Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of human metapneumovirus in Japan

A new human pneumovirus, provisionally designated human metapneumovirus, was discovered by Dutch researchers. We examined 142 serum samples from the general population aged from 1 month to 35 years in Japan for human metapneumovirus antibody by indirect immunofluorescence assays using human metapneumovirus‐infected monkey kidney cells. The overall prevalence of human metapneumovirus infection was 72.5%. The seropositive rate was lowest in the age group of 6 months to 1 year and gradually increased with age. All of the children had been exposed to human metapneumovirus by the age of 10 years. The results show that human metapneumovirus is circulating in the Japanese population and is a ubiquitous virus acquired early in life. J. Med. Virol. 70: 281–283, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trimethylamine N‐oxide as a media supplement for cartilage tissue engineering

Supplements added to the culture media (e.g., growth factors and dexamethasone) have been successful in improving mechanical and biochemical properties of engineered cartilage towards native values. Trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO), a natural osmolyte found in shark cartilage, is thought to induce protein folding, and counteracts the destabilizing effect of the high concentrations of urea stored by sharks. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of TMAO as a media supplement for promoting growth of functional engineered cartilage in culture. In the first study, TMAO was added to the culture media for the first 14 days in culture and concentrations of 0–200 mM were evaluated. In the second study, TMAO was supplemented to the culture media following chondroitinase ABC digestion, which has been previously shown to mediate an increased collagen content in engineered cartilage. A dose‐dependent response was observed with improved mechanical and biochemical properties for engineered constructs cultured with TMAO at concentrations of 5–100 mM. The Young's modulus of digested constructs cultured in TMAO was 2× greater than digested constructs cultured in the control medium and recovered to undigested control levels by day 42. In conclusion, these initial studies with TMAO as a media supplement show promise for improving the compressive mechanical properties, increasing extracellular matrix production, and increasing the recovery time following chABC digestion. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1898–1905, 2012
Nitric oxide regulates growth cone filopodial dynamics via ryanodine receptor‐mediated calcium release

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous intercellular messenger involved in numerous processes during development, including wiring of the nervous system. Neuronal growth cones are responsible for establishing the correct connectivity in the nervous system, but how NO might affect neuronal pathfinding is not fully understood. We have demonstrated in a previous study that local application of a NO donor, NOC‐7, via micropipette onto individual growth cones from Helisoma trivolvis B5 neurons results in an increase in filopodial length, a decrease in filopodial number and an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Moreover, these NO‐induced effects were demonstrated to be mediated via an intracellular cascade involving soluble guanylyl cyclase, protein kinase G (PKG) and cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose (cADPR). We now demonstrate that the increase in the [Ca2+]i that results from local NO application is mediated via release from ryanodine receptor (RyR)‐sensitive intracellular stores. We also show that PKG and RyRs are localized within growth cones and microinjection of cADPR mimics the effects of NO, providing further support that the NO‐induced effects are mediated via cADPR. Lastly, we provide evidence that calcium influx across the plasma membrane is a necessary component of the NO‐induced calcium increase; however, this calcium influx is secondary to the RyR‐induced calcium release from intracellular stores. This study details a signalling pathway by which NO can cause changes in growth cone morphology and thus provides a mechanism by which NO could affect neuronal wiring by acting locally on individual growth cones during the pathfinding process.
Higher order language competence and adolescent mental health.

BACKGROUND Clinic and community-based epidemiological studies have shown an association between child psychopathology and language impairment. The demands on language for social and academic adjustment shift dramatically during adolescence and the ability to understand the nonliteral meaning in language represented by higher order language becomes essential. OBJECTIVES : This article reports on the association between difficulties in higher order language skills, reading, cognition, and social-emotional adjustment in adolescents. METHOD : 144 clinic-referred and 186 comparison youth aged 12-18 years were administered a battery of standardized tests of intelligence, working memory, structural and higher order language, and reading achievement. Parent ratings on the Child Behavior Checklist were used as a measure of severity of social-emotional problems. RESULTS : Clinic-referred youth scored significantly lower than comparison youth on measures of structural and higher order language, working memory, and reading. Of the clinic-referred youth, 45% had some type of higher order language impairment, whereas this was the case for 15% of youth in the comparison group. Lower levels of nonverbal ability and working memory as well as lower level of mothers' education were associated with greater risk of having higher order language impairment. CONCLUSIONS : Findings have implications for practitioners' seeking to understand and treat adolescents since therapeutic techniques rely on skills where higher order language is at play including the ability to discuss opinions flexibly and to weigh interpretations. Therapists must be aware that there are areas that have potential for miscommunication with some adolescents and where inaccurate inferences may be made about their behavior. Furthermore, educators must consider resources for youth who may increasingly struggle in high school because of such difficulties.
Continuous-Time Differential Dynamic Programming with Terminal Constraints

In this work, we revisit the continuous-time Differential Dynamic Programming (DDP) approach for solving optimal control problems with terminal state constraints. We derive two algorithms, each for different order of expansion of the system dynamics and we investigate their performance in terms of their convergence speed. Compared to previous work, we provide a set of backward differential equations for the value function expansion by relaxing the assumption that the initial nominal control must be very close to the optimal control solution. We apply the derived algorithms to two classical optimal control problems, namely, the inverted pendulum and the Dreyfus rocket problem and show the benefit of second order expansion.
Challenges in the Laboratory Diagnosis and Clinical Management ofHeteroresistant Vancomycin Staphylococcus aureus (hVISA)

MRSA is a public health threat and significant cause of health care-associated and community-associated infections. Vancomycin is considered as gold standard in treating life-threatening infections. Recently, reduced vancomycin susceptibility has been reported across the world. However, infection with S. aureus resistant to vancomycin is clinically rare and less relevant in causing infections. The clinical failure of vancomycin therapy is being increasingly reported with vancomycin intermediate S. aureus (VISA) and hetero-resistant vancomycin intermediate S. aureus (hVISA). The therapeutic option in treating hVISA and VISA remains uncertain. Extensive use of vancomycin over a period of time leads to generation of selective pressure and emergence of resistance. In addition, vancomycin has low tissue penetration, slow bactericidal activity and risk of nephrotoxicity. Although, phenotypic feature of VISA and hVISA were well known, their genetic basis remains unknown. VISA and hVISA is generated by the accumulation of mutation leads to thickening of cell wall. Trapping of vancomycin molecule occurs due to the presence of false targets D-ala D-ala residues in the cell wall, before reaching its target site in cytoplasmic membrane. Despite, it is difficult to detect hVISA using standard susceptibility testing methods. Treatment failure is common among patients with high bacterial load infections. Treating of patients with hVISA/ VISA infections is of great challenge for clinicians.
Multi-Channel Linear Prediction Based on Binaural Coherence for Speech Dereverberation

It has been shown that the multi-channel linear prediction (MCLP) can achieve blind speech dereverberation effectively. However, it always degrades the binaural cues which are exploited for human sound localization, i.e., interaural time differences (ITD) and interaural level differences (ILD). To overcome this problem, the multiple input-single output structure of conventional MCLP is modified to a binaural input-output structure for suppressing reverberation and preserving binaural cues simultaneously. First, by employing a binaural coherence model with head shadowing effects, the variance of desired signal can be estimated the same to both ears, which can ensure no modification of ILD. Then, the variance is utilized to calculate the prediction coefficients in a maximum-likelihood (ML) sense. Finally, the desired signals can be obtained as the prediction errors in MCLP. And since the algorithm does not disturb the phase of input signal, the ITD cue is kept. Evaluations with measured binaural room impulse responses (BRIRs) show that the proposed method yields a good performance on both speech dereverberation and binaural cues preservation.
Support and training needs of cancer support group leaders: a review

This review focuses on the support and training needs of cancer support group leaders. With an increasing popularity of support groups and growing evidence of the crucial role of group leaders in positive patient outcomes, there is an imperative to identify ways of promoting these outcomes and preventing leader burnout, an issue contributing to the demise of some support groups. Despite this, there is a paucity of research in this area. Available research data clearly illustrates that both professional and peer support group leaders recognise their need for better support, training and information. One study of health professionals identified a need for more advanced skills involved in group processes and specific issues such as dealing with the death of members. Specific leader behaviours, in particular active intervention in group interactions and supportive care, have also been associated with improved patient quality of life. To date, there is no clear evidence as to how best to achieve and support these effective group leader skills. While many cancer societies and other associations provide introductory training and information kits about ‘how to start a support group,’ no advanced training or support interventions are available. Further research is needed to provide an evidence base for group leader training and to evaluate the impact of such training on both leader and patient outcomes. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship of Energy Metabolism Detected by 31P-MRS in the Human Brain with Mental Fatigue

To search for a possible relationship between brain energy metabolism and mental fatiguability, 10 normal volunteers were examined by 31P-MRS (phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy) in the occipital cortex during photic stimulation (PS), and Uchida-Kraepelin test (UKT), a standardized serial calculation task, was used for measurement of intraindividual characteristics of mental fatigue in these subjects. More decrease of phosphocreatine measured by 31P-MRS during the PS was significantly associated with more effects of rest assessed by UKT (r = –0.86, p <0.005). More decrease in pH after PS was associated with steeper decline of performance (r = 0.78, p <0.01). These findings suggest that characteristics of brain energy metabolism in an individual may relate to intrinsic patterns of mental fatigability.
Effect of nitrogen deficiency during SBR operation on PHA storage and microbial diversity

In this study, changes in microbial diversity and polyhydroxyalkanoate storage ability of activated sludge under aerobic dynamic feeding conditions were investigated. Two sequencing batch reactors were operated with and without nitrogen limitation, by applying a moderate sludge retention time. Polymer storage abilities of the biomasses were improved significantly under dynamic conditions, in terms of specific polymer storage rate, polymer storage yield and polymer content of activated sludge. Moreover, aerobic dynamic feeding conditions together with nutrient limitation further improved the storage ability of the mixed population. Polymer storage yields of the biomass enriched under nitrogen-sufficient and nitrogen-deficient conditions were 0.43 and 0.61 Cmmol PHA/Cmmol substrate, respectively. This study also contributes to the knowledge of activated sludge microbiology, providing detailed information about temporal changes in community structure under dynamic conditions. Microbial community structure was determined by 16S rDNA clone library construction. Also changes in communities under different operating conditions were monitored by DGGE analysis based on bacterial 16S rDNA. The beta subclass of Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in both reactors during the operation periods. Changes in the community structure occurred in terms of relative abundance of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) rather than the OTU types present in the system.
Anticipation in conference interpreting: a cognitive process

In conference interpretation research, anticipation is usually seen as the oral production of a particular part of a message in special circumstances. In psychophysiological research, however, anticipation is a mental process. The article presents a revised definition of anticipation that takes account of both approaches. It does so in terms of deliberate enrichment, a conceptual tool from relevance theory. Anticipation in conference interpreting is found to yield a high number of strengthenings rather than deletions, additions or contextual implications. This is a cognitive aspect which is typical of interpreting and distinguishes it from other communication events.
Islet Isolation and Transplantation Outcomes of Pancreas Preserved with University of Wisconsin Solution Versus Two-Layer Method Using Preoxygenated Perfluorocarbon

Background. Previous small clinical trials indicate that the two-layer method (TLM) for pancreas preservation improves islet isolation outcome. However, the effect of TLM has not been evaluated in large-scale study. In addition, a direct benefit of TLM on islet transplantation outcome has not been addressed in the setting of any randomized controlled trials. Methods. Between April 2003 and October 2005, human pancreata from brain-dead donors were preserved by TLM using preoxygenated perfluorocarbon (n=75) or in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution (n=91) prior to islet isolation. Islet isolation and transplantation outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results. We did not find any significant differences in adenosine triphosphate content in pancreatic tissue after preservation, pre and postpurification islet yields, in vitro insulin secretory function, or utilization ratio of transplantation between the two groups. Transplanted mass and functional viability of islet isolated from TLM-preserved pancreas were similar to those from UW-preserved pancreas. Patients receiving the TLM-islet or the UW-islet showed a marked decrease in insulin requirement after transplantation. However, no significant difference was observed in a decrease in insulin requirement between patients receiving the TLM-islet and the UW-islet. Conclusions. No beneficial effect of TLM on islet isolation and transplantation outcomes was observed. Our findings bring into question the true merit of routine use of TLM prior to islet isolation.
Signal integration during development: Insights from the Drosophila eye

The Drosophila eye is a highly ordered epithelial tissue composed of ∼750 subunits called ommatidia arranged in a reiterated hexagonal pattern. At higher resolution, observation of the constituent photoreceptors, cone cells, and pigment cells of the eye reveals a highly ordered mosaic of amazing regularity. This relatively simple organization belies the repeated requirement for spatially and temporally coordinated inputs from the Hedgehog (Hh), Wingless (Wg), Decapentaplegic (Dpp), JAK‐STAT, Notch, and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathways. This review will discuss how signaling inputs from the Notch and RTK pathways, superimposed on the developmental history of a cell, facilitate context‐specific and appropriate cell fate specification decisions in the developing fly eye. Lessons learned from investigating the combinatorial signal integration strategies underlying Drosophila eye development will likely reveal cell–cell communication paradigms relevant to many aspects of invertebrate and mammalian development. Developmental Dynamics 229:162–175, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transbuccal delivery of acyclovir (II): feasibility, system design, and in vitro permeation studies.

PURPOSE To design a buccal mucoadhesive system for systemic delivery of acyclovir using a novel mucoadhesive, copolymers of acrylic acid and poly(ethylene glycol), and to determine the feasibility of transbuccal delivery of acyclovir using this system. METHODS The buccal delivery system was prepared using an adhesive, a copolymer of acrylic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) monomethylether monomethacrylate, and an impermeable membrane to prevent excessive washout by saliva and to attain unidirectional release. Acyclovir was loaded into the copolymer film prior to lamination of backing material. In vitro drug release studies were conducted in isotonic McIlvaine buffer solution. Buccal permeation of acyclovir was investigated using porcine buccal mucosa with side-by-side flow through diffusion cells at 37;C. Acyclovir was quantified using HPLC. RESULTS Buccal permeation of acyclovir from the mucoadhesive delivery system was controlled for up to 20 hours with a time lag (t(lag)) of 10.4 hours and a steady state flux of 144.2 microg/cm(2)/h. With the incorporation of NaGC into the system t(lag) was shortened to 5.6 hours with an enhanced steady state flux of 758.7 microg/cm(2)/h. Sustained delivery of acyclovir across bucccal mucosa using this mucoadhesive system was maintained for up to 22 hours. CONCLUSIONS The mucoadhesive system of P(AA-co-PEG) was shown to be a good candidate for controlled oral mucosal delivery of acyclovir. Buccal delivery of acyclovir was proven feasible based on in vitro permeation studies.
Herschel : the first science highlights Special feature L E The Herschel Virgo Cluster Survey IV . Resolved dust analysis of spiral galaxies !

We present a resolved dust analysis of three of the largest angular size spiral galaxies, NGC 4501 and NGC 4567/8, in the Herschel Virgo Cluster Survey (HeViCS) science demonstration field. Herschel has unprecedented spatial resolution at far-infrared wavelengths and with the PACS and SPIRE instruments samples both sides of the peak in the far infrared spectral energy distribution (SED). We present maps of dust temperature, dust mass, and gas-to-dust ratio, produced by fitting modified black bodies to the SED for each pixel. We find that the distribution of dust temperature in both systems is in the range ∼19–22 K and peaks away from the centres of the galaxies. The distribution of dust mass in both systems is symmetrical and exhibits a single peak coincident with the galaxy centres. This Letter provides a first insight into the future analysis possible with a large sample of resolved galaxies to be observed by Herschel.
Mobility in Economic Status Among People and Places

Family background and the characteristics of an individual’s neighborhood are both important factors affecting individual economic opportunity. Both have been widely studied, yet recent empirical work using data from field experiments has brought new interest to questions at the intersection of family background and neighborhood characteristics. We review these literatures, with an eye towards understanding the complementarity between intergenerational and neighborhood factors, discuss policy development in the context of multiple factors that hamper individual opportunity, and conclude with a discussion of areas for future research. ∗ Corresponding author: Tim Smith, Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University. 403 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907. E-mail address: smit1638@purdue.edu. E-mail addresses: smit1638@purdue.edu (T. Smith), delgado2@purdue.edu (M. Delgado), THERTZ@ers.usda. gov (T. Hertz), ikumar@purdue.edu (I. Kumar), li2297@purdue.edu (H. Li), bwaldorf@purdue.edu (B. S. Waldorf) The authors dedicate this article to the memory of Raymond J. G. M. Florax who sadly passed away when the first draft of this article was approaching completion. We are grateful to Michele Ver Ploeg and Tracey Farrigan for helpful comments. This research has been partly financed through USDA grant 58-6000-5-0044. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Economic Research Service (ERS) or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
UDP-galactose 4-epimerase from Kluyveromyces fragilis: substrate specific inactivation during catalytic turn over

Reversible conversion of UDP-Gal and UDP-Glc, an essential step of galactose metabolism through Leloir pathway, is catalyzed by UDP-Galactose 4-epimerase (Epimerase) in most of the organisms [1-3]. Till date, the enzyme has been purified and characterized from different organisms ranging from E. coli to human. Epimerase from all sources require NAD+ as essential cofactor. The enzyme from yeast Kluyveromyces fragilis is a homodimer containing two moles of tightly bound NAD+ per dimer [4].
On the Latency of Erasure-Coded Cloud Storage Systems

Distributed (Cloud) Storage Systems (DSS) exhibit heterogeneity in several dimensions such as the volume (size) of data, frequency of data access and the desired degree of reliability. Ultimately, the complex interplay between these dimensions impacts the latency performance of cloud storage systems. To this end, we propose and analyze a heterogeneous distributed storage model in which $n$ storage servers (disks) store the data of $R$ distinct classes. Data of class $i$ is encoded using a $(n,k_{i})$ erasure code and the (random) data retrieval requests can also vary from class to class. We present a queuing theoretic analysis of the proposed model and establish upper and lower bounds on the average latency for each data class under various scheduling policies for data retrieval. Using simulations, we verify the accuracy of the proposed bounds and present qualitative insights which reveal the impact of heterogeneity and scheduling policies on the mean latency of different data classes. Lastly, we conclude with a discussion on per-class fairness in heterogeneous DSS.