Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low-Dose Exposure and Immunogenicity of Transgenic Maize Expressing the Escherichia coli Heat-Labile Toxin B Subunit

Background Transgenic maize, which produces the nontoxic B subunit of the Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin (LT-B) in seed, has proven to be an effective oral immunogen in mice. Currently, there is considerable concern over accidental consumption of transgenic maize expressing LT-B by humans and domestic animals. We have yet to define nonimmunogenic levels of transgenic LT-B when ingested. Objectives Our goal in this study was to determine the highest dose of LT-B orally administered in mice that does not result in a measurable immune response. We defined an immune response as specific serum or mucosal IgG or IgA significantly greater than background after three feedings (0.0002–20 μg) or a priming response induced by the intermittent feeding. Methods We fed transgenic maize pellets on days 0, 7, 21, and 49 and collected serum and fecal samples weekly. Serum was analyzed for LT-B–specific IgG and IgA, and feces was analyzed for LT-B–specific IgA. Results We observed a dose-dependent anti-LT-B antibody response with high specific antibody concentrations in groups fed high doses (0.2, 2, 20 μg) of LT-B maize. Mice fed 0.02 μg LT-B demonstrated immune priming in 62.5% of the animals. Mice that were fed ≤ 0.002 μg LT-B showed no increase in specific antibody nor did they demonstrate immune priming, indicating that 0.002 μg LT-B was the highest nonimmunogenic dose tested. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that LT-B derived from transgenic maize is immunogenic at nanogram levels when orally administered to mice.
Development and optimization of G-1 polymeric nanoparticulated and liposomal systems for central nervous system applications

Among many nanotechnological applications, the therapeutical use of nanocarriers is of relevance. G-1, a G-protein estrogen receptor (GPER-1) selective agonist, was encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes modified for central nervous system applications. GPER-1 signals through the rapid estrogen pathway, which is linked with neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory phenomena. Polyssorbate-80-coated PLGA nanoparticles and anti-transferrin antibody labelled immunoliposomes were synthesized. The nanoparticles were obtained by the oil-in-water emulsion method followed by sonication. This synthesis was optimized in terms of surfactant (DMAB or DDAB), sonication regime, T-80 solution dispersion volume and size of stirrer on the size, polidispersity and zeta potential of the nanoparticles. Immunoliposomes containing either DPPC:CH:DSPE-PEG2000 or DOPC:CH:DSPE-PEG2000 at 4:1:0.2 molar proportions and DSPEPEG2000-Transferrin(mAb); were obtained by the lipid film hydration method followed by sonication. DMAB tends to produce more monodisperse and stable particles. Moreover, immunoliposomes obtained with DOPC are smaller than those with DPPC. In vitro experiments were performed with Neuro-2a and/or SHSY5Y cells. The results show that T-80-coated NPs do not possess cytotoxicity at low dilutions (324 μg/mL) and are internalized within 24 h. On the other hand, immunoliposomes did not reveal cytotoxicity and were internalized in neurons in less than 30 min. G-1 was encapsulated in both systems, in which PLGA nanoparticles revealed a much lower encapsulation efficiency (41,45 ± 4,05%) than immunoliposomes (97,17 ± 2,84%). These process optimizations may elucidate many aspects of nanocarrier synthesis. It is also believed that G-1-loaded nanocarriers may be efficient for the treatment of several central nervous system diseases more efficiently. Correspondence to: Listik E, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Sao Paulo University, P.O. Box: 05508-000, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Tel/Fax: ++55-11-3091-7322; E-mail: eduardo.listik@usp.br
Automatic graphic logo detection via Fast Region-based Convolutional Networks

Brand recognition is a very challenging topic with many useful applications in localization recognition, advertisement and marketing. In this paper we present an automatic graphic logo detection system that robustly handles unconstrained imaging conditions. Our approach is based on Fast Region-based Convolutional Networks (FRCN) proposed by Ross Girshick, which have shown state-of-the-art performance in several generic object recognition tasks (PASCAL Visual Object Classes challenges). In particular, we use two CNN models pretrained with the ILSVRC ImageNet dataset and we look at the selective search of windows `proposals' in the pre-processing stage and data augmentation to enhance the logo recognition rate. The novelty lies in the use of transfer learning to leverage powerful Convolutional Neural Network models trained with large-scale datasets and repurpose them in the context of graphic logo detection. Another benefit of this framework is that it allows for multiple detections of graphic logos using regions that are likely to have an object. Experimental results with the FlickrLogos-32 dataset show not only the promising performance of our developed models with respect to noise and other transformations a graphic logo can be subject to, but also its superiority over state-of-the-art systems with hand-crafted models and features.
The Role of PPARα Activation in Liver and Muscle

PPARα is one of three members of the soluble nuclear receptor family called peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR). It is a sensor for changes in levels of fatty acids and their derivatives that responds to ligand binding with PPAR target gene transcription, inasmuch as it can influence physiological homeostasis, including lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in various tissues. In this paper we summarize the involvement of PPARα in the metabolically active tissues liver and skeletal muscle and provide an overview of the risks and benefits of ligand activation of PPARα, with particular consideration to interspecies differences.
Tiling of Iteration Spaces for Multicomputers

We deal with compiler support for parallelizing perfectly nested loops for coarse-grain distributed memory machines. The relatively high communication start-up costs in these machines renders frequent communication very expensive. We study the eeect of clustering communication and the ensuing loss of parallelism on performance and propose a method for aggregating a number of loop iterations into \tiles" where the tiles execute atomically where there are no synchronizations to be performed during the execution of a tile. As a result, it is important that dividing the loops into tiles does not lead to deadlock. Based on conditions for deadlock-free tiles, we present a method for deriving legal tiles for nested loops. We then develop an approach to optimize the shape and size of tiles along with the assignment of tiles to processors for load-balanced execution with reduced communication costs on distributed memory machines given communication setup and transfer rates and instruction execution rates.
Targeting Microvascular Pericytes in Angiogenic Vessels of Prostate Cancer

Abstract : The walls of neovascular capillaries in prostate cancer are composed of endothelial cells and pericytes. Pericytes of postnatal pathological neovascularization have dual origin: They derive from bone marrow progenitors (vasculogenesis),or by sprouting from pre-existing vessels (angiogenesis). NG2+ nascent pericytes promote neovascularization and increase interstitial fluid pressure in tumors. The aims of this investigation are to determine whether therapeutic interference with pericyte-NG2 proteoglycan decreases prostate cancer neovascularization, and controls tumor growth. The anti-angiogenic effect of hydron pellets containing NG2 neutralizing antibody was quantified in intracorneal PC-3 and LNCaP xenografts. TRAMP and TRAMP-C1 tumors grafted in NG2 knockout mice represented intrinsic pericyte targeting. TRAMP and TRAMP-C1 grafts were analyzed with confocal microscope for microvascular density (MVD) and lymphatic vascular density (LVD). NG2 neutralizing antibody decreased corneal neovascularization in PC3 (p<0.0001), and LNCaP (p=0.0079) xenografts. Mean MVD in TRAMP and TRAMP-C1 tumors in NG2 knockout mice were 71% (p=0.0006) and 63% (p=0.0011) lower than wild type controls, respectively. Mean LVD in TRAMP and TRAMP-C1 tumors in NG2 knockout mice were 73% (p=0.0003) and 84% (p<0.0001) lower than wild type controls, respectively. Targeting of pericyte-NG2 decreases neovascularization , lymphangiogenesis and tumor progression in prostate cancer significantly.
On the ergodic capacity of legacy systems in the presence of next generation interference

Next generation wireless systems facilitating better utilization of the scarce radio spectrum have emerged as a response to inefficient rigid spectrum assignment policies. These are comprised of intelligent radio nodes that opportunistically operate in the radio spectrum of existing legacy systems; yet unwanted interference at the legacy receivers is unavoidable. In order to design efficient next generation systems and to minimize their harmful consequences, it is necessary to realize their impact on the performance of legacy systems. In this work, a generalized framework for the ergodic capacity analysis of such legacy systems in the presence of interference from next generation systems is presented. The analysis is built around a model developed for the statistical representation of the interference at the legacy receivers, which is then used to evaluate the ergodic capacity of the legacy system. Moreover, this analysis is not limited to the context of legacy systems, and is in fact applicaple to any interference limited system. Findings of analytical performance analyses are confirmed through selected computer-based Monte-Carlo simulations.
The Role of Data Mining Techniques in Emergency Management

A rotational atherectomy device having an improved optical tachometer which uses a single, monofilament optical fiber to both transmit light from a light source to a light reflector and to return reflected light to a light detector. A fiber optic connector which can be used with such a rotational atherectomy device permits one to releasably optically couple a distal end of an optical fiber to both a light source and a light detector via a beam splitter and a flexible light guide. This fiber optic connector may include a pneumatic clamp which is connected to the same source of compressed gas which drives the prime mover of the rotational atherectomy device.
Dynamics of Air-Blown Dimples

A classical problem in fluid mechanics is that of a jet impinging on a solid surface. During the 1960’s, partly driven by applications in the steel industry, the exploration of this field of study shifted towards the interaction between a gas jet and a deformable liquid surface (Figure 1), where often the shape of the deformation and its relation to the balance of forces were studied. This is also a very simplified representation of the interaction between the wind and the ocean.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐dependent production of profibrotic mediators by hypoxic hepatocytes

Background/Aims: During the development of liver fibrosis, mediators are produced that stimulate cells in the liver to differentiate into myofibroblasts and to produce collagen. Recent studies demonstrated that the transcription factor, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), is critical for upregulation of profibrotic mediators, such as platelet‐derived growth factor‐A (PDGF‐A), PDGF‐B and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) in the liver, during the development of fibrosis. What remains unknown is the cell type‐specific regulation of these genes by HIF‐1α in liver cell types. Accordingly, the hypothesis was tested that HIF‐1α is activated in hypoxic hepatocytes and regulates the production of profibrotic mediators by these cells.
Beyond the arithmetic constraint: depth-optimal mapping of logic chains in LUT-based FPGAs

Look-up table based FPGAs have migrated from a niche technology for design prototyping to a valuable end-product component and, in some cases, a replacement for general purpose processors and ASICs alike. One way architects have bridged the performance gap between FPGAs and ASICs is through the inclusion of specialized components such as multipliers, RAM modules, and microcontrollers. Another dedicated structure that has become standard in reconfigurable fabrics is the arithmetic carry chain. Currently, it is only used to map arithmetic operations as identified by HDL macros. For non-arithmetic operations, it is an idle but potentially powerful resource This work presents ChainMap, a polynomial-time delay-optimal technology mapping algorithm for the creation of generic logic chains in LUT-based FPGAs. ChainMap requires no HDL macros be preserved through the design flow. It creates logic chains, both arithmetic and non-arithmetic, in an arbitrary Boolean network whenever depth increasing nodes are encountered. Use of the chain is not reserved for arithmetic, but rather any set of gates exhibiting similar characteristics. By using the carry chain as a generic, near zero-delay adjacent cell interconnection structure an average optimal speedup of 1.4x is revealed, and an average relaxed speedup of 1.25x can be realized simultaneously with a 0.95x LUT utilization decrease
In Good Company – Neighborhood Quality and Female Employment

Unter Verwendung eines kombinierten Datensatzes, in dem Individualdaten um Nachbarschaftsinformationen erganzt wurden, wird in diesem Papier der Einfluss der Nachbarschaft auf das individuelle Arbeitsangebot von Frauen untersucht. Aufgrund von Selbstselektion in bestimmte Nachbarschaften und unbeobachtbarer Heterogenitat auf Individual- und Nachbarschaftsebene wird die Identifikation dieser Effekte ohne eine (quasi)-experimentelle Variation in den Nachbarschaftsattributen erschwert. Daher stutzt sich unsere Identifikationsstrategie auf ein hedonisches Preismodell, welches fur unbeobachtbare Heterogenitat auf der Nachbarschaftsebene kontrolliert, und auf einen Fixed-Effects-Ansatz, der unbeobachtbare individuelle Faktoren berucksichtigt, die uber die Zeit konstant bleiben. Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass die Arbeitsmarktpartizipation signifikant mit Nachbarschaftsattributen korreliert ist. Wahrend das extensive Arbeitsangebot besonders stark mit der durchschnittlichen Beschaftigungsquote von Frauen korreliert ist, wird das intensive Arbeitsangebot durch den Anteil der vollzeitbeschaftigten Frauen in der Nachbarschaft getrieben. Diese Effekte sind starker im Subsample der Mutter ausgepragt. Sobald wir fur unbeobachtbare zeitinvariante individuelle Heterogenitat kontrollieren, sind die Nachbarschaftseffekte auf das Arbeitsangebot insignifikant.
Lignin solubilization and aqueous phase reforming for the production of aromatic chemicals and hydrogen.

The solubilization and aqueous phase reforming of lignin, including kraft, soda, and alcell lignin along with sugarcane bagasse, at low temperatures (T≤498 K) and pressures (P≤29 bar) is reported for the first time for the production of aromatic chemicals and hydrogen. Analysis of lignin model compounds and the distribution of products obtained during the lignin aqueous phase reforming revealed that lignin was depolymerized through disruption of the abundant β-O-4 linkages and, to a lesser extent, the 5-5' carbon-carbon linkages to form monomeric aromatic compounds. The alkyl chains contained on these monomeric compounds were readily reformed to produce hydrogen and simple aromatic platform chemicals, particularly guaiacol and syringol, with the distribution of each depending on the lignin source. The methoxy groups present on the aromatic rings were subject to hydrolysis to form methanol, which was also readily reformed to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The composition of the isolated yields of monomeric aromatic compounds and overall lignin conversion based on these isolated yields varied from 10-15% depending on the lignin sample, with the balance consisting of gaseous products and residual solid material. Furthermore, we introduce the use of a high-pressure autoclave with optical windows and an autoclave with ATR-IR sentinel for on-line in situ spectroscopic monitoring of biomass conversion processes, which provides direct insight into, for example, the solubilization process and aqueous phase reforming reaction of lignin.
Structural analysis, enzymatic characterization, and catalytic mechanisms of β‐galactosidase from Bacillus circulans sp. alkalophilus

Crystal structures of native and α‐d‐galactose‐bound Bacillus circulans sp. alkalophilusβ‐galactosidase (Bca‐β‐gal) were determined at 2.40 and 2.25 Å resolutions, respectively. Bca‐β‐gal is a member of family 42 of glycoside hydrolases, and forms a 460 kDa hexameric structure in crystal. The protein consists of three domains, of which the catalytic domain has an (α/β)8 barrel structure with a cluster of sulfur‐rich residues inside the β‐barrel. The shape of the active site is clearly more open compared to the only homologous structure available in the Protein Data Bank. This is due to the number of large differences in the loops that connect the C‐terminal ends of the β‐strands to the N‐terminal ends of the α‐helices within the (α/β)8 barrel. The complex structure shows that galactose binds to the active site as an α‐anomer and induces clear conformational changes in the active site. The implications of α‐d‐galactose binding with respect to the catalytic mechanism are discussed. In addition, we suggest that β‐galactosidases mainly utilize a reverse hydrolysis mechanism for synthesis of galacto‐oligosaccharides.
A Context-Based Approach for Linguistic Matching

As currently implemented by most data mapping systems, linguistic matching often boils down to string comparison or to a synonym look-up in a dictionary. But these solutions have proved to be inefficient for dealing with highly heterogeneous data sources. To cope with data source heterogeneity more efficiently, we introduce INDIGO, a system which computes semantic matching by taking into account data sources’ context. The distinctive feature of I NDIGO consists in enriching data sources with semantic information extracted from their individual development artifacts before mapping them. As explained in this article, experiments conducted on two case studies proved the relevance of this approach.
Utilizing Web2.0 in Web Service Ranking

The current shift in realizing distributed applications by applying service-oriented principles translates into more and more web services being published on the Web each day. This introduces a set of new challenges such as how to organize, search, rank and select services. For ranking especially the use of any external information to the service, such as social information coming from Web2.0 sources has the potential to improve the accuracy of this task. In this paper we explore the idea of using social annotations technology for ranking web services. We show how such approach can be implemented using information provided by one of the largest social networks - del.icio. us.
The hierarchical daisy architecture for causal delivery

We propose the hierarchical daisy architecture, which provides causal delivery of messages sent to any subset of processes. The architecture provides fault tolerance and maintains the amount of control information within a reasonable size. It divides processes into logical groups. Messages inside a logical group are sent directly, while messages that need to cross logical group boundaries are forwarded by servers. We prove the correctness of the daisy architecture and discuss possible optimizations.
Selective Mobility and Sensitivity to SNAREs Is Exhibited by the Arabidopsis KAT1 K+ Channel at the Plasma Membrane[W]

Recent findings indicate that proteins in the SNARE superfamily are essential for cell signaling, in addition to facilitating vesicle traffic in plant cell homeostasis, growth, and development. We previously identified SNAREs SYP121/Syr1 from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and the Arabidopsis thaliana homolog SYP121 associated with abscisic acid and drought stress. Disrupting tobacco SYP121 function by expressing a dominant-negative Sp2 fragment had severe effects on growth, development, and traffic to the plasma membrane, and it blocked K+ and Cl− channel responses to abscisic acid in guard cells. These observations raise questions about SNARE control in exocytosis and endocytosis of ion channel proteins and their organization within the plane of the membrane. We have used a dual, in vivo tagging strategy with a photoactivatable green fluorescent protein and externally exposed hemagglutinin epitopes to monitor the distribution and trafficking dynamics of the KAT1 K+ channel transiently expressed in tobacco leaves. KAT1 is localized to the plasma membrane within positionally stable microdomains of ∼0.5 μm in diameter; delivery of the K+ channel, but not of the PMA2 H+-ATPase, to the plasma membrane is suppressed by Sp2 fragments of tobacco and Arabidopsis SYP121, and Sp2 expression leads to profound changes in KAT1 distribution and mobility within the plane of the plasma membrane. These results offer direct evidence for SNARE-mediated traffic of the K+ channel and a role in its distribution within subdomains of the plasma membrane, and they implicate a role for SNAREs in positional anchoring of the K+ channel protein.
GABA modulation of SVZ‐derived progenitor ventral cell migration

The subventricular zone (SVZ) is a proliferative region that provides neurons to olfactory bulb throughout life. The new neurons undergo cell migration from SVZ and travel until they reach their final destination. We previously showed in the early postnatal mouse a ventral migratory subpopulation from SVZ targets the Islands of Calleja (ICC) in the basal forebrain. However, unlike the well‐characterized rostral migratory stream, little is known about the guidance mechanisms operating in the ventrally directed migratory pathway. In this study, we examined the role of neurotransmitter γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in SVZ‐derived progenitor ventral migration and the involvement of this neurotransmitter in the cytoarchitectual organization of dispersed cells into the tight clusters of the ICC. Our results show that the ventral SVZ cell migration rate was enhanced by GABA acting through a GABAA receptor and that GABA acts as a directional guidance cue for ventral migrating cells. Furthermore, disruption of GABA signaling inhibited the formation of Island clusters in vitro. Taken together, these data suggest that GABA is an important guidance and organizational cue for the Island of Calleja. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 791–804, 2015
Analysis of the Middle‐Ear Function. Part I: Input Impedance

A quantitative theory of the middle‐ear acoustics is developed and expressed in terms of an electric analog. The analog network is based on the functional anatomy of the middle ear. The numerical values of its elements are derived from impedance measurements on normal and pathological ears and from anatomical data. It is shown that the input impedance of the analog agrees within the experimental error with the acoustic impedance at the eardrum, and that changes in analog parameters corresponding to known anatomical changes produce the same effect on its impedance characteristics as measured at the eardrum.