Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Resistant to Modified Cyclodextrin Sulphate (mCDS71) in Vitro

Drug resistance of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) to modified cyclodextrin sulphate (mCDS71) has been analysed with respect to both the in vitro appearance of resistance to the compound and the mechanism of the acquisition of resistance. Resistant strains could be obtained in all three strains (NL432, KK-1 and A018) tested after serial passages in MT-4 cells with a gradual increase of the concentration of mCDS71. Cross-resistance both to mCDS71 and dextran sulphate 8000 was observed. As a result of sequencing analysis of the gp120 V3-C5 region of resistant strains, the mechanism of resistance can be explained in several ways: (i) substitution of sugar chain-binding amino acids, N and S; (ii) three to five amino acid deletion in V4 loop; and (iii) several mutations in V3 and V4 regions. The real cause of the resistance may be a combination of these three mechanisms. The results suggest that the target of mCDS71 is relatively widely distributed on the viral surface glycoprotein.
The pathophysiology and treatment of delayed cerebral ischaemia following subarachnoid haemorrhage

Cerebral vasospasm has traditionally been regarded as an important cause of delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI) which occurs after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, and often leads to cerebral infarction and poor neurological outcome. However, data from recent studies argue against a pure focus on vasospasm as the cause of delayed ischaemic complications. Findings that marked reduction in the incidence of vasospasm does not translate to a reduction in DCI, or better outcomes has intensified research into other possible mechanisms which may promote ischaemic complications. Early brain injury and cell death, blood-brain barrier disruption and initiation of an inflammatory cascade, microvascular spasm, microthrombosis, cortical spreading depolarisations and failure of cerebral autoregulation, have all been implicated in the pathophysiology of DCI. This review summarises the current knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the development of DCI. Furthermore, it aims to describe and categorise the known pharmacological treatment options with respect to the presumed mechanism of action and its role in DCI.
Three-dimensional Patterns and Redistribution of Myosin II and Actin in Mitotic Dictyostelium Cells

Myosin II is not essential for cytokinesis in cells of Dictyostelium discoideum that are anchored on a substrate (Neujahr, R., C. Heizer, and G. Gerisch. 1997. J. Cell Sci. 110:123–137), in contrast to its importance for cell division in suspension (DeLozanne, A., and J.A. Spudich. 1987. Science. 236:1086–1091; Knecht, D.A., and W.F. Loomis. 1987. Science. 236: 1081–1085.). These differences have prompted us to investigate the three-dimensional distribution of myosin II in cells dividing under one of three conditions: (a) in shaken suspension, (b) in a fluid layer on a solid substrate surface, and (c) under mechanical stress applied by compressing the cells. Under the first and second conditions outlined above, myosin II does not form patterns that suggest a contractile ring is established in the furrow. Most of the myosin II is concentrated in the regions that flank the furrow on both sides towards the poles of the dividing cell. It is only when cells are compressed that myosin II extensively accumulates in the cleavage furrow, as has been previously described (Fukui, Y., T.J. Lynch, H. Brzeska, and E.D. Korn. 1989. Nature. 341:328–331), i.e., this massive accumulation is a response to the mechanical stress. Evidence is provided that the stress-associated translocation of myosin II to the cell cortex is a result of the dephosphorylation of its heavy chains. F-actin is localized in the dividing cells in a distinctly different pattern from that of myosin II. The F-actin is shown to accumulate primarily in protrusions at the two poles that ultimately form the leading edges of the daughter cells. This distribution changes dynamically as visualized in living cells with a green fluorescent protein–actin fusion.
Computation of Grain‐Noise Scattering Coefficients for Ultrasonic Pitch/Catch Inspections of Metals

One limiting factor in the detection of internal defects in metals is so‐called “grain noise” which arises from the scattering of sound by microstructural boundaries. For pulse/echo inspections, independent‐scatterer models have been developed and applied successfully to predict backscattered grain noise characteristics in many situations of practical importance. Here we consider the extension of the independent‐scatterer noise models to pitch‐catch geometries. In this first of several planned papers, we focus on the evaluation of the scattering coefficient η which is a property of the microstructure alone and quantifies its capacity for generating grain noise. A general scheme for evaluating η is first laid out. Then, for simple single‐phase cubic and hexagonal metals, formulas are developed which express η in terms of the single‐crystal elastic constants and the mean grain diameter for various combinations of the incident and scattered wave types.
Flying not flapping : a strategic framework for e-learning and pedagogical innovation in higher education institutions

E-learning is in a rather extraordinary position. It was born as a ‘tool’ and now finds itself in the guise of a somewhat wobbly arrow of change. In practice, changing the way thousands of teachers teach, learners learn, innovation is promoted and sustainable change in traditional institutions is achieved across hundreds of different disciplines is a demanding endeavour that will not be achieved by learning technologies alone. It involves art, craft and science as well as technology. This paper attempts to show how it might be possible to capture and model complex strategic processes that will help move the potential of e-learning in universities to a new stage of development. It offers the example of a four-quadrant model created as a framework for an e-learning strategy.
JunD/AP-1-Mediated Gene Expression Promotes Lymphocyte Growth Dependent on Interleukin-7 Signal Transduction

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is an essential cytokine for lymphocyte growth that has the potential for promoting immune reconstitution. This feature makes IL-7 an ideal candidate for therapeutic development. As with other cytokines, signaling through the IL-7 receptor induces the JAK/STAT pathway. However, the broad scope of IL-7 regulatory targets likely necessitates the use of other signaling components whose identities remain poorly defined. To this end, we used an IL-7 dependent T-cell line to examine how expression of the glycolytic enzyme, Hexokinase II (HXKII) was regulated by IL-7 in a STAT5-independent manner. Our studies revealed that IL-7 promoted the activity of JNK (Jun N-terminal Kinase), and that JNK, in turn, drove the expression of JunD, a component of the Activating Protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factors. Gel shifts showed that the AP-1 complex induced by IL-7 contained JunD but not c-Fos or c-Jun. Inhibition of JNK/JunD blocked glucose uptake and HXKII gene expression, indicating that this pathway was responsible for promoting HXKII expression. Because others had shown that JunD was a negative regulator of cell growth, we performed a bioinformatics analysis to uncover possible JunD-regulated gene targets. Our search revealed that JunD could control the expression of proteins involved in signal transduction, cell survival and metabolism. One of these growth promoters was the oncogene, Pim-1. Pim-1 is an IL-7-induced protein that was inhibited when the activities of JNK or JunD were blocked, showing that in IL-7 dependent T-cells JunD can promote positive signals transduced through Pim-1. This was confirmed when the IL-7-induced proliferation of CD8 T-cells was impaired upon JunD inhibition. These results show that engagement of the IL-7 receptor drives a signal that is more complex than the JAK/STAT pathway, activating JNK and JunD to induce rapid growth stimulation through the expression of metabolic and signaling factors like HXKII and Pim-1.
Constraint on the Number of Synaptic Inputs to a Visual Cortical Neuron Controls Receptive Field Formation

Abstract To date, Hebbian learning combined with some form of constraint on synaptic inputs has been demonstrated to describe well the development of neural networks. The previous models revealed mathematically the importance of synaptic constraints to reproduce orientation selectivity in the visual cortical neurons, but biological mechanisms underlying such constraints remain unclear. In this study, we addressed this issue by formulating a synaptic constraint based on activity-dependent mechanisms of synaptic changes. Particularly, considering metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated long-term depression, we derived synaptic constraint that suppresses the number of inputs from individual presynaptic neurons. We performed computer simulations of the activity-dependent self-organization of geniculocortical inputs with the synaptic constraint and examined the formation of receptive fields (RFs) of model visual cortical neurons. When we changed the magnitude of the synaptic constraint, we found the emergence of distinct RF structures such as concentric RFs, simple-cell-like RFs, and double-oriented RFs and also a gradual transition between spatiotemporal separable and inseparable RFs. Thus, the model based on the synaptic constraint derived from biological consideration can account systematically for the repertoire of RF structures observed in the primary visual cortices of different species for the first time.
Effect of nanowire length on the performance of silicon nanowires based solar cell

Currently, silicon nanowires (SiNWs) are attracting attention as promising candidate materials for developing the next-generation solar cells to realize both low cost and high efficiency due to their unique structural, electrical, and optical properties. In this paper, a vertical-aligned SiNWs array has been prepared by metal-assistant chemical etching technique and implemented on SiNW array textured solar cells for photovoltaic application. The shape and size of SiNWs were controlled by etching time of 30 min, 45 min and 60 min with the length of SiNWs of 4 μm, 6 μm and 8 μm, respectively. The etching rate was estimated to be about 133 nm per minute. The optical properties of a SiNWs array with different lengths were investigated in terms of optical reflection property. Less than 6% reflection ratio from 300 nm to 800 nm wavelength was achieved. In addition, I–V characteristic was used to estimate the dependence of the SiNWs length on the performance of SiNWs based solar cell. Conservation efficiencies were achieved of 1.71%, 2.19%, and 2.39% corresponding to 4 μm, 6 μm and 8 μm SiNWs in length, respectively.
A process to increase the model quality in the context of model-based testing

In the past years model-based testing (MBT) has become a widely-used approach to the test automation in the industrial context. Until now the application of MBT has been limited to the software quality engineers with very good modelling skills. In order to guarantee the completeness of a model and to increase its precision there is a need to allow the usage of the approach by other project stakeholders such as requirements engineers as well as software quality engineers with a limited modelling experience. In this contribution we share the challenges discovered during the several years of the application of a certain MBT technique in a SCRUM project with particular regard to the definition of precise and complete models. A process which involves the entire software project team into the model definition starting at the very early stages of product development is presented along with its concrete implementation. First experiences with the application of the process in a particular project are presented1.
Turbo codes for hybrid in band on channel digital audio broadcasting systems

We investigate the performance of rate 1/2 turbo codes for multipath fading channels in a hybrid in band on channel (HIBOC) digital audio broadcasting (DAB) system in the FM band. An orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modem with differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) modulation is used. We show by means of simulations that for a variety of multipath fading profiles and vehicle speeds, we obtain a channel coding gain of about 3 dB in channel signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to a conventional system with a memory 6 convolutional code with Viterbi decoding.
Process monitoring using independent component analysis based on gradient and newton iteration methods

Data-driven fault detection technique has been widely applied for process monitoring, which can effectively detect faults happened in industrial processes. It is extremely significant for guaranteeing the normal operation of processes. Independent Component Analysis (ICA), a type of Data-driven fault detection technique, has been successfully applied to Blind Source Separation and process fault detection. There exist two classical methods, Gradient and Newton Iteration Methods, to determine independent components. ICA based on Newton Iteration Method has been well investigated and successfully applied into practice. However, ICA based on Gradient Method gains less attention. In order to give a comparison between Gradient and Newton Iteration Method based ICA in process monitoring, principles of both methods are demonstrated in detail. Moreover, numerical simulations are finished in the platform of Tennessee Eastman(TE) process. Results show that efficiency of process monitoring of ICA based on Gradient Method is better for TE process.
Frequency-Warped and Stabilized Time-Varying Cepstral Coefficients

This paper presents a set of cepstral parameters based on time-varying linear prediction. The lattice ﬁlter structure is utilized to accommodate efﬁcient stabilization of models and a Bark-like warped frequency scale. As the proposed cepstral features are based on non-stationary spectral analysis there is a potential for complementary information not captured in conventional features. In classiﬁcation and recognition experiments, the proposed features are shown to improve performance when augmenting MFCCs
A novel 4-to-3 step-down on-chip SC DC-DC converter with reduced bottom-plate loss

This paper presents a novel fully integrated on-chip switched-capacitor (SC) DC-DC converter that supports programmable regulated load voltage ranging from 2.6V to 3.2V out of 5V input supply. MOS capacitors are used for flying capacitors (600pF) and load capacitor (400pF) in this implementation. To minimize the bottom-plate parasitic capacitor related loss while maximizing the load current driving capability, the proposed 4-to-3 step-down topology utilizes two differently sized conventional 2-to-1 step-down topologies, each of which has different value of flying capacitor. In addition, the proposed implementation reduces switching loss and control circuit loss since the internally generated output voltage of the bottom 2-to-1 block is used as the supply for the control circuits throughout the small internal LDO regulator. The proposed converter is designed and simulated using high-voltage 0.35 μm BCDMOS technology. The programmable output voltage is regulated by means of pulse frequency modulation (PFM) technique using 18-bit shift register and digitally controlled oscillator (DCO). The proposed switched-capacitor converter achieves the peak efficiency of 72% while it delivers the load current between 1mA and 10mA. 10-phase interleaving technique enables the output voltage ripple of the load voltage to be less than 1%.
Laplace's equation on convex polyhedra via the unified method

We provide a new method to study the classical Dirichlet problem for Laplace's equation on a convex polyhedron. This new approach was motivated by Fokas’ unified method for boundary value problems. The central object in this approach is the global relation: an integral equation which couples the known boundary data and the unknown boundary values. This integral equation depends holomorphically on two complex parameters, and the resulting analysis takes place on a Banach space of complex analytic functions closely related to the classical Paley–Wiener space. We write the global relation in the form of an operator equation and prove that the relevant operator is bounded below using some novel integral identities. We give a new integral representation to the solution to the underlying boundary value problem which serves as a concrete realization of the fundamental principle of Ehrenpreis.
A panel of microRNA signature in serum for colorectal cancer diagnosis

Dysregulated expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in serum has been recognised as promising diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC). In the initial screening phase, a total of 32 differentially expressed miRNAs were selected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) based Exiqon panel with 3 CRC pool samples and 1 normal control (NC) pool. Using qRT-PCR, selected serum miRNAs were further confirmed in training (30 CRC VS. 30 NCs) and testing stages (136 CRC VS. 90 NCs). We identified that serum levels of miR-19a-3p, miR-21-5p and miR-425-5p were significantly higher in patients with CRC than in NCs. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the three-miRNA panel were 0.86, 0.74 and 0.87 for the training, testing and the external validation stages (30 CRC VS. 18 NCs), respectively. Significantly, elevated expression of the three miRNAs was also observed in CRC tissues (n = 24). Furthermore, the expression levels of the three miRNAs were significantly elevated in exosomes from CRC serum samples (n = 10). In conclusion, we identified a serum three-miRNA panel for the diagnosis of CRC.
Smart classroom: Enhancing collaborative learning using pervasive computing technology

Smart Classroom facilitates collaborative learning among college students. Students in such an environment form small groups to solve a specific problem or develop a group project. In a Smart Classroom, each student has a situation-aware PDA. Students' PDAs dynamically form mobile ad hoc networks for group meetings. Each PDA monitors its situation (locations of PDAs, noise, light, and mobility) and uses situation to trigger communication activity among the students and the instructor for group discussion and automatic distribution of presentation materials. Middleware can effectively address the Situation-awareness and ad hoc group communication for pervasive computing by providing development and runtime support to the application software. We have developed a Reconfigurable Context-Sensitive Middleware (RCSM) for such purposes. In this paper, we will present the characteristics of Smart Classroom, how we can use RCSM to develop such an environment, and how to use it to greatly enhance collaborative learning. We will use the senior group software engineering project course as an illustrative example.
In situ Synthesis of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites Using Thermal-initiated and Graphene Oxide-initiated Polymerization

A facile and cost-effective method to prepare poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites was developed by in situ polymerization. By using thermal-initiated and GO-initiated polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), no extra radical initiator was added during the reaction. Without any pre-functionalization of GO, PMMA chains were covalently bonded to its surface, which was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations. TGA analysis showed that the mass ratio of grafted PMMA and GO was as high as 1.7. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction investigations demonstrated that the grafting of PMMA chains to GO surfaces resulted in homogeneous dispersion of GO sheets in PMMA matrix, which led to a commendable performance on its mechanical and thermal properties. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that, at a loading level of just 0.5 wt% for the nanocomposites, the storage modulus of the nanocomposites was improved 14%, and the glass transition temperature was increased 12°C in comparison with that of neat PMMA. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the onset degradation temperature of the nanocomposites was increased 13°C with a GO content of 0.25 wt%.
Synthesis of low-leakage PD-SOI circuits with body-biasing

In this work we propose a methodology for the reduction of leakage power dissipation through the use of smart body contacts in a partially depleted Silicon-on-Insulator (PD-SOI) technology. Reverse body biasing is used to increase threshold voltage in standby while in active mode PD-SOI gates switch with nominal Vth. As opposed to standard dual-Vth techniques used in CMOS bulk circuits, PD-SOI enables the application of body-bias to all gates included those in critical paths without delay penalties. Results are reported for the ISCAS85 combinational benchmarks.
The signaling role of a mitochondrial superoxide burst during stress

Plant mitochondria are proposed to act as signaling organelles in the orchestration of defense responses to biotic stress and acclimation responses to abiotic stress. However, the primary signal(s) being generated by mitochondria and then interpreted by the cell are largely unknown. Recently, we showed that mitochondria generate a sustained burst of superoxide (O2-) during particular plant-pathogen interactions. This O2- burst appears to be controlled by mitochondrial components that influence rates of O2- generation and scavenging within the organelle. The O2- burst appears to influence downstream processes such as the hypersensitive response, indicating that it could represent an important mitochondrial signal in support of plant stress responses. The findings generate many interesting questions regarding the upstream factors required to generate the O2- burst, the mitochondrial events that occur in support of and in parallel with this burst and the downstream events that respond to this burst.