Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ambient Occlusion Effects for Combined Volumes and Tubular Geometry

This paper details a method for interactive direct volume rendering that computes ambient occlusion effects for visualizations that combine both volumetric and geometric primitives, specifically tube-shaped geometric objects representing streamlines, magnetic field lines or DTI fiber tracts. The algorithm extends the recently presented the directional occlusion shading model to allow the rendering of those geometric shapes in combination with a context providing 3D volume, considering mutual occlusion between structures represented by a volume or geometry. Stream tube geometries are computed using an effective spline-based interpolation and approximation scheme that avoids self-intersection and maintains coherent orientation of the stream tube segments to avoid surface deforming twists. Furthermore, strategies to reduce the geometric and specular aliasing of the stream tubes are discussed.
Association of EGFR mutation or ALK rearrangement with expression of DNA repair and synthesis genes in never‐smoker women with pulmonary adenocarcinoma

We read with great interest the article by Ren et al and were impressed with the results, particularly regarding the association between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and the expression of DNA synthesis genes in patients with pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Pemetrexed (PEM) is active for non-squamous cell carcinomas, which make up the majority of lung cancers. Recently, there have been ongoing discussions regarding the use of thymidylate synthase (TS) expression levels to predict the effectiveness of PEM. 2,3 In fact, lung adenocarcinoma patients who receive PEM and have EGFR mutations, which are targets of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, have been shown to exhibit a better response rate and a longer progression-free survival than patients with wild-type EGFR. 4 These findings suggest that EGFR mutation status may also be a predictor of PEM efficacy. Therefore, determining whether non-squamous cell lung cancer specimens that harbor active EGFR mutations are more likely to express low TS expression levels is highly anticipated. Ren et al show clearly that TS expression levels were significantly lower in patients with EGFR mutations than in patients with wild-type EGFR. We also analyzed EGFR mutation status using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods and TS expression via immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 183 consecutive patients with primary lung adenocarcinoma who underwent complete resection between 2003 and 2007 in our department. The incidence of a strong expression of TS was 41.0% and 59.0% in patients with and without EGFR mutations, respectively (P 5 0.372). The average proportion score for IHC of TS expression was 2.641 and 2.345 in patients with and without EGFR mutations, respectively (P 5 0.178). Therefore, no significant correlations were identified between TS expression and presence of EGFR mutations. This phenomenon yielded a similar result in 144 patients with stage I adenocarcinoma. At a glance, these data seem to be inconsistent with the findings of Ren et al. This discrepancy may be due to disparities in sampling (messenger RNA vs protein level), experimental systems (real-time PCR analysis vs IHC), or ethnic differences (Chinese vs Japanese). However, our observation may cast some doubt on the simple relationship between TS expression and the effectiveness of PEM. Detailed examinations of prospective trials will provide new information regarding the relationships between predictive markers and the effectiveness of anticancer drugs in the years to come.
Transition as a Vehicle

This qualitative research study examines the transition of adolescents with autism from high school to adult vocational service providers. The article looks at the current, ongoing transition of a high school senior and also analyzes the transitions made by three previous graduates. In so doing, it allows for a look inside three separate vocational service providers, revealing both areas of strength in the transition process across these providers and the school and areas in need of improvement.
Network relaxation as biological computation

of the original article: A theory is presented to explain how accurate, single-joint movements are controlled. The theory applies to movements across different distances, with different inertial loads, toward targets of different widths over a wide range of experimentally manipulated velocities. The theory is based on three propositions. (1) Movements are planned according to "strategies" of which there are at least two: a speed-insensitive (SI) and a speed-sensitive (SS) one. (2) These strategies can be equated with sets of rules for performing diverse movement tasks. The choice between SI and SS depends on whether movement speed and/or movement time (and hence appropriate muscle forces) must be constrained to meet task requirements. (3) The electromyogram can be interpreted as a low-pass filtered version of the controlling signal to the motoneuron pools. This controlling signal can be modelled as a rectangular excitation pulse in which modulation occurs in either pulse amplitude or pulse width. Movements to different distances and with loads are controlled by the SI strategy, which modulates pulse width. Movements in which speed must be explicitly regulated are controlled by the SS strategy, which modulates pulse amplitude. The distinction between the two movement strategies reconciles many apparent conflicts in the motor control literature.
The emergence of strategic training and development: the current state of play

Evaluates how HRD needs which arise from different business strategies will depend on, among other things, the purpose and structure of the strategies involved. Considers the motivation for strategic HRD, expenditure and responsibility. Concludes that a strategic approach to training and development necessitates increased theoretical rigour, more rigorous evaluation of effectiveness, and resolution of responsibility for training.
Identification of conserved amino acid residues critical for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase function in vitro

We have probed the structural organization of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase protein by limited proteolysis and the functional organization by site-directed mutagenesis of selected amino acid residues. A central region of the protein was relatively resistant to proteolysis. Proteins with altered amino acids in this region, or in the N-terminal part of the protein that includes a putative zinc-binding motif, were purified and assayed for 3' processing, DNA strand transfer, and disintegration activities in vitro. In general, these mutations had parallel effects on 3' processing and DNA strand transfer, suggesting that integrase may utilize a single active site for both reactions. The only proteins that were completely inactive in all three assays contained mutations at conserved amino acids in the central region, suggesting that this part of the protein may be involved in catalysis. In contrast, none of the mutations in the N-terminal region resulted in a protein that was inactive in all three assays, suggesting that this part of integrase may not be essential for catalysis. The disintegration reaction was particularly insensitive to these amino acid substitutions, indicating that some function that is important for 3' processing and DNA strand transfer may be dispensable for disintegration.
Characterization of MgtC, a Virulence Factor of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi

The MgtC is a virulence factor in Salmonella Typhimurium that is required for growth at low-Mg2+ concentrations and intramacrophage survival. This gene is codified in a conserved region of the Salmonella pathogenicity island 3 (SPI-3), and is also present in the chromosome of other Salmonella serovars. In this study we characterized the MgtC factor in S. Typhi, a human specific pathogen, by using mgtC and SPI-3 mutant strains. We found that MgtC is the most important factor codified in the SPI-3 of S. Typhi for growth in low-Mg2+ media and survival within human cells. In addition, by using reporter genes we determined that the low-Mg2+ concentration, acidic media and PhoP regulator induce mgtC expression in S. Typhi. We suggest that MgtC is the most important virulence factor codified in the SPI-3 of S. Typhi.
Code-Related Aspects of Emergent Literacy: How Prepared Are Preschoolers for the Challenges of Literacy in an EFL Context?.

Mauritian children are Kreol speakers who learn to read and write in English and French when they join the primary education system. The government-mandated preschool curriculum mentions the need for the preschool to prepare them for the literacy challenges of the primary school. The aim of this paper is to consider whether preschool children develop code-related literacy skills in their final year at preschool, in readiness for their first year at primary school. I refer to data collected from a longitudinal study of two comparable groups of Mauritian preschoolers. Using data from a pre-test and post-test of their code-related skills, I show how inadequately prepared they seem to be in terms of code-related skills and interest in print-related activities. Some reasons for the findings are explained, highlighting how the ‘emergent literacy’ discourse of the preschool curriculum has evaded the skill aspects of ‘emergent literacy’. Some culturally sensitive recommendations are provided.
MiR-378 Controls Cardiac Hypertrophy by Combined Repression of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway Factors

Background— Several microRNAs (miRs) have been shown to regulate gene expression in the heart, and dysregulation of their expression has been linked to cardiac disease. miR-378 is strongly expressed in the mammalian heart but so far has been studied predominantly in cancer, in which it regulates cell survival and tumor growth. Methods and Results— Here, we report tight control of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through miR-378. In isolated primary cardiomyocytes, miR-378 was found to be both necessary and sufficient to repress cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Bioinformatic prediction suggested that factors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway are enriched among miR-378 targets. Using mRNA and protein expression analysis along with luciferase assays, we validated 4 key components of the MAPK pathway as targets of miR-378: MAPK1 itself, insulin-like growth factor receptor 1, growth factor receptor-bound protein 2, and kinase suppressor of ras 1. RNA interference with these targets prevented the prohypertrophic effect of antimiR-378, suggesting their functional relation with miR-378. Because miR-378 significantly decreases in cardiac disease, we sought to compensate for its loss through adeno-associated virus–mediated, cardiomyocyte-targeted expression of miR-378 in an in vivo model of cardiac hypertrophy (pressure overload by thoracic aortic constriction). Restoration of miR-378 levels significantly attenuated thoracic aortic constriction–induced cardiac hypertrophy and improved cardiac function. Conclusions— Our data identify miR-378 as a regulator of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, which exerts its activity by suppressing the MAPK signaling pathway on several distinct levels. Restoration of disease-associated loss of miR-378 through cardiomyocyte-targeted adeno-associated virus–miR-378 may prove to be an effective therapeutic strategy in myocardial disease.
The future of ideas - the fate of the commons in a connected world

From the Publisher: "The Internet revolution has come. Some say it has gone. What was responsible for its birth? Who is responsible for its demise? " "In The Future of Ideas, Lawrence Lessig explains how the Internet revolution has produced a counterrevolution of devastating power and effect. The explosion of innovation we have seen in the environment of the Internet was not conjured from some new, previously unimagined technological magic; instead, it came from an ideal as old as the nation. Creativity flourished there because the Internet protected an innovation commons. The Internet's very design built a neutral platform upon which the widest range of creators could experiment. The legal architecture surrounding it protected this free space so that culture and information - the ideas of our era - could flow freely and inspire an unprecedented breadth of expression. But this structural design is changing - both legally and technically. " This shift will destroy the opportunities for creativity and innovation that the Internet originally engendered. The cultural dinosaurs of our recent past are moving to quickly remake cyberspace so that they can better protect their interests against the future. Powerful forces are swiftly using both law and technology to "tame" the internet, transforming it from an open forum for ideas into nothing more than cable television on speed. Innovation, once again, will be directed from the top down, increasingly controlled by owners of the networks, holders of the largest patent portfolios, and, most invidiously, hoarders of copyrights.
Female sex‐role deviance: Early identification and developmental intervention 1

Clinical childpsychologistsshouldadvocate the use of early developmental intervention techniques for female childhood gender disturbances. A thorough psychodiagnostic assessment of the individual girl is necessary to differentiate the short‐term tomboyism phase of normal development from chronic sexual identity disturbance. Early identification and therapeutic intervention for diagnosed cases of female childhood gender disturbance constitutes (a) assistance for current psychological disturbance and (b) an appropriate professional response to parental request, as well as a clinical strategy for (c) decreasing the probability of adulthood sexual deviance and (d) thereby preventing the associated secondary adulthood psychopathology.
Robust control of norm-bounded uncertain linear system with regional pole assignment

This paper proposes a robust controller design method for an norm-bounded uncertain linear system with disturbance. At First, we derive the necessary and sufficient condition for regional pole assignment for uncertain linear system, then derive the criteria of H2/H∞ performance of uncertain linear system with disturbance. Hence combining them, we get the mixed H2/H∞ controller control with regional assignment for norm-bounded uncertain linear system with disturbance. The problem of the robust controller designed is changed into an optimization problem, and the robust controller is parameterized by the solution of the optimization. Since the optimization problem conditions are expressed in term of linear matrix inequalities, so it makes the proposed method practical utility. Finally the numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Major histocompatibility complex class II-expressing endothelial cells induce allospecific nonresponsiveness in naive T cells

The role of endothelial cells (EC) in initiating a primary T cell response is of importance in clinical transplantation and autoimmunity since EC are the first allogeneic target encountered by the recipient's immune system and may display tissue-specific autoantigens in the context of an inflammatory response. In this study, we have investigated the antigen-presenting cell function of human umbilical vein-derived EC (HUVEC), depleted of constitutively major histocompatibility complex class II+ cells and induced to express class II molecules by interferon-gamma. The results show that HUVEC do not express B7 but can support proliferation by antigen-specific T cell clones. In contrast, they were unable to initiate a primary alloresponse using three independent HUVEC cultures and MHC class II- mismatched CD4+ T cells from eight donors. The response to HUVEC was reconstituted by trans-costimulation provided by DAP.3 transfectants expressing human B7.1. Coculture of peripheral blood T cells with EC expressing allogeneic DR molecules had markedly different effects on CD45RO+ and RA+ subsets. Subsequent reactivity of the RO+ T cells was unaffected by exposure to EC, indicating a neutral encounter. In contrast, culture with DR+ EC induced allospecific nonresponsiveness in RA+ T cells.
Dissociation Time from DNA Determines Transcriptional Function in a STAT1 Linker Mutant*

The STAT1 transcription factor is organized into several highly conserved domains, each of which has been assigned a function with the exception of the linker domain. We previously characterized a mutant in the linker domain of STAT1 that gave normal DNA binding using a standard probe in an electrophoretic mobility assay but failed to activate transcription in response to interferon γ. We now report the mechanistic basis for the inactivity of this STAT1(K544A/E545A) mutant. Rather than failing to attract transcriptional coactivators, the STAT1(K544A/E545A) mutant has a subtle biophysical defect, which prevents accumulation of the activated protein on chromatin in vivo: the mutant has comparableK d with greatly increasedk off for DNA binding. The increase in both on-rate and off-rate of DNA binding results in a substantially reduced residence time of STAT1(K544A/E545A) on STAT binding sites. We find a similar correlation between off-rate and transcriptional potency for STAT1(N460A), which bears a mutation in the DNA binding domain. These results yield insight into the rate of complex assembly involving STAT1 that leads to transcriptional stimulation.
Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans sp. nov. causes lethal chytridiomycosis in amphibians

Significance Chytridiomycosis has resulted in the serious decline and extinction of >200 species of amphibians worldwide and poses the greatest threat to biodiversity of any known disease. This fungal disease is currently known to be caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, hitherto the only species within the entire phylum of the Chytridiomycota known to parasitize vertebrate hosts. We describe the discovery of a second highly divergent, chytrid pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans sp. nov., that causes lethal skin infections in salamanders, which has resulted in steep declines in salamander populations in northwestern Europe. Our finding provides another explanation for the phenomenon of amphibian biodiversity loss that is emblematic of the current global biodiversity crisis. The current biodiversity crisis encompasses a sixth mass extinction event affecting the entire class of amphibians. The infectious disease chytridiomycosis is considered one of the major drivers of global amphibian population decline and extinction and is thought to be caused by a single species of aquatic fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. However, several amphibian population declines remain unexplained, among them a steep decrease in fire salamander populations (Salamandra salamandra) that has brought this species to the edge of local extinction. Here we isolated and characterized a unique chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans sp. nov., from this salamander population. This chytrid causes erosive skin disease and rapid mortality in experimentally infected fire salamanders and was present in skin lesions of salamanders found dead during the decline event. Together with the closely related B. dendrobatidis, this taxon forms a well-supported chytridiomycete clade, adapted to vertebrate hosts and highly pathogenic to amphibians. However, the lower thermal growth preference of B. salamandrivorans, compared with B. dendrobatidis, and resistance of midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans) to experimental infection with B. salamandrivorans suggest differential niche occupation of the two chytrid fungi.
The effect of antibody-dependent enhancement on the transmission dynamics and persistence of multiple-strain pathogens.

Cross-reactive antibodies produced by a mammalian host during infection by a particular microparasitic strain usually have the effect of reducing the probability of the host being infected by a different, but closely related, pathogen strain. Such cross-reactive immunological responses thereby induce between-strain competition within the pathogen population. However, in some cases such as dengue virus, evidence suggests that cross-reactive antibodies act to enhance rather than restrict the severity of a subsequent infection by another strain. This cooperative mechanism is thought to explain why pre-existing immunity to dengue virus is an important risk factor for the development of severe disease (i.e., dengue shock syndrome and dengue hemorrhagic fever). In this paper, we explore the effect of antibody-dependent enhancement on the transmission dynamics of multistrain pathogen populations. We show that enhancement frequently may generate complex and persistent cyclical or chaotic epidemic behavior. Furthermore, enhancement acts to permit the coexistence of all strains where in its absence only one or a subset would persist.
Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential currents (IFC) in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain: randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential current are the most used electrotherapy methods, although there is little scientific evidence to support their use. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of TENS and interferential current among patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. DESIGN AND SETTING: Single-blind randomized controlled trial in the Department of Physiotherapy, Centro Universitário de Maringá. METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients were randomly divided into three groups: TENS (group 1), interferential current (group 2) and controls (group 3). The patients designated for electrotherapy received ten 30-minute sessions, while the control group remained untreated. All patients and controls were evaluated before and after treatment using a visual analog scale and the McGill Pain and Roland Morris questionnaires, and regarding their use of additional medications. RESULTS: There was a mean reduction on the visual analog scale of 39.18 mm with TENS, 44.86 mm with interferential current and 8.53 mm among the controls. In the Roland Morris questionnaire, group 1 had a mean reduction of 6.59; group 2, 7.20; and group 3, 0.70 points. In group 1, 84% of the patients stopped using medications after the treatment; in group 2, 75%; and in group 3, 34%. There was no statistically significant difference between the TENS and interferential current groups (P > 0.05); a difference was only found between these groups and the controls (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: There was no difference between TENS and interferential current for chronic low back pain treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01017913.
PTSD Symptom Severity and Family Adjustment Among Female Vietnam Veterans

This study examined relations between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and several family adjustment variables among a sample of 89 female Vietnam veterans and their male relationship partners. Findings revealed associations between PTSD symptom severity and measures of marital adjustment, family adaptability, family cohesion, parenting satisfaction, and psychological abuse. Results suggest that the presence of PTSD symptomatology may have important implications with regard to the family life of female Vietnam veterans.
Concomitant orbital cavernous haemangioma and schwannoma in a patient

A woman aged 39 years presented with right eye painless proptosis and decreased vision since 5 months. Right fundus examination revealed optic disc oedema. CT of the orbit revealed a well-defined homogeneous mass in the intraconal space in both orbits. Surgical excisional biopsy of the orbital lesions was performed. Histopathological examination of the right orbital lesion was suggestive of cavernous haemangioma and the left orbital lesion revealed schwannoma. The patient had an unremarkable postoperative course with improved visual acuity. This case illustrates benign orbital masses of 2 different tissues of origin in a single patient, which has not been described in the literature.