Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Xenotransplantation literature update, January–February 2013

Schneider MKJ, Seebach JD. Xenotransplantation literature update, January–February 2013. Xenotransplantation 2013: 20: 131–134. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. M arten K. J. Schneider and J€org D. Seebach Division of Internal Medicine, Laboratory of Vascular Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Service of Immunology and Allergology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Geneva, Switzerland
DECREASED EXPRESSION OF THE VERY LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN RECEPTOR mRNA IN THE CARDIAC VENTRICLE OF SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS

1. To elucidate the functional implication of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor, we studied the gene expression of VLDL receptor in rats. The VLDL receptor mRNA was highly expressed in the cardiac ventricle and skeletal muscle. Intermediate amounts of VLDL receptor mRNA were detected in adipose tissue, adrenal gland, brain and lung. Thus the tissue distribution of VLDL receptor mRNA in rats was similar to that reported previously in rabbits.
Event-driven and sensorless photovoltaic system reconfiguration for electric vehicles

This work investigates the problem of increasing the electrical energy generation efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems on electrical vehicles (EVs). The PV cell modules of an onboard PV system are mounted on the rooftop, hood, trunk, and door panels of an EV to fully make use of the vehicle surface areas. However, due to the non-uniform distribution and rapid change of solar irradiance, an onboard PV system suffers from significant efficiency degradation. To address this problem, this work borrows the dynamic PV array reconfiguration architecture in previous work with the accommodation of the rapidly changing solar irradiance in the onboard scenario. Most importantly, this work differs from previous work in that (i) we propose an event-driven PV array reconfiguration framework replacing the periodic reconfiguration framework in previous work to reduce the computation and energy overhead of the PV array reconfiguration; (ii) we provide a sensorless (and also event-driven) PV array reconfiguration framework, which further reduces the cost of a vehicular PV system, by proposing a solar irradiance estimation algorithm for obtaining the instantaneous solar irradiance level on each PV cell module. Experimental results demonstrate significant performance enhancement and energy overhead reduction.
On the Syntax-Semantics Interface in Dutch: Adult and Child L2 Acquisition Compared.

Using experimental data from adult and child non-native language acquirers (L2ers), this paper addresses 'interface issues' in language acquisition in two different ways. First, it examines the acquisition of direct object scrambling in Dutch, a phenomenon which involves the interaction of at least two different modules of language, i.e., syntax and semantics. Second, it considers the interface between language and cognition in terms of the potential effect of cognitive maturity on the language acquisition process. Specifically, we examine data from adult and child non-native acquirers (L2ers) of Dutch, comparing these two groups both with each other and to relevant first language (L1) data. The results of these comparisons indicate that not only are both groups of L2ers able to acquire the particular aspect of scrambling under investigation, the developmental stages which they pass through are identical. Implications for the status of the syntax-semantics interface in L2 acquisition are also discussed.
Crystal Structure of the Measles Virus Nucleoprotein Core in Complex with an N-Terminal Region of Phosphoprotein

ABSTRACT The enveloped negative-stranded RNA virus measles virus (MeV) is an important human pathogen. The nucleoprotein (N0) assembles with the viral RNA into helical ribonucleocapsids (NC) which are, in turn, coated by a helical layer of the matrix protein. The viral polymerase complex uses the NC as its template. The N0 assembly onto the NC and the activity of the polymerase are regulated by the viral phosphoprotein (P). In this study, we pulled down an N0 1-408 fragment lacking most of its C-terminal tail domain by several affinity-tagged, N-terminal P fragments to map the N0-binding region of P to the first 48 amino acids. We showed biochemically and using P mutants the importance of the hydrophobic interactions for the binding. We fused an N0 binding peptide, P1-48, to the C terminus of an N0 21-408 fragment lacking both the N-terminal peptide and the C-terminal tail of N protein to reconstitute and crystallize the N0-P complex. We solved the X-ray structure of the resulting N0-P chimeric protein at a resolution of 2.7 Å. The structure reveals the molecular details of the conserved N0-P interface and explains how P chaperones N0, preventing both self-assembly of N0 and its binding to RNA. Finally, we propose a model for a preinitiation complex for RNA polymerization. IMPORTANCE Measles virus is an important, highly contagious human pathogen. The nucleoprotein N binds only to viral genomic RNA and forms the helical ribonucleocapsid that serves as a template for viral replication. We address how N is regulated by another protein, the phosphoprotein (P), to prevent newly synthesized N from binding to cellular RNA. We describe the atomic model of an N-P complex and compare it to helical ribonucleocapsid. We thus provide insight into how P chaperones N and helps to start viral RNA synthesis. Our results provide a new insight into mechanisms of paramyxovirus replication. New data on the mechanisms of phosphoprotein chaperone action allows better understanding of virus genome replication and nucleocapsid assembly. We describe a conserved structural interface for the N-P interaction which could be a target for drug development to treat not only measles but also potentially other paramyxovirus diseases.
Geographic variation in the structure of oak hybrid zones provides insights into the dynamics of speciation

Studying geographic variation in the rate of hybridization between closely related species could provide a useful window on the evolution of reproductive isolation. Reinforcement theory predicts greater prezygotic isolation in areas of prolonged contact between recently diverged species than in areas of recent contact, which implies that old contact zones would be dominated by parental phenotypes with few hybrids (bimodal hybrid zones), whereas recent contact zones would be characterized by hybrid swarms (unimodal hybrid zones). Here, we investigate how the hybrid zones of two closely related Chinese oaks, Quercus mongolica and Q. liaotungensis, are structured geographically using both nuclear and chloroplast markers. We found that populations of Q. liaotungensis located around the Changbai Mountains in Northeast China, an inferred glacial refugium, were introgressed by genes from Q. mongolica, suggesting historical contact between the two species in this region. However, these introgressed populations form sharp bimodal hybrid zones with Q. mongolica. In contrast, populations of Q. liaotungensis located in North China, which show no sign of ancient introgression with Q. mongolica, form unimodal hybrid zones with Q. mongolica. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that selection against hybrids has had sufficient time to reinforce the reproductive barriers between Q. liaotungensis and Q. mongolica in Northeast China but not in North China.
Information Dissemination via Gossip: Applications to Averaging and Coding

We study distributed algorithms, also known as {\em gossip} algorithms, for information dissemination in an arbitrary connected network of nodes. Distributed algorithms have applications to peer-to-peer, sensor, and ad hoc networks, in which nodes operate under limited computational, communication, and energy resources. These constraints naturally give rise to ``gossip'' algorithms: schemes in which nodes repeatedly communicate with randomly chosen neighbors, thus distributing the computational burden across all the nodes in the network. We analyze the information dissemination problem under the gossip constraint for arbitrary networks, and find that the information dissemination time of a gossip algorithm is strongly related to the isoperimetric properties of the underlying graph. As an application of these results, we study two seemingly unrelated important questions: {\em distributed averaging} and {\em coding based information dissemination}. Finally, we apply our results to several classes of graphs: grid graph, expander graphs, and complete graphs.
Factors related to childbirth satisfaction.

BACKGROUND A woman's satisfaction with the childbirth experience may have immediate and long-term effects on her health and her relationship with her infant, but there is a lack of current research in this area. AIM This paper reports a study to examine multiple factors for their association with components of childbirth satisfaction and with the total childbirth experience. METHOD A correlational descriptive study was conducted with 60 low-risk postpartum women, aged 18-46 years, with uneventful vaginal deliveries of healthy full-term infants at two medical centres in the south-eastern United States. The Labor Agentry Scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire and Mackey Childbirth Satisfaction Rating Scale and a background questionnaire were completed by women. Obstetrical data were collected from the medical record. FINDINGS Personal control was a statistically significant predictor of total childbirth satisfaction (P = 0.0045) and with the subscale components of satisfaction (self, partner, baby, nurse, physician and overall). In addition, having expectations for labour and delivery met was a significant predictor of satisfaction with own performance during childbirth. CONCLUSIONS Personal control during childbirth was an important factor related to the women's satisfaction with the childbirth experience. Helping women to increase their personal control during labour and birth may increase the women's childbirth satisfaction.
Predicting Outcomes to Optimize Disease Management in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Background and Aims: Efforts to slow or prevent the progressive course of inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] include early and intensive monitoring and treatment of patients at higher risk for complications. It is therefore essential to identify high-risk patients – both at diagnosis and throughout disease course. Methods: As a part of an IBD Ahead initiative, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify predictors of long-term IBD prognosis and generate draft expert summary statements. Statements were refined at national meetings of IBD experts in 32 countries and were finalized at an international meeting in November 2014. Results: Patients with Crohn’s disease presenting at a young age or with extensive anatomical involvement, deep ulcerations, ileal/ileocolonic involvement, perianal and/or severe rectal disease or penetrating/stenosing behaviour should be regarded as high risk for complications. Patients with ulcerative colitis presenting at young age, with extensive colitis and frequent flare-ups needing steroids or hospitalization present increased risk for colectomy or future hospitalization. Smoking status, concurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis and concurrent infections may impact the course of disease. Current genetic and serological markers lack accuracy for clinical use. Conclusions: Simple demographic and clinical features can guide the clinician in identifying patients at higher risk for disease complications at diagnosis and throughout disease course. However, many of these risk factors have been identified retrospectively and lack validation. Appropriately powered prospective studies are required to inform algorithms that can truly predict the risk for disease progression in the individual patient.
Assessment of Select Dimensions of Patients' Emotional Functioning at Different Time Periods After Stroke

A person's self-evaluation influences purposeful activity undertaken in the situation of illness. It is observed in neurological patients that limited self-awareness disturbs rehabilitation. The goal of the study was to investigate select dimensions of emotional state, the relationship between anxiety and emotional state, and the level of insight into emotional state in patients at different time periods after cerebral vascular accidents (CVAs). Sixty-five patients with short (n = 36) or long (n = 29) time periods following a stroke participated in this study. The patients' relatives (n = 65) evaluated their emotional functioning. The modified Neuropsychology Behavior and Affect Profile (NBAP; Nelson, Satz, & D'Elia, 1994) and State and Trait Anxiety Inventory were administered. Compared groups differed significantly in self-reporting and in relatives' reports on the NBAP scales. Patients with short and long time periods after stroke did not differ in terms of mania, indifference, depression, or inappropriateness. Significant positive moderate correlations between anxiety and depression were found in both groups. In the group with a long time period after CVA, ratings of depression, mania, indifference, and inappropriateness among patients with right-hemisphere damage were significantly correlated with their relatives' ratings. Biological and psychological factors determining emotional state and adequacy of patients' self-evaluations have also been discussed.
Computation of Rotation Local Invariant Features using the Integral Image for Real Time Object Detection

We present a framework for object detection that is invariant to object translation, scale, rotation, and to some degree, occlusion, achieving high detection rates, at 14 fps in color images and at 30 fps in gray scale images. Our approach is based on boosting over a set of simple local features. In contrast to previous approaches, and to efficiently cope with orientation changes, we propose the use of non-Gaussian steerable filters, together with a new orientation integral image for a speedy computation of local orientation
Properties of Resveratrol: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies about Metabolism, Bioavailability, and Biological Effects in Animal Models and Humans

Plants containing resveratrol have been used effectively in traditional medicine for over 2000 years. It can be found in some plants, fruits, and derivatives, such as red wine. Therefore, it can be administered by either consuming these natural products or intaking nutraceutical pills. Resveratrol exhibits a wide range of beneficial properties, and this may be due to its molecular structure, which endow resveratrol with the ability to bind to many biomolecules. Among these properties its activity as an anticancer agent, a platelet antiaggregation agent, and an antioxidant, as well as its antiaging, antifrailty, anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, and so forth activities, is worth highlighting. These beneficial biological properties have been extensively studied in humans and animal models, both in vitro and in vivo. The issue of bioavailability of resveratrol is of paramount importance and is determined by its rapid elimination and the fact that its absorption is highly effective, but the first hepatic step leaves little free resveratrol. Clarifying aspects like stability and pharmacokinetics of resveratrol metabolites would be fundamental to understand and apply the therapeutic properties of resveratrol.
An Experimental Study on Static and Dynamic Strain Sensitivity of Smart Concrete Sensors Doped with Carbon Nanotubes for SHM of Large Structures

The availability of new self-sensing cement-based strain sensors allows the development of dense sensor networks for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of reinforced concrete structures. These sensors are fabricated by doping cement-matrix materials with conductive fillers, such as Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs), and can be embedded into structural elements made of reinforced concrete prior to casting. The strain sensing principle is based on the multifunctional composites outputting a measurable change in their electrical properties when subjected to a deformation. Previous work by the authors was devoted to material fabrication, modeling and applications in SHM. In this paper, we investigate the behavior of several sensors fabricated with and without aggregates and with different MWCNTs content. The strain sensitivity of the sensors, in terms of fractional change in electrical resistivity for unit strain, as well as their linearity are investigated through experimental testing under both static and dynamically varying compressive loadings. Moreover, the responses of the sensors when subjected to destructive compressive tests are evaluated. Overall, the presented results contribute to improving the scientific knowledge on the behavior of smart concrete sensors and to furthering their understanding for SHM applications.
Increased thymic output in HIV-negative patients after antiretroviral therapy

Objective:To determine the effects of antiretroviral therapy on thymic output independent of HIV infection. Methods:Thymic output was evaluated by quantifying signal joint T-cell receptor (TCR) recombination excision circles in peripheral blood lymphocytes from HIV-negative patients undergoing prophylactic antiretroviral therapy. Additionally, effects of the HIV protease inhibitor nelfinavir were assessed in vivo on TCR-induced death of murine double-positive thymocytes. Results:Five out of seven HIV-negative patients undergoing prophylactic antiretroviral therapy exhibited a dramatic increase (1–3 log10) in recent thymic emigrants containing signal joint TCR recombination excision circles while their peripheral T cell compartments remained relatively unaffected. None of the patients developed subsequent HIV infections. Interestingly, nelfinavir did not have significant effects on TCR-induced apoptosis of murine thymocytes in vivo. Conclusion:Antiretroviral therapy augments thymic output independent of HIV. Furthermore, nelfinavir does not dramatically affect TCR-induced thymocyte death in mice, thus central tolerance remains intact.
Energy-efficient branch prediction with Compiler-guided History Stack

Branch prediction is critical in exploring instruction level parallelism for modern processors. Previous aggressive branch predictors generally require significant amount of hardware storage and complexity to pursue high prediction accuracy. This paper proposes the Compiler-guided History Stack (CHS), an energy-efficient compiler-microarchitecture cooperative technique for branch prediction. The key idea is to track very-long-distance branch correlation using a low-cost compiler-guided history stack. It relies on the compiler to identify branch correlation based on two program substructures: loop and procedure, and feed the information to the predictor by inserting guiding instructions. At runtime, the processor dynamically saves and restores the global history using a low-cost history stack structure according to the compiler-guided information. The modification on the global history enables the predictor to track very-long-distance branch correlation and thus improves the prediction accuracy. We show that CHS can be combined with most of existing branch predictors and it is especially effective with small and simple predictors. Our evaluations show that the CHS technique can reduce the average branch mispredictions by 28.7% over gshare predictor, resulting in average performance improvement of 10.4%. Furthermore, it can also improve those aggressive perceptron, OGEHL and TAGE predictors.
Multiple Myeloma with Monoclonal Free IgG3 Heavy Chains and Free Kappa Light Chains

We describe the case of a 34-year-old gentleman investigated for persistent neutropaenia following two episodes of pneumonia. Specialist investigations led to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) producing a truncated monoclonal γ3 heavy chain (HC) immunoglobulin molecule unattached to a light chain (LC) with atypical features for both MM and HC disease. Western blot showed γ3HC was truncated with a large deletion (75 kDa). Flow cytometry of the bone marrow aspirate revealed an unusual staining pattern. This plasma cell dyscrasia was also unusual in that a subpopulation (30%) secreted large quantities of free LC (FLC) as well as truncated IgG HC. This is the first description, investigation and treatment of MM with a plasma cell population producing truncated γ3HC and ĸFLC M-proteins and illustrates a number of unique immunological and clinical features.
YY1 represses rat serum amyloid A1 gene transcription and is antagonized by NF-kappa B during acute-phase response

Serum amyloid A (SAA), one of the major acute-phase proteins, increases several hundredfold in concentration in plasma following acute inflammation, primarily as a result of a 200-fold increase in its transcriptional rate. Functional analysis of the rat SAA1 promoter has identified a 65-bp cytokine response unit (CRU; positions -135 to -71) that could confer cytokine responsiveness on a heterologous promoter. Within this CRU, two cis-regulatory elements, corresponding to NF-kappa B- and C/EBP-binding sites, were found to be functionally important and exerted synergistic effects on induced SAA1 expression. In this report, we show that a third transcription factor interacts with the CRU through a region located between the NF-kappa B- and C/EBP-binding sites. On the basis of its gel mobility shift patterns, ubiquitous binding activity, sequence specificity of DNA binding, zinc-dependent binding activity, and gel mobility supershift by specific antibodies, we concluded that this factor is identical to YY1. Methylation interference studies revealed that YY1 binding sequences overlapped with those of NF-kappa B, and gel mobility studies showed that NF-kappa binding to the CRU was effectively inhibited by YY1. Consistent with its presumed antagonistic role to NF-kappa B, YY1 exerted a negative effect on SAA1 expression, whereas disruption of its binding in the promoter elevated basal and cytokine-induced activities. Furthermore, overexpression of YY1 trans-repressed SAA1 promoter activity. Thus, our results demonstrate that SAA1 expression is tightly regulated by an on-off switch of activators and repressors, presumably to ensure that it is expressed only under appropriate physiological conditions.
International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement Science Assessment in Developing Countries

The International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) has been active now for more than 30 years. In that time the IEA has planned and co-ordinated several international surveys of pupil performance, particularly in mathematics, science and language. Pupil test data have in every case been supplemented with information regarding pupil, school, curriculum and system features, gathered through questionnaire enquiries and other means. Despite the relatively high costs of participation, and the complex logistics associated with pupil testing on the scale required, a number of developing countries have collaborated in one or other of the surveys, most particularly in those in mathematics and science. Some of the motivations for survey participation are equally relevant for both developed and developing countries, principal among them the desire to evaluate national educational system effectiveness through international comparison. A particular motivation driving some developing coun.