Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HIV-1-specific cytolytic T-lymphocyte activity correlates with lower viral load, higher CD4 count, and CD8+CD38-DR- phenotype: comparison of statistical methods for measurement.

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to use novel statistical methods to determine the correlation between HIV-1-specific cytolytic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity and HIV-1 plasma viral load, in a blinded study of HIV-infected patients at various stages of clinical disease. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected and stored at enrollment and 2 weeks later, from 15 HIV-infected individuals who were receiving stable antiretroviral therapy for the previous 6 weeks and during the study period. HIV-1-specific CTL activity was measured using an antigen-specific PBMC in vitro stimulation method. Measurements of plasma viral load, as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes expressing T-cell activation markers (DR and CD38) were also performed at each time point. CTL activity was quantified using three separate statistical methods: area under the net HIV-specific lysis curve (AUC), lytic units (LU20), and linear regression (LR) of net HIV-specific lysis. RESULTS HIV-1 nef-, pol- and gag-specific CTL activity (AUC method) was significantly higher in subjects with a plasma viral load < or = 30,000 RNA copies/ml, than in those with viral load >30,000 RNA copies/ml. When plasma viral load was analyzed as a continuous variable, there was a strong correlation between higher CTL activity and lower viral load for nef (r2 = .77; p < .001), pol (r2 = .63; p < .001) and gag (r2 = 0.75; p < .001) targets by the AUC, but not for the LU20 analysis. Using the LR analysis, which is less dependent on in vitro PBMC growth than the AUC analysis, an independent association was demonstrated between nef- and gag-specific CTL activity and lower viral load. Measurement of CTL activity was also significantly correlated with a higher percentage of circulating CD8+DR-CD38- T lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS In this blinded study using an in vitro stimulation of frozen PBMC, higher HIV-1 nef-, pol-, and gag-specific CTL activity correlated with lower plasma viral load, particularly in patients with a CD4 count <500 cells/mm3. Two new statistical methods for estimating CTL activity, AUC and LR analyses, were superior to the standard lytic unit (LU20) method for demonstrating this correlation. These data also demonstrated that higher circulating CD8+ T lymphocytes with a DR-CD38-phenotype, correlate with a lower plasma viral and load and higher HIV-specific CTL activity. This suggests that lymphocytes with this double-negative phenotype may include circulating HIV-specific CD8+ CTL.
Online Auction Markets

Reputation systems constitute an important institution to help sustain trust in on-line auction markets. However, only half of buyers leave feedback after transactions, and nearly all of it is positive. In this paper, I propose a mechanism whereby sellers can provide rebates (not necessarily in monetary form) to buyers contingent upon buyers’ provision of reports. Using a game theoretical model, I show how the mechanism can increase unbiased reporting. There exists a pooling equilibrium where both good and bad sellers choose the rebate option, even though their true types are revealed through feedback. The mechanism also induces bad sellers to improve the quality of the contract.
Mapping kainate activation of inner neurons in the rat retina

Kainate receptors mediate fast, excitatory synaptic transmission for a range of inner neurons in the mammalian retina. However, allocation of functional kainate receptors to known cell types and their sensitivity remains unresolved. Using the cation channel probe 1‐amino‐4‐guanidobutane agmatine (AGB), we investigated kainate sensitivity of neurochemically identified cell populations within the structurally intact rat retina. Most inner retinal neuron populations responded to kainate in a concentration‐dependent manner. OFF cone bipolar cells demonstrated the highest sensitivity of all inner neurons to kainate. Immunocytochemical localization of AGB and macromolecular markers confirmed that type 2 bipolar cells were part of this kainate‐sensitive population. The majority of amacrine (ACs) and ganglion cells (GCs) showed kainate responses with different sensitivities between major neurochemical classes (γ‐aminobutyric acid [GABA]/glycine ACs > glycine ACs > GABA ACs; glutamate [Glu]/weakly GABA GCs > Glu GCs). Conventional and displaced cholinergic ACs were highly responsive to kainate, whereas dopaminergic ACs do not appear to express functional kainate receptors. These findings further contribute to our understanding of neuronal networks in complex multicellular tissues. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:2416–2438, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endophytic Bacillus sp. Isolated from the Interior of Balloon Flower Root

A bacterial strain, designated CY22, was isolated from the interior of balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorum) root in the Republic of Korea. The isolate coproduced an iturin-like antifungal compound and a surfactin-like potent biosurfactant. Analysis of the 16S-rDNA of strain CY22 showed that the isolate was a member of Bacillus. High similarities were observed between strain CY22 and Bacillus sp. TKSP 24, and between strain CY22 and B. subtilis 168. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S-rDNA sequences showed that strain CY22 was closely related to Bacillus sp. The main whole-cell fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 (37%), C17:0 (5.1%), and iso-C15:0 (27.7%). DNA G + C content was 54 mol%. Based on phylogenetic inference, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, this endophytic strain Bacillus sp. CY22 was assigned to the genus Bacillus.
Turning Green to Gold in the Construction Industry: Fable or Fact?

AbstractGreen principles have been increasingly incorporated into planning, design, construction, and maintenance processes in the engineering and construction industry. Along with the growth of the green initiative, going green not only demonstrates corporate social responsibility, but may yield significant economic benefits. This study compares financial performance between green and conventional firms in the engineering and construction industry. A total of 22 sample companies used in this empirical analysis are categorized into two groups—green versus conventional firms—in accordance with Engineering News Record and Newsweek green company lists. Two groups are compared in terms of short-term financial performance, long-term economic value, and market value. The analysis shows that green firms outperform conventional firms on return on equity (17.4 versus 8.2%) and economic value added margin (0.35 versus −1.43%). However, the green strategy has not yet been factored into corporate market value. The fi.
Supervision of circuit-switchers state via image processing

One of the barriers in remote operation of circuit-switchers installed in subtransmission lines is to be aware of the actual conditions of each of the poles of the circuit-switcher, as well as confirmation of the success, or failure, of the operation. Often the visual confirmation of the maneuver is part of the procedure, requiring the displacement of the ground crew and creating schedule delays. A monitoring system was developed for circuit-switchers based on an algorithm to detect the state of the circuit-switcher, open or closed, from the digital processing of images captured after the maneuver.
Manufacturers’ Closed-Loop Orientation for Green Supply Chain Management

The concept of green supply chain management (GSCM) is still in its infancy and has been implemented only to a limited extent. Strategic orientation is an important factor affecting its implementation. No reliable and valid strategic orientation construct has been developed for greening a supply chain. This study proposes closed-loop orientation (CLO) as the appropriate strategic orientation to implement GSCM practices successfully and develops a valid measurement of CLO. Data collected from 296 Chinese manufacturers were analyzed using the structural equation modeling method to examine the relationships among CLO, GSCM practice and environmental and economic performance. The results show that both CLO and GSCM have positive effects on the environmental performance and economic performance and that CLO positively impacts the level of implementation of GSCM. The results also show that GSCM completely mediates the relationships between CLO and environmental and economic performance.
Attracting Foreign Direct Investment: Applying Dunning's Location Advantages Framework to FDI Advertising

Countries compete intensely for foreign direct investment (FDI) and perform a wide range of activities to attract it. Research on FDI promotion often overlooks the effects of advertising. To fill this gap in the literature, this study analyzes the content of FDI advertising to explain its structure. To guide the analysis, the authors use Dunning's FDI location advantages framework. This framework represents an effective prism through which to view FDI advertising, and Dunning's location advantages are reflected in advertising content. In an effort to shed more light on FDI advertising, the authors first provide an assessment of how advertising content varies by country income classification. Next, using exploratory factor analysis, they identify the five factors represented in FDI advertising: knowledge resources, market attractiveness, economic governance, infrastructure, and natural resources. The findings suggest that high-income countries tend to focus on knowledge resources, while lower-middle-income countries focus on economic governance. Upper-middle-income countries tap into both knowledge resources and economic governance while also promoting the attractiveness of their market.
All that glitters is not gold: the need to consider desirable and undesirable immune aspects of oncolytic virus therapy

Oncolytic viruses (OVs), a novel class of anticancer therapeutic agents, can overturn cancer-mediated immunosuppression and initiate antitumor immunity. Contrary to this paradigm, our recent study illustrates that oncolytic reovirus transiently augments cancer-associated immunosuppression immediately following its therapeutic administration. To achieve the optimum efficacy for OV-based anticancer therapies, the pathophysiological as well as clinical implications of this phenomenon need to be considered.
ISCOMATRIX Adjuvant Combines Immune Activation with Antigen Delivery to Dendritic Cells In Vivo Leading to Effective Cross-Priming of CD8+ T Cells

Cancer vaccines aim to induce CTL responses against tumors. Challenges for vaccine design are targeting Ag to dendritic cells (DCs) in vivo, facilitating cross-presentation, and conditioning the microenvironment for Th1 type immune responses. In this study, we report that ISCOM vaccines, which consist of ISCOMATRIX adjuvant and protein Ag, meet these challenges. Subcutaneous injection of an ISCOM vaccine in mice led to a substantial influx and activation of innate and adaptive immune effector cells in vaccine site-draining lymph nodes (VDLNs) as well as IFN-γ production by NK and NKT cells. Moreover, an ISCOM vaccine containing the model Ag OVA (OVA/ISCOM vaccine) was efficiently taken up by CD8α+ DCs in VDLNs and induced their maturation and IL-12 production. Adoptive transfer of transgenic OT-I T cells revealed highly efficient cross-presentation of the OVA/ISCOM vaccine in vivo, whereas cross-presentation of soluble OVA was poor even at a 100-fold higher concentration. Cross-presenting activity was restricted to CD8α+ DCs in VDLNs, whereas Langerin+ DCs and CD8α− DCs were dispensable. Remarkably, compared with other adjuvant systems, the OVA/ISCOM vaccine induced a high frequency of OVA-specific CTLs capable of tumor cell killing in different tumor models. Thus, ISCOM vaccines combine potent immune activation with Ag delivery to CD8α+ DCs in vivo for efficient induction of CTL responses.
A rationalist perspective on the autonomy of international sport governing bodies: towards a pragmatic autonomy in the steering of sports

International sport governing bodies (ISGBs) are built on the foundations of freedom of association and traditionally enjoy a large degree of autonomy in their decision-making. Their autonomy is increasingly confined, however, and their hierarchical self-governance is giving way to a more networked governance, in which different stakeholders exert power in different ways and in different contexts in a complex web of interrelationships. Taking a rationalist perspective on the autonomy of ISGBs, this article demonstrates that ISGBs are deploying strategies to safeguard their waning governing monopoly over international sport. Opting for an inductive approach, the authors present four possible conceptualizations of autonomy as applied to ISGBs, namely political autonomy, legal autonomy, financial autonomy and pyramidal autonomy. For each dimension, they describe the different strategies ISGBs wield in order to safeguard different dimensions of their autonomy. This article uses governance theories to hypothesize that the autonomy of ISGBs can be understood as ‘pragmatic autonomy’ since ISGBs only cede certain aspects of their autonomy under particular circumstances and when being subject to specific threats. Acting in a rationalist manner, they are able to keep control over governance developments in sport by using indirect and more subtle forms of governance.
Entry Mode Choice and Performance: Evidence from Taiwanese FDI in China

This paper examines entry mode choices between wholly owned subsidiaries (WOSs) and joint ventures (JVs) and the impact on performance for Taiwanese foreign direct investment in China. Taiwan and China share common cultural traits, so Taiwanese investors inherently prefer WOSs because these investors are acquainted with local conditions in China. This paper shows that even if WOSs are a natural choice, transaction cost theory is applicable in explaining the adoption of JVs by Taiwanese firms when investing in China. Firms that choose WOSs generally have higher sales growth and superior profitability. However, the smaller the subsidiary and the less experienced the firm, the more likely that JVs will have better performance.
Vegetation-Associated Impacts on Arctic Tundra Bacterial and Microeukaryotic Communities

ABSTRACT The Arctic is experiencing rapid vegetation changes, such as shrub and tree line expansion, due to climate warming, as well as increased wetland variability due to hydrological changes associated with permafrost thawing. These changes are of global concern because changes in vegetation may increase tundra soil biogeochemical processes that would significantly enhance atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Predicting the latter will at least partly depend on knowing the structure, functional activities, and distributions of soil microbes among the vegetation types across Arctic landscapes. Here we investigated the bacterial and microeukaryotic community structures in soils from the four principal low Arctic tundra vegetation types: wet sedge, birch hummock, tall birch, and dry heath. Sequencing of rRNA gene fragments indicated that the wet sedge and tall birch communities differed significantly from each other and from those associated with the other two dominant vegetation types. Distinct microbial communities were associated with soil pH, ammonium concentration, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio, and moisture content. In soils with similar moisture contents and pHs (excluding wet sedge), bacterial, fungal, and total eukaryotic communities were correlated with the ammonium concentration, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) content, and C/N ratio. Operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness, Faith's phylogenetic diversity, and the Shannon species-level index (H′) were generally lower in the tall birch soil than in soil from the other vegetation types, with pH being strongly correlated with bacterial richness and Faith's phylogenetic diversity. Together, these results suggest that Arctic soil feedback responses to climate change will be vegetation specific not just because of distinctive substrates and environmental characteristics but also, potentially, because of inherent differences in microbial community structure.
(2Z,3E)-2-{[1-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]methylidene}quinuclidin-3-one oxime

In the title compound, C23H22ClN3O, the benzene ring of the 4-chorobenzyl group makes a dihedral angle of 78.56 (6)° with the best plane of the indole ring. The double bond connecting the azabicyclic and indole groups adopts a Z geometry. The geometry adopted by the C=N bond with respect to the N—OH bond is trans. The absolute configuration of the compound was determined from refinement of the Flack parameter.
University Outlook Programs: A Review and Some Suggestions

Conducting an outlook program appears to be simple. The aim of outlook is to accurately predict future economic conditions and to rapidly disseminate this information to producers, agribusiness firms and/or consumers, to help them make intelligent production, purchasing and marketing decisions. But those involved know that the appearance of simplicity in conducting an outlook effort is deceiving. Outlook work is frustrating—sometimes gratifying-just as often, humiliating. The focus here is upon outlook programs in agricultural economics department of the land-grant universities. The role of USDA in outlook work is discussed only in the context of its support of state efforts.
Optimal synthesis of monopulse beamforming weights for airborne radars through convex optimization

In this work, the optimal synthesis of monopulse beamforming weights for airborne radar systems is addressed by means of a custom convex programming procedure. The designed active electronically scanned array (AESA) is equipped with a single transceiver module (TRM) for each element, common to all patterns. The set of complex TRM coefficients is optimized in order to provide the maximum directivity and an asymmetric sidelobes envelope for the sum pattern along with the maximum slope for difference patterns. A representative application of the proposed method for monopulse radar system in side-looking configuration is discussed.
Up‐regulation of plasma membrane‐associated redox activities in neuronal cells lacking functional mitochondria

Mitochondria‐deficient cells (ρo cells) survive through enhanced glycolytic metabolism in the presence of pyruvate and uridine. The plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) contains several NAD(P)H‐related enzymes and plays a key role in maintaining the levels of NAD+/NADH and reduced coenzyme Q. In this study, ρo cells were used to investigate how the PMRS is regulated under conditions of mitochondrial dysfunction. ρo cells exhibited a lower oxygen consumption rate and higher levels of lactate than parental cells, and were more sensitive to glycolysis inhibitors (2‐deoxyglucose and iodoacetamide) than control cells. However, they were more resistant to H2O2, consistent with increased catalase activity and decreased oxidative damage (protein carbonyls and nitrotyrosine). PM‐associated redox enzyme activities were enhanced in ρo cells compared to those in control cells. Our data suggest that all PMRS enzymes and biomarkers tested are closely related to the ability of the PMs to maintain redox homeostasis. These results illustrate that an up‐regulated PM redox activity can protect cells from oxidative stress as a result of an improved antioxidant capacity, and suggest a mechanism by which neurons adapt to conditions of impaired mitochondrial function.
Magnetic Field Analysis of External Rotor Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors Using Conformal Mapping

This paper presents analytical and numerical conformal mapping (CM) to analyze magnetic fields originating from permanent magnets and armature winding currents in a slotted air-gap of a surface mounted radial permanent-magnet synchronous motor (SPM), taking into account the effect of arbitrarily curved motor surfaces. We also studied the slotless configuration of the external rotor permanent-magnet motor for the purpose of calculating the complex relative air-gap permeance. The model is able to predict the air gap field and torque with high accuracy, which cannot be achieved using the previously available analytical methods in both cases: internal and external rotor permanent-magnet motor. We obtained one of the conformal mappings used in this study, the numerical solution of the Schwarz-Christoffel (SC) integral, by using the Matlab SC Toolbox. We used this field solution to calculate cogging torque and electromagnetic torque by integrating the Maxwell stress tensor inside the air gap. We verified the accuracy of the developed method by comparing its results with those obtained from the developed numerical finite-element (FE) model.
The Dark Triad Returns : Entertainment Preferences and Anti-Social Behavior

This study was designed to examine the relationship between three personality types (narcissism, psychopathy, and machiavellianism), entertainment preferences, and anti-social behavior in an undergraduate sample (N = 356). Results showed that psychopaths engaged in the greatest amount of delinquent behavior. Psychopathy also correlated with a liking of anti-social media of various kinds: aggressive films, violent sports, internet pornography, internet hacking, and violent videogames. This entertainment preference trend was similar but weaker for machiavellians whereas narcissism correlated only with a liking of violent sports. There was a link between antisocial entertainment preferences and self-reported anti-social behavior. Furthermore, psychopathy moderated the apparent impact of violent sports activity on anti-social behavior: Playing and watching violent sports led to higher reported anti-social behavior only in psychopaths.
A DYNAMIC EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF HOUSEHOLD VEHICLE OWNERSHIP AND UTILIZATION

In this article we develop a dynamic model of household vehicle ownership and utilization behavior by using data that were generated before, during, and after the 1979 energy crisis. The principal empirical findings are that households have maintained a distinct preference for American over foreign cars, but also have strong brand loyalties. The results suggest that notwithstanding recent financial trends, U.S. firms must continue to make technological improvements in their vehicles and must combat the brand loyalty that has developed for foreign vehicles if the domestic automobile industry is to be viable at the present scale of operations.
The long-run and short-run effects of health aid on life expectancy

This article examines the long-run and short-run effects of health aid on health, as measured by life expectancy at birth. Using panel cointegration techniques, it is found that while in the short run health aid has significant positive effects on life expectancy, in the long run, an increase in health aid leads to a small but significant reduction in life expectancy.