Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Heptad Repeat C Domain of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein Plays a Key Role in Membrane Fusion

ABSTRACT Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) mediates host cell entry through the fusion (F) protein, which undergoes a conformational change to facilitate the merger of viral and host lipid membrane envelopes. The RSV F protein comprises a trimer of disulfide-bonded F1 and F2 subunits that is present on the virion surface in a metastable prefusion state. This prefusion form is readily triggered to undergo refolding to bring two heptad repeats (heptad repeat A [HRA] and HRB) into close proximity to form a six-helix bundle that stabilizes the postfusion form and provides the free energy required for membrane fusion. This process can be triggered independently of other proteins. Here, we have performed a comprehensive analysis of a third heptad repeat region, HRC (amino acids 75 to 97), an amphipathic α-helix that lies at the interface of the prefusion F trimer and is a major structural feature of the F2 subunit. We performed alanine scanning mutagenesis from Lys-75 to Met-97 and assessed all mutations in transient cell culture for expression, proteolytic processing, cell surface localization, protein conformation, and membrane fusion. Functional characterization revealed a striking distribution of activity in which fusion-increasing mutations localized to one side of the helical face, while fusion-decreasing mutations clustered on the opposing face. Here, we propose a model in which HRC plays a stabilizing role within the globular head for the prefusion F trimer and is potentially involved in the early events of triggering, prompting fusion peptide release and transition into the postfusion state. IMPORTANCE RSV is recognized as the most important viral pathogen among pediatric populations worldwide, yet no vaccine or widely available therapeutic treatment is available. The F protein is critical for the viral replication process and is the major target for neutralizing antibodies. Recent years have seen the development of prefusion stabilized F protein-based approaches to vaccine design. A detailed understanding of the specific domains and residues that contribute to protein stability and fusion function is fundamental to such efforts. Here, we present a comprehensive mutagenesis-based study of a region of the RSV F2 subunit (amino acids 75 to 97), referred to as HRC, and propose a role for this helical region in maintaining the delicate stability of the prefusion form.
Sexual orientation differences in HIV testing motivation among college men

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate sexual orientation differences in college men's motivations for HIV testing. Participants: 665 male college students in the Southeastern United States from 2006 to 2014. Methods: Students completed a survey on HIV risk factors and testing motivations. Logistic regressions were conducted to determine the differences between heterosexual men (HM) and sexual minority men (SMM). Results: SMM were more motivated to get tested by concern over past condomless sex, while HM were more often cited supporting the testing program “on principle” and wanting a free t-shirt. SMM and HM differed in behaviors that impact HIV risk and other demographics. However, differences in testing motivation by concern over past condomless sex or wanting a free t-shirt persisted when controlling for these demographic and behavioral differences. Conclusions: Appropriately designed HIV prevention interventions on college campuses should target SMM's distinct concern over past condomless sex as a testing motivation.
Fuzzy predictor based L1 adaptive controller for nonlinear systems with disturbances

This work proposed a design of fuzzy predictor in Li adaptive control architecture for accurate estimation of nonlinearities, uncertainties, and time varying disturbances in case of nonlinear systems. In recent years Li adaptive controller received high attention to deal with the systems with uncertainties and disturbances while keeping high robustness. The proposed scheme replaces the existing state predictor of Li adaptive controller with fuzzy predictor, as unknown uncertainties, nonlinearities can be well approximated by fuzzy the rules. In addition to that the proposed control scheme adapted the uncertainties with fast transient response. Lyapunov stability theory has been employed to design the fuzzy adaptive rules and subsequent stability of the closed-loop system has also been studied. Simulation studies are presented to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed fuzzy predictor based Li adaptive control scheme.
Effects of cumulative illness severity on hippocampal gray matter volume in major depression: a voxel-based morphometry study

Abstract Background Patients with major depression show reduced hippocampal volume compared to healthy controls. However, the contribution of patients’ cumulative illness severity to hippocampal volume has rarely been investigated. It was the aim of our study to find a composite score of cumulative illness severity that is associated with hippocampal volume in depression. Methods We estimated hippocampal gray matter volume using 3-tesla brain magnetic resonance imaging in 213 inpatients with acute major depression according to DSM-IV criteria (employing the SCID interview) and 213 healthy controls. Patients’ cumulative illness severity was ascertained by six clinical variables via structured clinical interviews. A principal component analysis was conducted to identify components reflecting cumulative illness severity. Regression analyses and a voxel-based morphometry approach were used to investigate the influence of patients’ individual component scores on hippocampal volume. Results Principal component analysis yielded two main components of cumulative illness severity: Hospitalization and Duration of Illness. While the component Hospitalization incorporated information from the intensity of inpatient treatment, the component Duration of Illness was based on the duration and frequency of illness episodes. We could demonstrate a significant inverse association of patients’ Hospitalization component scores with bilateral hippocampal gray matter volume. This relationship was not found for Duration of Illness component scores. Conclusions Variables associated with patients’ history of psychiatric hospitalization seem to be accurate predictors of hippocampal volume in major depression and reliable estimators of patients’ cumulative illness severity. Future studies should pay attention to these measures when investigating hippocampal volume changes in major depression.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis protease MarP activates a peptidoglycan hydrolase during acid stress

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) can persist in the human host in a latent state for decades, in part because it has the ability to withstand numerous stresses imposed by host immunity. Prior studies have established the essentiality of the periplasmic protease MarP for Mtb to survive in acidified phagosomes and establish and maintain infection in mice. However, the proteolytic substrates of MarP that mediate these phenotypes were unknown. Here, we used biochemical methods coupled with supravital chemical probes that facilitate imaging of nascent peptidoglycan to demonstrate that during acid stress MarP cleaves the peptidoglycan hydrolase RipA, a process required for RipA's activation. Failure of RipA processing in MarP‐deficient cells leads to cell elongation and chain formation, a hallmark of progeny cell separation arrest. Our results suggest that sustaining peptidoglycan hydrolysis, a process required for cell elongation, separation of progeny cells, and cell wall homeostasis in growing cells, may also be essential for Mtb's survival in acidic conditions.
Which Fossil fuel Taxes Promote Innovation in Renewable Electricity Generation ? ∗

We evaluate the role of a fossil fuel tax and research subsidy in directing innovation from fossil fuel toward renewable energy technologies in the electricity sector. Using a global firm-level electricity patent database from 1963 to 2011, we find that the impact of fossil fuel taxes on renewable energy innovation varies with the type of fossil fuel. Specifically, a 1 0% i ncrease i n t he c oal p rice r educes i nnovation i n r enewable energy technologies by 3.6% while a higher natural gas price has no statistically significant impact on renewable energy innovation. The reason is that easily dispatchable energy sources (e.g., coal-fired power) need to complement renewable energy technologies (e.g., wind or solar) in the grid because renewables generate electricity intermittently. Our results suggest that a tax on natural gas, combined with research subsidies for renewable energy, may effectively shift innovation in the electricity sector towards renewable energy. In contrast, coal taxation or a carbon tax that increases coal prices has unintended negative consequences for renewable energy innovation.
Utilizing Machine Learning and Automated Performance Metrics to Evaluate Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Performance and Predict Outcomes.

PURPOSE Surgical performance is critical for clinical outcomes. We present a novel machine learning (ML) method of processing automated performance metrics (APMs) to evaluate surgical performance and predict clinical outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). MATERIALS AND METHODS We trained three ML algorithms utilizing APMs directly from robot system data (training material) and hospital length of stay (LOS; training label) (≤2 days and >2 days) from 78 RARP cases, and selected the algorithm with the best performance. The selected algorithm categorized the cases as "Predicted as expected LOS (pExp-LOS)" and "Predicted as extended LOS (pExt-LOS). " We compared postoperative outcomes of the two groups (Kruskal-Wallis/Fisher's exact tests). The algorithm then predicted individual clinical outcomes, which we compared with actual outcomes (Spearman's correlation/Fisher's exact tests). Finally, we identified five most relevant APMs adopted by the algorithm during predicting. RESULTS The "Random Forest-50" (RF-50) algorithm had the best performance, reaching 87.2% accuracy in predicting LOS (73 cases as "pExp-LOS" and 5 cases as "pExt-LOS"). The "pExp-LOS" cases outperformed the "pExt-LOS" cases in surgery time (3.7 hours vs 4.6 hours, p = 0.007), LOS (2 days vs 4 days, p = 0.02), and Foley duration (9 days vs 14 days, p = 0.02). Patient outcomes predicted by the algorithm had significant association with the "ground truth" in surgery time (p < 0.001, r = 0.73), LOS (p = 0.05, r = 0.52), and Foley duration (p < 0.001, r = 0.45). The five most relevant APMs, adopted by the RF-50 algorithm in predicting, were largely related to camera manipulation. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, ours is the first study to show that APMs and ML algorithms may help assess surgical RARP performance and predict clinical outcomes. With further accrual of clinical data (oncologic and functional data), this process will become increasingly relevant and valuable in surgical assessment and training.
Diabetic gastroparesis alters the biomagnetic signature of the gastric slow wave

Gastroparesis is characterized by delayed gastric emptying without mechanical obstruction, but remains difficult to diagnose and distinguish from other gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Gastroparesis affects the gastric slow wave, but non‐invasive assessment has been limited to the electrogastrogram (EGG), which reliably characterizes temporal dynamics but does not provide spatial information.
Influence of patient and provider characteristics on quality of care for the myelodysplastic syndromes

Little is known about quality of care for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), or patient and provider factors that influence quality. We identified Medicare enrollees diagnosed with MDS between 2006 and 2011, and analysed linked claims for performance on two widely‐accepted quality measures: diagnostic bone marrow cytogenetic testing (diagnostic quality) and pre‐treatment iron assessment for patients receiving an erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA; treatment quality). A total of 4575 patients met the criteria for diagnostic quality measurement, and 3379 for treatment quality measurement. In the diagnostic cohort, 74% had a claim for marrow cytogenetic testing 3 months before to 3 months after diagnosis. In multivariate models, younger age (P < 0·001), treatment at a higher‐volume MDS centre (P < 0·001), and claims for pancytopenia (P < 0·001) were all associated with higher levels of testing. A borderline result was observed for diagnostic year, with improvement over time (P = 0·06). In the treatment cohort, 56% had evidence of pre‐ESA iron assessment, with higher rates for later years of diagnosis (P < 0·001), higher household income (P = 0·03), and those treated at higher‐volume centres (P = 0·01). In this large cohort of patients with MDS, quality of care was suboptimal overall, but worse in several specific subgroups. These data suggest that targeted educational and/or process‐focused interventions are warranted.
Assignment of porcine CD97 gene to the 1/2q21→q22 region of the pig chromosome 2 with somatic cell hybrids

CD97 is a member of a novel subfamily of leukocyte proteins that are characterized by the presence of tandemly repeated extracellular epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains and a seven-span transmembrane region, known as EGF-TM7. To date, the EGF-TM7 group comprises CD97, EGF module-containing mucin-like hormone receptor (EMR) EMR1, EMR2, EMR3, and ETL in human, and CD97, F4/80 (EMR1) and EMR4 in the mouse (Kwakkenbos et al., 2002; McKnight et al., 1998; Stacey et al., 2002; Stacey et al., 2001). CD97 is induced rapidly on the surface of most leukocytes upon activation. So far, CD97 is the only EGF-TM7 family member of which a ligand has been identified. CD97 binds to its cellular ligand CD55 (decay accelerating factor), which protects several cell types from complement-mediated damage (Hannan et al., 1996). The functional consequences of CD97CD55 binding are largely unknown, but previous data imply that CD97-CD55 interactions play a role in cellular activation, migration, and adhesion under inflammatory conditions (Visser et al., 2002). The CD97 structural gene is mapped to the 19p13.2→ p13.12 region on human chromosome 19. We have recently cloned the pig homologue of the CD97 antigen. Sequence comparison indicates that pig CD97 shares many structural features with human, cattle and mouse CD97 (Perez de la Lastra et al., 2003). To date, this is the first member of the EGF-TM7 family identified in the pig.
Citizen Science to Communicate about Public Health Messages: The Reach of a Playful Online Survey on Sitting Time and Physical Activity

ABSTRACT There is a lack of research on how to communicate public health guidelines. Citizen science (CS) has been an effective way to involve the public in research. This study analyses the reach of a well-established CS experiment, launched during an annual national science event, to understand if it could be used as communication strategy for public health issues. A short playful online survey contained tailored health-related messages associated to an “animal totem” profile, based on the combination of sitting and physical activity levels (koala: high sitting, low activity; gorilla: high sitting, high activity; zebra: low sitting, low activity; bee: low sitting, high activity). Tweets, radio interviews, radio and online advertisements, press articles, and a press conference were used to promote the CS experiment. Google Analytics and Facebook Graph API (application programming interface) (use and spread of experiment) and descriptive statistics (attributes of adults completing the experiment) were used. A total of 6,246 adults completed the experiment, with a peak of views (n = 5,103) and completions (n = 1,209) a couple of days before the event. Completers were mostly female (65.8%), on average 37.5 years old, and had a healthy body mass index (23.8 kg/m2). Nearly half (46.4%) had the most beneficial profile (“bee”), 26.5% had the least healthy profile (“koala”). CS as part of a national science event is a good platform for health communication as 1 in 1,000 Flemish adults were reached. However, those completing the experiment were not representative of the general Flemish adult population and reported to be more physically active. Abbreviations: API: application programming interface; BMI: body mass index; CVD: cardiovascular disease; METs: metabolic equivalents
An Integrative Review of Self-efficacy Measurement Instruments in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the extant literature on instruments used to measure self-efficacy in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and their caregivers and to critically evaluate these measurements. Methods An integrative review (2003-2013) was conducted searching PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and US National Library of Medicine PubMed service (PubMed) databases using key words diabetes, type 1 diabetes, and self-efficacy. The authors reviewed the resulting 294 references for inclusion criteria of (a) sample of youth with T1DM or sample of caregivers of youth with T1DM, (b) description of the self-efficacy instrument as primary research, and (c) the instrument measured self-efficacy specifically related to diabetes management. Forty-five articles out of the initial 294 met criteria. Results Of the 45 articles, 10 different self-efficacy instruments were identified. The primary theoretical framework used was Bandura’s social cognitive theory and model of self-efficacy. Most participants were white middle-class T1DM youth. Evaluations to assess validity often were not reported; however, a majority of studies reported high internal consistency of the instruments. Conclusions Sample homogeneity could limit the applicability of results to certain patient populations. Further psychometric analysis, including validity assessments, should be conducted in more diverse samples. Development of valid and reliable instruments for measuring self-efficacy that are sensitive to change across a wider caregiver base over time is necessary. While this review examined reliable and valid instruments used in research, future opportunities include evaluation of measuring self-efficacy in T1DM youth exposed to recent advances in diabetes management technologies.
Economic decline and residential segregation: a Swedish study with focus on Malmö

ABSTRACT Economic crises are often associated with increasing levels of income segregation and income polarization. Poor neighborhoods generally hit more severely, with unemployment levels increasing and income levels dropping more than in better-off neighborhoods. In this article, we study the correlation between economic recession and income segregation in Malmö, Sweden, with focus on development in the regions’ poorest neighborhoods. We compare and contrast these areas’ development during a period of economic crisis (1990–1995) with development during a period characterized by relative economic stability. Our findings suggest that (1) income segregation and income polarization indeed increased during the period of economic crisis; (2) neighborhoods that were already poor before the crisis fared worse than the region in general; and (3) this development was due to both in situ changes and to residential sorting, where the differences in income and employment status between people moving into a neighborhood, those moving out, and those who remained in place were greater during the period of recession compared to the more stable period.
Childhood abuse and late‐life depression: Mediating effects of psychosocial factors for early‐ and late‐onset depression

Childhood abuse makes people vulnerable to developing depression, even in late life. Psychosocial factors that are common in late life, such as loneliness or lack of a partner, may explain this association. Our aim was to investigate whether the association between childhood abuse and depression in older adults can be explained by psychosocial factors.
Hymenoptera-Venom-Induced Upregulation of the Basophil Activation Marker Ecto-Nucleotide Pyrophosphatase/Phosphodiesterase 3 in Sensitized Individuals

Background: Bee and wasp venoms are potent allergens capable of inducing severe clinical reactions. To detect immediate-type hypersensitivity to these allergens, a rapid in vitro test was developed that relies on the upregulation of ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 3 (E-NPP3) on activated basophils. Methods: Blood basophils of 13 healthy donors and 22 patients allergic to bee or wasp venom were analyzed for E-NPP3 (CD203c) expression using monoclonal antibody 97A6. Basophils were analyzed by flow cytometry after activation with anti-IgE antibody or allergen. Venom-induced E-NPP3 upregulation on basophils was compared with diagnostic parameters, including skin tests and assessment of specific IgE. In selected samples, the increase in E-NPP3 expression on activated basophils was compared with histamine release and CD63 upregulation. Results: In 20/22 patients sensitized to wasp or bee venom, E-NPP3 expression on basophils was upregulated in response to activation by allergen or anti-IgE. The maximum increase in E-NPP3 expression (above ten times of baseline) was achieved after 15 min of stimulation with 1 µg/ml of allergen or anti-IgE antibody. Sensitized individuals who failed to upregulate E-NPP3 in response to IgE receptor cross-linking also failed to induce histamine release and CD63 upregulation. Conclusions: Flow cytometric determination of hymenoptera-venom-induced upregulation of E-NPP3 is a novel in vitro test to identify sensitized individuals.
Wearable gait logging system attached on ankles to estimate foot steps and trajectories

Conventional pedestrian dead-reckoning systems that use shoe-mounted inertial sensors are not suitable for use in daily life. For example, such systems are not convenient because they compel individuals to wear such pairs of shoes; moreover, these systems are not suitable for use in barefoot conditions. A novel gait logging system is proposed to estimate foot steps and walking trajectories using a combination of high frequency vibration and inertial measurements from the upper part of the ankle. First, a three-step method is proposed to estimate Heel Strike and Toe Off. It is verified that the present method is suitable for estimating Midstance (MSt) time. Then, a trajectory and position estimation procedure is proposed that considers the MSt ankle velocity. A model for MSt ankle velocity is derived. The performance of the trajectory estimation is evaluated with various types of footwear. It is verified that the proposed method is suitable for estimating step lengths of each stride and total distance regardless of the footwear. Furthermore, the trajectories estimated using the proposed method approximated the actual walking path with high accuracy.
Progress and Prospect of Extreme Climate Events in Arid Northwest China

Extreme climate events have significant influences on ecological systems and social economic systems. The global climate is becoming warmer and warmer, so extreme climate events will probably increase in both frequency and intensity, and the Northwest arid region of China is situated in the middle latitudes, all of which combine to make this area be come the most sensitive region to global climate change. For this reason, based on home and broad literature of research in extreme climate events, this paper mainly discusses those scientific problems which are waiting for resolved and we should strength work that those need research in future from extreme climatic events concept, their change regular, the discussion of theory reasons, and review from mode and simulate, as well as sum up some research results related ex treme climatic change.