Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Chronic Wasting Disease Prion Shedding in Deer Saliva with Occupancy Modeling

ABSTRACT The detection of prions is difficult due to the peculiarity of the pathogen, which is a misfolded form of a normal protein. The specificity and sensitivity of detection methods are imperfect in complex samples, including in excreta. Here, we combined optimized prion amplification procedures with a statistical method that accounts for false-positive and false-negative errors to test deer saliva for chronic wasting disease (CWD) prions. This approach enabled us to discriminate the shedding of prions in saliva and the detection of prions in saliva—a distinction crucial to understanding the role of prion shedding in disease transmission and for diagnosis. We found that assay sensitivity and specificity were indeed imperfect, and we were able to draw several conclusions pertinent to CWD biology from our analyses: (i) the shedding of prions in saliva increases with time postinoculation, but is common throughout the preclinical phase of disease; (ii) the shedding propensity is influenced neither by sex nor by prion protein genotype at codon 96; and (iii) the source of prion-containing inoculum used to infect deer affects the likelihood of prion shedding in saliva; oral inoculation of deer with CWD-positive saliva resulted in 2.77 times the likelihood of prion shedding in saliva compared to that from inoculation with CWD-positive brain. These results are pertinent to horizontal CWD transmission in wild cervids. Moreover, the approach described is applicable to other diagnostic assays with imperfect detection.
Fiber Arrangement in the Rat Tympanic Membrane

The fiber arrangement in the pars tensa of the rat tympanic membrane (TM) was observed using a high resolution scanning electron microscope. The entire pars tensa is composed of fibrils with diameter of approximately 25 nm. These fibrils can be grouped into radial, circular, parabolic, and oblique fibers as reported in other mammals. The radial fibrils interweave into a planar form rather than into discrete cylindrical fibers. Before attaching to the manubrium and tympanic ring, the radial fibrils bend and cross neighboring fibrils to form a random fibril network, and change their direction from perpendicular to somewhat parallel to the manubrium and tympanic ring. The circular fibrils form cylindrical fibers near the peripheral part of the TM while closer to the manubrium, they form planar bundles. The observed fiber morphology and arrangement may provide helpful information in improving numerical models for the TM's acoustical response and designing a fibrous graft for the repair of TM perforations. Anat Rec, 299:1531–1539, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Disaggregation in the Cloud with μ Instances and Cirrus

Resource disaggregation can provide significant improvements in the utilization of resources in the datacenter. A Google cluster trace analysis confirms that up to 70% of memory may be recovered with resource disaggregation. However, resource disaggregation in the cloud is currently unfeasible due to the hardware and network changes required by previously proposed designs. We make the observation that existing cloud offers already provide logical heterogeneity which can be leveraged to match closely the resources demanded by applications. Deploying a system across a heterogeneous set of VMs can lead to higher performance per dollar. To provide support for deploying systems in logically disaggregated clusters we propose a framework called Cirrus. Cirrus composes small compute-intensive tasks (μTasks) with large memory instances to provide the resources required by applications. Cirrus also provides an efficient interface for communication between tasks through distributed memory.
Toxoplasma gondii F-actin forms an extensive filamentous network required for material exchange and parasite maturation

Apicomplexan actin is important during the parasite's life cycle. Its polymerization kinetics are unusual, permitting only short, unstable F-actin filaments. It has not been possible to study actin in vivo and so its physiological roles have remained obscure, leading to models distinct from conventional actin behaviour. Here a modified version of the commercially available actin-chromobody was tested as a novel tool for visualising F-actin dynamics in Toxoplasma gondii. Cb labels filamentous actin structures within the parasite cytosol and labels an extensive F-actin network that connects parasites within the parasitophorous vacuole and allows vesicles to be exchanged between parasites. In the absence of actin, parasites lack a residual body and inter-parasite connections and grow in an asynchronous and disorganized manner. Collectively, these data identify new roles for actin in the intracellular phase of the parasites lytic cycle and provide a robust new tool for imaging parasitic F-actin dynamics. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.24119. 001
Experimental evaluation of facial expression recognition

We investigate facial expression recognition based on geometric features, and image appearance, using a range of classifier models. First, we evaluate expression recognition of face images based on geometric features, namely, facial landmarks based on the Active Appearance Model, and Action Units based on the Facial Action Coding System. A generalized linear model and a neural network are used to classify face images based on these geometric features. Second, the classification achieved by facial landmarks and Action Units is compared with the classification achieved by convolutional neural network (CNN) which extracts image features from raw pixels. Finally, we use transfer learning technique to evaluate classification using a pre-trained model. All experiments are performed on the state-of-the-art CK+ face database.
Granulocytapheresis with modified fluid gelatin versus high‐molecular‐weight hydroxyethyl starch: a matched‐pair analysis

Granulocyte apheresis requires a sedimentation agent. Usually, hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is administered to donors for this purpose and, as granulocyte concentrate (GC) ingredient, also to patients. Authorities recently recommended suspending market authorizations for starch‐containing products due to side effects. Therefore, we tested the efficacy of modified fluid gelatin (MFG, Gelafundin 4%) versus hetastarch (Hespan) for GC apheresis.
In-Hospital Paternity Establishment: Experiences and Meaning Perceived by Unmarried Parents

Abstract:Voluntary paternity establishment was placed in birthing hospitals by an act of Congress, but little is known about how unmarried parents experience this process. This study presents reactions from 81 racially/ethnically diverse, low-income parents. A qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed three overall themes and six subthemes: (1) paternity establishment process [subthemes: variety of experiences, strong emotional experience, and poor timing]; (2) meaning of paternity establishment [subthemes: responsible fatherhood, symbol of commitment to child, and importance of the child knowing his father's identity]; and (3) paternity establishment decision-making. Many parents either did not recall receiving the requisite information or found it difficult to focus on technical materials immediately after childbirth. For parents, the symbolic value of the father's name on the birth certificate overrode other considerations. Parents' perspectives may help administrators of paternity establishment programs better tailor procedures and timing to the needs of unmarried parents.
A new ceramics approach for contact lens

Nowadays the field of dentistry is focusing into a new aesthetic area in the light of an minimal invasive dentistry approach. Aesthetic treatments with dental porcelain veneers without any preparation (ceramic contact lenses) have gained popularity in recent years. Thus, the need for constant improvement and knowledge of innovative techniques and ceramics is fundamental. This article point out about the essential criteria to promote a clinical succeed of the technique over the years.
CELLULOSIC NANOCOMPOSITES: A REVIEW

Because of their wide abundance, their renewable and environmentally benign nature, and their outstanding mechanical properties, a great deal of attention has been paid recently to cellulosic nanofibrillar structures as components in nanocomposites. A first major challenge has been to find efficient ways to liberate cellulosic fibrils from different source materials, including wood, agricultural residues, or bacterial cellulose. A second major challenge has involved the lack of compatibility of cellulosic surfaces with a variety of plastic materials. The water-swellable nature of cellulose, especially in its non-crystalline regions, also can be a concern in various composite materials. This review of recent work shows that considerable progress has been achieved in addressing these issues and that there is potential to use cellulosic nano-components in a wide range of high-tech applications.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and fractalkine play opposite roles in angiogenesis via recruitment of different macrophage subtypes.

AIM To explore the interaction between macrophages and chemokines [monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1/CCL2) and fractalkine/CX3CL1] and the effects of their interaction on neovascularization. METHODS Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, donated by healthy volunteers, were separated and cultured in RPMI-1640 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum, then induced into macrophages by stimulation with 30 µg/L granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The expression of CCR2 and/or CX3CR1 in the macrophages was examined using flow cytometry. Macrophages were then stimulated with recombinant human CCL2 (rh-CCL2) or recombinant human CX3CL1 (rh-CX3CL1). The expression of angiogenesis-related genes, including VEGF-A, THBS-1 and ADAMTS-1 were examined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Supernatants from stimulated macrophages were used in an assay of human retinal endothelial cell (HREC) proliferation. Finally, stimulated macrophages were co-cultured with HREC in a migration assay. RESULTS The expression rate of CCR2 in macrophages stimulated by GM-CSF was 42%±1.9%. The expression rate of CX3CR1 was 71%±3.3%. Compared with vehicle-treated groups, gene expression of VEGF-A in the macrophages was greater in 150 mg/L CCL2-treated groups (P<0.05), while expression of THBS-1 and ADAMTS-1 was significantly lower (P<0.05). By contrast, compared with vehicle-treated groups, expression of VEGF-A in 150 mg/L CX3CL1-treated groups was significantly lower (P<0.05), while expression of THBS-1 and ADAMTS-1 was greater (P<0.05). Supernatants from CCL2 treated macrophages promoted proliferation of HREC (P<0.05), while supernatants from CX3CL1-treated macrophages inhibited the proliferation of HREC (P<0.05). HREC migration increased when co-cultured with CCL2-treated macrophages, but decreased with CX3CL1-treated macrophages (P<0.05). CONCLUSION CCL2 and CX3CL1 exert different effects in regulation of macrophage in expression of angiogenesis-related factors, including VEGF-A, THBS-1 and ADAMTS-1. Our findings suggest that CCL2 and CX3CL1 may be candidate proteins for further exploration of novel targets for treatment of ocular neovascularization.
Can The Anterolateral Thigh Flap Replace The Rectus Abdominis Free Flap In The Reconstruction Of Complex Maxillary Defects?

BACKGROUND Maxilla is perhaps the most essential and visible part of the mid-face. It is a threedimensional structure and when reconstructing maxillectomy defects the principles of aesthetics as well as the best functional outcomes are taken into account. The aim of this study is to compare the Anterolateral Thigh Flap (ALTF) to the standard option like the Rectus Abdominis Free Flap (RAMFF) for the reconstruction of complex maxillary defects. METHODS This descriptive case series was conducted at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Pakistan from 2009 to 2016. Patients of all age groups with complex maxillectomy defects, (Type III and IV according to Cordeiro classification) resulting from tumour resection, trauma, osteoradionecrosis or infection, underwent reconstruction with the free anterolateral thigh flap and the rectus abdominis free flap. RESULTS Over a period of 8 years, 49 Rectus Abdominis free flaps and 32 Anterolateral thigh free flaps were performed for reconstruction of Type III and IV maxillectomy defects. The follow up was weekly for 1 month and then 3 monthly for the 1st year, 6 monthly for 2nd year and then yearly. All the patients had an uneventful immediate recovery. CONCLUSIONS ALTF has advantages over the RAMFF in terms of the donor site morbidity, operative time and postoperative recovery in the reconstruction of complex maxillectomy defects.
Parkin Knockout Inhibits Neuronal Development via Regulation of Proteasomal Degradation of p21

PARK2 encodes for the E3 ubiquitin ligase parkin and iimplicates in the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although the neuroprotective role of parkin is well known, the mechanism of parkin’s function in neural stem differentiation is not clear. Co-expressions network analysis showed that SNAP25 and BDNF were positively correlated with parkin, but negatively correlated with p21 in human patient brain. Therefore, we investigated a link between the ubiquitin E3 ligase parkin and proteasomal degradation of p21 for the control of neural stem cell differentiation. We discovered that p21 directly binds with parkin and is ubiquitinated by parkin resulting in the loss of cell differentiation ability. Tranfection of p21 shRNA in PARK2 KO mice significantly rescued the differentiation efficacy as well as SNAP25 and BDNF expression. We also defined the decreased p21 ubiquitination and differentiation ability were reversed after treatment with JNK inhibitor, SP600125 in PARK2 KO mice derived neural stem cells. Thus, the present study indicated that parkin knockout inhibits neural stem cell differentiation by JNK-dependent proteasomal degradation of p21. Summary statement The present study indicated that parkin knockout inhibits neural stem cell differentiation by JNK-dependent proteasomal degradation of p21.
A team of heterochromatin factors collaborates with small RNA pathways to combat repetitive elements and germline stress

Repetitive sequences derived from transposons make up a large fraction of eukaryotic genomes and must be silenced to protect genome integrity. Repetitive elements are often found in heterochromatin; however, the roles and interactions of heterochromatin proteins in repeat regulation are poorly understood. Here we show that a diverse set of C. elegans heterochromatin proteins act together with the piRNA and nuclear RNAi pathways to silence repetitive elements and prevent genotoxic stress in the germ line. Mutants in genes encoding HPL-2/HP1, LIN-13, LIN-61, LET-418/Mi-2, and H3K9me2 histone methyltransferase MET-2/SETDB1 also show functionally redundant sterility, increased germline apoptosis, DNA repair defects, and interactions with small RNA pathways. Remarkably, fertility of heterochromatin mutants could be partially restored by inhibiting cep-1/p53, endogenous meiotic double strand breaks, or the expression of MIRAGE1 DNA transposons. Functional redundancy among these factors and pathways underlies the importance of safeguarding the genome through multiple means.
A method for recognising building materials based on hyperspectral remote sensing

Abstract Information about building materials plays an important role in the evaluation of military targets strikes, urban planning, disaster assessment and natural disaster compensation. This study aimed to investigate the information about building materials from hyperspectral remote sensing images based on spectral measurements. Additionally, we analysed the spectral characteristics of common building materials. Based on the spectral library and spectra measured, the building material types were identified in urban areas using the Spectral Angle Method and Spectral Information Divergence method. The information about building material types that could be extracted included the artificial paint, pine, concrete and asphalt shingles. The experimental results showed that hyperspectral remote sensing technology can extract information about building materials and that the Spectral Angle Method is more reliable than Spectral Information Divergence Method.
Transcriptional Regulation of Telomeric Expression Sites and Antigenic Variation in Trypanosomes

Introduction: Trypanosoma brucei uses antigenic variation to evade the host antibody clearance by periodically changing its Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSGs) coat. T. brucei encode over 2,500 VSG genes and pseudogenes, however they transcribe only one VSG gene at time from one of the 20 telomeric Expression Sites (ESs). VSGs are transcribed in a monoallelic fashion by RNA polymerase I from an extranucleolar site named ES body. VSG antigenic switching occurs by transcriptional switching between telomeric ESs or by recombination of the VSG gene expressed. VSG expression is developmentally regulated and its transcription is controlled by epigenetic mechanisms and influenced by a telomere position effect. Conclusion: Here, we discuss 1) the molecular basis underlying transcription of telomeric ESs and VSG antigenic switching; 2) the current knowledge of VSG monoallelic expression; 3) the role of inositol phosphate pathway in the regulation of VSG expression and switching; and 4) the developmental regulation of Pol I transcription of procyclin and VSG genes.
Noninvasive Ventilation in the Burned Patient

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is positive-pressure ventilation of a spontaneously breathing patient without the use of an endotracheal tube, primarily with a face mask attached to a standard ventilator. Curiously, the first descriptions of positive-pressure ventilation in the 1930s did not involve the use of an endotracheal tube but rather a full face mask. With the development of better materials and mechanical ventilators, the endotracheal tube became the norm. In the 1970s and 1980s, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks were developed and demonstrated improved oxygenation in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. Further, intermittent positive-pressure ventilation was used to “rest” patients with ventilatory failure from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or neuromuscular disease. As clinicians have become more comfortable with the use of NIV in chronic respiratory failure, NIV has now been used in settings of acute reversible respiratory failure. Despite increasing use and number of publications on NIV, little has been written regarding application to burn patients. Most of the recent work has been on the use of NIV in COPD patients with acute exacerbations or chronic maintenance therapy, with later work on hypoxemic respiratory failure. There have been only scattered reports of NIV in surgical patients, including some postoperative or trauma patients. This review is meant to familiarize the burn specialist with the current uses, benefits, risks, and complications of NIV. Opportunities and horizons for ventilation without intubation of the trachea are proposed. RATIONALE FOR NIV
Comparative study of different power distribution methods for array antenna beamforming for soil moisture radiometer

Different power distribution methods of array antenna beamforming are analyzed. In this study, uniform half-wavelength inter-element spacing is considered to avoid grating lobe. Excitations to individual elements include Gaussian, Taylor's, Chebyshev's and Staircase Power Distribution (SPD). Design requirements include beam efficiency (BE), maximum sidelobe level (MSLL) and 3 dB beamwidth. A comparative study of these methods is carried out to full-fill the design goal.
Post-processing and band selection for hyperspectral image data classification with AdaBoost.MH

This research proposed a method to improve classification performance on hyper spectral image data. The method consists of three phases, i.e., first phase is band selection, second phase is hyperspectral image data classification, and third phase is post-processing. AdaBoost.MH classifier is used for hyperspectral image data classification. The Accuracy of AdaBoost.MH classification without post-processing is 96.3%. After post-processing, accuracy increased by 3.698%. In addition to improving the accuracy of classification, post-processing also can remove the small misclassified pixel (speckle noise). Band selection was used in this research to reduce the number of hyperspectral bands. Band selection method used was contribution ratio value of AdaBoost.MH classifier. The maximum accuracy in this research is 99.9982%, only 1 misclassified pixel. This research improves the classification performance of previous research using Local Binary Pattern (LBp) and Extreme Learning Machine (99.63%)
Semantic polarity detection of Chinese multiword expression in microblogging based on discriminative latent model

Extracting semantic polarity of Chinese Multiword Expression, especially some newly generated Multiword Expression from internet(such as weibo or microblog), is an important task for sentiment analysis of web texts or other real word text as some Multiword Expressions can express more integrative sentiments than words units. This paper proposes a method that contains a novel latent discriminative algorithm, which attempts to attack this problem by integrating discriminative model and latent value model. Although Chinese Multiword Expressions consist of multiple words, the semantic polarity of the Multiword Expression is not just simple integration of polarities of the component words, as some words can invert the affective polarity so the Multiword Expressions can have totally opposite semantic polarity, such as ironic texts. In order to capture the property of such Multiword Expressions, hidden semi-CRF which includes a latent valuable layer, which can be used to address dual-sequence labeling tasks synchronously, is adopted. The method is tested experimentally by adopting a manually labeled set of positive and negative Multiword Expressions from microblog or other internet resources, and the experiments have shown very promising results, which is comparable to the best value ever reported.
Sterol transporters at membrane contact sites regulate TORC1 and TORC2 signaling

Membrane contact sites (MCSs) function to facilitate the formation of membrane domains composed of specialized lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. In cells, membrane domains regulate membrane dynamics and biochemical and signaling pathways. We and others identified a highly conserved family of sterol transport proteins (Ltc/Lam) localized at diverse MCSs. In this study, we describe data indicating that the yeast family members Ltc1 and Ltc3/4 function at the vacuole and plasma membrane, respectively, to create membrane domains that partition upstream regulators of the TORC1 and TORC2 signaling pathways to coordinate cellular stress responses with sterol homeostasis.