Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gastro-Intestinal Parasites of Red-Fronted Lemurs in Kirindy Forest, Western Madagascar

Abstract Although parasites are important regulatory factors in animal populations, basic knowledge on their fauna in many vertebrate taxa is lacking. In particular, parasite infections of primate species have gained little attention. Here, I present data on the gastro-intestinal fauna of a population of wild red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur fulvus rufus; Primates: Lemuriformes) monitored over a total of 8 mo during 2 consecutive field seasons in 2006 and 2007 in Kirindy Forest, western Madagascar. Using fecal samples for parasite analyses, I identified 10 parasite species, including 6 nematodes (Lemuricola vauceli, Trichuris sp., 2 species of Callistoura, 1 trichostrongylid, and 1 strongyloid), 1 anoplocephalid cestode, a dicrocoeliid trematode, as well as 2 protozoans (Entamoeba sp. and Balantidium coli). The population in Kirindy Forest had the highest prevalence and number of parasite species ever recorded for species of lemurs. Additionally, prevalence of some parasite species differed between the social groups studied. These findings lead to 2 conclusions. First, it is important to extend a parasitological study to several social groups of a host population, since groups may differ in parasite fauna as a result of minor microclimatic or habitat parameters, and, second, short-term assessments of lemur health might underestimate the real parasite burden.
The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing battery and traditional neuropsychological measures: A construct and concurrent validity study

Primary objective: This study examined the construct and concurrent validity of ImPACT, a computerized neuropsychological test battery used for evaluating sports-related concussion. Research design: Approximately 100 neurologically intact undergraduates completed ImPACT and a battery of traditional neuropsychological tests utilized by the National Football League (NFL). Methods and procedures: Participants completed the two batteries in a counterbalanced order. Factor analyses examined the component structure of ImPACT and the NFL battery's factor structure. Correlational analyses assessed relationships among variables within and across the two batteries. Main results: A four-factor solution explaining 70% of variance was found with the NFL battery, including general memory, mental processing speed, verbal memory and processing speed and auditory and verbal working memory. A five-factor solution explaining 69% of variance was found with the ImPACT battery, with components assessing forced choice efficiency, verbal and visual memory, inhibitory cognitive abilities, visual processing abilities with a memory component and a factor with a single loading from Colour Match Total Commissions. Correlations revealed a range of significant and non-significant correlations between the two batteries. Conclusions: While both batteries overlap regarding their assessed constructs (e.g. memory, inhibitory cognitive abilities) notable differences in their factor structures were present as well.
Lack of T cells in Act1‐deficient mice results in elevated IgM‐specific autoantibodies but reduced lupus‐like disease

Act1 is a negative regulator of B‐cell activation factor of the TNF family (BAFF) and CD40L‐induced signaling. BALB/C mice lacking Act1 develop systemic autoimmunity resembling systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome (SjS). SLE and SjS are characterized by anti‐nuclear IgG autoantibody (ANA‐IgG) production and inflammation of peripheral tissues. As autoantibody production can occur in a T‐cell dependent or T‐cell independent manner, we investigated the role of T‐cell help during Act1‐mediated autoimmunity. Act1‐deficiency was bred onto C57Bl/6 (B6.Act1−/−) mice and B6. TCRβ−/−TCRδ−/−Act1−/− (TKO) mice were generated. While TCRβ/δ‐sufficient B6.Act1−/− mice developed splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy, hypergammaglobulinemia, elevated levels of ANA‐IgG, and kidney pathology, TKO mice failed to develop any such signs of disease. Neither B6.Act1−/− nor TKO mice developed SjS‐like disease, suggesting that epigenetic interactions on the BALB/C background are responsible for this phenotype in BALB/C.Act1−/− mice. Interestingly, BAFF‐driven transitional B‐cell abnormalities, previously reported in BALB/C.Act1−/− mice, were intact in B6.Act1−/− mice and largely independent of T cells. In conclusion, T cells are necessary for the development of SLE‐like disease in B6.Act1−/− mice, but not BAFF‐driven transitional B‐cell differentiation.
Rhinoviruses replicate effectively at lower airway temperatures

Rhinoviruses are epidemiologically connected to the majority of acute asthma exacerbations; however, their ability to infect and replicate in the lower airways is disputed. A frequent argument against this possibility involves the temperature preference for rhinovirus replication, generally accepted to be 33°C, the temperature of the nasal passages. However, this argument is based on studies with a single rhinovirus serotype. In this study, differences in temperature preferences were evaluated between several serotypes and relative titers were determined than can be achieved at upper and lower airway temperatures. Rhinovirus serotypes 1b, 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 41, and 70 were titrated in Ohio‐HeLa cell cultures at either 33°C or 37°C. Possible selection by culture temperature was examined by continuous culture at 33°C and 37°C for 2–4 passages and subsequent titration at both temperatures. Finally, nasal aspirate samples derived from patients with wild‐type rhinoviral common colds were cultured at 33°C and 37°C and RT‐PCR was used to assess rhinovirus replication at each temperature. The majority of the serotypes and wild‐type viruses replicated slightly better at 33°C than at 37°C. However, titers achieved after one or more replicative cycles at 37°C were still high enough to initiate infection. Furthermore, in some instances equal or even better replication was observed at 37°C. It is concluded that temperature preferences may vary between rhinoviruses and are not likely to be a prohibitive factor for infection of the lower airways. J. Med. Virol. 58:100–104, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of via stubs on the TRL calibration technique for measurement of embedded multilayer structures

In this paper the effect of access via stubs on the Thru-Reflect-Line (TRL) calibration for deembedding of multilayer printed circuit board structures is analyzed. For this purpose a dedicated calibration board with single ended TRL standards containing broadband signal launches for measurement of embedded (internal) printed circuit board (PCB) structures such as striplines and vias (plated through holes) was designed. First results from the extracted signal launch S-parameters in the bandwidth from 40 MHz to 40 GHz using two-tier calibration techniques are shown and corroborated using full-wave 3-D FEM solver models. It was found that the access via stubs represent highly resonant structures that act as short circuits at their quarter wavelength frequency (and odd multiples thereof). As a consequence the TRL algorithm fails at these frequencies and the calibration cannot be accomplished. Several mitigation strategies like using a recessed probing or backdrilling are discussed and their extension of calibration bandwidth is quantified.
Can NK cells be a therapeutic target in human diseases?

Our current knowledge of NK‐cell recognition and effector function suggests that it will be possible to design various new NK‐cell‐based immunotherapies against human cancer. The application of NK cells is already showing promise using HLA‐mismatched haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for treatment of haematological malignancies. A better understanding of NK‐cell heterogeneity and function will only broaden the applications for human cancer. Here we review the key developments that will propel this field.
Network Flow Watermarking: A Survey

Traffic analysis (TA) is a useful tool aimed at understanding network traffic behavior. Basic network administration often takes advantage of TA for purposes such as security, intrusion detection, traffic shaping and policing, diagnostic monitoring, provisioning, and resource management. Network flow watermarking is a type of TA in which packet features of selected flows are manipulated in order to add a specific pattern easily identifiable when the watermarked flows cross an observation point. While passive TA has been extensively studied with hundreds of papers found in the literature, active TA, and more specifically network flow watermarking, has only recently attracted attention. Enforced robustness against traffic perturbations due to either natural network noise or attacks against passive TA have enhanced the appeal of this technique. The contribution of this paper is a thorough review of the main watermarking algorithms implemented for traffic analysis purposes. We present an overview of the motivations and the objectives that have led to the use of network flow watermarking. We also describe the general architecture of a watermarking system. In addition, we impose clarity and order in this branch of TA by providing a taxonomy of the algorithms proposed in the literature over the years, and categorize and present them based on carrier, visibility, and robustness.
Multiple Kv Channel-interacting Proteins Contain an N-terminal Transmembrane Domain That Regulates Kv4 Channel Trafficking and Gating*

Kv channel-interacting proteins (KChIPs) are auxiliary subunits of the heteromultimeric channel complexes that underlie neuronal ISA, the subthreshold transient K+ current that dynamically regulates membrane excitability, action potential firing properties, and long term potentiation. KChIPs form cytoplasmic associations with the principal pore-forming Kv4 subunits and typically mediate enhanced surface expression and accelerated recovery from depolarization-induced inactivation. An exception is KChIP4a, which dramatically suppresses Kv4 inactivation while promoting neither surface expression nor recovery. These unusual properties are attributed to the effects of a K channel inactivation suppressor domain (KISD) encoded within the variable N terminus of KChIP4a. Here, we have functionally and biochemically characterized two brain KChIP isoforms, KChIP2x and KChIP3x (also known as KChIP3b) and show that they also contain a functional KISD. Like KChIP4a and in contrast with non-KISD-containing KChIPs, both KChIP2x and KChIP3x strongly suppress inactivation and slow activation and inhibit the typical increases in surface expression of Kv4.2 channels. We then examined the properties of the KISD to determine potential mechanisms for its action. Subcellular fractionation shows that KChIP4a, KChIP2x, and KChIP3x are highly associated with the membrane fraction. Fluorescent confocal imaging of enhanced green fluorescent proteins (eGFP) N-terminally fused with KISD in HEK293T cells indicates that KISDs of KChIP4a, KChIP2x, and KChIP3x all autonomously target eGFP to intracellular membranes. Cell surface biotinylation experiments on KChIP4a indicate that the N terminus is exposed extracellularly, consistent with a transmembrane KISD. In summary, KChIP4a, KChIP2x, and KChIP3x comprise a novel class of KChIP isoforms characterized by an unusual transmembrane domain at their N termini that modulates Kv4 channel gating and trafficking.
A role for β2 integrins (CD11/CD18) in the regulation of cytokine gene expression of polymorphonuclear neutrophils during the inflammatory response

Growing evidence supports the idea that adhesion via β2 integrins not only allows cellular targeting, but also induces intracellular signaling, which in turn activates functional responses of adherent cells. This study investigates whether β2 integrin‐mediated adhesion of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) has a functional impact on cytokine production. Aggregation of the β2 integrin Mac‐1 (CD11b/CD18) by antibody cross‐linking was found to induce substantial de novo synthesis of IL‐8 mRNA as measured by semiquantitative RT‐PCR and Northern blotting technique, respectively. Induction of IL‐8 mRNA was also observed upon adhesion of PMN to immobilized fibrinogen, a functional equivalent of its clotting product fibrin that serves as a native ligand of Mac‐1. Results were confirmed using PMN derived from CD18‐deficient mice, which were unable to produce MIP‐2 mRNA, a homologue of human IL‐8, in the presence of immobilized fibrinogen. In contrast, a substantial increase of MIP‐2 mRNA was observed when wild‐type PMN were incubated on immobilized fibrinogen. In human PMN, ELISA technique showed that the gene activation that required tyrosine kinase activity resulted in a substantial production and secretion of biologically active IL‐8 and IL‐1β. In contrast, no TNF‐α or IL‐6 production was found, revealing that β2 integrins mediate differential expression of proinflammatory cytokines. The biological relevance of the present findings was confirmed in an in vivo model of acute inflammation. Altogether, the present findings provide evidence for a functional link between clotting and inflammatory responses that may contribute to the recruitment and/or activation of PMN and other cells at sites of lesion. —Walzog, B. , Weinmann, P., Jeblonski, F. , Scharffetter‐Kochanek, K. , Bommert, K. , Gaehtgens, P. A role for β2 integrins (CD11/CD18) in the regulation of cytokine gene expression of polymorphonuclear neutrophils during the inflammatory response. FASEB J. 13, 1855–1865 (1999)
Genome-Wide Epigenetic Regulation of Gene Transcription in Maize Seeds

Background Epigenetic regulation is well recognized for its importance in gene expression in organisms. DNA methylation, an important epigenetic mark, has received enormous attention in recent years as it’s a key player in many biological processes. It remains unclear how DNA methylation contributes to gene transcription regulation in maize seeds. Here, we take advantage of recent technologies to examine the genome-wide association of DNA methylation with transcription of four types of DNA sequences, including protein-coding genes, pseudogenes, transposable elements, and repeats in maize embryo and endosperm, respectively. Results The methylation in CG, CHG and CHH contexts plays different roles in the control of gene expression. Methylation around the transcription start sites and transcription stop regions of protein-coding genes is negatively correlated, but in gene bodies positively correlated, to gene expression level. The upstream regions of protein-coding genes are enriched with 24-nt siRNAs and contain high levels of CHH methylation, which is correlated to gene expression level. The analysis of sequence content within CG, CHG, or CHH contexts reveals that only CHH methylation is affected by its local sequences, which is different from Arabidopsis. Conclusions In summary, we conclude that methylation-regulated transcription varies with the types of DNA sequences, sequence contexts or parts of a specific gene in maize seeds and differs from that in other plant species. Our study helps people better understand from a genome-wide viewpoint that how transcriptional expression is controlled by DNA methylation, one of the important factors influencing transcription, and how the methylation is associated with small RNAs.
Small doses of remifentanil or sufentanil for blunting cardiovascular changes induced by tracheal intubation: a double-blind comparison

Background and objective To compare the effects on cardiovascular changes induced by tracheal intubation when small doses of either remifentanil or sufentanil are used in the presence of midazolam. Methods Thirty normotensive, ASA physical status I–II patients, receiving general anaesthesia for major abdominal surgery, received an intravenous midazolam premedication (0.05 mg kg−1) 10 min before induction. They were randomly allocated to receive in a double-blind fashion an intravenous bolus of either (a) remifentanil given as a bolus dose 1 µg kg−1 (n = 15), or else (b) sufentanil 0.1 µg kg−1 infused over 60 s (n = 15). In each instance this loading dose was followed by a continuous intravenous infusion (0.1 µg kg−1 min−1 or 0.01 µg kg−1 min−1 of remifentanil or sufentanil, respectively). General anaesthesia was induced with propofol (2 mg kg−1), followed by atracurium besilate (0.5 mg kg−1) to facilitate tracheal intubation. Following intubation, the lungs were mechanically ventilated with a 60% nitrous oxide in oxygen mixture and a 1% inspired sevoflurane. Results Arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded before induction of anaesthesia (baseline), immediately before intubation, immediately after tracheal intubation and every minute for the first five minutes thereafter. No differences in systolic and diastolic arterial pressures were observed between the two groups. At the end of the study period, systolic and diastolic pressures slightly decreased from preinduction values in both groups. Four patients in the remifentanil group (26%) and five patients in sufentanil group (33%) showed at least one systolic pressure value < 90 mmHg during the study period (P = not significant); however, the observed decreases in systolic pressure were transient and did not require treatment. Heart rate values were not affected by tracheal intubation in either group. Conclusions In healthy normotensive patients without cardiovascular disease the use of a relatively small dose of either remifentanil or sufentanil after standard midazolam premedication results in a similar and clinically acceptable effectiveness in blunting the cardiovascular changes induced by tracheal intubation.
Association between parents' PTSD severity and children's psychological distress: a meta-analysis.

The authors conducted a meta-analysis of studies on the correlation between parents' PTSD symptom severity and children's psychological status. An extensive search of the literature yielded 550 studies that were screened for inclusion criteria (i.e., parent assessed for PTSD, child assessed for distress or behavioral problems, associations between parent PTSD and child status examined). Sixty-two studies were further reviewed, resulting in a final sample of 42 studies. Results yielded a moderate overall effect size r = . 35. The authors compared effect sizes for studies where only the parent was exposed to a potentially traumatic event to studies where both parents and children were exposed. A series of moderators related to sample characteristics (sex of parent, type of traumatic event) and study methods (self-report vs. diagnostic interview, type of child assessment administered) were also evaluated. The only significant moderator was type of trauma; the effect size was larger for studies with parent-child dyads who were both exposed to interpersonal trauma (r = .46) than for combat veterans and their children (r = .27) and civilian parent-child dyads who were both exposed to war (r = .25). Results support the importance of considering the family context of trauma survivors and highlight areas for future research.
Improved correction of spatial inhomogeneities of surface coils in quantitative analysis of first‐pass myocardial perfusion imaging

To test whether image normalization using either a separate 3D proton‐density (PD)‐weighted prescan, or 2D PD‐weighted images prior to the perfusion series, improves correction of differences in spatial sensitivity induced by radiofrequency (RF) surface receiver coils. Originally, this correction was applied using the baseline signal in the myocardium before arrival of the contrast agent. This is of importance, as quantitative analysis of magnetic resonance (MR) myocardial perfusion using deconvolution with the arterial input assumes equal signal sensitivity over the heart.
Abnormal event detection in crowded scenarios

This paper proposes an autonomous video surveillance system which analyzes footages of extremely crowded scenes and detects abnormal events in the context of that particular scene. The model analyzes the local spatial-temporal motion pattern and detects abnormal motion variations and sudden changes and it can be divided into two major parts, selecting a set of Points of Interest (POI) from given frames and tracking them across multiple frames and dividing the input video frame in a number of cubes and track the motion patterns in each of the cubes for spatial-temporal statistical deviations. To evaluate the performance of proposed model we utilize several datasets and compare the acquired results of the proposed model with various state-of-the art models. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms the other models by exhibiting an average of 96.12% accuracy using Convolutional Neural Network.
MRAS-based sensorless control of a five-phase induction motor drive with a predictive adaptive model

Multi-phase ac motor drives are nowadays considered for various applications, due to numerous advantages that they offer when compared to their three-phase counterparts. Variable speed induction motor drives without mechanical speed sensors at the motor shaft have the attractions of low cost and high reliability. This paper analyses operation of a Model Reference Adaptive System (MRAS)-based sensorless control of vector controlled five-phase induction machine. A linear neural network is designed and trained online by means of back propagation network (BPN) algorithm. Moreover, the neural adaptive model is employed here in prediction mode and in simulation mode. The ANN-MRAS-based sensorless operation of a three-phase induction machine is well established and the same principle is extended in this paper for a five-phase induction machine. Performance, obtainable with hysteresis current control, is illustrated for a number of operating conditions on the basis of simulation results. The results obtained with prediction and simulation mode are compared on the basis of various parameters. Full decoupling of rotor flux control and torque control is realised in both predictive and simulation mode. However, predictive method is shown to provide better dynamics.
Fibrocytes Differ from Macrophages but Can Be Infected with HIV-1

Fibrocytes (fibroblastic leukocytes) are recently identified as unique hematopoietic cells with features of both macrophages and fibroblasts. Fibrocytes are known to contribute to the remodeling or fibrosis of various injured tissues. However, their role in viral infection is not fully understood. In this study, we show that differentiated fibrocytes are phenotypically distinguishable from macrophages but can be infected with HIV-1. Importantly, fibrocytes exhibited persistently infected cell-like phenotypes, the degree of which was more apparent than macrophages. The infected fibrocytes produced replication-competent HIV-1, but expressed HIV-1 mRNA at low levels and strongly resisted HIV-1–induced cell death, which enabled them to support an extremely long-term HIV-1 production at low but steady levels. More importantly, our results suggested that fibrocytes were susceptible to HIV-1 regardless of their differentiation state, in contrast to the fact that monocytes become susceptible to HIV-1 after the differentiation into macrophages. Our findings indicate that fibrocytes are the previously unreported HIV-1 host cells, and they suggest the importance of considering fibrocytes as one of the long-lived persistently infected cells for curing HIV-1.