Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proteomics in rheumatology: The beginning of a fairy tale?

One of the major challenges in proteome research is to translate its applications to the setting of human diseases. Proteomics in rheumatology is an area with marked potential including applications ranging from diagnostics, over therapeutic monitoring to discovery of new potential therapeutic targets. Biomarkers will be essential to discriminate between clinical similar rheumatic diseases, to monitor disease‐states or to install the best appropriate therapy. Especially in the field of rheumatology, analysis of specific genes and/or their expression products by pharmacogenetics/‐genomics or pharmacoproteomics could be necessary to enable an effective, patient‐tailored therapy. In rheumatology, direct examination of proteins may be of utmost importance, as it is already known that PTMs, such as citrullination of proteins or peptides, may be involved in certain rheumatic diseases. The discovery and validation of antibodies directed against citrullinated proteins/peptides in rheumatic diseases using proteome analysis approaches has been described. Gel‐free methods, SELDI‐approaches and classic 2‐DE approaches have been deployed on body fluids as well as on target tissues in different rheumatic diseases. Proteomics in rheumatology is on the rise and pilot studies have indicated that the application of proteomics‐based technologies in rheumatic diseases appears to be an exciting example of translational research.
Human Cytomegalovirus Protein pUL117 Targets the Mini-Chromosome Maintenance Complex and Suppresses Cellular DNA Synthesis

Modulation of host DNA synthesis is essential for many viruses to establish productive infections and contributes to viral diseases. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a large DNA virus, blocks host DNA synthesis and deregulates cell cycle progression. We report that pUL117, a viral protein that we recently identified, is required for HCMV to block host DNA synthesis. Mutant viruses in which pUL117 was disrupted, either by frame-shift mutation or by a protein destabilization-based approach, failed to block host DNA synthesis at times after 24 hours post infection in human foreskin fibroblasts. Furthermore, pUL117-deficient virus stimulated quiescent fibroblasts to enter S-phase, demonstrating the intrinsic ability of HCMV to promote host DNA synthesis, which was suppressed by pUL117. We examined key proteins known to be involved in inhibition of host DNA synthesis in HCMV infection, and found that many were unlikely involved in the inhibitory activity of pUL117, including geminin, cyclin A, and viral protein IE2, based on their expression patterns. However, the ability of HCMV to delay the accumulation of the mini-chromosome maintenance (MCM) complex proteins, represented by MCM2 and MCM4, and prevent their loading onto chromatin, was compromised in the absence of pUL117. When expressed alone, pUL117 slowed cell proliferation, delayed DNA synthesis, and inhibited MCM accumulation. Knockdown of MCM proteins by siRNA restored the ability of pUL117-deficient virus to block cellular DNA synthesis. Thus, targeting MCM complex is one mechanism pUL117 employs to help block cellular DNA synthesis during HCMV infection. Our finding substantiates an emerging picture that deregulation of MCM is a conserved strategy for many viruses to prevent host DNA synthesis and helps to elucidate the complex strategy used by a large DNA virus to modulate cellular processes to promote infection and pathogenesis.
Infectious complications in patients undergoing unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation: experience from a single institution.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the incidence and characteristics of documented infections in patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation (UD-BMT). METHODS We studied the occurrence of infections in 22 patients with hematologic malignancies or severe aplastic anemia who underwent UD-BMT from April 1990 to December 2000. The median age was 26 years (range 13-46). Acyclovir-ganciclovir, co-trimoxazole, fluconazole-nystatin and ciprofloxacin were administered for anti-infectious prophylaxis. RESULTS We registered 61 infectious episodes. During the early post-transplant period, there were eight clinically documented infections (CDIs), four cases of fever of unknown origin (FUO), seven cases of bacteremia, two cases of cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigenemia, and one case of CMV disease. In the intermediate period (days 30-100 after BMT), there were nine cases of CMV antigenemia, three bacterial infections, two fungal infections, one case of disseminated toxoplasmosis, and one case of FUO. In the late period (day 100 and later), we documented 13 viral infections, eight bacterial infections, one CDI, and one case of invasive aspergillosis. Infections contributed to death in 10 of 17 patients. Citrobacter bacteremia and sepsis of unknown origin were the main causes of infectious mortality in the early period. Infection was the main cause of death in six of seven patients in the late period. CONCLUSION A high incidence of life-threatening infections and infection-related mortality was observed. A high rate of CMV infection in the early period, and death caused by multiresistant Gram-negative microorganisms in the late period, were the main findings in this series.
Statistically robust cooperative beamforming for cognitive radio networks

We consider a cognitive radio (CR) relay network consisting of a cognitive source, a cognitive destination and a number of cognitive relay nodes that share spectrum with a primary transmitter and receiver. Due to poor channel conditions, the cognitive source is unable to communicate directly with the cognitive destination and hence employs the cognitive relays for assistance. We assume that the CR has a very loose cooperation with the primary network and therefore, only partial channel state information is available. Under these assumptions, we propose a new statistically robust CR cooperative relay beamformer where either the total relay transmit power or the cognitive destination signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) is optimised subject to primary receiver outage probability constraint. We formulate the robust total relay power and the cognitive destination SINR optimisation problems as a convex second order cone program and a convex feasibility problem, respectively, that provide near optimum results. We also present efficient iterative algorithms that provide the optimum results.
THE EFFECT OF BROILER CHICKEN ORIGIN ON CARCASE AND MUSCLE YIELD AND QUALITY

The aim of this study was to check the influence of broiler chicken origin on dressing percentage, meat yield and physicochemical traits of breast muscle quality. The comparative study was carried out in the period from 05.01. to 16.02. 2007 on three commercial: Cobb 500 (group I), Hybro G+ (group II) and Ross 308 (group III) meat chicken hybrids. The observed differences in the quality of carcases and meat of the examined commercial meat hybrids were statistically significant (p≤0.05), and indicate that origin of the chickens is the main modifying factor. Meat chicken hybrids, which constitute the basis for commercial production of poultry our country, do not constitute a homogeneous material. Due to the variability over time in the offered sets of commercial meat hybrids should be monitored taking into consideration their meatness traits and basic physicochemical characteristics of meat.
Uncertainties in the shock devolatilization of hydrated minerals: A nontronite case study

Controlled recovery of hydrated minerals subjected to planar shock loading is challenging because of the large difference in shock impedance between the natural samples and the engineering materials used as the recovery capsules. Significant differences in recovery capsule design confound straightforward interpretation of existing data on shock modification of hydrated minerals. We present X‐ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy results from new shock recovery experiments on nontronite (a smectite clay observed on Mars) and identify major issues in the interpretation of recovered samples. Previous work assumes that the first shock pressure step in a ring‐up configuration is the most important factor in the interpretation of shock modification. By comparing the X‐ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy data from experiments with similar first shock steps but significantly different final shock states, we show that one cannot simply interpret the recovered samples based upon the first shock pressure step. This work demonstrates the need for a deeper understanding of the thermodynamics of ring‐up experiments in order to be able to interpret the results in terms of an equivalent single shock loading pressure for planetary applications. In this work, we also show that venting of the samples does not matter significantly at low pressures but may be important at high pressures. We have developed a recovery method and validation test that allows us to address the major issues and technical tradeoffs with shock recovery experiments on volatile materials.
Research Methods with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations

* About the Contributors * Foreword: Toward the Future of Research on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations * Acknowledgments * Exploring Current Themes in Research on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations * When Interviewing "Family": Maximizing the Insider Advantage in the Qualitative Study of Lesbians and Gay Men * Researching Gay and Lesbian Domestic Violence: The Journey of a Non-LGBT Researcher * Empowering Gay and Lesbian Caregivers and Uncovering Their Unique Experiences Through the Use of Qualitative Methods * Methodological Issues in Conducting Community-Based Health and Social Services Research Among Urban Black and African American LGBT Populations * Research with Gay Drug Users and the Interface with HIV: Current Methodological Issues for Social Work Research * Self-Disclosure Stress: Trauma as an Example of an Intervening Variable in Research with Lesbian Women * Dimensions of Lesbian Identity During Adolescence and Young Adulthood * 8,000 Miles and Still Counting.Reaching Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Adolescents for Research * A Study of Sampling in Research in the Field of Lesbian and Gay Studies * Matching AIDS Service Organizations' Philosophy of Service Provision with a Compatible Style of Program Evaluation * Applying Ethical Standards to Research and Evaluations Involving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations * Index * Reference Notes Included
Medications and laboratory parameters as prognostic factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

We sought to examine the influence of medication usage and laboratory measurements on disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A database of 596 volunteers with ALS was generated from three clinical trials and one observational study. Disease course was measured by survival and three functional measures: the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS), Vital Capacity (VC) and Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC). Survival modeling was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression. The association of medication or laboratory measurements with disease progression was determined using a random effects model. In the multivariate analysis, survival was shorter in participants who took aspirin (HR =1.93, p =0.046); NSAIDs (HR =1.51, p =0.054); had low blood chloride (HR =0.76, p =0.020) or high bicarbonate levels (HR =1.37, p =0.006). Individuals who took calcium had better survival (HR =0.37, p =0.008) and a slower rate of decline of MVIC arm megascore (p =0.033). Vital capacity declined faster in individuals with lower serum chloride (p<0.0001), or higher bicarbonate (p =0.002) levels and those taking paracetamol (acetaminophen) (p =0.035). We conclude that aspirin or NSAID use may shorten survival in ALS, while calcium use may prolong survival. Our results support a need to further explore the role of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of ALS.
Cortisol in human milk predicts child BMI

Breastfeeding has been linked to lower rates of childhood obesity. Human milk contains cortisol, known to regulate glucose storage and metabolism. The aim of this study was to to test the hypothesis that early exposure to cortisol in human breast milk helps to modulate infant body mass index (BMI) trajectories over the first 2 years of life.
The Role of Nitric Oxide Synthase in Post-Operative Hyperglycaemia

Post-operative hyperglycaemia is important with regard to outcomes of surgical operations. It affects postoperative morbidity, length of hospital stay, and mortality. Poor peri-operative blood glucose control leads to a higher risk of post-operative complication. Insulin resistance as a cause of post-operative hyperglycaemia has been blamed for some time. Nitric Oxide (NO) is produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoenzymes. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is not a normal cellular constitute. It is expressed by cytokines and non-cytokines e.g. fasting, trauma, intravenous glucose, and lipid infusion, which are encountered in surgical operations. Review of current published data on postoperative hyperglycaemia was completed. Our studies and others were explored for the possible role of NO in this scenario. Induction and expression of iNOS enzyme in pancreatic islet cells is included in the chaotic postoperative blood glucose control. The high concentrations of iNOS derived NO are toxic to pancreatic β-cells and may inhibit insulin secretion postoperatively. Hence, current peri-operative management is questionable regarding post-operative hyperglycaemia and necessitates development of a new strategy.
Spousal Connectedness and Information and Communication Technology Use

Spousal Connectedness and Personal Information and Communication Technology Use Chelsea Hutchings Department of Recreation Management and Youth Leadership, BYU Master of Science The primary purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between personal ICT (information and communication technology) device use and couple connectedness. To meet the purpose of the study, three hypotheses were tested: First, it was predicted there was a relationship between spousal connectedness and personal and spousal ICT device usage; second, it was predicted satisfaction with personal or spousal ICT device usage were mediators of the primary relationship between spousal connectedness and ICT device usage; and third, it was expected communication moderated the relationship between spousal connectedness and personal ICT device usage. A representative sample of married adults (n=208) was sampled. Personal and spousal ICT device use, satisfaction with personal and spousal ICT device use, spousal connectedness, and communication were measured and the resulting data analyzed. Regression analyses and path analyses were performed. The first and third hypotheses were found to be significant, but the second was not. The negative relationship between personal ICT device use and spousal connectedness indicates that as ICT device use increases, connectedness decreases. Communication, however, was shown to buffer this relationship. Data indicated that the more a person recalled communicating with their spouse, the less prominent was the relationship between their personal ICT device use and spousal connectedness.
Straight Ahead on Red: How Foreign Direct Investment Empowers Subnational Leaders

This paper tests the hypothesis that increasing stocks of foreign direct investment (FDI) can lead to de facto decentralization in the form of autonomous reform experiments by subnational leaders. Because these reform experiments may attract FDI in subsequent years, there is a possibility of endogeneity. As a result, the methodology is a simultaneous equation model of 61 Vietnamese provinces between 1990 and 2000. Stocks of FDI as a percentage of GDP are regressed on a measure of autonomy derived from a content analysis of Vietnamese state-owned newspapers. Every time a province is cited in the papers for violating central laws on economic policy by engaging in reform experimentation, it is coded as a case of autonomy. The central question of the analysis is: how much FDI is needed for a province to believe it has the bargaining power to challenge central authority for the first time in a given year? Using this approach, I find strong evidence for the influence of FDI on local autonomous economic reform experiments.
Does Money Matter? Motivational Factors for Participation in Paid- and Non-Profit-Crowdsourcing Communities

Crowdsourcing, the use of an undefined group of external people to complete tasks for the corporation, gained significantly in importance over the last years. Yet little is known about the factors that motivate participants to join crowdsourcing communities. This paper compares the findings of Kaufmann et al. (1) who conducted a study on MechanicalTurk -a profit oriented software development crowdsourc- ing platform- with the results of a questionnaire posed to the members of MobileWorks - a non-profit crowdsourcing platform. Findings show that many motivational factors apply consistently whether for- profit or for-fun. However, some factors differ significantly; especially extrinsic factors are of far more importance in for-profit communities. The deeper analy- sis reveals that society may see a larger trend towards crowdsourcing as mean of employment, as more and more individuals regard it as serious work and re- liable source of income.
Exploring Fatherhood Diversity

SUMMARY Our analysis, grounded in a social constructionist perspective, explores the theoretical and political complexities facing researchers and policymakers as they attempt to conceptualize, study, and promote fathers' involvement with their children. Taking into account the growing diversity of life course and residency patterns for men and children today, we stress how the definition of fatherhood and conceptualization of paternal involvement are interwoven. As our starting point, we highlight how diverse stakeholders construct differing images and types of fatherhood during an era when men are “doing fatherhood” in a wide range of contexts. Next, we explore issues associated with a broad conceptualization of father involvement, influence, and motivation with an eye toward fatherhood diversity. We then consider how several family processes are implicated in the way men develop, negotiate, and sustain their rights, privileges, and obligations as fathers in different types of family structures. We conclude by suggesting how our treatment of these issues can guide future research on fatherhood.
Knowledge-based design of graphical responses

ABSTRACT Articulate graphics systems choose the most effective formof presentation of data rather than being tools forcing usersto design graphics themselves. An architecture for a graphicresponse designer is proposed which clearly separates thegraphical design knowledge from knowledge of the user,current task, application and dialogue context which are re-quired to tailor responses. Without this division the graphicresponse designer cannot be a portable module and will du-plicate resources available elsewhere in an intelligent inter-face. Graphical design rules derived from design practiceare described as well as the method for integrating thesewith the supporting knowledge. An example intelligent in-terface incorporating a graphic response designer in con-junction with natural language output is described. Theproblems of updating the graphic design knowledge andevaluating the demonstrator are considered. KEYWORDS: Articulate Graphics, Intelligent Interfaces,User Modelling, Automatic Graphic Presentation.
How VASP enhances actin-based motility

The function of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) in motility is analyzed using a biomimetic motility assay in which ActA-coated microspheres propel themselves in a medium containing actin, the Arp2/3 complex, and three regulatory proteins in the absence or presence of VASP. Propulsion is linked to cycles of filament barbed end attachment-branching-detachment-growth in which the ActA-activated Arp2/3 complex incorporates at the junctions of branched filaments. VASP increases the velocity of beads. VASP increases branch spacing of filaments in the actin tail, as it does in lamellipodia in living cells. The effect of VASP on branch spacing of Arp2/3-induced branched actin arrays is opposed to the effect of capping proteins. However, VASP does not compete with capping proteins for binding barbed ends of actin filaments. VASP enhances branched actin polymerization only when ActA is immobilized on beads or on Listeria. VASP increases the rate of dissociation of the branch junction from immobilized ActA, which is the rate-limiting step in the catalytic cycle of site-directed filament branching.
Using Perceptual Illusions for Redirected Walking

Redirected walking (RDW) gives users the ability to explore a virtual world by walking in a confined physical space. It inconspicuously guides them on a physical path that might differ from the path they perceive in the virtual world. Exploiting three motion illusions-the change-blindness illusion, the four-stroke motion illusion, and the motion-without-movement illusion-can increase RDW's effectiveness.
Messages Men Hear: Constructing Masculinities

Originally published in Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books, 1997, Vol 42(1), 80-81. Review of Messages Men Hear: Constructing Masculinities by Ian M. Harris (see record 1995-97701-000). Harris provides an easy-to-read, insightful journey through the myriad of messages men are taught by fam
Disgust: The Gatekeeper Emotion

1. Entering the World of Disgust 2. The Body and Mind of Disgust 3. Nature and Its Excesses 4. Varieties of Disgust 5. Disgust Syndromes 6. Sex, Procreation, and Human Intimacy 7. Disgust Within Family Groups 8. The Artistically or Scientifically Creative Individual and Freedom from Disgust 9. Group Identities and Hostility Across Borders: Affairs of Ethnicities, Classes, and Sects 10. Disgust and Horror 11. Concepts of Disease and Health 12. Final Comments
Keystone and Intraguild Predation, Intraspecific Density Dependence, and a Guild of Coexisting Consumers

Previous models of diamond-shaped and intraguild predation community modules have represented the essence of the trade-off necessary for a top predator to prevent competitive exclusion among a set of resource-limited consumers. However, at most two consumers can coexist in these models. In this article, I show how intraspecific density dependence in the consumers can permit many more than two consumers to coexist in these community modules. Moreover, responses of the community to removal of the top predator depend on the patterns of the strengths of species interactions relative to the strengths of intraspecific density dependence. If the consumers experience similar strengths of intraspecific density dependence, removing the top predator will in most cases have little effect on consumer species richness. A substantial reduction in consumer species richness with predator removal (i.e., the keystone predation effect) will typically occur only when the consumer that can support a population at the lowest resource abundance also (1) experiences substantially weaker intraspecific density dependence than other consumers and (2) experiences significantly higher levels of mortality from the predator. These results identify how intraspecific density dependence fosters the coexistence of multiple consumers in two important community modules and shapes the responses of these community modules to perturbations such as predator removal.