Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induction of a Mucosal Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Response by Intrarectal Immunization with a Replication-Deficient Recombinant Vaccinia Virus Expressing Human Immunodeficiency Virus 89.6 Envelope Protein

ABSTRACT To improve the safety of recombinant vaccinia virus vaccines, modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) has been employed, because it has a replication defect in most mammalian cells. Here we apply MVA to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine development by incorporating the envelope protein gp160 of HIV-1 primary isolate strain 89.6 (MVA 89.6) and use it to induce mucosal cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte (CTL) immunity. In initial studies to define a dominant CTL epitope for HIV-1 89.6 gp160, we mapped the epitope to a sequence, IGPGRAFYAR (from the V3 loop), homologous to that recognized by HIV MN loop-specific CTL and showed that HIV-1 MN-specific CTLs cross-reactively recognize the corresponding epitope from strain 89.6 presented by H-2Dd. Having defined the CTL specificity, we immunized BALB/c mice intrarectally with recombinant MVA 89.6. A single mucosal immunization with MVA 89.6 was able to elicit long-lasting antigen-specific mucosal (Peyer’s patch and lamina propria) and systemic (spleen) CTL responses as effective as or more effective than those of a replication-competent vaccinia virus expressing 89.6 gp160. Immunization with MVA 89.6 led to (i) the loading of antigen-presenting cells in vivo, as measured by the ex vivo active presentation of the P18-89.6 peptide to an antigen-specific CTL line, and (ii) the significant production of the proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) in the mucosal sites. These results indicate that nonreplicating recombinant MVA may be at least as effective for mucosal immunization as replicating recombinant vaccinia virus.
A Combinatorial Network of Evolutionarily Conserved Myelin Basic Protein Regulatory Sequences Confers Distinct Glial-Specific Phenotypes

Myelin basic protein (MBP) is required for normal myelin compaction and is implicated in both experimental and human demyelinating diseases. In this study, as an initial step in defining the regulatory network controlling MBP transcription, we located and characterized the function of evolutionarily conserved regulatory sequences. Long-range human-mouse sequence comparison revealed over 1 kb of conserved noncoding MBP 5′ flanking sequence distributed into four widely spaced modules ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 kb. We demonstrate first that a controlled strategy of transgenesis provides an effective means to assign and compare qualitative and quantitative in vivo regulatory programs. Using this strategy, single-copy reporter constructs, designed to evaluate the regulatory significance of modular and intermodular sequences, were introduced by homologous recombination into the mouse hprt (hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase) locus. The proximal modules M1 and M2 confer comparatively low-level oligodendrocyte expression primarily limited to early postnatal development, whereas the upstream M3 confers high-level oligodendrocyte expression extending throughout maturity. Furthermore, constructs devoid of M3 fail to target expression to newly myelinating oligodendrocytes in the mature CNS. Mutation of putative Nkx6.2/Gtx sites within M3, although not eliminating oligodendrocyte targeting, significantly decreases transgene expression levels. High-level and continuous expression is conferred to myelinating or remyelinating Schwann cells by M4. In addition, when isolated from surrounding MBP sequences, M3 confers transient expression to Schwann cells elaborating myelin. These observations define the in vivo regulatory roles played by conserved noncoding MBP sequences and lead to a combinatorial model in which different regulatory modules are engaged during primary myelination, myelin maintenance, and remyelination.
Transformation in Bacillus subtilis: properties of DNA-binding-deficient mutants

Transformation-deficient mutants of Bacillus subtilis were selected after replica plating on agar plates containing transforming DNA. Out of 24 mutants tested, 3 showed highly reduced abilities to bind donor DNA; the residual levels of binding were similar to those of noncompetent cells. Transformation and transfection were reduced to nondetectable levels in the mutants. However, transduction with phage SPP1 occurred at normal frequencies. The nuclease activities involved in entry of donor DNA were present in the mutants. Comparison of protein patterns by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed the absence of one major protein in the mutants as compared with the wild-type strain. This protein (molecular weight, approximately 18,000; isoelectric point, 5.0) appeared to be membrane associated. The protein was specific for competent cells, suggesting that it is involved in the binding of donor DNA.
A novel “Green” inkjet-printed monopole antenna topology for concurrent RFID and cellular communications

In this paper, a novel “green” inkjet-printed monopole antenna topology for integrated RFID-reader and cellular communication functionalities is presented. The antenna is loaded with a parasitic strip to fulfil the design requirements for the required dual-band operation. The design characteristics of the antenna are verified for paper-based substrates through extensive simulated parametric analysis and optimization.
The agr Radiation: an Early Event in the Evolution of Staphylococci

ABSTRACT agr is a global regulatory system in the staphylococci, operating by a classical two-component signaling module and controlling the expression of most of the genes encoding extracellular virulence factors. As it is autoinduced by a peptide, encoded within the locus, that is the ligand for the signal receptor, it is a sensor of population density or a quorum sensor and is the only known quorum-sensing system in the genus. agr is conserved throughout the staphylococci but has diverged along lines that appear to parallel speciation and subspeciation within the genus. This divergence has given rise to a novel type of interstrain and interspecies cross-inhibition that represents a fundamental aspect of the organism's biology and may be a predominant feature of the evolutionary forces that have driven it. We present evidence, using a newly developed, luciferase-based agr typing scheme, that the evolutionary divergence of the agr system was an early event in the evolution of the staphylococci and long preceded the development of the nucleotide polymorphisms presently used for genotyping. These polymorphisms developed, for the most part, within different agr groups; mobile genetic elements appear also to have diffused recently and, with a few notable exceptions, have come to reside largely indiscriminately within the several agr groups.
Gene Tree Affects Inference of Sites Under Selection by the Branch-Site Test of Positive Selection

The branch-site test of positive selection is a standard approach to detect past episodic positive selection in a priori-specified branches of a gene phylogeny. Here, we ask if differences in the topology of the gene tree have any influence on the ability to infer positively selected sites. Using simulated sequences, we compare the results obtained for true and rearranged topologies. We find a strong relationship between “conflicting branch length,” which occurs when the set of sequences that experiences selection for a given topology and foreground is changed, and the ability to predict positively selected sites. Moreover, by reanalyzing a previously published data set, we show that the choice of a gene tree also affects the results obtained for real-world sequences. This is the first study to demonstrate that tree topology has a clear effect on the inference of positive selection. We conclude that the choice of a gene tree is an important factor for the branch-site analysis of positive selection.
A Domain-Independent and Personalized Video Abstraction Algorithm

A video server on the Internet usually provides a short version of a video clip, a video abstraction, in order to provide highlights or the overall story to users as quickly as possible. However, since it is statically generated by content providers using domain-dependent heuristics, it cannot satisfy all users simultaneously. This paper proposes a domain-independent video abstraction algorithm that generates various video abstractions dynamically according to the users' requirements. It first identifies some low-level visual and temporal constraints that a good video abstraction should satisfy domain-independently, such as that it should be well-distributed, highly-active, and non-duplicated (or concise), that are used to partially represent the user's requirements. These constraints are formalized as objective functions, and a simulated annealing algorithm is used to find a set of shots that maximizes the weighted sum of these objective functions as much as possible. It is a personalized abstraction algorithm since each user can generate and view various video abstractions by dynamically adjusting the weights of the constraints. From the results of several experiments with a Korean movie and other well-known movie videos, we found that the proposed algorithm can produce various useful video abstractions very quickly.
Fine antigenic specificity and genetic restriction of lysozyme‐specific suppressor T cell factor produced by radiation leukemia virus‐transformed suppressor T cells

Culture supernatants obtained from a radiation leukemia virus‐transformed, hen egg‐white lysozyme (HEL)‐specific, suppressor T cell line are able, when injected into mice, to specifically suppress the anti‐HEL antibody response. Suppression is observed on both primary and secondary anti‐HEL antibody responses evaluated by direct and developed hemolytic plaque assays. Culture supernatants from this HEL‐specific suppressor T cell line do not suppress the antibody response induced by a structurally related lysozyme, demonstrating the presence in the culture supernatant of a suppressor factor endowed with fine antigenic specificity. The suppressor factor is able to selectively suppress the anti‐HEL antibody response induced by the N‐terminal C‐terminal peptide of the HEL molecule indicating that the fine specificity of this factor is restricted to an antigenic epitope present in this region of the HEL molecule. The suppressive activity is restricted by genes located within the H‐2 complex and analysis of the suppression induced in recombinant mice demonstrates that the interaction between HEL‐specific suppressor T cell factor and its cellular target requires identity in the I‐J region of the H‐2 complex.
Amplify-and-Forward Relay Selection with Outdated Channel Estimates

We study the effect of outdated channel state information on the outage and error rate performance of amplify-and-forward (AF) relay selection, where only one out of the set of available relays is activated. We consider two variations of AF relay selection, namely best relay selection and partial relay selection, when the selection is based upon outdated channel estimates. For both these variations, closed-form expressions for the outage probability are obtained, along with approximate expressions for the symbol error rate in the medium to high signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) regime. The diversity gain and coding gain of the above schemes are also explicitly derived. Numerical results manifest that the outage performance of AF relay selection is highly dependent on the level of correlation between the actual channel conditions and their corresponding (outdated) estimates. This result has a significant impact on the deployment of relay selection in practical applications, implying that a high feedback rate may be required in practice in order to attain the full benefits of relay selection. It is further shown that it may be preferable, in terms of outage and symbol error probability, not to include links in the relay selection process that experience a sufficiently high maximum Doppler shift, since in those cases partial relay selection outperforms best relay selection.
Visual pigment coexpression in all cones of two rodents, the Siberian hamster, and the pouched mouse.

PURPOSE To decide whether the identical topography of short- and middle-wavelength cone photoreceptors in two species of rodents reflects the presence of both opsins in all cone cells. METHODS Double-label immunocytochemistry using antibodies directed against short-wavelength (S)-and middle- to long-wavelength (M/L)-sensitive opsin were used to determine the presence of visual pigments in cones of two species of rodents, the Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) and the pouched mouse (Saccostomus campestris) from South Africa. Topographical distribution was determined from retinal whole-mounts, and the colocalization of visual pigments was examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Opsin colocalization was also confirmed in consecutive semithin tangential sections. RESULTS The immunocytochemical results demonstrate that in both the Siberian hamster and the pouched mouse all retinal cones contain two visual pigments. No dorsoventral gradient in the differential expression of the two opsins is observed. CONCLUSIONS The retina of the Siberian hamster and the pouched mouse is the first example to show a uniform coexpression of M and S cone opsins in all cones, without any topographical gradient in opsin expression. This finding makes these two species good models for the study of molecular control mechanisms in opsin coexpression in rodents, and renders them suitable as sources of dual cones for future investigations on the role and neural connections of this cone type.
Deposition of Polyaniline/Silica Nanocomposite Coating on Stainless Steel; Study of its Corrosion Properties

In the present century many efforts have been done to develop efficient methods for corrosion protection of steel in various industries. The use of conducting polymers is one of the new developments in the area. In this study, polyaniline/silica nanocomposite has been coated onto 316L stainless steel via in situ method. The corrosion behaviors of the bare and coated steels have been studied in order to reveal influence of silica nanoparticles (70nm). The prepared coating has been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion performance of the coating has been investigated in 1 M H2SO4 solution by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It was found that protecting effect of coated layer is influenced by amounts of silica nanoparticles.
Impaired Relaxation of the Carotid Artery During Activation of ATP‐Sensitive Potassium Channels in Atherosclerotic Monkeys

Background and Purpose This study examined the hypotheses that (1) atherosclerosis impairs relaxation of the carotid artery in response to activation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channels and (2) regression of atherosclerosis restores the response toward normal. Methods Isometric tension was measured in rings of carotid artery taken from normal, atherosclerotic, and regression monkeys and precontracted submaximally with prostaglandin F2α. Results Relaxation in response to acetylcholine was less in atherosclerotic compared with normal arteries (5±6% versus 54±4% [mean±SE] in response to 3×10−8 mol/L acetylcholine, P < .01). Relaxation in response to aprikalim, a direct activator of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, was also less in atherosclerotic than in normal arteries (32±7% versus 69±5% during 10−6 mol/L aprikalim, P<.01). Relaxation in response to aprikalim but not to acetylcholine or nitroprusside was inhibited almost completely by glibenclamide (4 μmol/L), a selective inhibitor of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Relaxation in response to low but not high (10−6 to 10−5 mol/L) concentrations of sodium nitroprusside was less in atherosclerotic than in normal arteries. Regression of atherosclerosis tended to restore responses to acetylcholine, but not responses to nitroprusside or aprikalim, toward normal. Conclusions These findings suggest that atherosclerosis impairs relaxation of the carotid artery in response to activation of ATP-sensitive channels. Impaired responses may be due, in part, to nonspecific impairment of relaxation. Regression of atherosclerosis did not restore responses of the carotid artery toward normal.
One-Year Follow-up of Children and Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder: Relationship between Clinical Variables and Abcb1 Gene Polymorphisms

Abstract Introduction: Differences in response to fluoxetine (FLX) may be influenced by certain genes that are involved in FLX transportation (ABCB1). We examined remission and recovery from the index episode in a cohort of patients treated with FLX, and also investigated associations between genetic variants in ABCB1 and remission, recovery, and suicide risk. Methods: This was a naturalistic 1-year follow-up study of 46 adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). At 12 months they underwent a diagnostic interview with the K-SADS-PL. Results: It was found that remission was around 69.5% and recovery 56.5%. Remission and recovery were associated with lower scores on the CDI at baseline, with fewer readmissions and suicide attempts, and with lower scores on the CGI and higher scores on the GAF scale. No relationship was found between ABCB1 and remission or recovery. However, a significant association was observed between the G2677T ABCB1 polymorphism and suicide attempts. Conclusion: Other factors such as stressful events, family support, and other genetic factors are likely to be involved in MDD outcome.
A Statistical Mechanics Theory of Grain Deformation and its Prediction of Dynamical Recovery and Recrystallization

A novel statistical mechanics approach to quantify the effects of hot rolling and deformation on the formation of dislocations in a single grain scenario is presented. The dislocations are dealt as equilibrium defects in the crystal structure, which is assumed to be deformed via the formation of dislocations or single atom displacements at the grain boundary, which involve breaking their bonds and are thus termed "bond breaking atoms". The deformation process is applied to steels of a variety of grain size and dislocations densities. The model has the capacity to describe the grain energy increase as a function of crystallography, grain sizes, temperature and degree of deformation, providing thus an aid in predicting the conditions for dynamic recovery and recrystallization.
Neutralization of Interleukin-9 Decreasing Mast Cells Infiltration in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Background: Th9 cells are a newly discovered CD4+ T helper cell subtype, characterized by high interleukin (IL)-9 secretion. Growing evidences suggest that Th9 cells are involved in the pathogenic mechanism of multiple sclerosis (MS). Mast cells are multifunctional innate immune cells, which are perhaps best known for their role as dominant effector cells in allergies and asthma. Several lines of evidence point to an important role for mast cells in MS and its animal models. Simultaneously, there is dynamic “cross-talk” between Th9 and mast cells. The aim of the present study was to examine the IL-9-mast cell axis in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and determine its interaction after neutralizing anti-IL-9 antibody treatment. Methods: Female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5 in each group): mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced EAE (EAE group), EAE mice treated with anti-IL-9 antibody (anti-IL-9 Abs group), and EAE mice treated with IgG isotype control (IgG group). EAE clinical score was evaluated. Mast cells from central nervous system (CNS) were detected by flow cytometry. The production of chemokine recruiting mast cells in the CNS was explored by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In mice with MOG-induced EAE, the expression of IL-9 receptor (IL-9R) complexes in CNS and spleen mast cells was also explored by RT-PCR, and then was repeating validated by immunocytochemistry. In vitro, spleen cells from EAE mice were cultured with anti-IL-9 antibody, and quantity of mast cells was counted by flow cytometry after co-culture. Results: Compared with IgG group, IL-9 blockade delayed clinical disease onset and ameliorated EAE severity (t = −2.217, P = 0.031), accompany with mast cells infiltration decreases (day 5: t = −8.005, P < 0.001; day 15: t = −11.857, P < 0.001; day 20: t = −5.243, P = 0.001) in anti-IL-9 Abs group. The messenger RNA expressions of C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (t = −5.932, P = 0.003) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (t = −4.029, P = 0.004) were significantly decreased after IL-9 neutralization in anti-IL-9 Abs group, compared with IgG group. In MOG-induced EAE, the IL-9R complexes were expressed in CNS and spleen mast cells. In vitro, splenocytes cultured with anti-IL-9 antibody showed significantly lower levels of mast cells in a dose-dependent manner, compared with splenocytes cultured with anti-mouse IgG (5 &mgr;g/ml: t = −0.894, P = 0.397; 10 &mgr;g/ml: t = −3.348, P = 0.019; 20 &mgr;g/ml: t = −7.639, P < 0.001). Conclusions: This study revealed that IL-9 neutralization reduced mast cell infiltration in CNS and ameliorated EAE, which might be relate to the interaction between IL-9 and mast cells.
Compressed sensing signal recovery via A* Orthogonal Matching Pursuit

Reconstruction of sparse signals acquired in reduced dimensions requires the solution with minimum ℓ0 norm. As solving the ℓ0 minimization directly is unpractical, a number of algorithms have appeared for finding an indirect solution. A semi-greedy approach, A* Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (A*OMP), is proposed in [1] where the solution is searched on several paths of a search tree. Paths of the tree are evaluated and extended according to some cost function, for which novel dynamic auxiliary cost functions are suggested. This paper describes the A*OMP algorithm and the proposed cost functions briefly. The novel dynamic auxiliary cost functions are shown to provide improved results as compared to a conventional choice. Reconstruction performance is illustrated on both synthetically generated data and real images, which show that the proposed scheme outperforms well-known CS reconstruction methods.
SRCMap: Energy Proportional Storage Using Dynamic Consolidation

We investigate the problem of creating an energy proportional storage system through power-aware dynamic storage consolidation. Our proposal, Sample-Replicate-Consolidate Mapping (SRCMap), is a storage virtualization layer optimization that enables energy proportionality for dynamic I/O workloads by consolidating the cumulative workload on a subset of physical volumes proportional to the I/O workload intensity. Instead of migrating data across physical volumes dynamically or replicating entire volumes, both of which are prohibitively expensive, SRCMap samples a subset of blocks from each data volume that constitutes its working set and replicates these on other physical volumes. During a given consolidation interval, SRCMap activates a minimal set of physical volumes to serve the workload and spins down the remaining volumes, redirecting their workload to replicas on active volumes. We present both theoretical and experimental evidence to establish the effectiveness of SRCMap in minimizing the power consumption of enterprise storage systems.