Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
during Primary Infection SIV from Lymph Nodes of Sooty Mangabeys Lymphocytes and Rapid Disappearance of Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV)-Specific T Early Induction of Polyfunctional Simian

Although the cellular immune response is essential for controlling SIV replication in Asian macaques, its role in maintaining nonpathogenic SIV infection in natural hosts such as sooty mangabeys (SM) remains to be deﬁned. We have previously shown that similar to rhesus macaques (RM), SM are able to mount a T lymphocyte response against SIV infection. To investigate early control of SIV replication in natural hosts, we performed a detailed characterization of SIV-speciﬁc cellular immunity and viral control in the ﬁrst 6 mo following SIV infection in SM. Detection of the initial SIV-speciﬁc IFN- g ELISPOT response in SIVsmE041-infected SM coincided temporally with a decline in peak plasma viremia and was similar in magnitude, speciﬁcity, and breadth to SIVsmE041-infected and SIVmac239-infected RM. Despite these similarities, SM showed a greater reduction in postpeak plasma viremia and a more rapid disappearance of productively SIV-infected cells from the lymph node compared with SIVmac239-infected RM. The early Gag-speciﬁc CD8 + T lymphocyte response was signiﬁcantly more polyfunctional in SM compared with RM, and granzyme B-positive CD8 + T lymphocytes were present at signiﬁcantly higher frequencies in SM even prior to SIV infection. These ﬁndings suggest that the early SIV-speciﬁc T cell response may be an important determinant of lymphoid tissue viral clearance and absence of lymph node immunopathology in natural hosts of SIV infection. The Journal of Immunology , 2011,
The Stellar Mass Evolution of Galaxies in the NICMOS Ultra Deep Field

We measure the build-up of the stellar mass of galaxies from z = 6 to z = 1. Using 15 band multicolor imaging data in the NICMOS Ultra Deep Field we derive photometric redshifts and masses for 796 galaxies down to H AB = 26 . 5. The derived evolution of the global stellar mass density of galaxies is consistent with previous star formation rate density measurements over the observed range of redshifts. Beyond the observed range, maintaining consistency between the global stellar mass and the observed star formation rate suggests the epoch of galaxy formation was z = 16.
Enhanced Genetic Analysis of Single Human Bioparticles Recovered by Simplified Micromanipulation from Forensic ‘Touch DNA’ Evidence

DNA profiles can be obtained from ‘touch DNA’ evidence, which comprises microscopic traces of human biological material. Current methods for the recovery of trace DNA employ cotton swabs or adhesive tape to sample an area of interest. However, such a ‘blind-swabbing’ approach will co-sample cellular material from the different individuals, even if the individuals’ cells are located in geographically distinct locations on the item. Thus, some of the DNA mixtures encountered in touch DNA samples are artificially created by the swabbing itself. In some instances, a victim’s DNA may be found in significant excess thus masking any potential perpetrator’s DNA. In order to circumvent the challenges with standard recovery and analysis methods, we have developed a lower cost, ‘smart analysis’ method that results in enhanced genetic analysis of touch DNA evidence. We describe an optimized and efficient micromanipulation recovery strategy for the collection of bio-particles present in touch DNA samples, as well as an enhanced amplification strategy involving a one-step 5 µl microvolume lysis/STR amplification to permit the recovery of STR profiles from the bio-particle donor(s). The use of individual or few (i.e., “clumps”) bioparticles results in the ability to obtain single source profiles. These procedures represent alternative enhanced techniques for the isolation and analysis of single bioparticles from forensic touch DNA evidence. While not necessary in every forensic investigation, the method could be highly beneficial for the recovery of a single source perpetrator DNA profile in cases involving physical assault (e.g., strangulation) that may not be possible using standard analysis techniques. Additionally, the strategies developed here offer an opportunity to obtain genetic information at the single cell level from a variety of other non-forensic trace biological material.
Don't derogate this message! Self-affirmation promotes online type 2 diabetes risk test taking

The aim of the present study was to examine whether self-affirmation promotes acceptance of threatening type 2 diabetes information and risk-testing behaviour. In an experimental study (N = 84), we manipulated self-affirmation by allowing participants to affirm a value that was either personally important or unimportant to them, and measured participants' risk level prior to reading threatening type 2 diabetes information. As dependent variables, we measured message derogation, intentions to do an online type 2 diabetes risk test and online risk-testing behaviour. Findings showed that self-affirmation decreased message derogation, increased intentions to do an online risk test and promoted online risk test taking among at-risk participants. Among participants not at-risk, self-affirmation decreased intentions and online risk test taking. Therefore, it is concluded, that for an at-risk population self-affirmation can decrease defensive responses to threatening health information and promote (online) risk test taking for diseases.
The metabotropic glutamate receptor 8 gene at 7q31: partial duplication and possible association with autism

Family and twin studies have shown a high monozygotic to dizygotic twin risk ratio in autistic disorder and a sib relative risk between 50 to 100, suggesting that the predisposition to develop autism is largely genetically determined.1,2 The family, twin, and linkage data suggest that inheritance of autism is complex, and multiple genes interacting in variable combinations in additive, multiplicative, epistatic, or as yet unknown fashions are involved. There is strong support for a role of the chromosome 7q21–34 region in the aetiology of both autism and language disorders.3 Several whole genome screens have found some evidence of excess allele sharing in an overlapping 60 cM region of 7q21–34 in autism.4–9 FOXP2 , a gene on 7q31, is mutated in a severe form of speech and language impairment segregating within a single large pedigree, but a recent study found no association with autism.10 A recent report has found nominally significant association of the WNT2 gene at 7q31 with autism but a subsequent study has reported no association.11,12 A recent study has suggested that the reelin gene at 7q22 may be one of the loci contributing to positive linkage between chromosome 7 and autistic disorder, but most likely not the major one.13 The 7q31 region contains the GRM8 gene, a good positional and functional candidate for susceptibility to autism. Based upon animal model, neurochemical, and neuropharmacological studies, autism has been proposed to be a hypoglutamatergic disorder.14 There is a report of alterations in the glutamate neurotransmitter system in postmortem brains of autistic subjects.15 A form of protein synthesis dependent synaptic plasticity, long term depression, which is triggered by activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors, is selectively enhanced in the hippocampus of mutant mice lacking FMRP . 12 Given that many fragile …
Institution-level admissions initiatives in Chile: enhancing equity in higher education?

ABSTRACT During the last 10 years, a group of selective universities in Chile has started to implement admissions programs that consider the achievement of students in the context of the educational opportunities they have had, thus reducing reliance on the national college entrance exam. This study explores the program theories in a sample of these programs and their effects on access and academic outcomes. We use a mixed method approach: program theory is explored through the analysis of program documents and interviews, and the effects on access and outcomes are explored through descriptive and inferential statistics of institutional data. This study aims to contribute to the research exploring the evolution and outcomes of institutional admission reforms intended to tackle the problem of equity in higher education.
Vibration and skin blood flow changes in subjects with restless legs syndrome

Objective: Vascular disturbances leading to tissue hypoxia have been named as one of the possible causes of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Whole body vibration (WBV) in healthy individuals results in nitric oxide (NO) generation, which then leads to increased blood flow. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if WBV can: 1) improve skin blood flow, as measured in flux, in individuals with RLS, and 2) induce increases in NO blood concentration. The data were compared to healthy age-matched subjects. Design: Repeated measures, using two groups (RLS and control) that underwent two treatments (WBV) and sham (no vibration). Setting: Data collection occurred in an institutional setting. Patients: Ten subjects with RLS and ten controls. Methods: Subjects underwent a ten bout, 30-second per bout WBV and one sham treatment session. Blood drawn for NO analysis and flux measurements with laser Doppler were performed before, immediately after, and 5 minutes after the sessions. Main outcome measurements: The dependent variables, measured at three time intervals, were skin blood flow (flux) as determined by laser Doppler imaging and blood nitric oxide concentration. Results: Baseline flux was significantly higher in the RLS group compared to control ( P , 0.001); flux in the RLS group immediately after WBV was significantly higher compared to baseline ( P , 0.05), sham treatment ( P , 0.05), and control group ( P , 0.05). There was no difference in NO concentration within subjects and between groups. Conclusion: Subjects with RLS have higher skin blood flow than controls and a greater increase in flux with WBV without concurrent increases in NO concentration from blood drawn at the antecubital fossa.
Periodicity of Molting and Resumption of Post-Molt Feeding in the Brown Recluse Spider Loxosceles reclusa (Araneae: Sicariidae)

Abstract The periodicity of molting and resumption of feeding after molting was investigated in the brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa Gertsch and Mulaik (Sicariidae). Spiders molted almost every hour of the day but there was a tendency to molt more frequently between 8 a.m. and 1 a.m. Spiderlings resumed feeding after 20 hrs post-molt with feeding occuring more frequently around the 43rd hour and well-established after 48 hrs.
Signal processing for two dimensional magnetic recording using Voronoi model averaged statistics

This paper considers a signal processing system for two-dimensional magnetic recording (TDMR) employing a random Voronoi grain model. The channel model also includes two-dimensional intersymbol interference (2D-ISI) and additive white Gaussian noise. The system uses a 2D-ISI BCJR detector and irregular repeat-accumulate (IRA) code decoder in a turbo-equalization approach. In order to transfer soft information to the IRA decoder a mapping function based on the 2D-ISI detector soft information statistics is used. Simulations employing the perturbed-bit-centers Voronoi grain model proposed in a previous paper by Hwang et al. show that the proposed system achieves a 6.5% increase in user bits/grain (U/G) and an 11.7 dB SNR gain compared to Hwang et al. Simulation results also indicate that our random Voronoi model is harder to equalize than the Hwang Voronoi model. For the random Voronoi model considered in this paper, the proposed system achieves a density of 0.4422 U/G, corresponding to an areal density of about 8.8 Terabits/in2 on typical magnetic hard disks; this is nearly an order of magnitude better than the best commercially available systems.
A DSGE Model for Ireland

We develop ÉIRE Mod (Elementary Irish Real Economy Model), a core DSGE model suitable for policy analysis in Ireland. The model’s underlying structure, with a distinction between the traded and non-traded sectors and an import content of exports component, is designed to replicate the highly open nature of the Irish economy. Ireland’s membership of EMU is accounted for through exogenous nominal interest and exchange rates. New Keynesian features, such as sticky prices and wages, mean the model’s dynamics can replicate the sluggish reaction of economic variables found in the empirical literature. The model is calibrated in order to match key observed ratios in the Irish data. The usefulness of the model as a policy tool is highlighted through the simulation of various structural reforms aimed at boosting efficiency and competitiveness. Our results show that overall, reforms aimed at boosting productivity and price and wage competitiveness lead to the desired increase in output. Nevertheless, particular care should be paid to the effect of domestic reforms on Ireland’s external competitiveness and employment. This work is the first step towards the development of a suite of DSGE models for Ireland. Extensions of the core ÉIRE Mod will be necessary to fully capture key aspects of the economy’s adjustment path following these reforms. Accordingly, the results presented in this initial paper should be treated with caution. JEL Classification: E68, E12
Application of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in M-Banking Adoption in Kenya

Mobile phones with Mobile Commerce technology are becoming more readily available in Kenya. Similarly many financial institutions and mobile phone service providers are teaming up to provide banking services to customers via the mobile phone. However the number of people who choose to adopt or use such technologies is still relatively low. Therefore there is need to assess the acceptance of such technologies to establish factors that hinder or promote their acceptance. This study applied Technology Acceptance Model to examine the factors that influence the adoption of M-banking in Kenya. The study specifically focused on the evaluation of MKesho, an M-banking application in Kenya. A survey was conducted to gather data which was coded in SPSS 16. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to analyze the data and Structural Equation Modeling using Analysis of Moment Structures was used to validate the research model. Out of a total of 450 questionnaires distributed to M-Kesho users, 395 were returned and validated. The analysis revealed that Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Self Efficacy and Perceived Credibility significantly influenced customers‘ attitude towards usage of M-banking. The results of the data analysis contributes to the body of knowledge by demonstrating that the above factors are critical in attitude towards usage of M-banking in a developing country context. The implications of the results form a good basis for providing practical recommendations to the banking industry, and directions for further work.
Information Signaling or Agency Conflicts: What Explains Canadian Open Market Share Repurchases?

This paper examines open market share repurchases in Canada (called normal course issuer bids, henceforth NCIBs). Similar to announcements of U.S. open market share repurchases, announcements of Canadian NCIBs are accompanied by a significantly positive stock price reaction. But if NCIBs signal information, then it is not in the same manner as U.S. repurchases. Canadian firms usually announce the legal maximum proportion of shares that they are entitled to repurchase (5%) rather than a target proportion as in the U.S. Thus, the signal in Canada is the announcement of the NCIB, not the target proportion. The conditional event study framework adopted in this paper takes into account the discrete nature of the signal and potential endogeneity of the NCIB announcement. As an alternative to signaling, we examine whether NCIBs are used by shareholders as a means of reducing financial slack and thereby ameliorating the costs of agency conflicts. Our estimates show that repurchasing firms in Canada are smaller, have greater free cash flow, and are more closely held than their non-repurchasing counterparts. We conclude that these results support the agency conflict hypothesis and are not consistent with the signaling hypothesis.
Market-Oriented Ethnography: Interpretation Building and Marketing Strategy Formulation

The authors show how ethnography can provide multiple strategically important perspectives on behaviors of interest to marketing researchers. They first discuss the goals and four essential characteristics of ethnographic interpretation. Then they review the particular contributions to interpretation of several kinds of ethnographic observation and interview data. Next they discuss how interpretations are built from ethnographic data. They show how multilayered interpretations of market phenomena emerge through systematic analysis of complementary and discrepant data. Finally, the authors articulate three representational strategies that are used to link multilayered interpretations to marketing strategy formulation. They suggest that ethnographic methods are appropriate for apprehending a wide variety of consumption and use situations with implications for market segmentation and targeting; product and service positioning; and product, service, and brand management.
Lower bound for the segregation energy in the Falicov-Kimball model

In this work, a lower bound for the ground-state energy of the Falicov–Kimball model for intermediate densities is derived. The explicit derivation is important in the proof of the conjecture of segregation of the two kinds of fermions in the Falicov–Kimball model, for sufficiently large interactions. This bound is given by a bulk term, plus a boundary term of the form α1(n)|∂Λ|, where Λ is the region devoid of classical particles and n is the density of electrons. A detailed proof is presented for n = 1/2, where the coefficient α1(1/2) = 10−13 is obtained, for the two-dimensional case. Although clearly not optimal in terms of order of magnitude, this is the largest explicitly calculated coefficient in the range of intermediate densities. With suitable modifications the method can also be used to obtain a coefficient for all densities. That is the topic of the last section, where a sketch of the proof for n <1/2 is shown.
Verbal and nonverbal communication in schizophrenia - new insights from uni- and multimodal brain imaging

1 ZUSAMMENFASSUNG 4 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION 8 1.1 TOPIC OVERVIEW & STRUCTURE OF THE PRESENT WORK 8 1.2 FUNCTIONAL BRAIN IMAGING IN PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS WHERE ARE WE NOW? 12 1.3 CURRENT PERSPECTIVES ON THE PATHOGENESIS, PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, AND NEUROBIOLOGY OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 21 1.3.1 EPIDEMIOLOGY, SYMPTOMATOLOGY AND DIAGNOSTIC ASPECTS 21 1.3.2 ETIOLOGICAL MODELS: LINKS TO GENETICS, NEUROTRANSMISSION, AND BRAIN ANOMALIES 26 1.3.3 COURSE OF THE DISEASE AND TREATMENT OPTIONS 32 1.4 SOCIAL COMMUNICATION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA A NEURO-COGNITIVE PERSPECTIVE 35 1.5 SPECIFICATION OF THE CURRENT RESEARCH TOPIC 38 2. FUNCTIONAL BRAIN IMAGING OF VERBAL AND NONVERBAL INFORMATION PROCESSING IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS AND PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA: BACKGROUND AND RATIONAL FOR THE PRESENT PROJECTS 39 2.1 THE NEURAL PERCEPTION AND COMPREHENSION OF VERBAL SIGNALS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA 39 2.1.1 COMPREHENDING LANGUAGE COMPREHENSION: CONCEPTS OF SEMANTIC PROCESSING AND RELATED BRAIN ACTIVITY 39 2.1.1.1 Linguistic models of sentence processing 40 2.1.1.2 Psychological models of sentence processing 42 2.1.1.3 Neurobiological models 44 2.1.2 PRAGMATIC LANGUAGE COMPREHENSION IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS 49 2.1.2.1 Metaphoric Language 50 2.1.3 PRAGMATIC LANGUAGE COMPREHENSION IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA 55 2.1.3.1 Metaphoric Language 56 2.1.3.2 Other types of non-literal language 59 2.1.3.3 The role of semantic memory, mentalising abilities, and general cognitive
Scrapie-Induced Defects in Learning and Memory of Transgenic Mice Expressing Anchorless Prion Protein Are Associated with Alterations in the Gamma Aminobutyric Acid-Ergic Pathway

ABSTRACT After infection with RML murine scrapie agent, transgenic (tg) mice expressing prion protein (PrP) without its glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) membrane anchor (GPI−/− PrP tg mice) continue to make abundant amounts of the abnormally folded disease-associated PrPres but have a normal life span. In contrast, all age-, sex-, and genetically matched mice with a GPI-anchored PrP become moribund and die due to a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease by 160 days after RML scrapie agent infection. We report here that infected GPI−/− PrP tg mice, although free from progressive neurodegenerative disease of the cerebellum and extrapyramidal and pyramidal systems, nevertheless suffer defects in learning and memory, long-term potentiation, and neuronal excitability. Such dysfunction increases over time and is associated with an increase in gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibition but not loss of excitatory glutamate/N-methyl-d-aspartic acid. Enhanced deposition of abnormally folded infectious PrP (PrPsc or PrPres) in the central nervous system (CNS) localizes with GABAA receptors. This occurs with minimal evidence of CNS spongiosis or apoptosis of neurons. The use of monoclonal antibodies reveals an association of PrPres with GABAA receptors. Thus, the clinical defects of learning and memory loss in vivo in GPI−/− PrP tg mice infected with scrapie agent may likely involve the GABAergic pathway.