Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Type 1 Vpu Induces the Expression of CD40 in Endothelial Cells and Regulates HIV-Induced Adhesion of B-Lymphoma Cells

ABSTRACT AIDS-related B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (AIDS-NHL) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). AIDS-NHL is clinically and histologically heterogeneous, but common features include an aggressive clinical course and frequent extranodal presentation. HIV-1 infection of nonimmune cells that interact with malignant B cells at extranodal sites may influence both the development and the clinical presentation of disease. Our previous studies have shown that coculture of B-lymphoma (BL) cells with HIV-1-infected endothelial cells (EC) leads to contact activation of EC and firm BL-cell adhesion. The key event promoting EC-BL-cell adhesion was HIV-1 upregulation of endothelial CD40, which allowed induction of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) in a CD40-dependent manner. The present study was designed to identify the HIV-1 protein(s) that influence EC-BL-cell adhesion. When HIV-1 proteins were individually expressed in EC by using recombinant adenoviruses, cultured BL cells adhered exclusively to Vpu-transduced EC. As with HIV-infected EC, adhesive properties were linked to the capacity of Vpu to upregulate CD40, which in turn allowed efficient expression of VCAM-1. When EC were infected with an HIV-1 pseudotype lacking the Vpu gene, CD40 upregulation and BL-cell adhesive properties were lost, indicating an essential role for Vpu in EC-BL-cell interactions. Thus, these data reveal a novel function for HIV-1 Vpu and further suggest a role for Vpu in the development of AIDS-NHL at EC-rich extranodal sites.
Tradition and transition in East Africa : studies of the tribal element in the modern era

Part 1: General Studies 1. W.J. Argyle European Nationalism and African Tribalism 2. George Bennett Tribalism in Politics 3. Tom J. Mboya The Impact of Modern Institutions on the East African 4. W.H. Whiteley Language Choice and Language Planning in East Africa 5. Eugene Cotran Tribal Factors in the Establishment of the East African Legal Systems 6. J.W. Tyler Education and National Identity Part 2: Regional and Case Studies 1. J.S. La Fontaine Tribalism among the Gisu 2. Michael Twaddle 'Tribalism' in Eastern Uganda 3. M. Stahl The Chagga Kathleen 4. P.H. Gulliver The Conservative Commitment in Northern Tanznaia: The Arusha and Masai 5. Kirsten Alnaes Songs of the Rwenzururu Rebellion: The Konzo Revolt against the Toro in Western Uganda 6. David J. Parkin Tribe as Fact and Fiction in an East African City 7. R.D. Grillo The Tribal Factor in an East African Trade Union 8. H.F. Morris Buganda and Tribalism 9. I.M. Lewis Nationalsim and Particularism in Somalia
Mining Culture-Specific Music Listening Behavior from Social Media Data

Incorporating user characteristics and contextual information has shown to be essential when it comes to personalized music retrieval and recommendation. To this end, the current location of a user is often exploited. However, relying solely on GPS coordinates neglects the cultural background of users, which does not necessarily coincide with political borders. In this paper, we analyze culture-specific music listening behavior based on a dataset of 2,724 Spotify users, 62,104 distinct tracks and 104,390 listening events by modeling users jointly via their musical preferences and cultural characteristics. By applying a density-based spatial clustering algorithm, we identify nine clusters which reflect similar users regarding both their musical preference and cultural background. Our findings show that cultural aspects cannot be approximated by GPS coordinates and that incorporating cultural characteristics allows for more precise user characterization. Also, we observe that listening patterns occur on two different levels: we observe country-specific listening patterns as well as cross-country listening patterns that span across several countries.
An Improved Regularization-Based Super-Resolution Reconstruction for Multi-frame Passive Millimeter-Wave Images

In passive millimeter wave imaging, the image gets low resolution for the limitation of the antenna aperture. It is necessary to improve the quality of the image in the way of signal processing. This paper puts forward an improved regularization-based method for the reconstruction of the passive millimeter wave image sequences. First of all, this method utilizes an improved Laplacian operator to represent the prior information of the image. Then it enlarges the image in the way of partial differential equations and reconstructs to get high resolution image in the end. The proposed algorithm can improve the image resolution effectively while it preserves the edges of the image. The experiment completed with simulated image as well as actual passive millimeter-wave image in 91.5 GHz demonstrate the effectiveness and the feasibility of the algorithm.
Increased lipid peroxidation in children with autoimmune diseases

To examine the role of oxidative damage in children and adolescents with autoimmune diseases, we compared blood serum levels of the lipid peroxidation (LPO) products 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in 22 children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 13 children with focal type of scleroderma, and 21 healthy controls. In order to study the influence of disease activity in SLE on serum LPO product levels, the SLE group was divided into one group with active disease (n= 11) and one group with non‐active disease (n= 11) according to SLEDAI‐score, 15.1 and 1.8, respectively. SLE patients with active SLE (146 ± 14nmol/l, median 145nmol/l) have significantly higher HNE levels compared to controls (61 ± 10nmol/l, median 52nmol/l), whereas the MDA serum levels are similar to those of the control group, 1.94 ± 0. 18μmol/l (median: 2.02μmol/l) and 1.58 ± 0.11 μmol/1 (median: 1.52 μmol/l), respectively. Children with SCL had HNE and MDA levels similar to the control group.
Testing learning mechanisms of rule-based judgment.

Weighing the importance of different pieces of information is a key determinant of making accurate judgments. In social judgment theory, these weighting processes have been successfully described with linear models. How people learn to make judgments has received less attention. Although the hitherto proposed delta learning rule can perfectly learn to solve linear problems, reanalyzing a previous experiment showed that it does not adequately describe human learning. To provide a more accurate description of learning processes we amended the delta learning rule with three learning mechanisms—a decay, an attentional learning mechanism, and a capacity limitation. An additional study tested the different learning mechanisms in predicting learning in linear judgment tasks. In this study, participants first learned to predict a continuous criterion based on four cues. To test the three learning mechanisms rigorously against each other, we changed the importance of the cues after 200 trials so that the mechanisms make different predictions with regard to how fast people adapt to the new environment. On average, judgment accuracy improved from Trial 1 to Trial 200, dropped when the task environment changed, but improved again until the end of the task. The capacity-restricted learning model, restricting how much people update the cue weights on a single trial, best described and predicted the learning curve of the majority of participants. Taken together, these results suggest that considering cognitive constraints within learning models may help to understand how humans learn when making inferences.
Expectation-propagation based low-complexity channel estimation for massive MIMO systems

In this paper we propose a low-computational-complexity channel estimation algorithm for the downlink of massive MIMO systems. This algorithm employs the expectation propagation and expectation maximization techniques, assuming a sparsity promoting conditional Gaussian prior distribution on the channels. Its computational complexity scales only linearly with the number of transmit antennas, the number of pilots, and the channel length. Compared with existing state-of-the-art algorithms, it has a lower pilot overhead and is much more computationally efficient. The channel estimation mean-squared errors with the proposed algorithm and the existing block iterative support detection (block-ISD) and basic pursuit (BP) methods are simulated and compared. Results show that the performance of the proposed algorithm approaches the benchmark performance, and is significantly better than that of block-ISD and BP.
Learning specificity in acquired predator recognition

Predator recognition is often dependent upon experience. This behavioural plasticity can potentially be exploited to enhance the antipredator behaviour of captive-bred animals, but it is first necessary to understand the specificity of learning. We enhanced the responses of tammar wallabies, Macropus eugenii, to a model fox, Vulpes vulpes, by presenting this novel predator in conjunction with a human simulating a capture procedure. A control group had identical total exposure to fox and human, but with no such predictive relationship between these two events. Animals that experienced paired presentations of fox and human behaved more cautiously towards the fox after training than controls. To assess whether this learnt response was specific to the fox, we presented the animals with an array of visual stimuli both before and after training. The tammars generalized their acquired response from the predator with which they were trained to a predator with which they were not trained (cat, Felis catus), but not to a nonpredator (goat, Capra hircus). Tammars also exhibited a transient increase in response to a model wallaby after training. We suggest that this effect is more likely to reflect social behaviour than generalization of the learnt response from predator to conspecific. Two additional controls revealed that changes in behaviour after training were not attributable to the presentation device and were not caused by a general decrease in response threshold associated with training. Our results suggest that tammar wallabies perceive predators as a natural category.
Cancer incidence in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia: disparities in Appalachia.

CONTEXT Composed of all or a portion of 13 states, Appalachia is a heterogeneous, economically disadvantaged region of the eastern United States. While mortality from cancer in Appalachia has previously been reported to be elevated, rates of cancer incidence in Appalachia remain unreported. PURPOSE To estimate Appalachian cancer incidence by stage and site and to determine if incidence was greater than that in the United States. METHODS Using 1994--1998 data from the central registries of Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated for the rural and nonrural regions of Appalachia. These state rates were compared to rates from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program for the same years by calculating the adjusted rate ratio (RR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). FINDINGS Both the entire and rural Appalachian regions had an adjusted incidence rate for all cancer sites similar to the SEER rate (RR = 1.00 [95% CI, 1.00-1.01] and RR = 0.99 [95% CI, 0.99-1.00], respectively). However, incidence of cancer of the lung/ bronchus, colon, rectum, and cervix in Appalachia was significantly elevated (RR = 1.22 [95% CI, 1.20-1.23], 1.13 [95% CI, 1.11-1.14], 1.19 [95% CI, 1.16-1.22], and 1.12 [95% CI, 1.07-1.17], respectively). Incidence of cancer of the lung/bronchus and cervix in rural Appalachia was even more elevated (RR = 1.34 [95% CI, 1.31-1.36] and 1.29 [95% CI, 1.21-1.38], respectively). Incidence of unstaged disease for all cancer sites in Appalachia (RR = 1.06 [95% CI, 1.05-1.08]), particularly rural Appalachia (RR = 1.28 [95%CI, 1.25-1.301), was elevated. CONCLUSIONS Cancer incidence in Appalachia was not found to be elevated. However, incidence of cancer of the lung/bronchus, colon, rectum, and cervix was elevated in Appalachia. The rates of unstaged cancer of every examined site were elevated in rural Appalachia, suggesting a lack of access to cancer health care.
Application of the Doubiy Labeied Water Technique for Studying Total Energy Expenditure in Young Chiidren : A Review

The doubly labeled water tecbnique represents an unobtrusive and noninvasive means lo measure total daily energy expenditure in free-living human subjects who are unaware that energy expenditure is being measured. When combined with measurement of resting energy expenditure, the doubly labeled water technique can also be used to estimate energy expenditure related to physical activity. The relatively recent availability of the doubly labeled water technique in humans has led to several advances in the fundamental understanding of whole body energy metabolism in several important areas. The purpose of this paper is to review the areas in which the doubly labeled water technique has specifically advanced our understanding of whole-body energy metabolism in young children.
Development and Validation of a Laparoscopic Simulation Model for Suturing the Vaginal Cuff

OBJECTIVE: To create a novel surgical simulation model for training laparoscopic suturing of the vaginal cuff and to present evidence regarding its validity as a training and assessment tool. METHODS: The three phases of this study included model construction, validity and reliability testing, and evaluation of the model as an assessment tool. The model was created using corduroy, quilt batting, and neoprene. Construct validity was determined by comparing the scores on the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills scale (25 points) between “expert” and “novice” groups. Experts included gynecologic surgeons (n=5) experienced in total laparoscopic hysterectomies, and novices (n=20) included gynecology trainees (postgraduate year [PGY]-2 to PGY-7). Three additional novel metrics were added to the Global Operative Laparoscopic Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills scale for a total of 40 points. The contrasting groups method was used to determine the minimum passing score. RESULTS: More than 90% of the participants “agreed” that the model resembled live surgery. Advanced novices (PGY-5 to PGY-7) performed similarly to the experts with similar median times (experts 7.3 minutes compared with advanced novices 6.3 minutes, P=.40) and total score (experts 36.5 compared with advanced novices 35.5, P=.34). In contrast, early novices (PGY-2 to PGY-4) tended to take significantly longer than experts (11.8 compared with 7.3 minutes, P<.01) and had a significantly lower total score (27 compared with 36.5, P<.01). Prior surgical experience was strongly correlated with total scores (&rgr;=0.68). The passing total score was 32 out of 40. CONCLUSION: This novel laparoscopic surgical simulation model allows novice surgeons to practice techniques of laparoscopic suturing to achieve competence before entering the operating room.
Elimination of interleukin 6 attenuates coagulation activation in experimental endotoxemia in chimpanzees

The role of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the toxic sequelae of sepsis is controversial. To assess the part of IL-6 in inflammatory responses to endotoxin, we investigated eight chimpanzees after either a bolus intravenous injection of Escherichia coli endotoxin (n = 4; 4 ng/kg) or after the same dose of endotoxin with a simultaneous bolus intravenous injection of an anti-IL-6 mAb (30 mg; n = 4). Anti-IL-6 did not affect the induction of the cytokine network (tumor necrosis factor [TNF], soluble TNF receptors types I and II, and IL-8) by endotoxin, nor did it influence the occurrence of a neutrophilic leukocytosis and neutrophil degranulation, as monitored by the measurement of elastase- alpha 1-antitrypsin complexes. In contrast, anti-IL-6 markedly attenuated endotoxin-induced activation of coagulation, monitored with the plasma levels of the prothrombin fragment F1+2 and thrombin- antithrombin III complexes, whereas activation of fibrinolysis, determined with the plasma concentrations of plasmin-alpha 2- antiplasmin complexes, remained unaltered. We conclude that IL-6 does not have a feedback effect on the release of other cytokines after injection of endotoxin, and that it is not involved in endotoxin- induced neutrophilia or neutrophil degranulation. IL-6 is, however, an important intermediate factor in activation of coagulation in low grade endotoxemia in chimpanzees.
Annotating Archaeological Texts: An Example of Domain-Specific Annotation in the Humanities

Developing content extraction methods for Humanities domains raises a number of challenges, from the abundance of non-standard entity types to their complexity to the scarcity of data. Close collaboration with Humanities scholars is essential to address these challenges. We discuss an annotation schema for Archaeological texts developed in collaboration with domain experts. Its development required a number of iterations to make sure all the most important entity types were included, as well as addressing challenges including a domain-specific handling of temporal expressions, and the existence of many systematic types of ambiguity.
Low-latency combined eye and head tracking system for teleoperating a robotic head in real-time

We have developed a low-latency combined eye and head tracker suitable for teleoperating a remote robotic head in real-time. Eye and head movements of a human (wizard) are tracked and replicated by the robot with a latency of 16.5 ms. The tracking is achieved by three fully synchronized cameras attached to a head mount. One forward-looking, wide-angle camera is used to determine the wizard's head pose with respect to the LEDs on the video monitor; the other two cameras are for binocular eye tracking. The whole system operates at a sample rate of 220 Hz, which allows the capture and reproduction of biological movements as precisely as possible while keeping the overall latency low. In future studies, this setup will be used as an experimental platform for Wizard-of-Oz evaluations of gaze-based human-robot interaction. In particular, the question will be addressed as to what extent aspects of human eye movements need to be implemented in a robot in order to guarantee a smooth interaction.
International Students' Adjustment Problems and Behaviors

This article focuses on the kinds of adjustment problems that international students had while they studied at a university in the United States, as well as the adjustment behaviors they used when faced with these problems. Qualitative data was collected and analyzed for over a decade through on-going interviews with 85 international students, as well as through observation field notes and student-written narratives about their adaptation experiences. Findings show that students were challenged by academics, social interaction, and emotional reactions to their new life. To manage their problems, students made use of behaviors that can facilitate adapting to the new culture, as well as behaviors that can obstruct them from adapting. Facilitative behaviors include coping strategies, use of supportive people, observation and imitation, and reflection. Behaviors interpreted as impeding adaptation include expecting others to adapt, complaining, and withdrawing.
Methodological issues in theorising the financial, economic and social system: realistic and systematic abstraction

The global financial and economic crisis, and in particular the perceived failure of economics to predict the crisis, has led to questioning of the methodology of economics. Some have championed the methodological approach of ‘critical realism’ as fostering a more realistic economic theory than that currently predominant. This paper will argue that, whilst critical realism correctly poses the need for realistic abstraction, critical realism fails to deliver because it does not offer any aid towards systematic abstraction (despite proponents’ claims to the contrary). The application of critical realism can readily identify myriad relevant aspects of the crisis (financial, economic, political, social, psychological, local, national, international, short-run, medium-run, long-run and so on). Yet, critical realism precludes any adequate comprehension of how these myriad aspects cohere to constitute the capitalist system as a whole. The paper goes on to argue that critical realism corrupts an approach (appropriately termed ‘system abstraction’) which can genuinely aid the development of economic theory that is both realistic and systematic. This superior approach aids system-wide theory by offering a step-by-step method that begins with an abstract conception of ‘value’ and moves towards a concrete comprehension of the world market.
Nitric Oxide Modulates Tumor Cell Death Induced by Photodynamic Therapy Through a cGMP‐dependent Mechanism ¶

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer is a very promising technique based on the formation of singlet oxygen induced by a sensitizer after irradiation with visible light. The stimulation of tumor growth by nitric oxide (NO) was reported recently, and NO was shown to have a protective effect against PDT‐induced tumor death. We investigated a putative direct effect of NO on tumor cell death induced by PDT, using the human lymphoblastoid CCRF‐CEM cells and bisulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine (AlPcS2) as a sensitizer. Cells were incubated with AlPcS2 in the presence or absence of NO donors ((Z)‐1‐[(2‐aminoethyl)‐N‐(2‐ammonioethyl)amino]diazen‐1‐ium‐1,2‐diolate, hydroxylamine and S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine) or l‐arginine. Under these conditions, in the absence of NO donors or l‐arginine the cells died rapidly by apoptosis upon photosensitization. In the presence of NO donors or l‐arginine, apoptotic cell death after photosensitization was significantly decreased. Modulation of cell death by NO was not due to S‐nitrosylation of caspases and occurred at the level or upstream of caspase‐9 processing. The protective effect of NO was reversed by incubating the cells with 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one, an inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase, or with KT5823, an inhibitor of protein kinase G (PKG). Incubation with 8‐bromo‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate, a membrane permeable cyclic guanosine monophosphate analog, also decreased cell death induced by PDT. Although the protective effect of NO against apoptotic cell death in several models has been attributed to an increase in the expression of heme oxygenase‐1, heat shock protein 70 or Bcl‐2, this was not the case under our experimental conditions. These results show that NO decreases the extent of apoptotic cell death after PDT treatment through a PKG‐dependent mechanism, upstream or at the level of caspase activation.