Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low-Frequency NNRTI-Resistant HIV-1 Variants and Relationship to Mutational Load in Antiretroviral-Naïve Subjects

Low-frequency HIV variants possessing resistance mutations against non‑nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), especially at HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) amino acid (aa) positions K103 and Y181, have been shown to adversely affect treatment response. Therapeutic failure correlates with both the mutant viral variant frequency and the mutational load. We determined the prevalence of NNRTI resistance mutations at several RT aa positions in viruses from 204 antiretroviral (ARV)-naïve HIV-infected individuals using deep sequencing, and examined the relationship between mutant variant frequency and mutational load for those variants. Deep sequencing to ≥0.4% levels found variants with major NNRTI-resistance mutations having a Stanford-HIVdb algorithm value ≥30 for efavirenz and/or nevirapine in 52/204 (25.5%) ARV-naïve HIV-infected persons. Eighteen different major NNRTI mutations were identified at 11 different positions, with the majority of variants being at frequency >1%. The frequency of these variants correlated strongly with the mutational load, but this correlation weakened at low frequencies. Deep sequencing detected additional major NNRTI-resistant viral variants in treatment-naïve HIV-infected individuals. Our study suggests the significance of screening for mutations at all RT aa positions (in addition to K103 and Y181) to estimate the true burden of pre-treatment NNRTI-resistance. An important finding was that variants at low frequency had a wide range of mutational loads (>100-fold) suggesting that frequency alone may underestimate the impact of specific NNRTI-resistant variants. We recommend further evaluation of all low-frequency NNRTI-drug resistant variants with special attention given to the impact of mutational loads of these variants on treatment outcomes.
Grassland Deterioration Linked to Farm Trajectories in the Eastern Amazon

In the eastern Amazon, new grasslands cultivated after deforestation often suffer fast weed invasion, which is a significant problem for the sustainability of new farming systems. The authors study the links between farming systems and grassland deterioration using farm survey data. They distinguish two main farm trajectories – a changing trajectory in which farmers do not maintain a good balance between grassland and cattle, leading to deterioration; and a stabilized trajectory in which farmers implement various grassland management measures ranging from continuous grazing to complex rotation, with low weed invasion. The conditions for stabilization of farming systems and the choices available for grassland management are discussed.
Dynamic and interoperable adaptation of SVC for QoS-enabled streaming

Seamless streaming of multimedia content that ensures Quality of Service (QoS) over heterogeneous networks has been a desire for many multimedia services, for which the multimedia contents should be adapted to usage environments such as network characteristics, terminal capabilities, and user preferences. Scalability in video coding is a good feature to meet the requirement of heterogeneous networks. Currently, the Joint Video Team (JVT) of the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) is standardizing a new scalable video coding standardization, called as SVC, which will become an extension to H.264/MPEG-4 AVC. In this paper, we propose a dynamic adaptation scheme of SVC bit-stream using the MPEG-21 Digital Item Adaptation (DIA) tool. MPEG-21 DIA framework provides systematic solutions in choosing the optimal adaptation operation to given conditions and supports interoperable video adaptation. The experiment results showed that the proposed adaptation scheme provides QoS-enabled delivery and consumption of SVC with time-varying constraints of network, terminal, and user preference, in a robust and efficient way. In addition, session mobility, in which a session is movable from one type of device to another type of device, was performed using switching spatial layer of SVC stream'.
Dead-beat direct torque and flux control based on sliding-mode stator flux observer for PMSM in electric vehicles

In this paper, a dead-beat direct torque and flux control with a novel sliding-mode stator flux observer is proposed for electric vehicle (EV) drives. Compared to the direct torque control, the proposed scheme exhibits both static and dynamic performances. Since the system parameters have impact on the control effect of the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) deadbeat-direct torque control (DB-DTC) system, an observer combining the flux current model and voltage model is proposed. The simulation results verify that the proposed scheme can improve both observation performance and robustness.
Downregulation of Gamma Interferon Receptor 1 by Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus K3 and K5

ABSTRACT Upon viral infection, the major defense mounted by the host immune system is activation of the interferon (IFN)-mediated antiviral pathway. In order to complete their life cycles, viruses must modulate the host IFN-mediated immune response. The K3 and K5 proteins of a human tumor-inducing herpesvirus, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), have been shown to downregulate the surface expression of host immune modulatory receptors by increasing their endocytosis rates, which leads to suppression of cell-mediated immunity. In this report, we demonstrate that K3 and K5 both specifically target gamma interferon receptor 1 (IFN-γR1) and induce its ubiquitination, endocytosis, and degradation, resulting in downregulation of IFN-γR1 surface expression and, thereby, inhibition of IFN-γ action. Mutational analysis indicated that K5 appeared to downregulate IFN-γR1 more strongly than K3 and that the amino-terminal ring finger motif and the carboxyl-terminal region of K5 were necessary for IFN-γR1 downregulation. These results suggest that KSHV K3 and K5 suppress both cytokine-mediated and cell-mediated immunity, which ensures efficient viral avoidance of host immune controls.
Multifunctional Cell Processing with Plasmonic Nanobubbles

Cell processing techniques for gene and cell therapies use several separate procedures for gene transfer and cell separation or elimination, because no current technology can offer simultaneous multi-functional processing of specific cell sub-sets in heterogeneous cell systems. Using our novel on-demand nonstationary intracellular events instead of permanent materials, plasmonic nanobubbles, generated with a short laser pulse only in target cells, we achieved simultaneous multifunctional cell-specific processing with the rate up to 50 million cells per minute. Keywords—Delivery, cell separation, graft, laser, plasmonic nanobubble, cell therapy, gold nanoparticle.
TEACHER EFFICACY OF NOVICE TEACHERS IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION IN OHIO AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

The purpose of the study was to describe teacher efficacy at the end of the school year in novice (first through third-year) teachers in agriculture in Ohio related to stage of development, summer activities, classroom variables, and their future plans in teaching. The study was survey research comprised of multiple one-shot case studies. Demographics were collected as part of a previous study, at the beginning of the school year. A mailed questionnaire generated a 74% response rate (N = 73). First, second, and third-year teachers were similarly efficacious at the end of the school year. Although stage of development is theoretically important (Richardson & Placier, 2001), there was not enough variability in teacher efficacy across the three stages of development to find a significant relationship. Forty-two teacher characteristic variables were correlated with the summed efficacy score and six were found to have significance. Out of these six variables, only two–the teachers’ agreement with the statement that their student teaching experience was excellent, and the number of class preparations for which the teacher is responsible-were found to have significant relationships to teaching efficacy. When the teacher characteristics and demographics were reviewed, it was found that novice teachers in agriculture were efficacious at the end of the school year. It was also found that teachers in the study who had mentors felt that their mentors were competent and supportive, that teachers had generally chosen teaching as a long-term career goal, felt that their job matched their personal and family needs, and felt confident about teaching in agriculture.
Purification and characterization of a recombinant Haemophilus influenzae outer membrane phosphomonoesterase e (P4).

Haemophilus influenzae is a common inhabitant of the upper respiratory tract and can cause serious infections of mucosal surfaces. Results from recent studies indicate that this pathogen possesses copious amounts of surface-localized phosphomonoesterase activity mediated by the bacterial lipoprotein e (P4). While the enzyme has previously been purified to apparent homogeneity, purification of large amounts of protein has been prevented by presence of N-terminal lipid modification. Recombinant DNA technology was employed to simultaneously replace the N-terminal lipid modification signal sequence with one for protein secretion without such modification and to place expression of the protein under the control of the T7-inducible promoter. Results from this work show that high levels of phosphomonoesterase activity were achieved after IPTG induction and purified to apparent homogeneity after two chromatography steps. Consistent with loss of the N-terminal lipid modification, the recombinant enzyme was easily extracted from the bacterial membrane and partitioned within the matrix of gel filtration chromatography resin while retaining a denatured molecular weight similar to that of wild-type e (P4). Results from physicochemical characterization suggest that the recombinant protein was similar to wild-type protein in SDS-PAGE-derived molecular weight, primary structure, substrate specificity, pH optimum, and sensitivity or resistance to various inhibitors. Acquisition of sufficient amounts of recombinant P4 was a prelude for studies to elucidate the structure and function of this unusual phosphomonoesterase.
Improved histogram based ghost removal in exposure fusion for high dynamic range images

For producing a single high dynamic range image (HDRI), multiple low dynamic range images (LDRIs) with different exposures are used. In high dynamic range imaging, a moving object in a set of LDRIs causes the ghost effect in a final HDRI. In this paper, we propose a ghost removal method based on histogram information. Object motion is detected by comparing ranks of intensity between LDRIs, and then the generated motion map is combined to construct the weight map in exposure fusion. Experimental results using various sets of LDRIs show that the proposed method effectively removes ghost effect and enhances contrast in a final HDRI. In terms of the computation time, the proposed method gives a better performance than existing methods.
Turkey at the Polls: A New Path Emerges

Abstract:Turkey's economic and political system has been confronted with major challenges during the course of the 1990s. These challenges originating from economic crises, state-centric model of development, European integration and the problems of democratization have brought Turkey to crossroads. In this context, the November 3rd national election was of utmost importance in the determination of Turkey's future course of democratization. The AKP has won the election and formed a single majority government. In the present article, we try to provide a sociological and political economy-based analysis of the election and the origins of the AKP's unprecedented success. We have attempted to highlight the possible domestic and foreign policy-oriented challenges confronted by the AKP. In doing so, we have argued that the possibility of democratic consolidation in Turkey lies in the success of the AKP to cope effectively with these challenges.
Stock Index Futures: Theories and International Evidence

Stock market indices introduction to futures trading futures exchanges arbitrage and the valuation of stock index futures arbitrage and relaxing the assumptions behaviour of the prices of stock index futures returns and the risk premium maturity, price volatility and volume market efficiency hedging the potential uses of stock index futures by fund managers the design and regulation of futures contracts future topics in index futures.
Assessing country risk using a multi‐group discrimination method: a comparative analysis

Explains the importance of assessing country risk to lenders and investors, outlines previous research on techniques for doing this and describes a classification method: the multi‐group hierarchical discrimination method (MHD). Applies this to 1978‐1995 data for 143 countries, subdivided into four income groups, and compares the results with those from multiple discriminant, logit and probit analyses using jackknife procedures. Finds MHD more accurate overall and for most income groups except the lower‐middle income economies. Briefly considers other applications for MHD and avenues for further research.
Increased Lipoprotein (a) concentrations in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers: a study on patients with or without postthrombotic syndrome

Chronic venous leg ulcers are common and cause considerable burden of disease for affected patients with significant costs for health care systems worldwide. The complex pathophysiology of chronic venous leg ulcers is still not entirely understood. In addition, reliable pathogenic and/or prognostic parameters are not known. Published data suggest that patients with chronic venous leg ulcers reveal congenital or acquired thrombophilia. We examined the serum Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] level, a proatherogenic and prothrombotic risk factor, in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers (n=210, stratified into patients with postthrombotic syndrome or without) and in a healthy control group (n=341). Forty‐two percent of all patients, compared with 20% of healthy controls, revealed significantly increased Lp(a) serum concentrations above 0.3 g/L. Furthermore, 49% without postthrombotic syndrome but only 35% with postthrombotic syndrome showed increased Lp(a) levels. The increase of Lp(a) level was significantly different between all three groups (p<0.001). There was no correlation of Lp(a) levels and CRP values in all groups. Based on these data, it is conceivable that Lp(a) plasma level is a novel pathogenic parameter for chronic venous leg ulcers. Elevated concentrations may contribute to the pathogenesis through induction of thrombogenic microcirculatory dysregulations, impaired extravascular fibrinolysis, or other mechanisms like proinflammatory effects.
THE UK CHILDREN'S BOOK BUSINESS 1995–2004: A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

This paper considers the UK book business between 1995 and 2004, with particular reference to children's literary fiction, and analyses the commercial and structural pressures that have affected the market. New technologies, globalisation, the demise of the Net Book Agreement and subsequent concentration of retail power, societal shifts, the chronic under-funding of schools and libraries, and the ‘Harry Potter effect’ are all contributing to a new and uncharted landscape that book industry participants must learn to negotiate. This article explores how tensions between commerce and culture have shaped the children's book business. Strategic analysis is used to examine the nature of the children's publishing industry. In particular, it looks at why structural change has been inevitable, and why the shakeout of the past two decades is likely to continue. The article then employs game theory to explore the causes and effects of discounting. In conclusion, this paper argues that even where traditional ways of doing business may sometimes no longer be viable, publishers, retailers and authors are responding with agility to new market opportunities.
Energy Consumption, Income and Price Interactions in Saudi Arabian Economy: A Vector Autoregression Analysis

This paper presents an empirical analysis of the interactions among energy consumption, real income and energy price in Saudi Arabia using annual data from 1982 to 2007. We analyzed the dynamic interaction by applying widely used time series analysis techniques such as unit root tests, Vector Autoregressive model, Granger causality tests, impulse response functions and the forecast error variance decompositions. Results show that real income and energy consumption are clearly Granger causal for energy price, and there is bidirectional causality between energy consumption and income. On the other hand energy price isn't a Granger causal for either energy consumption or real income. Thus, real income can play an important role in policy that targeting to enhance the energy efficiency to save energy in Saudi Arabia.
Inflation, Welfare, and the Time-Costs of Transacting

The costs of inflation are assessed using an endogenous growth macroeconomic model in which money reduces the time-costs of transacting. Inflation reduces growth in the model, which supports recent empirical evidence. Although simulations show time-costs to be small, inflation raises these costs and affects consumption, employment, and growth margins, implying greater welfare losses than generally found in the literature. The authors estimate welfare gains of 2 percent of GNP for reductions in inflation rates from 5 percent to zero when seignorage revenues are replaced with distortional taxes. Optimal inflation rates are negative.
Medical image compression using adaptive neural network

High efficiency image compression methods are under wide attention for storage and transmission of images because images have large data quantity. This paper proposes a back propagation neural network approach used for data compression which offers parallel processing of data, training process makes the network suitable for various kinds of data. The number of units in the input and output layers of neural network are same and the number units in the hidden layer are smaller than other layers. The network is trained to perform the identity mapping. The compressed image is in the output of the hidden layer and decompressed image is in the output of the output layer of neural network. The proposed method experimentally proves that it provide reconstructed image with good quality than existing methods.
The Internal Audit Function: Perceptions of Internal Audit Roles, Effectiveness, and Evaluation

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the current roles and responsibilities of the internal audit (IA) function and the factors perceived to be necessary to ensure its effectiveness. The current performance evaluation practices of IA are also examined. Design/methodology/approach - Semi-structured interviews were utilised to elicit the perceptions of key corporate governance actors about the evolving role of IA, as well as IA effectiveness, in terms of its design, measurement and evaluation. Findings - The results of the study suggest significant expansion and refocus of the role of IA and perceptions of its effectiveness. However, the findings also suggest that performance evaluation mechanisms of IA have not evolved contemporaneously. The misalignment between the role and evaluation gives rise to difficulty in assessing the extent to which IA functions are meeting stakeholders' expectations. Practical implications - The findings are useful in informing the deliberations of regulators and standard setters, as well as providing a benchmark for internal auditors and audit committees. The insights are also relevant for external auditors who are required to consider various aspects of corporate governance, including the objectivity and quality of IA. Originality/value - The use of semi-structured interviews facilitates an in-depth insight and understanding of the perceptions of roles, effectiveness and evaluation of IA and adds depth to the predominantly questionnaire-based survey approach of prior studies.
Corporate Debt Value, Bond Covenants, and Optimal Capital Structure

This article examines corporate debt values and capital structure in a unified analytical framework. It derives closed-form results for the value of long-term risky debt and yield spreads, and for optimal capital structure, when firm asset value follows a diffusion process with constant volatility. Debt values and optimal leverage are explicitly linked to firm risk, taxes, bankruptcy costs, risk-free interest rates, payout rates, and bond covenants. The results elucidate the different behavior of junk bonds versus investment-grade bonds, and aspects of asset substitution, debt repurchase, and debt renegotiation. Copyright 1994 by American Finance Association.
Bunshin: Compositing Security Mechanisms through Diversification

A number of security mechanisms have been proposed to harden programs written in unsafe languages, each of which mitigates a specific type of memory error. Intuitively, enforcing multiple security mechanisms on a target program will improve its overall security. However, this is not yet a viable approach in practice because the execution slowdown caused by various security mechanisms is often non-linearly accumulated, making the combined protection prohibitively expensive; further, most security mechanisms are designed for independent or isolated uses and thus are often in conflict with each other, making it impossible to fuse them in a straightforward way. In this paper, we present Bunshin, an N-version-based system that enables different and even conflicting security mechanisms to be combined to secure a program while at the same time reducing the execution slowdown. In particular, we propose an automated mechanism to distribute runtime security checks in multiple program variants in such a way that conflicts between security checks are inherently eliminated and execution slowdown is minimized with parallel execution. We also present an N-version execution engine to seamlessly synchronize these variants so that all distributed security checks work together to guarantee the security of a target program.
Retinal vasculature segmentation by morphological curvature, reconstruction and adapted hysteresis thresholding

Automatic retinal blood vessel extraction is very important for early diagnosis and prevention of several retinal diseases. In this paper, a new retinal vasculature segmentation algorithm is proposed based on mathematical morphology, principal curvature, non-maximal suppression and hysteresis thresholding based morphological reconstruction. The blood vessels are enhanced by applying the top-hat transformation and computation of maximum principal curvature at multiple scales. Vessel centerlines are then obtained by non-maximal suppression followed by adapted hysteresis thresholding and morphological reconstruction. The principal curvature image is double thresholded and morphologically reconstructed to generate the vessel skeleton map which is the aggregate threshold for region growing of detected vessel centerlines to obtain the segmented retinal vasculature. The proposed method is evaluated using the images of two publicly available databases, the DRIVE database and the STARE database. Achieved average accuracy for DRIVE and STARE is 0.9419 and 0.9434 respectively. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is comparable with other approaches in accuracy, sensitivity and specificity.