Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pandemic influenza is a strong motivator for participation in vaccine clinical trials among HIV-positive Canadian adults.

BACKGROUND HIV-positive patients represent an immunosuppressed population at risk for severe influenza. In the event of a pandemic, such as 2009 H1N1, rapid implementation of vaccine clinical trials in target populations will be critical. In the present paper, knowledge and attitudes of HIV-positive adults regarding seasonal/pandemic influenza vaccination were evaluated, and facilitators and barriers to participation in vaccine clinical trials were explored. METHODS A validated, 70-item, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all HIV patients presenting for routine follow-up at eight Canadian Institutes of Health Research Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN) sites from October 2008 to February 2009, as well as all participants in CTN trial 237. This study has representation from all Canadian provinces. RESULTS In total, 610 HIV-positive adults responded (298 CTN 237 participants; 312 non-CTN 237 participants). Most reported receiving influenza vaccine last season (83% of CTN 237 participants versus 83% non-CTN 237 participants; P not significant) and most would receive a pandemic influenza vaccine if offered (76% versus 73%; P not significant). A majority believed that it was important to include HIV patients in vaccine clinical trials (65% versus 53%; P<0.001) and would agree to participate in trials of a pandemic vaccine if invited (86% versus 51%; P≤0.0001). Predictors of willingness to participate in a pandemic vaccine trial were 'desire to be protected from pandemic flu', OR 4.5 (95% CI 2 to 8) and 'desire to help others', OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.3 to 4.5). 'Fear of needles', OR 0.49 (95% CI 0.1 to 1.5) and 'need for extra blood tests', OR 0.49 (95% CI 0.2 to 1.4) were key barriers to participation. CONCLUSION Most HIV-positive Canadian adults surveyed receive influenza vaccination. Protection from pandemic influenza is considered important and is a motivator for receiving influenza vaccine and future trial participation. Modifiable barriers to these objectives identified in the present study should be the focus of efforts to increase influenza immunization in this population.
Export structure and economic growth in a developping country: case of Côte d'Ivoire

The aim of this paper is to examine the interactions between export structure and economic growth in Cote d'Ivoire. To reach this goal, we used a modeling based on the ARDL Bounds test of Pesaran (2001). We arrive at the results on the export basket of Cote d'Ivoire and the index of diversification act negatively on the economic growth both in short and long term. But this diversification seems to be concentrated in some sectors. These results suggest a diversification in the export basket by including other sectors and also a structural transformation of the Ivorian economy.
Regulation of the Helicobacter pylori Fe-S Cluster Synthesis Protein NifS by Iron, Oxidative Stress Conditions, and Fur

ABSTRACT Transcription of both chromosomal and extrachromosomally introduced nifS was regulated (up-expressed) by oxygen or by supplemental iron conditions. This up-expression was not observed in a fur mutant strain background or when an iron chelator was added. Iron-bound Fur (but not apo-Fur) recognized the nifS promoter, and Fur bound significantly farther upstream (−155 bp to −190 bp and −210 to −240 bp) in the promoter than documented Helicobacter pylori Fur binding regions. This binding was stronger than Fur recognition of the flgE or napA promoter and includes a Fur recognition sequence common to the H. pylori pfr and sodB upstream areas. Studies of Fur-regulated genes in H. pylori have indicated that apo-Fur acts as a repressor, but our results demonstrate that iron-bound Fur activates (nifS) transcription.
Design of a 60GHz RLSA for compact range applications

The design of a 60GHz Radial Line Slot Antenna (RLSA) for compact range communications is discussed in this paper. A taper window was investigated and applied for a uniformly illuminated circular aperture in order to create a uniform field in a specified receiving zone. Predicted results show a good uniformity up to a few meters in the propagation distance, and on a receiving horizontal plane as large as the antenna aperture. A 20cm diameter RLSA prototype was fabricated based on the proposed taper design, and its measured results partly support our predictions.
Problems with the disk diffusion test for detection of vancomycin resistance in enterococci

A total of 53 strains of enterococci, including recently isolated strains with high-level resistance to vancomycin, were tested for vancomycin susceptibility by broth microdilution and disk diffusion using Mueller-Hinton media with and without supplementation with 5% blood. By using currently published parameters of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards for the disk diffusion test, we found that strains for which MICs were 8 to 32 micrograms/ml were incorrectly placed in the susceptible or intermediate category, which caused both very major (1.9%) and minor (11.5%) errors. When we used newer, recently proposed breakpoints for vancomycin, we found 13.5% minor errors but no very major errors. Changing disk diffusion breakpoints to less than or equal to 14 mm for resistant [corrected] and greater than or equal to 15 mm for susceptible [corrected] would eliminate the problem for the strains with MICs of 32 micrograms/ml but not for those with MICs of 8 micrograms/ml. For those strains, it is necessary to perform an MIC test to differentiate them from strains with MICs of less than or equal to 4 micrograms/ml.
The Human Anti-apoptotic Proteins cIAP1 and cIAP2 Bind but Do Not Inhibit Caspases*

cIAPs (cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins) 1 and 2 are able to regulate apoptosis when ectopically expressed in recipient cells and probably also in vivo. Previous work suggested that this is at least partially due to direct caspase inhibition, mediated by two of the three baculovirus IAP repeat (BIR) domains that are contained in these proteins. In support of this we show that the BIR domains 2 and 3 of the two cIAPs are able to bind caspases-7 and -9. However, we demonstrate that neither of these BIR domains is able to inhibit caspases because of critical substitutions in the regions that target caspase inhibition in the X-linked IAP, a tight binding caspase inhibitor. The cIAP BIR domains can be converted to tight binding caspase inhibitors by substituting these critical residues with XIAP residues. Thus, cIAPs maintain protein scaffolds suitable for direct caspase inhibition but have lost or never acquired specific caspase inhibitory interaction sites. Consequently, although the binding function of the cIAP BIRs may be important for their physiologic function, caspase inhibition is not.
Structural Determination of Ontology-Driven Trust Networks in Semantic Social Institutions and Ecosystems

Social institutions and ecosystems are growing across the web and social trust networks formed within these systems create an extraordinary test-bed to study relation dependant notions such as trust, reputation and belief. In order to capture, model and represent the semantics of trust relationships forming the trust networks, main components of relationships are represented and described using ontologies. This paper investigates how effective design of trust ontologies can improve the structure of trust networks created and implemented within semantic web-driven social institutions and systems. Based on the context of our research, we represent a trust ontology that captures the semantics of the structure of trust networks based on the context of social institutions and ecosystems on semantic web.
The impact of insulin resistance on endothelial function, progenitor cells and repair

The structural and functional integrity of the vascular endothelium plays a critical role in vascular homeo-stasis. Insulin resistance, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is thought to promote atherosclerosis through a reciprocal relationship with endothelial dysfunction. In health, cumulative damage to endothelial cells incurred by exposure to risk factors is mitigated by endogenous reparative processes. Disruption of the balance between endothelial damage and repair may mediate atherosclerotic progression. Bone marrow-derived ‘endothelial progenitor cells' (EPC) have been identified as significant contributors to endogenous vascular repair. Insulin resistance is associated with a spectrum of biochemical abnormalities which have the potential to reduce the availability of EPCs and diminish their capacity for vascular repair. Many lifestyle and pharmacological interventions which improve insulin resistance also increase the numbers and functionality of EPCs. Cell-based therapies may also hold promise for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Rivals or Allies? A Multilevel Analysis of Cosponsorship within State Delegations in the U.S. Senate

Abstract The coordinated behavior of members of a state delegation to the U.S. Senate can provide constituents in a state greater representation in Congress. Despite this potentially improved level of representation through coordination, popular and scholarly accounts of the U.S. Senate often feature senators from the same state at odds with one another on a variety of policy issues. In this research, we investigate competing expectations regarding the frequency (across topics) of collaborations between members of a state delegation to the Senate. We then test our expectations using patterns in bill cosponsorship in the 103rd–110th U.S. Senates. We find that senators from the same state work together often on the development of legislation, and that this coordinated activity is consistent across a variety of bill topics across many sessions of congressional activity. Notably, same-state status is an even stronger predictor of support via cosponsorship than is same-party status, raising possible avenues of breaking through partisan gridlock.
INTRA-URBAN SPATIAL CHANGES AMONG WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN BUCHAREST (ROMANIA) DURING ECONOMIC TRANSITION (1992-2002)

Women entrepreneurs in Bucharest, Romania, increased by six times (compared to five times for men) between the 1992 and 2002 censuses, during a period of transition from a centrally planned to a market economy. A study of over 150 territory referential units shows a concentration of business women in central, high income areas and a correlation between the entrepreneurial status and education. Data from 50 telephone interviews show that women with university degrees are more likely to operate at a city-wide or national scale, in fields such as cosmeticology, consultancy, law, design, art, and manufacturing. Women without higher education tend to operate at a local, smaller scale. Both spatial concentration and education have an impact upon business behaviour.
Ultrasonic determination of gingival thickness. Subject variation and influence of tooth type and clinical features.

The objectives of the present study were (I) to determine the validity and reliability of measuring gingival thickness (GTH) with a recently developed, commercially available ultrasonic device; (II) to measure GTH in relation to tooth type and age of proband; (III) to correlate GTH with varying forms of premolars, canines and incisors. Ultrasonic measurements were performed in 200 periodontally healthy, male probands representing 3 different age groups (20-25, 40-45, 55-60 years). In the maxilla, mean GTH varied between 0.9 mm (canines, 1st molars) and 1.3 mm (2nd molars). In the mandible respective mean values ranged between 0.8 mm (canines) and 1.5 mm (2nd molars). No differences in means and standard deviations (0.36-0.39 mm) were observed in different age groups. In order to correlate GTH with other clinical parameters and form of tooth, in 42 probands of the youngest age group, presenting with no attrition or abrasion, no artificial crown restorations and (following prophylaxis) no overt gingivitis and no periodontal probing depth in excess of 3 mm, detailed clinical measurements and stone model cast analyses were performed. By stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, 24% (p < 0.0001) of the variation of GTH was explained by probing depth, recession, width of gingiva and tooth type. The ratio of the width of the crown to its length was not included into the model. When performing analysis of covariance with the subject as factor, the model was improved, now explaining 41% of the variation of GTH. In this model, the influence of periodontal probing depth was decreased, and recession was not included. It was concluded that there are individual differences in GTH (i.e., different biotypes). However, thickness mainly depends on tooth type and is correlated with width of gingiva. There appears to be no association with shape and form of the tooth. Validity and reliability of measuring GTH with the ultrasonic device was found to be excellent.
Wind farm and wake effect modeling for simulation of a studied power system

The modeling of wind farm and wake effect for the use in a power system simulation was studied. First, the modeling for wind farm was studied. Parameter equivalent and aggregation modeling were introduced. Then the wake effect was modeled. The simple Jenson wake effect model, the wake effect with wind speed sheer model and the detail wake effect model with the detail shade areas of the upstream wind turbines were discussed respectively. Based on the above wind farm and wake effect models, four kinds of wind farms in one wind region of China were discussed. Simulation of the power system with the four wind farms connected was studied. The simulation results were presented. The conclusion is that the wind farm and wake effect models can meet the need in the power system simulation with respect to the measured power generated by the studied wind farms.
THE USE OF CLUSTER ANALYSIS IN THE RESEARCH ON SHOPPING PREFERENCES REGARDING REGIONAL PRODUCTS FROM LUBELSKIE VOIVODESHIP

An increasing awareness of consumers is reflected in a growing demand for products which are manufactured in a particular way, with unique ingredients, or which are of a particular origin. The analysis of consumers’ preferences makes it possible to define factors which determine the purchase of regional products. The aim of the work was to identify factors which determine the purchase of regional products from Lubelskie Voivodeship on the basis of cluster analysis using Ward’s hierarchical agglomerative clustering method. The research was carried out in 2016 and included 383 individuals. Statistical analysis of results was conducted on the basis of frequency analysis and cluster analysis. According to the respondents, the most frequently purchased regional products included bakery products (47%), dairy products (35.3%), meat (33.3%), and alcoholic beverages (29.4%). Over 53% of the respondents claimed that the prices of regional products are too high, every third person (29.6%) concluded that they are reasonable, while slightly over 3% of the respondents said they are low. Television and the Internet as well as close relatives and friends appeared to be the best forms of reaching the client with information concerning regional products when bringing them out on the market. However, the most common places where regional products were purchased were food fairs and festivals. Every second respondent purchased regional products at least once a month. Additionally, it was revealed that the consumers’ income was not a decisive factor when purchasing regional products. Despite financial stability, individuals who could be defined as “rich” in Polish conditions purchased regional products relatively rarely.
The Effects of Daily Stress and Stressful Life Events on the Clinical Symptomatology of Patients With Lupus Erythematosus

Objective: The purpose of this study was to verify whether stress worsens the clinical symptomatology perceived by patients with lupus erythematosus. Toward this end, we considered two types of stressors—daily stress and high-intensity stressful life events. Methods: In 46 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 12 patients with chronic lupus discoid, we studied the stress they experienced daily for 6 months and their disease symptoms. During this period, we also analyzed the levels of C3 and C4 complements and anti-DNAn antibodies. The systemic lupus erythematosus activity (assessed by the Systemic Lupus Activity Measures) and cumulative organ damage (assessed by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index) were also analyzed. Results: We did not find that high-intensity stressful life events produced a worsening of the symptomatology of the disease. However, using a time-series analysis (Box–Jenkins), we found that a high percentage of lupus patients (74.1%) perceived a worsening in their clinical symptomatology due to the effects of daily stress. Of this 74.1%, 53.4% worsened the same day they suffered the perceived daily stress, and the remaining 20.7% experienced an increase in symptoms both the same day and the following day. Subsequent Mann–Whitney analyses showed that the patients who worsened for 2 days because of the effects of stress had greater lupus activity, as evaluated by their levels of C3, C4, and anti-DNAn. Conclusion: Daily stress, and not stressful life events, worsened the clinical symptomatology perceived by lupus erythematosus patients. This increase extended at times to 2 days, and was associated with greater lupic activity. SLE = systemic lupus erythematosus; SLICC/ACR = Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index; SSLE = Scale of Stressful Life Events; DSI = Daily Stress Inventory; SLESI = SLE Symptoms Inventory; SLEDAI = SLE Disease Activity Index.
Using sentiment analysis to predict interday Bitcoin price movements

Purpose The purpose of this study is to measure the interaction between media sentiment and the Bitcoin price. Because some researchers argued that the Bitcoin value is also determined by perception of users and investors, this paper examines how. Design/methodology/approach The database of relative news articles as well as blog posts has been collected for the purpose of this research. Hence, each article has been given a sentiment score depending on the negative and positive words used in the article. Findings This paper has identified that interaction between media sentiment and the Bitcoin price exists, and that there is a tendency for investors to overreact on news in a short period of time. Originality/value While sentiment analysis of Twitter posts as a predictor of the Bitcoin price has been conducted in the past, this research does not have any analog because psycho-semantic dictionaries have not been applied earlier in the Bitcoin research.
Increased APOBEC3G Expression Is Associated With Extensive G-to-A Hypermutation in Viral DNA in Rhesus Macaque Brain During Lentiviral Infection

APOBEC3G restricts retrovirus replication through inducing guanosine-to-adenosine (G-to-A) hypermutations in viral DNA. Its role in brain "intrinsic immunity" has not been elucidated nor has it been convincingly demonstrated which brain cell compartments produce this defense factor in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and antiretroviral therapy. Here, we investigated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization the cell-specific regulation of APOBEC3G in rhesus macaque brains during infection with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) clone δB670, a primate model of HIV disease. We found that APOBEC3G protein and mRNA were exclusively expressed by some perivascular macrophages throughout the brain of noninfected and asymptomatic SIV-infected monkeys. Depending on virus burden, APOBEC3G was induced in microglia/macrophage-derived cells and T lymphocytes in late-stage SIV infection. Intracellularly, APOBEC3G was found in the cytoplasm and/or in the nucleus. APOBEC3G-positive cells were in close proximity to SIV gag-positive cells or were SIV-copositive. Induction of APOBEC3G was accompanied by G-to-A hypermutations in the gag and pol regions of retroviral DNA isolated from brain sections of AIDS-symptomatic monkeys. Although brain-directed treatment with antiretroviral 6-chloro-2′,3′-dideoxyguanosine suppressed brain SIV burden, encephalitis and reduced cerebral APOBEC3G synthesis hypermutations were still detectable. Upregulation of APOBEC3G may restrict spread of SIV in the brain and thus limit brain damage during lentiviral infection.
Cloning and Expression of Sialidase L, a NeuAcα2→3Gal-specific Sialidase from the Leech, Macrobdella decora*

Sialidase L is a NeuAcα2→3Gal linkage-specific sialidase that releases 2,7-anhydro-NeuAc instead of NeuAc from sialoglycoconjugates (Chou, M.-Y., Li, S.-C., Kiso, M., Hasegawa, A., and Li, Y.-T. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 18821-18826). A 2.5-kilobase cDNA of sialidase L was cloned by a combination of methods based on polymerase chain reactions. The composite cDNA sequence reveals an open reading frame coding for 762 amino acids, including a putative 28-residue signal peptide at the N terminus that is similar to the signal sequence of the Clostridium septicum sialidase. The result suggests that sialidase L is a secretory enzyme. The coding sequence excluding the putative signal peptide of sialidase L was overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant enzyme was characterized to be as active as the enzyme isolated from the leech. It also possessed the strict NeuAcα2→3Gal linkage specificity and released the unique cleavage product, 2,7-anhydro-NeuAc from sialoglycoconjugates. The deduced amino acid sequence of sialidase L exhibits little similarity with other reported sialidases. However, sialidase L contains a conserved “FRIP region” and four repeating “Asp box” motifs that align well with the corresponding positions of bacterial sialidases. The predicted β-strand structures near the conserved motifs of sialidase L are similar to those of Salmonella typhimurium sialidase. Several conserved single amino acid residues of bacterial sialidases, including those known to be involved in the active site of Salmonella enzyme, are conserved in the deduced amino acid sequence of sialidase L. This observation suggests that part of the catalytic mechanism of sialidase L may be similar to the ordinary sialidase.