Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HIV Antigen Incorporation within Adenovirus Hexon Hypervariable 2 for a Novel HIV Vaccine Approach

Adenoviral (Ad) vectors have been used for a variety of vaccine applications including cancer and infectious diseases. Traditionally, Ad-based vaccines are designed to express antigens through transgene expression of a given antigen. However, in some cases these conventional Ad-based vaccines have had sub-optimal clinical results. These sub-optimal results are attributed in part to pre-existing Ad serotype 5 (Ad5) immunity. In order to circumvent the need for antigen expression via transgene incorporation, the “antigen capsid-incorporation” strategy has been developed and used for Ad-based vaccine development in the context of a few diseases. This strategy embodies the incorporation of antigenic peptides within the capsid structure of viral vectors. The major capsid protein hexon has been utilized for these capsid incorporation strategies due to hexon's natural role in the generation of anti-Ad immune response and its numerical representation within the Ad virion. Using this strategy, we have developed the means to incorporate heterologous peptide epitopes specifically within the major surface-exposed domains of the Ad capsid protein hexon. Our study herein focuses on generation of multivalent vaccine vectors presenting HIV antigens within the Ad capsid protein hexon, as well as expressing an HIV antigen as a transgene. These novel vectors utilize HVR2 as an incorporation site for a twenty-four amino acid region of the HIV membrane proximal ectodomain region (MPER), derived from HIV glycoprotein gp41 (gp41). Our study herein illustrates that our multivalent anti-HIV vectors elicit a cellular anti-HIV response. Furthermore, vaccinations with these vectors, which present HIV antigens at HVR2, elicit a HIV epitope-specific humoral immune response.
Methylation of sodium iodide symporter promoter correlated with aggressiveness and metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Methylation of sodium iodide symporter promoter has been reported to increase the incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). In this meta-analysis stratified via methylation of sodium iodide symporter promoter, we evaluate the relationship between methylation of sodium iodide symporter promoter and PTC. The association between methylation with aggressiveness and metastasis potential of PTC is also discussed. METHODS We searched electronic databases for original articles and references of included studies both in English and Chinese from 1966 to 2014. Two reviewers selected the case-control study and extracted data from relevant literature independently. RESULTS Seven articles, including 360 cases and 268 controls, were involved in this meta-analysis. The prevalence of PTC in patients with methylated sodium iodide symporter promoter was significantly higher than those with non-methylated promoter (OR=7.36, 95% CI: 4.25-12.74, P<0.001). Stratified analysis showed that PTC patients with multiple lesions, capsule invasion and lymphatic metastasis had significantly higher rates of methylation (OR=2.22, 95% CI: 1.12-4.41, P=0.02; OR=2.14, 95% CI: 1.12-4.08, P=0.02; OR=3.56, 95% CI: 1.97-6.46, P<0.0001). But no relationship was found among the methylation of sodium iodide symporter and age, gender and size of tumor. CONCLUSIONS The methylation of sodium iodide symporter promoter is related with PTC and its aggressive and metastatic potential. Due to the limited sample size, more clinical researches should be taken in the future.
Metallographic Etching of Aluminium and Its Alloys for Restoration of Obliterated Marks in Forensic Science Practice and Investigations

1.1 The problem A problem of common occurrence in forensic science is the restoration of obliterated serial numbers on the chassis and engine of stolen motor vehicles, firearms, jewellery, valuable tools, and machinery (Nickols, 1956; Wolfer & Lee, 1960; Jackson, 1962; Cunliffe & Piazaa, 1980; De Forest & Gaensslen, 1983; Schaefer, 1987; O’Hara & O’Hara, 1994; Moenssens et al (1995); Heard, 1997; Petterd, 2000; Lyle, 2004; Katterwe, 2006; Seigel, 2007; Mozayani & Noziglia, 2006; Jackson et al (2008); Levin, 2010). Serial numbers or other markings, which are unique to that particular item, are usually marked on the above metal surfaces during the manufacturing process. Criminals alter or obliterate these identification marks during thefts or other illegal uses in order to prevent their identity. On many occasions a fraudulent number would be introduced after removing the original one. In abandoned vehicles all serial numbers are verified in order to detect alterations in the identity of the vehicle (Svensson et al, 1981). Sometimes the serial numbers on firearms are removed more professionally making it hard to distinguish whether the numbers are original or not (Shoshani et al, 2001). Restoration of the original obliterated numbers provides important forensic evidence in order to return the items to the owner and also to follow up the criminal proceedings against the perpetrator. In cases involving firearms the recovered numbers provide an important investigative lead. The history and the ownership of the firearm can be obtained only from the serial number. In forensic practice a few experimental techniques are being used successfully to restore the obliterated serial numbers on the above surfaces. The methods include: chemical etching, heat treatment, magnetic particle, ultrasonic cavitation and relief polishing (Nickols, 1956; Polk & Giessen, 1989; Maxwell, 1993; Heard, 1997; Hogan et al, 2006; Katterwe, 2006). Nondestructive methods such as hardness testing, magnetic imaging, x-ray imaging, eddy current, infrared imaging, scanning acoustic microscopy, electron channeling contrast and thermal wave imaging are also proposed (Hogan et al, 2005; Katterwe, 2006; Klees, 2009). However, chemical etching is most popular because it is sensitive, easy to apply on any size and also kind of object and reproducible. Etching can be applied on all metal surfaces including precious ones (Crowe & Smith, 2005). This chapter presents background information on serial number restoration and etching techniques applied to recover the obliterated markings on aluminium and especially two of
Carotenoid Content and Root Color of Cultivated Carrot: A Candidate-Gene Association Study Using an Original Broad Unstructured Population

Accumulated in large amounts in carrot, carotenoids are an important product quality attribute and therefore a major breeding trait. However, the knowledge of carotenoid accumulation genetic control in this root vegetable is still limited. In order to identify the genetic variants linked to this character, we performed an association mapping study with a candidate gene approach. We developed an original unstructured population with a broad genetic basis to avoid the pitfall of false positive detection due to population stratification. We genotyped 109 SNPs located in 17 candidate genes – mostly carotenoid biosynthesis genes – on 380 individuals, and tested the association with carotenoid contents and color components. Total carotenoids and β-carotene contents were significantly associated with genes zeaxanthin epoxydase (ZEP), phytoene desaturase (PDS) and carotenoid isomerase (CRTISO) while α-carotene was associated with CRTISO and plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) genes. Color components were associated most significantly with ZEP. Our results suggest the involvement of the couple PDS/PTOX and ZEP in carotenoid accumulation, as the result of the metabolic and catabolic activities respectively. This study brings new insights in the understanding of the carotenoid pathway in non-photosynthetic organs.
Implication of Apoptosis for the Pathogenesis of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection

Apoptosis is induced during the course of immune response to different infectious agents, and the ultimate fate is the recognition and uptake of apoptotic bodies by neighboring cells or by professional phagocytes. Apoptotic cells expose specific ligands to a set of conserved receptors expressed on macrophage cellular surface, which are the main cells involved in the clearance of the dying cells. These scavenger receptors, besides triggering the production of anti-inflammatory factors, also block the production of inflammatory mediators by phagocytes. Experimental infection of mice with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi shows many pathological changes that parallels the evolution of human infection. Leukocytes undergoing intense apoptotic death are observed during the immune response to T. cruzi in the mouse model of the disease. T. cruzi replicate intensely and secrete molecules with immunomodulatory activities that interfere with T cell-mediated immune responses and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. This mechanism of immune evasion allows the infection to be established in the vertebrate host. Under inflammatory conditions, efferocytosis of apoptotic bodies generates an immune-regulatory phenotype in phagocytes, which is conducive to intracellular pathogen replication. However, the relevance of cellular apoptosis in the pathology of Chagas’ disease requires further studies. Here, we review the evidence of leukocyte apoptosis in T. cruzi infection and its immunomodulatory mechanism for disease progression.
it's the difference that counts: exPectancy/exPerience discrePancy Moderates the use of ease of retrieval in attitude JudgMents

When people are asked to bring forward arguments in favor of or against a position, ease or difficulty of retrieving these arguments can influence subsequent attitude judgments. The present paper argues that the discrepancy between the actual retrieval experience and a previous implicit standard (or expectancy) prompts this effect rather than the absolute level of ease. In Experiment 1, priming an implicit standard and simultaneously keeping the retrieval task constant induced a discrepancy. Merely shifting standards elicited ease-of-retrieval effects. Experiments 2 and 3 varied the task difficulty and the implicit standard independently from each other. Ease of retrieval was used as information for attitude judgments more when it was discrepant with the induced standard than when it was congruent with the standard.
Morphological Error Detection in 3D Segmentations

Deep learning algorithms for connectomics rely upon localized classification, rather than overall morphology. This leads to a high incidence of erroneously merged objects. Humans, by contrast, can easily detect such errors by acquiring intuition for the correct morphology of objects. Biological neurons have complicated and variable shapes, which are challenging to learn, and merge errors take a multitude of different forms. We present an algorithm, MergeNet, that shows 3D ConvNets can, in fact, detect merge errors from high-level neuronal morphology. MergeNet follows unsupervised training and operates across datasets. We demonstrate the performance of MergeNet both on a variety of connectomics data and on a dataset created from merged MNIST images.
Mindfulness Meditation as an Adjunct Approach to Treatment Within the Correctional System

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and relapse prevention represent the correctional gold standard in treatment, while the principles of risk, need, and responsivity are widely recognized as essential for reducing recidivism. Addressing responsivity has become difficult as the number of inmates with mental health diagnoses continues to rise, complicating treatment programming and highlighting the need for adjunct, complimentary therapies. Mindfulness has been shown to be effective across a number of clinical populations found within correctional settings. Furthermore, it has been shown to be effective for working with difficulties identified as dynamic, criminogenic needs; for example, self-regulation. The present article reviews mindfulness research with the goal of demonstrating the utility of this adjunct approach to working with individuals residing within the correctional system.
Anomalous Staircase CV Characteristics of InGaSb-on-Insulator FET

Quasi-static capacitance voltage (CV) characteristics of In1-xGaxSb-on-insulator field-effect transistor (FET) are investigated using 1-D coupled Schrödinger-Poisson equations. Here, we report for the first time the staircase trend in the CV characteristics of such ultrathin-body FET. This observation is well correlated with the gate-bias-dependent electron concentration in different subbands. It is revealed that the staircase trend tends to disappear as the channel thickness increases above 15 nm. While the channel thickness and doping concentration-dependent shifts in CV curves are found to be significant, the composition-dependent shift is almost negligible.
The importance of subjective norms for people who care what others think of them

Using the framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), this study examined whether the extent to which people are concerned with others’ approval of them moderates the subjective norms–intentions relationship in the context of exercise. The participants were 325 undergraduate students who completed a questionnaire assessing the TPB constructs (subjective norms, attitudes, perceived behavioural control, intentions) and the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale. The results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that subjective norms were a significant predictor of intentions to exercise only for people highly concerned with receiving disapproval from others (i.e., high fear of negative evaluation) and not for people low on this trait.
Oral manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus. A systematic review

Background Diabetes Mellitus has become a global epidemic and presents many complications, usually proportional to the degree and duration of hyperglycemia. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the different oral manifestations associated with Diabetes Mellitus. Material and Methods A MEDLINE search for “Diabetes Mellitus and oral manifestations” was performed. A further search was conducted for “diabetes” and its individual oral manifestation. Inclusion criteria were as follows: human clinical studies with a minimum of 30 patients; studies published in relevant scientific journals between January 1998 and January 2016. Nineteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed, assessing the strength of scientific evidence according to recommendations made by the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Oxford (OCEBM), which permits adequate assessment of prevalence studies. Results A total 3,712 patients (2,084 diabetics) were included in the studies reviewed. Of the 19 studies analyzed, 4 were longitudinal studies and 15 cross-sectional studies. Periodontal disease, periapical lesions, xerostomia and taste disturbance were more prevalent among diabetic patients. An association between diabetes and caries and mucosal lesions proved positive in 5 out of 10 studies. Conclusions Despite multiple oral manifestations associated with DM, awareness of the associations between diabetes, oral health, and general health is inadequate. It is necessary for doctors and dentists to be aware of the various oral manifestations of diabetes in order to make an early diagnosis. Key words:Diabetes Mellitus, oral manifestations, oral pathology.
College Student Capacity for Socially Responsible Leadership: Understanding Norms and Influences of Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

This study examined college students’ capacities for socially responsible leadership using theoretical measures grounded in the social change model of leadership development (HERI, 1996). Findings represent responses from 50,378 participants enrolled at 52 colleges and universities across the United States. Students scored highest on the leadership construct of commitment and lowest on the construct of change. Specific attention was paid to the unique influences of race, gender, and sexual orientation. Women college students scored significantly higher than men on seven out of eight leadership measures. Complex findings associated with race reflect highest scores among African American and Black college students and lowest scores among Asian Pacific American college students. No significant differences emerged related to students’ reported sexual orientations. Results are interpreted in the context of higher education and student affairs practice along with suggestions for future research.
Is the motivation to become a teacher related to pre‐service teachers’ intentions to remain in the profession?

This study investigated 198 pre‐service teachers’ intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for becoming teachers and focused on the distinction between adaptive motives, which promote lasting and effective engagement, and maladaptive motives, which promote superficial engagement. We examined the relationships with teacher self‐efficacy, the quality of the teacher training programme, classroom teaching experiences and the time pre‐service teachers expect to spend in the profession. The analyses indicated that female pre‐service teachers and pre‐service teachers with higher prior ability showed more intrinsic adaptive motives. Intrinsic adaptive motives were positively related to the quality of the teacher training programme and the classroom teaching experiences. Pre‐service teachers with positive teaching experiences indicated greater teacher self‐efficacy. Pre‐service teachers with extrinsic maladaptive motives indicated having had negative teaching experiences and they intended to remain in the profession for shorter periods. Teacher self‐efficacy was positively related to the amount of time pre‐service teachers intended to remain in the profession.
Adeno‐associated virus serotypes 1 to 5 mediated tumor cell directed gene transfer and improvement of transduction efficiency

Gene therapy is an attractive new approach for the treatment of cancer. Therefore, the development of efficient vector systems is of crucial importance in this field. Different adeno‐associated virus (AAV) serotypes have been characterized so far, which show considerable differences in tissue tropism. Consequently, we aimed to characterize the most efficient serotype for this application.
The Use of Advance Directives in End-of-life Decision Making

Instructional advance directives (i.e., living wills) have been endorsed widely as a crucial method for maintaining seriously ill patients' autonomy at the end of life. Theoretically, living wills maintain the patient's voice in treatment decisions by enhancing the ability of surrogate decision makers to make the treatment choices that patients would make for themselves if competent. For living wills to achieve their goal, the following three assumptions must be met: (a) People must complete living wills, (b) treatment preferences recorded in living wills must be authentic, and (c) surrogate decision makers must be able to interpret living wills and use them to make accurate treatment predictions. The authors review the medical and psychological literatures bearing on these assumptions and find that the available empirical evidence challenges the validity of each assumption. The authors conclude by discussing the potential benefits of advance directive use and directions for future research.
The missing link? Understanding the relationship between individual and organisational learning

This article recognises that individual learning plays a key role in organisational learning. It identifies that there has been little empirical research to date exploring the interaction between individual and organisational learning. New research is presented from a company engaged in organisational learning, by a case study investigation utilising qualitative and quantitative research methods. The article explores key issues in training and development related to the interaction of individual and organisational learning, and concludes that individual learning is related to organisational learning through a range of factors including positive learning climate, active informal learning by individuals, and effective communication of skills and knowledge.
Schizotypy and Religiosity: The Magic of Prayer

The term schizotypy is used to describe a diverse range of characteristics symptomatic of schizotypal personality disorder and borderline personality disorder. An emerging body of research is concerned with the relationship between schizotypy and religiosity. Mixed findings suggest a gender-specific, weak positive association between schizotypy and religiosity. The present aim was to clarify the relationship between schizotypy and religiosity by employing a multidimensional measure of prayer as a measure of religiosity. A sample of 371 Irish respondents completed the Measure of Prayer Type and the Schizotypal Personality (STA) and Borderline Personality (STB) Scales. Multiple regression showed that Magical Thinking uniquely predicted all prayer types, controlling for age and gender.
How do we make management development effective

Analyses the business context of management development in the late 1990s, and presents some surprising survey results on the effectiveness of development methods ‐ results which challenge many of our past assumptions. Describes two central “principles” of effective management development today: “Work hard at developing people” and “Go for benefits with little cost”. Illustrates these principles with assessment and development planning applications.
New insights into the experience of fatigue among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study

Objectives Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) commonly experience fatigue. The aim of this study was to gain further insight into the experience of fatigue in RA. Methods Participants were 31 outpatients with RA of Medical Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands, with all levels of fatigue. In-depth structured interviews on the patients' experience of fatigue were conducted and analysed using a bottom-up coding scheme, meaning that answers of patients were summarised and categorised. Results Patients' mean fatigue severity score was 50 (visual analogue scale (VAS); theoretical range 0–100). Interviews showed interindividual differences in the experience and impact of fatigue. Different patterns in emotions, consequences and management of fatigue were found. Especially younger women with multiple daily roles seemed to be vulnerable to the negative impact of RA fatigue. Patients also reported positive aspects of fatigue. Moreover, varying forms of fatigue were described. Conclusions Results point to the existence of differences in fatigue experience according to gender, age and daily roles. This finding indicates a need for targeting advice and interventions to the individual situation of a patient. Furthermore, the positive aspects patients reported about their fatigue could facilitate an approach that is focused on remaining opportunities and not just on restrictions.
The standardization process of movement in the fitness industry: The experience design of Les Mills choreographies

This article explores processes of standardizing movement in the fitness industry, using the Les Mills Fitness programmes as a case study. With licensees in 70 countries, the company has gained widespread recognition as the world’s biggest producer of branded fitness classes. Based on participant observation in fitness classes, the article examines what kind of intangible touchpoints are hidden in the fitness services to make them attractive to clients. While the global delivery system of fitness services aims at transcending the body, the phenomenological description of the lived body becomes a key factor in revealing the nature of standardization. Outlining fitness products as experience design, the purpose is to reach behind the managerial rhetoric. Reflecting on the global delivery system of fitness services and its effects on interaction between instructors and fitness clients, the article analyses how the global industry of fitness services standardizes bodily movements to make profit from them.