Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human T-cell leukemia virus infection of human hematopoietic progenitor cells: maintenance of virus infection during differentiation in vitro and in vivo

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) is the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia and lymphoma and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy-tropical spastic paraparesis. We examined whether HTLV could productively infect human hematopoietic progenitor cells. CD34+ cells were enriched from human fetal liver cells and cocultivated with cell lines transformed with HTLV-1 and -2. HTLV-1 infection was established in between 10 and >95% of the enriched CD34+ cell population, as demonstrated by quantitative PCR analysis. HTLV-1 p19 Gag expression was also detected in infected hematopoietic progenitor cells. HTLV-1-infected hematopoietic progenitor cells were cultured in semisolid medium permissive for the development of erythbroid (BFU-E), myeloid (CFU-GM), and primitive progenitor (CFU-GEMM, HPP-CFC, or CFU-A) colonies. HTLV-1 sequences were detected in colonies of all hematopoietic lineages; furthermore, the ratio of HTLV genomes to the number of human cells in each infected colony was 1:1, consistent with each colony arising from a single infected hematopoietic progenitor cell. Severe combined immunodeficient mice engrafted with human fetal thymus and liver tissues (SCID-hu) develop a conjoint organ which supports human thymocyte differentiation and maturation. Inoculation of SCID-hu mice with HTLV-1-infected T cells or enriched populations of CD34+ cells established viral infection of thymocytes 4 to 6 weeks postreconstitution. Thymocytes from two mice with the greatest HTLV-1 proviral burdens showed increased expression of the CD25 marker and the interleukin 2 receptor alpha chain and perturbation of CD4+ and CD8+ thymocyte subset distribution profiles. Hematopoietic progenitor cells and thymuses may be targets for HTLV infection in humans, and these events may play a role in the pathogenesis associated with infection.
Structural Plasticity of the Coiled-Coil Domain of Rotavirus NSP4

ABSTRACT Rotavirus (RV) nonstructural protein 4 (NSP4) is a virulence factor that disrupts cellular Ca2+ homeostasis and plays multiple roles regulating RV replication and the pathophysiology of RV-induced diarrhea. Although its native oligomeric state is unclear, crystallographic studies of the coiled-coil domain (CCD) of NSP4 from two different strains suggest that it functions as a tetramer or a pentamer. While the CCD of simian strain SA11 NSP4 forms a tetramer that binds Ca2+ at its core, the CCD of human strain ST3 forms a pentamer lacking the bound Ca2+ despite the residues (E120 and Q123) that coordinate Ca2+ binding being conserved. In these previous studies, while the tetramer crystallized at neutral pH, the pentamer crystallized at low pH, suggesting that preference for a particular oligomeric state is pH dependent and that pH could influence Ca2+ binding. Here, we sought to examine if the CCD of NSP4 from a single RV strain can exist in two oligomeric states regulated by Ca2+ or pH. Biochemical, biophysical, and crystallographic studies show that while the CCD of SA11 NSP4 exhibits high-affinity binding to Ca2+ at neutral pH and forms a tetramer, it does not bind Ca2+ at low pH and forms a pentamer, and the transition from tetramer to pentamer is reversible with pH. Mutational analysis shows that Ca2+ binding is necessary for the tetramer formation, as an E120A mutant forms a pentamer. We propose that the structural plasticity of NSP4 regulated by pH and Ca2+ may form a basis for its pleiotropic functions during RV replication. IMPORTANCE The nonstructural protein NSP4 of rotavirus is a multifunctional protein that plays an important role in virus replication, morphogenesis, and pathogenesis. Previous crystallography studies of the coiled-coil domain (CCD) of NSP4 from two different rotavirus strains showed two distinct oligomeric states, a Ca2+-bound tetrameric state and a Ca2+-free pentameric state. Whether NSP4 CCD from the same strain can exist in different oligomeric states and what factors might regulate its oligomeric preferences are not known. This study used a combination of biochemical, biophysical, and crystallography techniques and found that the NSP4 CCD can undergo a reversible transition from a Ca2+-bound tetramer to a Ca2+-free pentamer in response to changes in pH. From these studies, we hypothesize that this remarkable structural adaptability of the CCD forms a basis for the pleiotropic functional properties of NSP4.
Weight Loss as a Treatment for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD has been associated with obesity and other features of the metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and dyslipidemia. As a result, and with a lack of other effective treatments, weight loss achieved through lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) has been promoted as the standard treatment. However, there is very little empiric evidence to support the effectiveness of weight loss for NAFLD. This article reviews the current literature on the effects of weight loss achieved through lifestyle modification or medications on NAFLD. To date, there have been no randomized controlled trials of weight loss interventions on hepatic pathology. Only three published trials (N = 89 subjects), which include a comparison group, have been published. These studies suggest improvement in liver enzymes and/or hepatic pathology; however, direct between group comparisons are lacking. Four small, nonrandomized studies (N = 59 subjects) have evaluated the effect of weight loss achieved with medications (4 of orlistat, 1 of sibutramine) on NAFLD. These suggest some improvement in liver enzymes and histopathology. Finally, a brief review of observational studies on the association between NAFLD pathology or liver enzymes and diet composition suggests a possible role for the manipulation of macronutrients and/or micronutrients in NAFLD treatment. In summary, there is little empiric evidence to support the role of weight loss achieved through lifestyle modification or medication in the treatment of NAFLD. Rigorously conducted, randomized controlled trials are needed in this area.
Correction of subclinical coagulation disorders before percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy.

BACKGROUND There is evidence that percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) can be safely performed in patients with severe coagulation disorders if these are carefully corrected immediately before the procedure. However, it is currently unclear whether PDT can be performed safely in patients in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with uncorrected mild coagulation disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a randomised controlled trial we determined the effect of correction of mild coagulation disorders on bleeding during and after PDT. ICU patients planned for bedside PDT with: (i) a prothrombin time (PT) between 14.7-20.0 seconds, (ii) a platelet count between 40-100×10(9)/L and/or (iii) active treatment with acetylsalicylic acid were randomised to receive infusion with fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) and/or platelets ("correction") versus no transfusion ("no correction") before PDT. RESULTS We randomised 35 patients to the "correction" group and 37 patients to the "no correction" group. In patients who received FFP, the decrease in PT was marginal (mean decrease 0.40±0.56 seconds); the median increase in platelet counts after transfusion of platelets was 35 [11-47]x10(9)/L. The median blood loss was 3 [IQR: 1-6] grams in the "correction" group and 3 [IQR: 2-6] grams in the "no correction" group (P=0.96). DISCUSSION Bleeding during and after bedside PDT in ICU patients with mild coagulation disorders is rare in our setting. Correction of subclinical coagulation disorders by transfusion of FFP and/or platelets does not affect bleeding.
Strategic Changes in Transnational Corporations as an Adjustment to the Challenges of the 21st Century

Objective : The article aims to discuss the direction of changes in the strategies of the most powerful transnational corporations (Top-TNCs) as a result of adjustments to the new challenges created by the evolving global economy – an attempt to identify the fundamental, universal pillars of the strategy the Top-TNCs. Research Design & Methods : The paper, apart from literature review and its critique, presents the results of a survey among 252 TNCs. The author conducted in-depth studies – using the Multidimensional Statistical Analysis, the Strategic Analyses, as well as the Grounded Theory Method. Findings: The changes in the strategies of the Top-TNCs proceeded according to a uniform scheme – the authorial Model of Business Integration was presented as the standard for TNCs adjusting to further challenges posed by the evolving global economy. Based on the survey, the author identified universal pillars of the Top-TNC strategy: glocalization, business networking, orchestration and coopetition. Implications & Recommendations: TNCs desiring to engage in the most efficient system for creating international competitiveness should apply the following tactics: link globalization and regionalization, build a multi-level relationship system, creatively combine various types of organizational and social structures, simultaneously employ cooperation and competition. Contribution & Value Added: The work sought to provide evidence that regardless of the area of activity, the pillars of strategy for Top-TNCs are the same in terms of the core, but are often implemented in different forms. The author proposes the original concept for assessing the competitiveness of network enterprises – the Synthetic Indicator of Creation of Added Value.
Enhanced Equivalent Model of the Modular Multilevel Converter

This paper introduces an enhanced equivalent model of the half-bridge symmetrical monopole modular multilevel converter (MMC) topology for the analyses of the electromagnetic transients. Compared with the existing MMC models, the proposed model reduces the simulation computational time without compromising accuracy, and contrary to the existing models, it provides accurate representation of the MMC behavior with respect to the dc-side fault. This paper also evaluates and verifies the accuracy of the proposed equivalent model under various operating conditions, that is, startup, dc-side pole-to-pole fault, and ac-side three-phase-to-ground fault. The study results indicate that: 1) in contrast to the existing equivalent models, the proposed enhanced model accurately represents the MMC under various operating conditions; 2) the implemented simplifications to the model do not adversely affect the accuracy of the simulation results; and 3) a reduced-level approximated model of the MMC is also adequately accurate for protection studies.
Using information fractal dimension as temperature in restricted Boltzmann Machine

Contrastive Divergence (CD) has shown success in estimating the parameters of Markov Random Fields. Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) updates weights of RBM architecture using CD to minimize the reconstruction error. Minimization of CD is fundamentally equivalent of finding the self-similarity among the training data and the estimated data. However, this self-similarity is measured at single measurement scale. Using fractal dimension, self-similarity at multiple scales is obtained and is denoted by a noninteger value. Fractal dimension provides a way to extract complexity features of an object using multiscale probabilistic measures and represents self-similar relationship in terms of a loglog scale. Also, CD algorithm is based on temperature based Boltzmann distribution but it does not incorporate the effects of temperature in the calculations. In this paper, the authors propose an information fractal dimension based temperature factor in RBM that is theoretically analogous to minimization of temperature based CD and provides better error optimization due to the inclusion of temperature dynamics between the visible and hidden states of RBM. Experimental results on standard data sets of MNIST and SVHN demonstrate promising performance showing better convergence of error and better generalization on validation data.
A Review of Health-Related Quality of Life in Adult Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors in the Context of Combat Veterans

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) research in traumatic brain injury (TBI) populations is beginning to emerge in the literature. Because rehabilitation and reintegration issues are complex with TBI, especially with new combat veterans, it is critical that future HRQOL research be designed to consider these issues. Utilizing explicit definitions and a conceptual model of HRQOL can provide researchers with a holistic base on which to build interventions for successful patient outcomes. The conceptual model of HRQOL of C.E. Ferrans, J.J. Zerwic, J.E. Wilbur, and J.L. Larson (2005) is an exemplar model that presents clear definitions and encompasses domains of HRQOL relevant to TBI survivors and their families. This review was organized utilizing the model of HRQOL of Ferrans et al. The objective of this review was to identify gaps in current knowledge of HRQOL and TBI. These findings were then used to develop recommendations for future research with combat veterans who have sustained a TBI.
Development, Poverty and Inequality: A Spatial Analysis of South African Provinces

ABSTRACT:The literature that relates average income rise of the economy with increase in average income of the poorest population is well established. However poverty continues to be predominant in Africa indicating that income rise is not sufficient to decrease poverty. As a middle-income country, South Africa has consistently held the unappealing record of the country with the most unequal income distribution in the world. The increasing inequality in South Africa represents a substantial policy challenge to policymakers as it affects socio-political stability and economic development. This paper investigates the relation between growth, poverty and inequality in South Africa at the regional level using data over the annual period of 1996-2013. We adopt a spatial econometric model motivated by two noteworthy facts: (i) the high rate of poverty in South Africa and (ii) the high levels of poverty and inequality in the studied regions. In addition we account for the spatial dependence between regions which might affect the relationship between growth and poverty. Also, we develop and test five hypotheses and account for the possible endogeneity in specified model. The results reveal that the autoregressive parameter, lagged poverty is positive and statistically significant in all cases, which supports the use of a dynamic panel data model. Furthermore it reveals poverty increases along the period and the autocorrelation poverty variable is also found to be positive and statistically significant. The trend also reveals that poverty increases but at a decreasing rate, with the latter indicated by the square trend term. Log per capita income increases poverty and is statistically significant. Log GDP Growth is also statistically significant but only in the Arellano-Bond model, signifying that it is an endogenous variable. Log Employment increases poverty and is statistically significant. The Gini indicator (a measure of inequality) is found to increase poverty; signifying that poverty and inequality are affecting each other. This result signifies that poverty is increasing in South Africa at decreasing rate. Moreover the economic variables (for example, income per capita, GDP growth and employment) are also decreasing poverty. Therefore it appears that South Africa is on the right road to decrease poverty, but the spatial slipovers on poverty implies that the government needs an active anti-poverty policy to attack this persistent problem, since it cannot rely on economy growth to overcome it.
DoD Internet host table specification

This RFC specifies a new host table format applicable to both ARPANET and Internet needs. In addition to host name to host address translation and selected protocol information, we have also included network and gateway name to address correspondence, and host operating system information. This RFC obsoletes the host table described in RFC 608.
Effects of Dynamic Stretching on Energy Cost and Running Endurance Performance in Trained Male Runners

Zourdos, MC, Wilson, JM, Sommer, BA, Lee, S-R, Park, Y-M, Henning, PC, Panton, LB, and Kim, J-S. Effects of dynamic stretching on energy cost and running endurance performance in trained male runners. J Strength Cond Res 26(2): 335–341, 2012—The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dynamic stretching on running energy cost and endurance performance in trained male runners. Fourteen male runners performed both a 30-minute preload run at 65% &OV0312;O2max and a 30-minute time trial to assess running energy cost and performance, respectively. The subjects repeated both the trials after either 15 minutes of dynamic stretching (i.e., experimental condition) or quiet sitting (i.e., control condition) while the order was balanced between the subjects to avoid any order effect. The total calories expended were determined for the 30-minute preload run, whereas the distance covered was measured in the time trial. Average resting &OV0312;O2 increased significantly (p < 0.05) after dynamic stretching (prestretch: 6.2 ± 1.7 vs. poststretch: 8.4 ± 2.1 ml·kg−1·min−1) but not during the quiet-sitting condition. Caloric expenditure was significantly higher during the 30-minute preload run for the stretching (416.3 ± 44.9 kcal) compared with that during the quiet sitting (399.3 ± 50.4 kcal) (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the distance covered after quiet sitting (6.3 ± 1.1 km) compared with that for the stretching condition (6.1 ± 1.3 km). These findings suggest that dynamic stretching does not affect running endurance performance in trained male runners.
Analysis of the Voting Behaviour of Czech Members of European Parliament in Areas of the Europe 2020 Strategy

Abstract Aim of this paper is to analyse the behaviour of Czech MEPs in the topics related to Europe 2020 Strategy. This Strategy is one of the most important documents of recent decade on the European level and it is not so often studied on the level of the European Parliament. The purpose of this text is to find out if Czech political parties in the European Parliament are cohesive or not. The second question is related to the voting patterns, whether Czech MEPs create some kind of voting coalitions or not and if these coalitions reflect the national coalition. Methodology is based on the analyses of roll-call votes. The research period is the first two years of the 8th term of the European Parliament.
Design Characteristics of IPMSM With Wide Constant Power Speed Range for EV Traction

This paper presents study of design characteristics with wide constant power speed range (CPSR) for electric vehicle Propulsion. Through analysis of interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) control logic, design characteristic of extending CPSR is proposed. To achieve wide CPSR, center of voltage limit ellipse should be placed at cross point of current limit circle and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$d$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-axis. To analyze characteristic of voltage ellipse, four types of representative IPMSM rotor topologies are selected. Through rotor topology analysis, tendency of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\phi _{f}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$L_{\mathrm{ ds}} $ </tex-math></inline-formula> parameters which decide center of voltage limit ellipse is analyzed. This paper also considers shifting of voltage limit ellipse center according to change in motor speed. Reflecting the result, this paper focuses on center of voltage limit ellipse position at maximum speed, because central coordinates of high-speed range determine characteristics of CPSR. Through the analysis result, this paper suggests direction of IPMSM design for wide CPSR.
SYSTEMIC RISK CAUSED BY ROMANIAN FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES DURING FINANCIAL CRISIS: A COVAR APPROACH

Crisis is a normal situation, based on economic theory regarding the economic stages: recession and expansion. But sometimes, these crises are more severe and the negative effects are felt harder by all financial and banking institutions. The 2008 financial crisis is an example that had a high impact on financial markets volatility. During that period, many financial institutions have recorded significant losses. Therefore, this paper aims to estimate the effects of contagion between Romanian financial intermediaries, more exactly the five financial investments closed funds during the financial crisis period, by using the CoVaR methodology. In order to achieve this, we will analyse the systemic risk contribution of the financial investment funds which are publicly listed at Bucharest Stock Exchange for the period 2008-2013. More precisely, we selected the following financial investment funds: SIF 1 – Banat Crisana, SIF 2 – Moldova, SIF 4 – Muntenia, SIF 5 – Oltenia and SIF 3 – Transilvania. Motivation for choosing this topic is represented by the fact that there is little research on systemic risk in the Romanian financial sector. This research will help us identify the financial investment fund with the most risky investment strategy and causing the highest contribution to systemic risk of the financial sector.
Hepatitis B virus status and the risk of pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis

Objective Whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection increases the risk of pancreatic cancer (PaC) is controversial. We carried out a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between HBV status and the risk of PaC. Methods PubMed, Embase, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched from their inception through April 2012 for case–control and cohort studies that have reported an association between HBV status and the risk of PaC. The reference lists of pertinent publications were also reviewed for potential studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. A random-effects model was used to summarize odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results We included seven case–control studies and three cohort studies, involving 5883 PaC cases. The summary OR of developing PaC was 1.22 (95% CI: 0.90–1.67) for individuals who were HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive. Compared with the individuals who were never exposed to HBV infection, the summary OR of the risk of PaC was 1.60 (95% CI: 1.26–2.05) for chronic or inactive HBsAg carriers (HBsAg-positive) and 1.76 (95% CI: 1.05–2.93) for anti-HBc-positive but anti-HBs-negative individuals. Conclusion Inactive HBsAg carrier status and possible occult HBV infection may increase the risk of PaC. Large population-based multicenter prospective studies are required to further confirm this finding.
Gear Shifting Strategy to Improve the Parallel Hybrid Vehicle Fuel Consumption

The hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is an alternative to reduce the engine fuel consumption due to the extra electrical power addition in the system that allows changing the engine operation point for a better efficiency region. The gear shifting strategy is a way to modify the engine operation point and it can be combined with the power management strategy to reach a better operational condition. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the gear shifting strategy in the HEV configuration, comparing a conventional 1.0L vehicle with a parallel HEV.