Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the peptidoglycan of Rickettsia prowazekii

In the present study, peptidoglycan from Rickettsia prowazekii, an obligate intracellular bacterium, was purified. The rickettsial peptidoglycan is like that of gram-negative bacteria; that is, it is sodium dodecyl sulfate insoluble, lysozyme sensitive, and composed of glutamic acid, alanine, and diaminopimelic acid in a molar ratio of 1.0:2.3:1.0. The small amount of lysine found in the peptidoglycan preparation suggests that a peptidoglycan-linked lipoprotein(s) may be present in the rickettsiae. D-Cycloserine, a D-alanine analog which inhibits the biosynthesis of bacterial cell walls, prevented rickettsial growth in mouse L929 cells at a high concentration and altered the morphology of the rickettsiae at a low concentration. These effects were prevented by the addition of D-alanine. This suggests that R. prowazekii contains D-alanine in the peptidoglycan and has D-Ala-D-Ala ligase and alanine racemase activities.
Sign-Based Construction Grammar: An Informal Synopsis

1Above all, I’d like to thank Paul Kay for hours of discussion and useful feedback at every stage in the seemingly endless process of writing this chapter. I’m also grateful to Chuck Fillmore and Laura Michaelis for many useful discussions of both content and exposition and for comments on an earlier draft, which was also been improved by the comments of Rui Chaves, Adele Goldberg, Bill Croft, Adam Przepiorkowski, Russell Lee-Goldman, and Hans Boas. In addition, discussions with the following people have been quite helpful: Farrell Ackerman, Emily Bender, Dan Flickinger, Mark Gawron, Andreas Kathol, Beth Levin, Bob Levine, Stefan Muller, Frank Van Eynde, Tom Wasow, Gert Webelhuth, and Steve Wechsler. None of the views expressed here should be attributed to any of these individuals; nor should they be held responsible for any remaining errors. 2 SBCG owes a considerable debt to the implementation work carried out within CSLI’s LinGO Lab and the DELPHIN consortium, whose grammar development efforts have proceeded in parallel with the evolution of SBCG. See Copestake 2001, Flickinger 2000, Uszkoreit et al. 2000, and the online resources available at http://lingo.stanford. edu/ and http://www.delph-in.net/. 3See Pollard and Sag 1987 Pollard and Sag 1994, Ginzburg and Sag 2000, and Richter 2004, inter alia.
A high-speed and precise current sensing circuit with bulk control (CCB) technique

A new current sensing circuit with bulk control (CCB) technique is presented in this paper. Compared to several current sensing techniques, there is a trade-off between the sensing accuracy and speed. Thus, the proposed CCB technique can achieve high-speed current sensing without sacrificing much sensing accuracy owing to the improved large loop gain of bulk control and current mirror based technique. Simulation results demonstrate the verification of the design methodology in the current sensing designs.
Performance Analysis of Cooperative Diversity with Incremental-Best-Relay Technique over Rayleigh Fading Channels

In this paper, we introduce a comprehensive analysis of the incremental-best-relay cooperative diversity, in which we exploit limited feedback from the destination terminal, e.g., a single bit indicating the success or failure of the direct transmission. If the destination provides a negative acknowledgment via feedback; in this case only, the best relay among M available relays retransmits the source signal in an attempt to exploit spatial diversity by combining the signals received at the destination from the source and the best relay. Furthermore, we study the end-to-end performance of the incremental-best-relay cooperative-diversity networks using decode-and-forward and amplify-and-forward relaying over independent non-identical Rayleigh fading channels. Closed-form expressions for the bit error rate, the outage probability and average channel capacity are determined. Results show that the incremental-best-relay cooperative diversity can achieve the maximum possible diversity order, compared with the regular cooperative-diversity networks, with higher channel utilization. In particular, the incremental-best-relay technique can achieve M+1 diversity order at low signal-to noise ratio (SNR) and considerable virtual array gain at high SNR.
CD8+-T-Cell Immunity against Toxoplasma gondii Can Be Induced but Not Maintained in Mice Lacking Conventional CD4+ T Cells

ABSTRACT T-cell immunity is critical for survival of hosts infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Among the cells in the T-cell population, CD8+ T cells are considered the major effector cells against this parasite. It is believed that CD4+ T cells may be crucial for induction of the CD8+-T-cell response against T. gondii. In the present study, CD4−/− mice were used to evaluate the role of conventional CD4+ T cells in the immune response against T. gondii infection. CD4−/− mice infected with T. gondii exhibited lower gamma interferon (IFN-γ) messages in the majority of their tissues. As a result, mortality due to a hyperinflammatory response was prevented in these animals. Interestingly, T. gondii infection induced a normal antigen-specific CD8+-T-cell immune response in CD4−/− mice. No difference in generation of precursor cytotoxic T lymphocytes (pCTL) or in IFN-γ production by the CD8+-T-cell populations from the knockout and wild-type animals was observed. However, the mutant mice were not able to sustain CD8+-T-cell immunity. At 180 days after infection, the CD8+-T-cell response in the knockout mice was depressed, as determined by pCTL and IFN-γ assays. Loss of CD8+-T-cell immunity at this time was confirmed by adoptive transfer experiments. Purified CD8+ T cells from CD4−/− donors that had been immunized 180 days earlier failed to protect the recipient mice against a lethal infection. Our study demonstrated that although CD8+-T-cell immunity can be induced in the absence of conventional CD4+ T cells, it cannot be maintained without such cells.
Assessing similarity between cases by means of fuzzy rules

The concept of similarity plays a fundamental role in case-based reasoning. However, the meaning of “similarity” can vary in different situations and remains an issue. This paper proposes a novel similarity model consisting of fuzzy rules to represent the semantics and evaluation criteria for similarity. We believe that fuzzy if-then rules present a more powerful and flexible means to capture domain knowledge for utility oriented similarity modeling than traditional similarity measures based on feature weighting. Fuzzy rule-based reasoning is utilized as a case matching mechanism to determine whether and to which extent a known case in the case library is similar to a given problem in query. Further, we explain that such fuzzy rules for similarity assessment can be learned from the case library. The key to achieving this is pair-wise comparisons of cases with known solutions in the case library such that sufficient training samples can be derived for fuzzy rule learning. The evaluations conducted have shown that the proposed method yields more precise similarity values to approximate case utility than conventional ways of similarity modeling and that fuzzy similarity rules can be learned from a rather small case base without the risk of over-fitting.
Reexamining Rulemaking in an Era of Internet-Enabled Participation

Abstract Does the platform of rulemaking deliberation change the cast of characters participating in rulemaking exercises? Does an online environment affect what commenters say in their public comments? We assess whether the well-studied typology of rulemaking authored by William Gormley, almost 30 years ago, continues to predict who comes to the regulatory game and what they do on the field when that game is played online. Assessing five rulemaking exercised with over 100,000 comments submitted through regulations.gov during 2015 and 2016, we evaluate whether the typology of salience and complexity accurately forecasts the regulars and irregulars to the rulemaking game and whether the behavior of those irregulars continues to be unpredictable, but descriptively interesting. We find that participation content is altered by external groups’ efforts to manufacture salience of rulemaking actions.
Serological analysis of the subgroup protein of rotavirus, using monoclonal antibodies

Ten monoclones directed to the 42,000-dalton inner structural protein of rotavirus were analyzed. Eight monoclones reacted broadly with antigenic domains common to virtually all mammalian rotaviruses. Two monoclones had specificities similar or identical to previously characterized subgroup specificities. These subgroup monoclones were more efficient in detecting subgroup antigen than either hyperimmune or postinfection antisera. Using the subgroup monoclones, we determined that some animal as well as human rotavirus strains carry subgroup 2 specificity and that epizootic diarrhea of infant mice virus and turkey rotavirus are antigenically distinct from other mammalian rotavirus strains.
Tetracycline inhibits W7FW14F apomyoglobin fibril extension and keeps the amyloid protein in a prefibrillar, highly cytotoxic state

A significant number of fatal diseases are classified as protein deposition disorders, in which a normally soluble protein is deposited in an insoluble amyloid form. It has been reported that tetracycline exhibits anti‐amyloidogenic activity by inhibiting aggregate formation and disaggregating preformed fibrils. In this work, we examined the effect induced by the presence of tetracycline on the fibrillogenesis and cytotoxicity of the amyloid‐forming apomyoglobin mutant W7FW14F. Like other amyloid‐forming proteins, early prefibrillar aggregates formed by this protein are highly cytotoxic, whereas insoluble mature fibrils are not. The effect induced by tetracycline on the fibrillation process has been examined by atomic force microscopy, light scattering, DPH staining, and thioflavin T fluorescence. The cytotoxicity of the amyloid aggregates was estimated by measuring cell viability using MTT assay. The results show that tetracycline acts as anti‐aggregating agent, which inhibits the fibril elongation process but not the early aggregation steps leading to the formation of soluble oligomeric aggregates. Thus, this inhibition keeps the W7FW14F mutant in a prefibrillar, highly cytotoxic state. In this respect, a careful usage of tetracycline as fibril inhibitor is indicated.
RTM at SemEval-2017 Task 1: Referential Translation Machines for Predicting Semantic Similarity

We use referential translation machines for predicting the semantic similarity of text in all STS tasks which contain Arabic, English, Spanish, and Turkish this year. RTMs pioneer a language independent approach to semantic similarity and remove the need to access any task or domain specific information or resource. RTMs become 6th out of 52 submissions in Spanish to English STS. We average prediction scores using weights based on the training performance to improve the overall performance.
Enhancing performance and energy consumption of runtime schedulers for dense linear algebra

The road towards Exascale Computing requires a holistic effort to address three different challenges simultaneously: high performance, energy efficiency, and programmability. The use of runtime task schedulers to orchestrate parallel executions with minimal developer intervention has been introduced in recent years to tackle the programmability issue while maintaining, or even improving, performance. In this paper, we enhance the SuperMatrix runtime task scheduler integrated in the libflame library in two different directions that address high performance and energy efficiency. First, we extend the runtime by accommodating hybrid parallel executions and managing task priorities for dense linear algebra operations, with remarkable performance improvements. Second, we introduce techniques to reduce energy consumption during idle times inherent to parallel executions, attaining important energy savings. In addition, we propose a power consumption model that can be leveraged by runtime task schedulers to make decisions based not only on performance but also on energy considerations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recursive and Rolling Windows for Medical Time Series Forecasting: A Comparative Study

Medical data accuracy is crucial for providing reliable remote healthcare services for patients. To this end, data accuracy assessment mechanisms must be developed. Prediction algorithms may be used in order to address this issue. This paper extends previous studies by investigating the relevance of different statistical concepts in modeling and predicting the variance instability of medical data. Doing this, we refer to the standard auto-regressive model as a benchmark for prediction purpose and two competing specifications namely the rolling and the recursive windows. We evaluate their forecasting adequacy for medical time series in terms of prediction errors and the Theil Inequality Coefficient. Results show on the one hand that the rolling window concept seems to be an efficient technique for forecasting medical series with instability variances. On the other hand, the recursive window performs better when forecasting medical time series with constant variances.
Cyclosporin A Induces Peritoneal Fibrosis and Angiogenesis during Chronic Peritoneal Exposure to a Glucose-Based, Lactate-Buffered Dialysis Solution in the Rat

Background/Aims: Cyclosporin A (CsA) stimulates the development of fibrosis. We investigated whether CsA contributes to peritoneal alterations induced by long-term exposure to dialysis solutions. Methods: Ten rats received peritoneal infusion of dialysis solution and oral CsA for 8 weeks. Eight received only the dialysis solution (controls). Peritoneal function was assessed at 8 weeks followed by sacrifice. The number of vessels was counted, fibrosis was assessed and hydroxyproline was determined. PCR was performed for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Results: Histology revealed more fibrosis, hydroxyproline and vessels (thick walled) in CsA-exposed animals. Peritoneal transport was not different. The mRNA content of TGF-β, CTGF and VEGF was higher in CsA. Conclusion: CsA combined with exposure to dialysis solutions was associated with increased peritoneal fibrosis and angiogenesis.
A new measure for the assessment of visual awareness in individuals with tunnel vision

Individuals with a restricted peripheral visual field or tunnel vision (TV) have problems moving about and avoiding obstacles. Some individuals adapt better than others and some use assistive optical aids, so measurement of the visual field is not sufficient to describe their performance. In the present study, we developed a new clinical test called the ‘Assessment of Visual Awareness (AVA)’, which can be used to measure detection of peripheral targets.
Haplotype-based association of regulator of G-protein signaling 5 gene polymorphisms with essential hypertension and metabolic parameters in Chinese

Abstract Background: A recent genome-wide linkage study mapped blood pressure (BP)-related loci on human chromosome 1q and identified the regulator of G-protein signaling 5 (RGS5) as a candidate for regulation of BP. Thus, we assessed the relationship between RGS5 genetic polymorphisms and essential hypertension (EH) in Chinese. Methods: A total of 906 patients with EH and 894 age- and gender-matched normotensive (NT) controls were enrolled. Sixteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in RGS5 were genotyped. Results: There were no significant differences in the overall distributions of the genotypic and allelic frequencies for each SNPs between the two groups. However, in haplotype analysis, significant differences for the overall distributions were noted for four haplotypes constructed by five SNPs (rs12041294C/T, rs10917690A/G, rs10917695T/C, rs10917696T/C and rs2662774G/A), viz. H2 (C–A–C–T–A) (p=0.038), H5 (C–G–T–T–G) (p=0.001), H6 (T–G–C–T–A) (p=0.021) and H12 (T–A–T–T–G) (p=0.023). Serum concentrations of high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol showed significant associations with haplotypes revealed by a global test (p=0.0001 and 0.0309). Conclusions: Multiple SNPs in combination in RGS5 may confer risk for hypertension. Our results also lend support for the effect of RGS5 SNPs on lipid metabolism. Further studies are warranted to find the causal SNPs in RGS5 for EH. Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:1483–8.
Postpartum Mood Disorders and Thyroid Autoimmunity

Because of the rapid emotional and endocrine changes in the postpartum period (1), postpartum mood disorders represent the most frequent form of maternal psychiatric morbidity (2–4). Postpartum mood disorders vary from a mild form of transient depression (maternity blues) to full-blown postpartum depression and severe psychosis (5, 6). Postpartum depression affects 10–30% of women within 1 year after delivery (7), and its risk is measurable already at 3 (8) or 7 days (2) postpartum. This risk predicts depression development in the following months (9, 10). Thyroid function abnormalities exhibit comorbidity with various psychiatric disorders, including maternal depression. There are one-tenth of a million studies on mood disorders, but fewer than 5,000 (3.9% of almost 125,000) concern mood disorders in the postpartum period. Similarly, studies on autoimmune thyroid disease are almost 20,000, but only 72 (3.7% of 19,360) concern postpartum mood disorders and thyroid disorders, and merely 5 focus on postpartum mood disorders and thyroid autoimmunity. Thus, we hope that our opinion will stimulate interest.
Near field mm-wave imaging with multistatic sparse 2D-arrays

A near field application of multistatic 2D sparse arrays designed based on an effective aperture concept is presented. Several test arrays which utilize this concept are introduced along with simulation and measurement results for near field operation at 100 GHz. High reduction in the needed number of transmit and receive modules is verified along with the drawbacks in the image quality. Good agreement between measurements and simulations is demonstrated.
Comparison of array antenna designs for 77GHz radar Applications

In this paper, two types of microstrip array antenna for radars operating at 77 GHz are presented. The first type of array antenna is 10 × 4 elements rectangular patch array antenna with overall size of 20.43 mm × 7.83 mm. Unit element of this antenna type is a rectangular patch. Series-fed column of 10 unit elements are arranged into 10 × 4 arrays by implementing simple power divider structure. The second type of antenna is 12 × 4 elements leaf array antenna with overall size of 16.72 mm × 10.75 mm. Unit element of the second antenna type is a rectangular patch that is inclined 45° from the microstrip line axis. Twelve patches are arranged on both sides of the microstrip line and are connected directly at their corners. One additional patch at the end of the structure acts as a matching element. Array consisting of 12 × 4 unit elements are created by implementing simple power divider structure. Both types of antenna are combined with different types of waveguide-to-microstrip transition consist of two metal layers printed on a single dielectric substrate. The waveguide-to-microstrip transitions are fed by WR10 standard waveguide. The performances of both antennas are verified via simulations and measurements. The rectangular patch array antenna has 19.8 dB gain and 20° × 10° beam width at 77 GHz, while the leaf array antenna has 19.6 dB gain and 19° × 11.6° beam width at 77 GHz. Both types of antenna can be further developed as a reference for designing antenna for radar systems operating at higher frequencies, such as 94 GHz.
Toxoplasma gondii soluble antigen induces a subset of lipopolysaccharide-inducible genes and tyrosine phosphoproteins in peritoneal macrophages

Previous studies have shown that macrophages play an important role in both the initiation of protective responses and the effector mechanism of immunity to Toxoplasma gondii. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the responses of macrophages to a soluble antigen extract of T. gondii tachyzoites (STAg) in comparison with a prototypic macrophage-activating agent, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to determine whether STAg-induced signaling requires a functional Lps gene. Toward this end, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) secretion, a panel of six LPS-inducible genes, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation were examined to gain insights into macrophage responses to STAg. STAg stimulated both C3H/OuJ (Lpsn) and C3H/HeJ (Lpsd) macrophages to secrete bioactive TNF-alpha and to express a subset of LPS-inducible genes (encoding TNF-alpha, TNF receptor 2, and interleukin-1 beta). In contrast to LPS, STAg failed to stimulate Lpsn or Lpsd macrophages to express genes encoding IP-10, D3, or D8. STAg also induced a pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation identical to that induced by LPS; mitogen-activated protein kinase 47-kDa and 43-kDa isoforms and a 41-kDa protein of undetermined identity were inducibly phosphorylated. The ability of STAg to induce TNF-alpha, encoded by a subset of LPS-inducible genes, and tyrosine phosphoproteins was not affected by LPS inhibitors, confirming that the macrophage response to the parasite extract could not be attributed to LPS contamination. We propose that STAg, while differing from LPS in the pattern of macrophage genes induced, may share with LPS two signaling pathways that are intact in Lpsd macrophages.
v 1 12 O ct 2 00 5 Random Lindblad equations from complex environments

In this paper we demonstrate that Lindblad equations characterized by a random rate variable arise after tracing out a complex structured reservoir. Our results follows from a generalization of the Born-Markov approximation, which relies in the possibility of splitting the complex environment in a direct sum of sub-reservoirs, each one being able to induce by itself a Markovian system evolution. Strong non-Markovian effects, which microscopically originate from the entanglement with the different sub-reservoirs, characterize the average system decay dynamics. As an example, we study the anomalous irreversible behavior of a quantum tunneling system described in an effective two level approximation. Stretched exponential and power law decay behaviors arise from the interplay between the dissipative and unitary hopping dynamics.
Structural oscillatority analysis of Boolean networks

Boolean networks are system models where binary-state nodes are interconnected and the dynamics of each node is described by Boolean functions. A number of studies have been conducted so far, while it is usually assumed that the full information of the target system is available in analysis and design. Meanwhile, this paper addresses a structural analysis problem of Boolean networks, i.e., where the information on the network structure is available but that on the node dynamics is unavailable. In particular, we consider here the oscillatority (instability) and present a necessary and sufficient condition for Boolean networks with a flower-shaped network structure to be structurally-oscillatory.