Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Harmonics-resistant adaptive algorithm for line-frequency signal processing

Adaptive filters are often used in signal processing tasks related to line-frequency signals in power distribution systems. In this paper, we discuss a computationally efficient adaptive algorithm for transversal discrete-time filters. The algorithm, which is based on the so-called general parameter method, uses only two dynamically adjusted parameters, each to be added to a block of coefficients of a fixed basis finite-impulse response filter. The parameter updating formula involves running addition of the data samples, causing suppression of certain frequencies. Therefore, the algorithm can be designed to adapt mainly according to the primary input frequency while being tolerant against specific harmonic components. This is advantageous, for instance, when processing 50/60-Hz line-frequency signals. The properties and stability of the algorithm are analyzed.
HIV-1 Vaccine-Induced C1 and V2 Env-Specific Antibodies Synergize for Increased Antiviral Activities

ABSTRACT The RV144 ALVAC/AIDSVax HIV-1 vaccine clinical trial showed an estimated vaccine efficacy of 31.2%. Viral genetic analysis identified a vaccine-induced site of immune pressure in the HIV-1 envelope (Env) variable region 2 (V2) focused on residue 169, which is included in the epitope recognized by vaccinee-derived V2 monoclonal antibodies. The ALVAC/AIDSVax vaccine induced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against the Env V2 and constant 1 (C1) regions. In the presence of low IgA Env antibody levels, plasma levels of ADCC activity correlated with lower risk of infection. In this study, we demonstrate that C1 and V2 monoclonal antibodies isolated from RV144 vaccinees synergized for neutralization, infectious virus capture, and ADCC. Importantly, synergy increased the HIV-1 ADCC activity of V2 monoclonal antibody CH58 at concentrations similar to that observed in plasma of RV144 vaccinees. These findings raise the hypothesis that synergy among vaccine-induced antibodies with different epitope specificities contributes to HIV-1 antiviral antibody responses and is important to induce for reduction in the risk of HIV-1 transmission. IMPORTANCE The Thai RV144 ALVAC/AIDSVax prime-boost vaccine efficacy trial represents the only example of HIV-1 vaccine efficacy in humans to date. Studies aimed at identifying immune correlates involved in the modest vaccine-mediated protection identified HIV-1 envelope (Env) variable region 2-binding antibodies as inversely correlated with infection risk, and genetic analysis identified a site of immune pressure within the region recognized by these antibodies. Despite this evidence, the antiviral mechanisms by which variable region 2-specific antibodies may have contributed to lower rates of infection remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that vaccine-induced HIV-1 envelope variable region 2 and constant region 1 antibodies synergize for recognition of virus-infected cells, infectious virion capture, virus neutralization, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. This is a major step in understanding how these types of antibodies may have cooperatively contributed to reducing infection risk and should be considered in the context of prospective vaccine design.
Genetic parameters for egg production traits in purebred and hybrid chicken in a tropical environment

Abstract Genetic parameters were estimated for 5 economically important egg production traits using records collected over 9 years in chickens reared under tropical conditions in Thailand. The data were from two purebred lines and two hybrid lines of layer parent stocks. The two purebred lines were Rhode Island Red (RIR) and White Plymouth Rock (WPR) and the hybrid lines were formed by crossing a commercial brown egg laying strain to Rhode Island Red (RC) and White Plymouth Rock (WC), respectively. Five egg production traits were analysed, including age at first egg (AFE), body weight at first egg (BWT), egg weight at first egg (EWFE), number of eggs from the first 17 weeks of lay (EN) and average egg weight over the 17th week of lay (EW). Fixed effects of year and hatch within year were significant for all 5 traits and were included in the model. Maternal genetic and permanent environmental effects of the dam were not significant, except for EN and EW in RIR and BWT and EW in WPR. Estimated heritability of AFE, BWT, EWFE, EN and EW were 0.45, 0.50, 0.29, 0.19 and 0.43 in RIR; 0.44, 0.38, 0.33, 0.20 and 0.38 in WPR; 0.37, 0.41, 0.38, 0.18 and 0.36 in RC; and 0.46, 0.53, 0.36, 0.38 and 0.45 in WC lines, respectively. The EN was negatively correlated with other traits, except for BWT in RC and AFE and BWT in WC. It was concluded that selection for increased EN will reduce other egg production traits in purebred and hybrid chicken and therefore EN needs to be combined with other egg production traits in a multi-trait selection index to improve all traits optimally according to a defined breeding objective.
Comparison of chi /sup 2/ and kappa statistics in finding signal and picture periodicity

Two statistical measures, based on contingency tables, were compared in trying to reveal the periodic or quasiperiodic structure of a texture from its cooccurrence histogram: the chi /sup 2/ and the kappa statistics. Both are sensitive to periodicity, but the kappa statistic is clearly better in the sense that the chi /sup 2/ can attain high values for displacements quite different from the actual period, as long as the cooccurrence histogram shows a specific structure associating the two relevant variables. If periodicity is the property looked for, then statistical agreement, measured by the kappa statistic, is the property that will best reveal it. <<ETX>>
Evolutionary Development and Expression Pattern of the Myeloid Lectin‐Like Receptor Gene Family Encoded Within the NK Gene Complex

The myeloid cluster within the natural killer (NK) gene complex comprises several C‐type lectin‐like receptor genes of diverse and highly important functions in the immune system such as LOX‐1 and DECTIN‐1. Based on sequences that have become available by whole genome sequencing, we conducted a comparison of the human, chimpanzee, mouse and rat NK gene complex to better characterize this gene family and additional genes of this region in regard of their phylogenetic relationship and evolution within the complex. We found that the arrangement of genes within the primate cluster differs from the order and orientation of the corresponding genes in the rodent complex which can be explained by evolutionary duplication and inversion events. Analysis of individual genes revealed a high sequence conservation supporting the prime importance of the encoded proteins. Expression analyses of the more recently described CLEC12B and CLEC9A genes displayed not only mRNA expression in monocytic and dendritic cells, but in contrast to other members of the family also in lymphocytes. Further, two additional genes were identified, which do not encode proteins with lectin‐like domain structure and seem to be widely expressed.
Genomic tools to profile antibiotic mode of action

Abstract The increasing emergence of antimicrobial multiresistant bacteria is of great concern to public health. While these bacteria are becoming an ever more prominent cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infections worldwide, the antibiotic discovery pipeline has been stalled in the last few years with very few efforts in the research and development of novel antibacterial therapies. Some of the root causes that have hampered current antibiotic drug development are the lack of understanding of the mode of action (MOA) of novel antibiotic molecules and the poor characterization of the bacterial physiological response to antibiotics that ultimately causes resistance. Here, we review how bacterial genetic tools can be applied at the genomic level with the goal of profiling resistance to antibiotics and elucidating antibiotic MOAs. Specifically, we highlight how chemical genomic detection of the MOA of novel antibiotic molecules and antibiotic profiling by next-generation sequencing are leveraging basic antibiotic research to unprecedented levels with great opportunities for knowledge translation.
Bacteriological and electron microscopy examination of brown pigment stones

Bacteriological and morphological studies of 38 brown pigment common duct stones were performed. Stone cultures were positive for bacteria in 80.5% of those studied. Enterococci were the most common organisms that were isolated. Scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of bacteria in 84.2% of the stones. The bacteria were seen embedded within an amorphous matrix in alternating layers of flakelike crystals. Transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria surrounded by a ruthenium red-stained exopolysaccharide material. Results of the bacteriological and morphological studies confirmed the close relationship between the presence of bacteria and the development of brown pigment stones.
Metamaterial enhanced slotted waveguide antenna

This paper demonstrates the enhancement of the radiation performance of a slotted waveguide antenna (SWA) when it is covered with a metasurface. The design of this antenna is presented, along with the comparison with a dielectric covered SWA. This comparison shows that 3 dB gain improvement is achieved when the metasurface is used.
A dictionary-based approach to normalizing gene names in one domain of knowledge from the biomedical literature

Purpose – Gene term variation is a shortcoming in text‐mining applications based on biomedical literature‐based knowledge discovery. The purpose of this paper is to propose a technique for normalizing gene names in biomedical literature.Design/methodology/approach – Under this proposal, the normalized forms can be characterized as a unique gene symbol, defined as the official symbol or normalized name. The unification method involves five stages: collection of the gene term, using the resources provided by the Entrez Gene database; encoding of gene‐naming terms in a table or binary matrix; design of a parametrized finite‐state graph (P‐FSG); automatic generation of a dictionary; and matching based on dictionary look‐up to transform the gene mentions into the corresponding unified form.Findings – The findings show that the approach yields a high percentage of recall. Precision is only moderately high, basically due to ambiguity problems between gene‐naming terms and words and abbreviations in general Engli.
The generalized nature of atherosclerosis: how peripheral arterial disease may predict adverse events from coronary artery disease

Non-invasive measurements, especially segmental pressure ratios and flow measurements, are useful for gauging the severity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Although the incidence of PAD is similar for men and women, men are more likely to have severe disease, while women usually have more moderate or asymptomatic disease. Published reports confirm the clinical impression that patients with PAD are more likely to have both coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease than those without PAD. However, the degree of overlap is a function of the sensitivity of the diagnostic assessments for the three conditions. A San Diego population study found that the incidence of PAD may be underestimated, with many patients being asymptomatic. Based on blood flow measurements, the study found that 11.9% of the study population had large vessel PAD. Morbidity from both coronary heart disease and stroke was increased in people with PAD, who were 2.5 times more likely to present with morbidity from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than those who did not have PAD. Several studies have now confirmed the strong predictive value of PAD for subsequent CVD mortality and that the risk of CVD mortality increases with the severity of PAD.
Zinc ferrite nanoparticles as perspective functional materials for applications in casting technologies

A. Kmita, J. Żukrowski, M. Sikora, AGH University of Science and Technology, Academic Centre for Materials and Nanotechnology, Krakow, Poland. K. Hodor, H. Smogór, Netzsch Instrumenty sp. z o.o. , Poland In this article it discuss on possible application of magnetic oxide nanoparticles, namely non-stoichiometric zinc ferrite nanoparticles as a functionalizing agent in foundry processes. Thermal analysis showed a weight loss of the sample at 1 273 K in an amount of 7,7 %, which is a result of the following processes taking place in different temperature ranges. Upon its thermal treatment Zn0,4Fe2,6O4 decomposes to zinc oxide and iron (III) oxide (first stage) and next to iron (II,III) oxide and oxygen (second stage). The degree of decomposition was expressed as Fe2 + / Fetotal. Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that the over 30 % of Fe3+ present in starting material was reduced to Fe2+.
Genetic variants in Hippo pathway genes YAP1, TEAD1 and TEAD4 are associated with melanoma‐specific survival

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most lethal form of skin cancers. The Hippo pathway controls cell migration, development and sizes of the organs in diverse species, and deregulation of this pathway may affect CM progression and prognosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that genetic variants of Hippo pathway genes might predict survival of CM patients. We used the genotyping data of 1,115 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 12 pathway core genes (i.e., MST1, MST2, SAV1, LATS1, LATS2, MOB1A, MOB1B, YAP1, TEAD1, TEAD2, TEAD3 and TEAD4) from the dataset of our previously published CM genome‐wide association study and comprehensively analyzed their associations with CM‐specific survival (CSS) in 858 CM patients by using the Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazards regression models. We found a predictive role of YAP1 rs11225163 CC, TEAD1 rs7944031 AG+GG and TEAD4 rs1990330 CA+AA in the prognosis of CM. In addition, patients with an increasing number of unfavorable genotypes (NUG) had a markedly increased risk of death. After incorporating NUG in the model with clinical variables, the new model showed a significantly improved discriminatory ability to classify CSS (AUC increased from 82.03% to 84.56%). Our findings suggest that genetic variants of Hippo pathway genes, particularly YAP1 rs11225163, TEAD1 rs7944031 and TEAD4 rs1990330, may independently or jointly modulate survival of CM patients. Additional large, prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
The neuropsychological and neurological impact of hepatitis C virus co-infection in HIV-infected subjects

Objective:To evaluate the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HIV co-infection on neuropsychological performance and neurological status in HIV/HCV treatment-naive HIV-1-infected individuals we conducted a cross-sectional study using baseline data from an HIV therapy trial. Methods:HCV status was determined by the presence of anti-HCV antibodies. Neuropsychological function was evaluated by Trailmaking tests, and the Digit Symbol Task. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies – Depression Scale. Sleep quality was evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and anxiety by the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults. A questionnaire was designed grading the severity of a variety of symptoms. Results:Of 264 patients with HCV status data, 30 were HCV positive and 234 were HCV negative. Both groups were comparable except that HCV-positive individuals had a higher prevalence of intravenous drug use and lower educational level. The HCV-positive group had a significantly lower neuropsychological performance overall. Multivariate modeling supported an association between HCV infection status with test performance in the Digit Symbol Task and mood parameters even when controlling for potentially confounding variables. Marginal differences were noted with respect to symptom questionnaire scores and global sleep. No differences were noted with respect to anxiety. Conclusion:The findings suggest that HCV/HIV co-infection has an adverse impact on neuropsychological function. HCV may also be associated with depressed mood, particularly somatic depressive symptoms. Although confounding contributors to neuropsychological performance are difficult to exclude, exploratory modeling supports the association between HCV infection status and some impairment of neuropsychological performance and depressed mood.
Measurements of gastric emptying of low‐ and high‐nutrient liquids using 3D ultrasonography and scintigraphy in healthy subjects

Abstract Scintigraphy represents the ‘gold standard’ for the measurement of gastric emptying. Recent studies suggest that three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasonography may allow a precise measure of gastric emptying, given the capacity for accurate volume calculations of the stomach. The aim of this study was to compare measurements of gastric emptying of both low‐ and high‐nutrient drinks by 3D ultrasonography with scintigraphy. Ten healthy young subjects (6M, 4F, age 23.5 ± 1.5 years) were studied on 2 days. Concurrent measurements of gastric emptying by scintigraphy and 3D ultrasonography were performed after ingestion of 500 mL beef soup (12 kcal) or 300 ml dextrose (25% w/v) (314 kcal) labelled with 20 MBq 99mTc‐sulphur colloid. There was no significant difference between scintigraphic and ultrasonographic 50% emptying times (T50s) (soup: 27.7 ± 4.8 min vs 23.8. ± 4.8 min; dextrose: 122.2 ± 13.3 min vs 131.9 ± 10.2 min). There was a close correlation between scintigraphic and ultrasonographic T50s for both soup (r = 0.92, P = 0.0005) and dextrose (r = 0.88, P = 0.0007). For the T50s, the limits of agreement were −15.2 min and +8.1 min for the soup (mean difference −3.6 min) and −35.3 min and +47.6 min for dextrose (mean difference +6.2 min). 3D ultrasonography provides a valid measure of gastric emptying of liquid meals in healthy subjects.
The lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders in Iceland as estimated by the US National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule

The lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders was estimated in a study of the prevalence of mental disorders in Iceland. The survey instrument was an Icelandic translation of the US National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule. The cohort consisted of one half of those born in the year 1931. The participation rate was 79.3%. The overall prevalence of anxiety disorders was 44%, with phobia effecting 18%. The most common anxiety disorder was generalized anxiety, which had a prevalence of 22% and was more common among women. Simple phobia was the most common of the phobic disorders (8.8%), followed by agoraphobia without panic (3.8%), and social phobia (3.5%) The female‐male ratio for anxiety disorders was 2:1. Of those with simple phobia, the most common items were a fear of heights (41%); claustrophobia (34%); being on public transportation (31%); the fear of being in crowds and speaking in front of others (28%); of being alone (24%); of insects (22%); of bad weather (21%); and of being in water (aquaphobia) (20%). In addition, 17% of the respondents listed phobias not cited in the DSM‐III, and of those with the most common phobic disorder, only 9% had consulted a physician because of this condition. Post‐traumatic stress disorder was found to affect women exclusively. Comorbidity shows a mean of at least 3 additional diagnoses.
Isolation of Ganjam Virus from Ticks Collected off Domestic Animals Around Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract Studies on viruses of zoonotic importance in certain villages around Pune were undertaken between December 2000 and January 2002. A total of 1,138 adult ticks belonging to six different species were collected off domestic animals and processed for virus isolation. Six virus isolates were obtained. All six isolates were identified as Ganjam virus by Quick Complement Fixation test and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using RNA nucleocapsid gene amplification. Five isolates were from the pools of adult Hemaphysalis intermedia ticks, and one isolate was from a pool of adult Rhipecephalus hemaphysaloides. This is the first report of isolation of Ganjam virus from Maharashtra state of India.
T Cell Cross-Reactivity between a Highly Immunogenic EBV Epitope and a Self-Peptide Naturally Presented by HLA-B*18:01+ Cells

T cell cross-reactivity underpins the molecular mimicry hypothesis in which microbial peptides sharing structural features with host peptides stimulate T cells that cross-react with self-peptides, thereby initiating and/or perpetuating autoimmune disease. EBV represents a potentially important factor in the pathogenesis of several T cell–mediated autoimmune disorders, with molecular mimicry a likely mechanism. In this study, we describe a human self-peptide (DELEIKAY) that is a homolog of a highly immunogenic EBV T cell epitope (SELEIKRY) presented by HLA-B*18:01. This self-peptide was shown to bind stably to HLA-B*18:01, and peptide elution/mass spectrometric studies showed it is naturally presented by this HLA molecule on the surface of human cells. A significant proportion of CD8+ T cells raised from some healthy individuals against this EBV epitope cross-reacted with the self-peptide. A diverse array of TCRs was expressed by the cross-reactive T cells, with variable functional avidity for the self-peptide, including some T cells that appeared to avoid autoreactivity by a narrow margin, with only 10-fold more of the self-peptide required for equivalent activation as compared with the EBV peptide. Structural studies revealed that the self-peptide–HLA-B*18:01 complex is a structural mimic of the EBV peptide–HLA-B*18:01 complex, and that the strong antiviral T cell response is primarily dependent on the alanine/arginine mismatch at position 7. To our knowledge, this is the first report confirming the natural presentation of a self-peptide cross-recognized in the context of self-HLA by EBV-reactive CD8+ T cells. These results illustrate how aberrant immune responses and immunopathological diseases could be generated by EBV infection.
Wideband Omnidirectional Circularly Polarized Dielectric Resonator Antenna With Parasitic Strips

A wideband omnidirectional circularly polarized (CP) rectangular dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is investigated in this communication. An inclined slot, loaded by a parasitic conducting strip, is fabricated on each sidewall of the DRA. The parasitic strips can excite a CP mode, which combines with the CP DRA mode to provide a wideband axial-ratio (AR) bandwidth of more than 25%. To fully utilize the increased AR bandwidth, the impedance bandwidth is also broadened by introducing a hollow cylinder at the center of the DRA. The hollow region is also used to accommodate a coaxial probe that excites the antenna. The reflection coefficient, AR, radiation pattern, antenna gain, and efficiency of the antenna are studied, and reasonable agreement between the measured and simulated results is observed. A parametric study was also carried out to characterize the proposed wideband CP omnidirectional antenna.