Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IL-13 Production by Regulatory T Cells Protects against Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Independently of Autoantigen1

Treatment with an anti-inflammatory Salmonella vaccine expressing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli colonization factor Ag 1 (CFA/I) proved effective in stimulating protective, potent CD25+CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells in susceptible mice challenged with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Because the Salmonella vector was considerably less protective, we questioned whether altering fimbrial subunit expression to resemble conventional Salmonella expression may impact Treg cell potency. The Salmonella-CFA/I vaccine was modified to limit fimbrial subunit expression to the intracellular compartment (Salmonella-CFA/IIC). SJL mice were challenged with proteolipid protein peptide 139–151 to induce EAE and orally treated with one of three Salmonella vaccines 6 days postchallenge. Treatment with Salmonella-CFA/IIC greatly reduced clinical disease, similarly as Salmonella-CFA/I, by subduing IL-17 and IL-21; however, mechanisms of protection differed as evident by increased IL-13 and IFN-γ but diminished TGF-β production by Treg cells from Salmonella-CFA/IIC-treated mice. Adoptive transfer of Treg cells from both CFA/I-expressing constructs was equivalent in protecting against EAE, showing minimal disease. Although not as potent in its protection, CD25−CD4+ T cells from Salmonella-CFA/IIC showed minimal Th2 cells, but vaccination did prime these Th2 cells rendering partial protection against EAE challenge. In vivo IL-13 but not IFN-γ neutralization compromised protection conferred by adoptive transfer with Salmonella-CFA/IIC-induced Treg cells. Thus, the Salmonella-CFA/IIC vaccine elicits Treg cells with attributes from both the Salmonella vector and Salmonella-CFA/I vaccines. Importantly, these Treg cells can be induced to high potency by simply vaccinating against irrelevant Ags, offering a novel approach to treat autoimmune diseases independently of the autoantigen.
Sporadic Pick's disease: A tauopathy characterized by a spectrum of pathological τ isoforms in gray and white matter

Pick's disease is characterized neuropathologically by distinct τ‐immunoreactive intraneuronal inclusions known as Pick bodies and by insoluble τ proteins with predominantly three microtubule‐binding repeat τ isoforms. However, recent immunohistochemical studies showed that the antibody specific for exon 10, which encodes the fourth microtubule‐binding repeat, detected other τ lesions in Pick's disease. To better define the spectrum of τ pathology in Pick's disease, we used biochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural techniques to analyze the τ isoform composition in 14 Pick's disease brains. Western blot analysis showed that both three and four microtubule‐binding repeat pathological τ isoforms are present in gray and white matter of various brain regions. Using phosphorylation‐dependent anti‐τ antibodies, we show that major τ phosphoepitopes are present in sarcosyl‐insoluble gray and white matter regions of Pick's disease brains. Also, for the first time to our knowledge, we demonstrated that isoforms with four microtubule‐binding repeat τ isoforms are present in Pick bodies from selected brains. Isolated τ filaments were straight or twisted and formed by three microtubule‐binding repeat or four microtubule‐binding repeat τ isoforms. Major τ phosphorylation–dependent and exon 10–specific epitopes were present in filaments. Therefore, Pick's disease is characterized by an accumulations of Pick bodies in the hippocampal region and cortex as well as the presence of three and four microtubule‐binding repeat τ pathology in both cortical gray and white matter that distinguish this tauopathy from other neurodegenerative disorders.
Anaerobic Biodegradation of Methyl tert‐Butyl Ether Under Iron‐Reducing Conditions in Batch and Continuous‐Flow Cultures

The feasibility of biodegradation of the fuel oxygenate methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) under iron‐reducing conditions was explored in batch and continuous‐flow systems. A porous pot completely‐mixed reactor was seeded with diverse cultures and operated under iron‐reducing conditions. For batch studies, culture from the reactor was transferred anaerobically to serum bottles containing either MTBE alone or MTBE with ethanol (EtOH) and excess electron acceptor. In the continuous‐flow reactor, MTBE conversion to tert‐butyl alcohol (TBA) was observed after 181 days of operation, and stable removal was achieved throughout the remainder of the study. Simultaneously, both the MTBE only and the MTBE and EtOH iron‐reducing batch serum bottles also began to degrade MTBE. Bottles were respiked and the degradation rate was determined to be 2.36 ± 0.10 × 10−4 mmol MTBE/min‐kgVSS. The EtOH present with MTBE degraded faster (7.76 ± 0.08 × 10−3 mmol EtOH/min‐kg VSS) but did not have a noticeable effect on the rate of MTBE degradation. No evidence of TBA degradation was observed by the iron‐reducing cultures. Stoichiometry of iron utilization was determined from the iron balance of the continuous‐flow reactor, and it was found that the bulk of the electron acceptor was required for energy and maintenance with little remaining for cell synthesis. This is consistent with a yield coefficient of less than 0.1. Molecular analysis of the iron‐reducing culture by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis indicated that uncultured strains of δ‐Proteobacteria were dominant in the reactor.
Maximum power point tracking of grid connected photovoltaic system employing model predictive control

This paper presents a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique using model predictive control (MPC) for single phase grid connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. The technique exhibits fast convergence, which is ideal for rapidly varying environmental conditions such as changing temperature or insolation or changes in morphology of the PV array itself. The maximum power of PV system is tracked by a high gain DCDC converter and feeds to the grid through a seven-level inverter. Considering the stochastic behavior of the solar energy resources and the low conversion efficiency of PV cells, operation at the maximum possible power point is necessary to make the system economical. The main contribution of this paper is the development of incremental conductance (INC) method using two-step model predictive control. The multilevel inverter controller is based on fixed step current predictive control with small ripples and low total harmonic distortion (THD). The proposed MPC method for the grid connected PV system speeds up the control loop by sampling and predicting the error two steps before the switching signal is applied. As a result, more energy will be captured from the PV system and injected into grid particularly during partially cloudy sky. A comparison of the developed MPPT technique to the conventional INC method shows significant improvement in dynamic performance of the PV system. Implementation of the proposed predictive control is presented using the dSPACE DS1103.
Optimized Braking Torque Generation Capacity of an Eddy Current Brake With the Application of Time-Varying Magnetic Fields

Unlike conventional hydraulic brakes (CHBs), eddy-current brakes (ECBs) are electrically controlled and noncontact-type actuators. Having such advantages makes ECBs a potential alternative to the conventional systems used in vehicles. However, the braking torque generation of ECBs at low speed is insufficient to stop the vehicle. Thus, such brakes are used for assistive braking. Our previous study showed that braking torque increases with an ac field application compared with the torque generated with a dc field application. To increase the braking torque generation to realize a stand-alone ECB, the braking torque generation of the ECB is optimized, using a stochastic search algorithm, with the consideration of comfort and skin effects, as well as geometric and field-dependent factors. The results show that the application of an ac field with varying frequency on a configuration with multiple pole projection areas (PPAs) results in a significant increase in the braking torque compared with the dc field application, and such optimum ECB configuration can generate a sufficient amount of braking torque comparable with those generated by CHBs.
Compare the performance analysis for FFT based MIMO-OFDM with DWT based MIMO-OFDM

In that paper examines the enactment of ripple (otherwise called as wavelet) based Multi-user MIMO OFDM systems and also compare with the performance of FFT based MIMO OFDM. Wavelet based OFDM has lot of advantages compare to the FFT based OFDM. There is no need for cyclic prefix, flexibility and optimal resolution. Wavelets want existed suitably in almost absolutely the arenas of wireless communication schemes with OFDM which is a durable applicant for next peers of wireless scheme. That is third generation of partnerships project (3GPP) networks. Simulation created examination will be jumble-sale to simulate the double multicarrier schemes, DWT with Haar mother constructed multicarrier in addition the predictable OFDM, less than the consequence of taking multiple antennas scheme, by BPSK also QPSK as dual modulation schemes in additive white Gaussian noise channel (AWGN). Established on the bit error rate presentation to the transmission ability, the DWT constructed multicarrier scheme was establish to be higher to the predictable OFDM scheme.
Variability versus Continuity: Student Teachers' Perceptions of Two University Supervision Formats.

The aspects that make up the student teaching experience, from site placement to feedback received from site and university supervisors, are each influential on the quality of the student teaching experience. Whether made consciously or unconsciously, university supervisors must decide whether to allocate observations by student, wherein each supervisor meets with a small set of student teachers multiple times, or by visit, wherein each supervisor meets with every student teacher one time. This qualitative study explored student teachers’ perceptions after being observed using one of the two aforementioned formats. Student teachers valued time with their university supervisors, reporting a desire for more time under observation and for discussion and feedback. They also appreciated the variability in feedback supplied by multiple supervisors, but desired continuity in feedback found with a single supervisor. Recommendations, including several potential observation formats, are offered to assist university supervisors in maximizing their time with student teachers while meeting the student teachers’ conflicting needs of both variability and continuity in feedback.
A modified transformer-type fault current limiter for enhancement fault ride-through capability of fixed speed-based wind power plants

The interaction between wind power plants (WPPs) and grid, results in increasing short circuit level and decreasing low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability problems during fault condition. In this paper, the transformer-type fault current limiter (TFCL) based on the DC reactor is used for solving these problems. The proposed TFCL is based on the conventional TFCL in which the superconducting element is replaced by a bridge circuit and DC reactor. The WPP model is based on equivalent aggregated fixed-speed squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG). The PSCAD/EMTDC simulation results show that the proposed TFCL is an effective and novel solution for improving LVRT capability and limitation of short circuit contribution of WPP in power systems.
Hypercortisolemic Depression Is Associated With Increased Intra-Abdominal Fat

Objective Similar to patients with a metabolic syndrome, patients with major depression are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disorders. Interestingly, both disorders share a specific endocrine syndrome that promotes the accumulation of visceral fat, which again is considered a marker of increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Methods Intra-abdominal fat was measured in 22 postmenopausal depressed women and 23 age-matched healthy women by computer tomography at the level of lumbar vertebrae 1 (L1) and 4 (L4). Saliva was taken in patients and control subjects at 08:00 hours over a period of 7 drug-free days for the measurement of free cortisol. In patients only we performed an oral glucose tolerance test. Results Compared with control subjects, depressed patients with elevated free cortisol concentrations showed similar visceral fat depots at L1 (113.0 ± 41.6 vs. 94.3 ± 53.2 cm2). Hypercortisolemic depressed patients also showed greater fat depots in this area (74.5 ± 55.5 cm2, p = .04) than the normocortisolemic patients. However, a comparison of all patients with control subjects revealed no difference in fat accumulation at either L1 or L4. Finally, glucose concentrations during the glucose tolerance test were higher in hypercortisolemic than in normocortisolemic patients, whereas their insulin levels showed only a tendency toward being increased. Conclusions Hypercortisolemic depressed patients suffer from resistance to insulin and increased visceral fat. The fact that hypercortisolemia reverses depression-related fat loss, particularly in the visceral area, might partially explain why major depression can be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders.
Linear Structural Analysis of Media Management Administration, Innovation and Early Childhood Creative Technology Under the Office of the Basic Education Commission in Thailand

Abstract The promotion of technological prowess in children at an early age is integral to their creative development and future success. This research studied the relationship between media management administration, innovation, and early childhood creative technology in schools under the Office of the Basic Education Commission in Thailand to validate and confirm the linear relationship between flexibility, motivation, imagination, use of new approaches to problem solving, and vision. Questionnaires from respondents showed that the consistency was between 0.60-1.00, with a reliability of 0.890. Data were analyzed using mean standard deviation, and linear structural analysis and compliance with empirical data was checked based on the harmony index which was then compared to applicable criteria. The major findings show that the composition is in line with the empirical data and demonstrated linear structural relationships between the components of media management administration, innovation and early childhood creative technology.
Director Connectedness: Monitoring Efficacy and Career Prospects

We examine the effect of social connectedness of independent, non-co-opted audit committee directors, focusing on their ability to prevent corporate misconduct. We posit that directors with greater connectedness in the social network are better shielded from career concerns, suggesting that they have greater incentives to monitor. We find that 1) conditional on detected misconduct, well-connected directors have greater protection from labor market repercussions than less-connected directors; 2) audit committee connectedness has a positive effect on the quality of financial reporting; and 3) market reactions to the sudden loss of a highly connected director is significantly more negative than for less connected directors. Our results are robust to multiple approaches to mitigate endogeneity. Overall, well-connected boards appear to be effective in promoting shareholders’ interests.
THE EVOLVING GENETIC HISTORY OF A POPULATION OF LATHYRUS SYLVESTRIS: EVIDENCE FROM TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL GENETIC STRUCTURE

We analyze patterns of genetic microdifferentiation within a natural population of Lathyrus sylvestris, a perennial herb with both sexual reproduction and clonal growth. In a population from the northern foothills of the Pyrénées in southwestern France, a combined demographic and genetic investigation enabled the study not only of spatial genetic structure of the population, but also of the history of the population's spatial genetic structure over time. Excavation of all individuals allowed identification of clonemates. Age of each individual was determined by counting annual growth rings in the taproot, a method tested with individuals of known age planted in experimental gardens. Each individual was mapped, and genotypes of all individuals were determined using allozyme markers for a number of polymorphic loci. Distribution patterns and spatial genetic structure, both for all individuals and for different age classes, were analyzed using spatial autocorrelation statistics (Geary's Index, Moran's Index). Patterns of gene flow within the population were also studied using F‐statistics and tests for random associations of alleles. Because age, allele frequencies, and location were known for each individual, it was possible to study how spatial genetic structure changed over time. Results from all these diverse approaches are consistent with one another, and clearly show the following: (1) founder effects, with the study transect being first colonized by individuals at either end of the transect that were homozygous for different alleles at one marker locus; (2) a difference in spatial distribution of individuals originated from sexual reproduction (seedlings) and from clonal growth (connected individuals); (3) restricted gene flow, due to inbreeding among related, clumped individuals; and (4) increase in heterozygote deficit within the youngest cohort of individuals. The results indicate that genetic differentiation in time was much less marked than differentiation in space. Nevertheless, the results revealed that the studied population is experiencing demographic and genetic variation in time, suggesting that it is not at equilibrium. On the one hand, spatial structuring is becoming less marked due to the recombination of founder genotypes; on the other hand, as establishment of new individuals increases, a new spatial structure emerges due to mating between relatives.
Family Firms and the Choice Between Wholly Owned Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures: A Transaction Costs Perspective

We examine the effects of family control on entry mode choice by integrating Transaction Costs Economics with the family business literature. Using a dataset of 951 foreign investments, we investigate the role of family involvement on entry modes. After controlling for endogeneity, we find that if both the investing and the local firm are family firms, forming a joint venture is preferred, while if only the investing firm is a family firm, a wholly owned subsidiary is more likely. Results show that family control has an important impact on entry modes, an hypothesis that has not yet been fully explored.
Zero-Shot Classification with Discriminative Semantic Representation Learning

Zero-shot learning, a special case of unsupervised domain adaptation where the source and target domains have disjoint label spaces, has become increasingly popular in the computer vision community. In this paper, we propose a novel zero-shot learning method based on discriminative sparse non-negative matrix factorization. The proposed approach aims to identify a set of common high-level semantic components across the two domains via non-negative sparse matrix factorization, while enforcing the representation vectors of the images in this common component-based space to be discriminatively aligned with the attribute-based label representation vectors. To fully exploit the aligned semantic information contained in the learned representation vectors of the instances, we develop a label propagation based testing procedure to classify the unlabeled instances from the unseen classes in the target domain. We conduct experiments on four standard zero-shot learning image datasets, by comparing the proposed approach to the state-of-the-art zero-shot learning methods. The empirical results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Phylogenetic relationships of the Papuan Swiftlet Aerodramus papuensis and implications for the evolution of avian echolocation

The swiftlets (genera Aerodramus , Collocalia and Hydrochous ) are unusual among birds in that many species can orientate in complete darkness using echolocation. The position of the Papuan Swiftlet Aerodramus papuensis in this group has been uncertain historically, in part due to morphological differences between it and other swiftlets (it has three toes instead of the usual four) and a lack of data on its behaviour (there is uncertainty about whether it echolocates). Here we investigate the phylogenetic affinities of the Papuan Swiftlet using DNA sequence data from two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome b and ND2. We present evidence that it is able to echolocate but, unlike previously studied species that use echolocation primarily while flying in caves, A. papuensis uses this ability while active outside caves at night. We also provide new evidence for placement of the monotypic Waterfall Swiftlet Hydrochous gigas , a species that does not echolocate. Our data provide strong support for a basal relationship between A. papuensis and other Aerodramus taxa and suggest that this species and H. gigas are sister taxa, a relationship that would indicate paraphyly of the genus Aerodramus . Our phylogeny provides new insights into how echolocation has evolved in the swiftlets, in particular by indicating higher levels of homoplasy in this trait than was previously thought. Swiftlets (Apodidae: Collocaliini) are small, insectivorous birds found throughout the Australasian region from the Indian Ocean to the South Pacific. Most
Deletion of Secretory Group V Phospholipase A2 Attenuates Cell Migration and Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Immunosensitized Mice1

We investigated the role of group V phospholipase A2 (gVPLA2) in OVA-induced inflammatory cell migration and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in C57BL/6 mice. Repeated allergen challenge induced biosynthesis of gVPLA2 in airways. By aerosol, gVPLA2 caused dose-related increase in airway resistance in saline-treated mice; in allergic mice, gVPLA2 caused persistent airway narrowing. Neither group IIa phospholipase A2, a close homolog of gVPLA2, nor W31A, an inactive gVPLA2 mutant with reduced activity, caused airway narrowing in immune-sensitized mice. Pretreatment with MCL-3G1, a blocking Ab against gVPLA2, before OVA challenge blocked fully gVPLA2-induced cell migration and airway narrowing as marked by reduction of migrating leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and decreased airway resistance. We also assessed whether nonspecific AHR caused by methacholine challenge was elicited by gVPLA2 secreted from resident airway cells of immune-sensitized mice. MCL-3G1 also blocked methacholine-induced airway bronchoconstriction in allergic mice. Blockade of bronchoconstriction by MCL-3G1 was replicated in allergic pla2g5−/− mice, which lack the gene encoding gVPLA2. Bronchoconstriction caused by gVPLA2 in pla2g4−/− mice was comparable to that in pla2g4+/+ mice. Our data demonstrate that gVPLA2 is a critical messenger enzyme in the development of AHR and regulation of cell migration during immunosensitization by a pathway that is independent of group IVa phospholipase A2.