Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DNA demethylation in the human FOXP3 locus discriminates regulatory T cells from activated FOXP3+ conventional T cells

The transcription factor FOXP3 is critical for development and function of regulatory T cells (Treg). Their number and functioning appears to be crucial in the prevention of autoimmunity and allergy, but also to be a negative prognostic marker for various solid tumors. Although expression of the transcription factor FOXP3 currently constitutes the best‐known marker for Treg, in humans, transient expression is also observed in activated non‐Treg. Extending our recent findings for the murine foxp3 locus, we observed epigenetic modification of several regions in the human FOXP3 locus exclusively occurring in Treg. Importantly, activated conventional CD4+ T cells and TGF‐β‐treated cells displayed no FOXP3 DNA demethylation despite expression of FOXP3, whereas subsets of Treg stable even upon extended in vitro expansion remained demethylated. To investigate whether a whole set of genes might be epigenetically imprinted in the Treg lineage, we conducted a genome‐wide differential methylation hybridization analysis. Several genes were found displaying differential methylation between Treg and conventional T cells, but none beside FOXP3 turned out to be entirely specific to Treg when tested on a broad panel of cells and tissues. We conclude that FOXP3 DNA demethylation constitutes the most reliable criterion for natural Treg available at present.
An Improved Hybrid ARQ Scheme in Cooperative Wireless Networks

Hybrid ARQ (HARQ) has been shown to be an effective transmission strategy to improve the performance and capacity of relayed transmission in cooperative wireless networks. In contrast to the conventional HARQ, the retransmitted packets in cooperative systems do not need to come from the original source but could instead be sent by relays that overhear the transmission. This paper proposes an improved HARQ scheme with an adaptive relaying protocol (ARP). The proposed HARQ- ARP scheme combines the retransmission mechanisms (repetition coding and incremental redundancy), the distributed turbo coding (DTC) and the adaptive relaying strategy. They can effectively avoid the problem of both error propagation and noise amplification encountered in current cooperative communication systems. A performance analysis is carried out for the proposed scheme. The analysis and simulation results show that the proposed HARQ scheme can achieve a superior frame error rate (FER) to the existing HARQ relaying methods in all signal to noise ratio (SNR) regions.
Discrete-time quasi-sliding-mode control strategies

In this paper, discrete-time quasi-sliding-mode control systems are considered. A new definition describing the quasi-sliding mode as a motion of the system, such that its state always remains in a certain band around the sliding hyperplane, is introduced. Then, two novel reaching laws satisfying conditions of the definition are proposed and applied to the design of appropriate linear control strategies which drive the state of the controlled system to a band around the sliding hyperplane. Consequently, the undesirable chattering and high-frequency switching between different values of the control signal are avoided. The strategies, when compared with previously published results, guarantee better robustness, faster error convergence, and improved steady-state accuracy of the system. Furthermore, better performance of the system is achieved using essentially reduced control effort.
The drag on a microcantilever oscillating near a wall

Motivated by devices such as the atomic force microscope, we compute the drag experienced by a cylindrical body of circular or rectangular cross-section oscillating at small amplitude near a plane wall. The body lies parallel to the wall and oscillates normally to it; the body is assumed to be long enough for the dominant flow to be two-dimensional. The flow is parameterized by a frequency parameter $\gamma^2$ (a Strouhal number) and the wall–body separation $\Delta$ (scaled on body radius). Numerical solutions of the unsteady Stokes equations obtained using finite-difference computations in bipolar coordinates (for circular cross-sections) and boundary-element computations (for rectangular cross-sections) are used to determine the drag on the body. Numerical results are validated and extended using asymptotic predictions (for circular cylinders) obtained at all extremes of $(\gamma,\Delta)$-parameter space. Regions in parameter space for which the wall has a significant effect on drag are identified.
The selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist SB‐277011A attenuates drug‐ or food‐deprivation reactivation of expression of conditioned place preference for cocaine in male sprague‐dawley rats

We determined the effect of the selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist SB‐277011A on reactivation of conditioned place preference (CPP) to cocaine elicited by priming injections of cocaine or exposure to food deprivation stress (21 h) in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Animals paired with the cocaine‐associated chamber displayed a robust and consistent CPP response. This CPP was extinguished after repeated pairings of the conditioned stimuli (cocaine‐paired chamber contextual cues) in the absence of the unconditioned stimulus (cocaine). Twenty‐four hours later, the administration of 5 mg kg−1 i.p. of cocaine (immediately before the test) or exposure to 21 h of food deprivation reactivated the expression of the cocaine‐induced CPP. In contrast, administration of 1 ml kg−1 i.p. of vehicle did not reactivate the CPP response. Administration of the selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist SB‐277011A (3–24 mg kg−1 i.p.) 30 min before cocaine administration on the test day produced a significant attenuation of CPP reactivation. Reactivation of the CPP response produced by food deprivation was also significantly attenuated by SB‐277011A (6 or 12 mg kg−1 i.p.) given 30 min before the test session. SB‐277011A (12 or 24 mg kg−1 i.p.) did not itself produce reactivation of the CPP response. Overall, these results suggest that the reactivation of the incentive value of drug‐associated cues by cocaine or food deprivation is attenuated by selective antagonism of D3 receptors. Synapse 69:336–344, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overeducation in Europe: Trends, Convergence and Drivers

This paper examines patterns in overeducation between countries using a specifically designed panel dataset constructed from the quarterly Labour Force Surveys of 28 EU countries over a twelve to fifteen year period. It is not the case that overeducation has been rising rapidly over time in all countries and where overeducation has grown the trend has been very gradual. Furthermore, overeducation rates were found to be static or falling in approximately fifty percent of the 28 EU countries. The evidence points towards convergence in overeducation at a rate of 3.3 percent per annum. In terms of the determinants of overeducation we find evidence to support policies aimed at improving effective female participation, labour market flexibility and the practical aspects of educational provision as a means of reducing the incidence of overeducation within countries.
What to add to nothing? Use and avoidance of continuity corrections in meta-analysis of sparse data.

OBJECTIVES To compare the performance of different meta-analysis methods for pooling odds ratios when applied to sparse event data with emphasis on the use of continuity corrections. BACKGROUND Meta-analysis of side effects from RCTs or risk factors for rare diseases in epidemiological studies frequently requires the synthesis of data with sparse event rates. Combining such data can be problematic when zero events exist in one or both arms of a study as continuity corrections are often needed, but, these can influence results and conclusions. METHODS A simulation study was undertaken comparing several meta-analysis methods for combining odds ratios (using various classical and Bayesian methods of estimation) on sparse event data. Where required, the routine use of a constant and two alternative continuity corrections; one based on a function of the reciprocal of the opposite group arm size; and the other an empirical estimate of the pooled effect size from the remaining studies in the meta-analysis, were also compared. A number of meta-analysis scenarios were simulated and replicated 1000 times, varying the ratio of the study arm sizes. RESULTS Mantel-Haenszel summary estimates using the alternative continuity correction factors gave the least biased results for all group size imbalances. Logistic regression was virtually unbiased for all scenarios and gave good coverage properties. The Peto method provided unbiased results for balanced treatment groups but bias increased with the ratio of the study arm sizes. The Bayesian fixed effect model provided good coverage for all group size imbalances. The two alternative continuity corrections outperformed the constant correction factor in nearly all situations. The inverse variance method performed consistently badly, irrespective of the continuity correction used. CONCLUSIONS Many routinely used summary methods provide widely ranging estimates when applied to sparse data with high imbalance between the size of the studies' arms. A sensitivity analysis using several methods and continuity correction factors is advocated for routine practice.
Novel Diagnostic Algorithm for Identification of Mycobacteria Using Genus-Specific Amplification of the 16S-23S rRNA Gene Spacer and Restriction Endonucleases

ABSTRACT A novel genus-specific PCR for mycobacteria with simple identification to the species level by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was established using the 16S-23S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) spacer as a target. Panspecificity of primers was demonstrated on the genus level by testing 811 bacterial strains (122 species in 37 genera from 286 reference strains and 525 clinical isolates). All mycobacterial isolates (678 strains among 48 defined species and 5 indeterminate taxons) were amplified by the new primers. Among nonmycobacterial isolates, only Gordonia terrae was amplified. The RFLP scheme devised involves estimation of variable PCR product sizes together with HaeIII and CfoI restriction analysis. It yielded 58 HaeIII patterns, of which 49 (84%) were unique on the species level. Hence,HaeIII digestion together with CfoI results was sufficient for correct identification of 39 of 54 mycobacterial taxons and one of three or four of seven RFLP genotypes found inMycobacterium intracellulare and Mycobacterium kansasii, respectively. Following a clearly laid out diagnostic algorithm, the remaining unidentified organisms fell into five clusters of closely related species (i.e., the Mycobacterium aviumcomplex or Mycobacterium chelonae-Mycobacterium abscessus) that were successfully separated using additional enzymes (TaqI, MspI, DdeI, orAvaII). Thus, next to slowly growing mycobacteria, all rapidly growing species studied, including M. abscessus,M. chelonae, Mycobacterium farcinogenes,Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium peregrinum, and Mycobacterium senegalense (with a very high 16S rDNA sequence similarity) were correctly identified. A high intraspecies sequence stability and the good discriminative power of patterns indicate that this method is very suitable for rapid and cost-effective identification of a wide variety of mycobacterial species without the need for sequencing. Phylogenetically, spacer sequence data stand in good agreement with 16S rDNA sequencing results, as was shown by including strains with unsettled taxonomy. Since this approach recognized significant subspecific genotypes while identification of a broad spectrum of mycobacteria rested on identification of one specific RFLP pattern within a species, this method can be used by both reference (or research) and routine laboratories.
VENTILATION-INDUCED PULMONARY VASODILATATION IN LAMBS WITH CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA IS MODULATED BY NITRIC OXIDE

Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) mediates pulmonary vasodilatation at birth, but inhaled NO fails to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). This study was designed to investigate the effects of ventilation, and the nature of its endogenous mediator, in fetal lambs with experimental CDH. Investigations at 138 days of gestation showed that ventilation markedly decreased PVR. Inhibition of NO synthesis reduced ventilation-induced pulmonary vasodilatation in vivo and increased in vitro isometric tension of vascular rings. Ventilation therefore reduces PVR at birth in lambs with CDH, and endogenous NO seems to contribute to this reduction.
The current refugee crisis and the challenges for Bulgaria as an entry gate for the European Union

In this paper we analyze the effect of the current refugee crisis in South-Eastern Europe by making an emphasis on the Bulgarian migration policy. After discussing the legal part, concerning the migration processes in the country, we present the most recent statistics, related to the refugee’s panorama in Bulgaria. Several current problems are analyzed such as the dynamics of the detainees at the borders and inside the country, the trafficking, the asylum applications and the corresponding decisions, as well as other aspects related to the specific migration policies and their management. Finally we discuss some recommendations for a better sustainability as well as some important geopolitical issues, related to the disadvantageous position of the country as a entry gate to the EU and the concern regarding the EU-Turkish agreement in migration and resettlement.
REVIEW OF TREATMENT TRIALS IN HUMANSPINAL CORD INJURY: ISSUES, DIFFICULTIES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

OBJECTIVETo provide a comprehensive review of the treatment trials in the field of spinal cord injury, emphasizing what has been learned about the effectiveness of the agents and strategies tested and the quality of the methodology. The review aims to provide useful information for the improvement of future trials. The review audience includes practitioners, researchers, and consumers. METHODSAll publications describing organized trials since the 1960s were analyzed in detail, emphasizing randomized, prospective controlled trials and published Phase I and II trials. Trials were categorized into neuroprotection, surgery, regeneration, and rehabilitation trials. Special attention was paid to design, outcome measures, and case selection. RESULTSThere are 10 randomized prospective control trials in the acute phase that have provided much useful information. Current neurological grading systems are greatly improved, but still have significant shortcomings, and independent, trained, and blinded examiners are mandatory. Other trial designs should be considered, especially those using adaptive randomization. Only methylprednisolone and thyrotropin-releasing hormone have been shown to be effective, but the results of the former are controversial, and studies involving the latter involved too few patients. None of the surgical trials has proven effectiveness. Currently, a multitude of cell-based Phase I trials in several countries are attracting large numbers of patients, but such treatments are unproven in effectiveness and may cause harm. Only a small number are being conducted in a randomized or blinded format. Several consortia have committed to a promise to improve the conduct of trials. CONCLUSIONA large number of trials in the field of spinal cord injury have been conducted, but with few proven gains for patients. This review reveals several shortcomings in trial design and makes several recommendations for improvement.
Perioperative Systemic Magnesium to Minimize Postoperative Pain: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background:Systemic magnesium has been used to minimize postoperative pain with conflicting results by clinical studies. It remains unknown whether the administration of perioperative systemic magnesium can minimize postoperative pain. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the effect of systemic magnesium on postoperative pain outcomes. Methods:A wide search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of systemic magnesium on postoperative pain outcomes in surgical procedures performed under general anesthesia. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model. Publication bias was evaluated by examining the presence of asymmetric funnel plots using Egger regression. Results:Twenty randomized clinical trials with 1,257 subjects were included. The weighted mean difference (99% CI) of the combined effects favored magnesium over control for pain at rest (⩽4 h, −0.74 [−1.08 to −0.48]; 24 h, −0.36 [−0.63 to −0.09]) and with movement at 24 h, −0.73 (−1.37 to −0.1). Opioid consumption was largely decreased in the systemic magnesium group compared with control, weighted mean difference (99% CI) of −10.52 (−13.50 to −7.54) mg morphine IV equivalents. Publication bias was not present in any of the analysis. Significant heterogeneity was present in some analysis, but it could be partially explained by the sole intraoperative administration of magnesium compared with the intraoperative and postoperative administration. None of the studies reported clinical toxicity related to toxic serum levels of magnesium. Conclusion:Systemic administration of perioperative magnesium reduces postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Magnesium administration should be considered as a strategy to mitigate postoperative pain in surgical patients.
Reforming Teacher Training and Recruitment

At the start of the 1996-97 school year, the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (the Commission or the NCTAF) released a report entitled What Matters Most: Teaching for America’s Future. NCTAF is a "blue-ribbon" 26-member commission chaired by North Carolina governor James Hunt. An accompanying press release described the report as a "scathing indictment" of the current system for training and recruiting teachers. The Commission argued that public schools employ large numbers of "unqualified" teachers and proposed an extensive set of recommendations to "put qualified teachers in every classroom. "
The Functions of Saliva

Nature's demands on salivary glands are extensive and diverse and range from the reptilian need for a venomous drop to incapacitate its prey to the 100 quarts that ruminants require to digest a day's grazing. Other species depend on saliva not for survival, but for improving the quality of life, using the fluid for functions varying from grooming and cleansing to nest-building. Humans can manage without saliva; its loss is not life-threatening in any immediate sense, but it results in a variety of difficulties and miseries. Oral digestion per se is only of marginal importance in humans, but saliva is important in preparing food for mastication, for swallowing, and far normal taste perception. Without saliva, mealtimes are difficult, uncomfortable, and embarrassing. The complex mix of salivary constituents provides an effective set of systems for lubricating and protecting the soft and hard tissues. Protection of soft tissues is afforded against desiccation, penetration, ulceration, and potential carcinogens by mucin and anti-proteases. Saliva can encourage soft tissue repair by reducing clotting time and accelerating wound contraction. A major protective function results from the salivary role in maintenance of the ecological balance in the oral cavity via; (1) debridement/lavage; (2) aggregation and reduced adherence by both immunological and nan-immunological means; and (3) direct antibacterial activity. Saliva also possesses antifungal and anti-viral systems. Saliva is effective in maintaining pH in the oral cavity, contributes to the regulation of plaque pH, and helps neutralize reflux acids in the esophagus. Salivary maintenance of tooth integrity is dependent on: (1) mechanical cleansing and carbohydrate clearance; (2) post-eruptive maturation of enamel; (3) regulation of the ionic environment to provide a remineralizing potential without spontaneous precipitation; and (4) pellicle deposition and limitation of acid diffusion. Saliva also plays a role in water balance, can serve in a limited way in excretion, and has possible hormonal function in the gastro-intestinal tract.
HIV escape mutations occur preferentially at HLA-binding sites of CD8 T-cell epitopes

Objective:To define the relative frequencies of different mechanisms of viral escape. Design:A population-based approach to examine the distribution of HIV polymorphism associated with diverse population human leucocyte antigens (HLAs) at sites within and flanking CD8 T-cell epitopes as a correlate of likely mechanisms of viral escape. Methods:Sequence windows surrounding 874 HLA allele-specific polymorphisms across the full HIV-1 proteomic consensus sequence were scanned by an epitope-prediction programme. Either already known or probable CD8 T-cell epitopes with HLA restriction matching that of the proximal HLA association were identified and synthesized. These peptides were used as stimulating antigens in automated enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assays. Peptide arrays were customized to each individual based on their HLA genotype. Results:Among HLA-associated HIV polymorphisms detected in the viral sequences of a cohort of 800 individuals with chronic subtype B HIV infection, those which were likely to affect HLA peptide binding were significantly more common than polymorphisms at nonanchor HLA binding sites. HIV epitopes with such polymorphisms were associated with reduced IFN&ggr; responses in ELISpot assays. HIV escape at sites affecting T-cell receptor (TCR) engagement and epitope processing were also evident. Conclusion:HIV escape from HLA-peptide binding predominates as an effective viral evasion strategy and therefore has implications for inclusion of HLA-adapted epitopes in vaccine immunogens.
Anti-saturation and contrast enhancement technique using interlaced histogram equalization (IHE) for improving target detection performance of EO/IR images

The electro-optic infra-red (EO/IR) camera systems of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are equipped with an infra-red sensor to detect targets even in low visibility environments. However, the infra-red sensor is easily affected by diverse noises, and it is essentially needed to process a contrast expansion using the histogram equalization because of low output level of the sensor. But the classical histogram equalization (HE) for IR image processing has side effects such as lack of contrast expansion and saturation phenomenon. In addition, the local area processing (LAP) for saturation reduction has been studied, but LAP shows low performance to reduce saturation and non-uniformities between divided areas. In this study, we propose the interlaced HE (IHE) method in order to solve the problems about the saturation and the non-uniformities. Compared with the conventional HE method, the proposed method maintains the same performance of image contrast expansion with the 6.72 entropy, and the saturation was dramatically reduced as its variance was reduced from 82[%] to 77[%].