Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A semiquantitative assay for CD8+ T-cell-mediated suppression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection

A reproducible, semiquantitative assay was developed to measure the level of the anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (anti-HIV-1) suppressive activity of CD8+ T cells. The assay had a wide dynamic range and could be applied to a relatively small number of fresh and cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells and purified CD8+ T cells. The suppressive activity was not due to cytolytic activity and was not major histocompatibility complex class I restricted. Suppression of HIV-1 infection by CD8+ T cells was consistently demonstrable with both endogenously infected autologous CD4+ T cells and exogenously infected allogeneic CD4+ T cells. This assay can be used to monitor the level of antiviral activity of CD8+ T cells in a retrospective and prospective manner in studies of the natural history of HIV-1 infection and of subjects receiving anti-HIV-1 therapy and vaccines.
The Value of Threat Models in Enterprise Security Testing of Database Systems & Services

The Value of Threat Models in Enterprise Security Testing of Database Systems & Services by Timothy D. Williams Master of Science in Information Security Royal Holloway, University of London 2013/2014 This thesis explores the value of threat models in organisation-wide security testing of databases. Factors that drive security testing are explored. Different types of security testing, different approaches to threat modeling and different database technologies are considered. The importance of metadata management, particularly for newer schemaless databases, is highlighted. An integrated approach to database security testing is proposed which includes white-box, black-box and grey-box techniques. Sequence dependencies affecting database security testing are identified. The need for explicit architecture tiers in database security testing is explained. An approach to threat modeling and testing based on zones is proposed. Potential benefits of the proposed approach are described. The main conclusion is that further research is needed, both theoretical and applied, into the best ways for organisations to plan, execute and respond to database security tests. It is possible that a similar threat-based approach could be applied to testing other architecture components. A number of other possible research topics are identified including: threat information exchanges, threat model tool development and penetration test data management.
Illness perception and quality of life of HIV-positive persons: mediation effects of tenacious and flexible goal pursuit

Abstract Medical advances contribute to raise life expectancy of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). However, they still face challenges related to the disease, thus, quality of life (QOL) became a priority on the field. The self-regulatory model (SRM) guided this study. Illness perceptions (IP) are the beliefs, cognitions, representations of a disease, impacting PLHIV coping strategies and QOL. Tenacious goal pursuit (TGP) is the pursuit of goals with determination, flexible goal adjustment (FGA) is doing it with flexibility, disengaging if necessary, they can both be considered as coping strategies. This study aims to measure the impact of HIV Perception in the QOL of PLHIV mediated by the TGP and FGA. Data was collected from 196 PLHIV with the WHOQOL-HIV Bref, the Brief-IPQ and the FGA and TGP scales. Structural equation model provided a good fit consistent with the theoretical SRM. IP, TGP and FGA had direct effects on the QOL of PLHIV. IP had also an indirect effect (partially mediated by TGP/FGA), suggesting that TGP/FGA reduce the impact of a threatening IP in the QOL. Goal oriented interventions should focus in the HIV perception of PLHIV to ameliorate their QOL.
A tool for evaluating advertising concepts: Desirable characteristics as viewed by creative practitioners

Creativity is critical to advertising yet highly subjective. Testing to evaluate alternatives, if done, is often conducted at later stages that are expensive and wasteful. This study examined a set of characteristics about creativity from creative advertising practitioners. These characteristics were subjected to a three-part quantitative analysis that produced a model with four dimensions – novelty, utility, affect, and humor. Further testing showed that the model was useful in predicting the level of creativity in print advertisements, and the tool may be useful for the early evaluation of concepts.
A Priority-Based Adaptive MAC Protocol for Wireless Body Area Networks

In wireless body area networks (WBANs), various sensors and actuators are placed on/inside the human body and connected wirelessly. WBANs have specific requirements for healthcare and medical applications, hence, standard protocols like the IEEE 802.15. 4 cannot fulfill all the requirements. Consequently, many medium access control (MAC) protocols, mostly derived from the IEEE 802.15. 4 superframe structure, have been studied. Nevertheless, they do not support a differentiated quality of service (QoS) for the various forms of traffic coexisting in a WBAN. In particular, a QoS-aware MAC protocol is essential for WBANs operating in the unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) bands, because different wireless services like Bluetooth, WiFi, and Zigbee may coexist there and cause severe interference. In this paper, we propose a priority-based adaptive MAC (PA-MAC) protocol for WBANs in unlicensed bands, which allocates time slots dynamically, based on the traffic priority. Further, multiple channels are effectively utilized to reduce access delays in a WBAN, in the presence of coexisting systems. Our performance evaluation results show that the proposed PA-MAC outperforms the IEEE 802.15. 4 MAC and the conventional priority-based MAC in terms of the average transmission time, throughput, energy consumption, and data collision ratio.
Job-worker incongruence: consequences for health.

This paper examines the consequences for a man's health of work which is perceived as excessively complex or excessively simple (job incongruence). Among a group of Canadian working men, excessively complex work is not disliked but is associated with lower mental and physical health. In addition to being disliked, overly simple work shows similar psychological but much less evident physical effects. The influence of job incongruence on physical health is most noticeable for men who feel their work is much too complexfor them to handle adequately. Evidence suggests that perceived incongruence has much larger effects on health than does objective incongruence.
Inattention, Forced Exercise, and the Valuation of Executive Stock Options

We develop a new Black-Scholes type closed-form valuation formula for executive stock options. This formula incorporates four important unique characteristics of these options that distinguish them from standard European options: (i) The presence of the vesting period; (ii) the tendency of executives to exercise portions of their grants right at the end of the vesting period; (iii) the ability of the executives to choose optimally whether to exercise their options or keep them; and (4) executives may be forced to early exercise their options, possibly due to severe liquidity shocks or due to unexpected departure. We use an extensive executive option data set to calibrate our model. We show that the standard Black-Scholes formula significantly overestimates the value of executive stock options.
Activation-induced cell death drives profound lung CD4(+) T-cell depletion in HIV-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RATIONALE As overall survival improves, individuals with HIV infection become susceptible to other chronic diseases, including accelerated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVES To determine whether individuals with HIV-associated COPD exhibit dysregulated lung mucosal T-cell immunity compared with control subjects. METHODS Using flow cytometry, we evaluated peripheral blood and lung mucosal T-cell immunity in 14 HIV(+)COPD(+), 13 HIV(+)COPD(-), and 7 HIV(-)COPD(+) individuals. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS HIV(+)COPD(+) individuals demonstrated profound CD4(+) T-cell depletion with reduced CD4/CD8 T-cell ratios in bronchoalveolar lavage-derived lung mononuclear cells, not observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and diminished CD4(+) T cell absolute numbers, compared with control subjects. Furthermore, HIV(+)COPD(+) individuals demonstrated decreased pulmonary HIV-specific and staphylococcal enterotoxin B-reactive CD4(+) memory responses, including loss of multifunctionality, compared with HIV(+)COPD(-) control subjects. In contrast, lung mucosal HIV-specific CD8(+) T-cell responses were preserved. Lung CD4(+) T cells from HIV(+)COPD(+) individuals expressed increased surface Fas death receptor (CD95) and programmed death-1, but similar bronchoalveolar lavage viral loads as control subjects. However, programmed death-1 expression inversely correlated with HIV-specific lung CD4(+)IFN-γ(+) T-cell responses, suggesting functional exhaustion. Moreover, lung CD4(+) T cells from HIV(+)COPD(+) patients demonstrated increased basal and HIV antigen-induced expression of the early apoptosis marker annexin V compared with control subjects, which was significantly attenuated with anti-Fas blockade. Lastly, lung mucosal, but not blood, CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratios from HIV(+) patients significantly correlated with the FEV1, but not in HIV(-)COPD(+) patients. CONCLUSIONS Together, our results provide evidence for profound lung mucosal CD4(+) T-cell depletion via a Fas-dependent activation-induced cell death mechanism, along with impaired HIV-specific CD4(+) immunity as immunologic features of HIV-associated COPD.
Determinants of smoking and smoking cessation among health professionals in Serbia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND/AIM Bearing in mind a high smoking prevalence in Serbia (34% in adult population; men 38%, women 30%) and leading role of health professionals in intervention and prevention, a cross-sectional study was performed smong the representative sample of health professionals in Serbia. The aim of the study was to identify predictors of smoking and smoking cessation prior to the total smoking ban in November 2010. METHODS In this nationwide study, 3,084 physicians and nurses from 4 types of institutions and four geographical regions were selected and 2,282 included (response rate 74.0%). Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Standard statistical methods were used to calculate prevalence rates, and multivariate logistic regressions to evaluate independent predictors of smoking pattern. Risks were expressed as odds ratios (OR) which represent approximation of relative risks of exposed persons with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS We found a high smoking prevalence of 38.0%, the same for women and men (37.8% and 37.6%, respectively; p = 0.138), higher among nurses (41.7%) than physicians (29.1%) (p = 0.000), as well as among those employed in general hospitals (42.6%) and institutes of public health (43.8%) (p = 0.000). Significantly increased risk of being an ever or current smoker was noticed for nurses (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.42-2.14; and OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.52-2.40, respectively), those employed in general hospitals (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.09-1.73 and OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.09-1.79, respectively), and with worse self-estimated health (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.02-1.30; and OR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.02-1.34, respectively). Intentions to quit smoking or to reduce the number of cigarettes were more frequent in women (OR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.01-2.27) and participants who worse evaluated their health (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.39-2.18). CONCLUSION High smoking prevalence in health professionals could be a barrier for the full implementation of smoking ban in health institutions in Serbia. Smoking cessation programs at workplaces, formal education in smoking cessation techniques, and better Law enforcement by health administrations should be implemented.
The determinants of perceived service quality and its relationship with satisfaction

Deals with three issues in the area of perceived service quality. First, it compares the gap model with the performance model. Second, it investigates the direction of causality between service quality and satisfaction. Finally, it examines whether the influences of some dimensions of service quality vary across service industry types. Three service firms were selected and respondents were interviewed in each firm. As hypothesized, the performance model appeared to be superior to the gap model. In addition, the result shows that perceived service quality is an antecedent of satisfaction, rather than vice versa. Finally, tangibles appeared to be a more important factor in the facility/equipment‐based industries, whereas responsiveness is a more important factor in the people‐based industries. Managerial implications and future research directions are discussed.
Solvency and Liquidity in Distressed Equity Returns

I show theoretically and empirically that solvency and liquidity can help rationalize low distressed equity returns. In my model, levered firms facing financing constraints optimally choose liquidity reserves and optimally default when insolvent. I find empirical evidence consistent with the model's predictions: (1) In all solvency levels, the average firm holds enough liquid assets to cover its short-term liabilities; less solvent firms have (2) a higher fraction of their total assets in liquid assets and therefore (3) lower conditional betas and (4) lower returns; (5) the profits of strategies are concentrated among low liquidity firms; and (6) the profits of liquidity strategies are concentrated among low solvency firms. My results suggest that solvency and liquidity are essential to understanding the distress puzzle.
Prospects of performing multiple-country comparison of dairy sires for countries not participating in Interbull international genetic evaluations

With the international trade of genetic material of dairy bulls there is a need for genetic evaluations performed internationally. For this reason Interbull and the Interbull centre was established, today 42 countries are members of the organization and 26 countries participating in one or several genetic evaluations. At this moment there are no alternative to fully participate in the evaluations or not. The aim of this study was to investigate if there is a possibility to include a country in the regular evaluations without including any data from the country in question and in that way provide countries not yet participating in the evaluations with an alternative to fully participate. In this study Argentina was representing the member countries not yet participating in the international evaluation. Data from Argentina was included in a regular genetic evaluation performed by Interbull, also including data from 25 other countries. From the results the bulls where ranked according to their predicted genetic merit. Predicted genetic merits were also estimated by using a model described by Mark et al, 2006b. This model was used with different correlation matrices, giving in total seven different alternatives. The bulls in the different alternatives where ranked according to the same criteria as after the Interbull genetic evaluation. The results from the Interbull evaluation and the different alternatives was statistically analyzed and compared. The results showed that it is possible to perform an international genetic evaluation for a country without submitted data. For the top 100 bulls the alternative methods found 37 to 67 co-selected bulls. The best result was found when using the same correlation matrix as in the Interbull evaluation. When looking at the country of origin for the top 100 ranked bulls, the different alternatives did with some exception include the same countries as the Interbull evaluation. This study has showed that it is possible for the Interbull centre to perform alternative genetic evaluations for countries that do not submit any data. If there are a demand for this kind of service.
Neuroproteomics: the hunt for biomarkers of neurotrauma

‘Ultimately, neuroproteomics will need to address protein dynamics within discrete brain regions that have unique functions and respond differently to injury or disease. ’ Andrew K Ottens McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida, Center for Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, PO Box 100256, Gainesville, FL 32610-0256, USA Tel. : +1 352 392 3681 Fax: +1 352 392 2579 aottens@mbi.ufl. edu Expert Rev. Proteomics 4(3), 343–345 (2007)
Simulation of Laser-Based Two-Photon Absorption Induced Charge Carrier Generation in Silicon

Numerical simulation software is used to calculate quantitatively the two-photon absorption-induced carrier-density distributions generated under conditions that are experimentally relevant for single-event effects studies. The results provide valuable insight into how the magnitudes and shapes of the charge carrier distributions evolve over a large range of experimental conditions and the impacts this has for different device geometries. Furthermore, values of integrated charge are determined that can be more directly correlated with experimental observables.
Moving from service dominant to solution dominant brand innovation

Purpose – The paper aims to track the development of service dominant logic (SDL) applied to brand management and highlights its essential elements. The paper attempts to extend the application of SDL to a form that makes the consumer part of the development process, a solution dominant approach.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the literature and suggests how brand managers can use service concepts, based on service‐dominance logic, to develop their new and differentiated products. The key is the relationship that customers develop with products, not the providers of those products, and how technology contributes to these linkages. This view, termed solution dominant, extends service dominant thinking. The paper also elaborates on the events and developments that have moved product development more firmly in the direction of relationships. Finally, it re‐examines some of the techniques that product developers use from a relationship perspective.Findings – The relationship is the most import.
New species of microcaddisflies from China (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae).

Five new species of hydroptilids in four genera are described from China, including three new species in Hydroptilinae: Agraylea dactylina n. sp. , Allotrichia rhynchophyllum n. sp. , and Microptila hamatilis n. sp. ; and two new species in Stactobiinae: Stactobiella mutica n. sp. and Stactobiella parallelica n. sp. New records are given for Stactobiella biramosa Martynov 1929 and Pseudoxyethira thingana (Oláh) 1989. Genera Agraylea, Allotrichia, Stactobiella, and Microptila are new to Chinese fauna.
POWER RATIONING DILEMMA: A BLOW TO SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) PERFORMANCE IN MOSHI MUNICIPALITY, TANZANIA

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) experience several challenges in their operations including power fluctuation and power rationing which in return lead to low production, poor provision of services and low incomes. Based on that, the study generally aimed at assessing the impact of power rationing dilemma on the performance of SMEs. The study was undertaken by using a survey research design whereby purposive and random sampling techniques were used to pick a sample of 28 SMEs while questionnaires, interviews and documentary review were used to collect data. Data were analysed through applying interpretive and reflexive qualitative approaches while quantitative techniques involved utilisation of descriptive statistics, cross tabulation, correlation and linear regression models. Findings revealed that presence of power rationing results into decline in SMEs productivity as was hypothesised which in return led to poor performance due to inability to provide the required customer service level. Also, that a decline in productivity and loss of income are positively correlated because without products to sell SMEs are not getting business income. Therefore, it is concluded that power rationing has an impact on the performance of SMEs as it affects productivity, incomes and profits.
Nutrition and performance in children

Purpose of reviewMalnutrition in late infancy and childhood remains a significant public health issue in developing nations as well as for those in transition to an industrialized economy. In addition, in these settings and particularly in developed nations, overweight is becoming a very serious threat to both the immediate and the long-term health of children. In this review, we present recent studies that have examined relationships between childhood undernutrition and three general areas of performance: physical activity, cognition and behavior. Recent findingsMalnourished children have been shown to have decreased physical activity and endurance, and poorer cognitive function and school performance. Multiple single micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin B12, thiamin, niacin, zinc and iron, have been associated with poorer cognitive performance. Behavioral problems, including attention deficits, have also been associated with food insufficiency and malnutrition. SummaryThe effects of impaired nutritional status during childhood may have long-standing consequences for the health and performance of children during their adult years.
Hind‐limb paraparesis in a rat model for neurolathyrism associated with apoptosis and an impaired vascular endothelial growth factor system in the spinal cord

Neurolathyrism is a motor neuron disease characterized by lower limb paraparesis. It is associated with ingestion of a plant excitotoxin, β‐N‐oxalyl‐L‐αβ‐diaminopropionic acid (L‐β‐ODAP), an agonist of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/kainate‐type glutamatergic receptors. Previously, a limited model of neurolathyrism was reported for the rat. To improve upon the model, we stressed rat pups by separation from their mothers, followed by the subcutaneous L‐β‐ODAP treatment, resulting in a 4.6‐fold higher incidence (14.0–15.6%) of the paraparesis compared with the prior study. The number and size of motor neurons in these rats were decreased only in the lumbar and sacral cord segments, at approximately 13–36 weeks after treatment. Only lumbar and sacral spinal cord tissue revealed pathological insults typical of physical and ischemic spinal cord injury in the surviving motor neurons. In addition, extensive but transient hemorrhage occurred in the ventral spinal cord parenchyma of the rat, and numerous TdT‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end‐labeling (TUNEL)‐positive cells were also observed. In parallel, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)‐2 (Flk‐1) levels were significantly lowered in the lumbosacral spinal cord of the paraparetic rats compared with their controls, suggesting a failure of the VEGF system to protect neurons against L‐β‐ODAP toxicity. We propose, based on these data, a novel pathological process of motor neuron death induced by peripheral L‐β‐ODAP. For the first time, we present a model of the early molecular events that occur during chemically induced spinal cord injury, which can potentially be applied to other neurodegenerative disorders. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:928–942, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.