Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies of Relationship Between Mouse Cytomegalovirus and Interferon.∗

Summary The relationship between mouse cytomegalovirus and interferon was studied. MCMV was found to be relatively unresponsive to exogenous interferon in vitro, and attempts to alter the course of either acute or chronic MCMV infection with either exogenous or endogenous interferon in vivo were unsuccessful. Interferon was not detected in cell cultures infected with MCMV, in the livers of infected suckling and weanling mice, nor in the salivary glands of weanling mice at various stages of infection. During acute MCMV infection of mice there was marked inhibition of the capacity to produce circulating interferon in response to intravenous injection of NDV. This inhibitory effect of MCMV was independent of disease manifestations and the age of the infected animal.
Differential-pulse polarography of trichothecene toxins: detection of deoxynivalenol in corn.

The polarographic behaviour of T-2 toxin and deoxynivalenol has been investigated. It was found that the electrochemical activity of trichothecene toxins is related to the presence of an α,β-unsaturated keto group and consequently the polarographic method was selective for trichothecenes having keto groups. Differential-pulse polarography gave a detection limit for a pure solution of deoxynivalenol of 0.029 µmol l–1(8.6 ng ml–1). This technique, coupled with an appropriate extraction procedure, was applied to the determination of deoxynivalenol in Fusarium infected corn. A detection limit of about 50 ng g–1(for 50 g of the original sample) was estimated.
Perceived Racism as a Predictor of Paranoia Among African Americans

Recent theoretical models suggest that perceived racism acts as a stressor for African Americans and may be associated with a variety of negative psychological consequences, notably paranoia. Paranoia among African Americans is believed to reflect the lower end of the paranoia continuum based on experiences with racism. Thus, it may be beneficial to measure paranoia on a continuum, but few studies have adopted this strategy. This study examined the relationship between perceived racism and paranoia across the continuum in 128 African American college students. Participants completed three measures of paranoia and measures of perceived racism, depression, anger, self-consciousness, and hostile perceptions. The continuum of paranoia included measures reflecting cultural, nonclinical, and clinical paranoia. Perceived racism predicted cultural mistrust and nonclinical paranoia (lower end of the paranoia continuum) but not clinical paranoia. The implications of perceived racism in the prediction of paranoia for African Americans are discussed.
Novel divergent nidovirus in a python with pneumonia.

The order Nidovirales contains large, enveloped viruses with a non-segmented positive-stranded RNA genome. Nidoviruses have been detected in man and various animal species, but, to date, there have been no reports of nidovirus in reptiles. In the present study, we describe the detection, characterization, phylogenetic analyses and disease association of a novel divergent nidovirus in the lung of an Indian python (Python molurus) with necrotizing pneumonia. Characterization of the partial genome (>33 000 nt) of this virus revealed several genetic features that are distinct from other nidoviruses, including a very large polyprotein 1a, a putative ribosomal frameshift signal that was identical to the frameshift signal of astroviruses and retroviruses and an accessory ORF that showed some similarity with the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase of paramyxoviruses. Analysis of genome organization and phylogenetic analysis of polyprotein 1ab suggests that this virus belongs to the subfamily Torovirinae. Results of this study provide novel insights into the genetic diversity within the order Nidovirales.
APPLICATION OF NONPARAMETRIC REGRESSION ON WELL HISTORIES AT MAHIAO AND MAHANAGDONG SECTOR OF LEYTE GEOTHERMAL PRODUCTION FIELD , PHILIPPINES

Investigation on the applicability of the nonparametric regression ACE (Alternating Conditional Expectation) method was extended to different sectors of Leyte Geothermal Production field of Energy Development Corporation (EDC) in the Philippines. The method correlated chloride concentration history of production wells with brine injection rates to predict well-to-well connections which is useful in designing a strategy for brine injection, and determining where thermal breakthroughs are likely to occur. Good chloride history matches were obtained for some wells but well-to-well connection indices have some inconsistencies compared with tracer test data. The method was initially applied in Palinpinon-1 sector of Southern Negros Geothermal Production Field (SNGPF) and yielded good results.
A fuzzy approach to detect spammer groups

Cloud computing has been advancing at an impressive rate in recent years and is likely to increase more and more in the near future. New services are being developed constantly, such as cloud infrastructure, security and platform as a service, to name just a few. Due to the vast pool of available services, review websites have been created to help customers make decisions for their business. This leads to some reviewers taking advantage of these tools to promote the providers that hire them or to discredit competitors. These reviewers can either act individually or cooperate with each other. When reviewers collude to promote one product or defame another, they are called spammer groups. In this paper, we present an approach to identify spammer groups. First, a network-based method is used to identify individual spam reviewers. Then, a fuzzy k-means clustering algorithm is used to find the group that they belong to. A case study that suggests which group an incorrect review belongs to is provided to further understand the new method.
Nectarivorous feeding mechanisms in bats

Cranio-dental characteristics are quantified between micro- and megachiropteran nectarivores and compared with microchiropteran animalivores, frugivores, and megachiropteran frugivores. Microchiropteran nectarivores share many characteristics with megachiropteran nectarivores and frugivores, but differ in having a long, narrow head. Megachiropterans have wide zygomata, which would allow for more jaw musculature. Diminutive cheekteeth are characteristic of nectarivory in both suborders, but both have relatively large canines. Teeth in nectarivores can occupy as little as a tenth of the palatal area compared to nearly two-thirds in microchiropteran animalivores. The proportion that the dilambdodont stylar shelf occupies of molars in microchiropteran nectarivores can be as much as that in microchiropteran animalivores (insectivorous and carnivorous bats) or as little as that in microchiropteran frugivores but not as extreme as either. In addition to dimunitive teeth, nectarivores have fused mandibles and upper canines that are worn from contact with the lower canines (thegosis). These characteristics may be necessary for the lower jaw to support an elongated, mobile tongue. While microchiropteran nectarivory, frugivory, and carnivory probably evolved independently from an insectivorous microchiropteran ancestor, megachiropteran nectarivory probably evolved from megachiropteran frugivory or the reverse.
Oestrogen and sex influence on muscle damage and inflammation: evidence from animal models

Recent evidence suggests that oestrogen and sex may influence the degree of disruption and post-damage inflammatory response seen in skeletal muscle. Evidence primarily from animal models suggests that oestrogen may be able to attenuate muscle disruption and attenuate or delay muscle leukocyte infiltration after contraction-induced and ischaemia-reperfusion-induced damage. Several potential mechanisms for this effect are discussed, along with the potential for oestrogen to influence the ultimate rate of skeletal muscle recovery from damage.
Skeletal muscle telomere length is not impaired in healthy physically active old women and men

We have previously shown that the number of satellite cells is lower in old than young men and women. The aim of this study was to further explore the effects of aging on the regenerative potential of skeletal muscle in 16 young and 26 old men and women with comparable physical activity level (young, 25 ± 4 years; old, 75 ± 4 years). Mean and minimum telomere lengths were determined using Southern blot analyses on biopsies obtained from the tibialis anterior muscle. There were no significant age or gender effects on mean and minimal telomeric lengths, suggesting that the replicative potential in the remaining satellite cells in the tibialis anterior muscle is not impaired with increasing age and the existence of in vivo regulatory mechanisms allowing the maintenance of telomere length. These results imply that moderate physical activity regularly performed by old subjects is not associated with accelerated telomere loss. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Exact algorithms for determinantal varieties and semidefinite programming. (Algorithmes exacts pour les variétés déterminantielles et la programmation semi-définie)

In this thesis we focus on the study of determinantal structures arising in semidefinite programming (SDP), the natural extension of linear programming to the cone of symetric positive semidefinite matrices. While the approximation of a solution of a semidefinite program can be computed efficiently by interior-point algorithms, neither efficient exact algorithms for SDP are available, nor a complete understanding of its theoretical complexity has been achieved. In order to contribute to this central question in convex optimization, we design an exact algorithm for deciding the feasibility of a linear matrix inequality (LMI) $A(x) \succeq 0$. When the spectrahedron $\spec = \{x \in \RR^n \mymid A(x) \succeq 0\}$ is not empty, the output of this algorithm is an algebraic representation of a finite set meeting $\spec$ in at least one point $x^*$: in this case, the point $x^*$ minimizes the rank of the pencil on the spectrahedron. The complexity is essentially quadratic in the degree of the output representation, which meets, experimentally, the algebraic degree of semidefinite programs associated to $A(x)$. This is a guarantee of optimality of this approach in the context of exact algorithms for LMI and SDP. Remarkably, the algorithm does not assume the presence of an interior point in the spectrahedron, and it takes advantage of the existence of low rank solutions of the LMI. In order to reach this main goal, we develop a systematic approach to determinantal varieties associated to linear matrices. Indeed, we prove that deciding the feasibility of a LMI can be performed by computing a sample set of real solutions of determinantal polynomial systems. We solve this problem by designing an exact algorithm for computing at least one point in each real connected component of the locus of rank defects of a pencil $A(x)$. This algorithm admits as input generic linear matrices but takes also advantage of additional structures, and its complexity improves the state of the art in computational real algebraic geometry. Finally, the algorithms developed in this thesis are implemented in a new Maple library called {Spectra}, and results of experiments highlighting the complexity gain are provided.
Auditory Neuropathy/Dys-synchrony with Secondary Loss of Otoacoustic Emissions in a Child with Autism

Otoacoustic emissions are commonly present in cases of auditory neuropathy/dys-synchrony; however, otoacoustic emissions are absent or disappear in approximately one-third of patients with the disorder. Failure to identify AN/AD patients with absent otoacoustic emissions may result in improper diagnosis and management. The purpose of this article is to present fi ndings from a case of auditory neuropathy/dys-synchrony with secondary loss of otoacoustic emissions to increase clinician awareness regarding the relationship between otoacoustic emissions and the disorder.
Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Using Ondansetron, a New, Selective, 5‐HT3 Receptor Antagonist

The effect of ondansetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 84 patients undergoing gynecologic operation and receiving the same general anesthetic. The patients received premedication with either 16 mg oral ondansetron, or a matching placebo. The same medication was given postoperatively 8 h after the first dose. During the first hour after recovery from anesthesia, the frequencies of nausea and vomiting were 52% and 40%, respectively, in patients given placebos. In the ondansetron group nausea and vomiting developed in 17% and 12%, respectively, values significantly different from those with placebos (P < 0.005). Similar differences were observed throughout the entire 24-h period after recovery, the incidence of nausea and vomiting being 67% and 60%, respectively, in the placebo group and 29% and 26% in the ondansetron treatment group. Ondansetron appears to be a promising antiemetic for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
An experimental and theoretical study on the temperature dependence of GaAs solar cells

In this paper the temperature-dependent behavior of GaAs single-junction solar cells is studied using both experimental and simulation tools. A cryostat is used to allow measurements of the external quantum efficiency (EQE) and IV curve at different temperatures with the corresponding experimental setup at Fraunhofer ISE. Two different GaAs single-junction solar cell structures are characterized in a wide temperature range between 203 K and 398 K. Through numerical modeling of the GaAs solar cells in a semiconductor simulation environment a deeper understanding of the cells' temperature-dependent behavior is obtained. A good correlation between measurement and simulation results is achieved.
HIV Infection Is Associated with Impaired Striatal Function during Inhibition with Normal Cortical Functioning on Functional MRI

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of HIV infection on cortical and subcortical regions of the frontal-striatal system involved in the inhibition of voluntary movement. Functional MRI (fMRI) studies suggest that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with frontostriatal dysfunction. While frontostriatal systems play a key role in behavioral inhibition, there are to our knowledge no fMRI studies investigating the potential impact of HIV on systems involved during the inhibition of voluntary movement. A total of 17 combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) naïve HIV+ participants as well as 18 age, gender, ethnic, education matched healthy controls performed a modified version of the stop-signal paradigm. This paradigm assessed behavior as well as functional brain activity associated with motor execution, reactive inhibition (outright stopping) and proactive inhibition (anticipatory response slowing before stopping). HIV+ participants showed significantly slower responses during motor execution compared to healthy controls, whereas they had normal proactive response slowing. Putamen hypoactivation was evident in the HIV+ participants based on successful stopping, indicating subcortical dysfunction during reactive inhibition. HIV+ participants showed normal cortical functioning during proactive inhibition. Our data provide evidence that HIV infection is associated with subcortical dysfunction during reactive inhibition, accompanied by relatively normal higher cortical functioning during proactive inhibition. This suggests that HIV infection may primarily involve basic striatal-mediated control processes in cART naïve participants. (JINS, 2015, 21, 722–731)
Adequacy of Lymph Node Transbronchial Needle Aspirates Using Convex Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound for Multiple Tumor Genotyping Techniques in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction: Adequate tumor acquisition is essential to identify somatic molecular alterations in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) translocations. The success and failure rates for tumor genotyping of tissue obtained from fine-needle aspirates of nodal tissue using a convex probe endobronchial ultrasound (CP-EBUS) and other diagnostic modalities in routine NSCLC care have not been described. Methods: Clinicopathologic data, tumor genotype success and failure rates were retrospectively compiled and analyzed from 207 patient-tumor samples sent for routine tumor genotype in clinical practice, including 42 patient-tumor samples obtained from hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes using CP-EBUS. Results: The median age of the patients was 65 years, 62.3% were women, 77.8% were white, 26.6% were never smokers, 73.9% had advanced NSCLC, and 84.1% had adenocarcinoma histology. Tumor tissue was obtained from CP-EBUS–derived hilar or mediastinal nodes in 42 cases (20.2% of total). In this latter cohort, the overall success rate for EGFR mutation analysis was 95.2%, for Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutation 90.5%, and for ALK fluorescence in situ hybridization 90.5%. In the complete 207 tumors, the success rate for EGFR was 92.3%, for KRAS 91.8%, and for ALK 89.9%. The failure rates were not significantly different when comparing CP-EBUS–derived nodal tissue versus all other samples or versus surgical biopsies of mediastinal nodes, but were significantly lower than image-guided percutaneous transthoracic core-needle biopsies. Conclusions: The success rate of multiple tumor genomic analyses techniques for EGFR, KRAS, and ALK gene abnormalities using routine lung cancer tissue samples obtained from hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes by means of CP-EBUS exceeds 90%, and this method of tissue acquisition is not inferior to other specimen types. Tumor genotype techniques are feasible in most CP-EBUS–derived samples and therefore further expansion of routine tumor genotype for the care of patients with NSCLC may be possible using targeted sample acquisition through CP-EBUS.
Influence of Team Skills in Engineering Technology

Across various disciplines, self-efficacy, team-working skills and problem solving skills are recognized as important characteristics of workforce readiness. The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of multiple antecedents of perceived team-working skills and self-efficacy on change in team scores and higher-order cognitive skills when all students are provided the same treatment. The study involves the use of a multimedia instructional environment and problem-based learning in teams. Data were collected at multiple points during the semester using a combination of self-reported instruments and grades provided by instructors. We found that students’ institution, gender, and perceived relevance of engineering technology contribute to perceived team skills. Surprisingly, and in contrast to extant self-efficacy literature, self-efficacy is not related to perceived higher order cognitive skills or actual performance. However, perceived team skills were an accurate predictor of perceived higher order cognitive skills and actual team scores.
On Occurrences of F-S Strings in Linearly and Circularly Ordered Binary Sequences

Consider a sequence of exchangeable or independent binary trials ordered on a line or on a circle. The statistics denoting the number of times an F-S string of length (at least) k 1 + k 2, that is, (at least) k 1 failures followed by (at least) k 2 successes in n such trials, are studied. The associated waiting time for the rth occurrence of an F-S string of length (at least) k 1 + k 2 in linearly ordered trials is also examined. Exact formulae, lower/upper bounds and approximations are derived for their distributions. Mean values and variances of the number of occurrences of F-S strings are given in exact formulae too. Particular exchangeable and independent sequences of binary random variables, used in applied research, combined with numerical examples clarify further the theoretical results.
Neuroendocrine pathogenesis in adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

BACKGROUND In the prostate, the importance of sex hormones for its normal development and function is well known. However, it has been proposed that various neuroendocrine (NE) hormones and growth factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of prostatic carcinoma (CaP). Neuroendocrine differentiation appears to be associated with tumour progression and the androgen-independent state, for which there is currently no successful therapy. Therefore, we need to improve our understanding of NE cells, their regulatory products and influence on the prostate gland. Finally, new therapeutic protocols need to be developed. METHODS Information is presented on prostatic NE cells and neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) in prostatic carcinoma. Neuroendocrine secretory products and interactions with epithelial prostate cells are investigated in order to understand their significance for the pathogenesis of the prostate gland, prognosis and therapy. RESULTS Recent research suggests that NE-secreted products. such as serotonin, somatostatin and bombesin, may influence growth, invasiveness, metastatic processes and angiogenesis in CaP. During recent years. new experimental models for NED have been developed to provide evidence that NE products may promote proliferation and confer antiapoptotic capabilities on non-neuroendocrine cells in close proximity to NE cells. Cancerous epithelial cells may become more responsive to NE factors by upregulation of receptors for neuropeptides, or may induce NE cells to upregulate the secretion and synthesis of NE factors. In the androgen independent state, neuropeptides and their intracellular signals may activate the androgen receptor. Furthermore, androgen ablation may lead to downregulation of neural endopeptidase 24.11 (a zinc-dependent metalloproteinase) and PSA, which would lead to increased levels of NE products becoming available. These studies confirm that NE cells and NED may have a significant impact on prostate cancer, especially in the androgen independent state. CONCLUSIONS Recent developments in molecular biology and pathophysiology of prostate cancer have increased our understanding of the NE regulatory mechanisms. Hopefully, this will lead to the development of entirely new therapeutic modalities. For example, somatostatin agonists may suppress angiogenesis and proliferation, and simultaneously promote apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Somatostatin may thus have an important role in tumour biology, and in the future there may be a potential role for somatostatin analogues in the treatment of prostate cancer, but also for serotonin and bombesin receptor antagonists. However, a review of the accumulated knowledge in this field suggests that we still need to improve our understanding of NE cells and their regulatory products and influence on the prostate gland. and that clinical trials are needed, to test drugs based on neuroendocrine hormones and their agonists/antagonists.