Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proteomic Analysis of Shrimp White Spot Syndrome Viral Proteins and Characterization of a Novel Envelope Protein VP466 *

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is at present one of the major pathogens in shrimp culture worldwide. The complete genome of this virus has been sequenced recently. To identify the structural and functional proteins of WSSV, the purified virions were separated by SDS-PAGE. Twenty-four protein bands were excised, in-gel digested with trypsin, and subjected to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. Eighteen proteins matching the open reading frames of WSSV genome were identified. Except for three known structural proteins and collagen, the functions of the remaining 14 proteins were unknown. Temporal analysis revealed that all the genes were transcribed in the late stage of WSSV infection except for vp121. Of the newly identified proteins, VP466 (derived from band 16) was further characterized. The cDNA encoding VP466 was expressed in Escherichia coli as a glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein. Specific antibody was generated with the purified GST-VP466 fusion protein. Western blot showed that the mouse anti-GST-VP466 antibody bound specifically to a 51-kDa protein of WSSV. Immunogold labeling revealed that VP466 protein is a component of the viral envelope. Results in this investigation thus proved the effectiveness of proteomic approaches for discovering new proteins of WSSV.
XPa a 23 g polymorphism and risk of digestive system cancers : a meta-analysis

License. The full terms of the License are available at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. Permissions beyond the scope of the License are administered by Dove Medical Press Limited. Information on how to request permission may be found at: http://www.dovepress. com/permissions.php OncoTargets and Therapy 2015:8 385–394 OncoTargets and Therapy Dovepress
Defects in Embryonic Neurogenesis and Initial Synapse Formation in the Forebrain of the Ts65Dn Mouse Model of Down Syndrome

Trisomy 21, one of the most prevalent congenital birth defects, results in a constellation of phenotypes collectively termed Down syndrome (DS). Mental retardation and motor and sensory deficits are among the many debilitating symptoms of DS. Alterations in brain growth and synaptic development are thought to underlie the cognitive impairments in DS, but the role of early brain development has not been studied because of the lack of embryonic human tissue and because of breeding difficulties in mouse models of DS. We generated a breeding colony of the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS to test the hypothesis that early defects in embryonic brain development are a component of brain dysfunction in DS. We found substantial delays in prenatal growth of the Ts65Dn cerebral cortex and hippocampus because of longer cell cycle duration and reduced neurogenesis from the ventricular zone neural precursor population. In addition, the Ts65Dn neocortex remains hypocellular after birth and there is a lasting decrease in synaptic development beginning in the first postnatal week. These results demonstrate that specific abnormalities in embryonic forebrain precursor cells precede early deficits in synaptogenesis and may underlie the postnatal disabilities in Ts65Dn and DS. The early prenatal period is therefore an important new window for possible therapeutic amelioration of the cognitive symptoms in DS.
Cervical Cancer Control Research in Vietnamese American Communities

Census data show that the U.S. Vietnamese population now exceeds 1,250,000. Cervical cancer among Vietnamese American women has been identified as an important health disparity. Available data indicate the cervical cancer disparity may be due to low Papanicolaou (Pap) testing rates rather than variations in human papillomavirus infection rates and/or types. The cervical cancer incidence rates among Vietnamese and non-Latina White women in California during 2000 to 2002 were 14.0 and 7.3 per 100,000, respectively. Only 70% of Vietnamese women who participated in the 2003 California Health Interview Survey reported a recent Pap smear compared with 84% of non-Latina White women. Higher levels of cervical cancer screening participation among Vietnamese women are strongly associated with current/previous marriage, having a usual source of care/doctor, and previous physician recommendation. Vietnamese language media campaigns and lay health worker intervention programs have been effective in increasing Pap smear use in Vietnamese American communities. Cervical cancer control programs for Vietnamese women should address knowledge deficits, enable women who are without a usual source of care to find a primary care doctor, and improve patient-provider communication by encouraging health-care providers to recommend Pap testing as well as by empowering women to ask for testing. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(11):2924–30)
Multi-Modal Indoor Positioning of Mobile Devices

In this paper we extend our previous results on WiFi and image localization to include magnetic sensing for multimodal indoor localization. A two-step process is proposed that performs an initial localization estimate, followed by particle filter based tracking. Initial localization is performed using WiFi and image observations. For tracking we fuse information from WiFi, magnetic, and inertial sensors. We demonstrate the feasibility of this system using fingerprint maps that are collected with a single walkthrough of the building at normal walking pace. Further we reduce our database generation method from previous works to require only a smartphone and a foot mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU). Only a smartphone is needed for positioning after database generation. We present results for two locations: the Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton, California, and the Doe Library at the UC Berkeley campus. We achieve an average location error of 2.6m across both locations.
Maximum permissible estimates at measurements processing

A method of mathematical data processing is described, which is based on the idea of the L. V. Kantorovich approach. The developed method allows to carry out evaluations with both the additional conditions and when limited initial information is available. Implementation of the proposed method for solving the problem of modeling the innovation field of the Russian Federation with the Bass diffusion model is presented.
The Construction of Sentiment Lexicon in Educational Field Based on Word 2 vec

Recognizing students’ sentiment in learning state plays an important part in improving teaching and supporting educational decision. The construction of sentiment lexicon will help to analyze the emotional state in the opinion text. In this study, we focus on constructing of multidimensional sentiment lexicon automatically in the domain of education. We proposed a Word2vec based approach to extract sentiment words, and automatic categorization of these sentiment words. Experiments conducted on the review message, from online learning system, show that our approach leads to a better performance.
The role of social cognition in moral judgment in frontotemporal dementia

Patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) exhibit a set of behavioral disturbances that have been strongly associated with involvement of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Many such disturbances have been linked to impaired moral behavior, especially in regard to “personal” or “emotionally driven” moral dilemmatic judgment, which has been demonstrated to also depend on the integrity of the PFC. In this study, we administered a personal moral dilemma (the footbridge dilemma) and social cognition measures to patients with early bvFTD, who were also assessed with an extensive neuropsychological battery, including moral knowledge, cognitive and emotional empathy, and affective decision-making. BvFTD patients who would push a man off a footbridge (knowing this would kill him) to save the life of five workers who would have been otherwise killed by the train showed significantly lower scores on affective Theory of Mind (ToM) relative to those bvFTD patients who responded negatively. No significant differences were found on other sociodemographic, neuropsychological or social cognition variables. This study reveals that altered dilemmatic judgment may be related to impaired affective ToM, which has important clinical and theoretical implications.
Modeling the Dynamics of Discussions in Social Networks

In this paper, a method of modeling the dynamics of electronic discussions is proposed based on the so called FOPDT model (First Order Plus Dead Time) known from the process control. Knowledge of the model points to possibility of estimating dynamic movements in discussions as well as understanding and designing their maintaining and guidance. Real discussions are processed.
Decoupling Principle Analysis and Development of a Parallel Three-Dimensional Force Sensor

In the development of the multi-dimensional force sensor, dimension coupling is the ubiquitous factor restricting the improvement of the measurement accuracy. To effectively reduce the influence of dimension coupling on the parallel multi-dimensional force sensor, a novel parallel three-dimensional force sensor is proposed using a mechanical decoupling principle, and the influence of the friction on dimension coupling is effectively reduced by making the friction rolling instead of sliding friction. In this paper, the mathematical model is established by combining with the structure model of the parallel three-dimensional force sensor, and the modeling and analysis of mechanical decoupling are carried out. The coupling degree (ε) of the designed sensor is defined and calculated, and the calculation results show that the mechanical decoupling parallel structure of the sensor possesses good decoupling performance. A prototype of the parallel three-dimensional force sensor was developed, and FEM analysis was carried out. The load calibration and data acquisition experiment system are built, and then calibration experiments were done. According to the calibration experiments, the measurement accuracy is less than 2.86% and the coupling accuracy is less than 3.02%. The experimental results show that the sensor system possesses high measuring accuracy, which provides a basis for the applied research of the parallel multi-dimensional force sensor.
Pregnancy and HIV‐1 incidence in 178 married couples with discordant HIV‐1 serostatus: additional experience at an HIV‐1 counselling centre in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Summary To determine the effect of an HIV‐1 counselling programme on rates of HIV‐1 infection and pregnancy in a large group of married couples in Kinshasa, DRC with discordant HIV‐1 infection status, we conducted a baseline cross‐sectional HIV‐1 seroprevalence study in two large Kinshasa businesses. We identified 178 married couples (mean duration of marriage = 12.3 years) with discordant HIV‐1 serostatus (92 M+F‐/86 M‐F+). Seroincidence and pregnancy rates were observed during 310 person‐years of follow‐up (PYFU). The 92 M+F‐ couples had an HIV‐1 incidence of 3.7/100 PYFU and a pregnancy rate of 8.6/100. The 86 M‐F+ couples had a pregnancy rate of 6.8/100 PYFU and an HIV‐1 incidence of 6.8/100 PYFU. Couples seeking to have children but minimize their HIV‐1 transmission risk frequently had unprotected sex only during the woman's perceived monthly fertility period. This strategy resulted in the birth of 24 live‐born children and only one (4%; 95% CL = 0.0–21.6%) new HIV infection in couples having a child. Only 1 of 6 women who developed HIV‐1 infection (16.7%; 95 C.L. = 0–40.4%) became pregnant. While seronegative men had more extramarital sex once their wives' positive HIV‐1 infection status became known, most of these episodes involved safe sex. Divorce was rare. This study provides additional information concerning issues of safe sex in married couples with discordant HIV‐1 infection status, the dynamics of HIV transmission within couples and the effect of serostatus notification on the marriage and on intramarital and extramarital sexual behaviour in Kinshasa, Congo.
The X-bar theory of phrase structure

X-bar theory is widely regarded as a substantive theory of phrase structure properties in natural languages. In this paper we will demonstrate that a formalization of its content reveals very little substance in its claims. We state and discuss six conditions that encapsulate the claims of X-bar theory: L<small class="caps">EXICALITY</small>—each nonterminal is a projection of a preterminal; S<small class="caps">UCCESSION</small>—each <i>X<sup>n + 1</sup></i> dominates an <i>X<sup>n</sup></i> for all <i>n</i> ≥ 0; U<small class="caps">NIFORMITY</small>—all maximal projections have the same bar-level; M<small class="caps">AXIMALITY</small>—all nonheads are maximal projections; C<small class="caps">ENTRALITY</small>—the start symbol is a maximal projection; and O<small class="caps">PTIONALITY</small>—all and only nonheads are optional. We then consider recent proposals to 'eliminate' base components from transformational grammars and to reinterpret X-bar theory as a set of universal constraints holding for all languages at D-structure, arguing that this strategy fails. We show that, as constraints on phrase-structure rule systems, the X-bar conditions have hardly any effect on the descriptive power of grammars, and that the principles with the most chance of making some descriptive difference are the least adhered to in practice. Finally, we reconstruct X-bar theory in a way that makes no reference to the notion of bar-level but instead makes the notion 'head of the central one.
A second-order low-power ΔΣ modulator for pressure sensor applications

In this paper, an 1-bit second-order low-power ΔΣ modulator for pressure sensor applications is presented. The modulator utilizes correlated double-sampling (CDS) in order to reduce the flicker (1/f) noise. Due to the 1-bit output, the feedback DAC is inherently linear. The modulator is designed with 0.35-µm CMOS process. Measured signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) is 86dB (14bits), while the current consumption is 14µA.
Chaotic secure image coding based on SPIHT

From the viewpoint of Shannon¿s information theory, image coding and image encryption both aim at reducing the correlations of pixels. However, current image encoding methods did not take the confidentiality into account. In this paper, a novel chaotic image encryption scheme integrated with the SPIHT wavelet image coding is proposed. Comparing with the existing image encryption schemes, the new method has three prominent advantages: first, only sensitive bits in the coding stream are encrypted, which introduces small overheads to the image codec; second, by introducing a cipher-text feedback mechanism, the scheme can effectively resist the known-plain-text attack; third, by using chaotic pseudo-random bits to mask the SPIHT encoded bitstream, the scheme can truncate the output stream at any position while keeping the image recoverable with different visual qualities. Cryptanalysis and various experiments have been carried out and the results were reported in this paper, which demonstrate the feasibility and flexibility of the proposed scheme.
Stem Cell Transplantation for Neuroprotection in Stroke

Stem cell-based therapies for stroke have expanded substantially over the last decade. The diversity of embryonic and adult tissue sources provides researchers with the ability to harvest an ample supply of stem cells. However, the optimal conditions of stem cell use are still being determined. Along this line of the need for optimization studies, we discuss studies that demonstrate effective dose, timing, and route of stem cells. We recognize that stem cell derivations also provide uniquely individual difficulties and limitations in their therapeutic applications. This review will outline the current knowledge, including benefits and challenges, of the many current sources of stem cells for stroke therapy.
Importance of leaf anatomy in determining mesophyll diffusion conductance to CO2 across species: quantitative limitations and scaling up by models

Foliage photosynthetic and structural traits were studied in 15 species with a wide range of foliage anatomies to gain insight into the importance of key anatomical traits in the limitation of diffusion of CO2 from substomatal cavities to chloroplasts. The relative importance of different anatomical traits in constraining CO2 diffusion was evaluated using a quantitative model. Mesophyll conductance (g m) was most strongly correlated with chloroplast exposed surface to leaf area ratio (S c/S) and cell wall thickness (T cw), but, depending on foliage structure, the overall importance of g m in constraining photosynthesis and the importance of different anatomical traits in the restriction of CO2 diffusion varied. In species with mesophytic leaves, membrane permeabilities and cytosol and stromal conductance dominated the variation in g m. However, in species with sclerophytic leaves, g m was mostly limited by T cw. These results demonstrate the major role of anatomy in constraining mesophyll diffusion conductance and, consequently, in determining the variability in photosynthetic capacity among species.
Epidural Analgesia with Ropivacaine during Labour in a Patient with a SCN5A Gene Mutation

SCN5A gene mutations can lead to ion channel defects which can cause cardiac conduction disturbances. In the presence of specific ECG characteristics, this mutation is called Brugada syndrome. Many drugs are associated with adverse events, making anesthesia in patients with SCN5A gene mutations or Brugada syndrome challenging. In this case report, we describe a pregnant patient with this mutation who received epidural analgesia using low dose ropivacaine and sufentanil during labour.
EuroCareCF Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Microbiology of Cystic Fibrosis Isolates

ABSTRACT The identification of microbial species from respiratory specimens and their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents are among the most important diagnostic measures of care for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Under the umbrella of EuroCareCF, two quality assurance trials of CF microbiology were performed in 2007 and 2008. Nine formulations with CF bacterial isolates were dispatched. A total of 31/37 laboratories from 18/21 European countries participated in the 2007 and 2008 trials. The common CF pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were correctly identified by almost all participants in both trials, even if the strains presented uncommon phenotypes. Burkholderia cenocepacia IIIB and Burkholderia vietnamensis CF isolates, however, were correctly assigned to the species level by only 26% and 27% of the laboratories, respectively. Emerging pathogens such as Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Inquilinus limosus, and Pandoraea pnomenusa were also not detected or were misclassified by many laboratories. One participant correctly identified all CF isolates in both trials. The percentages of correct classifications (susceptible, intermediate, resistant) by antimicrobial susceptibility testing ranged from 55 to 100% (median, 96%) per isolate and drug. The shortcomings in the diagnostics of rare and emerging pathogens point to the need for continuing education in CF microbiology and suggest the establishment of CF microbiology reference laboratories.
Use of Stair Prompts to Encourage Physical Activity

USE OF STAIR PROMPTS TO ENCOURAGE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY by Nima Chhay Stair prompts can encourage stair use in both public and private settings and thereby increase overall physical activity. Stair visibility in multi-level buildings increases stair use. For this study, an intervention using a modified New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene stair prompt was implemented to encourage stair use in an academic setting. The modification included a time management theme, chosen because individuals in this setting may find taking the stairs to be faster than taking the elevator. To evaluate the effectiveness of the modified stair prompt, two buildings—one with hidden stairs and one with visible stairs—were selected for observing subjects’ responses to the modified prompt. This 13-week observational study used a multiple-baseline design that included a baseline phase (no exposure to the stair prompt) followed by an intervention phase (exposure to the stair prompt). Overall, the stair prompts had no measurable effect on ascending stair use. Men, as compared to women, were more likely to walk up hidden stairs; however, men and women were equally likely to walk up visible stairs. Thus, having visible stairs in multilevel buildings, rather than the presence of stair prompts, may be an alternative and perhaps more effective approach toward promoting stair use for physical activity.
Perception of Verticality After Recent Cerebral Hemispheric Stroke

Background and Purpose— Perception of the subjective visual vertical (SVV) is affected by cerebral hemispheric lesions. Knowledge of this disturbance is of interest for the study of its possible relation to balance disturbances. There is still uncertainty about the possible effects of a visual field defect and of the side and site of the lesion. This study was conducted to assess SVV with the head upright or tilted and to explore its relation to a visual field defect, visuospatial neglect, and the site of lesion. Methods— Forty patients with hemiplegia after a recent hemispheric stroke (20 with left and 20 with right stroke) were studied. The site of the lesion was determined on CT scan, with special attention focused on the vestibular cortex. A neurological examination with determination of the visual field and visual neglect was conducted before SVV was tested. Subjects sat in a dark room and adjusted a luminous rod to the vertical position. Measures were repeated with binocular and monocular vision and with the head upright or tilted to the right or left. Results— SVV was abnormally deviated in 23 of 40 patients (57%). The deviation was significantly greater among patients with a right or left hemispheric lesion than among healthy controls (−2.2° and 1.5° versus 0.2°); the same applied to the range of uncertainty (7.6° and 4.7° versus 1.9°). SVV deviation was not significantly related to the location of the lesion but was closely related to visuospatial neglect. The “E” effect observed in controls with the head tilted, ie, an SVV shift in the direction opposite to the head tilt, was not observed in hemiplegic patients with the head tilted toward the nonparetic side. Conclusions— Recent hemispheric stroke affects SVV perception, which is closely correlated to visuospatial neglect. It is suggested that the E effect might be mediated by the stretching of the somatosensory structure of the neck.