Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular genetics of herpes simplex virus. VIII. further characterization of a temperature-sensitive mutant defective in release of viral DNA and in other stages of the viral reproductive cycle

Previous studies have shown that cells infected with the herpes simplex virus 1(HFEM) mutant tsB7 and maintained at the nonpermissive temperature fail to accumulate viral polypeptides. Analyses of intertypic recombinants generated by marker rescue of tsB7 with herpes simplex virus 2 DNA fragments localized the mutation between 0.46 and 0.52 map units on the viral genome (Knipe et al., J. Virol. 38:539-547, 1981). In this paper we report that the mutation in tsB7 affects several aspects of the reproductive cycle of the virus at the nonpermissive temperature. Thus, (i) viral capsids accumulate at the nuclear pores and do not release viral DNA for at least 6 h postinfection at 39 degrees C. The DNA was released within 30 min after a shift to the permissive temperature. (ii) Experiments involving shifts from the permissive to the nonpermissive temperature indicated that viral protein synthesis was not sustained in cells maintained at the permissive temperature for less than 4 h. (iii) Viral DNA synthesis was delayed at the permissive temperature for as long as 8 h. Once initiated, it continued at 39 degrees C. (iv) Marker rescue of tsB7 by transfection with herpes simplex virus 1(F) DNA fragments localized the mutation to between 0.501 and 0.503 map units on the viral genome. These results are consistent with the tsB7 lesion being in a gene coding for a virion component which affects release of viral DNA from capsids and onset of viral DNA synthesis.
Summary of information on the effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation on cytochrome P450 and other drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters.

The present paper is an update of data on the effects of ionizing radiation (γ-rays, X-rays, high energy UV, fast neutron) caused by environmental pollution or clinical treatments and the effects of non-ionizing radiation (low energy UV) on the expression and/or activity of drug metabolism (e.g., cytochrome P450 (CYP), glutathione transferase (GST)), enzymes involved in oxidative stress (e.g., peroxidases, catalase (CAT), aconitase (ACO), superoxide dismutase (SOD)), and transporters. The data are presented in tabular form (Tables 1-3) and are a continuation of previously published summaries on the effects of drugs and other chemicals on cytochrome P450 enzymes (Rendic, S.; Di Carlo, F. Drug Metab. Rev., 1997, 29 (1-2), 413-580, Rendic, S. Drug Metab. Rev., 2002, 34 (1-2), 83- 448) and of the data on the effects of diseases and environmental factors on the expression and/or activity of human cytochrome P450 enzymes and transporters (Guengerich, F.P.; Rendic, S. Curr. Drug Metab., 2010, 11(1), 1-3, Rendic, S. ; Guengerich, F.P. Curr. Drug Metab. , 2010, 11 (1), 4-84). The collective information is as presented by the cited author(s) in cases where several references are cited the latest published information is included. Remarks and conclusions suggesting clinically important impacts are highlighted, followed by discussion of the major findings. The searchable database is available as an Excel file (for information about file availability contact the corresponding author).
Retinal laser damage thresholds as a function of image diameter.

The eyes of rhesus monkeys were exposed to argon (514.5 nm) and ruby (694.3 nm) laser irradiation using various retinal image diameters which were estimated by microphotometric techniques. The experimental design for both wavelengths produced image diameters of 40μ to 50μ for the “minimal” case and approximately 500μ to 1,000μ for the larger irradiance series employed. Extramacular retinal exposure sites were examined by ophthalmoscopic and histopathological techniques. Flat preparations of the pigmented epithelium and sensory layers of the retina were utilized in the confirmation of damage at low power levels. All data were statistically analyzed to establish trends, and results were compared for the wavelengths employed. Results indicate that retinal damage is primarily dependent on energy distribution as a function of image diameter and exposure duration.
Martin's Equation as the Most Suitable Method for Estimation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Korean Adults

Background Friedewald equation is the most widely used method for estimating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level. However, due to potential over- or underestimation, many studies have used a modified equation. This study aimed to compare estimates by 4 different equations to directly measured LDL-C concentrations in order to propose the most appropriate method for LDL-C estimation in the Korean population. Methods We studied data of 4,350 subjects that included total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and LDL-C concentrations that had been measured at one university hospital in Seoul. We investigated 4 equations: LDL-C by Friedewald's original equation (LDL-CF) and its 3 modifications. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to compare these estimates to the direct measurement. Results Pearson correlation analysis revealed a good correlation among all 4 estimated LDL-C values and the directly measured LDL-C value. The Pearson coefficients were 0.951 for LDL-CF, 0.917 for LDL-C by Hatta equation (LDL-CH), 0.968 for LDL-C by Puavilai equation (LDL-CP), and 0.983 for LDL-C by Martin equation (LDL-CM). Martin equation (LDL-CM) resulted in the best approximation (mean difference from the direct measurement, 5.5 mg/dL; mean percentage difference from the direct measurement, 5.1%) and the best agreement with the direct measurement (86.1%). LDL-CP resulted in the second-best approximation (mean difference, 7.0 mg/dL; mean percentage difference, 6.2%; concordance, 82.5%). LDL-CM was found to be less influenced by TG and HDL-C levels than by LDL-CF. Conclusion Estimates by Martin equation had the best agreement with direct LDL-C concentrations and both Martin and Puavilai equations were superior to Friedewald equation for estimating LDL-C concentrations in Korean adults.
Control of nonholonomic mobile robot based on immersion and invariance adaptive control

This paper deals with control of nonholonomic mobile robot using Immersion and Invariance (I&I) adaptive control. I&I is a framework for adaptive stabilization of nonlinear systems with uncertainties parameter. We investigated the tracking control of nonholonomic mobile robot with uncertainties in dynamic and kinematics. We applied I&I adaptive control to control the angular and linear velocity of nonholonomic mobile robot. In this paper, we showed the integration of kinematic controller and torque controller for nonholonomic mobile robot. We investigated the control performance of nonholonomic mobile robot using I&I adaptive control. The results demonstrate the ability of I&I adaptive control as system velocity control of nonholonomic mobile robot.
Stimulation of the Liver X Receptor Pathway Inhibits HIV-1 Replication via Induction of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1

Cholesterol plays an important role in the HIV life cycle, and infectivity of cholesterol-depleted HIV virions is significantly impaired. Recently, we demonstrated that HIV-1, via its protein Nef, inhibits the activity of the major cellular cholesterol transporter ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), suggesting that the virus may use this mechanism to get access to cellular cholesterol. In this study, we investigated the effect on HIV infection of a synthetic liver X receptor (LXR) ligand, N-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethyl)-N-[4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-hydroxy-1-trifluoromethyl-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulfonamide (TO-901317), which is a potent stimulator of ABCA1 expression. We demonstrate that TO-901317 restores cholesterol efflux from HIV-infected T lymphocytes and macrophages. TO-901317 potently suppressed HIV-1 replication in both cell types and inhibited HIV-1 replication in ex vivo cultured lymphoid tissue and in RAG-hu mice infected in vivo. This anti-HIV activity was dependent on ABCA1, because the effect of the drug was significantly reduced in ABCA1-defective T cells from a patient with Tangier disease, and RNA interference-mediated inhibition of ABCA1 expression eliminated the effect of TO-901317 on HIV-1 replication. TO-901317-mediated inhibition of HIV replication was due to reduced virus production and reduced infectivity of produced virions. The infectivity defect was in part due to reduced fusion activity of the virions, which was directly linked to reduced viral cholesterol. These results describe a novel approach to inhibiting HIV infection by stimulating ABCA1 expression.
Women District Leader’s Perspectives of Organizational Change in a Rural Women’s Education and Empowerment Program in India: An Appreciative Inquiry

SHARMA, RASHMI, Ed.D. , April 2016, Educational Administration Women District Leader’s Perspectives of Organizational Change in a Rural Women’s Education and Empowerment Program in India: An Appreciative Inquiry Director of Dissertation: Emmanuel Jean Francois The purpose of this study was to explore women district leader’s perceptions of organizational change in a rural women’s education and empowerment program in India, using an appreciative inquiry framework. This is a qualitative case study of the Mahila Samakhya (MS) program, which was initiated to provide non-formal education and empower rural women in India. The program implements activities in 11 states among the 29 states of India. Previous studies have been conducted on the MS program, investigating facets in single states. These studies primarily focused on narratives and experiences of rural women based on inquiries in one of the states of India. These studies did not attempt to highlight the multi-faceted organizational processes, especially organizational change, undertaken in the MS program over the past two decades. As a result, there is limited knowledge regarding the comprehensive organizational practices of the MS women district leaders, key implementation units, working in a Government Organized Non-governmental Organization (GONGO). This study combined the conceptual framework of Appreciative Inquiry with the theoretical framework of organizational change particularly using Senge’s Learning Organization. During the current phase of the organizational change in the MS program, the 5-D model of the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) was used as a conceptual framework for exploring themes of
Cell dynamics and differentiation of conditionally immortalized human intestinal epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Intestinal epithelial cell lines capable of differentiating in monolayer culture have been difficult to obtain, prompting the use of novel approaches including immortalization with oncogenes or tumor viruses. The aim of this study was to obtain conditionally immortalized human intestinal epithelial cells (temperature-sensitive fetal human intestinal [tsFHI] cells) and study their growth and differentiation capabilities. METHODS Intestinal cells from human fetuses were transformed with a temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large tumor antigen, cloned, and screened for expression of intestinal markers. RESULTS Establishment of tsFHI cells was crucially dependent on a growth medium based on OptiMEM. At 32 degrees C, the tsFHI cells proliferate and display crypt cell markers. Only a few scattered differentiated cells are observed together with cells displaying the morphological signs of apoptosis. A shift to 39 degrees C results in irreversible growth arrest and acquisition of an enterocyte-like phenotype. Expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21/WAF1/Cip1 is induced within hours of a shift to 39 degrees C 1-2 days before corresponding increases in brush border enzymes, suggesting a role in the induction rather than in the maintenance of a differentiated phenotype. CONCLUSIONS The tsFHI cells recapitulate key aspects of intestinal cell dynamics in vitro and seem particularly suited for the study of early events in cell differentiation.
Agnostic Risk Parity: Taming Known and Unknown-Unknowns

Markowitz' celebrated optimal portfolio theory generally fails to deliver out-of-sample diversification. In this note, we propose a new portfolio construction strategy based on symmetry arguments only, leading to "Eigenrisk Parity" portfolios that achieve equal realized risk on all the principal components of the covariance matrix. This holds true for any other definition of uncorrelated factors. We then specialize our general formula to the most agnostic case where the indicators of future returns are assumed to be uncorrelated and of equal variance. This "Agnostic Risk Parity" (AGP) portfolio minimizes unknown-unknown risks generated by over-optimistic hedging of the different bets. AGP is shown to fare quite well when applied to standard technical strategies such as trend following.
Molecular mechanisms involved in Bacillus subtilis biofilm formation.

Biofilms are the predominant lifestyle of bacteria in natural environments, and they severely impact our societies in many different fashions. Therefore, biofilm formation is a topic of growing interest in microbiology, and different bacterial models are currently studied to better understand the molecular strategies that bacteria undergo to build biofilms. Among those, biofilms of the soil-dwelling bacterium Bacillus subtilis are commonly used for this purpose. Bacillus subtilis biofilms show remarkable architectural features that are a consequence of sophisticated programmes of cellular specialization and cell-cell communication within the community. Many laboratories are trying to unravel the biological role of the morphological features of biofilms, as well as exploring the molecular basis underlying cellular differentiation. In this review, we present a general perspective of the current state of knowledge of biofilm formation in B. subtilis and thereby placing a special emphasis on summarizing the most recent discoveries in the field.
Solutions to turnout over-reporting : what is out there, what works, and can we do better?

Valid measurement of voter turnout is crucial to electoral studies. One major problem in obtaining valid turnout measurements is over-reporting, i.e. survey respondents who did not vote report having voted. Aiming to identify effective solutions to turnout over-reporting, this doctoral thesis consists of four separate but interrelated papers , plus introductory and concluding chapters. The introductory chapter reviews the causes and consequences of turnout over-reporting, providing the basis for an in-depth research into solutions. Each of the papers then addresses a question about solutions. Paper 1 critically re-examines an influential study of turnout over-reporting. The examination results highlight the need for better solutions to over-reporting. Addressing the question of "What is out there? ", Paper 2 conducts a meta-analysis of studies that have experimented on innovative solutions to turnout over-reporting. Addressing the question of "What works? ", Paper 3 experimentally compares two promising solutions – item-count and pipeline techniques – and finds that the former is, overall, better than the latter for preventing turnout over-reporting. Addressing the question of "Can we do better? ", Paper 4 improves the design and analysis of the item-count technique, making it an even better solution to turnout over-reporting. From the results of these research papers, the concluding chapter considers the implications for developing effective solutions to turnout over-reporting, and laying the foundations for future advances in the measurement of turnout. Furthermore, the concluding chapter also discusses how the results of this doctoral research can contribute beyond election studies, towards scientific studies on a wide range of topics on which people often misreport.
Sex differences in cardiovascular outcomes in patients with incident hypertension

Background: The time of initial hypertension diagnosis represents an opportunity to assess subsequent risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The extent to which women and men with newly identified hypertension are at a similar risk for adverse cardiovascular events, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), is not well known. Methods: Among women and men with incident hypertension from 2001 to 2006 enrolled in the Cardiovascular Research Network (CVRN) Hypertension Registry, we compared incident events including all-cause death; hospitalization for myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure or stroke; and the development of CKD. Multivariable models were adjusted for patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: Among 177 521 patients with incident hypertension, 55% were women. Compared with men, women were older, more likely white and had more kidney disease at baseline. Over median 3.2 years (interquartile range 1.6–4.8) of follow-up, after adjustment, women were equally likely to be hospitalized for heart failure [hazard ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76–1.07] and were significantly less likely to die of any cause (hazard ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.80–0.90) or be hospitalized for MI (hazard ratio 0.44, 95% CI 0.39–0.50) or stroke (hazard ratio 0.68, 95% CI 0.60–0.77) compared with men. Women were significantly more likely to develop CKD (9.60 vs. 7.15%; adjusted hazard ratio 1.17, 95% CI 1.12–1.22) than men. Conclusion: In this cohort with incident hypertension, women were more likely to develop CKD and less likely to develop other cardiovascular outcomes compared with men. Future studies should investigate the potential reasons for these sex differences.
Quantitative pancreatic β cell MRI using manganese‐enhanced Look‐Locker imaging and two‐site water exchange analysis

Pancreatic β‐cell imaging would be useful in monitoring the progression of and therapies for diabetes. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate quantitative β‐cell MRI using manganese (Mn2+) labeling of β cells, T1 mapping, and a two‐site water exchange model. Normal, pharmacologically‐treated, and severely diabetic mice underwent injection of MnCl2. Pancreatic water proton T1 relaxation was measured using Look‐Locker MRI, and two‐site water exchange analysis was used to estimate model parameters including the intracellular water proton relaxation rate constant (R1ic) and the intracellular fraction as indicators of β‐cell function and mass, respectively. Logarithmic plots of T1 relaxation revealed two distinct proton pools relaxing with different T1s, and the two‐site water exchange model fit the measured T1 relaxation data better than a monoexponential model. The intracellular R1ic time course revealed the kinetics of β‐cell Mn2+ labeling. Pharmacological treatments with nifedipine, tolbutamide, and diazoxide altered R1ic, indicating that beta cell function was a determinant of Mn2+ uptake. Intracellular fraction was significantly higher in mice with normal β cell mass than in diabetic mice (14.9% vs. 14.4%, P < 0.05). Two‐site water exchange analysis of T1 relaxation of the Mn2+‐enhanced pancreas is a promising method for quantifying β cell volume fraction and function. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Remediation of arabic numeral processing in a case of developmental dyscalculia.

In this case study we investigated numeral transcoding in CM, a young man with developmental dyscalculia. Our initial assessment revealed that CM's difficulties in numeral transcoding occurred mainly on tasks requiring the production of Arabic numerals. His errors on these tasks were most often syntactically ill-formed strings in which the basic lexical elements are retained, but the overall structure is incorrect (e.g. nine hundred two thousand seventy → 92,70). We then implemented a training programme designed to overcome CM's syntactic impairment. Pre-training/post-training comparisons revealed significant improvement on the trained written-verbal-to-Arabic task as well as on an untrained spoken-verbal-to-Arabic task presumed to share the same Arabic numeral production process. A comparison of CM's numeral transcoding performance with control children showed that CM's performance improved from a third-grade level to approximately a fourthgrade level (i.e. the grade in which most children begin to display proficient number transcoding skills). Further analyses revealed that the syntactic errors produced by CM and the control subjects were inconsistent in terms of length, a finding that contrasts with the results of previous studies of numeral transcoding in children. In the general discussion we mention possible reasons for the discrepant outcomes across studies.
A Signal Denoising Method for Text Meaning Vectors

The extraction of meaning or at least inter-dependencies using data and text mining methods is well understood. Numerous approaches have been taken to select relevant information from often very large data sets. The discarding of items that are not relevant to a parameterized retrieval is usually based on an 'include or do not include' decision imbedded in some kind of branch-and-bound algorithm, made to a varying extent sophisticated by the use of machine learning techniques. This paper addresses the discarding process as noise elimination within the context of well-established signal processing methods. It proposes an entropy-based approach using a value-weighted matrix for word relevance matching, where whole text is partitioned according to whether there is a direct relevance of word pairs to the declared meaning being sought, which is expressed as a set of parameters and the noise is considered as errors in the data stream. The resulting non-noisy data is depicted as a text meaning vector, where terms of direct relevance to the initial parameter values are stored.