Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth and Maturation of a Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Temperature-Sensitive Mutant and Its Central Nervous System Isolate

A temperature-sensitive (ts) mutant of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), tsG31, produces a prolonged central nervous system disease in mice with pathological features similar to those of slow viral diseases. tsG31 and the subsequent virus recovered from the central nervous system (tsG31BP) of mice infected with tsG31 were compared with the parental wild-type (WT) VSV for plaque morphology, growth kinetics, thermal sensitivity of the virions, and viral protein synthesis and maturation. Several properties of the central nervous system isolate distinguished this virus from the original tsG31 and the WT VSV. The WT VSV produced clear plaques with complete cell lysis, and the tsG31 produced diffuse plaques and incomplete cell lysis, whereas the tsG31BP had clear plaques similar to those of the WT VSV. Although plaque morphology suggested that tsG31BP virus was a revertant to the WT, growth kinetics in either BHK-21 or neuroblastoma (N-18) cells indicated that this virus was similar to tsG31, with a productive cycle at 31°C and no infectious virus at 39°C. At 37°C, however, the tsG31BP matured much slower than did the original tsG31 (and produced only 1% of the yield measured at 31°C). WT VSV produced similar quantities of infectious virions at 31, 37, and 39°C. The lack of infectious virions at 39°C for the ts mutants was presumably not due to a greater rate of inactivation at 39°C. Unlike WT VSV, which synthesized viral proteins equally well at all three temperatures, tsG31 had a reduced synthesis of all the structural proteins at 37 and 39°C, compared with that at 31°C; the formation of the M protein was most temperature sensitive. In addition, fractionation of the infected cells indicated that the incorporation of the M and N proteins into the cellular membranes was also disrupted at the higher, nonpermissive temperatures. Several characteristics of protein synthesis during tsG31BP infection at 39°C distinguished this virus from tsG31: (i) no mature viral proteins were detected at 39°C; (ii) several host proteins were [ill], suggesting that the virus was incapable of completely depressing host macromolecular synthesis; and (iii) a great proportion of the incorporated radioactivity was found in unusually high-molecular-weight proteins. In addition, at 37°C, the tsG31BP virus showed a decreased synthesis of viral proteins and reduced assembly of the viral structural proteins.
Ser46 Phosphorylation Regulates p53-Dependent Apoptosis and Replicative Senescence

Posttranslational modification such as phosphorylation of p53 plays important roles in activating p53 responses to various cellular and genotoxic stresses. Cell line studies have shown that phosphorylation of Ser46 is correlated with the activation of p53 apoptotic activity. To address the physiological roles of Ser46 phosphorylation, we employed homologous recombination and LoxP/Cre-mediated deletion to introduce Ser46 to Ala missense mutation into the human p53 knock-in (HUPKI) allele in mice (p53hkiS46A). p53 stabilization in response to various types of DNA damage is modestly reduced in p53hkiS46A embryonic stem (ES) cells, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and thymocytes. In addition, p53-dependent apoptosis is partially impaired in p53hkiS46A thymocytes and E1A/Ras-expressing mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) after DNA damage. Consistent with this finding, transcription of p53 target apoptotic genes is preferentially affected by S46A mutation after DNA damage. p53hkiS46A MEFs proliferate and reach senescence normally but can be spontaneously immortalized more easily than wild type MEFs. In addition, p53hkiS46A MEFs more readily escapes from Ras-induced senescence. Therefore, Ser46 phosphorylation activates p53-dependent apoptosis induced by DNA damage and cellular senescence induced by oncogenic stress.
Simplicial Euclidean and Lorentzian Quantum Gravity

One can try to define the theory of quantum gravity as the sum over geometries. In two dimensions the sum over {\it Euclidean} geometries can be performed constructively by the method of {\it dynamical triangulations}. One can define a {\it proper-time} propagator. This propagator can be used to calculate generalized Hartle-Hawking amplitudes and it can be used to understand the the fractal structure of {\it quantum geometry}. In higher dimensions the philosophy of defining the quantum theory, starting from a sum over Euclidean geometries, regularized by a reparametrization invariant cut off which is taken to zero, seems not to lead to an interesting continuum theory. The reason for this is the dominance of singular Euclidean geometries. Lorentzian geometries with a global causal structure are less singular. Using the framework of dynamical triangulations it is possible to give a constructive definition of the sum over such geometries, In two dimensions the theory can be solved analytically. It differs from two-dimensional Euclidean quantum gravity, and the relation between the two theories can be understood. In three dimensions the theory avoids the pathologies of three-dimensional Euclidean quantum gravity. General properties of the four-dimensional discretized theory have been established, but a detailed study of the continuum limit in the spirit of the renormalization group and {\it asymptotic safety} is till awaiting.
Asynchronous motor imagery detection based on a target guided sub-band filter using wavelet packets

For an asynchronous system based on brain-computer interface (BCI), detecting the occurrence of motor imagery by electroencephalogram (EEG) signals is the basis but also a challenge, due to the complex and non-stationary characteristics of EEG signals. This paper employs a filtering method which uses a the target guided sub-band filter combined with an energy detector for asynchronous motor imagery detection. The proposed filter in the wavelet packet transform domain uses a prior knowledge of the motor imagery and also applies the idea of background suppressing. It can pass the frequency bands that are more significant in the motor imagery signal than in the noise. Experiment demonstrated that the proposed method was reliable for practical use with an equal error rate (EER) of about 9% and a mean response time of 4.36s.
Somatosensory cortical activity in relation to arm posture: nonuniform spatial tuning.

1. Single unitary activity in primate somatosensory cortex (SI) was recorded while monkeys maintained a range of static arm postures. Unit discharge was related to parameters defining the posture of the arm by multiple linear regression techniques. 2. Two monkeys were trained to grasp a manipulandum presented at locations distributed throughout their workspace. The discharge of single units in SI was recorded for 3 s while the monkeys maintained contact with the manipulandum and the mean discharge rate over this hold time was related to the location of the hand and to the shoulder and elbow joint angles of the arm. 3. Unitary activity of 171 neurons in the proximal arm region of areas 3, 1, and 2 was recorded during the task. Of the total, 78 neurons had activity that varied with the location of the hand in space. Neuronal discharge typically varied monotonically with the target location, reaching a maximum at the borders of the work-space. The discharge rate in most of these neurons varied with both shoulder and elbow angles. 4. Discharge rate was related to the hand's location along three axes by means of a polynomial fit. In approximately half of the neurons, activity varied significantly only for displacements along a single axis in space. However, many neurons exhibited nonlinear relations between hand location along this preferred axis and discharge rate. Discharge rate did not vary for displacements of the hand in the plane perpendicular to this preferred axis (null plane). 5. In other neurons, discharge rate varied for hand displacements in a plane, i.e., along two perpendicular axes. Displacements of the hand along the axis perpendicular to this plane (null axis) did not affect the discharge rate. In only a small minority of neurons did discharge rate vary for hand displacements along all three axes in space. 6. The distribution of the sensitivity of the neural population to hand displacements along arbitrary directions in space was not uniform. On average, hand displacement along a vertical axis led to the smallest modulation of neural discharge, and displacement of the hand along the anteroposterior direction led to the largest modulation of activity.
Antimicrobial efficacy of non-thermal plasma in comparison to chlorhexidine against dental biofilms on titanium discs in vitro - proof of principle experiment.

AIM Dental biofilms play a major role in the pathogenesis of peri-implant mucositis. Biofilm reduction is a pre-requisite for a successful therapy of peri-implant mucosal lesions. In this study, we evaluated the effect of three different plasma devices on the reduction of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and multispecies human saliva biofilms. MATERIAL AND METHODS We assessed the efficacy of three different non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma devices against biofilms of S. mutans and saliva multispecies grown on titanium discs in vitro in comparison with a chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) rinse. Efficacy of plasma treatment was determined by the number of colony forming units (CFU) and by scanning electron microscopy. The results were reported as reduction of CFU (CFU(untreated) -CFU(treated) ). RESULTS The application of plasma was much more effective than CHX against biofilms. The maximum reduction of CHX was 3.36 for S. mutans biofilm and 1.50 for saliva biofilm, whereas the colony forming units (CFU) reduction of the volume dielectric barrier discharge argon plasma was 5.38 for S. mutans biofilm and 5.67 for saliva biofilm. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of single- and multispecies dental biofilms on titanium discs with non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma was more efficient than CHX application in vitro. Thus, the development of plasma devices for the treatment of peri-implant mucositis may be fruitful.
Necessary Optimality Conditions for an Optimal Control Problem Governed by an Inclusion with Discontinuous Right—Hand Side

We deal with an optimal control problem of the Bolza type, where the controlled system is governed by a generalized sweeping process, which is a special differential inclusion with discontinuous right-hand side. Employing a suitable constraint qualification, we restate the problem using distance functions and use the fuzzy sum rule to obtain fuzzy optimality conditions. Furthermore, we derive pointwise optimality conditions around a local minimum and discuss the possibility of letting the fuzzy parameter converge to zero to derive optimality conditions at a local minimum.
A TEORIA SUBJACENTE AOS MAPAS CONCEITUAIS E COMO ELABORÁ-LOS E USÁ-LOS * THE THEORY UNDERLYING CONCEPT MAPS AND HOW TO CONSTRUCT AND USE THEM

This text presents the origin of the concept map tool and some of the early history in the development of this tool. Some of the ideas from Ausubel’s (1963; 1968) assimilation theory of cognitive learning that served as a foundation for concept mapping are presented, including the important role that assimilating new concepts and propositions into a learner’s existing cognitive framework plays in meaning making. Epistemological foundations are also presented including the idea that creative production of new knowledge can be seen as a very high level of meaningful learning, and concept mapping can facilitate the process. The wide range of tools available in free CmapTools software and some applications are illustrated, including application for facilitating meaningful learning, better curriculum development, capturing and archiving tacit and explicit expert knowledge, and enhancing creative production. Using CmapTools, WWW resources, and other digital resources provide for a powerful New Model for Education leading to the creation of individual knowledge portfolios that can document signifi cant learning and serve as a foundation for future related learning. CmapTools also provides extensive support for collaboration, publishing and sharing of knowledge models.
FERAL — Framework for simulator coupling on requirements and architecture level

Simulation technologies are imperative for embedded systems development. They enable the evaluation of decisions already early in development processes. Simulators are focused on a subset of effects that affect the operation of embedded systems. Accurate prediction of embedded system behavior on system level, however, requires the consideration of multiple effects, e.g. communication behavior, system environments, and functional behavior of all relevant system components. This requires the coupling of specialized simulators to create holistic simulation scenarios. In this paper, we present FERAL, our framework for simulator coupling, which enables the integration of simulators with heterogeneous simulation models. We describe the overall coupling approach of FERAL, its simulation model, and its approach for the horizontal and vertical integration of simulation models. We show the applicability of FERAL by a realistic example that demonstrates the potential of simulator coupling for early fault detection.
Identifying critical regions in small-world marine metapopulations

The precarious state of many nearshore marine ecosystems has prompted the use of marine protected areas as a tool for management and conservation. However, there remains substantial debate over their design and, in particular, how to best account for the spatial dynamics of nearshore marine species. Many commercially important nearshore marine species are sedentary as adults, with limited home ranges. It is as larvae that they disperse greater distances, traveling with ocean currents sometimes hundreds of kilometers. As a result, these species exist in spatially complex systems of connected subpopulations. Here, we explicitly account for the mutual dependence of subpopulations and approach protected area design in terms of network robustness. Our goal is to characterize the topology of nearshore metapopulation networks and their response to perturbation, and to identify critical subpopulations whose protection would reduce the risk for stock collapse. We define metapopulation networks using realistic estimates of larval dispersal generated from ocean circulation simulations and spatially explicit metapopulation models, and we then explore their robustness using node-removal simulation experiments. Nearshore metapopulations show small-world network properties, and we identify a set of highly connected hub subpopulations whose removal maximally disrupts the metapopulation network. Protecting these subpopulations reduces the risk for systemic failure and stock collapse. Our focus on catastrophe avoidance provides a unique perspective for spatial marine planning and the design of marine protected areas.
A general approach for altitude estimation and mitigation of slant range errors on target tracking using 2D radars

When target tracking using polar (azimuth and slant range only) measurements is performed, the most usual approach is to simply ignore slant range errors and perform target position estimation on a 2D plane. In reality, slant range errors are very significant and can seriously impair tracking. 3D target tracking can mitigate the effect of slant range errors, and, in some cases, even allow altitude to be estimated. This paper analyzes previous approaches on 3D target tracking using 2D radars and their drawbacks, and proposes efficient methods (based on EKF, UKF and AMM-EKF) that can be used on realistic scenarios, without significant increase on computational cost. A robust filter initialization technique is also proposed for these methods.
Early Onset of Spontaneous Activity in Uninjured C-Fiber Nociceptors after Injury to Neighboring Nerve Fibers

Ligation and transection of the L5 spinal nerve in the rat lead to behavioral signs of pain and hyperalgesia. Discharge of injured nociceptors has been presumed to play a role in generating the pain. However, A fibers, but not C fibers, in the injured L5 spinal nerve have been shown to develop spontaneous activity. Moreover, an L5 dorsal root rhizotomy does not reverse this pain behavior, suggesting that signals from other uninjured spinal nerves are involved. We asked if abnormal activity develops in an adjacent, uninjured root. Single nerve fiber recordings were made from the L4 spinal nerve after ligation and transection of the L5 spinal nerve. Within 1 d of the lesion, spontaneous activity developed in approximately half of the C fiber afferents. This spontaneous activity was at a low level (median rate, seven action potentials/5 min), originated distal to the dorsal root ganglion, and was present in nociceptive fibers with cutaneous receptive fields. The incidence and level of spontaneous activity were similar 1 week after injury. The early onset of spontaneous activity in uninjured nociceptive afferents could be the signal that produces the central sensitization responsible for the development of mechanical hyperalgesia. Because L4 afferents comingle with degenerating L5 axons in the peripheral nerve, we hypothesize that products associated with Wallerian degeneration lead to an alteration in the properties of the adjacent, uninjured afferents.
Who gets more out of sport? The role of value and perceived ability in flow and identity-related experiences in adolescent sport

ABSTRACT Sport is a context that provides positive developmental benefits to adolescents. However, these benefits are not distributed equally to all participants. This study examined whether the motivational constructs of attainment value and ability self-concept were related to positive developmental experiences in sport, and tested intensity of participation as a moderator of this relation. A sample of 1,628 students (954 grade 9, 674 grade 12) reported their developmental experiences in sport in two domains: identity formation and flow. Higher levels of attainment value and ability self-concept in sport were related to more identity and flow experiences. In addition, intensity of participation moderated the links between attainment value and identity and flow, and ability self-concept and identity, for older students. Placing higher value on sport was most strongly related to older students’ positive experiences at higher levels of involvement. This study contributes to understanding the role of individual differences in developmental experiences in sport.
Confrontation naming does not add incremental diagnostic utility in MCI and Alzheimer's disease

As the incidence of dementia increases, there is a growing need to determine the diagnostic utility of specific neuropsychological tests in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, the relative utility of Boston Naming Test (BNT) in the diagnosis of AD was examined and compared to the diagnostic utility of other neuropsychological measures commonly used in the evaluation of AD. Individuals with AD (n = 306), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI; n = 67), and cognitively normal subjects (n = 409) with at least 2 annual evaluations were included. Logistic regression analysis suggested that initial BNT impairment is associated with increased risk of subsequent AD diagnosis. However, this risk is significantly less than that imparted by measures of delayed recall impairments. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis suggested that BNT impairment imparted no additional risk for subsequent AD diagnosis after delayed recall impairments were included in the model. Although BNT impairment occurred in all severity groups, it was ubiquitous only in moderate to severe dementia. Collectively these results suggest that although BNT impairments become more common as AD progresses, they are neither necessary for the diagnosis of AD nor particularly useful in identifying early AD. (JINS, 2004, 10, 504–512.)
Thoracic Epidural Anesthesia for Cardiac Surgery: The Effects on Tracheal Intubation Time and Length of Hospital Stay

Improvements in analgesia after major surgery may allow a more rapid recovery and shorter hospital stay. We performed a prospective randomized trial to study the effects of epidural analgesia on the length of hospital stay after coronary artery surgery. The anesthetic technique and postoperative mobilization were altered to facilitate early intensive care discharge and hospital discharge. Fifty patients received high (T1 to T4) thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) with ropivacaine 1% (4-mL bolus, 3–5 mL/h infusion), with fentanyl (100-&mgr;g bolus, 15–25 &mgr;g/h infusion) and a propofol infusion (6 mg · kg−1 · h−1). Another 50 patients (the General Anesthesia group) received fentanyl 15 &mgr;g/kg and propofol (5 mg · kg−1 · h−1), followed by IV morphine patient-controlled analgesia. The TEA group had lower visual analog scores with coughing postextubation (median, 0 vs 26 mm;P < 0.0001) and were extubated earlier (median hours [interquartile range], 3.2 [2.1–4.6] vs 6.7 [3.3–13.2];P < 0.0001). More than half of all patients were discharged home on Postoperative Day 4 (24%) or 5 (33%), but there was no difference in the length of stay between the TEA group (median [interquartile range], Day 5 [5–6]) and the General Anesthesia group (median [interquartile range], Day 5 [4–7]). There were no differences in postoperative spirometry or chest radiograph changes or in markers for postoperative myocardial ischemia or infarction. No significant TEA-related complications occurred. In summary, TEA provided better analgesia and allowed earlier tracheal extubation but did not reduce the length of hospital stay after coronary artery surgery.
The HIV care cascade: a systematic review of data sources, methodology and comparability

The cascade of HIV diagnosis, care and treatment (HIV care cascade) is increasingly used to direct and evaluate interventions to increase population antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage, a key component of treatment as prevention. The ability to compare cascades over time, sub‐population, jurisdiction or country is important. However, differences in data sources and methodology used to construct the HIV care cascade might limit its comparability and ultimately its utility. Our aim was to review systematically the different methods used to estimate and report the HIV care cascade and their comparability.