Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pichia pastoris-Expressed Bivalent Virus-Like Particulate Vaccine Induces Domain III-Focused Bivalent Neutralizing Antibodies without Antibody-Dependent Enhancement in Vivo

Dengue, a significant public health problem in several countries around the world, is caused by four different serotypes of mosquito-borne dengue viruses (DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4). Antibodies to any one DENV serotype which can protect against homotypic re-infection, do not offer heterotypic cross-protection. In fact, cross-reactive antibodies may augment heterotypic DENV infection through antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). A recently launched live attenuated vaccine (LAV) for dengue, which consists of a mixture of four chimeric yellow-fever/dengue vaccine viruses, may be linked to the induction of disease-enhancing antibodies. This is likely related to viral interference among the replicating viral strains, resulting in an unbalanced immune response, as well as to the fact that the LAV encodes prM, a DENV protein documented to elicit ADE-mediating antibodies. This makes it imperative to explore the feasibility of alternate ADE risk-free vaccine candidates. Our quest for a non-replicating vaccine centered on the DENV envelope (E) protein which mediates virus entry into the host cell and serves as an important target of the immune response. Serotype-specific neutralizing epitopes and the host receptor recognition function map to E domain III (EDIII). Recently, we found that Pichia pastoris-expressed DENV E protein, of all four serotypes, self-assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs) in the absence of prM. Significantly, these VLPs displayed EDIII and elicited EDIII-focused DENV-neutralizing antibodies in mice. We now report the creation and characterization of a novel non-replicating recombinant particulate vaccine candidate, produced by co-expressing the E proteins of DENV-1 and DENV-2 in P. pastoris. The two E proteins co-assembled into bivalent mosaic VLPs (mVLPs) designated as mE1E2bv VLPs. The mVLP, which preserved the serotype-specific antigenic integrity of its two component proteins, elicited predominantly EDIII-focused homotypic virus-neutralizing antibodies in BALB/c mice, demonstrating its efficacy. In an in vivo ADE model, mE1E2bv VLP-induced antibodies lacked discernible ADE potential, compared to the cross-reactive monoclonal antibody 4G2, as evidenced by significant reduction in the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, suggesting inherent safety. The results obtained with these bivalent mVLPs suggest the feasibility of incorporating the E proteins of DENV-3 and DENV-4 to create a tetravalent mVLP vaccine.
Mixed enzymatic-explant protocol for isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from Wharton’s jelly and encapsulation in 3D culture system

We report combination of explants and enzymatic protocol as mixed enzymatic-explant procedure to faster extraction of MSCs from WJ. Umbilical cords (UC) were collected from Imam Khomini Hospital. For explant outgrowth, 6 - 9 pieces of WJ were transferred onto tissue culture flask and waited for attachment. For mixed enzymatic-explant, 1 cm3 pieces WJ were placed in enzymatic cocktail comprising 4 mg/ml Collagenase Type I and 1 mg/ml Hyaluronidase and 0.1% trypsin-EDTA. Then isolated cells were analyzed for surface cell markers such as CD73, CD31. Isolated 1.0 × 106 MSCs/ml were encapsulated in alginate hydrogel. Cells with MSCs phenotype were isolated from mixed enzymatic-explant and explant procedures within 24 - 48 hrs and 7 - 10 days, respectively. Both of procedures were shown to form clumps and colonies with dense centers. Phenotypic changes gradually appeared as round cell in UC pieces into homogeneous spindle-shaped and typical fibroblast-like shape cells. By using flow cytometery MSCs showed positive for CD73, and negative for CD31. the morphology of viable MSCs in the beads did not significantly show a different morphology pattern before and after the bead formation process. These findings are indicated that when mixed enzymatic-explant procedure is performed MSCs can be isolated faster and much higher from WJ. These finding is important in comparing with time consuming explants culture for isolation of MSCs.
Tenofovir/entecavir monotherapy after hepatitis B immunoglobulin withdrawal is safe and effective in the prevention of hepatitis B in liver transplant recipients

Combination of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and a nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) is considered the standard of care for prophylaxis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). However, use of lifelong HBIG has significant limitations. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) after withdrawal of HBIG in patients who had been under HBIG‐regimen prophylaxis post LT.
Real world video avatar: real-time and real-size transmission and presentation of human figure

The presentation of a human figure is an important topic of research with respect to the application of virtual reality technology to support communication and collaboration. In this paper, an approach to transmitting and presenting the figure of a person at a remote location in real time, an implementation of a prototype system based on this approach, and the evaluation of the prototype system using the approach are described. In our approach, images of a person are captured from all around using multiple cameras, transmitted through a network, and displayed on a revolving flat panel display that is capable of presenting different images according to the orientation of the viewing position; the revolving display presents each image so that it is visible exclusively at the orientation from which it was taken, and consequently, an image of the person that can be viewed from various directions is realized. Through the implementation of the prototype system and experiments, it was confirmed that the proposed approach is feasible and that the prototype system functions effectively.
Gene therapy for lysosomal storage disorders

Introduction: Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) encompass more than 50 distinct diseases, caused by defects in various aspects of lysosomal function. Neurodegeneration and/or dysmyelination are the hallmark of roughly 70% of LSDs. Gene therapy represents a promising approach for the treatment of CNS manifestations in LSDs, as it has the potential to provide a permanent source of the deficient enzyme, either by direct injection of vectors or by transplantation of gene-corrected cells. In this latter approach, the biology of neural stem/progenitor cells and hematopoietic cells might be exploited. Areas covered: Based on an extensive literature search up until March 2011, the author reviews and discusses the progress, the crucial aspects and the major challenges towards the development of novel gene therapy strategies aimed to target the CNS, with particular attention to direct intracerebral gene delivery and transplantation of neural stem/progenitor cells. Expert opinion: The implementation of viral vector delivery systems with specific tropism, regulated transgene expression, low immunogenicity and low genotoxic risk and the improvement in isolation and manipulation of relevant cell types to be transplanted, are fundamental challenges to the field. Also, combinatorial strategies might be required to achieve full correction in LSDs with neurological involvement.
The Development of Prosocial Behavior and Cognitions in German Children

The development of German children's moral reasoning about prosocial conflicts, and the interrelations of moral reasoning and prosocial behavior were examined. Hedonistic reasoning decreased in usage from the preschool years to fourth grade; direct reciprocity, needs-oriented, approval/ interpersonal, and reasoning involving references to others' humanness increased with age. The pattern of development was strikingly similar to that of an American sample of the same age. However, German children used more direct reciprocity and less stereotypic reasoning than did American children. As has been found for American children, sharing behavior but not helping was related to level of moral judgment. The results are discussed in relation to theory and the existing research concerning prosocial development in America.
THE FREQUENCY OF WARM DEBRIS DISKS AND TRANSITION DISKS IN A COMPLETE SAMPLE OF INTERMEDIATE-MASS GLIMPSE STARS: PLACING CONSTRAINTS ON DISK LIFETIMES

The incidence of dusty debris disks around low- and intermediate-mass stars has been investigated numerous times in order to understand the early stages of planet formation. Most notably, the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) mission observed the entire sky at mid- and far-infrared (IR) wavelengths, identifying the first debris disk systems, but was unable to detect a statistically significant sample of warm debris disks due to its limited sensitivity at 12 μm. Using Tycho-2 Spectral Catalog stars previously shown to exhibit 8 μm mid-IR circumstellar excesses confirmed at 24 μm in the Spitzer Galactic Legacy Infrared MidPlane Survey Extraordinaire (GLIMPSE) survey, we investigate the frequency of mid-IR excesses among intermediate-mass (2–4 M☉) stars in a complete volume-limited sample. Our study of 338 stars is four times larger than a complete sample of 12 μm sources from the IRAS Point Source Catalog. We find that 0.3% ± 0.3% of intermediate-mass stars exhibit a signature of a possible terrestrial-temperature debris disks at wavelengths of 8 μm and greater. We also find that 1.2% ± 0.6% of intermediate-mass stars exhibit evidence for circumstellar disks undergoing inner disk clearing, i.e., candidate transition disk systems. Using stellar lifetimes and the frequency of transition and primordial disks within a given spectral type, we find that pre-main-sequence disks around intermediate-mass stars dissipate in 5 ± 2 Myr, consistent with other studies.
The discrimination of angry and fearful facial expressions in 7-month-old infants: An event-related potential study

The important ability to discriminate facial expressions of emotion develops early in human ontogeny. In the present study, 7-month-old infants’ event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to angry and fearful emotional expressions were measured. The angry face evoked a larger negative component (Nc) at fronto-central leads between 300 and 600 ms after stimulus onset when compared to the amplitude of the Nc to the fearful face. Furthermore, over posterior channels, the angry expression elicited a N290 that was larger in amplitude and a P400 that was smaller in amplitude than for the fearful expression. This is the first study that shows that the ability of infants to discriminate angry and fearful facial expressions can be measured at the electrophysiological level. These data suggest that 7-month-olds allocated more attentional resources to the angry face as indexed by the Nc. Implications of this result may be that the social signal values were perceived differentially, not merely as “negative”. Furthermore, it is possible that the angry expression might have been more arousing and discomforting for the infant compared with the fearful expression.
In Vivo and In Vitro Characterization of a First-in-Class Novel Azole Analog That Targets Pregnane X Receptor Activation

The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a master regulator of xenobiotic clearance and is implicated in deleterious drug interactions (e.g., acetaminophen hepatotoxicity) and cancer drug resistance. However, small-molecule targeting of this receptor has been difficult; to date, directed synthesis of a relatively specific PXR inhibitor has remained elusive. Here we report the development and characterization of a first-in-class novel azole analog [1-(4-(4-(((2R,4S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methoxy)phenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethanone (FLB-12)] that antagonizes the activated state of PXR with limited effects on other related nuclear receptors (i.e., liver X receptor, farnesoid X receptor, estrogen receptor α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and mouse constitutive androstane receptor). We investigated the toxicity and PXR antagonist effect of FLB-12 in vivo. Compared with ketoconazole, a prototypical PXR antagonist, FLB-12 is significantly less toxic to hepatocytes. FLB-12 significantly inhibits the PXR-activated loss of righting reflex to 2,2,2-tribromoethanol (Avertin) in vivo, abrogates PXR-mediated resistance to 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) in colon cancer cells in vitro, and attenuates PXR-mediated acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in vivo. Thus, relatively selective targeting of PXR by antagonists is feasible and warrants further investigation. This class of agents is suitable for development as chemical probes of PXR function as well as potential PXR-directed therapeutics.
Manufacturing network configuration by optimal scheduling considering specific machines and alternative process plans

Formation of a networked manufacturing system for particular multi-part product orders is tackled in the presence of alternative process plans for the parts. Each process plan can be transformed into a production schedule in different ways, depending on the machines that are available for each operation in various nodes of the network. Machine suitability is decided on technical criteria using an appropriate database. Optimum assignment of machines to operations is achieved by a genetic algorithm (GA), its chromosome representing all operations of the process plans with integer encoding. The GA evaluation function for each network configuration solution uses total order completion time, derived by automatic construction corresponding Gantt charts, subtracting bonuses to promote combined transportation of individual part batches and adding penalties for delays and use of specific highly loaded machines. An example is presented and a methodology for investigating GA performance enhancement is carried out.
Waves of visibility: probing the depth of inter-ocular suppression with transient and sustained targets

In order to study non-conscious visual processing, researchers render otherwise consciously perceived images into invisible stimuli. Through the years, several psychophysical techniques have been developed for this purpose. Yet the comparison of experimental results across techniques remains a difficult task as the depth of suppression depends on the interactions between the type of stimuli and the suppression methods employed. This poses a limit to the inferences that researchers make about the extent of non-conscious processes. We investigated the mechanisms underlying inter-ocular suppression during continuous flash suppression (CFS) and dichoptic visual masking using a transient onset target stimulus and a variety of stimulus/mask temporal manipulations. We show that target duration, timing of target onset, and mask frequency are key aspects of inter-ocular suppression during CFS with transient targets. The differences between our results and sustained target CFS studies suggest that two distinct mechanisms are involved in the detection of transient and prolonged target stimuli during CFS. Our results provide insight into the dynamics of CFS together with evidence for similarities between transient target CFS and dichoptic visual masking.
What is the relationship between social constructivism and Piagetian constructivism? An analysis of the characteristics of the ideas within both theories

For twenty years, social constructivism has been a paradigm in science teaching and not an easy bedfellow for piagetian constructivism, even though both have had the same thing in mind… a study of the learner. For this reason we attempt to find connections and bridges between them so that both may be enriched, to the benefit of science teaching.
Using student conative behaviors and technical skills to form effective project teams

Throughout much of the past century, manufacturing efficiencies were gained by constructing systems from independently designed and optimized tasks. Theories and practice have extolled the virtues of team-based practices that rely on human flexibility and empowerment to improve system performance. The formation of teams requires the consideration of innate tendencies and interpersonal skills as well as technical skills. In this paper, we discuss an experiment that was run for developing effective student teams. We used the Kolbe Index to help ensure that student conative tendencies are considered along with technical skills. We then developed and solved mathematical programming models to form effective teams. The method can easily be moved to an industrial setting.
OPERATIONALISING A COMPETENCE MODEL OF SUPERVISION TO EMPOWER SOCIAL WORKERS AND STUDENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate, with reference to the work of Guttman, Eisikovits & Maluccio (1988), how a competence model of supervision for social workers and students in South Africa can be operationalised. This will be done by showing the relevance of a competence model for supervision in South Africa and by explaining, with reference to outcomes-based and empowerment supervision, the rationale behind the operationalisation of the competence model. The competence model will then be conceptualised so as to provide a theoretical foundation for the model. The operationalisation of the competence model is demonstrated by defining outcomes-based supervision, explaining the relevant principles of outcomes-based supervision, defining empowerment supervision, indicating the differences between traditional and empowerment supervision, and by clarifying the relevant principles of empowerment.
Robust QoS Scheduling using alternate path for recovery from link failures in IEEE 802.15.4e

In this study, a robust QoS Scheduling scheme using alternate paths for recovery from link failures is proposed in the IEEE 802.15. 4e with tree-based network structure. In the proposed scheme, margin slots used for alternate paths are included in the scheduling. Simulation results show that the margin slots of the proposed scheme results in higher throughput and a longer end-to-end delay performance.
Nucleotide sequence of two proline tRNA (AGG and CGG) genes from chicken.

We present the nucleotide sequence of two chicken tRNA proline REFERENCES genes. From base 277 to 348: tRNA Pro (AGG), from base 748 , D to 819: tRNAP™ (CGG). The latter is on the complementary £^ j Biochem. 158, 437-442. strand. The only difference between the two tRNA Pro is in the 2.
A real-time precrash vehicle detection system

This paper presents an in-vehicle real-time monocular precrash vehicle detection system. The system acquires grey level images through a forward facing low light camera and achieves an average detection rate of 10Hz. The vehicle detection algorithm consists of two main steps: multi-scale driven hypothesis generation and appearance-based hypothesis verification. In the multi-scale hypothesis generation step, possible image locations where vehicles might be present are hypothesized. This step uses multi-scale techniques to speed up detection but also to improve system robustness by making system performance less sensitive to the choice of certain parameters. Appearance-base hypothesis verification verifies those hypothesis using Haar Wavelet decomposition for feature extraction and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) for classification. The monocular system was tested under different traffic scenarios (e.g., simply structured highway, complex urban street, varying weather conditions), illustrating good performance.
Perspectives on: Molecular dynamics and computational methods: Exploring atomic resolution physiology on a femtosecond to millisecond timescale using molecular dynamics simulations

Discovering the functional mechanisms of biological systems frequently requires information that challenges the spatial and temporal resolution limits of current experimental techniques. Recent dramatic methodological advances have made all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations an ever more useful partner to experiment because MD simulations capture the atomic resolution behavior of biological systems on timescales spanning 12 orders of magnitude, covering a spatiotemporal domain where experimental characterization is often difficult if not impossible. We present here our perspective on the mechanistic insights that a scientist—in particular, a membrane protein physiologist—might garner by complementing experiments with atomistic MD simulations. Drawing on case studies from our work, we illustrate the diversity of membrane proteins amenable to study by MD and the types of discoveries one can make through simulation. We discuss the strengths and limitations of MD as a tool for physiologists, and we speculate on advances that such simulations may enable in the coming years.
Actin depolymerization is sufficient to induce programmed cell death in self-incompatible pollen

Self-incompatibility (SI) prevents inbreeding through specific recognition and rejection of incompatible pollen. In incompatible Papaver rhoeas pollen, SI triggers a Ca2+ signaling cascade, resulting in the inhibition of tip growth, actin depolymerization, and programmed cell death (PCD). We investigated whether actin dynamics were implicated in regulating PCD. Using the actin-stabilizing and depolymerizing drugs jasplakinolide (Jasp) and latrunculin B, we demonstrate that changes in actin filament levels or dynamics play a functional role in initiating PCD in P. rhoeas pollen, triggering a caspase-3–like activity. Significantly, SI-induced PCD in incompatible pollen was alleviated by pretreatment with Jasp. This represents the first account of a specific causal link between actin polymerization status and initiation of PCD in a plant cell and significantly advances our understanding of the mechanisms involved in SI.
Loop Closing Detection in RGB-D SLAM Combining Appearance and Geometric Constraints

A kind of multi feature points matching algorithm fusing local geometric constraints is proposed for the purpose of quickly loop closing detection in RGB-D Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). The visual feature is encoded with BRAND (binary robust appearance and normals descriptor), which efficiently combines appearance and geometric shape information from RGB-D images. Furthermore, the feature descriptors are stored using the Locality-Sensitive-Hashing (LSH) technique and hierarchical clustering trees are used to search for these binary features. Finally, the algorithm for matching of multi feature points using local geometric constraints is provided, which can effectively reject the possible false closure hypotheses. We demonstrate the efficiency of our algorithms by real-time RGB-D SLAM with loop closing detection in indoor image sequences taken with a handheld Kinect camera and comparative experiments using other algorithms in RTAB-Map dealing with a benchmark dataset.