Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brucella abortus Inhibits Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Expression and Antigen Processing through Interleukin-6 Secretion via Toll-Like Receptor 2

ABSTRACT The strategies that allow Brucella abortus to survive inside macrophages for prolonged periods and to avoid the immunological surveillance of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II)-restricted gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing CD4+ T lymphocytes are poorly understood. We report here that infection of THP-1 cells with B. abortus inhibited expression of MHC-II molecules and antigen (Ag) processing. Heat-killed B. abortus (HKBA) also induced both these phenomena, indicating the independence of bacterial viability and involvement of a structural component of the bacterium. Accordingly, outer membrane protein 19 (Omp19), a prototypical B. abortus lipoprotein, inhibited both MHC-II expression and Ag processing to the same extent as HKBA. Moreover, a synthetic lipohexapeptide that mimics the structure of the protein lipid moiety also inhibited MHC-II expression, indicating that any Brucella lipoprotein could down-modulate MHC-II expression and Ag processing. Inhibition of MHC-II expression and Ag processing by either HKBA or lipidated Omp19 (L-Omp19) depended on Toll-like receptor 2 and was mediated by interleukin-6. HKBA or L-Omp19 also inhibited MHC-II expression and Ag processing of human monocytes. In addition, exposure to the synthetic lipohexapeptide inhibited Ag-specific T-cell proliferation and IFN-γ production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Brucella-infected patients. Together, these results indicate that there is a mechanism by which B. abortus may prevent recognition by T cells to evade host immunity and establish a chronic infection.
Activation of the Akt-related cytokine-independent survival kinase requires interaction of its phox domain with endosomal phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate

Protein kinases of the Akt and related serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (SGK) families are major downstream mediators of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase signaling to many cellular processes including metabolic flux, membrane trafficking, and apoptosis. Activation of these kinases is thought to occur at the plasma membrane through their serine and threonine phosphorylation by the phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) protein kinase, which interacts with membrane 3′-polyphosphoinositides through its pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. Here, we demonstrate that the SGK family member cytokine-independent survival kinase (CISK) binds strongly and selectively to the monophosphoinositide PI(3)P through its phox homology (PX) domain. Comparing native green fluorescent protein-CISK (EGFP-CISK) to a mutant EGFP-CISK (Y51A) that displays attenuated binding to PI(3)P reveals that this interaction is both necessary and sufficient for its localization to early endosome antigen (EEA1)-positive endosomes. Furthermore, early endosome association of expressed epitope-tagged CISK in COS cells directed by binding of its PX domain to PI(3)P is required for activation of the CISK protein kinase by both insulin-like growth factor-1 and epidermal growth factor. Taken together, these results reveal a critical role of endosomal PI(3)P in the signal transmission mechanism whereby this survival kinase is activated in response to PI3-kinase stimulation by growth factors.
Monitoring the Perturbation of Soil and Groundwater Microbial Communities Due to Pig Production Activities

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine if biotic contaminants originating from pig production farms are disseminated into soil and groundwater microbial communities. A spatial and temporal sampling of soil and groundwater in proximity to pig production farms was conducted, and quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) was utilized to determine the abundances of tetracycline resistance genes (i.e., tetQ and tetZ) and integrase genes (i.e., intI1 and intI2). We observed that the abundances of tetZ, tetQ, intI1, and intI2 in the soils increased at least 6-fold after manure application, and their abundances remained elevated above the background for up to 16 months. Q-PCR further determined total abundances of up to 5.88 × 109 copies/ng DNA for tetZ, tetQ, intI1, and intI2 in some of the groundwater wells that were situated next to the manure lagoon and in the facility well used to supply water for one of the farms. We further utilized 16S rRNA-based pyrosequencing to assess the microbial communities, and our comparative analyses suggest that most of the soil samples collected before and after manure application did not change significantly, sharing a high Bray-Curtis similarity of 78.5%. In contrast, an increase in Bacteroidetes and sulfur-oxidizing bacterial populations was observed in the groundwaters collected from lagoon-associated groundwater wells. Genera associated with opportunistic human and animal pathogens, such as Acinetobacter, Arcobacter, Yersinia, and Coxiella, were detected in some of the manure-treated soils and affected groundwater wells. Feces-associated bacteria such as Streptococcus, Erysipelothrix, and Bacteroides were detected in the manure, soil, and groundwater ecosystems, suggesting a perturbation of the soil and groundwater environments by invader species from pig production activities.
Power conversion system for low power high altitude wind power generating system

In high altitude wind power (HAWP) generating system, medium voltage AC (MV-AC) permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is used. The generated electrical power is transmitted to ground without any power conditioning in the air-borne unit. The ground based power conversion system (PCS) interfaces variable voltage and variable frequency medium voltage power into distribution level grid voltage. The proposed PCS consists of a three-level vienna rectifier for generation side control, a half bridge DC-DC converter for isolation and step-down purpose and a grid/load connected inverter for load side active power control. Three-level operation in the generation side converter reduces the switch/diode voltage stress to half and therefore allows to use low voltage rating power semiconductor devices. The vienna rectifier is controlled for sensorless maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) of the air-borne wind turbine. The phase lock loop (PLL) is used for speed and rotor position detection of the PMSG for optimal torque control of the airborne wind turbine (AWT). Simulation studies have been carried out using computer programs like PSIM and MATLAB. For the validation of the proposed methodology, scaled down laboratory based prototype is built and tested. The obtained experimental results confirm the performance of the PCS for interfacing HAWP generation system to the grid.
Cholinergic axon terminals in the ventral tegmental area target a subpopulation of neurons expressing low levels of the dopamine transporter

Cholinergic activation of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is thought to play a major role in cognitive functions and reward. These dopaminergic neurons differentially project to cortical and limbic forebrain regions, where their terminals differ in levels of expression of the plasmalemmal dopamine transporter (DAT). This transporter selectively identifies dopaminergic neurons, whereas the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAchT) is present only in the neurons that store and release acetylcholine. We examined immunogold labeling for DAT and immunoperoxidase localization of VAchT antipeptide antisera in single sections of the rat VTA to determine whether dopaminergic somata and dendrites in this region differ in their levels of expression of DAT and/or input from cholinergic terminals. VAchT immunoreactivity was prominently localized to membranes of small synaptic vesicles in unmyelinated axons and axon terminals. VAchT‐immunoreactive terminals formed almost exclusively asymmetric synapses with dendrites. Of 159 dendrites that were identified as cholinergic targets, 35% contained plasmalemmal DAT, and 65% were without detectable DAT immunoreactivity. The DAT‐immunoreactive dendrites postsynaptic to VAchT‐labeled terminals contained less than half the density of gold particles as seen in other dendrites receiving input only from unlabeled terminals. These results suggest selective targeting of cholinergic afferents in the VTA to non‐dopaminergic neurons and a subpopulation of dopaminergic neurons that have a limited capacity for plasmalemmal reuptake of dopamine, a characteristic of those that project to the frontal cortex. J. Comp. Neurol. 410:197–210, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Homologous RNA recombination in brome mosaic virus: AU-rich sequences decrease the accuracy of crossovers

Brome mosaic virus, a tripartite positive-stranded RNA virus of plants, was used for the determination of sequence requirements of imprecise (aberrant) homologous recombination. A 23-nucleotide (nt) region that included a 6-nt UUAAAA sequence (designated the AU sequence) common between wild-type RNA2 and mutant RNA3 supported both precise and imprecise homologous recombination, though the latter occurred with lower frequency. Doubling the length of the 6-nt AU sequence in RNA3 increased the incidence of imprecise crossovers by nearly threefold. Duplication or triplication of the length of the AU sequence in both RNA2 and RNA3 further raised the frequency of imprecise crossovers. The majority of imprecise crosses were located within or close to the extended AU sequence. Imprecise recombinants contained either nucleotide substitutions, nontemplated nucleotides, small deletions, or small sequence duplications within the region of crossovers. Deletion of the AU sequence from the homologous region in RNA3 resulted in the accumulation of only precise homologous recombinants. Our results provide experimental evidence that AU sequences can facilitate the formation of imprecise homologous recombinants. The generation of small additions or deletions can be explained by a misannealing mechanism within the AU sequences, while replicase errors during RNA copying might explain the occurrence of nucleotide substitutions or nontemplated nucleotides.
The evolution and embeddedness of knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial firms in creative industries: contrasting experienced and non-experienced entrepreneurs in the Swedish fashion industry

ABSTRACT This article focuses on the micro-level processes whereby knowledge-intensive entrepreneurs become embedded in networks to access resources, and in doing so help transform a region. Our analysis contributes to theoretical debates about how the entrepreneurs achieve this aim in order to develop their knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial ventures in creative industries. Our conceptualization specifies how entrepreneurs can use embeddedness in networks in order to access specific types of resources, during the pre-entry phase, the establishment phase, and the post-entry phase. The textiles and fashion industry is an interesting setting to explore these topics because of the rapid industrial transformation from mass production of textiles to large e-commerce firms. Our results suggest that pre-history of the individual entrepreneur has long-term effects upon access to unique resources within the industry, enabling this group to more quickly build their entrepreneurial ventures. Our qualitative case study contributes to theoretical discussions of how micro-processes of KIE entrepreneurship can renew regions and traditional industries, because our analysis shows the enduring impact of past industrial, regional and family ties.
Measured and modeled interactive effects of potassium deficiency and water deficit on gross primary productivity and light‐use efficiency in Eucalyptus grandis plantations

Global climate change is expected to increase the length of drought periods in many tropical regions. Although large amounts of potassium (K) are applied in tropical crops and planted forests, little is known about the interaction between K nutrition and water deficit on the physiological mechanisms governing plant growth. A process‐based model (MAESPA) parameterized in a split‐plot experiment in Brazil was used to gain insight into the combined effects of K deficiency and water deficit on absorbed radiation (aPAR), gross primary productivity (GPP), and light‐use efficiency for carbon assimilation and stem biomass production (LUEC and LUEs) in Eucalyptus grandis plantations. The main‐plot factor was the water supply (undisturbed rainfall vs. 37% of throughfall excluded) and the subplot factor was the K supply (with or without 0.45 mol K m−2 K addition). Mean GPP was 28% lower without K addition over the first 3 years after planting whether throughfall was partly excluded or not. K deficiency reduced aPAR by 20% and LUEC by 10% over the whole period of growth. With K addition, throughfall exclusion decreased GPP by 25%, resulting from a 21% decrease in LUEC at the end of the study period. The effect of the combination of K deficiency and water deficit was less severe than the sum of the effects of K deficiency and water deficit individually, leading to a reduction in stem biomass production, gross primary productivity and LUE similar to K deficiency on its own. The modeling approach showed that K nutrition and water deficit influenced absorbed radiation essentially through changes in leaf area index and tree height. The changes in gross primary productivity and light‐use efficiency were, however, driven by a more complex set of tree parameters, especially those controlling water uptake by roots and leaf photosynthetic capacities.
Globally panmictic population structure in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus sydowii

Recent outbreaks of new diseases in many ecosystems are caused by novel pathogens, impaired host immunity, or changing environmental conditions. Identifying the source of emergent pathogens is critical for mitigating the impacts of diseases, and understanding the cause of their recent appearances. One ecosystem suffering outbreaks of disease in the past decades is coral reefs, where pathogens such as the fungus Aspergillus sydowii have caused catastrophic population declines in their hosts. Aspergillosis is one of the best‐characterized coral diseases, yet the origin of this typically terrestrial fungus in marine systems remains unknown. We examined the genetic structure of a global sample of A. sydowii, including isolates from diseased corals, diseased humans, and environmental sources. Twelve microsatellite markers reveal a pattern of global panmixia among the fungal isolates. A single origin of the pathogen into marine systems seems unlikely given the lack of isolation by distance and lack of evidence for a recent bottleneck. A neighbour‐joining phylogeny shows that sea fan isolates are interspersed with environmental isolates, suggesting there have been multiple introductions from land into the ocean. Overall, our results underscore that A. sydowii is a true opportunist, with a diversity of nonrelated isolates able to cause disease in corals. This study highlights the challenge in distinguishing between the role of environment in allowing opportunistic pathogens to increase and actual introductions of new pathogenic microorganisms for coral diseases.
The Money View Versus the Credit View

We argue that Schularick and Taylor's (2012) comparison of credit growth and monetary growth as financial-crisis predictors does not necessarily provide a valid basis for achieving one of their stated intentions: evaluating the relative merits of the "money view" and "credit view" as accounts of macroeconomic outcomes. Our own analysis of the postwar evidence suggests that money outperforms credit in predicting economic downturns in the 14 countries in Schularick and Taylor's dataset. This contrasts with Schularick and Taylor's (2012) highly negative verdict on the money view. In accounting for the difference in findings, we first explain that Schularick and Taylor's characterization of the money view is defective, both because their criterion for its validity (that rapid monetary growth predicts financial crises) is misplaced, and because they incorrectly take the money view's proponents as relying on the notion that monetary aggregates are a good proxy for credit aggregates. In fact, the money view of Friedman and Schwartz does not predict an automatic relationship between rapid monetary growth and (financial or economic) downturns, nor does it rest on money being a good proxy for credit. We further show that Schularick and Taylor's data on money have systematic faults. For our reexamination of the evidence, we have constructed new, and more reliable, annual data on money for the countries studied by Schularick and Taylor.
Embedded resistive strain sensors for harsh environments

Strain gages developed using high-definition direct write technology enable direct bonding to substrates without an adhesive layer, so greater shear forces may be faithfully transmitted and thicker, more robust conductors may be used for strain-sensing. Effects of hysteresis, creep, and temperature limitations common to adhesively-bonded gages can also be mitigated. Manufacture and installation of the gage (and lead wires) are automatic and simultaneous, reducing preparation time and cost. Using the above developed method, industrial-grade strain gages have been fabricated and tested. Standard gage resistances between 120Omega-350Omega have been achieved on grids smaller than 10mm2 using nickel-chrome as the gage material. Thermal plasma-sprayed laser-cut resistive gages have achieved gage factors of 1.3, operating linearly and repeatably for more than 105 cycles between plusmn1000muepsiv. Additional performance metrics, e.g. temperature sensitivity and compensation, were treated in this paper
Solving Raven's IQ-tests: An AI and Cognitive Modeling Approach

Human reasoners have an impressive ability to solve analogical reasoning problems and they still outperform computational systems. Analogical reasoning is relevant in dealing with intelligence tests. There are two kinds of approaches: to solve IQ-test problems in a way similar to humans (i.e., a cognitive approach) or to solve these problems optimally (i.e., the AI approach). Most systems can be associated with one of these approaches. Detailed systems solving geometrical intelligence tests, explaining cognitive operations based on working memory and producing precise predictions and results such as error rates and response times have not been developed so far. We present a system implemented in the cognitive architecture ACT-R, able to solve analogously developed problems of Raven's Standard and Advanced Progressive Matrices. The model solves 66 of the 72 tested problems of both tests. The model's predicted error rates correlate to human performance with r = . 8 for the Advanced Progressive Matrices and r = . 7 for all problems together.
The cytopathic effect of human immunodeficiency virus is independent of high levels of unintegrated viral DNA accumulated in response to superinfection of cells.

Large quantities of genome-sized viral DNA are detected in the nucleoplasm of CD4+ T cells infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). This unintegrated HIV DNA is in the form of both circular and linear species. Accumulation of such DNA occurs gradually during a 5 day HIV infection and is correlated with the proportion of cells involved in the production of HIV proteins. To pinpoint the stage in a synchronized HIV infection during which accumulation of HIV DNA occurs, high titres of HIV were employed to infect CEM cells to infect the majority of cells by the input virus. By this latter infection, more than 95% of cells became producers of HIV proteins at 48 h post-infection (p.i.) concomitantly with the development of the c.p.e. of HIV, manifested by formation of syncytia and induction of cell death by apoptosis. Addition of azidothymidine (AZT) or neutralizing anti-gp120 monoclonal antibodies at 8 h p.i. did not alter the course of virus infection nor the amount of virus produced at 48 h p.i. but the accumulation of unintegrated HIV DNA was drastically reduced. These results indicate that viral DNA accumulates as a result of superinfection of cells late in the virus cycle. The development of the c.p.e. of HIV was inhibited in the presence of neutralizing antibodies, whereas in the presence of AZT the accumulation of unintegrated HIV DNA was completely blocked without apparent effect on the c.p.e. These observations indicate that the c.p.e. of the HIV infection, which is manifested by syncytium formation and apoptosis, does not require superinfection of cells or accumulation of unintegrated viral DNA.
Redefining success in airway surgery for obstructive sleep apnea: a meta analysis and synthesis of the evidence.

STUDY OBJECTIVES The role of upper airway surgery as a treatment for adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains controversial, with perspectives on treatment efficacy varying considerably. Though debate may occur in the clinical sphere, it is necessary to appreciate the ever-increasing funding and policy focus on cost effectiveness and "efficacy" in health care. DESIGN In this review, we examine contemporary evidence that highlights the importance of "highly effective treatment" over "sub-therapeutic treatment" as a necessity to confer improved health outcomes in OSA. We highlight that assumptions of surgical success inherent in most articles fail to assimilate contemporary, clinically significant indicators of success. We performed a literature search and present interpolated meta-analyses data from 18 surgical articles. Statistical meta-analyses highlight how surgical success decreases when new evidence-based criteria of success are applied. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Specifically, when the traditional definition is applied (50% reduction in apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] and/or < or = 20) the pooled success rate for Phase I procedures is 55% (45% fail). However, at AHI < or = 10, success reduces to 31.5% (68.5% fail) and, at AHI < or = 5, success is reduced to 13% (87% fail). According to these definitions, Phase II success (fail) rates decrease from 86% (14%) to 45% (55%) and 43% (57%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The evidence for clinical efficacy must define treatment "success". We propose all future surgical audits report "objective cure" rates with success based on AHI outcomes of < or = 5 and/or < or = 10. We hope this paper serves as a catalyst for debate and consensus.
Residential Treatment Modifications: Adjunctive Services to Accommodate Clients on Methadone

Background/Objectives: This article describes therapeutic community (TC) services modified to support methadone residents and their service utilization in a study of TC patients (N = 231) receiving versus not receiving methadone. Methods: Service utilization data are reported from providers (i.e., methadone support group counselor, acupuncturist, and consulting psychiatrist) for 12 months after admission. Descriptive statistics are used to report methadone residents use of methadone support group and acupuncture services. Pearson chi-square tests are used to compare methadone and non-methadone participants use of psychiatrist services. Additionally, such tests were used to compare both groups DSM-IV diagnoses. Results: Ninety-seven percent of methadone patients attended at least one methadone support group; 52% used acupuncture services. Proportionally more non-methadone residents used psychiatric services (p < .05). Conclusion and Scientific Significance: Services tailored to methadone residents were accessed by this group. However, while 32% of all participants met diagnostic criteria for a current psychiatric disorder, only 22% received onsite psychiatric care, which questions whether integrated care is being provided adequately for participants with co-occurring disorders.