Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protection of Macaques against Intrarectal Infection by a Combination Immunization Regimen with Recombinant Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmne gp160 Vaccines

ABSTRACT We previously reported that immunization with recombinant simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmne envelope (gp160) vaccines protected macaques against intravenous challenge by the cloned homologous virus E11S but that this protection was only partially effective against the uncloned virus, SIVmne. In the present study, we examine the protective efficacy of this immunization regimen against infection by a mucosal route. We found that the same gp160-based vaccines were highly effective against intrarectal infection not only with the E11S clone but also with the uncloned SIVmne. Protection against mucosal infection is therefore achievable by parenteral immunization with recombinant envelope vaccines. Protection appears to correlate with high levels of SIV-specific antibodies and, in animals protected against the uncloned virus, the presence of serum-neutralizing activities. To understand the basis for the differential efficacies against the uncloned virus by the intravenous versus the intrarectal routes, we examined viral sequences recovered from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of animals early after infection by both routes. We previously showed that the majority (85%) of the uncloned SIVmne challenge stock contained V1 sequences homologous to the molecular clone from which the vaccines were made (E11S type), with the remainder (15%) containing multiple conserved changes (the variant types). In contrast to intravenously infected animals, from which either E11S-type or the variant type V1 sequences could be recovered in significant proportions, animals infected intrarectally had predominantly E11S-type sequences. Preferential transmission or amplification of the E11S-type viruses may therefore account in part for the enhanced efficacy of the recombinant gp160 vaccines against the uncloned virus challenge by the intrarectal route compared with the intravenous route.
Effects of early enteral nutrition on the gastrointestinal motility and intestinal mucosal barrier of patients with burn-induced invasive fungal infection

Objective: To evaluate the effects of early enteral nutrition on the gastrointestinal motility and intestinal mucosal barrier of patients with burn-induced invasive fungal infection. Methods: A total of 120 patients with burn-induced invasive fungal infection were randomly divided into an early enteral nutrition (EN) group and a parenteral nutrition (PN) group (n=60). The patients were given nutritional support intervention for 14 days, and the expression levels of serum transferrin, albumin, total protein, endotoxin, D-lactic acid and inflammatory cytokines were detected on the 1st, 7th and 14th days respectively. Results: As the treatment progressed, the levels of serum transferrin, albumin and total protein of the EN group were significantly higher than those of the PN group (P<0.05), while the levels of serum endotoxin and D-lactic acid of the form group were significantly lower (P<0.05). After treatment, the expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased in the EN group, which were significantly different from those of the PN group (P<0.05). During treatment, the incidence rates of complications such as abdominal distension, diarrhea, sepsis, nausea, vomiting and gastric retention were similar. The mean healing time of wound surface was 9.34±0.78 days in the EN group and 12.46±2.19 days in the PN group, i.e. such time of the former was significantly shorter than that of the latter (P<0.05). Conclusion: Treating patients having burn-induced invasive fungal infection by early enteral nutrition support with arginine can safely alleviate malnutrition and stress reaction, strengthen cellular immune function and promote wound healing, thereby facilitating the recovery of gastrointestinal motility and the function of intestinal mucosal barrier.
Loved ones within Palliative Care-understanding, strategies and need for support

It is well known that during the palliative process both patient and loved ones have to face, and prepare themselves, for the patient ́s approaching death. Their daily life will be marked by the disease, and physical, social, psychological and existential questions will arise. Increased knowledge about being a loved one involved in palliative care could provide important guidance for the professional staff to enabling them to support the loved ones in finding new ways of living after the patient ́s death. The aim of the thesis was to increase knowledge of what it can be to be a loved one involved in palliative care from the perspective of understanding what is going on, strategies used and support needed. The studies used both qualitative and quantitative methods, in the form of in-depth interviews and questionnaires with open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used, in the analysis. The results show that the understanding of loved ones depended on information given in various ways during the disease process. The information could be gained either explicitly from health-care staff or implicitly from everyday conversation between themselves and the patient or throughout the progression of the disease. The loved ones used different types of strategies to cope with the situation and to be able to meet the patient in the current situation. The professional carers opinion was that the more informed and aware the loved ones were about the patient ́s disease the more they were able to cope with the situation. Information was helpful both in preparing for and during the bereavement. Need for support after the patient ́s death, depended on how they managed the bereavement process, together with the kind of relation they had had with the dead person. The personal network was the most important source of support in contrast to professional support which was mainly needed when the personal network for some reason failed or when the grief became complicated. The professional carers opinion was that they could provide the support the loved ones needed during the patient ́s hospital stay but rarely after the patient had died. The healthcare system has to find methods to support the loved ones both during the time of the patient ́s illness as well as during the bereavement process, for those who need such support.
The psychology of work and human performance

1. The Field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. 2. Research in the Organizational Setting. 3. Recruiting and Selecting Personnel. 4. Assessing the Abilities of Personnel. 5. Training: Development, Methods, and Evaluation. 6. Appraising Performance. 7. Motivation: Understanding Differences in Performance. 8. Job Satisfaction. 9. Organizational Leadership. 10. Group Behavior in the Workplace. 11. Special Populations in the Workplace: Women, Minorities, and Older Workers. 12. The Nature of Organizations. 13. Organization Development. 14. Human Factors and Working Conditions. 15. I/O Psychology and Worker Health.
Evaluating Answers to Comprehension Questions.

MUCH HAS BEEN written about instructional ques ions, about their effect upon student think ing and about the need to increase the percentage of comprehension ques tions asked at higher cognitive levels. The research described in this article goes a step further. It presents a means of evaluating answers to comprehension questions in reading, listening, visual perception, and the related content areas, an avenue of research that has only begun to be investigated. Educational research has seen ques tions as a tool to enhance children's thinking. Piaget (1967) viewed a child's verbal accommodation to learning experiences as having a lasting effect only when it affected the child's means of organizing ex periences. Questions were found to play a significant role in the organi zation of experiences, and Piaget relied heavily upon questions in his famous m? thode clinique. Cognitive processes have been related to the level of questions. Ruddell (1974) explained that ques tions asked at interpretive and appli cative levels stimulate higher cogni tive processes than do factual ques tions. Factual questions merely in volve experience plus the recall of immediate information for the an swers, whereas answers to interpre tive questions involve the modifica tion of the content by analysis, reconstruction, or inference of rela tionships. Answers to applicative questions involve creative problem solving. Ruddell viewed questioning as a valuable instructional tool to Taba and Elzey (1964), basing research heavily upon Piaget, found classroom questions to have an enormous influence on the critical thinking of students. They found that through systematic instruction based upon questioning, the teacher could stimulate higher cognitive processes of children.
Plasma exchange in severe spinal attacks associated with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Background Plasma exchange (PE) is increasingly undertaken in diseases involving humoral factors and is proven to be beneficial in acute demyelinating diseases. Spinal attacks in relapsing neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and in extensive transverse myelitis (ETM) – a truncated form of NMO with spinal involvement – are usually devastating. Objective We retrospectively studied the outcome of PE-treated versus steroid-only treated spinal attacks in relapsing NMO and ETM. Methods We included 96 severe spinal attacks in 43 Afro-Caribbean patients. PE was given as an add-on therapy in 29 attacks. Expanded disability status score (EDSS) was obtained before attack, during the acute and residual stage. We defined the ΔEDSS as the rise from basal to residual EDSS. Results The ΔEDSS was found to be lower in the PE-treated group (1.2 ± 1.6 vs 2.6 ± 2.3; P < 0.01). A low basal impairment is associated with a better outcome. Improvement was obtained in both NMO-IgG negative and positive NMO attacks. Minor adverse events manifested in seven PE sessions (24%). Conclusion PE appears to be a safe add-on therapy that may be employed early in severe spinal attacks in the NMO spectrum disorders in order to maximize improvement rate. PE efficiency is independent of NMO-IgG positivity.
Numerical Modeling of Spatial Permafrost Dynamics in Alaska

The Geophysical Institute Permafrost Laboratory model (GIPL) simulates soil temperature dynamics and the depth of seasonal freezing and thawing by solving 1D non-linear heat equation with phase change numerically. In this model the process of soil freezing/thawing is occurring in accordance with the unfrozen water content curve and soil thermal properties, which are specific for each soil layer and for each geographical location. At the present stage of development, the GIPL 2.0 model is combined with ArcGIS to facilitate preparation of input parameters and visualization of simulated results in a form of digital maps. The future climate scenario was derived from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT-2D climate model output for the 21 century. This climate scenario was used as a driving force in GIPL model. Initial results of calculations show that by the end of the current century the widespread permafrost degradation could begin everywhere in Alaska southward from the Brooks Range.
Programmable Pattern-Formation and Scale-Independence Radhika Nagpal

This paper presents a programming language for pattern-formation on a surface of locally-interacting, identically-programmed agents, by combining local organization primitives from developmental biology with combination rules from geometry. The approach is significantly different from current approaches to the design of self-organizing systems: the desired global shape is specified using an abstract geometry-based language, and the agent program is directly compiled from the global specification. Using this approach any 2D Euclidean construction can be formed from local-interactions of the agents. The resulting process is extremely reliable in the face of random agent distributions and varying agent numbers. In addition the process is scale-independent, which implies that the pattern scales as the number of agents increases, with no modification of the agent program. The pattern also scales asymmetrically to produce related patterns, such as D’Arcy Thompson’s famous transformations.
Research evaluation and citation analysis: key issues and implications

Purpose – Citation and ranking information are becoming key aspects of knowledge management in academic and research institutions. By examining changing user needs and products, this paper aims to encourage information professionals to better understand and manage these resources and better respond to user needs.Design/methodology/approach – Literature reviews, work with faculty clients and initial product testing are used to present coherent information on the current climate and practice of competitive analysis of researchers and their institutions.Findings – As more sources for citation information have become available – even many scholarly databases today offering cited reference data – the need to identify, access and manage these resources is becoming acute. Information professionals need to become more proactive in their strategies to support these applications and users.Originality/value – This article builds on previous analyses of the roles and nature of citation analysis in research institutio.
Generation of Complex Verbal Morphology in First and Second Language Acquisition: Evidence from Russian

This study explores the structure of the mental lexicon and the processing of Russian verbal morphology by two groups of speakers, adult American learners of Russian and Russian children aged 4-6, and reports the results of two matching experiments conducted at the University of Maryland, USA and St. Petersburg State University, Russia. The theoretical framework for this study comes from research on the structure of the mental lexicon and modularity in morphological processing. So far, there are very few studies investigating the processing of complex verbal morphology, with most of the work done on Icelandic, Norwegian, Italian, and Russian. The current views are shaped predominantly by research on English regular and irregular past-tense inflection, which has been conducted within two competing approaches. This study investigates the processing of verbal morphology in Russian, a language with numerous verb classes differing in size and the number and complexity of conjugation rules. It assumes that instead of a sharp opposition of regular and irregular verb processing, a gradual parameter of regularity may be more appropriate for Russian. Therefore, the issue of symbolic rule application versus associative patterning can take on a new meaning for Russian, possibly, with the distinction between default and non-default processing replacing the regular-irregular distinction.
Wanda: Securely introducing mobile devices

Nearly every setting is increasingly populated with wireless and mobile devices - whether appliances in a home, medical devices in a health clinic, sensors in an industrial setting, or devices in an office or school. There are three fundamental operations when bringing a new device into any of these settings: to configure the device to join the wireless local-area network, to partner the device with other nearby devices so they can work together, and (3) to configure the device so it connects to the relevant individual or organizational account in the cloud. The challenge is to accomplish all three goals simply, securely, and consistent with user intent. We present a novel approach we call Wanda - a `magic wand' that accomplishes all three of the above goals - and evaluate a prototype implementation.
Epidemiology of inflammatory neurological and inflammatory neuromuscular diseases in Tottori Prefecture, Japan

Abstract We investigated the incidence of the following conditions: inflammatory neurological and neuromuscular diseases, adult meningitis and adult encephalitis in Yonago City, and Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM), periarteritis nodosa (PN) and HTLV‐1 associated myelopathy (HAM) during the period 1988–1992 in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. The annual incidence per 100 000 population was as follows: meningitis, 4.38; encephalitis, 0.90; GBS, 1.14; PM/DM, 1.01; and PN, 0.32. The prevalence per 100 000 population CIDP, 0.81; PM/DM, 9.92; PN, 2.59; and HAM, 1.30. There was marked localization of HAM in western Tottori, and there was seasonal variation in the prevalence of meningitis, encephalitis and GBS. The mean age at onset of meningitis was lower than that for encephalitis. Comparison with reported data revealed interracial differences in the epidemiology of PM/DM and PN.
Relationship of Teacher Competence with Professional Commitment and Job Satisfaction at Secondary Level

The study was designed to find out the relationship of teacher competence with professional commitment and job satisfaction at secondary school level. It was a descriptive study and employed survey method for data collection. Multistage sampling techniques were used for data collection. In order to measure the teacher competence, professional commitment and job satisfaction among secondary school teachers, three questionnaires were used, i.e. Teacher Competence Questionnaire, Professional Commitment Questionnaire and Job Satisfaction Questionnaire having reliabilities 0.94, 0.76 and 0.85 respectively. Data were analyzed by using Pearson correlation. There was a significant positive relationship between teacher competence and professional commitment, teacher competence and job satisfaction, and professional commitment and job satisfaction as well. The study concluded that by enhancing the competency of teachers, commitment and job satisfaction could be enhanced among teachers. Key Words: Professional commitment, teacher professional standards, job satisfaction
Job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behaviour: A study of Australian human‐service professionals

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of organizational citizenship behaviour as a component of job performance. Participants comprised 41 human‐service workers, who completed a job satisfaction questionnaire and were rated for their organizational citizenship, as well as being measured on three discretionary organizational participant behaviours. Job satisfaction correlated significantly with organizational citizenship and participation behaviours (correlations ranged from +0.40 to +0.67). Findings were consistent with the view that satisfaction may not be reflected in productivity but is evident in discretionary involvement in the workplace. Implications for monitoring and managing a wide range of employee behaviours are outlined.
A comparison of the effects on intraocular pressure of latanoprost 0.005% and the fixed combination of dorzolamide 2% and timolol 0.5% in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE To compare the effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) of latanoprost 0.005% and the fixed combination of dorzolamide 2% and timolol 0.5%. METHODS Overall, 226 patients whose IOP was insufficiently controlled by timolol alone were randomized to receive either latanoprost once daily or the fixed combination of dorzolamide plus timolol twice daily. Intraocular pressure was measured at 10:00 am and 5:00 pm at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS Mean IOP was reduced from baseline in both groups (p < 0.001), with a mean +/- SEM reduction of - 4.3 +/- 0.3 mmHg (19%) for the latanoprost treatment group and - 4.0 +/- 0.3 mmHg (17%) for the dorzolamide plus timolol treatment group. The two therapies were similarly effective in lowering IOP levels (mean difference in reduction: - 0.4 +/- 0.4; 95% confidence interval: - 1.1, 0.4). CONCLUSIONS Monotherapy with latanoprost once daily was as effective in reducing mean IOP as the fixed combination of dorzolamide plus timolol twice daily in patients with IOP insufficiently controlled by timolol alone.
Anti-inflammatory Effects of Phosphatidylcholine*

We recently showed that mucus from patients with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon, is characterized by a low level of phosphatidylcholine (PC) while clinical studies reveal that therapeutic addition of PC using slow release preparations is beneficial. The positive role of PC in this disease is still elusive. Here we tested the hypothesis that exogenous application of PC has anti-inflammatory properties using three model systems. First, human Caco-2 cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to induce a pro-inflammatory response via activation of NF-κB. Second, latex bead phagosomes were analyzed for their ability to assemble actin in vitro, a process linked to pro-inflammatory signaling and correlating with the growth versus killing of mycobacteria in macrophages. The third system used was the rapid assembly of plasma membrane actin in macrophages in response to sphingosine 1-phosphate. TNF-α induced a pro-inflammatory response in Caco-2 cells, including 1) assembly of plasma membrane actin; 2) activation of both MAPKs ERK and p38; 3) transport of NF-κB subunits to the nucleus; and 4) subsequent up-regulation of the synthesis of pro-inflammatory gene products. Exogenous addition of most PCs tested significantly inhibited these processes. Other phospholipids like sphingomyelin or phosphatidylethanolamine showed no effects in these assays. PC also inhibited latex bead phagosome actin assembly, the killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in macrophages, and the sphingosine 1-phosphate-induced actin assembly in macrophages. TNF-α induces the activation of signaling molecules and the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in human intestinal cells. Exogenous application of PC blocks pro-inflammatory signaling in Caco-2 cells, in phagosomes in vitro and facilitates intracellular survival of mycobacteria. We provide further evidence that actin assembly by membranes is part of the pro-inflammatory response. Collectively, these results provide a molecular foundation for the clinical studies showing a beneficial effect of PC therapy in ulcerative colitis.
Images of oppression

Abstract For the last three decades, Afghanistan has suffered under foreign occupation forces and internal fundamentalist groups. Approximately six million Afghans migrated to the neighboring countries – Pakistan and Iran – after the conflict commenced in the late 1970s that disrupted the basic fabric of the Afghan society. Even today, after 30 years of ceaseless war among internal groups and external forces, the Afghan society is in total chaos with high levels of unemployment, homelessness, and anarchy. The military occupation of Afghanistan in the recent decade following 2001 and the previous Taliban control for nearly five years has left Afghan social structure in complete disarray. The social and political problems emanating from Afghan society affect not only the region but also other parts of the world. Beyond doubt, Afghan people have suffered tremendously, but the most affected segment of the society is the women. Their plight goes largely unnoticed in global media, which focuses on the coverage of conflict and diplomacy most often conducted by powerful men. National and international media intermittently focus on Afghan women living in large cities under the control of Afghan official security agencies backed by an international coalition force; however, local or international journalists rarely approach women living in the rural areas, which constitute the bulk of Afghan territory. The paltry coverage, if ever, offered to the Afghan women is strategically used to advance foreign policy agendas by demeaning and dehumanizing the ‘enemy’ by employing stereotypes that lack an understanding of the Afghan culture and one divorced from reality.