for side irradiation was achieved using a pair of lead blocks of dimension 50 × 100 × 200 mm3. All crystals in the four layers were clearly identified in flood images, thus verifying the DOI capability of the proposed four-layer PET system. We also investigated the optimal combination of crystal lengths in the four-layer PET system using the GATE Monte Carlo simulation code to generate events from simulated radiation sources, and using the ML-EM algorithm to reconstruct simulated radiation sources. The combination of short crystal lengths near radiation sources and long crystal lengths near the PMT provides better spatial resolution than combinations of same crystal lengths in the four-layer PET system.
Phytopharmacological review of Alternanthera brasiliana(Amaranthaceae)

Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) O. kuntze, (Amaranthaceae) is an important herb found as a perennial herb, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Australia and South America; five species have been recorded from India. Through almost all of its parts are used in traditional system of medicines, leaves are the most important parts which are use medicinally.
Analysis and design of personnel management system based on UML

In order to improve the existing problems in traditional process of Modeling technology in Enterprise information construction, the application of UML in the analysis of personnel management system was investigated with the application of Unified Modeling Language (UML) in the paper. Taking the project development of an enterprise personnel management system as an example, the requirements, structure, function module and the system state were analyzed in detail. And a business process model was also established in the paper. It indicates that the developing efficiency and quality are improved via the application of UML. This paper will offer a reference for the study on the relevant management system development.
Axions and inflation: Vacuum fluctuations.

Cosmological consequences of the Peccei-Quinn field {psi}={ital re}{sup {ital i}{theta}}/ {radical}2 are explored. It has a Mexican-hat potential {ital W}=1/4{lambda}({ital r}{sup 2}{minus}{ital f}{sub {ital a}}{sup 2}){sup 2}. During inflation the potential may be modified so that {ital f}{sub {ital a}} has a different effective value {ital f}{sub {ital a}1}; it is assumed that {ital r} sits in the vacuum at {ital r}={ital f}{sub {ital a}1}. After inflation the temperature is supposed to be less than {ital f}{sub {ital a}} so that {ital r}={ital f}{sub {ital a}}, and the only degree of freedom is the axion field {ital f}{sub {ital a}}{theta}. It has a Gaussian inhomogeneity coming from the vacuum fluctuation of {theta} during inflation. When the axion mass {ital m}{sub {ital a}}({ital T}) becomes significant at {ital T}{similar to}1 GeV, {theta} has dispersion {sigma}{sub {theta}}{congruent}(4/2{pi})({ital H}{sub 1}/{ital f}{sub {ital a}1}) and some mean {bar {theta}} (in the observable Universe). The axion potential is {ital U}({theta})=(79 MeV){sup 4}(1{minus}cos{ital N}{theta}), and the ensuing cosmology is determined by the three parameters {ital f}{sub {ital a}}/{ital N}, {ital N}{bar {theta}}, and {ital N}{sigma}{sub {theta}}. The entire domain of parameter space is considered, including the regime where the axion density perturbation is non-Gaussian and the more » regime where axionic domain walls are produced. Observational constraints on the parameters are established. At the end of the paper the additional assumption is made that during inflation the vacuum is at {ital r}={ital f}{sub {ital a}}. « less