Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased CD4+ T Cell Levels during IL-7 Administration of Antiretroviral Therapy-Treated Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Macaques Are Not Dependent on Strong Proliferative Responses

CD4+ T cell depletion is a fundamental component of HIV infection and AIDS pathogenesis and is not always reversed following antiretroviral therapy (ART). In this study, the SIV-infected rhesus macaque model was used to assess recombinant simian IL-7 in its glycosylated form (rsIL-7gly) to enhance regeneration of CD4+ T cells, particularly the crucial central memory compartment, after ART. We assessed the impact of rsIL-7gly administration as single injections and as a cluster of three doses. Irrespective of the dosing strategy used, the rsIL-7gly administration transiently increased proliferation of both central memory and naive cells, in both CD4+ and CD8+ subsets, without increasing SIV levels in the blood. Administration of rsIL-7gly at intervals of 4–6 wk maximized the proliferative response to therapy but resulted in only transient increases in peripheral blood T cell counts. Although more frequent rsIL-7gly “clustered” dosing (three times weekly with 2 wk of rest and then repeat) induced only an initial proliferative burst by CD4+ T cells, this dosing strategy resulted in sustained increases in peripheral blood CD4+ T cell counts. The clustered rsIL-7gly treatment regimen was shown to increase the half-life of a BrdU label among memory T cells in the blood when compared with that of macaques treated with ART alone, which is consistent with enhanced cell survival. These results indicate that dosing intervals have a major impact on the response to rsIL-7gly in SIV-positive ART-treated rhesus macaques and that optimum dosing strategies may be ones that induce CD4+ T cell proliferation initially and provide increased CD4+ T cell survival.
Bias in estimating animal travel distance: the effect of sampling frequency

1. The distance travelled by animals is an important ecological variable that links behaviour, energetics and demography. It is usually measured by summing straight‐line distances between intermittently sampled locations along continuous animal movement paths. The extent to which this approach underestimates travel distance remains a rarely addressed and unsolved problem, largely because true movement paths are rarely, if ever, available for comparison. Here, we use simulated movement paths parameterized with empirical movement data to study how estimates of distance travelled are affected by sampling frequency.
Selective effector mechanisms for the expulsion of intestinal helminths

In the middle of the era of molecular biology, much less attention is paid to in vivo phenomena. However, carefully designed experimental systems in vivo still can provide valuable information as to the mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of host‐parasite relationships. In this review we describe the advantage of using concurrent infections with appropriately chosen combinations of different genera or different maturation stages of parasites to segregate the cellular responses of the host. By means of simple experimental approaches we have found that mucosal mast cells and goblet cells, both of which have long been considered as non‐specific effectors, are in fact highly selective and specific effector cells of the host defence mechanisms capable of acting on the establishment and the expulsion of intestinal helminths.
Genetic polymorphism of Streptococcus mutans in Brazilian family members

The aim of this study was to determine whether random amplified polymorphic DNA (AP-PCR) analysis is able to differentiate genetically different clones of mutans streptococci, in 22 Brazilian family members. Stimulated saliva samples were collected from fathers, mothers and infants. For 5-18 months babies with erupting primary dentition, plaque samples were collected using sterile tooth pick tips. From these samples, mutans streptococci were isolated on SB-20 agar plates. After growth, representative colonies were identified by biochemical methods on the basis of carbohydrate fermentation. Streptococcus mutans isolates were obtained from all family members and AP-PCR typed separately with a random primer (OPA-13). Bacterial cell lysates were used as template in PCR reactions and the amplified DNA fragments obtained were compared by agarose gel electrophoresis. Results demonstrated that the father shared the baby’s genotype in three families and the mother shared the baby’s genotype in 12 families seven babies harbored Streptococcus mutans strains similar to those of their siblings. The technique was able to demonstrate the genetic Streptococcus mutans in Brazilian family members.
Automated auditory response detection: Further improvement of the statistical test strategy by using progressive test steps of iteration

Abstract Objective: A common testing approach for automated ABR detection is to use a sequential test strategy. Repeated testing increases the error probability for a falsely detected response (Type I error rate). To compensate for this effect, the statistically critical test value must be increased with each test step. The aim of the study was to improve response detection by a reduction of the number of test steps using a progressively increasing test step of iteration, defined here as step width. Design: A progressively increasing test step width was tested with and without the table-related testing (adjusting the critical test value to each test step) proposed by Stürzebecher & Cebulla (2013). For this study the same data pool was used. Study sample: The investigation was performed on raw EEG data collected during routine clinical measurement of frequency-specific ASSR for hearing threshold assessment. Results: The reduction of the test step number combined with a progressive test step width led to a significantly improved response detection. In combination with table-related testing a slight but not significant improvement compared to table-related testing alone was revealed. Conclusions: The proposed test strategy can improve the performance of objective hearing threshold assessment and of newborn hearing screening.
The importance of department heads in the development of teacher support for school vision

Investigates how high school department heads may play a role in the alignment of teachers with a principal’s vision for the school. A survey study based on a theoretical position of the high school as a loosely‐coupled system consisting of departments with distinct subcultures and department heads who are influential leaders is reported. As expected, principal components and multiple regression analyses suggest that behaviours of the principal which emphasise and reinforce the school vision, predict the extent to which teachers support the principal’s vision. However, the congruence of department heads and the principal, in terms of school vision, is a much stronger predictor of teachers’ support for the vision. To a lesser extent, stronger structural coupling between departments also contributes to teachers’ support of the school vision.
Inhibition of ovarian growth by cadmium in the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator (Decapoda, ocypodidae).

The effect of cadmium chloride (1 mg/L) on oocyte growth of the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator, was studied during the slow vitellogenesis phase of ovarian maturation of this carb. In vivo experiments were done with both intact and eyestalkless crabs. The intact cadmium-exposed crabs exhibited a significantly lower oocyte diameter than the controls at the end of the 2-week exposure period, but no significant differences were detected among the eyestalkless crabs, suggesting that the effect of cadmium could be on the sinus gland in the eyestalks, increasing secretion of the gonad-inhibiting hormone (GIH). To test this hypothesis, in vitro experiments were done, incubating pieces of ovary with and without eyestalk tissue, in the presence of thoracic ganglion, needed for oocyte growing due to the secretion of the gonad-stimulating hormone (GSH). Only when eyestalk tissue was present in the incubation media was oocyte growth inhibited by cadmium compared to the controls. These results strongly suggest that cadmium acts at least in part to increase the secretion of GIH from the sinus gland. GIH could then in turn act by (a) inhibiting secretion of GSH by the thoracic ganglion, (b) directly inhibit the oocytes, or (c) both (a) and (b).
Influence of Partial Masseter Muscle Resection Along With Reduction of Mandibular Angle

&NA;The mandibular angle plays an important role in determining the Asian human facial attractiveness. Currently, mandibular angle osteotomy is often reported as the correction of square face appearance due to its prominence. However, no previous study has documented the long-term outcome of partial masseter muscle resection along with reduction of mandibular angle. ObjectiveOur study aims to investigate the outcome and complications of partial masseter muscle resection along with reduction of mandibular angle in long-term follow-up. MethodOne hundred fifty-one patients were subjected to the computed tomography scan before and 3 years after surgery. Morphometrical analysis was conducted on all parameters for clinical evaluation, so as to reveal the change of masseter muscle, the postsurgical result, and the complication. ResultsAll patients were satisfied with the optimal outcome of the reduction of mandibular angle and masseter muscle. Morphometrical analysis indicated that the volume of masseter muscle changed statistically significantly before and after surgery (reduced 21.31 ± 7.64% on left, 20.77 ± 7.45% on right). Complications included swelling and low lip numbness, yet no patients reported infection or facial nerve injury. ConclusionPartial masseter muscle resection along with reduction of mandibular angle can improve the appearance of the patients greatly, and only a few complications occurred.
Effect Of Theoretical And Institutional Factors On The Adoption Of E-Learning

This paper examined the effect of theoretical and institutional factors that influenced the adoption of e-learning in Universities in Ghana. The study sought to improve understanding of the motivational factors behind the adoption of e-learning systems. This study extended the original Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to include institutional factors. A sample of 600 lecturers was drawn from both private and public universities in Ghana. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between e-learning and the theoretical factors as well as the relationship between e-learning adoption and institutional factors. Linear regression analysis was used to determine whether the theoretical factors predict e-learning adoption. The study revealed that e-learning was positively correlated to all the theoretical factors discussed. It was observed that significant relationship existed between Perceived Usefulness (PU) and e-learning, while the weakest relationship existed between e-learning and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU). The research concluded that a lecturer’s adoption of e-learning depended on PEOU as well as PU. However, a lecturer’s adoption of e-learning was more dependent on a lecturer’s PU, that is, the degree to which the lecturer believed that using a particular system would enhance his or her job performance.
Evaluation of a subsidy program to increase bicycle helmet use by children of low-income families.

OBJECTIVE We have previously shown that an educational program was not effective in increasing bicycle helmet use in children of low-income families. The objective of this study was to evaluate a combined educational and helmet subsidy program in the same population, while controlling for secular trends. The secondary objective was to complete a third year of surveying children's bicycle helmet use throughout the study community. DESIGN A prospective, controlled, before-and-after study. SUBJECTS Bicycling children 5 to 14 years of age from areas of low average family income. SETTING A defined geographic community within a large urban Canadian city. INTERVENTION In April 1992, students in three schools located in the area of lowest average family income were offered $10 helmets and an educational program; three other low-income areas served as control areas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Helmet use was determined by direct observation of more than 1800 bicycling children. RESULTS Nine hundred ten helmets were sold to a school population of 1415 (64%). Reported helmet ownership increased from 10% to 47%. However, observed helmet use in the low-income intervention area was no different from the rate in the three low-income control areas (18% versus 19%). There was no difference in the trend in helmet use during the period of 1990 through 1992 in the intervention area (4% to 18%) compared with the control areas (3% to 19%). Helmet use rates from all income areas have increased from 3.4% in 1990, to 16% in 1991, to 28% in 1992. In 1992, helmet use in the high-income areas was 48% and in the low-income areas was 20%. CONCLUSIONS There has been a trend toward increasing helmet use in all income areas during the 3-year period. Despite encouraging helmet sales and increases in reported helmet ownership, the results of the observational study do not support the efficacy of a helmet subsidy program in increasing helmet use in children residing in areas of low average family income. Strategies to increase helmet use in children of low average family income remain a priority.
Variance Dynamics: Joint Evidence from Options and High-Frequency Returns

This paper analyzes the S&P 500 index return variance dynamics and the variance risk premium by combining information in variance swap rates constructed from options and quadratic variation estimators constructed from tick data on S&P 500 index futures. Estimation shows that the index return variance jumps. The jump arrival rate is not constant over time, but is proportional to the variance rate level. The variance jumps are not rare events but arrive frequently. Estimation also identifies a strongly negative variance risk premium, the absolute magnitude of which is proportional to the variance rate level.
Two Causes of Demyelinating Neuropathy in One Patient: CMT1A and POEMS Syndrome

In most cases, there is only one cause for a patient’s peripheral neuropathy (e.g. diabetes mellitus, uremia, inflammatory demyelination, vasculitic, inherited or other). However, occasionally more than one cause may be present and clinically important. The case illustrated here shows that inherited (CMT1A) and acquired (POEMS) demyelinating neuropathies can coexist and both contribute to the clinical presentation of a neuropathy. Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A (CMT1A) is an autosomal dominant inherited neuropathy with insidious progression over years with disability due to distaland motor-predominant dysfunction. It usually presents before age 20,1 but it can also present later in life. There is usually uniform slowing of conduction velocities with little temporal dispersion or conduction block. Both the presence of paresthesias, which are unusual in CMT1A2 and acute worsening in an otherwise gradually progressive condition such as CMT1A, should alert the clinician to the presence of a second and possibly treatable form of peripheral neuropathy. POEMS syndrome is defined3,4 by the presence of Polyneuropathy (P), Organomegaly (O), Endocrinopathy (E), M protein (M) and Skin changes (S). In POEMS syndrome, peripheral neuropathy is frequently the presenting manifestation and it can be rapidly progressive. It is usually symmetric and distal predominant but proximal limb segments are often involved. It can be very severe and usually has both axonal and demyelinating features on electrodiagnostic studies. Most patients have sclerotic bone lesions from osteosclerotic myeloma or have Castleman’s disease. POEMS syndrome is a potentially treatable disorder.
Peroxisomal proteomics, a new tool for risk assessment of peroxisome proliferating pollutants in the marine environment

In an attempt to improve the detection of peroxisome proliferation as a biomarker in environmental pollution assessment, we have applied a novel approach based on peroxisomal proteomics. Peroxisomal proteins from digestive glands of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis were analyzed using 2‐DE and MS. We have generated a reference 2‐DE map from samples obtained in a well‐studied reference area and compared this with peroxisomal proteomes from other sequenced genomes. In addition, by comparing 2‐DE maps from control samples with samples obtained in a polluted area, we have characterized the peroxisome proliferation expression pattern associated with exposure to a polluted environment. Over 100 spots were reproducibly resolved per 2‐DE map; 55 differentially expressed spots were quantitatively detected and analyzed, and 14 of these showed an increase in protein expression of more than fourfold. Epoxide hydrolase, peroxisomal antioxidant enzyme, and sarcosine oxidase (SOX) have been identified by ESI MS/MS, and acyl‐CoA oxidase, multifunctional protein, and Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase were immunolocalized by Western blotting. Our results indicate that a peroxisomal protein pattern associated to marine pollutant exposure can be generated, and this approach may have a greater potential as biomarker than traditional, single‐protein markers.
Software Piracy in the Workplace: A Model and Empirical Test

Theft of software and other intellectual property has become one of the most visible problems in computing today. This paper details the development and empirical validation of a model of software piracy by individuals in the workplace. The model was developed from the results of prior research into software piracy, and the reference disciplines of the theory of planned behavior, expected utility theory, and deterrence theory. A survey of 201 respondents was used to test the model. The results indicate that individual attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are significant precursors to the intention to illegally copy software. In addition, punishment severity, punishment certainty, and software cost have direct effects on the individual's attitude toward software piracy, whereas punishment certainty has a significant effect on perceived behavioral control. Consequently, strategies to reduce software piracy should focus on these factors. The results add to a growing stream of information systems research into illegal software copying behavior and have significant implications for organizations and industry groups aiming to reduce software piracy.
Potent, transient inhibition of BCR-ABL with dasatinib 100 mg daily achieves rapid and durable cytogenetic responses and high transformation-free survival rates in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients with resistance, suboptimal response or intolerance to imatinib

Background Dasatinib 100 mg once daily achieves intermittent BCR-ABL kinase inhibition and is approved for chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients resistant or intolerant to imatinib. To better assess durability of response to and tolerability of dasatinib, data from a 2-year minimum follow-up for a dose-optimization study in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia are reported here. Design and Methods In a phase 3 study, 670 chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients with resistance, intolerance, or suboptimal response to imatinib were randomized to dasatinib 100 mg once-daily, 50 mg twice-daily, 140 mg once-daily, or 70 mg twice-daily. Results Data from a 2-year minimum follow-up demonstrate that dasatinib 100 mg once daily achieves major cytogenetic response and complete cytogenetic response rates comparable to those in the other treatment arms, and reduces the frequency of key side effects. Comparable 2-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were observed (80% and 91%, respectively, for 100 mg once daily, and 75%–76% and 88%–94%, respectively, in other arms). Complete cytogenetic responses were achieved rapidly, typically by 6 months. In patients treated with dasatinib 100 mg once daily for 6 months without complete cytogenetic response, the likelihood of achieving such a response by 2 years was 50% for patients who had achieved a partial cytogenetic response, and only 8% or less for patients with minor, minimal, or no cytogenetic response. Less than 3% of patients suffered disease transformation to accelerated or blast phase. Conclusions Intermittent kinase inhibition can achieve rapid and durable responses, indistinguishable from those achieved with more continuous inhibition.
Desialylation of glycoconjugates on the surface of monocytes activates the extracellular signal‐related kinases ERK 1/2 and results in enhanced production of specific cytokines

Modulation of the sialic acid content of cell‐surface glycoproteins and glycolipids influences the functional capacity of cells of the immune system. The role of sialidase(s) and the consequent desialylation of cell surface glycoconjugates in the activation of monocytes have not been established. In this study, we show that desialylation of glycoconjugates on the surface of purified monocytes using exogenous neuraminidase (NANase) activated extraellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), an intermediate in intracellular signaling pathways. Elevated levels of phosphorylated ERK 1/2 were detected in desialylated monocytes after 2 h of NANase treatment, and increased amounts persisted for at least 2 additional hours. Desialylation of cell surface glycoconjugates also led to increased production of interleukin (IL)‐6, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α, and MIP‐1β by NANase‐treated monocytes that were maintained in culture. Neither increased levels of phosphorylated ERK 1/2 nor enhanced production of cytokines were detected when NANase was heat‐inactivated before use, demonstrating the specificity of NANase action. Treatment of monocytes with gram‐negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) also led to enhanced production of IL‐6, MIP‐1α, and MIP‐1β. The amount of each of these cytokines that was produced was markedly increased when monocytes were desialylated with NANase before exposure to LPS. These results suggest that changes in the sialic acid content of surface glycoconjugates influence the activation of monocytes.
Proof of concept for a WR-2.2 MEMS waveguide switch

Until now, MEMS waveguide switches were only built for frequencies up to 120 GHz. In this paper, first results of a waveguide SPST MEMS switch for the 330-500 GHz band (WR-2.2) is presented. For this switch, 3.3 mm long zipper actuators of electroplated nickel are inserted into a waveguide, perpendicular to the H-plane of the wave. The actuators have an actuation voltage of 95 V. The performance of purely passive devices was measured. The transmission in the off-state is lower than -25 dB for frequencies between 360 and 500 GHz, whereas the transmission in the on-state and the reflection in the off-state exceeds -6dB.
Simplified quantitative description of amide proton transfer (APT) imaging during acute ischemia

Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging employs the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) mechanism to detect mobile endogenous proteins and peptides. It can be used to detect pH reduction during acute ischemia and thus provide complementary information to perfusion‐weighted (PWI) and diffusion‐weighted (DWI) imaging. However, the APT contrast depends strongly on the choice of imaging parameters, especially the radiofrequency (RF) saturation time and strength, which need to be optimized. In this work it is shown that even though at least three proton pools are present, the description of the APT process during acute ischemia can be greatly simplified by means of a dual two‐pool model analysis. With this approach, the experimentally measured RF irradiation power dependence of the effect in the rat brain was well predicted. The results showed an optimal RF strength of 0.75 μT for our particular coil setup, and a maximally obtainable APT ratio difference of 2.9% ± 0.3% between ischemic and normal brain regions. Magn Reson Med 57:405–410, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.