Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shedding and Intracage Transmission of Sin Nombre Hantavirus in the Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) Model

ABSTRACT The mechanism(s) by which Sin Nombre (SN) hantavirus is maintained in deer mouse populations is unclear. Field studies indicate that transmission occurs primarily if not exclusively via a horizontal mechanism. Using an experimental deer mouse infection model in an outdoor laboratory, we tested whether infected rodents shed SN virus in urine, feces, and saliva, whether infected mice transmit infection to naïve cage mates, and whether infected dams are able to vertically transmit virus or antibody to offspring. Using pooled samples of urine, feces, and saliva collected from mice infected 8 to 120 days postinoculation (p.i.), we found that a subset of saliva samples, collected between 15 and 90 days p.i. , contained viral RNA. Parallel studies conducted on wild-caught, naturally infected deer mice showed a similar pattern of intermittent positivity, also only in saliva samples. Attempts to isolate virus through inoculation of cells or naïve deer mice with the secreta or excreta of infected mice were uniformly negative. Of 54 attempts to transmit infection by cohousing infected deer mice with seronegative cage mates, we observed only a single case of transmission, which occurred between 29 and 42 days p.i. Dams passively transferred antibodies to neonatal pups via milk, and those antibodies persisted for at least 2 months after weaning, but none transmitted infection to their pups. Compared to other hantavirus models, SN virus is shed less efficiently and transmits inefficiently among cage mates. Transmission of SN virus among reservoir rodents may require factors that are not required for other hantaviruses.
Differential Regulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in the Failing Human Heart in Response to Mechanical Unloading

Background—Mechanical unloading of the heart with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) leads to favorable changes in the biology of the failing cardiac myocyte. To determine a potential mechanism for these improvements, we examined the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the failing heart in the presence and absence of LVAD support. Methods and Results—We examined the degree of activation (ie, phosphorylation) of p44/42 extracellularly regulated kinase, p38 kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1/2), and the corresponding activity levels of these MAPKs in myocardial samples obtained from 11 patients with LVAD support and in 11 patients without LVAD support. MAPK activity was also examined in an additional 6 patients from whom paired samples were obtained before and after LVAD support. The activity of p44/42 and JNK1/2 were reduced significantly, whereas p38 activity levels were significantly increased after LVAD support. We examined functional parameters that are linked to MAPK activation, namely cardiac myocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis. Both cardiac myocyte cell size and the incidence of cardiac myocyte apoptosis were significantly reduced after LVAD support. Conclusions—Mechanical unloading of the failing heart leads to differential regulation of MAPKs. These changes in MAPK activity are associated with changes in myocyte hypertrophy and viability, suggesting a potential mechanistic basis for some of the observed salutary changes after LVAD support.
An Exponential Pyramid-Based Model of Contour Classification in Figure-Ground Segregation

In a retinal image, contours belonging to a figure of interest may be intermixed with other contours (caused by occlusion, camouflage, low contrast, etc.), making difficult the identification of figure contours and thus the figure itself. In psychophysical experiments, we found that identification of a figure is facilitated by: differences in relative contour orientation, relative contour curvature, and relative contour length between contours that belong to the figure and those that do not. In short, a difference in any contour property seems to facilitate correct identification of a figure. A computational model, based on the exponential pyramid architecture, was constructed and model simulations of several conditions from the psychophysical experiments were performed. A critical aspect of the model is that it performs contour classification by using statistics computed from the entire image. Model simulations accounted well for the results of 11 experimental conditions, using just one free parameter. These results suggest that the human observer uses global features to make local contour classification decisions in the image and that the exponential pyramid architecture can adequately model perceptual mechanisms involved in figure-ground segregation.
Assessment against Experiments of Devolatilization and Char Burnout Models for the Simulation of an Aerodynamically Staged Swirled Low-NOx Pulverized Coal Burner

In the next few years, even though there will be a continuous growth of renewables and a loss of the share of fossil fuel, energy production will still be strongly dependent on fossil fuels. It is expected that coal will continue to play an important role as a primary energy source in the next few decades due to its lower cost and higher availability with respect to other fossil fuels. However, in order to improve the sustainability of energy production from fossil fuels, in terms of pollutant emissions and energy efficiency, the development of advanced investigation tools is crucial. In particular, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are needed in order to support the design process of low emission burners. Even if in the literature several combustion models can be found, the assessment of their performance against detailed experimental measurements on full-scale pulverized coal burners is lacking. In this paper, the numerical simulation of a full-scale low-NO x , aerodynamically-staged, pulverized coal burner for electric utilities tested in the 48 MW th plant at the Combustion Environment Research Centre (CCA - Centro Combustione e Ambiente) of Ansaldo Caldaie S.p.A. in Gioia del Colle (Italy) is presented. In particular, this paper is focused on both devolatilization and char burnout models. The parameters of each model have been set according to the coal characteristics without any tuning based on the experimental data. Thanks to a detailed description of the complex geometry of the actual industrial burner and, in particular, of the pulverized coal inlet distribution (considering the entire primary air duct, in order to avoid any unrealistic assumption), a correct selection of both devolatilization and char burnout models and a selection of suited parameters for the NO x modeling, accurate results have been obtained in terms of NO x formation. Since the model parameters have been evaluated a priori, the numerical approach proposed here could be suitable to be applied as a performance prediction tool in the design of pulverized coal burners.
An Internal Ribosome Entry Site Directs Translation of the 3′-Gene from Pelargonium Flower Break Virus Genomic RNA: Implications for Infectivity

Pelargonium flower break virus (PFBV, genus Carmovirus) has a single-stranded positive-sense genomic RNA (gRNA) which contains five ORFs. The two 5′-proximal ORFs encode the replicases, two internal ORFs encode movement proteins, and the 3′-proximal ORF encodes a polypeptide (p37) which plays a dual role as capsid protein and as suppressor of RNA silencing. Like other members of family Tombusviridae, carmoviruses express ORFs that are not 5′-proximal from subgenomic RNAs. However, in one case, corresponding to Hisbiscus chlorotic ringspot virus, it has been reported that the 3′-proximal gene can be translated from the gRNA through an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). Here we show that PFBV also holds an IRES that mediates production of p37 from the gRNA, raising the question of whether this translation strategy may be conserved in the genus. The PFBV IRES was functional both in vitro and in vivo and either in the viral context or when inserted into synthetic bicistronic constructs. Through deletion and mutagenesis studies we have found that the IRES is contained within a 80 nt segment and have identified some structural traits that influence IRES function. Interestingly, mutations that diminish IRES activity strongly reduced the infectivity of the virus while the progress of the infection was favoured by mutations potentiating such activity. These results support the biological significance of the IRES-driven p37 translation and suggest that production of the silencing suppressor from the gRNA might allow the virus to early counteract the defence response of the host, thus facilitating pathogen multiplication and spread.
Nucleolar accumulation of APE1 depends on charged lysine residues that undergo acetylation upon genotoxic stress and modulate its BER activity in cells

The functional importance of APE1 nucleolar accumulation is described. It is shown that acetylation of Lys27–35, affecting local conformation, regulates APE1 function by 1) controlling its interaction with NPM1 and rRNA and its nucleolar accumulation, 2) modulating K6/K7 acetylation status, and 3) promoting APE1 BER activity in cells.
Pengaruh Keadilan Organisasional, Komitmen Organisasional, dan Kepuasan Kerja terhadap Organizational Citizenship Behavior

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh keadilan organisasional, komitmen organisasional, dan kepuasan kerja terhadap organizational citizenship behavior pada Suriwathi Beach Hotel Legian Kuta-Bali. Pada penelitian ini, populasi berjumlah 40 karyawan. Metode penentuan sampel dalam penelitian ini dilakukan dengan pendekatan non probability sampling . Seluruh anggota populasi dalam penelitian ini dijadikan responden karena jumlah populasi yang relatif kecil yaitu 40 orang. Alat analisis yang digunakan adalah teknik analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil yang diperoleh pada penelitian ini adalah keadilan organisasional berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap OCB, komitmen organisasional berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap OCB, serta kepuasan kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap OCB. Implikasi dari penelitian ini adalah pihak Suriwathi Beach Hotel lebih menciptakan dan mempertahankan keadilan organisasional, komitmen organisasional, dan kepuasan kerja karyawan yang akan berdampak baik terhadap OCB.
Neuromorphic CNN models for spatio-temporal effects measured in the inner and outer retina of tiger salamander

A vertebrate retina model is described based on a cellular neural network (CNN) architecture. Though largely built on the experience of previous studies the CNN computational framework is considerably simplified: first order RC cells are used with space-invariant nearest neighbor interactions only. All nonlinear synaptic connections are monotonic continuous functions of the pre-synaptic voltage. Time delays in the interactions are continuous represented by additional first order cells. The modeling approach is neuromorphic in its spirit relying on both morphological and pharmacological information. However, the primary motivation lies in fitting the spatio-temporal output of the model to the data recorded from biological cells (tiger salamander). In order to meet a low complexity (VLSI) implementation framework some structural simplifications have been made and large neighborhood interaction (neurons with large processes), furthermore the inter-layer signal propagation are modeled through diffusion and wave phenomena. This work presents novel CNN models for the outer and some partial models for the inner (light adopted) retina.
Identifying Severity Standards on the Cognitive Test Anxiety Scale: Cut Score Determination Using Latent Class and Cluster Analysis

The purpose of the current examination was to preliminarily suggest severity standards for the recently revised Cognitive Test Anxiety Scale–Second Edition (CTAS-2). Participants responded to the CTAS-2, Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ), and FRIEDBEN Test Anxiety Scale. Using both latent class and cluster analyses, we were able to classify participants as belonging to one of the three distinct cognitive test anxiety profiles—low, moderate, and high. Comparison of the identified test anxiety profiles allowed us to generate a set of severity standards for the CTAS-2 that can be used to differentiate between individuals with differing levels of cognitive test anxiety. The validity of the severity standards was established through group comparisons of test-anxious students on the MSLQ–Text Anxiety, FRIEDBEN–Cognitive Obstruction, FRIEDBEN–Social Derogation, and FRIEDBEN–Physiological Tenseness scales. Discussion concerns the practical implications of establishing CTAS-2 severity standards for educators, student support staff, and learners.
Effects of institutional changes on land use: agricultural land abandonment during the transition from state-command to market-driven economies in post-Soviet Eastern Europe

Institutional settings play a key role in shaping land cover and land use. Our goal was to understand the effects of institutional changes on agricultural land abandonment in different countries of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union after the collapse of socialism. We studied ∼273 800 km2 (eight Landsat footprints) within one agro-ecological zone stretching across Poland, Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania and European Russia. Multi-seasonal Landsat TM/ETM + satellite images centered on 1990 (the end of socialism) and 2000 (one decade after the end of socialism) were used to classify agricultural land abandonment using support vector machines. The results revealed marked differences in the abandonment rates between countries. The highest rates of land abandonment were observed in Latvia (42% of all agricultural land in 1990 was abandoned by 2000), followed by Russia (31%), Lithuania (28%), Poland (14%) and Belarus (13%). Cross-border comparisons revealed striking differences; for example, in the Belarus–Russia cross-border area there was a great difference between the rates of abandonment of the two countries (10% versus 47% of abandonment). Our results highlight the importance of institutions and policies for land-use trajectories and demonstrate that radically different combinations of institutional change of strong institutions during the transition can reduce the rate of agricultural land abandonment (e.g., in Belarus and in Poland). Inversely, our results demonstrate higher abandonment rates for countries where the institutions that regulate land use changed and where the institutions took more time to establish (e.g., Latvia, Lithuania and Russia). Better knowledge regarding the effects of such broad-scale change is essential for understanding land-use change and for designing effective land-use policies. This information is particularly relevant for Northern Eurasia, where rapid land-use change offers vast opportunities for carbon balance and biodiversity, and for increasing agricultural production on previously cultivated lands.
Chaotic Optimization and the Construction of Fractals: Solution of an Inverse Problem

An inverse problem in fractal set const ruc t ion is introduced in th is paper, according to the theory of iterated function systems (IFS) . This theory allows the construction of a class of fractals depending on a finite number of parameters. Finding a set of parameters which reconstructs a given fractal is the goal of the inverse problem. As the solution of the inverse problem generally involves a comp ression of t he information encoded in the frac tal, complexity theory is here app lied. In particular, we define the IFS-entropy to characterize the class of fractals for which the problem can be profitably solved. The inverse problem can be reduced to the minimization of a suit able funct ion in pa rameter space. We describe a new algorith m to obtain a reliab le minimum solution, which or iginates from the theor y of dynamical systems. We suggest that this algorithm should greatly improve simulated thermal annealing it la Kirkpatrick-Szu when a met ric st ructure can be given to a.n optimization problem.
An ID-based multi-proxy multi-signature scheme

The identity (ID) based public key cryptosystem simplifies the key management and provides moderate security with comparison to the certificate based public key cryptosystem. Many signature schemes have been proposed using the identity of user. Proxy signature scheme enables the original signer to delegate his/her signing capability to a proxy signer. Bilinear pairings are useful in signature protocols for the ease of computation. In this paper, we have proposed an ID-based multi-proxy multi-signature scheme from bilinear pairing, using the schemes of Cao and Cao [2, 3] and Li and Chen [7]. We have also discussed the security properties of our scheme.
MicroRNA 135a Suppresses Lymph Node Metastasis through Down-Regulation of ROCK1 in Early Gastric Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in gastric cancer progression and metastasis. This study investigated the role of miRNA-135a in early gastric cancer (EGC) including lymph node (LN) metastasis. We examined the correlation between miRNA-135a expression and clinical outcomes in 59 patients who underwent surgery for EGC. Using gastric cancer cell lines, we performed functional and target gene analyses. miRNA-135a expression was down-regulated in 33.9% of patients. These patients showed a significantly more advanced stage (TNM stage≥IB, 35.0% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.045) and higher rate of LN metastasis (30.0% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.014) than those with up-regulation of miRNA-135a expression. In a multivariate analysis, down-regulation of miRNA-135a was an independent risk factor for LN metastasis (adjusted odds ratio, 8.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–59.81; p = 0.042). Functional analyses using gastric cancer cell lines showed that miRNA-135a suppressed cell viability, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell invasion, and migration. ROCK1 was a target of miRNA-135a and its expression was inversely correlated to that of miRNA-135a. ROCK1 expression was significantly increased in EGC patients with LN metastasis than in those without LN metastasis. Our results confirm the tumor-suppressive role of miRNA-135a, and demonstrate its role in LN metastasis in EGC. miRNA-135a and its target gene ROCK1 may be novel therapeutic and prognostic targets for EGC.
Grit Happens: Moderating Effects on Motivational Feedback and Sport Performance

Research on motivational climates within athletics has focused on mastery and ego achievement approaches, yielding different psychological consequences (Smith, Smoll, & Cumming, 2007). Further, the motivational climate may interact with athletes' trait characteristics, such as grit, resulting in different outcomes. Grit may alter athletes' experience of the motivational climate by helping them remain oriented to their long-term quest in sport (Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007). However, to date, the impact of these motivational climates and potential moderating factors on athlete performance remains in question, as the research utilizing objective measures of athletic performance is limited (Harwood, Keegan, Smith, & Raine, 2015). We used a motivational research paradigm (e.g., Mueller & Dweck, 1998) to examine the effects of mastery- or ego-involving feedback on 71 high school adolescent soccer players' (Mage = 15.81) performance on a kicking task. Then we explored the potential moderating effects of grit on the relationship between motivational feedback and the athletes' performance, desire to persist, and choice of task difficulty on a soccer task. Athletes performed significantly better receiving mastery- as opposed to ego-involving feedback. Further, grit was a significant moderator of the feedback-shooting performance relationship, accounting for 3.9% of variance. Simple slopes analysis revealed a significant effect for low (B = 13.32, SEb = 4.44, p =.004, t = 2.99), but not high (B = 2.11, SEb = 4.31, p =.63, t = 0.49), grit on task performance. These results suggest that the feedback athletes receive matters, especially for those low in grit.
Being Part of the “Home Team”: Perceptions of Professional Interactions with Outsider Attorneys

Understanding how attorneys’ perceptions of “insider” and “outsider” status affect negotiations is of both theoretical and practical importance for understanding the judicial system. We utilize a comprehensive survey of attorneys from one state to explore views of trustworthiness and negotiations. Overall, as attorneys become more embedded in their in-group, they increasingly report lower trust levels and less effective negotiations with outsiders. These relationships do vary somewhat by the scope and location of the attorney’s practice. Our findings provide insight into one possible causal mechanism underlying the “repeat player” advantage; they also suggest new directions for research on case outcomes.
Paradox lost:disappearing female job satisfaction

The greater job satisfaction reported by female workers represents a puzzle given, on average, their worse labour market outcomes. Using the original data source of Clark (1997), we show that over the last two decades the female satisfaction gap has largely vanished. This reflects a strong secular decline in female job satisfaction. This decline happened for younger women in the 1990s as they aged and because of new female workers in more recent years that have lower job satisfaction than their early 1990s peers. Decompositions make clear that the decline does not reflect deteriorating job characteristics for women but rather their increasingly harsh evaluation of jobs characteristics. These findings fit with the suggestion that women in the early 1990s had a gap between their labour market expectations and actual experience that has since closed and that the gender satisfaction gap has vanished as a consequence.
Viewpoints: A High-Performance High-Dimensional Exploratory Data Analysis Tool

Scientific data sets continue to increase in both size and complexity. In the past, dedicated graphics systems at supercomputing centers were required to visualize large data sets, but as the price of commodity graphics hardware has dropped and its capability has increased, it is now possible, in principle, to view large complex data sets on a single workstation. To do this in practice, an investigator will need software that is written to take advantage of the relevant graphics hardware. The Viewpoints visualization package described herein is an example of such software. Viewpoints is an interactive tool for exploratory visual analysis of large high-dimensional (multivariate) data. It leverages the capabilities of modern graphics boards (GPUs) to run on a single workstation or laptop. Viewpoints is minimalist: it attempts to do a small set of useful things very well (or at least very quickly) in comparison with similar packages today. Its basic feature set includes linked scatter plots with brushing, dynamic histograms, normalization, and outlier detection/removal. Viewpoints was originally designed for astrophysicists, but it has since been used in a variety of fields that range from astronomy, quantum chemistry, fluid dynamics, machine learning, bioinformatics, and finance to information technology server log mining. In this article, we describe the Viewpoints package and show examples of its usage.