Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cytopathicity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 (HIV-2) in Human Lymphoid Tissue Is Coreceptor Dependent and Comparable to That of HIV-1

ABSTRACT Epidemiological studies have shown that human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) is markedly less pathogenic than HIV-1 in vivo. Individuals infected with HIV-2 exhibit a remarkably slow rate of disease development, and these clinical properties have been attributed presumptively to an “attenuated” phenotype of HIV-2 itself. Here, we investigated the impact of coreceptor usage on the cytopathicity of HIV-2 and compared its pathogenic potential with that of HIV-1 in a unique human lymphoid histoculture model. We found that HIV-2 strains, as well as closely related simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIV), displayed mildly or highly aggressive cytopathic phenotypes depending on their abilities to use the coreceptor CCR5 or CXCR4, respectively. A side-by-side comparison of primary X4 HIV-1 and HIV-2 strains revealed similar, high degrees of cytopathicity induced by both HIV types. Furthermore, we found that HIV-2 coreceptor specificity for CCR5 and CXCR4 determined the target cell population for T-cell depletion in lymphoid tissue. Finally, utilization of the alternate coreceptors BOB and Bonzo did not significantly increase the cytopathic properties of HIV-2. These findings demonstrate that coreceptor preference is a key regulator of target cell specificity and the cytopathic potential of HIV-2, with indistinguishable rules compared with HIV-1. Moreover, HIV-2 strains are not characterized by an intrinsically lower cytopathicity than HIV-1 strains. Therefore, direct cytopathic potential per se does not explain the unique behavior of HIV-2 in people, highlighting that other unknown factors need to be elucidated as the basis for their lesser virulence in vivo.
RANK AS AN INCENTIVE : EVIDENCE FROM A FIELD EXPERIMENT

Money is the prime incentive considered in economic models. However, evidence from other fields suggests that people are also greatly concerned about their social rankings. It is unclear whether this is because rank brings tangible benefits, or because people also have an intrinsic desire for high rank. This paper provides evidence for the latter. In our field experiment, Vietnamese students performed significantly better on an English test when they were told their rankings than when they were not. This result held even when this ranking information could not be communicated, and thus could not bring any tangible benefits.
The Inertial Anisotropy of the Arm Is Accurately Predicted during Movement Planning

An important theoretical concept in motor control is the idea that the CNS uses an internal model of the motor system and environment to predict the sensory consequences of motor commands. In arm movement control, a critical factor affecting the transformation from motor commands to sensory consequences is limb dynamics, including the inertial anisotropy of the arm, which refers to the fact that the inertial resistance of the arm depends on hand movement direction. Here we show that the CNS maintains an accurate internal model of the inertial anisotropy of the arm by demonstrating that the motor system can precisely predict direction-dependent variations in hand acceleration. Subjects slid an object, held beneath the index finger, across a frictionless horizontal surface to radially located targets. We recorded the normal (vertical) force exerted by the fingertip, as well as the tangential (horizontal) force proportional to hand acceleration. We found that normal force was precisely scaled in anticipation of tangential force, which, as expected, varied with direction. The peak rates of change of the normal and tangential forces, observed early in the movement, were highly correlated. Similar results were obtained regardless of whether the start position of the hand was located directly in front of the subject or rotated 45° to the right. Finally, we observed reduced force correlations under reaction time conditions. This suggests that the process of prediction, based on an internal model of the limb, is not fully completed within the reaction time interval.
Convergent and Predictive Validity of the ICA Audit in Healthcare Organizations

This study sought to validate two widely used instruments: the International Communication Association (ICA) Communication Audit and the Communication Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ) within the context of healthcare organizations. The focus on healthcare organization stems from the current paradigm shift which has placed a greater emphasis on healthcare consumers. Additionally, this context is of particular importance given the role of communication in creating and alleviating occupational stress and contributing to employee satisfaction in healthcare organizations. Participants included 42 individuals representing seven types of healthcare organizations. Findings indicate that the ICA Audit does not predict satisfaction as measured by the CSQ. However, the organizational outcomes and communication relationship dimensions of the ICA Audit were positively correlated with the CSQ scale. Thus, the ICA Audit did not demonstrate predictive validity, but showed strong convergent validity.
Induction of heparanase by HPV E6 oncogene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

High‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are highly invasive; however the identity of downstream effectors responsible for their aggressive phenotype remains underinvestigated. Here, we report that HPV‐mediated up‐regulation of heparanase enzyme can provide mechanistic explanation for augmented invasiveness of HPV‐positive HNSCCs. Heparanase is the sole mammalian enzyme (endo‐β‐d‐glucuronidase) degrading heparan sulphate glycosaminoglycan, key polysaccharide of the extracellular matrix. Cleavage of heparan sulphate by heparanase leads to disassembly of extracellular barriers, enabling local invasion and metastatic spread of the tumour, and releases heparan sulphate‐bound growth factors from the extracellular depots. Heparanase is tightly implicated in head and neck cancer progression; yet, molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional activation of the heparanase gene in HNSCC are largely unknown. We found that HPV16 oncogene E6 is capable of inducing overexpression of heparanase in HNSCC. Notably, radiation treatment dose‐dependently suppresses E6‐induced heparanase expression in vitro. Our results provide the first evidence for a functional involvement of HPV in heparanase induction in head and neck tumourigenesis and, given ongoing clinical testing of several heparanase‐inhibiting compounds, offer important avenue for future therapeutic exploration in HNSCC, as well as other HPV‐associated malignancies (i.e. cervical carcinoma).
A Review of the Bayesian Occupancy Filter

Autonomous vehicle systems are currently the object of intense research within scientific and industrial communities; however, many problems remain to be solved. One of the most critical aspects addressed in both autonomous driving and robotics is environment perception, since it consists of the ability to understand the surroundings of the vehicle to estimate risks and make decisions on future movements. In recent years, the Bayesian Occupancy Filter (BOF) method has been developed to evaluate occupancy by tessellation of the environment. A review of the BOF and its variants is presented in this paper. Moreover, we propose a detailed taxonomy where the BOF is decomposed into five progressive layers, from the level closest to the sensor to the highest abstract level of risk assessment. In addition, we present a study of implemented use cases to provide a practical understanding on the main uses of the BOF and its taxonomy.
The complex network of global cargo ship movements

Transportation networks play a crucial role in human mobility, the exchange of goods and the spread of invasive species. With 90 per cent of world trade carried by sea, the global network of merchant ships provides one of the most important modes of transportation. Here, we use information about the itineraries of 16 363 cargo ships during the year 2007 to construct a network of links between ports. We show that the network has several features that set it apart from other transportation networks. In particular, most ships can be classified into three categories: bulk dry carriers, container ships and oil tankers. These three categories do not only differ in the ships' physical characteristics, but also in their mobility patterns and networks. Container ships follow regularly repeating paths whereas bulk dry carriers and oil tankers move less predictably between ports. The network of all ship movements possesses a heavy-tailed distribution for the connectivity of ports and for the loads transported on the links with systematic differences between ship types. The data analysed in this paper improve current assumptions based on gravity models of ship movements, an important step towards understanding patterns of global trade and bioinvasion.
Conflict Transformation: Canadian Democracy and Aboriginal Relations

This paper situates Canadian politics and Aboriginal issue in the literature of peace and conflict studies. The work presents Aboriginal identity, its dismantling in Canada, and the evidence of conflict transformation. The conflict is explained and established as an identity conflict, which does not seem to be noted as such in the literature; and then provides evidence that the conflict is in the emergent stages of constructive transformation. Opening with an introduction to Aboriginal people in Canada, the paper reviews the relevant elements of identity conflict within the context of Canadian democracy. Then the structural relationship between the government of Canada and Aboriginal people is explained and related to the conflict. The paper concludes with discussion of the evidence of a transforming identity conflict, and cautious hope thatthis long-standing conflict is evidencing unmistakable signs of positive transformation.
Electrospinning of Nanodiamond-Modified Polysaccharide Nanofibers with Physico-Mechanical Properties Close to Natural Skins

Electrospinning of biopolymers has gained significant interest for the fabrication of fibrous mats for potential applications in tissue engineering, particularly for wound dressing and skin regeneration. In this study, for the first time, we report successful electrospinning of chitosan-based biopolymers containing bacterial cellulous (33 wt %) and medical grade nanodiamonds (MND) (3 nm; up to 3 wt %). Morphological studies by scanning electron microscopy showed that long and uniform fibers with controllable diameters from 80 to 170 nm were prepared. Introducing diamond nanoparticles facilitated the electrospinning process with a decrease in the size of fibers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy determined hydrogen bonding between the polymeric matrix and functional groups of MND. It was also found that beyond 1 wt % MND, percolation networks of nanoparticles were formed which affected the properties of the nanofibrous mats. Uniaxial tensile testing of the woven mats determined significant enhancement of the strength (from 13 MPa to 25 MP) by dispersion of 1 wt % MND. The hydrophilicity of the mats was also remarkably improved, which was favorable for cell attachment. The water vapor permeability was tailorable in the range of 342 to 423 µg·Pa−1·s−1·m−1. The nanodiamond-modified mats are potentially suitable for wound healing applications.
The Practice and Meaning of Communitarian Spirituality in the Focolare Movement

May 2000: B.A. (Sociology and Christian Ministries, Summa Cum Laude) Azusa Pacific University. May 2002: M.A. (Theological Studies) Boston University. May 2004: M.A. (Sociology) Loyola University Chicago, May 2004. Thesis: “Doing Friendship, Making Contacts, and Building Trust: Christian Indian Responses to Religious Diversity. ” Fall 2004-Fall 2010: PhD (Sociology) Loyola University Chicago (Specializations: race and ethnicity, religion, social movements, and methodology.) Dissertation titled: Practice and Meaning of Communitarian Spirituality in the Focolare Movement
Prognostic Value of TIMI Score versus GRACE Score in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background The TIMI Score for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was created and validated specifically for this clinical scenario, while the GRACE score is generic to any type of acute coronary syndrome. Objective Between TIMI and GRACE scores, identify the one of better prognostic performance in patients with STEMI. Methods We included 152 individuals consecutively admitted for STEMI. The TIMI and GRACE scores were tested for their discriminatory ability (C-statistics) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow) in relation to hospital death. Results The TIMI score showed equal distribution of patients in the ranges of low, intermediate and high risk (39 %, 27 % and 34 %, respectively), as opposed to the GRACE Score that showed predominant distribution at low risk (80 %, 13 % and 7%, respectively). Case-fatality was 11%. The C-statistics of the TIMI score was 0.87 (95%CI = 0.76 to 0.98), similar to GRACE (0.87, 95%CI = 0.75 to 0.99) - p = 0.71. The TIMI score showed satisfactory calibration represented by χ2 = 1.4 (p = 0.92), well above the calibration of the GRACE score, which showed χ2 = 14 (p = 0.08). This calibration is reflected in the expected incidence ranges for low, intermediate and high risk, according to the TIMI score (0 %, 4.9 % and 25 %, respectively), differently to GRACE (2.4%, 25% and 73%), which featured middle range incidence inappropriately. Conclusion Although the scores show similar discriminatory capacity for hospital death, the TIMI score had better calibration than GRACE. These findings need to be validated populations of different risk profiles.
Compressive Acquisition CMOS Image Sensor: From the Algorithm to Hardware Implementation

In this paper, a new design paradigm referred to as compressive acquisition CMOS image sensors is introduced. The idea consists of compressing the data within each pixel prior to storage, and hence, reducing the size of the memory required for digital pixel sensor. The proposed compression algorithm uses a block-based differential coding scheme in which differential values are captured and quantized online. A time-domain encoding scheme is used in our CMOS image sensor in which the brightest pixel within each block fires first and is selected as the reference pixel. The differential values between subsequent pixels and the reference within each block are calculated and quantized, using a reduced number of bits as their dynamic range is compressed. The proposed scheme enables reduced error accumulation as full precision is used at the start of each block, while also enabling reduced memory requirement, and hence, enabling significant silicon area saving. A mathematical model is derived to analyze the performance of the algorithm. Experimental results on a field-programmable gate-array (FPGA) platform illustrate that the proposed algorithm enables more than 50% memory saving at a peak signal-to-noise ratio level of 30 dB with 1.5 bit per pixel.
Emotional Modulation of Learning and Memory: Pharmacological Implications

Memory consolidation involves the process by which newly acquired information becomes stored in a long-lasting fashion. Evidence acquired over the past several decades, especially from studies using post-training drug administration, indicates that emotional arousal during the consolidation period influences and enhances the strength of the memory and that multiple different chemical signaling systems participate in this process. The mechanisms underlying the emotional influences on memory involve the release of stress hormones and activation of the basolateral amygdala, which work together to modulate memory consolidation. Moreover, work suggests that this amygdala-based memory modulation occurs with numerous types of learning and involves interactions with many different brain regions to alter consolidation. Additionally, studies suggest that emotional arousal and amygdala activity in particular influence synaptic plasticity and associated proteins in downstream brain regions. This review considers the historical understanding for memory modulation and cellular consolidation processes and examines several research areas currently using this foundational knowledge to develop therapeutic treatments.
Performance Analysis Cluster Computing Environments on Molecular Dynamic Simulation of RAD GTPase and LOX-Curcumin Molecules with AMBER

Implementation of virtual laboratory on scientific research has produced huge acceleration. One of the virtual scientific research activity is molecular dynamic simulation. The virtual experiments need high computing resources to solve the problem. AMBER is one of the software that provides molecular dynamic simulation that can utilize the parallel computing facilities. In this paper, we conduct the molecular dynamic experiments in order to know reliability of cluster computing environment. The results show that an implicit solvent simulation takes longer time than that in vacuum scenario since one has to consider existence of solvent surround the molecules so the computation is much longer than in vacuum; that the speed up will likely to remain constant on certain additional number of processors; and that there is no significant speed up for case in the LOX-Curcumin explicit solvent simulation.
Named Entity Trends Originating from Social Media

There have been many studies on finding what people are interested in at any time through analysing trends in language use in documents as they are published on the web. Few, however have sought to consider material containing subject matter that originates in social media. The work reported here attempts to distinguish such material by filtering out features that trend primarily in news media. Trends in daily occurrences of nouns and named entities are examined using the ICWSM 2009 corpus of blogs and news articles. A significant number of trends are found to originate in social media and that named entities are more prevalent in them than nouns. Taking features that trend in later news stories as a indication of a topic of wider interest, named entities are shown to be more likely indicators although the strongest trends are seen in nouns.
MiR‐335‐5p Promotes Chondrogenesis in Mouse Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Is Regulated Through Two Positive Feedback Loops

Chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is regulated by many factors and signal pathways, including transcription factors such as Sox9 and microRNAs. MiR‐335‐5p has been previously reported to regulate osteogenic and adipogenic differentiations of MSCs, but its role in chondrogenic differentiation of MSC remains unknown. In this study, we found that miR‐335‐5p and its host gene Mest are co‐expressed and greatly upregulated during mouse MSCs (mMSCs) chondrogenesis. Overexpression of miR‐335‐5p in mMSCs increased expression of chondrogenic marker genes. Molecular mechanism explorations revealed that miR‐335‐5p targets Daam1 and ROCK1, a set of negative regulators of Sox9; Sox9 downregulates the expression of miR‐29a and 29b, both negative regulators of Mest expression, thus forming a positive loop from miR‐335‐5p to Sox9 to Mest/miR‐335‐5p. In addition, miR‐335‐5p targets DKK1 during mMSC chondrogenic differentiation to increase β‐catenin/TCF activity, which leads to increased level of Mest transcription. These data showed miR‐335‐5p positively regulates MSC chondrogenesis, and two positive feedback loops are identified for the expression of miR‐335‐5p and its host gene Mest during the early phase of mMSC chondrogenic differentiation. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effects of changes in the intakes of protein and non-protein energy on whole-body protein turnover in growing pigs

1. The relationships between the intakes of protein and of non-protein energy (NPE), nitrogcn retention and body protein synthesis have been studied in female pigs weighing 30 and 35 kg. 2. Four animals were assigned to three regimens and given a conventional (basal) diet supplemented with fat, carbohydrate or protein. After 1 week, measurements of N excretion in urine and faeces (7 d collection) and gaseous exchange (3–4 d) were made. At the end of the balance period a solution of [l-14C]leucine was infused at a constant rate. Body protein synthesis was then calculated as the difference between the apparent irreversible loss of blood leucine and the loss of 14C in expired air. The animals were then offered the basal diet without supplement for 10 d and the measurements of N retention, energy retention and protein synthesis were repeated. 3. The intakes of metabolizable energy (ME; MJ/kg body-weight (W)0.75per d) were 1.75 for fat, 1.58 for carbohydrate, 1–25for protein and 1.18 for the basal diet; corresponding intakes of apparently digestible N (ADN; g N/kgW0.75 per d) were 2.30,2.31,4.35 and 2–17. Daily N retention, which during the period of basal feeding was 13.6 g was increased by between 3.4 and 7.2 g by the supplements. Daily fat deposition was also increased in the animals that received the diets supplemented with carbohydrate and fat. 4. The rate of leucine catabolism was significantly reduced in the animals receiving the diets that were supplemented with W Eand increased by the addition of protein to the diet. 5. When based on the specfic radioactivity of blood leucine both the synthesis and breakdown of body protein (per unit metabolic body-weight) were increased by 30% in the animals receiving the high-protein diet but the increases in protein synthesis associated with the addition of carbohydrate (+14%) and fat (+12%) were much less marked. Consideration of these results together with previous observations (Reeds et al. 1980) suggested that body protein synthesis(g N/d) increased by 0.88 for each g increase in daily ADN and by 0.93 for each MJ increase in daily ME intake. 6. Comparison of the results obtained with the animals given high-carbohydrate diets and those given high-protein diets suggested an increase in heat production of 14 KJ/g of additional fat deposition. A similar comparison of animals receiving the high-protein and basal diets suggested a heat increment of 23.5KJ/g additional protein deposition. The changes in heat production and protein synthesis in the animals given the protein supplement were compatible with a heat increment of 5.3 KJ/g additional protein synthesized. Because of the large proportion of heat production associated with the deposition of fat this could not be confirmed with either of the other supplements, but it is possible that the energy cost of protein accretion varies with the relative proportions of protein and NPE in the diet.
Multicultural Literature: The Need for Inclusion

Since Muskegon Public Schools serves a multicultural population, and since the canon of the textbooks used in the secondary language arts classes reflects neither this diverse population nor the current publications of the diverse cultures of the society, this study, in the form of a survey will show the need for the district to include literature contributed by ethnic minority writers from the American literature scene. The study shows the increasing need for such inclusion as well as offering rationale for doing so. Finally, this paper will propose a three year pilot class, minority literature, similar to the minority history class which is currently offered to students at Muskegon High School. Following the three year pilot and its evaluation, the recommendation will propose the placement of ethnic minority literature into the canon of the language arts curriculum.