Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunogenetic Mechanisms Driving Norovirus GII.4 Antigenic Variation

Noroviruses are the principal cause of epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide with GII.4 strains accounting for 80% of infections. The major capsid protein of GII.4 strains is evolving rapidly, resulting in new epidemic strains with altered antigenic potentials. To test if antigenic drift may contribute to GII.4 persistence, human memory B cells were immortalized and the resulting human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) characterized for reactivity to a panel of time-ordered GII.4 virus-like particles (VLPs). Reflecting the complex exposure history of the volunteer, human anti-GII.4 mAbs grouped into three VLP reactivity patterns; ancestral (1987–1997), contemporary (2004–2009), and broad (1987–2009). NVB 114 reacted exclusively to the earliest GII.4 VLPs by EIA and blockade. NVB 97 specifically bound and blocked only contemporary GII.4 VLPs, while NBV 111 and 43.9 exclusively reacted with and blocked variants of the GII.4. 2006 Minerva strain. Three mAbs had broad GII.4 reactivity. Two, NVB 37.10 and 61.3, also detected other genogroup II VLPs by EIA but did not block any VLP interactions with carbohydrate ligands. NVB 71.4 cross-neutralized the panel of time-ordered GII.4 VLPs, as measured by VLP-carbohydrate blockade assays. Using mutant VLPs designed to alter predicted antigenic epitopes, two evolving, GII.4-specific, blockade epitopes were mapped. Amino acids 294–298 and 368–372 were required for binding NVB 114, 111 and 43.9 mAbs. Amino acids 393–395 were essential for binding NVB 97, supporting earlier correlations between antibody blockade escape and carbohydrate binding variation. These data inform VLP vaccine design, provide a strategy for expanding the cross-blockade potential of chimeric VLP vaccines, and identify an antibody with broadly neutralizing therapeutic potential for the treatment of human disease. Moreover, these data support the hypothesis that GII.4 norovirus evolution is heavily influenced by antigenic variation of neutralizing epitopes and consequently, antibody-driven receptor switching; thus, protective herd immunity is a driving force in norovirus molecular evolution.
Transgenic Expression of the Chemokine Receptor Encoded by Human Herpesvirus 8 Induces an Angioproliferative Disease Resembling Kaposi's Sarcoma

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8, also known as Kaposi's sarcoma [KS]-associated herpesvirus) has been implicated as an etiologic agent for KS, an angiogenic tumor composed of endothelial, inflammatory, and spindle cells. Here, we report that transgenic mice expressing the HHV8-encoded chemokine receptor (viral G protein–coupled receptor) within hematopoietic cells develop angioproliferative lesions in multiple organs that morphologically resemble KS lesions. These lesions are characterized by a spectrum of changes ranging from erythematous maculae to vascular tumors, by the presence of spindle and inflammatory cells, and by expression of vGPCR, CD34, and vascular endothelial growth factor. We conclude that vGPCR contributes to the development of the angioproliferative lesions observed in these mice and suggest that this chemokine receptor may play a role in the pathogenesis of KS in humans.
An investigation into measurement of handset antennas

This paper describes the investigation into the effects of signal cables on the operating frequencies, radiation patterns, and gains of handset antennas under test by using a proposed testing scheme. In this simple testing method, a coaxial signal cable feeds the handset antenna under test through a microstrip transmission-line etched onto a printed circuit board. The studies of the influences of different feeding schemes and cable arrangements on two commonly used handset antennas are carried out experimentally and numerically. Also, the distributions of the fields close to the antenna, handset chassis, and the cable are measured and simulated to explore the cable-related influences.
Why is stress so deadly? An evolutionary perspective

The reaction of the body to prolonged stress has many harmful effects. Classical theory assumes that stress responses have evolved due to their short-term selective advantages (‘flight or fight’), and despite their adverse long-term effects. In contrast, we demonstrate that the adverse effects of stress responses may have a selective advantage. Using an analytical model we show that a gene that causes the early death of a relatively unfit individual can increase in frequency in a structured population even if it has no positive effect on that individual. This result offers a new perspective on the relations between stress factors, stress responses and stress-related diseases.
Are Information Systems People Different: An Investigation of Motivational Differences

Comparison of motivational patterns of information systems (IS) and non-information systems people in the same occupational group reveals no significant differences. This finding contrasts with prior writings. Conceptually, this study focuses on a more complete set of motivators of productive work behavior. Methodologically, it measures motivators with a constrained-choice checklist, samples employees from the insurance industry, and statistically tests for IS and non-IS differences within clerical/operations, technical/professional, and managerial occupational groups. Until further study shows otherwise, this study suggests that IS people are as motivationally normal while doing their job as other workers in their occupational group.
Estimating the Partition Function by Discriminance Sampling

Importance sampling (IS) and its variant, annealed IS (AIS) have been widely used for estimating the partition function in graphical models, such as Markov random fields and deep generative models. However, IS tends to underestimate the partition function and is subject to high variance when the proposal distribution is more peaked than the target distribution. On the other hand, "reverse" versions of IS and AIS tend to overestimate the partition function, and degenerate when the target distribution is more peaked than the proposal distribution. In this work, we present a simple, general method that gives much more reliable and robust estimates than either IS (AIS) or reverse IS (AIS). Our method works by converting the estimation problem into a simple classification problem that discriminates between the samples drawn from the target and the proposal. We give extensive theoretical and empirical justification; in particular, we show that an annealed version of our method significantly outperforms both AIS and reverse AIS as proposed by Burda et al. (2015), which has been the state-of-the-art for likelihood evaluation in deep generative models.
Trust in government institutions: The effects of performance and participation in the Dominican Republic and Haiti

This article analyzes theories of institutional trust in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, two developing countries that have shared some historical legacies but currently manifest divergent economic and political trajectories. The evidence confirms that conventional theories emphasizing participation and government performance help us understand institutional trust in both countries. In addition, the analysis emphasizes the analytical leverage gained by exploring the extent to which different facets of engagement have divergent effects on institutional trust. The findings build upon previous research to underscore the importance of considering how context shapes the precise ways in which performance and engagement influence institutional trust, particularly when analyzing the developing world.
Wolfram syndrome in French population: Characterization of novel mutations and polymorphisms in the WFS1 gene

Wolfram syndrome (WS), a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder, results in most cases from mutations in the WFS1 gene. In this study, a total of 19 patients with Wolfram syndrome and 36 relatives from 17 families were screened for mutations in the WFS1 gene. WFS1 mutations were identified on both alleles in 16 of 19 patients and on 1 allele of 3 patients, showing that WFS1 is the major gene involved in WS in the french population. We identified 25 different mutations, twelve of which were novel. We found 6 frameshift mutations, 6 nonsense mutations, 6 missense mutations, 6 in‐frame deletions, and one new homozygous mutation in the splice donor site of exon 7 (c.861+1G>A) resulting in a frameshift. Most patients were compound heterozygotes. No common founder mutation or mutational hot spot were found in the WFS1 gene. Although most mutations occured in exon 8, in some cases molecular screening requires analysis of all exons, including the non‐coding exon 1. We also identified 3 new polymorphisms. Futhermore, genotype‐phenotype correlation suggests that the presence of inactivating mutations on both alleles may be associated with an early onset of diabetes mellitus. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trust But Verify: Examining the Association Between Students' Sourcing Behaviors and Ratings of Text Trustworthiness

Three indicators of undergraduate students' (n = 197) source evaluation were investigated as students completed an academic task requiring the use of multiple texts. The source evaluation metrics examined were students' (1) accessing of document information, (2) trustworthiness ratings, and (3) citation in written responses. All three indicators of source evaluation were found to differ across source type. Based on a significant interaction between source type and accessing of document information in predicting trustworthiness ratings, an additive model of trustworthiness evaluation is proposed. Specifically, we suggest that students access document information to confirm a priori, heuristic judgments of trustworthiness. A model using all three source evaluation metrics was found to be significant in predicting response quality, with the number of citations included in students' responses serving as the strongest predictor in the model.
Is type 2 diabetes related to leukoaraiosis? an updated review

A significantly increased interest has been dedicated to the study of the effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the brain. DM is associated with an increased risk of stroke and cognitive decline. In patients with DM, neuroimaging discloses with high‐frequency structural changes, such as cerebral atrophy, infarcts and white matter lesions, also called leukoaraiosis (LA), an expression of small vessel disease. A previous review showed a relation between DM and both cerebral atrophy and lacunar infarcts, while the question about the relation between DM and LA remained unanswered. In this review, we provide an update on data on this last association. In the reviewed studies, we examined the presence of DM, other disease characteristics, such as duration and complications, and laboratory markers of the disease such as blood glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance, insulin concentrations and their association with LA. About 40% of the reviewed studies reported a statistically significant association between DM and LA. Long‐standing DM and a poor glycemic control were associated with severe LA. Studies using innovative MRI techniques, such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), reported a significant association between microstructural white matter alterations and DM. This review highlights more firmly than previously reported the existence of a relation between DM and both presence and severity of LA. These results are possibly due to more sensitive and advanced imaging techniques recently used to study the extent of LA. However, because of the heterogeneous methodology used in the reviewed studies, a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn.
Research as Wondering and Wandering: The Role of Serendipity in Educational Research

All of us at this conference have at least one thing in common: we have all asked and sought to answer a question in order to gain a better understanding of our world. We are researchers because we wonder about something, and we wonder because we are human beings. If we trace the etymology of “research,” we find that its original meaning had to do with seeking or searching intensively for something; and that business of asking questions and searching for answers—of wondering about our world—is a fundamental part of who we are, from the moment we are born.
Shuanghuang Shengbai granule cures myelosuppression and suppresses lung cancer progression: mechanism and therapeutic targets from the aspect of microRNAs

Background Shuanghuang Shengbai granule is effective in curing cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression without promoting lung cancer development. This study aims to investigate its mechanism and therapeutic targets. Methods Nude mice with lung cancer were treated with physiological saline (control), cyclophosphamide, or cyclophosphamide + Shuanghuang Shengbai. MicroRNA microarray was used to investigate the differentially expressed microRNAs in lung cancer stem cells or bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells between the three groups. MicroRNA expressions were confirmed using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. Results Cyclophosphamide suppressed tumor growth and decreased the ratio of SP+ lung cancer stem cells (P<0.05). Shuanghuang Shengbai further decreased the ratios of SP+ and CD24+IGF1R+ lung cancer stem cells (P<0.05). Shuanghuang Shengbai completely reversed the cyclophosphamide-induced decreases in white blood cells, proliferation index of bone marrow cells, and the ratio of CD34+SCA1+ bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (P<0.05). We found 45 and 343 altered microRNAs for SP+ lung cancer stem cells and CD34+SCA1+ bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells, respectively. Moreover, miR-32*, miR-466i-5p, and mmu-miR-669c in SP+ lung cancer stem cells were confirmed, as well as mmu-miR-106b*, mmu-miR-144, mmu-miR-669k*, mmu-miR-142-3p, mmu-miR-210, and mmu-miR-223 in CD34+SCA1+ bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells. Conclusion Shuanghuang Shengbai might promote the proliferation of CD34+SCA1+ bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells via up-regulating mmu-miR-106b*, mmu-miR-144, and mmu-miR-669k*, as well as down-regulating mmu-miR-142-3p, mmu-miR-210, and mmu-miR-223. Shuanghuang Shengbai might further inhibit the proliferation of SP+ lung cancer stem cells via enhancing the expressions of miR-32*, miR-466i-5p, and mmu-miR-669c. These might be the mechanism and therapeutic targets of Shuanghuang Shengbai granule.
Spiritual Experience and Identity: Relationships with Religious Orientation, Religious Interest, and Intolerance of Ambiguity

Spiritual Openness and Spiritual Support subscales of the Spiritual Experience Index were administered to 402 undergraduates along with the Identity Style Inventory, the Intolerance of Ambiguity Scale, and measures of religious interest and religious orientation. Spiritual Openness was associated with lower levels of Identity Commitment, Normative Identity Style, Intolerance of Ambiguity, an Intrinsic Religious Orientation, and religious interest, and also with higher levels of Quest, a Diffuse/Avoidant Identity Style, and an Extrinsic Orientation. Spiritual Support was associated with higher levels of Identity Commitment, both the Informational and the Normative Identity Styles, Religious Interest, and Intolerance of Ambiguity and with lower levels of Quest and a Diffuse/Avoidant Style. These data once again illustrated the challenges associated with efforts to understand religious maturity in that both Spiritual Openness and Spiritual Support predicted psychological weakness as well as strengths.
A simple and efficient search algorithm for block-matching motion estimation

The three-step search (TSS) algorithm for block-matching motion estimation, due to its simplicity, significant computational reduction, and good performance, has been widely used in real-time video applications. A new search algorithm is proposed for further reduction of computational complexity for motion estimation. It is shown that the proposed algorithm is simple and efficient and requires about one half of the computation for the TSS while keeping the same regularity and good performance.
Relación entre estilos parentales, intensidad psicopatológica y tipo de sintomatología en una muestra clínica adolescente

An investigation was conducted to analyze the relationship between perceived parenting styles, presented intensity psychopathology and externalizing-internalizing dimensions in a clinical sample of adolescents aged 13 to 18. The results found indicate that the psychopathological intensity is associated with age, with older age and over intensity; and with female gender. Only two dimensions of perceived parenting style were found related to psychopathological intensity: psychological control negatively and humor positively. As opposed to other studies consulted, the psychological control dimension appeared linked to externalizing symptoms and not with internalizing.
Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transesophageal Echocardiography in Detection of Thrombus in the Left Atrial Appendage

Background and Purpose— A noninvasive technique of visualizing the left atrial appendage (LAA) and its thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation would be of great interest. This study examined the utility of MRI for the assessment of thrombus in the LAA. Methods— We evaluated 50 subjects with nonrheumatic continuous atrial fibrillation and a history of cardioembolic stroke. Each patient received an MRI and a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) on the same day for thrombus detection in the LAA. Both double- and triple-inversion recovery sequences were used for the MRI evaluations. Results— In all subjects, the LAA was readily visualized with MRI. High-intensity masses in the LAA were clearly distinguishable from the LAA wall in the triple–inversion recovery sequences. Concordance between detection of high-intensity mass with MRI and thrombus with TEE was high: no mass (MRI), no thrombus (TEE), 31 patients; mass (MRI), thrombus (TEE), 16 patients; and mass (MRI), no thrombus (TEE), 3 patients (overall &kgr;=0.876, SE=0.068). Conclusions— MRI is a noninvasive and reproducible modality for thrombus detection in the LAA of patients with nonrheumatic continuous atrial fibrillation and previous cardioembolic stroke.
A Multimode Digitally Controlled Boost Converter With PID Autotuning and Constant Frequency/Constant Off-Time Hybrid PWM Control

This paper proposes a multimode digitally controlled boost converter with PID autotuning and constant frequency/constant off-time hybrid pulsewidth modulation (PWM) control. Constant off-time PWM control is introduced in this converter for avoiding the limit cycle oscillation and maintaining a constant dc gain of the control-output transfer function for a high conversion ratio. Discrete-time modeling of constant off-time PWM is given and verified. An autotuning PID compensator based on frequency-response measurement is adopted to compensate the output stage with variable gain and variable corner frequency. PFM is also included in this controller to improve light load efficiency. A new method of automatic PWM/PFM mode switching without current sensing is proposed. Sufficient loop stability margin and optimal efficiency are obtained by using these techniques for a boost converter operating over wide ranges of output voltages, load currents, and external components. Experimental results are shown for an asynchronous boost converter with 2.5-V input voltage, 3-12 V, and 1-400 mA output.
Too Fast to Die

Imaging of developing T cells in thymic slices reveals distinct characteristics associated with positive versus negative selection. Signals generated by the T cell receptor (TCR) result in the death or survival of developing thymocytes (T cell precursors), depending on the affinity of the TCR for peptide ligands bound to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that are encountered in the thymus. A new study by Ellen Robey’s group in this issue of Science Signaling presents a systematic evaluation of signaling and motility changes in thymocytes that encounter ligands of different affinities in the thymic environment. In contrast to previous in vitro studies, the authors found that low-affinity ligands stimulated infrequent transient mobilization of intracellular Ca2+, whereas high-affinity ligands triggered sustained Ca2+ signaling and periods of migratory arrest. For ligands of intermediate affinity, changes in thymocyte motility, rather than in Ca2+ signaling patterns, provided the best correlation with functional outcomes. These findings suggest that transient signaling events in the absence of strong stop signals are required for thymocyte survival and functional maturation in the thymus.
SATISFACTION NURSING STUDENT IN CLINICAL PLACEMENT

Aim of study assessing student nurses’ satisfaction of clinical placement. Materials and Methods: A descriptive design was used. Accessible population included all undergraduate bachelor of nursing students females female students were (147). In this study a self-administered questionnaire was used. Developed by Chan (2002) consisted of two main parts actual and preferred. The current study used only the satisfaction in actual part and a demographic data sheet. Results: The general study results moderate level satisfaction in clinical placement. Aim of study assessing student nurses’ satisfaction of clinical placement. Materials and Methods: A descriptive design was used. Accessible population included all undergraduate bachelor of nursing students females female students were (147). In this study a self-administered questionnaire was used. Developed by Chan (2002) consisted of two main parts actual and preferred. The current study used only the satisfaction in actual part and a demographic data sheet. Results: The general study results moderate level satisfaction in clinical placement.
Towards introspectable, adaptable and extensible autonomic managers

In this paper, we propose an architecture for building adaptable, extensible and introspectable autonomic managers. In that purpose, we introduce the concept of administration tasks: very specialized components that are opportunistically assembled into autonomic control loops. We discussed particularly the possibility of monitoring and modifying the managers' behaviours at runtime. Our architecture has been implemented as a service oriented framework using iPOJO/OSGi technologies and tested on a sample application pertaining to home automation.
Go green: how to influence the perceived effectiveness of a green product?

Across two studies, this research elucidates on which green messages in advertising are most effective in influencing the perceived effectiveness of green products by examining the moderating role of environmental consciousness. This study further considers a mechanism underlying the interaction between green messages and environmental consciousness on brand attitude with the perceived effectiveness of green products. The results show that when environmentally conscious individuals are exposed to abstract and distant temporal messages, they will report greater perceptions of a green product's effectiveness and brand attitude than for concrete and proximal temporal messages. In contrast, less environmentally conscious respondents will not have different responses to the abstract/concrete and distant/proximal temporal messages. Furthermore, the perceived effectiveness of a green product mediates the interaction between green messages and environmental consciousness for predicting brand attitudes. With an understanding of how environmentally conscious individuals evaluate green advertising, marketers can better understand how to promote their green products more effectively.