Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Establishment of a stable, inducible form of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 DNA in quiescent CD4 lymphocytes in vitro

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) possesses the ability to establish a complete infection in nondividing host cells. The capacity of HIV-1 to infect nondividing cells probably contributes significantly to its pathology in vivo, as reflected by infection of peripheral T lymphocytes, tissue macrophages, and microglial cells. However, the in vitro demonstration of the establishment of stable HIV-1 infection in quiescent T cells remains controversial. We have developed a primary T-cell model of acute HIV-1 infection of quiescent CD4 lymphocytes that demonstrates the development of a complete, reverse-transcribed form of virus that is stable for over 10 days in culture. To ensure that our primary cell culture was representative of a quiescent population, the CD4 lymphocyte targets were monitored for membrane expression of activation antigens and for shifts in cell cycle from G0/G1 to S/G2 phase. The presence of viral DNA fragments reflecting progressive reverse transcription was determined by PCR analysis. HIV entered primary CD4 cells rapidly, but viral DNA accumulated slowly in the resting cell cultures. DNA species containing regions of full-length reverse transcription were not detected until 3 to 5 days after infection. In parallel with the appearance of complete viral DNA, spliced RNA transcripts, predominantly of the nef species, were detected by reverse transcriptase PCR amplification. When infected CD4 cells were sorted on the basis of cell cycle analysis of DNA content, the accumulation of a complete viral DNA form was found to occur in both the purified G0/G1-phase cell subset and the cell fraction enriched for the minor S-phase subset. In contrast, spliced viral RNA products could be detected only in the enriched S-phase cell fraction. These results demonstrate that HIV-1 can infect and establish a complete, stable form of viral DNA in primary CD4 lymphocytes in vitro but is blocked from transcription in the absence of cell activation. The findings are consistent with in vivo data from HIV-infected individuals that show the existence of viral DNA predominantly as a stable, extrachromosomal form in T cells of the peripheral circulation.
Practical synthetic aperture radar image formation based on realistic spaceborne synthetic aperture radar modeling and simulation

Abstract This paper presents the practical spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data focusing method based on the realistic end-to-end spaceborne SAR simulation. Our simulation reflects main factors of the satellite SAR that induce errors to degrade the focused image severely, which are related to the sensor hardware, the antenna beam pointing, the effective velocity, and the Doppler frequency. To minimize errors due to them in the spaceborne SAR image formation, we suggest and utilize the preprocessing as the internal calibration, the analysis of orbital data of an SAR satellite, the calculation of an effective velocity and the Doppler frequency utilizing the two-way slant range equation, and the usage of the phase gradient algorithm combined with the extended chirp scaling algorithm based on the azimuth signal deramping. The processing results for realistic simulated raw data of a spaceborne SAR are presented to validate the proposed methods.
Expected Option Returns

This paper examines expected option returns in the context of mainstream asset-pricing theory. Under mild assumptions, expected call returns exceed those of the underlying security and increase with the strike price. Likewise, expected put returns are below the risk-free rate and increase with the strike price. S&P index option returns consistently exhibit these characteristics. Under stronger assumptions, expected option returns vary linearly with option betas. However, zero-beta, at-the-money straddle positions produce average losses of approximately three percent per week. This suggests that some additional factor, such as systematic stochastic volatility, is priced in option returns. Copyright The American Finance Association 2001.
Solving delay differential equations by the five-point one-step block method using Neville's interpolation

A five-point one-step block method based on the Newton backward divided difference formulae for the solution of first-order delay differential equations is derived. The proposed block method will approximate the solutions of initial value problems at five points simultaneously using variable step size. The approximation of the delay term is calculated using Neville's interpolation. The block method will be formulated in terms of linear multistep method, but the method is equivalent to one-step method. The order of the block method will be discussed. The P-stability and Q-stability regions of the block method using Neville's interpolation for the delay term are presented for a fixed step size. Numerical results are given to show the efficiency of the proposed method and compared with the existing method.
Development of the CPML for Three-Dimensional Unconditionally Stable LOD-FDTD Method

A convolutional perfectly matched layer (CPML) is developed for three-dimensional unconditionally stable, locally one dimensional (LOD)-finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The formulation of the LOD-FDTD CPML is derived and numerical results are demonstrated at different positions for different Courant Friedrich Levy numbers in the simulation domain. The method is validated numerically with FDTD-CPML.
An Algorithm for an Accurate Detection of Anomalies in Hyperspectral Images With a Low Computational Complexity

Anomaly detection (AD) is an important technique in hyperspectral data analysis that permits to distinguish rare objects with unknown spectral signatures that are particularly not abundant in a scene. In this paper, a novel algorithm for an accurate detection of anomalies in hyperspectral images with a low computational complexity, named ADALOC2, is proposed. It is based on two main processing stages. First, a set of characteristic pixels that best represent both anomaly and background classes are extracted applying orthogonal projection techniques. Second, the abundance maps associated to these pixels are estimated. Under the assumption that the anomaly class is composed of a scarce group of image pixels, rare targets can be identified from abundance maps characterized by a representation coefficient matrix with a large amount of almost zero elements. Unlike the other algorithms of the state of the art, the ADALOC2 algorithm has been specially designed for being efficiently implemented into parallel hardware devices for applications under real-time constraints. To achieve this, the ADALOC2 algorithm uses simple and highly parallelized operations, avoiding to perform complex matrix operations such as the computation of an inverse matrix or the extraction of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. An extensive set of simulations using the most representative state-of-the-art AD algorithms and both real and synthetic hyperspectral data sets have been conducted. Moreover, extra assessment metrics apart from classical receiver operating characteristic curves have been defined in order to make deeper comparisons. The obtained results clearly support the benefits of our proposal, both in terms of the accuracy of the detection results and the processing power demanded.
Prognostic nomogram for acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure

Background & Aims To establish an effective prognostic nomogram for acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF). Materials and Methods The nomogram was based on clinical data of 203 ACHBLF patients who admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from 2009 to 2014. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration curve were carried out to verify the predictive accuracy ability of the nomogram. The result was validated in internal and external validation cohorts. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used in survival analysis. Results We developed a new prognostic nomogram to predict 3-month mortality based on risk factors selected by multivariate analysis. This nomogram consisted three independent factors: age, liver to abdominal area ratio (LAAR) and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. The AUC of this nomogram for survival prediction was 0.877 (95% CI 0.831–0.923), which was higher than that of MELD score, MELD-Na and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP). Good agreement of calibration plot for the probability of survival at 3-month was shown between the prediction by nomogram and actual observation. These results were supported by internal and external validation studies. Conclusions The ACHBLF nomogram could predict the short-term survival for ACHBLF patients.
Randomised placebo-controlled trial of ritonavir in advanced HIV-1 disease. The Advanced HIV Disease Ritonavir Study Group.

BACKGROUND Ritonavir is a potent, orally bioavailable inhibitor of HIV-1 protease. We undertook an international, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ritonavir in patients with HIV-1 infection and CD4-lymphocyte counts of 100 cells/microL or less, who had previously been treated with antiretroviral drugs. METHODS 1090 patients were randomly assigned twice-daily liquid oral ritonavir 600 mg (n = 543) or placebo (n = 547) while continuing treatment with up to two licensed nucleoside agents. The primary study outcome was any first new, or specified recurrent, AIDS-defining event or death. Open-label ritonavir was provided after 16 weeks in the study to any patient who had an AIDS defining event. FINDINGS The baseline median CD4-lymphocyte count was 18 (IQR 10-43)/microL in the ritonavir group and 22 (10-47)/microL in the placebo group. Study medication was discontinued in 114 (21.1%) ritonavir-group patients and 45 (8.3%) placebo-group patients mainly because of initial adverse symptoms. Outcomes of AIDS-defining illness or death occurred in 119 (21.9%) ritonavir-group patients and 205 (37.5%) placebo-group patients (hazard ratio 0.53 [95% CI 0.42-0.66]; log-rank p < 0.0001) during median follow-up of 28.9 weeks, with loss to follow-up of 15 (1.4%) patients. Ritonavir was then offered to all patients; at median follow-up of 51 weeks, 87 (16%) ritonavir-group patients had died of any cause versus 126 (23%) placebo-group patients (hazard ratio 0.69 [95% CI 0.52-0.91], log-rank p = 0.0072). INTERPRETATION Although earlier intervention with combination therapy may provide much more effective treatment, ritonavir in patients with advanced disease and extensive previous antiretroviral use is safe and effective, lowers the risk of AIDS complications, and prolongs survival.
Graphene-Based Hybrid Materials: Synthetic Approaches and Properties

Carbon has a unique chemistry reflected in its wide presence in the inorganic and organic world - benzene, diamond, graphite, fullerene, carbon nanotubes and now graphene - carbon seems to be at the centre of action in the playground of scientific research. In this review, synthesis and unique properties of graphene and graphene-based composites have been discussed with particular emphasis on the environmentally benign (green) synthetic methods and their wide applications, especially in energy conversion, energy storage, electronics, biomedical and biosensing applications.
An automated scoring approach for Arabic short answers essay questions

Evaluating and scoring essay questions is an exhausting, time consuming process and require a lot of effort. So, applying automated tools is essentially required to tackle these drawbacks. In this study, we propose an automated scoring approach for short answers to Arabic essay questions. The scoring process is based on the similarity between the student's answer and model answer, cosine similarity measure is used for this purpose. Cosine similarity is a heuristic evolutionary measure that has succeeded to solve text to text similarity problems. Word root and synonyms for each keyword in the student's answer and the model answer are used in order to achieve accurate results. Experimental results showed that the proposed approach achieved competitive scores in comparison with other approaches.
Study of a Growth Algorithm for a Feedforward Network

We study an algorithm for a feedforward network which is similar in spirit to the Tiling algorithm recently introduced: the hidden units are added one by one until the network performs the desired task, and convergence is guaranteed. The difference is in the architecture of the network, which is more constrained here. Numerical tests show performances similar to that of the Tiling algorithm, although the total number of couplings in general grows faster.
Wideband Monopole Without Lumped Elements for Octa-Band Narrow-Frame LTE Smartphone

A wideband monopole with a size of 8 × 70 × 5.8 mm3 for octa-band mobile phone is presented. The monopole antenna is mainly composed of a T-shape driven strip and a two-branch coupled parasitic ground strip (including a long branch and a short branch). The 0.25-λ resonant modes of the T-shape driven strip and the long branch of the coupled parasitic ground strip contribute to covering the LTE700/GSM850/GSM900 bands. Moreover, two 0.75-λ modes of the T-shape driven strip and the long branch and a 0.25-λ mode of the short branch contribute to covering the DCS/PCS/UMTS/LTE2300/LTE2500 bands. The merit of the proposed antenna is to cover eight bands in the 2G/3G/4G bands without any lumped-element matching circuit under the condition of 8 mm nonground portion, which is suitable for the wideband narrow-frame smartphone applications. A prototype antenna is fabricated and tested. Good agreement is achieved between the measurement and simulation results.
Structure and Genome Organization of Cherry Virus A (Capillovirus, Betaflexiviridae) from China Using Small RNA Sequencing

ABSTRACT Cherry virus A (CVA) (Capillovirus, Betaflexiviridae) is widely present in cherry-growing areas. We obtained the complete genome of a CVA isolate (CVA-TA) using small RNA deep sequencing, followed by overlapping reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The newly identified 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) from CVA-TA may form additional hairpin and loop structures to stabilize the CVA genome.
Single-radio Stub Wireless Mesh Networks-Architecture for a Channel Assignment Subsystem

The use of Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) is considered an effective solution to provide Internet connectivity to large areas. This paper assumes that WMNs are formed by nodes with a single radio interface and addresses the problem of improving the WMN capacity by using multiple channels. We propose an architecture for a centralized Channel Assignment Subsystem (CAS) in single-radio WMNs. CAS extends WiFIX, which is a low overhead solution for implementing IEEE 802.11-based WMNs. CAS acquires the WMN topology by discovering all Mesh Access Points (MAPs) connected to the WMN and the wireless links between them, independently of the channel that MAPs are operating. CAS forms a graph of the WMN topology and uses the TILIA centralized channel assignment algorithm to select the best channel for each MAP. The found channel assignment scheme is transmitted hop-by-hop to all nodes, which switch channels avoiding service disruption to their child nodes.
The Charles Drew Program in Missouri: a description of a partnership among a blood center and several hospitals to address the care of patients with sickle cell disease

Abstract Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder which can be complicated by stroke in infancy and childhood. The primary and secondary prevention of stroke in this patient population is regular RBC transfusion therapy at least every three weeks, but there is no consensus on the ideal RBC transfusion therapy. The Charles Drew Program, a partnership among a blood center and several hospitals affiliated with academic medical centers in Missouri, provides RBCs for the care of patients with SCD. There are three basic aims: the RBC components are phenotypically matched on three minor RBC antigens, the units are less than 7 days old, and each patient has a limited number of dedicated donors, so that the donor exposure is minimized. This report describes the operational phases of this program and summarizes its performance with respect to each of these aims. Immunohematology2006;22:112–116.
196 Antiinflamatory activity of phenolic compounds extracted from Uruguayan propolis and grape

196 Antiinflamatory activity of phenolic compounds extracted from Uruguayan propolis and grape Elena Alvareda*, Pablo Miranda, Victoria Espinosa, Helena Pardo, Sara Aguilera and Margot Paulino Zunini Centro de Bioinformática Estructural, DETEMA – Facultad de Química, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay; Facultad de Química, Regional Norte; Centro Nanomat, Polo Tecnológico de Pando – Facultad de Química, UdelaR; Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas – Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH); Departamento de Física, Universidad Católica del Norte – Chile *Email: alvareda@fq.edu. uy, Phone: (598) 473-20412 int 105
Robust signatures for 3D face registration and recognition

Biometric authentication through face recognition has been an active area of research for the last few decades, motivated by its application-driven demand. The popularity of face recognition, compared to other biometric methods, is largely due to its minimum requirement of subject co-operation, relative ease of data capture and similarity to the natural way humans distinguish each other. 3D face recognition has recently received particular interest since three-dimensional face scans eliminate or reduce important limitations of 2D face images, such as illumination changes and pose variations. In fact, three-dimensional face scans are usually captured by scanners through the use of a constant structured-light source, making them invariant to environmental changes in illumination. Moreover, a single 3D scan also captures the entire face structure and allows for accurate pose normalisation. However, one of the biggest challenges that still remain in three-dimensional face scans is the sensitivity to large local deformations due to, for example, facial expressions. Due to the nature of the data, deformations bring about large changes in the 3D geometry of the scan. In addition to this, 3D scans are also characterised by noise and artefacts such as spikes and holes, which are uncommon with 2D images and requires a pre-processing stage that is specific to the scanner used to capture the data. The aim of this thesis is to devise a face signature that is compact in size and overcomes the above mentioned limitations. We investigate the use of facial regions and landmarks towards a robust and compact face signature, and we study, implement and validate a region-based and a landmark-based face signature. Combinations of regions and landmarks are evaluated for their robustness to pose and expressions, while the matching scheme is evaluated for its robustness to noise and data artefacts.
Surgical Comanagement by Hospitalists Improves Patient Outcomes: A Propensity Score Analysis

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the impact of a surgical comanagement (SCM) hospitalist program on patient outcomes at an academic institution. Background: Prior studies may have underestimated the impact of SCM due to methodological shortcomings. Methods: This is a retrospective study utilizing a propensity score-weighted intervention (n = 16,930) and control group (n = 3695). Patients were admitted between January 2009 to July 2012 (pre-SCM) and September 2012 to September 2013 (post-SCM) to Orthopedic or Neurosurgery at our institution. Using propensity score methods, linear regression, and a difference-in-difference approach, we estimated changes in outcomes between pre and post periods, while adjusting for confounding patient characteristics. Results: The SCM intervention was associated with a significant differential decrease in the proportion of patients with at least 1 medical complication [odds ratio (OR) 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74–0.96; P = 0.008), the proportion of patients with length of stay at least 5 days (OR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.67–0.84; P < 0.001), 30-day readmission rate for medical cause (OR 0.67; 95% CI, 0.52–0.81; P < 0.001), and the proportion of patients with at least 2 medical consultants (OR 0.55; 95% CI, 0.49–0.63; P < 0.001). There was no significant change in patient satisfaction (OR 1.08; 95% CI, 0.87–1.33; P = 0.507). We estimated average savings of $2642 to $4303 per patient in the post-SCM group. The overall provider satisfaction with SCM was 88.3%. Conclusions: The SCM intervention reduces medical complications, length of stay, 30-day readmissions, number of consultants, and cost of care.
A Comparative Study on the Effect of Multiple Inheritance Mechanism in Java, C++, and Python on Complexity and Reusability of Code

Two of the fundamental uses of generalization in object-oriented software development are the reusability of code and better structuring of the description of objects. Multiple inheritance is one of the important features of object-oriented methodologies which enables developers to combine concepts and increase the reusability of the resulting software. However, multiple inheritance is implemented differently in commonly used programming languages. In this paper, we use Chidamber and Kemerer (CK) metrics to study the complexity and reusability of multiple inheritance as implemented in Python, Java, and C++. The analysis of results suggests that out of the three languages investigated Python and C++ offer better reusability of software when using multiple inheritance, whereas Java has major deficiencies when implementing multiple inheritance resulting in poor structure of objects.
Development of life prediction model for lead-free solder at chip resistor

An accelerated thermal cycling test to assess the reliability of lead-free solders at chip resistor has been conducted. Test results indicate that the life of lead-free solder at chip resistor (6432 mm type) could be worse than of SnPb solder in the accelerated thermal cycling condition (125/-50C). Based on the test results and some published data, life prediction model for the solders has been developed. The developed life prediction model consists of stress model and damage model. Stress model, which relates thermal cycling condition to damage at solder, includes FE model with Anand's constitutive equation for solders. Damage model, which relates the damage to life of solder, is based on Darveaux' crack growth approach. Developed life prediction model confirms worse reliability of lead-free solder than leaded solder in the accelerated thermal cycling condition but potentially predicts reverse results in the field condition. To predict the reliability of lead-free solder in the field condition, accelerated factor should be carefully calculated using life prediction model.
An eye-in-hand deice for hand gesture-based human-robot interaction

This paper introduces a novel vision device for hand gesture-based human-robot interaction. Taking advantage of an eye-in-hand configuration, the proposed device guarantees that a target hand is projected always onto images captured from a camera. On the basis of the device, an adaptive histogram-based hand region segmentation algorithm is also proposed especially to enhance the performance against background and illumination changes. The proposed method is evaluated through several experiments using test images.